All meeting minutes posted on the township website are unofficial minutes. Official copies of minutes may be obtained from the township clerk.

Minutes: March 22, 2018

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Forstenhausler. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate notice of the meeting has been provided by posting written notice of the time, date, location and to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting in Randolph Township. This notice was posted on the Bulletin Board within Town Hall, it was filed with the Township Clerk, and it was provided to those persons or entities requesting notification. Notice was also provided to the Randolph Reporter and the Morris County Daily Record on November 17, 2017 by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on October 10, 2017. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph on November 23, 2017, and in the Daily Record on November 21, 2017.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler

Also present: Township Manager Mountain, Darren Maloney, and Township Attorney Edward J. Buzak

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Forstenhausler led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Dave Timpanaro of 450 Quaker Church Road reported that he attended the school security meeting and asked a specific question, what had happened to the funding for the SROs (School Resource Officers) that used to be in the schools. They told him they did not know, and directed him to ask at the municipal level. Mr. Timpanaro asked why the SRO position was eliminated, and where the funding had come from in the past and where it has gone. Manager Mountain explained that it pre-dates his appointment as Township Manager, but he stated that his understanding was that the original SROs that were at the schools were funded by a grant. The grant lapsed, and at the time there was discussion between the school district and the township as to whether it would continue. The decision was made that it would not continue; he did not know how that decision was determined. The Manager explained that it has been brought up by Chief Stokoe, and that if there was interest on the part of the school district to enter into an agreement again, he would support it. Manager Mountain stated that the Council has gone on record that they would support a discussion on it, if there was interest. Councilwoman Carey added that she was in the PTA at the time, and concurred with what Manager Mountain stated regarding the funding. Neither was sure of what agency the grant was originated.

Mr. Timpanaro also stated that he attended the recent Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting to address this issue; he stated that he also reported the issue approximately one year ago. He lives at the last address on Quaker Church Road; his driveway is directly across from the end of Dover Chester Road. He explained that several times per year, cars come across into his driveway; he has only reported it the times when something in his driveway has been hit. The issue was addressed by putting a larger, more reflective material on the sign in front of his home. Mr. Timpanaro reported specifics of some of the accidents that have occurred at that intersection. He explained that at the TAC meeting three trends were discussed, the stop sign on Dover Chester Road at Quaker Church Road is constantly being blown through, the cars turning left onto Randolph Avenue from Dover Chester Road come out too far from the stop sign making those cars turning onto Dover Chester Road from Quaker Church Road make a very wide turn and causing those cars coming from Randolph Avenue and continuing straight onto Quaker Church Road to come to a stop. He stated that these trends happen every day. The TAC suggested he could bring the issue to the Council, and they could decide if they want to address it with the County or the Chair from the TAC would contact the County to set up a meeting. Mr. Timpanaro said he would be agreeable to meet with the County; however, this suggestion was given a year ago, and he has yet to be contacted. He explained that the problem has become increasingly worse as more businesses in the area contribute to more traffic, and will continue to increase with the additional apartments planned in the coming years. He felt that something needed to be done for the safety of the area residents, whether it be a temporary speed bump, a traffic light, or some other traffic control device. Manager Mountain explained that the advice provided at the TAC was correct, but it should have been followed up on. The Manager stated that he would arrange a meeting with the County Engineer, the Police Department who can provide the accident data, and the township engineer who can provide ideas and input. He will follow up with Mr. Timpanaro. Mr. Timpanaro asked if there was anything that the township could do temporarily. Manager Mountain replied that the township cannot put any physical item there without the County’s approval.

Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.

C. MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

Storm Response—he commended the employees of Public Works, Parks, Water & Sewer and Police Department for their efforts in response to the multiple nor’easters. The employees in these departments did a fantastic job both during and after the storms. He also recognized Donna Luciani and Janet Pollio for their extra efforts working with him before, during, and after these storm events to keep the public informed through our various communication mediums.
Road Inventory—he met with the Council Infrastructure Work Group, Paul Ferriero, Ralph Carchia, and Tom Spring to review this year’s road evaluation summary. The work group will be reviewing the report and associated recommendations over the next week. He expects to have the work group’s recommendation to the full Council by the end of next week. The recommendations will be on the April 5th meeting agenda for final review and discussion by the Council; they anticipate the funding ordinance to be introduced at the April 19th Council meeting.
Wellness Festival—he reminded the Council that the Community Wellness Fest was scheduled for Saturday, March 24th from 12-3 p.m. at the Randolph Middle School. Representatives from the Recreation, Health, Fire, Rescue and Police departments will be participating.

D. 2018 MUNICIPAL BUDGET INTRODUCTION & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

Manager Mountain made the following remarks:

He thanked Darren Maloney for assembling the 2018 Budget and Capital Program books and for his efforts throughout the budget process. He also thanked the staff for their cooperation and input, and the Council for their tremendous support and guidance assembling the budget.
The township ended 2017 in a strong position financially, and the budget reflects this fiscal strength.
The primary focus of the budget was to maintain current service levels, and to invest in the community’s core facilities and infrastructure; the budget achieves these goals.
The other goal established at the outset of this budget process was to maintain a stable municipal tax levy; this goal was also achieved.
A more detailed presentation will be provided prior to the budget hearing scheduled for April 19th. However, he provided a few highlights relevant to the budget’s introduction:
- The budget came well within the state mandated 2 percent levy cap
- The total operating budget totals $32,295,169
- The Water and Sewer budget totals $8,179,890
- The budget as proposed contains no service reductions or major changes from 2017. It contains support for several key initiatives including the continued funding of township infrastructure projects such as road resurfacing and retaining wall replacement, park improvements such as the new park on Calais Road, replacement and expansion of the turf fields at Freedom Park and trail improvements, the refurbishment of Ambulance 93 and the replacement of a Fire Engine E52.
- The township is in a stronger position than it was at the beginning of 2017, due to a number of factors, including the Council’s continued conservative policies, improved municipal revenues, and continued growth in the municipal tax base.
- Appropriations in the proposed budget are, for the most part, scheduled to remain relatively level to prior year’s funding levels. Below are highlights of a few of the more notable budget drivers:
  - Salaries & Wages—this is the largest component of the annual budget, comprising 30% of total expenditures. This year this cost center is decreasing 1.13% percent from the previous year; reasons include the cumulative impact of union contracts in recent years being settled within the 2 percent cap as a guideline, recent retirements and other personnel changes resulting in salary reductions for several positions, and the maintenance of the full-time head count at current staffing levels.
  - Liability and Group Insurance—Randolph is a founding member of both the North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund (HIF) and the Morris Municipal Employee Liability Fund (JIF). Through these joint municipal liability funds the township manages its employee heath insurance and property casualty insurance; both funds have been very successful in managing insurance expenses. This year’s budget anticipates a 2.34% increase for group health insurance and a 3.80% increase in liability premium/assessments for property/casualty.
  - Debt Service—Finance Officer Darren Maloney has aggressively managed the township’s debt obligations. His efforts, combined with the governing body’s long standing policy to utilize a “pay as you go” cash approach to finance capital expenditures have helped keep the township debt obligation low and annual debt service stable.
  - Capital Improvement Fund—the funding for capital program expenses is proposed to increase by 18.24% in 2018. The increase reflects the goal of aggressively funding infrastructure improvements such as roads, retaining walls and facilities. The majority of these improvements are being funded in cash and some of the budgetary impact is being offset by a higher use of surplus for these one-time expenditures.
- This year’s budget calls for no municipal tax rate increase
- The Water and Sewer budgets continue to be in very sound financial condition; the water budget totals $3,466,722 and the sewer budget totals $4,713,168.
- The Water & Sewer budgets contain funding towards several major projects, including the Schuman/Woodland sewer line extension project, the upgrade of the County College of Morris pump station, and the first phase of the Meadowbrook Road water main replacement project.
He again thanked the Council for the diligent manner in which they approached this year’s budget process
Randolph continues to maintain a AAA bond rating; one of the few municipalities in the state of New Jersey carrying this distinction. The AAA bond rating is a reflection of the township’s strong financial position.

Deputy Mayor Loveys commented that he felt it was important to note that this budget continues to fund reserve accounts.

Councilman Guadagno stated that he felt more funding was needed for the water budget to expand the water lines.

Manager Mountain read the following:

MUNICIPAL BUDGET NOTICE

Section 1. Municipal Budget of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris for the Fiscal Year 2018.

Be it Resolved, that the following statements of revenues and appropriations shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the year 2018.

Be it Further Resolved, that said Budget be published in the Randolph Reporter/Daily Record In the issue of March 27, 2018.

Summary of Current Fund Section of Approved Budget:

Appropriations within CAPS $26,324,103.41
Appropriations excluded from CAPS $11,152,329.59
Reserve for Uncollected Taxes $2,998,626.00
Total General Appropriations $40,475,059.00
Less Anticipated Revenues Other Than Current Property Tax $19,511,013.00
Difference Amounts to be Raised by Taxes for Support of the Municipal Budget as follows:
Local Tax for Municipal Purposes Including Reserve for Uncollected Taxes $19,497,105.00
Minimum Library Tax $1,466,941.00

Councilman Napoliello made a motion to introduce the 2018 Municipal Budget & Capital Improvement Program. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

E. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving Township Council Budget Meeting Minutes from January 27, 2018

Councilwoman Carey made a motion to approve the Budget Meeting Minutes from January 27, 2018. Deputy Mayor Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

F. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

1. Confirming Randolph’s Compliance with the Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Directs the Clerk to Cause to be Maintained this Resolution and Required Affidavit to Show Evidence of Compliance

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WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183 requires the governing body of each municipality and county to certify that their local unit’s hiring practices comply with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., (April 25, 2012) before submitting its approved annual budget to the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; and

WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have familiarized themselves with the contents of the above-referenced enforcement guidance and with their local unit’s hiring practices as they pertain to the consideration of an individual’s criminal history, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body attached hereto.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Council of the Township of Randolph hereby states that it has complied with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5, as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183, by certifying that the local unit’s hiring practices comply with the above-referenced enforcement guidance and hereby directs the Clerk to cause to be maintained and available for inspection a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to show evidence of said compliance.

2. Release Escrow for 192 Franklin Road, Block 192, Lot 5, 6 and 7 to Serv-Pro—$1,000.00

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WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Department received escrow funds from Serv-Pro, 192 Franklin Road, Block 192 Lot 5, 6, 7, and in the amount of $1,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the project has been completed and closed out and there are no outstanding payments due.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey that it is recommended by Darren Carney, Planning and Zoning Administrator the escrow funds in the amount of $1,000.00 be refunded to Serv-Pro c/o Greg Bock, 159 Route 46, Rockaway, NJ 07970.

Darren Carney, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Date:

3. Approving the Annual Budget Examination Conducted by the Township

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WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-78b has authorized the Local Finance board to adopt rules that permit Municipalities in sound fiscal condition to assume the responsibility, normally granted to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, of conducting the annual budget examination; and

WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-7 was adopted by the Local Finance Board on February 11, 1997; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.2 thru 7.5 the Township of Randolph has been declared eligible to participate in the program by the Division of Local Government Services, and the Chief Financial Officer has determined that the Township meets the necessary conditions to participate in the program for the 2018 budget year; so now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph that in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.6 a and b and based upon the Financial Officers certification, the governing body has found the budget has met the following requirements

That with reference to the following items, the amounts have been calculated pursuant to law and appropriated as such in the budget:
1. Payment of interest and debt redemption charges.
2. Deferred charges and statutory expenditures.
3. Cash deficit of preceding year.
4. Reserve for uncollected taxes.
5. Other reserves and non-disbursement items.
6. Any inclusions of amounts required for school purposes.
That the provisions relating to limitation on increases of appropriations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.2 and appropriations for exceptions to limits on appropriations found at 40A:4-45.3et seq. are fully met. (Complies with the “CAP” law.)
That the budget is in such form, arrangement, and content as required by the Local Budget Law and N.J.A.C. 5:30-4 and 5:30.5.
That pursuant to the Local Budget Law:
1. All estimates of revenue are reasonable, accurate, and correctly stated.
2. Items of appropriation are properly set forth.
3. In itemization form, arrangement, and contend the budget will permit the exercise of comptroller function within the municipality.
The budget and associated amendments have been introduced, publicly advertised, and in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Budget Law, except that failure to meet the deadlines of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 shall not prevent such certification.
That all other applicable statutory requirements have been fulfilled.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services.

4. Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 161, Lot 27, 9 Crest Drive to Tom Tiehua Cao and Michelle Qing Chang—$2,321.86

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WHEREAS, Tax Sale Certificate #17-24 held by Tom Tiehua Cao/Michelle Qing Chang, and assessed to Galardi, Patricia known as, Block 161, Lot 27 and also known as 9 Crest Dr., and;

WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed by Keith E. Paterson, Attorney representing the sale of said property. The redemption includes principal and interest in the amount of $1,221.86 and the return of the premium in the amount of $1,100.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund the total amount of $2,321.86 to Tom Tiehua Cao/Michelle Qing Chang, 19 Edendale Street, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 the lien holder of Tax Sale Certificate #17-24.

5. Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 53, Lot 56.07, 2 Matthew Ct. to US Bank Cust BV Trst 2015-1—$12,819.39

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WHEREAS, Tax Sale Certificate #2010 held by US Bank Cust BV Trst 2015-1, and assessed to Christopher Leiva, for property known as Block 53, Lot 56.07 and also known as 2 Matthew Ct., and;

WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed by Lereta Real Estate Tax Services, the mortgage holder of the property. The redemption includes principal and interest in the amount of $10,319.39 and the return of the premium in the amount of $2,500.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund the total amount of $12,819.39 to US Bank Cust BV Trst 2015-1, 50 South 16th Street - Suite 2050, Philadelphia, PA 19102-2513 the lien holder of Tax Sale Certificate #2010.

6. Refund a Portion of Escrow Funds for Block 154, Lot 119, 15 Ripplewood Drive to John Negrey—$721.00

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WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Department received escrow funds from John Negrey, 15 Ripplewood Drive, Block 154 Lot 119, and in the amount of $1,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the project has been completed and closed out and there are no outstanding payments due.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey that it is recommended by Darren Carney, Planning and Zoning Administrator that the remaining escrow funds in the amount of $721.00 be refunded to John Negrey, 15 Ripplewood Dr. , Randolph, NJ 07869.

Darren Carney, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Date:

7. Refund a Portion of the $990.00 Summer Teen Camp Program Registration Fee to Christina Lagomarsino—$890.00

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WHEREAS, Christina Lagomarsino registered her child for the Summer Teen Camp program and paid the fee of $990.00; and

WHEREAS, her child will not be attending Summer Teen Camp as the child is no longer interested in participating in program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey that it is recommended by Russ Newman, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services that $890.00 be refunded to Christina Lagomarsino, 49A Carrell Rd., Randolph, NJ 07869.

8. Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 38.02, Lot 17.01, 47 South Road to Jing Yang—$2,827.16

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WHEREAS, Tax Sale Certificate #17-04 held by Jing Yang, and assessed to Gonzalez, Gabriel known as, Block 38.02, Lot 17.01 and also known as 47 South Road., and;

WHEREAS, the above mentioned Tax Sale Certificate has been redeemed by Deepak Patel of ARD Realty the new owner of said property. The redemption includes principal and interest in the amount of $1,327.16 and the return of a premium in the amount of $1,500.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, that the Treasurer be instructed to refund the total amount of $2,827.16 to Jing Yang, 628 N Butrick St., Waukegan, IL 60085 the lien holder of Tax Sale Certificate #17-04.

9. Rejecting All Bids for MCCPC Contract #15 as a Result of Opinions and Orders Entered in Litigation Captioned “Beyer Ford, LLC v. Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, the Township of Randolph and Day Ford”

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WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph (“Township”) on behalf of the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (“MCCPC”) solicited bids for various police vehicles, including bids for Contract #15-A (including Items Nos. 5 and 6); and

WHEREAS, the Township on behalf of the MCCPC awarded Contract #15-A for Items Nos. 5 and 6 (the “Contract”) to Day Ford as the lowest responsible and responsive bidder; and

WHEREAS, Beyer Ford, LLC instituted litigation captioned Beyer Ford, LLC v. Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council and Township of Randolph and Day Ford, Docket No. MRS-L-2319-17 (the “Litigation”) challenging said award; and

WHEREAS, as a result of decisions and Orders in the Litigation entered on December 27, 2017 and on March 1, 2018, respectively, the Honorable Stuart A. Minkowitz, A.J.S.C. invalidated the award of the Contract to Day Ford and returned the bid to the MCCPC for it to award the bid to the next lowest responsible and responsive bidder as defined in the MCCPC bid package; and

WHEREAS, two other vendors submitted bids for the Contract; and

WHEREAS, the second low bidder, Beyer Ford, LLC, having a similar fatal defect to the fatal defect that resulted in the Court’s invalidation of the award of the Contract to Day Ford, must likewise be declared to be non-responsive; and

WHEREAS, the next low bidder, Winner Ford, having taken exception to the $20.00 per day penalty for vehicles delivered after the 120 day contract period and therefore must be rejected as non-responsive; and

WHEREAS, there are no other bidders for the Contract; and

WHEREAS, the cut-off date for the placing of orders for these vehicles is about to expire or has expired, making a re-bid of this Contract moot; and

WHEREAS, the Township, on behalf of the MCCPC, desires to memorialize these determinations to conclude the cycle of activity related to this bid.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, on behalf of the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council as follows:

The bid of Day Ford Contract #15-A (Items Nos. 5 and 6 only) (“Contract”) be and the same is hereby rejected as non-responsive based upon the Court Orders referenced in the Preamble of this Resolution.
The bid of Beyer Ford, LLC for the Contract is hereby rejected as being non-responsive inasmuch as the bid of Beyer Ford, LLC suffered from a similar fatal defect as that of the bid of Day Ford as determined in the Litigation referenced in the Preamble of this Resolution and therefore is declared to be a non-responsive bidder.
The bid of Winner Ford for the Contract is hereby rejected as being non-responsive because of their exception to a material provision in the Specifications imposing a $20.00 per day penalty for vehicles delivered after 120 days.
There being no further bidders on the Contract, and the deadline for ordering said vehicles under the Contract having either passed or being about to pass, making any re-bid of this Contract at this time moot, the Township, on behalf of the MCCPC hereby declines to re-bid this Contract for 2018 and directs that the Contract be re-bid at the appropriate time for 2019 vehicles, with appropriate revisions in the Specifications to, among other things, address the issues raised in the Litigation.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

10. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, Friends of Randolph Animal Pound, Inc., at Freedom Park, 630 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, on June 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

11. Raffle License, Off-Premise Merchandise, Friends of Randolph Animal Pound, Inc., at Freedom Park, 630 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, on June 17 at 1:30 p.m.

12. Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, Greek Orthodox Community Center of Randolph, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, on May 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

13. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, Greek Orthodox Community Center of Randolph, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, on May 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

14. Raffle License, Off-Premise 50/50, Greek Orthodox Community Center of Randolph, 1447 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, on June 24 at 12:30 p.m.

15. Raffle License, On-Premise 50/50, Morris Plains HSA, Randolph Diner, 517 Route 10, Randolph, on April 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

16. Raffle License, Tricky Tray, Morris Plains HSA, Randolph Diner, 517 Route 10, Randolph, on April 21 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the Combined Action Resolutions. Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

G. UPCOMING EVENTS

Morris County’s Health, Fitness & Fun Fest at the Randolph Middle School, 507 Millbrook Avenue, Saturday, March 24th from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Library Event: Flamenco Guitar with Gladium, Sunday, April 15th at 2:00 p.m.; register at 973-895-3556
Morris County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, Wednesday, March 28th from 11:30 am to 1:30 p.m. at the Park Savoy, 236 Ridgedale Ave., Florham Park; Members $85, Non-Members $125
Boy Scouts of America 2018 Randolph Good Scout Awards Dinner, Wednesday, April 11th, Reception at 6:30 p.m., Dinner & Program at 7:00 p.m. at The Grove at the Randolph Diner, 517 Route 10—RSVP by 3/28 online at ppcbsa.org/special-event
“Hidden in Plain Sight”—Program for parents, rescheduled for Tuesday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Randolph Community Center, Calais Road
Morris County League Meeting on April 18th at 5:15 p.m. at the Morris County Correctional Facility, 43 John St, Morris Township (added)

H. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance #05-18: An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 06-17 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for Specified Officers and Employees in the Township of Randolph

Manager Mountain explained that this is the annual ordinance establishing the salary ranges for 2018 for township employees.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 06-17 TO PROVIDE AND DETERMINE THE RANGE OF COMPENSATION FOR SPECIFIED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

BE IT RESOLVED, that said Ordinance shall be further considered for final passage at the meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Randolph on the 19th of April 2018 at 7 o’clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Municipal Building in said Township, at which time and place all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk be authorized and directed to advertise said Ordinance in full or by summary with the notice of introduction thereof, in the official designated newspaper according to law.

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Judith Stewart of 114 Everdale Road commented that she proof read the agenda, but had missed a style error.

Seeing no one further from the public, the public portion was closed.

J. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilman Guadagno’s comments included:

the township was very prepared for the most recent storm, and that they did a very good job.
he saw the new guardrail on Park Avenue, and felt that since it was much bigger than the previous ones, it should last longer. He also recognized it as a well done job.
he noted that Councilman Napoliello has commented several times on the dilapidated barn on Dover Chester Road, and he felt that it is now time for a fence should be put around the barn for safety reasons. This was done for another barn structure in the past, and the township charged the owner for the fencing. Manager Mountain replied that the Building Department was aware of the situation, and that he would follow up with them.
the Trails Committee meeting was cancelled. He had names of two students, one is a Girl Scout, but he has not been able to contact her, and the other is the son of one of the current committee members. The father and son are also Boy Scouts. Councilman Guadagno would like to have a Girl Scout on the committee, and thought having a father and son would be good, too. If they can be contacted, he will provide the names at the next Council meeting.
he noticed a drastic change in the traffic pattern at Dover Chester Road and the entrance to CCM in the last month, which he felt was very positive. The CCM students are using the new driveway out to Route 10; there is less traffic on Dover Chester Road.
he felt a committee should be organized to discuss storm issues. The three things that need addressing are the improvements that need to be made, the improvements others need to make, and the possible need to change the zoning regulations such as those related to planting of township trees.

Councilman Napoliello commended the DPW for the clearing of the roads in the storms.

Councilman Napoliello attended the Board of Health meeting. Information discussed included a complaint by a resident that yogurt she bought at the Acme was spoiled. When the Health Inspector arrived at the Acme, there were many packages outdated and were then removed from the shelves. The upcoming mosquito season was discussed, and everyone was reminded to not have standing water on their properties. Also discussed was the addition of a new nurse, Victoria Cosenza, and that it has been a bad flu season.

Councilman Tkacs attended the Traffic Advisory Committee meeting; Dave Timpanaro attended the meeting and expressed his concern about the intersection of Dover Chester Road and Quaker Church Road. Councilman Tkacs reiterated some of the issues Dave Timpanaro reported earlier in this meeting. He stated that at the meeting, the topic of creating a place for teens to practice parallel parking was again discussed. Manager Mountain replied that township staff did discuss the idea; however, there is concern about creating an official place due to the potential liability. If a person wanted to set up a temporary, informal area in a public parking lot, it would be fine. The Manager told Councilman Tkacs to have someone from the TAC contact him if they would like to further discuss the issue.

Councilman Tkacs also noted that Officer Biase was not at the TAC meeting due to snow emergency duties; however, they were going to ask Officer Biase to provide guidance as to why the state is not allowing three-way stops.

Councilwoman Veech attended the Parks Committee meeting on March 13th. In Russ Newman’s February report, he noted that there was vandalism at Freedom Park; a car drove through the pedestrian opening near the Little League field, around the bleachers, and got stuck near the batting cages. The police caught them, and filed a report; the damage is to be repaired by the underage persons involved. Manager Mountain added that the father of one of the youths called him to apologize, and indicated that they will fully comply with the request to provide restitution for the damage. Councilwoman Veech reported that there was some discussion at the committee meeting as to why no formal charges were made. Manager Mountain explained that the willingness of the families to comply with repairing the damage was the reason it was decided not to pursue anything further.

Councilwoman Veech also reported that Daniel Kim attended the Parks Committee meeting last year wanting to do an Eagle Scout project, and they were going to focus his effort on the Master Plan. This spring Daniel will be installing a spring-rocker, a tetherball, and a bicycle rack at Kiwanis Park. Another Eagle Scout is working on a bird blind at Cohn Farms, which is also part of the Master Plan. Russ Newman has also been approached by other Eagle Scouts to do marking of the trails, and clean up the triangles at some of the intersections of streets, such as Everdale Road and Millbrook Avenue.

Councilwoman Veech reported that the Wildlife Advisory Committee met on January 24th; there were 39 deer culled; the lowest number to date.

Councilwoman Carey attended the Library Board meeting. A new Children’s Services librarian, Antonette D’Orazio, was hired; she previously worked in Bernards Township. The new museum pass program is becoming popular; if necessary, they will order more passes.

Councilwoman Carey reported that she and Mayor Forstenhausler attended the Chamber of Commerce luncheon at LaStrada; the topic was home health care. She also attended the Chamber of Commerce event at M&T Bank, with several other Council members.

Deputy Mayor Loveys’ comments included:

he attended the Morris County budget presentation on March 13th; it was introduced, and will have a public hearing at the end of March. Prior to the presentation, Director of Law & Public Safety, Scott Di Giralomo, and OEM Director, Jeff Paul, gave a re-cap as to the county’s experience with the storms of March 2nd and 7th. They received approximately 5,000 calls through the dispatch center; they took over a couple of towns’ emergency call systems because those towns’ systems went down. They assisted several people with special needs. They felt that residents want to stay in shelters near their homes, not travel a distance to another shelter, so they can check on their homes. The county is coordinating with the Red Cross to assist in the set-up and the running of the shelter. Following super storm Sandy, the County provided generators to municipalities, including Randolph; however, it has been determined that the people generally needing them, are not capable of hooking them up to the required systems. They would need a qualified electrician to connect the generator. Deputy Mayor Loveys felt that this could be discussed at a meeting to discuss storm issues. Jeff Paul and Scott Di Giralomo felt that JCP&L’s response to emergent locations was much improved over super storm Sandy.
- Freeholders Myers and Smith presented the 2018 county budget; it is on their website. Their budget is down approximately $26,000,000; it is $305,800,000. The leasing of Morris View is the majority of the reason their budget is down. The tax levy is increasing approximately 1.79%; however, the tax rate is remaining the same. They reported that the 2018 tax increase is $1.67 on the average Morris County home.
- The county will present the budget at a Council meeting once it has been adopted.
- They are trying to promote their Smart 911 system in the media. This is a system for Morris County residents to subscribe to and provide details for their specific residence in the event of an emergency.
a group approached the Recreation Committee to potentially start a competitive cheerleading program; it was accepted by the committee, with certain conditions. The group has not yet returned to the Recreation Committee for further discussion. Also, Russ Newman emailed all spring sport participants to let them know that due to the snow storms, they should not expect to get on the fields too soon. The fields are generally ready by April 1st; Russ felt there may be fields ready by the weekend of April 14th.
the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer is becoming concerning. The county has appropriated funds to begin to combat the infestation in their parks. Deputy Mayor Loveys felt that it might need to be addressed in the township. Manager Mountain was unsure of the number of ash trees, but noted that there is a budget line item for removal of trees if the Emerald Ash Borer is identified. It has not yet been a wide-spread issue in the Randolph facilities.

Councilwoman Veech commented that, in the past, the township worried that they were sending out too many Swift 911 calls. She reported that residents were happy to receive the multiple Swift 911 updates during the recent snow storms. She felt that many of those who were not in the system realized they should sign up. Councilwoman Veech felt it was used very wisely during the storms. Councilwoman Carey asked if the percentage of residents subscribing to the Swift 911 system was known. Donna Luciani replied that there are approximately 3,200 subscribers.

Councilman Guadagno commented that he felt the fall branch collection should be reinstated since there used to be a spring and fall collection. Manager Mountain replied that he will look into it, but was unsure if it could be implemented this calendar year. He added that there was going to be a special collection this spring, but with the latest storm, there was now not enough time prior to the normal collection. However, the regular spring collection will be more robust. There was a discussion on some of the particulars of the branch collection.

Mayor Forstenhausler’s comments included:

he complimented Manager Mountain, noting that he worked for 10 days straight, morning through night, during the storms. He felt that the communication in the beginning was good, but learned that some people were not getting information. The Mayor explained that messages went out via Swift 911, Facebook, Twitter, and the township website. Once he learned of the people not receiving the messages via Facebook, he got information from Manager Mountain and dispersed it; after a couple days, people who had not been getting it got the message to follow the township on Facebook.
he and Manager Mountain discussed the trees at Shongum Road and Radtke Road; the first storm took out four telephone poles by the Shongum Lake dam. The Manager is looking into whether those are township trees, and if so, they need to be cut down to avoid them taking out the poles again.
he also discussed with Manager Mountain that a subcommittee of three Council members be formed to discuss what happened during the storms. He stated that he would like to be on the subcommittee because he took a lot of notes and spoke to a lot of residents; Councilman Guadagno and Councilwoman Veech volunteered to be on the subcommittee. He asked if it would be appropriate for the existing Infrastructure subcommittee to review the tree trimming/cutting policy; it was decided to keep the tree policy discussion on the storm related subcommittee. The Mayor also wants to encourage residents to look at the trees on their properties that could impact the wires, and trim them or take them down.
he and Manager Mountain were on conference calls each day during the storms with the President of JCP&L and mayors from other municipalities; the calls began on March 3rd.
on March 5th he attended the funeral of Steve Fox, a life member of the Randolph Fire Department.
on March 6th he attended the Senior Club meeting; he was invited to discuss the new park on Calais Road.
on March 7th the Governor was at CCM at the JCP&L staging area; the Mayor went to CCM as soon as he heard, but missed the Governor. He called his liaison, and the Governor called the Mayor on March 9th to discuss the power outages, and the communications between the township and JCP&L.
he was invited to a teleconference call hosted by Tammy Murphy to introduce the budget just prior to the Governor’s introduction of the budget.
he attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting on March 15th.
he read to the first grade students at Shongum School on March 16th for Read Across America Day that was postponed due to the storm.
he and other Council members attended the PTO Council fundraiser, “All In”; it was a nice event, and well attended.
he will be attending the JA Biztown event in the Raritan Center on March 23rd, where Randolph High School students learn about business; he provided a brief description of the event.
he felt the DPW did a good job on the roads, the first responders did a good job; the fire houses each had firefighters staying overnight during the storms, and they were busy working while they were staying there.

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no Executive Session.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Guadagno
Councilman Napoliello
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Loveys
Mayor Forstenhausler

NAYS: None