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

Minutes: May 19, 2022

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Potter. 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 19, 2021, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 18, 2021. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph and the Daily Record on November 24, 2021.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

Also present: Assistant Township Manager and Planning and Zoning Administrator Darren Carney, and Township Attorney Edward J. Buzak (via phone)

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Potter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. INTERVIEWS

1. Interviews of Council Candidates to Fill Vacant Council Seat

Mayor Potter explained that there was a vacancy on the Township Council due to the resignation of Council Member Tkacs. The Randolph Republican County Committee met and selected 3 candidates that the council may choose from to fill the vacant council seat. She explained that the appointed council member will serve until the November election, when the public can vote to fill the remainder of Council Member Tkacs' term.

a. John Insinga

Dr. John Insinga shared that he has been practicing optometry for 25 years. He graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Biology. He continued his education at the College of Optometry in Manhattan. He shared that he and his wife settled in the Randolph, Shongum Lake area around 2000. He has lived in the community for over 21 years; his two children have gone through the Randolph school system. In the past, he was involved with volunteering and chairing Shongum Lake community events. He is a volunteer with his local Optometry Association Chapter, for which he has served as secretary, treasurer, vice-president, and presently, as president. For the past two years, he has served on the Board of Health Committee; in addition to serving on the ad-hoc Cannabis Committee.

b. Peter Pasquale

Mr. Peter Pasquale shared that he is a lifelong New Jersey resident. He graduated from Kean University with a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. His professional experience included working in the medical device industry and the establishment of several different start-ups, in addition to the development of sales organizations throughout the nation. He informed the council that he is nearing a phase of retirement. He shared that his three children have grown up within the Randolph school system. His two eldest children have obtained four-year degrees from Clemson University and Seton Hall University; his youngest child is currently a junior at Clemson University. He is a parishioner and volunteer at St. Matthews Church. He has also served as a recreation volunteer through the Parks and Recreation Department. He shared that he has coached a number of his children's sports teams. He stated that he and his family have lived a wonderful life in Randolph, and he would like to give back to the community.

c. Joseph Hathaway

Mr. Joseph Hathaway shared that he lives in Randolph with his wife and two young children. He informed the council that his professional experience and his perspective of having a long-term investment by raising a young family in the community made him a suitable candidate for the role. He commented that one of the most important duties of the council was the responsibility of determining and approving a municipal budget. He shared his experience of balancing $33-36 million dollar budgets that are similar in size to the municipal budget. He stated that he also had experience with managing operations with large headcounts, much like that of the municipal organization.

He shared that he spent four years working with the state government to connect the Governor's Office with local municipalities to ensure that residents had the support they needed, especially in more challenging times, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He stated that he understood how local government works, and that he had almost a decade's worth of experience in the private sector. He stated that should he be appointed, he looked forward to bringing a sense of collaboration, innovation, and partnership to the role. He stated that he was a strong believer in public service and giving back to the community. Both he and his wife serve on township committees; he is a member of the Recreation Advisory Committee.

He shared that aside from his years at Yale University, he has lived in New Jersey his whole life. He stated that his most enduring qualification was his two children, who will be amongst the Randolph High School classes of 2037 and 2038. He wanted to ensure that Randolph continued to provide exceptional levels of service and affordability that its residents have come to expect. He stated that many families in the community have chosen to make Randolph their hometown because of the community's safe neighborhoods, good infrastructure, and avoidance of municipal tax hikes, all of which were due to the policies enacted by the council. He stated that he was ready to listen and be focused on creating solutions.

He thanked the council for their time and stated that he was honored and energized to serve the residents of Randolph. He looked forward to building upon the fiscally sound conservative government set by the council to ensure that Randolph continues to be a place where families can plant roots and thrive for years to come.

Mayor Potter asked if there were any questions from the council or the candidates.

Council Member Loveys stated that the council appreciated the candidates' time and desire to represent the township and its residents. He asked the candidates to speak on whether or not they have considered the amount of time that would need to be devoted to the role of a council member.

Mr. Pasquale stated that he has considered the time commitment. He has been gradually easing into retirement mode. He explained that he would not be traveling as often, therefore, he suspected that he would have additional time available. He stated that he would be working on a consultative basis. He explained that he has always been able to balance his work and family life, in addition to finding time to volunteer. He stated that he was unsure of the time involved and the time he would have available, but if the council had a fixed schedule, he would be able to manage his schedule appropriately.

Mr. Hathaway stated that he and his wife have considered the time commitment for the role. They have decided that it was a priority for their family. He stated that he had flexibility on the home side, and that he was fortunate to work for a company that supports employees serving their communities and engaging in public service. He confirmed that he had support on both sides to devote the time needed.

Dr. Insinga stated that the time commitment was something of concern, but he believed that if an individual was to commit and volunteer, it should be done to the best of their ability. He stated that his time was a tentative thing, however, because he is involved in a small business operation, he did have some flexibility.

Mayor Potter thanked the three candidates for making the effort to come out for the interviews. She hoped that regardless of the decision, all three candidates would continue to participate on committees and engage with the community. She asked the candidates to share their reason for wanting to serve on the Township Council. Mr. Hathaway explained that he wanted to do everything he could to make Randolph the best possible town it could be for his family, for residents, and for anyone who lives and works in the community. He stated that he was a big believer in leaving the community better than it was found; he could not think of a better was to accomplish that than by serving in this capacity. He added that he believed he was qualified to fill the position based on his experience within the public and private sectors and his background in communications and operations.

Dr. Insinga stated that he was not an overly political person, but in the past three years, he has become more so based on the changes in the country and how it has trickled down into local communities. He believed that it was better to get involved and assist with preserving a fantastic, fiscally sound town, rather than sitting back.

Mr. Pasquale stated that he has been at the same stage of life Mr. Hathaway is at with his young family and wanting to look towards the future. He explained that although they were at different stages, he now wanted to give back in the same way and be involved. He stated that he has a great interest in politics. He believed that the he was of like-mind with the council members in terms of fiscal conservatism. He stated that he wanted to get involved and give back on a local level.

Council Member Forstenhausler stated that he has lived in Randolph for 27 years. He commented that the community has been blessed with many local volunteers, such as the rescue squad, the fire departments, and the various township boards and committees, in addition to the members of the council; though the latter was an elected position. He appreciated that the three candidates were all willing to step up and give back to the community. He did not think there was a wrong choice as all three candidates seemed to be qualified and motivated to help the town. He recommended that the candidates who are not selected continue to serve on the township's various boards and committees or in other volunteer capacities where their talents could be utilized. He asked the candidates what they felt the responsibilities of a council member would be.

Dr. Insinga responded that council responsibilities include ethically representing the township and having the ability to be objective, boil down the issues and find the best solutions for the community as a whole. He referenced the work he had done on the Cannabis Committee, and the various considerations they had to discuss. He stated that a council member should try to do what is best for the town in a responsible way.

Mr. Hathaway explained that on a macro level the council responsibilities come down to being effective and efficient stewards of tax dollars, providing and maintaining the standards of services the residents have come to expect, and providing the best possible facilities and infrastructure to residents and businesses in town. He explained that on an individual level, it entails showing up prepared, organized, and ready to learn. He added that the responsibilities include being an active listener at meetings and events in town, and being focused on finding the solutions that are in the best interest of the township's stakeholders.

Mr. Pasquale explained that he thinks of the council as a group of people who collaborate strategically to create a vision for the township and oversee the implementation. He explained that from a macro standpoint, he sees the council envisioning what they want to see the township develop into, and the township manager conducting the implementation of the council's decisions. He commented that strategy is only half the battle, and that implementation was where the real battle laid. He added that the responsibilities involved being present and organized. He commented that he would continue to volunteer regardless of the council's decision.

2. Council Discussion

Council Member Veech thanked the candidates for their time. She stated that she would love to have the remaining candidates who are not appointed serve on other boards and committees. Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia echoed her comments.

Council Member Loveys stated that the answers provided by the candidates were excellent. He appreciated that they were all genuine and sincere.

Mayor Potter thanked the three candidates for coming in and for their interest in serving on the Township Council.

3. Appoint Council Member

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia made a motion to nominate Joseph Hathaway to fill the vacancy on the council. Council Member Council Member Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

Joseph Hathaway was sworn in by the Township Clerk; his wife, Whitney, held the bible.

C. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

D. MANAGER'S REPORT

Planning and Zoning Administrator Darren Carney briefly reported on the recent Planning Board meeting as previous council member Lance Tkacs was not present. He explained that the board approved an application for a Canoe Brook inclusionary development project on Route 10. The project would provide the development with access to an office building. He added that an application to install a solar ground array at the Girl Scouts Distribution Center on Canfield Avenue was approved.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia asked why the panels were not being placed on the facility's roof. Mr. Carney explained that the project engineer found that the roof could not structurally support the panels.

Council Member Veech asked how many units were approved for the Canoe Brook application. Mr. Carney informed her that 199 units were approved; he estimated that 40 of the units would be affordable housing units.

Council Member Veech asked how tall the buildings would be. Mr. Carney informed her that the buildings would be four stories high. He added that the development included carriage house buildings that would be three stories high.

There was a brief discussion about the developments ability to allow emergency response vehicles access in the area.

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #13, R-114-22, Endorsing an application for a Treatment Works Approval for a single-family home - Council Member Veech asked why the approval was needed for a single-family home. Mr. Carney explained that the treatment work approval was required due to the length of the line and how it crosses two properties as it comes up the road way. He also added that the project was approved in 2012, and was being tied into the Dover Sewer System.

1. R-102-22 Release Cash Road Opening Bonds for various properties and homeowners totaling $4,500.00

2. R-103-22 Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 120, Lot 11, 1141 Sussex Tpke. to Trystone Capital Assets, LLC - $4,232.99

3. R-104-22 Refund tax payment made in error for 2nd quarter of 2022 for 41 Pleasant Hill Road, Block 6, Lot 8 to Ravenswood Title Company, LLC - $1,791.42

4. R-105-22 Authorizing the rejection of MCCPC Contract #30 for Office Paper Supplies

5. R-106-22 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #25 - Janitorial Supplies

6. R-107-22 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract 34 - Tree Spraying to Arborist Services by Dujets, Inc.

7. R-108-22 Authorizing the rejection and award of MCCPC Contract 35 - Light Bulbs

8. R-109-22 Authorizing the rejection and award of MCCPC Contract #40 - Personal Protection Items & Equipment for Emergency Personnel

9. R-110-22 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #43 - Propane Gas for AmeriGas Propane

10. R-111-22 Authorizing the Rejection and Award of MCCPC Contract #47 - Water Meters/Data Recorders & Radio Frequency Meter Interface Units

11. R-112-22 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #50 - Fire Department Uniforms - Purchase to Turn Out uniforms, Inc.

12. R-113-22 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #51 - Deer Carcass Removal & Disposal to Deer Carcass Removal Services, LLC and to Space Farms, Inc.

13. R-114-22 Endorsing an application for a Treatment Works Approval for a single-family home 146 West Munson Ave, Block 131, Lot 7

14. R-115-22 Refund a portion of Summer Day Camp registration fee due to a change in parent's schedule to Darlene Gonzalez - $435.00

15. R-116-22 Refund a portion of Summer Day Camp registration fee due to a change in parent's schedule to Mona Malik - $345.00

16. R-117-22 Refund fee paid for leased plot in Community Garden due to unforeseen circumstance to Linda Greulich - $40.00

17. Raffle License: Off-Premise 50/50, Friends of Randolph Football, at Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ 07869, September 2, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia made a motion to approve the Combined Action Resolutions. Council Member Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler (Abstained to item #11, R-112-22)
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Council Member Hathaway

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia commented that the Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday, June 28, may be scheduled for a new date; he stated that he would look into it further.

Council Member Carey stated that the Freedom Festival would be on Saturday, July 2.

Clerk Luciani reminded the council that manager Mountain's retirement celebration would be held on Wednesday, June 29.

1. Arts in the Park, at Veterans Community Park, 100 Calais Road, Randolph, Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. Council Only - Randolph EMS Rescue Squad Installation Dinner, Friday, June 3, 2022 at Vegas NJ, Sussex Tpke., Randolph, 7:00 p.m.
3. Morris County League of Municipalities Meeting, Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Caffe NaVona in Rockaway Boro
4. Randolph Chamber of Commerce Multi-Chamber Networking, at the Randolph Diner on Route 10, Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.
5. Randolph Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Evening Networking on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

G. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance No. 15-22 Amending and Supplementing Section 31-52 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, NJ

Mr. Carney explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to amend Section 31-52 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, to designate two intersections as stop intersections.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Section 31-52 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public portion was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Section 31-52 of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, be passed on final reading and that a Notice of Final Passage of said Ordinance be published in the official designated newspaper according to law.

Council Member Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Council Member Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Council Member Hathaway

H. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 16-22 Amending Appendix A, Fee Schedule, Police Section and Court Section of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph

Mr. Carney explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to amend the Fee Schedule in Appendix A of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, to add the fee for media file(s) for the downloading of videos, recordings, pictures, etc. in the amount of $25.00 when anytime the use of a compact disc is not feasible to hold the media file(s) information.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Amending Appendix A, Fee Schedule, Police Section and Court Section of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey" 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 2nd, of June, 2022 at 6 o'clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Town Hall 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. Council Member Veech made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Council Member Hathaway

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public portion was closed.

J. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Council Member Forstenhausler reported that the Trails Advisory Committee met and discussed plans to once again apply for grant funding through the Morris County Trails Grant Program. He shared that June 4th was National Trails Day. The committee is developing a hike challenge to encourage residents to hike all the various trails within the township. He explained that the challenge has been broken down into north blue, south blue, red, green and white trails. A map is being developed for the challenge. Residents will be able to share information about their progress. A pin is being designed to give to residents who complete the challenge.

He shared that the Arts in the Park event would be the biggest event held at Veterans Community Park. He stated that the trails were in good shape and were being utilized. He concluded his comments by welcoming Council Member Hathaway. He commented that he looked forward to working with him.

Council Member Loveys echoed Council Member Forstenhausler's comments. He added that he had confidence in Council Member Hathaway and that he looked forward to working with him.

He reported that the Recreation Advisory Committee discussed the various events being held by the Recreation Department; eight of which have been held in April. Several more special events are planned for the remainder of the year. He recognized the work of Event Coordinator Kristina Garlick. He reported that the beach will be open for weekends only beginning May 28. He believed that the beach would fully open following the first Monday after the school year ends; sometime around June 20. The beach will close on August 28.

He shared that a subcommittee within the Recreation Advisory Committee was continuing its work on addressing behavioral issues occurring at youth sporting events. He concluded his report by informing the council that Phil Sheehy from the Recreation Committee previously distributed literature on the significance of yellow picnic tables. He explained that the yellow tables were reminders of the importance of mental health awareness. He asked Council Member Hathaway if he recalled the significance of the yellow tables.

Council Member Hathaway stated that the stark color contrast of the tables in a field setting, in addition to signage, is meant to elicit a remembrance of mental health.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia shared that Council Member Tkacs provided the information to the Municipal Alliance Committee. Council Member Loveys commented that the idea has been shared, however, nothing has been developed as of yet.

Council Member Hathaway thanked the council for the honor of being chosen to serve. He stated that it was humbling to be able to give back in this way. He understood the time commitment and sacrifice the council members make. He stated that he would do his best to make a difference.

Council Member Veech reported that she attended a Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Networking Meeting. During the meeting, Steve Cullis from the Randolph High School provided a presentation on the school's Option 2 program. Mr. Cullis asked for new name suggestions for the program. She explained that the program entails 50 or 60 high school juniors and seniors obtaining credits by working outside of the normal school day. She commented that it was a great presentation and very interactive. She reported that Helene Elbaum and Dana Galloway of the Economic Development Committee were present at the meeting. They discussed how the EDC could assist the high school with connecting to local businesses.

Council Member Carey commented that previous council member Ed Metz used to assist with the Option 2 program and the EDC. Council Member Forstenhausler shared that his daughter participated in the Option 2 program.

Council Member Veech reported that a seventh grade Girl Scout troop will be installing bat houses at Veterans Community Park. She explained that bats eat up to 1,000 mosquitos per hour, in addition to eating insects that destroy crops. The number and placement of the bat houses are dependent on the approval of Parks and Recreation Director Russ Newman.

Council Member Forstenhausler inquired about how the bats would know the houses are for them. Council Member Veech and Council Member Loveys provided a brief description of the houses and how they are mounted at high elevations to make the bats feel protected.

Council Member Carey shared that along with Council Member Veech and Mayor Potter, she attended the Morris Habitat for Humanity Women's Build Event. She reported that she attended the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Expo, and commented that it was a well-organized event between the community center and library.

She shared that the library has been getting ready for its Summer Reading Club. The story for the Story Walk program has been changed to Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. She informed the council that the chosen book for the summer One Book, One Community program is titled, The Authenticity Project.

She concluded her report by sharing that the library has been hosting various collaborative projects and activities, such as the Van Gough Starry Night art project, and puzzle activities. Council Member Veech asked if the library accepted puzzle donations. Council Member Carey confirmed.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia congratulated Council Member Hathaway on his appointment. He reported that he attended a Board of Health Meeting. During the meeting, Health Officer Mark Caputo discussed the renaming of the Childcare License Fee to be changed to the more appropriate title of Immunization Audit Fee.

He attended the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Expo. He commented that the event was packed with exhibits and that the library did not have as much foot traffic which may have been due to the weather conditions.

He reported that he attended the Artworks Studio Student Work Exhibit. He stated that he was amazed by how many great art pieces were displayed.

Mayor Potter congratulated and welcomed Council Member Hathaway to the council. She provided a brief update on the Environmental Action Committee. She stated that once the committee was re-established, they would continue plans to work alongside Pinto Consulting.

She reported that the Salem Oak Sapling event was being finalized with the Randolph Friends Meeting House. The event is expected to take place on June 11 at 3:00 p.m. She shared that the sapling was gifted to each municipality in the state by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Association is working on the social media effort for the event.

She shared that she attended the Morris Habitat for Humanity Women's Build Event on May 6 and the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Expo on May 21. She attended the New Jersey Conference of Mayors meeting the previous week. She stated that she obtained some examples of informative materials, such as posters, from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families that were available for order.

Council Member Forstenhausler shared that the VFW Post #7333 Memorial Day Ceremony would be held on Monday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at 103 Carrell Road. Mayor Potter shared that one of the veterans being acknowledged would be featured on the new Hometown Heroes Banner.

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

No Executive Session was held for this meeting.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Council Member Veech made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Council Member Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Council Member Carey
Council Member Forstenhausler
Council Member Hathaway
Council Member Loveys
Council Member Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None