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

Minutes: November 12, 2020

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 Carey. 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 6, 2019, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 5, 2019. 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 14, 2019. The time change for this meeting was placed on the township website on November 2, 2020, as well as emailed to the Randolph Reporter, Daily Record, and TapInto Randolph on November 2, 2020. The time change for this meeting was advertised in the Randolph Reporter and Daily Record on November 5, 2020.

2. Roll Call

Councilman Forstenhausler -via Zoom
Councilman Loveys -via Zoom
Councilman Nisivoccia -via Zoom
Councilwoman Potter -via Zoom
Councilman Tkacs -via Zoom
Deputy Mayor Veech -via Zoom
Mayor Carey

Also Present: Township Manager Steve Mountain, Township Attorney Edward Buzak (via Zoom), and Attorney Keli Gallo from Buzak Law Group (via Zoom).

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Carey led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

C. MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

COVID-19 Update—The number of confirmed cases in Randolph has continued to rise. Over the past two weeks, the township has reported 69 new positive cases, including one new confirmed case today. Though the Health Department staff has received the support of contact tracing investigators from the state, they continue to struggle with keeping up with growing case investigations. Adding to the difficulty of caseload management, there has been an issue of overwhelmed health providers and testing facilities reporting case information incorrectly to the state tracking system. He notified the council that he has authorized the assignment of two part-time staffers in the Health Department to help with case management.

He reported that Governor Murphy had recently issued several EOs designed to curb the spread of COVID-19; guidance to the public remains the same to help manage and contain the spread wear a mask, stay home when sick, and avoid social gatherings. The Township Nurses reported that the primary sources of spread continue to be from discretionary activities, gatherings, and household spread. He shared that the township’s CARES Act application has been submitted for the full amount of funds available for the municipality. The hope is to see the dispersal of these grant funds by the end of the year.

Millbrook Avenue Asphalt Micro-Milling -Over the past several years, the Randolph Police Department has responded to several motor vehicle crashes involving vehicles going off the roadway on Millbrook Avenue between Carrell Road and Church Road during periods of heavy rain. It was decided, in coordination with the Morris County Road Department, that the asphalt in this section of the roadway be micro-milled to give vehicles better traction as they navigate the curve. The change on the roadway should reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents in the area.

Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant—The Friends Meeting House & Cemetery Association has been awarded a second MC Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant in the amount of $198,190 for the roof restoration of the Meeting House. The Friends Meeting House & Cemetery Association had previously received funding for a preservation plan.

Economic Development Committee Lawn Sign Initiative—The Economic Development Committee (EDC) has ordered lawn signs promoting local businesses and will be moving forward on the installation of those signs on or before Small Business Saturday, November 28th. The signs are expected to be delivered by Tuesday, November 24th. The EDC will be coordinating the distribution process accordingly.

Mayor Carey added that she would be following up with Helene Elbaum, the EDC’s Vice Chairperson, to coordinate council members visiting various local businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Councilman Forstenhausler referred to the micro-milling project on Millbrook Ave. He asked if anyone had noticed that recently there was another vehicle accident in the area. Manager Mountain informed him that he was aware of the accident, although it occurred in the area just before where the roadwork occurred. Councilman Forstenhausler asked that the area be further examined by the Police Department and the Traffic Advisory Committee to see if warning signs or other cautionary measures are needed. Councilman Nisivoccia informed the council that the Traffic Advisory Committee had discussed the area with the Morris County Traffic Engineer. His office suggested that the township micro-mill the road and evaluate the trends of vehicle accidents reported in the area. They further suggested that if vehicle crashes continue, the township should reengineer the road bend and re-grade it. He plans to share Councilman Forstenhausler’s comments with the Traffic Advisory Committee.

Councilman Nisivoccia asked if there was any update on the Cell Tower. Manager Mountain informed him that AT&T would be going live in the coming days and weeks. He spoke with the team working on the system integration, and they reported that they were approaching the final stages before turning on the antenna. He informed the council that although the township had pushed Verizon to sign the carrier contract awarded to them within the designated time frame, they had failed to do so yet again. He informed the council that among the Combined Action Resolutions is a resolution that will rescind the awarded contract from Verizon; this will enable the township to move ahead with bidding for other carriers. Verizon had continuously asked for extensions since they held the lease in 2017, having plenty of time for them to work out what they needed to, he fully expects that they will put in a bid when the township goes out to rebid. The hope is to have an additional carrier contracted by the early part of 2021.

Mayor Carey asked Manger Mountain if there were any plans for the annual holiday lighting. Manager Mountain informed her that holiday decorations will be going up on November 16th, with the lighting taking place on Small Business Saturday, November 28th.

D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the October 22, 2020 minutes. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #7- #13, Refunding remaining escrow funds- Councilman Tkacs pointed out that the resolutions all relate to communication; he asked Manager Mountain to explain what they accomplish. Manager Mountain informed him that the companies involved all maintain various towers and ground equipment in the township, therefore they are required to post an escrow with the township in case any damage to town property should occur. He added that he was not sure why all the escrow funds came in together; and guessed that it could be a result of their departments cleaning house.

Item #9, Refund remaining escrow funds for 39 Shongum Road- Councilman Loveys inquired about why 39 Shongum Road was specified in the resolution. Manager Mountain informed him that an antenna is in the area.

Item #2, Authorizing the Township of Randolph to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission to join the North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System- Councilman Loveys asked if the Cooperative Pricing Agreement was typical, specifically concerning the section that relates to there being no-cost responsibility to join the co-op. He asked Manager Mountain if the co-op was assuming all the costs, and what benefit they are reaping from doing so. Manager Mountain informed him that the township is presently apart of several co-ops that offer no-cost responsibility. The no-cost responsibility of the co-op was most likely due to the entity not offering additional services beyond what they do for their own organization. It differs from the Morris County Cooperative which charges fees because of all the additional services and coordination provided with membership. Councilman Loveys asked if the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission was new. Manager Mountain informed him that the pricing system was new, and the allowance of a co-op may be as well, though the entity was not.

Item #6, Cash road opening bond for soil boring samples at the Combs Avenue Bridge over Dawson Brook to Sano Drilling- Councilman Loveys inquired about the timing of the project asking if progress should be seen around spring or summer. Manager Mountain responded that he hoped for that timeline. He shared that he had been corresponding with the Morris County Bridge Department and believed that the process was being caught up by the State Historic Preservation Office. He plans to reach out to them to inquire about anything eminent. The township would now like an updated plan for when they are ready to start the process.

Item #46, Authorizing Appropriation Transfers per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58- Councilman Loveys asked if the amount of fund transfers was slightly more than what was seen in previous years; particularly referring to the Sewer Contractual O&E. Manager Mountain informed him that there was an issue with the Morris Township meter that caused the inability to project costs for the Sewer Contractual, therefore the transfer was needed. He continued to ask Manager Mountain for clarification on what the transfer for the Public Defender O&E of $5,000 was for. Manager Mountain informed him that he would follow up with him. Councilman Loveys additionally inquired about the Recycling O &E transfer, asking if it was a result of the township generating more recycling than in previous years. Manager Mountain informed him that it was the product of the recycling cost exceeding budget amounts; he informed him that until the cost stabilizes cost transfers will likely continue.

Deputy Mayor Veech asked Manager Mountain to confirm if the township’s recycling cost per ton was significantly less than the cost for waste disposal. Manager Mountain confirmed that her statement was correct; however, the gap between the two items is starting to close.

Councilman Nisivoccia asked Manager Mountain to distribute to the council the cost of what the township is paying for recycling and solid waste. Manager Mountain stated that he would do so.

1. R-292-20 Authorizing the settlement of a tax appeal for Block 51, Lot 9.25, 22 Kingsbrook Court, Michael and Terri Roth
2. R-293-20 Authorizing the Township of Randolph to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission to join the North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System (NJWCPS) for purchase of goods and services from November 12, 2020 to November 24, 2024
3. R-294-20 Authorizing the release of cash road opening bond posted for the purpose of resurfacing the driveway at 31 Black Birch Drive, Block 208.02, Lot 19 to Keith Lebowitz—$500.00
4. R-295-20 Authorizing the release of cash road opening bond posted for the purpose of resurfacing the driveway at 1 Gianna Court, Block 47.01, Lot 28.23 to Dennis Connaughton—$500.00
5. R-296-20 Awarding a contract to Air Systems Maintenance, Inc. for Preventive Maintenance/Repair of HVAC Equipment of Township Buildings/Complexes for the period of January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021 with option to extend—$55,560.00

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
Dated: November 12, 2020

As required by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, N.J.A.C. 5:30-14.5, and any other applicable requirement, I, Darren Maloney, Director of Finance for the Township of Randolph, have ascertained that funds will be available in the 2021 Temporary Budget (pending adoption) Building and Grounds, O&E to award a contract to Air System Maintenance, Inc. for HVAC services, per its response to a bid solicitation by the Township.

Darren Maloney
Chief Financial Officer

Budget Accounts: 01-201-26-310-305
2021 Temporary Budget pending adoption (not to exceed $55,560)

6. R-297-20 Release cash road opening bond for the purpose of soil boring samples at the Combs Avenue Bridge over Dawson Brook to Sano Drilling—$500.00
7. R-298-20 Refund remaining escrow funds for 18 Arthur Lane, Block 121, Lot 32 to New Cingular Wireless, c/o Judith Fairweather, Esq. of Pinilis Halpern, LLP—$1,955.10
8. R-299-20 Refund remaining escrow funds for 3 Aspen Drive, Block 18, Lot 1.05 to New York SMSA LP, c/o Law Offices of Hiering Dupignac—$488.06
9. R-300-20 Refund remaining escrow for 39 Shongum Road, Block 201, Lot 68 to New Cingular Wireless, PCS, LLC (AT&T), c/o Judith Fairweather, Esq., Pinilis Halpern LLP—$488.06
10. R-301-20 Refund remaining escrow funds for 18 Arthur Lane, Block 121, Lot 32 to Communication Infrastructure Corp. $17.67
11. R-302-20 Refund remaining escrow for 18 Arthur Lane, Block 121, Lot 32 to X Wave Communications—$943.50
12. R-303-20 Refund remaining escrow for 18 Arthur Lane, Block 121, Lot 32 to Metro Network Services, LLC—$87.06
13. R-304-20 Refund remaining escrow funds for 18 Arthur Lane, Block 121, Lot 32 to Communication Infrastructure, c/o Ferraro & Stamos—$480.87
14. R-305-20 Refund duplicate tax payments made for the 4th quarter of 2020 for various homes in Randolph totaling $7,436.16
15. R-306-20 Authorizing the Change Order #1 for the removal and replacement of the curb to install the drop curb and ramp to Rochelle Contracting Co. for the Calais Road Park Project to increase the project by$2,005.50 bringing the new contract total to $1,468,994.50
16. R-307-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #5 Paving Materials to Tilcon New York
17. R-308-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #6 for Road Resurfacing to various companies
18. R-309-20 Authorizing the award of Contract #7 Drainage Pipe to Ferguson Enterprises, LLC
19. R-310-20 Authorizing the award to David Weber Oil Company and rejection of bid from Lubenet, LLC for MCCPC Contract #8 Anti-Freeze
20. R-311-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #9 Crushed Stone and Sand to Eastern Concrete Materials
21. R-312-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #11 Motor Oils and Miscellaneous Lubricants to various bidders
22. R-313-20 Authorizing the award of Contract #14 Catch Basins and Manhole Castings to Campbell Foundry Company
23. R-314-20 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #16 Office Supplies to various bidders
24. R-315-20 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #17 Water Treatment Chemicals to various bidders
25. R-316-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #19 Concrete Blocks and Granite Curb Blocks to Continental Hardware, Inc.
26. R-317-20 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #20-A Sporting Goods to various bidders
27. R-318-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #21 Oil and Stone Treatment to Morris Asphalt Company, Inc.
28. R-319-20 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #22 DPW Uniforms/Work Shoes/Boots to various bidders
29. R-320-20 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #23 Police Uniforms and Equipment to various bidders
30. R-321-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #24 Bagged Cement and Poured Concrete to County Concrete Corp and Extech Building Materials
31. R-322-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #26 Beam Guide Rail and Safety Ends—Installed to Road Safety Systems, LLC
32. R-323-20 Authorizing the award to Sherwin Williams Co. and rejection of bid from Ricciardi Brothers, Inc. MCCPC Contract #27 Traffic Paint
33. R-324-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #28 Traffic Sign Material to ATD Highway Products, LLC and To Newman Signs, Inc.
34. R-325-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #31 Calcium Chloride Bags to Levitt’s, LLC
35. R-326-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #33 Clay and Infield Mix for Athletic Fields to Hanson Aggregates BMC, Inc.
36. R-327-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #36 Traffic Striping on Roadways to Denville Line Painting, Inc.
37. R-328-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #38 Preventive Maintenance/Repair of Communications Equipment to Communications Specialists, Inc.
38. R-329-20 Authorizing the award to Lerro Enterprises, Inc., and TJ’s Sportwide Trophy & Awards,Inc., and rejection to the bid from MTM Recognition
39. R-330-20 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #41 Purchase of Communications Equipment—Radios to various bidders
40. R-331-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #52 Fire Alarms, Sprinklers, Standpipe Systems & Fire Pumps to Absolute Protective Systems, Inc. and Haig’s Service Corporation
41. R-332-20 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #53 Fencing Materials and Installation to Challenger Fence Inc., and Fox Fence Enterprises, Inc.
42. R-333-20 Authorizing Contracts with Additional Approved ESCNJ Contract Vendors under the Educational Services Commission of NJ Cooperative Pricing System (ESCNJ) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
43. R-334-20 Authorizing Contracts with an Additional Approved Contract Vendor Under the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC) Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)
44. R-335-20 Authorizing Contracts with Additional Approved State Contract Vendors for Contracting Units Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12a
45. R-336-20 Authorizing the Township Manager to Endorse the Treatment Works Approval Application to NJDEP for the Construction of the 106 Hurd Street LLC Sewer Main Extension in the Township of Mine Hill
46. R-337-20 Authorizing Appropriation Transfers per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58

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

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler (Abstained to #40, R-331-20)
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Fire Department Inspection at Station 4 (Ironia) on Dover Chester Road, Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. - approximately 5:00 p.m.
2. Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Zoom Networking Event, Thursday, November 19, 2020 at noon

G. ORDINANCE SECOND READING

1. Ordinance No. 20-20 Amending and Supplementing Sections 31-52 and 31-301(a) of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Sections 31-52 and 31-301(a) 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.

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance puts into effect traffic control change recommendations submitted to the council in October from the Traffic Advisory Committee.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Sections 31-52 and 31-301(a) 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.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Deputy Mayor Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

H. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 21-20 Amending Sections 34-33, 34-34, 34-35, 34-36, 34-37 and 34-39 of Chapter 34, Parks and Recreation Areas of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph

Manager Mountain explained that the ordinance follows multiple revisions and changes recommended by the Parks Advisory Committee, Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Township’s Parks and Recreation Department on multiple sections of Chapter 34 of the Parks and Recreation Areas Revised Ordinances.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Amending Sections 34-33, 34-34, 34-35, 34-36, 34-37 and 34-39 of Chapter 34, Parks and Recreation Areas of the Revised Ordinances of 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 24th of November, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 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.

Deputy Mayor Veech suggested the reworking of multiple sections in Chapter 34 of the Parks and Recreation Areas of the Revised Ordinances. She asked that further clarification and wording changes be made to section 2, item (a,11), section 2, item (a,16), section 3, item 3, section 4, item (1,a), section 4, item (1,d), and section 5, item (1). Manager Mountain informed her that some of the suggestions may need to be sent back to the committees for review.

Councilman Loveys suggested changes to the wording used in section 2, item (a, 25), section 34-32, section 34-35, item (14), section 34-36, and section 34-37 be made. He further inquired about section 4, section 34-34, item (15), asking why the penalty for Brundage Skate Park violations was $1,000.00, while the township’s general park provisions state that violation penalty fees are $2,000.00. Manager Mountain informed him that this was most likely an oversight and that the Brundage Park fee should match the general park provisions, he will investigate the passage with the committees.

Mayor Carey asked what the reasoning behind the committees’ review of the chapter was. Manager Mountain informed her that the committee decided to do so to address consistency issues with passages that caused some enforcement issues.

Manager Mountain recommended that the council not proceed with introducing the ordinance at this point, due to many of the suggestions requiring review by the committees. He deferred to Township Attorney Buzak for guidance on what must happen next procedurally. Mr. Buzak informed him that the suggestions can be taken directly back to the committees as no motion has been taken. Mayor Carey agreed that this was the correct form of action.

Ordinance No. 21-20 “Amending Sections 34-33, 34-34, 34-35, 34-36, 34-37 and 34-39 of Chapter 34, Parks and Recreation Areas of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey” was tabled for further review.

2. Ordinance No. 22-20 Amending Appendix A, Fee Schedule, Special Duty Police Officers, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance pertains to the rates special duty police officers are paid for outside detail services.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Amending Appendix A, Fee Schedule, Special Duty Police Officers, 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 24th of November, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 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.

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

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

3. Ordinance No. 23-20 Amending Ordinance No. 27-16 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for the Specified Officers and Employees in the Township of Randolph

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance sets the salary ranges for the Township Police Department. BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “Amending Ordinance No. 27-16 to Provide and Determine the Range of Compensation for the 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 24th of November, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 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.

Deputy Mayor Veech commented that Manager Mountain did a great job during the negotiation process and made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

I. DISCUSSION

1. Randolph Single-Use Plastics

Manager Mountain informed the council that Governor Murphy recently signed legislation that will prohibit the use of single-use plastic and paper bags in all stores and food service businesses statewide. Councilwoman Potter suggested that in light of the legislation, the council should discuss if the Environmental Advisory Subcommittee group working on single-use plastics be redirected in its mission, and/or be disbanded and absorbed by the larger Environmental Advisory Committee.

Councilwoman Potter explained that on June 27th, 2019, the council directed a group of the Environmental Advisory Committee to research single-use plastics to ascertain if the township should consider an official ordinance, education programs, and to examine a consortium of neighboring towns’ response to the issue. She informed the council that this new law applies to businesses 2500 sq. ft. or larger and places a ban on plastic and paper single-use bags, as well as disposable food containers and cups made out of polystyrene foam, with a few exceptions. The law would be effective in May 2022. She further explained to the council that there was a need to determine if the subcommittee required change in form of its purpose, and to evaluate if it should be moved to the larger Environmental Advisory Committee.

Deputy Mayor Veech liked the idea of moving the subcommittee group to the Environmental Advisory Committee.

Mayor Carey asked Councilwoman Potter if the subcommittee group was an established sub-set. Councilwoman Potter informed her that the group was a temporary committee, led by members of the Environmental Advisory Committee and made up of volunteers. She further explained that if the group were to disband, participants would attend the Environmental Advisory Committee meetings to discuss the topic. She also shared that the group could be directed to form an educational plan to inform the community about the new legislation.

Councilman Forstenhausler suggested that the group focus on educating community members on what the new law entails, and help individuals understand what is and is not permissible under it. He added that preparing an education program could help get reliable information out, prevent misinformation from spreading, and help everyone with the transition.

Mayor Carey suggested that the group meet with the Economic Development Committee, as many businesses in the community will be affected by this legislation.

Councilman Nisivoccia informed the council that the EDC had representation on the subject in a Board of Health (BOH) meeting held the previous year. Councilwoman Potter shared that in that meeting, the Township Health Officer presented a list of businesses 2500 sq. ft. and larger that would be affected by the ban. They are now beginning the process of contacting the businesses.

Manager Mountain agreed that the objective should be to educate and communicate information about the legislation and to assist individuals and businesses in understanding and complying with the law. He stated that the Environmental Advisory Committee should take the lead in this effort while communicating with the Board of Health and Economic Development Committee.

Mayor Carey mentioned that the schools may want to develop an education program to inform students about the new law and single-use plastics.

Manager Mountain stated that there was plenty of time to get the word out and develop information as there is quite some time between the legislation passing and it being implemented.

Councilman Loveys asked Councilwoman Potter if the subcommittee group was aware that the legislation had passed. She responded that most of the committee was following it. She did plan to send out news of the legislation passing to the committee, along with information about whether the subcommittee group would be disbanded or not. The group members would be informed that they can participate as members of the Environmental Advisory Committee through Tap the Talent or by attending the committee meetings. She informed the council that some of the subcommittee members were students; and they may look into taking the suggestion of single-use plastic education back to the schools.

Councilwoman Potter informed the council that she would relay their suggestions to the Environmental Advisory Committee and subcommittee group members. The committee will work with the Economic Development Committee and the Board of Health to put together information about the legislation for the public.

2. R-291-20 Approving the Schedule of Mayor and Council Meetings for 2021

Mayor Carey assumed that the meetings for 2021 would be held virtually for some time. Manager Mountain informed her that the township is anticipating that the meetings would continue to be held virtually through spring at minimum.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked how the swearing-in at the reorganization meeting would take place. Manager Mountain informed him that the swearing-in could be conducted one on one with the Township Clerk. Where the difficulty lies with the reorganization meeting is with the ceremonial aspects that will be difficult to do in person. He plans on discussing how the event will proceed with Mayor Carey and Township Clerk Luciani; they will get back to the council.

Mayor Carey asked if there were any dates on the calendar that any of the council members knew they would be unable to attend. Deputy Mayor Veech responded that she was fine with the schedule. Councilman Loveys asked if the time frame for the meetings were going to be kept to the current 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. starting time as opposed to 7 p.m. Manager Mountain informed him that the early time frames were being stuck with as it seems to work better for the zoom setting. Township Clerk Luciani asked if everyone was okay with the February 4th Budget Meeting date. Councilman Tkacs responded that he was fine with the date.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the Schedule of Mayor and Council Meetings for 2021. Councilwoman Potter seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

J. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

K. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilman Tkacs attended a Planning Board meeting the previous week. During the meeting, the board approved refurbishment plans for a new business called Gutter Plumber. Owned and operated by a U.S. Veteran, the business provides franchisee training for returning veterans. He also attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting the previous week and had the opportunity to tour the transfer station located in Mount Olive; he was impressed with the facility. He concluded his report by sharing that he had attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Lightbridge Academy and the VFW Veterans Day Ceremony.

Councilwoman Potter reported that she attended the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) meeting on October 28th. She informed the council that 2020 was the first year in which the committee began alternating between a.m. and p.m. meetings; they plan to continue this for 2021 to make it easier for community members to attend. MAC recently held a 15 Minute Child Break webinar and Coping During COVID-19 virtual event, on November 18th the committee will hold a Tobacco 101 event. The virtual event will focus on educating and helping individuals quit vaping and smoking. She further shared that she had recently attended the Diversity Inclusion Steering Committee Town Hall meeting and the VFW Ceremony.

Councilman Loveys reported that he had recently attended a Board of Health meeting. He shared that the seasonal flu clinics have been successful and continue to be held by appointment only. He also informed the council that the two days of confidential document shredding offered by the Health Department resulted in over 12 tons of shredded documents, three times more than any of the previous years.

During the board meeting, Township Health Officer Mark Caputo shared details about his conferences with the state Department of Health regarding vaccination development, and distribution to healthcare workers, assisted care workers, senior citizens, and those with compromised immune systems. Logistics for vaccine distribution are still being worked out. The Morris County Office of Health Management will be taking the lead in the endeavor. Randolph will be eligible to receive vaccines as the township participates in the Department of Health’s vaccination programs; Mr. Caputo is in the process of applying for immunization doses. The board also reviewed Governor Murphy’s recent executive orders related to the cancellation of youth sports, indoor dining curfew, and regulations on patron seating and barrier use. He reported that Mr. Caputo is in the process of completing a federal grant application to be used for an outreach coordinator to aid the township’s vulnerable population and to be used to offset other pandemic related expenses. The Township Nurses have continued to conduct contact tracing around the clock; additional tracers have been provided by the state, however, the aid has not been effective due to scheduling conflicts.

Additionally, he reported that members of the Board of Health unanimously requested communication be issued to residents about how the Health Department is notified, how they’ve been handling positive cases, how much time there is between receiving positive information and start of contact tracing, etc. Communication would include FAQ’s about the virus and the importance of cooperation with contact tracers. He asked Manager Mountain and Mayor Carey to coordinate with the BOH and Mr. Caputo to get their blessing before the communication is released. Mayor Carey stated that the suggestion was a great idea. Councilman Loveys informed the council that he impressed upon the board the importance of getting approval before releasing it to the public. Mayor Carey inquired about the distribution process of the developed communication. Manager Mountain informed her that it would follow the same media outlets the township currently utilizes for other communication. Councilman Forstenhausler approved this distribution method. He agreed that once approved by Mr. Caputo, and reviewed by the Mayor and Manager, the assembled document should be released on the township’s usual communication channels, such as the township website, Facebook, Twitter, TapInto Randolph, and the Randolph Reporter.

Councilman Loveys shared that Mr. Caputo provided higher education guidance from Governor Murphy’s office to the County College of Morris (CCM), in addition to private institutions such as the Kumon Learning Center. He concluded his comments by reporting that he attended CCM’s Heroes and Healers Veterans Day event. The event featured a drive-through Hill of Honor display consisting of photos of everyday heroes and healers and was a tribute to honor the bravery and sacrifice of veterans, active military personnel, first responders, and healthcare workers.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that he attended two ribbon-cutting ceremonies and the VFW Veterans Day Ceremony. He shared that he had attended a Traffic Advisory Committee meeting, during which it was reported that construction was occurring on Route 10. The committee asked the police to check out the work and learned that the state was improving the left turn lane near Center Grove Road. They were disappointed that the state had not notified the township that the work was occurring, however, they were pleased that the project was finally being addressed; the work is estimated to be completed in three weeks.

He attended a Library Board of Trustees meeting and reported that the library was preparing for the possibility of restricting access to the facility if new restrictions are implemented. The library had noticed that foot traffic inside the facility had decreased and that residents have begun requesting that library material be picked up via curbside.

He reported that the Annual Performance Appraisals for the Township Manager and Township Clerk have been distributed to the council. The questions on the document are the same as in previous years, with the addition of COVID-19 related questions. He asked that the council get their responses back to him by November 27th. Deputy Mayor Veech thanked him for organizing the appraisals. Councilman Forstenhausler reported that he attended the VFW Veterans Day Ceremony, commenting that the VFW did a great job on the event. He recently attended ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the township and stated that it was refreshing to see ribbon cuttings and grand openings continuing in the present economic climate; he added that the township welcomes new businesses with open arms.

He reported that the Diversity Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) had recently held a Town Hall meeting. DISC is now in the process of gathering information with their Communication Liaison Leader to develop an online survey for those unable to attend the virtual zoom meetings. He shared that another DISC meeting is to be held next week. He hoped that more members of the community would attend the meetings as many of the committee members, himself included, have been deeply moved by the individuals sharing their concerns, aspirations, and hopes for the community. He concluded his report by informing the council that there is a Trails Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for the next week and that the Safety Committee has continued to meet virtually over Zoom.

Deputy Mayor Veech reported that she attended a Community Garden meeting and Parks Advisory Committee meeting. She shared that the Community Garden shed has been put up and that the committee is looking for additional tools; one member of the committee offered to install a sink. She informed the council that presently there are 18 people on the garden waiting list. She informed the council that additional tables and benches have been ordered for the township’s new park and that a group of DPW/Parks employees have been quarantining for two weeks due to a reported positive case.

Mayor Carey informed the council that the Economic Development Committee met last Tuesday. She shared that she would be following up with committee members Dana Tamminga and Helene Elbaum to obtain a list of businesses designated for council members to visit on Small Business Saturday. After the VFW Ceremony, she was invited to visit Sunrise Senior Living to present World War 2 Veteran Ethel Small with a proclamation. The presentation did not go as planned as a positive case was reported at the facility; she added that Ms. Small was a very lovely woman and that she was thrilled to receive the proclamation.

She had participated on a call with the Morris County Freeholders and Morris County Mayors on Monday. She shared that the county is developing plans to offer home COVID-19 testing. There will be two different tests, one will require participation on a Zoom telemedicine call, and the other will not. Once a test is requested the county will overnight a nasal/saliva test to the individual’s home.

She referred back to Councilman Nisivoccia’s report of the Route 10 construction work taking place; she added that she was pleased that the work was getting done. She explained that the construction was not a surprise as the township had been corresponding with the state to get the work started; they just lacked notification about the particular day.

Mayor Carey concluded her comments by wishing a Happy Diwali to all the residents who celebrate the five-day Festival of Lights. Deputy Mayor Veech added that it was always a great experience attending the community’s various holiday celebrations and that she hoped they can get back to attending events next year.

L. EXECUTIVE SESSION

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting under certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from the Executive portion of the meeting.

2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:

Shongum Lake/DEP Loan Agreement

3. As nearly as now can be ascertained, the matter or matters to be discussed at this time will be disclosed to the public at such time and under such circumstances as are prescribed by law.

4. At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the Council may or may not reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to move into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to close Executive Session at 8:40 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

M. ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m. Councilwoman Potter seconded the motion and following roll vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None