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

Minutes: November 17, 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:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

Also present: Township Manager Greg Poff, Deputy Clerk Janet Pollio, Township Attorney Edward J. Buzak (via phone), and Attorney Keli Gallo (via phone).

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Potter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

David Timpanaro of 450 Quaker Church Road referred to comments made by Tracey McGuire on social media relating to the passing of his late father. He stated that comments continued to remain posted on social media. He explained that for the past six years no one has placed a political lawn sign on his lawn without permission. He stated that last year such an incident led to much grief for his family. He recounted incidents of an individual making fake profiles in his name. He stated that he had a sign on his property that was placed by Councilmember Hathaway removed. He commented that the sign placement led to additional signs being placed in the area representing individuals he did not support. He was concerned that a councilmember did not consider that someone maintained the property and stated that the situation felt purposeful. He stated that he wanted to be left alone, and that he would not have attended this meeting had he received responses from the council. He stated that the council had an obligation to represent him as he is a constituent. He asked individuals to stop coming after him.

Joseph Amaral of 14 Holly Drive stated that everyone needed to move on. He commented that the issue was perpetuated by continually being brought up. He suggested that everyone should discuss their grievances or move on. He stated that he reached out to Mr. Timpanaro's friend to speak. He suggested that moving forward everyone should be better and the bad seeds would eventually remove themselves.

Seeing and hearing no one further, the public session was closed.

C. PROCLAMATION

1. Proclamation for Morris County Administrator John Bonanni to be Presented by Mayor Potter at his Retirement Event, December 8, 2022

Councilmember Loveys shared that he made a few comments about the second "Whereas" passage of the proclamation. He provided clarification on how the language should be changed and identified a typo; he commented that the changes were not substantive.

Councilmember Veech made a motion to approve the proclamation as amended. Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

D. MANAGER'S REPORT

Manager Poff reported the following:

NJLM Annual Conference - This week he attended the NJLM Conference. He had the opportunity to attend several workshops, some of the topics covered was park facility management, public contract EEO compliance, a review of the state of the from past governors, and the annual risk management session. Additionally, he was able to network with a number of colleagues as well as several attorneys and financial professionals that he previously worked with.

Traffic Advisory Committee Update - Township Engineer Paul Ferriero has been in contact with the Morris County Department of Engineering and Transportation about the Traffic Advisory Committee's request for an updated traffic study of the Sussex Turnpike corridor. He and Mr. Ferriero would keep the council apprised of their progress with Morris County. He noted that the Planning Board, with support from the Division of Planning and Zoning, intended to reexamine the circulation element during 2023.

2023 Budget Preparation - Capital budget meetings have concluded and the statutorily required department budget hearings were conducted last week. He is working with CFO Debbie Bonanno in the development of a draft budget document including the township's Capital Improvement Plan.

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #5, R-283-22, Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #22 - DPW Uniforms/Work Shoes/Boots - Manager Poff noted that there was some difficulty with uploading this resolution online. He stated that copies were available for the public and that the council did receive the complete resolution.

1. R-279-22 Authorizing Refund of Registration Fee for Ice Hockey for Non-resident to Lu Baruch - $400.00

2. R-280-22 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #6 - Road Resurfacing

3. R-281-22 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #52 - Fire Alarms, Sprinklers, Standpipe Systems, Fire pumps

4. R-282-22 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #27 - Traffic and Field Marking Paint

5. R-283-22 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #22 - DPW Uniforms/Work Shoes/Boots

6. R-284-22 Authorizing the Contracts under the North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System (NJWWCPS)

7. R-285-22 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #28 (Traffic Sign Materials)

8. R-286-22 Refund A Portion of Escrow Funds for 22 Valley Road, Block 97, Lot 30.19 to Christina Maggiulli - $24.00

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

AYES:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Holiday Lighting at Veterans Community Park on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Tree lighting at 6:00 p.m.
2. Council Only: Employee Appreciation Breakfast, Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in the Municipal Building Lobby at 9:00 a.m.
3. Council Only - John Bonanni, County Administrator's Retirement, The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, 90 Rte.46 East, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046, Thursday, December 8, 2022, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
4. Morris County Board of County Commissioners Meeting, Reorganization Meeting on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Administration and Records Building, 10 Court Street, 5th Floor, Morristown

G. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 34-22 - Amending Sections 15-2.2, 15-5.4, 15-35, 15-26 and 15-31 of the Land Development Ordinance

Manager Poff explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to amend Sections 15-2.2, 15-5.4, 15-35, 15-26 and 15-31 of the Land Development Ordinance of the Township of Randolph to include zoning regulations for community residences for people with disabilities that achieve legitimate government interests and provide clarity and certainty to the public and the prospective operators of such community residences on where the community residences may locate as of right and via conditional use permits. He noted that language pertaining to schools and daycare facilities was removed based on the Township Attorney's recommendation.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, "An Ordinance Amending Sections 15-2.2, 15-5.4, 15-35, 15-26 and 15-31 of the Land Development Ordinance 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 8th, of December, 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.

Councilmember Carey asked why the language was struck from the ordinance. Manager Poff explained that it was suggested by the Township Attorney as the restriction would not have a significant impact. He explained that the exception was one school on Sussex Turnpike, which had four lots across the street that consisted of two vacancies, and a two-family dwelling and single-family dwelling that is considered to be undersized by the state. He stated that the attorney believed it to be in the township's best interest not to include the restriction. He stated that the distance requirement was increased from 100ft to 200ft.

Councilmember Carey inquired about the next steps for the ordinance. Manager Poff explained that notice would be published in the newspaper pursuant to Municipal Land Use Law. He stated that the ordinance would be referred to the Planning Board for determination on whether it is consistent with the Township Master Plan. He explained that the board's referral would be provided to the council prior to the second hearing and public reading scheduled in December.

Councilmember Forstenhausler made a motion to introduce the ordinance. Councilmember Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

H. DISCUSSION

1. 2023 Council Meeting Dates

Manager Poff stated that the Township Clerk requested that this discussion item be moved to the next meeting as she was unable to attend the current meeting. The Township Council agreed unanimously.

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

J. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilmember Forstenhausler asked Manager Poff or the Planning Board to consider contacting Morris County offices to request that the Dover-Chester Road and Quaker Church Road intersection be examined again to see if it could be made safer. He noted that the road belonged to the county. Councilmember Carey asked that the Traffic Advisory Committee be looped in on the communication. Councilmember Forstenhausler concluded his report by sharing that he attended several workshops at the 2022 New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) Conference. He stated that the classes were very informative.

Councilmember Loveys shared that he also attended classes at the NJLM Conference. He reported that the Recreation Advisory Committee was working hard to change the culture in several recreational youth programs to encourage parents and referees to be better models for the participating kids. He stated that a subcommittee met to review the criteria that will be discussed with each program chairperson.

Councilmember Hathaway reported that the subcommittee within the Environmental Landmarks Advisory Committee continued its efforts to explore a number of recommendations and ideas on how to memorialize and recognize the history of Mark's Corner. They are working towards identifying various landmarks and considering ways to formally recognize the areas. He concluded his report by thanking the poll workers for their work on Election Day.

Councilmember Veech echoed previous comments about the NJLM Conference. She reported that she spoke with Township Historian Gail Hari. Ms. Hari mentioned that the Historical Society was looking for volunteers. Councilmember Veech proposed that the Historical Society be added to the Tap the Talent Volunteer form.

Councilmember Carey echoed previous comments about the NJLM Conference. She reported that the Randolph Library staff members had been taking classes on visual merchandising to improve library displays. She shared that the library was continuing to work with Clerk Luciani to replace the gazebo. She commented that there was much interest in potentially holding mahjong activities at the facility. She reported that the library was interested in re-establishing the pre-COVID-19 event of Randolph Township School Kindergarteners visiting the library to get their library cards. The Library Director reached out to Superintendent Jennifer Fano. Superintendent Fano would be following up with school principals to continue the program.

She addressed Dr. Timpanaro's comments regarding statements made via social media. She stated that she was not active on social media and that the statements he relayed were terrible. She stated that she was not sure what she could do personally, but that she would make it known that the comments were not something she condoned and were inappropriate.

Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia echoed previous comments about the NJLM Conference. He reported that the Board of Health was assembling a list of questions for its student member to consider when preparing reports for the meetings. He informed the council that the Senior Citizen Outreach Card project was again taking place. He explained that cards were being collected from all the local school children, Boy and Girl Scouts, youth groups and more to be delivered to the seniors in the community. He appreciated that Superintendent Fano and the many schools in the township embraced the project.

Mayor Potter reported that a request was received from resident Alice Knothe, to install a bench in honor of Robert Peter Brundage in front of the Old Brundage House/Randolph Museum, next to the bench dedicated to Peter Knothe. Ms. Knothe shared that she was willing to cover the costs of the bench and the VFW will be contributing $250 towards the dedication. Contributions/donations are being accepted.

K. 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:

a. Personnel

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.

Councilmember Veech made a motion to move into Executive Session at 6:36 p.m. Councilmember Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

Councilmember Forstenhausler made a motion to close Executive Session at 7:27 p.m. Councilmember Veech seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None

L. ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Forstenhausler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Councilmember Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilmember Carey
Councilmember Forstenhausler
Councilmember Hathaway
Councilmember Loveys
Councilmember Veech
Deputy Mayor Nisivoccia
Mayor Potter

NAYS: None