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

Minutes: October 24, 2019

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 Loveys. 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 29, 2018 by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 1, 2018. 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 December 6, 2018.

2. Roll Call

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

Also present: Township Manager Mountain and Attorney Keli Gallo from the Buzak Law Group

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Loveys led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Resident Shreya Thakkar, on behalf of Randolph’s Indian community, requested that “Diwali” be proclaimed and recognized as the Indian New Year within Randolph Township. She explained the importance of Diwali to the Indian community which represents over 10% of the Randolph population. Shreya explained that Diwali is known as the festival of lights, and to the Indian community, it is similar to Rosh Hashanah and Christmas. She explained the reasons for her request, and asked that the township recognize October 27, 2019 as Diwali Awareness Day in Randolph. Mayor Loveys thanked Shreya, and stated that the Council received the invitation to their Diwali celebration. He explained that the Indian community is accepted and welcomed in Randolph Township. Dr. Vijal Davi added that they try to raise awareness for the next generation. Rob Soni thanked the Council for their time and attention.

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

C. INTRODUCTION OF NEW JCP&L AREA MANAGER

1. Introduction of JCP&L Area Manager Bob Flynn

Mayor Loveys introduced Bob Flynn.

Mr. Flynn explained that he started with JCP&L six months ago. He came from a background in Federal and State government; he has lived in New Jersey his whole life. He covers 30 towns, and is currently introducing himself to all of them. He provided two updates:

IIP project—an infrastructure improvement plan. JCP&L applied for a $400M grant from the BPU for a four year project; they received a $97M grant for one year. The project is in two phases and should be completed by the end of 2020.
- First phase is to increase vegetation management. Through the BPU, they have the right to trim brush right outside the substation, called the circuit lockout zone; categorized as zone one. They now have, through the BPU, the ability to trim in zone two, which is more along the main streets. For that type of trimming they need approval from the homeowner; this is not part of their four year cycle.
- Second phase is a device, called a “trip saver,” that can be used to locate and repair circuits. JCP&L has determined the problem areas in each of their towns, and the devices will be installed throughout 2020. The device is an automated fuse cutout; it is much larger than a regular fuse. It senses the transient fault and automatically tries to reconnect itself.
Swale by Dunkin Donuts on Route 10—there were two huge pieces of logs that were left in the woods from a storm a long time ago; they flooded the swale. JCP&L got a crash truck and DOT permit to get the large logs out of the swale to remove some of the backlog. They just finished that project yesterday.

Mr. Flynn explained that he receives a budget and has the ability to sponsor events in the town. He stated that if there are things important to the town, to get in touch with him.

Councilwoman Veech asked for clarification on what he meant by sponsoring events. Mr. Flynn explained that if there was a Randolph Day, a 5K race, or a similar event with corporate sponsorships, JCP&L could be a sponsor. Some things need to go through the First Energy Foundation, but he asked the Council to keep him in the loop about such events.

Councilwoman Potter asked approximately how many trip savers Randolph would be getting. Mr. Flynn replied that he wasn’t sure at this time, but once the allocations were determined, he planned to return and report to the Council the number as well as the planned locations.

Councilman Forstenhausler stated that he was pleased to hear that the trip savers were being implemented in Randolph. He asked if JCP&L is still restricted to a fifteen foot distance from the wires for tree trimming. Mr. Flynn confirmed that it was correct; the IIP work is removing dead overhang, if it’s healthy, they are not touching it. Councilman Forstenhausler asked if JCP&L was working with the legislature to try to get the fifteen foot rule changed. Mr. Flynn replied that he would check on it and report back.

D. MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

He stated that Bob Flynn has been very responsive in the short time he has been in his position at JCP&L. Mr. Flynn has been working closely with the township on the holiday decorations.
NJ Natural Gas Project Canfield Avenue—NJ Natural Gas advised that they will be initiating a gas main improvement project on Canfield Avenue beginning the week of November 4th. The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will begin at the intersection of Route 10 and Canfield Avenue to the intersection of Morris Turnpike. This phase of the project will be performed at night and will require a road closure; it is expected to be completed in approximately one week. The second phase of the project, from the intersection of Canfield Avenue and Morris Turnpike to the intersection of Sussex Turnpike and Nottingham Way, will begin upon the completion of the first phase. The second phase will be constructed during the day with work hours scheduled around the morning and afternoon commuting periods. One lane will remain open for vehicles, with alternating traffic. This phase of the project will take several weeks to complete. The contractor will not work the week of Thanksgiving in deference to Sun High Orchards, which typically experiences heavy business that week. Township police have been hired by the contractor to provide traffic control during the project.
Veterans Community Park—the Surety Company selected Rochelle Contracting to take over the completion of the Veterans Community Park project. Rochelle is a very reputable local contractor with extensive park development experience; they were the second low bid when this project was initially contracted. Paul Ferriero has reviewed the bid submitted by Rochelle, line item by line item, and is satisfied the pricing provided is accurate for the remaining work. Rochelle is ready to get started and will begin mobilizing as soon as the tender agreement is finalized. He had hoped to have the tender agreement ready for approval at this meeting; however, the Surety Company was unable to provide the final form of the agreement in time. He will work with them to have it ready for the next meeting. The township will work behind the scenes with Rochelle so there are no delays in mobilizing once the agreement is signed. Also, Wicklow & Laureano was selected to complete the interim work discussed at the last meeting for the Community Garden; the project will be included under the terms of the Tender Agreement so that the only additional out of pocket cost to the township will be the partial share of the scope change for sod installation around the bed areas (approximately $7,500). This project is expected to start in the next week and take approximately three days.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked if the township had recently paved Canfield Avenue in the area where the gas main work is taking place. Manager Mountain replied that it was paved more than three years ago; NJ Natural Gas will be responsible for repaving the road from the center to the edge.

Councilman Tkacs clarified that Rochelle Contracting was not contracted to do the work on the community garden. Manager Mountain explained that they did not bid on that piece; Wicklow & Laureano was the low bidder for the community garden project.

Manager Mountain continued with his report:

Holiday Decorations in Mt. Freedom—Verizon has approved the initial agreement required to have the decorations hung on their poles. He will submit the follow-up documents required for the specific pole approvals in the coming week and hope to receive approval of the request by early November. JCP&L has already approved the township’s request and is ready to work on the outlet installation. He has kept John Herold apprised of the progress and anticipates giving him approval to order the decorations in the coming week.

Councilwoman Veech asked if John Herold had received all of the funding for the decorations. Manager Mountain replied that he did not know, but he would check with John Herold.

E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving the Regular Council Meeting Minutes from September 5, 2019 and September 19, 2019

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 5, 2019 and September 19, 2019 regular Council meetings. Councilman Tkacs seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

F. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #1, tree bond—Councilman Tkacs commented that tree bonds were typically $500 and asked why this was so high; Manager Mountain said he would look into it and let him know.

Item #11, valve maintenance trailer—Councilman Tkacs commended the township for finding a buyer for the trailer, but asked for more information. Manager Mountain explained that the trailer was identified by the prior Water & Sewer Administrator as a possible solution for the township’s valve testing. While using it the first summer, they determined that there was a big difference between what they were sold and how it actually performed. They decided to put it out there and see if there were any buyers; the bid from the Borough of Bloomingdale was close to the purchase price.

1. Refund Tree Bond Posted for 4 Wooded Hill Lane, Block 149, Lot 6, to Alfred Lyon—$2,000

R-270-19

2. Refund Remaining Escrow for Block 127, Lot 23, 209 A & B West Chrystal Street to L&L USA, LLC—$1,000.00

R-271-19

3. Authorizing Change Order #3 (Final) to M.S.P. Construction Corporation for the Meadowbrook Road Watermain Replacement—Road Improvement, Section 1 Project Which Will Decrease the Contract Amount by $156,850.15 Bringing the Final Total to $2,201,604.35

R-272-19

4. Renewal of Membership in the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund for a 3 Year Period Ending January 1, 2023

R-273-19

5. Authorizing Contracts with an Additional Approved Vendor under the MCCPC Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11(5)

R-274-19

6. Release of Cash Road Opening Bond for the Purpose of Widening the Driveway at 20 Lake Shore Drive South, Block 210, Lot 12—Francine Ianetti—$500.00

R-275-19

7. Release of Cash Road Opening Bond Posted for the Purpose of Paving the Driveway at 145 Park Avenue, Block 16, Lot 7—Joseph Arwady—$500.00

R-276-19

8. Refund Tax Sale Certificate for Block 143, Lot 1, 120 High St. to Jing Yang—$485.78

R-277-19

9. Authorizing the Cancellation of an Outstanding Check from the Payroll Account—$22.05

R-278-19

10. Authorizing the Cancellation of Outstanding Checks from the General Account—$2,430.00

R-279-19

11. Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Personal Property No Longer Needed for Public Use to the Borough of Bloomingdale

R-280-19

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

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

NAYS: None

G. UPCOMING EVENTS

Operation Take Back, Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Acme on Millbrook Avenue and Sussex Turnpike; drop off expired and unused medications
Morris County Chamber Event: Economic Outlook Luncheon, Wednesday, October 30 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Park Savoy, 236 Ridgedale Ave., Florham Park; cost is $85
Council Meeting—Early Start on Tuesday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Annual Randolph Fire Department Inspection Dinner, Saturday, November 9 at 4:30 p.m., Ironia Fire Company #4, 331 Dover Chester Road, and at 6:00 p.m. at The Meadow Wood, cocktail hour
Diwali Celebration, Randolph Indian Association, Sunday, November 17 from 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Adults $35; Children $20; Aashirwad Palace, 169 S. Salem St.—RSVP/PayPal: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this e-mail address)
Randolph Area chamber of Commerce Event—Monthly Networking at LaStrada Restaurant, Thursday, November 21, Speaker Vinay Singh, “Will Multi-Gen Ageism Affect Someone You Know”
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Niyama Yoga and Wellness Studio, 1250 Sussex Tpke., Randolph on Friday, November 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luncheon Networking at LaStrada Restaurant, Thursday, December 5 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Library Event: Holiday Music, Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m.; registration required 973-895-3556
Senior Holiday Luncheon, Tuesday, December 10 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Community Center
Recreation Volunteer Awards, Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this e-mail address)
Employee Appreciation Breakfast, Wednesday, December 11 at 9:00 a.m. in the Municipal Building Lobby
2020 Reorganization Meeting at Town Hall, Thursday, January 2, 2020, light dinner served at 6:00 p.m. followed by meeting at 7:00 p.m.

H. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance No. 19-19 To Amend Chapter 47, Donation Clothing Bins, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 47, DONATION CLOTHING BINS, OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH, NEW JERSEY” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that this is a housekeeping ordinance; it clarifies the type of bin as well as changes the ordinance language to match, in practice, the way the permit is processed.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 47, DONATION CLOTHING BINS, OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH, 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.

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

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

NAYS: None

I. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 20-19 Accepting a Portion of Block 137, Lot 2 and a Portion of Block 137, Lot 5 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey from Randolph 10 Developers, LLC (Quaker Church Road, Portion of)

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance accepting the dedication of right-of-way that was prescribed by the Board of Adjustment’s approval of the Wawa project. The right-of-way is on the southern side of Quaker Church Road.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “ACCEPTING DEDICATION OF A PORTION OF BLOCK 137, LOT 2 AND A PORTION OF BLOCK 137, LOT 5 ON THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY FROM RANDOLPH 10 DEVELOPERS, LLC (QUAKER CHURCH ROAD, PORTION OF)” 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 21st of November 2019 at 7:00 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.

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

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

NAYS: None

2. Ordinance No. 21-19 Amending and Supplementing Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph by the Addition of Section 31-76 Regarding Parking of Large Commercial Vehicles on Residential Streets

Manager Mountain explained that this ordinance was discussed by the Council at the last meeting. It provides the restriction of large commercial vehicles on residential streets as previously discussed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 31, TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES, OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH BY THE ADDITION OF SECTION 31-76 REGARDING PARKING OF LARGE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

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

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

NAYS: None

3. Ordinance No. 22-19 Amending Sections 15-29.1 and 15-29.2.A of the Land Development Ordinance of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey Regarding the B-4 General Commercial District

Manager Mountain explained that Darren Carney presented this information at the last Council meeting. This ordinance brings into line the B-4 commercial district in accordance with the recommendation from the Master Plan committee from a couple of years ago. It provides for a wider variety of uses that can now be allowable in this area.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AMENDING SECTIONS 15-29.1 AND 15-29.2.A OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY REGARDING THE B-4 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

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

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

NAYS: None

J. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Best Practices Checklist

Manager Mountain thanked Darren Maloney for his work on the Best Practices inventory. This inventory process began approximately seven years ago with finance and budgeting questions; as it evolved it expanded into other areas. This version has a lot to do with economic development in urban areas. State aid funding is tied to the answers provided in the inventory; Randolph has always scored well above the threshold. The Manager explained that he does not go through the inventory question by question. If there was a specific question someone wanted addressed, he would provide an answer. They will be submitting the document within the next week.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked why the township responded no to the question, “Does your municipality maintain centralized records for all time worked and all employee leave time earned and used?” Manager Mountain explained that Randolph is centralized for all of the administrative offices; the police department keeps records for their time. The police department ties into the system, but it’s more of a hybrid and not a completely centralized system. They felt that to be on the safe side, they would respond no; it will not affect the overall score.

Mayor Loveys stated that there used to be a total score at the end of the inventory, but this does not have one. Manager Mountain explained that it used to have a total score, but the formatting has changed. Darren Maloney added that the state has a new computerized system, the “fast system,” and it has been problematic. Randolph’s score was 40.5 out of 50; a score of 30 or more is needed to get full state aid.

Mayor Loveys asked about the rating of 0.5. Darren replied that answers that some answers were “prospective.”

K. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

L. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilwoman Potter thanked Manager Mountain and the DPW for correcting the dip in the road surface on Park Avenue; this issue was mentioned by a resident at a previous Traffic Advisory Committee meeting. The residents were delighted that it was corrected.

Councilwoman Potter reported that the Environmental and Landmarks Committee did not meet; however, they sent two tour groups to Republic Services, the company that takes, sorts, and exports the township’s recycling. Deputy Mayor Carey and Councilman Nisivoccia also took the tour. The committee is empowered to create an educational campaign to educate residents on certain recycling tips. That campaign will come from the Chairperson of the committee and will be forwarded to the Manager for distribution via the township’s communication channels. Also, the Single-Use Plastics Research Committee was formed. Councilwoman Potter sent the committee member list to the new Chairperson, Walter Nickens who is also the Chairperson for the Environmental and Landmarks Committee, to set up the first meeting; the Mayor was also notified of the committee. The members are Larry Appel and Vinnie Khetarpal (Environmental and Landmarks Committee); Mark Caputo (Director of Health and Code Enforcement); Norma Jacobs (Board of Health); Cara Gilligan (Randolph resident and middle school teacher); Elizabeth Ritter (Randolph resident and Deputy Director of ANJEC); Jordan Snarski, Josie Wu, Liz Hamilton, and Katie Sidebotham (RHS students recommended by the AP Environmental Science and Biology teacher); Councilwoman Potter will serve as the Council Liaison. There were no volunteers from the Economic Development Committee or the Randolph Chamber of Commerce, but a suggestion was made to contact a Randolph business that uses single-use plastics to attend a meeting and provide an impact statement.

Councilwoman Potter reported that the Time Capsule Committee met and is continuing with the project; they are currently collecting items to put into the time capsule. The committee has been contacting the schools, Historical Society, and other groups for feedback as to what should be included. Time Capsule Committee and Parks Committee member Janet McMillan will be discussing with the Parks Committee a suitable location for the time capsule.

Councilwoman Potter attended the Morris County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund 25th Anniversary event at Prospect Park in Jefferson Township. She also attended the Morris Parks Alliance Awards event with Manager Mountain, Mayor Loveys, and Councilmen Nisivoccia, Forstenhausler, and Tkacs. Randolph received two awards, Outstanding Support Organization for the Randolph Recreation Booster Club, and Historical Cultural Facility for the Randolph Museum.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the Library Board of Trustees meeting.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the Board of Health meeting; they are discussing the impact of vaping and smoking on the school grounds. There was also discussion about watching what other towns are doing as far as monitoring the licensing of vape shops.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the ethics class for township employees along with Mayor Loveys.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the tour at Republic Services. He reported that the manager of the facility had only good things to say about Randolph’s recycling.

Councilman Nisivoccia also attended the Shongum Mountain Fire Department’s Casino Night, the Fire Department Open House at the Millbrook Fire Company, the Break-a-Thon at Elite Toma, the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Ironia Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, and volunteered at JT Confections wrapping chocolates.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that he gave a presentation at the library on his 18 years as a pilot in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the Morris Parks Alliance Community recognition awards; he recognized Manager Mountain and Russ Newman for their efforts.

Councilman Forstenhausler attended the Ironia Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, the Fire Department Open House, and the Morris Parks Alliance event.

Councilman Forstenhausler attended the Wildlife Management Committee meeting; for the 2018-2019 deer hunt season, a total of 236 deer were taken. The breakdown was 70 on private properties, 43 on municipal properties, 27 on county properties, 2 on state land, and 94 carcasses removed from roads. In 2017-2018, there were 80 carcasses removed from roads, and the total number of deer taken was 264. In the past seven years, a total of 2,646 deer have been removed from Randolph. Seventy-two hunters have been assigned for the 2019-2020 deer hunt season. Manager Mountain added that they have discussed that the deer population is down, therefore, the ability for hunters to be successful has decreased, which may be the reason that fewer hunters have registered. There was a brief discussion on the numbers.

Mayor Loveys allowed a member of the public to speak. Jeanette Hernandez of 35 Peace Road expressed her concern about the uptick in the coyote population. She asked if there were any plans to address the coyote population. Mayor Loveys explained that the Wildlife Management Committee was formalized as a committee, they specifically named it “wildlife management” to incorporate all types of wildlife. Manager Mountain added that last year, after some incidents in Randolph, the committee advised the hunters that it was permissible to take a coyote as long as they do so according to state regulations. He has been told that the problem with coyotes is that they are very elusive, making them hard to hunt; hunters are also hesitant during certain times of day since they worry about mistaking a dog for a coyote.

Councilman Tkacs attended the Planning Board meeting; Ironia Fire Company approached the board with a proposal for an LED sign. He reported that the Planning Board members are mixed in their opinions of LED signs. The difference with this sign is that it is going to be color. The Planning Board eventually approved the color LED sign. There was discussion at the Planning Board meeting as to how to create an LED sign ordinance; Darren Carney explained that it had to come from the Council. Councilman Tkacs felt that in the future the Council should think about LED signs and consider what would be acceptable, and possibly modify the township ordinances to reflect it. Manager Mountain stated that he could ask Darren Carney to look at similar ordinances from other towns to give the Council an idea of what other communities have done. Councilman Forstenhausler commented that the LED signs are very bright at night. He noted a business on Route 10 west, just west of Tuttle Funeral Home, has an extremely bright light at night that shines onto Route 10. Councilman Tkacs replied that the LED sign at the Ironia Fire Company will be self-dimming. Councilman Forstenhausler believed that most were self-dimming and if they decide to draft an ordinance, that would be something to consider including. Councilwoman Veech asked if the residents across from the fire house had given any resistance since LED lights are bright. Councilman Tkacs replied that the viewing angle on the LED light is such that it has less light going outward than the existing light, which is backlit. The agreement with the township includes that they would post information on the sign in the event of an emergency. There was a brief discussion regarding the sign and its use with a generator.

Councilman Tkacs attended the corn hole tournament at Freedom Park to benefit the Diabetes Foundation, the Elite Toma Break-a-Thon, the Morris Parks Alliance event, and the Ironia Fire Department Pancake Breakfast.

Councilwoman Veech asked about the Council meeting schedule for 2020 as she needs to plan her work travel. Manager Mountain explained that he had just received a tentative schedule and will distribute it to the Council for discussion at the next meeting.

Councilwoman Veech noted that Bob Flynn explained that JCP&L will be asking residents for permission before they trim branches around wires. She felt that if residents don’t understand that if JCP&L doesn’t trim, there could be issues with power outages. She suggested that the township should probably alert the residents so they are aware of why JCP&L would be trimming and explain the benefit of agreeing to the trimming. Manager Mountain replied that it might be a good newsletter article; he would also ask Bob Flynn how residents have responded to date. The Manager explained that even if Mr. Flynn says there were very few residents that didn’t allow the trimming, promoting it in the township would be a good idea. Councilman Tkacs added that he used to run a forest management program, and they do not take live branches, and removing the dead branches is much healthier for the tree. He felt that even people that love trees should respect the fact that this makes the tree healthier. Councilman Forstenhausler agreed the newsletter would be a good idea, and thought that JCP&L may have promotional material about the trimming. Manager Mountain felt it best to include in the spring newsletter.

Councilwoman Veech asked the Mayor if the high school was contacted yet about student liaisons for the 2020 boards and committees. Mayor Loveys replied that he would ask the Clerk’s Office where it stands.

Councilwoman Veech attended the Community Garden meeting; they are pleased that the sod is being placed. On Saturday February 1st they are having a community garden fair; there are currently 111 beds reserved. Those who have reserved garden beds will be required to attend the fair; the fair will include exhibits by seed manufacturers, Tractor Supply store, tool sharpening services, other groups such as farmers in Morris County. The time is yet to be determined, but will be in the afternoon. All are welcome to attend.

Councilwoman Veech attended the Parks Committee meeting; a young man attended who suggested putting up a Gaga Ball Pen at Brundage Park. After discussing, the committee suggested an alternate plan for his scout project.

Councilwoman Veech attended the Trails Committee; 300 yards of a new trail have been completed. All ten trailheads will have new, laminated trail maps with the verbiage indicating the current location, as well as other things posted. The Trails Committee is sending out an email newsletter to the Friends of the Trails telling them about the new maps. On June 6th, National Trails Day, they plan to have a big event to show off the trails. The committee, the Friends of the Trails, and students will be involved; they will be looking for people to adopt a trail, to keep it maintained.

Deputy Mayor Carey attended the tour of Republic Services, which she found very informative, and the Ironia Fire Department Pancake Breakfast.

Deputy Mayor Carey also attended a comedy show fundraiser at the YMCA for an expansion project; it was very good and it was very well attended.

Deputy Mayor Carey attended the Recreation Committee meeting; the new Events Coordinator, Brittany Ryan, was introduced. Trunk or Treat will be held on Saturday, October 26th at Brundage Park; the Recreation Volunteer Awards will be held on Tuesday, December 10th. Board of Education liaison Anne Standridge presented an update on the field house project; all the bids were rejected. They also discussed the new trail maps. The registration for wrestling, volley ball, and basketball registration is similar to last year at this time.

Mayor Loveys reported that they thought there was a meeting scheduled with NJDOT the past Tuesday, but the NJDOT did not have it on their schedule; they will be rescheduling.

Mayor Loveys reported that there was a mailbox issue on Park Avenue was brought to his attention; Congresswoman Sherrill’s office was very responsive and helped put them in touch with the Post Master and the rural coordinator at the Dover post office. A section of Park Avenue has all the mailboxes on one side of the road, while the rest of Park Avenue has mailboxes on both sides of the road; they would like to have mailboxes on both sides since it is currently a safety issue to cross the road for their mail. Nothing has been resolved yet, but the post office seemed amenable.

Manager Mountain reminded everyone that the Tuesday, November 5th Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. The agenda will be light so it can end prior to 8:00 p.m. since it’s Election Day. The Economic Development Committee will either start their meeting a little later in the Council Chambers or start on time in another room.

M. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no Executive Session.

N. ADJOURNMENT

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None