502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ 07869-3799
Tel: 973.989.7100Fax: 973.989.7076

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

Minutes: October 27, 2011

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Mitsch. 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 December 8, 2010, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 7, 2010. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph, and in the Morris County Daily Record on December 16, 2010. Notice of the time change, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter on September 8, 2011.

PRESENT:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Guadagno (arrived 8:00 p.m.)
Mayor Mitsch

ABSENT: Councilman Obremski

Also Present: Township Manager John Lovell and Township Attorney Edward Buzak

Mayor Mitsch led the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road, stated that, after consulting with the Manager and the State calendar regarding holy days, there is no reason to not hold a Council meeting on January 5, 2012.

Manager Lovell responded that there will not be a Council meeting on January 5 as it is too close to the annual Reorganization Meeting.

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

PRESENTATION BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION—School Bond Referendum

School Board member Al Matos’s comments included the following:

  • The Board of Education will be asking voters to vote on a referendum on December 13, 2011, consisting of a bond in the amount of $11.6 million
  • One of the goals is to pass the referendum without increasing taxes
  • That would be possible since the district is in a unique position where debt is maturing near that same amount and that maturing debt will be replaced by the new debt at historic low interest rates
  • The money would provide the district the ability to have some capital to invest in infrastructure which has not been maintained for a long time
  • Investing in the infrastructure should lower the district’s operating costs
  • The projects selected to be undertaken through this bond are capital investment projects that reduce operating costs or provide additional access opportunities to students, parents, and staff
  • Some of the proposed projects include: locker replacements in the high school and in the middle school along corridors and in the girls’ locker room, window replacement at the four elementary schools, ventilation and air conditioning equipment replacement, replacing the boiler at Center Grove and Fernbrook, redo the high school auditorium, two synthetic turf fields at the high school, construct a new maintenance building to store various equipment, and replace the bleachers at the high school stadium
  • In addition to the referendum, the district will be seeking private grants

Mr. Neves noted that part of district planning is to look at maintaining a level debt service so it continues the re-infusion of capital for the district so that they can continue to address infrastructure issues. If the maturing debt is not replaced, there will be a net reduction in the debt service tax levy of approximately $35.00 per household. If something drastic were to happen in the district in the future and the issuance of a bond was necessary, it would be presented as a tax increase. By passing the proposed referendum, the debt would remain level and the infrastructure issues can be addressed without additional tax burden to the taxpayers.

Detailed information on the proposed referendum can be found on the school district’s web site.

PROCLAMATION—Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, in 2011 an estimated 44,030 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 37,660 will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is usually too late for an optimistic diagnosis, and 74 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis while 94 percent of pancreatic patients die within the first five years; and

WHEREAS, of all the racial/ethnic groups in the United States, African Americans have the highest incidence rate of pancreatic cancer, between 34 percent and 70 percent higher than the other groups; and

WHEREAS, approximately 1140 deaths will occur in New Jersey in 2011; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for pancreatic cancer and there have been no significant improvements in survival rates in the last 40 years; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Government invests significantly less money in pancreatic cancer research than it does in any of the other leading cancer killers; and pancreatic cancer research constitutes only approximately two percent of the National Cancer Institute’s federal research funding, a figure far too low given the severity of the disease, its mortality rate, and how little is known about how to arrest it; and

WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the first and only national patient advocacy organization that serves the pancreatic cancer community in Randolph and nationwide by focusing its efforts on public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and

WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliates in Randolph support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer, as well as to those who have lost their lives to the disease, and are committed to nothing less than a cure; and

WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the residents of Randolph are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council designates the month of November 2011 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Randolph.

APPROVAL OF 2011 EXECUTIVE MEETING MINUTES

(1) May 26, September 15, and October 4, 2011

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman MacArthur seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech (September 15 and October 4)
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Councilwoman Veech (May 26)

ABSENT:
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno

(2) June 2, 2011

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Councilwoman Veech

ABSENT:
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno

(3) July 7, 2011

Councilman MacArthur made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN:
Councilwoman Veech
Mayor Mitsch

ABSENT:
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno

(4) August 4, 2011

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSENT:
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno

(5) August 30, 2011

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Mayor Mitsch

ABSENT:
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Councilwoman Veech nominated Matt Tal to fill an unexpired term as a regular member of the Traffic Advisory Committee. Councilman Napoliello seconded the nomination, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSENT:
Councilman Obremski
Deputy Mayor Guadagno

COUNCIL AND MANAGER REPORTS

Councilwoman Veech made the following reports:

  • There was a recent Board of Health meeting
  • Many public health screenings and clinics are on-going
  • Male and female cancer screenings will be occurring shortly
  • A child healthcare conference will take place in December
  • There was discussion regarding the childhood immunization project and the fact that 95 percent of pertussis cases in children are contracted from adults, therefore one of the goals of the township nurses is to get all adults vaccinated against pertussis
  • There was discussion regarding concussion issues in youth sports
  • The municipal solid waste contract was discussed
  • There will be a recycling education campaign beginning in January 2012
  • Approximately 55 deer hunting licenses have been given out for the Randolph deer hunt

Councilman MacArthur stated for the record that he does not believe the Board of Health, which is a Township advisory committee, should have sent a letter to the Board of Education regarding the concussion policy without first allowing the Council to discuss the issue and provide a position.

Councilwoman Veech suggested that advisory boards be reminded of the correct protocols, perhaps through a document drawn up by the Township Attorney.

Councilman Loveys provided the following reports:

  • The tree dedication on October 11 in memory of Nelson Matos went very well
  • A bench dedication in memory of Linda Federico will take place on November 8 at 6:00 at Brundage Park
  • The Parks Committee met on October 11
  • The damaged light pole at Freedom Park has been replaced and is operational
  • Poor weather has continued to plague the parks
  • Despite weather conditions, the parks have been lined and maintained and are being heavily used
  • One ball field at Heistein continues to hold water
  • The Brundage Preserve experienced some wash-out at the parking lot and a trail bridge
  • Quotes have been received to replace the roof of the pavilion at Heistein Park and to replace the steps at the tennis courts at Brundage Park
  • The nets at the tennis courts have been replaced
  • Randolph Park has been prepared for the winter
  • An estimate has been submitted to FEMA for approximately $40,000 for both of the docks to be replaced due to damage from Hurricane Irene
  • Site work at the Senior Community Center is starting to take shape and construction on the expansion of the building is underway
  • There have been some resident complaints with respect to accessing the building and parking lot and signs have been installed to help with those issues
  • The theater manager is looking to purchase a dehumidifier for one of the bungalows
  • An inspection was made of the VFW building and some minor improvements were made as a result of that inspection
  • The Romper program is functioning well out of the VFW building during construction at the Senior Community Center
  • The Councilman attended a recent celebration of county open space program which focuses on historic preservation, agricultural preservation, and open space for public recreation use
  • Former Freeholder Jack Schrier was recognized at that program for having played a major role in the county open space program
  • Since the inception of the County open space program, 543 projects have been completed and over 20,000 acres of land has been preserved
  • Currently there are 171 open space projects in progress

Councilwoman Veech noted that she has heard reports of an aggressive coyote in a section of town.

Manager Lovell responded that residents reported that issue to him today and he will share it with the State Fish and Wildlife Department to determine the proper course of action.

Councilman MacArthur reported that the Board of Education liaison group met on October 6. A presentation similar to the one offered tonight by the School Board was provided at that meeting. After that presentation, Councilman MacArthur asked the Township Attorney for insight regarding the Council’s role in this issue. The clear legislative intent is to keep school government separate from general government, therefore the Council has no responsibility related to school board issues unless the voters reject a budget. The Councilman asked legal counsel if the referendum issue would come before the Council if the referendum is rejected.

Ms. Gallo responded that she would have to research the issue and get back to the Council.

Manager Lovell responded that he is almost certain that a school board referendum has to be passed by the public.

Councilman MacArthur continued with his report, which included the following:

  • The Recreation Committee met on October 13
  • Fall registrations are in line with last year and recreation income this year through August was flat at approximately $1.1 million
  • There was discussion at the meeting regarding discipline issues
  • Up to now, individual sports committees have handled discipline issues concerning unruly behavior by parents or coaches
  • There has been some consideration of forming a disciplinary committee to oversee all sports programs
  • The Councilman provided the Council with a New York Times article on the Positive Coaching Alliance and encouraged the Council to read it since it highlights some of the things Randolph does to make recreation a more positive experience for the children
  • The lacrosse program mandates that coaches go through the Positive Coaching Alliance training and it is voluntary in the other sports programs at this time
  • Regarding recent discussion on a proposed crosswalk ordinance, the Councilman did visit all of the crosswalks in the township and provided his comments for the Manager’s consideration when drafting the ordinance
  • The Councilman believes that crosswalks should not used indiscriminately and should be marked with care, extra care should be used when a crosswalk is not placed with other signals, and that crosswalks should be avoided at uncontrolled intersections or on roads that are more than two lanes or 40 miles per hour
  • Councilman MacArthur will meet with the Township Manager to discuss the changes he would recommend to the proposed crosswalk ordinance

Councilwoman Veech noted that she is working with the Township Manager, Mayor Mitsch, Senator Bucco, Assemblyman Bucco, and several others in an effort to have the County College of Morris install an entrance and exit for their campus directly onto Route 10 in order to alleviate traffic congestion at the intersections. The NJ DOT will be invited to attend meetings on this issue and on the issue of the changes that were recommended and have yet to be implemented for the intersection of Route 10 and Dover Chester Road.

Councilman Napoliello attended a Community Services Meeting on October 24. Repaving of the side parking lot at the Community Center is due to take place in mid-November. Several events are coming up, including:

  • There will be a food distribution to Senior Housing clients on November 18 and to the remainder of the clients on November 19
  • The Holiday Tree Lighting will be held on December 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall
  • The Randolph High School Holiday Concert will be held on December 8 at 7:30 p.m.
  • The Senior Holiday Dinner will be on December 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Randolph Middle School
  • Brundage Park Playhouse will present The Littlest Angel on December 18 at 2:00 p.m.

The Community Services Committee has three clients in need of help raking leaves. Resurrection Parish and the Randolph Kiwanis Club will assist in getting those yards raked. The Randolph High School Interact Club will be helping a client at Senior Housing move. A member of the committee will be contacting representatives from St. Barnabas for information on LifeLine. Marilynne Mazzella has emailed her resignation as a member of the Community Services Committee.

Deputy Mayor Guadagno reported that the RVRSA is moving along with repairs for damage incurred during Hurricane Irene. The federal government will provide $100,000.00 towards those repairs. It is estimated that repairs may take as long as two years to complete.

Mayor Mitsch provided the Township Manager with information to be used in a presentation honoring Brighton Cromwell on December 1. Volunteers and local businesses will be recognized on December 1 as well at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Night. The Mayor reported that the Economic Development Committee is continuing to work on High School Career Day scheduled to take place in November. Mayor Mitsch noted that several VFW members will be receiving town flags and asked that they be presented at an upcoming Council meeting. She will provide a list of names to the Township Manager. Mayor Mitsch noted that the Positive Coaching Alliance has some heartwarming videos on line highlighting their approach and philosophy. The Mayor attended the recent tree dedication was well received by family and friends and she thanked Mr. Newman and his staff for their efforts. She also thanked Mr. Caputo and his staff for their efforts on another successful Clean Communities Day. Mayor Mitsch noted that a resident complained about trail conditions following Hurricane Irene.

Manager Lovell responded that there are quite a number of work orders for issues relating to the trails, which took quite a beating from Hurricane Irene. While other issues take priority, he is making it a point to get to all of the trails before the year is over and will make the necessary repairs.

Mayor Mitsch reported that the Lt. Governor will be coming to visit Randolph. A date has not been finalized yet but the Mayor will let the Manager and Council members know as soon as possible. The Mayor asked the Manager about an email she received concerning a recreational trails grant program from the New Jersey DEP and DOT.

Manager Lovell responded that the staff is looking into that grant to see if it would fit for Randolph.

Manager Lovell’s report included:

  • The Council has been provided a print out compiled by the Administrator in Wharton showing per capita municipal taxes in Morris County
  • The print out shows that Randolph has the 7th lowest per capital municipal tax out of 39 municipalities
  • The Manager attended a meeting with representatives from Green Acres, Mendham Township, and the consultant brought on to assist with the diversion for the Seeing Eye property and a great deal of progress was made
  • He anticipates being in front of the State House Commission by mid-summer
  • Pollution remediation information was distributed to the Council and the process is moving in the right direction
  • Lighting has been installed at the Library and Senior Community Center to assist during construction and hay has been put down in the side parking lot to deal with mud issues
  • A stone sub-base has been put down and a foundation for the Community Center has been poured, and things should start to pull together quickly at the site
  • The DPW building is moving along very quickly
  • Repairs to the lower level are being done at the VFW building to deal with water issues
  • There are also some electrical issues at the VFW
  • The Manager hopes to get the lower level completed by year’s end

BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES—Certificate of Determination and Award

Manager Lovell reported that Mr. Soccio went to bid for bond anticipation notes. The low bidder was TD Securities who provided a coupon rate of 1 percent, a premium of $12,980.00, and a net interest rate of .4336 percent.

COMBINED ACTION ITEMS

Councilman Napoliello made a motion to approve the Combined Action Items. Deputy Mayor Guadagno seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Obremski

A. Authorizing Amendment for Purchases From MCCPC Contract 15A—Police Pursuit Vehicles

R-261-11

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph utilizes Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #15A, Police Pursuit Vehicles; and

WHEREAS, due to the total loss of a police vehicle during the hurricane, a replacement needs to be purchased; and

WHEREAS, a resolution was passed on August 4, 2011, in the amount of $75,000.00 and another $25,000.00 is needed; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Randolph, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, authorize the Township of Randolph to amend the resolution to purchase vehicles from Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #15A by an additional $25,000.00 to an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.

B. Authorization to Apply for a Grant From the International Fund for Animal Welfare

R-262-11

Resolution: Approval to submit a grant application and execute a grant contract with the International Fund for Animal Welfare for the Township of Randolph Animal Pound.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of Randolph formally approves the grant application for the above stated project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are supporters of the grant to the International Fund for Animal Welfare on behalf of the Township of Randolph Animal Pound.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of Township of Randolph and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the execution of the grant agreement.

C. Raffles

(1) Off-Premise Merchandise, Randolph Engine Company #5, January 16, 2012, 7:30 p.m., 118 West Hanover Avenue, Randolph

(2) On-Premise 50/50, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, November 19, 2011, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 335 Dover Chester Road

(3) Casino Night, PTO Council, November 18, 2011, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., at the Skylands of Randolph, 792Route 10 West, Randolph

DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Amend Conservation Easement Located at 134 Dover Chester Road Known as Block 44, Lot 25, Dated August 18, 1988, and Recorded September 15, 1988

Mr. Carney noted that this property is on Dover Chester Road between Morris Turnpike and Route 10. A paper street has existed there since the 1800s. A portion of the street was dedicated to the Township, probably in the 1940s. Other portions of the street are still held privately. In the late 1980s, Lot 25 got development application approval from the Planning Board for two buildings and access to Route 10 via an easement. In order to buffer properties in the back, the Planning Board at that time placed a conservation easement which would allow for drainage and emergency access, however it did not allow for the construction of a roadway within that easement. Since then, a tract of land in the front has been acquired and the owners have come to the Planning Board with a sub-division application. Another property owner has agreed to dedicate a portion of his property to allow for a road, however a small portion of that proposed dedicated property is within that conservation easement which prohibits the construction of a roadway. The property owners are requesting that the Council vacate a portion of the conservation easement so that the property can be used as a public roadway and dedicated to the Township.

Manager Lovell noted that the developer on this property is looking to build apartments which will require a zone change application that will likely come before the Council in December.

Councilman Loveys asked if there was any detriment to vacating a portion of the conservation easement.

Manager Lovell responded that he does not see any downside to vacating a portion of the conservation easement.

Councilman MacArthur asked if it would be beneficial to vacate the entire conservation easement instead of just a small portion of it and to then allow normal zoning to drive development.

Manager Lovell cautioned the Council to wait to see what the rezoning request would be before vacating the entire conservation easement.

Mr. Buzak stated that his staff will contact the developer’s attorneys and let them know that the Council appears to be amenable to considering their request.

B. Master Plan Re-Examination

Manager Lovell reported that activity is beginning to pick up for the first time in several years and the Council will be looking at several zone change requests in the near future.

Mr. Carney reported that the Master Plan Sub-Committee met a year ago. At that time the state required that municipal master plans be re-examined every six years, however in an effort to save towns money, the state has revised that regulation so that now master plans must be re-examined every ten years. Since several rezoning requests are being made, Mr. Carney believes it would be better to do a whole Master Plan Re-Examination Report and a revised Master Plan rather than spot rezoning for each separate request. The Highlands Council would like Randolph to move forward with the Highlands Master Plan, and Mr. Carney feels this should all be done at one time. One advantage would be that when a municipality does a Re-Examination Report, mass notices do not have to be sent on projects if the zoning is in the adopted Master Plan.

Manager Lovell noted that this process will not be as expensive as doing an entire Master Plan, however there would be some cost. A professional planner would be assisting staff through the process. The Manager and Finance Director will be looking at the costs and will likely recommend an Emergency Authorization to pay for the process in that it would offer Randolph cap relief.

Deputy Mayor Guadagno asked if a committee would be formed to work on this master plan and re-examination report.

Manager Lovell responded that he believes that a committee should be formed to assist the consultant in developing recommendations.

Councilman MacArthur asked if it was typical for a town the size of Randolph to have as many zones as it does.

Mr. Carney responded that those zones allow for tighter zoning control.

C. COAH Trust Funds—Continued From October 4—State’s Offer on Group Home Designation

Manager Lovell stated that in 2012 the State will have the ability to pull COAH developer dollars away from towns that have not committed those funds to a project. Randolph has approximately $1,558,000.00 in the developer account. The Manager cautioned that a portion of that amount must be spent for affordability assistance. The Department of Community Affairs has let it be known that the state is very interested in having towns assign dollars towards housing for the developmentally disabled and will match municipal dollars one to one. Developmentally disabled housing also creates COAH credits per bedroom. Randolph currently has several developmentally disabled homes located in the township, they blend very well into the community, and the Manager has enjoyed a good working relationship with them. One restriction for building these types of homes is that they must be ranch-style houses. Randolph does not currently have too many developable lots, and therefore the Manager believes that these funds would be better used to acquire existing homes in the Township and converting them to meet the residents’ needs.

Manager Lovell stressed that he would like to see the developers’ dollars stay in Randolph and he would like to get COAH credits for the future. The Manager intends to check the figures to make sure they are correct and, if there are dollars left over from the Habitat project near South Salem Street, he would like to commit those dollars to the state for the development of these group homes.

D. Finalize 2012 Meeting Schedule

Manager Lovell stated that the proposed schedule for meeting dates is essentially the same as was discussed at the last meeting. The resolution will be prepared for approval at the December 1 meeting.

E. Department of Police and Emergency

Manager Lovell stated that the Council had raised questions at the last meeting and, based upon those questions, the Special Counsel to the Police was asked to prepare a letter which has been distributed to the Council. The Manager asked the Council if they would like to invite Mr. Thibault to an Executive Session to discuss his letter.

Council indicated they would like to discuss the issue with Mr. Thibault in an upcoming Executive Session.

Manager Lovell responded that he will try to arrange for Mr. Thibault to address the Council at the end of November.

F. Residential Garbage Collection—Bid Review

Manager Lovell reported that he met with Blue Diamond along with Ms. Catania and Mr. Caputo. The issues of how they would interpret the bid document and how they would serve the township were discussed. Blue Diamond indicated that when they bid on a project, they know what the overall tonnage is for that community and would not worry about the two-can maximum unless the town was trying to enforce recycling efforts. Blue Diamond is hopeful that the Council will grant them a five year contract that is all-inclusive. Manager Lovell recommends Council approve such a contract with Blue Diamond.

Councilman MacArthur noted that he would agree to a five year contract, however he would still prefer to see something written into the contract concerning a violation process.

Mr. Buzak responded that it may be possible to establish a unilateral protocol on violations since the issue is not spelled out in the contract.

G. Restrict Sparrow as a “No Through Traffic” Street

Manager Lovell reported that residents in this neighborhood have requested that a stop street be created because of cut-though traffic from the college. The Township Engineer has indicated that the street does not meet the criteria for a stop intersection and offered the possibility of designating it as a “no through” street. That designation has been used successfully in other areas of the town.

Councilwoman Veech stated that while she was outside talking to a resident on this street, cars were driving down the road and making turns without stopping. The resident has sustained damage to her property several times and there is a danger to the children walking to the bus stop. Councilwoman Veech brought this issue to the Manager to see if anything could be done to improve the situation.

Councilman MacArthur stated that he would not vote for this for the following reasons:

  • There are no recorded accidents
  • It doesn’t rise to the standard of stop signs which are less restrictive
  • The Police Chief believes it would be unenforceable and ineffective
  • It sets a bad precedent

Councilwoman Veech thanked the Council for discussing the issue.

REVIEW AND SET PROPOSED AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2011 REGULAR MEETING

The proposed agenda was reviewed.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road, stated that there are a couple of roads within the Township that she believes are very dangerous and suggested the Council may want to reconsider prohibiting turns onto Fords Road going east during certain hours.

Manager Lovell responded that if you take away the right turn onto Fords Road, those cars that would have turned are now forced into what is already an overloaded intersection at Route 10.

Councilman MacArthur stated that an entrance and exit from the college directly onto Route 10 would be the solution to the overloaded intersection.

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

COUNCIL AND MANAGER COMMENTS

Councilman MacArthur stated that the New Jersey DOT has a Transit Village initiative whereby they are looking to help fund revitalization around transit centers. The Councilman suggested that the K-Mart area may be a good candidate for such an initiative and extended an invitation to a few members of the Council to attend a meeting with him on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. with the Township Manager to discuss this issue.

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 following portion of the meeting.

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

a. Potential Easement Acquisition—Cushing Court
b. Litigation—Todd Huston v. Randolph
c. Investigatory Committee Report—Continued

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 closed Executive Session, the Council may reconvene in public session for the purpose of taking formal action on matters discussed in closed session or on any other matter as permitted by law.

Deputy Mayor Guadagno made a motion to move into Executive Session at 9:45 p.m. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Obremski

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to return to Open Session at 11:43 p.m. Deputy Mayor Guadagno seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Obremski

ADJOURNMENT

Deputy Mayor Guadagno made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:44 p.m. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Loveys
Councilman MacArthur
Councilman Napoliello
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Guadagno
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Obremski

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 11:44 p.m.

_______________________________
Donna Marie Luciani
Township Clerk