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

Minutes: October 8, 2020

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 5:00 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, on November 14, 2019, and the Daily Record on November 11, 2019. The time change for this meeting was placed on the Township website on September 28, 2020, as well as emailed to the Randolph Reporter, Daily Record, and TapInto Randolph on September 28, 2020. The time change for this meeting was advertised in the Randolph Reporter and Daily Record on October 1, 2020.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
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 Keli Gallo of the Buzak Law Group (via Zoom).

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Carey led the Pledge Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

C. MANAGER’S REPORT

• Covid-19 Update—Over the past two weeks the number of confirmed cases in Randolph has increased for the first time since the late spring. The Township has had 23 new cases reported in the two-week period, including 3 new confirmed cases today. The total number of cases is now up to 369. The increase in cases combined with the level of activity the school reopening has created is keeping the township very busy. Given the uptick in cases, it is important to reiterate the measures every resident can follow to minimize exposure to the virus. These include frequent hand washing, wearing masks when in a public place or in contact with a larger group of people even in a private setting, avoiding in-door larger social gatherings, remaining 6 feet or more apart even in outdoor social settings, and staying home if individuals are sick or feel the on-set of any symptoms of the virus. It was anticipated the virus would be more prevalent as the fall arrived so the case uptick is not unexpected. If everyone does their part, however, the community can mitigate the spread and avoid a return to what was experienced when the virus first started impacting the area last spring.
• Veteran’s Community Park Dedication—The press release announcing the Veteran’s Community Park Dedication—scheduled for October 17th at 2 p.m. (with a rain date of October 18th)—has been published. Invitations have also gone out to all participants and invited guests. The dedication plaque is in place and the time capsule installation will be finalized in the coming days. The ceremony will include the dedication of a park bench for Jack Sassaman, in addition to the unveiling of the park dedication plaque and time capsule plaque. The park itself looks wonderful with virtually all final elements completed. The township will be conducting the ceremony in the parking lot closest to the community garden in a socially distanced set-up. Staff will be monitoring the number of people attending to ensure the event remains under the COVID gathering restrictions. Unfortunately this may mean if the event hits capacity the ceremony will have to be closed off to additional guests. The hope is that this will not be necessary, but the township must have this plan in place given the restrictions.
• Economic Development Committee Meeting—The Economic Development Committee met earlier this week and discussed a number of initiatives. The EDC social media subcommittee will be making a push to increase posts this fall similar to what they did earlier in the summer to support the local business community. They also reviewed a new business welcome packet that has been created to attract and support new businesses looking to locate in Randolph. They also discussed a number of ideas to help promote residents doing business locally. They decided to look into a lawn sign campaign that would promote local business in the coming months among other activities.

Councilman Forstenhausler asked what the limit on admittance was for the park dedication event. Manager Mountain informed him that the outdoor gathering restriction from the state is set at a capacity of 500 people; therefore the township will be following that restriction.

Councilman Loveys asked Manager Mountain to confirm the time of the rain date for the park dedication event; Manager Mountain informed him that the rain date will also be held from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on the 18th.

Mayor Carey mentioned that a few community members expressed confusion regarding the report of positive COVID cases at township schools. She asked Manager Mountain to clarify why some of these cases are not being reported on the township website. Manager Mountain explained that positive cases coming from teachers, faculty members, and employees working at the school, but residing in a different town, are under the jurisdiction of the health department in their residential communities. It is the responsibility of the town they live in to report the positive cases and to conduct contact tracing for them.

D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the September 10, 2020 minutes. 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 - (Abstain)
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

Councilman Nisivoccia made a motion to approve the September 24, 2020 minutes. 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

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item 3—Authorizing the adoption of the 2020 Morris County, New Jersey Hazard

Mitigation Plan Update—Councilman Tkacs asked Manager Mountain to provide examples of the type of work the NJ Hazard Mitigation Plan update entails. Manager Mountain explained that the plan covers a broad category of different hazards that may be impactful to the community. He informed the council that fortunately many of the hazards are less likely to impact the community than others, but did share that it covers potential natural disasters such as flooding, and potential man-made hazards such as dam-structure faults. The plan is designed to be used by FEMA to justify financial support for projects that may be needed to address hazardous situations. After working with the Township Engineer, Township Emergency Management Coordinator and a rep. from FEMA, they determined that a majority of serious issues had been addressed as they continue to assess the town for potential community hazards. He explained that every community in the state is required to have a hazard mitigation plan.

1. R-271-20 Authorizing the approval of items of revenue and appropriation per NJSA 40A:4-87—MAC Grant
2. R-272-20 Authorizing Randolph Township’s request for funding the MAC Grant for 2020 being sent to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for the Fiscal Grant Cycle July 2020- 2025
3. R-273-20 Authorizing the adoption of the 2020 Morris County, New Jersey Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
4. R-274-20 Release road opening cash bond for the purpose of resurfacing the driveway at 48 Lake Drive, Block 27, Lot 44 to Kevin Sweeney—$500.00
5. Raffle License, Off-Premise Merchandise, Randolph Engine Co. #5—Shongum, on January 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. at the Shongum Fire House, 118 West Hanover Avenue, Randolph, NJ 07869

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to approve the Combined Action resolutions. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler (Abstain on No. 5 - R-274-20)
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter
Councilman Tkacs
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Confidential Document Shredding Date—(Additional date added), Saturday, October 10, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.—limit of 3 file boxes per household
2. Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at Artistry Skin Center, 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Unit H, on Thursday, October 15, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
3. Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at Dynamic Foot & Ankle, 121 Center Grove Road, Suite 1, on Saturday, October 17, 2020, beginning at Noon—Ribbon Cutting at 1:00 p.m.
4. Veterans Community Park Dedication on Calais Road on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.—(Rain date Sunday, October 18th—from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
5. Bench Dedication in honor of Ethan Blynn at Veterans Community Park on Calais Road, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.
6. Morris Habitat for Humanity—35th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, October 22, 2020, in the parking lot of the Restore on South Salem Street from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

G. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

H. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilman Nisivoccia informed the council that he attended the Traffic Advisory Committee meeting and had nothing further report.

Councilman Forstenhausler read the below DISC statement into the record:

The members of DISC are continuing their work, and held virtual town halls on Wednesday September 30th, and Sunday October 4th. During those Zoom town halls, Randolph residents shared their personal experiences, and discussed their concerns. The DISC planned another town hall for Sunday, October 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and encourages anyone who would like to talk openly and honestly about their personal experiences with diversity and inclusion within Randolph to sign up for that date. Residents can sign up as before on the Randolph Township and Randolph Board of Education websites. The DISC again asks Manager Mountain to post information about the next town hall on all of our social media platforms.

Councilwoman Potter reported that the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) met on September 29th. She informed the council that the 2021 fiscal budget has been approved by the county; details about the action are included on the combined resolutions. The MAC will also be hosting a “15 Minute Child Break” webinar on Thursday, October 15th at 7:00 p.m. The webinar is a substance abuse prevention education program designed to aid parents, grandparents, and caregivers on how to communicate with their children about the effects of alcohol and drugs. She also reported that the latest round of police trading cards is being printed.

Councilwoman Potter also reported that the Time Capsule subcommittee met earlier in the day and placed many items into the capsule. The Township Parks and Recreation Director, Russ Newman, informed her that the capsule fits in the designed space at Veteran’s Community Park, as they prepare for the Park dedication on October 17th.

Councilwoman Potter informed the Council that the 211 program had received, to-date, a total of 342 calls, having received only 166 last year. In Randolph, 60 of the calls were related to housing and shelter, 100 related to healthcare, 35 related to utilities, and 74 related to other categories.

Councilman Tkacs had no report for this evening.

Councilman Loveys had no report for this evening.

Deputy Mayor Veech had no report for this evening.

Mayor Carey reported that she participated on a conference call arranged by Senator Bucco for local municipalities and JCP&L senior management to discuss the aftermath and handling of Hurricane Isaias’ impact on NJ communities. The call lasted for an hour and a half, and gave everyone the opportunity to share feedback with JCP&L. Overall participants shared consistent ideas on communication improvement, more effective ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration), reimbursement for lost medications and perished food, tree removal, critics on out of date infrastructure, and issues with supervisory communication. JCP&L is processing the feedback that was given.

I. 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. Discussion—EA Porter/Habitat for Humanity Agreement
b. Police Contract Update

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 enter Executive Session at 5:20 p.m. 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

Councilman Tkacs made a motion to close Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. 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

J. ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:06 p.m. Councilman Nisivoccia 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