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

Minutes: September 10, 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 provided to the Randolph Reporter, Daily Record, and TAPinto Randolph on August 28, 2020 and placed on the township website. The time change for this meeting was advertised in the Randolph Reporter and Daily Record on September 3, 2020.

2. Roll Call

PRESENT:
Councilman Forstenhausler - Via Zoom
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilwoman Potter - Via Zoom
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

Also present: Township Manager Mountain, Darren Maloney, and Darren Carney; Attorney Ed Buzak and Keli Gallo from the Buzak Law Group via Zoom.

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Carey led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

C. PRESENTATION OF AUDIT

1. Presentation of 2019 Audit - Kathi Mantell of Nisivoccia, LLP

Manager Mountain explained that the township undergoes an annual auditing process. Kathi Mantell is the principle on the township’s account. This is her first year with Randolph’s account, but she has been at Nisivoccia for many years. He explained that Ms. Mantell will be reporting the findings of the audit and answering any questions from the Council. The Manager added that Darren Maloney, the township’s CFO, is also present.

Kathi Mantell of Nisivoccia, LLP thanked Darren Maloney for his communications with her during the township’s audit. She explained that each year Darren prepares the annual financial statement in February and formulates the budget for her review so it can be certified with the state. Ms. Mantell stated that everything is in great condition. The audit process was delayed this year due to some issues with Covid. Ms. Mantell reported the following:

Tax collection rate in 2019 was 99.17%, down slightly from 99.21% in 2018. It is not anything of concern since it has always been in the 99% range which is outstanding.
The fund balance was up approximately $62,000; it was $18,887,000.
The miscellaneous revenues anticipated in the budget came in at $1.4M over budget which is pretty customary.
The miscellaneous revenues that are not anticipated in the budget was $1.64M.
In terms of spending, each year the budget is charged off in full and applied to the second year’s appropriation reserves. In 2019 there was $2,380,000 returned to appropriation reserves.

Ms. Mantell explained that people could look at a governing body and say that they are over-budgeting, but it is not the case at all. She explained that the governing body has to budget for everything that could possibly come about in a year. The state is very stringent; if there is no line item, money cannot be transferred to a line item that has a zero budget. There are other constraints that the state holds the township within, so it is critical that the budget is set up in a way that you don’t find yourself in a problem at the end of the year. Budgeting in Randolph is stellar; the township is very solvent, which is an advantage in the current Covid situation.

Ms. Mantell reported that there was one finding:

Fixed asset records - she explained that some towns have inventoried their fixed assets and others have not yet. Not all inventory companies look at it from an accounting perspective. She explained that when the township is ready to do the fixed asset inventory, for items over $5,000, she would be happy to guide them in the effort.

Manager Mountain reported that the township has taken quotes for a fixed asset project; the monies have been included in this year’s budget. By next year’s audit, the fixed asset survey should be completed. For years it was a very expensive process, but recently modifications were made to the process to make it more efficient and less costly. He reported that Darren Maloney had just informed him that the cost would be minimal based on the changes the state has made as far as what has to be accounted for in the fixed assets; they have changed the threshold.

Councilwoman Potter asked how long a survey of the fixed assets would typically take. Manager Mountain explained that the process would take a couple of months; Darren Maloney stated that it would be done by the end of December.

2. R-259-20 Governing Body Certification of the Annual Audit

Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to approve Resolution R-259-20, certifying the annual audit. Councilman Forstenhausler seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Forstenhausler
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia (ABSTAIN)
Councilwoman Potter
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

D. MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

COVID-19 Update - there was one new confirmed case on this date and twelve new cases over the past month, which is the lowest number in a month since March. The total number of positive cases is 344. The Health Department staff has been very busy. Even though the numbers have been lower, the types of cases have required a lot of phone calls, particularly cases where a college student testing positive returns home to Randolph due to the university’s policy. The township has to do the contact tracing, which could be many phone calls; fortunately, there have not been too many of those cases. The staff is also starting to do their usual immunization clinics again as well as flu clinics. Due to Covid, there are practices that need to be done such as appointments being required and the nurses wearing protective gear. In addition, the opening of school has generated a lot of phone calls to ensure the school district has the input needed from the Health Department and nurses in order to answer the questions they are getting. The school has submitted a plan; the plan has to follow a lot of guidance that is coming from the state health department, some of which is heavily interpretive. The township and the school nurses have established a good arrangement to discuss any Covid-related issues.
The Recreation Department managed the summer programs extraordinarily well. Council members received comments from various participants in the programs that they were very satisfied. The beach had a very successful and safe season. A number of the other sports and activities that were deemed acceptable to proceed with were also successful and safe. Besides providing the services, the township was able to take in some revenue that was lost earlier in the year. The approach to the fall sports is the same; the programs are operating differently than usual. Some of the winter programs will likely have cancellations due to the nature of the sport as well as it being indoors. There may be a shortened season outdoors for some of the winter sports such as basketball before it gets too cold.
Most of the other departments have generally returned to normal. The Construction Department has seen an increase in activity. He would not be surprised to see at the end of the year that the number of permits is higher than what it was in previous years.
A new Registered Environmental Health Specialist has started in the Health Department; there was a vacancy due to Marissa Sosinski’s departure at the end of last year. Covid made it difficult to find candidates and conduct interviews. Zach Taus graduated from Randolph High School and Rutgers University. He comes to Randolph highly regarded. Zach will sit for the final certification in November; he was hired on a conditional basis provided he completes his certification.
Storm Response - he acknowledged the tremendous work of the Police Department and Emergency Service volunteers, both during and after Tropical Storm Isaias. The storm created a number of emergency calls and the Police, Fire and EMS worked extended shifts to ensure residents’ needs were met. He recognized the work of the Public Works and Water & Sewer departments’ staff for their efforts during and after the storm. The majority of township roads were cleared of storm debris within 24 hours of the storm’s departure. The crews worked diligently on a special brush collection over the past several weeks while maintaining the schedule for the road resurfacing work also completed in August. The Manager received numerous emails and letters from residents commending the department for their work and he was very proud of their efforts. He also acknowledged JCP&L and explained that, while there is still much work to be done on the infrastructure and to improve the coordination of storm response efforts, he felt that the field crews working in Randolph did a great job. He and the Mayor will be following up with JCP&L to offer constructive feedback on the areas that still need further improvement.
Election Update - Township Clerk Donna Luciani has secured one of the drop boxes being provided by Morris County for the return of ballots for the General Election; it will be located in the front of the Municipal Building and arriving in the next couple of weeks. It will be in a secure location with 24/7 surveillance. The drop boxes provide an alternative way for residents to return their completed ballots.

Mayor Carey stated that she was very happy to have a drop box in Randolph; she has gotten calls from residents who are concerned with the safety of their ballots.

Manager Mountain added that the Clerk’s Office will be mailing a letter to all residents with more specific information about the election. The information will also be publicized via other media. The letter is expected to go out within the next week.

Councilman Loveys asked for an update on the road overlay program. Manager Mountain explained that they have completed the majority of roads on the 2020 list. There are about six roads that were carry-overs from last year that are scheduled to be completed in September.

Mayor Carey confirmed with Donna Luciani that there will be one polling location in Randolph at the Mt. Freedom fire house on Millbrook Avenue. Donna explained that the main reason for this is the lack of poll workers; they cannot secure poll workers that are willing to work during these times. Mayor Carey stated that she has gotten questions from residents as to why there is only one location. The Mayor asked if it is also partly because it would get a bit confusing to have more than one and Donna replied that was correct. The Mt. Freedom fire house is at 670 Millbrook Avenue. Mayor Carey explained that a lot of people are under the misperception that there will be an electronic voting machine. Donna explained that there will be a voting machine there for only those with disabilities, everyone else will vote by a provisional paper ballot. This takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Councilman Nisivoccia asked for a status on the cell tower. Manager Mountain explained that JCP&L was here at the end of August installing the lines. There is still a small amount of work that needs to be done coordinating between the contractor for AT&T and the power company to connect the new power line to the cell tower; at that point, AT&T can be up and running. There is a deadline at the end of the month for Verizon to sign their lease. Once the township has an answer from Verizon, they will put a bid out for other carriers. He believed they connected temporary power to the tower; permanent power should be connected in the next couple of weeks.

Mayor Carey complimented the police, DPW, fire, and EMT for their efforts during and after Tropical Storm Isaias. The township’s JCP&L liaison, Mr. Ortiz, who was newly appointed, was very responsive. He called several times per day and would answer her texts, phone calls and emails immediately, at all hours of the evening. The JCP&L workers that she met with were also very good. She realizes there are still questions and issues for JCP&L employees at higher levels, but the people that she and the Manager dealt with were very good.

E. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approval of the Regular Council Meeting Minutes for May 1, 2020, June 11, 2020, June 25, 2020, July 7, 2020 and July 23, 2020

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes from May 1, 2020, June 11, 2020, June 25, 2020, July 7, 2020 and July 23, 2020. Deputy Mayor Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

F. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #17, Rejecting all bids for the Bennett Avenue housing site work project - Councilman Nisivoccia asked for clarification. Manager Mountain explained that he will provide more details in Executive Session because some information is related to bidding. He explained that the pricing came in higher than the engineer’s estimate; they are working on some strategies that they feel can bring the pricing into line with a future bid.

Item #18, Rejecting all bids for the VFW building septic system replacement project - Mayor Carey asked if the same was true for this project. Manager Mountain explained that they had conversations with other bidders who did not bid, as well as the engineer; they felt the engineer’s estimate was accurate.

R-231-20 Refund Partial Escrow Funds for Block 21.07, Lot 8, 66 Logan Road to Marilyn Caldwell - $566.00
R-232-20 Authorizing the Cancellation of Unspent Balance in the Reserve for Revaluation and Return the Balance to Surplus (Fund Balance) - $48,232.56
R-233-20 Authorizing the Cancellation of Certain Accounts Payable - $21,140.26
R-234-20 Authorizing that a Corrective Action Plan Be Approved and Submitted to the Division of Local Government Services
R-235-20 Redeem and Refund Tax Sale Certificate #17-19 for Block 120, Lot 9, 1139 Sussex Turnpike to FNA DZ, LLC FBO WSPS - $164,040.63
R-236-20 Redeem Tax Sale Certificate #18-41 for Block 200, Lot 1, 8 Openaki Road by Signature Closing Services, LLC - $151.20
R-237-20 Refund Overpayment of 3rd Quarter 2020 Taxes for Block 57, Lot 19, 40 Harmony Road to Michael Dalton and Alexandria Bardi - $2,058.95
R-238-20 Authorizing Contracts with Additional Approved Contract Vendors under the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC)
R-239-20 Release Road Opening Cash Bond Posted for the Purpose of Resurfacing the Driveway at Block 158, Lot 12, Meadowbrook Road to David Stokoe - $500.00
R-240-20 Release Road Opening Cash Bond Posted for the Purpose of Connecting to the Township Water Service at Block 18.01, Lot 1.4, 8 Middlebury Boulevard to Gene Kozak - $500.00
R-241-20 Release Stabilization Bond Posted to Ensure the Stabilization at Block 18.01, Lot 1.4, 8 Middlebury Boulevard to Gene Kozak - $3,000.00
R-242-20 Release Road Opening Cash Bond for the Purpose of Resurfacing the Driveway at Block 208, Lot 73, 6 Overbrook Road to Anthony James - $500.00
R-243-20 Release Road Opening Cash Bond for the Purpose of Resurfacing the Driveway at Block 158, Lot 4, 5 Overlook Road to Keri French - $500.00
R-244-20 Release Road Opening Cash Bond for the Purpose of Resurfacing the Driveway at Block 145, Lot 13, 121 High Street to Mary Fetzer - $500.00
R-245-20 Authorizing the Cancellation of Unused Balances in Ordinance No. 15-13 for Various Capital Improvements - $137,808.54
R-246-20 Refund Registration Fee Paid for Child to Attend Summer Day Camp due to Covid-19 to Nicholas Addison - $390.00
R-247-20 Rejecting All Bids for the Bennett Avenue Housing Site Work Project (EA Porter) as They Were All Over the Budget
R-248-20 Rejecting All Bids for the VFW Building Septic System Replacement Project as They Were Over Budget
R-249-20 Authorizing the Award to Morton Salt, Inc. and Reed Systems, Ltd., and Rejection of Bid from Cargill, Inc. of MCCPC Contract #3 - Rock Salt & Liquid Calcium Chloride
R-250-20 Authorizing the Award to Beyer Ford and Beyer of Morristown and the Rejection of Bid from Mall Chevrolet for Items #6 and #7 of MCCPC Contract #15-A for Police Pursuit Vehicles, 2021 Models
R-251-20 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #15-B, Administrative Passenger Vehicles, 2021 Models to Beyer of Morristown
R-252-20 Authorizing the Award of MCCPC Contract #15-C, Utility Vehicles, 2021 Models to Beyer Ford, DFFLM, LLC, and Route 23 Automall, LLC
R-253-20 Authorizing the Award to A&K Equipment, Inc., Cliffside Body Corp., and Tony Sanchez, Ltd. and Rejection of Bid from A&K Equipment Company for Item E in Category A of MCCPC Contract #15-D, Service/Truck Bodies
R-254-20 Authorizing the Award to Route 23 Automall, LLC of MCCPC Contract #15-E, Hybrid Vehicles, 2021 Models
R-255-20 Authorizing the Award to Route 23 Automall, LLC of MCCPC Contract #15-F, Cab/Chassis with Dump Bodies, 2021 Models
R-256-20 Authorizing the Cancellation of Certain Unused Balances in Ordinances No. 21-16 and 12-17 for Heistein Park Lights - $175,000
R-257-20 Authorizing Contracts with Additional Approved ESCNJ Contract Vendor under Educational Services Commission of NJ Cooperative Pricing System (ESCNJ)
R-258-20 Approving Liquor Licenses for the 2020/2021 Season
Raffle License, Off-Premise 50/50, Friends of Randolph Football, on November 6, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Randolph High School, 511 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph
Raffle License, Off-Premise 50/50, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 12:00 p.m., 335 Dover Chester Road, Randolph

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to approve the Combined Actions Resolutions. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

G. UPCOMING EVENTS

Patriots Day Celebration at VFW, Friday, September 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Senior Picnic at Brundage Park, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

H. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance No. 18-20 - Appropriating $105,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund for Various 2020 Capital Improvements

Manager Mountain explained that this is a reappropriation ordinance. They decided to take funding originally designated for other projects, and was no longer necessary, and cancel those ordinances and reappropriate it to fund the purchase of two administrative vehicles and improvements to municipal-owned property. It lessens the impact on the 2020 capital budget for cash that would have to be appropriated new and allows more flexibility.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH APPROPRIATING $105,000 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR VARIOUS 2020 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

BE IT RESOLVED, that said Ordinance shall be further considered for final passage at the meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Randolph on the 24th of September, 2020 at 5:00 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.

Councilman Loveys noted that one of the costs was for the spray foam insulation for the garage, and asked for clarification if the building was going to be heated. Donna Luciani replied that only the evidence bay was going to be heated.

Councilman Nisivoccia made a motion to introduce Ordinance 18-20. Deputy Mayor Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

2. Ordinance No. 19-20 - Appropriating $175,000 from the Recreation/Open Space Trust Fund for the Brundage Park Lighting Project

Manager Mountain reminded the Council that as part of the original capital funding for the Brundage Park lighting, monies were put aside based on estimates that were obtained from the company that is generally responsible for lighting in that area. In checking into it prior to going to contract, the pricing has gone up mainly because now the lighting is LED oriented instead of traditional lighting. The cost upfront is more, but allows the lighting to last longer once in place. This caused the estimate to be short on funds. It was decided to supplement the original funding in order to have the money in place based on the anticipated estimate. The Recreation ten year plan had funding for a Heisteins Park lighting project which was supposed to be completed in 2016. That project was not acted upon because the soccer club that had originally agreed to partner with the township decided they no longer felt the project was warranted; the township’s match was appropriated but not moving forward. This ordinance takes those matching dollars and reappropriates them to the Brundage Park lighting project - lighting of the athletic fields. The project is expected to be completed this fall. He explained that there is a Phase 2 field lighting project at Heisteins Park that is part of the ten year plan if, at that time, the community feels the original plan to upgrade the lights is one for which they want to proceed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH APPROPRIATING $175,000 FROM THE RECREATION/OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND FOR THE BRUNDAGE PARK LIGHTING PROJECT” be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

Mayor Carey asked for more information on the soccer club’s decision regarding the lighting. Manager Mountain explained that the original project was for the current lights to be replaced for which the soccer club committed a match; the township could not do the project without their match.

Councilman Forstenhausler made a motion to introduce Ordinance 19-20. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

I. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Resident Request - Road Name Change - Ironia Road

Manager Mountain explained that in June the Council discussed an Ironia Road resident’s request to consider changing Ironia Road back to its historic name of Ironia Mendham Road. The basis for the request was the Ironia Road in Randolph has the same addresses as an Ironia Road in Chester. This has resulted in numerous mix ups from mail delivery to emergency services arriving at the wrong house. The Council supported a survey of the 22 properties that would be affected by the decision. A letter went out in July, via regular and certified mail, and gave the residents approximately one month to respond; unfortunately only six responses were returned. The Manager felt that the response rate did not provide the level of comfort for which to make a decision. He included it on the agenda to provide an update for the Council because he had promised the resident who made the initial request that it would be discussed at this meeting. Manager Mountain recommended that the Council allow him and Darren Carney to go back and attempt to get a larger number of responses. Of the six responses received, five favored the change. The one resident who expressed concern explained that he believed he would have to change utility billing, business contacts, etc. The Manager was unsure if this would be an immediate concern because the change would be leaving the word “Ironia” in the address. The township would change the street sign and the 911 contact information.

Deputy Mayor agreed with the Manager’s recommendation to contact the residents again in order to try to get a larger response.

Mayor Carey also agreed with the recommendation; the low response rate made her feel like they should give them one more time and explain that it will be discussed at a specific upcoming Council meeting and a timeframe in which to respond.

Councilman Loveys also agreed. He asked if they had checked with Chester to find out if their residents with the duplicate addresses had similar complaints. Neither the Manager nor Darren Carney had checked with Chester. Manager Mountain suspected that there were similar concerns from the Chester residents. Deputy Mayor Veech noted that there were only 12 addresses in Chester and 22 in Randolph and suggested contacting Chester to see if their residents would be agreeable to changing their street addresses instead of Randolph. Darren replied that the problem with changing the addresses in Chester is that they would change from a Randolph zip code to a Flanders zip code. He felt that might be where the resistance would come.

Manager Mountain stated that they would work on contacting the residents again and provide an update at an October Council meeting.

2. Traffic Control Recommendations

Manager Mountain explained that the Engineering and Police departments, in conjunction with the Traffic Advisory Board (TAC), have been reviewing three traffic control issues in the township. The recommendations are:

Calais Road - a portion of the road, in the vicinity of the entrance to the new Veterans Community Park, has a permitted passing zone. Based on the new driveway as well as the entrance to the Heritage 55 development, in the interest of traffic safety, to change the entire length of Calais Road to a no passing zone. This would require a change to the ordinance and re-striping of the roadway with a double yellow line.
Robin Drive/Sparrow Road intersections - these roads are residential, but during certain times of day they have an increased volume of traffic and are sometimes used as a cut through. These intersections, without the control of a stop sign, become dangerous. The residents in the area have requested this. The Police Department, Engineering, and TAC have looked into the situation and agree that the installation of the stop signs would provide a higher level of safety.
Rockaway Road/Franklin Road intersection - the recommendation is to change the striping plan to include a dedicated right turn lane. The intersection is currently striped for one traffic lane, has a wide shoulder; drivers use the wide shoulder to create the defacto right turn lane. Striping it as a right turn lane would make it a safer intersection. It would require a change to the ordinance and then the striping.

Manager Mountain explained that he wanted to review the recommendations first with the Council to ensure their understanding. If the Council supports the recommendations, the ordinance would be prepared for a future meeting.

Mayor Carey commented that she drove the roads and felt that the recommendations were acceptable. Deputy Mayor Veech, Councilman Nisivoccia, and Councilman Loveys agreed with the Mayor. Mayor Carey asked if they need to respond to the TAC. Manager Mountain replied that he spoke with Officer Biase and the topic was discussed at the most recent TAC meeting. Councilman Nisivoccia added that it was discussed at the TAC meeting and everyone was in favor.

J. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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

K. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilwoman Potter reported that the Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) met on August 26; funding will be available for October to June, but no numbers are available yet. The programs can begin in October. Members of the public attended and asked for action items to be given to the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) regarding racism and mental health; she brought the action items to the DISC.

Councilwoman Potter reported that the time capsule committee is on target for the opening of Veterans Community Park, which is anticipated in October. The time capsule has been ordered. The plan is to take a picture with the time capsule near one of the trees so when the time capsule is opened, the people will see how much the tree has grown.

Councilwoman Potter also reported that the number of calls in the last year from Randolph residents to 2-1-1 was 360, which is approximately double from the previous year. The 2-1-1 organization is keeping track of COVID-19 as well as being a question center for the 2020 Census.

Councilman Forstenhausler reported that the DISC has continued to meet; everyone on the committee is very dedicated and has spent a lot of time and effort on the initiative. Three additional dates have been set for intimate town hall meetings for residents to participate. The times and dates have been varied in order to accommodate as many residents as possible. The added dates are Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m.; more dates will be added as needed. Residents wanting to participate can register on the Randolph Township website or the Randolph Township Schools website; it has also been advertised on social media.

Councilman Nisivoccia attended the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC), which the information on the traffic recommendations that were previously noted were discussed.

Councilman Nisivoccia spoke with Manager Mountain to coordinate a meeting with the County Transportation Department to discuss some of the speed limits in the township.

Councilman Nisivoccia also attended the Library Board of Trustees meeting and everything is going well there.

Deputy Mayor Veech asked Councilman Nisivoccia what the speed limit issues were. Councilman Nisivoccia explained that there are concerns about some of the speed limits that change on the County roads that go through the township.

Councilman Loveys had nothing to report; Board of Health will meet on September 14.

Councilman Loveys suggested that other Council members take a drive past the Municipal Building if they haven’t been over there in awhile. He commended Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Donna Luciani, for her work in the design of the outside areas and the staff for implementing it; the front and side of the building look clean and neat. He suspected that some of the work out front involved drainage work as well.

Deputy Mayor Veech attended the Parks Committee meeting; Russ Newman reviewed the letters he received regarding the summer camps and lake, which were very positive. The committee was very pleased with the feedback. The deer hunt is scheduled to begin on September 12 and last into February. There will be notices posted about the hunt and to stay on the trails. Deputy Mayor Veech explained some of the requirements of the licensed hunters.

Deputy Mayor Veech reported that 60 tickets were sold for the drive in movie event (maximum capacity). However, 50 cars, with 2-4 people per car, actually attended the event. The Recreation Department wanted to host another drive in movie event; however, now that movie theaters are open, they are not allowed to due to licensing issues. During the Open to the Public portion of the Parks Committee meeting, a junior from Randolph High School baseball team asked about lights at Freedom Park to practice baseball. They are looking into to working out something equitable with other groups who pay for the lights and the baseball to practice. She explained that the township charges other organized sports for the lights. The request has to be reviewed by the Recreation Committee. Manager Mountain added that the young man was asking for himself, as an individual, to practice. Russ Newman will write up a recommendation and share it.

Deputy Mayor Veech reported that over 200 pounds of fresh produce from the Community Garden has been delivered to the food bank. Since it’s a new garden, they expect that number to more than double next year. She, Mayor Carey and Manager Mountain met with the Board of Education to talk about how they might design a program to work with students and the park; Deputy Mayor Veech will follow up with the Board of Ed. She explained that they initially thought that if 100 of the 168 garden beds were leased, it would be good. As of September 9th, they have leased 166 beds, and residents are still inquiring about leasing beds. The dedication of Veterans Community Park is planned for October 17th from 2p.m. to 4p.m. She explained some of the festivities planned for the event and noted that as of now, the capacity restrictions would limit the number of attendees to 500. They are currently working out the details. Manager Mountain added that there is a steering committee working on the event.

Mayor Carey thanked Manager Mountain and Darren Maloney for the stellar audit. Manager Mountain stated that it is more of the Finance Department that deserves the recognition.

Mayor Carey attended the virtual Board of Education liaison meeting in August; Manager Mountain and Deputy Mayor Veech also attended. They provided them with an update on Veterans Community Park, road improvement projects, COVID-19; the board updated them on the school reopening plan and all the referendum projects. They also reported that Board of Ed member, Mr. Soni, had resigned. The Board of Ed held the new staff welcome virtually, and asked Mayor Carey and Manager Mountain to provide a video welcoming the new staff to Randolph.

L. EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

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

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

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

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

Affordable Housing Litigation

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.

Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to move into Executive Session at 6:15 p.m. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

Deputy Mayor Veech made a motion to close the Executive Session at 7:30 p.m. Councilman Nisivoccia seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs

M. ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Loveys made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 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
Deputy Mayor Veech
Mayor Carey

NAYS: None

ABSENT: Councilman Tkacs