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Township Council » Meetings » Minutes: September 30, 2010

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

Minutes: September 30, 2010

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 8:00 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 7, 2009, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on December 3, 2009. 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 17, 2009.

PRESENT:
Councilman Algeier (arrived 8:10 p.m.)
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

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

Mayor Mitsch led the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

A young resident introduced himself to the Council and stated that he is attending the meeting as a requirement for the Boy Scouts.

Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road, thanked the Manager and the Council for purchasing and cleaning up the Wright property as part of the open space program which will improve access to the Mill Brook. Mrs. Stewart agrees with the proposal to increase fees for flu shots from $15.00 to $20.00. Mrs. Stewart provided a newspaper article to the Council in support of her efforts to encourage the Council to ban smoking in public areas when children are present.

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

COUNCIL AND MANAGER REPORTS

Councilman Metz reported that he met with the principal of the High School to discuss the upcoming High School Senior Career Day. Two teachers will be selecting a senior and a junior to act as student liaisons to the Economic Development Committee in an effort to make the event even more successful. Local businesses will be invited to come to the school with information for the students so that the students can make more informed decisions about where they would like to visit. It was recommended that the program be offered to all students.

Councilman Loveys reported that the Environmental Commission cancelled their November meeting.

Deputy Mayor Napoliello attended a Legislative Committee Meeting in Trenton recently and spoke with Mr. Dressel concerning proposed legislation dealing with the rescue squad. Mr. Dressel had not been aware of the legislation but indicated his support for Randolph’s opposition. The Deputy Mayor was introduced to an individual who heads a committee opposing this issue and he will keep in touch with the Deputy Mayor regarding their efforts.

Mayor Mitsch reported that representatives from FEMA met with her, Manager Lovell, members of the Shongum Lake Association, Paul Ferriero, and a representative from Congressman Frelinghuysen’s office regarding recent flood plane mapping. FEMA has agreed to review Randolph’s information, which is more thorough and comprehensive than their own, and to re-examine the issue.

Manager Lovell thanked Mayor Mitsch for her efforts in arranging the meeting with FEMA in her attempt to protect over 100 homeowners in the Shongum area from an incorrect evaluation by FEMA. The Manager noted that the Tucker Avenue property has been cleared out and cleaned up and trail gates will be installed at both ends. The closing for the Mackerley property on South Salem Street is scheduled for October 4. Manager Lovell thanked Councilman Loveys and Councilman Obremski for attending the Green Table meeting where they discussed their GIS program. Randolph has its own GIS system, but in time it is possible Randolph will migrate to the county system and layer on our own information. Clean Communities Day is scheduled for October 9 with a record number of participants registered. The Country Fair sponsored by the Rotary Club is scheduled for October 2 at the municipal campus. Manager Lovell plans to attend a JIF Committee Meeting in October. The Manager’s Office and the Economic Development Committee are hosting a gathering of local real estate agents on October 19 in an effort to meet with local businesses and to introduce them to the staff. Manager Lovell noted that Councilman Obremski was placed on emergency standby this evening due to the storm and that Councilwoman Price’s flight to Newark Airport was delayed. Both are excused from tonight’s meeting.

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING EXECUTIVE MINUTES

(1) August 5, 2010

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

AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Councilman Loveys

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

(2) August 30, 2010

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

AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Councilman Loveys

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

ORDINANCES

A. Second Reading and Public Hearing

(1) Ordinance 19-10: Amend Land Development Ordinance—Solar Panel Installations on Commercial Structures

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 15-2.2, 15-11.8 AND 15-81.2 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH TO EXEMPT SOLAR PANELS FROM SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES” be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Lovell stated that this ordinance will assist the business community and has the support of both the Economic Development Committee and the Planning Board. The ordinance will empower the staff, under certain circumstances, to permit the installation of solar panels on commercial buildings when there is no visual impact without having to first appear before one of the boards.

The Mayor opened the meeting to the public for a hearing on the ordinance.

Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road, indicated her support for this ordinance.

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

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 15-2.2, 15-11.8 AND 15-81.2 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF RANDOLPH TO EXEMPT SOLAR PANELS FROM SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES” 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.

Councilman Algeier congratulated the Economic Development Committee for their forward thinking in this regard. Advisory committees are charged in part with developing new ideas within their field of expertise, and the EDC has come forward with this very useful concept for the business community.

Councilman Algeier made a motion to approve the adoption of the ordinance. Deputy Mayor Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

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

AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

A. Authorizing Purchases From MCCPC for Paving Materials

R-267-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph utilizes Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #5, Paving Materials, from Tilcon New York as needed for all departments in the Township; and

WHEREAS, these purchases will not exceed $700,000.00.

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 purchase from Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Contract #5 as needed for all departments in the Township.

B. Authorizing Purchase of Radio Equipment for County 9-1-1 Change Over to Motorola Communications—$105,000.00

R-268-10

WHEREAS, the Township of Randolph authorizes use of New Jersey State Contract #T0109 for Radio Communications Equipment and Accessories from Motorola Communications Contract #53804; and

WHEREAS, these purchases will not exceed $105,000.00.

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 purchase from New Jersey State Contract #T0109 using Motorola Communications #53804 not to exceed $105,000.00.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

(1) Membership—North Jersey Health Insurance Fund

Manager Lovell’s comments included the following:

  • One of the largest line items in Randolph’s budget is health insurance
  • Randolph spends $2.9 million per year to purchase health insurance for active and retired employees
  • Randolph is one of the founding members of the North Jersey Health Insurance Fund
  • Manager Lovell serves as the Chairperson for the North Jersey Health Insurance Fund
  • Health insurance costs are driving budgets across the state of New Jersey
  • A town has three options when purchasing health insurance—go out to the market and bid on health insurance, purchase health insurance from the state health plan, or join with a health insurance fund
  • The state health plan sees double digit increases, sometimes 20 and 30 percent, due to the inefficient way it was run over a number of years
  • There are currently five health insurance funds in the state and there are attempts to create more
  • The recent Best Practices Check List asked if Randolph was a member of a health insurance fund, and it was to our advantage to be able to answer positively
  • It is time for Randolph to renew its membership for a three year period
  • The North Jersey Health Insurance Fund insures employees from twenty communities and the fund is managed very conservatively and carefully
  • Mr. Vozza, one of the administrators of the North Jersey Health Insurance Fund, will address the Council this evening
  • Mr. Vozza has been with the fund since its inception and provides a number of services to Randolph

Mr. Vozza’s comments included the following:

  • He is the Program Manager of the North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund
  • He handles the finances of the health insurance fund
  • The program is self-insured up to a point and then they purchase re-insurance from third party administrators
  • The fund handles about 95 percent of the premium outlay and is a cost effective model
  • The fund is a public entity owned and controlled by the towns that join
  • The fund provides oversight to the various third party administrators
  • They negotiate contracts on a state-wide basis with towns and school boards
  • The fund provides assistance to towns for service, a level of service very different from the state health benefit program
  • They provide assistance with union negotiations and plan design
  • There is ongoing claims analysis and review to guard against fraud and abuse
  • Randolph’s savings over the years by participating in the fund is approximately $2.5 million
  • Randolph has about $800,000.00 in surplus in the fund which will come back in the form of dividends over the years
  • Over the years less expensive PPO programs have been offered in the plan
  • The fund is doing very well from a financial standpoint with a total surplus of approximately $10 million
  • A major focus of the fund is to stabilize health insurance costs, and the rates have been much more stable over the years compared to the state’s health insurance plan and to the national average

Councilman Metz recognized Maria Martorana, a member of the Randolph Board of Education, in the audience and suggested she provide this information to the school board in an effort to reduce their health insurance costs.

Manager Lovell will place the document for renewal into the North Jersey Health Insurance Fund on the next agenda.

(2) Salary and Wage Ordinance

Manager Lovell provided back-up to the Council on the proposed amendments to the Salary and Wage Ordinance.

Councilman Metz stated that some of the part time positions appear to be paid a high hourly wage and asked the Manager to discuss that with the Council.

Manager Lovell responded that the salaries shown on the ordinance are maximum salaries. New employees are typically brought in at a lower rate. Many of the employees currently making the maximum salary figures have been with the organization for many years. The Manager talks to surrounding communities for comparison when determining salary and wage figures.

Mayor Mitsch believes that there is a disconnect between the municipal market and the private sector when it comes to salaries and wages.

Councilman Algeier expressed concern about some of the figures in the ordinance and senses there may be a problem introducing the ordinance as proposed at the next meeting.

Manager Lovell responded that he will hold off on introducing the ordinance in order to get input and feedback from the Council members.

Councilman Algeier noted that the Council has objected in the past to the practice of comparing salaries in surrounding towns and communities when determining police salaries and he believes it is not in Randolph’s best interests to make those same comparisons for other municipal employees as well.

Manager Lovell responded that he will provide options to the Council and return to them in a couple of weeks.

(3) Citizens Call to Service

Manager Lovell reported that a Citizens Call to Service event will be held on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Academy in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. They have asked if Randolph would host a table at the event highlighting various volunteer opportunities.

Mayor Mitsch plans to attend the event and noted that she will speak with Councilman Obremski about hosting a table.

Councilman Loveys offered his services for the event.

Manager Lovell stated that the information will be posted on the web site, posters will be created and displayed, and he will prepare a release for the newspapers.

(4) Lot Grading Ordinance

Manager Lovell stated that the Council recently adopted a lot grading ordinance. One of the requirements of the ordinance was that a report be provided to the Council on the effectiveness of the ordinance. That report has been provided by Paul Ferriero listing those residential properties who came to the Engineering Department with documentation asking if lot grading permits were necessary. Only a handful of projects required a permit. For the other inquiries, the staff reviewed their project, shared their insights, and were able to avoid problems and substantially cut down on the number of complaints. The staff and the Manager believe this ordinance has had a very positive impact and ask that the Council consider a several year extension of the ordinance to allow it to continue.

Councilman Algeier suggested a provision be included in the proposed re-adoption of the ordinance that would require a report be provided by the Manager or his designee to the Council concerning lot grading activity and results.

Manager Lovell responded that he would have no problem providing such a report on a yearly basis. The Manager will have the ordinance ready for introduction at the next meeting.

(5) Request to Increase Flu Clinic Fees From $15.00 to $20.00

Manager Lovell stated this fee will bring Randolph’s fee in alignment with Roxbury’s fee in anticipation of moving to shared services. Last year the fee was advertised at the $15.00 rate, therefore the Manager and staff is looking to amend the fee this year.

Council indicated their support for the increased fee for the flu shot.

(6) October Meeting Schedule

Manager Lovell suggested canceling the October 21 meeting due to light legislative activity.

Council approved of canceling the October 21, 2010 meeting.

REVIEW AND SET PROPOSED AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 7, 2010 REGULAR MEETING

Manager Lovell noted that Randolph will be changing the vendor who provides a minimal life insurance policy for volunteer firefighters due to a lower quote from a competitor. Randolph has provided this type of insurance to the volunteer firefighters for years.

Councilman Algeier expressed concern over a resolution accepting a state grant for $4,000.00 for the Click It or Ticket program. The Councilman asked that the police chief provide information to the Council on past years’ activity with this initiative.

OPEN TO PUBLIC

Judith Stewart, 114 Everdale Road, asked that the public be provided with the documentation concerning the North Jersey Health Insurance Fund. Mrs. Stewart asked for confirmation that the October 21 meeting was cancelled. Mrs. Stewart expressed concern that she found a plastic bottle in the regular garbage and asked that the Council set an example for the residents about the importance of recycling.

Jim McConnell, 45 Carrell Road, expressed his concerns about possible enforcement difficulties of a non-smoking ordinance for public areas as proposed by Mrs. Stewart.

Maria Martorana, 1 Wilkeshire Boulevard, thanked Councilman Algeier for voicing his concern about the state grant for the Click It or Ticket program. Mrs. Martorana noted that the school receives similar grants and feels that the money could be better utilized in other areas. Mrs. Martorana asked about the rate of pay for police officers when they work an event.

Manager Lovell explained the pay process for off-duty officers compared to officers working an event in an overtime capacity. The Manager noted that many officers no longer sign up for off-duty assignments, preferring to be paid the higher over time rate.

Councilman Algeier suggested the Manager and Police Chief discuss possible alternatives that would enable the board of education to hire police for public events at a lower rate than their over time rate.

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

COUNCIL AND MANAGER COMMENTS

Councilman Algeier attended the 9th Annual Homeland Security Preparedness Conference and noted that it was one of the better conferences he has attended on the subject. The Councilman will prepare a report on the conference for the Council. The Councilman mentioned that representatives from other towns showed quite a bit of interest in Randolph’s shared services with other municipalities.

Deputy Mayor Napoliello suggested the Council prepare to undergo performance appraisals in the near future.

Mayor Mitsch responded that she will get the appraisal process started in the near future.

Mrs. Luciani reported that a public auction for the Westside Grill liquor license will take place on November 2, 2010. The minimum bid is $110,000.00 and bids can be placed with the IRS office in Parsippany.

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. Council Memo #34-10: Grievance 10-11 and Grievance 10-12

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.

Councilman Algeier made a motion to move into Executive Session at 9:25 p.m. Councilman Metz seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

Councilman Metz made a motion to return to Open Session at 9:35 p.m. Deputy Mayor Napoliello seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

AYES:
Councilman Algeier
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Metz
Deputy Mayor Napoliello
Mayor Mitsch

NAYS: None

EXCUSED:
Councilman Obremski
Councilwoman Price

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Mitsch adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.

_____________________________
Donna Marie Luciani
Township Clerk

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