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

Minutes: September 9, 2021

A. OPENING OF REGULAR MEETING

1. Call to Order

A regular meeting of the Randolph Township Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Forstenhausler. This meeting is held pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Adequate and electronic 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 2, 2020, by emailing them the annual resolution adopted by the Council on November 12, 2020. The annual resolution, which included this meeting date, was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of the Township of Randolph and the Daily Record on December 10, 2020. The amended annual resolution was adopted by the Council on January 21, 2021, and notice was provided by email to the Randolph Reporter, the Morris County Daily Record and TapInto Randolph on January 22, 2021.The amended annual resolution which included this meeting date was advertised in the Randolph Reporter, the official newspaper of Randolph Township, and the Morris County Daily Record on January 28, 2021. The time change for this meeting was posted on the outside doors and the Bulletin Board within Town Hall and on the Township website advertised in the Daily Record on May 17, 2021.

2. Roll Call

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

Also present: Township Manager Mountain, Township Attorney Edward J. Buzak and Attorney Keli Gallo from Buzak Law Group.

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Forstenhausler led the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public session was closed.

C. MANAGER'S REPORT

Manager Mountain reported the following:

2021 Town Paving Program Update - The town's paving contractor will be milling the roads scheduled for the 2021 Resurfacing Program on September 21st and 22nd; paving work will start on September 23rd. The work is starting later this year due to delays caused by a combination of poor weather conditions and materials such as man-hole risers requiring a longer lead time. The work will be completed by the end of the month. Church Road was milled and paved earlier in the month under a separate arrangement with the gas company.

Park Alliance Awards - The Morris County Park Alliance has postponed its annual Parks Award Program to spring 2022 due to concerns about the COVID-19 Variant. The township will be applying to the program for Veterans Community Park and the Randolph Community Garden as they will be good candidates for the award.

Country Fair - The Country Fair will take place on Saturday, September 25th. There has been a change in Rotary's involvement in the event as Greg Mohr has stepped back due to work and family commitments. The town has been working with other members of the club on the event planning. The township's new Event Coordinator Kristina Garlick has taken an active role as well. Additionally, the Economic Development Committee is planning to present the annual Business Awards at the Country Fair.

New Resident's Open House - The Township Council will be hosting an open house for new residents during this year's Country Fair. A postcard was mailed to approximately 600 households that have changed hands in the past two years. The postcard invites new residents to attend the fair and join the Council for tours of the town hall at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The tours will be open to all residents but are specifically geared towards those who have recently moved to town. The township's new resident packet has also been updated. The packet is available online; hard copies will be available at the fair.

Councilwoman Veech asked if the other council members could inform her of their availability during the 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. tours as she would be putting together a brief schedule for the tour guides.

Councilman Nisivoccia inquired if there were any updates on the Meadowbrook Pump Station. Manager Mountain informed him that the contractor is going ahead with ordering materials. The first part of the project will be focused on the bypass, which will be worked on later this month. He informed the council that the township has been working with JCP&L to have them sign off on moving a transformer in the area to allow for the work on the bypass to be completed.

D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

1. Approving the Regular Council Meeting Minutes from July 22, 2021, the Special Meeting Minutes from August 17, 2021, and the Emergency Meeting Minutes from August 19, 2021

Deputy Mayor Potter made a motion to approve the Regular Council Meeting Minutes from July 22, 2021, the Special Meeting Minutes from August 17, 2021, and the Emergency Meeting Minutes from August 19, 2021. Councilman Loveys seconded the motion and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

E. COMBINED ACTION RESOLUTIONS

Item #4, R-199-21, Amending 2021 Capital Budget for various project improvements including 42 Bennett Ave., painting the water tank, retrofit-improvements to HVAC Systems, Stormwater outfall- $925,000.00 - Deputy Mayor Potter asked if the water tank project involved power washing and seal coating the exterior of the tank. Manager Mountain confirmed that she was correct. He explained that the funds outlined in the resolution were not the project's final cost; instead, it allows the township to spend against the funds is if it is needed in the future. The estimated cost for the total project is $500,000. He explained the cost breakdown of the water tank and how they differed from preliminary estimates for the project.

Councilwoman Veech asked where the water tank was located. Deputy Mayor Potter informed her that there are two tanks located in the township, one is owned by the town, and the other is owned by Morris County. Manager Mountain informed Councilwoman Veech that the township tank is located near Old Brookside Road.

Deputy Mayor Potter asked if the Stormwater Outfall project related to the DPW's project of evaluating outfalls in the township. Manager Mountain informed her that the Stormwater Outfall project does not address a specific project; instead, it encompasses numerous stormwater projects that the town completes from year to year.

Item #13, R-208-21, Authorizing the Township of Randolph to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Cranford Police Cooperative Pricing System - Deputy Mayor Potter asked if the Cranford Police Cooperative Pricing System was a new cooperative. She inquired about the reasoning for the township joining the system. Manager Mountain explained that the township joins multiple cooperatives in case other groups are offered better prices. He was unsure if it was a new cooperative, but he would find out. Deputy Mayor Potter asked if the town participated in police cooperatives. Manager Mountain responded that he was not aware of any participation in police cooperatives.

Item #16, R-206-21, Property Tax veteran's exemption for 20 Cromwell Drive, Block 38, Lot 60 for Bernie Mulero - $7,339.05 - Deputy Mayor Potter thanked the veteran of this property for their service.

R-196-21 Refund registration for child to attend Summer Day Camp Before and After Care program to Mustilli - $350.00
R-197-21 Refund registration for Spring and Summer Artworks Program due to classes being cancelled to Linda Milligan - $608.00
R-198-21 Requesting the approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation per NJSA 40A:4-87 - Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) Grant Supplemental - $2,000.00
R-199-21 Amending 2021 Capital Budget for various project improvements including 42 Bennett Ave., painting the water tank, retrofit-improvements to HVAC Systems, Stormwater outfall - $925,000.00
R-200-21 Cancelling the $600,000 receivable balance from the Habitat for Humanities for Ordinance #13-15
R-201-21 Awarding a contract for Basic Life and Basic AD&D Insurance Benefits for Municipal Employees, Volunteer Fire Personnel, Volunteer Rescue Squad Members and Certain Retired Employees
R-202-21 Refund registration for Winter Ice Hockey Program to Finizio - $1,175.00
R-203-21 Endorsing Application for Treatment Works Approval for Sussex Ridge Township Development
R-204-21 Refund registration for Winter Ice Hockey Program to Keay - $250.00
R-205-21 Release of Site Restoration Cash Bond for WaWa - Block 137, Lots 2 and 5, 358 Rte. 10 West to Paramount Carter Venture (Randolph 10 Developers, LLC) - $9,020.40
R-206-21 Authorizing contracts with an additional approved State Contract Vendor for contracting Units pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12a
R-207-21 Authorizing contracts with an additional approved MCCPC Contract Vendor under the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11 (15)
R-208-21 Authorizing the Township of Randolph to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with the Cranford Police Cooperative Pricing System
R-209-21 Professional Services Agreement to Dewberry Engineers, Inc. for Engineering Services for construction phase of Meadowbrook Road Pump Station Project - Not to exceed $28,000.00

CERTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Dated: September 9, 2021

As required by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-57, N.J.A.C. 5:30-14.5, and any other applicable requirement, I, Deborah Bonanno, Director of Finance for the Township of Randolph, have ascertained that funds will be available in the Sewer Capital Fund, Ordinances 29-21 to award a contract Dewberry Engineers for engineering services for the Meadowbrook/Dogwood Pump Station Project, per its proposal submitted to the Township.

Deborah Bonanno
Chief Financial Officer
Budget Accounts:08-215-55-919-303 (not to exceed $28,000)

R-210-21 Tax Sale Certificate Refund to Trystone Capital Assets, LLC for $7,615.70 and to Dovenmuehle Mortgage for $538.62
R-211-21 Property tax veteran's exemption for 20 Cromwell Drive, Block 38, lot 60 for Bernie Mulero - $7,339.05
R-212-21 Authorizing execution of a contract for online auction services for a one-year period, with the option to extend for an additional year.
R-213-21 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #3 - Rock Salt and Liquid Calcium Chloride from various bidders
R-214-21 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #15-A - Police Pursuit Vehicles, 2022 Models from various bidders
R-215-21 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract #15-C - Utility Vehicles, 2022 Models for various bidders
R-216-21 Authorizing the award and rejection of MCCPC Contract 15-D - Service/Truck bodies with various bidders
R-217-21 Authorizing the award of MCCPC Contract #15-E - Hybrid vehicles, 2022 Models to Route 23 Automall, LLC
R-218-21 Authorizing the rejection of all bids for MCCPC Contract #5-F - Cab/Chassis with Dump Bodies, 2022 Models
R-219-21 Authorizing the Township Manager to execute an agreement between Randolph Township and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L
R-220-21 Release of road opening cash bonds for various properties
R-221-21 Release of Cash Bond - Combs Hollow Inc. - Block 51, Lots 10.01 to 10.10
R-221A-21 Refund of Construction Permit Application Fee - 14 Laurel Hill Drive

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

AYES:
Councilwoman Carey
Councilman Loveys
Councilman Nisivoccia
Councilman Tkacs
Councilwoman Veech
Deputy Mayor Potter
Mayor Forstenhausler - Abstained from Item #6

NAYS: None

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Garden Dinner at Community Garden in Veteran's Community Park, Friday September 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.
Patriot's Day Remembrance Ceremony at VFW, 103 Carrell Road, Randolph, Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
Senior Picnic at Brundage Park on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 11:30 a.m.
Clean Communities Day, Saturday, September 18, 2021 (Groups will gather at collection areas - no ceremony at Municipal Building)
Confidential Paper Shredding, Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building parking lot at 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ 07869
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Lightbridge Academy, 765 Route 10, Randolph, on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Country Fair at Municipal Building, 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Councilwoman Veech informed the public that the Community Garden Dinner was only open to registered gardeners.

G. ORDINANCES: SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING

1. Ordinance 29-21 Amending Ordinance Nos. 07-17, 12-19, 07-20 for the Purpose of Re-Appropriating the Funds for the Emergency Repair of the Meadowbrook Pump Station

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance of the Township of Randolph Amending Capital Ordinances No. 07-17, 12-19, and 07-20 for the Purpose of Re-Appropriating the Funds for the Emergency Repair of the Meadowbrook Pump Station in the Township of Randolph, be read by title on second reading and a hearing held thereon.

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to amend Ordinance Nos. 07-19, 12-19 and 07-20 to allow their scope to be expanded to be utilized for the emergency repair of the Meadowbrook Pump Station.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing none, the public portion was closed.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled, An Ordinance of the Township of Randolph Amending Capital Ordinances No. 07-17, 12-19, and 07-20 for the Purpose of Re-Appropriating the Funds for the Emergency Repair of the Meadowbrook Pump Station in the Township of Randolph, 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 Loveys made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

H. ORDINANCES: INTRODUCTION

1. Ordinance 26-21 Appropriating $75,000 from the American Rescue Plan's Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Improvements to the Township's Stormwater Outfall System

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to fund improvements to the Stormwater Outfall System. Mayor Forstenhausler commented that it was great that the township was able to get these projects completed through the use of federal funding.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the Township of Randolph Appropriating $75,000 from the American Rescue Plan's Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Improvements to the Township's Stormwater Outfall System" 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 23rd, of September, 2021 at 6 o'clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Town Hall in said Township, at which time and place all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk be authorized and directed to advertise said Ordinance in full or by summary with the notice of introduction thereof, in the official designated newspaper according to law.

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

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

NAYS: None

2. Ordinance 27-21 Appropriating $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan's Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Painting the Township's Water Tank

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to fund the painting of the Township's Water Tank.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the Township of Randolph Appropriating $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan's Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Painting the Township's Water Tank" be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

Deputy Mayor Potter asked how long the painting on the tank would take. Manager Mountain informed her that he was not sure. The process for bidding would take a while; he estimated that the actual work would take about a month, depending on weather conditions. Councilman Loveys asked if the project was likely to take place next year. Manager Mountain informed him that the project has been in the township's plans for several years. He explained how the township has been reserving funds each year. The money that the town was reserving from utilities would be freed up to be applied towards other capital projects.

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

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

NAYS: None

3. Ordinance 28-21 Appropriating $150,000 from the American Rescue Plan's Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Retrofits and/or Improvements to HVAC Systems Located in Township-Owned property

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to fund Retrofit/Improvements to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Systems in Township Facilities.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the Township of Randolph Appropriating $150,000 from the American Rescue Plan's Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for Retrofits and/or Improvements to HVAC Systems Located in Township-Owned Property" be introduced, read by title by the Township Clerk and passed on first reading.

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

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

NAYS: None

4. Ordinance 30-21 Amending and Supplementing Section 31-54, Crosswalks of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph on Doby Road

Manager Mountain explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to amend and supplement Section 31-54, Crosswalks, of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, to include an additional mid block crossing on Doby Road within the Township of Randolph. The changes were recommended by the Trails Advisory Committee.

BE IT RESOLVED, that an Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Section 31-54, Crosswalks, of Chapter 31, Traffic and Vehicles, of the Revised Ordinances of the Township of Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey" 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 7th, of October, 2021 at 5 o'clock in the evening, prevailing time, at the Town Hall in said Township, at which time and place all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance.

Councilman Nisivoccia shared that the Trails Advisory Committee has reported several near misses in the area due to the low visibility. He also recognized that a Girl Scout Troop has installed crossing flags in the area.

Deputy Mayor Potter asked how many crosswalks there existed between parks in the township. Manager Mountain shared that a number of them have automated crossing signals which create high visibility. He would find out exactly how many crossings there are.

Councilman Loveys asked if the vegetation in the area was something the town was looking into. Manager Mountain stated that they would look into cutting the vegetation back. Councilman Nisivoccia commented that Parks and Recreation Director Russ Newman reported that the department had cut the vegetation as far back as they could.

Councilwoman Veech informed Manager Mountain that the trees near the intersection of Pierson Hill Road and Millbrook Avenue have been affecting visibility. Manager Mountain informed her that it would be looked into. He encouraged the council to share similar issues if they come across them in town.

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

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

NAYS: None

I. DISCUSSION

1. Community Relations Committee Proposal

Mayor Forstenhausler shared that the Ordinance Workgroup Committee has had several meetings over the last seven months. As a result of their efforts, the committee has come up with an outline for the proposed new Community Relations Advisory Committee. The committee will be dedicated to advancing an environment of understanding and acceptance of all individuals to further strengthen Randolph Township as a safe, welcoming, and exceptional place to live, work and grow. He asked the council to review the drafted outline of the new committee so it could be further developed and provided to the attorney for the preparation of a resolution.

Councilwoman Veech asked how the Ordinance Committee came up with the name "Community Relations" for the proposed committee. Deputy Mayor Potter explained that they had received suggestions from other municipalities that have created similar committees.

Councilwoman Veech referred to the outline section regarding committee members. Mayor Forstenhausler informed her that the committee will consist of 8 public members who are Randolph residents and one chairperson appointed by the council. The group is made up of nine members for voting purposes, in addition to one council liaison and one police liaison.

Councilwoman Veech asked if any student members would be on the committee. Mayor Forstenhausler informed her that the Ordinance Committee would look into the possibility.

Councilwoman Carey inquired about the terms for committee members. Mayor Forstenhausler informed her that members would have one-year terms.

There was a brief discussion on the addition of student members to the committee.

Councilman Nisivoccia asked if the committee would follow the same appointment process as the township's other committees; applications would be reviewed via Tap the Talent submissions. Mayor Forstenhausler confirmed that he was correct. There was a brief discussion about appointment terms.

Mayor Forstenhausler understood that the addition of student members should be considered for the proposed committee. He informed the council that the outline would be provided to Attorney Buzak for review.

J. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Seeing and hearing no one, the public session was closed.

K. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilman Tkacs had nothing to report for this meeting.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that he attended a Parks Advisory Committee meeting the previous month, in place of Councilman Tkacs. He shared that holographic tape has been installed around the park benches at Heistein Park. The tape has been found to keep Canadian geese away from the park benches.

Mayor Forstenhausler asked what holographic tape is. Councilman Nisivoccia informed him that the tape is a metallic ribbon installed on parks and trees to deter geese from being in the area. He explained that the tape had to be replaced twice, as park visitors thought the previously installed tape was litter and disposed of it. He shared that the department has put up signs informing residents not to remove the tape. Manager Mountain added that the resident who initially requested the deterrent was pleased with the results.

Councilman Nisivoccia shared that during the Parks Advisory Committee meeting, Director Newman reported that the Randolph Lake operations were running smoothly.

Councilman Nisivoccia reported that he attended a Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) meeting, during which the committee proposed that Breathe Easy signage be posted around town. The MAC also discussed the township ordinances that prohibited vaping and smoking in township parks. He shared that Police Chief Harzula felt that the current ordinances encompassed the prohibition of any form of smoking and vaping in township parks.

He reported that the MAC was excited to have a table at the upcoming Country Fair. He shared that the committee is interested in offering a Youth Mental First Aid program in the fall as the spring 2021 program proved to be successful and a sell-out. The MAC will be discussing plans for selling tickets.

He concluded his report by sharing that he attended a bench dedication ceremony for Jim Marasca. He stated that the Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce may be meeting the following week.

Mayor Forstenhausler asked Manager Mountain if the council needed to discuss whether the smoking ordinance required alteration. Manager Mountain suggested that the ordinance be reviewed. He agreed with Chief Harzula's view, as the language of the ordinance prohibits smoking of any kind. A recommendation for vaping is currently being worked on. Councilman Nisivoccia commented that the schools brought up vaping issues the previous year as they were trying to combat vaping on school property.

Councilman Loveys had nothing to report for this meeting.

Councilwoman Veech inquired about the Spotted Lanternfly situation facing the state. She wanted to know what the township was planning to do in response to the issue and inquired if there were any county or state protocols in place. Manager Mountain informed her that it was currently a state issue. The state is directing the public to kill and report the insects. He stated that residents have primarily been experiencing nuisances because of the insects. He has not seen anything from the state that it is a concern from a public health view as the insects primarily affect crops. He reminded everyone that the state has published a list of home remedies to kill the insects.

Councilman Loveys commented that there are certain trees that the insect goes after. He shared that Morris County has recently been added to the state's quarantine list. Manager Mountain explained that the quarantine related to the insects spreading across the state via transportation. Manager Mountain explained that the state has not required anything at the municipal level.

Deputy Mayor Potter commented that a municipality in Pennsylvania purchased traps that were $18 each; she stated that if the insects were just a nuisance, there was no reason to do that.

Councilwoman Veech reported that the Traffic Advisory Committee did not meet. She informed the public that the Community Garden would be holding a garlic sale during the Country Fair. The proceeds will be given to Homeless Solutions. The garden plans to sell 200 garlic bulbs and provide a demonstration on how to plant the bulbs. Deputy Mayor Potter asked if deer eat the bulbs and if anyone could purchase them. Councilwoman Veech informed her that deer do not eat the plants and they were available for purchase by anyone at the fair.

Councilwoman Veech asked if the township would be holding CPR Training classes this year. Manager Mountain explained that it was difficult to plan because of COVID-19. In the winter of 2020, he spoke to Rescue Squad Captain Todd Houston about potentially holding the classes. They have determined that there is no way to conduct that interactive training due to the pandemic.

Councilwoman Veech concluded her report by informing the council that the NJ League of Municipalities will be having a meeting on Wednesday, September 15.

Councilman Nisivoccia commented that the township's communication has been going out quickly and steadily.

Councilwoman Carey reported that the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission issued cannabis regulations on Friday, August 20. The township's Cannabis Subcommittee will be meeting on Wednesday, October 13, to discuss the next steps.

She reported that the Library Board of Trustees met remotely on Thursday, August 12. She shared that a board member seat is open. She reported that the library's story walk will be held at the walkway between Veterans Community Park and Heistein Park.

She shared that the library's Summer Concert Series was successful. The library averaged 200 attendees at each concert event. She concluded her report by sharing that 150 students were enrolled in the summer reading program and that the library is now mandating that children aged 12 and older must wear a face mask when participating in indoor programs.

Councilwoman Veech asked if the library considered using the history of Randolph as the narrative for the Story Walk program. Councilwoman Carey informed her that the library was aware of her recommendation; she stated that the content for the Story Walk would be changed regularly.

Councilwoman Veech inquired about the flags that are proposed to be placed at Veterans Community Park. Mayor Forstenhausler and Manager Mountain informed her that it was in progress. Manager Mountain explained that the group providing the hero flags have met with Director Newman and have established a location for the flags. Councilwoman Veech asked if the hero flags would be changing periodically. Mayor Forstenhausler confirmed that the flags would be changed from time to time.

Deputy Mayor Potter reported that the Randolph COVID-19 Angels volunteer group will be meeting with the Chester Township COVID-19 volunteers in September. She asked for suggestions to say thank you to both of the volunteer groups for their efforts.

Mayor Forstenhausler reported that the quarterly liaison meeting with the Board of Education was postponed and rescheduled to the following day. He shared that the Economic Development Committee meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum; instead of an official meeting, the group discussed the Country Fair, no voting action was taken during the unofficial meeting. He concluded his report by reminding everyone of the Saturday, September 11, Patriot's Day Ceremony at the VFW.

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:

a. Affordable Housing Litigation
b. Manager's Office Personnel

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.

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to move into Executive Session at 7:02 p.m. Deputy Mayor Potter seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

Councilwoman Veech made a motion to close the Executive Session at 8:30 p.m. Councilwoman Carey seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None

M. ADJOURNMENT

Councilwoman Carey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Councilwoman Veech seconded the motion, and the following roll call vote was taken:

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

NAYS: None