May 21, 2008
Mayor George Piazza called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and stated that in compliance with the “Open Public Meeting Act” this is a Regular Meeting of the Township Committee as published in the Hunterdon Review, the agenda has been posted at the Municipal Building and distributed to the Hunterdon Review, Courier News, the Express Times, the Hunterdon County Democrat and the Star Ledger.
Mayor Piazza asked everyone to stand for the flag salute.
Present - George Piazza, Patricia Schriver, Jay Weeks, Frank Morrison
Absent - Edward Post
Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein, CFO Greg Della Pia, Clerk Karen Sandorse and 6 members of the public.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the May 7, 2008 regular meeting minutes.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the May 7, 2008 executive session minutes.
BUDGET RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No. 54-2008
– Dedication by Rider - Municipal
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 54-2008. (As written below)
STATE OF NEW
Dedication
by Rider - Municipal
RESOLUTION NO. 54-2008
WHEREAS,
permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government
Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by the
municipality when revenue is not subject to reasonable accurate estimates in
advance, and
WHEREAS,
PL 1989, C51 and N.J.S 40A:5-29 allows municipalities to receive municipal
alliance funds for drug and alcohol abuse, and
WHEREAS,
N.J.S.A 40A: 4-39 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government
Services may approve expenditures of monies by dedication by rider,
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the
1.
The Mayor and Committee hereby request
permission of the Director of Local Government Services to pay expenditures
from Voorhees Municipal Alliance Trust as per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-39.
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution shall be
forwarded to the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services,
Resolution No. 54a-2008
- Dedication by Rider – Fair Share Housing
Motion by Mr.
Morrison, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call
vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 54a-2008. (As written below)
STATE OF NEW
Dedication
by Rider – Fair Share Housing
RESOLUTION NO. 54a-2008
WHEREAS,
permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government
Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by the
municipality when revenue is not subject to reasonable accurate estimates in
advance, and
WHEREAS,
PL 1985, C222 and N.J.A.C. 5.92-18.1 et seq. allows municipalities to receive
developer’s fees for fair share housing, and
WHEREAS,
N.J.S.A 40A: 4-39 provides that the Director of the Division of Local
Government Services may approve expenditures of monies by dedication by rider,
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the
2.
The Mayor and Committee hereby request
permission of the Director of Local Government Services to pay expenditures
from Fair Share Housing Trust as per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-39.
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution shall be
forwarded to the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services,
Resolution No. 54b-2008
– Dedication by Rider – Developer’s Escrow
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 54b-2008. (As written below)
STATE OF NEW
Dedication
by Rider – Developer’s Escrow
RESOLUTION NO. 54b-2008
WHEREAS,
permission is required of the Director of the Division of Local Government
Services for approval as a dedication by rider of revenues received by the
municipality when revenue is not subject to reasonable accurate estimates in
advance, and
WHEREAS,
N.J.S 40:55D-53.1 allows municipalities to receive Developer’s Escrow funds,
and
WHEREAS,
N.J.S.A 40A: 4-39 provides that the Director of the Division of Local
Government Services may approve expenditures of monies by dedication by rider,
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the
3.
The Mayor and Committee hereby request
permission of the Director of Local Government Services to pay expenditures
from Developer’s Escrow in the following Developer’s Escrow Trust Funds: Developer’s Escrow Trust, Driveway Bond
Trust, and Off Track Improvement Trust, as per N.J.S.A. 40A:4-39.
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution shall be
forwarded to the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services,
2008 BUDGET – PUBLIC
HEARING
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee opened the public hearing for the 2008 Proposed Budget.
Ms.
Mr. William Rauschenberger asked how long the employee’s contract period is and questioned if the 4% proposed salary is an adequate amount due to inflation and increasing gas prices.
Mr. Anthony Casale said that you cannot compare other municipalities tax rates without knowing their assessments.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
The Township Committee decided to hold another budget work session to review the proposed budget one more time to be sure they have cut in all areas possible.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee scheduled a special budget work session for Monday, June 2, 2008 at 6 p.m. to review the proposed budget and to extend the 2008 Temporary Budget.
PROCLAMATION –
National Public Works Week
Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Whereas, public works services provided in our community are an integral
part of our citizens’ every day lives; and Whereas, the support of an
understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of the
public works systems and programs such as water, sewers, streets and highways,
public buildings and solid waste collection; and Whereas, the health, safety
and comfort of this community greatly depends on the facilities and services;
and Whereas, the quality and effectiveness of these facilities, as well as
their planning, design, and construction, is vitally dependent upon the efforts
and skill of public works officials; and Whereas the efficiency of the
qualified and dedicat6ed personnel who staff public works departments is
materially influenced by the people’s attitude and understanding of the
importance of the work they perform,
Now therefore, I, George Piazza, Mayor of the
“National Public Works Week”
In the Township of Lebanon, and I call upon all citizens and civic organizations to acquaint themselves with the issues involved in providing our public works and to recognize the contributions which public works officials make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No.
55-2008 - Adopt PBA Local 188 MOA
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 55-2008 as written below.
STATE OF NEW
RESOLUTION NO. 55-2008
WHEREAS, the Township of Lebanon and the PBA Local 188 did engage in negotiations and resolved the issues between them as set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Lebanon that the Township Committee hereby ratifies and approves the terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Agreement attached hereto and made a part hereof.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Township Clerk are duly authorized to execute said Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Resolution No.
56-2008- A & B Stainless Fireworks
Permit
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 56-2008 as written below.
RESOLUTION NO. 56-2008
RESOLUTION GRANTING FIREWORKS
PERMIT TO A&B STAINLESS VALVE
AND FITTING COMPANY
WHEREAS, A&B Stainless Valve and Fitting Company has applied for a permit for public display of fireworks to be held on July 5, 2008 at 9:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the Lebanon Township Fire Code Official has reviewed the application, investigated the area where the display will take place and recommends that the permit be granted; and
WHEREAS, the necessary bond and surety has been posted.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of
the
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Fire Official file
copies of this Resolution and any other pertinent document with the appropriate
Resolution No.
57-2008 - Cancellation of Tax
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No.57-2008 as written below.
STATE OF NEW
RESOLUTION NO. 57-2008
WHEREAS Tax Sale Certificate #200701 fell to Lebanon Township at Tax Sale on November 28th , 2007 and
WHEREAS Certificate #200701 has been redeemed by Ronald S. Heymann Esq, attorney for the new owner of Block 56, lot 19, Marc Dean and,
WHEREAS the amount of $3,793.84 has been collected for the redemption of this certificate,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer be authorized to
prepare and the Mayor, Treasurer and Clerk be authorized to sign a check in the
amount of $3,793.84 made payable to
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Tax Sale Certificate 200701 be endorsed for cancellation by the Mayor and sent to Ronald S. Heymann, attorney for Marc Dean, the new owner of the property.
OLD BUSINESS
Appoint Temporary DPW
Summer Employees
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee appointed Gary Hood at $11.50 per hour and Chris Bisbee at $11.25 per hour as Temporary DPW Summer Employees at the recommendation of the DPW Supervisor.
A letter was received from the Hunterdon County Housing
Corporation a few weeks ago, stating that they are going through dissolution
and that
Comcast
There have been complaints from residents on private drives that Comcast is not running the cable lines to their homes. Attorney Bernstein stated that in the Line Extension Policy, Comcast is required to run a line a certain distance down the private road. If not, they must provide a reason, in writing as to why they have failed to do so. Residents can send a letter to the Office of Cable TV to notify them that they are not being serviced by Comcast.
South Branch
Watershed Cleanup
South Branch Watershed wrote a letter to the Mayor thanking the Township for their assistance in the Annual South Branch Watershed Stream Clean-up.
Hunterdon
Scott Nodes, the Correctional Administrator of the Hunterdon County Jail, wrote to the Mayor to inform him of the newly implemented Hunterdon County Labor Assistance Program. The program enables weekend inmates to report to the Jail at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings every week. The inmates are transported to various work sites, they work for the day and then are released to go home. This program enables the inmates to sleep at home and to
hold jobs to support their families during the week. Mr. Nodes stated that he is offering the services of the L.A.P. program to the Township.
NEW BUSINESS
Approve Raffle License Application – The Repertory
Dancers, Inc.- 06/07/2008
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and
carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Raffle License Application for the Repertory Dancers, Inc. for
an event to be held on 06/07/2008.
Cancel August 6th Meetings
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and
carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee canceled the August 6th Meeting.
PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS
Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1,000.00.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the May 21, 2008 bill list in the amount of $ 46,774.03.
CORRESPONDENCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
DPW Supervisor Paul Jones asked who would be overseeing the Library Roof Replacement project and stated that if it were to be him that he would like to be involved in the pre-construction meetings. Paul said that he is trying to work out the timing for the work to begin.
Ms. Nancy Darois asked why the Public Works Department would be responsible in overseeing the Library Roof project. She said that they have enough to do.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Resolution No. 58-2008 and convened in executive session at 8:05p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 58-2008
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of
Public to discuss the following matters:
Personnel Matters – Library Clerk Salary
Attorney Client Privilege - Other Than Collective Bargaining –
Township Garage – Tucker Correspondence
Motion by Ms.
Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee reconvened the
Regular Committee meeting at 9:09 p.m.
Attorney Bernstein
stated that all members of the Governing Body present at the commencement of
the executive session were present at the recommencement of the open session as
well as the Township Clerk and the Township Attorney.
Attorney Bernstein
stated that in the closed session the salary for the new Library Clerk was
discussed. The salary was determined to
be $18.00 per hour for the 2008 year and will be reflected as such in the CWA
Local 1080 MOA. Discussion was held on
the possibilities of the reconstruction or purchase of a new Township
Garage. The Township Committee gave
direction to DPW Supervisor Paul Jones on how to proceed with his research. Mr.
Robert Tucker sent a letter to the Committee requesting information relative to
land acquisition in the Township. The
CFO or the Township Attorney will prepare a response.
Having no further business to come before the Committee, a motion was made by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Karen J. Sandorse, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
Approved: June 4, 2008 _____________________________
George Piazza, Mayor