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, Edward Post, Frank Morrison
Absent -
Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein, Clerk Karen Sandorse and 9 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 August 20, 2008 regular meeting minutes with a correction as noted.
Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the August 20, 2008 executive session minutes.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Resolution No. 79-2008 and convened in executive session at 7:02 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 79-2008
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of
Public to discuss the following matters:
Personnel – Possible Retention of an Architect
Police Chief Salary
Anticipated or Pending Litigation – Ongoing Issue with the Council on Affordable Housing
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee reconvened the Regular Committee meeting at 8:13 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. Also in attendance was
Paul Jones, DPW Supervisor, Warren Gabriel, Assistant DPW Supervisor and
Michael Bolan, the Township Planner. There was a discussion regarding the possible
retention of an architect relative to the Township Garage, the Committee
received material from Mr. Keith Chambers and has requested some additional
information and will revisit this matter as early as the next Committee
meeting. No formal action needs to be taken at this time. There was discussion
with the Township Attorney and the Township Planner relative to possible
litigation involving the Township’s COAH obligations for Round 3. Planner Bolan
and Attorney Bernstein have been given direction as to what actions to take on
behalf of the Committee. No formal
action will need to be taken. There was also a discussion relative to Police
Chief Mattson and his employment contract.
Ms. Sandorse has been given direction for the Treasurer relative to
compensation. The Committee will review the Chief’s present agreement and the
Mayor and the Township Committee liaison, Committeeman Morrison will discuss a
new contract with the Chief. No formal
action is needed at this time.
Five Minute Recess Taken at 8:14 p.m.
ORDINANCE
Public Hearing
Ordinance No. 2008-07
- Public Improvements Bond
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post, and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the public hearing for Ordinance No. 2008-07 was opened.
Hearing no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post, and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Ordinance No. 2008-07 as written below.
STATE
OF NEW
ORDINANCE
NO. 2008-07
BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING
OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR
REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND A
NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE, INCLUDING ORIGINAL
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR
THE TOWNSHIP OF LEBANON, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO
APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $346,500 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO MAKE A DOWN
PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND
TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE
ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS.
-------------------------------------------------
BE IT
ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the
Section
l. The Township of Lebanon, in the
County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey (the "Township") is hereby
authorized to make various public improvements and to acquire new additional or
replacement equipment and machinery, new information technology equipment and a
new automotive vehicle, including original apparatus and equipment, in, by and
for said Township, as more particularly described in Section 4 hereof. The cost of the improvements includes all
work, materials and appurtenances necessary and suitable therefor.
Section
2. There is hereby appropriated to the
payment of the cost of making the improvements described in Sections l and 4
hereof (hereinafter referred to as "purposes"), the respective
amounts of money hereinafter stated as the appropriation for said respective
purposes. Said appropriation shall be
met from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds authorized and the down payment
appropriated by this ordinance. Said
improvements shall be made as general improvements and no part of the cost
thereof shall be assessed against property specially benefited.
Section 3. It is hereby determined and stated that the
making of such improvements is not a current expense of said Township.
Section 4. The several purposes hereby authorized for
the financing of which said obligations are to be issued are set forth in the
following "Schedule of Improvements, Purposes and Amounts" which
schedule also shows (l) the amount of the appropriation and the estimated cost
of each such purpose, and (2) the amount of each sum which is to be provided by
the down payment hereinafter appropriated to finance such purposes, and (3) the
estimated maximum amount of bonds and notes to be issued for each such purpose,
and (4) the period of usefulness of each such purpose, according to its
reasonable life, computed from the date of said bonds:
SCHEDULE OF IMPROVEMENTS, PURPOSES
AND AMOUNTS
A.
Undertaking various public improvements
and the
acquisition
of new additional or replacement equipment and machinery consisting of: (i)
renovations at the Municipal Building, including renovating a garage for use as
a Police multi-purpose room and improvements to interior lighting, (ii)
acquisition of a generator for the Municipal Complex and (iii) acquisition of
fireproof file cabinets. It is hereby
determined and stated that said public building being improved is of
"Class B" or equivalent construction as defined in Section 22 of the
Local Bond Law (Chapter 2 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, as
amended; the "Local Bond Law").
Appropriation
and Estimated Cost $ 71,500
Down
Payment Appropriated $ 3,500
Bonds
and Notes Authorized $
68,000
Period
of Usefulness 15
years
B.
Acquisition of new information technology equipment for the use of the
Police Department consisting of (i) new computers and (ii) an audio/video
system.
Appropriation
and Estimated Cost $ 15,000
Down
Payment Appropriated $ 800
Bonds
and Notes Authorized $
14,200
Period
of Usefulness 5
years
C. Acquisition of a new automotive vehicle,
including original apparatus and equipment, consisting of a mason dump truck
for the use of the Department of Public Works.
Appropriation
and Estimated Cost $ 60,000
Down Payment Appropriated $ 3,100
Bonds and Notes Authorized $
56,900
Period of Usefulness 5
years
D. Undertaking the
Road Resurfacing Program at various locations in the Township, as set forth on
a list on file or to be placed on file with the Township Clerk, and hereby
approved as if set forth herein in full. Depending upon the contract price and other
exigent circumstances, and upon approval by the Township Committee, there may
be additions to or deletions from the aforesaid list. It is hereby determined and stated that said
roads being improved are of "Class B" or equivalent construction as
defined in Section 22 of the Local Bond Law.
Appropriation and Estimated Cost $200,000
Down Payment Appropriated $ 9,600
Bonds and Notes Authorized $190,400
Period of Usefulness 10
years
-------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate Appropriation and Estimated
Cost $346,500
Aggregate
Down Payment Appropriated $
17,000
Aggregate Amount of Bonds and Notes
Authorized $329,500
Section 5. The cost of such purposes, as hereinbefore
stated, does not include any amount to finance the cost of such purposes,
including architect's fees, accounting, engineering and inspection costs, legal
expenses and other expenses, including interest on such obligations to the
extent permitted by Section 20 of the Local Bond Law.
Section
6. It is hereby determined and stated
that moneys exceeding $17,000, appropriated for down payments on capital
improvements or for the capital improvement fund in budgets heretofore adopted
for said Township, are now available to finance said purposes. The sum of $17,000 is hereby appropriated
from such moneys to the payment of the cost of said purposes.
Section
7. To finance said purposes, bonds of
said Township of an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $329,500 are
hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the Local Bond Law. Said bonds shall bear interest at a rate per
annum as may be hereafter determined within the limitations prescribed by law. All matters with respect to said bonds not
determined by this ordinance shall be determined by resolutions to be hereafter
adopted.
Section
8. To finance said purposes, bond
anticipation notes of said Township of an aggregate principal amount not
exceeding $329,500 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the Local
Bond Law in anticipation of the issuance of said bonds. In the event that bonds are issued pursuant
to this ordinance, the aggregate amount of notes hereby authorized to be issued
shall be reduced by an amount equal to the principal amount of the bonds so
issued. If the aggregate amount of
outstanding bonds and notes issued pursuant to this ordinance shall at any time
exceed the sum first mentioned in this section, the moneys raised by the
issuance of said bonds shall, to not less than the amount of such excess, be
applied to the payment of such notes then outstanding.
Section
9. Each bond anticipation note issued
pursuant to this ordinance shall be dated on or about the date
of its issuance and shall be payable
not more than one year from its date, shall bear interest at a rate per annum
as may be hereafter determined within the limitations prescribed by law and may
be renewed from time to time pursuant to and within limitations prescribed by
the Local Bond Law. Each of said bond
anticipation notes shall be signed by the Mayor and by a financial officer and
shall be under the seal of said Township and attested by the Township Clerk or
Deputy Township Clerk. Said officers are
hereby authorized to execute said notes in such form as they may adopt in
conformity with law. The power to
determine any matters with respect to said notes not determined by this
ordinance and also the power to sell said notes, is hereby delegated to the
Chief Financial Officer who is hereby authorized to sell said notes either at
one time or from time to time in the manner provided by law.
Section
10. It is hereby determined and declared
that the average period of usefulness of said purposes, according to their
reasonable lives, taking into consideration the respective amounts of bonds or
notes authorized for said purposes, is a period of 9.95 years computed from the
date of said bonds.
Section
11. It is hereby determined and stated
that the Supplemental Debt Statement required by the Local Bond Law has been
duly made and filed in the office of the Township Clerk of said Township, and
that such statement so filed shows that the gross debt of said Township, as
defined in Section 43 of the Local Bond Law, is increased by this ordinance by
$329,500 and that the issuance of the bonds and notes authorized by this
ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond
Law.
Section
12. Any funds received from private
parties, the County of Hunterdon, the State of New Jersey or any of their
agencies or any funds received from the United States of America or any of its
agencies in aid of such purposes, shall be applied to the payment of the cost
of such purposes, or, if bond anticipation notes have been issued, to the
payment of the bond anticipation notes, and the amount of bonds authorized for
such purposes shall be reduced accordingly.
Section
13. The Township intends to issue the
bonds or notes to finance the cost of the improvements described in Sections 1
and 4 of this bond ordinance. If the
Township incurs such costs prior to the issuance of the bonds or notes, the
Township hereby states its reasonable expectation to reimburse itself for such
expenditures with the proceeds of such bonds or notes in the maximum principal
amount of bonds or notes authorized by this bond ordinance.
Section
14. The full faith and credit of the
Township are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and the
interest on the obligations authorized by this
ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited
and general obligations of the Township, and the Township shall levy ad valorem
taxes upon all the taxable real property within the Township for the payment of
the principal of and interest on such bonds and notes, without limitation as to
rate or amount.
Section
15. The capital budget is hereby amended
to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any
inconsistency therewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance
Board showing full detail of the amended capital budget and capital program as
approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, is on file
with the Township Clerk and is available for public inspection.
Section
16. This ordinance shall take effect
twenty days after the first publication thereof after final passage.
Introduction
Ordinance No. 2008-09
- Amend Salary Ordinance
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee introduced Ordnance No. 2008-09. (as entitled below)
AMEND SALARY ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-09
Public Hearing to be held on September 17, 2008.
OLD BUSINESS
Fire Chief Jay
Harkins – Committee’s Request
Mayor Piazza stated that he had a conversation on the phone with Fire Chief Jay Harkins and informed him that he was surprised to hear that one of the Township Fire Trucks had been removed from the Township’s insurance policy and the truck was in fact still being used. The Fire Chief told the Mayor that the truck was taken off by the insurance company and there was a mistake but then it was put back on the policy. Mayor Piazza also stated that he tried to make the Chief aware that everything must go through the Township Committee as they are the Township’s trucks. The Township takes the trucks off the insurance and put them on. The Township Committee assigns Paul Jones and Karen Sandorse to oversee the process. Mayor Piazza stated that they were upset with the Chief and the Insurance Company for the gaffe. Fire Chief Jay Harkins was in attendance and stated that the Insurance Carrier, Mr. Ray Scherrer wanted to meet with the Chief to go over some general paperwork. The Chief stated that as a department head, he met with Mr. Scherrer and discussed some insurance replacement costs as
fire apparatus is getting more costly every year. Mr. Post asked the Chief if Mr. Scherrer contacted him directly to request the meeting. The Chief said that, yes he did back in July. The Chief met with Mr. Scherrer and the Assistance Chief and discussed the vehicles we have and those that we do not have. The Chief noted that Mr. Scherrer stated issues that he wanted to make apparent to him and there were a couple pieces of equipment that the Fire Department no longer have and were replaced in 2004. The Chief stated that, not knowing the proper channels, he took it upon himself to let Mr. Scherrer know that the Township no longer had the equipment. Since money is an issue, there is no sense in insuring vehicles that we do not have and haven’t had since 2004. The Chief stated, that apparently Mr. Scherrer made a mistake and took one of the other engines off that the Fire Department still has on the road. A letter was sent to the Township confirming the removal of the vehicle from the policy. The Chief received a call questioning the removal and he called Mr. Scherrer to have the vehicle put back on the policy, which was done immediately. The Chief informed the Committee that he spoke to Paul Jones, Karen Sandorse, the Mayor and Committeeman Morrison. The matter was straightened out. Mr. Post asked how many assets were found to be on the policy that are no longer owned by the Township. The Chief stated that he had two pieces on the policy that should not have been. The Chief stated that two items should have been taken off the policy and Mr. Scherrer misinterpreted what he said and removed one item correctly and one incorrectly. The Chief stated that the items to be removed were two old engines, 19-61 and 19-62 which were two old pumpers which were replaced. The pumper tanker 19-63 was removed in error as it is located in Fire Station No. 1 at this time.
The Chief stated that he has now had the conversation and knows how to go through the proper channels. The Chief stated that in going though the insurance he would like to bring the Committee’s attention that the Fire Department’s medical and disability income for each individual. He stated that the accident insurance for medical, for each individual, is $5,000.00 coverage. The Chief also stated that he needs to bring disability income to the Committee’s attention, as each individual is only covered for $5,000.00. The major issue the Chief found in the policy was life insurance. He informed the Committee that, if there were a loss of life on the Fire Department, the coverage would be $30,000.00. The Chief stated that it is unacceptable and something needs to be done about that. He does not think it has been changed in years and he isn’t sure if it has been brought to anyone’s attention. Mr. Post stated that renewal is coming up and this will be part of the discussion. The Chief stated that he feels that the loss of life should be up with the police and road department, equal across the board. It should be the same whether it is a million or $5,000,000.00. The Chief said that it should be set to a standard, as it has been overlooked for so long. The Chief stated that it is just not fair to his members. The Chief said that he spoke to the Mayor and stated that God forbid something happened with the truck being taken off the policy for the brief period, possibly 24 hours, something happened but what if one of the Firemen loses their life and only receives $30,000.00. Mr. Post stated that in his discussion with the insurance carriers, he asked if there was any anticipation of where we are with our insurance relative to the Fire Department. Mr. Post understood that there was a meeting that included Matt Duryea, another insurance carrier. The Chief stated that Matt is his Assistant Chief and has insurance background which is to the Fire Department’s benefit.
Mr. Post stated that additional levels of coverage will be considered when seeking new quotes for the Township’s insurance.
The Chief apologized to anyone who may have felt that he did not follow the proper channels.
Mr. Post stated, that on the issues of contracts, he assumes that the Fire Department appreciates the issues of economies the Fire Department achieves by insuring through the municipality and given that to insure separately outside of the municipality, if being considered, it would end up costing everyone more without the same level of protection.
Mayor Piazza asked the Chief if he has any idea of what the coverage should be. The Chief stated that he talked around and it is anywhere from a million or so for Life insurance. The Chief said that he will check with the mutual aid departments for comparables.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison, and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee authorized the Mayor to sign the Highlands Council Grant.
Fire Station No. 1
Mr. Post stated that
he is still trying to chase down the DEP Representative relative to the Fire
Station No. 1 site remediation. He has not been successful to date. Mr. Post
has sent a email reminder and at this time it appears that the Commissioner
needs a be called.
Sergeant Gale
Mayor Piazza stated that Sergeant Gale has returned to work after being out on a medical leave.
NEW BUSINESS
Approve
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison, and
carried by unanimous favorable roll call
vote, the Township Committee approved the Voorhees High School PTSA Raffle Application for an event to
be held on 10/10/08.
Approve Social Affair Permit Application –
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison, and
carried by unanimous favorable roll call
vote, the Township Committee approved a Social Affair Permit Application for the Lebanon Township Fire
Department for A Day in the Park, to be held on September 20, 2008.
Accept 1971 JEE Brush Truck –
Fire Chief, Jay Harkins,
stated that through some networking, the Fire Department acquired a brush truck
through the Forestry Services in
Chief spoke to the
Chief from the Fire Department that retrofitted the equipment and they donated
all of the equipment for the back of the truck.
The truck is capable of carrying 500 gallons of water, it has a foam
system on it and it has a nice pump unit. The value is approximately
$10,000.00. The Chief acquired the vehicle and would like to put it to
use. Mr. Post asked if the Chief has
clear title on the vehicle. The Chief
stated that he has the title in hand but still has to change it over to the
Township. Mr. Weeks asked if there were
other stipulations with the vehicle. The
Chief stated that another stipulation is that the LTVFD can be called to other
brush fires if the Forestry Services should need the vehicle in the area. The Township Fire Department would have to
man the truck. Mr. Post asked if there is a zone in which the Township must
respond. The Chief stated that he is not
sure, but he will speak to John Trontis about it. Mr. Weeks asked if we add the
vehicle to the Township’s insurance, only our Firemen will man it. The Chief stated that that was correct. Mr. Post stated that the truck should not be
used until the title has been transferred. The Chief stated that the truck has
not been used, it is in the Fire House in storage. The Chief stated that if you get something
from Forestry Services and you network to get it, you have to jump on it.
Attorney Bernstein
asked if there is an agreement that goes along with the truck. The Chief stated that he has a contract. It is a title with a lien on it stating that
we cannot sell the piece of apparatus.
Attorney Bernstein stated that the Township Committee needs to see the
Agreement to see what the obligations are.
The Clerk asked the Chief if the Agreement has been executed and by whom. The Chief stated that he and the Forestry
Service executed the Agreement. Attorney
Bernstein stated that the Agreement is between the municipality and the
Forestry Service if we are going to insure it and have title to it. It is not a
Fire Department agreement. Mr. Post
stated that all should refrain from entering into contracts on behalf of the
municipality. This vehicle would be an addition to the fleet. Attorney Bernstein stated that the Township
Committee must formally accept the vehicle as municipalities do not have the
right to receive anything as a gift. There are requirements relative to
such. The Chief will provide a copy of
the Agreement to the Committee and the Attorney. Mr. Post asked the Chief if he is aware of
other Township’s that are in similar agreements. The Chief stated, that he is not aware of any
at this time. The Chief stated that
there are no additional costs associated with acquiring the vehicle that he is
aware of. Attorney Bernstein stated
that the insurance company should be informed of the possible acquisition to
see if there are any additional matters to be addressed. The Chief is to
provide a copy of an insurance certificate from
NJ Shade Tree Federation Correspondence
Tabled.
Municipal Wastewater Management Plan Advisory Committee
Correspondence
The Hunterdon County Wastewater Management Planning Agency sent correspondence requesting that the Township Committee establish a Municipal Wastewater Manage Advisory Committee and to appoint one member to serve on the County WMP Steering Committee. The Advisory Committee will be responsible for working with the County Planning Board, Municipal Planning Board, Zoning Board and Governing Body in completing the our municipality’s chapter of the County WMP and associated new and amended ordinances and
documentation. There was no interest shown on the part of the Township Committee. No action taken.
PRESENTATION OF
VOUCHERS
Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1,000.00.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the August 20, 2008 bill list in the amount of $2,825,972.10.
CORRESPONDENCE
Tax Collector’s Report for the Month of July 2008.
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.
Mr. Bill Rauschenberger stated that he is looking for assistance with the deer in the Township. Mr. Rauschenberger stated that they have become out of control and asked for the Committee to write a letter stating what a detriment they are in the Township.
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Having no further business to come before the Committee, a motion was made by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Karen J. Sandorse, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
Approved: September 17, 2008 _____________________________
George Piazza, Mayor