January 16, 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
Ed Post Francis Morrison
Absent Jay Weeks
Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein and Clerk Karen Sandorse and 10 members of the public.
Motion by Ms. Schriver seconded by Mr. Post and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2007. AYES: Post, Schriver, Piazza, Weeks Abstain: Morrison
Motion by Ms. Schriver seconded by Mr. Post and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved minutes of the Executive Session of December 19, 2007. AYES: Post, Schriver, Piazza, Weeks Abstain: Morrison
Motion by Ms. Schriver seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved minutes of the Reorganization Meeting of January 2, 2008.
PRESENTATION – Gail
Glashoff – Planning Board & Bd. of Adjustment Clerk
Mrs. Glashoff stated that General Code has a Municipal Clerk’s honor roll program. Mrs. Glashoff nominated Karen Sandorse for the honor. Mrs. Glashoff read the statement she provided General Code with and presented Clerk Sandorse with a certificate and pin.
ORDINANCES
Public Hearing
Ordinance No. 2008-
01 - CAP BANK
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the public hearing for Ordinance No. 2008-01 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 Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Ordinance No. 2008-01 as written below.
STATE OF NEW
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-01
CALENDAR YEAR 2008
ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION
LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
(N.J.S.A. 40A:
4-45.14)
WHEREAS,
the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S.A.
40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a
municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5% unless authorized
by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final
appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,
WHEREAS,
N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a
municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference
between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage
rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two
succeeding years; and,
WHEREAS,
the Township of Lebanon Committee of the Township of Lebanon in the County of
Hunterdon finds it advisable and necessary in increase its CY2008 budget by up
to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of
promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,
WHEREAS,
the Township of Lebanon Committee hereby determines that a 1% increase in the
budget for said year, amounting to $34,970.14 in excess of the increase in
final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is
advisable and necessary; and,
WHEREAS,
the
NOW
THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township of Lebanon Committee of the Township
of Lebanon, in the County of Hunterdon, a majority of the full authorized
membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY
2008 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of Lebanon shall, in
accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A.40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%,
amounting to $122,395.49, and that the CY2008 municipal budget for the Township
of Lebanon be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,
BE
IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized herinabove that is not
appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to
final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
BE
IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be
filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5
days of introduction; and,
BE
IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption,
with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5
days after such adoption.
Introduction
Ordinance No. 2008-02 - Duties and Responsibilities of the Zoning
Officer
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee introduced Ordnance No. 2008-02. (as entitled below)
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-02
STATE OF NEW
AN ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
Public Hearing to be held on February 6, 2008.
Introduction
Ordinance No. 2008-03- Criminal History Background Checks/LT First Aid
Squad
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township introduced Ordinance No. 2008-03. (as entitled below)
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-03
STATE OF NEW
AN ORDINANCE
REVISING, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING
THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES TO AUTHORIZE
CRIMINAL HISTORY
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL APPLICANTS TO THE
Public Hearing to be held on February 6, 2008.
Resolution No.
22-2008 – Authorizing the Use of Taxpayers Funds for Memorial Park
Mr. Post stated that it seems to be consistent with the actions of the Committee where they have been contributing funds toward the maintenance and up keep of the Memorial Park. It is recognized that the Park is self funding and to that extent the municipality has contributed to assist in making ends meet. There was some question as to prior resolutions which may have precluded the Committee from contributing to the Park. This resolution was put in place to bring all in order and supercedes all other resolutions. Mr. Post reiterated that the contributions are for
park maintenance and not development. The Park Committee has raised all funds that has gone into the development of the park and continues to do so.
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 22-2008. (as written below)
RESOLUTION
NO. 22-2008
STATE OF NEW
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
USE OF TAXPAYER FUNDS FOR
UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP’S MEMORIAL PARK
WHEREAS,
the Township Committee of the
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Lebanon believes that it will be of benefit to residents of the Township and others to maintain the Township’s Memorial Park so that it may be used and enjoyed; and,
WHEREAS, the
Township Committee of the
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the
Resolution No. 23-2008 - Transfers
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 23-2008. (as written below)
RESOLUTION 23-2008
TRANSFERS
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WHEREAS,
N.J.S.A. 40A:4-59 provides that all unexpended balances carried forward |
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after the
close of the year are available, until lapsed at the close of the succeeding
year, to |
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meet
specific claims, commitments or contracts incurred during the preceding
fiscal year, |
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and allow
transfers to be made from unexpended balances which are expected to be |
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insufficient
during the first three months of the succeeding year; |
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NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE |
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following
transfers in the amount of $32,497.43 be made between the 2007 Budget |
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Appropriation
Reserves as follows: |
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ACCOUNT
# |
ACCOUNT
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FROM |
TO |
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7-01-31-440-299 |
Telephone |
10,000.00 |
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7-01-25-240-011 |
Police s/w |
22,497.43 |
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7-01-20-165-299 |
Engineering |
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2,205.00 |
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7-01-26-295-299 |
Snow
Removal o/e |
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28,950.84 |
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7-01-23-220-286 |
Insurance |
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1,341.59 |
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32,497.43 |
32,497.43 |
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OLD BUSINESS
Cancel/Schedule
Budget Meeting
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee cancelled the
January 22, 2008 Budget meeting and rescheduled it for February 19, 2008 at 6
p.m.
Approve Township
Dinner Agreement – Riverview Banquet & Catering - 04/12/08
(Authorize Mayor to Sign)
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved an agreement with Riverview Banquet & Catering for the Township Dinner which will be held on 04/12/08 and authorized the Mayor to sign.
Mayor Piazza stated that the Committee has received complaints from neighbors in the area that the house was falling down and a hazard. The CCO, Charlie Rogers, visited the property and agreed that there was a problem. Mr. Rogers issued proper notices to the home owner and a deadline was given to correct the risk of collapse or to demolish the structure. Mayor Piazza stated his concerns in dealing directly with the homeowner. He suggested having the Township Attorney make contact with a legal representative on behalf of the homeowner to insure that the Township’s intentions are clearly stated and understood. Mayor Piazza also stated concerns with the DPW demolishing the house due to asbestos and a septic tank. It should also be determined if the homeowner can meet the expense of the demolition. Mr. Post and Ms. Schriver stated that they feel that the Township has to move forward with the demolition to protect the community. It is the obligation of the Committee to insure it is carried out.
Township Garage
Mayor Piazza stated that it has been discussed for years that the Township Garage is in need of being replaced. Many options have been considered. Mayor Piazza stated that he spoke to Paul Jones and Warren Gabriel and they think that putting a new building on the existing site would be the best choice. Mayor Piazza spoke to Steve Risse, the Township Engineer about the project and Steve will be reviewing papers that he prepared originally. Mayor Piazza asked for Committee support on the plan.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved getting the appropriate people together to start moving forward with the design and to put the plan together to tear down the existing building and have something available for the DPW to use in the mean time.
NEW BUSINESS
Appoint Police Matron
– Judy Dunlap
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver, and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee appointed Judy
Dunlap as Police Matron for the 2008 year.
Approve Raffle
Application – Voorhees High School PTSA – 04/29/08
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the Voorhees
High School PTSA Raffle Application to be held on 04/29/08.
Freeholder George
Muller – FEMA Request – Authorize Mayor to Sign
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved cooperating
in the FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation Plan Grant application with
Approve Social Affair
Permit –
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved a
Social Affair Permit for the Lebanon Twp. Education Foundation for an event
which will take place on 05/03/2008.
Request to Purchase
Replacement Audio Recorder
The meeting room recorder is not working. There are two tape decks and one of the decks is making noise and not taping properly. Gramco, the company the system was originally purchased from, came to assess the problem and stated that it would cost approximately $800.00 to replace the one deck. They suggested purchasing a new digital recorder. Mr. Post stated concerns with the purchase. He will speak with Gramco to receive more information.
Township Directory
Mr. Morrison stated that he would like to reinstate the Township Directory of the past. He feels that it is easy access to important numbers for the Township residents. Discussion was held on the cost and the fact that the newsletter already provides the same information. Mr. Morrison stated that it would cost approximately $1300.00 and it is not the same as having it in the newsletter.
Mayor Piazza asked for a motion to approve the directory as suggested by Mr. Morrison. There was no motion made, no action to be taken.
Help Line
Mr. Morrison stated that he will be available to the public every third Tuesday of the month to assist residents in finding help on issues that concern them. The meetings will be held anywhere between 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mr. Post asked Mr. Morrison what type of help he will be providing. Mr. Morrison stated that he would be giving direction to residents with issues such as drainage problems on their properties. Mayor Piazza and Mr. Post stated concerns with the possibility of Mr. Morrison administering policy on behalf of the municipality.
Attorney Bernstein stated that if Governing Body members choose to hold office hours and there is room available for them, there is nothing wrong with them doing so. The caveat obviously is that the conversations held between the Governing Body and the public has no binding effect on the rest of the Governing Body. The Committeeman is giving advise, on behalf of himself, not on behalf of the Township Committee. If people rely on such, it comes with his own “peril” in terms of coverage.
Presidential Primary
– February 5, 2006
Ms. Schriver stated that the State will be holding two
primary elections in 2008. On February
5, 2008 there will be a special primary election for the
PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS
Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1000.00.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee approved the January 16, 2008 bill list in the amount of $121,974.59.
CORRESPONDENCE
Tax Collector Report for the Month of December 2007.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Mr. Darryl Schmidt questioned the need for an added assessment on a tax bill for the replacement of a furnace at his mother’s home.
Mr. Anthony Casale inquired on the insurance policy that was in place during the Fire Station I soil contamination and Combe Fill. Attorney Bernstein stated that he spoke to Groendyke Insurance and they believe that a claim was made, which may ultimately result in the paying of some or all of the monies that are an issue.
Mr. Casale questioned all of the discussion on the Zoning Officer position and responsibilities. Attorney Bernstein stated that the ordinance introduced earlier in the meeting delineates the duties of the Zoning Officer.
Mr. Casale stated that the Committee discussed the newsletter and the directory but did not decide how to remedy the problem. Discussion was held on different options.
Mr. Casale stated that relative to the construction permit process, the issue in needing to obtain a permit, is to see that the project is completed properly.
Mr. Casale stated that he has no objection to the resolution
that was adopted earlier in the meeting to donate funds to the park. But he wanted to know if anyone looks back to
see why resolutions and ordinances were adopted they way they were originally.
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.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Resolution No.24 -2008 and convened in executive session at 8:15 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 24-2008
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of
Public to discuss the following matters:
Collective Bargaining - PBA & CWA
Land Acquisition
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 10:19 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. There were ongoing
discussions with Art Gerlich, Library Chairman, relative to library related
issues. The Township Clerk will work with the insurance broker relative to
certain policies and the Township Committee will look into certain CWA issues.
There was discussion relative to a response proposals from PBA and CWA
contracts. Guidance has been given to Committeeman Post and Committeeman
Morrison in response to both sets of proposals. There was an ongoing discussion
regarding
The County has
asked that in order to expedite the closing, on or about 04/15/08, that the
Township participate in some of the out of pocket costs for items such as
survey, title, etc.
Motion by Ms. Schriver, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved using their portion of the 2006 and 2007 Open Space Trust Funds to assist in the out of pocket costs. The contribution will not exceed the available Trust funds.
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 10:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Karen J. Sandorse, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
Approved: February 6, 2008 ___________________________
George Piazza, Mayor