Lebanon Township Committee                                          Minutes of Regular Meeting

March 15, 2006

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Mayor Patricia Schriver 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.

 

FLAG SALUTE

 

Mayor Schriver asked everyone to stand for the flag salute.

 

ROLL CALL

 

Present  -         Patricia Schriver, George Piazza                       

                        Jay Weeks, Ed Post, Francis Monahan                

                                   

Absent -          

 

Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein and Clerk Karen Sandorse and 7 members of the public.

 

 

PRESENTATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the March 1, 2006 regular meeting minutes.  AYES: Piazza, Schriver, Weeks, Monahan  ABSTAIN:  Post

 

Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the March 1, 2006 executive session meeting minutes.  AYES: Piazza, Schriver, Weeks, Monahan  ABSTAIN:  Post

 

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

Resolution No. 38-2006

 

Carried to Executive Session

 

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Appointment of Township Treasurer

 

Carried to Executive Session

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Doug Diehl – Warren Newman – LT Environmental Commission Members Present.

 

Shelia McShane and Ken LaPensee attended the meeting to introduce themselves to the Committee and offered their assistance in sitting on the Environmental Commission. Mayor Schriver stated that in the next couple of weeks the Committee will be formulating a plan and moving forward with the Environmental Commission. 

 

Commissioner Doug Diehl stated that one of the priorities of the Commission is to complete the recommendations on the Tree Ordinance which the Planning Board is anxiously awaiting the Commissions comments.  Mr. Diehl stated that the list of additions, deletions and modifications should be complete in two meetings or so.  Also, Mr. Diehl would like to reestablish the monitory budget for the Commission so he can apply for memberships with ANJEC. The water testing program, sponsored by the Commission, offers free water testing for residents. Commissioner Nancy Lawler oversees the project.  Mr. Diehl requested sending out an announcement, in the Tax Bill, to notify all residents. 

 

Warren Newman stated that they are very happy that the Committee is considering maintaining the Commission.  Mr. Newman stated that he also thinks that public outreach items are very important to the Township and residents.  There are environmental issues that impact the Township on an environmental health standpoint as well as from an economic point of view.  There are many developments in which it would be good for the Commission to monitor.  

 

Mayor Schriver thanked those present and stated that in the next few weeks they will be formulating a final mission statement.

 

 

Cooperative Communication Phone Service           

 

Mr. Post stated that he spoke to Scott Koenig regarding CCPS.  He said that the Township could cut the cost considerably for local long distance and long distance.  Mr. Post is concerned with levels of service and commitment.  Mr. Koenig informed Mr. Post that there are negligible charges to switch to the new carrier and if unsatisfied, the cost to change back would be nominal per line.  Mr. Post is anticipating a letter from Mr. Koenig stating this information in writing as well as a copy of a written contract from the company, if there is one. 

 

Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee moved to switch phone service over to CCPS for local long distance and long distance service pending the receipt of confirmation from Mr. Koenig as to contract, commitments, costs for switching and references. 

 

Township Garage

 

Mr. Weeks stated that he has not heard from the Township Planner Mike Bolan to look at land for the new Township Garage.  Sub-Committee consists of Mr. Monahan, Ken Swan and Art Gerlich, along with Mr. Weeks.

. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Recreation Open Space Inventory Approval

 

Tabled

 

 

Request to Replace Hoist on 7900 International Dump Truck

 

DPW Supervisor has requested to replace the hoist on the 7900 International Dump Truck at a cost of $2100.00.

 

Motion by Mr. Piazza seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the request for repairs, subject to certification of funds.

 

 

Approve Raffle License Happy Face Nursery School

 

Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the raffle application for Happy Face Nursery School.   

 

 

North Hunterdon Voorhees Regional High School – Deregionalization

 

Mr. Piazza stated that he attended a local school meeting regarding Clinton Township’s proposed withdrawal from the Regional High School District.  There is nothing new to report.  There will be a meeting on Monday, the 23rd, at Round Valley Middle School.  Mr. Post and Mr. Piazza will be in attendance. 

 

The local school will be having a budget meeting on the 28th of March. The School Board Election/Budget is on April 18, 2006.  School Report cards were also discussed at the meeting and the Township appears to be doing well.

 

 

North Hunterdon Municipal Court Meeting

 

Mr. Piazza stated the he attended a North Hunterdon Municipal Court meeting. Hampton is still not satisfied with the proposed contract/budget and is still in negotiations.  Once resolved, the municipalities will move forward to enter into a 5 year contract. The contract will stay the same for 2 years then the change will occur for the last 3.

 

 

Hunterdon County Housing Corporation – Low and Moderate Income Housing Administrator

 

Mayor Schriver stated that she received a notification from Hunterdon County Housing Corporation stating that the Township needs an Administrative Agent to oversee our low and moderate income housing in the Township.  HCHC will provide the service at a charge of $600.00 per unit.  Attorney Bernstein stated that the Township will be required, at some time, to decide who will be the

 

Township’s Administrative Agent.  The Township is in the review stage from COAH, relative to the 3rd Round.  As soon as the review is complete, the Committee will have to address the Administrative Agent matter, but not at this time. 

 

Mr. Piazza questioned who will be working on obtaining the money from the County for the Open Space reimbursement.  Mr. Post stated that he would be.

 

 

 

PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS 

 

Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1000.00. 

 

Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the March 15, 2006 bill list in the amount of $360,196.96.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

The Tax Collector submitted her Report for the Month of February 2006.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Motion by Mr. Weeks seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

 

Jeff  Tampier of Hampton Emergency Squad submitted the Squad’s financial statement to the Committee.  Mr. Tampier gave an overview of the calls responded to in Lebanon Township in 2005.  Approximately 90 calls were responded to with 58 being during the day. 26% of the daytime calls were in Lebanon Township.  Patient insurance and Medicare reimbursement to the Squad was discussed.  The total cost for the Squad to respond to the 58 calls in Lebanon Township, was $4500.00. Hampton does have a paid daytime crew due to being so short handed.  Lebanon Township does not contribute to the Hampton Emergency Squad at this time.

 

 

Mr. Vin Tedesci stated that he lives in Long Valley and is in the process of transitioning careers. He is trying to cultivate clients in this area and submitted an application to solicit his real estate business in the Township.   Mr. Bernstein stated that the Policy of Township is not to approve such permits for this type of solicitation. 

 

 

Ms. Sandra Rauschenberger stated that she has submitted handouts relative to action the County Freeholders have taken on the 10 Codes and changes they have made. The Mayor of Tewksbury has sent a letter to the Freeholders requesting reimbursement for the new radios.  Ms. Rauschenberger stated that she wanted the Committee to be aware that this is still a problem.  Warren Gabriel stated that the Fire Company is working on it on their own.  The transition can take place over a five year period. 

 

 

Ms. Rauschenberger stated that the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Committee have asked the Township Historians to do an architectural survey of the Township.  Ms. Rauschenberger will be overseeing the project and will be conducting an inventory of Historic structures in the Township

 

Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Piazza seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Resolution No. 39-2006 and convened in executive session. 

 

 

TOWNSHIP OF LEBANON

RESOLUTION NO. 39-2006

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Lebanon, that in compliance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-12, this meeting will be closed to the Public to discuss the following matters:

 

Negotiations other than Collective Bargaining- Green Acres

Personnel-Township Treasurer

Asdal Litigation

Combe Fill Litigation

 

 

Motion by Mr. Piazza seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee reconvened the Regular Committee meeting.

 

Attorney Bernstein stated that discussion was held on the ongoing issues with Green Acres Acquisition.  Mr. Post will speak with Green Acres and discuss information received with Mr. Bernstein.

 

The status of the Combe Fill Lawsuit was discussed and Attorney Bernstein informed the Committee that he will keep them up to date with any new developments.

 

Correspondence was received from the NJ State Attorney General regarding problems the Asdal property. 


Attorney Bernstein provided the Committee with a legal opinion of the correspondence and how it relates to the Township.

 

The Committee reviewed the final draft of the Treasurers Personnel Agreement.

 

 

 

 

Motion by Mr. Piazza seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the Personnel Agreement for the Municipal Treasurer, Julia Gambert, with appointment being made upon execution of agreement by Mayor and Treasurer.

If the Agreement is not executed by the next meeting, the Committee may choose to resend.

 

ADJOURN

 

Having no further business to come before the Committee, a motion was made by Mr. Piazza       seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at     8.27p.m. 

               

Respectfully submitted,

 

_______________________________

Karen J. Sandorse, RMC/CMC

Municipal Clerk

 

 

 

Approved:                                                                    ___________________________

                                                                                    Patricia Schriver, Mayor