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.
Mayor Schriver asked everyone to stand for the flag salute.
Present - Patricia Schriver George Piazza Francis Monahan
Jay Weeks Ed Post
Absent
Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein and Clerk Karen Sandorse and 16 members of the public.
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the
Motion by Mr. Piazza , seconded by Mr. Post and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the
2005 ANNUAL AUDIT
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 56-2006 as
stated below.
STATE OF NEW
RESOLUTION NO. 56-2006
GOVERNING BODY
CERTIFICATION OF THE ANNUAL AUDIT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-4
requires the governing body of every local unit to have made an annual audit of
its books, accounts and financial transactions, and
WHEREAS, the Annual
Report of Audit for the year 2005 has been filed by a Registered Municipal
Accountant with the Municipal Clerk pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-6, and a copy
has been received by each member of the governing body; and,
WHEREAS, R.S. 52:27BB-34
authorizes the Local Finance Board of the State of
WHEREAS, the Local Finance
Board has promulgated N.J.A.C. 5:30-6.5, a regulation requiring that the
governing body of each municipality shall by resolution certify to the Local
Finance Board of the State of New Jersey that all members of the governing body
have reviewed, as a minimum, the sections of the annual audit entitled
“Comments and Recommendations, and,
WHEREAS, the members of the
governing body have personally reviewed as a minimum the Annual Report of
Audit, and specifically the sections of the Annual Audit entitled “Comments and
Recommendations, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body
attached hereto; and,
WHEREAS,
such resolution of certification shall be adopted by the Governing Body no
later than forty-five days after the receipt of the annual audit, pursuant to
N.J.A.C. 5:30-6.5; and,
WHEREAS,
all members of the governing body have received and have familiarized
themselves with, at least, the minimum requirements of the Local Finance Board
of the State of New Jersey, as stated aforesaid and have subscribed to the
affidavit, as provided by the Local Finance Board, and
WHEREAS,
failure to comply with the regulations of the Local Finance Board of the State
of New Jersey may subject the members of the local governing body to the
penalty provisions of R.S. 52:27BB-52, to wit:
R.S. 52:27BB-52: A local
officer or member of a local governing body who, after a date fixed for
compliance, fails or refuses to obey an order of the director (Director of
Local Government Services), under the provisions of this Article, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined not more than one
thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both,
in addition shall forfeit his office.
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Township Committee of the Township of
Lebanon, hereby states that it has complied with N.J.A.C. 5:30-6.5 and does
hereby submit a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to
said Board to show evidence of said compliance.
ORDINANCE
Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the public hearing was opened for comments.
There were no public comments.
The public hearing was closed on a motion by Mr. Monahan seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Piazza seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee adopted Ordinance No 2006-07, as written
below.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-07
STATE OF NEW
AN
ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LEBANON,
COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AND MORE SPECIFICALLY CHAPTER XVIII
(ZONING)
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee
of the
Section 1. Ordinance 18-8.2, Section f., entitled
“Escrow Fees; General Provisions’, is hereby amended to add a new subsection
5., to read as follows;
The initial escrow for an
application for amended site plan approval shall be one thousand dollars
($1,000.00).
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect following
passage and publication in accordance with the laws of the State of
Resolution No. 57-2006 – State Aid
Application –
Motion by Mr. Piazza , seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolution No. 57-2006 and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute. Ayes: Weeks, Piazza, Schriver, Post Abstain: Monahan (as attached)
Resolution No. 58-2006
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 58-2006. (as written below)
RESOLUTION NO. 58-2006
RESOLUTION RENEWING PLENARY
RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSES
WHEREAS, each of the listed Plenary Retail Consumption Licensees have submitted application forms that have been completed in all respects; and
WHEREAS, the applicants are qualified to be licensed according to all statutory, regulatory and local government ABC Laws and regulations; and
WHEREAS, each have paid a filing
fee of $200.00 to the State of
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by
the Township Committee of the
1019-33-005-001 New
Hampton Inn, Inc.,
1019-33-007-001
Ledyard B. Schuyler, Jr., t/a River Styx Inn,
1019-33-001-002
A T K Inc. t/a Tony’s Restaurant
& Pub,
1009-33-004-007 Christies Inc. 2035 Highway 31, Glen Gardner, NJ
1019-33-003-004 RADGNA, L.L.C. 2012 Route 31, Glen Gardner, NJ
1019-33-002-005 ONOROSA INC
Resolution No. 59-2006
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 59-2006. (as written below)
RESOLUTION NO. 59-2006
RESOLUTION RENEWING A PLENARY
RETAIL DISTRIBUTION LICENSE
WHEREAS, the listed Plenary Retail Distribution Licensee has submitted an application form that has been completed in all respects; and
WHEREAS, the applicant is qualified to be licensed according to all statutory, regulatory and local government ABC Laws and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has paid a
filing fee of $200.00 to the State of
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by
the Township Committee of the
1019-44-008-002
The Rock Corp. of
425 Route 513,
OLD BUSINESS
The Township
Committee received correspondence dated
Approve Garden Manager Contract
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee approved the Garden Manager (Sandra Phelps) Contract and
authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
NEW BUSINESS
Township CFO Correspondence – Capital Budget
Township CFO Greg
Della Pia sent a letter to the Mayor and Committee requesting the authorization
to proceed with a Bond Ordinance for the Capital projects requested at the
Budget worksessions.
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee authorized the CFO and Bond Counsel to take the
necessary action to carry out the 2006 Capital Budget requests.
Board of Adjustment Secretary Memo – Board Members
The Board of
Adjustment Secretary, Gail Glashoff sent correspondence to the Committee, on
behalf of the Board requesting the following appointments.
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee appointed Mr.
Abe Abuchowski to the unexpired term of Brian Cerf which expires on 12/2009 and
appointed Mr. Wayne Eberle as Alternate # 1 which expires on 12/2006.
Township DPW Supervisor Memo – Septic Tanks for Park
DPW Supervisor Paul
Jones sent a letter to the Committee stating that the cost for septic tanks for
the Park were included in the 2006 Budget under the Park line item. The cost of the tanks and fittings are
approximately $3,000. Mr. Jones requested
to proceed in taking funds from 2006 Municipal Budget under the Park Line item
to cover the cost. Mr. Weeks stated that
it was agreed to in 1997 that no taxpayer money would be spent on the Park.
Mayor Schriver
stated that she thought that Clean Communities money was to cover the cost of
the tanks. The Clerk will discuss the
matter with Mr. Jones and Ms. Gambert, the Township Treasurer.
Twp. Police Report – Bunnvale Library Complaint
The Police Chief
submitted a police report to the Committee stating that there were teenagers
playing hockey at the Library during the evening hours. The youths were told
that they could not play there by the Police.
The youths stated to the Office that it was public property and
therefore they could be there. Mr.
Monahan stated that they were advised to come to the Township Committee meeting
to discuss it with the Committee.
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee authorized
signage to be placed on the property with the language to be determined by the
Police Chief.
Request for Blue Lights – Anthony Piccillo Jr.
Motion by Mr. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the Blue Light application for Anthony Piccillo Jr. subject to clarification of residency by the Police Chief to Mr. Monahan.
Cancel July and August Meetings
Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee approved the
cancellation of the July 5, 2006 and the August 2, 2006 meeting and authorized
the Mayor and Clerk to call a special meeting in July or August if deemed
necessary, without further Committee approval.
Staff Request – July 3rd Day Off – Personal
Time to Be Used
The Municipal Office
staff and the DPW Department have requested closing on July 3rd, due
to it being a Monday, with individual personal or vacation time being
used. Mr. Bernstein stated that he would
have to check the PBA Contract to be sure that if the Municipal Office is
closed then the Police would receive overtime for July 3rd , which
is not a holiday.
Motion by Mr. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved the request subject to no other compensation being generated for other Township employees. AYES: Weeks, Piazza, Schriver, Monahan NAYS: Post
Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Schriver
stated that she had received a letter from the Chamber inviting municipalities
to join the Chamber. The cost is based on the number of employees which would
$400. for
Discussion was held
and it was determined that the Township is not interested at this time.
Mayor Schriver
stated that the Hunterdon County Freeholders have asked the Hunterdon County
Planning Board in cooperation with Hunterdon Area Rural Transit to come up with
an inventory of possible carpool sites in the County. They are asking the Township to provide them
with a list of possible locations in the Township that would be available
during the hours of
Discussion was held
on possible locations. Concerns such as lighting, snowplowing and liability were
raised.
The Committee agreed
that if during a part of the County’s survey process, it appears that there is
a need for such, the Committee will consider possible locations for such.
International Clown Week
Mayor Schriver
stated that past resident Beth Fletcher sent her correspondence asking that the
Township proclaim
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried
by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee proclaimed
PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS
Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1000.00.
Motion by seconded Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Monahan, and
carried by unanimous favorable
roll call vote the Township Committee approved the
CORRESPONDENCE
Historians – Woodglen
Historic Places Nomination
The Clerk had sent an email to the Township Committee and Attorney stating that she had received a call from Bob Craig, the Registration Coordinator for the State Historical Commission. He stated that he received the Resolution passed by the Committee opposing the Woodglen Historic District. He advised that the application will still go before the Review Board, however, noted that the Review Board is strictly an advisory Board and will not be making a decision on the matter. The Board will make their recommendations to the Assistant Commissioner, who will make the final decision. The Assistant Commissioner will base her decision on the application, the Board’s recommendation and the Resolution passed by the Township Committee.
Mr. Ralph Lomerson of the Township Historians, stated that the goal of the Historians was not to make the district restrictive or difficult for the property owners. It was just to post a sign stating the historic significance of the area.
Mr. John Bolt Vice Chairman of the Township Historians, stated he wanted to correct the misinformation. He said that the Historians did their due diligence in the application process. Every voucher was approved by the Committee. This application has been going on for 2 or three years. Mr. Bolt stated that the nomination is strictly an honor, not restrictive and a recognition of the past. It goes with everything the Township states in their goals. Mr. Bolt stated that he does not understand the veto of the Committee on the application.
Mayor Schriver stated that many of the residents in the Woodglen area stated concerns with the designation. Mayor Schriver stated that there is concerns with the Park and possible restrictions.
Mr. Monahan stated that the Park lands (Rich property) the Township will be using public funds to upgrade the property. Will there be restrictions on the property? Mr. Bolt stated that it is permitted and subject to review of the State Preservation Office. The review is for the protection of the Township to ensure that the upgrade do not degrade the historic value of the aspects of the property.
Mr. Bolt asked if the Committee would oppose any nomination of a historic district in the Township. Mayor Schriver stated that it depends on the area as another area had been approved by all in the past.
Mr. Bolt asked if the Park area were removed from the application, could it then move forward. Mayor Schriver stated that not unless a meeting was held with all involved.
Sandra Rausenberger stated that all historian meetings are open to the public. The Committee was supplied with minutes and the information was published in the newspaper. Mayor Schriver stated that due to the length of time involved in the application most have lost site and the residents should have been more involved.
Mr. Post stated that if there is objection from the taxpayers who live in the district, the Committee has to be responsive.
Attorney Bernstein suggested that possible action to be taken could be to ask the Assistant Commissioner to defer her decision pending further information or amendment. The Committee need to find out what the Advisory Board’s recommendation was.
Request for Ordinance
Change – Private Recreation Facilities
Residents of the Township sent a letter to the Committee
requesting and ordinance regarding Private Recreation Facilities. There is concern with a potential soccer club
on
Attorney Bernstein stated that the question is if the Township Committee chooses to change the Township Code relative to this issue. The decision is that of the Committee with recommendations from the Planning Board as to it’s consistency with the Township Master Plan.
Motion by Mr. Weeks seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee authorized a request to go to the Planning Board for their review and recommendations, at the July 18, 2006 Board meeting.
NJLM Deer Carcass
Removal – For review and consideration at 06/21 meeting
A letter was sent from the NJLM relative to the NJDOT’s new policy regarding the removal of Deer Carcasses. The State will no longer be picking carcasses up along municipal and county roads. In six months, removal will be the responsibility of the Township.
A company, Deer Carcass Removal Service, LLC. has provided the Township with a proposal for removal and disposal at a cost of $79.00 per deer.
Motion by Mr. Monahan seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee authorized the Clerk to contact the League to see if there are other companies that they are aware of to obtain additional quotes. The Clerk will also contact the County to see if they will be removing the carcasses from County roads. A copy of the Deer Carcass Removal Service, LLC information is to be sent to Groendyke for their input and the Township Attorney is to contact Deer Carcass Removal Service, LLC to discuss amendments to the proposed contract.
Attorney Bernstein suggested that the Clerk contact the League to see if there is a form letter to be sent to the DOT opposing the change.
Tax Collector Report
for the Month of May 2006
The Tax Collector submitted her report for the month of May
2006
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Mr. Bill Raushenberger questioned what a Master Gardner
is. Mayor Schriver stated that a Master
Gardener is a person who has completed a certified program at
Mr. Anthony Casale questioned the concerned raised by the Committee in approving the Blue Light application to a non resident of the Township. Mr. Post stated that it was a matter of jurisdiction.
Mr. Laurie Hoffman stated that there will not be a post
office in
Mr. Sandra Rausenberger stated that since we will be taking over deer carcass removal wouldn’t this be a good time to consider having an animal control system in the Township.
Motion by Mr. Post seconded by Mr. Weeks 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. Post seconded by Mr. Weeks and carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Karen J. Sandorse, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
Approved ___________________________
Patricia Schriver, Mayor