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 Jay Weeks George Piazza
Francis Monahan Ed Post
Absent
Also Present - Attorney Eric Bernstein and Clerk Karen Sandorse and 11 members of the public.
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee approved the
Motion by Mr. Monahan, seconded by Mr. Post and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote,
the Township Committee approved the
GUEST SPEAKER
Robert O’Neil – NJ Water Supply Authority –
Mr. O’Neil was in attendance to explain the effort that was
made in the Lebanon Township Municipal Assessment. The report is completely free, there is no
commitment and the report has no regulatory authority. It is more of a resource
document that the Township Boards and Commissions can use, if they choose, to
follow some of the recommendations provided.
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is under contract with the NJ
Environmental Protection Agency, who has provided New Jersey Water Supply
Authority with a grant to look at a number of communities along the Raritan
River System. Mr. O’Neil stated that he was warned early on that the Township
is ahead of the curve in environmental protection, which he knew to be true,
however, he felt that it would be a good idea to take a look and at worst, he
could reaffirm what is known to be true. Mr. O’Neil reviewed the table of contents with
the Committee. Next year will be the 6th
year of the current Master Plan and Mr. O’Neil suggested that it will need to
be reexamined by the Planning Board. The Township is where it needs to be with
Stormwater Management. The Township does not have a Wastewater Management Plan,
which is not unusual for a rural community that is entirely reliant on septic
systems. However, State law dictates that every municipality must have a
plan. Mr. O’Neil suggested that the
Township incorporate a Wastewater Management Plan in with the reexamination of
the Master Plan in 2007. Relative to the Highlands Water Protection Planning,
the Regional Master Plan is still not out but it was reaffirmed that most of
the Township is in the preservation zone.
There is a very small portion along the
Mr. Post stated that he had received copies of the drafts prior to the meeting and that the report is very comprehensive in terms of acknowledging what the Township has done along the twelve dimensions outlined. The Committee agreed that the comparative recommendations should be considered by the Township Planning Board.
Mayor Schriver thanked Mr. O’Neil for his time and energy and stated that the Township is happy to be the third Township to be assessed.
ORDINANCES
Ordinance No. 2006-
11 Public Hearing
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the pubic hearing for Ordnance No. 2006- 11 was opened.
Hearing no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed on a motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Post, and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote.
Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Monahan, and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Ordinance No. 2006-11 as written below.
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-11
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE
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 6., to read as follows:
The initial escrow for an application for exemption from site plan review shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00).
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect following
passage and publication in accordance with the laws of the State of
Resolution No. 87-2006
No motion was made to
adopt Resolution No. 87-2006. Committee
decided to hold until further information is received.
RESOLUTION #87-2006
STATE OF NEW
IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY
BILL 3115
Resolution No. 89-2006
Motion by Mr. Piazza seconded by Mr. Post and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 89-2006. (as written below)
RESOLUTION NO.
89-2006
STATE OF NEW
WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A4-87 provides that the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special
item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item
shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined
at the time of the adoption of the budget, and
WHEREAS,
said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for an
equal amount, and
WHEREAS,
the Township of Lebanon has received $589.65 from the State of New Jersey,
Dept. of the Treasury, Recycling Tonnage Grant and wishes to amend its 2006
Budget to include a portion of this amount as a revenue
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee of the Township of Lebanon,
Hunterdon County, State of New Jersey hereby requests the Director of the
Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of
revenue in the budget of the year 2006 in the sum of $589.65 from:
Miscellaneous revenues
Special Items
of General Revenue Anticipated with
Prior Written Consent of the
Director of Local
Government Services:
State and Federal Revenues Off-Set with
Appropriations:
Recycling Tonnage
Grant
Pursuant to provisions of Statute, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of $589.65 be and
the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General
Appropriations
(a)
Operations
Excluded from Caps
State and Federal Programs Off-Set by
Revenues:
Recycling Tonnage Grant
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk forward two copies of this
resolution to the Director of Local Government Services.
Resolution No. 90-2006
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried by favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 90-2006. (as written below) AYES: Piazza, Schriver, Post, Monahan NAYS: 0 (Mr. Weeks had left the meeting).
RESOLUTION NO. 90-2006
STATE OF NEW
WHEREAS the Tax Collector did sell a Tax Sale Certificate on October 18th 2006 for Block 24 lot 7 assessed to Alfred Lance c/o Jacqueline Lance, and
WHEREAS this certificate has been paid before the ten days in which the certificate can be redeemed before it is to be issued, and
WHEREAS the amount of $9,158.84 has been collected for this certificate, and
WHEREAS there has also been a premium in the amount of $21,000 paid for this certificate by Crusader Servicing Corporation
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 $30,158.84and that this check be mailed to Crusader Servicing Corporation.
Resolution No. 91-2006
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 91-2006. (as written below)
RESOLUTION NO. 91-2006
STATE OF NEW
WHEREAS the Tax Collector did sell a Tax Sale Certificate on October 18th 2006 for Block 40 lot 5.01 assessed to Joseph Martone and Patricia Winouski, and
WHEREAS this certificate has been paid before the ten days in which the certificate can be redeemed before it is to be issued, and
WHEREAS the amount of $30,072.64 has been collected for this certificate, and
WHEREAS there has also been a premium in the amount of $2,000 paid for this certificate by U.S. Bank Cust/Sass Muni V dtr
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 $32,072.64 and that this check be mailed to U.S. Bank Cust/Sass MUNI V dtr.
Resolution No. 92-2006
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee adopted Resolutions No. 92-2006. (as written below)
RESOLUTION NO. 92-2006
STATE OF NEW
WHEREAS the Tax Collector of Lebanon Township has been shown proof and in accordance with the Tax Assessor agrees that John L Paulus, owner of Block 36, lot 22.03 in the Township of Lebanon, is totally and permanently disabled as a result of service to the United States, and has been so declared by the Veteran’s Administration, and,
WHEREAS in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54: 4-3.32, the governing body of any municipality may refund the amount of taxes collected on any property which would have been exempt from taxation if proper claim in writing had been timely made, and,
WHEREAS Mr. Paulus has been
declared totally and permanently disabled since
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Lebanon, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey that Mr. Paulus’ property be exempted from all property taxes from the date of his total and permanent disability, September 20th 2004, and
that the $17,507.91which has been paid in taxes since
BE IT FURTHERMORE RESOLVED that the property be tax exempt as long as it is owned and occupied by John L Paulus or by his surviving spouse in accordance with the continuance of the right to exemption.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Post stated that
he and Engineer Steve Risse went to do a site survey on
Mr. Risse is
pursuing an estimate from a professional. Based on the expert’s guidance, a
qualified tree service can be retained. Mr. Post stated that there are only a
few corner walls standing so at this point the objective it to preserve it from
further deterioration to the best extent possible.
Deer Carcass Removal
The Township Clerk
informed the Township that the Deer Carcass Removal Contact will expire on
NEW BUSINESS
Library Employee Request
Held for closed
session.
Request for Replacement – Police Officer
The Police Chief
requested to advertise for an officer to replace the retiring police
officer. Mr. Piazza remarked that there
will be two Township employees retiring at the end of 2006. He stated that this would be a good time to
look at each department to evaluate the need. Possibly hiring a part time employee
or not to replace at this time at all. Future budgets need to be considered. Mr.
Piazza suggested waiting for the 2007 budget work sessions to see how the
numbers are and then decide. Mayor Schriver said that they should sit with the
department heads to hear their feelings on the matter.
Motion by seconded Mr. Monahan, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee authorized for the advertisement of a replacement police officer. Motion failed. NAYS: Weeks, Piazza, Post AYES: Schriver Monahan
Request for Replacement – DPW Employee
DPW Supervisor has
requested to advertise for a DPW employee to replace the retiring DPW staff
member.
Motion by seconded Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Piazza and
carried by unanimous favorable roll call
vote, the Township called a
special meeting to be held on December 6th at
of Health meeting
will be held at
The Municipal Clerk is to advertise for a special session to
meet with the Police Chief and DPW Supervisor.
Request for Funds to Repair Dump Truck Hoist
Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Post, carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote
the Township Committee approved the repairs to the Dump Truck Hoist, in the
approximate amount of $5,600.00, subject to certification of funds.
Request to Purchase Lateral Fire Resistant Filing Cabinet
Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee approved the
purchase of a Lateral Fire Resistant Filing Cabinet in the amount of $3100.00, subject
to certification of funds.
Request to Advertise for
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call
vote the Township Committee authorized the DPW Supervisor to advertise
for Sale of Surplus Equipment. Mr. Weeks is authorized to work with Mr. Jones
to determine minimum bids.
Mr. Piazza inquired
on the status of the request for the reimbursement of the Open Space Trust
Funds from the County. Mr. Post stated
that he and the Clerk will look to receive clarity on which projects are
eligible and how much is available. If
there is no eligible project at this time, we will ask for the funds to be
banked for later use.
Senate Bill 2244
Mayor Schriver
stated that Robert Smith, Representative of District 17, has sponsored Senate
Bill 2244 which proposes to consolidate the office of tax collection and other
certain local services at the municipal level and to give it to the
County. Mayor Schriver feels that they
would be taking away the Township’s control and possibly there will be a loss of
the interest on the taxes collected by the County.
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Ms. Schriver and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee motioned to oppose Senate Bill 2244 and to send
a letter to Senator Lance, Assembly members and Senator Smith.
Farm Laborers Quarters -
Mayor Schriver
stated that she received a letter from
recently received a
building permit application for Farm Labors Quarters. The application prompted a question of Growth
Share.
Motion by Mr. Post, seconded by Mr. Monahan and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call
vote the Township Committee motioned for a letter to be sent to COAH requesting support that Farm Labors Quarters
be exempted from Growth Share Obligation.
PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS
Committee Members provided a description of vouchers exceeding $1000.00.
Mayor Schriver stated that in addition to the bill list there is a check for TRC RAVIV in the amount of $650.00 and a donation check for High Bridge Rescue Squad in the amount of $8,000.00, which needs to be included on the bill list.
Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Monahan carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote
the Township Committee approved the
CORRESPONDENCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Motion by Mr. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried
by unanimous favorable roll call vote the Township Committee opened the
Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Gail Glashoff, Planning Board Clerk asked if Mr. Gerlich,
Library Chairman, will be included in the executive session to discuss the
library employee requests. Ms. Glashoff stated
that the individual should have come to her as the CWA Shop Steward. Ms. Glashoff confirmed that it is the
contention of CWA Local 1040, that the individual, who is a member of the CWA,
has no authority to come to the Committee individually, outside the realm of
the collective bargaining agreement or the auspices of the
Nancy Darois inquired on why horse farmers do not have to pay for added buildings for their farm laborers. Horse farms are a pleasure for the owners and does not benefit anyone else, like farmers who are farming for items like corn and hay. Attorney Bernstein stated that State law dictates what constitutes a farm.
Sandra Rauschenberger thanked Mr. Post for his work on the
Ms. Rauschenberger stated that as a private citizen she would like the Committee to think very hard before not hiring another police officer. There are more people and additional traffic in the Township. There is also a growing amount of crime. She strongly recommends hiring someone to replace the retiring officer. As far as the DPW employee and our infrastructure in general the
Committee has to consider the needs of the Township even though it may add to our financial burden.
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. Weeks seconded by Mr. Piazza and carried by
unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee approved Resolution
No. 93-2006 and convened in executive session at
RESOLUTION NO. 93-2006
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of
Public to discuss the following matters:
Personnel - Library
Attorney Client Privilege
Motion by Mr. Piazza, seconded
by Mr. Weeks and carried by unanimous favorable roll call vote, the Township Committee reconvened the Regular
Committee meeting at
Attorney Bernstein stated that during the executive session
the Chairman of the Library Committee, Art Gerlich, and Gail Glashoff, the Shop
Steward for the CWA Local 1040 were in attendance. The Committee had a brief discussion relative
to a request from members of the CWA Local 1040, regarding issues involving
their employment. The Committee is
taking no action and has advised the Chairman and Shop Steward as to the issues
that need to be dealt with through the
Having no further business to come before the Committee, a
motion was made by Mr. Weeks seconded by Mr. Piazza 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