MINUTES OF THE LONG HILL TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
APRIL 25, 2007 REGULAR SESSION
The Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, convened in Regular Session at the Municipal Building, 915 Valley Road, Gillette, New Jersey, on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Vitureira noted that the Township Committee will meet in Executive Session from 7:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M.
RESOLUTION #07-118A
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of Long Hill Township, pursuant to the provision of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 of the Open Public Meetings Act, meet in closed session for the purpose of possible litigation, property acquisition, contract negotiations and personnel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Committee will disclose to the public at such time as appropriate action is taken on said matters, and when disclosure will not result in unwarranted invasion of individual privacy or prejudice to the best interests of the Township of Long Hill; provided such disclosure will not violate Federal, State or Local Statutes and does not fall within the attorney/client privilege.
On motion of Mr. Briggs, seconded by Mr. Aroneo, Resolution #07-118 was approved. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
The Township Committee convened to Executive Session at 7:03 p.m.
The Township Committee reconvened to Regular Session at 8:12 p.m.
Mr. Collins led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
On roll call the following Committee members were present:
Jerry Aroneo
Mead Briggs
Chris Collins
Gina Genovese
Mayor Vitureira
Absent: None
Also present: Kevin Sluka, Administrator/Municipal Clerk
John Pidgeon, Township Attorney
Mayor Vitureira read the following statement:
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Law of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting was included in a list of meetings notice sent in writing to the Echoes Sentinel, Courier News and Daily Record on January 3, 2007; posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building on January 3, 2007 and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the Statute. In addition, a copy of this notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.
Mayor Vitureira stated, that as a matter of procedure, it is the intention of the Township Committee not to continue any matter or introduce a new matter past 11:00 p.m. at any regular or special meeting of the Committee unless a motion is passed by the members then present to extend the meeting to a later specified cutoff time.
Mayor Vitureira announced that Mr. Sluka submitted his resignation, thanked him for his dedication and years of service and wished him good luck in his new position as Administrator in Somerville.
Mr. Collins stated that it has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Sluka for the last 1.5 years and he will miss him. Mr. Collins apologized that he has to leave the meeting. Mr. Collins left the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Mr. Sluka presented the following report:
- No food vendor service bids were received at today’s bid opening. It will be put out to bid again and if no bids are received a second time, the Township will be able to negotiate a contract.
- A sewer line collapse occurred on Valley Road over the weekend. The current cost to date is $28,630.00.
Mr. Sluka stated that it has been a pleasure working with Long Hill Township and he will miss the organization.
Mr. Aroneo thanked the DPW employees for discovering the sewer line collapse and for their hard work in fixing it.
Ms. Genovese stated that there was an article in the Echoes-Sentinel from Arthur Lenox, in which Mr. Lenox stated that the Sewer Treatment Plant does not have the personnel to run the system from sewer connection to treatment and, as a result, equipment maintenance and replacement has been compromised and neglected. Ms. Genovese stated that Mr. Lenox had also written that the pump station repair is $10 million when it’s actually $1.4 million. Ms. Genovese stated that the comments are not fair to the sewer department employees; they are dedicated employees.
Mr. Sluka explained the request from the Chamber of Commerce, the Township usually provides ancillary services for the events and information regarding the Freedom Tour Bike Race and Stirling Street Fair is on the Township website. Mr. Pidgeon stated that the date in the last line of Resolution 07-128 should read July 22nd.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments related to the Freedom Tour Bike Race. No one wished to be heard.
Mayor Vitureira requested that Ken Fullagar, OEM Director, say a few words regarding the recent State of Emergency.
Mr. Fullagar explained that the water reached 9.5 inches at the Millington Flood Gates, areas of the Township which are not normally too bad were and therefore Mr. Fullagar issued a State of Emergency after conferring with the Mayor, Police Chief and some Department Heads. A State of Emergency enables the Township to do whatever is necessary in order to save life and property. Local Schools, except for the High School, were shut down for two days for the safety of the children and at one point, no road in the Township was open from east to west. CERT members made sand bags, put up barricades, redirected traffic and 36 members were called by the Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in Fairfield. Mr. Fullagar thanked the public for being cooperative and the fire companies and township employees for all their help.
Mayor Vitureira stated that emergency service personnel did an outstanding job and thanked the CERT members.
Ms. Genovese stated that she hopes that the Governing Body will add money to the CERT budget next year and that it is a shame that the CERT program was not fully funded this year.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments regarding the State of Emergency.
Tom Behr, Millington, voiced concern regarding the under funding of the CERT program in the 2007 budget and inquired if fundraisers will have to be held in order to meet the program’s needs. Mr. Fullagar stated that he believes that it was an oversight and he had previously spoken about corporations donating funding, not holding fundraisers. Mr. Fullagar further stated that he was assured by the Mayor that the CERT program will receive funding somehow at the end of the year, if needed.
Don Knowles, Gillette, stated that he was away when the flood occurred and he was unaware of the extent of the flooding.
Mayor Vitureira stated that met with the Army Corps of Engineers and NJ Engineers regarding the Flood Wall Project today. Mr. Sluka stated that the project design has been 90% complete for some time and the Army Corps will not take any further action until the funding is in place to do so; the project is currently waiting for Congressional disbursement of money. Mr. Sluka noted that the Flood Wall Project in Parsippany and Oakland did very well during the recent storm, the Township has a nine month window for handling the easements which will be needed for the wall and a map showing how this storm would have been lessened if the Flood Wall had been in place is available. Mayor Vitureira stated that the map is at Town Hall and encouraged anyone who is interested to review it. Mayor Vitureira further stated that the State decided to ask for a waiver of the moratorium and Long Hill Township will join the application.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions regarding the Flood Wall Project. No one wished to be heard.
Mayor Vitureira read a letter from Donna Strock, Millington, regarding fishing at Stirling Lake. Ms. Strock had written that Stirling Lake is a safe place for children to fish and suggested that the no fishing ban be lifted from the pond section of Stirling Lake. A discussion ensued. Mr. Pidgeon stated that the Ordinance could read that there is no fishing when “No Fishing” is posted, similar to no ice skating.
On motion of Mayor Vitureira, seconded by Mr. Aroneo, that fishing be permitted at Stirling Lake for the next 6 months while the Governing Body further considers the issue.
Chief Peoples stated that fishing should not be allowed in the swimming portion of the lake.
Mayor Vitureira clarified that fishing would only be permitted in the fishing lake. Mr. Pidgeon stated that State fishing licenses would be required.
Mayor Vitureira inquired if any members of the audience would have a problem with allowing people to fish in the fishing lake. There were no concerns.
The vote to permit fishing in the fishing portion of Stirling Lake for the next 6 months was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Absent
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Mayor Vitureira directed that the Ordinance be reviewed, a new ordinance be introduced and encouraged suggestions from residents.
Mayor Vitureira stated that he was approached by Bill Watts regarding what will be done with the old Town Hall and decided that a committee should be created to deal with the issue.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for any questions or suggestions regarding the old Town Hall. There were none. Mayor Vitureira suggested that Mr. Watts be the Chairman of the Old Town Hall Committee and that other members be nominated at a future meeting.
On motion of Mayor Vitureira, seconded by Mr. Aroneo, that Bill Watts be appointed as the Chairman of the Old Town Hall Committee. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Absent
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Mayor Vitureira invited Phyllis Clemson, President of the Library Board of Trustees, to the podium to introduce the new Library Director. Ms. Clemson introduced the new Library Director, Mary Martin, and spoke regarding Ms. Martin’s previous work experience. Ms. Clemson invited everyone to attend the Children’s Room Mural Dedication/Formal Introduction of Ms. Martin which will be taking place on June 3rd at 2:00 p.m. The Governing Body welcomed Ms. Martin. Ms. Martin stated that she is happy to be here and looks forward to working with everyone.
Mr. Aroneo read by title:
Ordinance #203-07 entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing Various Renovations and Improvements to the Wastewater Treatment System Including the Registration, Permitting and Removal of Underground Storage Tanks at the Wastewater Pumping Stations and Appropriating $125,000 from the Contribution in Aid of Construction Fund – Sewer”.
Mayor Vitureira requested that Mr. Sluka explain the Ordinance. Mr. Sluka explained that the expenditure is for the registration and removal of underground storage tanks which no longer work. DEP’s original position was that the tanks could be registered as one unit, the DEP has since changed its position and is requiring that all the tanks be registered individually and will not allow the removal of the tanks before they are registered.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for a hearing on Ordinance #203-07.
No one wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the hearing to the public.
On motion of Mr. Aroneo, seconded by Mayor Vitureira, that Ordinance #203-07 be passed on final reading and adopted as published. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Absent
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments related to the Consent Agenda Resolutions.
Dennis Sandow, Millington, stated that Resolution 07-128 should read July 22nd and Resolution 07-126 should read Monday.
Tom Behr, Millington, stated that Governing Body members develop the required expertise to understand the job as they serve, the current majority has an average of 1 year of experience which makes the administrator position very important. Mr. Behr inquired what provisions are in place to assure that Long Hill Township will have an administrator as professional as the Township has enjoyed with Mr. Sluka. Mayor Vitureira stated that a search will be done.
Ms. Genovese stated that this is a sad day for Long Hill Township; Mr. Sluka was well regarded by the employees and volunteers. He was well spoken, his service to the community was outstanding, he always had the Township in his heart and he will be greatly missed. Ms. Genovese stated that she hopes that someone half as good as Mr. Sluka is found to fill the position and thanked Mr. Sluka for everything.
Jay Haddad, Millington, jokingly stated that perhaps Dennis Sandow could be appointed as the new administrator.
Gary Pratt, Gillette, thanked Mr. Sluka for his patience, helpfulness and for always making sure that the public understood the answers given to them.
Spiro Koutsogiannis, Millington, thanked Mr. Sluka for his service, professionalism, charisma and integrity. Mr. Koutsogiannis stated that Long Hill Township is losing a very good man and wished Mr. Sluka all the best in Somerville.
Craig Tuma, Gillette resident and owner of Valley Memorial Funeral Home, stated that Mr. Sluka always presented himself professionally, went above and beyond the call of duty and will be missed.
Minhaj Hassan, former Echoes-Sentinel Reporter, thanked Mr. Sluka for all his help, stated that Mr. Sluka always returned his calls and no other administrator comes close to the kind of service and intelligence Mr. Sluka provided. Mr. Sluka would always explain archaic subjects in laymen’s terms, Somerville is very lucky to have him and Long Hill Township will suffer without his guidance. Mr. Hassan stated that he heard a lot of rumors and speculations regarding why Mr. Sluka is leaving and wished him luck and success in the next stage of his life.
Chief Peoples stated that he was immediately struck by Mr. Sluka’s communication and interpersonal skills; he immediately developed a repore and trust with the Department Heads. He has integrity above reproach and he always did what was best for the Township. Chief Peoples wished Mr. Sluka all the best and stated that this is a sad day for the Township.
Larry Fast, Gillette, stated that he has interacted with many municipalities and Mr. Sluka is known by all of them. He will be missed, he has always been helpful and wished him much luck.
Karl Schlegel, Stirling, stated that Mr. Sluka will be greatly missed by the Township. He has never seen Mr. Sluka angry, he has been a stabilizing influence for the public and employees, who will greatly miss him. He has brought in a lot of grant funding over the years and has been a great asset to the community. Mr. Schlegel thanked Mr. Sluka for his service and stated that he is sorry that Mr. Sluka is leaving.
Len Hamilton, Meyersville, stated that it is a sad day for Long Hill Township. Mr. Sluka was always very professional, understood what was going on, and no matter how many things he had on his plate, he would deal with the problem until it was solved. Mr. Hamilton stated that he will miss Mr. Sluka very much.
Bill Hopcraft, Millington, stated that Mr. Sluka was a great help to him during his years on the Township Committee and Planning Board and thanked him for making it an enjoyable experience for him. Mr. Hopcraft wished Mr. Sluka all the best in his new position, thanked Mr. Sluka for everything he did for the Township and for him personally and stated that a new administrator will not measure up to Mr. Sluka.
Don Knowles, Gillette, stated that he is disappointed to hear that Mr. Sluka is leaving. He was the best administrator Long Hill Township has ever had.
Mr. Fullagar stated that all the support Mr. Sluka provided him with projects and their funding will be greatly missed and was greatly appreciated.
Lou Casella, on behalf of the Seniors, wished Mr. Sluka all the best of luck. Mr. Casella stated that the Seniors always presented Mr. Sluka with unique problems which he always managed to solve and he also helped the Seniors get through all the permits and grants for the building of the Senior Center.
Mr. Sluka stated that he enjoyed working for Long Hill Township; the community needs to come together, there have been divisions and disagreements which the public has unfortunately witnessed and a recommitment to the organization needs to be made. Mr. Sluka stated that it seems like he was hired only a short time ago, he learned a lot of things, interacted with a lot of fantastic people and learned a lot of facets of different areas. Mr. Sluka stated that the Township has come a long way in six years and things seem to come together if enough energy, effort and time are invested. Mr. Sluka stated that he hopes that things will come together and encouraged people to stay committed to the organization as volunteers and employees. Mr. Sluka thanked everyone, stated it’s a sad time for him, but hopefully also a happy beginning.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
On motion of Mr. Aroneo, seconded by Mayor Vitureira, the following Consent Agenda Resolutions, were introduced and adopted:
RESOLUTION 07-119
APPROVING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES – APRIL 11, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Executive Session Minutes of April 11, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-120
APPROVING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES – MARCH 14, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Regular Session Minutes of March 14, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-121
APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE # 07-06 – SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice of the Township Clerk, that all documents have been reviewed and are in good order, does hereby authorize the Township Clerk to issue Raffle License Number 07-06 to the Shrine of St. Joseph for an Off-Premise Tricky Tray Raffle to be held on September 15, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, New Jersey 07980.
RESOLUTION 07-122
APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE # 07-07 – SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice of the Township Clerk, that all documents have been reviewed and are in good order, does hereby authorize the Township Clerk to issue Raffle License Number 07-07 to the Shrine of St. Joseph for an Off-Premise 50/50 Raffle to be held on September 15, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, New Jersey 07980.
RESOLUTION 07-123
APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE # 07-08 – SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice of the Township Clerk, that all documents have been reviewed and are in good order, does hereby authorize the Township Clerk to issue Raffle License Number 07-08 to the Shrine of St. Joseph for an Off-Premise Raffle to be held on October 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, New Jersey 07980.
RESOLUTION 07-124
APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE # 07-09 – SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice of the Township Clerk, that all documents have been reviewed and are in good order, does hereby authorize the Township Clerk to issue Raffle License Number 07-09 to the Shrine of St. Joseph for an Off-Premise Raffle to be held on November 3, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, New Jersey 07980.
RESOLUTION 07 - 125
APPOINTING PART-TIME PLUMBING SUBCODE OFFICIAL/PLUMBING INSPECTOR/BUILDING INSPECTOR - FRANCHINO
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey as follows:
1. Upon the advice and recommendation of Thomas M. Yotka, Construction Official, that Vincent J. Franchino be appointed as Part-time Plumbing Sub Code Official/ Plumbing Inspector/Building Inspector.
2. This appointment shall be effective April 30, 2007 at salary $17,500 per annum prorated for the remainder of the year.
3. The appointment is part-time regularly consisting of nine (9) hours weekly. One (1) personal day, two and a half (2.5) vacation days and three (3) sick days per year, prorated for the remainder of the year.
4. The Township’s Policy & Procedure Manual shall be applicable to this position and the duties are to be defined by the Construction Official.
RESOLUTION 07-126
APPROVING ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES AND PARADE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby grant permission for the American Legion Post 484 on Monday, May 28, 2007 to conduct their Annual Memorial Day Services and Parade.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Committee does hereby approve the appropriation of $600.00 to help defray the cost.
TOWNSHIP OF LONG HILL
RESOLUTION #07-127
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE BOND
TO SANDALWOOD AT LONG HILL, LTD.
WHEREAS; Sandalwood at Long Hill, Ltd. (“Developer”) is the developer of Block 143 Lot 2; and
WHEREAS, the Developer posted Performance Bond No. 117671 in the amount of $82,700.00; and
WHEREAS, the Developer has served notice upon the Township in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53 that the site improvements have been substantially completed and has requested the return of its performance guarantee; and
WHEREAS, Township Engineer Justin Lizza, confirmed on April 18, 2007, that the improvements have been completed in substantial conformity with the approved plans and recommended the release of the performance guarantee; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, Justin Lizza, has advised that a Maintenance Bond No. 45009367 in the amount of $26,135.00 has been posted;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill in the County of Morris, New Jersey as follows:
1. Performance Bond No. 117671 in the amount of $82,700.00 is hereby released.
RESOLUTION 07 - 128
AUTHORIZING THE FREEDOM TOUR BIKE RACE – JULY 22, 2007
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey authorizes the Freedom Tour Bike Race on July 22, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill authorizes municipal departments to utilize municipal resources to assist in the event;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey authorizes the Freedom Tour Bike Race to take place on July 22, 2007, and municipal resources will be utilized to assist in the event.
RESOLUTION 07-129
APPROVING PAYMENT OF BILLS
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the payment of the bills as presented by the Chief Financial Officer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bills list be appended to the official minutes.
RESOLUTION 07-130
ACCEPTING RESIGNATION – SLUKA
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby accept the resignation of Kevin Sluka, Administrator/Clerk, effective May 7, 2007 (the last day of official work is on May 4, 2007).
RESOLUTION 07-131
AUTHORIZING THE WEEK OF MAY 6th AS BUILDING SAFETY WEEK
WHEREAS, the week of May 6th through May 12th shall be recognized worldwide as Building Safety Week; and
WHEREAS, building safety codes and regulations are established to protect the public; and
WHEREAS, Long Hill Township is among thousands of municipalities nationwide that employs professional and licensed staff in the field of Building Code Enforcement for the protection of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Building Safety Week is sponsored by the International Code Council; Foundation, an organization dedicated to changing the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies; and
WHEREAS, Thomas M. Yotka, Construction Official is authorized to draft a press release announcing Building Safety Week and distribute to all local and regional newspapers; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, recognizes May 6th through May 12th as Building Safety Week and authorizes the Construction Department to raise awareness by posting information on the website, making information available Town Hall and drafting a press release to all regional newspapers.
RESOLUTION 07 - 132
AUTHORIZING THE STIRLING STREET FAIR– OCTOBER 7, 2007
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey authorizes the Stirling Street Fair on October 7, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill authorizes municipal departments to utilize municipal resources to assist in the event; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey authorizes the Stirling Street Fair to take place on October 7, 2007, and municipal resources will be utilized to assist in the event.
RESOLUTION 07-133
AUTHORIZING REFUND FOR TAX TITLE LIEN CERTIFICATE – CRUSADER SERVING CORPORATION
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice and recommendation of the Tax Collector, does hereby authorize a refund in the total amount of $35,526.23 to Crusader Serving Corporation, 179 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania 19046 for the redemption of Tax Title Lien Certificate #1213 for Block 13002 Lot 10.
The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Absent
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public.
Gary Pratt, Gillette, stated that it is sad that Mr. Aroneo and Mr. Briggs could not find it in themselves to say one word about Mr. Sluka. Mr. Aroneo stated that it is not a reflection of his feelings for Mr. Sluka. Mr. Pratt stated that people should be treated with more respect, it is one thing to say something in private, it is another to stand up and say something in public and people should not be mocked when they make comments.
Sandy Guilfoyle, Millington, inquired regarding the add-on resolutions. Mayor Vitureira gave a brief summary of the add-on resolutions and requested that Mr. Sluka explain Resolution 07-133. Mr. Sluka explained that Resolution 07-133 is a refund for redemptions. Ms. Guilfoyle requested that in the future, Mayor Vitureira read the titles of the add-on resolutions. Mayor Vitureira stated that he would and to remind him if he forgets.
Mr. Aroneo stated that what Mr. Pratt stated was untrue, Mr. Aroneo’s and Mr. Briggs’ lack of comments is not a reflection of their feelings towards the administrator. Mr. Briggs stated that he worked with Mr. Sluka for 4 months, no impropriety was meant by not recognizing him in public and he wished Mr. Sluka well.
Jennifer Lamson, Stirling, thanked Mr. Sluka for his service and jokingly asked if Mr. Sluka could take all the water with him on his way out. Ms. Lamson stated that she does not believe that the Flood Wall Project would be beneficial to her and explained the flooding problem on her property. Mayor Vitureira encouraged Ms. Lamson to review at the Flood Wall map. Mr. Sluka explained that the Army Corps stated that the Flood Wall is not the end all, the municipality has other work to do such as cleaning out the tributaries. Ms. Lamson stated that funds should be utilized to help the residents first, noted five pipes which extend from Long Hill Road to Valley Road and inquired why they are not channeled down to the river. Mayor Vitureira suggested that Ms. Lamson call him and he would set up a meeting with Mr. Lizza to review the issue.
Mr. Aroneo suggested creating a committee to consider flood issues throughout the Township. Mayor Vitureira stated that this could be included as part of the Sewer Ban Committee. Mr. Aroneo spoke in favor of a separate committee. Mayor Vitureira stated that this could be discussed at the next meeting.
Gary Pratt, Gillette, stated that several years ago Mountain Avenue was raised, which helped with flooding and inquired if assistance could be acquired from the County. Mr. Sluka noted financial constrains, stated that this would not help Ms. Lamson and that he believes that the Flood Wall Project would help based on the testimony of what happened in Parsippany and Oakland.
Don Knowles, Gillette, encouraged everyone to attend the Senior Pasta Fiesta on April 27th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Passqualino LoStocco, Millington, spoke against the proposed communications tower in Millington. Mr. Pidgeon stated that if the issue is currently before the Board of Adjustment the Governing Body should not comment on it. Mr. Aroneo explained that the Board of Adjustment meeting is the proper place to discuss the issue. Mayor Vitureira stated that everyone within 200 feet will receive notification regarding the hearings.
Sandy Guilfoyle, Millington, suggested making an appointment with Mr. Lizza before a flood committee is created in order to go through the material which already exist and has been studied for the last 20 years. Mayor Vitureira stated that the Flood Wall Project is only 90% complete, which is primarily due to the Army Corps waiting for comments from the Township. Ms. Guilfoyle stated that she attended Township Committee meetings during which the Army Corps was present and the community made comments and suggested that the existing paperwork and tapes be sent to the Army Corps or another meeting be held right away. Mr. Aroneo stated that the entire project is available on the website and spoke in support of creating a flood committee.
Michael Hoffman, Millington, thanked Mr. Sluka for all his help over the years and stated that he will be missed. Mr. Hoffman raised concern regarding the cell phone tower.
Peter McCoy, Gillette, inquired if the Flood Wall Project will encourage new development. Mr. Sluka explained that any wetlands which exist in the area prior to the Flood Wall will continue to exist; the project will not eliminate any limitations that someone has on building or not building and hopefully the Flood Wall will encourage improving properties rather than building new properties.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
On motion of Mayor Vitureira, seconded by Mr. Briggs, the meeting adjourned immediately at 9:51 p.m. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Absent
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Anna Imiolek, RMC
Deputy Municipal Clerk
