MINUTES OF THE LONG HILL TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 28, 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, February 28, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Vitureira noted that the Township Committee will meet in Executive Session from 6:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M.
RESOLUTION #07-058
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. Collins, seconded by Mr. Briggs, Resolution #07-058 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 7:02 p.m.
The Township Committee reconvened to Regular Session at 7:37 p.m.
Mr. Briggs 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.
Tracy Aroneo, Chairperson of the Recreation Advisory Committee, presented the Mary Thoms Award to Sally Dreyer for her dedication and commitment to the Girls Lacrosse Program.
The Township Committee convened into the Board of Health meeting at 7:45 p.m.
The Township Committee reconvened into Regular Session at 7:47 p.m.
Mr. Sluka gave the following report:
- On January 24, 2007 the State Legislature increased the maximum dog license fee from $7.00 to $21.00. The Township’s current fee is $7.00. Mr. Sluka requested direction from the Governing Body and suggested that any adjustment take place at the end of this year for 2008.
- The Morris County Freeholders will be providing $2,500 to the Municipal Alliance.
- NJ Transit has proposed a statewide fare increase of approximately 9.6%; the railways will increase 9.9%, the community bus lines will increase 9.9%, other proposed changes vary but will not exceed more than 12%. NJ Transit will be holding a public hearing tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at the Somerset County Administration Building and the Summit City Hall. Other public hearing will be taking place on March 6th and March 7th at various locations. More information is on the NJ Transit website.
- The League of Municipalities’ State Property Tax brochure which explains the tax process, including state revenues and assessments is available in the Clerk’s Office.
- The County will be presenting Morris County Distinguished Service Medals to veterans or family members of veterans who served during a war. Information will be placed on the Township website.
- Morris County Metro Bus brochures are available in the Clerk’s Office.
- Any interested individuals can borrow the Morris County Databook cd via the Clerk’s Office.
- The Township received fact sheets regarding adult mosquito control products from the Morris County Mosquito Control Commission. Copies are available in the Clerk’s Office.
- On or about March 9th, the State will begin the 2nd phase of the Route 78 project which will involve local lane construction.
- The ARC’s March and April schedule is available in the Clerk’s Office.
- The bond sale took place on February 14th via an electronic bid. In attendance were representatives from Samuel Klein & Company, Hawkins & Delafield, Mayor Vitureira and Mr. Sluka. There were 9 bidders; JP Morgan Securities Incorporate came in at 4%. All the documents have been executed and the process is almost complete.
Dennis Lockwood, Chief of the Millington Volunteer Fire Company, answered questions pertaining to the Millington Volunteer Fire Company’s 2007 capital requests, explained that the turnout gear is a critical item, the grant for the brush truck will expire in December if no action is taken and the aerial truck is due for replacement in 2012.
Joseph Bartolotta, Chief of the Stirling Volunteer Fire Company, explained the need for new turnout gear and pagers and that the Class A Pumper needs to be replaced due to testing failures and safety issues. A discussion ensued regarding the bay exhaust system and a free standing generator.
Michael Peoples, Police Chief, explained the request for the construction of a sally port, which would be utilized to escort prisoners out of patrol cars in a secure manner, as well as the need for weapon, mobile computer and unmarked vehicle replacement in future years.
The DPW/Wastewater and First Aid Squad capital budget proposals will be discussed at the March 7, 2007 meeting.
Mr. Sluka explained that the Recreation Department would like to begin acquiring funding for the utilization of the Heuer property for recreational purposes and noted the possibility of placing a referendum on the General Election Ballot regarding utilizing the open space tax for development and rehabilitation of facilities. Mayor Vitureira stated that a referendum should be considered and Mr. Collins suggested placing it as a discussion item at the next meeting.
Mr. Pidgeon explained that according to the title searches it appears that both the DaSilva’s and the Mazza’s own to the center line of the paper street know as Carol Lane; the property owners own the paper street subject to the right of the public to pass over the paper street. Mr. Pidgeon explained two possible options: 1. since the abutting property owners own the property they can use the property at their own risk; the existing driveway can remain and a fence can be placed along the paper street; if at some point in the future, the street is improved and becomes a real public street then the fence would have to come down and the property owners do not have any rights. 2. Is to vacate the public street, and because the Township does not own it, the Township would just vacate the public’s right to use it as a right-of-way, therefore, the property would revert half to one side and half to the other; both the DaSilva’s and the Mazza’s would get 25 feet of the right of way. Mr. Pidgeon emphasized that if the Township did vacate the street, the Township would not be making any representation as to title, this would be up to the property owners. Mr. Pidgeon stated that vacating is accomplished by ordinance and state law requires that the Township must reserve any easements for any utilities.
Mayor Vitureira requested to hear from Mr. Mazza. Dominic Mazza, 95 Long Hill Road, stated that he just wants to install a fence, he will hire Murphy & Hollow to determine the line and requested a copy of the title search.
Mayor Vitureira inquired if anyone from the audience had any questions pertaining to this matter.
Mario Bonaccorso, Wastewater Plant Supervisor, spoke regarding access to the sewer easement. Mr. Mazza stated that he would follow all ordinances and regulations.
A discussion ensued regarding vacating the paper street. Mayor Vitureira inquired if there is any purpose in keeping it as a paper street. Mr. Sluka noted several other similar paper streets. Mr. Collins suggested passing one ordinance for all the paper streets. Mr. Aroneo and Mr. Briggs questioned the need to vacate the paper streets noting research costs and the same public access regardless of whether or not the paper streets are vacated. Mayor Vitureira stated that the issue of vacating all paper streets or none will be revisited after they “get through the budget”.
Mayor Vitureira stated that the ad-hoc Voluntary Sewer Ban Committee update will take place on March 7, 2007.
Mike Smargiassi, member of the Ad-hoc Communication Advisory Committee, stated that the committee has been researching and discussing video streaming, public access television and on-line payments. Their information gathering process is almost complete and the next step will be to evaluate the findings and draft recommendations. Mayor Vitureira thanked the CAC members for all their hard work and inquired if anyone from the public had questions for the CAC. There were none.
Harry Kirk, Executive Director of Ten Towns Great Swamp Management Committee, explained that the committee was formed to help preserve and protect the waters of the Great Swamp, spoke regarding the committee’s former accomplishments and current projects, thanked all the ten towns participants for their commitment and support through the years and encouraged the Township to continue its support through an appropriation in the 2007 budget. Ms. Genovese stated that the requested appropriation is $6,200. Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions pertaining to Ten Towns. There were none.
Mr. Sluka explained the sewer use billing process, the use of the funds, that the anticipated collection rate is $1.158 million and that a discussion took place at a Finance meeting to possibly increase the figure to $1.3 million which would result in a 15% increase. Mayor Vitureira stated that even if the $1.3 million figure was utilized, it would still not equal the actual cost of running the sewer system. A discussion ensued regarding having the entire cost of the sewer system paid for by the sewer system users. Mr. Sluka noted time constrains and explained that the new fees must be established by March 30th. Mr. Pidgeon explained that in the 1960’s, a non-binding referendum was passed to have the cost borne by all the taxpayers. Mr. Collins stated he would like to review the figures and the Governing Body needs to come to an agreement whether or not the entire cost should be paid for by users.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments pertaining to sewer user rates.
Len Hamilton, Meyersville, stated that a municipal sewer system is a public health benefit, he does not have a problem paying some share of the sewer treatment plant even though he will never be connected to it and suggested that the users pay all of the operating costs and an equitable arrangement be made for the other residents to contribute to the infrastructure.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public for questions or comments pertaining to the sewer user rates.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions pertaining to the consent agenda resolutions.
Mr. Collins requested a discussion on Resolution #07-067. Mayor Vitureira stated that the Ad-hoc Voluntary Sewer Ban Committee was supposed to discuss this issue and suggested holding off on the resolution until the next meeting. There were no objections and the resolution was pulled.
No one wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
Mr. Pidgeon stated that due to two add-on resolutions, the Consent Agenda now ends with Resolution #07-076.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Aroneo, the following Consent Agenda Resolutions, with the exception of #07-067, were introduced and adopted:
RESOLUTION 07-059
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, dated February 14, 2007, as presented by the Chief Financial Officer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bills list be appended to the official minutes.
RESOLUTION 07-060
APPROVING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES – JANUARY 24, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 24, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-061
APPROVING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES – JANUARY 10, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 10, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-062
AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF INTEREST ON PERFORMANCE GUARANTY – MURPHY
WHEREAS, Daniel Murphy, Murphy Garden Center, 162 North Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920 requested that the balance of his Performance Guaranty be returned; and
WHEREAS, the balance was returned on February 22, 2006 per Resolution #06-077; and
WHEREAS, interest on the balance was omitted in error; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has determined that $61.29 remains in interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill hereby directs the Chief Financial Officer to return the interest on the balance of the Performance Guaranty in the amount of $61.29 to Daniel Murphy, Murphy Garden Center, 162 North Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920.
RESOLUTION 07-063
AUTHORIZING REFUND– CLANCY
WHEREAS, Sean & Ann Marie Clancy, 72 Gillette Road, Gillette, New Jersey 07933 submitted an application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, #97-20Z for Block 22, Lot 12; and
WHEREAS, the return of the Cash Performance Bond in the amount of $500.00 was authorized via resolution #03-150 entitled “Authorizing Refund of Cash Performance Bond – Clancy”; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has authorized that $93.50 is remaining in the Developer’s Escrow.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill hereby directs the Chief Financial Officer to refund $93.50 to Sean & Ann Marie Clancy, 72 Gillette Road, Gillette, New Jersey 07933.
RESOLUTION 07-064
AUTHORIZING RETURN OF DEVELOPER’S ESCROW BALANCE – CHIMNEY ROCK INN
WHEREAS, Chimney Rock Inn, C/O Alan B. Frank, 342 Valley Road, Gillette, New Jersey, 07933 submitted application 05-04P, for Block 10910, Lot 15; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Administrator has authorized that no further billing is expected and to return the remaining balance of the Developer’s Escrow; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has authorized that the $171.67 is remaining in the Developer’s Escrow.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill hereby directs the Chief Financial Officer to return the remaining balance of the Developer’s Escrow in the amount of $171.67 to Chimney Rock Inn, C/O Alan B. Frank, 342 Valley Road, Gillette, New Jersey 07933.
RESOLUTION 07-065
APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE # 07-02 – LONG HILL TOWNSHIP PTO
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice of the Township of Long Hill Police Department, that all documents have been reviewed and are in good order, does hereby authorize the Township Clerk to issue Raffle License Number 07-02 to the Long Hill Township PTO for a On Premise Raffle to be held on April 13, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Long Hill Community Center, Stirling, New Jersey 07980.
RESOLUTION 07-066
APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE # 07-03 – LONG HILL TOWNSHIP PTO
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill upon the advice of the Township of Long Hill Police Department, that all documents have been reviewed and are in good order, does hereby authorize the Township Clerk to issue Raffle License Number 07-03 to the Long Hill Township PTO for a 50/50 On Premise Raffle to be held on April 13, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Long Hill Community Center, Stirling, New Jersey 07980.
RESOLUTION 07-067
AUTHORIZING BID – SANITARY SEWER SMOKE TESTING
WHEREAS, The Township of Long Hill accepted a proposal on January 17, 2006 from T & M Associates, 11 Tindall Road, Middleton, New Jersey for sanitary sewer smoke testing; and
WHEREAS, the proposal was in the amount of ($115,000) one hundred fifteen thousand dollars; and
WHEREAS, it was determined that the project is required to be bid; and
WHEREAS, the ad hoc sewer ban committee has recommended that the Township Committee approve the bidding of said project; and
WHEREAS, the Township Administrator in coordination with the Township Engineer shall coordinate or arrange to have the bid specifications drafted for formal bid; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee authorized the drafting of specifications and bidding of the sanitary sewer smoke testing project.
RESOLUTION 07-068
ACCEPTING RESIGNATION – ROSSI
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby accept the resignation of Michael Rossi, effective February 3, 2007 (the last day of official work is on February 2, 2007).
RESOLUTION 07-069
APPROVING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES – JANUARY 24, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 24, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-070
AUTHORIZING REFUND OF 1st QUARTER TAXES 2007
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 of the 2007 1st Quarter Taxes due to overpayment to the following:
BLOCK LOT REFUND TO REFUND
13402 35 CORNISH, SAMUEL B. & PATRICIA $2305.80
255 MOUNTAIN AVE
GILLETTE, NJ 07933
RESOLUTION 07-071
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RENEWAL OF THE GARDEN STATE PRESERVATION TRUST FUND
WHEREAS, continued investment in open space and farmland preservation is vitally important to the state, as it enhances New Jersey’s economy, safeguards its remaining natural, agricultural, recreational and cultural resources and preserves its character; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey continues to face incredible pressure from development, losing nearly 50 acres of open space daily to new development projects; and
WHEREAS, the Garden State Preservation Trust provides a match for open space taxes collected by all 21 counties and more than 225 municipalities; and
WHEREAS, protecting open spaces and improving urban natural areas stabilizes local property taxes and revitalizes communities; and
WHEREAS, since its creation in 1998, the Garden State Preservation Trust has enabled the State of New Jersey, its local governments, and nonprofits to acquire over 432,000 acres of parks, open space and farmland; and
WHEREAS, the Garden State Preservation Trust is essential not only to the State’s conservation programs, but also to the work of counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations by providing grants and low interest loans to help preserve land while protecting natural resources and farmland for future generations; and
WHEREAS, even many of the places already protected – our state and local parks – are threatened by inadequate levels of funding for operation, maintenance and stewardship; and
WHEREAS, the Garden State Preservation Trust is virtually depleted, with funds to be completely exhausted in 2007 despite the continued need for the programs it makes possible;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Township of Long Hill, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey as follows:
1. The Township of Long Hill supports the renewal and strengthening of the Garden State Preservation Trust, to provide $325 million annually for New Jersey to continue its programs to acquire open space and farmland and improve historic sites and preserved lands. This amount included $225 million a year for acquisition and $100 million a year for capital projects, which could be provided by bonding an annual dedicated stream of approximately $150 million.
2. The Township of Long Hill supports the dedication of $56 million annually to establish a stable source of funding for operation, maintenance and stewardship for parks, recreation and natural areas.
3. That a certified copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Governor, the Speaker of the General Assembly, the President of the State Senate, the elected Legislative Representatives of the 21st Legislative District, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Morris Land Conservancy, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the Outdoor Recreation Alliance, the Morris County League of Municipalities and all Morris County Municipalities.
RESOLUTION 07-072
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 to conduct their annual Memorial Day services and parade on Monday, May, 28, 2007, subject to the receipt of a Hold Harmless Agreement and a Certificate of Insurance.
RESOLUTION 07-073
APPROVING SPECIAL PERMIT FOR SOCIAL AFFAIR – KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
WHEREAS, Long Hill Township Community Center has submitted an Alcoholic Beverage Control Application for a Special Permit for a Social Affair to be held on March 17, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. to be held at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Center, Bebout Avenue, Stirling, New Jersey 07980; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has reviewed the application and has no objection to the granting of a special permit to be issued to the applicant to sell alcoholic beverages at the affair to be held on the date and premises noted, subject to, however, the following conditions:
1. The following individual will be the only persons allowed to serve alcohol:
Dan Gildea, Rob Mahoney, Kevin Dempsey, Jay Hurley, George Sennett, Sean Kane and Ken Schaefer
Address on file in Police Headquarters
2. No one under the age of 21 shall be served alcoholic beverages.
3. No person assumed to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage shall be served or permitted to walk or drive from the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Center.
4. No alcoholic beverages are to be carried or consumed in the parking lot area. The consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be confined to the interior of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Center.
5. Alcoholic beverages shall only be served and/or consumed between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey as follows:
1. The Township Committee, the licensing authority of the municipality, has no objection to the granting of a special permit and consents thereto with the special conditions as outlined by the Chief of Police.
2. The Township Clerk is hereby authorized to sign the municipal certification on the application and forward it to the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
RESOLUTION 07-074
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, dated February 28, 2007, as presented by the Chief Financial Officer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bills list be appended to the official minutes.
RESOLUTION 07- 075
AUTHORIZING EXEMPTION TO THE VOLUNTARY SEWER BAN- 1202 LONG HILL ROAD
WHEREAS, the Township Committee imposed a Voluntary Sewer Ban by Resolution, dated September 14, 2000 and amended on March 27, 2002; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee established an ad-hoc Sewer Ban Committee to review and make recommendations on sewer related matters; and
WHEREAS, the ad-hoc Sewer Ban Committee received correspondence from Mr. Lee March Grayson, Esq., dated January 6, 2007 and February 6, 2007, representing the buyers of 1202 Long Hill Road; and
WHEREAS, the ad-hoc Sewer Ban Committee received correspondence from Mr. Lee March Grayson, Esq., representing the purchasers David Bochner and Yunjen Tsao in connection with 1202 Long Hill Road; and
WHEREAS, the ad-hoc Sewer Ban Committee recommends that the Township Committee approve the request for a sewer ban exemption submitted by Mr. Lee March Grayson, on behalf of his clients; and
WHEREAS, the ad-hoc Sewer Ban Committee recognizes that the eight (8) lot subdivision known as High Point Estates received its approvals in 1999 prior to the voluntary sewer ban being in effective; and
WHEREAS, the ad-hoc Sewer Ban Committee also recognizes that five (5) of the eight (8) lots are connected to the Long Hill Township Sanitary sewer system; and
WHEREAS, prior to connection approval, the property owner must pay in full the connection fee established; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee is authorized to grant exemptions to the sewer ban but road opening must be approved by the County of Morris; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, upon the advice and recommendation of the Ad Hoc Voluntary Sewer Ban Committee, that an exemption to be granted to the owners of Long Hill Road to connect to the sanitary sewer system with the condition that the fees and costs are paid.
RESOLUTION 07-076
CONFIRMING STATUS OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
WHEREAS, Ms. Tebbs retired as the Township Chief Financial officer (“CFO”) effective April 1, 2006 in accordance with a letter received on May 17, 2006 from the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Pensions and Benefits (“Division of Pensions and Benefits”) and;
WHEREAS, the Township Committee wished to retain Rosalie Tebbs as an independent contractor/consultant to serve as Acting Township Chief Financial Officer until a new Chief Financial Officer was appointed in accordance with Resolution 06-146, and;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A. 40A:9-140.13, Rosalie Tebbs was appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer, effective May 1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Resolution 06-146, Ms. Tebbs was to be paid $75.00 per hour plus expenses related to the duties as Acting Chief Financial Officer; and
WHEREAS, the Township terminated the State Health Benefits Program for Ms. Tebbs on or about April 1, 2006 and did not reinstate the benefits; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Tebbs has agreed to accept her former salary of $81,536.00 retroactive to August 1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Tebbs also was required to be re-enrolled into the Public Employees Retirement System (“PERS”) on August 1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Tebbs has agreed to waive her State Health Benefits and has agreed to waive the stipend provided as part of the Health Benefit Waiver Program
WHEREAS, On January 2, 2007, the Township approved Resolution 07-029, appointing Rosalie Tebbs as Chief Financial Officer; and
WHEREAS, the salary listed for the Chief Financial officer is $81,536.00; 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 as follows:
1. Ms. Tebbs shall be paid $81, 536.00 prorated for Acting Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer retroactive from August 1, 2006 plus expenses
2. Ms. Tebbs shall waive her health benefits and waive her health benefit stipend.
3. Ms. Tebbs shall remain enrolled in the PERS.
4. A certified true copy of this resolution is to be attached to the application.
The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public.
Karl Schlegel, Stirling, on behalf of a neighbor, requested that a street light, which used to be located towards the end of Mercer Street, be reinstalled.
Mr. Schlegel addressed the Governing Body regarding his OPRA request for all the records of the FRAC. Mr. Pidgeon explained that he believes that the FRAC should not be allowed to see personnel records and other things that are confidential in nature, but to carry out their charge they would need to see some things that the Governing Body has access to and not necessarily the public. Mr. Sluka stated that there is nothing in the records that is not public.
Mr. Schlegel inquired regarding the FRAC meetings being open to the public. A heated discussion ensued between Mr. Aroneo and Mr. Schlegel. Mayor Vitureira urged all the committees “to have public meetings, as they see fit, and welcome comments from the public” and noted that some committees will take up matters which are confidential in nature and not appropriate for the public.
Cecilia Cilli, Gillette, inquired regarding the cost of the Mazza/DaSilva matter, noting that each of the parties would be contributing $100.00 for the title search and Mayor Vitureira had stated that the taxpayers would not pay for the title search. Mayor Vitureira stated that the property owners would be billed for the difference. Ms. Cilli stated that Mayor Vitureira had stated that the FRAC meetings would be open to the public and it was she, not Mr. Schlegel, that accused of nepotism and patronage and cronyism.
John Dapkins, Gillette, inquired if the sewer plant will be upgraded or just temporarily fixed. Mayor Vitureira stated that the Governing Body wants the best possible solution which is as permanent as possible.
Gary Pratt, Gillette, inquired regarding the status of the meeting with the Rutgers students pertaining to Valley Road and reminded the Governing Body regarding their commitment to put the minutes on the Township website.
Bob Harris, Millington, thanked Mr. Aroneo and his family for their volunteerism.
Len Hamilton, Meyersville, inquired regarding OPRA requests. Mr. Pidgeon stated that recipients of OPRA requested information can circulate the information as they wish. Mr. Hamilton urged the Governing Body to move forward on environmental issues such as the sewer treatment plant, flood control and snow removal as quickly as possible stating that every delayed moment ends up costing the Township more money.
Barbara Aroneo, Gillette, inquired regarding an article in the Echoes-Sentinel.
Mr. Sluka explained that if the street light which Mr. Schlegel requested for Mercer Street is new, the Governing Body would have to approve its installation. Mayor Vitureira requested that Mr. Lizza report on the matter next week.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Briggs and unanimous voice vote, the meeting reconvened into Executive Session at 9:38 p.m.
The Township Committee reconvened into Regular Session at 10:34 p.m.
RESOLUTION 07- 077
RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPENSATION OF OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LONG HILL FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2007
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill that the compensation for the calendar year 2007 of the officials and employees of the Township be as follows:
POSITION DEPARTMENT SALARY
Administrator/Municipal Clerk Admin & Exec $140,092.00
Deputy Municipal Clerk Admin & Exec $ 61,494.00
Administrative Secretary Admin & Exec $ 43,701.00
Receptionist Admin & Exec $ 30,695.00
Clerk (Hourly-Part Time) Admin & Exec $8.50-27.00/hr
Finance Clerk Financial Administration $ 45,158.00
Payroll Supervisor Financial Administration $ 27.00/hr
Chief Financial Officer Financial Administration $ 84,838.00
Tax Collector Tax Collection $ 65,447.00
Tax Assessor Tax Assessor $ 25,000.00
Clerk (Hourly-Part Time) Tax Assessor/Tax Collector $ 21.34/hr
Secretary (Hourly-Part Time) Environmental/Shade Tree $ 17.30/hr
Planning/Zoning Admin./
Community Development Director Planning/Zoning $ 70,034.00
Emergency Management Coordinator Emergency Management $ 10,405.00
Police Department Secretary Police Department $ 43,807.00
Administrative Assistant Police Department $ 41,620.00
Telecommunications Operator Police Department $ 37,720.00
Telecommunications Operator Police Department $ 41,911.00
Telecommunications Operator Police Department $ 46,102.00
Telecommunications Operator Police Department $ 50,294.00
School Crossing Guards (Hourly-PT) Police Department $ 18.21/hr
Police Matron (Hourly-Part Time) Police Department $13.05-27.00/hr
Special Police I (Hourly-Part Time) Police Department $8.95-21.85/hr
Special Police II (Hourly-Part Time) Police Department $13.95-27.00/hr
Construction Work (Hourly-Part Time) Police Department $56.00-90.00/hr
Construction Official Construction $ 93,559.00
Fire Inspector/Fire Official/ Construction $ 65,999.00
Fire Subcode Official
Plumbing Subcode Official Construction $ 14,411.00
Electrical Subcode Official Construction $ 19,392.00
Building Inspector (Part Time) Construction $ 33.71/hr.
Construction Technical Assistant Construction $ 42,419.00
Engineer/Director of Public Works Dept of Public Works $ 113,568.00
Superintendent Streets & Roads $ 72,013.00
Code/Zoning Enforcement Officer Dept. of Public Works $ 54,453.00
Engineering Inspector
Probationary Laborer Streets & Roads $ 16.61/hr
Superintendent/Wastewater Wastewater $ 72,013.00
Substitute Senior Citizen Van Driver Senior Services $ 15.00-15.50/hr
Recreation Director Recreation Department $ 59,708.00
Municipal Judge Court $ 24,578.00
Court Administrator Court $ 52,208.00
Deputy Court Administrator Court $ 21.34/hr
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Briggs, Resolution #07-077 was approved. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
The meeting adjourned immediately following Executive Session at 10:36 p.m. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Anna Imiolek, RMC
Deputy Municipal Clerk
