MINUTES OF THE LONG HILL TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
MARCH 7, 2007 SPECIAL MEETING
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, March 7, 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 #07-078
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. Aroneo, Resolution #07-078 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 7:40 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:
This Special Meeting was called pursuant to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Law. Notice of this meeting was faxed to the Echoes Sentinel, Courier News and Daily Record on March 2, 2007; posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building on March 2, 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.
Justin Lizza, DPW Director/Engineer, explained the proposed Sewer, Road and Engineering Capital Budget requests including the need for: pump station upgrades, upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, smoke testing, sewer repairs, digester cleaning, wet well control upgrades, replacement of four vehicles with significant mechanical problems, purchase of computer software and the purchase of a GPS receiver. Mr. Lizza explained that the GPS receiver is essential for accurately locating sanitary manholes, storm sewer catch basins and other infrastructures so that they can be logged into a GIS database to help the Township comply with the new Stormwater regulations.
Mr. Lizza discussed the following proposed capital improvements: Mitchell Road ditch stabilization, stream clearing/cleaning throughout the Township, culvert repairs on Elm Street and Meadowview Road, sidewalk improvements, connecting both ends of Highland Avenue and Poplar Drive sidewalks.
Mr. Lizza stated that the street sweeper was originally in the operating budget as a five year lease but it may be more financially prudent to bond for it. The purchase cost is approximately $180,000.00. Mr. Lizza described the two types of mechanical sweepers noting the benefits of the vacuum type with the optional boom which would be beneficial in meeting the Stormwater regulations of street sweeping and annually cleaning every catch basin.
Mr. Collins inquired regarding road resurfacing. Mr. Lizza stated that the roads are evaluated at the end of March/early April (after the winter season is over), the list the Governing Body has is from 2006, some roads may need to be added or swapped depending on quality, the cost would be cheaper through the County Co-op rather than a bidding process and noted several roads in need of repair.
A discussion ensued regarding the proposed purchase of computer software.
Ms. Genovese inquired regarding the lease cost of the street sweeper. Mr. Lizza explained that the lease is $40,000 per year for five years; after five years the Township would own the street sweeper. Currently, a private company is sweeping the streets for $700.00 per day, approximately $33,000 per year, in order to keep in compliance with Stormwater regulations. A discussion ensued. Mr. Lizza estimated the life expectancy of the street sweeper to be 15 – 20 years and stated that neighboring municipalities are not able to share their street sweepers. Mr. Lizza noted the need to continue to utilize the contracted company until a decision is made in order to meet Stormwater regulations. A discussion ensued.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments pertaining to the DPW/Engineering capital requests.
Joe Connolly, Millington, inquired if the figures for the wastewater equipment include labor and installation. Mr. Lizza responded in the affirmative.
Dennis Sandow, Millington, spoke in support of continuing to contract out the street sweeper service. Mayor Vitureira explained that the lease is for five years after which time the Township would own the sweeper and the life span of the equipment is approximately twenty years. Mr. Sandow spoke against the purchase of the software program and questioned capitalizing items.
Lynn Bott, Millington, spoke in support of addressing the drainage system, clearing culverts, including the one on Meadowview, sweeping streets and purchasing the GPS.
Don Knowles, Gillette, suggested that Mr. Lizza check with the school bus drivers to find out which roads they believe should be resurfaced.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
Ken Fullagar, OEM Director, spoke regarding the proposed OEM Capital Budget request for the purchase of masks and breathing apparatuses and electronic sirens with voice capabilities as well as a new computer and $1,000 for Hazmat.
The Township Committee recessed at 8:57 p.m.
The Township Committee reconvened at 9:06 p.m.
Mayor Vitureira complimented Mr. Sluka, Ms. Tebbs and all the department heads for working diligently on the 2007 budget and achieving a 0% increase from 2006, noted that there is $100,000 less in the operating budgets from 2006 and that it is a very tight budget. Mr. Sluka explained the reductions and stated that many of the reductions, which were made to meet the goal of a 0% budget, were based on spending and some involve activities which will not take place. Mr. Sluka noted several mandated increases and stated that the proposed budget reflects the Reserve for Uncollected Taxes at $500,000, Anticipated Surplus at $1.2 million and Sewer User Fees at $1.3 million.
Ray Sarinelli, Township Auditor, stated that the proposed 2007 operating expenses are down $100,000 and explained that the problem is not in the operating expenses but in other categories such as pension, health insurance, library payment requirements and debt service. Mr. Sarinelli stated that the proposed 2007 budget will not generate as much surplus next year, there will be two Caps (2.5% or 3.5% on operating expenses and 4% on revenue/tax levy), this is not the year to set such an austere budget and recommended utilizing more Surplus. Mr. Sarinelli explained that with the tax levy set so low, the inability to regenerate surplus and operating with a more austere budget, the Township may need to cut services. Mr. Sarinelli recommended utilizing $1 million instead of $1.2 million in Surplus, raised concern regarding the Reserve for Uncollected Taxes and explained that the statute, which created the snow removal trust fund, was created to move excess into the fund during good years and to take money out during bad snowstorm years. It was not created to be utilized instead of budgeting for in the current budget. A discussion ensued regarding the snow removal figures.
Mr. Sarinelli recommended a 3.1% tax increase, a reduction in the use of Surplus by $200,000, an increase to the Reserve for Uncollected taxes to $540,000 and increasing Streets & Roads by $10,000, in order to make things better for the budgets during the next 2-3 years.
A discussion ensued regarding the Cap, temporary disability, legal services and the sewer user rates. Mr. Sluka explained that sewer user rates are based on water usage which has already taken place and asked Mr. Sarinelli when the change to the sewer user fees would have to be adopted in order to be put into the 2007 budget. Mr. Sarinelli stated that the ordinance would have to be adopted before the budget could be adopted and the proposed budget includes a15% increase in sewer user rates.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments related to the proposed 2007 budget.
Nan Harrington, Gillette, inquired if there will be a reduction in the number of employees. Mr. Sluka explained that there will be a reduction because the police officers who took the separation plan will not be replaced. Ms. Harrington inquired if the 4% Cap includes adjustments for growth, similar to the school Cap. Mr. Sarinelli stated that the proposed legislation only has one or two very limited exceptions. Mr. Collins emphasized the need for proper financial planning.
Joan Donat, Tax Collector, inquired regarding a sewer line item and stated that the sewer bill fees have not been increased since 2004 and the increase in previous years was 3–4%.
Mike Peoples, Chief of Police, raised concern regarding the lack of financing for a new police vehicle, noting that if there is a 4% Cap beginning next year, 4% of $0 is $0 and inquired where the funding will come from in subsequent years. Mr. Collins inquired if an escrow account could be established to fund police vehicles on a schedule. Mr. Sarinelli responded in the negative. A discussion ensued. Ms. Genovese inquired if any funds will be left over in the police operating budget for the purchase of vehicles. Chief Peoples stated that he does not believe so.
Chris Connor, Millington, inquired if the reduction in the police force will affect the number of police vehicles. Chief Peoples stated that the number of officers out in the field will not change, so the reductions will not affect the number of marked vehicles however the number of unmarked vehicles will be affected and is reflected in the proposed Capital Budget.
Ms. Genovese inquired regarding the discrepancy between the budget the Planning Board already passed for themselves and the one which is being proposed tonight by the Governing Body. Mr. Sluka stated that the Finance Committee carried over the 2006 numbers and made adjustments for the possibility of an additional staff member and additional consulting time with the Township Planner.
Wendy McCahill, Millington, stated that the Planning Board shut down for a portion of 2006 because of under budgeting their needs and inquired if this would be repeated in 2007.
Chris Connor, Millington, explained that last year fees were waived for two developments: the Community Center and Raptor Trust. The Planning Board shut down to conserve money in anticipation of covering the applicants’ fees in the fall of 2006. Neither applicant came before the Planning Board and Mr. Connor estimated the Planning Board had enough funding to proceed until October if they had not shut down to conserve money for the two applicants. Mr. Pidgeon stated that when the Township Committee waives fees, it only waives in-house fees; the escrow fees were not waived. Mr. Sluka inquired of Mr. Connor if the budgeted amount of $21,520 is sufficient for 2007. Mr. Connor stated that the Planning Board could come in at “the level we came in last year” and they just need to know the amount. Mr. Collins suggested adding a few thousand dollars to the Planning Board budget so that they could accomplish more.
Lou Casella, Millington, addressed the Governing Body regarding the Cap.
Mr. Sarinelli inquired if there was a consensus amongst the Governing Body to reduce the Surplus by $200,000, increase the Revenue for Uncollected Taxes by $40,000, add $10,000 to Streets & Roads, prepare the budget for next week and coordinate the date for the sewer rate ordinance adoption and hearing. Mr. Sarinelli stated that the Planning/Zoning Board salary & wage line item is still unknown. Mr. Sluka stated that there is an executive session matter which may affect the budget.
Mayor Vitureira inquired if there were any questions or comments from the Governing Body members pertaining to the Sewer User Fees. A discussion ensued regarding the rate increase. Ms. Genovese, Mr. Collins and Mr. Aroneo stated that residents should be given the opportunity to conserve water and change their water usage habits since the Sewer User Fees are based on previous water consumption. After a lengthy discussion, there was a consensus amongst the Governing Body members to increase the Sewer User fees 10%.
A discussion ensued regarding the sewer billing structure.
Chris Connor, Millington, spoke in support of a higher sewer user rate increase and suggested different rate increases depending on category. A discussion ensued. Mr. Sarinelli stated that the sewer user rate is not subject to the 4% Cap and could be increased by any amount.
Lou Casella, Millington, suggested separate bills for sewer usage.
Mr. Sluka inquired of Mr. Sarinelli if the $10,000 increase was for Streets & Roads or overtime. Mr. Sarinelli stated that the expenses to date should at least be covered. A discussion ensued.
A discussion ensued regarding the budget introduction date. Mr. Sarinelli stated that he does not want to prepare the budget documents then change them; even a small change necessitates changes to many pages of the budget. Mr. Sluka suggested resolving open issues and coming up with the final numbers during the March 14th meeting and introducing the budget during the March 28th meeting. Mayor Vitureira and Mr. Collins stated that an attempt should be made to prepare the budget for introduction at the March 14th meeting, if possible.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public.
No one wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mayor Vitureira the meeting reconvened into Executive Session at 10:56 p.m. and adjourned immediately following Executive Session. 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
