MINUTES OF THE LONG HILL TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
MAY 9, 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, May 9, 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 #07-134
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 #07-134 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 8:28 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: 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 presented the following Proclamation to the DPW employees:
WHEREAS, public works services provided in our community are an integral part of our citizens’ everyday lives; and
WHEREAS, the support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public works systems and programs such as water, sewers, streets and highways, public buildings and solid waste collection; and
WHEREAS, the health, safety and comfort of this community greatly depends on these facilities and services; and
WHEREAS, the quality and effectiveness of these facilities, as well as their planning, design and construction is vitally dependent upon the efforts and skill of public works officials; and
WHEREAS, the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated personnel who staff public works departments is materially influenced by the people’s attitude and understanding of the importance of the work they perform; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, George Vitureira, Mayor, Township of Long Hill do hereby proclaim the week of May 20, 2007 through May 26, 2007 as
National Public Works Week
in the Township of Long Hill, and call upon all citizens and civic organizations to acquaint themselves with the issues involved in providing our public works and to recognize the contributions which public works officials make every day to our health, safety, comfort and quality of life.
Mayor Vitureira noted DPW’s timely response to a sink hole.
Mr. Aroneo reported that the Open Space Committee voted against Linda & Charles Aulicky’s and June and Ronald Como’s requests to vacate paper streets due to concerns regarding future access to open space. Mr. Aroneo noted that Mr. & Mrs. Aulicky can utilize their driveway without the vacating of the paper street.
Mr. Briggs reported that Mr. Sandow submitted a list of approximately 60 paper streets, as per Mayor Vitureira’s request, which will be reviewed by the Open Space Committee.
Mr. Aroneo reported that DPW repaired a sewer main collapse, began repairing the four stone roads in the Township and completed the preparation of Stirling Lake. Mr. Aroneo stated there is a budget shortfall of $3,000 in Road Department Overtime and the Wastewater Department has spent $15,000 and estimates that $31,000 will be spent by the end of the year; only $20,000 was budgeted for the year. Mario Bonaccorso, Superintendent of the Wastewater Department, conducted a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Boy & Girl Scouts on May 7th and May 25Th and CAC is continuing to explore various web hosting platforms.
Mayor Vitureira stated that the set up of the PEG Channel is going well, Patriot Media will be installing the remaining cable tomorrow after which testing of the system will begin.
Mr. Aroneo stated that FRAC is in the process of finalizing their report, 20 CERT members attended and completed the Red Cross Shelter Management Class, Ken Fullagar is working with NJ & Morris County officials to establish a Medical Reserve Corp and the Township was awarded a FEMA CERT Emergency Response Trailer. Mr. Fullagar stated that the trailer comes fully equipped and will be available to all emergency service departments in the municipality.
Ms. Genovese inquired how the shortfall in overtime will be handled. Mayor Vitureira stated that he is looking into the issue. A discussion ensued.
Mr. Briggs stated that he reviewed properties for possible open space acquisition, the Planning Board recommended that two ordinances be changed and forwarded them to the Governing Body for review, one hour of the next Planning Board meeting will be allocated for the Rutgers Valley Road Corridor presentation and the Planning Board is continuing to review elements of the Master Plan.
Mr. Collins reported that Lounsberry Meadow is conducting upgrades and Recreation is preparing for the opening of Stirling Lake. Mr. Collins stated that the Recreation Committee recommended that each adult badge member be allowed to have one free guest per year and installing temporary fencing for the season so there would be one entryway with a guard present.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mayor Vitureira, that Resolution 07-139 be amended to include that each adult badge member be allowed to bring one free guest per season. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Ms. Genovese reported that the Board of Education budget passed, two Board of Education members resigned and interviews to fill the positions will be taking place at the next meeting. Ms. Genovese further reported that the ANJEC grant results will be known at the end of June, the success of the CERT program has resulted in an increase in the number of First Aid Squad volunteers and Chief Peoples and Rosalie Tebbs, CFO, are preparing a grant for pagers for the First Aid Squad.
Mayor Vitureira reported that the Sewer Ban Committee Meeting scheduled for yesterday was cancelled and the Senior Pasta Dinner was successful.
Mr. Pidgeon stated that Bardy Farms Towing requested an adjournment until the next Township Committee meeting.
Mr. Pidgeon stated that Mayor Vitureira suggested creating an ordinance allowing the Township to collect $200.00 for the performance of Marriage/Civil Union Ceremonies which could be transferred to civic and non-profit organizations the following year. Mr. Pidgeon explained that he left the ordinance open ended thereby enabling the Governing Body members to decide together which organizations will receive funding.
Mayor Vitureira stated that the Senior Citizens requested a waiver of their Food License fees. Mr. Pidgeon explained that in-house fees have been waived in the past.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Briggs and unanimous voice vote, that any in-house Senior Citizen Food License fees be waived.
Mayor Vitureira stated that Raptor Trust submitted a request to waive permit fees.
On motion of Mayor Vitureira, seconded by Mr. Collins and unanimous voice vote, that the Township fees associated with the Raptor’s Trust request dated May 2, 2007 be waived.
Mayor Vitureira explained the request from Carolyn Mazzucco regarding reimbursement of summer recreation program fees. Mr. Pidgeon explained that in the past these requests have been denied, but it is a policy decision which would have to be applied uniformly, not arbitrarily. A discussion ensued. The Governing Body suggested not depositing the checks until the deadline and inquiring of Donna Mallery, Recreation Director, if allowing people to withdraw up to the deadline would put a strain on her. Mayor Vitureira stated that he would ask Ms. Mallery and the issue will be taken up at the next meeting.
Mr. Briggs read by title:
Ordinance #206-07 entitled “An Ordinance Allowing Consumption of Beer at Township Recreation Committee Events at Stirling Lake”.
Mr. Collins stated that the Recreation Committee may want to hold adult oriented fundraisers during the summer and this ordinance could potentially draw more people.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for a hearing on Ordinance #206-07.
No one wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the hearing to the public.
On motion of Mr. Briggs, seconded by Mr. Collins, that Ordinance #206-07 be passed on final reading and adopted as published. The vote was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Mr. Aroneo read by title:
Ordinance #207-07 entitled “An Ordinance Increasing the Dog License Fees and Amending Chapter V of the Township Code Entitled ‘Animal Control’”.
On motion of Mr. Aroneo, seconded by Mayor Vitureira, that Ordinance #207-07 be passed on final reading and adopted as published.
Ms. Genovese spoke against increasing the dog license fees 200% and stated that dog owners should not have to pay for animal control for the entire Township. Mr. Aroneo spoke against the Ordinance stating that the increase is too drastic. A discussion ensued regarding the increase. Mr. Collins suggested ascertaining fees in other municipalities while Mr. Aroneo requested a cost analysis.
On motion of Mayor Vitureira, seconded by Mr. Aroneo, that the public hearing be continued until the next Township Committee meeting without further publication or notice.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for a hearing on Ordinance #207-07.
Gary Pratt, Gillette, asked for an explanation of Mayor Vitureira’s statement that it’s silly to say that the increase from $7.00 to $21.00 is 200%. Mayor Vitureira stated that an increase from $1.00 to $3.00 is also 200%.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the hearing to the public.
The vote to continue the public hearing to the next Township Committee meeting was as follows:
Mr. Aroneo Aye
Mr. Briggs Aye
Mr. Collins Aye
Ms. Genovese Aye
Mayor Vitureira Aye
Ms. Genovese requested that Resolution 07-137 and 07-144 be pulled from the Consent Agenda. Ms. Genovese stated she had asked the auditor whether $540,000 or $500,000 was recommended in the Reserve for Uncollected Taxes and the auditor’s response was that he recommended both and she would like the statement included in the minutes. Mayor Vitureira stated that he will have Ms. Imiolek review this and Resolution 07-137 was pulled from the Consent Agenda. Ms. Genovese stated that Mr. Sluka spoke for 30 minutes in executive session and only two sentences were placed in the minutes. Resolution 07-144 was pulled from the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Vitureira opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments pertaining to the Consent Agenda Resolutions. No one wished to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mayor Vitureira, the following Consent Agenda Resolutions with the exception of 07-137 and 07-144, were introduced and adopted:
RESOLUTION 07-135
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 07-136
APPROVING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES – MARCH 28, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Regular Session Minutes of March 28, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-137
APPROVING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES – April 11, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Regular Session Minutes of April 11, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-138
APPROVING SPECIAL PERMIT FOR SOCIAL AFFAIR – MEYERSVILLE GRANGE
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 September 28, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. to be held at the Meyersville Grange, 500 Meyersville Road, Gillette, New Jersey 07933; 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:
Angelo Grillo, Barbara Grillo
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 allowed to walk or drive from the event.
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 Meyersville Grange #188.
5. Alcoholic beverages shall only be served and/or consumed between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 11:30 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 07-139
AMENDING RESOLUTION 07-027 ENTITLED
APPROVING 2007 FEE SCHEDULE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that Resolution 07-027 establishing fees for 2007 for licenses and permits is hereby amended to include the following:
Stirling Lake Badge
Guest – Adults (Daily) $ 10.00
Guest – Children (Daily) $ 5.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each adult badge member will be allowed to bring one free guest per season.
RESOLUTION 07-140
CANCELLATION OF STATE AID GRANT
WHEREAS, there was appropriated in the 2007 budget in the public and private programs offset by revenues section a State of New Jersey Library Grant in the amount of $40,000.00; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to formally cancel said appropriation and anticipated revenue so that the unexpended appropriation and anticipated revenue balance may be cancelled;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, County of Morris, New Jersey, that the following unexpended balance and anticipated revenue be cancelled:
Appropriation: Library Grant
Amount Cancelled: $40,000.00
Anticipated Revenue: Library Grant
Amount Cancelled: $40,000.00
RESOLUTION 07-141
AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT BLOCK PARTY- SKYLINE RIDGE CIVIC ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL PICNIC
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, authorizes the Skyline Ridge Civic Association to hold a block party/annual picnic on Saturday, June 2, 2007 (rain date June 3, 2007) in accordance with request letter dated April 26, 2007.
RESOLUTION 07-142
AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT WITH SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS
WHEREAS, the Township Committee awarded a contract for engineering services to prepare bid specifications and perform design services for manhole rehabilitation project awarded on January 12, 2005 in the amount of ($10,000) ten thousand dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer advised the Township Administrator in an e-mail dated April 30, 2007 that all the information required to be submitted in order to closeout the project has been received; and
WHEREAS, the hours necessary to perform the work exceeded the original contract of $10,000; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize an additional $976.25:
Change
Order # Description Amount Net Amount of
Contract
1 Legal services related to the wastewater permit $976.25 $10,976.25
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. Change Order Number 1 as described in the preamble is hereby approved.
2. The change order shall be charged to Account 7-01-20-155-155-201. Certification of available funds by the Township Chief Financial Officer shall be attached to the original of this resolution and shall be maintained in the files of the Municipal Clerk.
RESOLUTION 07-143
AFFIRMING EMERGENCY EXPENDITURES FOR VALLEY ROAD SANITARY SEWER BREAK AND ROAD COLLAPSE
WHEREAS, on Saturday, April 21, 2007, a sanitary sewer line failed which resulted in a collapse of a portion of Valley Road; and
WHEREAS, the collapsed undermined the westbound lane of Valley Road and measured approximately eight (8) feet wide, twelve (12) feet long and eight (8) feet deep; and
WHEREAS, the Township notified the County of Morris, Public Service Electric and Gas and reached out to three (3) contractors; and
WHEREAS, Hoff Brothers Contractors was contracted to perform the emergency work; and
WHEREAS, Pumping Services was contracted to setup the bypass pump operations; and
WHEREAS, the total cost of the emergency is as follows:
Hoff Brothers Contracting $21,509.40
Pumping services $2,142.26
DPW Overtime $4,978.48
Total: to date: $28,630.14
; 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 affirms the emergency expenditures for the Valley Road Sanitary Sewer Break and Road Collapse.
RESOLUTION 07-144
AUTHORIZING STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT-PEOPLES
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey approves and authorizes the stipulation of settlement attached herewith along with the general release with Chief Michael Peoples and authorizes the Deputy Municipal Clerk to accept the resignation of Michael Peoples in accordance with the stipulation of settlement.
RESOLUTION 07-145
APPROVING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES – APRIL 25, 2007
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Long Hill does hereby approve the Executive Session Minutes of April 25, 2007.
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, addressed the Governing Body regarding Lisa Chadwick Thompson not being appointed as the Prosecutor for the full year and inquired if the rumor that someone on the Governing Body wants to offer the position to Matt Dorsi is true. Mr. Pidgeon stated that the public can comment on anything, but it would be inappropriate for the Governing Body to discuss this issue. Mr. Schlegel stated that the Police have no complaints regarding Ms. Chadwick’s performance, two Governing Body members voted to appoint her for a full year and he heard that Mr. Dorsi contributed to the Aroneo/Briggs campaign.
Mr. Schlegel inquired regarding the paving of Highland Avenue and if Mr. Briggs would recuse himself from voting on this issue since the roadway runs by his property. Mayor Vitureira stated that the DPW will be creating a list of all Township roadways in need of repair and it would be purely coincidental if Mr. Briggs’ street is included.
Mr. Schlegel stated that Kevin Sluka, Administrator/Municipal Clerk, was a valuable asset to the Township, he brought in five times his salary in grants over the last six years, he took a job in Somerville for less money. Mr. Schlegel further stated that Mr. Collins had suggested that Long Hill Township create a grant committee and the three republican Governing Body members were against the suggestion.
Mr. Briggs stated that his wife first brought the deterioration of Highland Avenue to the attention of the Governing Body in 2005, the roadway was placed on the road improvement list before he became a Governing Body member and being on the Governing Body should not preclude him from the same services as Mr. Schlegel.
Mr. Aroneo addressed Mr. Schlegel regarding comments in the Echoes-Sentinel, stated that he would recuse himself from voting on the paving of Mr. Briggs’ (his brother-in-laws) street, he will not endorse anyone for a Township position who contributed to his campaign and stated that he would like to strengthen the Township Pay-to-Play laws so that if someone leaves a position, they cannot accept any money from the Township for one to two years. Ms. Genovese explained the emergency oil spill was remediated by a former committeeman. Mr. Aroneo stated that he was not suggesting any improprieties; someone else could have cleaned up the spill and reiterated his Pay-to-Play suggestion.
Suzanne Dapkins, Gillette, inquired regarding the process being utilized to search for a new administrator. Mayor Vitureira stated that the position was advertised, resumes are being received, a screening committee will conduct initial interviews and the Governing Body as a whole will also conduct interviews. Ms. Dapkins inquired if the position will be advertised anywhere besides the League website. Mayor Vitureira responded in the affirmative. Ms. Dapkins stated that she heard that the CFO is interested in retiring. Mayor Vitureira stated that the Governing Body cannot comment.
Gary Pratt, Gillette, inquired regarding the status of placing the Township Committee minutes on the Township website. Mayor Vitureira stated that the minutes will be place on the Township website as soon as possible.
Mr. Pratt inquired regarding sidewalk cuts at Lackawanna Boulevard & Valley Road and Mountain Avenue & Valley Road. Mayor Vitureira stated that he would contact DPW tomorrow regarding this issue and get back to Mr. Pratt.
Mr. Pratt addressed the Governing Body regarding his experience while making comments to the Governing Body during the April 26th meeting. A discussion ensued.
William Watts, Millington, stated that the Long Hill Township Historical Society is now incorporated as a non-profit organization and requested that it to be added to the Township’s list of organizations which will receive funding from Marriage/Civil Union Ceremonies.
No one else wished to be heard and Mayor Vitureira closed the meeting to the public.
Mr. Pidgeon stated that an OPRA Request was received for executive session minutes, he redacted portions of the minutes and requested that the redacted minutes be considered at the special meeting next week. Mr. Pidgeon noted that OPRA Requests are supposed to be turned over within 7 days and suggested the release of executive session minutes on a regular basis before the submittal of OPRA Request.
On motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mayor Vitureira and unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Anna Imiolek, RMC
Deputy Municipal Clerk
