TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Regular Meeting
April 17, 2006

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY

Regular Minutes
April 17, 2006

The regular meeting of the Township Committee was held this date at the Municipal/Police Building located on Little Philadelphia Road. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor David Dempski.

SUNSHINE LAW COMPLIANCE - The Mayor noted that this meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Law of 1975 in as much as a notice had been published in the Star Gazette and transmitted to the Express Times and posted at the municipal building.

ROLL CALL: Horensky, present;  Kovacs, present; Mueller, present; Strunk, present; Dempski, present. Township Attorney Edward J Glynn  and Township Clerk Mary Ann O’Neil were also present.

SALUTE TO FLAG

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kovacs made a motion to approve the minutes of the Budget Meeting on February 25, 2006, Mueller  seconded.  All were in favor except Strunk who abstained.

Horensky made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 21, 2006, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.

Glynn had a correction to the Executive Session Minutes of March 21, 2006. On page 1, last paragraph, the word percival should be corrected to read peripheral. Kovacs made a motion to approve the minutes, as amended, of the Executive Meeting on March 21, 2006, Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.

PUBLIC HEARING
The Mayor said the Public Hearing on the Open Space Recreation Plan will be held on May 18, 2006 at the Open Space Advisory Committee Meeting at 7:30 p.m.

AWARD OF BID
Robert Miller, Township Engineer, was present and said no bids were received for the New Hampton Road Calming Device. and he will be rebidding it.

INTRODUCTION OF THE BUDGET
Strunk made a motion to approve Resolution 06-58, Introduction of the 2006 Budget, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

ORDINANCES
Kovacs made a motion to open Ordinance 06-07 Ordinance Amending, Revising and Supplementing Chapter 117 of the Code of the Township of Washington, Entitled “Vehicles”, subsection one hundred seventeen-twenty seven, entitled “ Schedule V: Trucks over four tons excluded” and subsection one hundred seventeen-twenty seven.one, entitled “Schedule A: Trucks over fifteen tons excluded, to the public, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.  Nobody from the public wished to be heard.  Kovacs made a motion to close the public hearing, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.  Horensky made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-07, after public hearing and second reading, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, ye; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to open Ordinance 06-08 Ordinance Amending, Revising, and Supplementing Chapter 23 of the Code of the Township of Washington, Entitled “Officers and Employees”, Article I Entitled “Township Clerk” Section 1, Sub-Section 23-3 “Deputy Township Clerk, to the public, Mueller seconded. All were in favor. Nobody from the public wished to be heard. Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor. Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-08 after public hearing and second reading, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to open Ordinance 06-09 Ordinance Amending, Revising, and Supplementing Chapter 4 of the Code of the Township of Washington, Entitled “Budget Control and Fiscal Management” Article II Entitled “Administration” Sub-Section 4-5 “Chief Municipal Finance Officer: Deputy Treasurer, to the public, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor. Nobody from the public wished to be heard.  Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.  Horensky made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-09 after public hearing and second reading, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to open Ordinance 06-10 Ordinance to Amend an Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Officers and Employees of the Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey (Deputy Clerk/Treasurer/Seasonal Employees), to the public, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.  Nobody from the public wished to be heard.  Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing. Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-10 after public hearing and second reading, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Stunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

 
Horensky made a motion to open Ordinance 06-11 Ordinance to Amend an Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Officers and Employees of the Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey (equipment operator),Kovacs seconded. All were in favor. Nobody from the public wished to be heard. Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.  Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-11 after public hearing and second reading, Kovacs seconded.  Strunk said that this ordinance is for a specific employee,  that the employee is doing an adequate job, but he thinks the Committee was incorrect in increasing the salary range for that employee for that  position.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Strunk, No; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-12 -  Ordinance to Amend an Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Officers and Employees of the Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey (Court Administrator & Acting Deputy Court Administrator), Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be May 16, 2006.

 Strunk made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-13 -Ordinance Granting Approval of  Funds for the Fee Simple Purchase of AJR Farm Block 16- Lot 17 and Block 16- Lot 9 to Preserve the property via a NJ SADC Fee Simple Grant, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be May 16, 2006.

Mueller made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-14 -  Bond Ordinance Providing for Purchase of Property known as AJR Farm Block 16 Lot 17 and Block 16 Lot 9 and to Appropriate Funds in the amount of $5,000,000 and Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds and Notes in the amount of $1,425,000, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be May 16, 2006.

Horensky made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-15 - Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriations Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank (NJSA 40A 4-45.1), Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be May 16, 2006.

RESOLUTIONS
The Mayor advised that any item for discussion should be removed prior to approval.  Otherwise, one motion will cover all items on Consent Agenda. Strunk asked that Resolution 06-43, 06-68 and 06-69 be removed.  The Mayor pulled 06-70 and 06-71. Kovacs made a motion that Resolutions 06-48, 06-49, 06-59, 06-60, 06-61, 06-62, 06-63, 06-64, 06-65, 06-66, 06-67 and 06-72 be approved, Strunk seconded
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
06-48 Resolution to Authorize & Approve Salaries & Wages for Certain Employees (Anna Godfrey)
06-49 Resolution to Authorize & Approve Salaries & Wages for Certain Employees (JoAnn Fascenelli)
06-59 Resolution Appointing an Acting Court Administrator and Acting Deputy Court Administrator
06-60 Release of Washington Township Land Use Board Escrow, Lorraine Percarpio
06-61 Escrow Refund
06-62 Refund Resolution, Wrong Municipality Block 36, Lot 7
06-63 Tax Sale Certificate Redemption Resolution, Block 28.01, Lot 14
06-64 Resolution for Relief from the Municipal CAP Law
06-65 Resolution Appointing Court Administrator
06-66 Resolution Appointing a Liaison to Shared Services Workshop Group
06-67 Resolution Authorizing the Signing of a Project Agreement for the AJR Farmland Preservation Project
06-72 Resolution for Self Examination of Budget

Horensky made a motion to approve Resolution 06-43 - Resolution to Authorize & Approve Salaries & Wages for Certain Employees (Frank Gara), Kovacs seconded.   Strunk said he wanted to reiterate his comments, because this follows the ordinance that was approved earlier in the meeting.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.

Kovacs made motion to approve Resolution 06-68 - Resolution Requesting  an NJ DOT Traffic Regulation Order for the No Passing Lane Route 31 and 06-69 - Resolution Requesting an NJDOT Traffic Regulation Order for Speed Limit Reduction of Route 57, Horensky seconded.   The Mayor said that residents had attended meetings regarding Route 57 West and Route 31 South of Route 57. The requests were a reduction  of the speed limit and removal of dotted passing lines  on Route 31.  On Route 57, there was a request for a lowering of the speed limit. The State has requested these two resolutions be approved granting them the ability to develop a traffic regulation order, which will put the changes into play.   On Resolution 06-68, a similar resolution must be approved by Washington Borough, because the passing lane is a little into the Borough. 
ROLL CALL: Kovacs ,yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.
 
Strunk made a motion to approve  06-70 -Resolution Requesting Cemetery Hill/Rymon Road NJDOT Grant to be Redirected, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.
Strunk asked that Robert Miller, Township Engineer, give a short report on this. Miller said about two weeks ago he received a call from the Local District Office in Mt Arlington, in reference to the request by the Township to take the funding for Cemetery Hill/Rymon Road Project and put on to the Castle Street/Dale Avenue/Bowerstown Road Sidewalk Project. The Engineer had indicated that the State had approved this request, but in order to get it through they would need the two resolutions approved, one to rescind the funding on Cemetery Hill/Rymon Road and one to request the funds be given to the other project. A letter has not been received yet by himself or the Township from the DOT indicating  the approval of the Castle Street Sidewalk.  Miller had called the District Office last week in Trenton to see if a hard copy of the letter had been  sent to support the vocal discussion, but nothing has been received yet.    The Mayor said the Township would be reallocating the $90,000 NJDOT Grant, plus the bond debt for $77,000 for the sidewalk project.  Strunk said there is still a May 1 deadline on the Cemetery Hill/Rymon Road, so the Committee should be aware, that this deadline is still valid.   Miller said the sidewalk project should be gotten out very quickly, which he can handle.

Strunk made a motion to approve  06-71 - Resolution Supporting the Redirection of a Traffic Safety Grant, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk. Yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky,, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS 8:05 p.m.
Richard Lewis, 16 Elizabeth Avenue, said he would like to publicly thank Chief Mc Donald and the Township Police Department for their efforts in curbing the speeding on Route 31.  He nas noticed the difference and it helps. Also, on Resolution 06-68, it is a tremendous idea. Also, he thanked Mueller and the Department of Public Works for cleaning up Essex Road and the development cleaning up the gravel and sand left from the winter weather.  (Ended 8:07 p.m.)

OLD BUSINESS
1. Survey for Community Forum - The Mayor distributed a draft copy of a Survey for a Community.  Forum. It would be an online survey to gather input from the community.  A copy has also been given to the Economic Development Commission. The Mayor asked for feed back and comments before the next meeting.
At the last meeting, Horensky suggested information being sent out to residents electronically.  The Mayor came up with an electronic mailing list, which he has sent the Committee by e-mail and instructions on how to use it.   The Mayor thought this would be a good way to create a Township Magazine.

2. There was an update on the balance in the Park Bond Ordinance, which was $122,314.40.   The Mayor said the Recreation Commission is looking for approximately $80,000 for tennis court repairs, which will leave a balance of approximately $42,000.

3. Update on Cemetery Hill/Rymon Road was already discussed.

4. Driveway Permits - The Mayor said that there had been discussion on whether the driveway permit funds may not be applied on an as per case basis.  This may need to be adjusted on how driveway permits applications are handled and the funding, to make sure that person A pays for person A’s driveway and not necessarily from the general tax levy.  Fascenelli (Deputy Treasurer) had talked with Township Engineer to get an idea of how this can be straightened out to make sure that people are paying for the services they are requiring.  Miller said he met with Fascenelli this morning and this was discussed. Miller said, the driveway permit fees that were put in a certain fund and were just taken out to pay, not on a per permit basis, but just as billed came in. Strunk said that permits that come in and the money is not used, it rolls into the surplus, so when the bill is charged against the permit, technically, there is no money to charge against that particular permit.  Miller said this could happen very easily.  Kovacs said a dedicated fund should be set up for this.  Miller said the best way to do it would be to have a separate escrow for each application.   Each driveway would have a project number for each permit.  Stancina (CFO) was present at meeting and said she preferred the Escrow Account and the actual cost should be determined.  It is only $250 now.  Miller said he will check into this.  Stancina said the fees being charged are not covering the bills that are received. 

OTHER
The Mayor asked  Miller if   ABD/Village Gate, has the final inspection been done there yet? Miller said yes, but has no report yet, because he has not talked with his inspector yet.  Miller said he knows they repaired the sidewalk where they put in the drainage.  Miller said there was one other complaint about an electric duct with wires sticking up.   This was supposed to be put under ground but  a light was not to be installed. The Mayor asked Miller to take care of the wires sticking out as a safety factor.  Miller said he does not know what the situation was in terms of the sidewalks that were to be installed, or what arrangements the Township made with them. The Mayor said it would be under the Maintenance Bond for two years.  Miller said it should be specifically mentioned in the bond. 
 
Strunk asked for an update on the Pohatcong Drainage or Canal Street drainage problem.   Miller said a permit was received last week for stream cleaning.   Miller said de Boer, Public Works Manager, is aware of what is being done and it has been discussed on how it would be done.   Miller said the plans for Pohatcong Drainage have been done for a while and it has to be decided if it is going to be bid out or the DPW is going to do it. 

5.Update on Warren Hills Parking Issue - The Mayor said it turns out that New Jersey Statutes 39:4-139, Loading and Unloading Passengers or Materials says that basically an individual can park in front of a school up to 3 minutes. There is not much that can be done, because the State Statute allows people to drop off people in a specified time.   The Mayor will write a letter to the resident that complained about the parking at the last meeting.  The Mayor said the Warren Hills High School has also put up small signs saying this is a specific drop off area. Their security staff has been asking people to leave.   William Cooper, Fire Official, is also checking into status of the fire zone in front of the high school.

6.Longevity/Performance Policy - This will be discussed at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
1. Recreation Commission/Basketball - Scott Backer, representative from Recreation Commission was present at the meeting.  Backer said a group had approached the Commission, because they coached a winter camp for first and second graders this year and it was very successful. They wanted to carry it into the summer, but for smaller children, they need an 8 foot basket, instead of 10 foot basket.  The Recreation Commission determined they had enough money from their fees to buy the 8 foot baskets.  The foundation would go in the same spot as the old baskets, so there is no problem with the encroachment zone. They were looking into something sturdy, so they would not become an maintenance issue. Backer was under the impression that the Recreation Commission voted to pay for this out of their budget.  Mueller said there was some concern on having a volunteer do the installation, but de Boer had said it would be similar to an Eagle Scout doing a project.    The man that made the proposal to the Commission said they have workers that can install them for nothing, but the Commission was not sure if this was a liability issue or if they would have to hire someone to do the work.  Backer said they also wanted one outlet and the power is out there for the lights. The Commission also had Mark Fisher, of Fisher Electric, volunteer that he would do that and put in a waterproof and vandal proof outlet on one of the hoops where a score board could be plugged in. This was a volunteer person also and if a permit has to be gotten, he would also do this. There will be no cost to the Township. 

deBoer said there are light poles, but he was not sure there was electric. The conduit is in, but wires have not been strung.  Backer said it would just be for the score board.  The Mayor asked for a motion to facilitate adding an electric outlet that is vandalism and environmentally safe on new basketball courts, to be installed by a volunteer certified licensed electrician. Strunk made the motion, Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.

The Mayor asked Glynn if there would be any  liability of having volunteers install the lower hoops on the old basketball court.  Glynn said this is not a problem.   de Boer recommended getting approval from the DEP before this is done, whether it is done within or outside of the black top.  Backer was to report back to the Committee on May 16th on what is being done on this project.

2. The Mayor said, since the renovations at the high school and middle school, the 2006 Summer Recreation Program was cancelled.  Pat Kollar told the Mayor they still want the money for 2007 to reinstate the program.

3. The Musconetcong Watershed Association had sent a letter advising the Committee they having the sixth annual “Run for the River” in the village of Asbury. They were notifying police, fire and emergency squads, because a  portion of the run will be in the Township.

4. Kovacs made a motion to approve the ARC Application for a raffle on October 14. 2006, Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.

5. Request by Richard Cotton for ordinance change was removed from agenda at this time.  The Mayor said that currently there is a review of the Planned Village District (PVD) Ordinance. There is a new project coming to the PVD/Hawk Pointe Development. They will be doing the final commercial portion of the development and they are asking the ordinances be reviewed.   The Land Use Board is in the process of reviewing it from a legal, technical standpoint, as well as insuring it still meets the Master Plan Requirements
.
6. Horensky made a motion to approve Dawn Stanchina, CFO,  attending a seminar on April 28, 2006 in Wayne, NJ on Pay to Play, Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.

7. Horensky made a motion to approve Evan Howell attending the Tax Collectors Spring Conference on May 16, 17 and 18 in Atlantic City, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
 
16. Request from Finance to extend Jersey Professional Contract - The Mayor said, that a request had been made for additional funds ($1500), which has been reflected in the budget, in order for Stanchino (CFO) to come up to speed on the position,   A request had been made that the temporary help from Jersey Professional Contract stay on for additional hours. Strunk made a motion to approve the employee from Jersey Professional to remain  for an additional amount of $1500 (3 to 5 sessions), to be split between salary and wages and O&E, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

18. Policy and Procedure Manual/Paycheck Distribution Policy - Strunk said in reviewing some of the
policies, the money is not flipped into the payroll account until after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Technically, If for some reason en employee got their check, which are handed out on Thursday, and took it to the bank and cashed before 3:00 p.m., it could cause a problem.  Stanchino said the checks are dated for Friday, so in reality, the bank should not be cashing their check until Friday, but they will. Horensky suggested that the employees be noticed that if they cash their check before 3:00 p.m., they would be responsible for any expenses that are incurred.  Kovacs made a motion that a memo be issued, effective immediately, that employees not present their pay checks at any bank before 3:00 p.m., or they would be responsible for any expenses incurred, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.  The Mayor said that by cashing pay checks prior to 3:00 p.m. of date of issuance could be a violation of state statutes, but could also subject them to paying overdraft fees.

8. Horensky made a motion to accept, with regret, the resignation of Tom Birkner from the Land Use Board, Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.

9. Request by de Boer/Water Wheel - de Boer said about a year ago there was discussion on a water wheel. The ability to water the fields, after fertilization, is not enough. They had trouble last year trying to water the fields.  The Mayor said the  purchase order for this shows it is to come out of field use fees.  The Mayor did not think this would be available in that account, it may have to come out of park bond. Kovacs suggested taking what they can out of fees and balance from park bond.  Strunk asked where the water would come from. de Boer said there is water in the park in four locations and the water expense went up quite a bit last year, just in the little watering they did. Using the wheel will cause an additional expense, but you need water when you are in a fertilization program. 

There was discussion on prioritizing the scheduling of the fields and that Township Residents getting priority on use of the fields.  The Mayor said that restrictions must be done for residents and non residents, or there will be no fields.   It was recommended that the Recreation Commission set up a new priority system for next year.   Backer said there is a basic structure for residents and nonresidents and the maximum you can charge for out of town residents is to double the fee.  The Mayor said that the Recreation Commission should try to come up with a remedy for next year on the fields.   Kovacs made a motion to purchase the Kitco Water Wheel, per quote, of $11,935, to be funded from a combination of field scheduling fees and park bond, Horensky seconded.   Strunk asked about the cost to run this water wheel and the tremendous amount of water it will take to run it, where is this money coming from?   The Mayor said that a water charge may have to be incorporated into the fee structure for using the fields. 
ROLL Call: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

10. Approval of street name/Washington Valley Estates - A request had been received from Nicholas J Wunner requesting a street be named Danielle Court.  Horensky made a motion to approve Danielle Court, Kovacs seconded.  All were in favor.  Mueller said the Historic Commission is supposed to have an opportunity to review street names before they are approved.  Strunk made a motion to rescind Danielle Court as a name in Washington Valley Estates and the request be forwarded to Historical Commission for a suitable name, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.

12..The Mayor said he had received a request from Washington Borough to have a joint meeting on May 9th  to discuss shared services.   Strunk made a motion that the Township Committee attend a Joint Meeting with Washington Borough on May 9, 2006, Mueller seconded.  After discussion, it was determined that a sub committee from each municipality should be formed to discuss this matter.  The Mayor and Strunk will serve on the subcommittee. No vote was taken on motion.   Mueller made a motion that the Mayor and Strunk serve on the subcommittee to discussion shared services on May 9, 2006, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.

13. BOE Budget Review Committee Appointments - The Mayor said tomorrow is the school budget election.  Last year the budget was defeated and he would like to have two volunteers, if it is defeated again this year, to serve on the Budget Review Committee.  Warren Hills will provide dates for meeting.  Kovacs and Mueller volunteered to serve.

14. Horensky made a motion, as per request from Environmental Commission,  to put links on the web site for information on the Pohatcong Valley Groundwater Contamination Site, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
 
15. Horensky made a motion to approve the WTYA using the meeting room on May 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and May 20 from 10:00 a.m. until noon for Fall Sports Sign Ups, Mueller seconded.   All were in favor except the Mayor who abstained.

17. Award of bids for AJR Farmland Preservation Project/Home Inspection and Phase I Environmental Assessment.  The Mayor said, in order to get $3,000,000 from the State the Township must do two things.  In addition to doing title insurance and surveys, there are two homes on the property, so home inspections must be done on them, as well as a Phase I Environmental Assessment of the property, without soil samples. The Mayor said he sent out five bids for Home Inspections and received three.  He sent out six bids for Phase I Environmental Proposals and received six. There is funds available in the Open Space Trust Fund to cover these expenses and should be entitled to get 50% of these costs back once there is a closing on the property.  The Mayor recommended awarding the home inspection to Xtras Evaluation and Testing, which includes two homes, termite, radon, structure, mechanical, as well as testing of the oil tanks for $3445.  Kovacs made the motion to approve the recommendation made by the Mayor , Strunk seconded. All were in favor.   The Mayor recommended awarding the Environmental Proposals to Keating Environmental at a cost to $2,000.  Kovacs made a motion to approve the recommendation by the Mayor, Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.

18. Horensky made a motion to approve the request from the Clerk to attend the Municipal Clerks Conference in Atlantic City from June 19th through June 22nd, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor.

A break was taken from 9:20 p.m. until 9:35 p.m.

19.  Renovation Authorization for New Municipal Building - There was discussion on renovations at the
New Municipal Building.  (1) It was the consensus of the Committee not to reuse the ceiling tiles. (2) The  carpet tiles are to be kept down until construction is done,  (3) Carpeting would be done, but Strunk said to go around the CFO Office and Finance Office. This was the plan for now, but could be changed in the future. (4) The lighting fixture housing would be reused, (5) & (6) The Committee felt the Installation of automatic projection screens in meeting rooms on first and second floor was unnecessary, (7) The Committee decided to hire a firm to disassemble work stations, retaining and storing of a minimum of 14 complete work stations, retaining all filing cabinets and reassembling workstations when renovations were completed. (8) The Committee discussed the Police Department getting furniture for $10,000 from Police Department O&E.  Strunk asked that an itemized list be submitted, because he felt some of the equipment from the building could be used.  (9) There is currently no lines hooked up for the fire and alarm system.  de Boer had asked the Mayor, if you are going to be gutting the building, does it make sense to install it?  Jim Vergos, Fire Inspector, said it is against the law to disconnect the fire alarm system. de Boer said the fire alarm will be hooked up until construction actually starts.  It was the consensus of the Committee to maintain the fire alarm.

 OTHER
The Mayor said the Highlands Council is very anxious to come to Municipalities to discuss the Highlands Legislation, Rules and Exemptions. The Land Use Board is proposing a meeting and would like to invite the Township Committee on May 24, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. for a joint meeting. 

REPORT FROM OFFICIALS
John Horensky said he had been working with Strunk on the medical, dental and vision coverage for employees.   There has been three potential candidates to provide insurance.   Horensky said one of the things stressed at all the meetings is that the Committee wants to make sure on the coverage, that the Township keeps as many, if not all the primary care and physicians in the plan now.  The costs are the same.  They will be hiring the company that provides the best service to the employees.  The present plans expire June 1, 2006, so a recommendation will be made at the May meeting. 

Horensky met with the Fire Commissioners about Truck 76-64, which was rolled into a bond and will have payments long after its gone. There was discussion about collecting taxes from the residents from Township and Fire District.   There was discussion on having the Township Committee pick up the payments on the truck starting next year and going forward.  Horensky said that possibly the Township could lease the truck back to them.  The Township would keep the title, but the Fire District would be responsible for all the maintenance of the truck and making sure it is in good operating condition.  An agreement would have to be drawn up between the Township and Fire District.  Horensky said that funds the Fire District  had set aside in their 2005 budget and 2006 budget for the lease of the vehicle. 

Horensky said that payments from the Fire District were made in  March 2005, June of 2005 and September 2005 which total $38,000.  Ralph Dorio, Fire Commissioner was present and  said their original plan was to pay off the truck in 10 years.  They figured they would pay about $48,000 a year for the truck, but this cannot be done.  Apparently, the truck is in the bond, it cannot be taken out and will always be in the bond. The truck has another 10 to 15 years of service and it is financed out for another 20 years.  The Fire District has two payments they have been holding for $9,000 each for 2006. Dorio said, somewhere along the line, someone came up with numbers of $20,000 a year, which was the truck’s portion of the bond.   The Mayor said this represents the principal and interest on the truck portion of the bond.   The Mayor said, in 2006, it would be $11,923 in principle and $12,316 in interest.  Dorio asked what the Township wants to do at this point. Horensky suggested that  they could make this years payment, then after that, there would be an agreement stating that the Fire District takes all responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the truck for $1.00 a year. Strunk said that originally the district that they said they would pay for the truck. Dorio said originally the District was going to pick up the cost of the truck for a 10 year period and get title to the truck.   This cannot be done now, because it cannot be taken out of the bond.    Strunk said, his other concern is that there are two different budget entities and the Township has a CAP that they must maintain.  In the budget process, they are looking for pennies and small amounts and found a difficulty in this process.   Strunk said the Fire District has a different set of responsibilities and financial numbers to report to the residents and the Township has a different set, even though it comes out of the same pot. Strunk said when the Township fixes a budget they are limited to  so much money and must make it work.  If the Township has to absorb another $20,000 to take care of this bond it is a problem. Horensky said the Township is already paying it. Strunk said the Township is getting reimbursed for it by the Fire District.  Horensky said they have reimbursed the Township $38,000. 

The Mayor said that, for this year, the Township should take whatever they need. If there is a credit, it should be applied and pay the amount.  He said the Fire District attorney and Township attorney should get together and come up with an agreement which states the amount paid by the Township and Fire District and the disposition at the end of the life of the vehicle, because he did not want an open questions. Horensky said the truck has a 14year life and the bond is for 20 years, so the Township will be paying for it 6 years on a truck that no longer exists, this cannot be changed. The Mayor asked for a motion to authorize Ed Glynn, Township Attorney, and the Fire District attorney Richard Braslow  come up with a shared services agreement to dictate the specifics of who is paying for what, when and criteria of what happens when this vehicle at the end of the life of it.   Horensky asked Dorio if they had planned on paying for the truck in 20 years, he said yes.  Kovacs said the costs of the truck and financing charges should be  run it out for 10 years and let them make payments for 10 years to cover the total cost of the truck.   Horensky made a motion that Ed Glynn arrange a meeting with Richard Braslow, Fire District Attorney and try to work this out and get back to the Township with an agreement  for review at the next meeting , Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.    Horensky amended his motion and Ed Glynn, representing the Township, Richard Braslow, Fire District and Bond Counsel should meet come to a fact based decision on what can actually be done with the fire truck, Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.

Michael Kovacs said that de Boer had asked that the white pick up be replaced this year.   de Boer has found a used F350 from Smith Motors for $16,900. de Boer had checked similar vehicles, which ranged from $21,450, $24,500 and $19,995.  de Boer said the white truck is in need of repairs and it would cost $5,000  to do so. de Boer asked that this be taken out of the bond, which would leave a balance of $7000.
Kovacs made a motion to approve the purchase of the used truck from Smith Motors at a cost of $16,900, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.

Barry Mueller said on the Historical Commission Donald Eckel had offered to show some 16mm black and white films of the building of the mill pond and other local information.  They were hoping to make it a public presentation. As plans proceed, he will advise the Committee.

The Women’s Club has started working on the flower beds at the log cabin.

The Recreation Commission finished up their 5 year plan. Robert Miller, Township, Engineer is working on the tennis court bids.

Mueller said he had gone to the school budgets presentation at Brass Castle, hosted by the PTA.  They went over the budgets for both schools.  The Township has four candidates running for 3 board seats.

Mueller said there is a meeting tomorrow at the County Engineer’s Office that he will be attending with de Boer and Miller, which is a follow up on the intersection at South Lincoln and Cemetery Hill Road.

Mueller said that he had sat in on a session of the Washington Township Court, held in Mansfield Township, and met the personnel of the court. 

Richard J Strunk said that finance had already been discussed, as well as the bid project for Cemetery Hill Road, Horensky gave overview on insurance and Brown and Brown had already been discussed.

Strunk said he attended a Safety Meeting held by MEL at Pohatcong Township and the Township will receive a $250 credit on insurance.  He also attended the meeting of the Township Safety Meeting.
 
Mayor David Dempski said that he and Chief Mc Donald attended the National Guard Education the Legislator Program and was picked up in helicopter at Warren Hills and taken to Fort Dix on March  28th. 
On March 28th, he also served on the Community Prevention Resources of Warren County to address the problem of underage drinking.  Patrolman Ron Pantuso was also at the meeting.

On April 6th he attended the Warren County Solid Waste Advisory Council (SWAC) Meeting.

On April 7th he spoke with Mrs. Milhem’s Third Grade Class.

On April 10th  he went to the Warren County Agriculture Development Board  Meeting and the Township will be getting $500,000 for the AJR Farm.

The Storm Water Ordinance is under review by Land Use Board and himself.

On Public Assistance, there have been problems in getting public assistance checks mailed in a timely format or picked up. There is a new policy and all checks will be distributed the first Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Administration Building.

The Open Space Recreation Plan is complete.  The Land Use Board had a public hearing on April 12th and the adoption is scheduled for April 26th. The second public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18th at the Open Space Advisory Meeting.

On Youth Association, the opening day is April 22 at 8:00 a.m. at Meadow Breeze Park.

PAYMENT OF BILLS
Mueller made a motion to pay the bills, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, abstain; Kovacs, abstain; Dempski, yes.

Kovacs made a motion to adjourn at 10:35 p.m., Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk