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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Regular Meeting
April 19, 2004
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 7:33 p.m. by Mayor John A. Horensky.
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, transmitted to the Express Times and posted at the municipal building.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, present; Kovacs, present; Mueller, present; Strunk, present; Horensky, present. Township Attorney Edward J. Glynn , Township Clerk Mary Ann O’Neil, and Catherine Gangaware, CFO, were also present.
SALUTE TO FLAG
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mueller had a correction to the Executive Session Minutes of February 17, 2004, page 3, second paragraph, second line, the words said he should be deleted. Kovacs made a motion to approve the Executive Session Minutes, as amended, from February 17, 2004, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Dempski made a motion to approve the Regular Minutes of February 17, 2004, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Dempski had two corrections to the Executive Session Minutes of March 16, 2004, page 5, last paragraph, asthmatically should be changed to automatically and %25,000 should be changed to $25,000. Mueller made a motion to approve the Executive Session Minutes of March 16, 2004, as amended, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Kovacs made a motion to approve the Regular Minutes of March 16, 2004, Strunk seconded. All were in favor
The Mayor said, at this time, the Township Committee would be taking a brief Executive Session. Attorney James Broscious was present to provide information to the Township relative to negotiations on a pending law suit. Kovacs made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:36 p.m., Dempski seconded. All were in favor. (The room was cleared/doors were closed)
The doors were opened. Kovacs made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:08 p.m., Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
PROCLAMATIONS
The Mayor read Proclamations on Designating May as Older American Month. Also, National Day of Prayer, which will be observed at the Administration Building on May 6th at noon.
ORDINANCES
Kovacs made a motion to open Ordinance 04-05-Ordinance Amending, Revising & Supplementing Chapter 71 & Chapter 93-4E of the Township Code of the Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey Entitled “Park Fees” and “Parks and Playgrounds respectively”, to the public, Dempski seconded. All were in favor. Nobody from the public wished to be heard. Kovacs made a motion to close the public hearing, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Dempski made a motion to approve Ordinance 04-05, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Kovacs made a motion to open Ordinance 04-06 Bond Ordinance for the Purchase of Public Works & Office Equipment & Buildings & Grounds Improvement in the Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey, Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $250,000 & Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds & Notes in the amount of $237,500, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Nobody from the public wished to be heard.
Mueller made a motion to close the public hearing, Strunk seconded
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes.
Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 04-06, Dempski seconded.
Strunk said he does not want this put out for more than 5 years. Kovacs said it would be a BAN, not a Bond. BANS usually run less than a Bond in the way of interest. In the past, the interest is paid, plus some principle. They are good for 3 years and generally, if part of the principle is paid down, it would be rolled over to a new one and the 3 years period starts. The CFO was present and told Strunk that she would be glad to go over the Debt Schedule with him. The CFO said a portion of the debt is paid off each year and she goes to the oldest ones first to get them paid down. Strunk reinterated he wants this paid down in 5 years, which is a good sound business practice.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Kovacs made a motion to introduce Ordinance 04-07 Ordinance granting Renewal of Municipal Consent to Comcast of Northwest New Jersey, LLC, to construct, connect, operate and maintain a cable television and communication system in Township of Washington, Warren County, New Jersey, Mueller seconded. Dempski said that in terms of company strength, they are by far the largest cable provider in the United States. The term the ordinance covers is a 15 year term, with a single 5 year automatic renewal. Dempski said that Comcast can cover the entire Township, except for 3 homes on Brass Castle Road, because there are no poles and equipment to get there. Dempski said he reviewed the Borough and other ordinances and incorporated some changes into the sample that had been received. Originally, Comcast would have charged the Township to move any lines. However, in the ordinance, Comcast will pay for any line relocation, at their expense, that the Township asks them to do. Comcast will notify the Clerks Office if they are doing any tree trimming. Comcast will meet with the Township once a year and send a representative from Public Relations to a meeting. Comcast will provide free basic installation to all municipal buildings, schools and firehouses. On Public Access, they will give the Township a block of 4 hours a week for Township and Schools. Comcast will also provide taped access for any Warren Hills Regional High School State Division Play Off Games. Dempski said the Mayor will have to appoint a liaison for Warren Hills Regional High School, Elementary School and the Township on who would control the content. On grants, Comcast will give Warren Hills Regional High School $5,000 for tv and video equipment to be spent as they see fit. The Township will receive a $15,000 technology grant and $12,000 to pay for 10 years high speed internet access. This money may be received by the end of the year. Glynn told the Committee that Dempski put a lot of research and time into getting this information and drafting the ordinance. The Committee thanked Dempski for all he did on the ordinance.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Dempski said the State did approve the ordinance already.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be May 18, 2004.
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. Kovacs made a motion to approve Resolution 04-51 through and including 04-54, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
04-51 Resolution on the Tonnage Grant Application /2003
04-52 Person to Person Transfer/Sostese to Y3 (Pocket License)
04-53 Refund of Duplicate Payment
04-54 Refund of Payment Made to Incorrect Municipality
PUBLIC QUESTIONS & CONCERNS (8:35 p.m.)
Nobody wished to address the Township Committee.
NEW BUSINESS (Mayor Horensky took Item 8 out of order due to many residents being present )
Item 8 - Petition on New Hampton Road Bridge. Dean Springmeyer said that Warren County, in conjunction with Hunterdon County, has plans of replacing the bridge at the end of New Hampton Road with a structure that will be significantly larger than the one that is there now, which is only one lane wide. Springmeyer said they envision tremendous problems with the new structure. On the Warren County side, it is still only one car wide as you come off the bridge. Springmeyer’s concern was the traffic and large trucks that would use the bridge. Also, New HamptonVillage has been designated a Historic Village and they are already suffering with the volume and speed of the traffic. Springmeyer asked the Township Committee to consider approaching the County with an alternate plan or address the concerns about the bridge. The bridge is in need of repairs (estimated at $200,000) and the County does not want to pay for the repairs. According to the County, they can use State funds to totally replace the bridge. A copy of the petition signed by residents in Warren and Hunterdon County was presented to the Committee.
The Mayor said he had discussed the weight restriction on the bridge. Chief Mc Donald said he talked with the County Engineer and one of the reasons they wanted to widen the bridge was because of the number of accidents and it is a safety issue. The Chief said he does not know who reported the accidents, because the police department has no accidents reports. The County Engineer said there were scrape marks on the side of the bridge, but nothing has been reported. The Chief said, as far as it being a safety issue from the standpoint of the Police Department, it is really not a safety issue.
de Boer, Public Works Manager, said he had discussed this matter with Robert Miller, Township Engineer. Springtown Road and New Hampton Road have been designated, in years past, for this very thing that is taking place. The roads will be improved when the bridge is put in, but this was always going to be a cut off as traffic backs up Route 31, that is what it was designed for originally. Springmeyer took issue with this, because if this was true, back in 1983 or 1985 when that part of the road was expanded this was never brought to the table. Dempski said the reason the street is so wide is that it is under residential standards you cannot have a 5' road anymore according to New Jersey State Law. Strunk said this road was prior to the residential site standards, it was just to municipal standards. Strunk asked deBoer if he stated when the bridge is improved, the road will be improved up to existing road to make it wider. de Boer said that it would be sense less to have the County put the bridge in and not have the Township improve the small section in this area. Strunk asked, if the County is going to pay for the bridge, who would pay for the improvement from the bridge up to the existing new road. de Boer said the Township would. Dempski said, in the Master Plan, the only improvements in that area are supposed to be realigning the Springtown Road at the Asbury Anderson Road section because it has a very bad curve and limited sight distance. Dempski said it is not designed to handle much traffic and he cannot see it as a cut through.
Jim Vergos, Washington Township Fire Chief, said that the DOT along with the State Police has developed a manual on rerouting traffic. If there is an accident, New Hampton Bridge could not handle the traffic. According to the manual they would divert the traffic down to the Butler Park Bridge, which has been replaced by the County. Vergos said this is not a designated emergency route.
Claire Tondro, New Hampton Road said that she has been in touch with Andrea Tingey who oversees bridge issues for the State Historic Preservation Office. Tingey said it is acceptable for Counties to actually use state bond money for repair, rather than replacement. It is conceivable that some of the bond money, which is $1.4 million, could be used so the Township would not have to deal with the road and the County would not have to fund it. Tondra said they are trying to preserve the rural character of historic New Hampton Village. Tondro said the residents had hoped the Committee would support them. They are also appealing to the Township on the other side of the river as well and will be meeting with Hunterdon County Freeholders next week.
Kovacs said that the Freeholders vote on what their engineers recommend without any input from municipalities. He said that a sit down with some committee members and the Freeholders to explain the Township’s position may be appropriate at this time. The Mayor and Mueller volunteered to meet with the Freeholders on this issue. Mueller asked if the historic district went right up to the bridge.
Resident, 40 Musconetcong River Road, Lebanon Township, said the historic district comes up just to the edge of the bridge, it is not included in the district. However, it is an impact, because it is on the edge of the historic district. Resident said that when they spoke to the Freeholders in Warren County and also at a Lebanon Township Meeting that they had with the bridge engineers on the project it was explained that the law required the bridge be widened to approximately 29'. The reason that it had to be built in the manner presented was they were governed by a set of rules called AASHTO. Resident felt that there should be an opportunity to apply the standard, but repair the bridge properly, but not widen or change it.
Andrew Levin, 116 East Asbury Anderson Road said that he goes across the bridge every day and about once a month he has to stop to let somebody cross coming the other way. There are approximately 280 cars that use the bridge a day, but most of the time when he uses the bridge he never sees anybody coming in the other direction. So, from the engineers point that it needs to be a two lane bridge, clearly it does not need to be wider. Also, the Warren County Engineers said they had two choices, either repair the bridge using County money or replace the bridge using State money. An interesting fact that just surfaced is that they can use State money to repair the bridge, so it would behoove everyone that the County Engineers knew this, because they just want to replace the bridge.
Springmeyer said a letter had been received from the Lebanon Township Committee supporting the residents and asked if the Township Committee would also provide one. Dempski said he had done this already.
(Ended at 9:04 p.m.)
OLD BUSINESS
1. de Boer had no report on the Storm Water Management Plan.
2. Update on Fire Official Account - Jim Vergos, Washington Township Fire Chief said everything is fine. Strunk said the resolution was that Charles Wian, Fire Official, had some questions regarding his account, which were resolved. The CFO answered all questions to everybody’s satisfaction. Everything that was involved in the accounts has been documented on where the money was and how it was spent. There had been a misunderstanding on where some of the money had been allocated, but everything was in order. The CFO said her documentation was done because Wian’s numbers do not reflect any disbursements whatsoever. She had said she would use Wian’s receipt numbers and her disbursement numbers, which was documented. Vergos said the CFO’s numbers were correct. The CFO said because of the way the money was used last year there wasn’t as much used in the O&E account, which was put in 2004 for the budget. More money had been put in for salaries, because there was more required. However, the CFO said they are already in a situation where the things ordered in 2004, Wian’s budget is already overspent $355. The CFO has not had an opportunity to discuss if he was going to use some of his penalty money toward this amount. Wian has less penalty money than he thought he had, because he did not reflect his disbursements. The CFO said, on the penalties, he thought he had $5,000, he only has $1249.
Kovacs said there was also discussion on whether the Fire Official and Fire Inspector should remain under the Township or go to the Fire District. Kovacs said it should go over to the Fire District and Strunk said it remain under the Township The CFO said, at the time the two officials go to the Fire District, then some sort of rent should be paid for handling calls and using Township equipment. Kovacs said the issues have been resolved, except where they will end up - Fire District or Township.
The CFO said there was the issue of the lost cell telephone. Should she issue an invoice to Wian or do it as a payroll deduction. Vergos said that Wian said he would pay for it. The CFO will check on how he wants to pay for it.
The CFO said that Jo Ann Fascenelli, Deputy Treasurer, wanted to know if a final decision was made on the Nextel Charges on the cell phones. Strunk said this was an unresolved issue that needs to be discussed.
3. Appointment of Mark Murray - Dempski made a motion that Mark Murray be appointed to the Open Space Advisory Committee, term expiring 12/31/06, Kovacs seconded. Dempski said there was an opening under the public, but the ordinance is not very clear and needs updating. Kovacs said there are several ordinances that need corrections and updates and he would like to work with Glynn on updating them. Committee agreed that he should do it. Clerk will check on expiration date and make part of motion.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes
A break was taken from 9:17 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., when meeting was again brought to order.
NEW BUSINESS
Item 1. Kovacs made a motion to approve the Tax Collector attending the 37th Annual Spring Conference on May 18 -20 in Atlantic City, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
Item 2. Strunk made a motion to approve Andy Hart and John Pierson attending a class in training for taking the DEP Core Exam and for Operators License on May 18 in Morristown, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
Item 3. Strunk made a motion to approve the WTYA using the meeting room for Youth Sports Sign Ups on Friday May 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. until noon, Mueller seconded. All were in favor, except Dempski who abstained.
Item 4. Nextel Cell Phones/Fire Officials - The CFO said that there are approximately 30 Nextels used by Township Employees. The Township agreed to pay $25 on each telephone, which is direct connect and basic plan. All employees pay for any minutes they go over and pay the difference. They are also responsible for any overages, which is a payroll deduction. Dempski asked if telephones are damaged or lost, who is responsible? The CFO said it depends on what it is, because there is a plan for damage on telephones. The main problem is the Fire Official feels that any money he brings in during the year is his to spend and so he should not be responsible for paying any telephone charges whatsoever. The CFO said he has a budget like everyone else and the other 30 Nextels. So, if the Township picks up the entire cost for one, she can guarantee that the Township will be paying the entire cost for the other 30 before the end of the year. The Mayor asked if there was any reason he was so much different from everybody else that the Committee would warrant considering up the charges. Strunk said, Wian felt because he is a revenue generating type individual it should be this way. Kovacs said that as long as he is under the guidance of the Township that he should follow the rules. Kovacs said this is another reason the fire officials should be turned over to Fire District.
The CFO said Wian is under the impression that he is dedicated by rider where any money he brings in is put in an account and reserved for him. The CFO said the Township had that option, they opted not to do that, because they usually end up budgeting for them about what they brought in the prior year. The Township opted not to go to the dedication by rider, because of the fact, if they weren’t doing a lot and run out of money, then there is nothing for them to spend. If the money is all dedicated, they come out of the Township Budget and they have nothing to do with the budget. The CFO said it had always seemed to work well for the last 12-14 years that she has been CFO. This is the issue, Wian feels he should be dedicated by rider since he is a revenue generating he should not have to co-pay on the telephone. On the other Nextels, the employees pay for the overage. The Deputy Treasurer spends about 12 hours a month trying to do the individual charges and they are payroll deductions. The CFO said everyone should be the same, Wian’s should not be any different, because every department will say they are revenue generating. Mueller said he felt everybody should be treated the same. The Mayor said, from the revenue generating standpoint that it makes sense that if a program is funded through the Township and has the ability to generate revenues that the Municipality should be the beneficiary of that generating revenue stream. The Committee agreed this individual cannot be treated any different and charges will be taken out of payroll.
Kovacs said the Committee has no control over this department and he would like to see it be turned over to the Fire District. Strunk felt that by keeping it the Committee would maintain control, but Kovacs said there is no control. Kovacs said they would need space in the Administration Building, just as they are doing now and the Clerk’s office to take messages. The CFO said if they have the Nextel phones they could take their calls. Kovacs made a motion that the ordinance on Fire Company/Fire District Responsibilities be revised, that the Fire Official and Fire inspector be turned over to Fire District #1, Horensky seconded. Glynn will prepare for the next meeting.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no.
Item 5. Agreement with Jungle Lasers-Dempski said that this program is revenue generating. This company wants to offer a lot of information that they can give to residents, as well to allow the employees to have more efficient tools at their disposal. Some of the uses would be dog census, CO inspections, recreation reservations, etc and they do all the applications. They pass a modest fee on to major/minor subdivisions, CO’s, building permits, variances, etc. which is how they generate their income. They scan the information. They would provide a high speed scanner .Every time a Land Use Application would be received, it would be put on the scanner and go right to their office. They would take all the text out and convert into electronic form.
Dempski said there are three benefits - (1) allows the text to provide information to residents like tax maps, zoning requirements, assessment information, DPW services, dog licenses. (2) It allows the Township to provide better services. The DPW vegetation pick up could be done, field reservations, etc. (3) It provides for productivity for township employees, dog census, accident reports, elderly resident locations, land use board applications, well monitoring, adjacent lot reports, and many more features. Dempski said it is a win for the Township to do this and the cost to the Township is nothing. The agreement could be severed after one day, there is no catch. There is no 5 year lock in and they provide the high speed scanner and palm pilots to provide data for dog census, which would make things more efficient. This was just a short synopsis of the benefits. Dempski said if the Committee goes with this now, rather than later, the Township will get a better deal, because those getting involved down the road will have a different fee structure. Dempski asked for the authority to get a more detailed proposal for the Committee for the next meeting. Kovacs asked that the proposal be given to Glynn to review so the Township does not get locked into anything.
Item 6. Share Municipal Court Services with Washington Borough - Dempski said the court costs for sharing is about $90,000 in and out of cap. He had talked with Alan Fisher, Borough Manager, and their court alone costs $90,000. Now, the Township is looking at another 35% on top of the $90,000 to Franklin Township, because of additional costs. Dempski said that possibly the court service would be better with Washington Borough, as opposed to Franklin Township. The costs could possibly be reduced by $40,000. Kovacs said the Committee has got to sit down with Franklin Township and come up with a written agreement, which has never been done before. A formal agreement must be done with Franklin Township. Dempski said, on the $90,000, plus 35%, he has a hard time dealing with this and this is not the most efficient way to spend taxpayers money. Dempski said the Township has an active police force and Franklin Township has the State Police. Kovacs said this may have to be done, but first the Township must sit down with Franklin Township and try to resolve the issues.
The Mayor asked Chief Mc Donald for his input. Mc Donald said his biggest concern was that the Borough would have to increase their court dates per month. This could generate increased overtime unless they increase court dates. Glynn said he thinks they meet once a week now. Dempski said he has a problem with the 35%, and the $20,000 paid this year. The Township has no control over the expenses, they say what they are spending and the Township is expected to pay for it. The Township is paying more for shared services than the Borough is for a single court.
Kovacs said, with Franklin, if it is shared service, then the Township has to have shared input, which has never been done. Kovacs said this is why there must be an agreement. Up to this point, Franklin has told Washington Township what they are going to do, with no input. The CFO said the problem is, she has gone all the way back to the 40's in the ordinances, because Central Warren Court was set up by ordinance. They references the agreement, but there has never been an agreement.
The CFO said another thing is, the monies given to Franklin for O&E is not run through the Franklin Township Budget, it is just put in another account. She has asked them repeatedly for a break down, but has not been able to get one. Sometimes you are paying for part of the heat on the building, there is no actual breakdown they stick with. Also, the percentages have changed, one year it was 45%/55%, then next year 60%/40% and next year 50%/50%. This has also been an issue. The CFO said she is not sure the 35% is an actual figure increase, she thinks they need 35% more time and that goes back to the review of the court by AOC. This report was on the efficiency in the court. The CFO said she has seen reports on other courts, with higher cases and more activity with less personnel that have gotten good ratings. Dempski said it appears the Township is paying a lot of wasted money. Kovacs said the Township has to get control on what is happening with the court system. Dempski said, if Washington Borough is as busy as Washington Township and Franklin Township, then why is Washington Borough paying so much. The CFO had talked with a representative with the AOC yesterday and the Washington Boro Court is a very efficiently run court. Glynn said the Township cannot pull out of Franklin Township or merge with Washington Borough unless the AOC approves it. The Mayor asked that he be authorized, with Kovacs, to sit down and go to them with an agreement. The CFO provided a draft of an agreement to be reviewed and possibly adopted.
Item 7. Upgrading of PC & network - Dempski said the police had brought in an outside integrator and got the police network cleaned up. When the Township gets the money from Comcast, he would like to see all three municipal buildings networked up and bring in an integrator company to do that. Dempski said they will be replacing computers, modems and software. Dempski said he did a survey on what equipment the Township has, but an integrator will be needed to install and train personnel. Dempski said he would like to have information ready for the next meeting to go out to bid on this project. Kovacs asked what networking will do for the Township. Dempski said his goal for networking will allow a better flow of information. The main goal is to provide back up for all the critical data. Right now, the data is backed up on one single tape, which is then removed from the building. Kovacs said, by law, certain departments are required to have data on their computers and kept away from other departments. The CFO, Tax Collector, Tax Assessor and the Clerk all have very sensitive data, which must be kept separate. Dempski said it would be kept separate. Also, he would like to get rid of the laser jet printers and do centralizing printing, which would reduce costs. The CFO said the people at the Administration Building are a little concerned about taking down a network that has been working well for them and changing it - if its not broken/don’t fix it. The CFO said, if anything is going to be done, then Municipal Software must be involved in this because they are the ones that have been maintaining the records. Dempski said the Township is paying $1200 a year just for dial up cost and this is ridiculous. Dempski said he thinks the computers should be able to network with the copier , which is a high speed printer. Dempski said he felt it was more efficient. Dempski said if people want to keep their printers they can still keep them, but there would be a benefit to having the ability to fax and receive faxes from your desk and have better networking for e-mail. The CFO said everybody has their own printer and more time would be wasted running to the copy area to pick up your copies or in her case running up and down the stairs. Dempski said he cannot see justifying 6 dial up lines, which is a waste of money. The CFO said there is only one, Dempski said there are several. The CFO said there is one in the Administration Building and one in Public Works Department. Dempski said if you can get high speed, why would you even want dial up.
Item 8. Had been done previously
Item 9. Creation of Date Books - Dempski said there are so many dates to remember and he wonders if the Committee is losing them. For instance, in 12 years the Committee should be sitting down and reviewing Comcast or on December 31, 2005 the COAH expires. Dempski would like to see a 15-20 year date book that important dates could be maintained, because dates are being missed. The Mayor asked, when there is updating, is this something that could be plugged into system. Dempski said, if there was networking, then everybody would have access to the calendar. Dempski will create a paper copy of what he is talking about, but will also check with Jungle Lasers
Items 10-11-12-13 - Kovacs said these items cannot be done. The Clerk has to publish the approval of the bond ordinance and there is a 20 day appeal time from the publication. The CFO said, on some of the items, quotes will be put together for authorization at the next meeting. No action can be taken on these items until the next meeting. Kovacs made a motion to get the process moving on getting quotes and prices on Item 10-13, no orders are to be placed, Dempski seconded. After discussion, Kovacs withdrew this motion and Dempski his second.
Item 10 - Kovacs made a motion to give authorization to the CFO to put together the purchase documents for the police equipment, as shown in breakdown, after the 20 day expiration date for comment period, provided that there are no objections to the Township spending the money, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Items 11-12-13 will be held until the May meeting and should have quotes provided.
Items 14 - Discussion Wayfarer Restaurant - Attorney Thomas Stover was present, representing the Wayfarer Restaurant. The restaurant has experienced some problems with their septic system that was approved in 1985. Right now they are working with that system and an older system with a diverted valve. It was first thought that they would have to request an amendment to the Wastewater Management Plan, but this is a T1 permit, preexisting use and all they need is the municipalities consent by resolution that they can proceed with a permit. Kovacs made a motion that approval be granted to Wayfarer Restaurant for a waiver on having septic system done, resolution to be prepared by Stover, Strunk seconded. Resolution will be sent to Glynn to be reviewed.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Item 17 - Conservation Easement/Roger Woolf - Attorney Stover said this is about a little piece of land that Roger Woolf owns on the opposite side of the development, which was in the Borough and Township on Kinnaman Avenue. There was a two lot minor subdivision, which was approved by resolution on December 10, 2003. An issue that came up was the development across the Pohatcong Creek, who wanted to see that the lands along the stream be kept in their natural state. Basically, there would be an easement stating the easement had been given to Township. There is no obligation for the Township to ever go in and clean it, but if the Township ever deems it necessary to do so they can. This is supposed to kept in its natural state, but Woolf has retained the right to plant corn. Once his house is built, there will be no more corn. There is a side issue, because what has developed with the township and their engineers. All the paperwork had been sent to Robert Miller, Township Land Use Engineer in 2003, who approved all the descriptions in January. Stover had sent maps and information to John Cilo, Land Use Board Engineer, but this had all been approved in December 2003 and he does not see why another engineer should be involved at this time. Strunk asked why Cilo would even be involved at this time. Stover didn’t think it should be done, because Miller was the engineer that approved everything and the resolution was adopted, and descriptions were approved by Miller in January. Miller was still Land Use Engineer until January 20, 2004. Stover said all that is needed is this easement to be approved. Stover said everything is done on this matter and he does not see why he should have to go through Cilo again, who wants to review the entire thing. Stover said the Land Use Board agreed, that everything, including the deed, has been reviewed by Miller. Stover will provide maps, deeds and whatever Cilo wants, but he does not want to go through the review again, it is just a minor subdivision. The Mayor said he would discuss this matter with Cilo.
Item 15 - Strunk made a motion to approve the Clerk attending a seminar on Domestic Partnership, Executive Order 18 and Vital Records on April 24 in Stanhope, NJ., Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
Item 16 - The CFO had provided a sheet to the Committee with the options on health benefits. The CFO said in talking with the broker, he suggested that the Township do an internal change in Horizon POS, with $20 co-pay to keep the rate the same. The broker’s recommendation was to go to AETNA on June 1. The CFO said the Township has a $1000 deductible, which is picked up by the Township and it is reimbursed.
The deductible with the new plan is $500. Kovacs made a motion that the hospital insurance plan be changed to AETNA effective June 1, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski ,yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
The CFO will write a memo advising the employees that the co-pay will be $20 in May, but it will be reimbursed.
The CFO said the dental plan is also due for renewal on June 1. She met with the broker today and they did a spread on the dental plans. Some of the employees are unhappy with AIG, which is the present dental plan. The recommendation of the broker was to go with Met Life, which she said is a more comprehensive plan. Everything is the same, there is no change. If the Committee switches, the savings would be several hundred dollars a month. Strunk made a motion that the dental plan for employees be switched to Met Life, Kovacs seconded. The CFO said there are 20 dentists in the area with this plan.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
OTHER
The CFO asked if there was anything else the Committee wanted to address. Dempski said de Boer and Fascenelli had provided him with an excellent analysis on fuel savings. Dempski said he would like to see a performance letter put in their files. The report was very comprehensive and very detailed. The report showed there would be a savings, which would be eradicated by the insurance bill. So, getting an onsite gas tank would be not be cost effective for the Township. Dempski made a motion that a performance letter be put into the personnel files of de Boer and Fascenelli, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
The CFO said the Road Department spent $30,000 for snow expenses this year and there is only $21,000 left. Out of the budget amount of $105,000 given to the Road Department for O&E, there is only $21,000 for the rest of the year for streets and roads. The CFO said $20,000 was spent on maintenance of vehicles, $3800 on maintenance of police cars, $7300 maintenance of equipment, $3200 on tires, $10,000 on equipment, $3000 on snow expense other than salt and grits and $24,000 on salt and grits. The Mayor asked how this compared to 2003. The CFO said in 2003 the salt and grits of $26,000 did not come out of the budget last year. The CFO will review the account.
The CFO said she had a question on changing the one telephone line for the Police/Municipal Building on the Met Tel Bill. Dempski said that he had researched it and the telephone would be going to a fixed rate for the telephone . This will save over $500 a year. Dempski said the Met Tel Analysis was done and this line was the only line that this could be done with.
REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
Barry Mueller had nothing to report.
R.J. Strunk said he had met with the man on Kayhart Lane and told him there was really nothing the Township could do on his problem.
He saw the article on the pot holes on Mine Hill Road and de Boer took care of it. Strunk said he thought the paper deserved a follow up that the work was done and he provided same.
Strunk said, according to correspondence, there is still an ongoing thing with the soccer field only being allowed to be mowed twice a year. He thinks this should be followed up with Assemblywoman Connie Myers on this matter. There had been a prior ruling on this and the Township should try to get it upheld. Kovacs will try to take care of this matter with Myers and will work with Strunk on this. Kovacs asked the Clerk to have deBoer put together a history on the soccer fields and the DEP and provide to him.
Strunk said he had called the Mayor regarding Mr. Hartshorne and the Mayor had spoken with Hartshorne about his problem.
Michael Kovacs said one the things the Road Department will be doing through May is the brush pick up. They will do another pick up sometime in July. The Recycling Center is open Wednesday evenings and Saturdays in the afternoon.
David Dempski said the Public Board of Assistance met on April 5. They are down to 9 active clients. The Harvest House in Belvidere is no longer taking clients, so there will be an increase in costs on living expenses. They will have to go to a more expensive housing in the area. Barbara Theis, Welfare Director, would like to come before the Township Committee to talk about Welfare Fraud in Executive Session.
The Warren Hills Tax Rate is .84/$100, which is down .07. A copy of the Elementary School had been provided previously to the Township. The rate went up 9/10 of a cent to .72/$100.
On Affordable Housing, the COAH Annual Report is due April 23, 2004. Dempski has given the report to the Township Planner to finish. Currently the Township is at 45 new constructions, 33 rehabilitations for a total of 78 units. There had been 51 new constructions, but 20 rehabilitations outstanding. Dempski said there are 13 rehabilitation outstanding, will this be done by 2005, which is what is down for current COAH recertification There are more new and not enough rehabilitations. COAH Certification ends next year 12/31/05.
On Recreation Commission, they met on April 8. Robert Miller, Township Engineer, gave feedback and a copy of park plans and all the plats for the park. There are a few issues that they may need funding to do. The food stand pole fell down and they want to get that fixed, more lighting, the horse shoe project area and repair and expand the concession area, but they need a DEP permit for that. Dempski asked how their expenses are paid, because they want to do some studies and planning for a soccer field down at Asbury Anderson and widen the canal property to stabilize it better. Kovacs said they have to budget it and request it, which they did not do. Dempski said they have several engineer studies they would like to do.
On Open Space, he and the Mayor attended the Highlands Bill Meeting they had and he handed out a synopsis that Duane Coplay, Warren County Soil District, did.
The Youth Association had their opening day on Saturday. There were over 300 children in attendance. They will be doing a survey with the Recreation Commission to study recreational needs for groups and people. They have an online survey to get feedback on what people would like to see in the parks and recreational areas.
On Public Utilities, he found out that the League of Municipalities has a deal EXTEL, 3% contract with them. Even with discount present carrier is still 3% cheaper than League of Municipalities vendor.
On the pay telephone at the Police/Municipal Building, the Township pays $90 a month. He can get a $50 a month charge, which is paid once a year ($600) and the calls would be .35 a minute instead of the .50 that it is now. For a signature on the agreement the telephone will be removed and a cheaper telephone installed and save $500 a year. The Mayor signed the agreement and gave to Dempski.
Mayor John A Horensky said he only had one issue that was not resolved last month, which had to do with the retirement of Jonathan Schramm. There was concern that his retirement would not go through on April 1, 2004, as was originally planned, which was why the Township Committee did not move on making Patrolman Kurt Pantuso a full time officer. The Mayor said it is his understanding that the paperwork has been filed and Jonathan Schramm is officially retired. The Clerk asked if anyone had checked with the CFO on this matter. Chief Mc Donald said yes, he is officially off the payroll. The Mayor said, given this information, he would like to take action to move Kurt Pantuso into a full time position, to replace Jonathan Schramm.
Kovacs said hiring of Pantuso was based on the PBA providing a letter which stated they gave permission for Pantuso to waive medical benefits, which was the stipulation on hiring Pantuso. Chief Mc Donald said, in reference to this being a stipulation, he doesn’t know if this was a misunderstanding or what it was, when Pantuso was hired in August, as a part timer/full time hours to cover Schramm’s shifts. The Chief made mention at that time that he didn’t believe that Schramm would be returning to work. At that time the Chief said that Kurt Pantuso would be interested should that position become available as a full time position. The Chief also mentioned that a benefit of hiring Pantuso, in addition to his 16 years experience as a State Trooper, would be that he would waive medical benefits. At that time, under the PBA contract, if he was hired and waived his benefits that would be that. However, during that time period, the PBA and the Township were in negotiations for a new contract, which would become effective 2004. Part of the new contract, which was signed and became effective in 2004 is that if an officer waives medical benefits, 50% of what it would cost the Township would be given to that officer. Kovacs said this has always been in the contract and the only difference was it went from 20% to 50%. The Chief said when he was talking about this, he was only making a statement to the Committee. Kovacs said that one of the things talked about at the last meeting and it was Strunk that said it, and it was to be clearly understood that the Committee wants a letter from the PBA that the medical hospitalization will be waived. The chief said, at that time, Strunk was under the impression, when that statement was made in August of 2003, that it was already a provision of the contract and he could wait. The Chief said this became effective after that.
Kovacs said, the bottom line is, if he is hired now he was not sure what the exposure would be. Kovacs said medical costs per year are roughly $10,000 and he is not sure if in the contract this refers to the family add on or the whole medical benefit. If it is the whole benefit, then it could cost the Township approximately $5,000 a year for waiving the benefits. The Chief said the Committee has already made a decision that they are going to replace Schramm, but lets not give Pantuso the $5,000. So, take Pantuso out of the equation and hire a man off the street at step 2, they would be paying that person $10,000 toward that person’s benefits as opposed to $5,000 for Pantuso. The Chief said the Committee would actually be exposing themselves to an additional $5,000 by hiring anyone other than Pantuso. Kovacs said they will be hiring somebody and Pantuso is an outstanding officer. The Mayor asked for a motion to hire Kurt Pantuso as a full time officer, to replace Jonathan Schramm, at step 2, effective April 20, 2004, Dempski seconded.
Kovacs asked when Pantuso would go to step 3 and the Chief said next year.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
The Mayor said that Cef Garcia, Emergency Management Coordinator, has received a check for $2000+ for Emergency Management. The check will be given to the CFO to be put into his account.
The Mayor said he had attended the Highland Meeting with Dempski. He did offer testimony at that time indicating that he thought it was an ill conceived piece of legislature, although the intent seemed laudable. It would actually do significant damage to townships like Washington Township. The Highlands Legislation would actually usurp any municipal planning activities. The township would be required to adopt Master Plan Changes that the Commission would institute. The Mayor said that Assemblywoman Myers had asked that a resolution be passed on this matter. Strunk made a motion that Resolution 04-55, Resolution Requesting a Delay in the Legislation Decisions on the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act Bill be approved,
Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
OTHER REPORT
Dempski said he had received a call from Richard Cotton on his answering machine requesting a copy of the PIG Applications, Phase A,B&C. Dempski said they are public records and should be provided. The Clerk asked if an OPRA form was signed and it had not been done. The information was given to the Clerk, who will have an OPRA form signed and fees collected. Dempski said he wants to take commercial from the residential development and that is what a TDR will enable him to do.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Dempski said one bill will have to be taken out, because nobody has signed. The Clerk asked if it was the return of the Code book and it was. She said she had asked the person on the bill to return to book as soon as possible, which he did and she did not feel he should be charged for doing so, Committee agreed and will sign voucher. Mueller made a motion to pay the bills, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, abstain; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
The Clerk also advised the Committee that Eric Bernstein, former Township Attorney, had been requested in March to return the Washington Township Code Book, valued at $120. The sheet, which he signed for on May 20, 1997 stated that he agreed to return the Code Book upon termination of duties with the Township, or he would be held liable for payment of $120 to the Township. Also, Attorney Phil George of Bernstein’s office had taken the Brown and Brown Insurance Book for 1998 and a request was made for the return, which has not been done. The Mayor said a letter should be written advising this matter has been discussed with the Township Committee and they are adamant about receiving the Code Book back or $120 to cover same and that the insurance book be returned immediately.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mueller made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:45 p.m., Kovacs seconded. All were in favor.
The doors were opened. Strunk made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 11:51 p.m., Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
Glynn asked that the record reflect that with regard to the Apgar Law Suit, it looks as if it is going to proceed to trial, with a tentative trial date of 5/3/04. There will be a need for expert testimony, Layton, Zelley, Mayor Horensky and possibly other committee people and members of the Land Use Board. Glynn will check with Attorney Susan Rubright, who is handling the case for the township through the insurance company and see if she wants to set up a preparation session with witnesses and whether there is a real trial date or a possibility that the case may not proceed to trial.
There being nothing further to come before the committee, Strunk made a motion at 11:54 p.m. to adjourn, Dempski seconded. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk
