TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Reorganization Meeting
January 1, 2004

The Clerk , Mary Ann O’Neil swore in Barry Mueller and Richard J. Strunk for a three-year term on the Township Committee.

REORGANIZATION MEETING

January 1, 2004

The  Clerk, called to order the 2004 Reorganization Meeting of the Washington Township Committee at 12:05 p.m. on this date at the  Municipal/Police Building located on Little Philadelphia Road.

SUNSHINE LAW COMPLIANCE - The Clerk  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 Administration and Municipal building.

ROLL CALL: Dempski, present; Horensky, present; Kovacs, present; Mueller, present; Strunk,  present.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR

1. The Clerk asked for nominations for Mayor of Washington Township for a one year term. Strunk  nominated John Horensky.  There were no other nominations for mayor.  Kovacs made a motion to close the nominations for mayor and appoint John Horensky for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

The  Clerk swore John A. Horensky in as Mayor for a one year term, expiring 12/31/04 and turned the meeting over to him.

NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR

2.  Dempski  made a motion that Barry Mueller  be nominated as Deputy Mayor for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Kovacs seconded. There were no other nominations. Strunk made a motion the nominations be closed, Kovacs seconded. Strunk made a motion that Barry Mueller be Deputy Mayor for a one year term, expiring 12/31/04, Kovacs seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

The Clerk swore Barry Mueller in as Deputy Mayor for a one year term, expiring 12/31/04.

OTHER NOMINATIONS

3.  Strunk  made a motion that Edward J. Glynn, of Pfeiffer, Winegar, Wilhelm and Glynn be appointed as Township Attorney for a one year term, at the rate of $125/hour and a flat rate fee of $350 per meeting,  expiring 12/31/04, Mueller seconded.    The Mayor asked if there were any further nominations.  The Mayor said that he would like to place, for consideration, the name of Frederick Allen, of  Mauro, Savo, Camarino and Grant for Township Attorney at the rate of $125 per hour and $250 flat fee per meeting. The Mayor entertained discussion on these individuals unless there were other names to discuss. 

Strunk said that during his research Glynn has come highly recommended by many people, one in particular, Judge Seybolt and he would make a motion to hire Glynn.   Strunk has a high regard for Judge Seybolt and Strunk’s interest has always been to try to get the professionals that have the qualifications and to stay local.  Strunk said that after talking with Glynn and others, he feels comfortable that he would do a good job for the Township.   Kovacs said he knows that Glynn is an excellent attorney, because he has used him in the past.   Kovacs said that from reading his resume, he is excellent in litigation, but he didn’t see anything at all that lends anything to his municipal work, which is what the Township needs.  Strunk said that when Glynn was associated with Attorney  Jim Broscious, Broscious had Franklin Township and sometimes Glynn would sit in with him for the meetings, plus, Strunk said that it is his understanding that Glynn is being appointed at another municipality.   Dempski said that he interviewed both candidates and read all the material that was provided and he checked on references on both individuals.  Dempski checked with two local mayors and Ed Glynn was very strongly supported by both the mayors.  They both gave very strong positive feed back about Ed Glynn.  Dempski said he was very satisfied with Glynn’s references and his previous work.

The Mayor said, since he made the recommendation of Attorney Allen, he gave his reasoning for suggesting him as legal council.  The Mayor said he had provided the committee with a packet of information with regard to Allen’s firm and his experience.  The Mayor said that Allen has also been a Planning Board and Zoning Board Attorney for 23 years.  He also is a certified trial attorney, responsible for litigation. He has been the Township of Bethlehem’s legal counsel for the past three years. He has extensive experience, as noted in the memo sent by the Mayor. The Mayor said, as  for the firm Mauro, Savo, Camerino and Grant, they have been involved in municipal government work for more than 20 years, are  very strong in the area of land use, municipal finance, real estate and tax appeals.  The Mayor said, from his prospective, he agreed with Kovacs that Glynn is an excellent attorney and he has interviewed him as well.  During the conversations he did indicate  to him that he is basically a trial attorney and that he wishes to do more municipal work, but he fully understands that he doesn’t have tremendous background in that area.  The Mayor said that Glynn has indicated that he, under the workings of Attorney James Broscious,  assisted and provided service in his absence.  The Mayor said Glynn strikes him as an individual who is very quick to learn, so from an attorney prospective he is very well qualified.  The Mayors only concern is that the Committee is looking at an option of an individual and a firm who have had extensive municipal experience and the learning curve for Allen is not very steep at all, it is probably flat, because he has been doing this work for so long.  His firm brings a lot to the table and the fact that he would be providing this service to the municipality at a savings of $100 a meeting or $1200 a year should be considered as well.

The Mayor said there has been a motion for Glynn, which would be done first.   The Clerk said there was no second yet. Mueller said he would second the motion for Edward J. Glynn as Township Attorney.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Horensky, no; Kovacs, no.

The Mayor said that Attorney Glynn would be contacted and advised of his appointment as Municipal Attorney.

4.  Kovacs made a motion that Mary Ann O’Neil, Township Clerk,  be appointed as  Election Official,  Affirmative Action Officer,  Secretary to the Local Board of Health, Secretary for the Safety Committee, Custodian of Government Records, and Public Agency Compliance Officer for a one year term ending 12/31/04, Strunk seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

5.  Mueller made a motion that  Anna C.  Godfrey, Administrative Secretary,  be appointed as Deputy Election Official and Deputy Custodian of Government Records for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

6.  Kovacs made a motion that Jo Ann Fascenelli be appointed as Deputy Treasurer for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Strunk seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

7. Strunk made a motion that Michael Schmidt be appointed as 911 Coordinator for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

8. Strunk made a motion that Thomas Bocko be appointed as Zoning Official for a one year term expiring, 12/31/04, Kovacs seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

9.   Mueller made a motion that Betty & Gary Wysocki be appointed as Animal Control Officers for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

10.  Kovacs made a motion that Charles Wian   be appointed as Fire Official and James Vergos and Walter Cooper be appointed as Fire Inspectors for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

11.  Mueller made a motion that Daniel Wyckoff be appointed to the Office of Aging for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

12.  An appointment for a Township Engineer was postponed until the January 20, 2004 meeting.  The work being done until that time would be done by Robert Miller, present Township Engineer at the present rate.

13  Strunk made a motion that Nancy Jacobsen be appointed as Assistant Court Administrator for a one year term expiring 12/31/04; Roger Skoog be appointed Municipal Prosecutor for a one year term expiring 12/31/04; Donald J. Farino  be appointed as Public Defender for a one year term expiring 12/31/04 and  any alternate off duty Washington Township Police Officer be appointed Sergeant at Arms for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

14.  Kovacs made a motion that Jo Ann Fascenelli and Peter de Boer be appointed as Recycling Coordinators for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Strunk seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk.

15.  Kovacs made a motion that  Randy Nelson of Ernst & Young be appointed as Municipal Auditor, for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Mueller seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

16.  Kovacs made a motion that Steven Rogut, of Rogut &  McCarthy be appointed Bond Counsel for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

17.  Kovacs made a motion that Joseph Fisher, GeoSciences, be appointed as consultant for a one year period for Land Use Board expiring 12/31/04, at the hourly rate in the 2003 contract, Dempski, yes.  Dempski asked that the rate be identified and provided to the Committee.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

18.  Kovacs made a motion that Pat Kollar be appointed as Municipal Alliance Coordinator for a one year period expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

19.  Kovacs made a motion that David Dempski be appointed as Municipal Alliance Member from the Township for a one year period expiring 12/31/04, Strunk seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

20.  Mueller made a motion that Cef Garcia be appointed as Emergency Management Coordinator for a three-year term, expiring 12/31/06, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

21.  Kovacs made a motion that Bruce D. Smith be appointed as Sewerage Consultant for a one year period, expiring 12/31/04, at the 2003 rate, Strunk seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

22.  Kovacs made a motion that CREW Engineers, Inc. be appointed as Sewerage Consulting Engineers for a one year period, expiring 12/31/04, at the 2003 rate, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

ORDINANCE

Kovacs  made a motion that Ordinance 04-1, Salary Ordinance, be approved on first reading, Mueller  seconded .

Dempski said the Farm Maintenance Manager is listed twice on the ordinance.  The Clerk will have the CFO fix this before it is published. Dempski asked if he is required to fertilize the fields each year.  Kovacs said that this is under a five year program and he does what is required for Green Acres.  Dempski asked about the title for Township Recreation Representative Project Manager.  Kovacs said this is done by Peter de Boer, Public Works Manager, on any projects.  The Mayor said this work is not done during de Boer’s regular working hours.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

Public Hearing and Second Reading to be January 20, 2004.

RESOLUTIONS 

Any item for discussion should be removed prior to approval.  Otherwise, one motion will cover all items on Consent Agenda.  Dempski asked that 04-4 and 04-11 be pulled. Kovacs made a motion that Resolution 04-1 through and including 04-17, excluding 04-04 and 04-11, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes, Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

1.  R2004-1  Official Depositories & Investment Banks

2.  R2004-2  Cash Management Plan

3.  R2004-3  Authorizing Investment of Idle Funds & Fund Transfer

5   R2004-5  Official Newspaper

6   R2004-6  Interest on Delinquent Taxes & Assessments

7   R2004-7  Tax Assessor/Township Attorney Stipulation

8   R2004-8  Temporary Budget

9   R2004-9  Regular Meetings of the Township Committee & Board of Health (changing April & November)

10   R2004-10  Award of Contract for Professional Service without Public Bid

12   R2004-12   Resolution allowing Washington Township to administer General Assistance at a Municipal Level

13  R2004-13    Award of Contract for Professional Services without bid (Pat Kollar)

14  R2004-14    Designating a Public Agency Compliance Officer (PACO)

15  R2004-15    Resolution Adopting a Uniform Notice of Claim

16  R2004-16    Appointing Public Alliance Insurance Fund Commissioner

17  R2004-17    Appointing Community Alliance Pool Fund Commissioner

18  R2004-18    Public Alliance Insurance Coverage Fund for Renewal of Membership

19  R2004-19    Public Alliance Insurance Coverage Fund Appointing a Risk Management Consultant

Dempski asked on Resolution 04-04/ Establish Petty Cash Fund, he wanted to how are  the petty cash funds were approved and tracked. Kovacs said the Township Committee approves it and the CFO tracks it.  It is also approved on the bill list. Kovacs made a motion to approve Resolution 04-04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

Dempski said, on Resolution 04-11, his name is spelled wrong, his name ends in i and not y.   The Clerk will advise the CFO to have this corrected.  Kovacs made a motion to approve Resolution 04-11, To Authorize and Approve Salaries and Wages for Certain Employees, Dempski seconded,

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS

LAND USE BOARD

Class I - The  Land Use Board, Class I Member is  Mayor John Horensky for a one  year term expiring 12/31/04

Class II - The Mayor appointed Phillip Iwaniszyn, Environmental Commission,  as the Class II Member of the Land Use  Board for a one  year term expiring 12/31/04.

Class III - Kovacs made a motion that Richard J Strunk be reappointed Class III Member on the Land Use Board for a one year term expiring 12/31/04, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

Class IV - The Mayor appointed Robert Klingel for a Class IV Member for a four  year term expiring 12/31/07.

Class IV - The Mayor appointed Kerry Pflug as a Class IV Member to fill the unexpired term of Strunk, expiring 12/31/05.

Class IV: The Mayor appointed Dan Parillo to fill the unexpired term of Iwaniszyn expiring 12/31/04.

Alternate 1 - The Mayor appointed Michael Madia, who is also a member of the Township’s Board of Education, Alternate 1 for a two-year term, expiring 12/31/05.

Strunk asked if qualifications to fill these positions are provided to the Township Committee.  The Mayor said these are appointments of the Mayor.  Strunk asked, in the past, have there been requests to see the qualifications of the appointees.  Kovacs said it is the Mayor’s appointment.  

The Mayor said, regarding the Class II Member, he has named Philip Iwanisyn of the Environmental Commission, as a result of having individuals on the Land Use Board from both Environmental Commission and the Board of Education.  The Statute indicates that the Class II Member will be the Environmental Commission Member.   Mueller asked who had previously been the Class II Member and Mayor said it was Evan Howell.  The Mayor said, absent members from both Environmental Commission and Board of Education, the position, according to Statute is to be filled by a Township Employee.  Strunk asked if Howell didn’t wish to continue.  The Mayor said, once Malia was on board, Howell would not be qualified and could not fill that position.  Strunk asked if Howell was being removed because someone from the Board of Education was appointed and the Mayor said yes.   Strunk wanted it made part of the record that he takes exception to this. Howell has done an outstanding job and should have been reappointed. 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

The Mayor reappointed Lynn Griffin and Sheila Dempski for a 3-year term expiring 12/31/06.  The Mayor appointed Phil Iwaniszyn as Chairman of the Environmental Commission.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Class B - The Mayor reappointed Barry Mueller to serve as Class B for a 4-year term, expiring 12/31/07.

Class C - the Mayor reappointed Waltraud Knudsen and Brian Wilcox for a 4-year term, expiring 12/31/07.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD

The Mayor recommended that David Dempski  serve on this board for an unexpired term expiring  12/31/05.

Kovacs made a motion that David Dempski fill the unexpired term of Lillie Anderson, expiring 12/31/05, Strunk seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

The Mayor reappointed Sharon App for a 3-year term expiring 12/31/06.

The Mayor appointed David Dempski as Housing Officer from the Affordable Housing Board.

LOCAL ASSISTANCE BOARD

The Mayor appointed David Dempski  (member of Governing Body) to serve a one year term expiring 12/31/04.

RECREATION COMMISSION

The Mayor appointed David Dempski (member of Governing Body) to serve on the Recreation Commission for a 5-year term, expiring 12/31/08.

The Mayor reappointed Steve Fritts as the Alternate 2 Member of the Commission for a one year term, expiring 12/31/04.  The Mayor said Alternate 2 is a one year term and Alternate 1 is a 2-year term. 

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Mayor recommended David Dempski (member of governing body) for a 3-year term and the 2-year term go to Ray Koch.  Kovacs made a motion that David Dempski be appointed as a member of the governing body for a 3-year term, Strunk seconded. 

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk,yes; Dempski, yes. Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.

Dempski made a motion that Ray Koch be reappointed for a term expiring 12/31/06, Mueller seconded.

ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

The Mayor appointed David Dempski as Chairman.

Dempski said that Debra Pietrangelo had said she would like to serve on the Open Space Advisory Committee. Dempski made a motion that Pietrangelo be given a 2-year term on the Open Space Advisory Committee.  There was no second.  Motion died.

APPOINTMENTS OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS LIAISON TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

The Mayor proposed the following liaisons:

DAVID DEMPSKI
Schools
Open Space
Public Assistance
Public Health
Public Utilities
Municipal Alliance
Affordable Housing
Recreation Commission
Youth Association

JOHN HORENSKY
Police
Animal Control
Municipal Court
Emergency Management
Attorney

MICHAEL A KOVACS
Dept of Public Works
Recyling
Building & Grounds
Custodian
Engineer

BARRY MUELLER
Fire Department
Fire Official
Public Information
Historical
Environmental Commission

RICHARD J STRUNK
Land Use Board
Zoning Officer
Building Code
Revenue Finance
Budget
CFO
Clerk
Administrative Secretary
Tax Assessor
Tax Collector

Strunk said he did not feel that some of the appointments were good.  He thought that Kovacs definitely should continue with revenue and finance.  He has done it for a long time and he is more than qualified.  Strunk said that after he worked with it for a few years he could do it. He felt his strength lies with the Public Works Department, obviously, with construction he can be more use to the citizens than with revenue and finance which is not one of his strengths. The Mayor said he had discussed this with Kovacs, who indicated a desire not to continue in that vein.  Kovacs would be supportive of anybody else that was put in this position.  The Mayor said, based upon the fact that Strunk was a business man with his own business he would have the experience and expertise to the Committee.  Strunk asked if he would continue with it for another year, because he didn’t think he should be primarily responsible for it. Kovacs said that he is done making up the budget, because it is not part of the liaison job, it is the job of the CFO to do the budget. Kovacs said that once the budget is done in January he is finished with it.  Strunk still felt his strength is in the Public

Works Department.

Kovacs said he is interested in the Public Works Department.  He has spent time at the park for over the last 25 years working and with Youth Association and working on the fields.  Even when he was not liaison he spent a lot of time working with de Boer, especially after he retired. 

NEW BUSINESS

Kovacs made a motion that the Budget Meetings be set for Saturday, January 24, 2004 and Saturday, January 31, 2004 at  9:00 a.m. in the Police/Municipal Building, 33 Little Philadelphia Road, Washington, NJ, Dempski  seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.

Strunk said that he would like to make a motion that Attorney James Broscious be appointed Special Counsel at this time  to take over the AJR Law Suit, effective immediately, Mueller seconded.  Dempski asked if he was willing to do this.  Strunk said Broscious  would and his concern is that the next meeting is not until January 20, 2004 and the Land Use Board has made the determination.  Strunk does not want to have any lapse of things. Broscious did an outstanding job at the meetings and has represented the best interest of the Township.  Kovacs asked if Broscious was representing the Township Committee  portion and Strunk said yes. Strunk said that Broscious is working for the Township and the Land Use Board Attorney is working on their behalf and the Township, because it is over the Scope of the Land Use Board.  Horensky said it was his understanding that the Land Use Board had Steve Gruenberg as their attorney on this issue and the Land Use Board was utilizing Broscious and from the Township Committee’s point of view they had the Township Attorney representing the Township Committee at the meeting.  Kovacs said that Broscious  will be handling this rather than Glynn.  Strunk said it was his understanding that Broscious has been there as Special Council under the guise of Litigation Counsel and not coming out of the Land Use Board Budget, but he may be confused on this.  Strunk said he doesn’t see how the Land Use Board would have the monies in the budget to retain Gruenberg and Broscious beyond their normal course of action.  Strunk said he would like  clarification on this, because litigation money is very different than monies in the Land Use Board Budget.   The Mayor said it is his feeling that Gruenberg and Broscious were coordinating the activities relative to the testimony going on and calling the witnesses.  Attorney George was only there to represent the Township’s interest, but Broscious and Gruenberg were working on coordinating their activities.  Strunk said he was led to believe that George was lead council and directing. Kovacs said that Bernstein’s firm had the lead on it working with Broscious when this arrangement was made. The Mayor said he stands corrected. 

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes. Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes.

The Mayor said that there is other litigation going on, so the Township Committee might think about how they want to handle. Kovacs felt that it might be advantageous to clear these up and retain Eric Bernstein’s firm to wrap them up.

Kovacs said that Glynn’s office should contact Bernstein’s office and get an update and use his recommendation on what should happen. Strunk said he would not like to see Glynn get involved with the suits, because there are too many others that have been doing it,  have all the facts and he would be coming in cold.  The Mayor said that none of these matters are pressing at this time, so this will be discussed later. Kovacs said that  Bernstein’s office should  continue to work on the suits, at least until the next meeting.   Strunk said that he wanted Bernstein’s firm to be aware that they should contact Glynn and keep him apprised until the Committee makes a decision.

COMMENTS

Richard J. Strunk said that he is happy with most of the appointments, but as to  the changes made on the Land Use Board, he is not happy with the way it was done and it was  poor to make the changes.  The Mayor said the fact that as a result of a lot of issues on the Land Use Board, a lot of discussion has taken place on the impact of the school system on the Board of Education.  The Mayor said the statute does provide that they have membership from the School Board on the Land Use Board and it has been missing from his prospective and identifying a member from the public on the Board of Education that has an interest in the Land Use Board made sense to put that individual and provide that area of expertise that was needed.  Unfortunately, the way the Statute reads, if the did that, then the issue with regard to a Township Employee sitting as a Class II seat had to go by the board.  This should not be taken as a feeling of inadequacy or poor performance on the part of Howell, he has done an excellent job for all the years he served. However, the Mayor said, with the addition of the person from the Board of Education, the statute is clear, he has to then put a person from the Environmental Commission in the Class II seat.   The Mayor said if Howell is interested in serving on the Land Use Board,  he  can sit in the Alternate Seat and all he has to do is contact him.   Strunk said he did not see where there was any pressing issue that a member of the Board of Education had to be put in and to lose a person of Howell’s experience, which is  in excess of 15 years, and this could have been handled much better.  Strunk said he felt it was very inappropriate.  The Mayor said his comments were noted.   Dempski said that Board of Education position is basically a function of the combined boards, it changes the form of the board.  Dempski said he also thinks that Howell performed well on the board.  Strunk said he was not happy with the changes.

Kovacs said that in 15 years he has not made a comment, but he would today.  Kovacs said he has heard comments over the years on how the Washington Township Committee was very active and very knowledgeable  about what was going on in the community and acted on behalf of what they believed was best for the Township.  It has always been that way and has worked with most of the Committee in one capacity or another.  Mayor said that he felt this Committee was excellent and a very intelligent Committee and the Township would move forward. 

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Kovacs made a motion to approve the payment of bills, Dempski seconded.

ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, abstain;  Horensky, yes.

There being nothing further to come before the Township Committee, Dempski made a motion to adjourn at 1:20 p.m., Strunk seconded.   All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk