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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Regular Meeting
July 20, 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 7:30 p.m. by Mayor John 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 and Township Clerk Mary Ann O’Neil were also present.
SALUTE TO FLAG
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dempski made a motion to approve the Executive Minutes of June 15, 2004, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Mueller had a correction to the Regular Minutes of June 15, 2004, first paragraph that the wording Mayor John Horensky be changed to read Deputy Mayor Barry Mueller and second paragraph, the word Mayor be changed to Deputy Mayor. Dempski made a motion to approve the minutes of June 15, 2004, as amended, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
BID OPENING
Glynn said only one bid had been received for the new compost rest room, which was from Coopersmith Brothers. Glynn opened the bid in the amount of $92,600. Glynn went through the bid packet and all the required information was in the packet. After discussion, Kovacs made a motion to reject the bid from Coopersmith, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Dempski made a motion to rebid the new compost restroom, to be advertised in additional newspapers and bids to be opened August 17, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Administration Building, Strunk seconded. Glynn recommended that the engineer involved be present.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
ORDINANCES
Dempski made a motion to open the public hearing on Ordinance 04-09 Ordinance on Amendment to Collection of Vegetative Waste, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes. Nobody wished to be heard. Dempski made a motion to close the public hearing, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Dempski made a motion to adopt Ordinance 04-09 after public hearing and second reading, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Kovacs made a motion to approve Ordinance 04-10 Ordinance on Speed Limits on Kayharts Lane and Meadow Breeze Lane being reduced, on first reading, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
Second Reading and public hearing will be August 17, 2004.
Dempski made a motion to approve Ordinance 04-11 - Ordinance Prohibiting Certain Nuisances Within the Township of Washington, on first reading, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
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 04-79 be removed from list. Dempski made a motion that Resolutions 04-80 through and including 04-89 be approved, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
04-80 Refund Resolution - Veterans/Senior Citizen Deductions Bl 14, Lot 40.04; Bl 38, Lot 22 C0123; Bl 75, Lot 7; Bl 82, Lot 15.09
04-81 Refund Resolution - Apply Overpayments to 2004 Taxes Bl 45.01, Lot 13; Bl 40.02, Lot 8
04-82 Refund Resolution - Refund Duplicate Payment Bl 67, Lot 5.10
04-83 Amend Resolution to Authorize & Approve Salaries & Wages for Certain Employees (Bill Cooper & Steven O’Leary)
04-84 Resolution Endorsing the Treatment Works Approval Application for Wastewater Collection System at Port Colden Mall
04-85 Bowerstown Road, Overlay, State Aid Application
04-86 Castle Street - Dale Avenue, Sidewalk, State Aid Application
04-87 Cemetery Hill Rd & Rymon Rd., Intersection, State Aid, Application
04-88 Pleasant Valley Road, Section 2, State Aid Application
04-89 Pohatcong Drive, Drainage, State Aid Application
Strunk asked de Boer, if Resolution 04-79, was done for when de Boer was on vacation and it was. Strunk made a motion to approve Resolution 04-79, Amend Resolution to Authorize and Approve Salaries and Wages for Certain Employees (Andrew Hart), Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS & CONCERNS (7:55 p.m.)
Tom Brickner, 61 New Hampton Road, said he wanted to let the Township Committee know that a group of residents are trying to work on keeping everybody happy on the bridge project. Brickner said that last January the two engineers from Warren and Hunterdon County mentioned something about traffic calming devices on New Hampton Road and River Road in Hunterdon County as a possibility of slowing traffic down. Brickner talked to County Engineers to see whether or not doing something leading to and from the bridge could be possible. Brickner said they did seem willing to figure out a way to try to fund the building of some traffic islands or bump outs that would narrow the road in certain places that has been used a lot in Europe. The Township would have to consider whether or not they would approve a modification to the road. The Mayor told Brickner that any discussion that the Warren County Engineer may want to have regarding this should be discussed with Peter de Boer, Public Works Manager and Police Chief Jim McDonald. (Ended 8:05 p.m.)
Robert Goltz, President and CEO, of the Warren County Chamber of Commerce was present and told the Committee that they moved into 10 Brass Castle Road on July 1st. He would like to discuss a matter with the Committee in Executive Session. The Chamber is looking into bringing an affair into Washington Township, but he wanted the agreement of the Committee before it is brought before the general public. They are looking into rotating some of their events and would like to showcase this area a little more. Also, he invited the Committee to their Open House this Thursday, July 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Ended 8:07 p.m.)
OLD BUSINESS
Appointment of Personnel Administrator and Employment Attorney. Glynn said this has to do with the requirements the Insurance Carrier has imposed pursuant to the fund in which they are participating. There will be more requirements than before on maintenance of records and various amounts of time would have to be spent by the person appointed as Personnel Administrator, as well as Employment Attorney. There was a reference in the paperwork from Brown and Brown to this and he has a meeting with them tomorrow. Glynn said he has obtained an extension until the end of September in order to get the Policies and Procedures finalized. The Insurance Carrier has the Resolution that the Committee passed at the June meeting, so they will qualify for the reduced premium.
Glynn said, specifically as to the Personnel Administrator and Employment Attorney, there was a reference in the paperwork from Brown and Brown on what needs to be done. Normally, it would be expected that the Administrator would be the Personnel Administrator and Township Attorney would be the Employment Attorney. Glynn said it appears that most of the work that would be involved in keeping the various records that are mandated by the new Policies and Procedures will fall on their shoulders and it could be very time consuming at times. Strunk said he had met with the Clerk and Police Chief on this matter. The Chief had some questions as far as there are normal applications that people go through for employment, then the police take it a step further and the Chief would like to retain these extra papers. The Chief is trying to get a clarification on this and the regular employment papers be maintained by the Clerk.
There was discussion on how the Clerk would be paid to do the extra work. Strunk said he had discussed the matter with the Clerk, but there would be a stipend involved. Glynn said he did not know the salary structure. Glynn said he will try to find out exactly what the Township has to do to be in complete compliance.
The Mayor said that the Chief had called him. The Chief had attended a Police Chief’s Meeting today and this issue had come up. One of the speakers at the meetings said specifically the types of records could be held by the Police Department and they were consistent with what Strunk had said. The normals records are held by the Township, but the sensitive items of the Police Department would be held by the Chief of Police.
Strunk asked Kovacs has there been a past practice on stipends. Kovacs said the only ones that ever received stipends was the Police Department. The Clerk said she keeps the records now, but after reviewing the information and talking to Glynn there would be much more record keeping. Kovacs asked how many extra hours the Clerk might have to put in. The Clerk said she would come in early and take a half an hour for lunch, when necessary, to put in the extra time. Strunk asked if this was something that had to be done this evening. Dempski said the Committee should follow what they say to do, because the penalties in terms of increased deductibles and co-payments is staggering. If a big case would happen, the Township would basically have no insurance. The alternative is unacceptable in terms of risk. Glynn said the Committee has until the end of September to get everything done
Strunk said he also would like to address the Attendance Cards. (Time/Vacation) kept for the employees. The Clerk had told him that the Township Committee had put the Attendance Cards into effect after a law suit. The cards are given to the Clerks Office from the Public Works Department and had been given from the Police Department, until the law suit, at which time they were kept by the police department. Strunk said he would like to know if the Police Department are still filling out the cards and having them signed. If it isn’t being done, he would like to have it reinstated and the cards should go back to the Clerks Office for the records.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Comcast Designatees Dempski said as part of the new agreement with Comcast, the Committee was awarded a 4 hour public access block per week to be split between the Township, Elementary School and High School, in terms of taped access to Channel 21. In order to insure the people that really are going to use it have access to it, the ordinance states the Township will designate a primary/secondary contact that can drop off tapes at Comcast in Port Murray. Dempski recommended that Dr Janet Razze, Superintendent of Washington Township Board of Education and Valerie Mattes, Technology Coordinator. The Brass Castle School wishes to air a program in August. The content is the Senior-6th Grade Prom, which contains interviews of several senior citizens. Dempski recommended Mayor John Horensky and himself as Township Committee Utilities Liaison. There were no objections to these recommendations from the Committee. Dempski will notify Comcast.
2. Discussion/Cross Acceptance The Mayor said that Al Ivany was present and was one of the members of the Cross Acceptance Team for the Township. The Mayor said he had met with Ivany and Kerry Pflugh after the meeting and wrote a letter to David Dech (which was copied to Committee) stating the task is really a task that is on much too short of a time frame and for the Township to do it justice they need additional time to respond. The Mayor asked Ivany to report on what went on at the first meeting.
Ivany said the first meeting ended up being contentious, with people bringing up the Highlands Plan. Ivany said that what the State is looking for is that it is time to take another look at Cross Acceptance and what direction they want to go in the Township. Ivany said that neither Pflugh or himself is in a position to make a decision for the Committee, especially in such a short period of time. Ivany said they were looking for guidance from the Committee as to what direction they want to take the township. The Mayor suggested that the Committee allow the representatives to continue looking at the documents and get some draft responses to the questions that were asked by the County and they provide the Committee with copies of the draft. Then, the Committee can direct them to attend a meeting to discuss this matter. Strunk said he would also be happy to meet with Ivany and Pflugh if he can help, because he has experience with Land Use Board Level. Dempski asked the deadline for this application. Ivany said it was due two weeks after the meeting. The County is under a very tight time line and the State wants to wrap this up by February 2005. Ivany will try to bring something to the August meeting for review by the Committee. The Mayor asked Ivany to have it to the Clerk by August 13th to be put in the Committee Packet. Mueller would like to see a copy of the questionnaire, Ivany will make copies and make them available. Dempski suggested that the Township Planner also look at the draft being done. Strunk said her historical knowledge of the Township is limited and he was not sure she would be the best one to do it. Dempski said he has talked with her and she has a lot of strong background in preservation and he would like her to review their draft.
3. Discussion/Recreation Commission/Policy Governing Sponsorship at Meadow Breeze Park Dempski said that he does not want to see a brass plaque on everything at the park. His goal would be to bring in a local sponsorship in specific well defined areas where the Recreation Commission could define, if the Committee directed it to do so. They could target advertisements in a tasteful manner that could be beneficial to the park. Dempski had two areas as an example: (1) playground in old section of the park, which is very heavily used, but by 2007 has to be removed. Dempski saw benches at the Hampton Borough Park set upon patio brick pavers and they sold the pavers to people in the community and the money was used to pay for improvements. Dempski said if you put 6 benches around the playground you could replace it without costing the taxpayers any money, through the sale of the bricks ($50 each). This would replace the playground at no cost. (2) Dempski went to the Washington Borough Fields, Mansfield Township Fields and White Township Fields to check out the major league fields. On these fields they have 4'X6' signs (February through June) advertising mostly local businesses in the area. Dempski said there is a possibility that if they incur enough sponsorship fees that they could pay for a secretary to the Recreation Commission. Dempski asked, if the Committee approved this, he would like to see the Recreation Commission be directed to write a policy for sponsorship in the park. It should be done tastefully and in specific areas. Dempski said that at the playground, there is also a plan to put in a walking path, and additional benches could be installed along the path to help cover the secretary and it would not cost the taxpayers anything.
Flint said the Recreation Commission is all for these plans. Anything done would be done carefully/tastefully and done right, so there would have to be restrictions and regulations. The Mayor said that he and Flint had talked several years ago about the potential to look at different areas along the walking path and set up places for people to sit down. The concept he had brought forth at that time was they may want to encourage some of the local landscapers and building/supply people to come in and do beautification in that area, put in a park bench and some plantings. At that time, the Mayor felt they could be some sort of sponsorship to identify them for their donations. The Mayor asked the Committee to also consider this. Flint said there is a concern with plantings, because of the maintenance. Flint said to get someone to take care of this on a continuing basis is very hard to do. The Mayor said maybe they could get people to agree to maintain whatever they would put in the park. Dempski said he would like to handle the brick paver sponsors through a non-profit organization, so people can get a tax deduction.
Kovacs said that since he has been on the Committee, it has been the policy of the Committee that they did not want to see any advertising. The bricks is a separate issue, but putting signs at the park, his vote is absolutely NO. This is a nice park that looks like the country and he does not want to walk by the fields and see commercial signs up.
Mueller asked Dempski about the time period the signs would be installed. Dempski said he would not like to see the signs on every back stop. The signs would be limited to two fields that have an outfield fence, which would not obstruct the view from the grandstands. The advertising would be limited to that sports season. (April through June). The signs would be removed at the end of the season. The signs are renewable each year. Dempski asked if there could be a motion for the Recreation Commission be authorized to create a sponsorship or not. The Mayor said he didn’t think this would be necessary, that Flint could take the information back to the Recreation Commission and if nobody objects to using it, it should be considered. Kovacs said that sort of policy would be set by the Committee, not by the Recreation Commission. Kovacs said the Committee should vote that they are turning the authority over to the Recreation Commission or vote no they don’t want it, or they want it. Kovacs said he does not like advertising at the park at all.
Kovacs asked how much it would cost to replace the playground, Dempski said about $12,000. Kovacs said they could use the bond if they had to, rather than sell bricks to put it in. Kovacs said he felt the bond should be used. Dempski said he was trying to do something that would not have an impact to the tax payers. Strunk said that possibly the Recreation Commission could be authorized to come up with a concept. He needs more time to think about how he would vote on this. Dempski said that a sponsorship sign for Smith Motors has already been ordered for the park. Kovacs said this was done before the Committee knew about it. Dempski said, in terms of a sponsorship policy, so it does not happen again, nobody should be free to put something into the park, it should come before the Committee for approval. Dempski said finding out about the sign, after it has been ordered, is very disconcerting to him. Dempski said the Committee should have been advised before it was done and not after it was ordered.
Kovacs asked Dempski what they will be installing at the old park. Dempski said there would be six swings, infants, two slides and a small tree fort. It would be similar to what is there now, but modernized. This park would be for smaller children. Flint would like to see this move forward with the paver/benches for the old park, because he is sensing there is not opposition to that. Dempski said each bench would take 70 bricks and the charge for each would be $50. Mueller asked, instead of selling bricks, couldn’t the same thing be done through donations. Dempski felt that people like to get something in return and its a form of ownership to have the names put on the bricks. The Mayor said, at this point, the idea at this time is to go forward with the new playground area, benches and associated patio areas and hold in abeyance of whether or not there will be a charge for sponsorship for pavers. Dempski said that possibly they should see if there is enough in the bond for the old playground.
Flint said, on the bond, a few years ago the Recreation Commission came before the Committee with their suggested priorities for the expenditure of bond funds. He cautioned the Committee not to do anything to upset this, without evaluation. If the Committee starts cherry picking at the bond, there will not be enough to do anything big. Kovacs asked for the priority list again. Dempski said he felt a cost estimate on this should be done. Flint said he felt the Recreation Commission should come back with a complete recommendation.
4. Issuance of keys to Steve O’Leary Dempski made a motion to issue a key to the Administrative Building and Security System to Steve O’Leary, Fire Inspector, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
5. Resignation of Steve Sarullo Kovacs made a motion to accept the resignation, with regrets, of Steve Sarullo from the Recreation Commission, Dempski seconded. All were in favor.
6. Request from Washington Emergency Squad Mueller made a motion that the request from the Washington Emergency Squad for a Benefit Concert Sponsorship not go forward, Horensky seconded. Mueller said many of the businesses and tax payers have been solicited with the same thing and this is not a donation to the squad. A good portion of this goes to an outside organization/fundraiser.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, abstain; Strunk, yes.
7. Discussion/Warren County Corrections Department CLAP Program, de Boer, Public Works Manager, said that this is a new program in Warren County. This is for County Inmates only and they get a day credit served in jail to work, similar to work release. Strunk made a motion that the Township participate in the Warren County Corrections Department CLAP Program, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
8. List of vehicles/Auction de Boer had a list of vehicles to be auctioned/sold. Kovacs suggested that minimum bids be put on the vehicles and brought back to the next meeting. Kovacs made a motion that the list of vehicles and equipment be approved and should be presented at the next meeting, with minimum bids, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes.
REPORT FROM OFFICIALS
Barry Mueller had nothing to report.
R.J. Strunk said that on Land Use Board, he regretted to announce that for the first time since he has been on the board, in 20 years, they went forward with an application where the applicant had not paid the taxes. Strunk wanted to make sure the Committee was aware of this. Kovacs said he would like to see a letter go to the Land Use Board. They have set a very bad policy, a precedence for the future. They have opened the door to anybody that wants to walk in now, not pay their taxes, and still be heard. One of the first things on the check list is, are the taxes paid. Glynn said that he checked with Gruenberg (Land Use Attorney) on this, who told him that each of the check lists that an applicant has to file, whether it is for site plan or major subdivision or variance, it contains entry for whether or not the taxes are current. The requirement is that they provide a certification from the tax collector indicating this. The State’s Statute allows a municipality to draft an ordinance which requires that and it would take the discretion away from the Land Use Board. In this Township, there is no such ordinance at the present time. Glynn said he and Dempski have discussed this and come up with the idea that if the Committee wants him to, he will draft an ordinance for introduction at the August Meeting for first reading. This would require, no matter what type of application was being made to the Land Use Board, there would have to be proof that the taxes are current. This would then take the discretion away from the Land Use Board to be able to grant a waiver. Kovacs agreed that an ordinance should be drafted, but a letter should also be written to the Land Use Board that they have now set a precedence and the Township Committee is not pleased at all with what they did. Strunk agreed. Strunk asked, in the ordinance, that he would like to make sure it includes informal discussions, which doesn’t necessarily need an application. Anybody that wants to come before the board to speak, that it should be made clear that their taxes are paid to date. If it has to be, then it should be clarified specifically, whether it be regular quarterly taxes and not added assessments or whatever. The Committee has an obligation to the people Township to make sure that people pay their taxes. Strunk did not see where the Committee can allow people that have not paid their taxes, to get benefit of the service without paying for the service. Kovacs made a motion to authorize Glynn to write a letter to the Land Use Board indicating that they have set a precedence and the Township Committee is very displeased with what they have done and the Township Committee is in the process of drafting an ordinance on this, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Glynn said the ordinance will be ready for the August meeting. Strunk asked that a copy be sent to the Committee for review. Dempski asked that a copy be sent to the Land Use Board for comment.
Strunk met with de Boer, Public Works Manager and Robert Miller, Township Engineer, to discuss some issues and a drainage issue on Lock Street, where a resident may have put piping into one of the Township ditches that might need to be removed. Strunk asked de Boer if he had requested that Glynn send a letter yet and de Boer had not, he thought Miller was doing it. This is hindering the township drainage right now. Strunk said he felt the resident would oppose the Township going on to private property. Glynn will call Miller and discuss this matter before sending any letter.
Strunk said, on the Pohatcong Drainage at Jackson Valley. They looked at this and a guess has been made on a drainage project and how much it might cost, if money was available. Strunk said in the drainage swale, the homeowner has installed rip/rap rock that had installed around the pipe. Strunk’s concern was that the rip/rap rock may go down the pipe. The homeowners did clean the pipe, they paid over $1,000 to have the pipe cleared. Strunk said the solution would be to put the rip/rap in concrete if the Township wanted to get involved. Strunk said they could (a) install the rip/rap in concrete, (b) send a letter to the homeowner that the should remove it or (c) remove the rip/rap entirely. Dempski asked what the best solution would be, Strunk said to take out the stone entirely and let the water free flow through. The owner’s concern was that the rip/rap is going to catch debris. Then, who is going to clean when there is debris clog and stones. de Boer agreed with Strunk, that the rip/rap should be removed to let it flow unobstructed. Dempski said there are State Grants available to remediate stream water, flooding problems and drainage issues, with money available, that the co-owner really pays for, but the Township cosigns as an applicant for them. Dempski said that Miller should look into State moneys that my be available for clean waters and flooding control, because it does empty into the Pohatcong. Mueller said he felt the Township had an obligation to do something about it, because it is water running off the Township Road. If de Boer feels that taking the rip rap out and putting in cement would help, then it should be done. Strunk said there is cement there, but it is broken up. The Mayor said he felt that de Boer should work on this. de Boer said it would be a temporary solution, but a permanent solution must be addressed. de Boer said he would clean it out and put better cement in for the water to flow.
Strunk said that he wanted to discuss the police car and if there were any further details on it. Dempski said that the CFO had sent e-mail advising that the Committee cannot transfer the money from the DMV Funding. The Mayor said he called the CFO and got the same answer. The Mayor read her e-mail and was confused as to whether or not it pertains to the situation the Committee finds itself in today, because of the way the money was first put in this years budget or if it is a long term issue. Strunk said that he spoke with the CFO today and the money cannot be taken out of the money from the State, because supposedly in the contract it states that the money is going for administration. There is no $10,000 to get a new one, the Township is still paying a year on the contract on the old vehicle that the engine has gone bad. So, either an emergency appropriation would have to be done, but in a sense the Committee is spending next years money already. Strunk did not like to do this, but if the police need a car, it would be necessary.
The Mayor said they are down a vehicle. Dempski said the Committee must exhaust every possibility, but keep in mind that they are spending next years money. The Mayor said that he had received information from the Auditor when he spoke with him, because he indicated that at the end of the year, money left from the DMV Contract could be transferred to cover the cost of the vehicle and would not effect next years rate. The Mayor said the car the detective was using has been pulled off the road and used for patrolling. The Mayor said the only two dedicated cars were the canine , detective and chief. Strunk said the black unmarked car was the detective’s but went back on the road and the Expedition was going to the Detective and he recently saw the chief in one of the new Durangos. Mueller questioned on whether it is necessary to have a car at DMV and if there is one there, is it one of the oldest cars. Mueller said the Committee needs to know what vehicles are being used and by whom. The Mayor will ask the chief to present a breakdown to the Committee at the next meeting on the use of the vehicles, the assignment of them and how they are used daily. Strunk said he will also meet with the chief to discuss this matter. Mueller said he would like to know the statistics too, because when he signed the bills, a lot more is being spent for gasoline, which could be a problem. Strunk said if the police are not getting the life expectancy of the vehicles they are using, then maybe they should consider going to another type or make.
Strunk said as Liaison to the Zoning Officer, he was asked a few months ago to discuss Road Side Stands, which is an ongoing subject because signs are creeping up in the Township. Strunk asked if the Committee wanted him to discuss it with the Zoning Officer again and they did. Dempski said that caution should be used, because if it is farmer, they are allowed to sell things they raise.
Strunk asked if anything has been heard from the wetlands people at the park, about their coming in and doing the plantings. Dempski said he will follow up and see what is happening.
Strunk, Kovacs, de Boer and Assemblyman Doherty met regarding the park. All information was given to Dougherty and the Township felt they had the right to use the area as ballfields. They had received another interpretation from the DEP that they should not be doing so. Dougherty was given the information and was supposed to get back to the Township, but he has not done so yet.
Michael A Kovacs said that the Township does not have a tax rate yet, so the tax bills have not been sent out yet. The State Budget has not been certified . Strunk said the Fire District portion of the bill had not been figured into the bill either.
David Dempski said on schools, Bill S1071 was passed, which stated the school must give back 3% of the surplus and give to the taxpayers and impose a 2.5% CAP. This was passed on Friday and the monies were removed from the schools by Monday. This is another reason why the tax bills are late.
On Municipal Alliance, they are meeting on July 27, 2004 to review the 2005 Grant Application.
The Recreation Commission met on July 8, 2004. On Pacesetter Fields, the No Trespassing Signs have been ordered and rules have been posted. He and Flint are investigating trees and seedlings that could be planted. The Studer and Mc Eldowney Company marked the corner of the fields. Miller has prepared a drawing of the Meadow Breeze Complex, so they will know where everything is in terms of facilities, wetlands and boundaries. The Recreation Commission is looking into expanding the parking lot behind the field house. They are looking into putting gutters on the pavilion to help reduce any damage from water, because right now they are seeing cracks in the pavilion floor. Mel Kries had reported that there were 120 children enrolled in football.
On Open Space, they had their first meeting on July 15th and had 100% attendance. They are currently working on the digital open space inventory, will be taking digital pictures of all the public lands and open space, recording GIS data, so they will have everything digitized in terms of inventory. So, when they do the Open Space and Recreation Plan they will have all the data to allow to have a more efficient application to the State. They are preparing for the Open Space and Recreation Plan, which will be a big undertaking and they are trying to get more State Funding, Grants and Loans. They are looking into a DEA 21 Railway Right of Way Project going from Northern part of the Township to the Southern part, where there would be Federal and State Monies to purchase Railway Right-of-Ways to make them into linear paths for walking and biking. They are also looking into some sort of funding at the Old Port Colden School to continue on with that project. The Board of Education is looking into converting this building into offices and Township Library.
On Youth Association, the Field Day was on June 21st and over 60 children attended, in spite of a rain out the previous week. There are 11 Division Soccer Teams, 5 Whistle Teams, 3 Intro Teams and there was a big increase in Field Hockey, there are 6 teams this year. The Tennis Clinic is progressing well. There were 277 children registered for all sports this year.
The Mayor said he attended a joint meeting on Sunday of the Warren County and Hunterdon County Freeholder Board relative to the Highlands Issue. The meeting was held in Executive Session so the information relative to the Highlands Issue will be presented in Executive Session.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Mueller made a motion to approve the bills, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes; Kovacs, abstain; Strunk, abstain; Horensky, yes.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Strunk made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:45 p.m., Dempski seconded. All were in favor. A break was taken before Executive Session started. (It should be noted that Kovacs was not at this meeting)
The doors were opened. At 10:45 p.m. Strunk made a motion to come out of Executive Session, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
Glynn asked that the record reflect, that with regard to the tax appeal situation, the Committee is going to advertise a special meeting on Tuesday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Police/Municipal Building to discuss the pending issues with special tax counsel Martin Allen and Michael Schmidt Tax Assessor. With regard to the Tarsi matter, Glynn will keep in touch with Attorney Lee and Chief Mc Donald will try to find out whatever information he can as far as Tarsi’s willingness and ableness to return to her position by the end of the year. This will be assessed on a monthly basis.
The Mayor said a letter will be prepared by himself and Dempski relative to the Township’s support of the position taken by Warren and Hunterdon County
Glynn said on the AJR Matter, a recent meeting was held with Attorney Jim Broscious and there is going to be a request or motion to have the Appraisers prepare an additional report so it can be furnished as soon as possible in advance of the Settlement Conference.
Strunk made a motion to requests the Appraisers for the additional AJR Matter, do an appraisal based on present zoning, as recommended by Attorney Jim Broscious, and additional $5500 be provided for these services, Dempski seconded.
ROLL CALL. Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes.
There being nothing further to come before the Committee, Strunk made a motion at 10:45 p.m. to adjourn, Dempski seconded. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk
