TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Regular Meeting
May 16, 2006

The regular meeting of the Township Committee was held this date at the Municipal/Police Building located on Little Philadelphia Road.  The meeting was called to order at 7:30  p.m. by Mayor David Dempski.

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

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

SALUTE TO FLAG

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kovacs made a motion to approve the Regular Minutes of April 17, 2006, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

PRESENTATION
Harry R Pool Jr, Vice Chairman, of the Pollution Control Financing Authority of Warren County, presented a check for $5,000.  The funds are to assist Washington Township in solid waste or stormwater management programs in the municipality.   Poole asked that the Township provide a written description of the intended use of the funds.

AWARD OF BID
Meadow Breeze Park Tennis Court Resurfacing - Robert Miller, Township Engineer, advised, by letter, that only one bid was received on the Tennis Court Resurfacing.  Based upon his review of the bid, Miller recommended that the bid be awarded to Halecon Inc in the amount of $69,810.  It should be noted that this bid does not include the lighting system.   Kovacs made a motion that Halecon Inc be awarded the bid for resurfacing the Meadow Breeze Park Tennis Court in the amount of $69,810, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.  Strunk made a motion the reject the lighting system in the amount of $29,870, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

PUBLIC HEARING ON 2006  BUDGET
Strunk made a motion to open the Public Hearing on the 2006 Budget, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes;  Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.
The Mayor wanted to have special recognition given to Andrew Cappola, Joann Fascenelli, Donna Mollinaux and Dawn Stanchina who put a lot of effort in getting the budget finished.   He said Washington Township had a very challenging year in 2005 with some of the problems in the Finance Department and the former Certified Finance Officer.  

The Mayor asked Dave Evans, Township Auditor, to speak on the budget.  Evans said he had an opportunity to meet with the Governing Body to assist them in crafting the 2006 Budget.  He said this Governing Body should be commended for addressing the needs of the Township for 2006, while only asking for a very modest increase in the local tax rate.  The Budget was constructed in such a fashion that the increase in 2006 is designed to not cripple the future, in that they should, barring any major problems be in about the same position for 2007.  Evans said this budget has an increase of about 4% in local tax rate.   Evans said he will be at the June 20th meeting for a hearing on the amendment to the budget and it will be adopted at that time. 
The Mayor did a 2006 Budget Overview.  Copies were available at the meeting and will be available at the Administration Building.   Nobody from the public wished to be heard.

Kovacs made a motion to close the public hearing on the 2006 Budget, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.

PROCLAMATION
The Mayor read a Proclamation on the disease of  Myasthenia Gravis and also designating May as Older American Month. 

ORDINANCES
Kovacs  made a motion to open Ordinance 06-12  to Amend an Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Officers and Employees of the Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey (Court Administrator & Acting Deputy Court Administrator) Kovacs seconded.   All were in favor.  Nobody from the public wished to be heard.  Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Strunk seconded.  All were in favor. Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-12, after public hearing and second reading, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
 
Kovacs made a motion to open Ordinance  06-13 -Ordinance Granting Approval of  Funds for  the Fee Simple Purchase of AJR Farm Block 16- Lot 17 and Block 16- Lot 9 to Preserve the property via a NJ SADC Fee Simple Grant to the public, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.
Al Ivany, 1010 Butler Park Road,  said he was in favor of this ordinance and  protecting this farm.  It is an intricate part of the Township’s Open Space Plan and Farmland Preservation in Washington Township  and he supported it.   Mark Murray, 54 Kinnaman Avenue, said it was a great acquisition to the Township and making great use of the funds that is received from the State and Open Space Tax Funds. Claire Tondreau, 61 New Hampton Road, congratulated the Township Committee on the effort put into getting this done.
Kovacs made a motion to close the public hearing, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.  Horensky made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-13, after public hearing and second reading, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
Kovacs thanked the Mayor and Strunk for the great work they did on getting this property preserved.

 Strunk made a motion to open Ordinance 06-14 Bond Ordinance Providing for Purchase of Property known as AJR Farm Block 16 Lot 17 and Block 16 Lot 9 and to Appropriate Funds in the amount of $5,000,000 and Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds and Notes in the amount of $1,425,000, to the public.  All were in favor.
Al Ivany, 1010 Butler Road, said he supports passing this bond.  He would also like to thank the Committee for their extensive work in protecting, not only this farm, but the Morel and Segal Property over the years. Ivany said this property is very important to the Open Space in Washington and keeping farming in the community.  The Township will protect, basically, the entire sub water shed of Brass Castle Creek, which is a trout production category one creek from the mountaintop to the its confluence to Pohatcong Creek. Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.  Strunk made a motion to adopt, after public hearing and second reading, Ordinance 06-14, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to open Ordinance 06-15 - Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriations Limits and to Establish a CAP Bank (NJSA 40A 4-45.1) to the public, , Kovacs seconded.  All were in favor.  Nobody from the public wished to be heard.   Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Kovacs seconded.  All were in favor. Kovacs made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-15, after public hearing and second reading, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-16Sign Ordinance, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.   Ordinance 06-16 was to be sent to Land Use Board for a recommendation for the public hearing and second reading on June 20th.
Mueller had a question on the enforcement of this ordinance, who would do it?  The Mayor said it would be the Zoning Officer. 

Horensky made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-17 - Ordinance to Amend Chapter 123 (Zoning) and to delete Chapter 124 (Zoning - Planned Development) of Township Code, Kovacs seconded.   Stunk had several objections to the ordinance change and said the Township has the potential of losing 70,000 square feet of commercial space and substituting about 80 residential units.   Strunk said the Township needs commercial space. 
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.   Ordinance 06-17 was to be sent to Land Use Board for recommendation for the public hearing and second reading on June 20th.

Strunk made a motion to introduce Ordinance  06-18 - Ordinance Amending, Revising and  Supplementing Chapter 70 of the Code of the Township of Washington Entitled “Driveways”, Subsection Seventy-Three Entitled Fees, Kovacs seconded.  ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be June 20th.

Horensky made a motion to introduce Ordinance 06-19 - Ordinance Amending, Revising and Supplementing Chapter 64 of the Code of the Township of Washington, Entitled “Development Regulations”, Article IV entitled “Design and Performance Standards”, Subsection Thirty One Entitled “Drainage and Stormwater Runoff”, Mueller seconded.,
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be June 20th.

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 requested that Resolutions 06-74,06-75 and 06-76 be pulled from the agenda.   Strunk made a motion that Resolutions 06-73, then Resolution 06-77 through and including 06-89 be approved, Horensky seconded. 
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
06-73 Resolution to Amend Introduced Budget
06-77Application to NJDept of Community Affairs/Grant for Solar Power Feasability Study
06-78 Resolution on Certification of the Local Tax Levy for the Warren Hills Regional School District
06-79 Refund Resolution - Block 15, Lot 10.10
 
06-80 Refund Resolution - Block 65, Lot 4
06-81 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Duplicate Tax Sale Certificate pursuant to Chapter 99 of Public Laws of 1997
06-82 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of a Duplicate Tax Sale Certificate pursuant to Chapter 99 of Public Laws of 1997
06-83 Release of Washington Township Land Use Board Escrow, Ed Marks 31 LLC
06-84 Cancellation of Unexpended Grant Balance, You Drink, You Drive, You Lose
06-85 Cancellation of Unexpended Grant Balance, Municipal Alliance
06-86 Acceptance of Performance Bond, Route 31 Properties
06-87 Reduction of Performance Guarantee, Route 31 Properties
06-88 Resolution Granting Approval of the Purchase of a Development Easement on the Joseph Heath Farm, Block 48, Lots 53 and 70.0.
06-89 Resolution Accepting the Developers Agreement between the Township of Washington and Developer Nottingham, LLC.

Mueller made a motion to approve Resolution 06-74, 06-75 and 06-76, Kovacs seconded.  Strunk said he thought more time may be needed to get results on sidewalks and curbing.   The Mayor has met with the developer and his attorney and the Township would like to get this adopted.    The Mayor said the Maintenance Bond will be put in place if there would be problems.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.
06-74 Acceptance of Maintenance Surety Bond, ABD Washington Inc, Village Gate Sections I & II
06-75 Release of Performance Guarantee, ABD Washington, Inc. Section I
06-76 Release of Performance Guarantee, ABD Washington, Inc. Section II

PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS 8:33 p.m.
Pat Kollar Washington Township Municipal Alliance Chair Person, thanked the Township Committee for their continuing support of the Drug and Alcohol Education and  Prevention Program.  The Summer Recreation Program will not be held this year, so the monies have been dedicated to the Middle School Summer Recreation Program.  Kollar said she wanted to make sure the monies received each year for the Summer Recreation Program will be dedicated in 2007.

Kathy Enz, Spring Lane, said she had sent a letter describing the ongoing problem at the end of her driveway and wanted to know the results of the letter.  The Mayor said the Township Engineer and the Public Works Manager have both gone to the area and it was determined that this is not an area where Washington Township should be involved.  This is a dispute between two neighbors and the Township can do nothing.   The Mayor said the Township Engineer has verified that there is no permit required to open up the stone wall.    Enz said this is opening on to the public right-of-way.  There are three certified surveys that show it is in the Township’s right-of-way, even though it is in her driveway.  Enz said a road opening permit is required.  Enz said the Soil Agency was appalled, as  the form sent to the neighbors, clearly states all openings and permits must be given from the Township.  Enz said the Township must enforce their own regulations, that is why they are elected.   Kovacs said the Soil Conservation paperwork states they may be required to obtain permits.   The Mayor said the Township Engineer has stated the neighbors do not need a permit for what they are doing.    Kovacs said the Township Engineer should go to the area again and see if what they are doing will infringe on the Township’s right-of-way.  Additional paperwork was given to the Mayor to be given to the Township Engineer.   (Ended 8:40 p.m.)

OLD BUSINESS
Community Survey Feedback - There was discussion on the survey submitted to the Committee last month.  Horensky said focus groups should be set up, such as seniors, age group, demographics and target different groups.   The Mayor will submit survey to other boards and committees for input into the survey.
 
NEW BUSINESS
1. Employee Insurance/to be discussed in Executive Session.

2. Horensky made a motion to allow the Panthers Football Team to use the Meeting Room at the Police/Municipal Building on June 1st at 7:00 p.m., Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.  

3. Phil Iwaniszyn and Joseph De Franza, Panthers Football Team,  did a presentation on the  Announcement Building for the Panthers Football Team.   De Franza said there is a safety concern the way the announcements are done now on a flatbed truck.    There will be a storage area in the bottom of the building.  A sketch was presented to the Committee.  There was some concern about the open steps and the Committee asked that the steps be enclosed in the building to avoid any injuries by anyone on the steps.   Iwaniszyn said they are a non-profit organization, not part of the Youth Association, so everything they do is by raising funds.   The building will be built by code, with appropriate permits and paid for by the Panthers.  Kovacs said that once the building is up, since it is permanent, it becomes Township Property.   Iwaniszyn said the scoreboard that is in the area is not part of the Township, the Panthers  maintain and insure it.    Iwaniszyn said, as far as insurance, if the Township takes it, then they should insure it.  The Panthers are willing to maintain and insure it, if necessary, at no expense to the Township.   Kovacs said the Township will insure the building, as secondary claim and the Panthers can insure it as well.   Kovacs asked if the drawings of the building have been sealed yet.  They had not been done yet, but the final drawings will be sealed, with enclosure of the stairwell. Kovacs made a motion to approve the Announcement Building   being built, with design plan of enclosed stairwell, subject to review at another meeting of the Township Committee, Panthers taking care of the maintenance and provide insurance, Horensky seconded.     De Franza said they would like to get the building built before the football season.  If it cannot be done, then they will wait until after the season is over for the year.    De Franza said he will have the drawings by next week.  Kovacs said he would like to see the drawings sealed to protect the Township. The Mayor said two sealed copies would be necessary, one for the Clerk and one for de Boer.   
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes. Kovacs amended his motion to include electric at the building, Horensky amended his second.  All were in favor. 

4. deBoer said that funds had been appropriated for him to purchase a front end loader.  He was before the Committee for  approval to go out for bid for the front end loader.   Strunk said it would be a leased vehicle.  Strunk made a motion that de Boer get approval to go forward with specs on the front end loader, by lease, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

5. Kovacs made a motion to approve going out to bid for curbing on Bowerstown Road, from the County section up through unpaved portion, replacing damaged curbing and   curbing for New Hampton Road in this bid as well Horensky seconded.   de Boer said the New Hampton Road would be done in house using subcontractors.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

6. Strunk made a motion to approve Jo Ann Fascenelli to do the Right to Know Survey, Kovacs seconded.  All were in favor.

7 Auction on Administration Building - held for Executive Session.

The Mayor said the Committee would come back to this matter.  There were other matters on the agenda before Executive Session.  

8. The Mayor said, on the AJR Farm, all the funding is in place.  As an act of good faith, Mr. Mastracchio has asked that the contingency clause in the contract stating that Washington Township would only have to bond for $1.5 million dollars and costs would not exceed that.  He has asked that his clause be removed.   The Mayor said he has put counter clause in that he would like to see the $25,000 deposit returned to help fund the debt issuance for the project.  The Mayor asked for authorization for him to sign an addendum which would request the return of the $25,000 deposit and in turn the Township would cancel the provision concerning the funding, because it is already in place.  Strunk asked what difference  would it make?   The Mayor said it would be an act of good faith.   The Mayor had asked Attorney Broscious to review this and he had no problem with it   Strunk asked Glynn if he had any input into this, Glynn said he is  out of the loop on this, because Broscious handled it.   Horensky made a motion that the contingency clause in the contract  with AJR be removed, subject to the $25,000 deposit be returned, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

9. Solar Bids - The Mayor said the Township had received a grant from Grow Green Smart Growth Grant from New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.   Seven requests had been sent out to vendors and none were received.  The Mayor questioned vendors about why they didn’t bid.  Some felt it was too overwhelming and  one could not comply with anti-discrimination language.   One had a concern with fire rating, but they did submit a bid.     A bid was received from Dome Tech Solar, which had been distributed.    They asked for $4880 to do a feasability study and presentation, as well as supporting grant applications for the State.  The Mayor said, normally, the State will reimburse 50% of the solar power projects.  Mueller made a motion to  accept the bid from Dome Tech Solar to do a full feasability study at the new municipal building, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

10. The Mayor said the Historic Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee were approached about additional funding in the amount of $25,000 for the old Port Colden Schoolhouse Restoration Project.   Kovacs made a motion to approve $25,000 be awarded to the Restoration Project, after August of 2006, or  when funds become available, out of the Open Space Trust Fund, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

11. Kovacs made a motion to approve Dawn Stanchina, CFO, to take two (2) on line courses, Conducting Employee Performance Reviews and Assertiveness Training, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.

A break was taken from 9:45 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
 
Strunk questioned the Committee on whether the discussion on New Business, Item 1,   if this  should be an Executive Session item.  Glynn said it could be an Executive Session item, but he did not think it had to be.  After discussion, it was decided, to hold the discussion in open session.  The floor was turned over to Strunk and Horensky, who had been reviewing insurance coverage and options.  Horensky said he, Strunk and Fascenelli had been meeting with three insurance brokers.   Horensky said he and Strunk had met with the employees last week.  The purpose was to give them the thought process on what had been transpiring.  

Horensky said the Committee is very aware that there are deductibles and co-pay.  The concept of maintaining this was very important.  Another issue was that whatever plan the Township went with had substantively or identical the same providers presently being provided to employees.   If the Township stays with the plan they have, there would be an increase of $90,000.  All proposals were reviewed.   On the plan that the Township was interested in, there would be an increase in the co-pay and deductibles   There would be a significant savings with this plan.  The plan was POS4N.  The new plan would have a debit card, so the employee would have no out of pocket expense on co-pay office visits and prescription payments.   Strunk said the Committee would come out at a lower cost than last year.   Kovacs said it is a one year contract, so if it does not work, it can be changed.  After further discussion, Horensky made a motion that the Township Committee go with Sweatt and Walters Proposal for the AETNA POS4N Plan, with Debit Prescription Card and Trans Connect Supplement Plan, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, no; Dempski, yes.
Strunk said there is a meeting Friday to have employees fill out any additional forms needed and there will be a question and answer time on benefits.  The Mayor wanted something in writing from Sweatt and Walters that there will be no lapse in coverage.  Strunk said he would something in writing from the company stating there would be no lapse in coverage.

OTHER
The Mayor said he was requesting  permission, to put out to bid,  removing  the abandoned gas tank and abandoned oil tank at the old farm house at the AJR Farm.   The Mayor said that home inspections have already been done on the land and tests have been done on the tanks and there is no contamination.   Kovacs made a motion that the Mayor be authorized to put out quotes  for removal of the abandoned gas tank and abandoned oil tank, or fill them in, which will increase the marketability of the property, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Strunk made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussion on personnel and real estate, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

The doors were opened.  Horensky made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 11:08 p.m., Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.

Glynn said that Kovacs will be making a motion with regard to an offer to sell the Administration Building that was received from an out of state realtor.

Kovacs made a motion that the Township Committee, as soon as possible, put the building and grounds at 350 Route 57 West, on the market as soon as possible, with the Mayor to work with the Municipal Attorney to handle open auction and all details necessary to put the proper advertisement together, notices be sent to all interested parties that have been in touch with Township and placed in Star Ledger and Star Gazette,  with minimum starting bid at $1.6 million dollars, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

Glynn said, in Executive Session, discussions were held with Police Chief Mc Donald regarding Sgt. Wolf’s assignment at the Division of Motor Vehicles. No action is to be taken on that. 

Glynn said, with regard to the Fire District, there had been discussion on the purchase of the Fire Truck some time ago, Bond Counsel has give the Township written information as to how this should be handled and Attorney Braslow, Attorney for Fire District, will present the opinion to the Fire District and they will get back to the Township as to their preference.

REPORT FROM OFFICIALS
John Horensky had no report.

Michael A Kovacs gave a short report on meeting of  the Warren Hills Budget cut that he and Mueller attended.
Kovacs said that de Boer has asked for approval of several items to be done at the New Administration Building.  Kovacs made a motion to approve items 1 through and including 5, which were as follows:
(1) Necessary tree/shrub removal/stump grinding and/or removal and pruning prior to renovations.
(2) Necessary sidewalk/brick pavers removal and other pertinent (outside step removal, redo septic cleanouts and etc) work.
 
(3) Removal of Underground Storage Tank  at the building (under the bid threshold) with propr quotations and paperwork.
(4) Contact and hire an I T person to possibly  identify existing I T wires to be kept in place or reused for renovations
(5) Contact and hire a telephone person to possibly  identify existing telephone wires to be kept in place or reused for renovations.
All were in favor.
Strunk said that there was a meeting at the building to discuss some of the security issues, which must be refined.  The plans are supposed to be going in to DCA to start the approval process.  There will be some small supplemental changes that will be going in to move it forward

Barry Mueller said the lettering has begun on the old Auto Giro Hanger.  Also, the presentation by Donald Eckel is tentatively  scheduled for June 19th.   Mueller asked if they needed the meeting room, since nothing is scheduled, would it be alright to use the room.  Mueller said if it is 20 minute presentation, they will just get together as a group.  If it is longer, they would like to make it available to the public.  The Committee had no objection.  Mueller will check with the Clerk once he gets more details.

Mueller attended a  meeting at the County Engineer’s Office regarding the South Lincoln Avenue and Cemetery Hill Road intersection.  Robert Miller, Township Engineer, and de Boer were also at the meeting.  The  County Engineer had several suggestions, bottom line was they are going to check with the State first before they make any recommendations to the Township. 

R J Strunk said that the new person has started in Finance, but she is too new and there is nothing to report.  They are in the process of getting things cleared up and will be switching banks soon.  They will also be coming up with additional recommendations as to streamline the department, based on the forensic  audit request.

Mayor David Dempski attended the Brass Castle Port Colden Project Wet Festival on May 3rd.   He presented a program on bugs in the water  This was a four day festival with different grades and different presenters.

The Mayor  had a chance encounter with Assemblywoman Karrow at a Junior Womens Club  Fund Raiser.
She will be visiting towns throughout Warren County to see what the concerns and issues are in the municipalities.

The Mayor said they had an excellent meeting on May 9th with Washington Borough Officials  regarding Shared Services. They came up with about six items they wanted to discuss and prioritize.   The first item was they are building a Field Depot as part of their garage and perhaps a new joint salt dome because of new stormwater regulations.  They are looking at joint DPW equipment purchases, joint affordable housing projects, perhaps a joint senior citizen center as well as programs.  Also a construction and sub-code office.  In addition, they will also be doing an estimate to amend their WMP so the Township can hook up the new building to the sewerage plant.

The Mayor  said he had received a fax from the Clerk on COAH.  The Affordable Housing Plan Documentation had been submitted in December.  They said it was not advertised correctly, so there was a 90 day commitment cycle. There was a 45 day comment period.  They gave us another 14 days so it would be complete.  Today, a letter was received, with three pages of single space comments about the deficiencies in the report.  The Mayor said he called about the letter and they have not reviewed any reports..  The Mayor asked the deadline for their approval, because they wanted  the Township’s comments by June 15th Their deadline is June 7th.  The Mayor said the plans will not be complete until the end of the year.

On Open Space, the OSRP will have a second public hearing this week on Thursday.  Then it goes to Green Acres for their approval.  The Land Use Board hearing was held on April 12th and they endorsed it.

For the Youth Association, the Opening Day went very well.  There were over 350 children on the fields.  The  registration is this week for fall.   The Traditional Field Day is June 4th. 

The Mayor asked for a volunteer to attend the Shared Service Meeting on Saturday, May 20th,  in Mansfield Township. Mueller volunteered to attend the meeting.

PAYMENT OF BILLS
The Mayor advised there had been two bills (Studer & Mc Endowney and Home Inspection Tests on AJR Site) added to the bill list.   Kovacs made a motion to approve the bills, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, abstain; Strunk, yes; Horensky, abstain; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to adjourn at 11:30 p.m., Kovacs seconded.  All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk