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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Regular Meeting
May 17, 2005
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: Dempski, present; Kovacs, present; Mueller, present; and Strunk, present. Township Attorney Edward J Glynn, Township Clerk Mary Ann O’Neil and Cathy Gangaware, Certified Finance Officer were also present. Horensky was absent.
SALUTE TO FLAG
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Strunk made a motion to approve the Executive Minutes of April 18, 2005, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor.
Kovacs made a motion to approve the Regular Minutes of April 18, 2005, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
PROCLAMATIONS
The Mayor read Proclamations on Older American Month, Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month and National Hunger Awareness Day.
The Mayor said that Horensky will be coming into the meeting late as he is getting an award from Somerset County Freeholders, so the following things will be tabled until he arrives; Ordinances, 05-12, 05-13 and 05-14 and Resolutions 05-82, 05-83 and 05-89.
ORDINANCES
Kovacs made a motion to introduce 05-15 Ordinance Providing for the Vacation of Portions of Public Streets, Roads, Highways or Parts thereof pursuant to NJSA 40:67-1 and 40:67-21, known as a portion of Bryans Road (Also known at times in the past as Bryants Road and Bryant Road), Township of Washington, County of Warren, State of New Jersey and Extinguishing any public rights therein, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and Second Reading will be June 21, 2005.
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. Resolution 05-79 was removed. Resolutions 05-82, 05-83 and 05-89 had already been removed. Kovacs made a motion to approve Resolutions 05-80, 05-81, 05-84 through and including 05-88 , Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
05-80 To Amend Resolution to Authorize & Approve Salaries & Wages for Certain Employees (Kevin Racek)
05-81 Resolution in Support of a Permanent and Constitutionally Guaranteed Reduction in Property Taxes
05-84 Refund Resolution, Block 30, Lot 17, Tax Court Judgement
05-85 Refund Resolution, Block 38.05, Lot 10 - Duplicate Payment
05-86 Refund Resolution, Block 52, Lot 15 - Duplicate Payment
05-87 Tax Sale Certificate Redemption, Block 43, Lot 27
05-88 Tax Sale Certificate Redemption, Block 38, Lot 22 C0125
Strunk made a motion to open 05-79 Resolution acknowledging and endorsing an application of the Port Colden United Methodist Church to be filed with the Warren County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund Committee to the public, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
Howard Huff, Secretary of the Port Colden Board of Trustees was present and gave a brief history of the renovations that have been made to the Port Colden Church. He asked the Committee to endorse the application to be filed with the Warren County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund Committee for stabilization of the bell tower at the church. Tom Miller, Chairman of the Port Colden Church also gave a short talk on the renovations that have been done and asked the Committee to approve the resolution. Mueller made a motion to close the public hearing on the resolution, Kovacs seconded. Kovacs made a motion to approve, after the public hearing, Resolution 05-79, Mueller seconded.
All were in favor.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Charles Harmon, 2 Tamzen Terrace, asked the status of the sink hole. The DPW has put a fence around it. The Mayor said the holes are relatively large, about 9' across and 10' wide and 7' deep and getting deeper. Glynn said that this was addressed at a recent meeting, he called the developer’s attorney and told him there were concerns about the holes and it was not something that was going to go away. It was a problem that needed to be resolved. The developer’s attorney sent a letter stating that his client did not think it was his ongoing obligation once title has passed to the homeowners for him to rectify sink holes or other problems, particularly since it was on private property and not on common portions of the development, such as the roadways. Glynn then contacted Robert Miller, Township Engineer, who was good enough to forward copies of the bond back as well as the Land Use Board Resolution. Glynn said he talked with the developer’s attorney and told him this was becoming more serious, because the hole is getting bigger. Glynn said this would either lead to the Township calling the bond and having the work done themselves, or a lawsuit. He now has proposed that a meeting be held and they try to resolve this matter. Glynn said that Harmon should also attend the meeting, because he is the one most directly effected. The Mayor requested approval from the Township Committee to meet with the developer to see if this can be resolved. Glynn said it would be the developer’s attorney, principle of the developer company, Harmon, the Mayor, Robert Miller and himself at his office. Strunk said he would like to see this matter rectified soon. Strunk asked the purpose of the discussion. The Mayor said he wants to talk with him before the bond is called about how this can be resolved. Glynn said the meeting should be held before the next meeting so the results can be discussed. Strunk wanted it researched to see what can be done, because this is imminent public hazard. The Mayor asked if there was a cash reserve on the bond and said this should be researched with the CFO. She said she was not sure, but will check this out and report to the Committee.
Terry Bradunas, 15 Jockey Hollow Road, said the basin is in stable condition right now, but the Association in his neighborhood that is supposed to take care of it, is dysfunctional. When the neighborhood was set up, a ball park was set aside and easements were specified for the back of his property and neighbor’s property. There are easements for both and the landscape buffer between the basin and their properties was to be taken care of by a Neighborhood Association. They have not had to do anything for seven years, even though they have been legally responsible for maintaining it for seven years. He said that Mayor Dempski has tried to help them with some issues, but he is dealing with apathy and denial at this point in the neighborhood. Bradunas said the Township has been great trying to address the issues, but the problem is they need to insure the property, guard against sink holes, mow regularity and do everything they can do to keep it close to good condition as the Neighborhood Association Guidelines say should be done. Bradunas said that the Mayor has tried to help form an Association, but one of the neighbors basically said he didn’t believe he had to do anything. Bradunas said the idea of the holder of the easement being responsible for all maintenance is a very old idea, going back to English Common Law and hasn’t changed lately. Bradunas said he understood the way it is set up and is done , because the Township still gets to collect tax money on the property privately owned, but a group of people, instead of the individuals who own the property are responsible for the maintenance, as opposed to financially burdening two families. The problem is, it is not being enforced. Bradunas asked the Committee where he can go from here.
Kovacs said the responsibility when the Township approved the project was that, the individual homeowners were to take care of the basin or the Association. Bradunas said the Association and the holders of the easements are responsible for any maintenance. Kovacs asked if it was the homeowners surrounding this area or the whole Association, Brandunas said the whole Association. The Mayor said he has done research on this and it is a valid created Association and has been filed with the Warren County Clerk, so it is an official incorporated entity, but was not filed with the State, so the certification has been yanked. There is about $305 in back fees to restart it and get a bank account going and annual dues to maintain it and mow it. Brandunas said he is not going to do anything further with the basin at this point. He was doing it simply as a member of the Association and trying to cut down the possibility of standing water, which exacerbates the occurrence of sinkholes. Brandunas said he has met with representatives of the Warren County Mosquito Commission and they say it must be kept cut short and dry. It must be maintained now, because if it would become a wetland, it would need a special permit and more expense to maintain. The Mayor said there is $9000 left in the Performance Bond. Brandunas said it is not clear how this money can be used. Glynn will research this matter. The Mayor asked if he Brandunas had a copy of his deed, because once it is signed, everyone on the deed is agreeing to the provisions in the deed. Brandunas said the Association was for both Phase 1 and 2.
Tom Birkner, 61 New Hampton Road, thanked the Committee for the ordinance passed this evening which will include improvements to New Hampton Road.
Melissa Stanick, 21 Elizabeth Avenue, said there is a basin in their development and there is a big inlet that comes into the basin where the water come into. The neighborhood children are always climbing in this area and she would like to have a grate or guard put on the pipe before somebody gets hurt. The Mayor will call the Township Engineer regarding this. Another issue is, on ABD/Valley View it is wired for street lights, but she heard the Township Engineer told the developer they don’t have to complete installation of the street lights. She has spoken to the residents and had a petition, which she gave to Mayor, stating they want the lights installed.
The Mayor said the only minimum requirement is lights at intersections, they never required lighting in a development. Strunk agreed and said there is a cost per light for each one to the Township and that becomes an ongoing charge and added expense. Stanick said she understood this, but other parts of the Township have lighting and their lighting is dangerous. Kovacs said the Township does not pay for all lights in the Township. There are lights that individuals have requested be installed and they pay the bill directly. Kovacs said they only pay for 5 lights in Fairway. Strunk said there are two issues, one installation of the lights and second the cost for lighting. Kovacs said if it was part of the approval they should be installed, if not they should not be installed.
Frank Cregan, 62 Merlin Drive, said his topic was Route 31, Beautification and Safety, specifically from the border of Hunterdon County and Washington Borough. He noted the Trade Zone Area has been improved, school bus with sign for driver is gone, used trucks and used cars have been moved back away from the highway and the property looks fairly decent. However, coming north they now see a new sign at that gas station, a rectangular sign sitting on four steel legs, advertising free coffee with purchases on Saturday and Sunday. It looks atrocious and he can certainly see a sign attached to their existing sign announcing that, not what they have now. There are also real estates signs for Schmidt and Dashine Realty that has been there over two years and for a least a year it has stated under contract, which means to him it is sold and there is no reason why it cannot come down. Moving north, there is Remax, another real estate situation, has two sandwich signs outside, one announcing their office is there and the other that they are interviewing. Also, real estate signs north of Mc Donalds have been there for over two years and in dire need of repair if not taken down. He also wanted to show his disappointment in the Land Use Board in approving the second major sign at OCINO’s. It is a bad precedent for that area and there was another way it could have been handled. There is a sign on the telephone pole advertising Pepsi and Sprite in front of the deli in the Rymon Building. Smith Motors is at it again, parking a car on public property halfway up their driveway, its been there for three days. He does not know why they are not sited and enforcement done on the citation. Cregan was told the vehicle is on his property, but he cannot park where it is parked. Cregan said this is an arrogant disregard of the law. He also wanted to thank the Mayor for writing to the DOT on behalf of his group for the speed limit. Cregan asked if there was a record of accidents by the police department on Route 31 and 57. The Mayor said he is working on this now.
The Mayor said he was not sure the sign at Petro Plaza was legal, he didn’t think you could hang signs on telephone poles and on the real estate signs, it is up to the individuals to make sure their signs are appropriately displayed. The Mayor said was not sure the Committee had the authority to do anything about this , but he would be willing to write a letter and ask they be replaced.
Kathy Nelson New Hampton thanked the Committee for having the traffic calming device installed on their road.
Mark Gormley, 3 Woodhouse Way, said he is at Pacesetter off of Rymon/Cemetery Hill. He said a detention basin is defined as something that retains water in heavy rain, drains out and should remain dry. This basin has at least three feet of water in it. The Mayor said he has pictures of this and the County has also been notified. Gormley said the Board of Health called him today. It has standing water and even has cat tails in it now, so it is now wetlands, so it is now a pond. Gormley said it has been like that and has never drained properly. He said when he bought the property originally, the one lot was offered to him that had a retention basin, that one would be built there and the builder at the time indicated that they would be given a tax break if the retention basin was on the property and all he had to do was maintain it, but they declined to take the property. Gormley asked, who would be responsible for it and what can be done? The Mayor said it would seem that they are privately owned. Also, on the lighting, in his front yard he has one of the PVC pipes coming out of the ground for street lights, but he does not want any lights in his development, he does not need any more lights.
Horensky came into the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Arlene Muzyka, 43 Musconetcong River Road, New Hampton thanked the Committee for their work in obtaining the funding for the traffic calming devices. (Ended 8:22 p.m.)
ORDINANCES
Horensky made a motion to open Ordinance 05-12 - Ordinance Revising, Amending and Supplementing Chapter 71 of the Code of the Township of Washington, State of New Jersey, entitled “Fees”, to the public, Mueller seconded. All were in favor. Nobody from the public wished to be heard. Kovacs made a motion to close the public hearing on Ordinance 05-12, Horensky seconded. All were in favor. Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 05-12, after public hearing and second reading, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
Horensky made a motion to open to introduce Ordinance 05-13 - Bond Ordinance Providing for Road and Drainage Improvements in the Township of Washington, Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $365,000 and Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds and Notes in the Amount of $346,750, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor. Nobody from the public wished to be heard. Kovacs made a motion to close the pubic hearing, Horensky seconded. All were in favor. Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 05-13, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
Kovacs made a motion to open the public hearing on Ordinance 05-14 - Ordinance Amending, Revising and Supplementing Chapter 3 of the Code of the Township of Washington, Entitled ”Affordable Housing,” specifically the Amending of Article I, Section 3-2 Entitled “Definitions” and the Creation of Article III, Entitled “Inclusionary Affordable Housing Contributions for Remedial Development, Horensky seconded. All were in favor. Frank Cregan, 62 Merlin Drive, asked why this was needed? The Mayor said that every 10-15 years the State creates an Affordable Housing Round, an unfunded mandate, the State says you will provide Affordable Housing in your Township. It is usually based as you add housing. The Township has an obligation from the State to provide housing based on three components, (1) every 8 residences constructed must provide one affordable unit, (2) then component based on non-residential growth and (3) second round left overs. The Mayor said, based on his statistics, the Township will have to provide 94-95 affordable units. If there is no Affordable Housing Plan, then a developer could come in and say you need to have 95 homes, multiply that by 8, and a subdivision would do that and you lose your local control. This is called a Builders Remedy. The Mayor said, between development and inclusionary zoning, they could satisfy 65% of the needs without pushing it on to the tax payers back. Cregan asked what the Township will do to prevent slums. The Mayor said it is not very prudent to refer to Affordable Housing as slums, because, for instance, 50% of the police department would qualify for Affordable Housing, so it is not welfare at all, they must have a stable source of income. Cregan said there is certain a need for Affordable Housing, especially for the young people and he is all for that part. Cregan said this must be watched very diligently by the Land Use Board and Township Committee. There were no further comments. Strunk made a motion to close the public hearing, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor. Strunk made a motion to adopt Ordinance 05-14 after public hearing and second reading, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
RESOLUTIONS
Kovacs made a motion to approve 05-82 Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Washington, Warren County, New Jersey in regard to Certification of the Local Tax Levy for the Washington Township School District, Horensky seconded. The Mayor said he and Mueller met with the Washington Township School Budget Finance Committee, Business Administrator and Superintendent to discuss tax levy defeated by the 29 votes. The total amount was $6276, which would have been $3.59 per household per year.
The Mayor said it is important to respect the wishes of the voters when they make a statement. They were asked how they could roll back the amount to last year’s approved levy and there was a way to do it with a minimum impact on services and staff and this is what was being presented in the resolution. Kovacs made a motion to approve Resolution 05-82, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.
Kovacs made a motion to approve 05-83 Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Washington, Warren County, New Jersey in regard to Certification of the Local Tax Levy for the Warren Hills Regional School District, Horensky seconded. Someone in the audience said, with the high school budget this year, the departments had zero increase, they are hiring one additional Special Ed Teacher, which is required by law, based on numbers. She also said the school is starting next year $1.5 million dollars in the hole because of the surplus being returned.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.
After discussion, Kovacs made a motion approve the hiring of Brent Rader and Brian Lance. Also, Dale Paulus, in case either of the other two cannot make it or quit, Horensky seconded. de Boer said that Paulus may be able to work for the Township after the other two have gone back to school, but he doesn’t have his schedule yet.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
The CFO said they are being hired as temporary help, so there is no benefits.
Kovacs made a motion to approve Resolution 05-89, Amend Resolution to Authorize and Approve Salaries and Wages for Two Seasonal Employees, at $10 an hour, 35 hours a week, effective May 18, 2005, which would be Brent Rader and Brian Lance, and Dale Paulus as needed, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
A break was taken from 9:05 p.m. until 9:16 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
1. The Mayor said the Township Committee has plans and cost estimates, what is the next step to proceed with the Brown and Brown (B&B) Building, especially the renovations. The Mayor asked, does the Committee want to hire a construction management firm or a project manager and bid locally? Strunk said there is $170,000 left over from the contract of sale. ($70,000 for renovations and $100,00 from notes issued). The architect came up with a figure of $300,000 with additional $60,000 for other items to renovate and move into the building. Strunk said, according to Glynn, Brown and Brown is obligated to do $75,000 in renovations. Strunk asked if they could go beyond that and be reimbursed, Glynn said yes. Horensky said if B&B were notified that the Township is going to get started, they could be notified to start moving on the renovations on the first floor. Horensky said they could hire someone to work weekends and evening, which would not effect work being done on the first floor. Horensky said their lease is up the end of 2005. Horensky said they should go forward with this, identify the items they should start with and he wasn’t sure the elevator would be needed right away if the employees on the second floor are not there, Strunk was not sure.
The Mayor said, the plan now would be to have B&B renovate up to $45,000, with a pad of $30,000, to renovate the lower level, After B&B moves out, there would have to be a structured bidding process to do the upper level. Strunk said he wants clarification from Glynn, because he is hearing tonight different than when he asked for clarification before. Strunk said that Glynn had said they were obligated to do renovations, potentially even past the $75,000 because of the timeliness of contract, Glynn said right. Strunk said, if this is the case, they are obligated to renovate that building and be reimbursed by the Township. Strunk said that B&B will be handling the payment of the renovation project. Glynn said they will be out of there soon and the contract was done last December and the Committee is still just talking about it, no action has been taken. Strunk said this should not alter the obligation they have to do for the Township, the tenancy has nothing to do with the obligation to do the renovations - does it? Glynn said no, but they will be out of the building in another 6 months or so, something should be started. Strunk asked if this relieved them of the obligation to do the work, Glynn said, as long its done before the time they move out in 6 months. Glynn said there is a separate lease document that goes along with the passage of title and it was contemplated they would be there up to a year, so the Township must move quickly so the construction can at least start during that period.
Strunk asked, what if its not finished? Glynn said it doesn’t matter. Strunk asked, for instance if a bathroom is started and they leave upstairs and renovations must be done in the meeting room, are they still obligated to oversee the project, is this correct? Glynn said he doesn’t think it goes beyond the one year, because it was contemplated in the agreement that everything would be done within that one year.
The Mayor said they will be notified through Horensky or Strunk that the Committee wants to proceed. They will be given copies of the architect’s plans and estimate to go forward and renovate the lower level. Strunk said, the concept hasn’t even been approved yet. The Mayor asked if a R.Q. should be put together for the second floor and start interviewing and getting quotes together to go out to bid. Kovacs said they will get packages together and go out to bid. Strunk said the Township only has a concept plan. The final plans must be approved, based on concept plans and submitted to go ahead. Strunk said the Committee must consider bonding for other money for this. Kovacs said the drawings must be done, plans must be put out to bid and money put in place. Strunk made a motion to approve Ed Gagne to proceed the details being developed, then plans will be available to the Department of Community Affairs and to Brown and Brown, Horensky seconded. All in favor.
2. Kovacs made a motion to approve the Boy Scouts planting flowers around the sign at the Administration Building, Horensky seconded All were in favor.
3. The Mayor said he would make appointments to the Economic Development Commission and they were, Alan Lowcher, who is an attorney; Vanessa Galante who is experienced in banking and finance; Rob Plenge, who is a business owner and member of the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Julia Morangello, who is a realtor and former member of the Warren County Economic Development Commission and Tom Fisher, local business man and realtor. Terms will be drawn by lots at the first meeting.
4. The Mayor said he met with some of the Steering Committee with some of the members of the Hawk Pointe Association. One of the items they brought up was the speed limit on Route 31, basically the area between Washburn Avenue, down to the County Border. Another issue was removing the passing lanes on Route 31. The Mayor wrote several letters to the State, made several telephone calls and sent e-mails, and found the mechanism to do this. The Township Governing Body would request that the DOT lower the speed limit, as well as remove the passing lanes and put a double yellow line down. There was also a request to Assemblyman Michael Doherty for speed limits on Route 57, between the area of County College up to the stop light. The Mayor is looking for authorization to write to DOT to request the reduction of the speed limit, as well as double lines installed on Route 31, which was given.
5. There was discussion on Hawk Pointe Club House Pump Station Approval. It was the consensus of the Committee that $800 must be deposited by Asbury Farms/Hawk Pointe to have CREW review the application for the Township. Kovacs said, if the application is approved by CREW, then the Mayor would have authorization to sign the consent form before the next meeting.
6. There was discussion on two invoices received from Brown and Brown for payment for repairs done at the building. One bill was for $1714 for repair of outdoor lights and one bill was for $3286 for Preventive Maintenance Agreement . The Mayor said he had read the contract and didn’t think the Township would be responsible for of these issues. He was also concerned that bills are coming in for work that wasn’t even approved as a landlord. Glynn said he and the Mayor had talked last week and not only are these bills excessive, but it is questionable whether or not it is the Townships obligation to pay them. The Mayor said that according to the contract, it is in several places that the Township is not responsible for maintenance of the building. The Mayor said the Maintenance Agreement may be a valid bill. Kovacs said that there are two points, (1) the repairs were done, it is the Township’s building, but repairs were done without consulting the
Township first. Kovacs said the contract states they are responsible for maintenance while they are still in the building. Strunk said they should be notified that according to the contract they are obligated to pay them and also to make them aware, if there are any repairs done they should notify the Township. Glynn said the air conditioning bill is for one year maintenance and runs from February to February and is heat and air conditioning and the Township benefits if the system is well maintained and in good condition when it is turned over to the Township or when Brown and Brown gets out. Strunk was authorized to be the contact person if there would be any further problems with the building. Strunk will respond to Brown and Brown on this matter.
OTHER B&B DISCUSSION
Strunk said that the renovations so the Brown and Brown Building could be started on the elevator because it is exterior to the building with very little disturbance to the interior. Strunk said he strongly urged the Committee to decide to authorize for additional monies to be able to let this go forward The Mayor said they need the architect plans. Kovacs said they could have a bond introduced at the next meeting, not to exceed $375,000 to support renovations at the Brown and Brown Building and the CFO was told to do so if there was enough for the deposit. The CFO said she probably has $130,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund.
7. Kovacs made a motion to approve the Monthly Raffle Application for Family Guidance for June, July and August, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.
8. Attorney Alan Lowcher requested to name a new road in the Mc Cullough Development, which was Hunter Hill. Strunk made a motion that the street name request of Hunter Hill be approved, providing the post office does not already have a Hunter Hill in use, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
9. Request from Jay Buxton was not discussed, date involved had passed.
10. Horensky made a motion to approve the Township Clerk attending an Election Class in Holland Township on May 26, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
11. Discussion of Health and Dental Insurance to be discussed later.
12. Accept Resignation of Barbara Theis - The Mayor said he had talked with Lenore Springmeyer, who advised that the Committee should hold off on accepting the resignation, because she wanted to talk with her about it.
13. Discussion/Equipment for DPW/Capital List - The Mayor said the roof must be discussed in open session. Horensky made a motion to do the roof repairs, not to exceed $16,000, at the garage, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
14. Meadow Breeze Park/NOV - There was discussion on possible fines at the park. The Mayor will be meeting with the DEP, Strunk and de Boer at the Field House on this Friday, 7:00 a.m. to discuss this matter. He will report on this at the next meeting.
15. Horensky made a motion to approve the Clerk and CFO attending a seminar in Trenton on Friday, June 17th on Ethics, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
16. Nextel Telephones to be discussed later.
17. Citizens Advisory Committee - The Mayor said that under Chapter 40:55D-27, the Mayor has the ability to appoint a Citizens Advisory Committee to assist the Planning Board or Land Use Board in its duties., but they shall have no power to vote or take any other action of the board. They serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. His vision of this was to get Community Input and he wants this input to be used early in the planning process and independent and focused on a neighborhood area. It is not a meeting of the Land Use Board and has no statutory powers, it is not a sewer advocacy group, it is not a business advocacy group, it is a way of getting input from a group of neighbors into a planning process, instead of just being limited to the public approval process for preliminary and final approval. The Mayor said they will be focusing on the Manekin Proposed Project on Route 31. The Mayor will take full responsibility for this Committee’s formation, execution and reporting. He will require a report from the Committee on what their concerns and issues are on this development and they will be getting a written scope of work with proper supporting information such as master plan, traffic elements, zoning information and other pertinent information so they can make their surveys of their neighborhood and get the information out. Horensky said he felt it as very appropriate to start engaging the public and getting their input. His only concern was that the focus was too narrow, it should not be on a project specific basis, it should be setting the vision, objectives and direction for the Township in general. This should be the way the Land Use Board and Township Committee gets the input from the Citizens. Horensky said that they should advise what they would like to see the Township look like in the future, what they see here now as being beneficial or a liability, then do a cap analysis. The Mayor said he already has a group from the southern part of the Township and would be willing to amend this to include the northern part of the Township. Horensky said the people involved should not be individuals that are business owners or land owners who have a personal stake in this. They should be consulted, but not part of the official body. The Mayor said this is purely for the needs of the community
Strunk said he likes Horensky’s concept, but he would like to start it in baby steps. It is something new and he would like to see them start with a project and see how it goes. Horensky said they would go out and develop the relationship with the community. They hold public forums, they hold visionary groups and whatever, then come back to governing bodies with the results.
Strunk said years ago he and Lillie Anderson headed a community group project down at the Brass Castle School. They had 10 different tables and people were assigned to each table and that person got 10 people of diversity to talk on subjects. They got a lot of good feed back from this. His concern was in focusing on a group, eventually they will want to do something and if its not followed, there could be problems. Kovacs said this was good and there was good brainstorming. Many good ideas were received out of this and a lot of participation. Strunk said an Advisory Committee could be set up at the school again, it worked well the first time and let them run with the ball.
The Mayor made the following appointments to the Committee who will gather concerns and interests: Tom Prisk and Liz Scovill from the Hawk Pointe Preserve, Jim Vergos from the Rymon Road area and Theresa Iacobucci from the Pacesetter II Development.
REPORT FROM OFFICIALS
John Horensky had nothing to report.
Michael Kovacs said that all but one of the stores at the Ames Complex have been rented. Strunk said that Tractor Supply has an application for the large Ames Building.
On Recreation Commission, they want permission to purchase four park benches and they will be using the open space funding. They would be $350 each ($1400), including handling and shipping. Horensky made a motion to approve the purchase of four park benches at $350 each, not to exceed $1400, from the Open Space Funds, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
Also, Recreation Commission would like permission to have Robert Miller, Township Engineer, work with de Boer on the drainage issue at Port Colden Field Restoration Project at an estimated $500. Dempski made a motion to approve Robert Miller working with de Boer on this project, not to exceed $500, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
Richard Flint, Volunteer for Recreation Commission, advised that they have started the creek buffer restoration project yesterday. They are over half way through it and it is going well. He requested permission to send a letter to all volunteers involved, which the Committee agreed should be done.
Barry Mueller said the Historical Commission has a ceremony planned at Hawk Pointe on June 18th in recognition of the restored lime kilns at 2:00 p.m.
Also, the equipment for the DPW will be discussed at the next meeting.
R.J. Strunk said the new police officer has started. The new cars are in use and they will be starting to use the new video system in cars.
Horensky said the Court had asked for approval of the security wand, which was given. They also talked about putting in the door shield. He discussed this with the Chief and some of the officers relative to whether or not this would be more costly or save money in long run. The issues are they don’t think they could do it with the existing staff. The agreement between Franklin and Washington Township is being worked on, but should be done by the June meeting.
Mayor David Dempski said that Mary Ann O’Neil, Clerk for Washington Township, has qualified for second level membership in the International Master Municipal Clerk Academy.
There were two requests for abandonment in the Pacesetter Development. He had been instructed to check with Scarlett Doyle, Land Use Planner and Robert Miller, Township Engineer and they both recommended against vacating Carrie Drive and Thomas Court.
On Public Assistance, the Committee will be holding off on accepting Barbara Theis’s resignation at this time.
If she does resign, the Committee could transfer it to the County or try to partner with another municipality and do a shared service.
On Affordable Housing, there is a quotation from the Land Use Board Planning Services for the housing element which was $10,000 for the two documents. The deadline is December 5, 2005 when the Round Two will expire. The funding will come from the Land Use Board Budget, as well as the Development Fees.
On the Open Space Advisory Committee, Al Ivany successfully applied for a $1000 grant from ANJEC to defray the cost of the OSRP Development. They have been meeting with Bob Resner of the Warren County Land Preservation Department to make sure that the Township’s needs are addressed from the County standpoint for open space preservation. They are investigating several farmland preservation needs in the southern part of the Township.
There was an Eagle Scout Volunteer to do some renovation projects for the WTYA including sodding a field hockey area, building benches for the soccer program and building some field hockey goals. Also Field Day has been rescheduled for June 12th.
He is still trying to get a camera, because none of the companies want to send him an invoice, but he does have the tri-pod and memory board. He will have a quote on the printer for the next meeting.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The Mayor asked if there was an amended bill list, Clerk said no. Kovacs made a motion to approve the payment of bills, Mueller seconded. All were in favor except Horensky and Kovacs who abstained.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Mayor said the Committee would be going into Executive Session to deal with a personnel issue and litigation issues. Kovacs made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:45 p.m., Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
The doors were opened. Kovacs made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 11:00 p.m., Strunk seconded. All were in favor.
Horensky made a motion to hire John Ferri for the Department of Public Works at probationary entry level, 90 days probation, starting 5/18/05 or immediately if he would become available , Strunk seconded. All were in favor except Kovacs who abstained.
Mueller made a motion to approve Resolution 05-90, Amend Resolution to Authorize and Approve Salaries and Wages for Certain Employees, John Ferri, as Laborer on a probation/entry level at $13/hour effective 5/18/05 and after 90 days probation (8/18/05), $18.76 an hour, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.
Horensky made a motion to go back into Executive Session at 11:05 for personnel and litigation, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.
The doors were opened. Mueller made a motion to come of Executive Session at 12:15 a.m.., Horensky seconded. All were in favor, except Kovacs who abstained.
Horensky made a motion to approve Ordinance 05-16 Ordinance to Amend an Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of the Officers and Employees of the Township of Washington, County of Warren and State of New Jersey, (Summer Recreation),Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
Public Hearing and second reading June 21st. NEW BUSINESS
Item 11. Discussion of Health and Dental Insurance- The CFO discussed the dental plans that she was proposing. She got several different proposals. The Township is currently paying $1796.14 a month and the renewal is $2047.54 (difference is $251.40). The CFO said she did get several proposals and there were some that were cheaper, but she recommended AETNA/Freedom of Choice Option. What it does is combines a DMO, which is a dental equivalent of a HMO and a PPO which the Township has tried to stay away from HMO’s. This is a good plan and is only $1316.50 a month, whereas the Township without the renewal is paying $1796.14. It allows the people in the plan the option of going back and forth between HMO and PPO on a monthly basis. If you are in the DMO, you have the orthodontist benefit, with just a $2300 co-pay. The CFO said for the regular maintenance visits, you can flip back to the PPO. You have to switch the entire family, but you can do this monthly. This will save the Township a substantial amount of money. The CFO recommended going with the AETNA/Freedom of Choice Plan. The CFO said there would be a group meeting to discuss this and do the applications. The Mayor asked if the plan would be explained to the employees, the CFO said they would do this, but is isn’t usually done until the change is made.
Mueller asked, on the orthodontist, where it says co-pay, does the Township end up paying this. The CFO said the Township does not reimburse on dental bills. On Met Life, currently the orthodontist in the prior plan, they picked up $1000, but they paid $500, so this is actually increased.
The CFO said, on the medical, she got several proposals and she only presented the top page to the Committee. She put a mark on three of them to be considered. The CFO said the one for $21,445.00 on the far end is similar to what the Township has now. The first column on the left is the current policy at $19, 946.60 and renewal will be $24,124.00 a month. The one all the way to the right, as opposed to the $15 prescription card, it has a two tier, $10 and $20 for general and other, which would be reimbursed anyway and is $22,578. The one for $21,445, the difference between that one and the one now is there is a new thing that if you go into the hospital and it is not an emergency room visit, the employee would have to pay $250 a day for a maximum of five days. If you are in the hospital and going in and out of the hospital, it is per person for five days. So, you are looking at last year three people in the hospital, $1250 for each person, which would run approximately $4,000, but you would save $3,000 a month. You would have to have a lot of people in the hospital to break even to the point of where that would be. This is another option to take. She tried to stay away from the 70% reimbursements and changes in the deductible, because they were just too different from what the Township has now. The one she put a mark on in the middle has a three tier card, the hospital stay for five days maximum, but the price is $20,880, which is what a lot of companies are going with these days. The Township is different, because they reimburse just about everything and would have to reimburse that $250 a day for five days if the Township opted to go with this plan. The CFO said she usually just recommends one plan, but left it up to the Township on which way they wanted to go on this. The Mayor said, with the $250 a day, you are almost wiping out the savings. Kovacs said No, the Township is talking $20,000 a month.
The CFO said, historically, the Township has three people in the hospital in a year. There are three or four people that have met the max deductible. The Mayor said the Township does a lot of prescription reimbursement. The Mayor said when they are being reimbursed for their prescriptions, they will not get the generic brand, why would you care.
The CFO said that she thinks now most of them do the generic already, unless they have to. She said she would go with the one similar, which would still give the Township savings, which is the one on the end and just have the two tier drug charge, which saves about $1500 a month. Kovacs said that maybe it could be worked into the contract that if a generic prescription is available, and if the employee does not take it, then the employee would pay the difference between the $10 and $15. The Committee agreed this would be hard to track. Horensky said it is the doctor that makes the call on prescriptions.
The CFO said that every contract there was something that was reimbursed, because at one time they reimbursed the co-pays up to $1000, what the deductible would have been, but then this was removed and it was for everything.
The CFO said if the Committee wanted to move to the $250 a day or make a change and they wanted an option, she said there was a group option where they can get employee life and disability and things like that, but if it was offered and made a contributory thing, it is $8 a month. The employee could contribute to this, but it would be an add on. Or if, they wanted to take something else out, it would be about $230 a month. Kovacs said if you give them something, then it is hard to take it away. The CFO said she thought the life insurance and disability benefit, they pay for it if they want it. There was no further discussion on this.
Mueller asked if Joe Kennedy was asked to quote on this. She said he did submit quotes on them. He came in with a AmeriHealth Plan which was also quoted by both other companies that she has asked to quote. However, she found with this plan, the network is not very extensive and she would like to stay with the same firm and not be changing it every year, which would be helpful. Kennedy came in with a three tier drug card plan and it was in the realm, but the network for AmeriHealth Plan around this area is not as good as what the Township has now and they try to stick with the doctors that most people are using, so there is not too much of a change.
Kovacs asked the CFO, on reimbursements, is there a plan she would recommend. The CFO said she recommend one of the end two $21, 445 or $22,578, but if the Township wanted to stay away from the hospital option, then she could use the one with the two tier drug card. Kovacs said it would require 5 people to make up the difference. The CFO said you are talking $1250 per person. Kovacs said the difference would be $12,000 at the end of the year difference. Kovacs said the $21,445 with the $250 a day plan would be a slight gamble, but to the Township’s advantage. Kovacs said this would be assuming you are not going to have 8 or 9 in the hospital in one year, CFO said right. The CFO said you if want to change the drug card, then you would go with the $22,578. Strunk asked, if the Committee picks the $21,445, does it start June 1st, she said yes. The CFO said she just has to send a letter saying please change the plan.
Strunk made a motion to go with the AETNA Plan for $21,445, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes. Horensky, yes.
On dental, Strunk made a motion to pass Resolution 05-91 to change the dental the AETNA/Freedom of Choice Dental Plan, for $1316.50, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.
Item 16 After discussion, Strunk made a motion that the Finance Office was to bill any charges to the employees for less than .20, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.
There being no other business to come before the Committee, Horensky made a motion to adjourn at 12:45 a.m., Kovacs seconded. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk
