TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Regular Meeting
October 17, 2006

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY

Regular Minutes
October 17, 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. Edward J Glynn, Township Attorney  and Mary Ann O’Neil, Township Clerk,  Peter de Boer,  Certified Public Works Manager,  Police Chief James Mc Donald  and Dawn Stanchino, CFO were also present.

SALUTE TO FLAG

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Mayor said there would be a change in the agenda.  There will be a quick executive session at this time to discuss litigation and responses to the offers of the Administration Building. Horensky made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:36 p.m., Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

The doors were opened. Stunk made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:00 p.m., Horensky seconded. All were in favor.

BID INFORMATION/Administration Building Auction Bid
The Mayor said, with regard to the auction of the Administration Building, before the Committee made a decision on the final bid, he wanted to make sure  the terms of the resolution were clear and that Unity Bank is fully aware of what it entails in terms of the taxes in lieu of lease payment for use of the property until the Township can move into the new building. The Mayor referred to Resolution 06-145, paragraph 21, (c) that Washington Township is in the process of renovating its new municipal building and the purchaser hereby agrees to sign a month-to-month lease until the Township can vacate the property.  Municipal taxes shall be waived in lieu of rent payments. The terms of the lease shall be defined in the Contract of Sale. It should also be understood that the Township cannot waive Washington Borough taxes.   

Jim Hughes, CEO for Unity Bank, asked if the Township would be willing to put a definitive exit date, or reasonable exit date no later than July 1, 2007.   The Mayor said, any type of building is a risk and they have to decide, as a governing body, that they want to manage  this from a project standpoint, setting objectives and meeting them. He said the Township cannot keep floundering around like this, whether they need to replace staff or  getting direction refocused.  He said, you set a date and drive for it, that is what you do in the corporate world, you have a schedule, you have a date, you have the resources, you have the funds, that is how you meet your a  deadline. So, the Township needs to pick a date and stick to it.   Strunk said, unfortunately, the municipality is not part of the corporate world and does not run like a corporation.  

Kovacs said a date will have to be set, with an extension on it.   He said July 1, 2007 will not work, it will have to be December 31, 2007. He said the Township is at the mercy of a contractor.  Hughes said, the rent, in lieu of waiving taxes is not an arms length threat and it is only fair, unless they pick a date of July 1, 2007 and the purchase price was $950,000, then a 5% return of that money is reasonable, so $50,000 a year annual rent would kick in at that time.   Hughs said, there would be a penalty, because the cost of carrying this is their cost and the Township’s delays are their delays.  Hughes said they  are a public company and do have stockholders that they are accountable to.  Kovacs said, if they ran past the date and got an extension, the date could kick in a month or two, depending again, at the mercy of a contractor.  Hughes said, this is all he is asking, if the Township needs an extension, because they cannot get out, then there should be remuneration back to the bank.

Strunk suggested that the Township might consider picking a closing date that is 30 days once they are given notice.  Strunk said Hughes is worrying about carrying $1 million dollars money paid out and not getting any return.  The Township is worrying about locking in a price on a building and they will carry the building anyway through the new year, so a closing date could be set 30 days before they vacate.   Strunk said there is no guarantee that the Township will be in the building in a year and should not have to pay rent to somebody on a building that the Township owns now.  The Mayor said that the Township has over 6000 stockholders who are neighbors and $50,000 is a penny on the tax rate.   The Mayor said he did not think the Township would agree to a $50,000 lease for six months.  Hughes said six months would be $25,000.

Hughes said he was under the impression that the Township needed to close in 2006 and they wanted $150,000 in pocket in 2006.  Hughes said, if   the Township is not going to close until they move out, then there is no lease payment, there is no concession of taxes for rent, because they don’t own the facility.  The Mayor said this was their goal, to reduce the debt to buy the building.  The Mayor said he was concerned about formalizing the agreement, that possibly there should be a deposit in escrow over and above the down payment that was paid.
 
Kovacs asked Hughs if the bank was talking about exiting July 1, 2007. Hughes said there is no certain date, however, the cost of carrying $950,000 without being able to start on the construction of the branch costs the bank money.   Hughes said that giving them a tax abate, in lieu of rent, is not a fair return on a $1 million dollar investment so far, so 5% is a reasonable rate of return that he would expect on a $1 million dollar investment.
Strunk said they will not be in by July 1, 2007, and realistically he did not think they would be in by December 31, 2007.

Hughes said he had a solution, if the Township wants to close in 2006, that they put the money in an account at his bank, paying 5%, which is in essence the rent that you are going to be getting. Then, if you are not out by July 1, 2007, it is a non-interest bearing account. So, it would not cost the Township anything.  The Mayor asked Dawn Stanchino, CFO, if this was legal and she said it could be done, but she could not see the advantage this would be to the Township, because you still cannot use the money. Strunk said he still thinks the solution is to put the closing off until 30 days before the Township is out of the building.  This way, the bank is not out the money, they have a contract of sale and would save a lot of problems.  Hughes said he would be willing to sit down with the Township and be as flexible as possible.  Strunk said that if the money is held in their bank, it cannot be used, so the debt cannot be reduced that much. Glynn agreed.  Hughes said it does not reduce your debt, but you could offset it against the financial statements. 

Kovacs said that maybe what Strunk suggested is the best way to go. If the bank changes their mind, they will lose their down payment.   The Mayor said that what was said tonight needs to be formalized, he wants everything stipulated so  that everyone knows, on paper, what is going on.  Glynn said, in effect, the bank would be the escrow agent and have access to the funds.   If for some reason the bank changes their minds and did not want to go forward with the purchase, the deposit money would be forfeited to the Township. Hughes said, once they commit on the contract, they will be going forward.   Strunk asked what would happen if it went 18 months, Hughes said it gets back into it has to be a reasonable contract, drawn up, and with two reasonable parties negotiating.  He did not think it was unreasonable, as the buyer, to expect an exit date and some sort of time frame, it is reasonable.  If it cannot be met, then the bank needs to be compensated or the purchase price has to be reduced a market value after a reasonable amount of time.  Hughes said it sounded to him like they could get out by July 1, 2007, but they were not certain.  If they cannot get out by 2008, then they would be financially harmed, because they gave the Township $950,000 and were unable to invest it.

Hughs suggested that they meet and go over some of the specifics.  Kovacs said the Township could go ahead, accept the bid, based on working an agreement out with the bank    Two members of the Committee could sit down with the bank and work out the details, put an agreement together and bring back to the next meeting.  The Mayor and Kovacs will meet with the bank to work on the contract.

Horensky made a motion to accept the bid of $950,000 for the properties indicated in the Resolution 06-145, subject to a future closing date and contract to be worked out in the immediate future, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.

Hughes gave a letter of credit for the remaining value of the purchase price, copy of a resolution that will be passed on Thursday, Articles of Corporation and Annual Report to the Mayor.   The Mayor will call him and set up a meeting.

BID INFORMATION/New Municipal Complex
The Mayor said the bid has been put out on the new municipal complex.  Two bids were received. There would be two numbers, first bid would be full bid and second bid, full bid, minus the emergency generator.
A bid was received from De Sapio Construction for $1,503,640, minus generator $1,431,015 and a bid was received from Mar-Bridge Enterprises, Inc. For $1,382,000 and minus generator $1,257,000.  The Mayor said that there is approximately $846,149 available for this, which has been encumbered to fund the project.  Kovacs made a motion to reject both bids, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

OTHER
The Mayor asked for a motion to authorize the Washington Township Land Use Board to hear the Apgar Application. Glynn said the motion should state that the Township Committee has no objection to the Land Use Board going ahead and hearing the application. Kovacs said he would make this motion, Horensky seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, no; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Horensky made a motion to approve the Executive Session Minutes from September 19, 2006 Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.

The Mayor had a correction on the Regular Minutes on page 6, Item 15, 8th line, the word CREP should be CROP and page 7, 8th paragraph, Youth Association Building should be changed to Concession Stand on the Regular Minutes of September 19, 2006. Kovacs made a motion to approve the September 19, 2006 regular minutes, as amended, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.
 
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Frank Cregan, 62 Merlin Lane, asked the status of the sign ordinance.  It was approved last month, but he did not see any progress. The Mayor said they are going to create an amendment to it to give an enforcement deadline, as well as change some of the classifications on defining street signs.  The street color signs are wrong.  Cregan asked if the temporary signs that are up can be removed now. The Mayor said yes, but they want to give people a time line to give people adequate time to do it.    Horensky said he had talked with Mueller and they propose, instead of actually amending the ordinance, they do a time frame and instruct the Code Enforcement Official to start going forward with the enforcement of the ordinance, as is. If an institution has a temporary sign and has been using a temporary sign as a permanent sign, that the Code Enforcement Official notify the owner of the property that they are out of compliance and they have a certain number of days to come into compliance, which should be discussed tonight. If there is a temporary sign on the property, with a legal permanent sign, with a temporary sign not being used, the temporary sign should be removed immediately.  Horensky made a motion that the Code Enforcement Official be directed to enforce the Sign Ordinance and removed in 60 days, Kovacs seconded. After further discussion, Horensky amended his motion to state the signs should be removed by December 31, 2006, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.
Cregan asked if the Zoning Officer could start doing this tomorrow.  After checking the ad, it could be enforced immediately.

Frank Prisk, 5 Osprey Court, asked how hunting signs are being handled in the ordinance. The Mayor said they can put on their own property, but they cannot be posted on telephone poles.

ORDINANCES
Kovacs made a motion to open Ordinance 06-28   Ordinance Amending, Revising & Supplementing Chapter 123 of the Code of the Township, Entitled “Zoning” Subsections Two Entitled Definitions and word Usage” Nineteen Entitled “Lighting”, Twenty two entitled “Performance Standards for all Uses” and Twenty Five entitled “ Site Plan Review” to the public, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.
Frank Cregan, 62 Merlin Lane, asked the effective date of this ordinance.  The Mayor said it will be approved tonight and published on October 27th.  Cregan asked, any conditions imposed by the Land Use Board before them are now effected by this. Cregan asked about conditions that had been imposed as part of an approval process does not change those conditions. Strunk said, not if prior to approval.  Kovacs made a motion to close the public hearing, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.   Mueller made a motion to adopt Ordinance 06-28, after the 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 Ordinance 06-29 Ordinance to Amend Chapter 123 (Zoning) and to delete Chapter 124 (Zoning-Planned Development) of the Code of the Township of Washington, to the public, Kovacs seconded. All were in favor. Tom Prisk, 5 Osprey Court, said he was reading the definition of a Townhouse, which was a dwelling of four, but not more than six and he lived in a Townhouse which had three. Strunk told Prisk that he lived in a Manor Home. Horensky made a motion to close the public hearing, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.  Horensky made a motion to approve Ordinance 06-29 after public hearing and second reading, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.

Horensky made a motion to approve Ordinance 06-30  - Ordinance Amending, Revising and Supplementing Chapter 64 of the Code of the Township of Washington Entitled “Development Regulations,” Specifically Article II, Entitled “Administration and Enforcement,” Subsection Sixty Four-Eight Entitled “Fees and Deposits,” on first reading, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.
Second Reading and Public Hearing will be November 21, 2006.

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. The Mayor had a correction on Resolution 06-152, 4th paragraph, the word crate should be changed to create. Strunk made a motion to approve Resolutions 06-146, with correction made to Resolution 06-152, through and including o6-153, Horensky seconded.
06-146 Release of Driveway Performance Bond, Witte Homes, l 66, Lot 7.04
06-147 Cancellation of Unexpended Grant Balance
06-148 Resolution on Dedication by Rider/Washington Township Anti-Drug & Violence Program
06-149 Chapter 159 Budget Amendment, 2006 State Recycling Fund Grant
06-150 Resolution Imposing a Halloween Curfew Establishing Observance of Trick or Treat Within the Township of Washington
06-151 Tax Sale Certificate Redemption - Block 41, Lot 1
06-152 Resolution Providing for Direct Property Tax Relief from Highlands Property Tax Stabilization Fund
06-153 Release of Washington Township Land Use Board Escrow, ABD Washington Inc (Village Gate)
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Mayor said the Committee would be going into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Strunk made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m., Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL; Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs; yes; Dempski, yes.

The doors were opened. Strunk made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 9:08 p.m., Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.

The Mayor said that action would be taken from the Executive Session.  Kovacs said, due to the rejection of the bids, he would like to summarize what action should be taken. They should find out, from the contractors what portions of the bid were high, do a bond to increase the amount they have. He would like to get together with the engineer and the contractors, either jointly or individually, to find out about the numbers and what areas they could save money.  Kovacs made a motion that the current architect be advised that his services are no longer needed and the Township looks at  architects that has done municipal work before and come back with a recommendation at the next meeting, someone that has a CAD System that can turn the project around on any revisions made, in order to proceed and get out to bid early next year,  Horensky seconded.    Glynn said that part of the motion, in amendment form, should be that the present architect, if requested should turn over any documentation, drawings, etc to allow the process to go forward as quickly  as possible. Kovacs amended his motion Horensky seconded the amendment.  Strunk said he took exception to comments made by  Kovacs and Horensky.  He said they had a good architect and the fault in the delay was in the committee people, not the architect. The architect had responded and asking for direction and did not receive it.  
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

The Mayor said he needed a motion to authorize the Township Clerk to fax down some indicated material concerning a zoning application to the Washington Township Land Use Board Attorney Steve Gruenberg for review, Block 15, Lot 8.04.  Horensky made a motion that the application for Block 15, Lot 8.04 be sent to Steve Gruenberg, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Strunk, yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.

The Mayor asked for a motion to have the Township Committee request  Police Chief Jim Mc Donald to change the order of rotation for the MVC Officer. Strunk made  this motion and justification be done on why this vote was made, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk voted yes. He said originally when the Committee took on the MVC assignment requested by the State there was discussion from the Committee on rotating officers and the difficulty of the continual daily repetition of one officer being there every day and the feeling that they should have officers rotated through that position.  Strunk said a request had been made from the Chief to do an evaluation.  Supposedly that has been done and he should go back to rotating officers back to the assignment. 
Mueller voted yes and said he would have said practically the same thing Strunk said.
Horensky voted no and said his reason for voting no was that the Chief of Police has the responsibility to run the department and make assignments as appropriately as he sees fit. The Chief has indicated and provided him with information enough to indicate he is doing his job and functioning as a Chief of Police should function, making decisions that would benefit the Township and residents.
Kovacs voted no.
Dempski said he voted no, while he shares concerns that Kovacs had about the assignment itself, it is still in the privy of Chief Mc Donald to direct his department in terms of legal affairs as he sees fit, as per State Statute.
Vote Failed.

NEW BUSINESS
Item 15.Dawn Stanchina was present to discuss the Township getting a postage meter.  Stanchina said, right now, what they looked at did cover the scale for what the Tax Collector does. There will be the ability of the machine to  grow as time goes on. The Police Department was included in mailing.     Stanchina said they are looking to start as soon as possible.  After discussion, Strunk made a motion that the Township get a postage meter from ITS Mailing , Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

OTHER
Peter de Boer, Public Works Manager, said basically the three underground storage tanks at 35 Kayhart Lane were removed. One of the tanks was not heating oil, it was gasoline, which had a hole in it.  The Mayor said all three tanks had been tested and it came back negative.   de Boer said when he came to the Committee, they added another $500, just in case something came up.  Now they are telling him, because it was a gasoline tank, which had a hole in it, other things automatically kick in. They will have to do a different type of test, which will be an additional $2000.  de Boer asked for authorization to spend an additional $2000 for testing.  Kovacs made a motion to authorize an additional $2000 on this tank testing, Strunk seconded.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Dempski, yes.
 
NEW BUSINESS
Item 6 - Purchase of Spreader - Horensky made a motion to approve the purchase of the Seely Spreader, with light kit, out of Bond Ordinance 04-06 at a price of $6919, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

Item 8 - Jeff Cooper to attend Seminar on Certified Playground Safety Inspections - Strunk made a motion to approve Jeff Cooper attending a Seminar on Certified Playground Safety Inspections and taking the test on October 23 through 25, Mueller seconded.  All were in favor.

OTHER
de Boer said the tennis courts are finished and the DPW work is done. The Engineer requested a reduction of about $13,000.  The Contractor said it is acceptable.

OLD BUSINESS
Item 1 - The Mayor had asked the Engineer to give an estimate on creating a traffic study as a means to further define an appropriate traffic calming measure     on Hampton Road.  He gave an estimate of $1500 to do the study. The reason it is low is because they get free equipment from the County to use in terms of traffic counters.    The Mayor said there were several local people opposed to this, but there are petitions signed by over 30 people and the neighborhood supported it, as well as the straw poll of people who chose to vote on this subject at all about doing a traffic calming study. The Mayor asked for a motion to authorize the payment, providing the study is done before the end of the year and after the bridge has been completed.   Kovacs did not see any reason to do a traffic study which would show us they do not do anything when we are going to do it anyway.   The Mayor called for a vote to cancel the traffic calming grant. Horensky made a motion to go forward with the traffic calming study after the completion of the bridge, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski ,yes.

Item 2 - The Mayor had more information on a Township Fall Clean Up, to be sponsored by the Pollution Control Financing Authority of Warren County.  Washington Township is entitled to a dollar per population credit to be used for disposal fees.  Washington Township would qualify for 90 tons of waste.   The Mayor said his initial idea would be to pick a Saturday in September or October, which would be exclusive of hazard waste and appliances.   Passes would be available from the Clerk’s Office.  Colors would be used to distinguish senior citizens/handicapped from other residents. They would be allowed to go and not pay disposal fees for one load.   There would be one or two containers at the DPW Site for senior citizens and handicapped people.  There would be two DPW Workers assisting and unloading the items.   They would not cover the rental of the dumpsters or the workers. The Mayor said this would be between $1100 and $1500 cost to the Township. de Boer is getting further information on containers and staffing costs.

The Mayor said, if we enter into an Inter Local Agreement with the PCFA, to get the 90 tons, they qualify for $68 tipping fee, as opposed to $78 tipping fee.  There is a $10 discount when you enter into the agreement. Once the agreement is created and the Township gets the decreased tipping fee, there is a prefunded account and they put the $6772 into it.  The residents are not charged, they are given a pass and this is applied to the credit and the Township would be reimbursed for the container disposal fees.  There is no real cash coming in because you are going against a credit, so you could limit tonnage or permits you give out so you stay within the amount.

The Mayor said this could be considered for 2007 and he would like to put a line item in the 2007 DPW Budget for disposal containers and staffing for the one day.  

Item 3 - Follow up on Fair and Open Contracts for Professionals for 2007 - Horensky had e-mailed drafts to everyone on professionals contracts for Township Attorney, Township and Auditor, Consultants and Bond Council.  The Mayor had some changes to them. The Mayor questioned the reason for appraiser.  Horensky said he tried to put in categories for outside consultants that are sometimes used.  It would pre-qualify them, we would not be hiring them for work.  Horensky said, while preparing this, he was thinking about other employees, such as Code Enforcement, 911 Coordinator, Emergency Management Coordinator, Animal Control Officers and they would have the option of not going Fair and Open.   The Animal Control Officers are actually covered by the funds they bring in.  Horensky said that for the smaller ones, not doing a formal RFP in terms of Fair and Open, but go ahead and do the Unfair Process.    Horensky and the Mayor will work on the RFP’s and have the final version for the next meeting.  The Clerk advised the Committee that the Draft RFP had been cleaned up and that is the version they should be using. Horensky asked Glynn to be in a position to draft Professional Service Contracts so they are ready to go January 1, 2007, just insert and go.

NEW BUSINESS
Item 1.- Letter from Resident regarding fire hydrants being installed on Port Colden Road - After discussion, it was decided that this request should have gone to the Fire District.  Horensky will check into this.

Item 2 - Letter from Hawk Pointe regarding waiver of penalty of taxes - After discussion about the tax penalty being  waived, Kovacs made a motion not to grant the waiver of penalty on delinquent taxes, Horensky seconded. Glynn said there is a statute that allows this, at the discretion of the Committee.
ROLL CALL: Kovacs, yes; Horensky, yes; Mueller, no; Strunk, no; Dempski, no.

Item 3 - Horensky made a motion to accept the letter of resignation, with regrets, from Francis Loughlin from the Recreation Commission, effective December 31, 2006, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

Item 4. - Strunk made a motion to accept the letter of resignation, with regrets,  from Randy Harrison from the Recreation Commission , Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

Item 5. - Horensky made a motion to accept the letter of resignation, with regrets,  from Al Ivany from the Environmental Commission, effective December 31, 2006, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

Item 6 - discussed earlier in meeting

Item 7 - Strunk made a motion to approve the Township Clerk attending a Recertification Class for Municipal Registrar on November 20th in Hunterdon County, Horensky seconded. All were in favor.

Item 8 - discussed earlier in meeting.

Item 9 - Kovacs made a motion to approve the Raffle Application from the Flocktown Kossman PTA for November 4, 2006 at Hawk Pointe from 7pm to 11 pm, Horensky seconded.  All were in favor.

Item 10 - Renewal of Washington Township and Washington Borough Joint Center Designation - The Mayor said the Township has received a second letter from Elaine Swan, Executive Director of the office of Smart Growth.  They want the Township to take action and renew the Center Designation which will expire next year.   Stunk thought it was 2008.  The Mayor said currently the Township has their COAH Application before Smart Growth and he thought it might be good to take an official position on this.  The Mayor would like to send in a statement that the Township does not intend to renew the application and will let it expire, copied to Washington Borough.  Strunk made a motion that the Mayor be authorized to send a letter to the State and Washington Borough advising that we are not renewing the application and will let it expire, Mueller seconded. All were in favor.

Item 11 - Horensky made a motion to authorize Ed Glynn, Township Attorney, to update Chapter 90 to prohibit feeding wildlife on Township Property only, Kovacs seconded.
ROLL CALL: Horensky yes; Kovacs, yes; Mueller, no; Strunk, no; Dempski, yes.

Item 12 - The Mayor had asked Glynn to review the InterLocal Agreement with the Fire District on Engine 76-64.  Glynn said he and the Mayor had worked on it and the Mayor had put in the dollar figures. Glynn asked for the Committee’s approval to forward it to the Fire District Attorney. Horensky made a motion to forward the agreement to the Fire District Attorney, Strunk seconded. All were in favor.

Item 13 - The Mayor said the Township needs a Clean Community Coordinator. He did not know what this would entail, but he knows some reports have to be sent to the State so the Township does not lose any financing.  The Mayor said he would like to do it and asked to be appointed. He will create a job description and there will be no stipend. Strunk made a motion to appoint Mayor David Dempski as Clean Community Coordinator, Mueller seconded.   All were in favor, except the Mayor who abstained.

Item 14 - Horensky made a motion to appoint Evan Howell to the Township Safety Committee Strunk seconded.  All were in favor.

REPORTS FROM OFFICIALS
John Horensky said he already reported on the RFP documents and the Ordinance on Signs.

He has met with the Fire Department in the last month.

Chief Mc Donald was present to discuss the parking ordinance.    The Chief had a meeting with Peter Merluzzi and School Administrators last Monday regarding the Fire Zones and Parking at the School. He asked Ed Glynn, with the parking ordinance, could it be made all inclusive and add Warren Hills to the Ordinance and any areas marked with state approved signs is prohibited, or do you need an actual description of the areas? Mc Donald would like this by title only tonight. After discussion, it was decided that the Chief and Ed Glynn will work on this for first reading at the next meeting.

Michael Kovacs said his report had been done during the meeting.
 
Barry Mueller said he had a request from the Recreation Commission on playground equipment, in the an estimated amount of $29,832.75, because they have to get more prices. This would include a new play system, similar to what is in other playgrounds and installation of rubber mulch under it.  There is a current balance of $33,882. in the park bond and they do not want to use it, because it would almost wipe it out. This is being  used for ongoing projects all the time. They are suggesting the Township do a bond for $35,000, to be introduced in November and have second reading and public hearing in December, so it would in place for Spring of 2007.   The Mayor said he researched this.  You cannot replace what we have with a drop and replacement, because it is now required to have certain amount of set backs, so it just cannot be plopped in the same area. So, they will be getting less than what they think, like three swings instead of six and he came within the range of $10,000 and $15,000 to do this.  He thinks it could come out of the Open Space Trust Fund.  Kovacs said, if necessary, the equipment could be rolled into the Brown and Brown Bond.   This will be decided at the next meeting.

RJ Strunk said the Finance Department continues to work on stream lining the operations and taking the corrective action according to the Auditors Comments.  They plan to wrap it up by the end of the fiscal year.

Mayor David Dempski said Affordable Housing, the COAH third round petition is still being reviewed.

On Open Space, there is a meeting this week on the 19th and will be working on the 2007 budget.

He attended the SWAC Meeting on October 15th . The main point was the land fill will remain open until 2008.

The Warren Morris County Government Shared Services will be having a meeting on October 30th.

The Mayor said he had been approached by some football people about the barn behind the Administration Building being the place where equipment is stored, which they will no longer have when it is sold.  They would like to put a shed by the dumpster at $8000 cost to them to store their equipment. This is a future thought.

PAYMENT OF BILLS
The Mayor said the problem on the tree cutting service has been resolved and it will not happen again. Strunk made a motion to approve the bills, Mueller seconded.
ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, abstain; Kovacs, abstain; Dempski, yes.
 
There being nothing further to come before the Committee, Horensky made a motion to adjourn at 10:40 p.m, seconded by Strunk. All were in favor.

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