The regular meeting of the East Amwell Township Committee was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor C. Larry Tatsch, Deputy Mayor Linda F. Lenox, and Committee members Patricia Cregar, Peter Kneski, and Timothy Martin. Township Administrator Timothy Matheny and Attorney Richard Cushing were also in attendance.
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Municipal Clerk Teresa R. Stahl announced that this is a regularly scheduled meeting, pursuant to the resolution adopted on January 3, 2008, and a meeting notice published in the Hunterdon County Democrat issue of January 10, 2008. A copy of the agenda for this meeting was forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, Times of Trenton, Star Ledger, Courier News, posted on the bulletin board, and filed in the Clerk's Office on May 6, 2008.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
AGENDA REVIEW
During Executive Session, add a discussion on contracts. Under Unfinished Business, after Executive Session, add the 5/7/08 request from Farmland/Open Space Preservation for an appraisal for Block 27/Lot 7. Under Correspondence, add the 5/8/08 memo from DPW Superintendent Howell on Brush Drop Off.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Regular Township Committee Meeting Dates for May are May 8 and May 29, 2008, at 7:30
p.m.
B. The Township Committee will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at 7:30
p.m. to brainstorm ideas to benefit the Township.
C. Municipal Offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2008, in observance of Memorial Day
D. Primary Elections will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.; all polls are
Located at the Municipal Building.
E. The Recreation Committee has Scheduled a Concert at Clawson Park on Sunday, June 8,
2008, from 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The public is invited to join in this event.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 24, 2008, Minutes were approved on a motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and carried with one abstention, Mr. Martin, with a minor typing correction on page 1 and on page 9, paragraph 5, line 11, delete "…$300,000 tub grinder used in Princeton, which is a shared service between Princeton and Lawrenceville…." and replace with "… tub grinder located in Lawrence Township which is shared with Princeton…."
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (for Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda, Limited to total of 15 minutes)
Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge, Road, commented on seeing two tree stumps on Mountain Road, and she asked where the trees went. Comments were made about a tree falling at the intersection of Mountain and Runyon Mill Roads, which was removed; the tree was taken to the grit yard and chipped.
Motion to close to the public was made by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE 08-04 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE 05-21 AND SECTION 92-4 OF THE LAND MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL TO MODIFY THE PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO "TENTS" USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A "VETERINARY HOSPITAL" AND WITH RESPECT TO EXEMPTION FROM SITE PLAN REVIEW TERMINATION DATE.
As proof of publication, the Clerk presented the legal notice published in the April 17, 2008, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. The ordinance has been posted and available to the public since introduction on April 10, 2008.
Mr. Tatsch explained that a request for the renewal for the tents was due to the fact that there has been another breakout of salmonella, and there is an urgent need to cover the horses.
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public.
Fred Gardner, North Hill Road, (and a member of the Planning Board) stated that it was worth adding that Mid-Atlantic Equine Hospital has been before the Planning Board to state their intentions to come back before the Planning Board with a proposal for permanent housing for horses in the future. The request for the tents is really a temporary one, and hopefully, if there is a future outbreak, the horses will be in a permanent structure since the tents "are better than being in the open but not great."
Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, had no strong opinion on the ordinance, but she commented on tents not being considered impervious coverage. She spoke about the BOCA code with a 80 day restriction on being considered temporary and then being covered by a stricter code for structural requirements.
Mr. Kneski commented on code changes wherein the fire prevention official rather than the construction official now covers tent approvals; he did not have specific information on "actual limitations."
Mr. Cushing commented on the previous approval for use of the tents, and he stated that any code issues must satisfy the code enforcement official.
Mr. Tatsch explained that the ordinance was reviewed by Planning Board Attorney Chris Norman, and Mr. Cushing confirmed with the Clerk that the ordinance had received consistency determination by the Planning Board.
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
Ordinance 08-04 was adopted on a motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and carried by unanimous vote: Mr. Martin, yes; Mr. Kneski, yes; Mrs. Cregar, yes; Ms. Lenox, yes; Mr. Tatsch, yes.
ORDINANCE 08-05 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $36,000 TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR VARIOUS RENOVATION PROJECTS AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AS GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY AND APPROPRIATING $36,000 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
As proof of publication, the Clerk presented the legal notice published in the April 17, 2008, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. The ordinance has been posted and available to the public since introduction on April 10, 2008.
Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public for comment.
There being no comments from the public, motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
Ordinance 08-05 was adopted on a motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and carried by unanimous vote: Mr. Martin, yes; Mr. Kneski, yes; Mrs. Cregar, yes; Ms. Lenox, yes; Mr. Tatsch, yes.
ORDINANCE 08-06 AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ACQUISITION
OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS EASEMENTS ON CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES KNOWN AS BLOCK 17,
LOT 16.03 AND BLOCK 21, LOT 16 & 16.01 IN AND BY THE TOWNHIP OF EAST
AMWELL, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY AND APPROPRIATING $220,000.00
THEREFOR FROM THE OPEN SPACE TAX TRUST FUND
As proof of publication, the Clerk presented the legal notice published in the April 17, 2008, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. The ordinance has been posted and available to the public since introduction on April 10, 2008.
Mr. Tatsch explained that Block 17/Lot16.03 is the Fisher and Amwell Vineyard property, which abuts currently preserved land. Block 21/Lots 16 and 16.01 is the Hay property on the corner of Welisewitz and Wertsville Roads and across from the Higgins property.
Motion by Mr. Kneski, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public.
Fred Gardner, North Hill Road, stated that "it was a wonderful thing" and he "…was delighted to see these properties preserved."
Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, stated, "I second it."
Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
Ms. Lenox thanked the property owners for considering the preservation plans.
Ordinance 08-06 was adopted on a motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and carried by unanimous vote: Mr. Martin, yes; Mr. Kneski, yes; Mrs. Cregar, yes; Ms. Lenox, yes; Mr. Tatsch, yes.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2008 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
As proof of publication, Mrs. Stahl provided a copy of the legal notice from the April 24, 2008, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. Copies of the budget have been available at no charge to the public since introduction.
Mrs. Stahl recognized Auditor Charles Case and Treasurer/CFO Jane Luhrs, who were present this evening to answer any questions about the budget.
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public for comments on the budget.
Fred Gardner, North Hill Road, commented that "…you (the Township
Committee) was dealt a bad hand, but you did the best you can."
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
The Township Committee was provided with a proposed resolution prepared by Delaware Township, based on a recommendation from Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow not to adopt municipal budgets until after the state numbers have been finalized.
Mr. Tatsch explained that the State of New Jersey cut their CMPTRA aid of $167,700, and the governing body reworked their budget to keep the budget at a 1.5% increase over last year. In order to do this, a number of budget cuts were made. In the meantime, the state has been reconsidering the cuts, and municipalities may be getting some of their funding back this year, although it maybe cut in future years. The municipalities will not know the outcome until the legislators vote on their budget (which may not be until July). If the budget is adopted now, the state funding cannot be used to restore programs, including road projects.
Mr. Case agreed that Mayor Tatsch "put it very well." He felt that it was almost guaranteed that municipalities under 5,000 residents would be getting some funding back. If the Township Committee adopts the budget tonight, any returned funding would be used to reduce the amount raised by taxes. If the budget is not adopted tonight, the governing body would have the option of restoring budget items as they see fit. However, the budget could not be adopted until July meeting.
Mrs. Luhrs explained that the municipality is operating on a temporary budget, having a temporary budget for the first three months of the year, and adopting resolutions in April and this month to add one-twelfth more each month to operate.
Mr. Case also noted that the delay at the state will also mean that tax bills will be late, and there would be options of either sending estimated bills or extending the third quarter due date until late August or September.
The governing body commended Mrs. Luhrs for all her work on the budget.
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RESOLUTION #91-08
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services imposed a deadline for introduction of a calendar year municipal budget by March 11, 2008 and adoption of the budget by April 21, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Governor Jon S. Corzine proposed the elimination of CMPTRA aid to municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents; and
WHEREAS, East Amwell Township is a rural farming municipality with fewer than 5,000 residents and therefore faces the elimination of $167,700 in State aid this year; and
WHEREAS, the members of the East Amwell Township Committee carefully reviewed proposed 2008 budget figures and came to the conclusion that a cut of this enormity would require a significant reduction in the few essential services provided by the Township or else an increase in the municipal tax rate; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Legislature has not yet ratified the elimination of CMPTRA aid to municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey that East Amwell Township respectfully requests that the Division of Local Government Services grant an extension of the deadline for East Amwell Township to adopt the 2008 municipal budget until such time as the State Legislature of New Jersey adopts the upcoming State budget and Governor Corzine signs it.
By Order of the Township Committee,
________________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Kneski and it was seconded by Ms. Lenox to approve the resolution. Mrs. Cregar asked if another public hearing would be necessary; Mr. Case explained that if the budget is amended in any way, another public hearing would be necessary. The motion to adopt the resolution was carried unanimously by roll call vote: Mr. Martin, yes; Mr. Kneski, yes; Mrs. Cregar, yes; Ms. Lenox, yes; Mr. Tatsch, yes.
The Township Committee thanked Mr. Case and Mrs. Luhrs for their attendance this evening.
STANDING COMMITTEES
BOARD OF HEALTH:
1) Treatment Works Approval and WQM-003 Consent Form for Hunterdon County Fairgrounds (see 4/24 Minutes for Background): Mr. Tatsch explained that this is a routine process, and the County is installing a septic system at the fairgrounds. The treatment works approval takes the responsibility from the Board of Health and Hunterdon County and puts it into the state's realm of authority. The form the Township is asked to sign states that the system meets all local codes, but the system will not be under the Township’s jurisdiction. The East Amwell Township Board of Health discussed preparing a signing statement to accompany the consent form, which indicates that the system is not under local jurisdiction; the Board is preparing a letter for the Mayor's signature.
A motion was made by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to authorize the Mayor to sign the Treatment Works Approval Permit Application and Consent Form, along with the cover letter being prepared by the Board of Health.
RECYCLING COMMITTEE:
1) Resignation of Member: The Township Committee acknowledged the 4/22 email from George Miller resigning from the Recycling Committee. They noted that Mr. Miller will continue to recycle on his own, and Mr. Martin commented on Mr. Miller's work in providing statistical information. Mrs. Stahl also noted that Mr. Miller will be recycling on municipally owned fields.
A motion was made by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and carried unanimously to accept the resignation with regret.
RECREATION COMMITTEE
1) Appointment of New Member: Mr. Tatsch noted that a very good candidate was interviewed at a special meeting at 7:15 p.m. Robert Mulcahy was very much interested in working with the Recreation Committee and has attended a meeting already. A motion was made by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Martin, and carried unanimously to appoint Robert Mulcahy to the position as a member of the Recreation Committee. Mr. Mulcahy, who was present in the audience, was recognized.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR'S UPDATE:
1) Google Apps Update: Mr. Matheny explained that he has been working on getting the system set up, but it was complicated by the fact that the email system is set up on the cube and not on a separate server. Mr. Matheny is also having his email relay blocked, and there have been some problems with Comcast's server. The domain name (eastamwelltownship.com) will be renewed. Mr. Matheny has been speaking with Jim Stahl about the Comcast server problem and transitioning from the current email system to Google Apps. Mr. Martin and Mr. Tatsch also commented favorably on Mr. Stahl's assistance. The staff has been advised about the plans for the system change, which will happen very quickly once it is in place. While the governing body originally wanted only their addresses set up on Google Apps, Mr. Matheny felt that it would be a good idea to include the staff on system also. The Township may qualify for the free, basic educational version of the program.
2) Basement: Mr. Matheny stated that progress is being made, and he invited the governing body to take a look at it after the meeting. The DPW is working on shelves and organization plans.
3)
Animal Control Officer (ACO) Progress:
Mr. Matheny stated that after July 1, there is no coverage. He has contacted the Delaware Township
ACO Rich Kiselewsky, who is not interested in serving in East Amwell. He also contacted the Delaware Township
Mayor and Deputy Mayor and was given permission to talk directly with their
ACO, who is paid $9,000 a year for "24/7" coverage; perhaps there is
a way that he would be able to include East Amwell in coverage. Mr. Kiselewsky was also instrumental in
working with Kingwood and Franklin Township in setting up their ACO
responsibilities, and he may be able to provide valuable insight for our
municipality. Mr. Cushing asked about
contacting Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Matheny stated that the
agency is working on the County ACO plans.
The contract East Amwell had with Raritan Township for animal control coverage was for $11,700 for the year, and Mr. Matheny felt that this could be used to finance our own coverage. Mr. Matheny mentioned basic requirements for a vehicle to pick up animals. He also noted that Delaware Township receives a significant amount of revenue by licensing cats; the ACO actively patrols for cats and dogs and sometimes generates 30-40 tickets per month, which covers his costs. Ms. Lenox would not like to see the Township consider licensing horses. Mr. Martin spoke about his past experience with licensing exotic birds through the State of New Jersey. It was noted that the East Amwell Board of Health regulations does require rabies shots for cats without licensing. The governing body was in agreement that exposure to rabies was an item of concern, and cats should be vaccinated.
4) Roads in Ringoes: Mr. Matheny commented on the visit he had with a member of the NJ DOT in December about re-striping the crosswalks at the firehouse and matching lines the County painted near Mom's Restaurant. He had expected a report by January; however, it has not been received yet. Mr. Matheny has been following up with phone calls and expects a report soon. He spoke about the possibility of having the attorney prepare a letter to the NJ DOT Commissioner if warranted.
Mr. Tatsch commented on having breakfast in Ringoes with Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow last week, and they saw NJ DOT trucks removing a large maple tree in their right of way, based on a request from the property owner. He commented on the ability of the state to act quickly when necessary.
Mr. Matheny commented on Lindbergh Road conditions. He stated that there were budget cuts made for road projects, but there was some funding in operations for Lindbergh Road, and there may be enough in the temporary budget with the two amending resolutions to do the work. The roads have already been ditched, and the repair will include replacing the pipe near Ridge Road up to South Hill. Inlets may also be installed. Mr. Matheny also stated that not as much blacktop as previously thought would be necessary. Mr. Tatsch commented that there was some concern by residents that the road would be wider and become a speedway, and there needed to be a separate issue of road safety versus speed. Some comments were exchanged about the importance of using the new speed detection equipment and providing data to the police for enforcement.
Mr. Matheny commented on the request from Hunterdon County for information to receive permission to use the speed trailer on County Roads. Information was sent to them with a letter of explanation on how the equipment will be used. The Freeholders will have to provide permission, and Mr. Matheny will keep the governing body informed.
5) Acting DPW Supervisor: Mr. Matheny mentioned that there is a possibility that both the DPW Superintendent and Supervisor will be away on vacation for the same week, and it may be necessary to appoint an Acting DPW Supervisor for a one week period. The next senior employee in that department is Mark Rehl, who would be willing to step forth. Mr. Matheny explained that the employee policy stipulates that this does not change the rate of pay unless the position is filled for more than 30 days. Mr. Matheny will bring this request to the governing body at a future meeting for their action.
6) Hunterdon County Draft Transportation Plan/Bike Routes: Mr. Tatsch had asked Mr. Matheny to contact Hunterdon County Engineer John Glynn about the plans for widening the roads for bicycles in East Amwell. Mr. Kneski stated that he has already spoken with the County about the plans. The County is updating their transportation plan with a recreation element for bicycle routes being a consideration. There are alternatives of sharing the travel cartways or having bike lanes on one side of the road; however, there are no capital plans at this time (i.e., only updating the planning document). The County has advised Mr. Kneski that if there are any capital plans considered which would have an effect on the East Amwell community, East Amwell would be notified. Mr. Kneski agreed to continue monitoring this matter and keep the Township Committee up to date.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, suggested that the Township Committee read her article in the VIP, commenting on past experiences with the County when they were widening bridges. She also commented that the current draft Hunterdon County Transportation Plan indicates that they will widen both sides of county roads at four feet as a minimum, except on Rileyville Road. She commented on the "enormous input and numbers" in the report, which may be mis-leading. She concluded by saying, "Don't assume that the County will let us know."
Fred Gardner, North Hill Road, seconded what Mrs. Bonette said. He stated that he too was familiar with road widening work by the County during his term on the Township Committee, when work was done "out of the blue" with not being told. He urged that Mr. Kneski and Mr. Matheny keep in close contact with the County to "get insight into their intentions and not just their plans."
Mrs. Bonette stated that she attended the public hearing on the County draft plan on May 1, and she suggested that the Township might want to draft a response for the next agenda. The Township Committee agreed that they would prepare a letter of concern for review at the next meeting, with the following comments included: the effect on road quality from speeding and safety (i.e., do not make county roads super-highways); having separate bike lanes from speeding traffic and the appropriateness; property disruption and destruction of existing berms if they are located in the four foot right of way along the roads; reasons why the bike paths on Wertsville Road may not be safe, i.e., speed issues, abundance of horse farms on Wertsville Road with fencing near the road, non-conduciveness of widening roads with ditches also; among other items.
All were in agreement that the letter of concern would be reviewed at the next meeting and the County will be asked about their plans. An update from John Glynn would also be important.
Glorianne Robbi, Lambertville-Hopewell Turnpike, asked about the Township's plans for a solicitor's ordinance. Mr. Tatsch commented that former Township Committee member Kathy Machnik and Township Administrator Matheny were working on this topic. Mrs. Robbi commented on individuals coming to residences for the purpose of obtaining signatures on petitions. Mr. Matheny stated that there are a number of exemptions in ordinances they were reviewing, including political campaigning, sale of newspapers, Girl Scout sales, etc. Mr. Cushing added that the ordinance clearly could not prohibit any free speech, religious, or political solicitations, and the public was within their bounds by putting up "no trespassing" signs. Mr. Cushing and Mr. Matheny agreed that there were a number of issues to work out; Mr. Matheny commented on whether or not the Township would require finger-printing (which would delay the permitting process), whether they would look at licensing or only registering solicitors, and on how to determine an effective "do-able" ordinance.
Mrs. Robbi asked if the Township Committee was over-reacting to one resident's concerns. She asked if Girl Scouts from a different county would have to have permits, and she did not believe it was as easy as putting up signs on one's property. She stated that "it was a slippery slope" in dealing with issues.
Robert Mulcahy thanked the governing body for appointing him to the Recreation Committee.
Motion by Mr. Kneski, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
Motion by Mr. Kneski, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to have a short recess at 8:40 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:45 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS, Continued
RESOLUTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
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RESOLUTION #92-08
WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, East Amwell Township Committee is of the opinion that circumstances presently exist; and
WHEREAS, the governing body of the Township of East Amwell wishes to discuss litigation, contracts, and to receive advice from the Township Attorney; and
WHEREAS, minutes will be kept and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then minutes can be made public;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the public be excluded from this meeting.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________
C. Larry
Tatsch, Mayor
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to approve the resolution.
The executive session began at 8:45 p.m.
The regular session resumed at 10:00 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and carried unanimously. Mr. Cushing left the meeting at the end of the executive session.
FARMLAND/OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION:
1) Appraisal for Geils, Block 27/Lot 7: This item will be tabled until the next regular Township Committee meeting.
PUBLIC ISSUES SUMMIT AT THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY ON RESPONSES TO GLOBAL
WARMING. Mayor Tatsch and Deputy
Mayor Lenox attended the public issues summit where best approaches to global
warming were discussed. Both agreed
that it was a very informative program and actions on personal, municipal, and
state levels were discussed. Some
options included the possibility of "building green" in the future,
on replacing light bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs, recycling, etc. Mr. Tatsch provided the governing body with
the results of the survey taken by participants.
Mr. Tatsch also pointed out the correspondence from PSE&G about solar energy loan programs and financing 40-50% of the costs for solar energy. Comments were exchanged about the possibility of paying for solar conversion up front and getting paybacks in the future. A suggestion was made to inquire whether this program was available to the municipality. Mr. Matheny and Mr. Tatsch also exchanged comments on motion detector lighting as a cost effective savings.
NEW BUSINESS - None
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
TREASURER LUHRS:
Resolutions:
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RESOLUTION #93-08
EMERGENCY TEMPORARY RESOLUTION
PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET
(As Attached to this Set of Minutes)
WHEREAS, an emergency condition has arisen with respect to inadequate appropriation balances remaining in many of the 2008 temporary budget appropriations due to delays in the
2008 budget process; and
WHEREAS, inadequate provision has been made in the 2008 temporary budget for the aforesaid purposes, and N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 provides for the creation of emergency temporary appropriations for the purposes above mentioned; and
WHEREAS, the total emergency temporary resolutions adopted in the year 2008 pursuant to the provisions of N.J.C.A. 40A:4-20 (Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 as amended) including this resolution total $332,217.00.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20:
1. An emergency temporary appropriation be and the same is hereby made for each of the accounts listed on the attached.
2. That each said emergency temporary appropriation has been provided for in the 2008 budget under the same title as appropriated above.
3. That one certified copy of this resolution be filed with the Director of Local Government Services.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_____________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously.
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RESOLUTION #94 -08
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that based on the posting of a satisfactory maintenance bond for a two-year period from the certification of completion dated November 14, 2007, the retainage of $3,811.49 for the 2007 Overlay Road Project be returned to Schifano Construction Corporation.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_______________________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Kneski, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously.
BILLS OF THE EVENING & STATEMENT OF CASH ON HAND: Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to approve the bills of the evening.
TAX COLLECTOR HYLAND had no resolutions.
All other administrative reports were acknowledged without comment.
CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Lenox made a recommendation to support the Flemington Borough resolution regarding closure of state parks.
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WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Park system, represents a vital resource in the State of New Jersey, and
WHEREAS, there are numerous business enterprises in Northwest New Jersey that rely heavily, or exclusively, on the commerce generated by tourists who visit New Jersey State Parks each year; and
WHEREAS, High Point State Park is the location of High Point Monument, a beautiful and necessary historic landmark dedicated to the memory of our Veterans of the Armed Forces, and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is giving consideration to the full closure of High Point State Park in response to budget pressures of the New Jersey State Government, and
WHEREAS, the closure of High Point State Park will eliminate the ability of the general public to give honor due to our Veterans, by closing off the High Point Monument, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Governing Body of the Township of East Amwell consider it to be a travesty that any State Park, would be closed because of the decades-long inability of New Jersey State Government to operate within the same spending caps and fiscal responsibility that they impose on local governments, and
WHEREAS, State Parks represent a successful and popular venue of tourism and economic stimulus generating $3.9 billion for New Jersey’s local and state economies, and
WHEREAS, the closure of any New Jersey State Parks would lead to extensive and widespread business failures in Northwest New Jersey, serving to further exacerbate the Economic Recession currently in effect, as well as increasing the loss of tax revenue by increased tax appeals created by loss of property valuation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Governing Body of East Amwell Township does hereby oppose the closure of any New Jersey State Park, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Governing Body of the Township of East Amwell respectfully points out to Governor Jon Corzine, NJDEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson, and our State Legislators that the solution to the fiscal problems of Trenton must not be sought by pursuing budget cuts that will cause the economic collapse of Northwest New Jersey.
By Order of the Township Committee,
________________________
C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously.
Mr. Tatsch commented on the May 8, 2008, New Jersey State League of Municipalities' newsletter with a request for a $500 pledge for a COAH (Affordable Housing) challenge. A recommendation was made to pledge support. Mrs. Stahl cautioned that the governing body should check with Mrs. Luhrs about appropriating the pledge to the correct budget before a commitment. The governing body stated that the League was only looking for support at this time and not the funding. A motion was made by Mr. Martin, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried to send the League a letter of support.
The Committee discussed the resolution from Union Township in opposition to mandating the appointment of a qualified purchasing agent. Mr. Matheny has begun coursework towards attaining this position, and he spoke about his recent conversation with his instructor, who is instrumental in supporting this law. He explained to her that small towns have very limited budgets and this is burdensome. Shared Services is beneficial, but it may be hard to accomplish. All agreed that Treasurer Jane Luhrs "is amazing" at handling CFO responsibilities in two towns. Further comments were exchanged about this un-funded state mandate, which will cause burdens on small towns. All were in agreement that Mr. Matheny's offer to take the purchasing classes has benefited the Township.
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WHEREAS, the Township of East Amwell encourages and allows its employees to receive continuing education courses and frequent training to remain relevant of new statutes, changes in regulations and best practices procedures which encourage proper cost effective purchasing; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has before it bills, S-770 and A-1645, endorsed by the Purchasing Officials and no other statewide local government organization that would significantly impact on the operation of the purchasing function by requiring the reorganization of the purchasing function into a separate office not under the direct supervision of the local unit’s administrator, manager, CFO and other official; and
WHEREAS, the Township of East Amwell has not experienced any challenges or crisis in purchasing procedures that warrants imposing this unfunded mandate upon local governments and questions what existing problem(s) it purports to fix; and
WHEREAS, the Township of East Amwell takes exception to this unfunded state mandate which represents an intrusion into the management prerogatives of local officials to organize purchasing functions that are in the best interests of resident taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, S-770 and its companion bill A-1645 will not reduce the cost of the municipal operation nor lead to better purchasing activities; rather these unfunded mandates will, in all probability, lead to higher personnel costs in the future given the mandates contained therein; and
WHEREAS, it is unconscionable for the Legislature to impose another unfunded mandate, during a time when Mayors and governing body members are focused on proposed budget cuts, that will result in increased property taxes and the curtailment of services to residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Governing Body of the Township of East Amwell, in the County of Hunterdon
1. Opposes S-770 and its companion bill A-1645 as an unfunded state mandate with no new or additional capabilities to assist towns in improving purchasing activities and in all probability will lead to future cost increases.
2. Opposes S-770 and its companion bill A-1645 which change an existing option afforded local units into an unfunded mandate to appoint a qualified purchasing agent.
3. Certified copies of this resolution will be forwarded to Governor Jon Corzine, State Senator Leonard Lance, State Assembly Representatives Michael J. Doherty and Marcia A. Karrow and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
By Order of the Township Committee,
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C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously.
DPW Superintendent Howell's 5/8 memo on brush drop off was reviewed, including reference to assigning overtime hours to his department members in September and October. All agreed that this sounded reasonable to provide a viable service to the community.
Mr. Matheny is looking at the implications of the offer from Mr. Brophy to collect and chip brush for the Township, and he is getting legal advice from the Township Attorney due to past litigation matters involving Mr. Brophy. All were in agreement that this program would probably not be implemented until next year, and if Mr. Brophy did this as an individual, this would be up to him. The Township will make sure that the residents know that they are not endorsing this activity or the activity suggested by resident Frances Gavigan (as outlined in the recent VIP). Mr. Matheny will contact the attorney and he will get back in touch with Mr. Brophy.
Mr. Tatsch commented on shared services discussions regarding the existence of a county tub-grinder, which may be loaned to municipalities in the future.
Mr. Martin commented on the intent of some residents in supporting community spirit in the Township.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
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Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk