The regular meeting of the East Amwell Township Committee was called to order at 7:30 p

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 June 10, 2008.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

AGENDA REVIEW

On tonight's agenda, change the second ordinance for the Spring Hill easement to read 08-09 (not 08-08). Under Correspondence, add the 6/8 Letter from Greg Scibilia re: Block 11/Lot 37/37.03; 6/10 NJ League of Municipalities State Budget Crunch Time; 6/12 Update from Comcast on Line Changes, and 6/11 NJ Department of Community Affairs re: COAH Meetings (Note that Jim Robbins will be attending these sessions.) Under Administrator's Report, add Update on the Labor Assistance/In-mate Program (see 5/29 minutes for background).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

East Amwell Summer Playground will take place at the East Amwell Township School from June 23 through July 25, 2008. The program is open to all Township children, who have completed Kindergarten through 8th grade. Call the Clerk for details.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

May 29, 2008, Regular Minutes were approved on a motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and carried with a small typing correction on page 3. Mr. Kneski abstained from voting.

May 29, 2008, Executive Minutes (Land Acquisition and Contracts) were approved on a motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and it was carried with a minor typing correction. Mr. Kneski abstained from the vote.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (for Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda, limited to 15 minutes)

Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, commented favorably on receiving the detailed, two page response from Treasurer Luhrs on her budget questions at the last meeting. She hasn't read it yet, but she felt that Mrs. Luhrs did a very thorough job and she wanted to give her credit publicly.

Mrs. Bonette commented on Mr. Tatsch and Mr. Cushing's appearance at tonight's meeting.

Mrs. Bonette commented on the May 15 Township Committee minutes about tabling discussions on reform of land use procedures and keeping stormwater management reviews separate from zoning and construction. She commented on the history of the stormwater management regulations, including the development of a checklist in 2006 approved by the Township Committee and the Planning Board. Mrs. Bonette also commented on Engineer O'Neal's concerns about not getting stormwater management projects to review, except for about two or three of them. She commented on the "gatekeeper" role and on the Zoning Officer’s secretary only billing one hour this year for work in that department. She raised concerns that the checklist was not being used; the stormwater management ad hoc committee had put time and good faith into preparing an ordinance and checklist; and she hoped that enforcement could take place without hiring any more employees.

Mr. Tatsch explained that the review process is being put into a written policy, i.e., Mr. McManus does the preliminary review, and if the development exceeds a certain amount, it would be sent along to the engineer. Darlis Maksymovich, who made the offer to do the work, will review the files and if site conditions "triggers" a review, it will be sent to the engineer. Mrs. Bonette commented on her emails and correspondence on stormwater matters since 2003.

Mrs. Bonette commented on following procedures in an effort not to "totally demoralize the stormwater management committee." She also commented on the need for the engineer to sign the compliance report by July 1. Mr. Tatsch stated that once the policy is developed, the stormwater management ad hoc committee will be provided with a copy of the policy.

Mrs. Bonette concluded that no further ordinance reviews are taking place until the budget is finalized; the stormwater committee will meet soon after the budget is adopted.

Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES/PUBLIC HEARINGS

Introduction of Ordinances

ORDINANCE 08-08:

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ORDINANCE 08-08: AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP FUNDING SHARE OF THE SPRING HILL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, IN THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL, COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY AND APPROPRIATING $165,000.00 WHICH INCLUDES AN APPROPRIATION OF $45,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND A STATE OF NEW JERSEY D.O.T. GRANT RECEIVABLE OF $120,000.00

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY, as follows:

Section l. The improvement described in Section 2 of this ordinance is hereby authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Township of East Amwell, New Jersey. For the said improvements or purposes described in Section 2, there is hereby appropriated the sum of $165,000.00 said sum being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefore.

Section 2. The Township of East Amwell is hereby authorized to provide for the Township share of funding for the Spring Hill Road Improvement Project.

Section 3. It is hereby determined and stated that the undertaking of the aforesaid work, acquisition or improvements is not a current expense of the Township of East Amwell, but rather a capital expense and the East Amwell Township's estimated cost of said work, acquisition or improvement is $165,000.00.

Section 4. The sum of $165,000.00 is hereby appropriated for said purpose. The funding is provided by appropriating $45,000.00 from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township of East Amwell and $120,000 as a grant receivable from the State of New Jersey D.O.T. for said purpose as required by law and now available therefore in one or more previously adopted budgets.

Section 5. No debt of any kind is authorized for this undertaking.

Section 6. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption according to law.

By Order of the Township Committee,

____________________________

C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor

Attest:____________________________

Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC

Municipal Clerk

Introduced: June 12, 2008

Adopted:

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Mr. Tatsch explained that this is a multi-jurisdictional project, and the Township received a $120,000.00 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. While the Township originally thought that they would have to put an additional $150,000 into the project, Hillsborough Township will not be participating in the repaving program, and East Amwell will not do the other half of the road shared by the two municipalities at that point. The scope of the work was reduced, and East Amwell's cost was reduced to $45,000 from Capital.

Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 08-08.

The ordinance will be published in the June 19, 2008, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat, and the public hearing is set for the regular Township Committee meeting to be held on July 17, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.

ORDINANCE 08-09:

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ORDINANCE 08-09: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC ROADWAY PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the Township of East Amwell is interested in acquiring land in and by the Township for public roadway purposes; and

WHEREAS, a portion of Block 37, Lot 12 on the Tax Map of the Township of East Amwell owned by Douglas and Mary Jane Sutphen, constituting approximately 2,844 square feet of land, located on Spring Hill Road and further described in the metes and bounds description dated June 3, 2008, of Donald H. Kamp, N.J. Professional Land Surveyor (Schedule A attached hereto) has been identified by the Township as a property which is appropriate to be acquired for public roadway purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Township of East Amwell is interested in negotiating with the owner of a portion of Block 37, Lot 12 for the acquisition of this property for public roadway purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of East Amwell that the acquisition of the real property owned by Douglas and Mary Jane Sutphen identified as a portion of Block 37, Lot 12 on the Tax Map of the Township of East Amwell and further described in Schedule A attached hereto, is hereby authorized by purchase, or should it become necessary, by condemnation.

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer or any other proper official of the Township be and each of them is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments and to do and cause to be done any and all acts and things necessary or proper for carrying out the transactions contemplated by the ordinance.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after passage upon publication as required by law.

By Order of the Township Committee,

_______________________________

C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor

Attest:___________________________

Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC

Municipal Clerk

Introduced: June 12, 2008

Adopted:

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Mr. Tatsch explained that the ordinance authorizes the purchase of a small section of property, i.e., 8.5 feet wide the length of the property in order to create a swale and seed it. He explained that the road, which usually has a 25 foot right of way, is only less than 16 feet in front of the Sutphen property. Mr. Tatsch personally spoke with the Sutphens who agreed to sign the appropriate papers.

Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and it was carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance 08-09.

Mr. Cushing recommended that the Sutphens be asked to execute the document, but that the Township would not be able to sign until the ordinance was adopted.

Public Hearings - None

SPECIAL DISCUSSIONS - None

SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS

CLAWSON PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE :

1) Minutes of April 23, 2008: The governing body commended Mrs. Cregar for the "well done" minutes she provided for the April 23, 2008, meeting. Mrs. Cregar commented on finding out information on replacing dead trees from Terri Stahl. Mrs. Cregar also stated that it would be important to determine who would perform certain tasks on the suggested list. Mrs. Stahl stated that Jane Luhrs is looking for the paperwork on the trees to find out about replacement options. Mr. Matheny explained that the entrance on Iron Horse will be addressed in the next week or so. He also is getting information from Terry Golda on putting material on the pathways which traps fine stone chips to prevent wash outs, and DPW Superintendent Howell is looking into putting this type of material in the worst areas.

The advisory committee will meet on an as-need basis.

2) Appointment of New Member: Mrs. Cregar recommended the appointment of Carolyn Viola, who is a member of the Recreation Committee and who does a lot of work in the park. There are nine members on the committee now, and sometimes some members cannot attend meetings; Mrs. Cregar felt that it was a good idea to have another person.

Motion by Mr. Kneski, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to appoint Carolyn Viola to the Clawson Park Advisory Committee.

3) Update on June 8 Recreation Concert at the Park: Mr. Tatsch and his wife, Joyce, attended the concert and felt that it was quite successful. The performers, the Riverview Players "were a great blue grass band…with terrific, talented, members and vocalists." Mr. Tatsch commented on a "great job by all … and everyone enjoyed it."

Mr. Tatsch stated that there were some specific purchasing requirements, which were not following correctly, i.e., not pre-approved for payment. The fee for the band was $750 for five members. Mr. Matheny is working with the Recreation Committee on the payment and procedures, and Mr. Tatsch commented on the importance of pre-approval for bills. As discussed at the brainstorming meeting in May, Mr. Matheny will hold a meeting with board chairs in February and reiterate purchasing policies.

Mr. Tatsch concluded that the Recreation Committee held a great event, and the governing body will consider funding the concert again next year.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

1) Request for Resolution for Submission of Historic Trust Grant Application for the Marion F. Clawson House Project: The resolution is a technical requirement for submission of the application, which was already approved by the governing body at a previous meeting.

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RESOLUTION # 108-08

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that they hereby acknowledge that they understand the purpose of the application for funding for The Marion F. Clawson House Project and agrees to the submission of the application to the New Jersey Historic Trust; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee agrees that the listing of the property in the New Jersey or National Registers of Historic Places is a condition of a grant and acknowledges that Block 14, Lot 15 was indeed listed as the Ringoes Historic District on the New Jersey Register on October 12, 1999 and the National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1999; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell authorizes Kat Cannelongo, Chairwoman of the East Amwell Township Historic Preservation Committee, to submit the application on behalf of the Township and sign the applicant’s assurances and authorizes the Mayor to sign owner’s assurances and the acknowledgement certification as part of the application process.

By Order of the Township Committee,

_________________________

C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor

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Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously.

Mr. Tatsch commented favorably on the great work being done by Historic Preservation Committee members in submitting "this very complex proposal for the grant," which has a deadline of June 26.

BOARD OF HEALTH

1) 6/4 Memo on Block 16.01/Part of Lot 26/Amendment Application for the Upper Raritan Water Quality Management Plan and Surface Water Management Plan Report: The Board of Health Chair, Tracy Carluccio, prepared the in-depth memo about the project, with the following highlights: the project requires an amendment to the Township's Wastewater Management Plan and Areawide Water Quality Management Plan, and the Township must approve the changes by resolution; the project requires NJPDES and TWA permits from the NJ DEP, which the Board of Health should review; NJDEP will review environmental constraints, non-point source pollutant loading analysis, including local stormwater regulations, and point source pollutant loading analysis, including a nitrate dilution model analysis, and a depletive/consumptive water use analysis; a zoning variance is required for the project; well certification will be required by the Board of Health; a wetlands permit is also required, and an environmental impact analysis should be done. The last paragraph of the memo asks that the Township Committee submit comments to the State at this time regarding this application.

Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to submit the memo prepared by Ms. Carluccio to the NJ DEP. It was unclear what the deadline for comments might be, and the Clerk was asked to inquire about this. Additionally, the engineer will be sending comments separately.

Mr. Martin commented on Tracy Carluccio's "amazing and incredible" assistance on the Board of Health.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR'S UPDATE:

1) Clawson Park Update: Mr. Matheny previously reported that the entrance on Iron Horse Drive will be addressed by next week.

2) East Amwell Township School 4th Grade Visit: Mr. Matheny commented on the June 5th annual visit by the fourth grade class, stating it was "lots of fun" and "good questions were asked." Mr. Tatsch explained that the Mayor, the Township Administrator, and Municipal Court Administrator addressed one half of the class in the court room area, while Office Assistant Pam Dymek, Treasurer Jane Luhrs, and Planning/Zoning Administrator Maria Andrews addressed the other half of the class. All agreed that it was a pleasant and entertaining experience for everyone, and Pam Dymek did an outstanding job providing souvenirs for the children.

3) Air Conditioner: The new air conditioner with curbing has been installed, and the units are working properly. The new unit is a higher efficiency one.

4) Google Apps: Mr. Matheny met with Jim Stahl and Aaron White, a computer specialist, about setting up Google Apps for government; the cost per user is $8.50 per person annually for about 20 users. Mr. White will provide training to staff. The tentative date for the switch over to Google Apps is during the weekend of June 20-21; the cost for installation and training is $100/hour, and the work should take about 8 hours. Comments were made about storing the information on Google servers with the ability to archive at that site. The mail system is compatible with Outlook, and it can be linked to PDAs and Blackberries. Using Postini as a spam filter software was also suggested.

5) Tax Bill Inserts: Committee members agreed that the Points to Ponder sheet provided valuable information to the public. A note will be made that Verizon FiOS does not include TV at this time, and Mr. Matheny will provide updated text on animal control when he has it available. Once the sheet is completed, it will also be placed on the Township's website.

6) Use of Municipal Fields by AVLBL (baseball league): Fox Hunt Road resident George Miller sent the 6/8/08 email outlining his concerns about recent activities on the ball field, including the use of the PA system and recycling problems. AVLBL President Brian Richardson provided a response to the Clerk, outlining the use of the PA system and efforts to recycle during the closing ceremony on June 7. It was noted that Mr. Miller complained about the use of the PA system last year. Mr. Miller was also a member of the Recycling Committee but chose to resign earlier in the year and continue to recycle on his own. Mr. Tatsch stated that Mr. Richardson's response seemed reasonable.

Lillie Dorchak, Hunterdon County Democrat, asked the Mayor to provide further information on the tax bill inserts and to provide the public with information on what was being discussed tonight. Mr. Tatsch explained that the tax bill sheet covered informative issues, including aerobatic planes, bears, Clawson Park, fireworks, contact information, etc.

The email from Mr. Miller raised concerns about the noise from the use of the public address system on the ball fields, close to his home on Fox Hunt Road, and he had issues about the garbage cans on the field. Brian Richardson's response from the League was that they will refrain from playing the anthem on the PA system at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. games (with the first anthem being played at 10:55 a.m. on weekends). Ms. Lenox commented on baseball being "Americana at its best" and hoped that local residents would support it and show some understanding. A separate issue raised by Mr. Miller was drinking alcoholic beverages on the field since Mr. Miller saw bottles in the recycling; Committee members noted that bins are standard on the fields, and Mr. Miller may have only concluded that the bottles were from the League members.

A recommendation was made to have the Clerk find out if permits were required for the PA system and see if it is allowed, and provide a written response to Mr. Miller, paraphrasing the response from Mr. Richardson. Committee members noted that the League was trying to comply.

7) Audit Update: Mr. Matheny commented on the recent audit exit meeting with Auditor Charles Case and Lori Phipps, which showed "nothing derogatory" in the audit. The Committee commended Jane Luhrs for her "outstanding" financial assistance. The audit noted that "paperwork is in order and nothing is lost." The auditors looked hard, finding minor issues, including unsigned minute book pages, which will be signed. All members were pleased with the results.

8) Labor Assistance Program (LAP): The program offers non-violent offenders an opportunity to work on weekends rather than spending their sentences in jail. Background checks are done on participants of the program; they are supervised by corrections officials (i.e., not left unattended) and are bused to work locations. If there are any problems, the participants are removed from the program and complete their sentences in jail. The members pay a fee to participate in the program, and work can be done at government and non-profit locations. Some of the team members may have an expertise, such as painting, and Mr. Matheny suggested having someone paint the courtroom. Other tasks may include power-washing the building, work and weeding at Clawson Park, and repainting the railing on the municipal building; heavy equipment use is not permitted. In-mates are covered by County insurance, and there are about 3-5 members in 10-12 crews. Mr. Kneski commented on information he had from Mercer County Corrections about their functions in Princeton. A recommendation was made to have the Clerk check with the insurance company about coverage for East Amwell Township as an added insured and whether there is an issue with what tasks are asked to be accomplished, e.g., what are our options if work is not done correctly. Mr. Kneski and Mr. Martin commented that they would prefer to have the workers do outside work rather than work inside the municipal building.

9) NJ State League of Municipalities Convention: Mr. Matheny explained that there is a reduction in costs (i.e., luxury taxes) if participants/employees sign up for hotel rooms through the Township rather than privately. The Township policy does not pay for rooms for attendees; however, he suggested that attendees could provide checks with their sign up sheets to acquire rooms through the municipality, and the proper purchasing procedures could then be followed. The Committee was agreeable to this suggestion.

UPDATE FROM MAYOR ON FiOS TELEVISION SERVICE IN EAST AMWELL Mr. Tatsch commented that he received complaints several months ago about service in the Mountain District and “the wait” for FiOS television from Verizon. The area is already wired with fiber-optics to the houses, and many of the residents have internet and phone service. Phone calls to Verizon have not been successful in getting “real answers” of why and when. Mr. Tatsch has been in contact with Gwen Cogan, who is a manager at Verizon, asking for “acceptable” answers for the public. Ms. Cogan’s email referred to where the “build has occurred, where it was headed and comparable information” – she would only answer these questions in executive session; Mr. Tatsch stated that the real question is what is holding up the television service and when will it start. Mr. Tatsch asked Mr. Cushing if the meeting was required to be heard in executive session. Mr. Cushing stated that there may be certain proprietary information, which could be discussed in executive session.

Rich Spiegel, 1 Mountain Road, commented on not getting responses from the Verizon representatives (including Ms. Cogan) who attended a past Township Committee meeting; at that time, he followed up with the President and District Manager for a response. He spoke about some people in the Mountain District with TV service; however, Mr. Tatsch explained that no one from East Amwell has television service through Verizon at this time. Mr. Spiegel felt that the reason was that the Hopewell Post Office of 08525 was the problem, stating that Hopewell does not have fiber-optics. Mr. Tatsch disagreed, stating that the fiber optic lines are in place. Mr. Spiegel stated that the Township should go to Ms. Cogan’s bosses for their response, and he stated that he had the names of these people; Mr. Tatsch asked Mr. Spiegel to provide the information to the Clerk. Further comments were exchanged, including the fact that some residents may become discouraged with poor response from Verizon and choose Comcast instead; customer service problems may be due to understaffing; residents with either Ringoes or Hopewell zip codes have experienced the problem of not having Verizon television service; Mr. Tatsch reiterated that it was important to get the “real answer” for the residents; a statement was made about Verizon’s wide open franchise and the Bureau of Public Utilities’ (BPU) agreement.

COMCAST CABLE RENEWAL CONTRACT UPDATE Mr. Cushing referenced the June 10, 2008, memo from Attorney Lorraine Staples’ comparison of the draft East Amwell ordinance to grant renewal of municipal consent with the Town of Clinton’s ordinance for the same purpose. A recommendation was made to have Mr. Spiegel meet with the cable advisory committee to review these points.

Mr. Spiegel commented on upgrades mandated by the BPU. He also spoke about the statutes only allowing 10% reduction in basic cable costs for seniors and disabled persons, and he suggested that an effort to change the legislation take place by resolution. He stated that Verizon has “Lifeline” with a $16.10 discount on phone service. Mr. Spiegel will review the memo from Gebhardt & Kiefer and go over changes the committee thinks are appropriate.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Andrea Bonette, 17 Ridge Road, asked if sympathy cards are still sent to families of residents; Mrs. Stahl answered yes.

Richard Spiegel, 1 Mountain Road, commented on decibel laws for PA systems, and he commented on being involved with baseball on many levels throughout his life in various New Jersey towns and in various states. He said “it was sad” and he did not understand the complaints.

Mrs. Bonette commented on a friend who lived next to the Blawenburg Fire House and found the fire whistle noise very stressful.

Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.

RESOLUTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:

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RESOLUTION #109-08

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 land acquisition, contracts, litigation 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

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Motion by Mr. Kneski, seconded by Mr. Martin, and it was carried unanimously to approve the resolution at 8:55 p.m. A short recess took place as the public left the room.

The executive session began at 8:59 p.m. Farmland/Open Space Preservation Committee representatives Judy Conard, Glorianne Robbi, and Dick Ginman were present during a portion of this meeting.

The regular meeting resumed at 10:10 p.m.

SHARED SERVICES AND STATE FUNDING UPDATE Mr. Tatsch and Mrs. Cregar spoke about the recent breakfast with Assemblywoman Karrow. She is “confident” that more state aid will be restored to the municipalities. Ms. Karrow is willing to set up a meeting with the State Treasurer to discuss funding State Police Services; in the meantime, she will further investigate the status of police aid. If there is a meeting, Mr. Matheny will also be asked to attend; in the meantime, a rationale should be prepared to show the impact the loss of State Police coverage will have on the Township. Mr. Martin also noted that the fact that East Amwell has a limited crime rate, and limited police presence should also be part of the rationale. Ms. Lenox will provide statistics on police calls and costs, based on recent State Police reports, and send it to the Clerk. Mr. Tatsch also felt that the other rural communities served by the State Police are not a burden, and there may be other reasons behind the plan to charge for services (i.e., lay-offs, more troopers on interstates, etc.).

Ms. Lenox will attend the next breakfast with Assemblywoman Karrow on July 11 at 8 a.m.

STATUS OF THE 2008 BUDGET PROCESS

The League of Municipalities sent their 6/10 memo with a sample letter of support to request that the Legislators restore state aid to municipalities. Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and it was carried unanimously to send a letter to the Legislators asking for aid to be restored, with two minor corrections in the letter being proposed by Ms. Lenox.

Mrs. Luhrs previously provided an Excel sheet showing how the restored $35,000 in state aid would be used in the 2008 budget. This was a preliminary sheet only, and further changes will be made.

NEW BUSINESS

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES FOR THE HARVEST MOON INN AND THE AMWELL VALLEY FIRE COMPANY Mrs. Stahl noted that the applications and the clearance certificates for both of the applicants were satisfactory.

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RESOLUTION #110 - 08

WHEREAS, the Amwell Valley Fire Company, 22 Ringoes Road, Ringoes, New Jersey 08551 has applied for the renewal of their Club License #1008-31-002-001; and

WHEREAS, the application has been submitted in proper order, the appropriate fees submitted and no complaints have been filed with the Municipal Clerk obtaining to the granting of the renewal of this license; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee finds that the applicant is qualified to be licensed according to all standards established by Title 33 of the New Jersey Statutes and regulations promulgated hereunder, as well as municipal ordinance and conditions consistent with Title 33;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the renewal of the Club License for the Amwell Valley Fire Company be approved, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this renewal shall be effective July 1, 2008, and the Municipal Clerk is hereby authorized to sign and seal said license certificate on June 30, 2008, and deliver the same to the Amwell Valley Fire Company on that date.

By Order of the Township Committee,

___________________________

C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor

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RESOLUTION #111 - 08

WHEREAS, Stan and Theresa Novak applied for the renewal of the Plenary Retail Consumption License - number 1008-32-001-006 with “Broad Package Privilege” for said premises, The Harvest Moon Inn, and

WHEREAS, the application has been submitted in proper order, the appropriate fees submitted and no written complaints have been filed with the Municipal Clerk objecting to the renewal of this license, and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee finds that the applicant is qualified to be licensed according to all standards established by Title 33 of the New Jersey statutes and regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as municipal ordinances and conditions consistent with Title 33,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the renewal of the Plenary Retail License for Brennex, Inc. under the name of The Harvest Moon Inn be approved and is hereby granted, subject to the following conditions:

a) It shall be noted on the license that “This license bears the ‘Broad Package Privilege” pursuant to P.L. 1948, Chapter 98 (N.J.S.A. 33:1-12.23) and N.J.A.C. 13:2.35.1 et. se. (formerly state regulations No. 32).”

b) This renewal shall be effective July 1, 2008, and the Municipal Clerk is hereby authorized to sign and seal said license certificate on June 30, 2008, and deliver the same to the Harvest Moon Inn on that date.

By Order of the Township Committee,

_____________________________

C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor

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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to approve the resolutions.

AMUSEMENT GAMES LICENSES FOR 4H FAIR Two applications were received from a vendor who has participated in past events.

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RESOLUTION #112-08

WHEREAS, South County Park, property belonging to the County of Hunterdon, is located in the Township of East Amwell; and

WHEREAS, South County Park is now the location of the annual Hunterdon County 4H Agricultural Fair, and amusement games play an important part in the entertainment at the fair;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell approves the following amusement game applications, which conform to local ordinances:

Applications # AG 08-01; AG 08-02:

Judith Wotasek, 207 Byram Kingwood Road, Stockton, NJ 08559

Hunterdon County 4H Fair/South County Park, 1207 Route 179,

Lambertville, NJ 08530

From August 20, 2008 through August 24, 2008 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Basket Ball; Balloon Darts

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 to approve the resolution.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, Continued

The meeting was once again open to the public. There being no members present, a motion was made by Mr. Martin, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

TREASURER LUHRS presented a temporary budget resolution at this time.

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RESOLUTION #113-08

EMERGENCY TEMPORARY RESOLUTION

PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET

(See attached sheet to official 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 $498,334.00.

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 Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously.

Bills of the Evening were approved on a motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to approve the revised bill list in the amount of $76,939.52. Mr. Tatsch commented on the on-going Combe lawsuit.

Treasurer’s Resolution:

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RESOLUTION #114-08

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell acknowledges

the continuing requirements of preliminary costs to determine the scope and cost of the proposed

acquisition of open space and farmland;

NOW, THEREFORE BE RESOLVED, that the amount of $20,000.00 shall be appropriated

from the Open Space Trust Fund to the Reserve for Preliminary Expenses for the Acquisition of

Farmland and Open Space.

By Order of the Township Committee,

__________________________

C. Larry Tatsch, Mayor

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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to approve the

resolution.

All other administrative reports were acknowledged for filing.

CORRESPONDENCE

The governing body commented on the communication about the COAH third round rules and dates for comment. The Township did not receive any word about their appeal made by Mr. Robbins. The Committee agreed that Mr. Robbins will keep apprised of the situation, and it would be a good idea to have him appear at an up-coming Township Committee meeting to report.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.

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Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC

Municipal Clerk