The 2009 Annual Reorganization Meeting of the East Amwell Township Committee was called to order at 2:18 p.m. by Municipal Clerk Teresa R. Stahl. Present were Committee members Linda Lenox, Timothy Martin, Peter Kneski, C. Larry Tatsch, and Patricia Cregar. Also in attendance were Township Administrator Timothy Matheny and Attorney Richard Cushing, Esq.
The Township Clerk welcomed the members of the public to the Annual Reorganization Meeting of East Amwell Township.
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Mrs. Stahl announced that notice of this meeting had been published in the December 25, 2008, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat and that a copy of the agenda for this meeting had been forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, the Times of Trenton, the Courier News, the Star Ledger, posted on the bulletin board and filed in the Township Clerk's Office on January 2, 2009.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Mrs. Stahl presented the Certification of Election held on November 4, 2008, from the Hunterdon County Board of Canvassers certifying the election of Carl (Larry) Tatsch and Patricia A. Cregar to three-year terms on the Township Committee.
OATH OF OFFICE: Mr. Cushing administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Tatsch with his wife, Joyce, holding the Bible.
Mr. Cushing administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Cregar with her husband, Barry, holding the Bible.
NOMINATIONS FOR MAYOR: Mrs. Stahl called for nominations for Mayor of East Amwell Township for the year 2009.
Peter Kneski was nominated by Ms. Lenox and seconded by Mrs. Cregar as Mayor for 2009.
With no more nominations, motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, followed by a unanimous favorable vote to close nominations and have the secretary cast the ballot appointing Peter Kneski as Mayor for 2009.
Mayor Kneski was sworn into office by Mr. Cushing with his wife, Barbara, holding the Bible and his son, Steven, by his side.
NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTY MAYOR: Mayor Kneski called for nominations for Deputy Mayor of East Amwell Township for 2009.
Mr. Tatsch made a motion to appoint Linda F. Lenox as Deputy Mayor for 2009, seconded by Mr. Martin. With no other nominations, motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, followed by a unanimous favorable vote close nominations and have the secretary cast the ballot appointing Linda F. Lenox as Deputy Mayor for 2009.
Deputy Mayor Lenox was sworn in by her father, Judge Lenox, with her mother, Mrs. Lenox, holding the Bible.
Mayor Kneski announced that the following resolutions will be read by title.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A MEETING SCHEDULE:
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R E S O L U T I O N #01-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that during 2009 the Township Committee will hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month except February, July, August, November, and December. The first meeting in February will be on February 5, 2009; there will be only one meeting in July on July 16 and one meeting in August on August 13; the second meeting in November will be held on Tuesday, November 24; and the second meeting in December will be held on December 29, 2009. All regular meetings will be 7:30 P.M. in the main meeting room of the Municipal Building, 1070 Route 202/31, Ringoes, New Jersey 08551.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all meetings will be held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Special meetings shall be at the call of the Mayor or written request by a member of the Township Committee to the Clerk and be posted in accordance to the 48 hour notice regulations (as per N.J.S.A. 10:4 et. al.); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in the event a regular meeting is canceled due to an emergency, the Township Committee will meet at 9:00 A.M. prevailing time on Saturday following at the same place to consider the agenda as prepared for the canceled meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee may approve the payment of bills at any scheduled meeting of each month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT ALL BILLS FOR PAYMENT by the Township
Committee shall be presented to the CFO/Treasurer’s Office no later than the end of the business day on Friday prior to the scheduled meeting; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution shall be published in the Hunterdon County Democrat, issue of January 8, 2009.
By Order of the Township Committee,
______________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and carried with unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Designating a Meeting Schedule be approved.
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MEETING:
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R E S O L U T I O N #02-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Order of Business and the conducting of business at all regular meetings shall be as follows:
1. Call to order and statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
3. Agenda Review by Township Clerk.
4. Announcements.
5. Presentation of Minutes.
6. Open To the Public/Topics Not on the Agenda.
7. Introduction of Ordinances and/or Public Hearings and/or Special Presentations.
8. Special Committee Reports.
9. Standing Committee Reports.
10. Unfinished Business.
11. New Business.
12. Open To The Public.
13. Administrative Reports.
14. Correspondence.
15. Adjournment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all matters to be presented to the Township Committee at their regularly scheduled meeting shall be delivered in written form to the Township Clerk's Office not later than noon on the Monday prior to the meeting. This requirement will be strictly enforced except for emergency matters.
By Order of the Township Committee,
__________________________________
Peter Kneski , Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Martin, and carried unanimously to approve the resolution Regarding Organization of the Meeting.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER:
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R E S O L U T I O N #03-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Hunterdon County Democrat be established as the Official Newspaper; the Times of Trenton is designated as the daily newspaper having the greatest likelihood of informing the public within the area of jurisdiction of the Township of its meetings.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
****************************************************************************** Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and adopted by a unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Designating the Official Newspaper be approved.
RESOLUTION REGARDING COPIES OF THE AGENDA AND MINUTES:
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R E S O L U T I O N #04-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act as adopted on October 21, 1975 as amended, the Township Clerk shall post a copy of the agenda for all regular Township Committee meetings, a copy of the minutes of previous meetings, and a copy of the notice for any special meeting on the bulletin board in the municipal building at least 48 hours prior to any meeting. A copy of the agenda for all regular meetings shall be forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, the Times of Trenton, the Star Ledger, the Courier News, posted on the bulletin board and filed in the Clerk's office. A copy of an agenda for a special meeting will be forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, the Times of Trenton and the Star Ledger, posted on the bulletin board and filed in the Clerk's office. A copy of the agenda for all regular township meetings will be mailed to any individual so requesting for a fee of $30.00 per year or $2.00 per meeting per committee or board. Agendas for regular meetings will be e-mailed to individuals upon request at no cost.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and carried unanimously to approve the Resolution regarding copies of the agenda and the minutes.
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R E S O L U T I O N #05-09
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-19 provides that where any contract, commitment or payments are to be made prior to the final adoption of the 2009 budget, temporary appropriations should be made for the purpose and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided, and
WHEREAS the date of this resolution is within the first thirty days of January 2009, and
WHEREAS, the total appropriation in the 2008 budget, exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and debt redemption charges, capital improvement fund and public assistance, is $2,491,487; and
WHEREAS, one-fourth of the total appropriations in the 2008 budget, exclusive of any appropriations made for interest and debt redemption charges, capital improvement fund and public assistance, is the sum of $622,872;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the following shall be the Temporary Budget for the Township of East Amwell for the year beginning January 1, 2009, and that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Treasurer for her records:
EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP TEMPORARY BUDGET 2009
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Salary and Wages $35,000
Other Expenses $10,600
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Salary and Wages $ 3,500
Other Expenses $ 200
MUNICIPAL CLERK
Salary and Wages $25,000
Other Expenses $ 5,000
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Salary and Wages $15,000
Other Expenses $ 5,000
AUDITOR: Other Expenses $17,000
REVENUE ADMINISTRATION
Salary and Wages $14,000
Other Expenses $ 4,000
TAX ASSESSMENT
Salary and Wages $ 13,000
Other Expenses $ 9,500
LEGAL: Other Expenses $ 19,000
ENGINEERING SERVICES: Other Expenses $ 5,000
HISTORIC SITES COMMITTEE:
Salary and Wages $ 500
Other Expenses $ 1,500
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY
Salary and Wages $ 350
Other Expenses $ 200
PLANNING BOARD
Salary and Wages $ 8,500
Other Expenses $ 6,000
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Salary and Wages $ 8,500
Other Expenses $ 4,500
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGENCY: Salary and Wages $ --
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Salary and Wages $20,000
Other Expenses $ 1,000
LIABILITY INSURANCE: Other Expenses $43,000
WORKER’S COMP. INSURANCE: Other Expenses $ 20,000
EMPLOYEES GROUP INSURANCE: Other Expenses $ 55,200
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Other Expenses $ 1,500
MUNICIPAL PROSECUTOR: Salary & Wages $ 4,500
STREETS AND ROADS MAINTENANCE
Salary and Wages $ 93,480
Other Expenses $ 25,000
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION:
Salary and Wages $ 850
Other Expenses $ 3,500
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Other Expenses $ 9,000
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE: Other Expenses $ 9,000
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
Salary and Wages $ 6,000
Other Expenses $ 3,000
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Salary and Wages $ 800
Other Expenses $ 1,000
ANIMAL CONTROL Other Expenses $ 100
ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE:
Salary and Wages $ 700
Other Expenses $ 100
STORMWATER PERMIT:
Salary and Wages $ 200
Other Expenses $ 2,500
RECREATION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Salary and Wages $ 500
Other Expenses $ 2,000
ELECTRICITY: Other Expenses $ 9,000
STREET LIGHTING: Other Expenses $ 2,000
TELEPHONE: Other Expenses $ 4,500
FUEL OIL: Other Expenses $ 6,000
GASOLINE: Other Expenses $ 6,000
RECYCLING ENHANCEMENT ACT:
Other Expenses $ 100
PERS: Other Expenses $44,292
SOCIAL SECURITY: Other Expenses $ 22,000
MUNICIPAL COURT
Salary and Wages $12,000
Other Expenses $ 1,500
PUBLIC DEFENDER: Salary and Wages $ 400
Total 2009 Temporary Budget $ 622,872
Maximum Permitted by Law $ 622,872
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________________
Peter Kneski , Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and adopted on unanimous roll call vote that the Resolution to Adopt the Temporary Budget be approved: Mr. Martin, yes; Mr. Tatsch, yes; Mrs. Cregar, yes; Ms. Lenox, yes; Mr. Kneski, yes.
Mrs. Stahl explained that the temporary budget would be used until the Township Committee adopts the final 2009 budget, which is usually in March or April.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS for 2009 were read by Mayor Kneski, as follows.
Township Administrator........................................................................... Timothy L. Matheny
Assistant Treasurer .................................................................................. Maria Andrews
Payroll Clerk............................................................................................ Teresa Stahl
Deputy Clerk……………………………..………………...…………... Carolyn Fritsch
Road Department Secretary ..................................................................... Pamela Dymek
Office Assistant ....................................................................................... Pamela Dymek
Assistant Tax Collector ........................................................................... Pamela Dymek
Tax Search Officer .................................................................................. Mary Hyland
Municipal Assessment Officer ................................................................. Teresa Stahl
Certifying Officer for Health Benefits ......................................................Teresa Stahl
Public Compliance Officer........................................................................Teresa Stahl
Certifying Officer for P.E.R.S.................................................................. Jane Luhrs
Insurance Fund Commissioner................................................................. Peter Kneski
Deputy Insurance Fund Commissioner.................................................... Timothy L. Matheny
Safety Coordinator................................................................................... Timothy L. Matheny
Municipal Court Magistrate -Three Year Term…………..…………… John J. Petronko
Deputy Court Administrator.................................................................... Dawn Augustine
Zoning Officer......................................................................................... Richard McManus
Alternate Zoning Officer.......................................................................... Robert Miller
Secretary to Construction Office.............................................................. Darlis Maksymovich
Secretary to Zoning Officer..................................................................... Maria Andrews
Plumbing Sub-code Official…………………………………………… Stewart Doddy
Substitute Building Inspector .................................................................. Peter Ball
Substitute Mechanical & Construction Inspector.................................... Mark Fornaciari
Substitute Mechanical, Fire, Construction & Electrical Inspector........... Phillip Izzo
Fire Inspector ........................................................................................... Pete Ball
Dog Census Taker(s) ............................................................................... To be appointed in 2009
Local Public Assistance Director & Housing Placement Officer ............ Helen Kuhl
Acting Dept. of Public Works Superintendent......................................... Robert Kadezabek
DPW Employee …………………………............................................. Jason Silverthorn
DPW Employee …………………………….......................................... Joseph Adamow
Recycling Coordinator & Clean Communities Director ….................... Joyce Corboy
Township Historian…………………………………………………… Jim Davidson
Municipal Housing Liaison…………………………..…..…………… James Robbins
Municipal Stormwater Coordinator…………………………………... Dennis O’Neal, P.E.
Summer Playground Directors.................................................................. Alice Scott
.........Ashley Luhrs ……......Jean Hyatt ..............Timothy Loveland
Senior Citizen Liaison............................................................................. Jesse Denton
Municipal Coordinator Office of Aging................................................... Jesse Denton
Farmland Preservation Office Administrator............................................ Judith Conard
Hunterdon County:
Solid Waste Advisory Council ............................................................ Will Harrison
Hunterdon Area Rural Transit Representative........................................ Bela Kamensky
911 Coordinator……………………………………………………….. Karl Posselt
Environmental Commission
Chairperson - one year term ............................................................... Michael Petrus
3 year term ........................................................................................... Toni Robbi
3 year term ............................................................................................ Dart Sageser
Alternate I - 2 year term …………………………………………….. Suzanne Parsons
Associate- 1 year term ......................................................................... Blaine Hummel
Associate- 1 year term ......................................................................... Doreen Holley
Board of Health
3 year term ........................................................................................ Tim Martin
3 year term ........................................................................................ Tony Berberabe
Alternate I - unexpired term............................................................... James Rosso
Alternate II - 2 year term…………………………………………… VACANT
Board of Adjustment
4 year term......................................................................................... Gael Gardner
4 year term…………………………………………………………. Sue Posselt
Alternate II – 2 year term………………………………………….. Anne Williams
Planning Board
Class I: Mayor
- l year term .................................................................... Peter Kneski
Class II: Township Official
- l year term ................................................................... Dart Sageser
Class III: Township Committee
- l year term ................................................................... Linda Lenox
Class IV: 4 year term ..................................................................... Gail Glashoff
Class IV: 4 year term…………………………………………….. Michael Weis
Alternate II – 2 year term……..…………………………………… Roger DeLay
Local Public Assistance Board
1 year term........................................................................................ Barbara Weber Berry
2 year term………………………………………………………… Dwight Hutchison
3 year term………………………………………………………… Dot Faherty
Agricultural Advisory Committee
All ............................................................................................. Linda Lenox
One ............................................................................................ John Perehinys
Year ............................................................................................ Bill duFosse
Terms ............................................................................................. Kit Crisafulli
............................................................................................. Jenelle Ditzel
Farmland/Open Space Preservation Committee
Mayor’s Designee – 1 year term ................................................. Patricia Cregar
3 year term........................................................................................ Glorianne Robbi
Alternate I - 2 year term................................................................... Fred Gardner
Alternate II – unexpired 1 year term……………………………… Bill duFosse
Agricultural Advisory Liaison – 1 year............................................ Bill duFosse
Environmental Commission Liaison – 1 year................................. Toni Robbi
Planning Board Liaison – 1 year…................................................. Fred Gardner
Recreation Committee Liaison – 1 year......................................... Joan Sank
Historic Preservation Liaison – 1 year........................................... Kathy Cannelongo
Historic Preservation
4 year term ..................................................................................... Barbara Sageser
4 year term ..................................................................................... Frances Gavigan
Alternate II - 2 year term................................................................ David Harding
Recycling Committee
Environmental Com. Member - 1 year term .................................. Mike Petrus
Township Committee Member - 1 year term.................................. Timothy Martin
SWAC – 1 year term………………………………………………. Will Harrison
2 year term…………………………………………………………. Katharine Martin
1 year term (unexpired)……………………………………………. VACANT
1 year term (unexpired)..................................................................... VACANT
2 year term......................................................................................... VACANT
2 year term ........................................................................................ VACANT
Youth Member - 1 year...................................................................... Matt Ammann
Recreation Committee
3 year term ........................................................................................ Kim Ensminger
3 year term ....................................................................................... Michael Gum
3 year term ....................................................................................... Linda Beck
Alternate I – 2 year term………………………………………….. VACANT
Office of Emergency Management Council
1 year term……………………………………………………………. Charles Soos
1 year term……………………………………………………………. Jeff Luster
STORMWATER AD HOC (all one year terms)
……………………………………………………………………………. Andrea Bonette
……………………………………………………………………………. Tracy Carluccio
……………………………………………………………………………. Kathleen Machnik
……………………………………………………………………………. Peter Kneski
…………………………………………………………………………….. Dee Kellogg
SMART GROWTH AD HOC (all one year terms)
……………………………………………………………………………. Tracy Carluccio
……………………………………………………………………………. Toni Robbi
……………………………………………………………………………. Bela Kamensky
……………………………………………………………………………. Diane Griffith (alt.)
CLAWSON PARK ADVISORY (all one year terms)
……………………………………………………………………………… Patricia Cregar
……………………………………………………………………………… Jack Balint
……………………………………………………………………………… Terry Welsh
……………………………………………………………………………… Barbara Golda
……………………………………………………………………………… Will Harrison
……………………………………………………………………………… Margaret Sullivan
………………………………………………………………………………. Mike Petrus
……………………………………………………………………………….. Dick Ginman
CROSS ACCEPTANCE & PLAN ENDORSEMENT AD HOC (one year terms)
……………………………………………………………………………… Don Reilly
……………………………………………………………………………… Gail Glashoff
……………………………………………………………………………… C. Larry Tatsch
LARISON’S CORNER DISTRICT ADVISORY
………………………………………………………………………………. Linda Lenox
………………………………………………………………………………. Dick Ginman
………………………………………………………………………………. Dart Sageser
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN ADVISORY
………………………………………………………………………………. Tracy Carluccio
………………………………………………………………………………. Peter Kneski
………………………………………………………………………………. Roger DeLay
………………………………………………………………………………. Joseph Skupien
A motion was made by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mr. Martin, and carried unanimously to approve the Mayor’s appointments.
OATHS OF OFFICE for the Mayor's Appointments were administered by Mr. Cushing to those individuals in attendance at this meeting.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:
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R E S O L U T I O N #06-09
WHEREAS the Township of East Amwell has a need to acquire accounting services, engineering services, land survey services to maintain the tax maps, and legal services as non-fair and open contracts pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 or 20.5); and
WHEREAS, the Treasurer has determined and certified in writing that the value of the acquisition of each service will exceed $17,500; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated term of these contracts is one year (and may be extended as approved by this governing body); and
WHEREAS, each of the following agencies have completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification which certified that they have not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Township of East Amwell in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit the agency from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract; and
WHEREAS sufficient funds are available in the 2009 Temporary Budget and will be made available in the 2009 Municipal Budget for the Township of East Amwell (as required in N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.4).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, as follows:
The Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute contracts with the following persons and firms for the year 2009:
a. Charles M. Case, a Registered Municipal Accountant, of WithumSmith &
Brown
b. Dennis O'Neal, a Professional Engineer, of Hopewell Valley Engineering
c. Donald Kamp, a Licensed Land Surveyor, of Hopewell Valley Engineering
d. Richard Cushing, an Attorney, of Gebhardt & Kiefer, P.C.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and the Determination of Value be placed on file with this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of this action shall be printed in the January 8, 2009, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and adopted on unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Authorizing Professional Services be approved.
RESOLUTION APPOINTING MUNICIPAL PROSECUTOR:
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R E S O L U T I O N # 07-09
WHEREAS pursuant to P.L. 1996, c95, 14., a municipality may employ an attorney-at-law as a prosecutor, under the supervision of the Attorney General or county prosecutor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to P.L. 1996, c95, 14, Robert A. Ballard Jr. is appointed as East Amwell Township Prosecutor for 2009. Mr. Ballard will serve with the privileges and unities currently enjoyed by the Attorney General, prosecutor and their respective designees.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and carried by unanimous favorable vote to approve the above resolution.
RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE PUBLIC DEFENDER:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
R E S O L U T I O N #08-09
WHEREAS pursuant to P.L. 1997, c. 256 (N.J.S.A. *2B:24-1), a municipality may employ an attorney-at-law as a public defender,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to P.L. 1997, c. 256 (N.J.S.A. *2B:24-1), Jeffrey Weinstein is appointed as East Amwell Township Public Defender for 2009 to represent defendants assigned to the Municipal Public Defender in municipal court.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mr. Martin made the motion, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and it was carried unanimously to approve the Resolution Appointing the Public Defender.
RESOLUTION REGARDING PAYMENT OF TAXES:
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R E S O L U T I O N #09-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that taxes shall be collected quarterly on February 1st 2009; May 1st 2009; August 1st 2009, and November 1st 2009 and that interest will be charged at the rate of 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of the delinquency and 18% per annum on any amount in excess of $1,500.00 to be calculated from the date the tax was payable until the date of actual payment. There will be a ten-day grace period after which unpaid taxes will then be charged interest from the due date. This Resolution shall be published in the January 8, 2009, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski , Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and approved on a unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Regarding Payment of Taxes be approved.
RESOLUTION REGARDING PENALTY ON DELINQUENT TAXES:
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R E S O L U T I O N #10 - 09
A RESOLUTION IMPLEMENTING P.L. 1991, C. 75, AND FIXING THE AMOUNT OF PENALTY ON DELINQUENT TAXES AND OTHER LIENS.
WHEREAS, P.L. 1991, c. 75, has authorized municipalities to fix by resolution a penalty to be charged to a taxpayer with a delinquency in excess of $10,000.00 on accounts of the sum of all taxes and municipal charges due on a given parcel of property covering any number of quarters or years who does not pay that delinquency prior to the end of the calendar year; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Committee of the Township of East Amwell have decided that the non-payment of taxes is a matter of grave concern to the Township, and that such a penalty is appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of East Amwell that the penalty authorized by P.L. 1991, c. 75, be fixed in the amount of six percent (6%) of all taxes due on any delinquency greater than $10,000.00 which remains unpaid at the close of each calendar year. The Tax Collector is authorized to calculate the amount of any such penalty and to add the amount of the penalty to the other municipal charges and liens owing as to any given parcel at the end of the calendar year.
By Order of the Township Committee,
____________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
******************************************************************************Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and carried by a unanimous favorable vote, approving the resolution.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF PROPERTY TAX CREDITS AND DELINQUENCIES:
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RESOLUTION #11 - 09
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, has been informed by the Tax Collector that from time to time there are property tax credits or delinquencies on certain properties located within the Township of East Amwell, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-17.1, a resolution may be adopted by the governing body of a municipality authorizing a municipal employee to process without further action on the part of the governing body the cancellation of any property tax credit or delinquency of less than $5.00;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Tax Collector be authorized to cancel any property tax credit or delinquency of less than $5.00 without further action on the part of the Township Committee and that such action be noted in the Tax Duplicate for the Township of East Amwell.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________
Peter Kneski , Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously by favorable vote.
RESOLUTION FOR RETURNED CHECKS:
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RESOLUTION #12-09
WHEREAS, the Township of East Amwell may charge a fee for returned checks,
AND, WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Township of East Amwell to collect such a fee,
THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Township of East Amwell, Hunterdon County, State of New Jersey, to set a fee of $20.00 payable to the Township for dishonored checks to the Municipality for taxes and/or other fees.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski , Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and carried unanimously to approve the resolution for returned checks.
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE FILING OF CORRECTIVE APPEALS
****************************************************************************** R E S O L U T I O N #13-09
WHEREAS the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation has been advised by the Attorney General’s Office that the Municipal or Tax Attorney should file tax appeals on behalf of the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation will no longer accept tax appeals from Municipal Tax Assessors as was permitted in the past provided a resolution was adopted;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that the Township Attorney is authorized to file tax appeals and settlement stipulations on behalf of the Township of East Amwell pursuant to this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation with advice copies to the Township Attorney and the Tax Assessor.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and adopted by unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution to Authorize the Assessor to File Corrective Appeals be approved.
RESOLUTION NAMING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES:
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R E S O L U T I O N #14-09
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-14 mandates that the governing body of a municipal corporation shall, by resolution adopted by a majority vote of the full membership thereof, designate a depository for its monies a bank or trust company having its place of business in the state and organized under the laws of the United States or this state;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer with the Treasurer's consent be designated as Custodian of all funds of this municipality and is directed to deposit such funds in one or more of the following financial organizations pending investment or reinvestment thereof:
TD Bank
State of New Jersey Cash Management Fund
PNC Bank
Skylands Community Bank
Hopewell Community Bank
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that prior to the deposit of any municipal funds in the above mentioned depositories, said bank shall file with the Treasurer a statement indicating that the bank is covered under the Government Units Deposit Protection Act (R.S. 17:9-4).
By Order of the Township Committee
__________________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mr. Martin, and adopted on unanimous favorable vote approving the Resolution Naming Official Depositories.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT OF IDLE FUNDS AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS was read by the Clerk.
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R E S O L U T I O N #15-09
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer funds by wire for investment of idle funds in legal investment vehicles, and to occasionally wire funds to pay current and/or capital expenses;
WHEREAS, it is necessary to make inter-fund transfers between bank accounts of the Township of East Amwell;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer are hereby authorized to request bids and to award bids for the investment of idle funds solely in legally authorized investment vehicles to the investing institution, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Treasurer and/or Assistant Treasurer are hereby authorized to make inter-fund transfers, to transfer funds by wire, or by check solely for the following purposes and subject to all pertinent regulations:
1. Inter-fund transfers to or from Township checking accounts to other Township accounts.
2. Transfers to or from Township checking accounts to or from accounts specified by banks
or the State of New Jersey Cash Management Funds solely for the purpose of investing
for the account of the Township of East Amwell.
3. To or from Township checking accounts to pay current or capital expenses.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
******************************************************************************Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and adopted on unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Authorizing investment of Idle Funds or Transfer of Funds be approved.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNATURES ON TOWNSHIP BANK ACCOUNTS:
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R E S O L U T I O N #16-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the following accounts be deposited in the TD Bank through 2009 and checks drawn against these accounts be signed as follows:
Petty Cash Fund by Teresa R. Stahl, Township Clerk, or Carolyn Fritsch, Deputy Clerk;
Current Fund, Capital Account, Animal Control Trust Fund, Escrow Trust Account,
Green Trust Account, Housing Trust Account, Federal and State Grant Account, Open Space Recreation, Farm and Historic Trust Preservation Fund, Payroll Account, Unemployment Compensation Fund by any three of the following people:
Peter Kneski, Mayor; Linda F. Lenox, Deputy Mayor; Patricia A. Cregar, Committee;
Teresa R. Stahl, Clerk; Carolyn Fritsch, Deputy Clerk, or Timothy L. Matheny,
Township Administrator;
Jane Luhrs, Treasurer; Maria Andrews, Assistant Treasurer
Deposits for the Redemption of Tax Sale Certificates by Mary Hyland, Tax Collector or
Pamela Dymek, Assistant Tax Collector, or Jane Luhrs, Treasurer
Municipal Court General Account, Municipal Court Bail Account, Municipal Court OE
account by Cindy Hooven, Court Administrator
Public Assistance I and Public Assistance II Bank Accounts by Helen Kuhl, Director of
Public Assistance, or Jane Luhrs, Treasurer, or Maria Andrews, Assistant Treasurer
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mr. Martin, and adopted on unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Authorizing Signatures on Township Bank Accounts be approved.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO ISSUE CERTAIN CHECKS:
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R E S O L U T I O N #17-09
WHEREAS the East Amwell Township Committee may approve the payment of bills at any scheduled meeting of each month, and properly approved vouchers must be submitted no later than the Friday prior to the meeting;
WHEREAS the East Amwell Township Committee might be prevented from holding a regularly scheduled meeting due to some unforeseen emergency,
WHEREAS it is the intent of the Township Committee to provide payroll checks for all personnel at regular intervals and
WHEREAS it is necessary for certain funds to be paid to the State of New Jersey for Employee and Dependent health benefits coverage, PERS, deferred compensation, utility bills and lease bills and debt service by specific dates,
WHEREAS it is the intent of the Township Committee to pay local taxes to the East Amwell Board of Education, Hunterdon Central High School and The County of Hunterdon at regular intervals, and
WHEREAS due to unforeseen circumstances a regular meeting may be canceled due to not obtaining a quorum.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Treasurer be authorized to prepare and the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or a Committeeman; the Township Clerk or the Deputy Clerk; and the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer be authorized to sign the following checks or wire transfer funds:
A. Payroll checks will be issued every two weeks, starting with January 15, 2009. Department of Public Works employees will receive 80 hours of pay and any overtime incurred during the two week period upon submission of a time card verified by the Department of Public Works Superintendent or the DPW Supervisor.
B. Transfer of Funds to the New Jersey Employee and Dependent Health Benefits coverage, Deferred Compensation to Lincoln Financial, and PERS on a timely basis.
C Checks payable to the East Amwell Board of Education, Hunterdon Central High School and the County of Hunterdon on a timely basis.
D. Checks or wires payable to utilities, lease companies and debt service payments to insure payments made by specific dates.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Treasurer shall include a statement of the issuance of such checks as listed above as part of the Financial Report presented at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
By Order of the Township Committee,
__________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Martin, and adopted on unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution Authorizing the Treasurer to Issue Certain Checks be approved.
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING:
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R E S O L U T I O N # 18-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, that the Township Clerk is hereby authorized to schedule use of the Municipal Building by the East Amwell Democratic Association, the East Amwell Republican Organization and other community groups subject to the requested date not conflicting with the regular meeting schedule of any Township Board or Committee.
By Order of the Township Committee,
____________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and adopted on unanimous favorable vote that the Resolution to Authorize Use of the Municipal Building by the East Amwell Democratic Association, the East Amwell Republican Organization and other community groups be approved.
RESOLUTION TO HIRE PROFESSIONALS:
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RESOLUTION #19-09
WHEREAS the Township of East Amwell has a need to acquire services as outlined below as non-fair and open contracts pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 or 20.5); and
WHEREAS, the Treasurer has determined and certified in writing that the value of the acquisition of each service will or may exceed $17,500; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated term of these contracts is one year (and may be extended as approved by this governing body); and
WHEREAS, the following agencies have completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification which certified that they have not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Township of East Amwell in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit the agency from making any portable contributions through the term of the contract; and
WHEREAS sufficient funds are available in the 2009 Temporary Budget and will be made available in the 2009 Municipal Budget for the Township of East Amwell (as required in N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.4).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey, as follows:
The Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute contracts
with the following persons and firms for the year 2009:
Professionals to be Used by the East Amwell Planning Board and/or Township Committee:
Francis J. Banisch, III, P.P. - Banisch Associates, Inc.
Stephen Souza, Princeton Hydro - Environmental Consultant
Joseph Skupien, Stormwater Management Consultants
Professionals to be Used by the Township Committee:
Andrea Kahn, Esq., Bond Counsel
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and the Determination of Value be placed on file with this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of this action shall be printed in the January 8, 2009, issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat.
By Order of the Township Committee,
__________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and carried with unanimous favorable vote to approve the resolution for hiring professionals.
RESOLUTION OF 2009 BENEFITS:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESOLUTION 20-09
2009 East Amwell Benefits Schedule
SECTION ONE: Sections ONE and TWO pertain only to the Department of Public Works. All Public Works employees shall be paid time and one half per hour for time worked in excess of the regular forty hours per week. Holiday, vacation, and personal leave time shall be considered as time worked for computing overtime.
A sick day will be considered from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Employees that are on sick leave will not be called to report for work. Employees who are substantially sick or on medication that may affect their judgment or performance will not be permitted to work.
SECTION TWO: For working a holiday, all public works employees shall be paid regular 8 hours pay, plus 1 ½ times their hourly rate for hours worked. The DPW Superintendent will receive approval from the Township Administrator prior to authorizing any work on holidays. If the Township Administrator cannot be reached the DPW Superintendent will get approval of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Department of Public Works' Liaison, prior to authorizing this overtime. If none are available, the DPW Superintendent will document in writing his/her attempts to make these notifications and will then have the authority to call in the employees.
SECTION THREE: Employees will receive a mileage allowance at the rate of $ 0.505 per mile, subject to the submission of a properly approved voucher to the Treasurer. Mileage shall be computed while on official township business and not for commuting back and forth to work. Mileage for construction, plumbing or fire inspections or that of the Assessor and Zoning Officer shall be computed round trip from home to job site or from municipal building to job site - using the lesser distance.
SECTION FOUR: For attendance at special meetings, even if they precede a regular meeting, and attendance at more than two Township meetings a month the municipal clerk shall be granted compensatory time. The Court Administrator is entitled to compensatory time for night court sessions and police call outs outside of her normal (8:30AM-3PM) working hours.
SECTION FIVE: Substitute secretarial services for board and committees shall be compensated at the current pay rate for the employee performing the substitute secretarial services or $16.00 per hour, whichever is higher.
SECTION SIX: Full time for office staff shall be considered 30 hours or more per week, Public Works employees 40 hours, excluding temporary help, and seasonal workers. Overtime is over 40 hours, which will be compensated at a rate of time and one half, subject to approval of the DPW Superintendent For DPW employees or the Township Administrator for all other employees.
SECTION SEVEN: A) All employees referenced in Section Six as full time, receiving a salary and/or working an average of 30 hours per week for East Amwell Township, will be entitled to apply for full hospitalization coverage.
For the purposes of medical benefits all previously (prior to 2004) qualified employees are grandfathered under the benefits schedule.
B) Employees identified as those in Section Six and Section Seven shall be entitled to receive short-term disability insurance and receive either a $525 annual dental and eyeglass reimbursement or if the employee chooses, participation in the State Dental Plan with the Township paying 50% of the premium cost Unused portions of the $525 annual dental and eye glass reimbursement may be carried over for a period of three (3) years up to a maximum of $1575. At the end of the three (3) year period unused portions will be lost. Reimbursement will be made upon submission of documentation of bills to the Treasurer to be put on the bill list. It is the employees’ responsibility to submit bills for reimbursement on a semi-annual basis.
C) The Tax Assessor, Construction Official, and sub-code inspectors, who are shared with other municipalities, will not be eligible to receive full hospital coverage through East Amwell Township.
SECTION EIGHT: Hourly employees working an average of 20 hours, but not considered full time, will receive pay for the number of hours normally scheduled for a holiday that falls on their regular work day.
SECTION NINE: DPW personnel and employees considered full-time shall be entitled up to 5 bereavement days (death of a spouse or partner, child, parent or sibling) and 3 for grandparents, mother- or father-in-law and sister- or brother-in-law with full salary paid for the days during 2008. Part-time employees working an average of 20 hours, will be granted bereavement leave for the hours scheduled during the 5 day or 3 day period based on the above categories. Bereavement leave will be granted within these guidelines from date of death through the date of the funeral. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis by the Township Administrator for use outside of these parameters.
SECTION TEN: An employee’s request for a vacation or “leave of absence” of up to two consecutive calendar weeks, will be considered by the Township Administrator or DPW Superintendent. A request for more than two consecutive calendar weeks will require Township Committee approval and must be submitted in a timely fashion for consideration. Such request will be treated on an individual basis, based on the circumstances as they exist at the time of the request, such as available personnel for coverage.
SECTION ELEVEN: A) All full-time employees and regularly scheduled part-time employees, including Jane Luhrs, are eligible for vacation, sick days and personal days. Annual vacations are based on the calendar year and are determined by number of scheduled work days per week and length of service, and are accrued as follows. For purposes of calculating vacation time for part time employees, 6 hours ordinarily equals one day. Employees with a shorter regular work day will use the hours normally worked in a day to compute this benefit time.
Years Of Service | Days Worked Per Week | Sick Days | Vacation Days | Personal Days |
Year 1 Hired Between January 1st and March 31st | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 8 6 4 2 0 | 3 2½ 2 1½ 0 |
Hired Between April 1st and June 30th | 5 4 3 2 1 | 3 2 1 0 0 | 6 4 2 0 0 | 2 1 ½ 1 0 0 |
Hired Between July 1st and September30th | 5 4 3 2 1 | 2 1 0 0 0 | 4 2 0 0 0 | 2 1½ 1 0 0 |
Hired During 4th Quarter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Years of Service | Days Worked Per Week | Sick Days | Vacation Days | Personal Days |
Beginning January 1st into Second Calendar Year Of Employment 2-5 Years | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 10 8 6 4 2 | 3 2 ½ 2 1 ½ 0 |
6-10 Years | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 13 10 8 5 3 | 3 2 ½ 2 1 ½ 1 |
11-15 Years | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 15 12 9 7 5 | 3 2 ½ 2 1 ½ 1 |
16-20 Years | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 18 15 11 9 7 | 3 2 ½ 2 1 ½ 1 |
21-25 Years | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 20 18 15 11 9 | 3 2½ 2 1½ 1 |
25+ Years | 5 4 3 2 1 | 5 4 3 2 1 | 25 23 20 16 14 | 3 2½ 2 1½ 1 |
__________________________________________________________________________
For vacation purposes, the following personnel’s vacation, sick and personal days are based on the average hours as noted:
Marianne Busher, Tax Assessor 15 Hours
Jane Luhrs, Treasurer/CFO 25 Hours
Judith Conard, Farmland/Open Space Administrator/Secretary 7.5 Hours
Richard McManus, Zoning Officer 12 Hours
Mary Hyland, Tax Collector 24 hours
Carolyn Fritsch, Deputy Clerk 20 Hours
B. Employees can carry over a maximum of 5 vacation days until the end of the following calendar year. Vacation days will be lost if not used by that time. Personal days cannot be carried over.
C. At the end of the calendar year, sick days not used may be accumulated up to a maximum of 35 days. Any person leaving the employ of East Amwell Township will not be compensated for any accumulated sick days.
D. A part-time employee may not apply for multiple consecutive vacation days for their regularly scheduled hours without Township Administrator approval. Vacation time is defined as a day when you would normally report to work/call in days.
E. Vacation, Sick and Personal time benefits are not grandfathered under the benefits schedule and are subject to revision, either increased or decreased, due to changes in average hours worked per week.
F. The following table is to be used in conjunction with the longevity table currently contained in the employee policy manual for calculating Vacation, Sick and Personal Days as well as for determining the number of scheduled/posted “in office” days and hours for the following staff positions.
Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Office Assistant, Tax Collector, Court Administrator, Farmland/Open Space Administrator, Planning Board Administrative Officer, Board of Adjustment Administrative Officer, Zoning Officer, Board of Health Administrative Officer, Construction Secretary, Zoning Secretary, Assistant Tax Collector, Road Department Secretary, Assistant Treasurer.
Average Hours Worked Per Week | Equivalent Number Of Days Worked For V/S/P Purposes | Minimum Number Of “In Office” Scheduled/Posted Days | Minimum Number Of “In Office” Scheduled/Posted Hours |
6-11 | 1 | 1/2 | 3 |
12-17 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
18-23 | 3 | 2 | 10 |
24-29 | 4 | 3 | 15 |
30 Or More | 5 | 5 | 30 |
SECTION TWELVE: To calculate years of service for longevity: If you were hired before June 30th, you receive credit for that year. If you were hired after June 30th, you do not receive credit for that year.
SECTION THIRTEEN: Hourly employees working at home shall document the number of hours and activities in a format provided by the Township Administrator, as detailed in the policy manual.
SECTION FOURTEEN: All employees will document their working hours accurately as described by Township Policy on timecards provided. Timecards will be forwarded to the payroll clerk and must be in his/her possession prior to Monday of the following week. The township reserves the right to hold an employee’s check until submission of an accurately completed timecard. Timecards submitted after this deadline will be processed during the next payroll cycle for hours worked including any overtime.
SECTION FIFTEEN: A. Annual input for the official employee evaluation for each in office employee should be submitted to the Township Administrator by Supervisors, Township Committee and Board Committee/Commission Chairpersons no later than December 1st. Employees working for boards/committees that do not work at least 10 in office hours per week will be evaluated by their respective boards no later than December 15th.
B. No requests for salary increases in excess of the normal rate shall be offered unless submitted in signed, written form with specific examples to justify the request. Negative evaluations: If suggested areas are not remediated satisfactorily, all or part of a salary increase may be withheld.
SECTION SIXTEEN: The following shall be paid holidays for full time, qualified part time, and salaried employees:
Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 19, 2009
President's Birthday Monday, February 16, 2009
Good Friday Friday, April 10, 2009
Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2009
Independence Day Friday, July 3, 2009
Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009
Columbus Day Monday, October 12, 2009
Veteran's Day Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26, 2009
Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 27, 2009
Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Day Friday, December 25, 2009
New Year's Eve Thursday, December 31, 2009
SECTION SEVENTEEN: This resolution is effective immediately.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_______________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously to approve the 2009 Benefits Resolution.
ANNOUNCEMENTS were read by Mayor Kneski:
THE 2009 REORGANIZATION MEETING SCHEDULE for boards and committees is listed on tonight’s agenda and the bulletin board. There is a change in the date for the Farmland Open Space Reorganization Meeting, which will be held on February 9 rather than January 19.
CHRISTMAS TREES may be dropped off at the road department grit yard any day during January (during regular business hours). All trim must be removed.
2009 DOG LICENSES ARE DUE: A Rabies Clinics is scheduled for January 24, 2009, from 1 PM to 4 PM in the garage, and licenses will be mailed.
COMMENTS BY TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Mayor Kneski asked former Mayor Tatsch to speak about the Township’s 2008 accomplishments.
COMMITTEE MEMBER LARRY TATSCH thanked all the volunteers for their outstanding work. He stated that looking over the appointment list, many volunteers accepted reappointment to their positions, which provided excellent continuity in board and committee work. He thanked them again for their dedication. Mr. Tatsch also thanked the Department of Public Works, the Township Administrator, the Township Clerk, all employees, and the Township Committee members for their efforts.
Mr. Tatsch spoke about some of the challenges the Township faced last year, the majority of them due to the State. He spoke about preparing a budget, being notified that the state cut its CMPTRA aid, redoing the budget, finding out that a small amount of aid would be returned, redoing the budget again, receiving more state aid, again redoing the budget only to find out that the state aid could not be used for expenses but only for capital projects. He concluded that the Township Committee was able to achieve a flat budget last year, but this year may be more difficult to manage, and there will be additional challenges.
The second obstacle last year was a notification from the state that there would be no more free State Police service, and the Township was billed $175,300. Committee members went to Trenton, spoke with local legislators, and joined other municipalities in the cause. The Township joined in an appeal to the Council on Unfunded Mandates. The Council eventually concluded that it was an unfunded mandate, and the state could not charge for the State Police coverage. The Township has not heard anything further from the state, but Mr. Tatsch would not be surprised if they decide to withhold some or all CMPTRA funding next year. The Township will be prepared to handle whatever news comes from the state.
The third item was the fact that the Township received a figure of 74 units to meet their affordable housing quota. COAH (Council of Affordable Housing) eventually reduced the figure to 55. The Township has an excellent plan, and Mr. Tatsch was confident that the Township will be able to fulfill its obligations within the current zoning and Township's philosophy of keeping open space.
Mr. Tatsch outlined some of the Township's major accomplishments in 2008:
1) Addressing traffic concerns by purchasing a speed detector device to let drivers know their rate of speed and discussing options with Raritan Township about addressing excessive speed.
2) Protecting the Clawson House from further deterioration and applying for grants to rehabilitate the house; there has been no notice from the State yet on the grant application.
3) A nice park sign was installed, and some of the walks at Clawson Park were paved to allow better access for disabled people and to reduce erosion.
4) Final stages of the municipal building renovation include another coat of paint and re-carpeting in the meeting room. This is part of a multi-year project, beginning with the renovation of the basement area to move files and allow more open space on the first floor. The office areas have been reconfigured to improve access and security.
5) The Township Committee initiated brainstorming meetings, separate from their regular business meetings, to entertain all kinds of ideas to develop real improvements for the Township. These meetings are open to the public. Some ideas which have resulted from these meetings include installing motion sensors in the office area and in the restrooms, having an energy audit planned for the municipal building and consideration of solar energy options, an improved application process, reduction of paper use by providing more electronic communication, and other items. The conclusion is that the Township Committee will continue to think of ways to save money and make it easier to provide public service.
Mr. Tatsch concluded that it was his pleasure to serve as Mayor of East Amwell Township for the past two years, and he looked forward to serving for the next three years with his fellow Township Committee members.
DEPUTY MAYOR LINDA LENOX said she wanted to reiterate what Mr. Tatsch said today. She commented that it was a "horrid" year last year, including the problems with COAH, the State Police charges, and loss of state aid. One additional problem was the intended loss of the Department of Agriculture, which would have been unfortunate "for the Garden State." She concluded that the nickname of the state may have been changed to "Asphalt State, Mall State, or Building Development State." Ms. Lenox explained that she took her horse to Trenton in a rally to save the Department of Agriculture, and she was greeted with cries of "Go Jersey Fresh" and other cheers along the way. She noted that the people in East Amwell Township work outside their homes 365 days a year with their animals and their gardens. She would prefer to see farmers’ trailers rather than tractor trailers on the roads.
Ms. Lenox commented on many municipalities banning together to consider shared services and to discuss concerns, such as COAH. She spoke about "fighting the fight … and learning to duck without being whacked!"
COMMITTEE MEMBER CREGAR thanked her husband, Barry, and her Uncle Donald for their presence and support today. She commended the outstanding service from all staff members, including the Administrator and Clerk. She wanted to particularly commend one employee who wasn't present today, i.e., Treasurer Jane Luhrs who has been on staff since 1979. Jane’s assistance and knowledge during the budget process makes the Committee members jobs much easier.
Mrs. Cregar also thanked the volunteers for all their assistance, noting that some volunteers serve on two or three boards. She commended one volunteer in particular, Dick Ginman, who has been serving the Township for years, including working with COAH requirements as far back as the 1970's-80's. This year, Mr. Ginman is serving on two committees, and Mrs. Cregar thanked him again for his service.
Mrs. Cregar provided an update on Clawson Park, including the replacement of dead trees on the property. Additional trees have been planted, including trees as buffers for neighbors who voiced concerns. She concluded that progress is being made at the park.
COMMITTEE MEMBER TIM MARTIN commented on the great group of volunteers, the great staff, and the great elected officials in East Amwell Township, and he wished everyone a very happy 2009.
MAYOR PETER KNESKI commented favorably on the all volunteers who serve the Township, and he appreciated their dedication and commitment in guiding East Amwell Township. He commented on spending a lot of nights at board meetings, and he commended all of them for their diligence. Mayor Kneski also commended the Township Committee for their efforts in keeping the quality of life as is appreciated in East Amwell Township. He also commended the "outstanding staff" and thanked them for all their service.
Mayor Kneski stated that there will be many challenges ahead this year, including the possibility that there will be less state aid. He said that the Township will be considering more shared service opportunities. He also noted that the Township is looking into having an energy audit, and work is in progress now. The intent is to have the audit to achieve better efficiency, and considering alternative solar options to achieve real cost efficiency is being considered.
Mayor Kneski spoke about a five year capital road plan, which may be helpful in improving the Township's chances at getting grant funding. He also noted that farmland/open space preservation will continue to be pursued. He concluded by thanking all the volunteers and the Township Committee for their work.
Freeholder Ronald Sworen was in the audience, and Mayor Kneski asked him to speak at this time.
Freeholder Sworen commented on improving communications between the County and the municipalities. He spoke about the importance of local government by local people. He urged the Township Committee and residents to communicate with him and the Freeholders to get the answers they need. He offered his assistance to the Township Committee.
Freeholder Sworen spoke about arranging meetings for Mayors and Township Committee members as open discussion and work sessions. He stated that he wrote the new farmland open space regulations at the County to take politics out of the equation. The CADB will be responsible for farmland preservation and an Open Space Advisory Committee will work with ranking all open space so that the best projects are picked in an open and fair process.
Freeholder Sworen spoke about the County initiative of encouraging shared services as a more economical idea. As an example, he explained that the County is looking at having one certified Recycling Coordinator at the County level ,who takes the mandatory 21-day course rather than having twenty-six municipalities have a certified Recycling Coordinator. This position would be a shared service or provided at a cost basis to municipalities. Freeholder Sworen stated that this made sense, and there would be more information forth-coming from the County.
Freeholder Sworen wished everyone well, and Mayor Kneski thanked him for attending the Township's reorganization meeting.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public for comments. There being no comments from the public, a motion was made by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Martin, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 3:13 p.m.
___________________________
Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk