The regular meeting of the East Amwell Township Committee was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Peter Kneski, Deputy Mayor Linda F. Lenox, and Committee members Patricia Cregar, and C. Larry Tatsch. Committee member Timothy Martin was absent. Township Administrator Timothy Matheny was 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 4, 2009, and a meeting notice published in the Hunterdon County Democrat issue of January 8, 2009. 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 January 20, 2009.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
AGENDA REVIEW
Under Township Administrator's Update, add item 6) Tub Grinder Rental and item 7) Cooperative Purchase of Rock Salt Resolution. Under Administrative Reports, add the December 2008 Road Activities Report from Acting DPW Superintendent Kadezabek. Under Correspondence, add the 1-21 letter from the Clerk to Comcast Cable Company re: Dates for Quarterly Meetings in 2009, and the 1/21 Fax from Attorney David Evans with 1/15/09 Superior Court Civil Action Order in the Matter of the Amwell Valley-Ringoes Rescue Squad.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Annual Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 1 - 4 p.m. in the Township Garage.
2009 Dog Licenses are now due: $12/altered dog; $15/non-altered dog - rabies inoculation must cover the entire licensing period - call 908:782-8536 x 10 for further information.
Christmas trees may be brought to the grit yard on John Ringo Road during the month of January. All trim should be removed from the trees.
The Township Committee will hold the following special meetings: January 27, 7:30 p.m. - Joint Meeting with Delaware Township and West Amwell; the January 31, 9:00 a.m. budget meeting has been postponed until February 2, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
Regular Township Committee meetings in February will be February 5th and February 26, 2009. The Hunterdon County Engineer will attend the February 5th meeting to discuss the Bridge Project on Wertsville Road.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 8, 2009, Regular Minutes were approved on a motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously.
January 8, 2009, Executive Minutes (Ligitation & Attorney Advice) were approved on a motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried with one correction on page 1, paragraph 4, line 4, define "MAI."
January 8, 209, Executive Minutes (Contract Negotations: Mrs. Stahl asked the governing body to go into executive session to discuss proposed corrections to the minutes.
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RESOLUTION #28-09
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 minutes of an executive session on contracts; 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,
___________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and it was carried unanimously to approve the resolution.
Executive Session began at 8:38 p.m.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:40 p.m.
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to approve the minutes with the corrections proposed in executive session.
January 12, 2009, Special Minutes (Budget) were approved on a motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and carried unanimously with the following corrections: a typo on page 2; on page 4, line 1, add “approximate” after “separate” and change to a single light; page 3, paragraph 5, delete last sentence and replace with the following: "Grant funding would be available to pay 75% of the audit costs, with an additional 25% being funded based upon installed measures recommended by the audit."; same page, paragraph 6, last sentence, delete last sentence and replace with the following: "Mayor Kneski explained the audit process, including a site visit which would be performed by the selected independent auditor for Township owned properties."; on page 5, full paragraph 6, delete 3rd and 4th sentences, and replace with the following: "Mayor Kneski felt that it was not necessary to invite staff to the Saturday, January 31, budget meeting. If there were any questions at that time, individual departments would be invited, as needed, to future budget meetings."
January 12, 209, Executive Minutes (Litigation & Hiring Employees) were approved on a motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and carried unanimously.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Comments Pertaining to Topics not on tonight's agenda (limited to total of 15 minutes)
Motion was made by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and carried unanimously to open to the public. There being no members of the public in attendance, motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES/PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
SPECIAL DISCUSSIONS - None
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
RECYCLING COMMITTEE & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPRING 2009 NEWSLETTER: Joyce Corboy provided her January 14, 2009, memo requesting copy for the newsletter by February 13, 2009.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR'S UPDATE:
1) Hiring of DPW Employee and Amendment to Existing Salary and Wage Resolution:
Mr. Matheny stated that he contacted a candidate for the position, Sean Hepler from Telford, Pennsylvania, who is currently employed by the Warminster (PA) Public Works Department. Mr. Hepler has accepted the offer of employment and is ready to report to work on February 2, 2009.
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RESOLUTION #29-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that they hereby appoint Sean Hepler to a one year probationary appointment as a Department of Public Works Employee, with a start date of February 2, 2009.
By Order of the Township Committee,
_________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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RESOLUTION #30-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that the 2008 Salary and Wage Resolution be amended as follows:
Remove DPW Employee Rehl $22.41/hour
Add DPW Employee Hepler $19.00/hour
By Order of the Township Committee,
__________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox and seconded by Mr. Tatsch to approve the resolutions. Mayor Kneski thanked Mr. Matheny for his fine work in the selection process for the DPW positions. The motion to approve resolutions was approved unanimously.
2) DPW Superintendent Position: Mr. Matheny explained that a candidate who was offered the position has been in communications for almost a week with questions and concerns. Mr. Matheny enforced a deadline today, and the candidate decided against taking the job, leaving the Township in a position to re-advertise and open the search again. On questions from the Committee, Mr. Matheny explained that applications were separated into tiers, A were most qualified, B were good candidates, and C were candidates who did not meet the criteria. He reminded the governing body that they may be looking at a 25 year commitment to a position, and it was important "to do it right." The last candidate changed his decision based on economic factors.
3) Formalized Motion on Salary for Acting DPW Superintendent: As outlined in the policy manual, there is a procedure for appointing a temporary employee to fill a vacated position, which is the position Bob Kadezabek is filling as Acting DPW Superintendent. Formalizing the salary and wage resolution is necessary.
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RESOLUTION #31-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that the 2008 Salary and Wage Resolution be amended as follows:
Remove DPW Superintendent Howell $69,555
(Entitled to overtime beyond 300 hours accrued)
Add Acting Superintendent Kadezabek $69,555
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVEd that the resolution be retroactive to September 13, 2008, in accordance with Policy Number 1.23, Temporary Assignments.
By Order of the Township Committee,
__________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously.
Ms. Lenox quipped about removing the word "Acting" from Mr. Kadezabek's title. Mayor Kneski commented about Mr. Kadezabek's demeanor and ability, stating that he is "doing an excellent job…and … stepping up to the plate with the added responsibilities." He concluded that Mr. Kadezabek is doing "a fantastic job," and the governing body agreed. Mr. Matheny will pass these comments along.
4) Blue Light Permits for the Amwell Valley Ringoes Rescue Squad: Mr. Matheny commented on receiving the court order recognizing the officers of the squad, and he has signed the blue light permits, which were then forwarded to the State for processing.
5) NJ Department of Transportation Visit re: Route 202 Bridge Repair at Route 31 Overpass: Mr. Matheny provided an update on the NJ DOT visit regarding the bridge repair, including the following: a draft set of preliminary plans are on file with the Clerk; the road will not be closed, but traffic will be shifted at times and will always be passable; the intent is to complete the work in one season; residents within 500 feet will be notified by the NJ DOT of the proposed project; NJ DOT will work with Hunterdon County on traffic control and signals during the 4H fair in August.
6) Tub Grinder: Mayor Kneski reminded the governing body that some discussion about renting a tub grinder took place last year, and a suggested cost at that time was $1,500. In looking further into the rental, the cost may be as high as $3,500. Further comments were made about the need to get rid of the brush which was deposited at the grit yard last year; if not removed, it could harbor rodents. Mayor Kneski suggested moving forward with the clean up and reassessing how brush is handled this year. Mr. Matheny noted that there have been no complaints about the position the Township took last year, and even at $3,500, this was "cheaper" than reinstating curbside collection in terms of manpower hours. A request for authorization to move forth with the rental use at an approximate cost of $3,500 was made. It was noted that the cost may be less, depending on the length of time needed to do the work.
Mr. Tatsch explained that last year there was some discussion about using a County owned tub grinder, which was loaned to Lambertville. The equipment is broken, and a decision was made not to repair it. There was also some discussion on getting a state grant for a tub grinder for the County, which would be used as a "shared service." Mr. Tatsch felt it might be a good idea to "nudge" the Freeholders about this.
Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to authorize the rental of a tub grinder, which may cost up to $3,500, for brush grinding in the spring. It was noted that this money is not in the temporary budget, but it will be added to the regular budget as a line item in the Road budget.
7) Hunterdon County Cooperative Purchase of Winter Treatment Material: Mr. Matheny explained that as outlined in the cooperative purchase agreement, he, as Purchasing Agent, was authorized to sign a purchase order for quantities less than the bid threshold. There was a purchase order signed for 300 tons of rock salt in the amount of $20,340 at the end of 2008. However, with the winter storms so far, Mr. Kadezabek wanted to purchase more material in anticipation of more bad weather. There is money in the temporary budget, and a recommendation to purchase another 100 tons of salt at a cost of $6,780 will put the two year aggregate purchase over the bid threshold, thereby requiring governing body approval by resolution. The Treasurer has certified funds for the purchase.
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RESOLUTION #32-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of East Amwell that they hereby authorize the following contract for the purchase of rock salt as part of the Hunterdon County Cooperative Pricing System for Snow and Ice Control Materials Bid No. 2008-35:
Atlantic Salt, Inc.
130 Plan Street
Lowell, MA 01851
In the amount of $27,120
For the purchase of 400 tons of rock salt
Contract Period – November 12, 2008 – November 11, 2009
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Treasurer/CFO had previously certified the amount of $20,340 for 300 tons out of the 2008 budget without contract. Due to excessive ice storms an additional 100 tons was necessary to purchase with $6,780 being certified from the 2009 budget. This amount exceeded the bid threshold, thus necessitating formal action by the governing body.
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously.
A question was raised about a delivery, which Mr. Kadezabek was awaiting. Mr. Matheny explained that the delivery came today. He further explained that Mr. Kadezabek has been doing a good job in planning to make sure that he has sufficient materials to cover the winter season. Mayor Kneski agreed that "this is good planning on Bob's part."
8) Parking on Route 179: Mr. Matheny noted that a letter of correspondence was received from Leo Santowasso regarding parking problems on Route 179, and it has been forwarded to Douglas Bartlett at the NJ DOT since Route 179 is a state highway. Ms. Lenox commented on visibility problems exiting the parking lot and not being able to see past the cars parked in the road. Committee members thanked Mr. Matheny for his follow up on this.
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO 2009 RECREATION COMMITTEE
Committee members earlier interviewed Angelo Lovisa, who was interested in a position on the Recreation Committee. They agreed that he was qualified and has already attended a Committee meeting; they commented on his "good sense of humor" and his involvement in making the flyer for the Spring Egg Hunt.
A motion was made by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to appoint Angelo Lovisa to the opening on the Recreation Committee for a two-year term as an Alternate I. The Clerk will notify Mr. Lovisa immediately.
MAYOR'S UPDATE ON JANUARY 14, 2009 17TH ANNUAL MAYOR'S LEGISLATIVE DAY Mayor Kneski attended the event at the State House in Trenton, and he provided the following highlights: Approximately 100 Mayors and Elected Officials participated; Governor Corzine spoke, along with a panel of Senators, Congressmen and Mayors; Governor Corzine spoke on state aid, but figures will not be available until the end of February at the earliest - many Mayors expressed concern; other topics included COAH, developer fees waivers, extending COAH obligation requirements, the 4% budget cap (which 70% of the municipalities exceeded in 2008), shared services, stormwater management program, and deferment of state mandates (e.g., purchasing agent, recycling coordinator, etc.). State Aid was mentioned several times, including the possibility of having a similar reduction in the amount of aid as was the case last year. State Police coverage was not mentioned at all during the program; Mr. Tatsch mentioned that the state may be reluctant to impose more mandates next year based on the decision last year about paying for police coverage. Mayor Kneski concluded that the program was very interesting and provided an opportunity for networking.
NEW BUSINESS
ASSIGNMENT OF 2009 TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE LIAISONS
Mayor Kneski previously spoke with Mr. Tatsch about switching personnel coverage and making minor changes in committee/task coverage. The remainder of the Township Committee assignments would remain the same.
T.C. Member | Personnel Liaison | | Committee/Task Liaison |
Peter Kneski | Twp. Clerk | | OEM |
| Attorney | | Municipal Building |
| Twp. Administrator | | Rescue Squad |
| DPW | | Stormwater Management |
| | | W.Q.M.P. (Wastewater) |
Tim Martin | Treasurer | | Environmental Commission |
| Auditor | Recycling Commission | |
| | Local Public Assistance | |
| | Summer Playground | |
| | Website | |
Patricia Cregar | Deputy Clerk | | Animal Control |
| Office Assistant | | Senior Citizens |
| | | East Amwell School |
| | | Historic Preservation |
| | | Fire Company |
Linda Lenox | Tax Assessor | | Board of Adjustment |
| Tax Collector | | Planning Board |
| Court Administrator | | Farmland/Open Space Preservation |
| | | Agricultural Advisory |
C. Larry Tatsch | Zoning Officer | | Board of Health |
| Bldg. / Construction | | COAH |
| Engineer | | Recreation Committee |
| | | Traffic |
| | | Clawson Park |
| | | Meszaros Project |
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to approve the 2009 Liaisons, as outlined above.
Mrs. Cregar commented on recently attending the Senior Citizen's meeting to give the Oaths of Office to the new officers. She commented that "they are a great group of seniors," noting that there are a lot of East Amwell Township residents in the club. Mayor Kneski thanked Mrs. Cregar for attending the meeting, and she reminded him that she volunteered to do so.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public. There being no public present, motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.
The governing body commented on the lack of public at the last two meetings. The Clerk advised that there have been a number of inquiries about the special meeting on January 27, 2009, and there should be more public at that time. Mayor Kneski advised the Township Committee that Mr. Matheny agreed to act as moderator of the meeting, similar to the way he staged the brainstorming meetings. The Clerk will send an email to the governing body, advising them of the names of the attendees from Delaware Township and West Amwell Township.
Mr. Matheny also advised the governing body that the volunteer meeting, as discussed at past brainstorming meetings, will be held on February 25, 2009, and each board has been advised to send a representative and notify the clerk of the names of the attendees.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
TREASURER LUHRS:
Treasurer's Resolution:
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RESOLUTION #33-09
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 permits appropriation transfers during the first three months of the succeeding fiscal year between line items of the municipal budget, and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that certain line items are in excess of the sums needed and certain line items have insufficient funds to complete the operation of the fiscal year,
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 sums be transferred as follows:
From To
Uniform Construction Code:
Salaries & wages $800.00
Employee Group Insurance: $600.00
Recreation Services & Programs
Other expenses $200.00
By Order of the Township Committee,
___________________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
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Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and it was carried unanimously to approve the resolution.
Bills of the evening were approved on a motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Tatsch, and carried unanimously.
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RESOLUTION #34-09
WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-19 provides authority for appropriating in a temporary resolution the permanent debt serve requirements for the coming fiscal year providing that such resolution is not made earlier than December 20 of the year preceding the beginning of the fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the date of this resolution is subsequent to December 19, 2008; and
WHEREAS, principal and interest will be due on various dates from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, inclusive, on sundry bonds issued and outstanding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following appropriations be made to cover the period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 inclusive:
DEBT SERVICE – TOWNSHIP OF EAST AMWELL
Payment of Bonds $300,000.00
Interest on Bonds $224,853.00
Interest on Notes $ 23.000.00
Green Trust Loan $ 34,840.00
Total $582,693.00
By Order of the Township Committee,
______________________
Peter Kneski, Mayor
(For the record, the correct figure of the total of debt is $582,693.00, not $747,871.00, as stated at the public meeting.)
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Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Ms. Lenox, and it was carried unanimously to approve the resolution.
TAX COLLECTOR HYLAND presented the Tax Collector's 2008 Annual Report, dated January 13, 2009.
The Tax Collector also provided the December 2008 Municipal Receipts and Disbursements Report.
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT from Kingwood Barracks was acknowledged, and the DPW December 2008 report was also acknowledged.
CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Lenox acknowledged the letter of appreciation sent by the Clerk to Lyle Rawlings for the energy audit.
The governing body noted the memo from Construction Official Doddy on increased fees. The Clerk noted for the record that this item was not listed on tonight's agenda and would be on the next agenda, pending receipt of additional information. The Township Committee noted that Mr. Doddy was asking for state fees to be collected, and they would appreciate a more concise, readable document. Mr. Matheny explained that he and the Clerk discussed this memo today, and it was his intention to request financial information for the Department and clearer information on what is in the current ordinance contrasted to the requested increase in fees. This item will be listed on the next agenda. Mayor Kneski appreciated Mr. Doddy's interest in looking at the fee structure for the department.
Mayor Kneski commented on the January 14 memo from Jersey Central Power and Light on the 2009 Vegetation Management Notice, including reference to going door-to-door notifying residents about tree cutting.
Mayor Kneski asked that the brochure from the NJ State League of Municipalities entitled "State Government and Your Local Property Taxes" be posted on the bulletin board. Mr. Tatsch questioned whether or not the League would be providing a more up to date version at some time.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Tatsch, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously.
_____________________________
Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk