Minutes: 12.18.25

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

VERNON TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

21 Church Street

Vernon, NJ 07462

December 18, 2025

 

1. Call to Order

This regular meeting of the VTMUA convened at 7:08 pm.

2. Statement of Compliance

Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this regular meeting was provided to the public and the press on January 12, 2025, by delivering to the press such notice and posting same at the municipal building and filed with the office of the MUA as well as posted on the website.

3. Salute to the Flag
4. Roll Call of Members and Professionals

The following members were present:

Paul Kearney

Dave McDermott

Ed DeYoung

The following member was absent:

Pat Rizzuto

The following professionals were present: Donelle Bright , Administrator/CFO; Rich Wenner. Attorney; Rob McNinch, Auditor; Steve Benosky, Engineer; Jaclyn Raperto, Recording Secretary

5. Open Meeting to the Public (for Agenda Items Only)

Mr. DeYoung motioned to open the meeting to the public for agenda items only, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes. Mrs. Raperto stated no one wished to speak.

Mr. DeYoung motioned to close the meeting to the public for agenda items only, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

6. Approval of Minutes:
7. Approval of the Bills:
   1. Resolution #25-32 Approval of the Bills

Mr. DeYoung motioned to approve resolution #25-32 Approval of the Bills, seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. DeYoung.

8. Resolutions:
   1. Resolution #25-33 2026 Meeting Dates

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve Resolution #25-33 2026 Meeting Dates, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearny, Mr. McDermott and Mr. DeYoung.

1. Resolution #25-34 Resolution to Appoint Fund Commissioner

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve Resolution #25-34 Resolution to Appoint fund Commissioner, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearny, Mr. McDermott and Mr. DeYoung.

 

Motion to block resolutions #25-35, #25-36, #25-39 through #25-41, was made by Mr. McDermott, and seconded by Mr. DeYoung. It was carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, McMcDermott, and Mr. DeYoung.

Motion to approve resolutions #25-35, #25-36, #25-39 through #25-41, was made by Mr. McDermott, and seconded by Mr. DeYoung. It was carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, McMcDermott, and Mr. DeYoung.

 

1. Resolution #25-35 Resolution to Appoint RMC and Agreement
2. Resolution #25-36 Resolution to Approve Refund to Block 527 Lot 475
3. Resolution #25-37 Resolution Approving Late Introduction of the Budget

 

Mr. DeYoung motioned to approve Resolution #25-37, Approving the late introduction to the Budget, seconded by Mr. McDermott, and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr.  McDermott, and Mr. DeYoung.

 

1. Resolution #25-38 Introduction of the 2026 Budget

 

Mr. McDermott motioned to approve Resolution #25-38, Approving Introduction to the 2026 Budget, seconded by Mr. DeYoung, and carried by the affirmative votes of Mr. Kearney, Mr.  McDermott, and Mr. DeYoung.

 

1. Resolution #25-39 Shared Service Agreement with Vernon Township for Financial Support Services
2. Resolution #25-40 Shared Service Agreement with Vernon Township for DPW Emergency Support Services
3. Resolution #25-41 Shared Service Agreement with Vernon Township to Provide Snow Plowing Services

 

9. Administrator Update

Ms. Bright gave a brief overview of the budget. Ms. Bright stated that SCMUA is 79.8% of the entire budget. There will not be a rate increase this year as 2025 did well financially.

Mr. McNinch added that the MUA had good financial management and being able to absorb the increase from SCMUA is a good thing. He reiterated that there has been a number of years now with great financial management. The adoption of the budget will be the next meeting.

Ms. Bright stated that PS2 will go for permanent financing in the spring.

The SSA is rescheduled until the following week.

Redhand/OneKey reached out for the 55+ units to discuss their connection fees.

10. Licensed Operator Report

There was one call out for a clogged pipe. This was fixed and no issues arose from it.

11. Engineer Report

Mr. Benosky added on to Ms. Bright in regards to both SSA and PS2, agreeing with her statements.

12. Open to the Public for Items Not on the Agenda

Mr. McDermott motioned to open the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by unanimous votes. Mrs. Raperto stated no one from the public wished to speak.

Mr. DeYoung motioned to close the meeting to the public for items not on the agenda, which was seconded by Mr. McDermott and carried by unanimous votes.

13. Commissioners’ Comments

Mr. DeYoung commented thank you for all the work for the budget and keeping rates as they are. He wished all a Merry Christmas.

Mr. McDermott commented another year another pleasure and happy holidays.

14. Chairman’s Comments

Mr. Kearney commented thank you to Ms. Bright and Ms. Raperto for all the hard work and ensuring we are not constantly in the red. Mr. Kearney said to keep the ball rolling and happy holidays.

15. Adjournment

Mr. McDermott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 pm, which was seconded by Mr. DeYoung and carried by unanimous votes.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jaclyn Raperto

Minutes approved 1.22.