Township Council Special Meeting

The Special Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey. The purpose of this special meeting was to consider and possibly award the contract for the reconstruction and improvements of the intersection of Route 517, Maple Grange and Lounsberry Road; to consider a resolution to commit Vernon Township COAH funds to an irrevocable trust for the purpose of development of affordable senior housing in the Town Center; and any other related emergent matters.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on June 15, 2012, and was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6.

Roll Call of Members

Present were Council Members Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Pat Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, and Council President Brian Lynch. Also present were: Mayor Vic Marotta, Township Business Administrator, Jerry Giaimis, Township Attorney Kevin Kelly and Township Engineer, Corey Stoner of Harold E. Pellow & Assoc.

Salute to the Flag

The Council President led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.

Addendum to the Agenda

An addendum was added to the agenda to delete Resolution #12-134: Transfer COAH funds to Irrevocable Trust. The issue was then addressed as Ordinance #12-12.

Open to Public Comments

Gary Martinsen, questioned the addendum. Mr. Martinsen spoke about the usage of the fund money and also Governor Christie’s plan. Mr. Martinsen also spoke regarding the senior housing and programs authorized by the Council.

Barbara Chorzepa, addressed the affordable housing issues and stated that things happen too slowly in our Town. Ms. Chorzepa suggested combining retail with housing in the Town Center, which could help to create jobs.

Alan Jurewicz, suggested that senior housing could be located anywhere in Vernon, not only in the Town Center. Mr. Jurewicz questioned what the total cost of the roads and curbing would be for this project.

Closed to Public Comments

The Council President asked to close the meeting to public comments.
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Dan Kadish
All were in favor.

Discusson on COAH Funds

Township Attorney Kevin Kelly explained the reason for the change of Ordinance #12-12, and stated this was a better way of accomplishing keeping the funds segregated. Council President Lynch wants the funds to be held in Vernon Township and not possibly taken by the State.

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to adopt Resolution #12-133.
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Eddie Dunn

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Dan Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolutions #12-133 was approved.

Resolution #12-133: Award of Bid for Proposed Road Improvements to County Route 517, Maple Grange Road and Lounsberry Hollow Road Intersection

WHEREAS, the Municipal Clerk, Purchasing Agent and Township Engineer accepted bids for the proposed improvements to the CR 517, Maple Grange Road and Lounsberry Hollow Road Intersection on June 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, five (5) bids were received by the Township Engineer, Purchasing Agent and the Municipal Clerk; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has reviewed the bids submitted and has recommended the bid be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder Earth-Tec Associates Inc. P.O. Box 941, Vernon, NJ 07462

WHEREAS, the Township was originally awarded a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation 2010 Municipal Aid Program for said purpose dated October 9, 2009 and granted an extension on February 28, 2011 for $200,000.00 for said purpose; and

WHEREAS, the County of Sussex, per resolution dated March 26th, 2008 entered into an Agreement with the Township of Vernon for said project and has approved and certified funds in the amount of $521,400.00 for said purpose.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Council of the Township of Vernon hereby awards the bid for the proposed improvements to the CR 517, Maple Grange Road and Lounsberry Hollow Road Intersection to Earth-Tec Associates Inc for a total amount of $924,819.00.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer has certified the funds available in capital and grant accounts for this purpose.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Council Member Kadish questioned how the engineer made his recommendation of Earth-Tec Associates. Mr. Corey Stoner of Harold E. Pellow and Associates explained that Earth Tec Associates was the lowest bid of five (5) bids received. Mr. Stoner further explained the process of the project.

Ordinances

1st Reading & Introduction of Ordinance #12-12 by Title Only

The Council President asked for a motion to approve this ordinance on first reading.
Motion: Daniel Kadish
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Ordinance #12-12 was approved on 1st reading.

Ordinance #12-12: An ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey


Business Administrator, Jerry Giaimis stated the 2011 Municipal Audit was distributed to the Council.

Council President Lynch suggested a special meeting on June 30th at the Municipal Center at 10:00 a.m. for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance #12-12; all Council Members were in agreement.

Adjournment

Council Member Patrick Rizzuto moved to adjourn the Special Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon. Council Member Eddie Dunn made the second; all were in agreement. The work session was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Bates
Deputy Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: July 23, 2012