Township Council Work Session

The work session of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2013, in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey. The purpose of this work session was to discuss “Vernon Values”—A Shop Local Campaign.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this work session has been provided to the public and the press on February 8, 2013 and was posted in the municipal building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6.

Salute to the Flag

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

Roll Call of Members

Present were Council Members Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Dick Wetzel, and Council President Patrick Rizzuto. Council Member Brian Lynch was absent.

Public Comments

Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to open the meeting to public comments at this time.
Moved: Dick Wetzel
Second: Daniel Kadish
All were in favor.

Gary Martinsen, Vernon resident and business owner, stated that this is a very important workshop and felt it should have been recorded by SECTV and put on local television to get more public exposure.

Closed to Public Comments

No one else wished to speak at this time, and Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to close the public portion of the meeting.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Eddie Dunn
All were in favor.

Discussion on “Vernon Values”—A Shop Local Campaign

Council Member Dunn gave a synopsis, via a PowerPoint presentation, of the Vernon Values—Shop Local campaign. He and the Economic Development Advisory Committee are spearheading this campaign to boost local purchasing. The basic idea is to get residents to buy locally which will increase sales to local businesses and will give residents a reduction in their property taxes, or if they are renters in Vernon, they will receive a check at the end of the year.

Mr. Carmine DeFalco of Fincredit, Inc. gave a PowerPoint presentation and explained in detail how the program works and the benefits not only to shop owners but to residents as well.

Public Questions and Answers

Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to open the meeting to the public for questions and answers at this time.
Moved: Eddie Dunn
Second: Dick Wetzel
All were in favor.

The questions asked by the residents and business owners varied—from questions about billboard advertising, percentages, various ways to register if you don’t have the internet, and how the percentages worked and how the amount will be deducted from your taxes.

Mr. DeFalco did mention that doctors, dentists and real estate offices cannot participate in this program.

Council Member Dunn stated that merchant meetings will be set up for the near future.

Closed to Public Questions and Answers

Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to close the meeting to the public for questions and answers at this time.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Dick Wetzel
All were in favor.

Adjournment

Council Member Eddie Dunn moved to adjourn this work session of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon. Council Member Daniel Kadish made the second; all were in agreement. The work session was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Bates
Deputy Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: July 8, 2013