YouTube video of the May 12, 2014 council meeting »

The Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014 in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey with Council President Brian Lynch presiding.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on January 8, 2014, and was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-7.

Roll Call of Members

Present were Council Members Dan Kadish, Jean Murphy, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, and Council President Brian Lynch. Also present were Mayor Vic Marotta, Township Business Administrator William Zuckerman and Township Attorney Kevin Kelly.

There was no Executive Session.

Salute to the Flag

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

Proclamations

Buddy Poppy Month VFW

Council President Lynch invited Dennis Howard and the members of the Wallkill Valley VFW Post 8441 to the podium. Council President Lynch read the following proclamation:

WHEREAS: The annual distribution of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has been officially recognized and endorsed by governmental leaders since 1922; and

WHEREAS: Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled veterans, and the proceeds of this worthy fund-raising campaign are used exclusively for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the sale of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars is eloquently reflected in the desire to “honor the dead by helping the living.” The 2014 Buddy Poppy Drive is being held during the month of May; and

WHEREAS, The Wallkill Valley VFW 8441 and its Ladies Auxiliary promote the sale of the Buddy Poppy throughout the Township; and

WHEREAS, We urge all patriotic citizens to wear a Buddy Poppy as a symbol of gratitude to the men and women of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Lynch, Mayor Marotta and the Vernon Township Council do hereby proclaim that May 2014 is Buddy Poppy Month in Vernon Township. We hereby urge the citizens of this community to recognize the merits of this cause by contributing generously to this invaluable program.

Police Week 2014

Council President Lynch invited Chief Randy Mills and the members of the Vernon Police Department to the podium. Council President Lynch read the following proclamation:

WHEREAS: The Congress and President of the United States have designated the week of Sunday, May 11, 2014 through Saturday, May 17, 2014 as National Police Week; and

WHEREAS: The members of the Township of Vernon Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the Township of Vernon; and

WHEREAS, It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression; and

WHEREAS, The men and women of the Vernon Township Police Department unceasingly provide a vital service.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Lynch, Mayor Marotta and the Vernon Township Council do hereby proclaim that the week of May 11, 2014 through May 17, 2014 is designated as Police Week in the Township of Vernon and call upon all citizens and patriotic civic and educational organizations to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all of our community may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.

Alcohol Awareness Month Public Service Award Winners

Council President Lynch invited Annemarie Schafer, Gemma Chalkley, Claire Schlessinger, Justin Shea and Cynthia Schneider to the podium. Council President Lynch read the following proclamation:

WHEREAS: April was Alcohol Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS: The Vernon Coalition, in an effort to raise awareness about Alcohol abuse among teens, held a Public Service Announcement contest; and

WHEREAS, students who took the opportunity to participate in this contest shared their positive message with the community and represent the majority of county youth who choose not to drink alcohol; and

WHEREAS, The Council of the Township of Vernon wishes to commend the more than 250 entrants from 14 schools county-wide for making healthy choices and being positive role models; and

WHEREAS, Winners and honorable mentions were chosen from the many wonderful entries that encourage youth to make healthy choices and abstain from underage drinking with the message clearly shared by all entries as “This is me! It’s great to be alcohol free!”; and

WHEREAS, The Township of Vernon would like to recognize the Township’s local PSA winners.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Lynch, Mayor Marotta and the Vernon Township Council do hereby recognize Claire Schlesinger, Justin Shea and Cynthia Schneider for their outstanding efforts in the “This is Me! It’s Great to be Alcohol Free” 2014 PSA contest.

Public Comments

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comments.
Motion: Dick Wetzel
Second: Dan Kadish
All members were in favor.

Jessi Paladini commented that she had been attending meetings of the Vernon Township Council for more than 25 years. Ms. Paladini commented that she previously had been a newspaper reporter and that there was a time when you could open the paper and read about what had transpired at a council meeting. Ms. Paladini expressed disappointment that this no longer appeared to be the case. Ms. Paladini commented how the township had reduced its debt and lowered its budget for the third year in a row yet there was little to no coverage of that in the newspaper. Ms. Paladini commented that the public is not hearing about the good the Township Council is doing. Ms. Paladini requested that something be done to get the word out.

Closed to Public Comments

Seeing no other members of the public wishing to speak, Council President Lynch asked for a motion to close the public portion of the meeting.
Motion: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Dan Kadish
All Members were in favor.

Presentations

Environmental Commission

Council President Lynch asked Ms. Beverly Budz and the members of the Vernon Environmental Commission to come forward.

Ms. Budz noted that the name Vernon means tree growth and that more than 1,100 plant species call Vernon home. Ms. Budz discussed an area of concern in the Township, Camp Sussex. Ms. Budz indicated that this once beautiful and thriving camp had deteriorated into a place where Vernon’s youth engage in dangerous behavior. Ms. Budz discussed that the Township had received a no net loss grant to reforest Vernon. Ms. Budz discussed the possibility of purchasing the property at Camp Sussex and creating a chestnut tree forest as well as public park.

Mayor Marotta asked Chief Mills to come forward to discuss the issues at Camp Sussex. Chief Mills explained that the property is currently private and that the camp has been closed for many years. Chief Mills explained that acquiring the park and making it public property would allow the police department better opportunity to patrol.

Council Member Wetzel expressed enthusiasm about the idea but concern that the Township would then have another dam to maintain. Mayor Marotta explained the dam had been inspected and is currently not in need of eminent repairs. Council Member Rizzuto expressed interest in considering the project. Council President Lynch questioned the routine problems the police were currently facing at the camp. Chief Mills explained there were broken windows, trespassing issues, drinking, and criminal mischief. Council Member Murphy questioned if there were any liens on the property and expressed concern over possible asbestos and underground oil tanks. Mayor Marotta noted there were currently no liens on the property, However, possible asbestos remediation may be required based upon future inspections. Mayor Marotta explained removal of the buildings would cost between $100,000-$300,000 depending on what route the Township took for demolition. Mayor Marotta stated that part of the property was in the planning zone but due to septic limitations on phosphates in the soil development would be limited in that area. Mayor Marotta explained the costs to restore the camp to its former use. Mayor Marotta indicated that TMR, Inc. purchased the previous tax certificates on the property and foreclosed and with each tax payment they make, the cost to acquire the property higher. Council Member Kadish requested to see a proposal on the costs of the project. Council Member Rizzuto stated he would like this issue to be approached with a vision: ball fields, picnicking, and a review of the end point costs. Mayor Marotta cautioned that Camp Sussex currently is an issue that the Township would like to correct. Mayor Marotta was asked to have additional information for the June 9, 2014 meeting.

Township Mayor’s Report

Mayor Marotta advised that the tax collection was on target but that the collection of fees was lower. Mayor Marotta speculated this may be as a result of the particularly hard winter. Mayor Marotta indicated that expenditures were on target.

Mayor Marotta noted that on May 1 the Township launched the Shop Vernon campaign and that within 10 days, 500 families had signed up and 3 new merchants had joined. Mayor Marotta stated that the company who co-ordinates the “Shop” program was amazed at the response which was more than any other town where the program had been launched. Mayor Marotta thanked the EDAC for their efforts as well as the Council. Mayor Marotta also indicated that some cards had been returned in the mail and as residents come forward to claim their cards, the Township is able to correct their tax record.

Mayor Marotta commented that the township had received the fire radios as part of a grant but there was an issue with the specifications. Mayor Marotta indicated the problem was being tracked down.

Approval of Minutes

It was moved and seconded as noted below to approve the following minutes:

April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes

Moved: Dan Kadish
Seconded: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Jean Murphy, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None

Motion carried to approve minutes for April 14, 2014.

Resolutions Adopted by Separate Vote

Council Member Kadish requested a separate vote for Resolution 14-77. Council President Lynch provided a brief synopsis of Resolution 14-77.

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to adopt Resolution 14-77.

Moved: Dan Kadish
Seconded: Patrick Rizzuto

Council Member Kadish questioned why this resolution was brought forward. Mayor Marotta indicated that this property was not included in the Township’s wastewater management plan and the owners had requested its inclusion so they could possibly develop the property. Council President Lynch explained that this was not the first step to this property being included in the wastewater management plan but an initial step; the property owners still need approval from the Vernon MUA, the County and State DEP. Mayor Marotta explained the limits on the sewer allocation.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Jean Murphy, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None

Resolution #14-77 was adopted.

Resolution #14-77: Resolution Endorsing a Plan Amendment to the Vernon Township Wastewater Management Plan and Sussex County Water Quality Management Plan for a Portion of the Property Known as Block 183, Lot 15 in the Township of Vernon

WHEREAS, the Vernon Township Council desires to provide for the orderly development of wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities within the municipality; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requires that proposed wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities and wastewater treatment service areas and related subjects be in conformance with an approved Wastewater Quality Management (WQM) plan; and

WHEREAS, the Vernon Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) prepared by the County of Sussex has been approved by the NJDEP as an amendment to the Sussex County Water Quality Management Plan in September 2000, and revised September 2001; and

WHEREAS, Dale Kelley (“Kelley”) is the owner of property located in Vernon Township, which land is identified as Block 183, Lot 15 on the Vernon Township tax maps, located near the intersection of Sand Hill Road and Route 94, (“Property”); and

WHEREAS, the Property is an active tilled agricultural property with a house and barn; and

WHEREAS, the proposed development of the Property will require wastewater discharge above 2000 gallons per day; and

WHEREAS, the Property is less than 100 acres and Kelley will connect the development to the Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority Sewage Treatment Plant to be consistent with the Vernon Township WMP; and

WHEREAS, the Property is designated as a “future sewer service area” and the existing Vernon Township WMP requires a Plan Amendment to include a portion of Block 183, Lot 15 on the tax map of Vernon Township to be in a “sewer service area” for the Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority Sewage Treatment Plant; and

WHEREAS, the Vernon Township Council has determined that the proposed discharge for the development of the Property contemplated by Kelley is appropriate for this Property within the municipality.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon on this 14th day of May, 2014 as follows:

  1. Vernon Township hereby endorses a plan amendment to the Vernon Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) to include a portion of Block 183, Lot 15 in the Township of Vernon in the sewer service area for the Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority Sewage Treatment Plant.
  2. This endorsement shall be submitted to the Sussex County Policy Advisory Committee, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the NJDEP, and all other interested parties.

Consent Agenda

Council President Lynch gave a brief explanation of Resolutions #14-71 - #14-78, excluding 14-77.

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to adopt Resolutions #14-71 - #14-78, excluding 14-77.

Moved: Dan Kadish
Seconded: Brian Lynch

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Jean Murphy, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None

Resolutions #14-63- #14-69 were adopted.

Resolution #14-71: Corrective Action Plan 2013 Audit

WHEREAS, the 2013 Annual Audit Report was delivered in April 2014 and regulations promulgated by the Local Fiscal Affairs Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:5 requires that the Chief Financial Officer prepare a Corrective Action Plan covering all findings and recommendations in the audit report; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5 further requires approval of the Corrective Action Plan within 60 days of audit receipt by the Township Council;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that the Corrective Action Plan for the 2013 Annual Audit Report prepared by the Township Chief Financial Officer and attached hereto as “Appendix A” be approved.

Resolution #14-72: Approving a Solicitor’s Permit for Power Home Remodeling Group

WHEREAS, Power Home Remodeling Group, 6 Commerce Drive, Cranford, New Jersey 07106 has made application for a Solicitor’s Permit for the purposes of providing free estimates on windows, roofing and siding; and

WHEREAS, upon receipt of the application for a Solicitors Permit by Power Home Remodeling Group and applicants: Michael Nadolny, Jarred Palumbo, Robert Hansen, and Christopher Cambria, the Vernon Township Police Department investigated the applicant’s business responsibility and moral character and found same to be satisfactory and in good order for the protection of the public good; and the necessary application has been filed and all documentation is in order;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that approval be granted for a Solicitor’s Permit for Power Home Remodeling Group, applicants: Michael Nadolny, Jarred Palumbo, Robert Hansen, and Christopher Cambria.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Clerk is hereby authorized to issue a Solicitor’s Permit to the aforesaid applicant in accordance with Chapter 428 of the Code of the Township of Vernon.

Resolution #14-73: Resolution Authorizing the Application to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety for a Seatbelt Enforcement Program, “Click It or Ticket”

WHEREAS, the most effective device for preventing deaths and injuries in motor vehicle crashes remains the seat belt; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Primary Seal Belt Law of 2001, enacted by the State of New Jersey, seat belt usage in the state has steadily risen saving lives on our roadways; and

WHEREAS, the most recent statewide survey undertaken in June 2013, determined the seat belt usage rate in New Jersey to be 91%; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey will participate in the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” safety belt mobilization from May 19 - June 1, 2014 in an effort to raise awareness and increase safety belt usage through a combination of enforcement and education; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Township will initially incur the cost of the program, not to exceed $4,000.00 and then submit the necessary documentation to the Division of Highway Traffic Safety for total reimbursement.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Vernon Township declares its support for the Click It or Ticket safety belt mobilization both locally and nationally from May 19- June 1, 2014 and pledges to increase awareness of the mobilization and the benefits of safety belt use.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute and sign any and all documents in order to effectuate the receipt of the Grant monies between the Township of Vernon and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety for Seatbelt Enforcement in the amount of $4,000.

The effective dates for this program will be from May 19, 2014 through June 1, 2014.

Resolution #14-74: Resolution to Join the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission Cooperative Pricing System (#65MCESCCPS)

WHEREAS, NJSA 40A:11-1 et seq. specifically authorizes two or more contracting units to establish a cooperative pricing system for the provision and performance of goods and services and allows additional contracting units to enter into such a cooperative pricing system; and

WHEREAS, a cooperative pricing system is to effect substantial economies in the provision and performance of goods and services; and

WHEREAS, the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission Cooperative Pricing System, hereinafter referred to as the “Lead Agency,” has offered voluntary participation in a Cooperative Pricing System for the purchase of goods and services; and

WHEREAS, Vernon Township desires to participate in the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission Cooperative Pricing System.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Council hereby authorizes Vernon Township to enter into a Cooperative Pricing Agreement with Middlesex Regional Educational Commission pursuant to the provisions of NJSA 40A:11-1(5).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Lead Agency shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law (NJSA 40A:11-1 et seq) and all other provisions of the revised statutes of the State of New Jersey.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage.

Resolution #14-75: Endorsing the Submission of the 2013 Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L. 1987 c.102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and

WHEREAS, it is the intent and spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and to expand existing programs; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is promulgating recycling regulations to implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and

WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, including but not limited to making and keeping accurate, verifiable records of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and

WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for such tonnage grants will memorialize the commitment of this municipality to recycling and indicate the assent of the Vernon Township Council to the efforts undertaken by the municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and

WHEREAS, such a resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure the application is properly completed and timely filed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that the Township of Vernon hereby endorses the submission of the 2013 Recycling Tonnage Grant Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates David Pullis, Director of Public Works, to ensure that the application is properly filed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the monies received from the Recycling Tonnage Grant be deposited into a dedicated recycling trust fund to be used solely for the purposes of recycling.

Resolution #14-76: Resolution Authorizing Award of Contract—Payment of Court Fees by Credit Card

WHEREAS, the Vernon Township Municipal Court has requested that Defendants ordered to pay penalties and fees for violations in the Vernon Township Municipal Court be allowed to do so by credit card, and

WHEREAS, the Township Business Administrator, and the Municipal Court Administrator met with Lakeland Bank as well as their credit card servicer, Elavon, and recommend to the Governing Body that receipts for payments of fines, bail and other fees, costs or payments associated with the operation of the municipal court by credit card be approved, and

WHEREAS, the utilization of credit cards for payment of fees, costs or other payments associated with the municipal court is in compliance with the Rules of Court under N.J.A.C. 5:30-9, et seq., adopted by the New Jersey State Supreme Court and promulgated under N.J.S.A. 40A:5-43 et seq., the “Government Electronic Payment Acceptance Act.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon as follows:

  1. That this Town Council authorizes the municipal court to accept credit card payments for the payment of municipal court fees, fines, and such other payments that may be due to the municipal court in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-9, et seq.
  2. That a contract in the amount not to exceed $1,000.00 for the purchase of needed equipment and a service charge of 0.50% (based on volume) be awarded to Elavon, and any authorized service fees, charges, costs, surcharges, or other charges for processing electronic transactions in the municipal court will be directly billed to Vernon Township without deduction from any municipal court bank account in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-9.10 (Payment of Electronic Receipt Fees).
  3. That the Mayor of the Township is hereby authorized to sign an agreement with Elavon for said services.

Resolution #14-78: Authorizing the Award of Contract for Drainage Improvements to Upper Plateau and Murphy Court

WHEREAS, there is a need for Drainage Improvements to Upper Plateau Drive and Murphy Court within Vernon Township;

WHEREAS, the Township has issued specifications and contract documents soliciting formal bids for the necessary work;

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon opened four bids for the proposed drainage improvements on May 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, four bids were received and reviewed by the Township Engineer, Cory Stoner for the specified bid requirements; and

WHEREAS, after review, the lowest bidder did fully meet the bid requirements and the contract is recommended to be awarded to Earth-Tec Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 941 Vernon, NJ 07462 in the amount of $32,975.00

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified funds available for this purpose in Account #79120123.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Vernon Township Mayor and Council, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to award the bid to Earth-Tec Associates, Inc., for Drainage Improvements to Upper Plateau Drive and Murphy Court within Vernon Township.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately according to law.

Introduction/1st Reading of Ordinances

Ordinance #14-07: An Ordinance of the Township of Vernon in the County of Sussex, New Jersey Authorizing the Purchase of Various Equipment and Repairs in, by and for the Township Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56-1 and Appropriating Therefore the Sum of $240,000.00 and Providing that Such Sum So Appropriated Shall Be Raised from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township

Council President Lynch read Ordinance #14-07 by title only.

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to introduce Ordinance #14-07 with a public hearing to held on June 9, 2014.

Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Seconded: Dick Wetzel

Council Member Murphy questioned what items the ordinance would be used to purchase. Mayor Marotta reviewed the expenses.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Jean Murphy, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None

Motion carried to introduce Ordinance 14-07 with a public hearing on June 9, 2014.

Ordinance #14-08: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 94 of the Administrative Code of the Township of Vernon: Division of Police

Council President Lynch read Ordinance #14-08 by title only.

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to introduce Ordinance #14-08 with a public hearing to held on May 29, 2014.

Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Seconded: Dick Wetzel

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Jean Murphy, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None

Motion carried to introduce Ordinance 14-08 with a public hearing on May 29, 2014.

Council Comments

Council President Lynch commented on the recent Supreme Court decision which allows a moment of silence or prayer at Township meetings. Council President Lynch stated in his opinion that a moment of silence was appropriate when the situation calls for it, however that would not be the case at every meeting. Council President Lynch stated he did not feel the Township should be quoting verse at meetings. Council President Lynch stated he would like to save moments of silence for when needed. Township Attorney Kevin Kelly noted the Supreme Court stated that prayer should be being at the beginning of the meeting before the substantive parts of the meeting took place.

Council Member Rizzuto commented that on April 14, Council Member Kadish had discussed the use of Narcan which counteracts an opiate. Council Member Rizzuto discussed that there only 17 states that were allowing EMTs to utilize Narcan. Council Member Rizzuto stated the Governor was working on a law to allow for a waiver for EMTs who use this to limit the EMT’s liability. Mayor Marotta commented that the Township’s position was that if the Township was to use this drug it should be initiated by the County Prosecutor. Council Member Rizzuto stated he would certainly support a motion brought forward if liability was limited. Council Member Rizzuto thanked the Glenwood Ambulance squad for their quick response to his home after his wife had an unfortunate fall earlier this week.

Council Member Murphy stated she had previously requested a list of the MUA assets. Mayor Marotta indicated that the document had been requested twice from United Water and he would follow up.

Council Member Kadish noted that the State of Massachusetts is currently supplying all police officers with Narcan and it had been very successful. Council Member Kadish stated he hoped it would become available in Vernon.

Council Member Wetzel indicated he had spoken with police and EMT first responders about this issue and they should be first to have information on this. Council Member Wetzel stated at a meeting with Lt. Governor Guadagno, she had indicated the Township had received a $200,000 grant from the Department of Transportation. Council Member Wetzel thanked Missy for the great job she did at the Senior Citizen Luncheon. Council Member Wetzel complimented Jessi Paladini for her comments; people are so appreciative of what the Council is doing in Vernon.

Adjournment

There being no further items of business to be conducted on the Regular Meeting agenda, a motion for Adjournment was made by Council Member Murphy, seconded by Council Member Kadish with all members voting in favor.

The Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Kirkman, RMC
Municipal Clerk