YouTube video of the February 3, 2015 council meeting »
The Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey with Council President Patrick Rizzuto presiding.
Statement of Compliance
Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on January 28, 2015, 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. Clerk Kirkman noted this meeting had been rescheduled from January 26, 2015 due to the weather.
Roll Call of Members
Present were Council Members Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel and Council President Patrick Rizzuto. Also present was Township Attorney John Ursin.
Executive Session
Township Attorney John Ursin read the following resolution for Executive Session.
WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 permits the exclusion of the public in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matters to be discussed are:
Attorney Client Privilege {(N.J.S.A. 10:4-12b (7)}: Executive Session Minutes (Anticipated Time of Disclosure March 2015).
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to enter into executive session: Motion: Brian Lynch
Second: Dan Kadish
All members were in favor.
The Council adjourned into executive session at 6:33 p.m.
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to return to open session. Motion: Brian Lynch
Second: Dick Wetzel
All members were in favor.
The Council returned to open session at 7:30 p.m.
Statement of Compliance
Clerk Kirkman re-read the statement. Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on January 28, 2015, 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. Clerk Kirkman noted this meeting had been rescheduled from January 26, 2015 due to the weather.
Roll Call of Members
Present were Council Members Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel and Council President Patrick Rizzuto. Also present were Mayor Victor Marotta, Administrator Bill Zuckerman, CFO Elke Yetter and Township Attorney John Ursin.
Salute to the Flag
Council President Rizzuto led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.
Public Comment
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comments.
Motion: Brian Lynch
Second: Dan Kadish
All members were in favor.
Doreen Edwards, Highland Lakes, stated she would like the Township to look into town wide garbage pickup, including recycling.
Krista Gerry, stated she was surprised that Mr. Kevin Kelly was no longer the Township Attorney. Ms. Gerry commented that she was proud of Council Members Kadish and Murphy. Ms. Gerry stated it is a new year, a fresh start and to let go of grudges. Ms. Gerry stated the spirit of getting even will eventually destroy. Ms. Gerry expressed hope for a good year.
Closed to Public Comments
Seeing no more members of the public wishing to speak, Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to close the public portion of the meeting.
Motion: Brian Lynch
Second: Dan Kadish
All members were in favor.
Swearing-In of Officers
Vernon Township Ambulance Squad
Council President Rizzuto asked if Amy Wenegroth, President, Joseph Morgan, Vice President, Stephanie Wagner, Secretary, Roger Kirchner, Chief, Jon Klos, Assistant Chief, Richie Carson, Mtn. Lt., and Alyse Watson, Valley Lt., the 2015 Officers of the Vernon Township Ambulance Squad could approach the podium. Council Member Lynch noted that Amy Wenegroth, Joe Moran and Stephanie Wagner were unable to attend this evening’s ceremony as they were transporting an infant to the hospital.
The members present were administered the following oath:
I, (the affiant stated their name), do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and to the Governments established in the United States and in this State, under the Authority of the People.
I do further solemnly affirm that I will faithfully, impartially and justly perform all the duties as (the affiant stated their office) of the Vernon Township Ambulance Squad, according to the best of my ability, so help me God.
Mayor Marotta thanked the members of the Ambulance Squad for their hard work. Council Member Lynch also thanked the members for being in attendance this evening. Council President Rizzuto commended the members of the squad for their service.
Mayor’s State of the Township
- Mayor Marotta stated that the state of the Township is excellent in every respect, noting that the government works even when members of the governing body do not agree. Mayor Marotta thanked the Taxpayer Association for making videos of the meetings available via “u-tube” as this had saved the township money.
- Mayor Marotta talked about the various items that had been accomplished in 2014 including the new DPW roof, the repaving of Upper Plateau and Murphy Court and the adding fencing to Maple Grange Park as well as the addition to the Animal Control Building.
- Mayor Marotta also discussed the grant received for the Black Creek plan and the designation of Route 515 as a scenic by-way. Mayor Marotta indicated this was the 3rd year of paving the secondary and tertiary roads and area of town hall.
- Mayor Marotta noted the Township was Aa bond rated in 2014 by Moody’s which was a better rating than the State of New Jersey.
- Mayor Marotta noted the retirement of Police Chief Roy Wherry and the promotions of Randy Mills to Chief as well as Steve Moran to Captain and discussed the various other promotions and additions to the police department. Mayor Marotta also noted the addition of four new staff members to the DPW as well as the new zoning officer, Alison LaRocca.
- Mayor Marotta discussed the challenges of this winter with multiple storms close together making it difficult to obtain salt and grit but noting the success of the DPW truck tracking system.
- Mayor Marotta noted that CVS would be the first new building in Town Center, which was approved last year.
- Mayor Marotta pointed to the new Fire Marshal, Lou Tosto and the new Township Clerk, Lauren Kirkman, acknowledging that they were doing a great job and were good hires for the township.
- Mayor Marotta discussed the fund balances and noted that the township must keep in reserves enough money for the school and county taxes even if the township is unable to collect 100% of the taxes. Mayor Marotta also made note that the Township had created a sinking fund to plan for future bond payments to avoid spikes in the tax rate.
- Mayor Marotta discussed the decreasing amount needed each year in taxes since 2010 in the face of losing $150 million in assessed value. Mayor Marotta discussed that the Township’s taxes had gone down every year for the past three years. Mayor Marotta explained the Township is making progress and the Council should be proud. Mayor Marotta stated his suggested budget for 2015 would not include a tax increase.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved and seconded as noted below to approve the following minutes:
December 22, 2014: Regular Meeting Minutes
Moved: Jean Murphy
Seconded: Dan Kadish
All members voted in favor to approve minutes
Motion carried to approve minutes for December 22, 2014.
It was moved and seconded as noted below to approve the following minutes:
January 1, 2015: Re-organization Meeting Minutes
Moved: Brian Lynch
Seconded: Dan Kadish
Council Member Kadish requested that the “b” on the top of page 16 be changed to an “n.”
All members voted in favor to approve minutes.
Motion carried to approve minutes for January 1, 2015 with correction noted.
Items for Discussion
The Council discussed that the receipt of a number of resolutions from other municipalities in relation to the State’s Corporate Business tax. The Tax was originally to be utilized to fund public parks, but the funds are now being diverted. The resolutions received from other municipalities urge the restoration of the funds, including funding for our own parks. The Council noted that resolution 15-43 on the meeting tonight was for the restoration of park funds.
Consent Agenda
Council President Rizzuto gave a brief explanation of Resolutions #15-33 - #15-43.
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to adopt Resolutions #15-33 - #15-43.
Moved: Dan Kadish
Seconded: Brian Lynch
A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel, Patrick Rizzuto
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolutions #15-33 - #15-43 were adopted.
Resolution #15-33: Authorizing Change Orders #1 & #2 of Contract for Repair/Replacement of the DPW Roof within the Vernon Township Municipal Complex
WHEREAS, on July 28, 2014, by way of adoption of Resolution #14-123, the Council of the Township of Vernon awarded a contract to Zitone Construction and Supply Co. for Repair/Replacement of the DPW Roof within the Vernon Township Municipal Complex which contract provided for an expenditure of $260,000.00; and
WHEREAS, during construction there were needed adjustments of the project creating a price decrease due to a modified roof system in the amount of $34,500.00 and an increase due to addition of gutters and downspouts in the amount of $15,132.00, as stated in Change Order No. 1 and Change Order No. 2 herein attached,; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, in concurrence with the Mayor, recommends approving Change Order No. 1 and Change Order No. 2 which will decrease the final contract cost to $240,632.00.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon that it hereby approves the Township Engineer’s recommendations and authorizes the Mayor to execute said Change Order No. 1 and Change Order No. 2 for said project decreasing the total contract amount to $240,632.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Zitone Construction and Supply Co. and the Township Engineer.
Resolution #15-34: Approving Active Volunteer Fireman for Membership in the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association
WHEREAS, the Township Council recognizes the extraordinary contributions made by volunteer firefighters to our community and seeks to encourage their full participation in professional organizations; and
WHEREAS, Cassandra L. Williamson, an active firefighter and member of the McAfee Volunteer Fire Department Company #2, is requesting approval to submit an application for membership to the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, Sussex County, New Jersey hereby approves Cassandra L. Williamson for membership in the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association.
Resolution #15-35: Authorizing Change Order #1 of Contract with Zone Striping, Inc. for Raised Pavement Markers—Breakneck Road Phase I
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2014, by way of adoption of Resolution #14-177, the Council of the Township of Vernon awarded a contract to Zone Striping, Inc. for Raised Pavement Markers along Breakneck Road within Vernon Township which contract provided for an expenditure of $14,960.00; and
WHEREAS, during construction there were needed adjustments of the project creating a price decrease due to reduction in amber lenses and hours of Traffic Directors in the amount of $2,276.00 and an increase due to addition of white lenses in the amount of $49.00, as stated in Change Order No. 1 herein attached; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, in concurrence with the Mayor, recommends approving Change Order No. 1 which will decrease the final contract cost to $12,733.00.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon that it hereby approves the Township Engineer’s recommendations and authorizes the Mayor to execute said Change Order No. 1 for said project decreasing the total contract amount to $12,733.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Zone Striping, Inc. P.O. Box 568, Glassboro, NJ 08028 and the Township Engineer.
Resolution #15-36: Refund for Total Disabled Veteran
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS on November 6, 2013 awarded Knighton, Dane DeLuca a 100% permanent and total disabled Veteran; and
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon authorizes the Tax Collector to refund the 2014, 4th quarter payment made in the amount of $389.24 to Knighton, Dane DeLuca.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Resolution #15-37: Cancelling Taxes for Total Disabled Veteran
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS on November 6, 2013 awarded Knighton, Dane DeLuca a 100% permanent and total disabled veteran; and
WHEREAS, as of said date the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Vernon authorizes the Tax Collector to cancel the taxes for 2014 in the amount of $389.24 Re: Block 268.26 Lot 11thru 13 Location 14 Orchard Dr.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Resolution #15-38: Resolution of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Amending Resolution 15-14 of the Township of Vernon Regarding Professional Appointments
WHEREAS, Resolution 2015-14 was duly adopted by the Township Council on January 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, said Resolution appointed various professionals, in particular, Richard W. Wenner, Esq., as special labor counsel and special conflict counsel; and
WHEREAS, the name of the law firm in which Richard W. Wenner, Esq. is a partner was incorrectly identified as Courter, Kobert & Cohen, P.C.; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council desires to correct this error.
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that Resolution 2015-14 is hereby amended to identify the law firm in which Richard W. Wenner is a partner as Lavery, Selvaggi, Abromitis & Cohen, P.C. as opposed to Courter, Kobert & Cohen, P.C.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all other aspects and provisions of Resolution 2015-14 shall remain unchanged.
Resolution #15-39: Authorizing Submission and Execution of the 2015-2016 Municipal Alliance Grant Agreement with the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in the Amount of $20,467.00
WHEREAS, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse established the Municipal Alliances for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in 1989 to educate and engage residents, local government and law enforcement officials, schools, nonprofit organizations, the faith community, parents, youth and other allies in efforts to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in communities throughout New Jersey.
WHEREAS, The Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and therefore has an established Municipal Alliance Committee; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Council further recognizes that it is incumbent upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent such abuses in our community; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Council has applied for funding to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Sussex.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey hereby recognizes the following:
The Township Council does hereby authorize submission of a strategic plan for the Vernon Municipal Alliance grant for fiscal year 2015-2016 in the amount of:
DEDR $20,467.00
Cash Match $5,117.00
In-Kind $15,350.00
The Township Council acknowledges the terms and conditions for administering the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative compliance and audit requirements.
Resolution #15-40: Authorizing the Use of H-GAC Houston-Galveston Area Council, a National Cooperative
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon desires to become a member of H-GAC Houston-Galveston Area Council, a National Cooperative; and
WHEREAS, NJSA 52:34-6.2 et seq., allows local contracting units to utilize national cooperative contracts as a method of procurement when cost effective; and
WHEREAS, there is no cost to the Township to join H-GAC Houston-Galveston Area Council; and
WHEREAS, the Qualified Purchasing Agent has determined that utilizing the H-GAC Houston Galveston Area Council contracts for standard equipment purchases will be more cost effective than utilizing the state contract, county cooperatives or a competitively bid contract; and
WHEREAS, the period of this contract shall be for the balance of the fiscal year, and will renew annually.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex and the State of New Jersey, the Mayor is authorized to execute an Interlocal contract with Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77027.
Resolution #15-41: Authorizing the Execution of a Shared Service Agreement Between the Township of Vernon and the Borough of Sussex for Dog Census Services by Animal Control Officer for 2015
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon and the Borough of Sussex wish to enter into an Shared Service Agreement for Dog Census Services by Animal Control Officer for 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon agrees to provide an Animal Control Officer to complete a Door-to-Door Census and provide Sussex Borough with list of unlicensed dogs as per the attached Shared Service Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the agreement states this service will be completed and provided to Sussex Borough by April 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Sussex agrees to compensate the Township of Vernon a total of $1,750.00 due upon completion of the 2015 dog census.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon of the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor is authorized to execute the Shared Service Agreement between the Township of Vernon and the Borough of Sussex for Dog Census Services by Animal Control Officer per the attached Shared Service Agreement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Mayor and Clerk of the Borough of Sussex and to the Vernon Township Finance Department.
Resolution #15-42: Authorizing Change Order #1 of Contract with M.L. Ruberton Co. Inc. for Guiderails—Breakneck Road Phase I
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2014, by way of adoption of Resolution #14-176, the Council of the Township of Vernon awarded a contract to M. L. Ruberton, Co. Inc. for Guiderails along Breakneck Road within Vernon Township which contract provided for an expenditure of $57,175.00; and
WHEREAS, during construction there were needed adjustments of the project creating a price increase due to addition of three Extra items totaling $13,618.75 and the subtraction of two Reductions totaling $625.00 resulting in an adjusted contract amount of $70,168.75 as stated in Change Order No. 1 herein attached; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, in concurrence with the Mayor, recommends approving Change Order No. 1 which will increase the final contract cost to $70,168.75; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified funds available for the increase for this purpose in Account #3095718.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon that it hereby approves the Township Engineer’s recommendations and authorizes the Mayor to execute said Change Order No. 1 for said project increasing the total contract amount to $70,168.75; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to M. L. Ruberton, Co. Inc., 1512 Mays Landing Road, Folsom, NJ 08037 and the Township Engineer.
Resolution #15-43: Resolution Requesting the Restoration of Funding to State Parks Programs Which Will Suffer Cuts Due to Diversion of Corporation Business Tax Funds as a Result of Public Approval of New Jersey Ballot Question 2
WHEREAS, Vernon Township, located in Sussex County, is the home of several thousand acres of heavily-forested State Lands, including Wawayanda State Park, a tourist haven for hiking, boating, camping, fishing, canoeing, birding, photography, and other recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, located within Wawayanda State Park is the Appalachian Trail and boardwalk which is, a historic site of local, state and national importance that runs from New Hampshire to North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Vernon Township is depending on these significant, local natural and historic resources, and eco-tourism assets that draw visitors, new residents and new businesses to our Township; and
WHEREAS, there currently exists a greater than $400 million backlog of repairs, new construction and improvements to existing facilities in state parks and historic sites; and
WHEREAS, numerous Vernon Township residents, utilize and support the park on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, recent passage of New Jersey Ballot Question 2 will have serious financial impact on state parks and sites like Wawayanda State Park, severely limiting their ability to fund capital projects, such as building or repairing restrooms, roads, and bridges, since past dedicated funding through the Corporation Business Tax (CBT) has been virtually eliminated.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the Council of the Township of Vernon do hereby request that the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee ensure that the legislation implementing distribution of funds as part of Ballot Question 2 fully restores funding for the programs for capital improvements and stewardship of state parks and historic sites to the same or greater levels as prior to diversion of funds from the CBT; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Council of the Township of Vernon request that 5% of the funds from the CBT be allocated to stewardship of county and local parks and preserved lands through competitive matching grants similar to Green Acres acquisition and development grants; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Council of the Township of Vernon directs the Township Clerk to forward certified copies of this resolution to New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee; New Jersey State Senator Steven Oroho; New Jersey Assembly Members Alison McHose and Parker Space; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry Director Mark Texel; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry Assistant Director John Trontis; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry Northern Region Superintendent Steve Ellis; New Jersey League of Municipalities; The Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders; the Governing Bodies of all other Sussex County Municipalities; the Vernon Township Historic Society and the Vernon Township Environmental Commission.
Introduction/1st Reading of Ordinances
Council President Rizzuto read Ordinance #15-01 by title.
Ordinance #15-01: An Ordinance to Amend the Land Development Ordinance of the Township of Vernon by Adoption of a Revised Page 1 of the Zoning Map, Section 330-158 of Chapter 330
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to introduce Ordinance #15-01 with a public hearing to be held on March 23, 2015.
Moved: Dan Kadish
Seconded: Brian Lynch
A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel, Patrick Rizzuto
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried to introduce Ordinance #15-01 with a public hearing to be held on March 23, 2015.
Council President Rizzuto read Ordinance #15-02 by title:
Ordinance #15-02: An Ordinance Correcting the November General Election Date
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to introduce Ordinance #15-02 with a public hearing to be held on February 23, 2015.
Moved: Jean Murphy
Seconded: Dan Kadish
A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel, Patrick Rizzuto
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried to introduce Ordinance #15-02 with a public hearing to be held on February 23, 2015.
Public Hearing/2nd Reading of Ordinances
None
Mayoral Appointments
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to adopt Resolution #15-44. Council President Rizzuto gave a brief history of the appointees.
Moved: Jean Murphy
Seconded: Dan Kadish
A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel, Patrick Rizzuto
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried to adopt Resolution #15-44.
Resolution #15-44: Appointment to Economic Development Advisory Committee
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, and STATE OF NEW JERSEY, as follows:
1. That the following individuals are hereby appointed or reappointed as members of the Vernon Township Economic Development Advisory Committee effective January 26, 2015 for a term to end on December 31, 2015, as follows:
Kelly Lynn
Tracey Shauger
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Township Clerk shall send a copy of this resolution to the following:
a. Chairperson of the Economic Development Advisory Committee
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to adopt Resolution #15-45. Council President Rizzuto gave a brief history of the appointees.
Moved: Brian Lynch
Seconded: Dick Wetzel
A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Dan Kadish, Brian Lynch, Jean Murphy, Dick Wetzel, Patrick Rizzuto
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried to adopt Resolution 15-45.
Resolution #15-45: Appointments to Historic Preservation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, and STATE OF NEW JERSEY, as follows:
1. That the following individuals are hereby appointed or reappointed as members of the Vernon Township Historic Preservation Commission pursuant to the Code of the Township of Vernon for a term specified as follows:
Ilene Franklin Class B
Expiring 12/31/2018
Nancy Adam Class B
Expiring 12/31/2018
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Township Clerk shall send a certified copy of this resolution to the following:
a. Chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission
Council Comments
Council Member Murphy stated some persons had been having issues with the plowing. Mayor Marotta stated that plowing issues are handled by the Director of DPW. Council Member Murphy stated she would like, along with the draft budget, the contracts that were used by the departments for their expenditures and their back-up. Mayor Marotta noted that what was distributed was worksheets constructed by the financial department and that contracts for the various departments are handled by resolution but that he would be happy to provide copies. Mayor Marotta explained that Bill Zuckerman would be acting as Mayor in his absence and if something was needed please contact him. Council Member Murphy indicated there had been talk that Hidden Valley had been sold to a non profit and questioned if it had closed. Mayor Marotta replied that it had not been sold and explained that there would be a loss in tax revenue if the property is sold to a non-profit. Mayor Marotta continued that there would be adaptive skiing at the facility, which would continue to function and produce jobs. Council Member Murphy questioned if the agendas for the Boards and Commission should be posted around town. Attorney Ursin stated that any body that has an official function is a subset of the town council, it is mandatory that they comply with OPMA and publish the meeting dates, agendas 48 hours in advance and minutes. Council Member Murphy questioned if the Camp Sussex appraisal had been received. Mayor Marotta indicated it had not been. Council Member Murphy questioned how to handle an item for executive session. Attorney Ursin explained that a motion can always be made, but it has to be somewhat descriptive. Attorney Ursin stated that a Council Member can seek his counsel ahead of time.
Council Member Kadish stated he had no comment.
Council Member Wetzel stated that when he ran for office he promised to try and bring garbage pick up to the Township as well as bring the Health Department back. Council Member Wetzel has learned that cannot be done because of the 2% CAP on taxes. Council Member Wetzel stated that Sussex Rural is in talks with the potential new purchaser for Hidden Valley. Council Member Wetzel thanked the DPW and Dave Pullis for all their hard work with all the snow storms.
Council President Rizzuto echoed the sentiments of Council Member Wetzel in praising the DPW and Dave Pullis. Council President Rizzuto reminded that the Council had a work session at 6: 30 p.m. on the 9th prior to the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Council President Rizzuto stated he would like to poll the board for a follow up budget meeting, asking if the Council could meet on February 18th at 6:30 p.m. for budget presentations. Council President Rizzuto asked that the remaining meeting for department budget presentations be held on February 23rd at 6:30 p.m. prior to the regular meeting. Council Member Lynch requested that the meeting on February 23rd begin at 6:00 p.m. Council President Rizzuto asked for a consensus from the Council and it was agreed to have meetings on February 18th and February 23rd for the remaining department budget presentations.
Executive Session
At 8:49 p.m. Council Member Murphy asked for a motion to return to executive session to discuss the salary of the municipal clerk.
Township Attorney John Ursin noted the following for Executive Session.
WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 permits the exclusion of the public in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matters to be discussed are:
Personnel (Anticipated Time of Disclosure May 2015)
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
The motion to enter into executive session was moved and seconded:
Motion: Jean Murphy
Second: Brian Lynch
All members were in favor.
The Council adjourned into executive session at 8:50 p.m.
Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to return to open session at 9:16 p.m.:
Motion: Brian Lynch
Second: Dick Wetzel
All members were in favor.
The Council returned to open session at 9:16 p.m.
Adjournment
There being no further items of business to be conducted on the agenda, a motion for Adjournment was made by Council Member Lynch, 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 9:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Kirkman, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved: March 23, 2015
