Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this council meeting was held via a Zoom Webinar. View the YouTube video of this special council meeting »

The special meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on May 5, 2020 via Zoom Webinar in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey with Council President Harry Shortway presiding.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on May1, 2020 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. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Township Budget. Official Action will be taken.

Roll Call

Present were Council Members John Auberger, Jean Murphy, Mark Van Tassel, Kelley Weller and Council President Shortway. Also present were Mayor Howard Burrell, Business Administrator Charles Voelker and CFO Donelle Bright, Tax Collector Lisa Kimkowski and Township Attorney Josh Zielinski

Salute to the Flag

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

Public Comments (For Current Agenda Items Only, Limited to 3 minutes per person)

Council President Shortway asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comments.
Motion: John Auberger
Second: Mark Van Tassel
All members were in favor.

Seeing no members of the public wishing to speak, Council President Shortway asked for a motion to close the meeting for public comments.
Motion: John Auberger
Second: Mark Van Tassel
All members were in favor.

Resolution

Resolution #20-117: Resolution Extending the Deadline for Second Quarter Property Tax Payment in Accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 130

Council President Shortway read the title of Resolution #20-117.

Council President Shortway asked for a motion to approve Resolution #20-117.
Moved: John Auberger
Second: Mark Van Tassel

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Auberger, Murphy, Van Tassel, Weller, Shortway
Nays:
Abstain:
Absent:

Tax Collector Lisa Kimkowski clarified that the grace period is extended not the due date. The grace period for the 2nd quarter taxes is extended to June 1st.

Motion carried to approve resolution #20-117

Public Comments (Limited to 3 minutes on any topic)

Council President Shortway asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comments.
Motion: Kelly Weller
Second: Mark Van Tassel
All members were in favor.

Seeing no members of the public wishing to speak, Council President Shortway asked for a motion to close the meeting for public comments.
Motion: John Auberger
Second: Mark Van Tassel
All members were in favor.

Mayor’s Comments

Mayor Burrell thanked the Council and said it was an honor to work with them.

Council Comments

Council Member Murphy asked Tax Collector Lisa Kimkowski if residents do not pay their taxes by June 1st does the interest charged go back to May 1st.

Lisa Kimkowski answered yes the interest would go back to May 1st.

Council Member Van Tassel had no comments.

Council Member Weller had no comments.

Council Member Auberger had no comments.

Council President Comments

Council President Shortway commented that Municipal Clerk’s week started on May 3rd and he thanked the Municipal Clerk Marcy Gianattasio for all she does and how well she adjusted to Vernon Township. He said he appreciates the time that is put in to help keep the town running.

Adjournment

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

The Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: May 11, 2020