Vernon Township
21 Church Street, Vernon, NJ 07462
Phone: 973.764.4055
Minutes: February 27, 2023
YouTube of the February 27, 2023 council meeting
This Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on February 27, 2023 via Zoom Webinar with Council President Buccieri presiding.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to the public and the press on January 6, 2023 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.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Council President Buccieri led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Present were Council Members Peg Distasi, Patrick Rizzuto, Bradley Sparta, Joe Tadrick and
Council President Natalie Buccieri. Also present were Mayor Howard Burrell, Acting Co-Business Administrator and Donelle Bright, Municipal Clerk Marcy Gianattasio and Township Attorney Josh Zielinski.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (For Current Agenda Items Only, Limited to 3 Minutes Per Person)
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the meeting to Public Comments.
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Buccieri
All members were in favor.
Bob Brennan – is in favor of the hiring of Tina Kraus as Business Administrator.
George Nikanorov – expressed concern about resolution #23-80 and the contract for the Business Administrator.
Ann Larson – expressed concern about resolution #23-80 and the contract for the Business Administrator.
Thomas McClachrie – questioned the contract for the Business Administrator. Mr. McClachrie would like clarification on the wording in ordinance #23-07.
Jessi Paladini - expressed concern about resolution #23-80 and the contract for the Business Administrator.
Sean Clarkin – expressed concern about resolution #23-80 and the contract for the Business Administrator.
Jess Larson Brennan - is in favor of the hiring of Tina Kraus as Business Administrator.
Peter Knipe - expressed concern about resolution #23-80 and the contract for the Business Administrator.
Seeing no one else from the public wishing to come forward, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the meeting to Public Comments.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Tax Assessment Meeting Dates (March 29 or March 30)
The Council decided that March 29, 2023 will be the date for the tax assessment meeting.
b. Budget Hearing Meeting Dates
The Council decided that they would like to attend the budget hearings for the departments. The Mayor and the CFO will keep them informed of the date.
c. Daniel’s Law
CFO Bright explained that in accordance with Daniel’s Law, Vernon Township will remove all electronic minutes for this year. On November 20, 2020, Governor Murphy signed Daniel's Law (P.L. 2020, c. 125) into law, which prohibits the disclosure of certain personal information of judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and their family members. In speaking with Counsel, the Mayor, and the Council President, we are making the decision to remove all public meeting minutes from the township website. Only 2022 and 2023 moving forward are to be posted in compliance with the law. This means, going back to 2022 and 2023 minutes and redact any addresses of the covered individuals that were approved by the State of NJ for redaction. As older years are redacted for address, they will be reposted on the website.
REVIEW OF BILLS LIST
The Council reviewed the bills list.
MINUTES
February 16, 2023 - Regular Meeting
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve the February 16, 2023 meeting minutes.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve the February 16, 2023 meeting minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution #23-72: Refund Overpayment (Various Blocks and Lots – Mark Zaremba)
Resolution #23-73: Refund Overpayment (Block 465 Lot 28 Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Services)
Resolution #23-74: Refund Overpayments (Block 634 Lot 5 Corelogic)
Resolution #23-75: Refund Overpayment (Block 527 Lot 298-Lereta)
Resolution #23-76: Resolution Authorizing Leasing of Certain Vehicles for the Department of Construction Through Sourcewell National Cooperative #060618-EFM Through Enterprise Fleet Management Services Inc. (Quote No. 7043586- 1x Blue Metallic)
Resolution #23-77: Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Fiscal Grant Cycle FY2024
Resolution #23-78: Resolution Rejecting All Bids for HVAC Maintenance Bid #12R-2022
Resolution #23-79: Resolution Authorizing Negotiations for Receipt of Bids for the Project Known as HVAC Maintenance and Repair, Bids 12-2022/12R-2022 Under N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(3)
Resolution #23-81: Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Municipal Services Between the Township of Vernon and Scenic Lakes Qualified Private Community
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve the consent agenda.
RESOLUTION #23-72
REFUND OVERPAYMENT
(Various Blocks and Lots- Mark Zaremba)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon, Vernon, New Jersey, that a warrant be drawn to Mark Zaremba in the total amount of $4653.48. Representing refund for overpayment of 1st qtr. 2023 property taxes for Block 190 Lot 10 in the amount of $1509.58. Also, a refund for overpayment of 1st qtr. 2023 property taxes for Block 215 Lot 7 in the amount of $1761.88. Also, a refund for overpayment of 1st quarter property taxes for Block 385 Lot 16 in the amount of $1382.02.
|
OWNER |
BLOCK |
LOT |
REFUND AMOUNT |
|
Zaremba |
190 |
10 |
$1509.58 |
|
Zaremba |
215 |
7 |
$1761.88 |
|
Zaremba |
385 |
16 |
$1382.02 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
$4653.48 |
RESOLUTION #23-73
REFUND OVERPAYMENT
(Block 465 and Lot 28 Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Services)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon, Vernon, New Jersey, that a warrant be drawn to Wells Fargo Real Estate Tax Services in the amount of $1355.47 representing refund for overpayment of the following property taxes:
|
OWNER |
BLOCK |
LOT |
REFUND AMOUNT |
|
Zaloum |
465 |
28 |
$1355.47 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
$1355.47 |
Zaloum- refund for overpayment totaling $1355.47 of 3rd qtr. 2022 property taxes for Block 465 Lot 28.
RESOLUTION #23-74
REFUND OVERPAYMENTS
(Block 634 Lot 5 CORELOGIC)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon, Vernon, New Jersey, that a warrant be drawn to Corelogic in the amount of $9,819.28 representing refund for overpayment for the following properties:
|
OWNER |
BLOCK |
LOT |
REFUND AMOUNT |
|
Mountain Creek Rst. |
634 |
5 |
$9819.28 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
9819.28 |
Mountain Creek Rst. - refund for overpayment totaling $9,819.28 for 4th qtr. 2022 property taxes for Block 634 Lot 5 also known as 123 Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey.
RESOLUTION #23-75
REFUND OVERPAYMENT
(Block 527 Lot 298– LERETA)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon, Vernon, New Jersey, that a warrant be drawn to Lereta in the amount of $1,004.03 representing refund for overpayment of 4th qtr. 2022 property taxes for Block 527 Lot 298.
|
OWNER |
BLOCK |
LOT |
REFUND AMOUNT |
|
Zhao |
527 |
298 |
$1004.03 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
$1004.03 |
RESOLUTION #23-76
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LEASING OF CERTAIN VEHICLES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION THROUGH SOURCEWELL NATIONAL COOPERATIVE #060618-EFM THROUGH ENTERPRISE
FLEET MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC.
(Quote No. 7043586- 1 x Blue Metallic)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon, Sussex County, State of New Jersey as follows:
WHEREAS, the governing body of Vernon Township approved in Resolution 19-164 authorizing leasing of certain vehicles through Sourcewell National Cooperative #060618-EFM through Enterprise Fleet Management Services, Inc., and this is an extension of that resolution; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Public Contract Law P.L. 2011, C.139 (the “Law” or “Chapter 139” and N.J.S.A.52:34-6.2 the regulations promulgated there under in Local Finance Notice LFN 2012-10, the following purchase without competitive bids from vendor with a National Cooperative Contract is hereby approved for municipalities, and;
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon has the need to procure certain vehicles through lease program for Township services in accord with the Local Publics Contract Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et. Seq., and;
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon has previously acted in accord with New Jersey public procurement statutes and regulations as promulgated by formally joining a recognized and compliant national cooperative, being the Sourcewell National Cooperative, and;
WHEREAS, the regulations as set forth within Local Finance Notice LFN 2012-10 have been fully complied with, and;
WHEREAS, the equipment and corresponding Sourcewell National Cooperative contract is #060618-EFM for Enterprise Fleet Management Services Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the cost savings determination as required under LFN 2012-10 is the cost of contract as there is currently no cooperative lease program in effect under the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property; and
WHEREAS, the quoted cost under the Sourcewell National contract is $32,631.84 (Quote No. 7043586); and
WHEREAS, that the governing body of Vernon Township pursuant to NJAC 5:30-5.5(b) (the certification of available funds), states that the Chief Finance Officer shall either certify the full maximum amount against the budget at the time the contract is awarded, or no contract amount shall be chargeable or certified until such time as the goods or services are ordered or otherwise called for prior to placing the order, and a certification of availability of funds is made by the Chief Finance Officer; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Business Administrator is hereby directed to effectuate the contract with Enterprise Fleet Management Services Inc. under Sourcewell contract #060618-EFM in accord with the provisions of the tenets as established within 40A:11-1 et. Seq.,
RESOLUTION #23-77
Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Fiscal Grant Cycle FY2024
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:
1. The Township Council does hereby authorize submission of a strategic plan for the Vernon Municipal Alliance grant for fiscal year 2022 in the amount of:
DEDR $ 7,472.00
Cash Match $ 1,868.00
In-Kind $ 5,604.00
2. The Township Council acknowledges the terms and conditions for administering the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative compliance and audit requirements.
RESOLUTION #23-78
RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR
HVAC MAINTENANCE BID #12R-2022
WHEREAS the Township of Vernon received bids for HVAC Maintenance, Bid# 12R-2022 on February 8, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.; and
WHEREAS the Township received five (5) bids to wit:
|
Air Systems Maintenance Inc. |
First Goal Heating and Cooling |
TM Brennan Service Inc |
McCloskey Mechanical Contractors |
Pow/R/Sav Inc |
|
|
YEAR 1 LUMP SUM |
$28,400.00 |
$26,000.00 |
$28,000.00 |
$61,380.00 |
$26,750.00 |
|
YEAR 2 LUMP SUM |
$29,800.00 |
$28,000.00 |
$32,000.00 |
$63,222.00 |
$28,160.00 |
|
TOTAL |
$58,200.00 |
$54,000.00 |
$60,000.00 |
$124,602.00 |
$54,910.00 |
And
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law at N.J.S.A.40A:11-13.2. allows for rejection of bids where the lowest bid substantially exceeds the cost estimates for the goods or services;
WHEREAS, all bids were substantially in excess of cost estimates.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the all bids for bid# 12R-2022 are hereby rejected in accord with N.J.S.A.40A:11-13.2(a)
RESOLUTION #23-79
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEGOTIATIONS
FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR, BIDS 12-2022/ 12R-2022
UNDER N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(3)
WHEREAS the Township publicly advertised and sought receipt of public bids on: January 12, 2023, where bids were rejected as well as February 8, 2023, where both bid results were rejected as being higher than budgetary estimates, in accord with N.J.S.A.40A:11-13.2(a).
WHEREAS, the Township has duly advertised for bids on all occasions, wherein bids were rejected; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Local Publics Contract Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(3) allows for negotiations subsequent to two (2) rejected or non-received bids; and,
WHEREAS it is the desire of the Township to authorize the Qualified Purchasing Agent to conduct the negotiations process in conjunction with the subject matter experts and municipal professionals; and
WHEREAS it remains the desire of Township of Vernon to secure a contract with a vendor to provide for maintenance and repair of HVAC systems within the Township possessing the tenets as found within bids as advertised and received; and
WHEREAS relief is available through the New Jersey Local Public Contract Law N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(3) and the Township desires to avail itself of this remedy through negotiations.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, Sussex County, that the Township’s Qualified Purchasing Agent, and municipal professionals are hereby authorized to enter into negotiations with contractors under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 5(3) which correspond to available funding.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
RESOLUTION #23-81
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON
AND SCENIC LAKES QUALIFIED PRIVATE COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, the Municipal Services Act (“Act”), N.J.S.A. 40:67-23.1 et seq., provides that qualified private communities are entitled to receive certain municipal services; and
WHEREAS, Scenic Lakes is a qualified private community as defined under the Act, and the Township of Vernon is a municipality governed by the Act; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon and Scenic Lakes desire to enter into an Agreement for Municipal service to provide that the Township shall reimburse Scenic Lakes for certain municipal services as specified in the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute an Agreement for Municipal Services with Scenic Lakes in a form similar to the agreement attached hereto.
Resolution #23-80: Appointment of the Business Administrator, Tina Kraus, Employment Contract
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve resolution #23-80.
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Distasi
Council Member Distasi asked the Township Attorney if the contract needs to be amended does that require that the resolution be tabled till the next meeting.
Attorney Zielinski responded that the Mayor negotiates the contracts and the Council approves or disapproves them. If the Council disapproves the contract, the contract would have no effect under this form of government. A new contract would have to be presented to the Council.
Council Member Distasi questioned if the BA is going to move to Vernon because she said our town code requires the BA to reside in Vernon after a certain period of time. Council Member Distasi asked if we are making her move to Vernon or are we making an exception.
Mayor Burrell explained that this contract does not require that the Business Administrator live in Vernon. If the ordinance says this, he was not aware of that. Mayor Burrell commented that this Business Administrator will be hired for the term of the Mayor. Between now and the end of December if it is necessary for us to maintain the employment, he will seek an exception.
Council Member Sparta said that the number of hours bothered him as well as the vacation and sick time. Council Member Sparta feels that there are definitely advantages to this contract as well.
Mayor Burrell explained that the contract states the Business Administrators is expected to be in her office 28 hours a week but it also says that she will be available 5 days. Those days will be flexible depending on what the job requires and what the Mayor expects.
Council Member Tadrick commented that this person is coming to Vernon for ten months and he gives her credit.
Council Member Rizzuto commented that the salary is $100,000 a year and this person is only going to be working ten months and we are not going to be paying benefits.
Council President Buccieri commented that we are asking someone to come and work here for a ten-month assignment with no promise of future employment. The fact that the candidate has a pension and benefits already is a benefit.
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve resolution #23-80.
RESOLUTION #23-80
APPOINTMENT OF THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR, TINA KRAUS,
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:9-137 provides that each municipality shall have a business administrator appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the municipal council and shall serve during the term of the office of the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the position of business administrator for the Township of Vernon (“Township”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §5-30(A) of the Township Code, the Mayor may appoint a business administrator; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has appointed Tina Kraus (“Kraus”) as the Business Administrator for the Township; and
WHEREAS, Kraus has accepted employment as the Township’s Business Administrator; and
WHEREAS, Kraus’s terms and conditions of employment are governed by her employment agreement, which is attached; and
WHEREAS, Kraus’s position as the Township’s Business Administrator commences on March 1, 2023; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, hereby consent to the appointment of Kraus as Business Administrator and ratifies the employment agreement between Kraus and the Township.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
Ordinance #23-07: An Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, Amending and Supplementing Chapter 509, “Taxation,” of the Township Code to Establish Article III, “100% Disabled Veteran Tax Refunds
President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-07.
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Distasi
Council Member Tadrick clarified that under the new rule VA code requirements, it no longer happens to be in a time of war. They changed it to war of conflict under the new ruling.
Council Member Rizzuto asked the Township Attorney if discussing an ordinance before first reading, are we setting a precedence?
Attorney Zielinski explained that it is up to the Council if they want to discuss an ordinance before it is introduced.
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion passed to introduce ordinance #23-07.
Ordinance #23-08: Ordinance Amending the Salaries for Certain Officers and Employees of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-08
Council Member Distasi explained that this is noting the title changes of an ordinance that was approved at the last meeting.
MOVED: Disasi
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion passed to introduce ordinance #23-08.
PUBLIC HEARING/2ND READING OF ORDINANCE
Ordinance #23-04: An Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, Adding Permitted Uses to the Commercial Recreation (CR) Zone in the Township of Vernon
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the floor for public hearing on ordinance #23-04.
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Distasi
All members were in favor.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to come forward, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance #23-04.
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Distasi
All members were in favor.
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve ordinance #23-04.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve ordinance #23-04.
ORDINANCE #23-04
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ADDING PERMITTED USES TO THE COMMERCIAL RECREATION (CR) ZONE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON
WHEREAS, The Township of Vernon (“Township”) has received a request to add breweries, bars, craft distilleries and microbreweries to the Commercial Recreation (CR) Zone in order to facilitate development of commercial recreation facilities in the zone; and
WHEREAS, the uses are permitted in the C-2 and Town Center (TC) Zones, which are along major highway corridors and are commercial zones; and
WHEREAS, upon review, the Governing Body finds that the proposed use expansion would be beneficial in developing tourism and improving the economy of Vernon Township and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body finds that it would be beneficial to add these uses to the C-R Zone in order to expand opportunities to create economic development in the Township; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 330-160 Schedule A, Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses and Structures (Section 330 Attachment 5) shall be amended as followsSchedule A: Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses and Structures (Section 330-160) Township of Vernon
Legend:
P=Permitted Use
A= Permitted Accessory Use
C= Conditional Use
|
Uses |
R-1 |
R-2 |
R-3 |
SR |
PLC |
C-1 |
C-2 |
C-3 |
CR |
AET |
LI |
C |
MTC |
P |
PLLC |
TC |
|
Bars, Brewpubs, craft breweries or distilleries |
|
P |
|
P |
|
|
|
|
|
|
P |
(item in red is new)
SECTION 2. Each section of this ordinance is an independent section, and the holding of any section or part thereof to be unconstitutional, void or ineffective for any cause shall not be deemed to affect the validity of constitutionality of any other sections or parts thereof.
SECTION 3. Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage, approval, and publication by law, and the recording of this Ordinance with the Sussex County Clerk’s Office.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to 5 Minutes Per Person)
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comment.
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Distasi
All members were in favor.
Jessi Paladini – does not think that the Council takes into consideration public concerns. Ms. Paladini feels that the Clerk, Acting Business Administrator and the Attorney are making more out of Daniel’s Law than it is. Ms. Paladini asked the Council to advise the Clerk not to editorialize during the meetings. Ms. Paladini explained that chapter 167 of NJ Statutes Annotated says that all minutes must be posted on the website. Ms. Paladini expressed concern with what the Council allows in the minutes.
George Nikanorov – thanked the Council for providing an explanation and discussion for resolution #23-80. Mr. Nikanorov still disagrees with how the contract is written. He feels that this is not an employment contract but it is a consulting contract. Mr. Nicanorov feels that a technology committee could have quickly looked at a law and determined a quick method on how to redact the appropriate records and You Tube videos.
Peter Knipe – feels that there are software programs to scan and redact files for addresses. Mr. Knipe explained that his biggest issue with the contract is the number of days off. Mr. Knipe also commented that he could find plenty of people who are willing to work for $83,000 a year for an employment-at-will contract.
Thomas Mc Clachrie – commented that the last line of section 1 where it says one year in N.J.S.A. 54:4 3-30 involves spouses. N.J.S.A. 54:4 3-32 allows the veteran to collect all of the back taxes from the date of the injury not from the certification.
Sean Clarkin – feels that we need to audit the fuel tank install and the pump tract to determine if there were cost overruns. If there are cost overruns, we need to do a better job managing our projects moving forward. Mr. Clarkin feels that if the boulders and tree stumps were removed from the side of the roads, the DPW could mow faster and this would be more efficient.
Seeing no other members of the public wishing to speak, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the meeting for Public Comments.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
MAYORS COMMENTS
Most, if not all, of us have heard the news of the February 3, 2023, hazardous materials train derailment in East Palestine, OH.
That derailment has resulted in me receiving a host of personal contacts and phone calls from residents, expressing concerns about the potential of a similar hazardous materials train derailment in Vernon Township. They have also inquired as to if Vernon has a safety plan in place to deal with such a derailment, should such a derailment occur in our town.
One of the many inquiries that I received came from the outstanding resident that I this year reappointed to our Municipal Environmental Committee, Mr. Craig Williams.
My staff and I inquired into this matter with great detail, and reported the results of our inquiry to the Council and to the Municipal Environmental Committee.
In response to the public inquiries that I have received concerning this matter, on tonight, I share with the public a summary of my communications to the Council and the Environmental Committee.
First, I am pleased to report that Vernon Township has in place effective emergency services response plans for a variety of incident types, including railroad related emergencies.
The municipality’s emergency services response plans consist of specific coordinated efforts involving the municipality’s four Fire Departments, the Vernon Township Police Department, the Vernon Township Office of Emergency Management, the Vernon Township Emergency Medical Services Organizations, the Sussex County HAZMAT Team, plus Mutual Aid Agreements with emergency services organizations in surrounding towns and throughout Sussex County.
Our municipality’s Office of Emergency Management’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan was most recently updated in 2020, and filed with and approved by both, the Sussex County and the State of New Jersey Offices of Emergency Management.
Second, through official sources, we have confirmed that the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corporation, the organization which operates the train that travels through Vernon, does not carry any crude oil, any toxic inhalation hazard, any poisonous inhalation hazard, or any other products or materials that could explode or cause widespread injury or harm, such as was the case in East Palestine, OH.
I want to ensure that the residents of Vernon know that their Mayor and Council are committed to making sure that Vernon is not only a good town in which to live and raise a family, but also a safe town in which to live and raise a family.
Our Municipal Business Administrator resigned in November; and, with the support of the Council, I appointed two of our key municipal staff members to serve as Co-Acting Business Administrators during a three-month period that I focused on working close with the NJ League of Municipalities’ Employment Advertising Services, plus two private municipal employment agencies, in my attempts to hire a new Municipal Business Administrator who would fit our town’s needs.
The two staff members that I selected to serve as Acting Co-Business Administrators - - our Chief Financial Officer Ms. Donelle Bright, and our Chief of Police Mr. Dan Young - - were chosen by me not only because they had demonstrated their competency, their ability, and a host of outstanding management skills, but also because they had demonstrated that they could be trusted, relied on, and were willing to put in the tremendous amount of extra time and effort to ensure that we as a team did not fail the people of Vernon Township.
Because, during this three-month period, CFO Bright and Chief Young were doing two critical jobs, there were times when we as a three-person team were collective pushed to the edge of overload; however, CFO Bright and Chief Young proved themselves to have been more than equal to the tasks that the Council and I asked of them.
They have not only my thanks, but also my increased respect and admiration.
After an extensive search and vetting process, I selected a new Municipal Business Administrator; provided pertinent and appropriate information about this individual to the Council; and on tonight, as per their approval of Resolution # 23-80, I have received the Council’s approval of my selection.
I want to first thank Council President Buccieri for her leadership in this effort, and second thank the Council as a collective group for their willingness to work with the Office of the Mayor to get this key personnel appointment done.
The individual that will be our new Municipal Business Administrator, effective March 1st, is Ms. TINA KRAUS.
I take this opportunity to share with you just some of the strengths and skills that Ms. KRAUS brings to our management team and to Vernon Township as a municipality.
She served 25 years with honor as a law enforcement officer with the Hopatcong Police Department; for many of those years she held the rank of Captain, with responsibility to the Chief of Police for all municipal police officers, all department communications, and preparing and presenting the police department’s annual budget to the Mayor and Council.
In addition to her BS Degree in Science, and her graduation from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, just some of her other important training includes specific training in Leadership Management and Supervision, Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Racial Profiling, Enforcing Internal Affairs Policies and Procedures, and Media Relations.
I not only welcome Business Administrator KRAUS to our municipal management team, but also look forward to the fresh, new focus that she will bring to the Mayor and Council’s on-going efforts to make Vernon an even better town in which to live and raise a family!
Tina Kraus thanked Mayor Burrell, Chief Young, CFO Bright and the Council for giving her this opportunity to be the Business Administrator for Vernon. She looks forward to working with everyone. Ms. Kraus wanted to let the community know that she plans on getting involved with their functions also and she wants to instill their trust in her. She is dedicated, well organized and reliable. Ms. Kraus will have an open line of communication with everyone and she is looking forward the next chapter of her life with position in Vernon and she cannot wait to start.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Sparta questioned if we can get some information together for a condemnation study for Legends. We have heard for years that Hard Rock was coming and that sounds like it is not going to happen. From a Township standpoint he is not looking to take possession of this property and develop it, but there are people who are interested and unfortunately, they keep running into road blocks when they are trying to acquire it. The project that was there was rumored to be between $80- and $100 million-dollar project. Council Member Sparta would like to do some research on a condemnation study to see if it is beneficial to the Township.
Attorney Zielinski responded saying if the Council desires he will get information together regarding condemnation as well as liquor license laws.
The Council agreed to have Attorney Zielinski get the information.
Council Member Distasi thanked Chief Young for his prompt response to the train. It is very reassuring to know that there is a plan in place and we will be well protected as well as not having any cancer-causing fumes or contents running through our town.
Ms. Distasi welcomed Ms. Kraus to our family and she looks forward working with her.
Council Member Tadrick welcomed Tina Kraus to Vernon and he looks forward to working with her.
Council Member Rizzuto had no comment.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Council President Buccieri thanked Chief Young and Donelle Bright for taking on the additional role for the past few months. She knows that they have done a great job going above and beyond and the Council appreciates that.
Council President Buccieri welcomed Ms. Kraus and she looks forward meeting Tina and working together to move Vernon forward in positive direction.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:10 pm Council Member Sparta made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Council Member Rizzuto.
All were in favor.
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved: March 27, 2023
