Minutes: January 9, 2023

YouTube of the  January 9, 2023 council meeting

This Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on January 9, 2023 via Zoom Webinar and in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey with Council President Patrick Lynch 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 Lynch led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.

ROLL CALL

Present were Council Members Natalie Buccieri, Patrick Rizzuto, Bradley Sparta, Joseph Tadrick and Council President Brian Lynch. Also present were Mayor Howard Burrell, Acting Co-Business Administrator Donelle Bright, Municipal Clerk Marcy Gianattasio and Township Attorney Josh Zielinski.

Council Vice President Buccieri read a proclamation to recognize Retired Vernon Township Police Chief Roy Wherry who passed away on January 1^st, 2023.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (For Current Agenda Items Only, Limited to 3 Minutes Per Person)

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to open the meeting to Public Comments.

MOVED: Rizzuto

SECOND: Buccieri

All members were in favor.

Jessica Paladini – Vernon Township, gave her condolences to the Wherry family. Ms. Paladini questioned an item on the bills list.

Seeing no one else from the public wishing to come forward, Council President Lynch asked for a motion to close the meeting to Public Comments.

MOVED: Rizzuto

SECOND: Buccieri

All members were in favor.

REVIEW OF BILLS LIST

The Council reviewed the bills list.

MINUTES

December 12, 2022 – Executive Session

December 12, 2022 – Regular Meeting

December 20, 2022 – Special Executive Session

December 20, 2022 – Special Meeting Minutes

December 12, 2022 – Executive Session

Council President Lynch ask for a motion to approve the December 12, 2022 executive session minutes.

MOVED: Tadrick

SECOND: Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick

NAYES:

ABSTAIN: Lynch

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the December 12, 2022 executive session minutes

December 12, 2022 Regular Meeting

Council President Lynch ask for a motion to approve the December 12, 2022 regular meeting minutes.

MOVED: Buccieri

SECOND: Tadrick

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick

NAYES:

ABSTAIN: Lynch

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the December 12, 2022 regular meeting minutes

December 20, 2022 – Special Executive Session

Council President Lynch ask for a motion to approve the December 20, 2022 special executive session minutes.

MOVED: Buccieri

SECOND: Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Tadrick, Lynch

NAYES:

ABSTAIN: Sparta

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the December 20, 2022 special executive session minutes

December 20, 2022 – Special Meeting Minutes

Council President Lynch ask for a motion to approve the December 20 2022 special meeting minutes.

MOVED: Rizzuto

SECOND: Buccieri

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Tadrick, Lynch

NAYES:

ABSTAIN: Sparta

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the December 20, 2022 special meeting minutes

APPOINTMENT TO THE LAND USE BOARD

Council Member Joseph Tadrick

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to appoint Council Member Tadrick to the Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2023.

MOVED: Rizzuto

SECOND: Sparta

All members were in favor.

Motion passed to appoint Joe Tadrick to the Land Use Board for a term ending December 31, 2023.

CONSENT AGENDA

Resolution #23-01: Settlement Agreement and General Release Between the Township of Vernon and Joseph Wallace

Resolution #23-35: Resolution Authorizing and Ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Winter Activity Center for Use of the Municipal Parking Lot

Resolution #23-36: Authorizing the Municipal Tax Assessor and the Special Municipal Attorney to Defend the Township Before the Sussex County Board of Taxation for Tax Appeals

Resolution #23-37: Resolution of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Granting Authority for Approval of Certain Purchases in Excess of the Bid Threshold Through New Jersey State Contracts and/or Purchasing Cooperatives for 2023.

Resolution #23-38: Granting Authority for Approval of Certain Purchases Through New Jersey State Contracts and/or Purchasing Cooperatives for 2023

Resolution #23-39: Resolution Authorizing Fireworks to be Displayed on February 6, 2023 within the Township of Vernon 

Resolution #23-40: Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract with

“Lawsoft Inc. for Police Records Management Systems Fire Cad Software”

Resolution #23-41:  Authorizing the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk to Sign an Agreement with the County of Sussex for Nutrition Site Premises for Senior Citizens

Resolution #23-42:  Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract for Jet Vac Repair

Resolution #23-43: Resolution Authorizing Leasing of Certain Vehicles for the Department of Fire Prevention Through Sourcewell National Cooperative #060618-EFM Through Enterprise Fleet Management Services Inc. (Quote No. 6942206- 1 x Diamond White)

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

MOVED: Buccieri

SECOND: Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Lynch

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the consent agenda.

RESOLUTION #23-01

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE BETWEEN THE

TOWNSHIP OF VERNON

AND JOSEPH WALLACE

WHEREAS, Mr. Joseph Wallace filed a lawsuit captioned Wallace v. Township of Vernon, Emmanuel Rivera, et al., Dkt No. SSX-L-254-20 against the Township and Township current and former employees which alleged violations of the New Jersey Constitution and the New Jersey Civil Rights Act, N.J.S.A. 10:6-2 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, the litigants, through their respective representatives, rather than incur the expense and uncertainty of litigation, have conferred and come to an agreement for the resolution of the pending lawsuit; and

WHEREAS, by resolving the litigation, the Township, nor any of its current or former employees, are admitting to any wrongdoing; and

WHEREAS, the Council agrees that it is in the Township’s best interest to resolve the lawsuit.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, that the Mayor is authorized and empowered to execute the attached Settlement Agreement and General Release between the Township and Joseph Wallace.

Resolution #23-35

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE NATIONAL WINTER ACTIVITY CENTER FOR USE OF THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT

WHEREAS, the National Winter Activity Center (“NWAC”) is dedicated to improving the lives, health and fitness of youth by providing access to winter sports activities; and

WHEREAS, the NWAC has a need for additional parking in connection with events occurring in the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township has determined that it is in the best interests of the public to provide the NWAC access to the municipal parking lot in connection with upcoming events; and

WHEREAS, the Township and the NWAC have entered a memorandum of understanding concerning the NWAC’s use of the Township lot; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that the

Mayor and Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute memorandum of understanding between the Township and the NWAC attached hereto.

RESOLUTION #23-36

AUTHORIZING THE MUNICIPAL TAX ASSESSOR AND THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY TO DEFEND THE TOWNSHIP BEFORE THE SUSSEX COUNTY BOARD OF TAXATION FOR TAX APPEALS

WHEREAS, the County Tax Board requires the governing body of each municipality to pass a resolution authorizing the Assessor and Special Municipal Attorney (for tax appeals) of the municipality to file and prosecute any and all tax appeals, farmland rollback complaints, and any added and omitted assessment complaints before the Sussex County Tax Board.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Township of Vernon that the Assessor and Special Municipal Attorney (for tax appeals) are hereby authorized to file, prosecute, defend, stipulate, and/or agree upon all contested appeals before the Sussex County Board of Taxation and Tax Court of the State of New Jersey, and to initiate municipal appeals to correct the Township of Vernon tax list, including but not limited to, rollback complaints, added and omitted assessment complaints, and such other appeals as are necessary to correct property assessments for the Township of Vernon; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Assessor and the Special Municipal Attorney (for tax appeals) are hereby designated as the agents of the Township of Vernon for the purpose of signing settlements of the foregoing matters by stipulation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Sussex County Tax Board.

RESOLUTION #23-37

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PURCHASES IN EXCESS OF THE BID THRESHOLD THROUGH NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACTS AND/OR PURCHASING COOPERATIVES FOR 2023

WHEREAS, a need exists for the acquisition of various goods and services contained within cooperative contracts and over the bid threshold as aggregation of commodities, for the daily operations of the Township of Vernon; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon may, without advertising for bids, purchase such materials through the New Jersey State Purchase and Property State Contracts and other approved Regional Cooperative Purchasing Systems of which the Township of Vernon is a member, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-11, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.29 et. Seq., and

WHEREAS, under the state cooperative contract, or designated regional cooperative contract award, the following vendors hold valid cooperative contracts in accord with the New Jersey Local Publics Contract Law.

Vendor	Contract #	T-Number	Title	Term Expiration
American Rock Salt Company	Sussex County	21-009	ROAD SALT/ GRITS	6/30/2023
NORTH CHURCH GRAVEL	Sussex County	21-009	ROAD SALT/ GRITS	6/30/2023
DENVILLE LINE PAINTING	MCCPC #36		LINE STRIPING	12/31/2023
TILCON	MCCPC #5		PAVING MATERIAL	12/31/2023
AAA Equipment Co Inc	17-FLEET-00805		FIREFIGHTER GEAR	6/14/2023

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) upon receipt of an identified need and direction from the Township is hereby authorized to approve purchases in the aggregate over the bid threshold from the list of approved cooperative contract, through New Jersey State Contracts and/or Purchasing Cooperatives to which the Township of Vernon is a member without further action from Council, provided that funds are available to cover the expenditure.

RESOLUTION #23-38

GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL OF CERTAIN PURCHASES

THROUGH NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACTS

AND/OR PURCHASING COOPERATIVES FOR 2023.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq. and P.L.2011, c.139, the governing body may delegate the power to award purchases, contracts and/or agreements through New Jersey State Contracts and/or Purchasing Cooperatives to which the Township of Vernon is a member; and

WHEREAS, in the interest of streamlining Township operations and improving efficiency, it is the desire of the Mayor and Council to authorize the Purchasing Officer/Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) to approve purchases, contracts and agreements through New Jersey State Contracts and/or Purchasing Cooperatives, subject to provisions and requirements of the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq. and P.L.2011, c.139 below the $44,000.00 threshold in individual purchases and the aggregate as defined by N.J.S.A.40A:11-2(19);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Vernon that the Purchasing Officer/Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) upon receipt of an identified need and direction from the Township is hereby authorized to approve purchases, contracts and/or agreements through New Jersey State Contracts and/or Purchasing Cooperatives to which the Township of Vernon is a member without further action from Council, provided that funds are available to cover the expenditure.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,  Purchase approvals made by the Purchasing Officer/Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) by virtue of the adoption of this Resolution shall be subject to the provisions and requirements of the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq. and that no amount of any contract shall be in excess of the bid threshold in a single purchase or the aggregate without express individual resolutions authorizing such cooperative purchases by contract number.

RESOLUTION #23-39

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FIREWORKS TO BE DISPLAYED

ON FEBRUARY 6, 2023 WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A.21:3-1et seq. Explosive and Fireworks, provides that a Municipal Governing Body must authorize the display of fireworks within its boundaries as a pre-condition to such display in accordance with the New Jersey Fire Prevention Code; and

WHEREAS, Mountain Creek Resort has submitted an application to Vernon Township to conduct fireworks display for Special Olympics on February 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the proposed fireworks display will take place at 200 Route 94, in the Waterpark area; and

WHEREAS, Mountain Creek Resort has engaged in a contract with Garden State Fireworks, Millington, NJ, to perform the public fireworks and special effects display and has provided the required certificate of liability insurance to the Township.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, hereby authorizes the fireworks display, performed by Garden State Fireworks Inc. on February 6, 2023, at Mountain Creek Resort, located at 200 Route 94, Vernon upon satisfaction of all statutory and departmental requirements.

RESOLUTION #23-40

Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Required Disclosure Contract

 with “Lawsoft Inc. for Police Records Management System Fire Cad Software”

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon has a need for police records management system software, through Lawsoft Incorporated, 15 Hamburg Turnpike, Bloomingdale, N.J. as a required disclosure contract pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and,

WHEREAS the anticipated term of this contract is for the year of 2023, and

WHEREAS, Lawsoft Incorporated, in the aggregate is expected to provide more than the pay to play threshold of $17,500.00; and  

WHEREAS, Lawsoft Incorporated, has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification and a Personal Contribution Disclosure form which certifies that Law Soft Incorporated has not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Township of Vernon in the previous one year, and that the contract will prohibit LawSoft Incorporated from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract, and

WHEREAS, subject to the governing body approving future budgets the Chief Financial Officer hereby certifies that funds NOT TO EXCEED $26,000.00 are available as follows;

Line Item: 3-01-25-240-20 and 3-01-25-260-20

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and Council of the Township of Vernon authorizes the Business Administrator to enter into a contract with Lawsoft Incorporated, not to exceed $26,000.00 for the 2023 budget year; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and Personal Contribution Disclosure form, Determination of Value be placed on file with this resolution

RESOLUTION #23-41

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND MUNICIPAL CLERK

TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX

 FOR NUTRITION SITE PREMISES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

WHEREAS, Vernon Township has available space in the Senior Citizen Center; and

WHEREAS, there is a continuing need for space to offer meals to accommodate approximately 75 senior citizens per day; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon has offered, for appropriate compensation, to allow the County of Sussex to utilize a portion of the Senior Citizen facility for the Vernon Nutrition Site Operation project as per attached agreement for the year 2023; and

WHEREAS, the agreement is attached hereto and made a part hereof; and

WHEREAS, the compensatory amount for the use of this facility is $27,700.00 for the agreement year.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, New Jersey as follows:

1. That the Township Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes and directs the Mayor and Township Clerk to execute the agreement between Vernon Township and the County of Sussex for use of the Vernon Township Senior Citizen Center for the Vernon Nutrition Site Project.

2. A certified copy of this Resolution shall be submitted to the Clerk of Sussex County and Melanie Walter, the Acting Director of the NJ Division of Local Government Services.

RESOLUTION #23-42

AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A REQUIRED DISCLOSURE CONTRACT FOR JET VAC REPAIR

WHEREAS there is a need for Jet Vac repair for Vernon Township Department of Public Works; and

WHEREAS the Department of Public Works obtained quotes in accord with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 and N.J.S.A 40A:11-6.1; and

WHEREAS this is being awarded as a required disclosure contract in accord with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and

WHEREAS, Jack Doheney Company has proposed a repair at the cost of $43,797.92, certified to be in excess of the in excess of the pay to play threshold; and

WHEREAS Jack Doheney Company, 777 Doheney Drive, Northville, MI has submitted a Business Entity Disclosure and Political Contribution Disclosure indicating there were no reportable contributions contrary to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has determined and certified in writing that the value of the contract is available for these purposes in Account #C-04-22-010.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that Vernon Township hereby authorizes and approves the award of contract Jack Doheney Company, 777 Doheney Drive, Northville, MI, in the amount of $43,797.92 pursuant to a non-fair and open contract pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5, for repair of Jet Vac equipment.

RESOLUTION #23-43

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LEASING OF CERTAIN VEHICLES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PREVENTION THROUGH SOURCEWELL NATIONAL COOPERATIVE #060618-EFM THROUGH ENTERPRISE

FLEET MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC.

(Quote No. 6942206- 1 x Diamond White)

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 $20,213.28 (Quote No. 6942206); 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.,

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance #23-01: Calendar Year 2023 Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14) Council President Lynch asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-01

MOVED: Buccieri

SECOND: Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Lynch

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion passed to introduce ordinance #23-01.

Ordinance #23-02: An Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Vacating a Portion of the Paper Street Known as Road B in the Township of Vernon Council President Lynch asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-02

MOVED: Buccieri

SECOND: Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Buccieri, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Lynch

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion passed to introduce ordinance #23-02.

Council Member Tadrick asked CFO Bright when is the reorganization meeting for the MUA, what is the average DPW worker’s pay and what is the current fund balance of the open space fund.

Council Member Tadrick asked Township Attorney Zielinski to modify a resolution is three votes enough, to modify an ordinance how many votes do you need and if he could give an opinion on the Open Space money referendum.

 PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to 5 Minutes Per Person)

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comment.

MOVED: Buccieri      

SECOND: Sparta

All members were in favor.

Thomas McClachrie -Vernon Township, requested that a super majority be required to pass any bond ordinance.

Seeing no other members of the public wishing to speak, Council President Rizzuto asked for a motion to close the meeting for Public Comments.

MOVED: Buccieri      

SECOND: Sparta

All members were in favor.

MAYORS COMMENTS

On the first day of this year, Vernon lost an outstanding civic servant and a good citizen, and I lost a good friend. I speak of the passing from this life of former Vernon Chief of Police, Mr. Roy Wherry.

The fact that Roy was an outstanding civic servant and a good citizen is something that’s well known - - his role as a part of the original 11-members of Vernon Township Police Department, which was formed in 1975; his performance in that department which led to his rise to the select position of Chief of Police; his leadership as the Director of Vernon’s Office of Emergency Management; and his membership on the Highland Lakes Fire Department and Ambulance Squad, all attest to his outstanding civic service and the time and commitment that he gave to the town that he loved. 

And on tonight, I take a limited portion of my Mayor’s Comments to honor the memory of Roy Wherry, by briefly sharing with you the nature of my special relationship with this good man.

My relationship with Roy began during the time that I served on the Vernon Town Council in the year 2000. It was during that year that Vernon’s Chief of Police Ken Johnson decided to retire. 

Under the form of government that Vernon operated at that time, I served as the Council’s liaison to the Vernon Police Department; a position that the Council called the Police Commissioner.

In that position, I was charged with the task of interviewing and screening the candidates who desired to replace Ken Johnson as Vernon’s new Chief of Police, and then recommending to the full Council the individual that we as a collective group should select.

It was during the times of these interviews, plus my other acts of due diligence, that I learned about the high quality of police officer, and the very high quality of character, that existed in the form of Roy Wherry.

The Council accepted my recommendation that we select Roy Wherry to be Vernon’s next Police Chief, and the rest is a positive part of history of Vernon’s Police Department, and Vernon Township as a whole.

While over the years of our relationship, Roy did not agree with me on every political issue that we discussed, and he told me so; however, our relationship developed into a strong friendship, due in great part to the fact that we bonded over our status as military veterans, and over our frequent talks about our love for our town and our country. These talks caused our friendship to thrive, and to grow stronger as the years passed. 

The last time that I talked with Roy was when he came to my office in November and we discussed the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, a program which collects and distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. Like so many other good and worthy causes, Roy, who served our nation as an active-duty U.S. Marine, was involved in this Marine Corps Reserve program.

It is said that a successful life is getting what you want, while a happy life is liking what you get. If measured by this standard, I believe that Roy had both a successful and a happy life - - because:

First, he wanted to serve as a Vernon police officer, and did so for 38 years - - he got what he wanted; and

second, I am told that he so much liked what he got, until he stayed on the job until 11:59 pm of his last day of work, and only then left with tears in his eyes. Roy earned and deserved all of the success and happiness that he received in this life. Enjoy your eternal rest my friend; I and Vernon will miss you.

Tonight, I will make three additional appointments to the MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. These are appointments that I had hoped to make at the January 1st Council Reorganization Meeting, but did not do so because at that time, I had not received the Municipal Volunteer Applications that I require before I consider any appointment.

The first two additional appointments are those of the two members who served as the Chair and Vice Chair of this committee during 2022.

Ms. JENNIFER LUBLINER - - Ms. LUBLINER has served our town on the MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE since the year 2020, and the high regard that her fellow committee members have for her is reflected in their election of her to serve as Committee Chairperson during 2021 and 2022. I am very pleased that she has volunteered to continue her service to our town, which will enable our municipality to continue to benefit from her management experience in leading teams and building relationships between the municipality’s various boards, committees and commissions - - all with the goal of enhancing the economic development of our town.

Dr. NICHOLAS PIRRO - - Dr. PIRRO has also served our town on the MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE since the year 2020, and his fellow committee members also elected him to serve as Vice Chairperson during 2021 and 2022. I am equally pleased that he has also volunteered to continue his service to our town, which will enable our municipality to continue to benefit from his demonstrated abilities to move forward projects aimed at the betterment of the economic environment of our town. 

My third additional appointment tonight will add a new member to the MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY 

COMMITTEE - - a Mr. JASON PIERCE.

I first met Mr. PIERCE at one of the several Municipal Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies at which I officiated during last year. He is the owner of the local Vernon business, Pierce Photography, and has expressed the desire to use his visual marketing experience in support of the MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’s efforts. This appointment provides him that opportunity.

It is my hope and belief that these three new appointments will join with those appointments that I made at the January 1 Council Reorganization Meeting, to help in the ongoing rejuvenation of our MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

MOVING VERNON FORWARD!

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Council Member Rizzuto commented saying that our recent reorganization meeting during my comments, I mentioned the councils desire to construct a band shell as a Unity Project on the great lawn at Maple Grange Park which would be dedicated to and named the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Band Shell. In my comments I also mentioned that I had contacted two individuals who donated $15,000 dollars towards this project. I purposefully withheld the names of these caring individuals as I did not have their permission to mention their names. In discussions with these kind gentlemen, they agreed to have their names listed along with the corporate entity they represent. Further since that time another member of our community, Mr. Joe Hession, recognizing the importance of this project, proudly made a donation as well in the name of Mountain Creek. In total, commitments to this project.

Mr. Jeff Koffman of HMGG has graciously donated $5,000

Mr. Joseph Hession of Mountain Creek has also graciously donated $10,000

 Mr. Andy Mulvihill has very graciously donated $10,000

These caring members of our community have in total donated $25,000 to this Unity Project. What is so moving is that each of them, without hesitation, made their donation with essentially the same words to me. Yes, how could I not give something to recognize what these brave men and women have gone through and what they have done to provide a final resting place for their brothers and

sisters.

Recently, we have received an offer of the first private donation to this project from a resident, Mr. Peter Knipe in the amount of $200.00. Mr. Knipe’s recognition of this project and his stepping forward gives hope to a significant community participation and hopefully the Council will make every effort to establish a process for all of the residents of Vernon Township to participate.

Council Vice President Buccieri was glad we were able to extend our sympathies to the Wherry family and they are in our prayers. She said it is great new that Council Member Rizzuto received those donations and hopefully we can continue to find alternate sources of funding for the project. Vice President Buccieri feels that this is a great project but does not want to put a burden on the tax payers.

Council Member Tadrick wished everyone a Happy New Year and gave his condolences to the Wherry family. He feels that we are only nine days into this project and it is moving along quickly. He would like to see the EDAC, the school Board of Education, the Rotary, and other organization is town be involved. Council Member Tadrick feels that if you want to make this a unity project, he would like to see other organizations in town get involved.

Council Member Sparta asked if the Mayor has an update on the business administer search.

They Mayor answered saying the advertisement closes tomorrow and he has about seven resumes.

Council Member Sparta requested to have a quarterly update on the ARP money that has been slated for water in the town center.

CFO Bright answered yes she will do this.

Council Member Sparta understands that there were two more accidents at the end of route 517 and the flats this past week. He would like to know that as a town if we could encourage the County to do a traffic study there to see what the best solution would be.

Council Member Sparta offered his support for the band shell as long as there were no public funds used to pay for it. He would like to offer the stipend he receives for being a Council Member to go towards the band shell.

Council Member Tadrick asked if CFO Bright could set up a way for people to donate to the band shell.

Council Member Rizzuto says he understands wanting to avoid any type of financing. He feels that there is a definite reason for using debt financing for projects that are going to be in existence for much longer than an automobile. The fact that these projects will last a longer time they become a generational consideration.

Council Member Sparta feels that amenities have to meet one of three criteria, be self-funded, revenue generated or debt. He believes that this will be revenue generated.

Council Member Rizzuto hopes that the thinking of this is moderated by the fact that the Vietnam Veterans have waited so long. He hopes that we can move on this project to allow the Vietnam Veterans to experience this project.

Council Member Tadrick feels that if this is treated as a unity project and that if different groups all got involved, he believes that this town can do this. If this involves raising taxes, he would not be for it.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Council President Lynch thanked Peter Knipe for his donation towards the band shell. Council President Lynch will be making a donation towards the band shell himself.

Council President Lynch expressed emotion for the outpouring of support from EMS, Fire and Police to give Roy Wherry a great goodbye that really meant something.

In closing Council President Lynch wished everyone a very Happy New year.

ADJOURNMENT

At 8:06 pm Council Vice President Buccieri made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Council Member Rizzuto.

All were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk                                                                              

Minutes approved: January 23, 2023