Minutes: March 27, 2023

YouTube of the March 27, 2023 council meeting

This Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on March 27, 2023 via Zoom Webinar and in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey 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, Chief Financial Officer Donelle Bright, Business Administrator Tina Kraus, Municipal Clerk Marcy Gianattasio and Township Attorney Josh Zielinski.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Daniel’s Law – Redaction of Minutes

Council President Buccieri asked for the progress of redacting meeting minutes that have been taken off the website. The Municipal Clerk gave the Council an update of the minutes that have been redacted and put back on the website. The Clerk’s Office is working diligently on redacting the minutes and getting them back on the website in a timely manner.

b. Repositioning of Video Screen

Administration received a quote from the company who installed the video equipment in the courtroom to turn one screen for public viewing. The quote was $1100.00 and the Council felt that this was too high of a price. Administration will provide more details on this.

REVIEW OF BILLS LIST

The Council reviewed the bills list.

APPROVAL OF MUNUTES

February 6, 2023 – Special Meeting

February 27, 2023 Regular Meeting

March 9, 2023 – Special Budget Hearings

March 13, 2023 – Executive Session

March 13, 2023 – Regular Meeting

Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve the above meeting minutes.

MOVED: Sparta

SECOND: Distasi

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta (Abstain March 9, 2023), Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES:

ABSTAIN: Sparta March 9, 2023 Special Meeting

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the above meeting minutes.

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: Distasi

SECOND: Tadrick

All members were in favor.

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: Tadrick

SECOND: Distasi

All members were in favor.

CONSENT AGENDA

Resolution #23-93: Resolution Accepting the Completion of Road Improvements Project to Barrett Road & Glenwood Mountain Road

Resolution #23-94: Resolution to Award HVAC Maintenance Services Contract to Airgroup, LLC HVAC Maintenance Company for Bids 22-05/22R-05

Resolution #23-95: Authorizing Change Order #2 of Contract for Proposed Improvements of Milling & Paving of Barrett Road and Glenwood Mountain Road with Riverview Paving, Inc.

Resolution #23-96: Authorizing Change Order #2 of Contract for Proposed Improvements of Old Coach Road & Pleasant Valley Road within Vernon Township with Tilcon New York, LLC

Resolution #23-97: A Resolution in Support of Bill No. S3732 Regarding Supplemental State Aid for Certain School Districts

Resolution #23-98: Resolution Appointment to the Vernon Township Municipal Utility Authority

Resolution #23-99: Resolution Requesting Acceptance of $12,337.00 with Township Cash Match of $3084.25 for Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant

Resolution #23-100: Governing Body Certification of Compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest

and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964”

President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.

MOVED: Distasi

SECOND: Buccieri

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to approve the consent agenda.

RESOLUTION #23-93

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO BARRETT ROAD & GLENWOOD MOUNTAIN ROAD

WHEREAS, the Township awarded contracts for the Road Improvement Project for Barrett Road and Glenwood Mountain Road to Riverview Paving, Denville Line Painting, and Road Safety Systems, LLC, and Campbell Foundry Co. awarded by Resolutions #21-213 & #21-214 on September 27, 2021; Resolutions #22-36 and #22-37 on January 10, 2022, and

WHEREAS, the Road Improvement Project for Barrett Road and Glenwood Mountain Road has been completed, and inspected as per the plans and specifications; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has submitted a letter dated March 15, 2023 which states that the said contracts have been completed in full and that it is recommended that the Road Improvement Project for Various Streets be accepted by the Township Council.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vernon Township Council accept this project identified as Road Improvement Project for Barrett Road and Glenwood Mountain Road as final and complete; and

BE IT FURTHUR RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption according to law.

RESOLUTION #23-94

RESOLUTION TO AWARD HVAC MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACT TO AIRGROUP, LLC HVAC MAINTENANCE COMPANY

FOR BIDS 22-05/22R-05

WHEREAS the Township of Vernon has a need for HVAC Maintenance Services for the daily operations of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township had sought to obtain a vendor through two (2) bids, 12-2022 and 12R-2022, on January 12, 2023 and February 8, 2023; and

WHEREAS the Township availed itself of the negotiations remedy under the New Jersey Local Publics Contract Law at N.J.S.A.40A:11-5(3), through Resolution #23-79 on February 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2023, the Township representatives engaged in negotiations with:

Air Systems Maintenance Inc.

TM Brennan Service Inc.

Pow/R/Sav Inc.

AirGroup Inc.

; and

WHEREAS the following responses were provided in response to negotiations and provided for the following response:

	Air Systems Maintenance Inc.	TM Brennan Service Inc	Pow/R/Sav Inc	AirGroup
YEAR 1	$18,500.00		$25,250.00	$14,650.00
YEAR 2	$19,400.00	No Proposal	$26,960.00	$15,675.00
TOTAL	$37,900.00		$52,210.00	$30,325.00

; and

WHEREAS, it is determined that AirGroup Inc. is the lowest responsible bidder in accord with N.J.S.A.40A:11-4a; and

WHEREAS subject to the approval of future budgets the Chief Financial Officer certifies funding is available from Line Item: 3-01-26-310 and 4-01-26-310 subject to adoption of the 2023 and 2024 Municipal budgets.

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

AirGroup Inc., 1 Prince Road, Whippany NJ 07981 is hereby awarded the contract to provide for HVAC Maintenance services for a period of two (2) years in the amount of:

Year 1	$14,650.00
Year 2	$15,675.00
Total	$30,325.00

in accord with the tenets as contained within bids 12-2022/ 12R-2022; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Mayor is authorized to executive contract of award.

RESOLUTION #23-95

AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #2 OF CONTRACT FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS OF MILLING & PAVING ON BARRETT ROAD AND

GLENWOOD MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH RIVERVIEW PAVING, INC.

WHEREAS, on September 27, 2021, by way of adoption of Resolution #21-214, the Council of the Township of Vernon awarded a contract to Riverview Paving, Inc. for Milling & Paving on Barrett and Glenwood Mountain Roads which contract provided for an expenditure of $279,984.20 and $262,476.70 respectfully; and

WHEREAS, on January 10, 2022, by way of adoption of Resolution#22-36, the Council approved Change Order #1 resulting in the adjusted increased contract amount of $293,613.86 for Barrett Road and the decreased contract amount of $230,094.31 for Glenwood Mountain Road.

WHEREAS, in a memo dated March 20, 2023, the Township Engineer states that the contract requires a Change Order #2 by the reduction of one item in amount of $2,640.40 for Barrett Road; and the reduction of one item in amount of $2,154.18 for Glenwood Mountain Road; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, in concurrence with the Mayor, recommends approving Change Order No. 2 resulting in the adjusted decreased final contract amount of $290,973.46 for Barrett Road and the decreased final contract amount of $227,940.13 for Glenwood Mountain Road.

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. 2 for said project resulting in the adjusted decreased final contract amount of $290,973.46 for Barrett Road and the increased contract amount of $227,940.13 for Glenwood Mountain Road; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Riverview Paving, Inc. and the Township Engineer.

RESOLUTION #23-96

AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #2 OF CONTRACT FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS OF OLD COACH ROAD & PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD

WITHIN VERNON TOWNSHIP WITH TILCON NEW YORK, LLC

WHEREAS, on July 25, 2022, by way of adoption of Resolution #22-192, the Council of the Township of Vernon awarded a contract to Tilcon New York, Inc for Milling & Paving on Old Coach Road & Pleasant Valley Road which contract provided for an expenditure of $262,054.00 and

WHEREAS, on December 20, 2022, by way of Resolution #22-199, the contract amount was decreased to $243,285.99 through Change Order #1; and

WHEREAS, in a memo dated March 20, 2023, the Township Engineer states that the contract requires a Change Order #2 by the reduction of two (2) items in amount of $880.95; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, in concurrence with the Mayor, recommends approving Change Order No. 2 resulting in the adjusted decreased final contract amount of $242,405.04.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Tilcon New York, Inc. and the Township Engineer.

Resolution #23-97

A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF BILL NO. S3732 REGARDING SUPPLEMENTAL STATE AID FOR CERTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICTS

WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Vernon recognizes that our children are our most precious resources and that their education is of utmost importance; and

WHEREAS, public education is integral to the democratic viability and economic future of New Jersey by directly and indirectly contributing to the intellectual and physical development of the children and young adults of our great state; and

WHEREAS, some public school districts in the State of New Jersey are subject to reductions in State school aid; and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2023, Bill No. S3732 was introduced by State Senators Vin Gopal and Andrew Zwicker to provide additional funding to several school districts including the Vernon Township School District; and

WHEREAS, Bill No. S3732 provides that a school district that is subject to a reduction in State school aid under P.L.2018, c.67 (commonly referred to as “S2”) for the 2023-2024 school year will receive an additional one-time only amount of Supplementary Stabilization Aid in the 2023-2024 school year that is equal to 66 percent of the difference between the amount of aid of received in the 2022-2023 school year and the amount of aid proposed for the 2023-2024 school year; and

WHEREAS, to receive the Supplemental Stabilization aid provided under the bill, a school district is required to submit a written plan to the Commissioner of Education explaining how the district is going to use the funds and how the district is going to fund operations in future school years in which the district does not receive Stabilization Aid or similar Supplemental Stabilization Aid; and

WHEREAS, on March 20, 2023, Bill No. S3732 was passed by the State Senate; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of Bill No. S3732 would provide additional necessary resources for the Vernon Township School District and other similarly effected school districts.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Council of the Township of Vernon hereby supports the adoption of Bill No. S3732 regarding supplemental State aid for the Vernon Township School District and other school districts.

RESOLUTION #23-98

RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT TO THE VERNON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY

WHEREAS, the Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority (“VTMUA”) is a duly established utilities authority pursuant to the Municipal and County Utilities Authorities Law, N.J.S.A. 40:14B-1, et seq.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, and STATE OF NEW JERSEY, that the following individual is hereby appointed as a member of the Vernon Township Municipal Utility Authority, effective 3/27/2023, for a term specified as follows:

Patrick Rizzuto Alternate 1

Expiring 01/31/2026

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Township Clerk shall send a certified copy of this resolution to the following:

Vernon Township Municipal Utilities Authority

RESOLUTION #23-99

RESOLUTION REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF $12,337.00

WITH TOWNSHIP CASH MATCH OF $3,084.25 FOR THE RECREATIONAL

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES GRANT

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon desires to obtain a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for approximately $12,337.00 to carry out a project to provide therapeutic horseback riding as part of RISE - Riding Inspires Student Empowerment;

WHEREAS, the Township has been awarded a $12,337.00 State of New Jersey Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant;

WHEREAS, the Township Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available for the required cash-match in the amount of $3,084.25 in account 3-01-41-000-20 entitled Matching Grant Funds

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorize the application for such a grant; and recognizes and accepts that the Department may offer a lesser or greater amount and therefore, upon receipt of the grant agreement from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, does further authorize the execution of any such grant agreement; and also, upon receipt of the fully executed agreement from the Department, does further authorize the expenditure of funds pursuant to the terms of the agreement between Township of Vernon and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.,

RESOLUTION #23-100

GOVERNING BODY CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE

UNITED STATES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION’S

“Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183 requires the governing body of each municipality and county to certify that their local unit’s hiring practices comply with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., (April 25, 2012) before submitting its approved annual budget to the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; and

WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have familiarized themselves with the contents of the above-referenced enforcement guidance and with their local unit’s hiring practices as they pertain to the consideration of an individual’s criminal history, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body attached hereto.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, hereby states that it has complied with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5, as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183, by certifying that the local unit’s hiring practices comply with the above-referenced enforcement guidance and hereby directs the Clerk to cause to be maintained and available for inspection a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to show evidence of said compliance.

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE COPY OF THE RESOLUTION PASSED AT THE MEETING HELD ON MARCH 27, 2023.

INTRODUCTION OF THE 2023 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

CFO Donelle Bright gave a Power Point presentation summarizing the 2023 municipal budget. (see attached Power Point presentation)

Resolution #23-101 Introduction of the 2023 Municipal Budget

President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget for discussion only.

MOVED: Distasi

SECOND: Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES: Sparta

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget for discussion only.

The Council discussed the increase in the budget with the CFO and the Mayor. They would like to see the budget significantly reduced before they will approve it.

President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget.

MOVED: Distasi

SECOND: Sparta

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to introduce the 2023 Municipal Budget.

RESOLUTION #23-101

INTRODUCTION OF 2023 BUDGET

BE IT RESOLVED that the Local Municipal budget of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, New Jersey for the fiscal year 2023 be approved by the Governing Body of the Township of Vernon, and the Clerk is hereby instructed to advertise in the New Jersey Herald on March 31, 2023 and that a final public hearing before passage will be held on April 24, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at the Municipal Building 21 Church Street, Vernon and via Zoom Webinar, that said budget shall authorize total general appropriations of $31,185,000.00 and the anticipated revenues of $11,225,435.06 leaving an amount to be raised by taxes for municipal purposes of $20,055,217.53.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

Ordinance #23-10: Capital Ordinance Providing for Fire Department Apparatus by the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, Appropriating Therefore the Sum of $340,000.00 and Providing that Such Sum so Appropriated Shall be Raised from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township.

Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-10.

MOVED: Sparta

SECOND: Distasi

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to introduce ordinance #23-10.

Ordinance #23-11: Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Supplementing Chapter 5, Article II Entitles “Mayor and Council” to Make Meeting Minutes Compliant with Daniel’s Law

Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-11.

MOVED: Distasi

SECOND: Buccieri

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to introduce ordinance #23-11.

Ordinance #23-12: Bond Ordinance Providing for the Acquisition of a New Tire Truck by the Township of Vernon, In the County of Sussex, New Jersey, Appropriating $845,300 Therefor and Authorizing the Issuance of $320,300 Bonds or Notes of the Township for Financing Such Appropriation

Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-12.

MOVED: Sparta

SECOND: Distasi

A roll call vote was taken:

AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri

NAYES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Motion carries to introduce ordinance #23-12.

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.

Mike Chirichiello – expressed concern with the budget and high taxes.

Sean Clarkin – is interested in doing an audit of the gas tank and the pump track. Mr. Clarkin is concerned about the scope of work to turn the screen. Mr. Clarkin questioned where the money comes from that pays for three part time employees and the Council should approve employees who need to be replaced. Mr. Clarkin questioned the change order on Barrett Road. Mr. Clarkin feels that the staff should have answers to the budget.

Bill Higgins – thanked the Council for asking questions regarding the budget. Mr. Higgins expressed concern about the budget.

Tom McClachrie – expressed concern regarding the budget.

Jessica Paladini – thanked and commended the Council for asking the right questions. Ms. Paladini expressed concern regarding the budget.

Ann Larson – expressed concern regarding the budget.

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

MOVED: Sparta

SECOND: Distasi

All members were in favor.

MAYOR COMMENTS

As part of the municipality’s standard operating procedure, every department head is held accountable for ensuring that they and their staffs focus on identifying all possible grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities that may become available in their areas of responsibilities.

During 2022, this focus resulted in our municipality receiving almost 1M$ in nonlocal taxpayer provided grant money.

We are already guaranteed that we will greatly exceed that dollar amount in nonlocal taxpayer provided grant money in 2023 - - for we have started off this year by receiving 3.4M$ in grant funding that we applied for last year.

I take this opportunity to share with the public, the specific focus that I have asked our municipality’s department heads to use when considering possible grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities:

1. I have asked them to focus first on those grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities, which will contribute to us achieving the objective of paying for those things that we need, versus those things that we want or would be nice to have, without increasing the budgeted dollars that would be required from local taxpayers;

2. I have asked them to focus second on those grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities, where our municipal profile and demographics make us eligible, or give us a realistic chance, to be successful at achieving the grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities;

3. I have asked them to focus third on those grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities, where the allocation of our limited human and time resources are justified by the reality of the chance that we have of being successful at achieving the specific grant; and …

4. I have asked them to focus fourth on those grants and other non-local taxpayer funding opportunities, which will allow Vernon’s governing body to be not simply a rigid bureaucratic face, but also an aware and understand face, that does not forget “the least of these” in our community.

One tonight, in the form of Resolution # 23-99, I asked the Council to approve the town’s acceptance of a grant that falls into this fourth category of focus.

And I thank the Council for approving my request.

This grant was applied for by our Director of Recreation & Community Affairs, Ms. MISHELLE DOWNTAIN, and comes from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

This small, but important, $12,337 grant allows our town to administer a program for adolescents with disabilities, giving them some of the tools that they will need to transition successfully to adulthood.

Among the key skills that this program teaches are empathy, partnership, leadership skills, and good decision making. It also increases participants’ physical fitness and self-esteem.

This program is but one part of the Mayor and Council’s efforts to ensure that Vernon is a good place to live for ALL members of our community.

March is Employee Appreciation Month, and I did not want this month to end without me taking the opportunity to thank our municipality’s employees for the work that they do - - day after day - - for the residents of Vernon Township; and, I want to publicly let them know that they are appreciated.

I understand that it’s the elected officials - - that is the Mayor and Council Members - - who get most of the positive spotlight for things that are accomplished in a municipality; however, I also know that as Mayors and Council Members come and go, it’s the cadre of specially trained, formally licensed and skilled municipal employees who do the hard and detailed work of implement the visions and actions that Mayors and Council Members talk about and approve at Council meetings.

I have a specific knowledge and understanding of this fact, because under our form of government, it’s the Mayor who is accountable for the implementation of any resolution, ordinance, or other policy on which the governing body agrees.

And I know first-hand that this implementation would never be successful, without the efforts and actions of our outstanding group of municipal employees.

It is because of this understanding, that over the past three plus years during which I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Mayor, I have on several occasions used my Mayor’s Comments, as well as other forms, to express my appreciation for Vernon’s municipal employees as individuals and as a group.

And on tonight, as well as expressing my appreciation to all of our municipal employees, I want to first give out some well-deserved special words of thanks to Ms. IRENE MILLS, the Confidential Aide to the Mayor. Ms. MILLS is an employee who is respected and appreciated by not just me or others in the Mayor’s Office, but by every employee, and every resident, who interacts with her. She is simply one of the very best employees that I have ever worked with!

Second, I want the public and the Council to know that even though it has been only approximately a month since our new Business Administrator, Ms. TINA KRAUS, came to work for our town, her credibility and connections within the county have already yield positive financial results for our taxpayers.

Business Administrator KRAUS has used her connections with the Sussex County Administrator, who she worked with when they both were employed by the municipality of Hopatcong, to gain Vernon access to a Sussex County contract which will enable us to purchase our road salt for a price of $79.90 per ton, which is a significant savings of $17.54 per ton, or 18% below the price we are currently paying for this product.

Business Administrator KRAUS is already proving herself to be another one of those Vernon municipal employees who are well deserving of our thanks and appreciation.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Council Member Tadrick had no comments.

Council Member Rizzuto questioned why the Township engineer was present at the meeting.

Mayor Burrell explained that Council Member Distasi asked for him to be present to have a discussion about a particular project. Mayor Burrell said he also wanted Mr. Stoner present.

Council Member Rizzuto stated that he and Council Member Tadrick did not request that the Township Engineer be at the meeting.

Council Member Tadrick said this was the second time this has happened.

Council Member Distasi requested that Mr. Stoner be at the meeting to explain why the trail was approved with the drainage issues.

Council Member Tadrick asked why this was not on the agenda for discussion.

Council President Buccieri apologized and explained that it should have been.

Township Engineer Cory Stoner explained that in June and July the trail project was under construction and they were in the process of putting millings down. The trail was inspected and Salmon Brother did do what they were supposed to do.

Council Member Distasi asked if there was going to be an ongoing issue.

Mr. Stoner explained that at the time there was not money to pave the trail. Paving the trail will take all of the drainage problems away if it is maintained regularly.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS

Council President Buccieri commented about the cannabis ordinance and she reached out to the Mayor and the Land Use Board Attorney. The Mayor will be setting up a time to discuss some issues.

ADJOURNMENT

At 8:58 pm Council Member Sparta made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Council Member Distasi.

All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: April 24, 2023

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