Montville Township Reorganization Meeting - January 5, 2010
Volunteerism was the theme as the Montville Township Committee reorganized on January 5, 2010. Following Assemblyman Jay Webber’s administration of the oath of office to new Committeeman Don Kostka, the Township Committee selected Jim Sandham to be Mayor and Tim Braden to be Deputy Mayor. Remarks of gratitude were also expressed to former Committeewoman Jean Bader for her 6 years of service on the Township Committee.
The annual meeting where appointments are made to the Township’s boards, committees, and commissions was optimistic and regularly interrupted by applause. Volunteers completing their terms of service were thanked with plaques and proclamations. This year saw the conclusion of service for an entire board, the Local Assistance Board. In an effort to expand shared services and minimize costs, local assistance for Township residents will now be administered by Morris County. One retiring board member, Maida Avallone, received a standing ovation from those in attendance for her remarkable 30 years of volunteer service. Lucille Rockis, Welfare Director for 16 years, was also thanked for all the help she provided to those in need.
Mayor Sandham, during his comments from the dais, thanked volunteers and identified them as, “the strength of our Township.” He also reviewed some of the Township's prior accomplishments and future goals. Touted as the fruits of cooperation and service, Montville Township has:
Made significant strides to increase financial stability by reducing in excess of $12,000,000 in debt over the last 4 years, while still continuing a capital expenditure program
Achieved a AAA bond rating, which will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in the years to come
Built and maintained some of the finest park and recreational facilities in the area
Future goals include:
Continuing to minimize tax increases through numerous cost savings measures while maintaining a high level of service that residents have come to expect and enjoy
Building a new Animal Shelter, Skate Park, and Tennis Courts
Ensuring the longevity of volunteer groups and their service to our residents
The Montville Township Committee meets at 8:00 PM, the second the fourth Tuesday of each month, at the Montville municipal building. Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, get involved, and join all those who are working to make Montville Township a great place to live.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 January 2010 )
The Highlands Act & Montville Township
Township Committee Action, November 24, 2009:
At their regular meeting on November 24, 2009, the Montville Township Committee passed a resolution submitting a petition for Plan Conformance to the Highlands Council, or opting in, for that portion of the Township that lies within the Preservation Area in accordance with the Highlands Act, the Highlands Regional Master Plan, and the Highlands Conformance Guidelines. This action was required by law; the Township did not have the legal right to opt out of the Plan for the Preservation Area.
No action was taken by the Township Committee regarding the portion of the Township that lies within the Planning Area of the Highlands Regional Master Plan. At this time it is the Township's intention NOT to opt into the Highlands Plan for the portion of the Township in the Planning Area.
The Planning Board's Recommendation:
Montville is divided into two categories by the Highlands: 28% is located in the Preservation Area, with the remaining lands in the Planning Area. The Township Committee is obligated under the law to comply with the Preservation Area rules by adopting a resolution by December 8, 2009. The decision facing our community is whether to opt in or out of the remaining Highland’s Planning region. The Township Committee will begin deliberations at their November 10th meeting at which time the Township’s planner, Joseph Burgis, will begin his presentation of materials.
The Planning Board, at their October 22nd meeting, unanimously recommended that the Township Committee move to opt in to the Highland Preservation Region, but opt out of the Highland Planning Region. The Planning Board held a number of public meetings, involved many agencies, committees, department heads, planners and engineers in this review of the Highlands. The Board determined, after months of careful consideration, that based on an evaluation of the pros and cons, our community would be better served by NOT opting into the Highlands in the Planning area.
On July 1, 2009 the Montville Board of Adjustment approved the construction of a Lowe’s and a 2nd retail building on the site of the GI Auto junk yard. The approval incorporated numerous conditions, many of which need to be reviewed and approved by the Montville Township Committee. Most of these issues relate to traffic flow and control. The Township Committee is currently reviewing the Board of Adjustment record and will finalize approvals via a developers agreement with Lowe’s.
Lowe’s will be making a presentation to the Township Committee at the public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 8:00 PM at Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting in order to learn first hand about the issues that will be incorporated into the final developers agreement and offer comment.
Below you will find three (3) links to documents that were submitted by Lowe’s to the Township Committee for public perusal.
Volunteerism was the theme as the Montville Township Committee reorganized on January 5, 2010. Following Assemblyman Jay Webber’s administration of the oath of office to new Committeeman Don Kostka, the Township Committee selected Jim Sandham to be Mayor and Tim Braden to be Deputy Mayor. Remarks of gratitude were also expressed to former Committeewoman Jean Bader for her 6 years of service on the Township Committee.
