MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES—June 26, 2007

Montville Township Committee Regular Meeting

Tuesday, June 26, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

Montville Township Municipal Building, 195 Changebridge Road, Montville, New Jersey

7:25 p.m. – Statement of Open Public Meetings Act Compliance read by Chairman Art Daughtry:  “As required by the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate Notice of this meeting has been provided which Notice specified the time and place of the meeting to the extent known at that time. The Notice was posted on the bulletin board at the Municipal Building, mailed to The Daily Record, The Star Ledger, and The Citizen as well as other newspapers and it was placed on file in the Township Clerk’s office. This meeting has been properly noticed to the public in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.”

Present:            Committeeman Stephen Moscone

Committeeman James Sandham, Jr.

                        Committeewoman Jean Bader

                        Committeewoman Deborah Nielson

                        Chairman Art Daughtry

Also present:            Frank Bastone, Township Administrator

                        Anthony Barile, township Engineer

Thomas Mazzaccaro, DPW/Water & Sewer Director

Martin Murphy, Township Attorney

Gertrude Atkinson, Township Clerk

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-CES-062607 PROVIDING FOR A MEETING NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 – Property Acquisition.

Motion:  Nielson.  Second:  Sandham.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

At 7:25 p.m. – Closed Session.  At 8:10 p.m. – Public Session.

Committeeman Moscone left the meeting at this time.

Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance led by Committeeman Sandham.

RECOGNITION OF MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL NEW JERSEY CHALLENGE TEAM:  The New Jersey Challenge Competition is an academic game show sponsored by Cablevision and News 12 New Jersey.  The Montville Township High School team made it to the regional semifinals.  Proclamations were presented to Alexander Il Grande, III, Captain of the team; Vickie Fang, Melissa Pallay, Jaspreet Banga, and Jonathan Boos.  The Township Committee also presented them with Montville hats.

Committeeman Moscone returned to the meeting at this time.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION:

NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-28 AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2007-19, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS FOR THE YEAR 2007:

Chairman Daughtry opened the public hearing.  Hearing no comments, Chairman Daughtry closed the public hearing.  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Nielson.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

Motion to adopt ordinance:  Sandham.  Second:  Nielson.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Ordinance adopted.

NO. 2 – BOND ORDINANCE NO. 2007-29 PROVIDING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $90,000 AND PROVIDING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BOOSTER STATION AT THE INTERCONNECTION WITH LINCOLN PARK IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $90,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING PART OF THE COST THEREOF:

Chairman Daughtry opened the public hearing.  Hearing no comments, Chairman Daughtry closed the public hearing.  Motion:  Nielson.  Second:  Sandham.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

Motion to adopt ordinance:  Moscone.  Second:  Bader.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Ordinance adopted.

NO. 3 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-30 AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND AMENDING BUILDING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

Chairman Daughtry opened the public hearing.  Hearing no comments, Chairman Daughtry closed the public hearing.  Motion:  Bader.  Second:  Nielson.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

Martin Murphy, Township Attorney, stated they received the Planning Board’s recommendation on this ordinance.

Motion to adopt ordinance:  Nielson.  Second:  Moscone.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Ordinance adopted.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

NO. 1 – SALE OF PROPERTY – 70 CHANGEBRIDGE ROAD:  Frank Bastone, Township Administrator, reported the only remaining issue is setting the minimum sale price.  Fran Vanderhoof researched asking prices of other vacant parcels.  We recommend a suggested minimum price of $400,000.  Township Committee agreed on $399,000 for marketing purposes.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2007-32 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND NOT REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES PURSUANT TO NJSA 40A:12-13, ET SEQ.:  70 Changebridge Road, Block 82.05, Lot 86.

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for July 10, 2007, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Nielson.  Discussion:  All restrictions are in the ordinance and will be in the deed.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Motion approved.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

NO. 2 – MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST:  Bastone stated he is requesting a revision to the salary for the position.  The amount in the budget is not sufficient to attract candidates with the credentials required for the position.  $50,000 is the amount in the budget.  My recommendation is not to exceed $65,000.  The previous assistant administrator’s salary was $102,000.  This is a recommendation of $65,000 without subsequent steps.  This is not a union position.  This is a year-to-year position, no tenure.  The job was posted in-house.  Township Committee agreed – ok.

Bastone stated he has been interviewing and intends to make a decision in the next two weeks.  Once we make the appointment, we will introduce the salary amendment ordinance.

Sandham asked if we move it from $50,000 to $65,000, will that encourage any internal candidates to come forward?  Bastone stated everybody he has interviewed is requesting in excess of $50,000.  That has been discussed with all candidates.

Sandham stated my question was internal.  Bastone stated this was not posted with a salary.  It was advertised without a salary just for the purpose of seeing what the talent pool was for the requirements that were included in the job description.

NO. 3 – OPEN SPACE APPRAISAL FUND:  Bastone stated from time to time we have the opportunity to look at the possible acquisition of properties for open space.  Right now we are required to adopt an ordinance to authorize the funds to spend for an appraisal.  The recommendation to set up a fund for appraisals will shorten that process.  There will be no authorization without a resolution by the Township Committee.  This simplifies the process and saves money. 

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS:

NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-31 OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 BE APPROPRIATED AND DISBURSED FROM THE OPEN SPACE DEDICATED TRUST FUND FOR APPRAISALS ON OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES AND POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES:

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for July 10, 2007, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Nielson.  Second:  Moscone.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Motion approved.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

NO. 4 – MONTVILLE DAY BUDGET:  Bastone stated you have an analysis of the expenses for the 2006 Montville Day.

Daughtry stated the seniors want chicken.  As has been discussed in the past, the Township Committee discussed the possibility of a contribution or suggested donation from the residents.  Suggestions also included the vendor charging for food, tokens, etc. 

Committeewoman Nielson suggested setting up a subcommittee with Fran Vanderhoof to discuss the details and procedures. 

Nielson suggested they could have a dunking tank. 

Joe Romola suggested having a volunteer organization run the event, and they get a piece of it.

Subcommittee set up consisting of Sandham, Nielson, Romola, Bastone, and possibly the Department Heads of the original subcommittee from previous years.

Vanderhoof will get quotes for food, same as last year, plus possibly chicken.

Sandham stated since this line item shares the same line item as July 4^th, and since July 4^th is coming in for less money this year, we should leave that funding for other items, not for Montville Day, but for other issues that require funding.

NO. 5 – MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION REQUEST:  Bastone stated they are requesting to use four of the engines on the Hierwater property at their Fosterfields.  They want to put them in operating condition and use them on the working field.  They want us to lend the engines to them.

Daughtry stated he was up at the Hierwater property this past weekend.  There are maintenance issues there.  These machines are all going to go to waste if we don’t do something.  We should just give them to the park commission.

Murphy stated you can give them to the park commission by resolution.  It is not a problem giving them to another public agency.

Gift the four engines to the Morris County Park Commission.  Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Bader.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

NO. 6 – HIGH SCHOOL DUGOUTS:  Nosti and DeZao not present.  Vanderhoof stated she notified them it would be on the agenda.  Vanderhoof provided a report to the Township Committee which indicated $39,287 is due from the dugout committee.  The fundraising committee is a private group.  They were a part of the Field of Dreams. 

Committeeman Sandham stated they did do fundraising and then they spent the money for items above and beyond the original proposal.  His last letter told us they would do Spring fundraising, and they would give the money to us.

Murphy stated we have no contract with them.  We have no recourse. 

Committeewoman Bader suggested maybe a payment plan would help.

Daughtry stated there is nothing we can do.  We have to make sure they are not raising money under the auspices of their commitment with the Township. 

Township Committee agreed – don’t pursue.

Sandham stated they have no course of action as a group.  Do we as individuals?  Murphy stated you can certainly write a letter.  It was just a verbal agreement.  There is no written contract.

Township Committee authorized Frank Bastone to contact the dugout committee.

NO. 7 – OB-1 ZONE:  Bastone stated everyone has had the opportunity to look at the zoning map.  The Planning Board is recommending that the OB-1 zone be amended to allow adult restricted housing to be a permitted conditional use.

Nielson stated this is clearly to settle a potential lawsuit.  None of the other OB-1 zones lend themselves to this use.  Mr. Burgis, planner, Linda White, and I spoke today and came up with a designation of OB-1A.  The Hook Mountain Road property is the subject of this OB-1A designation.  I would be ok with this.

Sandham stated he would like to talk about this in closed session if litigation is involved, as he has not been briefed on it.

Murphy stated his one concern is if you are creating a conditional use that applies to only one piece of property in those zones, that is getting close to spot zoning.  We should get more information from the planner.  I will also take a look at it.

PUBLIC PORTION FOR ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA:

Joe Romola, 26 Rockaway Valley Road, Montville, spoke about wood burning furnaces.  He stated the Township Committee has a copy of the letter from the manufacturer.  He stated he wanted to be in on the discussions regarding wood burning stoves because the numbers from the DEP are wrong.  They are representing one or two brands of stoves that are very outdated.  The Board of Health should get a copy of this letter and be asked to hold off.  I did not know what was going on at the Board of Health meetings.  I could not be at the Environmental Commission meeting when it was discussed, even though I asked them to hold off.  I am just asking that the Board of Health hold off.  The DEP is going to make standards anyway.  Does the State override the Board of Health?

Murphy replied it all depends, but that is generally what happens.  Bastone stated the DEP still does not have regulations on this.  We asked the Board of Health to adopt the standards of Nescaum Northeast.  This would be a guide to work from.

Sandham asked how the Board of Health went from adopting standards to an outright ban.  Sandham read the memo from John Wozniak, Health Officer, indicating the Board of Health has decided to take action to ban the use of these units in Montville Township.

Romola gave a history of the current situation with his wood burning furnace.

Daughtry stated you have also offered to move the stove to remedy the neighbor.  Romola asked if I move the stove, do I have to get another permit?  Also, it is a lot of work to move the stove.  I don’t want to move it twice.  I need the standards.  I am asking for standards or for the Board of Health to hold off. 

Sandham asked if Mr. Romola’s furnace would be a pre-existing condition.  Murphy answered he did not think so.  It is only with zoning that occurs.

Sandham stated he does not understand how you can ban them if you get standards. 

Murphy stated the Board of Health has powers and that jurisdiction.  That is not to say someone can’t challenge it.  I can look further into it to see if it would be a pre-existing use.

Moscone stated this needs to go back to the Board of Health.  We need standards.

Nielson asked if the Township Committee and the Planning Board adopt restrictions that are contradictory to the Board of Health, who governs?  Murphy replied he believes the Board of Health. 

Daughtry suggested they sit down with the Board of Health.  Moscone stated they need one of the members of the Board of Health or Mr. Wozniak to tell us why they need a ban. 

Bastone stated he put a call into the Board of Health chairperson but has not heard back.

Township Committee agreed – agenda item for next meeting with John Wozniak present.

Robert Lefkowitz, 81 Windsor Drive, Pine Brook, asked if an individual who donated to the dugout fund would have any recourse and can the town, on behalf of the resident, go to the prosecutor?  Murphy answered a citizen can bring a suit – maybe they would have a case.

Lefkowitz stated he thinks that issue at the Board of Health meeting was not what any particular individual was doing, but what not having this regulated, what another individual might be able to.

Lefkowitz stated he understands the Township is in the process of replacing some of the audio recording system.

Bastone stated yes, that was approved in the 2007 capital ordinance.

Lefkowitz asked given that we are doing that and the Township Committee has stated they would like to move toward a video solution as well, wouldn’t it be prudent to at least spend those funds to include the video?  It would be less than $1,000 to do a full video.  This would still solve your audio and get you half way toward your video solution. 

Bastone will check the ordinance as to how much money is in there and how broadly the ordinance is written – could it include video equipment?

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONSENT AGENDA 2007-CA13:  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Moscone.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM A – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF CASH BONDS POSTED WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE:

WHEREAS, certain cash bonds have been posted with the Township of Montville to secure the performance of obligations; and

WHEREAS, the Engineering Department has verified that the improvements, the installation of which were secured by the cash bonds, have been installed in a satisfactory manner and has recommended the release of cash bonds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the following cash performance bonds shall be released:

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM B – RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PERFORMANCE BOND – PETER NAGLE BUILDERS, LLC – FOREST RIDGE – BLOCK 109, LOT 30:

WHEREAS, Peter Nagle Builders, LLC (Forest Ridge/Block 109, Lot 30), the developer of property known as Block 109, Lot 30, is required to submit a Performance Guarantee to the Township of Montville; and

WHEREAS, Peter Nagle Builders, LLC has submitted a Performance Guarantee in the form of Bond No. 8822-017627 issued by American Southern Insurance Companies in the amount of $697,826.34 and cash in the amount of $77,536.26; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, Township Attorney, and Land Use Administrator have reviewed the Performance Guarantee submitted and have recommended its acceptance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the Performance Guarantee submitted by Peter Nagle Builders, LLC in the form of Bond No. 8822-017627 issued by American Southern Insurance Companies in the amount of $697,826.34 and cash in the amount of $77,536.26 is hereby accepted.  The Township Clerk is authorized and directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the developer.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES TO DIXON BROS., INC. FOR 6 MARIAN LANE:

WHEREAS, building permit fees were paid for the issuance of building permits for property located at 6 Marian Lane, Towaco, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the applicant did not do the project after the necessary permits were secured; and

WHEREAS, Dixon Bros., Inc. has requested a refund; and

WHEREAS, the Construction Official has recommended a refund of the $136.00 fee less 20% for administration costs equaling a refund amount of $108.80.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the building permit fees submitted by Dixon Bros., Inc. for property located at 6 Marian Lane, Towaco, New Jersey, shall be refunded in the amount of $112.80.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR A GRANT FROM THE NJ DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FOR 2008 FUNDING TO PROVIDE RECREATION PROGRAMS, LIFE SKILLS AND MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR THE DISABLED POPULATION OF MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM E – RESOLUTION OPPOSING ASSEMBLY BILL A-4393 REGARDING LOCAL PUBLIC CONTRACTS.

RESOLUTIONS:

NO. 1 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP ENGINEER TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE VREELAND OUTKITCHEN:

WHEREAS, The Township of Montville and LG II Co., Inc., entered into a Contract for the historic out kitchen project; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer believes that certain minor change orders may be required for this project and seeks authority to authorize changes orders up to $2,000.00 subject to funding availability in order to meet time deadlines on this project and that certain changes to this Contract are necessary; and

WHEREAS, any change orders approved will meet the necessary requirements and proper documentation will be required.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the Township Engineer is hereby given the authority to authorize changes orders in the contract with LG II Co., Inc., up to $2000.00 subject to funding availability on the historic out kitchen project.

Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Bader.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 2 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 IN A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND M.S.P. CONSTRUCTION CORP.:

WHEREAS, the Township of Montville and M.S.P. Construction Corp. entered into a Contract for the Riverside Drive Force Main Project; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that certain changes to this Contract are necessary; and

WHEREAS, the details of the proposed Change Order are as follows:

-            Change in pipe material from ductile iron to PVC for the 3,800 lineal feet of 12" force main.

; and

            WHEREAS, M.S.P. Construction Corp. has submitted a Change Order for a reduction of $10,000.00 to the original contract amount; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has requested and recommended to the Township Committee that it modify its Contract with M.S.P. Construction Corp. as a result of this change.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the following Change Order is hereby approved in the Contract between the Township of Montville and M.S.P. Construction Corp.:

            Original Contract Price:                           $285,000.00

            Amount of Change Order #1:                                 -   10,000.00

            Final Contract Amount:                                   $275,000.00

            % Change in Contract:                                             - 3.5%

Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Sandham.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 3 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FINAL PAYMENT TO DAKOTA EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR FOR THE SYNTHETIC TURF SOCCER FIELD AT COMMUNITY PARK AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MAINTENANCE BOND:

WHEREAS, Dakota Excavating Contractor is the contractor for the Synthetic Turf Soccer Field at Community Park; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer, has recommended that the Synthetic Turf Soccer Field at Community Park be accepted by the Township, and that final payments be made; and

WHEREAS, Dakota Excavating Contractor is required to post a Maintenance Bond and required to file an Affidavit of Release of Claims and Liens as a condition of final release.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that, that the Township of Montville accepts as final the Synthetic Turf Soccer Field at Community Park and releases to Dakota Excavating Contractor final payment in full subject to receipt of the affidavit of release of claims and liens; and be it further

RESOLVED that a Maintenance Bond issued by International Fidelity Insurance Company is hereby accepted; and be it further     

RESOLVED that a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty issued by FieldTurf U.S.A. for an eight-year period is hereby accepted.

Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Nielson.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 4 – RESOLUTION APPROVAL OF MINUTES MARCH 27, 2007 AND APRIL 10, 2007:  Approval of closed session and public session minutes - regular meetings 03/27/07 and 04/10/07.  Motion:  Nielson.  Second:  Bader.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 5 – RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LISTING OF BILLS AND SIGNING OF CHECKS: Listing of bills approved; and the Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the checks.  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Moscone.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

REPORTS:

NO. 1 – ADMINISTRATOR:  Bastone reported on the proposed dog park gazebo.  When the Eagle Scout projects were approved, the funding was not discussed.  Everyone assumed it would be paid out of the dog park fund.  Bastone distributed an accounting of the 2005, 2006, and 2007 dog park fund.  The balance of the account is $14,000 and change.  I want to make sure what the intent was here when we approved it.

Nielson stated she was not aware that the municipality would be funding the gazebo.  She was under the impression they were raising the money.

Daughtry stated he thought the Dog Park Committee was going to repay the town; however, that was never in a written agreement. 

Vanderhoof stated the money collected for the dog park is collected by the Dog Park Committee.  It is then kept in an account by the Township.  They tell us what to spend the money on.  The chairperson said the gazebo would be $3,800.  Some people think the dog park money should be reimbursed to the town for our cost of building the dog park.  Moscone stated that was the intent.

Nielson asked how much the dog park cost.  Vanderhoof stated $92,000.  Nielson stated she was not on the Township Committee at the time the dog park was built.  I don’t know what was represented at that time.  Vanderhoof stated the Dog Park Committee does not recall having to repay the Township.  

Sandham asked if the gazebo is of a permanent nature.  Nielson stated she doesn’t know.  You can build something for recreational purposes.

Sandham stated the money that comes from the dog park permits should go back to the town. 

Bader stated she recalls that if the dog park does not work, it could be taken down and the property used for something else. 

Daughtry stated the issue of the money and how it is used needs to be discussed/negotiated with the Dog Park Committee.  We have an Eagle Scout with an approved project with a funding problem.  At this late date, maybe we should put some onus on them to raise some money and we pay half out of the dog park fund.  We could tell him we are willing to match it.  Justin Pagano fundraised.  The Dog Park Committee has raised $4,500.

Nielson stated yes, but that is offset by the time spent by DPW installing the bricks, etc.

Daughtry stated I say we are willing to support $1,900 out of the dog park fund, and you go back and help that Eagle Scout raise the rest.

Motion made by Moscone that a solution is that the dog park permits come back to the Township treasury.  They can fund the gazebo with the rest of their money.  They can keep the money they get from fundraising.  Let them use the fundraising money for site improvements, which would include the gazebo.  Second:  Sandham.

Discussion:  Daughtry stated and we strongly suggest that they also still try to fundraise for other Eagle Scout projects, etc.

Bastone stated to clarify:  the motion on the floor is that Dog Park permits are revenue to the town, to be used at the discretion of the town.  Brick purchases, donations, and the sale of merchandise is money that is to be maintained in the dog park fund and is to be utilized by them for maintenance/improvements to the dog park.

All in favor.  Motion approved.

NO. 2 – ATTORNEY:  None.

NO. 3 – FINANCE:  Vanderhoof stated the Towaco Smart Growth Future Grant was completed this week.  We should be expecting our final $30,000.  Bastone stated Fran Vanderhoof and Linda White are to be commended on this.

NO. 4 – ENGINEER:  None.

NO. 5 – COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Committeeman Moscone stated they should try to add about twenty more spaces to the Camp Dawson parking.

Committeeman Sandham stated he received a call from former Mayor Fred Eckhardt that the West Orange Board of Education has six mobile trailers they are selling.  He said he already told a BOE member they are available.

Committeewoman Bader stated the Historic Preservation Review Commission met last night.  Art Daughtry was in attendance.  A lot of the Planning Board issues were discussed. 

Committeewoman Nielson stated Thursday night’s Planning Board meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.  There will be a public hearing on the Towaco Center master plan.  Public notices were sent out.

Nielson stated the Planning Board is taking a lot of requests for zoning from developers.  We are using developer’s escrow.  The correct way to do it is to re-look at the entire master plan.  Our planner said it would cost $80,000 to $100,000.  Monies have not been appropriated.  You have a memo from the planner about studying the industrial zone.  He could do a study for $1,200.  It is my recommendation that this study be done.  The Planning Board has no money. 

Daughtry stated he supports this also.  Bastone stated in the budget process the Planning Board earmarked money for specific projects.  His recommendation is that they spend the $1,200.  If there is a problem at the end of the year, we will look at it then.

Sandham stated he disagrees.  They should reprioritize.  We have a budget and should stick to it.

Moscone stated at the end of the year, we can do a transfer if we need to. 

Township Committee, except Committeeman Sandham, all in favor of spending the $1,200.

Nielson stated the Recreation Commission has invited Frank Bastone to attend their July meeting.  They have their feelings about charging for lighting and it is not the same as the Township Committee’s.  The Township Committee has asked them to come up with an equal distribution of paying for lights at the Community Park and Camp Dawson.  They did not come up with that.  I have asked Frank Bastone to step in. 

Bastone asked, for the record, you want me to come up with a policy on payment for the lighting?

Moscone stated the fields are used every night.  We have revenue coming in from the field rental.  I would like to see a report on these revenues.

Moscone stated also MBSA are the only ones who pay for their lighting.  If we are going to start charging the other groups, we need to notify the groups officially prior to their seasons.

Nielson stated she is a strong proponent of grants.  I support the Every Drop Counts program.  They had asked Jasmine Lim to look into grants and that did not happen.  Mrs. Marinello writes grants.  I don’t know the status of that.  Also, the tree replacement - we are now a Tree City USA, etc.  There are various grants for tree replacement/maintenance.  Hopefully, the management specialist will be looking into that.  Every Drop Counts is an award-winning program.  We should get grants for that.  I don’t know if Mrs. Marinello is looking into that.  I would like to get a status report.

Chairman Daughtry stated our hearts go out to Bob Perkins.  We will deal with the web schedule in light of his illness.

Daughtry asked about the status of the library agreement.  Bastone replied he sent them a formal response.  Patty Anderson, Library Director, said they are reviewing it and will get back to me.

Daughtry stated Board of Education – I really believe that the BOE believes that the Township Committee does not have the votes to do this now.  I hope they go to referendum, it passes, and they build it for the right price.  

Daughtry asked for an update on Pathways.  Bastone stated he asked Melinda Jennis to prepare a memo.  She said she would in July.  We will then put it on the agenda.

Daughtry stated First Aid Squad building lease agreement.  Nothing is going to happen because they don’t want the obligation of major repairs. 

Daughtry stated they finally met with Tony Condurso regarding the greenhouse windows.  We are going to try to put some netting up to prevent the balls from going over there.  A reimbursement to Condurso’s is between them and the MBSA.

Daughtry stated more and more couples want a civil ceremony for various reasons.  We may want to develop a policy.

Daughtry asked about the Animal Shelter status.  Bastone stated he expects to have something from the architect in mid-July. 

Daughtry asked about the Route 202, Towaco, traffic study improvements RFP status.  Barile stated he will look into.

Daughtry asked if the Towaco Civic Association should be included in the financial reporting next year.  Township Committee agreed – yes, they use Township facilities – Camp Dawson.

Daughtry asked the status of the Cablevision negotiations.  Bastone stated he has a meeting with them tomorrow afternoon.

Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.  Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Bader.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gertrude H. Atkinson, Township Clerk