Montville Township Committee Regular Meeting

Tuesday, August 28, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

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

7:00 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

Frances Vanderhoof, Director of Finance

Thomas Mazzaccaro, DPW/Water & Sewer Director

Martin Murphy, Township Attorney

Gertrude Atkinson, Township Clerk

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-CES-082807 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; Contract Negotiations – Condominium Associations; MBSA.

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

At 7:05 p.m. – Closed Session.  At 8:05 p.m. – Public Session.

Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance led by Committeeman Sandham.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION:

NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-36 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF EASEMENT FROM MICHELLE E. JEGGE – BLOCK 40, LOT 7:

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

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

NO. 2 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-37 ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY FROM PATRICK R. HOFF – BLOCK 160.02, LOT 10:

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

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

NO. 3 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-39 AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” AND ESTABLISHING THE SPEED LIMIT ALONG RIVER ROAD AT 35 MPH FOR ITS ENTIRE LENGTH:

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

Motion to adopt ordinance:  Bader.  Second:  Moscone.  Discussion:  Committeewoman Nielson stated it is a long road and at off hours, she sees no problem with leaving the speed limit at the current 40 MPH.  She would entertain a motion to table the adoption of this ordinance until they see more accident and safety data.  Perhaps they can make the speed limit 35 MPH on only certain sections of the road.

Motion to table adoption of ordinance:  Nielson.  Second:  Sandham.  Roll call vote – Moscone, no; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Motion approved.  Ordinance tabled.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

NO. 1 – CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS AGREEMENTS:  Frank Bastone, Township Administrator, reported that originally they were going to meet with the representatives of the condo associations this evening to discuss the renewal of the maintenance agreements that expire at the end of this year.  We have a letter from the condo coalition requesting that the meeting with them be postponed to the meeting of September 11.

NO. 2 – MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION REQUEST FOR ENGINES:  Bastone reported the Township Committee had previously talked about giving the engines on the former Hierwater property to the County.  Our Historic Preservation Review Commission voiced objection to the gifting of them.  I requested that the HPRC give me a report spelling out the reasoning for the objection.  You have their report.  I have discussed the issue with the Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission. 

Chairman Daughtry stated he attended the HPRC meeting last night, and everyone is in agreement. 

Bastone stated we will now have to do a resolution outlining the requirements.  The resolution will be on the next agenda.  

NO. 3 – 86 RIVER ROAD MASTER PLAN:  Bastone stated the Township Committee has the recommended master plan for 86 River Road.  I have been working on this with a variety of personnel in the Township; mainly, Tom Mazzaccaro and Tony Barile.  We tried to keep it as short and concise as possible.  I do have backup documentation for all of the quotes in the document. 

Bastone presented the 86 River Road Master Plan: 

The Montville Township staff has discussed the issue of the future of the 86 River Road complex.  The results and recommendations of those discussions are contained herein:

Old Municipal Building

Demolish and construct new Board of Education offices

If the Board of Education chooses not to relocate their offices at this site – demolish building

Cost of removal of asbestos and demolition

Asbestos removal - $100,000

Demolition - $50,000

Relocation of existing infrastructure inside building

Generator – needed for radio equipment (also for gas pumps) – Fire Departments to fund

Radio Equipment – Serves all FD – must stay in vicinity of cell tower

Install shed to house radio equipment & gasoline monitoring equipment - $10,000

Fire Department has funds budgeted for addition to Fire Department

Gasoline & Diesel Pumps

It is recommended that the gasoline and diesel tanks remain at 86 River Road.  After consultation with the DPW, Township Engineer, Police Department and Fire Departments, there is no pressing need to relocate the gas pumps.  Given the cost associated with same, it is recommended that the gasoline pump be relocated behind the public safety complex when the 86 River Road gasoline and diesel tanks need to be replaced.  The existing tanks still have a 5 to 10 year life span.  The removal of the pumps will yield few parking spaces; the elimination of the Salt Dome & Municipal Building provides many more additional parking spaces.

Pros to eliminating pumps

Provides additional parking

Eliminates cost of upgrading - $18,000 – requires immediate attention

Cons to eliminating pumps

New Gasoline Tank at Public Safety building –  $125,000

Cost to abandon old tank - $30,000 plus cost if there is contamination

Ease of access

Old DPW Building

Lease to MBSA

Demolish Pole Barn – additional parking (MBSA has now indicated they do not have a use for the pole barn (8/20/07)

Salt Shed

Demolish after shared Salt Barn (with Morris County) is constructed behind Public Safety building.

            Demolition - $20,000

            Township Share of Salt Barn - $250,000 for ’08 Capital (Township share)

Animal Shelter

Relocate to 7 Church Lane - $750,000

Cell Tower

Stays in place

Future Utilization of Site

Due to the flat topography of the site, it lends itself to Recreational Uses such as Tennis Courts, Skate Park, Roller Rink or a ball field.

End of presentation.

Nielson asked how many years are left in the pumps.  Your report states it will cost $18,000 to upgrade them.  Bastone stated that should be done right away. 

Thomas Mazzaccaro, DPW/Water & Sewer Director, stated the life of them is 5 to 10 years. 

Nielson stated we have a salt barn with the County.  Can we incorporate new pumps at the same time, and they can share the cost? 

Daughtry stated the County’s vehicles are all diesel.  We did have that discussion.

Nielson asked if we have costs for the pole barn demolition.  Bastone stated this is new.  I met with Montville Baseball/Softball about their lease, and they decided they don’t want the pole barn. 

Nielson asked how much it would be to demolish.  What is the life of it, and can, perhaps, the DPW store off-season vehicles there? 

Bastone stated the long-term recommendation is to take it down.  There is no need for it.  We will get a price to demolish it. 

Nielson stated she would like the next step to be timeframes for the master plan. 

Committeeman Sandham stated the animal shelter - $750,000 is a lot for that. 

Sandham stated the salt shed – spending $270,000 to share with the County seems excessive when we have something there that works right now.

Daughtry stated we should get something in writing from the MBSA that they don’t want the pole barn.  Bastone stated it is going to be in the lease.  It will not include the pole barn section. 

Mazzaccaro stated the pole barn is not required by the DPW, just to reemphasize.  The salt barn does need to be moved for environmental reasons.

Daughtry stated we have had ongoing discussion with the County for over a year about the salt barn.  They have been cooperating with us.  The pumps – the letter we received from the fire departments wanting to share fuel with us – they are diesel.  We could get all of our diesel fuel at the County.  Bastone stated or 143 River Road, but there are access issues there.

Daughtry stated so, theoretically, we could get rid of the diesel at 86 River Road.  There are future options with diesel, maybe through the County, etc.

Bastone stated we are implementing that the fire departments can get their diesel fuel from us. 

Daughtry stated the trusses in the pole barn could be moved to the 86 River Road building to make a truss roof. 

Mazzaccaro stated they may find someone who wants that barn. 

NO. 4 – HOUSE FIRE 85 PINE BROOK ROAD:  Bastone stated they have a letter from Mr. Silvestri requesting that his tax assessment be reduced due to the house fire that occurred at his house.  His homeowner’s insurance does cover the rental. 

Martin Murphy, Township Attorney, stated there is a statute that in order to obtain the rebate, you have to file within a certain date – October to January.  It is strictly a gratuitous gesture if the Township Committee wants to adjust the taxes.  Come October 1, the Tax Assessor can change the assessment if he chooses to do so. 

Daughtry asked how long have they been residents of Montville?  That would mean more to me – it makes it a lot easier.  Nielson agreed. 

Sandham stated it doesn’t matter to him how long they have been in town.  One of the questions to me is if he is being fully reimbursed for his losses.  Why would we take from other taxpayers?  I do feel for the person.  They can apply for a reduction for 2008?

Murphy answered yes, the values are struck in October.  Sandham stated so we would be just accelerating what they can do for 2008.

Daughtry stated my suggestion for the committee is that the Administrator send them a letter that there is nothing we can do for the current year, but the Assessor can make a reduction for January 1, 2008. 

Frances Vanderhoof, Director of Finance, looked up how long they have lived in town.  The family has been at 85 Pine Brook Road since November 8, 2003.

Motion to accept the recommendation of the Tax Assessor and refund $1,465.26 for 2007:  Sandham.  Second:  Nielson.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

PUBLIC PORTION FOR ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA:

Anand S. Dhody, 3 Hancock Court, Montville, spoke about the sidewalks on Changebridge Road.  There are no sidewalks on Changebridge Road near Stiles Lane.  He is requesting that sidewalks be installed there. 

Nielson stated there are three new homes there.  There are serious wetlands issues there.  She does not recall the requirements of those approvals.  Mr. Barile has a master plan for the streets.  You can come in and speak to him about the plan.

Dhody spoke about River Road.  The section by the curve near Vreeland Avenue is very narrow.  It should be two feet wider on each side.  Nielson stated there are wetlands and floodplain issues there. 

Daughtry stated he does not think they will see that widened.  There are constraints with the river there.  Nielson stated they could check the sidewalk master plan for River Road also.

Maurice Soussa, 33 Tara Lane, Montville, spoke about Pine Brook Road.  There were improvements made at each end of Pine Brook road.  There are drainage problems and open ditches on both sides of Pine Brook Road in various locations.  He would like to know if this could be looked at and included in the master plan at this point. 

Daughtry stated they have an applicant at the Planning Board and one of those issues is exactly what you are speaking about – and the telephone poles there.

Daughtry requested Chief Cook be asked to give us an idea of how many “ditch” accidents have occurred on Pine Brook Road, specifically near the Green Briar Nursing Home.

Soussa stated there are some people who walk on the street, and there are no sidewalks.  It is very dangerous.  I strongly urge you to look at it.

Nielson stated perhaps we can add this to Mr. Barile’s list – the drainage issues. 

Mazzaccaro stated that is the Area 18 where the sewers are going in.  I have already discussed this with Mr. Barile.  Doing anything with the ditches would require DEP approval.  It is hard to get those permits because, as you know, the DEP wants open ditches.  With the sewer job, we are trying to dress it up the best we can.

Daughtry asked if there is a footage limitation that can be done without getting permits.  Mazzaccaro suggests speaking to the Township Engineer about that.

Daughtry directed the Township Administrator to ask Mr. Barile what the latitude there is.  Nielson stated also ask about guiderails. 

Soussa stated I know the permits are not easy, but I had personal experience where the DEP issued permits for safety and hazardous issues.  I encourage you to look into this.

Daughtry stated they will take under advisement.  We will speak to our Engineer.

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS:

NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-41 AUTHORIZING A LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE TO THE MONTVILLE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION (MBSA):

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for September 11, 2007, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Nielson.  Discussion:  Sandham stated he thought they were getting a revised copy of the agreement.  Bastone distributed a revised copy.  He stated it contained all the changes they talked about except they are going to strike out the insurance clause – page 4, subsection B. 

Sandham stated they need to confirm they are a nonprofit organization.  Also, page 3 – I think we should take out the clause about alcoholic beverage permits since we don’t allow alcoholic beverages on Township property anyway.  Nielson and Daughtry stated they don’t have a problem with it.  They know the position of the Township Committee on alcoholic beverage permits.

Sandham stated he feels 25 years is too long for the term of the lease.  I think we should have a shorter lease with extensions.

Daughtry stated he does not have a strong feeling either way.  Also, he does not see the alcoholic beverage clause as an issue.  We do need to make sure they are nonprofit.  Nielson agreed.

Nielson stated the length of time – she is thrilled they have an organization that wants to clean up this eyesore.  I have no problem with the 25-year lease.  There is a mutual termination clause in there.  I understand Mr. Sandham’s point.  It is my intent to give them the property for 25 years and trust them with the upkeep, etc.  Committeewoman Bader and Committeeman Moscone agreed.

Bastone stated they need to stipulate areas A and B.  Murphy will differentiate them in the contract:  Area A – leasing while the animal shelter remains there.  When the animal shelter is relocated, then they are going to lease areas A and B.

Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Motion approved.

NO. 2 – ORDINANCE NO. 2007-42 AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2007-19, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS FOR THE YEARS 2007 & 2008:  Senior Citizen Program Aide, part-time.

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for September 11, 2007, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Bader.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Motion approved.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONSENT AGENDA NO. 2007-CA16:  Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Nielson.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM A – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF CASH BOND 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 bond 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 AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF FRANK BASTONE AS ACTING TOWNSHIP CLERK:

WHEREAS, Gertrude Atkinson serves as Township Clerk to the Township of Montville; and

WHEREAS, there is no deputy clerk to handle the responsibilities of the Township Clerk during her absences for vacation or otherwise; and

WHEREAS, Frank Bastone has agreed to serve as Acting Township Clerk during the periods of time when the Township Clerk is absent from her office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that Frank Bastone is hereby appointed as Acting Township Clerk and is authorized to function as Acting Township Clerk during periods of the absence of Township Clerk Gertrude Atkinson from her office.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BILLIARD LICENSES 9/1/07 TO 8/31/08: 

WHEREAS, Chapter 5.08 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Montville requires any person, firm or corporation operating a public pool or billiard saloon or room to obtain a license from the Township Committee; and

WHEREAS, the Township Clerk has received the following applications and applicable fees for Billiard Licenses:

            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 Clerk is authorized to issue Billiard Licenses to the following applicants for the period 9/1/07 – 8/31/08.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BLOCK PARTY ON DAHL DRIVE & FOWLER PLACE, MONTVILLE:  September 9, 2007; rain date September 29, 2007.

RESOLUTIONS:

NO. 1 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CIFELLI & SON GENERAL CONSTRUCTIONS, INC. FOR THE VIEWMONT TERRACE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:

WHEREAS, bids were received on August 21, 2007 for the Viewmont Terrace Improvement Project; and

WHEREAS, bids were received with the lowest responsible bid of $149,395.00 being submitted by Cifelli & Son General Construction, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has recommended an award to Cifelli & Son General Construction, Inc. contingent upon the availability of funds.

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 Cifelli & Son General Construction, Inc. shall be awarded the contract for the Viewmont Terrace Improvement Project for a contract price of $149,395.00 contingent upon the availability of funds.

Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Bader.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 2 – Deleted from final agenda.

NO. 3 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE MORRIS LAND CONSERVANCY FOR SURVEY AND PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE TIPCOR PROJECT, KNOWN AS LOTS 5 AND 43.02 IN BLOCK 41, MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP:

Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Nielson.  Discussion:  Nielson asked if the Morris Land Conservancy is charging us for this service.  Murphy stated the intent here is to have them obtain the services of the environmental consultant and the surveyor. 

Bastone stated we need to clarify with them if we are going to get a bill. 

Township Committee agreed to approve pending the satisfaction of Mr. Murphy and Mr. Bastone.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 4 – RESOLUTION APPROVING MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 14, 2007:  Approval of closed session and public session minutes - regular meeting 8/14/07.  Motion to approve minutes with correction on page 8 of one typographical error and the replacement of the word Township with the word library:  Sandham.  Second:  Nielson.  Roll call vote – Moscone, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Nielson, yes; Daughtry, yes.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 5 – RESOLUTION APPROVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CHECK LISTING JANUARY 2007 – JULY 2007:  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Bader.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

NO. 6 – 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.

NO. 7 – RESOLUTION APPROVING ISSUANCE OF LIMOUSINE OWNER’S AND LIMOUSINE DRIVER’S LICENSE:  Owner – Dennis D. Goodman t/a Dennis Transportation, 8 Maple Avenue, Pine Brook, one vehicle to be stored in garage.  Driver – Dennis D. Goodman.  Motion:  Bader.  Second:  Sandham.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

REPORTS:

NO. 1 – ADMINISTRATOR:  No report.

NO. 2 – ATTORNEY:  No report

NO. 3 – FINANCE:  Frances L. Vanderhoof, Director of Finance, stated Sheriff Rochford and his wife, and Assemblyman DeCroce will be attending Montville Day.

Daughtry thanked the Montville Day subcommittee for their hard work.

NO. 4 – ENGINEER:  No report.

NO. 5 – COMMITTEE:

Committeeman Moscone thanked the Montville Day subcommittee.  They always put together a great event.

Committeeman Sandham thanked Mrs. Vanderhoof for getting the salary information from other towns.

Sandham asked if we are going to be discussing field lighting.

Bastone stated that went to the Recreation Commission.

Moscone stated he is going to bring up field lighting at the lacrosse club meeting tomorrow night.

Bastone stated he did his report and gave it to the Township Committee.  I do know that the Recreation Commission is less than thrilled.

Nielson stated the Township Committee and Recreation Commission do not see eye-to-eye on this issue.  Bastone stated we differ, and we do need to decide what we are going to do with this.  My problem as an Administrator who deals with tax dollars and talks about shared services – there are increased demands on the tax dollar.  We need to look at what we are going to use the tax dollar for.  We need to provide for those things that people can’t provide for themselves, i.e. fire department and public safety services, etc.  You can’t keep going to the taxpayer for more money.

Sandham stated he thinks it should be a future agenda item.

Daughtry stated they are going nowhere with it at this stage.  Do we want to have a joint meeting with Recreation and tell them this is going to happen?  We have already discussed this with them.  Personally, I don’t care how Recreation distributes it.  I am a firm believer we already endorsed the fact that the MBSA is in line with what we are looking for because they pay their electric bill.  I thought we had agreed with that approach.

Nielson stated she diligently brought this up at the Recreation Commission.  It was my recollection that we ask for equity.  Clearly, none of the other sports pay their electric bill.  Recreation has come back and said their view of equity is to have the Township pay all the electric costs.  We asked Mr. Bastone to come up with what he thought was an equitable distribution.  This was presented to Recreation at their last meeting.  They were to come up with their questions and it would be discussed at their September meeting.  Who is the authority that governs here?  The Township Committee or the Recreation Commission?  They have not yet come to terms with the fact that there should be a reserve fund for the soccer turf field.  We are in year five of Camp Dawson, and they had tentatively agreed to a fundraising banner system.  The funds would go toward field replacement and/or bleachers, etc.  They were supposed to come back to the Township Committee.  I am trying to press this because it is a looming issue.

Daughtry stated whether it is the Recreation Commission or the Township Committee, we have to plan for expenses with turf replacement in the coming years.

Sandham stated in his mind, the Township Committee is responsible for the budget.  The question is who is it up to on how the costs are distributed. 

Nielson stated she agrees with the Mayor.  We should not be asking for permission – this is what we want done and it needs to be divvied up among the organizations.  I agree it should be an agenda item. 

Murphy stated he will give the Township Committee a written opinion in regard to who has the authority. 

Sandham stated it has to be a discussion item at this level after Recreation has their meeting and after we have Mr. Murphy’s opinion.

Daughtry stated he would like the Recreation Commission to come to our meeting, and we need to talk about it after the questions go back and forth.

Moscone stated his position as a lacrosse person is let him know how much it is going to be.  We love the fields, and we will pay a portion of it.  Just for the lacrosse club alone, it is a $5,000 hit for the season.  It is about $30 per child.  We need to know now, in time for our registration. 

Daughtry stated sometime after October 1 we need to schedule a meeting with Recreation.  I am leaving it to the Recreation liaison to push this at Recreation and get the questions to Mr. Bastone.

Committeewoman Bader – no report.

Committeewoman Nielson stated she has been at Camp Dawson recently for a few events.  There were 280 cars there.  They are clearly using overflow parking.  We have to make sure the overflow parking is accessible.  Bastone stated they sent the master plan with the extended parking to the DEP.

Nielson stated former Mayor Fred Eckhardt is in the hospital.  She would like the Township Committee to send him flowers.  Township Committee agreed.

Nielson thanked Fran Vanderhoof, Maryann Witty, Steve Toth, and the staff for everything they are doing for Montville Day.  Fran is very organized.  I want to commend all.

Chairman Daughtry reported that Jon Alin, Board of Education President, sent him their tentative agenda items for the joint meeting between the Township Committee and the BOE on September 18:  Safety concerns, including the recent Pleasantville ruling; Traffic around the schools and high school dismissal; Joint funding of athletic facility projects; Tennis courts; Soccer netting; Presentation of board office relocation report.

Daughtry stated, from what I understand, 86 River Road is not in that picture.  Mr. Alin would like to know if we have any discussion items.  Please submit them to me by September 1.

Daughtry stated he and Tom Mazzaccaro met with Cablevision.  We are trying to negotiate new deals with them.

Daughtry reported on the soccer netting.  Tony Barile provided me with the design.  It occurred to me to contact Verizon for the poles – maybe it could be done for free.  The DEP has advised Verizon that they cannot set any more telephone poles because of arsenic.  It would have been three wooden poles, 25 feet out of the ground, as opposed to six steel poles.  I am trying to get it donated.  Two spans – 120 feet.  Plus, it gives you the flexibility if you hit rock.  They have asked me to have our Attorney send a letter to Mr. Ricca holding them harmless if anyone gets injured from the poles.  Also, they are still working through it with their legal department.

Nielson stated also, before anything is installed, we need to send a courtesy letter to the residents there.

Daughtry reported they received a memo from Chief Cook regarding the Route 46 cable guardrail.  We need to go back to the Planning Board.  Nielson stated they just put the cable guardrails on Route 280, and they look fine.

Motion to send a letter to the NJDOT requesting them to install cable-design guardrail along Route 46 in Montville Township with strategically located cutouts for emergency vehicle turnarounds:  Nielson.  Second:  Bader.  All in favor except Committeeman Moscone who was not in favor.  Motion approved.

Township Committee agreed to the following schedule for September 11, 2007, meeting:  6:30 to 7:15 p.m. closed session; 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. – 9/11 Memorial Service; 8 p.m. public session regular meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.  Motion:  Moscone.  Second:  Sandham.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gertrude H. Atkinson, Township Clerk