Township of Montville

Montville Township Committee Regular Meeting

Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 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 Chairwoman Deborah Nielson:  “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 Art Daughtry

                        Committeeman James Sandham, Jr.

                        Committeewoman Jean Bader

                        Committeeman Tim Braden

                        Chairwoman Deborah Nielson

Also present:   Frank Bastone, Township Administrator

                           Frances Vanderhoof, Director of Finance

                            Anthony Barile, Township Engineer

                            Robert Oostdyk, Township Attorney (left meeting at 8:36 p.m.)

                            Martin Murphy, Township Attorney (arrival 8:34 p.m.)

                            Gertrude Atkinson, Township Clerk

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-CES-010808 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; Litigation – Lotta Lettuce; Personnel; Contract Negotiations – Meadows Condominium Association.

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

At 7:00 p.m. – Closed Session.  At 8:09 p.m. – Public Session.

Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance led by Committeeman Braden.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

NO. 1 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION – TOWN HALL HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS:

Frank Bastone, Township Administrator, stated the application is very similar to the application that was submitted last year.  It is for the construction of new handicap accessible parking spaces at town hall and also for handicap accessible doors.

Committeeman Sandham stated this is one of the projects the Residents with Disabilities Advisory Committee reviewed, and this was their priority.

Chairwoman Nielson opened the public hearing.  Hearing no comments, Chairwoman Nielson closed the public hearing.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF 2008 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION TO THE COUNTY OF MORRIS:

            WHEREAS, 2008 Community Development Block Grant funds are available through the County of Morris; and

            Whereas, a public meeting was held on January 8, 2008 to discuss applications for such 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 the appropriate officials are hereby authorized to execute and submit a 2008 Community Development Public Facilities Application for the Handicapped Parking facility improvements at the Municipal Building for $70,000.

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

REPORTS:

NO. 1 – ADMINISTRATOR:  Bastone reported on Rathbun Road.  He said Anthony Barile, Township Engineer, has remanded the structure issue back to the Planning Board. 

Barile stated he spoke to Linda White, Land Use Administrator, this afternoon.  Mrs. White told him it will most likely be scheduled for February 14.  He said he knows there have been discussions be Mrs. White and the Township Attorney, Robert Oostdyk, regarding the building permits. 

Nielson requested that Mr. Barile keep them apprised of any discussions. 

Committeeman Sandham stated February 14 is unacceptable.  The structure is having an impact on the neighbors.  He stated they should send a note to the Planning Board that this is of the utmost urgency and should be expedited.

Committeeman Daughtry stated the water line is done so they should be out of the street.  Any construction activity would be in the subdivision area. 

Nielson stated the Planning Board can call a special meeting if need be.  The issue is the DEP.  Do we need to meet them up here and involve our Assemblyman?  She requested that Mrs. White and Mr. Barile work together to get things expedited. 

Daughtry stated the contractor seems to be acting in good faith. 

Sandham asked who would go to the DEP – the Township Committee or the Planning Board.  Nielson answered it should be coordinated through the Administrator with input from the Planning Board.  Nielson requested that Mr. Bastone expedite this through the Planning Board and that he report back in two weeks with the action plan.

David Virkler, 14 Rathbun Road, Towaco, asked if this is going to the Planning Board this Thursday.  Nielson answered no.  They are meeting this Thursday.  She or Art Daughtry will bring it up if it is not discussed by the Planning Board members. 

Virkler asked if the residents should be at that meeting.  Nielson replied she did not think so – they will let you know.

Nielson thanked everyone for the great attention given this matter.

Martin Murphy, Township Attorney, arrived at this time.  Robert Oostdyk, Township Attorney, left the meeting at this time.

NO. 2 – ATTORNEY:  None.

NO. 3 – FINANCE:  Frances Vanderhoof, Director of Finance, reported the accounting letter to all of the nonprofit/civic organizations that utilize our facilities is going out this week.

NO. 4 – ENGINEER:  Barile reported that the plans and specs for the Hatfield Creek Bank Stabilization Project will be completed by the end of January.

Barile reported he heard from the NJDOT that the Foremost Mtn. Road project was denied, but the Hook Mtn. Road project was approved.

Barile reported on the Viewmont Terrace project.  There is a little curb work left to do.  The project is on budget.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

NO. 1 – ACCESSORY RETAIL USES IN I-ZONES:  Bastone stated this has been recommended by the Planning Board.  It expands on the ability to have more retail use in industrial zones. 

NO. 2 – 2008 BUDGET STATUS:  Bastone reported he gave the Township Committee updated information on the budget.  He is working on the revenue. 

Daughtry stated they are increasing percentage-wise on telephones and the first aid contribution.  Telephones – they made substantial gains with Cablevision and there have been some changes to their tariff program, so we should see some savings.  We should not see an increase in the budget, but a decrease.

Committeewoman Bader stated they discussed New Bridge services last year.  She thought this line item could be changed and used for emergency situations such as the flood last year. 

Bastone stated they mirrored what they did last year, $2,000, and if they need the money for something else, they will use it.  He will change the title.

Bastone stated the detailed budget analysis will be complete within the next two weeks. 

NO. 3 – MONTVILLE MESSENGER:  Bastone stated they have been working on reducing costs.  There are reduced fees.  They do need to put money aside for items such as insertion of the Chamber of Commerce map and a larger 4^th of July issue.  The new rate/new fee proposal for a 24-page issue is breakeven.  Bastone distributed a new rate proposal prepared by Mr. Sandham.

Nielson stated she attended the Chamber of Commerce luncheon today.  They want to work with us.  They had strong comments about ad rates.  She deferred this to Mr. Bastone and the Township Clerk.

Sandham stated considering they are asking the Township Clerk’s department to take on a significant amount of work, he felt it was too close to call for breakeven.  His proposal still offers a discount. 

Township Administrator and Township Clerk will review and have something ready for next meeting.

NO. 4 – NJDOT NOISE ORDINANCE WAIVER REQUEST:  Bastone stated he received a letter from the NJDOT regarding their Route 287 bridge project.  They want to work at night.  They are asking for an answer by January 18.  They want the noise ordinance waived.  We don’t have a provision in the noise ordinance for a waiver. 

Township Committee approved but requested that residents be noticed – further than the usual 200’ requirement.  Also, the Township Committee would like information from the DOT such as specific work hours, decibels, etc.

NO. 5 – JERSEY CITY BULK WATER RATE INCREASE:  Bastone reported they are being increased by 25%.  That is approximately 20% of the water we use each year.  That is a 5% increase overall just to cover the cost of Jersey City water.  Bastone stated he and Tom Mazzaccaro are meeting with Jersey City on Thursday, but that is about renegotiating our contract.

Daughtry stated the Lincoln Park interconnection is complete.  This might be a good time to go back and have a chat.  Bastone stated he will talk to Mr. Mazzaccaro about that.

Bastone stated they have to revise the water rates.

PUBLIC PORTION FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

Nielson read a statement:  I am your Mayor for 2008, and we each bring, here on the Township Committee, our own personal style to the dais.  Some of us are more chatting than others, and sometimes our discussions with the audience and among ourselves take on a life of its own, and the meetings get off tract.  We have had some concerns or complaints from various members of the public about that.  We would like to get a handle on where the time is going.  Sometimes we are here until 12:30 a.m. or later and four, five-hour meetings – none of us can think straight.  In the interest of fairness of everyone here, not only tonight, but going forward, and various time constraints that we all have, I would like to try a couple of formats.  We will evaluate them and perhaps modify them as the year goes along.  So I ask, that during the public portion, any resident who wishes to speak or address the Township Committee on any matter, will be given five minutes to succinctly state the purpose that you are here and why you need to address the Township Committee.  If it evolves into a discussion, we will then either move it to the Administrator or have it come back, if necessary, as a discussion item.  Hopefully, this format will work.  I want to try it out.  I ask you to be patient and try and follow the format.   

Robert Lefkowitz, 81 Windsor Drive, Pine Brook, stated if the costs for the Montville Messenger are based on a 24-page issue, last year there was only one 24-page issue.  Bastone replied the issues will be 24 pages.  They are limiting space.

Lefkowitz asked if there was any consideration taken regarding reducing the postage.  Trudy Atkinson, Township Clerk, answered no.  Bastone stated he will check on it.

Lefkowitz asked about the layout cost.  Bastone answered $100 per page.  Lefkowitz stated in his report he could get it done for $400 to $600 per issue.  I know you said the target was breakeven – what is the budget for this?  Bastone stated the budget has not been set yet.

Lefkowitz asked if he could get a copy of that document.  Bastone answered yes.

Lefkowitz stated MontvilleAnimalShelter.com was brought down and was no longer on mymontville.com.  It is back up.  I know there was talk about putting that up on the Township website. 

Lefkowitz stated in the last week or so, the Board of Health minutes have come off the website.

Nielson stated she is going to bring up in her report later the minutes generally and some procedural issues with the website.

Lefkowitz offered his help if we need it.

David Virkler, 14 Rathbun Road, Towaco, stated he also directs a nonprofit religious organization at 12 Rathbun Road.  He was told that in order to speak on behalf of that it had to be through an attorney.  He would like clarification on that. 

Murphy stated he does not know what Montville does on that.  He directed Mr. Virkler to speak to the Planning Board attorney, Michael Patrick Carroll. 

Nick Barrecchia, President, Meadows Condominium Association, stated he was lead to believe the condominium issue was going to be on the agenda and then learned earlier it was not. 

Nielson stated she did inform him previously about it.  Mr. Bastone is our chief negotiator.  He will contact you.  We did talk about it in closed session.  I can tell you we did talk about an enhanced, new look at this, and we are very hopeful that this will be brought to a fair conclusion within the next week or so.  All five of us were in agreement.  I have every confidence that it will be mutually agreeable.  Mr. Bastone will be contacting you tomorrow.

Barrecchia stated he hopes he has the same confidence.  If it goes any further, it will be out of his hands, as he will not be available to handle it. 

Nielson stated we are elected to represent and serve all of the residents here.  It is not our intent to hurt anyone or be punitive.  I believe the Township Committee, tonight, came up with a very equitable arrangement. 

Barrechia thanked the Township Committee.

Nielson thanked him and the other condo representatives for coming out tonight.  You have been to many meetings.  Thank you.

Lefkowitz thanked everyone for the recognition on the webpage, but he wasn’t looking for recognition.  He asked that his name be redacted.

Nielson stated the website is ongoing and there is more updated information that will hopefully uploaded on the website shortly.

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS:

NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-01 CALENDAR YEAR 2008 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (NJSA 40A:4-45.14):

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for January 22, 2008, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Daughtry.  Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes.  Motion approved.

NO. 2 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-02 AMENDING CHAPTER 16.44, GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE LAND USE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE, COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY TO ENABLE ACCESSORY RETAIL USES IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES:

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for January 22, 2008, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Daughtry.  Second:  Bader.  Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes.  Motion approved.

NO. 3 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-03 AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE TO INCLUDE BLOCK 32, LOT 17 IN CWR CRITICAL WATER DISTRICT:

Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for February 12, 2008, at 8 p.m.  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Bader.  Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes.  Motion approved.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONSENT AGENDA NO. 2008-CA2:  Motion:  Sandham.  Second:  Braden.  Discussion:  Vanderhoof stated on the cash bond releases, she asked the Township Attorney to give an opinion on the last three items.  These properties have a tax delinquency of $700,000. 

Murphy stated unfortunately you are under an obligation to release the bonds because they are posted for a specific purpose. 

Nielson asked if the property owner is aware that they are tax delinquent.  Vanderhoof answered yes.

Sandham asked if they can request from them that these checks be applied to their taxes.  Murphy answered yes.  Vanderhoof will request it.

Sandham asked if Consent Agenda Items D and E are increased rates.  Bastone answered yes.

Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes.  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 – JEFFREY BLANK/ BLOCK 39.07, LOT 86.01, 30 ABBOTT ROAD: 

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Blank, the developer of property known as Block 39.07, Lot 86.01 (30 Abbott Road), are required to submit a Performance Guarantee to the Township of Montville; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Blank has submitted a Performance Guarantee in the form of Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. STB-65539 issued by Washington Mutual in the amount of $67,920.00 and cash in the amount of $6,792.00; 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 Jeffrey Blank in the form of Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. STB-65539 issued by Washington Mutual in the amount of $67,920.00 and cash in the amount of $6,792.00 s 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 EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND ST. PIUS X ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH:  Block 82, Lot 10.01, 24 Changebridge Road.  Board of Adjustment resolution July 5, 2007.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENTRY INTO AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES:  Health services 2008.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM E – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ENTRY INTO AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES, THE BOROUGH OF LINCOLN PARK, THE TOWNSHIP OF BOONTON, AND THE TOWN OF MORRISTOWN:  Animal Shelter 2008.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM F – PROCLAMATION NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN:  February 1, 2008.  February is designated American Heart Month.

RESOLUTIONS:

NO. 1 – APPOINTMENT OF CHRISSIE CASILLO TO THE DRUG AWARENESS MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE FOR A THREE YEAR TERMING ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2010:  Motion:  Daughtry.  Second:  Bader.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

NO. 2 – RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING TOWNSHIP EVENTS AND TOWNSHIP ENDORSED EVENTS YEAR 2008: 

Bastone stated there is a minor revision on the document.  They eliminated an event.  Also, there was discussion about adding between items 3 and 4, that the organizations are required to give the Township thirty days notice.

Motion on adoption of resolution:  Daughtry.  Second:  Bader.  Discussion:  Braden suggested we have a form that the organizations fill out indicating what they require.  Bastone stated it is in the resolution.

Nielson asked if there is a fee structure.  Bastone answered no, they do not exceed these requirements.  We can add into item No. 4 that they need to give us thirty days notice and what they need.

Daughtry and Bader agreed to amendments.  All in favor.  Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING TOWNSHIP EVENTS AND TOWNSHIP ENDORSED EVENTS YEAR 2008: (with above revisions)

WHEREAS, the Township of Montville sponsors certain events throughout the year and endorses other privately held events for which it lends specified assistance; and

            WHEREAS, the Township Committee has adopted a policy whereby it will recognize Township and Township endorsed events by Resolution to be considered on an annual basis.

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 there shall be two categories of events run or endorsed by the Township:

Township Events – Events that are run by the Township (Including Board of Education Events.

            Township Endorsed Events – Privately held events that the Township will lend specified assistance to.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township events and Township endorsed events for the year 2008 shall be as follows:

                        Township Events                                         Township Endorsed Events

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Township endorsed events must meet the following criteria:

1.         The event must be sponsored by a private non-profit organization located within the Township.

            2.         The event must be open to all Township residents.

3.         Each organization shall be limited to one or two events per year.

4.         Each organization is required to inform the Township’s Management Specialist in writing the date of an event at least thirty days prior to the event.  The written notice must also include their request of the DPW and/or the Police.  Sign requests must be submitted in writing to the Zoning Officer at least thirty days prior to the event.

5.         The following assistance from the Township will be available for each endorsed event:

                        a.         DPW assistance for a total of 8 man-hours during normal workweek.

b.         DPW assistance for a total of 8 man-hours during the weekend (from May through October)

c.         Police Department assistance for a total of 8 hours the date of the event.

d.         Signs approved for publicizing events – must adhere to Township Sign policy.

e.         Forms regarding the event (Publicity and/or Applications) may be made available in the Town Hall Lobby.

NO. 3 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESTORATION OF THE VREELAND OUTKITCHEN PROJECT AND FINAL PAYMENT TO L.G. II CO., INC. CONSTRUCTION:

WHEREAS, L.G. II Co., Inc. Construction is the contractor for the Restoration of the Vreeland Outkitchen Project; and

            WHEREAS, Anthony P. Barile, Jr., the Township Engineer, has recommended that the Restoration of the Vreeland Outkitchen Project be accepted by the Township and that final payment be made; and

WHEREAS, L.G. II Co., Inc. Construction has posted the required Maintenance Bond and filed the Affidavit of Release of Claims.

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 of Montville accepts as final the Restoration of the Vreeland Outkitchen Project and releases to L.G. II Co., Inc. Construction final payment in full; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Township of Montville accepts Maintenance Bond No. 100772489 issued by American Contractors Indemnity Company in the amount of $8,463.00 for a one-year period.

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

NO. 4 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND BORBAS SURVEYING & MAPPING, LLC:

WHEREAS, there exists the need for the services of a professional surveyor for survey and description revisions and the setting of monuments for Block 138, Lots 12 and 13 (Robbins Property/Montville Center Associates, LP), in the Township of Montville; and

WHEREAS, the maximum amount of the contract is up to $4,200.00; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.) requires that the resolution authorizing the award of contracts for "Professional Services" without competitive bids and the contract itself must be available for public inspection.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, as follows:

1.         The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with Borbas Surveying & Mapping, LLC for the services of a professional surveyor for the survey and description revisions and the setting of monuments for Block 138, Lots 12 and 13 (Robbins Property/Montville Center Associates, LP), in the Township of Montville, for a total amount not to exceed $4,200.00.

2.         This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a "Professional Service" in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) of the Local Public Contracts Law because the contract is for a service performed by a person(s) authorized by law to practice a recognized profession that is regulated by law.

3.         A notice of this action shall be printed once in the legal newspaper of the Township of Montville.

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

NO. 5 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 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:  Bader.  Second:  Sandham.  Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes.  Resolution adopted.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Chairwoman Nielson stated the Township Committee comments should be four to five minutes each.  That would utilize 20 to 25 minutes of our meetings.  I would ask my colleagues up here to limit their reports to updates as liaisons to the various boards and commissions, fyi announcements, etc.  If we have a lengthy dialogue introducing new ideas and proposals, that should be put on a future meeting agenda as a discussion item.  I believe the purpose of Township Committee comments is to bring us up to date on the boards and commissions.  I ask for your indulgence in this and try to follow this format.

Committeeman Braden – no report.

Committeewoman Bader inquired about the letter regarding the skate park.  Bastone stated he responded to that.

Bader inquired about the letter from the First Aid Squad regarding using the building as a polling place.  Nielson stated she will go to the Board of Director’s meeting and find out more about their concerns.  Trudy Atkinson will respond also.

Committeeman Daughtry inquired about the Verizon letter.  Bastone stated they are working on it. 

Daughtry inquired about the letter to the League.  Bastone stated he is working on it.

Daughtry stated he is donating toward the Montville Baseball Softball Association’s security system.  I am considering working in-kind with the company that was awarded the contract.  I want everyone to be aware of that.

Daughtry stated he likes the table of organization.  We need to discuss it.  Bastone will put on as an agenda item.

Daughtry spoke on the letter from Mr. O’Dowd.  He suggested a meeting with the parties involved.  Nielson suggested remanding it to the Planning Board.  Maybe we can bring in the property owners to talk.

Daughtry stated we need to recognize Mr. Filios, former Montville Fire Commissioner.  He is going to be 100 years old on February 22.  Also, we will recognize Fred Eckhardt.

Daughtry stated COAH needs a specific contact person in the Township.  Nielson stated it will be Linda White.

Daughtry stated in looking at the reports, most of the first aid calls are to those organizations we may want to charge. 

Daughtry stated they received a letter from Marty Murphy regarding a rate increase. 

Daughtry stated they have now received four proposals for bond counsel.  Can we discuss this at next meeting?

Committeeman Sandham spoke about the first aid squad.  How do we provide coverage for the calls to Chelsea and daytime?

Chairwoman Nielson spoke about the Route 202 bypass.  We should get the parties together.  She asked if Tony Barile or Frank Bastone could let them know the next step.  She would like to move it forward.

Nielson stated she is getting everyone copies of an article in The Citizen regarding the Vreeland Avenue property.  She asked that the liaison to the Historic Preservation Review Commission take it there.  It looks like there can be shared services.

Nielson stated Frank Bastone did a great job at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon today.

Nielson stated one of her personal goals for 2008 is better communication.  There have been comments with the posting of the minutes.  I understand there are some problems with logistics.  Can we work on that?  I have asked to have our draft minutes with two weeks of the meeting.

Nielson requested that the other Township Committee members share all of their information with us.  We are a team and it is very helpful that we are all well informed.

Trudy Atkinson, Township Clerk, stated they received a letter from Reverend Anderson apologizing for missing the Reorganization Meeting.  He just wanted to be sure the Township Committee members knew how bad he felt.  He wanted to made sure his letter was acknowledged on the record.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.  Motion:  Bader.  Second:  Daughtry.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gertrude H. Atkinson, Township Clerk