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MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Minutes
of March 17, 2010
8:00AM
ROLL CALL
Ron Cain, Jr. - present Margaret
Miller – Sanders - present
Everett Vreeland - absent
Kevin Seidel, Alt. #2 - absent
Ron Soussa -
absent Deane Driscoll –
present
Jennifer
Horowitz - present Alexander Kachmar - present
Arnold Schancupp – alt #1 - absent
Liaisons:
Township
Committee: Jim Sandham & Deb
Nielson - present
Township
Officials: Linda White, Land Use Administrator - present
Planning
Board Liaison: Tony Speciale -
present
OLD BUSINESS
Meeting with Tax
Assessor, Mr. Tom Lenhardt & Township Administrator Frank
Bastone on Tax Incentive Programs
Mr. Bastone distributed information given from the Township
Attorney to members outlining a summary of the various statutes on tax
abatements, summarizing that tax abatements are only available under specific
statutory authority. Mr. Bastone
reviewed the process, noting that there are actions and requirements that must
be put in place in order for the Township to allow tax abatement programs.
Mrs. White reminded some of the members that the Township
investigating designating certain areas along Rt. 46 years ago (the junkyard
site, Kevah Konner, motel area) under the Rt. 46 Redevelopment study which we
received a grant for. The township at
that time did not want to go forward with naming the areas as ‘blighted’ so
they never adopted any formal ordinances/resolutions.
Mr. Lenhardt reviewed assessing of commercial/industrial
buildings answering many questions of the members, most relative to how it
works and when can the taxes be raised (especially after tax appeals are
successfully won – a three year period).
Mr. Lenhardt explained about tax appeals, vacant buildings, noting that
the assessment is actually driven by the residential market.
BoA & Planning Board applications update – No new
applications of interest; a lot of interest on vacant properties or existing
properties in Towaco area. Mrs. White noted she has been receiving some
requests for solar panels for in ground swimming pools.
Master Plan Update
Mrs. White summarized the various reviews under way by the
subcommittee of the Planning Board as part of the master plan review under
way. She noted the area under study at
this time is Rt. 202, highlighting some of the concerns and areas and issues
facing the subcommittee during these reviews.
She indicated the Planning Board will review all of these items when
they are completed for review and action, and at this time the planner is
reviewing all of the current uses in the areas to look at some zoning codes
that would allow development without any adverse impacts.
Mrs. White indicated she also asked the planner to develop a
sidewalk ordinance so that we can see how we can find funds to put in sidewalks
in the missing voids in the community.
Discussion ensued on whether or not there is a sidewalk plan, and
whether or not there should be more discussion on the prioritizing of where a
sidewalk should go (i.e. discussion about Board of Ed review process on
sidewalk request discussed). Mr. Sandham
agreed and would bring these comments back to Planning Board.
Website Development –
update
Mr. Bastone asked if
he would see if Mr. Perkins and Mr. Brewer could coordinate updating the
webpage in accordance with the memo that EDC received previously. Mr. Bastone will look into it. Mr. Driscoll and Mr. Kachmar will work with
Mr. Perkins to go over the areas.
Morris County Municipal Summit - 3/31/10 Morris County College
5-8PM
Mrs. White registered Mr.
Vreeland Mr. Driscoll to attend.
No others were interested.
NEW BUSINESS
Meeting with Towaco Crossing – Whitehall Road – not ready to appear
before EDC yet; will notify
when they want to do a presentation to EDC.
MINUTES
Adoption of EDC minutes of 2-17-10 –
Eligible: Mr. Vreeland, Mr. Soussa, Mr.
Cain, Mr. Driscoll, Mr. Kachmar, Mr. Seidel - adopted unanimously in a Motion made by: Dean Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Kachmar.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mrs. Horowitz asked why the Sign Policy discussion wasn’t on this agenda. Mrs. White indicated the Sign Policy is up
April 1st and was looking for input from all levels of agency review
summarizing last year’s meeting. Mr.
Speciale elaborated on Chamber’s involvement and need to continue to assist our
business owners during this economic climate.
Mr. Sandham asked if the Township would get this again to decide if they
want this policy to continue. Mrs.
Horowitz expressed their may be other ways to help our business with other
types of signage/displays. Mrs. White
will put this subject on the Planning Board agenda as well as next EDC agenda
Meeting adjourned unanimously in a Motion made by: Dean Driscoll seconded by Mr. Kachmar.
Mrs. White noted she will be on vacation for next meeting,
so someone will need to take minutes.
Mr. Driscoll will coordinate with Mr. Vreeland.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda M. White
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