BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY JULY 5, 2007
6:30 P.M.
M I N U T E S
1. CALL TO ORDER; OPENING STATEMENT: This meeting is being held in
compliance with Public Law 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 and 13, as notice of
this meeting and the agenda thereof had been reported to Morris County Daily Record
on June 26, 2007 and posted in the municipal building.
Mayor George Jackson called the meeting to order
2. ATTENDANCE AND FLAG SALUTE
All Council members were in attendance except for Councilman Shaw and
Deputy Mayor Davis.
Also in attendance were Police Chief Tovo, Borough Attorney James Bryce and Borough
Clerk Christina Whitaker.
3. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
The fire works display was cancelled on July 4th and rescheduled for Sunday, July 8th.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Jackson explained the Council’s policy of limiting each speaker to 5 minutes and no
yielding of time to another person.
Mayor Jackson read the following statement before opening the public comment portion of
the meeting:
“Mr. Kanter has served a written notice of his intent to make a tort claim against the Borough of
Mountain Lakes claiming that the Borough, its employees, and elected officials are engaged in
conduct that he alleges is harassing. On the advice of counsel any questions directed to us at
this meeting by Mr. Kanter will be reviewed by our legal counsel; and if appropriate, will be
responded to in writing. It is our considered judgment this procedure will minimize disruption
and protect the interest of the public.”
Mayor Jackson opened the public comment portion of the meeting with consent of Council.
With no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Jackson closed the public comment portion of the
meeting.
5. ORDINANCE
14-07
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 173 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES AND ESTABLISHING A RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR “SPECIAL USE” FACILITIES Public Hearing
If adopted this ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by law.
Mayor Jackson opened the Public Hearing.
Joe Morgis - West Shore Road
Mr. Morgis told the Council that since enforcing the Recreation Commission’s rules and regulations, the beaches are more enjoyable. Police presence is more visible, resolving most of the problems with non-residents.
Allison Fenton - Roberts Drive
Mrs. Fenton thanked the Council for moving quickly to resolve the problems at the
Beaches. Her family is glad to be able to go back to the beaches.
Vicki Allison – Raynold Road
Mrs. Allison thanked the Council for all their efforts to resolve the problems at the beaches.
She thanked Councilwoman Emr for taking time to pick up bottles, cans, and trash around
Birchwood Beach and in the lake.
Denise Brennan, Recreation Director Denise Brennan said she and Beach Director Dede
Conlon have instructed the life guards not to sell badges to non-residents and are
reinforcing the beach rules and regulation. New signage will soon replace old signs.
She noted that patrolling by the Police Department is going well.
Police Chief Tovo said that in the last 13 months there were a variety of 36 complaints,
ranging from dogs running at large, and unlawful use of alcohol and drugs. Of those
reported, eight complaints resulted in the charges being filed against non-residents.
With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Jackson closed the public portion of the
meeting.
The Council discussed the parking capacity at the beaches. Chief Tovo said that the driving
pattern in beach parking areas could be confusing if not familiar with the facility. He
added that if non-residents used the parking areas, they would be filled to capacity.
Councilman Urankar explained to the public that the Council was taking precautions to make
sure it could support its position.
Under the amended ordinance residents will need to have a beach tag on at all times
when at the recreation facilities.
Councilman Gormally and Urankar supported a study to possible eliminate the cost of beach
tags for residents. The matter will be reviewed during the 2008 budget process.
Councilwoman Wilson said she was satisfied that the Borough could support its position.
Councilwoman Emr said she was grateful that all Council members were willing to
support the amendment.
Introduced: June 25, 2007 Adopted: July 5, 2007
Council Member |
By: |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
By |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
Gormally |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
Emr |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
Shaw |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
Davis |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
Wilson |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
Urankar |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
Jackson |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
6. ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Gormally, second by Councilwoman Wilson to adjourn at 7 p.m., with all members in favor signifying by “Aye”.
*Consent Agenda
Attest:
___________________________ _____________________
Christina Whitaker, Borough Clerk George B. Jackson, Mayor