BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2010

8:00 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 The Citizen and the Morris County Daily Record and The Star Ledger on January 5, 2010 and posted in the municipal building.

 

       Mayor Bravo called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m.

 

2.   ATTENDANCE AND FLAG SALUTE

All Council members were present except for Councilman Jackson, who arrived at 8:04 and Councilman McWilliams, who was absent. Also in attendance were Borough Attorney Jim Bryce, Borough Manager Barry Lewis, Jr., and Executive Assistant Michele Reilly.

                                                           

3.     COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no community announcements.

 

4.  SPECIAL PRESENTATION/CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

Mayor Bravo introduced Committee Chair Stephanie Hoopes Halpin. Ms. Halpin thanked the Council for selecting a terrific Committee. Mayor Bravo and Councilman McWilliams will be replacing former Mayor Shaw as liaisons to the Committee this year.

 

Ms. Halpin outlined the Committee’s accomplishments and events, including their website and selection of a Legacy project, and reviewed some of the highlights from her memo to the Council (see attached). She asked if the Council would need to review subcommittee appointments and Mayor Bravo said no.

 

Ms. Halpin said the Committee has divided the town into 23 working neighborhoods. The Committee’s hope is that each neighborhood will have its own event, thereby rekindling community spirit. In addition, each neighborhood will be encouraged to host a year-long neighborhood competition.

 

Ms. Halpin said the Committee would appreciate feedback from the Council regarding fundraising. Approximately $25,000 has been budgeted so that certain events can be open and available to the public. The Committee has been exploring different options, such as bricks or stones to be engraved, while trying to be sensitive to existing town-wide fundraisers. However, the Committee would need guidance in selecting a site for the pavers.  Councilman Jackson suggested the walkway by the Esplanade. He also said that the Borough should contribute funds to the Centennial Committee.

 

Ms. Halpin said the Committee was working with community organizations in the hope that their annual events would have a centennial focus. Mayor Bravo asked if these community organizations would then contribute funds from their events to the Centennial Committee. Ms. Halpin stated that plans were still being formulated.

 

 

Councilwoman Emr thought engraved keepsakes, such as Christmas ornaments, stationery, plates or silver would be very popular fundraisers. Ms. Halpin said the Committee is considering four (4) items, and the Historic Preservation Committee would be selling its tabletop book. The author will be at the January 20, 2011 kickoff event. In addition, the HPC has offered to pay for the Centennial Committee’s first mailing with the provision that the mailing include information about the book. The Centennial Committee’s goal is to have their fundraising efforts defined before the first mailing takes place.

 

Ms. Halpin mentioned the time capsule the Committee is assembling, and asked the Council to consider including something in the capsule. Efforts are underway to locate the existing time capsule. Mayor Bravo mentioned contacting John Steen, former Borough Historian, who may have some information.

 

The Council commended the Committee and Ms. Halpin for their excellent presentation and hard work. Ms. Halpin said the Committee would welcome additional ideas or suggestions. Councilman Jackson asked Ms. Halpin about the list of capital projects that the Committee considered before selecting the Legacy project. The list was forwarded to the Borough Council and some of these projects may be considered for the future. Ms. Halpin said she would provide the voting results to the Council.

 

5.   PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Bravo explained the Council’s policy on the public comment portion of the meeting.

 

Mayor Bravo opened the public comment portion of the meeting with the consent of the Council.

 

With no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Bravo closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

    

6.  *RESOLUTIONS

       R33-10 Montville Health Services Contract

       R34-10 MDT System

       R35-10 Dispatch Services

       R36-10 Forestry Management Plan Grant

       R37-10 Animal Control Contract  

       R38-10 Appointment of Zoning Officer
       R39-10 Award of Fire Truck Contract

 R40-10 Application for Membership/NJ State Firemen’s Association

       R41-10 Goose Management

       R42-10 Redemption of Tax Lien

       R43-10 Payment of Bills

     

  7. *MINUTES

      January 4, 2010

 

       8. *DEPARTMENT REPORTS

A.     Construction Official

B.     Health Officer

C.    DPW

D.    Fire

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to the roll call vote, Councilman Jackson asked that Resolution 39-10 be pulled from the consent agenda for a separate vote.

 

Councilman Jackson questioned the Manager about Resolution 35-10, Dispatch Services, specifically the money paid to the County for Police Dispatch Services and the yearly increases. He expressed his concern that the notion of outsourcing, from a cost standpoint, may not be as good an idea as originally thought to be. Mr. Lewis said the current increase is three (3) percent, and performance and budget concerns have been conveyed to the County. The County has been responsive to the concerns presented. Mr. Jackson asked if the County had a master plan for dispatch services, and Mr. Lewis said he would ask them.

 

Councilman Jackson also had questions about Resolution 34-10 for the MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) System. He asked if there was a separate equipment cost or if this was included in the Dispatch Agreement. Mr. Lewis said the equipment was included in the Dispatch Agreement but the County required a separate resolution specifically for the MDT System.

 

Regarding Resolutions R33-10, Montville Health Services Contract, and R37-10, Animal Control Contract, Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Lewis if he had explored other options for these services. Mr. Lewis said he had not been able to explore options for the Health Services Contract due to time constraints, but he had contacted Denville in reference to Animal Control Services. Since the costs were almost equal, the decision was made to continue with Montville as the vendor. Councilman Jackson asked if the money in the Animal Trust Fund could be used to pay for Animal Control Services and Mr. Lewis said yes.

 

Councilman Shaw had some minor corrections to the minutes. He questioned the payment on the bills list to the ARC of Morris County, Parks and Playground. Mr. Lewis explained every municipality in the County contributes to this fund for disabled citizens. Councilman Shaw also questioned the training fees paid to the DCA. Mr. Lewis believes the training was for the Fire Department but he will confirm. Finally, Councilman Shaw asked if the Montville Animal Shelter was still discussing a capital improvement and if this was included in the cost of the contract. Mr. Lewis said yes, Montville was still going to build a new shelter and the cost to Mountain Lakes would be $1800 per year for ten (10) years. However, Mountain Lakes has the opportunity to change its vendor for animal control at any time with no obligation for the remainder of the funds.

 

Councilwoman Emr expressed concern that Mr. Lewis had not initialed all line items on the bills list. Mr. Lewis said his signature at the bottom of the page was an indication that he had reviewed the entire list. Councilman Shaw reminded the Council that Mr. Lewis signs every check and therefore sees all the bills.

 

*Consent Agenda Vote

 

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

McWilliams

 

 

 

 

 

X

Emr

 

 

X

 

 

 

Jackson

 

 

X

 

 

 

Gormally

 

 

X

 

 

 

Happer

 

X

X

 

 

 

Shaw

X

 

X

 

 

 

Bravo

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

     

 

 .

 

     

R39-10 Award of Fire Truck Contract

 

Prior to the roll call vote, Councilman Jackson commended Mr. Lewis for his memo to the Council. He asked Mr. Lewis if the fire truck had a warranty.  Mr. Lewis said there is a ten (10) year warranty on most of the truck and Pierce Manufacturing has local service centers. Councilman Jackson asked if the Fire Department had seen the bid specifications, and Mr. Lewis said the Fire Department was fully in support of the award of contract.

 

Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Lewis if the cost of the fire truck would be under budget. Mr. Lewis said the award would be for the full bid amount, but by taking advantage of the payment plan the Borough would save almost $8,000. Councilman Jackson asked if the new fire truck would meet EPA standards. Mr. Lewis said the truck would be EPA compliant, although not up to the 2010 EPA standard, but there would be no retrofitting necessary.

 

Councilman Happer asked if there was any potential for hidden surprises and if Mr. Lewis was very comfortable with the award. Mr. Lewis replied that he was. Councilman Jackson asked about any additional costs, and Mr. Lewis said there may be a few ancillary expenses such as lettering and radios, but reiterated the total cost of the truck would be considerably under budget. Councilman Jackson asked if there was any possibility of a grant to assist with the cost of the truck. Mr. Lewis said FEMA grants were very competitive and difficult to obtain.

 

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

McWilliams

 

 

 

 

 

X

Emr

 

 

X

 

 

 

Jackson

 

 

X

 

 

 

Gormally

 

 

 

X

 

 

Happer

 

X

X

 

 

 

Shaw

X

 

X

 

 

 

Bravo

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

     

 

 

 

9. ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

Mr. Bryce had nothing to report. Councilman Jackson asked about the report on tax appeals and litigation the Council is expecting. Mr. Lewis said that Mr. Murphy is away and he would like to be present when the report is given to the Council. Mr. Lewis expects the report to be given at the next meeting.

            

10. MANAGER’S REPORT

 

Mr. Lewis reported the auditors will finish the financial statement tomorrow. He also reported the significant capital improvement project being undertaken by Parsippany to their sewer system and the potential impact to the 2010 budget. Municipalities that use the sewer system will have to contribute to the project. Mr. Lewis indicated the upgrades were mandatory; however, he had concerns with how Parsippany handled their communications to participating municipalities. The Borough was just recently informed of the upgrades and their costs, yet Parsippany has already gone out to bid on the project.

 

Councilman Jackson told Mr. Lewis the Borough has had issues with Parsippany before. He said their allocations should be reviewed and Councilman Shaw agreed. Councilman Jackson said Mountain Lakes should insist on user group meetings and Parsippany should be able to justify their services. Councilman Shaw said the contract with Parsippany calls for periodic auditing, and this has never really occurred.

 

Mr. Lewis said he expected to have a draft budget to the Council by the end of the week. He felt the overall budget looked fairly good so far, and he did not expect any surprises. He reported the energy audit is on-going, and he has applied for a Community Development Block Grant. If received this grant would be used to upgrade the restroom facilities at Birchwood so they are ADA compliant. Mr. Lewis also thanked Joan Best and the Shade Tree Commision for their work in helping to secure two (2) grants for the Borough, one for $3,000 and the other for $7,000.

 

Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Lewis about the status of the dental plan. Mr. Lewis is reviewing the current plan and putting together a memo for the Council. Switching to the plan offered by the State could result in fairly significant savings for the Borough. Councilman Happer asked about a timeline, and Mr. Lewis said once a resolution has been passed by the Council, it would take two (2) months to enter the State plan. Councilman Happer asked about coverage for orthodontics, and Mr. Lewis said the coverage would be improved if an employee selected one of the State’s DPO plans.

 

Councilman Jackson talked about the claims experience on the Borough’s Health Plan. Deputy Mayor Gormally pointed out that it is not uncommon for claims experience to exceed the premium paid. He asked Mr. Lewis to clarify that the report showed claims which had been paid, and Mr. Lewis said yes. Councilman Jackson asked if the Borough had any wellness programs and if the Borough was being proactive in preventing excessive sick time among employees. Mr. Lewis said he did not get the sense that any employee had excessive sick time; there were some extenuating circumstances leading to the high claims experience. Mr. Lewis will look into wellness programs for the employees.

 

Councilman Jackson asked why Crystal and Sunset Lakes were not included in the lakes mapping project. Mr. Lewis indicated that the mapping of the three (3) lakes (Birchwood, Mountain, and Wildwood) was being paid for with money from the 2009 budget. Mr. Lewis said he realizes the goal of the Lakes Management Committee and the Environmental Commission is to see all the lakes mapped, and it is his hope that he can budget in 2010 for the completion of the project. Councilwoman Emr pointed out the total ANJEC grant was $4,000, and that only $1500 was left to be applied to the mapping project. Mr. Lewis indicated he was aware of the amount of funding and there was an error in his report. Councilwoman Emr asked if the mapping would take place during a particular time of year and Mr. Lewis said he expected it would take place in the spring, before the lake activities are underway.

 

Councilman Happer reminded Mr. Lewis to copy the Finance Committee when he released the draft budget. Councilman Jackson asked if Mr. Lewis had any indication as to where the budget might be in 2010. Mr. Lewis said the variable was state aid, but he felt there would be a minimal increase, possibly under a penny. Councilman Jackson stated there should be a complete review of the employee benefit package. Mr. Lewis reminded Mr. Jackson that some increases in the budget, such as the pension, are beyond Borough control.

 

11. COUNCIL REPORTS

Planning Board appointment

Motion by Councilman Jackson, second by Councilwoman Emr, to reappoint Paul Selver to the Planning Board, with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”

 

 

Zoning Board appointment

Discussion ensued about the candidates for the Zoning Board, who had been vetted by Peter Bolo. It was decided that additional information, such as professional resumes, would be required. Councilwoman Emr will obtain this information as she is the new liaison to the Board.

 

Environmental Commission appointment

Motion by Councilwoman Emr, second by Councilman Shaw, to appoint Bill Albergo to second alternate, with all members in favor signifying by Aye.”

 

Mayor Bravo pointed out that there still some vacancies and it would be a good idea to get resumes from people interested in serving on the committees. Councilman Shaw reminded his colleagues there was a vacancy on the Memorial Day Committee.

 

Mayor Bravo discussed the Council subcommittees, specifically the Shared Services, Personnel, and the reconstituted Public Safety subcommittees. She asked the Council to consider goals and timelines in the interest of helping these subcommittees function more efficiently. According to Deputy Mayor Gormally, the Public Safety subcommittee was used to facilitate communication between the Police and the Borough Council. Although there was not a definite mission statement, the goal was to keep the Council in the loop. He felt action items might develop from the improved communication. Councilman Shaw said chairs were needed for the subcommittees to ensure meetings will occur, and he suggested the Council agree on leadership. Councilman Jackson thought Mayor Bravo should present the Council with her recommendations for leadership and she agreed.

 

There were no Committee reports. Councilman Shaw spoke about Government Efficiency Morris. This group sent out a survey to Morris County municipalities last year, and Mountain Lakes participated. The group has recently compiled the survey results and they are holding two presentations this month. Councilman Shaw is attending and invited his colleagues to attend as well.

 

12. ADJOURNMENT

On motion by Councilman Shaw, second by Councilman Happer, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

 

 

 

          

Attest:

 

 

___________________________                         _________________________

Michele Reilly, Executive Assistant                        Blair Bravo, Mayor