BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
MORRIS COUNTY
APRIL 12, 2010
7:30 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 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 7:30 p.m.
2. ATTENDANCE AND FLAG SALUTE
All Council members were present.
Also in attendance were James Bryce from Marty Murphy’s office, Borough Manager Barry Lewis, and
Borough Clerk Christina Whitaker.
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Resolution 67-10
WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Mountain Lakes,
County of Morris, State of New Jersey finds it necessary to discuss matters relating to:
· Litigation/William Stationery
· Contract Negotiations –Shared Services
WHEREAS, the Borough Council believes it to be in the best interest of the
public to discuss such matters in closed session.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough
of Mountain Lakes, that it shall enter Executive Session to discuss only those matters
mentioned above; the results of which will be disclosed when the matters are resolved and
upon vote of the Governing Body to release the minutes.
Motion by Councilman Shaw, second by Deputy Mayor Gormally, to close the public portion of the meeting and enter into Executive Session, with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
Motion by Deputy Mayor Gormally, second by Councilman Happer, to return to the public portion of the meeting at 7:55 p.m., with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Bravo thanked Recreation Director Celia Flynn and members of the DPW for creating a wonderful Easter Egg Hunt on March 27.
The Mayor reminded the public that the trout stocking of Birchwood Lake would take place on Friday,
April 9, followed by the Trout Derby the following morning at 8:30 a.m.
The Junior Fire Department will hold its annual pancake breakfast on April 25 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Mountain Lakes High School Cafeteria.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Bravo explained the Council’s policy of limiting each speaker to five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
Mayor Bravo opened the public comment portion of the meeting with the consent of the Council.
Tom Dagger, Historic Preservation Committee member, read a letter into the minutes on behalf of the HPC asking the governing body to adopt an ordinance that would preserve the historic character of Mountain Lakes, including residential, commercial and institutional structures which were part of the original design of Herbert Hapgood’s Mountain Lakes Residential Park. (Hereto attached) Co-chair Andy Bulfer also attended the meeting.
Councilman Jackson said the matter should be discussed with the Planning Board since the Committee is asking for a historic preservation ordinance based on land use regulations.
Mayor Bravo suggested that a discussion at the Council level was warranted but additional information was needed first.
With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Bravo closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
6. BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET PRESENTATION (Hereto attached)
Broad of Education member Ken Stokes and School Business Administrator Dan Borgo outlined the proposed 2010-2011 school budget to the Council and the public present at the meeting.
Mr. Stokes explained how the loss of $951,058 in State aid would impact students and tax payers in the Borough. He said there would be an elimination of 12.9 full time equivalent positions throughout the three schools which would yield $777,741 in on-going annual savings. Budget allocations, excluding the Lake Drive School) for the 2010-2011 school years have been set at $24,594,692. Of that figure, 63% makes up salaries, 15% health benefits, and the remainder is other school expenses. The amount to be raised by taxes is $18,254,489 resulting in a 2.42% tax levy increase. Based on this figure, an average assessed home would cost the owners an additional $214 in school taxes.
7. DISCUSSION ITEM/REVISED BUDGET PRESENTATION/BOROUGH MANAGER (Hereto attached)
Mr. Lewis informed the Council that he had reviewed the proposed budget and had made revisions
with additional reductions in several areas as a result of the loss of State Aid.
Based on the new figure, the percentage increase in tax rate would be 1.77%, increase in tax
levy 2.12% and dollar increase in tax levy of $100,482.39. This represents an increase of $56.31 on
an average assessed home.
Council members Happer, Shaw, and McWilliams said they supported the budget proposal. Mayor
Bravo said Mr. Lewis had done a good job keeping the increase low. Councilman Shaw noted the
danger in under budgeting. Councilman Jackson said he would still support asking the police to
contribute to their health benefit costs.
Councilwoman Emr noted that the police and trash pickup contracts would soon be up and that would be
the time to renegotiate. She suggested the town go to curb side pick up to save money.
Introduction of the Municipal Budget is scheduled for April 26.
8. ORDINANCES
02-10
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 245 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES TO CREATE THE POSITION OF MUNICIPAL HOUSING LIAISON AND ESTABLISH THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THEREFORE
If adopted this ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by
law. Public Hearing
Mayor Bravo opened the Public Hearing.
With no one from the public wishing to be heard, Mayor Bravo closed the Public Hearing.
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
By |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
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McWilliams |
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X |
X |
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X |
X |
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Emr |
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X |
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X |
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Jackson |
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X |
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X |
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Gormally |
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X |
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X |
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Happer |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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Shaw |
X |
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X |
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X |
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Bravo |
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X |
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X |
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03-10
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 111 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES TO AMEND TRASH DAY FEES
If adopted this ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by
law. Public Hearing
Mayor Bravo opened the Public Hearing.
With no one from the public wishing to be heard, Mayor Bravo closed the Public Hearing.
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
By |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
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McWilliams |
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X |
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X |
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Emr |
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X |
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X |
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Jackson |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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Gormally |
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X |
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X |
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Happer |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
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Shaw |
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X |
X |
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X |
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Bravo |
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X |
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X |
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9.*RESOLUTIONS
R 65-10 Payment of Bills
R66-10 Supplemental Temporary Budget
SR 01-10 Arbor Day
Councilman Happer said he wanted more facts on the replacement of the water meters before moving forward.
10. *MINUTES
March 22, 2010 – Regular
March 22, 2010 - Executive
11. *DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. Construction Official
B. Health Officer
C. DPW
D. Police
E. Fire
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
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McWilliams |
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X |
X |
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Emr |
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X |
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Jackson |
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X |
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Gormally |
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X |
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Happer |
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X |
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Shaw |
X |
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X |
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Bravo |
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X |
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12. ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Bryce had nothing to report.
13. MANAGER’S REPORT (Hereto attached)
Mr. Lewis updated the Council on the shared court schedule and the court audit. The Mountain
Lakes court office will be vacated by April 29.
The fire truck contract has been executed and the vehicle is being assembled.
Allied Biological has been out taking depth readings which will be used in the mapping of the lake beds.
Councilman Shaw said the water level by the Mountain Lake dam was still higher than it should be.
Deputy Mayor Gormally suggested that the spillways needed a better gauging method for water levels.
The Council asked for a report on the dam repairs from Bill Ryden.
14. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilman Shaw said that Kate Menard is doing a great job as chair of 55 Plus, but is struggling
with e-mail communications.
The Recreation Commission plans to build on last year’s summer camp success.
The summer lacrosse camp is no longer under Mountain Lakes Recreation but is privately run.
The Commission is still reviewing the use of a park ranger for this year.
Deputy Mayor Gormally asked what position the Fire Department had taken on dispatching services.
Councilman Happer said The Fire Department had not deemed anything significantly wrong.
Deputy Mayor Gormally asked if it was usual for the Fire Department to help pump out flooded basements
in the Borough. Councilman McWilliams said that when the electricity goes out, residents are not
able to use their own sump pumps. If it is an emergency, the department will pump out the water as a
courtesy.
Following a discussion of candidates, the Council voted on the recipients of the Citizen of the Year and
Janice Hunts awards, 4-2-1.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Deputy Mayor Gormally, second by Councilman Shaw, to adjourn the meeting at
10: 55 p.m., with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
*Consent Agenda
Attest:___________________________ ________________________
Christina Whitaker, Clerk Blair Bravo, Mayor