BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
BOROUGH HALL, 400 BOULEVARD, MOUNTAIN LAKES
973-334-3131
JUNE 23, 2014
7:30 PM EXECUTIVE SESSION
8:00 PM PUBLIC SESSION
MINUTES
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 8, 2014 and posted in the municipal building.
Mayor Happer called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m in the municipal building.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Happer led the salute to the flag.
3. ROLL CALL
Ms. Reilly called the roll. All Council members were present. Also in attendance were Borough Attorney Marty Murphy, Borough Clerk Michele Reilly, Acting Chief Financial Officer D. Timothy Roberts, Department of Public Works Director Mark Prusina and Planning and Zoning Board Administrator/Secretary Cynthia Shaw.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION NONE
5. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCMENTS
Mayor Happer offered congratulations to the senior graduating from Mountain Lakes High School. He also offered congratulations to the Junior Fire Department award winners: Luke Graham, Jeff Wendler, Rachel Robertson, and Hannah Tomaszek.
Mayor Happer encouraged all residents to attend the Fourth of July celebration. He recommended that residents donate to the fireworks fund, as the Borough depends heavily on contributions from residents to defray the cost of the fireworks.
Deputy Mayor Holmberg recognized the Project Graduation volunteers for their service to the community. He commended these volunteers, many of whom do not have children in the school system, for providing a night of safe celebration for seniors after graduation.
Councilman McWilliams said he had recently attended the Relay for Life Event and offered congratulations to all the participants. He estimated five hundred (500) participants and thought approximately twenty-five percent (25%) were from Mountain Lakes. He read the plaque which was presented to the Borough Council.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Please state your name and address for the record. Each speaker is limited to one (1) comment of no more than five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
Mayor Happer opened the public comment portion of the meeting with the consent of the Council. Mayor Happer explained the Council’s policy of limiting each speaker to five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
Fred Kanter – Hanover Road
Mr. Kanter said he felt that he and the town were owed an explanation by the Borough Council regarding the hiring of the Borough Attorney in 2014. He said he wanted to know the criteria used to make the decision to hire the attorney and when discussions were held. He also stated his opinion that the Cove was a disaster.
With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
Councilwoman Bravo said she would be presenting an update on Cove Park later in the meeting.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE TWO
7. SEPCIAL PRESENTATION – SISTER CITIES
William duTertre, a resident of Lake Drive and a Mountain Lakes High School student, provided the Council with some additional information he had obtained in reference to his request for the Borough to enter into a Sister City relationship with Chaville, France. The Council discussed how best to assess the interest of the community in developing a Sister City relationship, potential benefits to the Borough, the suitability between the proposed city and the Borough, a Sister City relationship versus a student exchange program and the sustainability of such a program. The Council suggested Mr. duTertre contact the UN Weekend Committee to discuss any interest they might have in participating in such a program. In addition, Mr. duTertre was asked to provide more information about the two (2) potential sponsors of the Sister City program. Councilman Lester volunteered to help Mr. duTertre with his efforts.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
-Continuing Mission of the Solid Waste Committee
Councilman McWilliams presented his discussion item. The Borough Council agreed that the job of the committee has been successfully completed and that it should be disbanded, with thanks to the committee for a job well done. In addition the Council agreed that the Environmental Commission (EC) would assume the role of assisting the Council and Manager regarding issues of residential waste and recyclable material. Finally, the Council agreed that the EC should provide a liaison to sit on the Department of Public Works (DPW) Subcommittee, and that Mimi Kaplan would be the liaison for the remainder of the year. A resolution dissolving the Solid Waste Advisory Committee will be presented at the July Borough Council meeting.
9. ORDINANCE 06-14
BOND ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $936,400, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $709,080 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH, FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS OR PURPOSES AUTHORIZED TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring) as follows:
Section 1. The several improvements described in Section 3 of this bond Ordinance are hereby respectively authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Borough of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. For the said several improvements or purposes stated in said Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriations made for said improvements or purposes, said sum being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefor and amounting in the aggregate to $936,400 including the aggregate sum of $37,320 as the several down payments for said improvements or purposes required by law and more particularly described in said Section 3 and now available therefor by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Borough for down payment or for capital improvement purposes and including also, in the case of the improvement or purpose described in paragraph (d) of said Section 3, the sum of $190,000 received or expected to be received from the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a grant-in-aid of financing said improvement or purpose.
Section 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the part of said $936,400 appropriations not provided for by application hereunder of said down payments and grant, negotiable bonds of the Borough are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $709,080 pursuant to the Local Bond Law of New Jersey. In anticipation of the issuance of said bonds and to temporarily finance said improvements or purposes, negotiable notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $709,080 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
Section 3. The improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for the financing of which said obligations are to be issued, the appropriation made for and estimated cost of each such purpose, and the estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for each such purpose, are respectively as follows:
IMPROVEMENT OR PURPOSE
(a) Acquisition by purchase of new and additional equipment including a tire changer, a tire balance, office equipment and an air conditioning machine for use by the Department of Public Works of the Borough, personal protective equipment, a fire hose and the retrofitting of a fire engine for use by the Volunteer Fire Department of the Borough, and a garbage bag vending machine and a key fob card system for use by the Administrative Department of the Borough, together with all appurtenances, attachments and accessories necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE THREE
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$80,100 $76,095
(b) Improvement of municipally-owned properties and facilities in and by the Borough, including Borough Hall by the upgrade of the jet-vac system, various trails by the upgrade thereof and installation of signage, Midvale Field by the upgrade of the playground, the installation of new playground equipment and the improvement of the boat launch, including also initial costs associated with improvements to Sunset Dam, Island Beach and Birchwood Beach, together with for all the aforesaid all designs, studies, engineering, equipment, structures, site work, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$251,000 $238,450
(c) Acquisition by purchase and installation, as necessary, of new and additional computer equipment including a vehicle computer diagnostics system for use by the Department of Public Works of the Borough, together with all appurtenances, attachments and accessories necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$4,000 $3,800
(d) Improvement of various roads and locations in and by the Borough by the reconstruction and resurfacing thereof to provide roadway pavements at least equal in useful life or durability to a roadway pavement of Class B construction (as such term is used or referred to in Section 40A:2-22 of said Local Bond Law), including without limitation Glenn Road and Kenilworth Road, together with all structures, drainage improvements, equipment, site work, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved, the $406,300 hereby appropriated therefor being inclusive of the sum of $190,000 received or expected to be received by the Borough from the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a grant-in-aid of financing said improvement or purpose
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$406,300 $205,485
(e) Construction or reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks in and along various streets and locations in and by the Borough, together with all structures, road resurfacing, equipment, site work, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$100,000 $95,000
(f) Improvement of the storm water drainage system in and by the Borough, including the reconstruction of drainage facilities and catch basins in and along portions of various roads and locations, together with all structures, road resurfacing, equipment, site work, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$65,000 $61,750
(g) Improvement of the water supply and distribution system and the installation and upgrade of fire hydrants in and by the Borough, together with all structures, equipment, site work, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved
APPROPRIATION ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT
AND ESTIMATED COST OF BONDS AND NOTES
$30,000 $ 28,500
TOTALS
$936,400 $709,080
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE FOUR
Except as otherwise stated in paragraph (d) above with respect to the said $190,000 grant-in-aid of financing the improvement or purpose described in said paragraph, the excess of the appropriation made for each of the improvements or purposes aforesaid over the estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued therefor, as above stated, is the amount of the said down payment for said purpose.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:
(a) The said purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are not current expenses and each is a property or improvement which the Borough may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefited thereby.
(b) The average period of usefulness of said purposes within the limitations of said Local Bond Law and taking into consideration the respective amounts of the said obligations authorized for the several purposes, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the said bonds authorized by this bond ordinance, is 16.02 years.
(c) The supplemental debt statement required by said Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey, and such statement shows that the gross debt of the Borough as defined in said Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $709,080, and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
(d) Amounts not exceeding $250,000 in the aggregate for interest on said obligations, costs of issuing said obligations, engineering costs and other items of expense listed in and permitted under Section 40A:2-20 of said Local Bond Law may be included as part of the costs of said improvements and are included in the foregoing estimate thereof.
Section 5. The funds from time to time received by the Borough on account of the $190,000 grant referred to in Section 1 of this bond ordinance shall be used for financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3(d) of this bond ordinance by application thereof either to direct payment of the cost of said improvement or purpose, or to payment or reduction of the authorization of the obligations of the Borough authorized by this bond ordinance. Any such funds so received may, and all such funds so received which are not required for direct payment of such costs shall, be held and applied by the Borough as funds applicable only to the payment of obligations of the Borough authorized by this bond ordinance.
Section 6. All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer, provided that no note shall mature later than one year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the Chief Financial Officer’s signature upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. §40A:2-8. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from their dates to the dates of delivery thereof. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body of the Borough at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the principal amount, interest rate and maturities of the notes sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
Section 7. The full faith and credit of the Borough are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Borough, and the Borough shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the Borough for the payment of said obligations and interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
Section 8. The capital budget or temporary capital budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget or temporary capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Borough Clerk and are available for public inspection.
Section 9. This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE FIVE
If adopted this Ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by law.
Mayor Happer opened the public hearing with the consent of the Council. Mayor Happer explained the Council’s policy of limiting each speaker to five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
Fred Kanter – Hanover Road
Mr. Kanter spoke about retro-reflective signs and his view that the Borough has spent funds purchasing signs that do not conform to federal law. He stated that retro-reflective signs help ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents by assisting first responders, who need to be able to respond quickly and also to be able to direct other first responders.
With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public hearing.
Mayor Happer said that the Borough has been installing retro-reflective signs when the old signs need to be replaced. Councilman McWilliams said federal rules regarding retro-reflective signs have fluctuated. Mayor Happer said he would check into the rules and try to have an answer for Mr. Kanter at the next meeting regarding the Borough’s policy for sign replacement.
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Borin |
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Holmberg |
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Happer |
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VOTE AS INTRODUCED ON JUNE 9, 2014 VOTE AS ADOPTED ON JUNE 23, 2014
10. ORDINANCE 07-14
ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR IMPROVEMENT OF BRIARCLIFF ROAD AND CRANE ROAD IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $230,000 THEREFOR CONSTITUTING PROCEEDS OF A GRANT FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section 1. The improvement described in Section 2 of this Ordinance is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by the Borough of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and there is hereby appropriated therefor the sum of $230,000 constituting moneys received or expected to be received by the Borough from the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a grant-in-aid of financing said improvement.
Section 2. The improvement heretofore and hereby authorized and purpose for the financing of which the appropriation is made as provided in Section 1 of this Ordinance is the improvement of Briarcliff Road and Crane Road in and by the Borough, including the construction or reconstruction thereof, together with all inlets, drainage improvements, milling, equipment, site work, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and heretofore and hereby approved.
Section 3. The capital budget or temporary capital budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget or temporary capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Borough Clerk and are available for public inspection.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after final passage and publication in the manner provided by law.
If adopted this Ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by law.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE SIX
Mayor Happer opened the public hearing with the consent of the Council. Mayor Happer explained the Council’s policy of limiting each speaker to five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
With no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public hearing.
Mayor Happer thanked the Borough Manager for his efforts in obtaining this grant money and reported that this marks the fourth (4th) year in a row that the Borough has been a grant recipient.
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Albergo |
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Borin |
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Bravo |
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Lester |
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McWilliams |
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Holmberg |
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VOTE AS INTRODUCED ON JUNE 9, 2014 VOTGE AS ADOPTED ON JUNE 23, 2014
11. ORDINANCE 08-14
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 40 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES AND ESTABLISHING A PROCEDURE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ZONING PERMITS AND AMENDING THE FEES TO INCLUDE FEES FOR A ZONING PERMIT
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 40 entitled “Land Use Procedures” of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, shall be amended by the inclusion of new section 40-49 entitled “Zoning Permits” which shall read in its entirety as follows:
40-49 Zoning Permits.
A. A zoning permit issued by the Zoning Officer shall be required for the following activities and it shall be a violation of this Chapter to engage in the following activities without first obtaining a zoning permit:
1. No person shall commence the construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure without first obtaining a zoning permit.
2. No person shall commence a use nor change an existing use of property without first obtaining a zoning permit.
3. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a zoning permit certifying that the request conforms with the provisions of this chapter shall be issued.
B. A person desiring to obtain an official acknowledgement that an existing building, lot or use meets the requirements of the current Borough Zoning Ordinance may do so by obtaining a zoning permit. No other form of acknowledgement of zoning conformance shall be recognized by the Borough.
C. The Zoning Officer shall issue a zoning permit where it is determined that at least one of the following conditions has been met:
1. The use is permitted as a permitted use in the proposed location and the structure and lot
meet all the requirements of the Land Use Ordinances; or
2. It is clearly established that the use exists as a nonconforming use and/or nonconforming structure; or
3. The use is permitted by the terms of a variance and the structure and lot meet all the conditions
of the variance or all the requirements of the Land Use Ordinances.
D. The Zoning Officer shall have the authority to promulgate any checklists and/or application forms necessary for the administration of this section.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE SEVEN
E. Appeal. The granting or denial of a zoning permit may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment by any interested party pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70a.
Section 2. Chapter 40, “Land Use Administration,” Section 40-3 entitled “Definitions,” of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, shall be amended by the following additional definition of “Zoning Permit” which shall read its entirety as follows:
ZONING PERMIT A document signed by the Zoning Officer which is required by this code as a condition precedent to the commencement of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, or installation of a structure, and which acknowledges that such use, structure or building complies with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance or an approved variance, or is a nonconforming use.
Section 3. Chapter 111, “Fees,” Section 111-3, Subsection L., shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
L. Zoning. The fee for a zoning permit shall be $50. When professional engineering review is required in conjunction with the issuance of a zoning permit, the applicant shall post an engineering escrow of $300, which shall be used to pay for engineering review. This escrow shall be replenished, if necessary, to complete the engineering review.
Section 4. If any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be held invalid in any Court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect the other sections or provisions of this Ordinance, except so far as the section or provision so declared invalid shall be inseparable from the remainder or any portion thereof.
Section 5. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances, which are inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
Section 6. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after final passage and publication in the manner provided by law.
Following introduction, the above Ordinance will be published in accordance with the law and a public hearing will be held on July 28, 2014.
Mayor Happer stated that this Ordinance would allow for a proper and adequate paper trail for both the Borough and Borough residents. Ms. Shaw said that the lack of a formal application process means that changes to structures currently requires no review by the Zoning Officer, and that a zoning application would allow the Borough to be proactive instead of reactive. She said the term “structure” is defined in the Land Use Ordinance and therefore does not need to be specified in this Ordinance. She said that in addition to buildings the term “structure” may apply to, for example, fences, patios, and playground equipment.
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Albergo |
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Borin |
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VOTE AS INTRODUCED ON JUNE 23, 2014
12. *RESOLUTIONS:
R95-14 Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of Liquor Licenses (Gilchrist Corp Inc, dba El Dorado Wine House)
R96-14 Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills
13. *MINUTES:
June 9, 2014 (Regular)
14. *DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Construction Department May 2014
Department of Public Works May 2014
Fire Department May 2014
Health Department May 2014
Police Department May 2014
Tax Department May 2014
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JUNE 23, 2014
PAGE EIGHT
15. *BOARD AND COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
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COMMISSION/BOARD |
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DATES |
NOTE |
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Environmental Commission |
Mimi Kaplan |
2 year |
2nd Alternate |
6.23.14-12.31.14 |
Filling unexpired |
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2 year term |
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16. ATTORNEY REPORT
Mr. Murphy had nothing to report.
17. MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Tovo was absent.
Councilwoman Bravo said she would report on the Cove project at this time. She, Mr. Tovo, Mr. Tony Cerbo of Cerbo’s Garden Center, and Margaret Gossett, member of the Cove Committee, met on June 10th to assess the Cove and review the public use of the area. Regarding the public use of the Cove, Councilwoman Bravo said the Department of Public Works (DPW) had installed a nice boat ramp and that people are using the Cove for fishing and for sitting. The decision has been made to leave the natural pathways open and to put riverstone along these pathways, as well as along the curb; weeding and pruning is occurring as well.
In reference to the assessment of the Cove, Councilwoman Bravo said that it was determined that roughly fifty percent (50%) of the original plants need to be replanted, that fencing should be considered, and that a maintenance plan should be developed. She said that plants are scheduled to be replanted at the end of August or beginning of September. In addition, four (4) trees will be planted. Councilwoman Bravo reported that fencing was considered but will not be needed as larger plants and grasses will be planted than were planted the first time. Councilwoman Bravo also reported that a DPW employee will be trained to maintain the plants at Cove Park and a yearly maintenance schedule will be developed.
Councilwoman Bravo said she was pleased with the newly developed plan and that it remained true to the original intent of developing a riparian buffer and providing an example for residents who might wish to do the same. Councilman Albergo suggested using the same native and noninvasive plants on all Borough properties.
18. COUNCIL REPORTS
Public Safety Subcommittee – Councilwoman Bravo reported that the Stop Sign Ordinance is ready to be presented to the Borough Council. Councilwoman Bravo also said that the Police mentioned the need for a better towing Ordinance, not one limited to towing only during ice and snow events. Mr. Murphy said a broader Ordinance could be passed in order to establish a procedure for qualifying towing companies and their fees, as well as procedures for contacting the towing companies when their services are required.
Councilwoman Bravo mentioned that Fire Chief DeSantis would be asking the Fire Official to send letters to those individuals and businesses which have frequent false alarm complaints. Councilwoman Bravo said the Chief reported that some of these false alarms are preventable and also that each alarm uses valuable municipal resources. Councilwoman Bravo said the Subcommittee is considering presenting a discussion item on Hazmat reimbursement, at the request of the Fire Department. Chief DeSantis had reported that some insurance carriers now require a municipal Ordinance before they will consider a claim for reimbursement which contains the use of Hazmat materials or equipment.
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Councilwoman Bravo said the CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) team helped out with the Memorial Day remembrance. In addition, she thanked the Town Club for their donation of four hundred fifty dollars ($450) towards safety equipment and vests. Councilwoman Bravo said the Subcommittee expects a report from the Police Department regarding the problems experienced with County dispatch services.
Councilwoman Bravo reported that the newly purchased boat is ready to be used by the Police and DPW for the Fourth of July Councilwoman Bravo said that funds garnered from Police outside detail duty were used to purchase the boat, the police trailer, which will be used by the Police and Fire Departments as well as the CERT team for equipment storage, and the four wheel drive vehicle for the Police Chief.
Shared Service Subcommittee – Councilwoman Bravo mentioned that the Subcommittee is reviewing various shared service agreements: court, dispatch services, animal control, and excess water capacity.
Woodlands Advisory Committee – Councilwoman Bravo said the Committee is busy helping a Boy Scout with a project and trying to rid the Borough of the invasive purple loosestrife.
Communications Advisory Committee – Councilman Lester said the Committee heard presentations from four (4) vendors last week and is expecting to receive pricing shortly. He said he believes the website will be ready by October.
DPW Subcommittee – Councilman Albergo asked Mr. Prusina to show the Council the new signs which will be used at Recreation venues and on the Borough trails. The signs were met with Council approval.
Mr. Prusina reported that Well #4 is operational. In addition, he said one hundred twenty-five (125) tons of sand had been delivered to Island Beach in an attempt to create a small peninsula for the Sailing Association. Mr. Prusina also reported a recent water main break on Cobb Road due to an eight (8) inch valve failure, a large rock removed from the diving area at Birchwood Lake, and the completion of the physical installation of the tennis fob system. Mr. Prusina stated that the Recreation Commission has been informed of the completion of the tennis fob system.
In reference to the Fourth of July, Mr. Prusina reported that there were two (2) barges built this year for safety reasons and also due to some additional fireworks elements. Mr. Prusina said that after July 4th, work would commence on new roofs for the dugouts at the Little League fields on Fanny Road.
Recreation Commission – Councilman Borin reported that the Commission met on June 17th. The Beach Director, Dede Conlan, gave a report. In addition, Ms. Conlan reported she still has openings for lifeguards.
Historic Preservation Committee – Councilman Borin said the Committee met on June 10th and that they need a new member, preferable one with architectural expertise. Councilman Borin said the Committee is pursuing grant money through the County and hopes to use it for their digitization project. Councilman Borin reported that the Committee is very interested in the beautification of sidewalks and some street lighting, particularly by Hapgoods on Midvale Road, and that he will follow up with the Borough Manager on behalf of the Committee. Finally, Councilman Borin reported that the Committee is ready to transition its bank accounts, which are currently held separately, to the Borough.
Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee – Councilman McWilliams said the Committee is assisting the Sustainable Jersey effort and mentioned the two recently passed resolutions concerning Anti-Idling and the Safe Routes to School Program. Councilwoman Bravo suggested the Committee look into TransOptions. Councilwoman McWilliams said the Committee had also discussed CERT team participation during Halloween.
19. PUBLIC COMMENT
Please state your name and address for the record. Each speaker is limited to one (1) comment of no more than five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
Mayor Happer opened the public comment portion of the meeting with the consent of the Council. Mayor Happer explained the Council’s policy of limiting each speaker to five (5) minutes and no yielding of time to another person.
Fred Kanter – Hanover Road
Mr. Kanter pointed out that a committee of volunteers chose the signs. In addition, he said that a committee of volunteers chose the plants at Cove Park. He said that it is the Borough attorney’s responsibility to interpret the laws regarding signs. Mr. Kanter said he had also informed the Borough of its need for a broader towing Ordinance and also believed that any fines levied against him for towing were illegal and that he would be requesting a refund.
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With no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
Mr. Prusina reported to the Council that work on the Lake Drive Roof will commence after July 4th, and that work has begun on the Wilkins Field lighting project.
20. ADJOURNMENT at 10:07 PM
Motion made by Councilman McWiliams, second by Councilman Lester, to adjourn the meeting at 10:07 p.m., with all members in favor signifying by “Aye”.
*Indicates Consent Agenda Item
Matters listed as Consent Agenda Items are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the Council and one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member requests an item be removed for consideration.
ATTEST: JUNE 23, 2014
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Michele Reilly, RMC, Borough Clerk Daniel J. Happer, Mayor