BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
BOROUGH HALL, 400 BOULEVARD, MOUNTAIN LAKES
973-334-3131
OCTOBER 13, 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. ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE
Ms. Reilly called the roll. All Council members were present except for Councilman Albergo, who arrived at 8:09, and Councilwoman Bravo, who was absent. Also in attendance were Borough Manager Robert Tovo, Borough Attorney Robert Oostdyk, Borough Clerk Michele Reilly, Department of Public Works Director Mark Prusina, Police Chief Shawn Bennett, and Acting Chief Financial Officer D. Timothy Roberts.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Happer led the salute to the flag.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION NONE
5. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCMENTS
Mayor Happer mentioned that trash day would be held on October 24th and 25th. Councilman McWilliams said that the blood drive and shredding event would take place on Saturday October 25th.
Deputy Mayor Holmberg said that the U.N. Weekend would also be taking place on the 24th and 25th. He said the Borough has participated in this event since 1962 and that the committee was still in need of hosts. He said that the opening tea will be held on Saturday at 12:45 at St. Peter’s.
Ms. Reilly mentioned the flu shot clinic, to be held on Wednesday night, and Chief Bennett’s Black Bear presentation, to be held on Tuesday, October 21st.
Councilman Lester stated that he had attended a very successful event for newcomer’s, sponsored by the Town Club. Councilman Albergo and Deputy Mayor McWilliams were also in attendance.
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.
With no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
-Regulating Requirements for Water Meters Installed in Conjunction With Non-Metallic Piping
Mr. Tovo led the discussion. He said that the Uniform Construction Code, which is regulated by the State, allows a property owner to utilize either metallic or non-metallic piping when installing a water service. However, due to concerns about the reliability of non-metallic piping he said was recommending an update to the current Ordinance. The change would require a property owner who is using non-metallic piping to place the water meter at the curb stop instead of at the home. Mr. Tovo said the placement of the meter at the curb stop would help the Borough limit its exposure to undetectable water loss, as it would enhance the ability to track usage. In addition, Mr. Tovo said making this change to the Ordinance would reaffirm the Borough’s commitment to preserving and managing its resources.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
OCTOBER 13, 2014
PAGE TWO
In response to Council questions about cost, Mr. Prusina said he thought it would cost a few hundred dollars more to place a meter at the curb stop versus at the home. In response to Council questions about precedent, Mr. Tovo said the Township of Montville recently enacted a similar Ordinance in the interest of water conservation.
Mayor Happer stated that water is a commodity and that the Borough Council and administration have pledged to conserve water. In addition, Mayor Happer said that this change would generally apply to new construction and therefore to a limited group of property owners. Mr. Tovo confirmed that this change would not apply to existing homes or to most renovations. The consensus of the Council was to proceed with the change to the Ordinance and to vote to introduce the change at the next scheduled Borough Council meeting.
8. ORDINANCE NONE
9. *RESOLUTIONS:
R121-14 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Temporary Access Easement with the Township of Denville
R122-14 Resolution Authorizing Approval to Submit a Grant Application and Execute a Grant Contract
With the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Lake Drive Resurfacing Project
R123-14 Resolution Authorizing a Reduction in Performance Guarantee-Hornrock Properties, Block 88, Lot 18
R124-14 Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills
Prior to the Consent Agenda vote Councilman Lester requested that Resolution 123-14, Resolution Authorizing a Reduction in Performance Guarantee – Hornrock Properties, Block 88, Lot 18, be considered separately from the Consent Agenda.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Tovo said that the easement pertains to a decommissioned well which is still owned by the Borough but the property is located in the Township of Denville. The easement agreement will allow the Township of Denville access to the Borough’s property while they remove stone piers that were part of the old Morris Canal in order to alleviate some flooding issues. Mr. Tovo said there are no historic preservation issues with the removal of the piers, and that the Township will pass a similar resolution at their next meeting.
In reference to the quarterly financial report, Mr. Tovo said that most line items are tracking at seventy to seventy-five percent (70-75%) as is to be expected at the end of the third quarter. Certain revenue items are tracking higher, such as liquor licenses and some other fees and permits which were had to be collected earlier in the year. Mr. Tovo reviewed some of the expenditures that are tracking higher, such as Recreation, which is showing a higher percentage of expenditures since most expenses occur during the summer months. He said vehicle maintenance is tracking high as well due to some unexpected repairs. Mr. Tovo said overall, the budget is in good shape. These comments were echoed by Mr. Roberts, and he also mentioned that his report had been discussed at the most recent Finance Advisory Committee meeting.
10. *MINUTES:
September 22, 2014 (Regular)
11. *DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Finance Department 3rd Quarter 2014
12. *BOARD AND COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
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Albergo |
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X |
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Borin |
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|
X |
|
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|
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Bravo |
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|
|
|
|
X |
|
Lester |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
McWilliams |
|
X |
X |
|
|
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Holmberg |
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X |
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Happer |
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X |
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BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
OCTOBER 13, 2014
PAGE THREE
Resolution 123-14
Councilman Lester requested further clarification of the dollar calculations prepared by the Borough Engineer, Bill Ryden, in reference to Hornrock’s request for a bond reduction. He said that some of Mr. Ryden’s original costs had changed, with most decreasing but some increasing. Mr. Oostdyk stated that the Borough Engineer’s responsibility is to make sure there is enough bond money remaining to ensure the completion of the project and that it is common for the estimate to change. Councilman Lester said he would have appreciated a more detailed explanation.
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
Albergo |
|
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X |
|
|
|
|
Borin |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Bravo |
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|
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X |
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Lester |
X |
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X |
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McWilliams |
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X |
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Holmberg |
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X |
X |
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Happer |
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X |
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|
|
13. ATTORNEY REPORT
Mr. Oostdyk had nothing to report.
14. MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Tovo said that the plantings and hardscape modifications had been completed at Cove Park. He said the goal of providing more access to the waterway had been achieved. Mr. Tovo thanked Mr. Tony Cerbo and the Department of Public Works, as well as the members of the prior Cove Committee, for their help in creating a more user friendly environment at the Park. Mayor Happer mentioned that he had received positive comments from residents.
Mr. Tovo explained that several years ago, capital project money was set aside for the installation of security cameras throughout strategic locations in the Borough. This project was delayed due to engineering issues and then negotiations with the electric company regarding the installation of a transformer. Mr. Tovo said he was pleased to report that, after lengthy negotiations, the electric company had agreed to install a transformer at no cost to the Borough and that this should be accomplished within twenty (20) days. He said the installation of the cameras would follow and he expected the entire project to be completed in thirty to forty (30-40) days. Mr. Tovo said the cameras would be a valuable investigative tool for the police. In response to Council questions Mr. Tovo said that the cameras will only be used for recording but if necessary they could be monitored.
Mr. Tovo stated that after discussions with the Mayor and the Finance Advisory Committee, the decision had been made to try to expedite the 2015 budget process in order to meet the State goal of passing a budget within the first ninety (90) days of the calendar year. Expediting the budget process will also ensure that the Borough has more time to complete capital projects, since funds will be available sooner. Mr. Tovo said the goal would be to present the initial budget at the first regular meeting in January. He said he would then use the Council feedback to modify the budget for a second presentation and then an introduction at one of the two meetings in February. Mr. Tovo reminded the Council that there were limited options for increasing the operating budget due to the State mandated two percent (2%) cap, and that most of the discussion will involve decisions on spending funds for capital projects.
Mr. Tovo and Mr. Prusina gave an update on the Midvale playground renovation. Mr. Prusina said most of the apparatus has been received and he expected the footings to be set by the end of the week. Mr. Prusina said the expected completion date of the project is November 15th. Mr. Tovo said he was very pleased with the progression of the project. He reminded the Council that although the majority of the project might be finished by November 15th, the parking lot might not be repaired until spring, depending on weather conditions and the availability of the Department of Public Works crew.
Councilman McWilliams asked about the status of the Midvale Dock and Mr. Prusina said that the demolition will begin this week.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
OCTOBER 13, 2014
PAGE FOUR
15. COUNCIL REPORTS
Finance Advisory Committee– Deputy Mayor Holmberg said that the Committee had been reviewing the water analysis and discussing water rates and that the Committee was recommending an increase in water rates effective for 2015. Mayor Happer said the last time water rates were raised was in 2008.
Library Board of Trustees – Deputy Mayor Holmberg announced that the Library Board of Trustees was sponsoring a free lecture series in October and November as part of the Library’s centennial celebration. He said there is a program scheduled for Sunday, October 19, as well as November 2 and November 16.
Shade Tree Commission – Deputy Mayor Holmberg reported that the survey data collected by the Commissioners regarding trees in the Borough’s right of way (ROW) is being compiled. He explained that the Shade Tree Commissioners will notify the Manager if they observe other tree issues not in the ROW. If tree issues are observed on private property, the Manager will then communicate with the property owner. Mr. Tovo explained that the County surveys the trees in the ROW on the Boulevard as it is a County road. The Department of Public Works also assists by reporting any tree issues observed.
Communications Advisory Committee – Councilman Lester said that the Committee is working very hard and anticipates a release date of November 15th for the new website. He thanked all committees, commissions, boards, and the Borough Hall staff for their cooperation.
Lakes Management Advisory Committee – Councilman Albergo reported that the Committee had discussed its goals for 2015. In addition, he said the Committee had questions about the timing of Allied Biological’s year-end presentation, scheduled for March, and the timing of the budget. Mr. Tovo said the vendor is aware of the deadlines for budget requests.
Mayor Happer said that communications will begin with the committees and commissions regarding their 2015 goals. Councilman Lester asked if the Council would be sponsoring the seminar in February or March for new members and new chairs. Mayor Happer said he thought the seminar was a good idea and Councilman Lester recommended setting a date and communicating it to the volunteers as soon as possible.
16. 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.
With no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
17. ADJOURNMENT at 8:45 PM
Motion made by Deputy Mayor Holmberg, second by Councilman McWilliams, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 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: OCTOBER 13, 2014
________________________________
Michele Reilly, RMC, Borough Clerk Daniel J. Happer, Mayor