BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2007
M I N U T E S
6:30 P.M.
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 on November 19, 2007 and The Star Ledger on November 20, 2007 and posted in the municipal building.
Mayor George Jackson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. ATTENDANCE AND FLAG SALUTE
All Council members were present.
Also in attendance were Borough Attorney Marty Murphy and Borough Clerk Christina Whitaker.
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION - (Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231)
Resolution 131-07
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,
· Personnel/ Borough Manager Interview
· PBA Contract Negotiations
· Shared Services/Contract Negotiations
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 Councilwoman Wilson to enter Executive Session with all
members in favor signifying by “Aye”.
Borough Manager Gary Webb joined the Executive Session after the personnel matter was discussed.
Motion by Councilman Shaw, second by Councilwoman Wilson to close the Executive Session and
return to the public portion of the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Deputy Mayor Davis noted that the total count of trick-or treaters in the safe zone was 674.
Mayor Jackson reported that the Veterans’ Run went very well.
Councilman Shaw announced the HERD finished the season with a 9-1 record and conference
champions.
5. 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:
“Mountain Lakes and its residents rely on the services of unpaid volunteers to dedicate their time and experience to important committees, commissions and boards. These include the Council, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment as well as a whole host of other committees and commissions that help maintain the town and its facilities for all to enjoy. The functions of all boards, commissions, and committees are carried out during open public meetings at which members of the public are welcomed to share their opinions regarding the matters at issue. It is unacceptable and unfortunate for anyone to attempt to prevent these volunteers from conducting business during their meetings by their behavior. The Council will continue to support these volunteer boards, commission and committees and each of their members as they do their job, and we will continue to enforce our rules to the extent permitted by law so that these important functions may be performed.”
Mayor Jackson opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting with consent of Council.
Fred Kanter – Hanover Road
Mr. Kanter commented on the above statement by the Mayor. He noted that the Council is comprised of elected officials not volunteers. He complained that the meeting was held an hour earlier then other meetings. He also told the Council that the facility meeting was not held on November 23rd as noted on the Borough’s web site.
He informed the Council of the verdict reached in one of his cases against the Borough.
He told the Council he would be submitting a bill to the Borough for his legal costs.
He said he walked Powerville Road and found it was a safe walk except in areas were there is overgrowth
of bushes.
With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Jackson closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Councilman Urankar, as Chair of the facilities committee, apologized for having forgotten to cancel the Facility Committee meeting notice on the web site.
6. Webb
Mr. Webb reviewed the 2008 budget analysis with the Council. The analysis provided projected figures.
He told the Council that a preliminary budget would be presented to each Council member by January 15,
2008.
7. *RESOLUTIONS
R 129-07 Refund of Overpayment of Permit Fee
R 130-07 Payment of Bills
8.* MINUTES – Pulled by Mayor Jackson
|
Council Member |
By:
|
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
Gormally |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Emr |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Shaw |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Davis |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Wilson |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Urankar |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Jackson |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
9. ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Murphy updated the Council on the most recent lawsuit filed by Mr. Kanter against the
Borough Council.
The Council discussed how the Borough should address the issue of vehicles parking in Borough
lots for long periods of time.
Mr. Webb told the Council that Police Chief Tovo will enforce the State Statute relating to abandoned
vehicles.
Councilwoman Emr and Councilman Urankar asked to have a discussion on vehicles parked in Borough
lots on the January agenda. Councilman Urankar said a clear policy must be establish for consistent
prosecution purposes.
10. MANAGER’S REPORT
Historic Signs
Mr. Webb explained where the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) planned to install two bronze
plaques, noting the historic significance of the Borough. The plaques will be placed on the Boulevard at
the Route 46 and Boonton entrances.
Motion by Councilwoman Emr, second by Councilwoman Wilson, to approve the HPC’s plans, with all
members in favor signifying by “Aye”.
Councilman Shaw asked about the new signs prohibiting parking at specific times of the year on Borough
roads. Mr. Webb said he would check to make sure they had been installed.
Councilman Shaw also asked if the Saturday hours of the recycling center could be extended.
Mr. Webb said he would speak to Mr. Prusina.
11. COUNCIL REPORTS
Interview of prospective Borough Manager was conducted in closed session
The Council will be reviewing objectives and appointments of Committees, Commissions and Boards for
next year. The Clerk will provide a list of expired terms. No professional appointments will be rebid at this
time.
Motion by Councilman Urankar, second by Councilman Gormally, to return to Executive Session
at 9:58 p.m. to discuss matters listed in resolution 131-07, with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
Motion by Councilman Shaw, second by Councilwoman Wilson to close the Executive Session and
return to the public portion of the meeting, with all members in favor signifying by “Aye”.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilman Urankar, second by Councilman Shaw to adjourn the meeting at 10:42
p.m., with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
*Consent Agenda
Attest:___________________________ _____________________
Christina Whitaker, Borough Clerk George B. Jackson, Mayor