BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
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 6, 2009 and posted in the municipal building.
Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. ATTENDANCE AND FLAG SALUTE
All Council members were present except for Deputy Mayor Gormally, who arrived at 7:32 and Councilman Happer, who arrived at 7:35. Also in attendance were Borough Attorney Marty Murphy, Borough Manager Barry Lewis, Jr., and Executive Assistant Michele Reilly.
3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Resolution
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:
· Negotiations with Denville Courts
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 Deputy Mayor Gormally, second by Councilman McWilliams, to enter into Executive Session with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
Motion by Councilman McWilliams, second by Councilwoman Bravo, to close the Executive Session and return to the public portion of the meeting, with all members in favor signifying by “Aye.”
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Shaw welcomed all in attendance and congratulated Councilwoman Bravo on the birth of her 7th grandchild. Mayor Shaw also wished Councilwoman Emr a Happy Birthday.
The Town Club has its Holiday Boutique November 20th.
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th. Administrative Offices will be open.
Councilwoman Bravo commended the Police for a successful Halloween Safe Zone. Mayor Shaw echoed her comments and praised the community for its involvement.
Mayor Shaw explained to those in attendance that there would be a special presentation by the Shared Services Task Force. After the report, the Council would be asking questions, and then the meeting would be open for any public comment.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATION/SHARED SERVICES SURVEY TASK FORCE
Mayor Shaw introduced Committee Chair Peter Holmberg, who gave a brief overview of the Committee’s goals. Mr. Holmberg introduced Committee member Dana Pogorzelski, who presented the results of the survey and the findings of the Committee with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Holmberg indicated the presentation would be available on the Borough website within a few days. After the presentation, Mr. Holmberg recognized the members of the Committee who were in attendance.
Mayor Shaw commended the Committee for their excellent presentation and hard work. He reminded the audience that Council would not be making any immediate policy decisions but instead would be requesting clarification from the Committee. Mayor Shaw then asked Council if they had any questions.
Councilman Jackson said he was pleased the survey served two purposes. The survey gauged Borough opinion regarding shared services, and also gauged a level of satisfaction with current services.
Councilwoman Emr pointed out that, in reference to the survey comments about the green garbage bags, more public education was necessary. All Council members were pleased with the Committee’s efforts and presentation.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Shaw opened the public comment portion of the meeting with the consent of the Council.
Steve Castellucci – Laurelwood Drive
Mr. Castellucci thanked the Committee for their work and said the survey offered the Council an opportunity to delve deeper into certain issues.
Steve Butera – Hanover Road
Mr. Butera inquired about the discrepancies in demographics and wondered if there was a possibility the survey could be grouped by demographics. Ms. Pogorzelski answered that this had been considered but would have been extremely time consuming.
Ken Stokes – Boulevard
Mr. Stokes inquired as to whether or not the additional information the Council had received regarding the survey would be made available to the public. Mayor Shaw answered that it would.
Steve Monetti – Crestwood Drive
Mr. Monetti expressed his confusion over residents’ use of the library building. He also discussed being charged an extra fee to use a credit card when purchasing green garbage bags.
Mike Schmitt – Midvale Road
Mr. Schmitt reiterated the need for public education regarding the green garbage bags.
David Wein – Laurelwood Drive
Mr. Wein spoke about the Lake Arrowhead and Bay of Deep Waters issue and how it is affecting certain Mountain Lakes residents. He inquired if Council would be able to help the residents and if action could be taken to ensure the lake is maintained. Mayor Shaw said Council would look into the issue but quite possibly it was a private matter between the property owners and the association.
Mike Feigeles – Boulevard
Mr. Feigeles presented Council with a petition from Lakers4Lakers. (hereto attached)
Alan LaFiura – Boulevard
Mr. LaFiura spoke on behalf of the Lakers4Lakers petition.
Mike Bruce – Crestwood Drive
Mr. Bruce spoke about the Lake Arrowhead issue and asked if Council could provide any information on easements or the annexation of Lake Arrowhead.
Steve Monetti – Crestwood Drive
Mr. Monetti spoke about the Lake Arrowhead issue.
Joe Joyce – North Glen Road
Mr. Joyce spoke on behalf of the Lakers4Lakers petition.
With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Shaw closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
Mayor Shaw indicated Council’s commitment to resolving the issue regarding Borough Hall.
Councilwoman Emr spoke about the needs study done many years ago, which was the first of a three stage process regarding renovation or expansion of the Borough Hall. She indicated that the figures included in the survey were based on this study and that the Borough has not yet progressed to the second step in the process.
Councilwoman Emr also commented about the Bay of Deep Waters and the many geese culled there several years ago by the Department of Fish & Wildlife.
7. ORDINANCES
15-09
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 40 and 245 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
If adopted this ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by law.
Public Hearing
Prior to the roll call, Mayor Shaw said there was a memo from the Planning Board indicating that both zoning ordinances were consistent with the Master Plan. The Planning Board also directed the Planning Board Attorney to review and possibly rewrite unclear parts of the ordinance. Council opted to vote on the ordinance changes as presented until such time as the new ordinances are ready for review and adoption.
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
By |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
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 |
X |
|
X |
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X |
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 |
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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X |
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Shaw |
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X |
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X |
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16-09
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 40 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES
OF THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
If adopted this ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage as provided by law
Public Hearing
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
By |
2nd |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
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 |
X |
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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 |
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X |
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X |
X |
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Bravo |
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X |
X |
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X |
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Shaw |
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X |
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X |
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8.
*RESOLUTIONS
R129-09 Chapter 159/2009 ANJEC Smart Growth Planning Assistance Grant
R130-09 Smart Growth Planning Assistance Grant Agreement
R131-09 Shared Service Agreement/Denville Court
R132-09 Local Government Energy Audit Program
R133-09 Payment of Bills
R134-09 Tax Appeal/Tully
9. *MINUTES
October 26, 2009 - Regular
October 26, 2009 - Executive
10. *DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. Construction Official
B. Police Department
C. Fire Department
D. DPW
E. Health Officer
Prior to the roll call vote, Mayor Shaw asked that Resolution 131-09 be pulled from the consent agenda.
Councilman Jackson and Councilman McWilliams presented corrections to the minutes.
Additionally, Councilman Jackson had questions on the bill list regarding the money paid to Acme Markets, which was spent for Halloween candy for the Borough’s Safe Zone. He also had questions regarding payments for health benefits, reimbursement to Spring Lake and to Rutgers for classes, and payment to the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City for the League of Municipalities Convention.
*Consent Agenda Vote
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
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 |
X |
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X |
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Bravo |
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X |
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Shaw |
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X |
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** |
|
** Mayor Shaw abstained on Resolution 133-09, check #48470, regarding reimbursement to Rutgers for classes.
R131-09 Shared Service Agreement/Denville Court
Prior to the roll call vote, Deputy Mayor Gormally commended Mr. Lewis for bringing the agreement to the finish line and for his contributions in making the agreement a stronger one for Mountain Lakes.
Mayor Shaw said this Resolution was a result of the process which began in April of 2009, and Council believed this Resolution would provide a better service to those who used the Courts. The administrator would have office hours five days a week, and there would be more court sessions available.
Councilman Jackson echoed Mayor Shaw’s comments and asked Mr. Lewis to ensure a smooth transition of services.
Councilman McWilliams said he was disappointed there was no night court session but he would still support the agreement.
Councilwoman Emr indicated her support but echoed the comments made by Councilman McWilliams. In addition, she said the idea of sharing a court still made her a little nervous and also the cost savings to the Borough were not substantial.
Councilwoman Bravo said she was looking forward to this shared service and felt it was a great agreement. She agreed with Deputy Mayor Gormally that Mr. Lewis had strengthened the contract, and thanked her colleagues for stepping up to the plate.
|
Council Member |
By: |
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
McWilliams |
|
X |
X |
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Emr |
|
|
X |
|
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Jackson |
|
|
X |
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Gormally |
|
|
X |
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Happer |
X |
|
X |
|
|
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Bravo |
|
|
X |
|
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Shaw |
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X |
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11. ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Murphy had nothing to report.
12. MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Lewis told the Council he was looking closely at the budget and would schedule department meetings soon. There will be a Finance Committee meeting Wednesday night. Mr. Lewis said the budget would be challenging due to the restrictions imposed by the State. He also expressed concerns about the Borough’s utilities and energy costs.
Mr. Lewis felt the survey was enlightening and gave him insight into the community and issues which needed to be addressed.
Councilwoman Emr said she enjoyed receiving her Council packet on the computer. Councilwoman Bravo agreed. Councilwoman Jackson said he preferred the hard copy. Mr. Lewis said the electronic packet was not intended to replace the hard copy but was another alternative.
Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Lewis to check into any DPW or Police who were out on disability.
Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Lewis to discuss the utilities issues with the Finance Committee. He also suggested the Council consider not using the green garbage bags.
Councilman Jackson asked Mr. Lewis to review the survey and then report his recommendations to Council.
Councilman McWilliams talked about documenting the public’s problems with County dispatch for non-emergency services. Deputy Mayor Gormally was disappointed that neither the Police nor the Fire Department had details available for the Manager. Councilman McWilliams said the Fire Department did have documentation and this would be provided to Mr. Lewis.
13. COUNCIL REPORTS
Woodlands
Councilwoman Bravo said Mr. Lewis attended the last meeting and the Committee presented some interesting statistics on the deer hunt.
Recreation
Councilman Happer said the Recreation Department was sponsoring a coaching clinic and partnership focusing on enhancing the sports experience for children. Councilwoman Emr asked about an end of summer report regarding the beaches and the success of the Park Ranger program. Councilwoman Bravo also requested a report.
Environmental
Councilwoman Emr said the Committee is working on the ERI.
Shade Tree
Councilman McWilliams said there would be a meeting Thursday morning.
Mayor Shaw said he and Mr. Lewis attended a Shared Services meeting with the Board of Education. Items discussed included the evacuation of Wildwood School and the school board following through on their commitment to the community regarding fiscal responsibility.
Mayor Shaw also discussed Committee vacancies and asked the Council liaisons to work with their Committees to fill these positions. He also asked Council to begin thinking of goals for 2010.
14. ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Deputy Mayor Gormally, second by Councilwoman Bravo, the meeting was adjourned at 10:24 a.m.
Attest:
___________________________ _________________________
Michele Reilly, Executive Assistant Stephen H. Shaw, Mayor