BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

BOROUGH HALL, 400 BOULEVARD, MOUNTAIN LAKES

973-334-3131

www.mtnlakes.org

 

APRIL 8, 2013

7:30 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION

8:00 p.m. 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, 2013 and posted in the municipal building.

 

Mayor Happer called the meeting to order at 7:33 pm.

2.             ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE

 

Ms. Reilly called the roll. All Council members were present except for Councilwoman Bravo, who arrived at 7:42 p.m. Also in attendance were Borough Attorney Marty Murphy, Borough Manager Robert Tovo, and Deputy Borough Clerk Michele Reilly, as well as Department of Public Works Director Mark Prusina, Acting Chief Financial Officer D. Timothy Roberts, and Police Chief Shawn Bennett.

3.             FLAG SALUTE

 

 

4.             EXECUTIVE SESSION

                RESOLUTION R77-13

 

                Matters Relating to Litigation, Negotiations, and the Attorney-Client Privilege

                -Possible Litigation/Negotiation Relating to Development Plan of Adjacent Municipality

               

                Amended to Include:

                Matters Relating to the Purchase, Lease or Acquisition of Real Property or the Investment of Public Funds

                -Acquisition of Property, King of Kings

 

Motion made by Councilman Holmberg, second by Councilman Lester, to enter into Executive Session with all members in favor signifying by “Aye”.

 

Motion made by Deputy Mayor McWilliams, second by Councilman Holmberg, to close the Executive Session and return to the public portion of the meeting with all members in favor signifying by “Aye”.

 

 

5.             COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Mayor Happer said the Trout Derby was being held this Saturday. Councilwoman Bravo mentioned that the Trout Stocking was taking place Friday afternoon.

 

Councilman Holmberg said the Tri-Town Little League parade occurred last Saturday. In addition, he reported that the Woods and Lake Run would be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 27th. Runners can choose a five (5) or ten (10) kilometer run.

 

Deputy Mayor McWilliams mentioned that Shredding Day would take place on April 27th from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the fire bays. In conjunction with Shredding Day, a Blood Drive would be held and residents can shred two (2) boxes for free if they give blood between 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.

 

 

6.             PUBLIC COMMENT

 

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.

Ron Owens – Intervale Road

Mr. Owens briefed the Council about the Jump In The Lake fundraiser sponsored by his citizen’s group. He thanked the Council and administrative representatives who have attended the Planning Board and Township Council meetings in Parsippany. He said his citizen’s group latest concern revolved around emergency egress onto Intervale Road and what that might do to the berm.

 

 

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE TWO

 

Thomas Kaczka – Intervale Road

Mr. Kaczka expressed support for the comments made by Mr. Owens. He asked the Council to make comments to the Township of Parsippany. He also mentioned that the Council might consider passing an Ordinance regarding painting tree houses.

 

Robert Garver – Intervale Road

Mr. Garver suggested the Council consider a series of speed bumps on Intervale to slow traffic. He felt there were already issues with cars and speeding and thought speed bumps may deter people from using Intervale as a cut through.

 

Jim Moody – Robinhood Drive

Mr. Moody said he hadn’t heard the Council give an opinion on where they stood regarding the proposed Ordinance change. He felt the Council should make a statement saying that they are opposed to the egress and reduction of the buffer since that is what concerns the residents of the Borough.

 

Ron Underwood – Grove Place

Mr. Underwood said he does not wish to see the entrance into Mountain Lakes changed.

 

Consuelo Murtagh – Crescent Drive

Ms. Murtagh asked the Council to express their opinion to Parsippany and said she hoped it would have an impact on their decision.

 

Janet Beimfohr – Yorke Road

Ms. Beimfohr urged the Council to make an effort to maintain the characteristics of Mountain Lakes.

 

Andrew Liput – Craven Road

Mr. Liput suggested the Council take a stand on issues that affect the quality of life. He felt the Council acting as a unit would have an impact on the decisions being made in Parsippany. He said the Council should be proud of the residents who have taken the initiative to act on this issue and asked the Council to do the same.

 

With no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Happer closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

Mayor Happer addressed the audience and said that the Borough Council was listening and was impressed. He said the Council agrees that there should be no public egress onto Intervale Road and that the buffer should remain at two hundred (200) feet and that the berm known as “Doremus Ridge” should be kept. He said the Township of Parsippany is aware of the feelings and concerns of the Borough Council. Council members and administrators have attended meetings and had conversations with the Mayor and Council members of the Township. He mentioned that the Borough Council had sent a letter outlining the concerns of the Borough in December, and would be sending another letter shortly reiterating those concerns. Councilwoman Bravo expressed her thanks to members of the grass roots organization and said they had her support. Councilman Holmberg concurred with Councilwoman Bravo.

 

7.             DISCUSSION ITEMS:                                         None

 

 

8.             ORDINANCE 01—13

 

        BOND ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $644,800 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $612,560 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 $644,800 including the aggregate sum of $32,240 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.

 

Section 2.             For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the part of said $644,800 appropriations not provided for by application hereunder of said down payments, negotiable bonds of the Borough are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $612,560 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 $612,560 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE THREE

 

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

APPROPRIATION
AND ESTIMATED COST

ESTIMATED MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF BONDS

AND NOTES

(a) Acquisition by purchase of new and additional equipment, including, handguns, gas masks, self-defense equipment, tactical gear, a storage shed, filing cabinets, and vehicular organizers for use by the Police Department of the Borough, extrication equipment, pagers, light stands, emergency air filters, ice rescue equipment, a fire hose and gear for use by the Volunteer Fire Department of the Borough, a pipe cutter, an equipment lift rig, a generator and a sweeping bin for use by the Department of Public Works of the Borough, and an electrical sign board and Council Chamber chairs for use by the Administration 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

$91,600

$87,200

(b) Improvement of municipally-owned properties and facilities in and by the Borough, including the railroad station by the installation of a new lavoratory window, the Police Department facilities by the renovation of the offices, the Fire Department facilities by the substantial refurbishment of a mist fan, the Storage Building located on Tower Hill Road by the renovation thereof, the Department of Public Works building by the abatement of asbestos thereat, the tennis courts by the resurfacing thereof, Kaufmann Park by the upgrade of the staircase, the Wilson basketball courts by the upgrade thereof, the upgrade of the lake access areas, and various trails by the installation of signage and the upgrade thereof, including also engineering and design costs associated with the improvement of Sunset Dam, together with for all the aforesaid all 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

171,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

163,490

(c) 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, Briarcliff Road and Crane 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

110,000

104,500

 

 

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE FOUR

(d) 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

110,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104,500

(e) 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

65,000

61,800

(g) Substantial refurbishment of vehicular equipment, including a front-end loader for use by the Department of Public Works of the Borough, together with all equipment, 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

79,500

 

 

75,700

                Totals

17,000

15,370

 

$644,800

$612,560

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 18.65 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 $612,560, 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 $75,000 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.             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.

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE FIVE

 

Section 6.             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 7.             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 8.             This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.

 

Following introduction, the above Ordinance will be published in accordance with the law and a public hearing will be held on May 13, 2013.

 

 

Prior to the introduction of the Ordinance, Mayor Happer said this Bond Ordinance was vetted by both the Finance Advisory Committee and the Borough Council. Councilman Bradlee pointed out that the Bond Ordinance is less than the Council target of $700,000 for capital projects.

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bravo

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holmberg

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lester

 

 

   X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McWilliams

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happer

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORDINANCE 02-13

       

        ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK FOR         CALENDAR YEAR 2013 PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.

 

WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.0% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Mountain Lakes in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey finds it advisable and necessary to increase its Calendar Year 2013 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,

WHEREAS, the Borough Council hereby determines that a 1.5% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $78,257.03 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Council hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next succeeding years.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the Calendar Year 2013 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Mountain Lakes shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5 %, and that the Calendar Year 2013 municipal budget for the Borough of Mountain Lakes be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE SIX

 

 

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.

Following introduction, the above Ordinance will be published in accordance with the law and a public hearing will be held on April 22, 2013.

 

Prior to the introduction of the Ordinance, Acting CFO Tim Roberts explained that the passage of this Ordinance allows the Borough to take full advantage of the State’s appropriations cap regulations. The State allows the Borough to increase the budget by three and a half percent (3.5%). Since the Borough’s increase in appropriations is one and a half percent (1.5%) this Ordinance entitles the Borough to “bank” an extra two percent (2%) of appropriations for future budgetary purposes. The passage of such an Ordinance is an annual procedure for most municipalities. The extra percentage banked is available for appropriation for a two (2) year period. The dollar amount referenced in the Ordinance is based on a percentage of appropriations, not expenditures. He said that this Ordinance does not authorize spending but merely gives the Borough flexibility if needed.

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bravo

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holmberg

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lester

 

 

   X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McWilliams

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happer

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.             INTRODUCTION OF 2013 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the revenues and appropriation present shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the year 2013.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said Budget be published in the Daily Record.

A Public Hearing on the Budget and Tax Resolution will be held at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall on May 13, 2013 at 8 p.m. or soon thereafter, at which time and place objections to said Budget and Tax Resolution for the year 2013 may be presented by taxpayers or other interested persons.

Before the Introduction of the Budget the Council expressed thanks to the Manager for a job well done. The consensus of the Council was that the budget being introduced was responsible and still provided the level of services expected by the residents. Mayor Happer said that the 2013 budget presented many challenges due to Superstorm Sandy, the increase in the number of tax appeals, and the desire to get the Borough surplus back to the appropriate level. These three issues constituted the bulk of the increase in the budget and he said he felt that all other expenses had been maintained in a reasonable way.

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bravo

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holmberg

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lester

 

 

  

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McWilliams

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happer

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE SEVEN

 

 

10.          *RESOLUTIONS:

R78-13   Resolution Authorizing 2013 Municipal Employees’ Salary – Roberts

R79-13   Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Recycling Tax

R80-13   Resolution Authorizing Self-Examination of Budget

R81-13   Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills

PR01-13                Special Proclamation – Arbor Day

 

Prior to the Consent Agenda vote Councilman Bradlee asked that Resolution 78-13, Resolution Authorizing 2013 Municipal Employees’ Salary, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration and vote. Mayor Happer asked that Resolution 80-13, Resolution Authorizing Self-Examination of Budget, and Proclamation PR01-13, Special Proclamation-Arbor Day, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration and vote.

 

11.          *MINUTES:                          

                March 25, 2013 (Regular)

                March 25, 2013 (Executive)

 

12.          *DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

                Construction Official                           March 2013

                Department of Public Works             March 2013

                Health Officer                                       March 2013         

                Police Department                              March 2013

 

 

13.          *COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS:                                None

 

 

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

 

X

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

X

 

 

 

Bravo

 

 

X

 

 

 

Holmberg

 

X

X

 

 

 

Lester

 

 

X

 

 

 

McWilliams

X

 

X

 

 

 

Happer

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

Resolution 78-13

Resolution Authorizing 2013 Municipal Employees’ Salary - Roberts

 

Mayor Happer explained that the Manager had recommended this salary and the Personnel Sub-Committee had agreed it was reasonable for the amount of time Mr. Roberts is spending at the Borough. Mr. Tovo said the salary is retro-active to October 1, 2012 as that is when Mr. Roberts began spending two (2) days a week at the Borough.

 

 

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

X

X

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

 

X

 

 

Bravo

X

 

X

 

 

 

Holmberg

 

 

X

 

 

 

Lester

 

 

X

 

 

 

McWilliams

 

 

X

 

 

 

Happer

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE EIGHT

 

 

Resolution 80-13 – Carried to May 13, 2013

Resolution Authorizing Self-Examination of Budget

 

Councilwoman Bravo made a motion, second by Deputy Mayor McWilliams, to consider this Resolution.

 

Acting CFO Tim Roberts explained that each municipality is eligible for self-examination of its budget every two (2) out of three (3) years. After much discussion the Council decided that due to the language and terms specified in the Resolution, the Resolution should not be considered until the budget is adopted and voted to carry the Resolution until May 13th.

 

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

 

X

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

X

 

 

 

Bravo

 

X

X

 

 

 

Holmberg

X

 

X

 

 

 

Lester

 

 

X

 

 

 

McWilliams

 

 

X

 

 

 

Happer

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PR01-13                Special Proclamation – Arbor Day

 

“A PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 26, 2013 AS ARBOR DAY IN THE BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES”

 

WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for planting of trees; and

 

WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and

 

WHEREAS, trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and

 

WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and

 

WHEREAS, trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and

 

WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and

 

WHEREAS, Mountain Lakes has again been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and desires to continue its tree-planting practices,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Happer, Mayor of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, do hereby proclaim April 26, 2013 as Arbor Day in the Borough of Mountain Lakes, and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.

 

FURTHER, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations.       

 

Councilwoman Bravo reminded the Council of the upcoming Arbor Day ceremony at Wildwood School. Susan Marshall is the honoree.

 

Council Member

By:

2nd:

Yes

No

Abstain

Absent

Borin

 

 

X

 

 

 

Bradlee

 

 

X

 

 

 

Bravo

 

 

X

 

 

 

Holmberg

X

 

X

 

 

 

Lester

 

X

X

 

 

 

McWilliams

 

 

X

 

 

 

Happer

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES

APRIL 8, 2013

PAGE NINE

 

 

 

14.          ATTORNEY’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Murphy had nothing to report.

 

15.          MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Tovo reported that Officer John Hukowski was the proud recipient of the 2012 MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Award for the highest number of DWI arrests in the Borough.

 

Mr. Tovo also reported the placement of locked shredding containers in the police department, administrative offices, and DPW. He said the shredding program would ensure the integrity of document disposal. Documents are shredded on-site, the Borough is given a certification of shredding, and the shredding is recycled.

 

16.          COUNCIL REPORTS:

 

Mayor Happer announced that the Borough Facilities Tour would take place on April 20th, at 9 am.

 

Recreation Commission – Councilman Holmberg announced the resignation of Recreation Director Celia Flynn effective May 1, 2013. The Commission and the Manager are discussing different options in order to fill her position.

 

Environmental Commission – Councilman Borin said the Commission would like to discuss the well-head protection Ordinance with the Council. Mayor Happer suggested the first Council meeting in June.

 

Lakes Management Advisory – Deputy Mayor McWilliams said a Broadcast Email had been sent in reference to keeping fertilizer out of the lakes.

 

Solid Waste Advisory Committee – Deputy Mayor McWilliams said the Committee was trying to roll out a vending machine program but having a difficult time identifying vendors willing to work with such a small municipality.

 

Deputy Mayor McWilliams mentioned he attended the recent Morris County League of Municipalities dinner at Bretton Woods. The next dinner is on May 29th and is being held in Mountain Lakes.

 

Councilwoman Bravo reminded the Council about the Empty Bowls event at the High School on April 16th, and the Council tour of Borough facilities on April 20th. She confirmed with Mayor Happer that the Personnel Sub-Committee was reviewing award submissions for the Janice Hunts and Citizen of the Year awards.

 

17.          PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Mayor Happer opened the second 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 second public comment portion of the meeting.

18.          ADJOURNMENT at 9:18 p.m.

 

Motion made by Councilwoman Bravo, second by Deputy Mayor McWilliams, to adjourn the meeting at 10:18 p.m., with all members in favor signifying by “Aye”.

 

*Consent Agenda (Matters listed 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: April 8, 2013

 

 

____________________________________                                            _______________________________ 

Michele Reilly, RMC, Deputy Borough Clerk                                                 Daniel J. Happer, Mayor