BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
BOROUGH HALL, 400 BOULEVARD, MOUNTAIN LAKES
973-334-3131
JANUARY 2, 2014
7:30 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, 2013 and posted in the municipal building.
2. ROLL CALL
Ms. Reilly called the roll. Council members present were, Councilwoman Bravo, Councilman Happer, Councilman Holmberg, Councilman Lester. Councilman Borin and Councilman McWilliams were both absent. Also in attendance were Borough Attorney James Bryce, Borough Manager Robert Tovo, Borough Clerk Michele Reilly, and Department of Public Works Director Mark Prusina.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Reilly led the salute to the flag.
4. INVOCATION
Reverend Peter Filipowski, Pastor at St. Catherine’s Church in Mountain Lakes, gave the invocation.
5. INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES
Councilman Happer introduced Assemblyman Anthony Bucco.
6. 2013 COUNCIL/MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Councilman Happer, Mayor of the Borough during 2013, gave the following year end address:
Good evening and I would like to thank everyone for braving the weather to be here tonight. I also want to thank the many volunteers coupled with the administration led by Manager Bob Tovo, for a very productive and fulfilling 2013. Whether on Council, in the schools, in the fire department, coaching, or serving on one of the many committees and commissions, Lakers invest a tremendous amount of volunteer time to make our town a community. We are fortunate to have such a talented and committed group of caring citizens.
2013 was a year of change and transition in Mountain Lakes we have three new Council members (John Lester, Jason Bradlee and Frank Borin) Bob Tovo’s first year as full time Manager, Shawn Bennett’s appointment as our Chief of Police, Michele Reilly’s appointment as our Clerk, and Audrey Lane’s appointment as our recreation director. In addition we added two new officers Zachary Walsh and Henry Ramm to whom we will administer the oath of office later this month. One might have expected a slow year of progress with all the change. But due to the dedication, hard work and professionalism of each of the Borough employees we had a very successful year. On behalf of the Council, I want to recognize each of the Borough’s employees on a job well done.
Fortunately we did not have a natural disaster to deal with in 2013, but the cleanup from the 2012 storms continued. Thanks to our Manager’s efforts we were able to obtain a FEMA grant and completed a major cleanup of the Canal. If you haven’t yet taken a canoe or kayak through it, I recommend that you do.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JANUARY 2, 2014
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We expanded efforts to trim trees in the right of ways and remove broken limbs left by the storms. And to better prepare for community response to natural disasters we implemented a Community Emergency Response Team. The (CERT) program is a federal program designed to train people to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies occur, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to the First responders, freeing them to focus on the more critical tasks. CERT members can further use their training to inform, educate, and train their fellow neighbors on disaster preparedness that will help improve the safety of our community.
Continuing with Capital improvements, with careful planning and aggressive grant writing, the Borough was able to advance its long range plan of repairing and upgrading our infrastructure. This year we obtained a grant and completed the much needed repaving of Powerville Road. The Department of Public works also emphasized repairing many of the curbs in town, which should help control the flow of storm water.
We also completed major refurbishments at the tennis courts and the Wilson Basketball Courts and we will have a new access system working at the tennis courts in the spring. And, I can’t forget about the new electronic signboard at Borough Hall. The sign is a welcome change that provides timely information of importance for our residents.
As you can see, we’ve made progress in managing our infrastructure in 2013. It is one of the most challenging and complex processes requiring the balancing of needs with available resources. Indeed, based on needs analysis from our recreation commission, we will evaluate medium and long-term capital requirements for our parks, athletic fields, and our beach facilities in 2014.
In addition to the many completed capital improvements, the Council adopted several policies and initiatives to advance our community. First we adopted a Communications Committee that will advise the Council on everything communications with particular focal point of how we best communicate with the residents of our community. Given the way people now communicate this is a critical area of focus.
Second, we began a subcommittee of the Council to work with the Manager and Community to enhance the ratables along our commercial zone. As recently reported, the owner of the Villa at Mountain Lakes is considering expanding the property to include a hotel and we have our professionals evaluating the concept. This development could significantly increase property tax revenue and provide a new hotel tax stream.
As you probably have noticed, the residential project at Fanny and Morris is underway again. Now known as the Legacy at Mountain Lakes, we hope to see sales of the redesigned units in 2014 which will add to our tax base.
From some of our other Boards and Commissions, I would like to note that the Planning Board completed its update of the Borough’s Master Plan and the Environmental Commission is working with the manager and our professionals to revise our ordinances for wellhead protection which should further the safety of our water supply.
On the Finance and Administration front we issued a 10-year serial bond this past January at historically low interest rates which helps to minimize the tax burden from capital expenditures. We implemented a quarterly report of our financial position that enhances the timely identification of budget issues. And, we completed a comprehensive review of all of the fees the Borough charges for services and updated our fee schedules, which will be effective this month. We entered into a four year contract with our police force and a fifteen year nonexclusive contract with Cablevision. We are also updating all our personnel policies and manuals and expect to implement these over the next several months.
While we have accomplished a great deal this year, there is still work to be done. Your council is committed to continue the responsible fiscal management of our resources. We will do what it takes to keep spending and tax increases to a minimum and seek ways to reduce costs.
We will look at ways to improve communications and access to Borough information with an emphasis on enhancing the Borough web site and electronic distribution of information. At our meeting later this month we will be discussing our 2014 goals.
The Community Church celebrated 100 years in 2013 and I again want to congratulate them on being a long-term part of our community. I also want to thank my fellow council colleagues, and again the borough staff and the many volunteers in town for their efforts and support. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as your mayor this past year. I have strived to make our meetings productive, efficient and respectful. We are fortunate to have a governing body that respects each other’s opinion although we may have differences of opinion.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JANUARY 2, 2014
PAGE THREE
I also must take a moment and thank the members of my family including my wife Cindi, daughter Lauren and son Andrew who are here tonight and my daughter Katie, for all the sacrifices and support you have given me, for putting up with the late meetings and time away from home and work.
Councilman Happer recognized Freeholders Douglas Cabana and Hank Lyons.
7. MEMORIAL STATEMENT
The 2013 Mountain Lakes Memorial List was introduced by Councilman Bravo and read by Borough Council members.
8. ELECTION OF MAYOR
Ms. Reilly called for nominations for Mayor. Councilman Holmberg nominated Councilman Happer. With no other nominations, Ms. Reilly closed the nominations. The Council unanimously elected Councilman Happer to the office of Mayor for 2014 by roll call vote.
9. OATH OF OFFICE – MAYOR
The Oath of Office was administered to Mayor Happer by Assemblyman Bucco. Mayor Happer’s son Andrew held the Bible.
10. ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR
Mayor Happer called for nominations for Deputy Mayor. Councilwoman Bravo nominated Councilman Holmberg. With no other nominations, Mayor Happer closed the nominations. The Council unanimously elected Councilman Holmberg to the office of Deputy Mayor for 2014 by roll call vote.
11. OATH OF OFFICE – DEPUTY MAYOR
The Oath of Office was administered to Deputy Mayor Holmberg by Assemblyman Bucco. Deputy Mayor Holmberg’s son Peter held the Bible.
12. APPOINTMENT TO FILL THE VACANCY ON THE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Mayor Happer stated that Councilman Jason Bradlee had resigned effective December 31, 2013, as he and his family were moving to Texas. Mayor Happer said that, per State Statute, the Mountain Lakes Republican Committee had sent a letter to the Council containing a list of three names for consideration in order to fill the vacancy created by Councilman Bradlee’s resignation. The Borough Council’s appointment would be effective through the end of 2014. The remainder of the vacant term, 2015-2016, would be filled after the General Election in November, 2014.
Mayor Happer made a motion to appoint William (Bill) Albergo to the position of Councilman. Mayor Happer mentioned Mr. Albergo’s service to the community as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Environmental Commission, and the Solid Waste Committee during his six and a half (6 ½) years as a Borough resident. In addition, Mayor Happer said that Mr. Albergo has volunteered at a local food bank and also ran the “Taste of Mountain Lakes” event as part of the Borough’s Centennial Celebration. Mayor Happer said that Mr. Albergo’s desire to give back to the community has been clearly demonstrated through his volunteerism.
Councilwoman Bravo offered a second to Mayor Happer’s motion. The Council unanimously selected Mr. William Albergo to the position of Councilman for the remainder of 2014.
13. OATH OF OFFICE – BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBER
The Oath of Office was administered to Councilman Albergo by Assemblyman Bucco with his wife Melissa and daughter Zoe in attendance and his son Flynn holding the Bible.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JANUARY 2, 2014
PAGE FOUR
14. *RESOLUTIONS
01-14 Resolution Establishing Borough Council Meeting Schedule
02-14 Resolution Designating Official Newspapers
03-14 Resolution Establishing Borough Council Meeting Agenda
04-14 Resolution Designating 2014 Holiday Schedule
05-14 Resolution Authorizing Participation in the New Jersey State Tonnage Grant Program
06-14 Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program
07-14 Resolution Adopting a Policy for Private Memorials on Public Property
08-14 Resolution Supporting Traffic and Safety Ordinances
09-14 Resolution to Protect and Maintain The Public Lands of Mountain Lakes
10-14 Resolution to Close The Boulevard for the Memorial Day Parade
11-14 Resolution Appointing Special Police Officers – Peoples, Mola, James, Tovo, Ruggier, Marhefka
12-14 Resolution Appointing Assessment Search Officer – Reilly
13-14 Resolution Appointing Tax Search Officer – Purcell
14-14 Resolution Appointing JIF Representatives – Reilly, Tovo
15-14 Resolution Appointing Dog and Cat Licensing Official – Reilly
16-14 Resolution Appointing Municipal Court Personnel – Mason, Weininger
17-14 Resolution Designating Borough Personnel To Administer Petty Cash Fund – Roberts, Purcell
18-14 Resolution Appointing a Member to Serve on the Community Development Revenue Sharing Committee – Lester
19-14 Resolution Authorizing Cancellation of Refunds and Delinquencies Under $10.00
20-14 Resolution Establishing the Rate of Interest for Delinquent Taxes
21-14 Resolution Approving the Cash Management Plan
22-14 Resolution Designating Official Depositories for Borough Funds
23-14 Resolution Authorizing Service Charge for Returned Checks
24-14 Resolution Authorizing Charges for Duplicate Tax Bills and Subsequent Requests
25-14 Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Bond Anticipation Notes
26-14 Resolution Authorizing a Temporary Budget
27-14 Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills
28-14 Resolution Awarding a Contract for Insurance Risk Consulting Services – Chadler Group, Inc.
29-14 Resolution Awarding a Contract for Canadian Geese Management Services – USDA
30-14 Resolution Awarding a Contract for I.T. Maintenance and Support to Lawsoft, Inc.
31-14 Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes and
Hawkins, Delafield & Wood, LLP (Robert H. Beinfield) – Bond Counsel
32-14 Resolution Authorizing A Professional Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes and
Ferriero Engineering, Inc. – Dam Consultant
33-14 Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes and
Anderson & Denzler Associates, Inc. – Engineering
34-14 Approving the Officers of the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department for the 2014 Calendar Year
35-14 Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Morris County Adaptive Recreation Program (McARP)
36-14 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of An Interlocal Services Agreement With The Whippany River Watershed Action Committee
37-14 Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes and
Allied Biological – Lakes Management Services
38-14 Resolution Authorizing An Interlocal Health Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes and the Township of Montville and the Board of Health of the Township of Montville
39-14 Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes and
T.M. Vrabel & Associates, LLC
40-14 Resolution Recognizing UHY Employee Benefits Consulting Services, Inc. As Producer of the Borough of Mountain
Lakes Employee Dental Benefits Program
41-14 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of An Interlocal Services Agreement Between the Borough of Mountain Lakes
And The County of Morris For Dispatching Services
42-14 Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Contract for Professional Services (Legal Services) – Murphy McKeon, P.C.
43-14 Resolution Authorizing the Award of Contract for the Purchase of a Diesel Powered Valve Operator and Maintenance
Trailer to Jack Doheny Companies Inc.
44-14 Resolution Relative to Audit Controls Required for the Issuance of Statutory Bonds by the Municipal Excess Liability
Joint Insurance Fund (MEL)
45-14 Resolution Establishing the Borough Council Subcommittees for 2014
46-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Fifty-Five Plus Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
47-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Woodlands Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
48-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
49-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Traffic & Safety Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
50-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Finance Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
51-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Memorial Day Parade Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
52-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Communication Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
53-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Lakes Management Advisory Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
54-14 Resolution Re-Establishing the Memorial Park Committee and Appointing Members for 2014
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JANUARY 2, 2014
PAGE FIVE
15. *MINUTES
December 9, 2013 (Regular)
16. *BOARD AND COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
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BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JANUARY 2, 2014
PAGE SIX
17. *COUNCIL LIAISON APPOINTMENTS
|
Committee/Commission/Board |
Liaison/Member |
Subcommittees |
Liaison/Member |
|
Zoning Board of Adjustment |
Bravo |
Personnel |
Happer |
|
Library Board of Trustees |
Holmberg |
Borin |
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Health Commission |
Bravo |
McWilliams |
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Recreation Commission |
Borin |
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Environmental Commission |
Albergo |
Shared Services |
Holmberg |
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Shade Tree Commission |
Holmberg |
Bravo |
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Woodlands Management |
Bravo |
Happer |
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Lakes Management |
Albergo |
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Traffic & Safety |
McWilliams |
Public Safety |
McWilliams |
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Historic Preservation |
Borin |
Albergo |
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Communications |
Lester |
Bravo |
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Fifty-Five Plus |
Lester |
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Memorial Day |
Happer |
Economic Development |
Borin |
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Solid Waste |
McWilliams |
Happer |
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Community Development |
Lester |
Lester |
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Planning Board |
Happer |
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Lester |
Public Works |
Albergo |
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Finance Advisory |
Happer |
Holmberg |
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Holmberg |
McWilliams |
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Borin |
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Council Member |
By: |
2nd: |
Yes |
No |
Abstain |
Absent |
|
Albergo* |
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X |
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Borin |
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X |
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Bravo* |
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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 |
|
Holmberg |
|
X |
X |
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Happer |
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X |
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*Councilman Albergo abstained from voting on the December 9, 2013 minutes
*Councilwoman Bravo abstained from voting on Resolutions 51-14 and 52-14
18. PUBLIC COMMENT
Each speaker is limited to 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.
BOROUGH OF MOUNTAIN LAKES
JANUARY 2, 2014
PAGE SEVEN
19. ADJOURNMENT at 8: 07 PM
Motion made by Deputy Mayor Holmberg, second by Councilman Lester, to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 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: JANUARY 2, 2014
________________________________ _______________________________
Michele Reilly, RMC, Borough Clerk Daniel J. Happer, Mayor