OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT ANNOUNCEMENT
According to the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting has been given to the Mount Olive Chronicle. Notice has been posted at the Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive Township, New Jersey and notices were sent to those requesting the same.

ROLL CALL Present: Mr. Buell, Mr. Rattner, Mrs. Labow, Mr. Tobey, Mr. Perkins
Mr. Tepper, Mr. Greenbaum

Absent: None

Also Present: David Scapicchio, Mayor; John Dorsey, Township Attorney; William Sohl, Business Administrator; Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk; Sherry Jenkins, CFO

Questions on Bill List?

President Greenbaum: Does anyone have any questions on the Bill List this evening for the Administration to be answered at the end of the meeting? Mr. Tepper.

Mr. Tepper: I just want to, I believe that most of the fees that are being paid to the professionals associated with Planning and development work are coming out of escrow accounts. Sherry, is that correct?

Mr. Sohl: Most, but not all.

Ms. Jenkins: Yes, most are. Bill’s right, most but not all.

Mr. Tepper: So, we’re paying out the checks but we’re being reimbursed from the escrow accounts for the majority?

Ms. Jenkins: No, if you see something on here that’s getting charged to the Planning budget it’s going to the Planning budget. There is no reimbursement.

Mr. Tepper: Okay.

Ms. Jenkins: If it was something that was escrow related, it would come directly out of the escrow account. So you would see it under the escrow section.

Mr. Tepper: So all of these are professional services that we’re incurring the expense on…

Ms. Jenkins: If you’re seeing it under the current fund in the Planning then yes, that’s correct.

Mr. Tepper: …under the budget account. Thank you.

Mr. Sohl: It could be ordinances, for example, which would not come out of escrow.

Mr. Rattner: Highlands, stuff like that.

President Greenbaum: Ken, did you want to come up and address the Council with respect to the issue involving the Budd Lake Fire Department?

Ken Nelson, Budd Lake Fire Department Chief: Yes, on the Bill List is the remainder of our contribution that we’re requesting, $20,480.00. That money was for, well, let me go back. I think we all know about the tank project in 1988 where we put tanks for fuel at the firehouse when we did our renovation and addition. We’ve always had fuel for the Township vehicles and Township fire trucks at the firehouse. When the addition was done we just put the tanks in behind the fire house. About ten years later they were found to be leaking. Remediation was going to be very expensive. We were able to secure a loan with the Township’s help, and in exchange the Township agreed to withhold about half of our contribution, about $20,000 a year. So we’ve been paying that amount since, I think, 1998. Unfortunately, we were in a different place then where we could afford to have that money withheld. As you know, our primary source of revenue is bingo. We’ve seen bingo really become less profitable, considerably less. So what I’m here for tonight is to ask that that contribution be
Mr. Nelson (Cont’d): restored and that bill be paid. The fuel that was used was used not only for fire trucks, but for about 19 months it was used for sanitation, Department of Public Works, and the Police Department. The other chemicals that were found were degreasing chemicals that were used to clean the fire trucks. We’ve paid about half of the amount of the loan off, and while we definitely bear some responsibility in putting those tanks in the ground, because it was holding Township fuel we feel that it would be fair to ask the Township to pick up the other, it’s about half of the amount. So that’s why we’re asking for that donation back. I can give you some more detail on bingo if you’re interested in that.

President Greenbaum: Does anyone have any questions or comments? Mr. Rattner.

Mr. Rattner: You said half. Isn’t this the final $20,000 that’s owed pretty much on the loan?

President Greenbaum: I think what he’s talking about is on a going forward basis per year.

Mr. Nelson: Right, I think the whole amount is $200,000.

Mr. Rattner: Oh.

Mr. Nelson: We’ve paid back $120,000.

Ms. Jenkins: There were actually two different loans that we took out. One was I think like 2000, and the other was like 2002 or 2003.

President Greenbaum: The only issue that we’re dealing with tonight is the additional twenty-some thousand dollars which is on the Bill List. The rest of it is a pitch, I assume, that you’re going to make again at budget time, with respect to…

Mr. Nelson: Yes, we want to do this going forward.

President Greenbaum: But that’s not before the Council this evening. What’s before the Council this evening is that additional $20,000.

Mr. Sohl: 2007.

President Greenbaum: Correct.

Mr. Nelson: Right, it was budgeted. We’re just asking that it be paid.

Mr. Tobey: It’s been how many years that that money hasn’t been forwarded?

Mr. Nelson: Since 1998.

Mr. Tobey: Since 1998, okay.

Mr. Rattner: What it was, Phil, was that we were able to get either a no, or a two percent loan through the DEP for tank cleanup. They didn’t qualify for it so we got the loan, and they basically have been paying it ever since. This is the sharing because I think, you know, the Mayor proposed and he’s right, that we should share some of the responsibilities since we used it. We also degreased some of our trucks there, you know, it was everything in the soil and that’s what they’re looking for is a contribution. I didn’t understand at the time why they agreed to pick up the whole cost. I think I mentioned it at that time so I think it’s reasonable.

Mr. Nelson: Out of the remainder that has been funded, what happens is that that $24,000 that we’ve been getting which is the half of the $45,000 that the Township gives to all of the volunteer emergency services, 20 of that stays with the Chief to pay for things like vehicle repair, turnout equipment, training, and things that go directly toward firefighting. The remainder $4,000 goes back to the Association. So in effect, $4,000 from the Township has been going toward the upkeep of the building and the rest of the costs have been bared through our fundraising. When bingo was making almost twice as much as it did this last year that wasn’t so much of a problem, but the total amount is down about $35,000 in the last five years. That’s a considerable loss for us.

President Greenbaum: Any other questions or comments? Thank you.

Mr. Nelson: Thank you.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

President Greenbaum: Alright, we’re going to get to the Bill List at the end of the meeting. Approval of Minutes from previous meetings, Mr. Buell, do you want to move:

Dec. 11, 2007 CS - All Present

Mr. Buell: Yes, thank you, I move the December 11th Closed Session Minutes.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: It’s been moved and seconded. Any comments, deletions, corrections, or additions? Roll Call please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

CORRESPONDENCE

LETTERS / EMAILS FROM CONSTITUENTS / ORGANIZATIONS

1. Letter received December 11, 2007, from the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure regarding their First Annual Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure.

MUA / MSA

2. Notice received December 10, 2007, from the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority regarding a change of regular meeting date from January 2, 2008 to January 9, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES

3. Letter received December 10, 2007, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding the Survivor Skills for Supervisors League Seminar.

4. Letter received December 10, 2007, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding the World of Elections in New Jersey League Seminar.

5. Letter received December 13, 2007, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Audio recording of the Annual League Conference.

MORRIS COUNTY

6. Minutes received December 10, 2007, from the Morris County Planning Board regarding the October 18, 2007 meeting.

LETTERS FROM LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES

7. E-mail received December 07, 2007 from Congressman Frelinghuysen regarding Assistance for Sub prime Mortgage Holders; Another Energy Bill misses the mark, Congressional To Do List, Frelinghuysen Congratulates Picatinny Arsenal, and More Hope for Veterans at VA –Lyons.

RESOLUTIONS / ORDINANCES OTHER TOWNS

8. Letter received December 12, 2007, from William Sparkes regarding a Resolution previously sent from the Township of Mansfield urging us to reject the proposed changes to the Fish and Wildlife Council by Assembly Bill 3275.

UTILTIIES

9. Fax received December 14, 2007, from Comcast regarding Channel Changes – CORRECTION.

DOT / DEP / LOI / HIGHLANDS

10. Letter received December 13, 2007, from Atlantic Richfield Company regarding Remedial Action Progress Report for Service Station No. 00611 , (BP Service Station) Block 3809, Lot 2.02 (Route 46 and Mount Olive Road)

11. Letter received December 14, 2007, from the State of New Jersey, Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council regarding the Highlands Regional Master Plan.

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

President Greenbaum: Ord. #37-2007 is going to be withdrawn and killed. Was the public portion carried on that? Is that how we…?

Mr. Dorsey: It’s dead now. We’re going to have to start all over again.

President Greenbaum: Okay, so we’re going to kill Ord. #37 and Ord. #38.

Mr. Dorsey: Make a motion to table Ordinances #37-2007 and #38-2007.

Ord. #37-2007 An Ordinance of the Township of Mount Olive Granting Permission to Applied Wastewater Management, Inc. to Construct, Install and Operate Equipment, Pipes and Mains for the Operation of a Wastewater Collection and Treatment System Within Certain Designated Areas of the Township of Mount Olive Commonly Referred to as “Morris Chase.”

Ord. #38-2007 An Ordinance Granting Permission and Consent to Applied Wastewater Management, Inc., to Construct, Install, and Operate Equipment, Wells, Pipes and Mains for a Water Supply System Within Certain Designated Areas of the Township of Mount Olive Commonly Known as “Morris Chase” and “Morris Hunt.”

President Greenbaum: Mr. Rattner makes that motion.

Mr. Rattner: So moved.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

President Greenbaum: Seconded by Mr. Perkins. All in favor?

AYE

President Greenbaum: Those two ordinances are tabled and effectively killed. The next ordinance for public hearing is entitled:

Ord. #50-2007 Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions of Bond Ordinance Numbered 24-2004 of the Township of Mount Olive, in the County of Morris, New Jersey Finally Adopted September 14, 2004 Providing for Equipment for the Flanders Fire Department in Order to Amend the Description of the Project.

President Greenbaum: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, I close it to the public. Mr. Buell, can you move Ord. #50-2007?

Mr. Buell: Thank you, I move Ord. #50-2007.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: Moved and seconded. Any Council discussion? Roll Call please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Greenbaum: Ord. #50-2007 has passed on second reading and I hereby direct the Clerk to forward a copy of same to the Mayor, and publish the notice of adoption as required by law. The next ordinance for public hearing this evening is entitled:

Ord. #51-2007 Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions of Bond Ordinance Numbered 27-2005, as Amended by Bond Ordinance Numbered 31-2006, of the Township of Mount Olive, in the County of Morris, New Jersey Finally Adopted August 9, 2005, as Amended November 21, 2006, Providing for Equipment for the Flanders Fire Department in Order to Amend the Description of the Project.

President Greenbaum: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard on Ord. #51-2007? Seeing no one, I’m going to ask Mr. Buell to please move Ord. #51-2007.

Mr. Buell: Thank you again, I move for adoption and final passage of Ord. #51-2007.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: Any Council comment? Roll Call please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Greenbaum: Ord. #51-2007 has passed on second reading and I hereby direct the Clerk to forward a copy of same to the Mayor, and publish the notice of adoption as required by law. The next ordinance for public hearing this evening is entitled:

Ord. #52-2007 Ordinance of the Township of Mount Olive, in the County of Morris, New Jersey Appropriating $287,500 for the Acquisition of Certain Property, Such Appropriation Consists of $128,000 from the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund and $159,500 Contributed by the County of Morris.

President Greenbaum: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard on Ord. #52-2007? Seeing none, I close it to the public and ask Mr. Buell to please move Ord. #52-2007.

Mr. Buell: I move for adoption and final passage of Ord. #52-2007.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: Moved and seconded. Any Council comment? Roll Call please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Greenbaum: Ord. #52-2007 has passed on second reading and I hereby direct the Clerk to forward a copy of same to the Mayor, and publish the notice of adoption as required by law. There are no ordinances for first reading this evening.

ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING – none

CONSENT RESOLUTIONS AGENDA:

Resolutions on the Consent Agenda List are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Township Council and will be approved by one motion (one vote). There will be no separate discussion or debate on each of these resolutions except for the possibility of brief clarifying statements that may be offered. If one or more Council member requests, any individual resolution on the Consent Agenda may be removed from the Consent Agenda List and acted on separately.

CONSENT RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Execution of a
Developer’s Agreement Based on Final Site Plan Approval between the Township of Mount Olive and MTO Realty Holdings, LLC.

2. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Transfer of Alcoholic Beverage License No. 1427-33-003-005 from Kennedy’s Pub, Inc. to Haresh Patel.

3. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Transfer of $200,000 out of Surplus into the Reserve for Tax Appeals.

4. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Providing for the Transfer of 2007 Budget Appropriations for the Current Fund Budget.

5. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of 2007 Appropriations in the Current Fund.

6. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of 2007 Appropriations in the Sewer Utility Fund.

7. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of 2007 Appropriations in the Sanitation District.

8. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Use of One Contract. (Flemington Car and Truck)

9. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of 2007 Appropriations in the Water Utility Fund.

10. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of Water Capital Ordinance Balances.

11. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of Various General Capital Ordinances Balances.

12. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Awarding a Contract to Vickery Companies for Installation of Equipment for the Budd Lake First aid and Rescue Squad Ambulance.

13. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing a Trial Implementation of a Policy Establishing Procedures Regulating Leave Time for Emergency Duty and Training of Mt. Olive Township Employees who are Members of Mount Olive Township Fire Company, First Aid or Rescue Squad.

14. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing a Lease Agreement with the County of Morris for the Rental Space Formerly Known as the Nutrition Site at the Mount Olive Senior Center.

President Greenbaum: Does any Council member wish to have… Two is being taken off and it’s going to be dealt with at the Special Meeting on the 28th at 7:00 p.m. Does any Council member wish to have any of the other 13 resolutions removed? Seeing none, Mr. Buell, can you please move the Consent Resolutions Agenda?

Mr. Buell: Yes, I move the Consent Resolutions one and three through number fourteen.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

PUBLIC PORTION ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS - none

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Buell: Yes, just on number thirteen, this basically allows Township employees, actually codifies giving Township employees the opportunity to go to emergencies, fire and rescue. It also provides Township employees three days off for training and I applaud the Mayor for proposing this resolution. I think it’s time it needs to be done and I think it’s a good move.

Mrs. Labow: I agree.

President Greenbaum: Any other comments? Roll Call please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

RESOLUTIONS NON CONSENT

President Greenbaum: We have one additional resolution this evening on Non Consent:

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MOUNT OLIVE HONORING JAMES BUELL

WHEREAS, James Buell was elected to Mount Olive Township Council in the Watershed Election of November, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Jim Buell has now served on the Mount Olive Township Council for the past four years, years which have been both challenging in terms of the problems faced by the Township Council and memorable in terms of Councilman Buell’s contributions; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Buell brought a new element to the Mount Olive Township Council, specifically, continuous contact with constituents as he rode on his bike through the various neighborhoods of the Township continuously after his election for the purpose of discussing issues with residents and bringing their concerns to the Township Council; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Buell, was early in his tenure as a Council member, appointed as liaison to the Mount Olive Township Board of Education; a Board of Education which has undertaken enormous building projects during the last four years and has been challenged by a significant increase in the student body; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Buell, in his usual faithful way, has attended every meeting of the Board of Education during the last four years and has methodically reported on its progress or the events of interest that have taken place at every Board of Education meeting for consideration and/or action by the Mayor and Township Council; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Buell, deeply committed to public service has taken on many of the demands placed upon the Township rescue services during daytime hours when most of its members and volunteers are employed. Councilman Buell has been certified as an EMT and he has approached this position with his usual enthusiasm and devotion. He has provided rescue and ambulance services to many of the residents in the Township of Mount Olive during the course of the last four years; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Buell has always conducted himself as a devoted member of the Council and always maintained congenial relationships with his fellow Council persons and has been respected by all Council persons who have served with him during the last four years; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Buell’s departure from the Township Council will be a loss to the Council and will create a void which his replacement will be challenged to fill.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that it wishes first to thank Councilman Jim Buell for his devoted service to the Township of Mount Olive; to his untiring efforts to provide true public service as a member of the Council, but in particular as a member of the Flanders Rescue Squad, for which many members of the community are deeply indebted.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Township Council wish to take this opportunity to wish Councilman Jim Buell the very best in the future and to thank him again for his devoted services to the Township and to the Township Council.

President Greenbaum: Can I have a motion?

Mr. Perkins: So moved.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: All in favor?

AYE

President Greenbaum: Congratulations Jim.

PUBLIC PORTION ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS - none

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS - none

MOTIONS

1. Appointment of Brett Heyman to the Economic Development Committee for a 3 year unexpired term to expire 12/31/08.

Mr. Buell: I move the appointment of Brett Heyman to the Economic Development Committee.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: Moved and seconded. Mr. Rattner.

Mr. Rattner: Mayor, have you gotten a resume on Mr. Heyman yet? Remember that came up?

Mayor Scapicchio: I have not. His wife sent hers in.

Mr. Rattner: She was appointed, yes.

Mayor Scapicchio: We have not. I’ve got a phone call into him and I have not gotten a call back.

Mr. Rattner: Well this month’s meeting has been cancelled anyway. Can we put it off until we actually get the resume so we can get back to our procedure of at least having a short resume in front of us?

Mayor Scapicchio: Absolutely.

Mr. Rattner: Okay.

President Greenbaum: Alright, what was Mr. Rattner’s request?

Mrs. Lashway: Hold it off until we get a resume…

President Greenbaum: Well it’s been moved and seconded. Are you making a motion to table?

Mr. Rattner: Yes.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Greenbaum: All in favor?

AYE

President Greenbaum: The next motion is to approve the Bill List. Mr. Buell?

2. Bill List

Mr. Buell: I move the Bill List.

Mr. Tepper: Second.

President Greenbaum: It’s been moved and seconded. Any Council discussion? Roll Call please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Mr. Sohl: I’d just like to comment. Mr. Rattner sent a message today relative to the announced COAH changes that have been published. We forwarded that information on to Chuck McGroarty who has already responded in terms of, he will be looking into it and hopes to have a short term analysis in the fairly close future.

OLD BUSINESS - none

NEW BUSINESS - none

LEGAL MATTERS - none

COUNCIL REPORTS

Recreation Liaison Report

Mr. Tobey: Nothing to report.

Board of Health Report

Mrs. Labow: We meet tomorrow.

Planning Board Report

Mr. Tepper: Last week’s meeting was cancelled due to the storm. They meet Thursday.

Board of Adjustment Liaison Report

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President, last night was business as usual. McDonalds got the approval for the play area that was done. Three other small matters were approved. Mr. Hashemi’s application for the Meineke is to be continued. There was a lot of opposition from Lukoil’s attorney. Ternberry of course was unable to be heard and that’s carried until next month. That’s it, Mr. President.

Open Space Committee Report

Mrs. Labow: I gave it last time.

Legislative Committee Report

Mr. Buell: None.

Pride Committee Liaison Report

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President, I received from the Business Administrator, Mr. Sohl, and I thank him for following up, we have reached out to CBS Outdoors and Mr. Sohl will be using his discretion to negotiate some sort of an understanding and agreement on that billboard.

President Greenbaum: Did they change the billboard? It looked like…

Mr. Sohl: No.

President Greenbaum: It’s not? Not yet?

Mr. Perkins: It’ll be changed shortly, but I don’t know if it would be under the control of…

Mr. Sohl: Or it may be changed to a paid sign to which we…

President Greenbaum: I just didn’t know if it changed because I was driving up 206 today and I kind of looked in my rearview mirror, and I thought I saw a snowman up there which would be different.

Mr. Tepper: You didn’t see Steve drawing that?

President Greenbaum: It wouldn’t surprise me. It wouldn’t surprise me if Steve was at the Board of Adjustment meeting either.

Board of Education Liaison Report

Mr. Buell: They met last night. There was lot of caroling and rewards but nothing else of any substance.

Lake/Environment Issues Committee

Mr. Rattner: The Lake and Environmental Committee meeting was cancelled due to the environment.

Safety Committee Liaison

Mr. Perkins: It meets quarterly, Mr. President.

Finance Committee Report

Mr. Rattner: Nothing to report.

Economic Development Committee Report

Mr. Rattner: Nothing to report.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee Report

Mrs. Labow: We met Wednesday and Tim Quinn informed us that by April of 2008 we need to have our recycling ordinance updated. Tim is going to be reviewing it to add in the mandated things and to take out things that are also mandated to be removed. In January the Committee will be reviewing it and hopefully have Mrs. Labow (cont’d): it in shipshape order for Mr. Dorsey’s review, and then have it approved in the appropriate timeframe in April. Also, we had a question come up about the energy saving bulbs that are very popular these days to find out how they are to be disposed of. He did confirm that they do have mercury and are to be considered hazardous waste. We’re going to be talking about disposal of those items. We basically just reviewed what we’ve done in the past year, and are looking forward to a very productive next year. I turn it over to Phil if there’s anything I missed.

Mr. Tobey: No, I think you summarized it all.

Mrs. Labow: Thank you.

Library Board Liaison

Mr. Tepper: Nothing to report.

PUBLIC PORTION

Joe Abrusci, Sr., 9 Apollo Way, Flanders: Prior to the meeting’s start, I gave some of the Council members some of the pictures that I took over this, I believe it was last Friday morning after the snow. Picture #1 basically shows the trucks going along Bartley-Flanders Road. That’s my back yard that you see. That road is 60 feet across and all the other streets in the development are 30 feet. So we’ve got double the amount of snow that’s being pushed to the curb, and as Mr. Rattner stated that when Mr. Behler was in charge of the Road Department he went out with them a few times. Mr. Buell will point out to Mr. Rattner that, just look at the trees and you see all this slush and ice on the trees. That was because the drivers were speeding. So as you can see by the slush in my backyard that’s a good 30 feet from the curb. You have three large dump trucks with plows on them, much larger than what they used to have in the past going one behind the other roughly about two to three feet inwards. So the first truck goes through and he’s at the edge of the traffic lane. The next guy goes in a few feet closer to the curb and the next guy goes into the curb. Real close to the curb. Picture #2 also shows how much slush is being thrown into the yard. Picture #3 shows how when they clean the street, the Road Department people, the drivers, they plow the snow into the crosswalk. Now, the Town has an ordinance that the homeowners are responsible for cleaning the sidewalks. We have the senior housing at the end of Bartley-Flanders Road. The senior citizens actually have to walk in the road which is a tremendous hazard. Some of them can just about walk and they’re pushing a cart to go to A&P or Shop Rite to go shopping. As you can see even on the sidewalk, on #3 there’s quite a bit of slush on it and it gets very hard to clean. Picture #5 shows you the severity of the snow and slush on the sidewalk. Also if you look down a bit, you can see that the wooden fence is leaning inward which is causing a crossing problem for the residents that have the wooden fences. Picture #6 is of my neighbor’s sidewalk across the street which he cleaned. If you look up, maybe the second pole up on the street there, there’s slush on the sidewalk. The gentleman cleaned his sidewalk and now he has the trucks that go and make a mess for him to clean up again. How many times are we supposed to clean the sidewalk, number one. Number two, they’re doubling the size of the senior complex. You’re going to have a lot more senior citizens. What can be done to rectify this problem? I called Tim Quinn last Friday and he had seven workers out there cleaning all of the sidewalks. I realize that it cannot be done because then every resident would like their sidewalks cleaned by the Township employees. I mean, I’d love that too.

President Greenbaum: So would I, sign me up.

Mr. Tepper: So would I.

Mr. Perkins: I would too. Oh, that’s right I don’t have any sidewalks.

Mr. Rattner: You don’t have anyone coming down your street.

President Greenbaum: I had about as big of a pile in front of my house this time as I have ever had, but it wasn’t Township employees. It was contractors. They kind of just dumped it all in front of my driveway and I was bitching and moaning the entire time. It was heavy stuff.

Mr. Tepper: I think they’re all fireman.

Mr. Perkins: It cost us $100 but we got them to do it.

President Greenbaum: Well, Mayor, this is an Administrative matter that has been identified and we need to find a solution to this problem. It’s not a Council issue. So what steps do you think the Administration can take?

Mr. Sohl: Again, we will pass it on to Tim so he’s aware. The problem we had with the last snow especially was the nature of the slush and the wetness.

President Greenbaum: I understand that. There has to be a consistent position taken irrespective of the amount and type of snow that the crosswalks in that particular area, because of the nature of the fact that… You know, Joe, you can handle what you need to do as long as it’s not more than…

Mr. Abrusci, Sr.: It becomes a big problem only for the fact that it’s not really snow anymore. When they come through they put sand and salt on it and it becomes wet.

President Greenbaum: I get the same thing, believe me. If I can tell you how I felt when I was done, I had to go, I basically went to sleep for four hours after I was done shoveling just the end my driveway which was the same type of material that you’re talking about. It is that heavy sand and salt. This was particularly wet. It was terrible. I wasn’t particularly happy about what had been left in my driveway because I thought it was just because of the location of my house, but I realized this was a particularly difficult storm to deal with. I understand that and I didn’t say anything to anyone. I just went about cleaning it, but I am particularly worried about the crosswalks in that area, and the sidewalks in that area. Perhaps a meeting can be arranged with Tim to find out what thoughts he has in terms of that stretch of Flanders-Bartley Road. You can report back to us in terms of what steps are being taken by the Administration, if any, to deal with this particular issue. I’ll put it on for a Workshop in January.

Mr. Abrusci, Sr.: Okay, thank you.

President Greenbaum: Thank you. You have to state your name and address please.

Steve Kinney, 19 Apollo Way: To piggyback on that issue, the Park that’s next to our house Flanders Park, my son wants to go to Flanders Crossing. On the other side of the Manor, there are no sidewalks clear for the kids to get to the only crosswalk to get into Flanders Crossing. What do they do? They’re either going to have to walk in the street or climb over those big barriers of snow, you know, to get onto any sidewalks in Flanders Crossing.

President Greenbaum: Where does Apollo Way… I know that Flanders Crossing where I live does have a snow contractor. It does plow the sidewalks on the Flanders Crossing side although it may not be the first sidewalks that they get to, but they do snow. Are those sidewalks accessible to the residents on Apollo Way? Your son likes to go sledding over there? Is that why he goes over there?

Mr. Kinney: Yes, there’s a bunch of kids there.

President Greenbaum: I know a lot of kids sled in the retention basin.

Mr. Kinney: To get to the crosswalk that goes from Flanders Crossing to the Park, that’s the only lined crosswalk.

President Greenbaum: There is a sidewalk break up near the westerly end of the Flanders Crossing property.

Mr. Kinney: I mean, technically you’re not supposed to cross there. I mean, the kids, there’s no signs…

President Greenbaum: So the other issue that you’re raising then is the sidewalks adjacent to the park? Can we find out from the…

Mr. Kinney: No, I’m saying from the other side of the Manor…

President Greenbaum: What you’re saying is the sidewalks adjacent to the Park, to the entrance of the Park which is along Flanders Park.

Mr. Kinney: That should be, I mean, if we have to take care of our sidewalks then the Town has to take care of the Park’s sidewalks so the kids can walk there.

President Greenbaum: I don’t disagree with that.

Mr. Sohl: I just wrote it down.

President Greenbaum: Very good, issue noted. Report back to us…

Mr. Tobey: Are there sidewalks along the baseball field?

President Greenbaum: There are sidewalks.

Mr. Buell: Yes.

President Greenbaum: If you come out of Flanders Crossing and you cross it at Crossing Drive, across from the Park there are sidewalks that run from that point westerly to just past the A&P. They end at the A&P before you actually make the turn onto 206. Thank you. Any other issues related to the snow? You’re going to report back to us? If you’d like to leave your number with the Administration, they will report back to you. I am going to put it on for the first available Workshop in January which is probably the 22nd.

Mrs. Lashway: The 8th.

Mr. Sohl: The reorganization.

Mrs. Lashway: It’s also a Workshop and a public meeting.

President Greenbaum: Yes, but it’s not going to be on that day most likely.

Mr. Sohl: Well we’ll make it the 22nd.

President Greenbaum: The 22nd, but in the meantime we shouldn’t wait until the 22nd to resolve the issues if we can.

Mr. Sohl: No, we won’t.

President Greenbaum: Thank you very much. Robb, did you have something this evening? State your name and address please.

Robb Pearson, Budd Lake: I wanted to wish Jim Buell farewell, and a warm one. I think what you guys did with the resolution for him was pretty wonderful, but there was one thing missing which should have been mentioned. It’s something I’ve always remembered with fondness in spite of whatever differences you and I have had over the past few years. One thing I will always remember with fondness is when you ran for Congress. There was a statesmanlike way about you at that time, at least when I knew you when I did, that impressed the hell out of me and to this day it still does. I hope after your tenure is done after January that you somehow stay involved in the Town. I know one of your passions since I’ve known you was the EMS. In whatever capacity is appropriate, I hope you can continue to do something that will be constructive, positive, and help move things forward. I think anyone in Town who does that deserves to be stood beside by anybody. I wish you the best, I really do. Throughout the last couple of years there’s been no love lost between us, but I hope in whatever fashion it can take place, whether we speak or not, I hope we can put that behind us. I’ve never considered you a bad person. I might have disagreed with your politics, but I think given whatever positive elements you have, and doing what you did with that passion you had when you ran for Congress, put to good use I think you could still do some great benefit to the Town. Success in service isn’t limited to elected office. There’s actually so much more you could probably do as a private citizen. I hope to see you do that, I really do. My best to you and to Judy.

Mr. Buell: Thank you.

President Greenbaum: Thank you very much. Anyone else from the public? Seeing none, I close it to the public.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mr. Sohl: I would just like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for a great year.

Mayor Scapicchio: I would just like to wish everybody a happy holiday season, and a safe New Year. I’d also like to thank Jim for his four years of service. It’s been a pleasure for me to serve with him for the past fourteen months now. I wish him the best of luck.

Mr. Sohl: Me too.

Mr. Tepper: Obviously I would like to thank everybody for what we’ve had for the last few years and to wish everybody a happy holiday. I’d like to thank Jim for the two years time I’ve had the opportunity to spend on Council with him and wish everybody a safe holiday.

Mr. Tobey: I would like to wish Jim the best of luck also. Happy holidays to everyone and I look forward to moving forward.

Mrs. Labow: Yes, I would like to wish everybody a very happy holiday and a happy new year. I want to say, Jim, it’s been an honor to serve with you and I certainly know you will continue to stay involved. You will be coming to the meetings I’m sure. I want to thank you for absolutely everything you’ve done for this Township and what you will continue to do. Thank you, sir.

Mr. Perkins: Thank you Mr. President, I’d like to thank the press. There’s no press here. Thank you to everybody. It’s been, I think, a productive year from the standpoint of the Committees that I was able to sit with. I know the Safety Committee has finally had a resolution. I hope that it has put a little bit of teeth into the Committee and that the groups continue to work toward the betterment and the safety of all of the residents of Mount Olive Township. I thank Jim Buell for his four years of service on the Council. He has dedicated an awful lot of time. I’ll be the first to say, no, we didn’t always see eye to eye but I do respect all of Jim’s efforts and I wish him all the best. I want to thank the people who do show up, especially all of my fellow Council members, and the Administration for an outstanding job. I look forward to getting on to next year. Happy holiday season to everybody.

Mr. Rattner: Thank you. One thing that hasn’t come up yet that I think we should congratulate the Administration and Jack Marchione, and that’s that he kept the revaluation process on schedule. A year and a half ago when we started the revaluation when we were ordered by the County, his first suggestion was to let him go and petition for more time. There were reasons, you know, because of the commercial appeals and such, that we wanted to go forward at this time as was ordered. He said it was going to be a lot of work and he could do it and he got it done. Right now we’re still on schedule. I know it’s not always the most popular thing, but it was a big job with his Department working with professionals keeping them on their line. I think he should be congratulated for that. Number two of course is that it is the holiday season. I wish everybody a happy and healthy. Finally, it comes down to say to Jim you’ve got to look at it as a good ride. It’s been four years. It was good working with you. You will be missed. It’s not saying that we’re not going to learn to love and know Mr. Roman, which I’m sure we will, but it has. To say that you brought new excitement to the Council would be an understatement. I mean, they say I’ve been here forever but you’re the one who brought fist to cuffs to the dais. With that, I know I’ll still see you around. As the collision guys say, I hope we don’t meet by accident. Best wishes to you and your family for a great holiday season and a healthy New Year.

Mr. Dorsey: I just want to wish everybody a happy holiday. Fred Semrau will miss that he was not here for Mr. Buell’s last meeting. He has told me often that Mr. Buell provided to him the most exciting moment in a municipal meeting he’d ever sat at, when he began to rise in his chair as to the gentleman sitting to his left, and everybody at the right hand of the dais was looking for the panic button. Thanks very much for your support during the years.

President Greenbaum: Well, all of you who said goodbye to Mr. Buell will be saying hello again to him on the 28th of December when you’re here, which is a Friday night, for your special meeting. Jim, what can I say? You did an exceptional job. You’ve always been a good friend. You’re going to be missed. You worked very hard and you did a lot. With that, I turn the meeting over to you as the last Council comment and then you can…

Mr. Rattner: Put out the lights.

President Greenbaum: Put out the lights.

Mr. Buell: I just want to tell everybody that it’s been an honor to sit up here with all of you. It’s been an honor to serve the people of Mount Olive. I just hope that everybody has a good holiday, and I guess, can I have a motion to adjourn?

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made and seconded, all in favor and none opposed, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.

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Robert J. Greenbaum, Council President

I, LISA M. LASHWAY, Township Clerk of the Township of Mount Olive do hereby certify that the foregoing Minutes is a true and correct copy of the Minutes approved at a legally convened meeting of the Mount Olive Township Council duly held on January 08, 2008.

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Lisa M. Lashway, Township Clerk
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