TOWNSHIP COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES - January 19, 2010

The Public Meeting of the Mount Olive Township Council was called to Order at 10:08 pm by President Tobey with the Pledge of Allegiance.
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. Tobey, Mrs. Labow, Mr. Roman, Mr. Greenbaum, Mr. Perkins, Mr. Walsh

Absent: Mr. Mania

Also Present: David Scapicchio, Mayor; Bill Sohl, Business Administrator; Sherry Maniscalco, CFO; Fred Semrau, Township Attorney; Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

President Tobey: Once again, let the record reflect that Mr. Mania is away and therefore not with us this evening. We’re up to Approval of Minutes of the Previous Meetings, December 22nd and January 5th. Mrs. Labow, would you please move those?

Mrs. Labow: Yes, I move:

December 22, 2009 Workshop, Public Meeting & Executive Session – all present
January 5, 2010 Public Meeting – all present

Mr. Perkins: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. It’s been moved and seconded. Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception of Mr. Walsh who abstained on the December 22, 2009 Minutes

CORRESPONDENCE

LETTERS FROM RESIDENTS/ORGANIZATIONS

1. Letter received December 22, 2009, from R.G. Gold Mine, L.L.C. regarding the Combe Landfill Project. PDF Correspondence

2. Email received December 29, 2009, from Mark Armstrong regarding funding cuts to the Budd Lake First Aid Squad and Flanders Fire Company & Rescue Squad. PDF Correspondence

3. Email received December 30, 2009, from Elve DeFeo urging the Council to reconsider replacing the Budd Lake and Flanders First Aid Squads. PDF Correspondence

4. Letter received December 31, 2009, from John C. Hanright, President of New Jersey Vasa Park urging the Council to reconsider its plan to eliminate funding to the Budd Lake and Flanders First Aid and Rescue Squads. PDF Correspondence

5. Email received December 31, 2009, from Roy and Carmelina Persson regarding their opposition to ending funding for the Volunteer Rescue Squads. PDF Correspondence

6. Email received January 6, 2010, from Peter and Margaret Terrafranca regarding Volunteer EMS Squads. PDF Correspondence

7. Email received January 7, 2010, from Kelly Shreiner regarding Saving the EMS Volunteers. PDF Correspondence

8. Email received January 11, 2010, from Kevin Elms of the Flanders Fire and Rescue Squad regarding the Mount Olive Volunteer EMS. PDF Correspondence

9. Letter received January 12, 2010, from Pierre and Margaret Morin supporting the Mount Olive Volunteer EMS. PDF Correspondence

10. Email received January 12, 2010, from Kathy Lindsley supporting the Mount Olive Volunteer Squads. PDF Correspondence

11. Email received January 12, 2010, from Clare Bette Peters supporting the Volunteers EMS Squads. PDF Correspondence

12. Email received January 14, 2010, from Katelyn Acquisto regarding the Budd Lake First Aid and Rescue Squad Volunteers. PDF Correspondence

13. Letter received January 15, 2010, from Philip J. Maenza, P.C. regarding his resignation as the Municipal Court Judge. PDF Correspondence

RESOLUTIONS / ORDINANCES / CORRESPONDENCE OTHER TOWNS

14. Email received December 29, 2009, from the Borough of Wharton regarding a Resolution Urging the Legislature to amend OPRA. PDF Correspondence

DOT / DEP / LOI / HIGHLANDS

15. Letter received December 23, 2009, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding Jay Bob Associates, c/o RD Management, LLC Block 102 Lot 2 (56 Route 46). PDF Correspondence

16. Letter received December 23, 2009, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding Farooq Subdivision, 4 Thirty First Street, and a Highlands Act and Water Quality Management Plan. PDF Correspondence

17. Letter received December 23, 2009, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding Farooq Subdivision, 4 Thirty First Street, and a Revision to the Upper Raritan Water Quality Management Plan. PDF Correspondence

18. Letter received December 30, 2009 from Wicklow & Laurano Properties, LLC regarding an NJDEP Public Notice for Wicklow & Laurano Properties, 362 Route 206. PDF Correspondence
19.
Email received January 4, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding Traffic Regulation Order LU-2009-02. PDF Correspondence

20. Letter received January 4, 2010, from Yannaccone, Villa & Aldrich regarding an NJDEP Freshwater Wetlands Permit Application for Wicklow & Laurano Properties, 362 Route 206. PDF Correspondence

21. Letter received January 6, 2010 from Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants, Inc. regarding Rt. 183 over NJ Transit & Netcong Circle Reconstruction. PDF Correspondence

22. Letter received January 13, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding George Blasko, 282 Route 46 West. PDF Correspondence

LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES

23. Email received December 18, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding a Qualified Purchasing Agent. PDF Correspondence

24. Email received December 21, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Important Notice – Postponed, ERG Program on January 19, 2010, and Legislative Alert – Three Land Use Bills to Watch. PDF Correspondence

25. Email received December 21, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Legislative Alert – Three Land Use Bills to Watch and Governor Christie Can Slash Mandates and Free Local Leaders to Trim Property Taxes. PDF Correspondence

26. Email received December 22, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Save the Date – Community Energy Outreach Trainings, “Cable Television Act,” Extension of COBRA Continuation Requirement in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Act (CMPTRA) Funds Restored. PDF Correspondence

27. Email received December 22, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding a Recent Raritan Borough OPRA Decision. PDF Correspondence

28. Email received December 22, 2009 from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding a Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Act (CMPTRA) Funds Restored. PDF Correspondence

29. Email received December 22, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding an OPRA Decision – Cobra Extension and More. PDF Correspondence

30. Email received December 23, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Community Energy Outreach Trainings Sponsored by Sustainable Jersey, NJ BPU and ANJEC, Corrected Copy – Extension of COBRA Continuation Requirement in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Important New Information from the Division of Local Government Services, and FEMA Declaration for November 11-15, 2009 Storm – FEMA – 1865- DR. PDF Correspondence

31. Email received December 29, 2009, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding a Mayors Fax Advisory: December CMPTRA Payment Disbursement. PDF Correspondence

32. Email received January 4, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding a Mayors Newsline. PDF Correspondence

33. Email received January 6, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Urgent Action Required – Lame Duck Update, Register Now – Orientation for the Newly Elected, Re-Elected or Experienced. PDF Correspondence

34. Email received January 7, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Urgent Action Needed. PDF Correspondence

35. Email received January 7, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding DHSS Announces Increased H1N1 Vaccine Availability. PDF Correspondence

36. Email received January 8, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding A-4261/S-3071 which Allows Certain Current Managerial and Confidential Employees to Unionize and Up in the Assembly on Monday. PDF Correspondence

37. Email received January 8, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Professional Development Seminars Spring 2010. PDF Correspondence

38. Email received January 8, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Bills on the Governor’s Desk and Recap of Thursday’s Senate Committee Meetings. PDF Correspondence

39. Email received January 8, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Legislative Alert. PDF Correspondence

40. Email received January 8, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Legislation Affecting Municipalities and the Mayors Book Club. PDF Correspondence

41. Email received January 11, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Updated CEU’s on Four Upcoming Seminars. PDF Correspondence

42. Email received January 11, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Less Than Four Months to Census Day and Changes to the DLGS Website. PDF Correspondence

43. Email received January 12, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Five Issues. PDF Correspondence

44. Email received January 12, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Updated CEU’s on Two Upcoming League Seminars, Family Medical Leave Act/Family Leave Act and Wage and House. PDF Correspondence

45. Email received January 12, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding President Anzaldi Meets Governor Elect’s Chief of Staff, Bills on the Governor’s Desk and Bills Signed by the Governor. PDF Correspondence

46. Email received January 13, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Four Issues. PDF Correspondence

47. Email received January 13, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Help for Haiti. PDF Correspondence

48. Email received January 13, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding League Seminar to Tackle Bond Ratings. PDF Correspondence

49. Email received January 13, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Urgent Prevailing Wage for Maintenance Road Projects on Governor’s Desk, Time is Limited – Register Now, Orientation for the Newly Elected, Re-elected or Experienced. PDF Correspondence

50. Email received January 14, 2010, from the Morris County League of Municipalities regarding the “State of the State.” PDF Correspondence

51. Email received January 14, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding Court Grants League Status in Telecommunications Tax Case and Updated Speaker – League Professional Development Seminar “Health Benefits Negotiations Primer. PDF Correspondence

52. Email received January 15, 2010, from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities regarding the Seminar, “Social Media and the Public Official.” PDF Correspondence

LETTER FROM LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES

53. Email received December 18, 2009, from Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen regarding The Week Just Past, More and More Washington Spending, Funding for our Warfighters Approved, Good Presentation of the Week, “Guantanamo North:” P.R. Above National Security, Backing the SEALs, House Votes on Iran Sanctions and International Trade = American Jobs. PDF Correspondence

54. Email received January 8, 2010, from Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen regarding Look Out America: More Backroom Dealing on healthcare, The Week Just Past, Unacceptable, New Year – Same Old Dangerous Policies, By the Numbers: Bringing Terrorists to American Soil, Court Upholds U.S. Right to Hold Terror Suspects, The Rush to Declassify, and those Bailouts Keep on Coming. PDF Correspondence

UTILITIES

55. Letter received December 31, 2009, from Cablevision regarding Direct Sales. PDF Correspondence

56. Letter received January 7, 2010, from Verizon regarding Verizon Annual Notice for Business Customers. PDF Correspondence

57. Letter received January 11, 2010, from Comcast regarding Package Changes. PDF Correspondence

DCA

58. Email received December 23, 2009, from the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs regarding a GovConnect Update for December 23, 2009. PDF Correspondence

59. Email received January 4, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs regarding a NJ State Library Link. PDF Correspondence

MORRIS COUNTY

60. Letter received December 29, 2009, from the County of Morris, Department of Planning & Development regarding the Status of the Wastewater Management Plan for Morris County, No Petition for Conformance in Highlands Planning Area.

61. Email received January 14, 2010, from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office regarding a Black History Month Celebration. PDF Correspondence

MSA

62. Minutes received January 7, 2010, from the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority regarding a December 2, 2009 Regular Meeting. PDF Correspondence

63. Letter received January 7, 2010, from the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority regarding allocations for the participating municipalities in the 4.31 MGD Water Pollution Control Plant. PDF Correspondence

64. Letter received January 11, 2010, from the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority regarding FY2010 Funding Formulas Being Considered by NJDEP/NJEIT. PDF Correspondence

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE

65. Email received January 14, 2010, from the State of New Jersey, Department of Public Advocate regarding a Lead Poisoning Prevention Ordinance. PDF Correspondence

President Tobey: Moving on we’re up to Correspondence. There are 65 pieces of Correspondence. Does anyone from Council wish to discuss any?

Mrs. Labow: I think we had a record breaker on correspondence.

Mrs. Lashway: Mr. Walsh, you want to abstain on the Minutes from December 22nd since you weren’t on Council at the time?

Mr. Walsh: Correct, thank you. Yes, thank you.

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING – none

ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING (2nd reading – Feb. 2, 2010)

President Tobey: Moving on, we’re up to Ordinances for Public Hearing with a Second Reading for February 2, 2010. Okay, the next item on the Agenda for First Reading is Ord. #1-2010, entitled:

Ord. #1-2010 An Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Establishing Recreation Fees for Various Township Sponsored Recreational Activities.

President Tobey: Mr. Walsh, would you please move that?

Mr. Walsh: Yes, I Pat Walsh, move Ord.#1-2010 to be introduced by title and passed on first reading and that a meeting be held on February 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive, NJ for a public hearing consideration of said reading and passage of said ordinance and that the Clerk be directed to publish, post and make available such ordinance in accordance with the requirements of law.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. It’s been moved and seconded. Any Council discussion?

Mrs. Labow: Congratulations, Pat, your first one.

Mr. Walsh: Thank you.

President Tobey: Seeing none, Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: The next item on the Agenda is Ord.#2-2010, entitled:

Ord. #2-2010 An Ordinance of the Township of Mount Olive, County of Morris, State of New Jersey Amending and Supplementing Chapter 245, Vehicles and Traffic, of the Revised General Ordinances – Speed Limits.

President Tobey: Mr. Perkins, would you please move that?

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President, I move that Ord.#2-2010 be introduced by title and passed on first reading and that a meeting be held on February 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive, NJ for a public hearing consideration of said reading and passage of said ordinance and that the Clerk be directed to publish, post and make available such ordinance in accordance with the requirements of law.

President Tobey: Thank you. Is there a second?

Mr. Roman: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. Any Council discussion? Seeing none, Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: The next item on the Agenda is Ord.#3-2010, entitled:

Ord. #3-2010 An Ordinance of the Township of Mount Olive, County of Morris, State of New Jersey Amending and Supplementing Chapter 245, Vehicles and Traffic, of the Revised General Ordinances – Weight Limits.

President Tobey: Mr. Roman, please.

Mr. Roman: Yes, I move that Ord.#3-2010 be introduced by title and passed on first reading and that a meeting be held on February 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive, NJ for a public hearing consideration of said reading and passage of said ordinance and that the Clerk be directed to publish, post and make available such ordinance in accordance with the requirements of law.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. Any Council discussion? Seeing none, Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: The next item on the Agenda is Ord.#4-2010, entitled:

Ord. #4-2010 An Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Amending Ordinance #27-2009 Which Established Salaries for the Mayor, Council, Department Heads, Supervisory Personnel and Employees of the Township Clerk’s Office for the Year 2009 and 2010.

President Tobey: Mr. Greenbaum?

Mr. Greenbaum: Yes, I move that Ord.#4-2010 be introduced by title and passed on first reading and that a meeting be held on February 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive, NJ for a public hearing consideration of said reading and passage of said ordinance and that the Clerk be directed to publish, post and make available such ordinance in accordance with the requirements of law.

President Tobey: Thank you. Is there a second?

Mr. Roman: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. Any Council discussion? Seeing none, Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception of Mr. Greenbaum who voted no

President Tobey: The next item on the Agenda is Ord.#5-2010, entitled:

Ord. #5-2010 An Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Amending the Fees or Rates for Off-Duty Police Officers.

President Tobey: Mrs. Labow, would you please move that?

Mrs. Labow: Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I move that Ord.#5-2010 be introduced by title and passed on first reading and that a meeting be held on February 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road, Mount Olive, NJ for a public hearing consideration of said reading and passage of said ordinance and that the Clerk be directed to publish, post and make available such ordinance in accordance with the requirements of law.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. It’s been moved and seconded. Any Council discussion? Seeing none, Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

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 Approving the Contract Between the MOTPEA and the Township.

2. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Termination of the Contract with Bollinger for Prescription Benefits Effective April 30, 2010.

3. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Termination of the Contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for Health Insurance Benefits Effective April 30, 2010

4. Resolution Authorizing Participation in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program Act of the State of New Jersey.

5. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Institution of an In-Rem Tax Foreclosure.

6. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Use of Various Purchasing Contracts.

7. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of a Contract Balance with General Metal Manufacturing Co.

8. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Supporting the Participation in the 2010 Fair Share Assessment with the Morris County Adaptive Recreation Program (McARP).

9. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing a Grant Contract for the Acquisition of the “South Branch Preserve.”

10. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing Advent Insurance Services as the Township Risk Management Consultant with the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund for 2010.

11. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing an Agreement with Saint Clare’s Hospital for Community Health Services.

12. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Solicitation of Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) for a Public-Private Enterprise Contract for the Operation, Maintenance and Improvement to the Township’s Water Systems.

13. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Supporting the Findings of the New Jersey Department of Transportation that Route 206 Should be a “No Passing Zone Through the Entire Length of Mount Olive Township.

President Tobey: There are 13 resolutions listed. Does anyone on Council wish to move any to Non Consent?

Mr. Walsh: If I may ask a question?

President Tobey: Yes.

Mr. Walsh: We’re on page 7 correct?

President Tobey: Yes.

Mr. Walsh: Okay, now the first item, “Resolution of the Township Council Approving the Contract Between…” This is to approve their increase of 3.75% for the next four years?

Mrs. Labow: Yes.

President Tobey: That’s correct. That’s the contract negotiations that are outlined.

Mr. Walsh: Yes, I saw those. Okay, just clarifying. It’s my first…

Mrs. Labow: You can have it removed and voted on separately.

Mr. Sohl: It’s the MOTPEA. It’s the non Police Union.

Mr. Walsh: I would like that to be removed and voted on separately.

President Tobey: Alright. Does anyone on Council wish to move any others to Non Consent? Seeing none, Mr. Perkins, would you please move 2 through 13?

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President. I move Consent Resolutions numbers 2 through 13.

President Tobey: Is there a second?

Mr. Roman: Second.

PUBLIC PORTION ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS – none

President Tobey: Thank you. Does anyone from the public wish to be heard on any Consent Resolutions? Seeing none, Mr. Perkins?

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Perkins: Yes, thank you, Mr. President. For just a brief clarifying statement again, I’ll be back onto resolution number 12 for the RFPs that are going out. It is still my humble opinion that the Township should be selling this water system, and not looking at getting an O&M contract, which will benefit approximately 2,269 homes leaving a balance of 4,200 and some odd homes without any direct benefit. Thank you, Mr. President.

President Tobey: Alright, thank you. Any other Council comments?

Mr. Walsh: Just on 2 through, or can I comment on 1 now?

President Tobey: No, not yet.

Mr. Walsh: Okay, just 2 through 13. Okay.

President Tobey: Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception of Mr. Greenbaum who abstained on number 10

RESOLUTIONS NON-CONSENT

President Tobey: Mr. Walsh, will you please move Non Consent resolution number 1?

Mr. Walsh: So moved.

1. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Approving the Contract Between the MOTPEA and the Township.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. Moved and seconded. Mr. Walsh?

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Walsh: I’d like to say a few words.

President Tobey: Please.

Mr. Walsh: Thank you. I understand a lot of this was done before I came along, obviously. So it’s a little hard for me to vote yes on this because of that. Also, I’ve been very outspoken about the fact that I feel we need to give, I think, people who receive salaries from our Town, I’ve said it at the School Board meetings and I’m going to say it here now, should be taking a one to two year 0%. I understand there is a whole lot that goes into establishing this, etc. I’m not going to get into that now, but I stand firmly with the fact that I really feel like they should be going with just a 0% for one year. That’s just my feeling. That’s… Go ahead, I’ll just leave it at that for now.

President Tobey: Thank you, Mr. Walsh. Mr. Perkins?

Mr. Perkins: Thank you, Mr. President. For my colleague, Mr. Walsh, while I understand and somewhat agree, I would ask that you consider that just recently we approved an ordinance adding a bonus, not a bonus, but a one time make up fee to the administrative portion of our Township employees, let alone that we had also passed the FOP contract for the Police without that stipulation. In my humble opinion, making that distinction now with the MOTPEA would be discriminatory and could open us up to some legal issues. I would have to defer to over there, I mean, there’s been a contract. It’s been negotiated by a team that was approved. We had our Administration and some Council members on there. This is identical quite frankly, I believe, to the FOP contract.

Mr. Walsh: Right.

Mr. Perkins: So I don’t think that really you’d want to come back, and I could understand what you’re talking about but I don’t think we can do that given the past moves that we’ve made now. I think we’d be discriminating against MOTPEA, who in good faith have already bargained with our administrative staff.

Mr. Walsh: I hear you.

Mr. Perkins: I mean, that’s just my statement.

President Tobey: Thank you, Mr. Perkins. Any there Council comments? Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, Roll Call, please.

PUBLIC PORTION ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS – none

ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception of Mrs. Labow and Mr. Walsh who voted no

Mr. Sohl: Colleen, what did you vote?

Mrs. Labow: No.

MOTIONS – CONSENT

President Tobey: Moving onto Motions, we have four listed. Does anyone on Council have any questions? Seeing none, Mr. Walsh, will you please move the Motions?

Mr. Walsh: Sure. I’d like to move Motions 1 through 4, 1 through 3, I’m sorry.

President Tobey: You can include 1 through 4.

Mr. Walsh: I can do 1 through 4?

President Tobey: Please.

Mr. Walsh: I’d like to move Motions 1 through 4.

1. Appointment of Tina Allen to the Economic Development Committee for a 3 year term to expire 12/31/2012.
2. Approval of the Renewal of a Taxi Permit for Sohail (Sonny) Anjum, d/b/a Budd Lake Car Service.
3. Approval of Raffle Application #2344 for Soroptimist International of Hackettstown.
4. Bill List.

Mr. Roman: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you. It’s been moved and seconded. Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception of Mr. Roman who voted no on Number 2

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President Tobey: Moving on, Administrative Reports. Mr. Sohl, anything?

Mr. Sohl: We’ve had a busy night.

OLD BUSINESS – none

NEW BUSINESS – none

LEGAL MATTERS

President Tobey: We’ll leave it at that. Is there any New Business? Any Old Business? Any Legal Matters?

Mr. Semrau: None at this time.

COUNCIL REPORTS

President Tobey: Thank you. We’re up to Council Reports. In lieu of going through each one individually, does anyone on Council have a Report to give this evening?
Mr. Walsh: Would you pick whoever wants to go first?

President Tobey: Mr. Walsh?

Legislative Committee Report

Mr. Walsh: Thank you, I did meet with, as far as the Legislative Committee Report goes, I did meet with our Legislative leaders here in our District. They were very gracious and welcomed me aboard. We discussed property taxes and how we can, at the State level, hopefully get more State Aid to our District and to our Town. I’m not going to go into a lot of detail right now, but just to let you know that there’s some serious discussions happening, and I’ll have more for you at the next meeting. Thank you.

President Tobey: Thank you very much. Any other Council Reports? Mr. Roman?

Recreation Liaison Report

Mr. Roman: On Recreation, the Recreation Committee, along with some representatives from Football, Soccer, Lacrosse and track met with a representative from Positive Sport Alliance, which is an organization that gives training to volunteer sports organizations on how to properly coach with the goal of making it a more positive experience, almost akin to a certification. The sports organizations are going to go back to their membership to determine whether this is something that could benefit them. The Recreation Committee did not, at this time, determine whether this would be mandatory for the sports organizations.

Board of Education Liaison Report

Mr. Roman: On the Board of Education, tomorrow there will be a Budget Committee meeting at 7:00 at the Middle School. The area of the School budget that will be addressed would be those items that are not State mandated. So these would be considered discretionary items. I will be in attendance at that meeting. That’s it.

President Tobey: Thank you, Mr. Perkins?

Safety Committee Liaison

Mr. Perkins: I…

President Tobey: Oh, I thought you had your hand up.

Mr. Perkins: I did but we’ve heard enough about the Safety Committee. It’s fine. We were there. You were at the meeting.

Board of Health Report – none
Planning Board Report – none
Open Space Committee Report – none
Pride Committee Report – none
Lake/Environment Issues Committee – none
Economic Development Committee Report – none
Library Board Liaison – none
Senior Citizen Liaison –none
Community Development Revenue Sharing – none

PUBLIC PORTION

President Tobey: Alright, we’re up to the pubic portion. Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Yes, sir.

Nelson Russell, Budd Lake: Just a minor thing. I looked through the resolution. I looked through this for a translation of MOTPEA. It would be interesting if you let us know what that is.

Mrs. Labow: Good point. So you want to know what the acronym stands for.

Mr. Russell: I’m assuming it’s the Mount Olive Township Police something or other.

Mr. Sohl: This is relative to St. Claire’s?

Mrs. Labow: MOTPEA.

Mrs. Lashway: Public Employees Association.

Mr. Sohl: Oh, MOTPEA. Mount Olive Township Public Employees Association.

Mr. Russell: Public Employees, okay.

Mrs. Labow: So what you’re saying is that in the resolution we should have had the acronym described as to what it is.

Mr. Russell: It’s all acronyms. I mean, it doesn’t say what it’s for.

Mr. Sohl: No, he’s absolutely right. I mean, proper, it was like AOS and BOS before

Mrs. Labow: It’s so funny because we’re so used to it I didn’t even notice.

Mr. Perkins: …go back to the FOP one.

Mrs. Labow: Can we add that to it, Fred?

President Tobey: Mr. Russell, you’re absolutely correct. Thank you.

Mr. Russell: Thank you.

President Tobey: Anyone else from the public? Seeing none, any closing Council comments?

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mrs. Labow: I just want to say that I know it’s been a very emotional time for the residents in Town and the whole proposal with EMS. I will say that, David’s not here right now, but he did speak to me and I did ask him specifically that I’d heard that Atlantic wanted to reduce to one ambulance. I spoke with Fred Detoro today and he said the same thing and we’re not. It is two ambulances but they thought…they did question that, as a representative also admitted, that they wanted to go to one ambulance. My concern with the entire EMS issue is that our emergency squads are a lot more, and I can speak without a whole bunch of people here tonight, right now. They are a lot more than just providing emergency services for our residents. Everyone is saying it’s not about the money and then we’re hearing from several people it’s not about the response time. Then the question is, “What is the response time, really?” I would really like to propose that, also I was a little bit concerned with Atlantic when they said they had the one year contract because at that time the Town can decide if they want to continue. Do we want to continue? Perhaps we should really put this whole thing on the back burner and wait another few months, especially let that whole year cycle through. They always say with any situation you should really go through a whole year. I think we should really back this thing up. Let’s move on, I think with Doug Fenichel, I thought he had some excellent points. Let them decide if they’re, you know, it’s good to review what’s going on and not just take it for granted. If there are ways to improve the couple of minutes of response time… I kind of feel like we yanked the carpet out from under their feet without ever giving them a chance to correct the issue if there is an issue and so I just really want to say to my colleagues. I know, well Rob stepped out also. He said you could have five votes that overturn what the Mayor wants to do, but I really would like everybody to please reconsider and think is this really the right move to make at this time. I think we just have to give it a lot of thought, please.

President Tobey: Just a comment there. We certainly need to continue to give it thought and evaluate what was presented tonight and the questions that were posed. We need to continue with a process that’s been started already and that’s looking to come to a resolution for the benefit of the community. We need to continue on that course, you know, starting tomorrow.

Mrs. Labow: Part of the benefit of the community is the volunteers. I mean, that is another benefit that comes into play. You have to kind of like take the whole emotion thing out of it. It is a tear jerking type of a thing, very emotional but you’ve got to… You know, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and putting the pros and the cons and just saying, okay, so if we don’t have this anymore we’re going to lose this and we’re going to lose that. The other thing, too, that I wanted to point out tonight was that when you have the paid, any service when you have two people, they can’t, a lot of times they cannot lift the patient. They cannot get them out. They’ve got to call more help in and I ask people from other Towns, “How do you handle it?” “Oh, we always have more than two people. You’ve got to.” That’s just to get the patient out of the house in many cases. Our squads have been going and helping the paid service now and there’s a lot of stuff that is happening that we’re not aware of because they’re not saying, well, gee we had to run over and help this or do that because they just do that.

President Tobey: Just for the record, the money is not in the budget, okay, and it’s going to come down to a budgetary discussion and decision at some point because right now it’s not (correction 3/17/10 lml) there. Once again, hopefully we can come to a resolution for the benefit of all parties, not to be repetitive, but more so for the community at the end of the day. Thank you. Does anyone else have any other Council Reports?

Mr. Perkins: We’re on comments, Mr. President.

Mrs. Lashway: Final Council comments.

President Tobey: Final Council comments, excuse me. Anything?

Mr. Perkins: Mr. Walsh, you have anything to say?

Mrs. Labow: It’s your turn.

Mr. Perkins: No?

Mr. Walsh: No, I’m sorry. No.

Mr. Perkins: Mr. President?

President Tobey: Please.

Mr. Perkins: Thank you. Yes, we did need to take the emotion out of this evening and, Mr. President, I think you did an outstanding job with letting the presenters state their case, tell us what the facts are as well as having the residents, whether from our municipality or from our borders, who came and had some interesting things to tell us. There’s not a doubt in our minds, any of us, that our volunteers are an asset to this community, and losing them 100% I think, personally, would be a disservice and injustice. I do appreciate the fact that yourself and the Mayor have started the negotiations with these folks to try to come to some common ground. I think in today’s economy we all realize that we need to save money. We have to save that money wherever possible and if that requires a deduction in the amount of funding that the Council was able to appropriate to any specific organization, not unlike we have done with some of the sports associations over the years, then so be it. They will need to work their operations around what the Township can reasonably expect our taxpayers to be burdened with. Thank you, Mr. President.

President Tobey: Thank you. Mr. Roman?

Mr. Roman: If anything that came out from tonight’s meeting it is the appreciation for the volunteers. Hopefully all of the issues that have been brought up before now and later would be aptly addressed to the resolution of not only the volunteer squads but also the residents. Let me be the first on this board to congratulate Mr. Brown on winning his Massachusetts Senate seat.

Mr. Sohl: Brown won?

President Tobey: I have nothing. At this time I’ll accept a motion to adjourn.

Mr. Perkins: So moved.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Tobey: All in favor?

AYE

President Tobey: Have a good evening everyone.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made and seconded, all in favor and none opposed, the meeting was adjourned at 10:31 pm.

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Phil Tobey, 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 February 2, 2010.

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Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk

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