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COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES - MAY
6, 2008
The Regular Public Meeting of the Mount Olive Township Council
was called
to
Order at
9:41 pm
by
Council
President Perkins with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & MOMENT OF REFLECTION for all those who
have and continue to protect our freedoms and our way of life.
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. Perkins, Mr. Roman, Mr. Tobey, Mrs. Labow,
Mr. Rattner, Mr. Tepper, Mr. Greenbaum
Absent: none
Also Present: David Scapicchio, Mayor; Bill Sohl, Business Administrator;
Sherry Jenkins, CFO; John Dorsey, Township Attorney; Dominic DiYanni,
Township Attorney (9:30); Michelle Masser, Deputy Township Clerk
Jerzy’s Best All Starz Presentation – Given at Workshop
Questions on Bill List?
President Perkins: Any questions on the Bill List? Any Council
members? Nelson, do you have any, no questions?
Mr. Nelson Russell: No, not even on the rubber duckies.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
President Perkins: Alright, that moves us on to approval of the
Minutes of the previous meetings. Mr. Greenbaum, would you move
those?
Mr. Greenbaum: Yes, I’ll move the Minutes of:
April 22, 2008 WS & PM – Mrs. Labow absent
April 26, 2008 Budget Hearing – Mrs. Labow & Mr. Greenbaum
absent
President Perkins: Thank you. Second?
Mr. Rattner: Second.
President Perkins: Roll Call, please?
ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception Mr. Greenbaum abstained
from April 26, 2008 due to his absence, Mr. Roman abstained from
April 26, 2008 because of his early departure, and Mrs. Labow abstained
from April 22, and April 26 due to her absence
CORRESPONDENCE
LETTERS FROM RESIDENTS/ORGANIZATIONS
1. Spring Newsletter received April 18, 2008, from the Division
on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans regarding the May 2008 Calendar
of Events. PDF Correspondence
2. Letter received April 22, 2008, from Ray Winch regarding the
Old Flanders Sewer Proposal. PDF Correspondence
3. Letter received April 29, 2008, from Joe Furnari owner of Waterman,
a bulk water delivery service regarding requests for purchasing
bulk water from the Township. PDF Correspondence
RESOLUTIONS / ORDINANCES / CORRESPONDENCE OTHER TOWNS
4. Ordinance received April 21, 2008, from the Township of Chester
regarding Land Use. PDF Correspondence
5. Ordinance received April 25, 2008, from the Township of Washington
Establishing Zoning Permit and Review Fees. PDF Correspondence
MUA / MSA
DOT / DEP / LOI / HIGHLANDS
6. Letter received April 22, 2008, from the State of New Jersey,
Department of Environmental Protection regarding Turkey Brook Park
(Block 7600, Lot 71) Green Acres project. Use of Well on Parkland
as Municipal Backup Well. PDF Correspondence
7. Letter received April 24, 2008, from the State of New Jersey,
Department of Environmental Protection regarding Conditional No
Further Action Letter and Covenant Not to Sue for Block 104, Lot
1 (100 International Drive) PDF Correspondence
8. Letter received April 25, 2008, from the State of New Jersey,
Department of Environmental Protection regarding JCC Metrowest,
Camp Deeny Riback Block 7600 Lots 84 & 85 (208-210 Flanders-Netcong
Road). PDF Correspondence
9. Letter received April 28, 2008, from the State of New Jersey,
Department of Transportation regarding a deck replacement project
for U.S. Route 46 over the Musconetcong River Bridge. PDF Correspondence
LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES
10. E-mail received April 18, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding Rutgers Forum on Immigration
and Democracy and COAH Regulations / Affordable Housing and League
Form. PDF Correspondence
11. E-mail received April 18, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding earlier E-mail on Immigration
and Democracy. PDF Correspondence
12. E-mail received April 21, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding 2009 Pension Obligations, Grant
News and Information Page, Budget Cut Update Funding Formulas matter,
and Hotel Occupancy Tax. PDF Correspondence
13. E-mail received April 22, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding DLGS Services, Implementing
Chapter 92 of 2007 and the Affect on Chapter 103, and the State
Budget Summit. PDF Correspondence
14. E-mail received April 23, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding the First Ever PSEG Global Expo,
Pay to Play and Ethics, and the Documentary – Green Builders.
PDF Correspondence
15. E-mail received April 24, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding ISRA Applicability Service to
be discontinued. PDF Correspondence
16. Letter received April 25, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding Bills that were enacted as Public
Laws of 2008. PDF Correspondence
17. E-mail received April 25, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding S-1236, Automated External Defibrillators.
PDF Correspondence
18. E-mail received April 28, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding Reducing Municipal Fuel Costs,
Federal Update for Period ending April 25, 2008, a must for your
municipality – two updated publications available NOW, and
3 important publications. PDF Correspondence
19. E-mail received April 29, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding Joint Program on Foreclosure
Crisis, Problem-Solving Negotiation: a Skill Development Seminar,
and State Budget Summit. PDF Correspondence
20. E-mail received April 29, 2008, from the New Jersey State
League of Municipalities regarding an Appellate Division Ruling
that Mayor can make Police Appointments under Mayor-Council Government.
PDF Correspondence
21. E-mail received May 1, 2008, from the New Jersey State League
of Municipalities regarding an Executive Order Concerning Lead
Paint Abatement – Local Implications. PDF Correspondence
22. E-mail received May 1, 2008, from the New Jersey State League
of Municipalities regarding May Grant Page Posted, and Speaker’s
Proposal to Give Consolidation Commission Teeth. PDF Correspondence
MORRIS COUNTY
23. Minutes received April 21, 2008, from the Morris County Planning
Board regarding the March 20, 2008 meeting. PDF Correspondence
24. Letter received April 21, 2008, from Morris County Green Table
regarding Presentation on Trails: How to get from Here to There.
PDF Correspondence
25. Letter received April 21, 2008, from Morris County Community
Development regarding Firehouse Rehab funding. PDF Correspondence
26. Letter received April 28, 2008, from the Morris County Department
of Planning, Development & Technology, Division of Transportation
regarding a public hearing on a proposal to grant an easement to
the County owned Dover and Rockaway Railroad in the Town of Dover
(Block 605 Lot 5). PDF Correspondence
27. Resolution received April 30, 2008, from the Morris County
Board of Chosen Freeholders regarding Park Improvement Trust Allocations
for the year 2008. PDF Correspondence
LETTERS FROM LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES
28. Letter received April 21, 2008, from Senator Thomas H. Kean,
Jr. regarding Resolution “Opposing the Failure of the Governor’s
Proposed State Budget for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year to Treat Property
Tax Relief as Our Priority.” PDF Correspondence
29. Fax received April 24, 2008, from Assemblyman Gary Chiusano
regarding COAH. PDF Correspondence
30. E-mail received April 25, 2008, from Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen
regarding Frelinghuysen urges House leadership to put aside partisanship
and work to lower fuel prices, 68 days in the dark – Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act languishes, House Cost Guard Bill
focuses on port security, Frelinghuysen lauds the men and women
of Picatinny, Frelinghuysen to host Eight Annual Academy Night,
and Spread the eNews! PDF Correspondence
TORT
31. Summons received April 21, 2008, from William J. Vosper, Jr.,
Esq. regarding Matthew Hicks v. Township of Mount Olive Budd Lake
First Aid and Rescue Squad; and Unlimited Structure, Inc. PDF Correspondence
UTILITIES
32. Letter received April 22, 2008, from Comcast regarding the
Broadcast Digital Transition tool kit. PDF Correspondence
33. Petition received April 25, 2008, from Comcast Cable Communications,
LLC requesting Special Relief from the Federal Communications Commission.
34. Letter received April 28, 2008, from New Jersey Natural Gas
regarding a petition for approval of an increase in gas rates,
depreciation rates for gas property, and for changes in the tariff
for gas service.
President Perkins: That takes us to Correspondence. We have 34
pieces of Correspondence. Is there any Council member that would
like to discuss anything? Mr. Roman.
Mr. Roman: Yes, I definitely would like to find out more on this
Waterman / Waterboy situation. Yes, I saw that everything is about
water but I would like to see more as far as background, the exact
ordinance and procedures, because the allegations that were made
by Mr. Funari are very serious. I would also like to entertain
the possibility of maybe having Mr. Funari here, and also Mr. Waterboy
so that we can find out the exact details.
Mr. Sohl: I really don’t care what goes on between those
two gentlemen. They used to work for the same company.
Mr. Roman: Right.
Mr. Sohl: I mean, if they, the letter had claimed factual errors
in it. I addressed those errors in the memo I gave you. We are
looking at setting up the proper procedure relative to whether
or not we even want to provide water to these bulk carriers.
Mr. Roman: Well, I think that might be something…
Mr. Sohl: We have no obligation to do so.
Mr. Roman: I think that’s something I would definitely like
to at least see discussed, whether we as far as Council would maybe
like to discuss it.
Mr. Sohl: That’s fine.
Mr. Roman: To either do it, charge for it, to bid it, to whatever
it is, but honestly I was rather disturbed to hear those allegations
and I definitely…
Mr. Sohl: What?
Mr. Tepper: I agree.
Mrs. Labow: Yes, I agree.
Mr. Sohl: I have to ask what the allegation is. We have not been
giving free water to only one person.
Mr. Roman: No, I think that…
Mr. Tepper: Have we discriminated against one vendor at the principle
over another?
Mr. Sohl: Yes, so the answer to that question is yes. I can’t
say it any more definitively. It’s not going to continue.
Mrs. Labow: I have a question, Ray.
Mr. Rattner: Mr. Perkins, can we just put this on for maybe the
next Workshop instead of going for different little pieces? This
way it gives them time to put together whatever he does have instead
of going in these snippets.
Mrs. Labow: I’d also like to request that…
Mayor Scapicchio: You outline that in the memo.
Mr. Sohl: I did.
Mr. Rattner: That makes more sense than trying to talk about it
now.
Mrs. Labow: I’d also like to request that we find out where
the money, what account it was put into.
Mr. Sohl: The money went into the revenue account. It was charged
under the water service.
Mrs. Labow: So we could have copies of those vouchers also, and
have the billings.
Mr. Sohl: You can go to Finance.
Ms. Jenkins: They’re not vouchers. It’s not like we’re
paying. We were getting money so it’s a copy of an invoice
that the Collection Department has prepared. We have all of that
backup.
President Perkins: Right, you’ve got all of the invoices
and everything for the water, right?
Ms. Jenkins: It went into the water utility where it was supposed
to and was charged in accordance with the ordinance. We have that.
Mrs. Labow: It was charged in accordance with the ordinance.
Ms. Jenkins: Yes, it was.
Mrs. Labow: What part?
Mr. Sohl: It’s in the memo, Colleen.
Mrs. Labow: It doesn’t make sense, Bill.
Mr. Sohl: Read the, go…
Mrs. Labow: I read the memo.
Mr. Sohl: …you’ve got a book that says Township Ordinances.
Mrs. Labow: Yes, we read it.
Mr. Rattner: Let’s just do it at the next meeting.
Mrs. Labow: We’ll do it at the next meeting with all of
the documentation.
Mr. Sohl: I said it doesn’t make sense.
Mrs. Labow: So it’s been done wrong.
Mr. Tepper: Let’s move on then.
President Perkins: We’re going to move on with this because
they have the information. It is available. I would suggest, you
know, that we get to that and if we need to discuss it further
then we’ll go further from that. Administration is telling
us that they have all of the backup. Let’s take a look at
that and then we can have a discussion.
Ms. Jenkins: Ray?
Mr. Rattner: We’ll get it all together at one time.
Mayor Scapicchio: Ray, let’s just put this whole thing in
perspective. This is a situation that came to our attention that’s
been ongoing since two thousand and…
Mr. Sohl: At least three or four years it looks like.
Mayor Scapicchio: It doesn’t look right. It doesn’t
sound right. The Administration is addressing it, you know, to
sort of imply that, you know, we knew there was something not appropriate.
It’s just not factual.
Mr. Roman: And by no means am I implying that…
Mayor Scapicchio: No, Alex, I am not inferring that you did.
Mrs. Labow: No, just get the facts.
Mayor Scapicchio: Just in general, and our recommendation at the
end of the day may be, you know what, nobody gets any water. We’re
not selling any of it.
Mr. Roman: I just want, you know what, what I don’t like
is the appearance that any employee is accused of doing anything
improper. I want it aired out and I want all of the facts laid
out so that the person accusing can at least be brought out in
public and be told, you know, you’re wrong. That’s
frankly what I, I do not like the fact that he besmirched the reputation
of our employees and possibly our department.
Mr. Tepper: Character.
Mrs. Labow: The Township.
Mayor Scapicchio: Alex, when we received, when Bill received that
letter making these allegations, both Bill and Tim Quinn jumped
all over it. They spent that entire day trying to reconstruct what
actually happened. He sent a detailed memo to Council I believe…
Mr. Sohl: Well, it was to John and I copied Council.
Mayor Scapicchio: …outlining our findings. Our findings
are our findings. So that’s really where it is and I think
at the end of the day it’s going to be a policy decision.
Do we want to continue to sell water, bulk water? If we do, we
certainly have to put it out to bid.
Mr. Sohl: Well, or we can just set a rate in the ordinance.
Mayor Scapicchio: Or we can set a rate in the ordinance. Do we
want to eliminate, you know, Tim wants to eliminate it all together.
He doesn’t want multiple tankers over at the Flanders treatment
plant. We can discuss it further.
President Perkins: Satisfied with that, Alex?
Mr. Sohl: Thank you.
ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
President Perkins: Anyone else have any other comments on any
other piece of Correspondence? Seeing none, good. That moves us
on to Ordinances for Public Hearing. I open the hearing to the
public on Ord. #22-2008, entitled:
Ord.#22-2008 An Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township
of Mount Olive Relative to 2008 Salaries for Department Heads,
Supervisors and Employees of the Township Clerk’s Office.
President Perkins: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard
on this ordinance? Seeing none, I close it to the public. Mr. Tepper,
would you move that, please?
Mr. Tepper: Yes, Mr. President, I move for adoption and final
passage or Ord. #22-2008.
Mr. Tobey: Second.
President Perkins: Second. Council discussion? Seeing none, Roll
Call, please?
ROLL CALL - Defeated with Mr. Greenbaum, Mr. Tepper, Mr. Roman,
Mrs. Labow, Mr. Rattner, and President Perkins voting no and Mr.
Tobey voting yes.
President Perkins: I open the hearing to the public on, that ordinance
is defeated, Ord. #22-2008. Ord. #24-2008 is open to the public
and it is entitled:
Ord.#24-2008 An Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township
of Mount Olive Making the Provisions of Title 39 Applicable to
the Budd Lake First Aid & Rescue Squad Parking Lot.
President Perkins: Does anyone from the audience wish to be heard?
Seeing none, I close it to the public. Mr. Roman, can you move
that, please?
Mr. Roman: Yes, I move for adoption and final passage of Ord.
#24-2008.
Mrs. Labow: Second.
President Perkins: Second. Any Council discussion? Seeing none,
Roll Call, please.
ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously
President Perkins: Ord. #24-2008 has passed on second reading,
and I hereby direct the Clerk to forward a copy of same to the
Mayor and publish a notice of adoption as required by law. I open
the hearing to the public on ordinance #25-2008, entitled:
Ord. #25-2008 An Ordinance of the Township of Mount Olive to Amend
and Supplement Ordinance No. 9-2008 Entitled “Ordinance of
the Township of Mount Olive Re: Sewer Service Charge for the Budd
Lake Sanitary Sewer System.”
President Perkins: Anybody from the public wish to be heard on
that? Seeing none, I close it to the public. Mrs. Labow, would
you move that, please?
Mrs. Labow: Thank you, Mr. President, I move for adoption and
final passage of Ord. #25-2008.
Mr. Rattner: Second.
President Perkins: Second, thank you. Council discussion? Seeing
none, Roll Call, please?
ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously
ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING – (Public Hearing May 20, 2008)
President Perkins: Ord. #25-2008 has passed on second reading,
and I hereby direct the Clerk to forward a copy of same to the
Mayor and publish a notice of adoption as required by law. The
next item on the Agenda is Ordinances for First Reading, with a
Public Hearing scheduled for May 20, 2008. The next item on the
Agenda for First Reading is Ord. #26-2008, entitled:
Ord. #26-2008 Bond Ordinance Providing for the Addition of a Filtration
System for Flanders Well #2 in and by the Township of Mount Olive,
in the County of Morris, New Jersey, Appropriating $1,000,000 Therefor
and Authorizing the Issuance of $1,000,000 Bonds or Notes of the
Township for Financing the Cost Thereof.
President Perkins: Mr. Rattner.
Mr. Rattner: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Ord. #26-2008
be introduced by title and passed on first reading and that a meeting
be held on May 20, 2008 at 7:30 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 Perkins: Second. 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 Authorizing the Reduction in Performance Guarantees in Connection
with Morris Chase Phase I.
2. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount
Olive Honoring United States Army Private Ronald Ray Harrison.
3. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount
Olive Approving a Vendor Service Contract on a “Non-Fair
and Open” Basis Pursuant to the “Pay-to-Pay” Law
(Aristocrat Bus).
4. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount
Olive RE: Temporary Capital Budget for Flanders Well #2.
5. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount
Olive Approving an Extended Leave of Absence for Frank Nelson.
6. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount
Olive Approving an Application for a Count Grant by the Warren-Morris
Council of Governments.
President Perkins: At this time, is there any Council member requesting
anything to be removed? Mr. Tobey?
Mr. Tobey: Number two.
President Perkins: Okay, Mr. Roman?
Mr. Roman: Ditto.
President Perkins: Ditto.
Mrs. Labow: Yes, I was going to say the same one, too.
President Perkins: Anything else? Alright, Mr. Tobey then, would
you move Consent Resolutions number one through six?
Mr. Tobey: I move Consent Resolutions numbers one, and three through
six.
Mr. Rattner: Second.
PUBLIC PORTION ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS - none
COUNCIL COMMENTS ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS- none
ROLL CALL – Passed with the exception Mr. Rattner abstained
on number 5 and President Perkins voted no on number 5
RESOLUTIONS NON CONSENT
President Perkins: Mr. Tobey, I’m going to ask you to move
resolution number two.
2. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount
Olive Honoring United States Army Private Ronald Ray Harrison.
Mr. Tobey: I move Non Consent Resolution #2.
Mr. Tepper: Second.
President Perkins: Second, thank you.
PUBLIC PORTION ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS - none
COUNCIL COMMENTS ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Roman: Can I say something regarding that?
Mr. Rattner: Do you want to read that into the record?
President Perkins: Well, Phil wants to do it first. If you’re
the Vice-President rank out-gets you here.
Mr. Tepper: Well, he moved to have it removed, so…
Mr. Tobey: Do you know what? With that, I defer to Mr. Roman.
Mr. Roman: I received an e-mail regarding, you know, Private Ronald
Harrison and it was requested to have the flags flown at half staff.
It was much to my dismay that I did not see…
Mr. Sohl: That was done on May 1st.
Mr. Roman: I did not see the, I was in Turkey Brook and I did
not see that flag at half staff.
Mr. Sohl: Which one?
Mr. Roman: The one right by the three fields. So, in the future
when…
Mr. Sohl: Jim’s usually very good about that. We always
distribute to him.
Mayor Scapicchio: Jim’s real good about that stuff.
Mr. Tepper: The County…I think we ought to do our own.
Mr. Jim Lynch: With regard to the flag by the Baseball fields
near Turkey Brook, Mr. Roman?
Mr. Roman: Yes.
Mr. Lynch: That flag was donated by a family in MOJBSA. That flagpole
is vandal proof. I have asked MOJBSA repeatedly for a key because
flags have become severely dilapidated on that pole. I have not
been provided a key. I could not get that flag lowered to half
staff. I did try. I don’t have the physical ability to get
into that flagpole and lower it. The rope actually runs in the
flagpole. I couldn’t do it. I apologize for that but I’ve
asked for a key for other reasons and have not been given one.
Mr. Roman: At least there is a reason for it.
Mr. Lynch: No disrespect was intended.
Mr. Sohl: Maybe, Alex, you’re on the Recreation Committee.
Mr. Roman: Yes.
Mr. Sohl: Maybe you could help Jim get a key.
Mrs. Labow: Jim, is there a spotlight on that flag?
Mr. Lynch: Yes, there is off of the building.
Mr. Rattner: Bill, maybe you should investigate. You know, anything
that we have built or constructed on Township property has to be
turned over to the Township. We had the same issue with the concessions.
Mr. Sohl: Yes, I think it’s probably just a…
Mr. Rattner: So if it is then let’s just go, and if we have
to we’ll just get a locksmith and get the right lock.
Mr. Sohl: Try to make everybody happy. Win-win.
Mr. Lynch: I would offer, and I will reach out to the President
of Baseball again, there was a change in the leadership in Baseball.
The Executive Board did turn over. I will reach out again, and
I know with this new Board they are still settling in. I don’t
think it was done intentionally. I don’t think they have
not given it to us for any particular reason, just that there has
been change.
Mrs. Labow: An oversight.
Mr. Lynch: That sometimes is unsettled so I will continue to pursue
it.
Mr. Roman: I just wanted to make sure that that was aware and
at least it’s on record now as the reason why.
Mr. Lynch: No, absolutely no disrespect intended.
Mr. Roman: No, I, thank you.
President Perkins: Go ahead, Mr. Tepper.
Mr. Tepper: Mr. President?
President Perkins: Yes, sir, Mr. Tepper.
Mr. Tepper: I know that was done at County request and the County
set that as a day. As he was a Mount Olive resident, are we not
allowed to designate a longer period of time to do this?
President Perkins: Well, I think that actually came from the State.
Mr. Tepper: Yes, the Governor does that.
Mr. Roman: Yes, that was the State.
President Perkins: That was from the Governor’s office who
basically has…
Mr. Tepper: Still, are we prohibited that we can just do the same
thing and ensure all flags so that he gets the appropriate respect?
President Perkins: Yes, as a matter of fact, Russ, at the Memorial
Day Ceremony I believe that the Mayor is doing a proclamation recognizing
this young man.
Mr. Tepper: Thank you.
President Perkins: This resolution is also for that and he will
receive the highest honor by the Historical Society having his
name engraved in our Memorial for the dead, killed in action. It’s
a tough, this is probably one of the tougher years that will be
at the Memorial Day service because now we have another fallen.
Mayor Scapicchio: You know, Ray, I was going to call or stop by
the house with Mr. Tobey, and then we saw their comments in the
paper and they just sort of wanted to be left alone. So we just
sort of nixed that.
President Perkins: Okay, that works, I mean…
Mayor Scapicchio: But we will invite them to Memorial Day.
President Perkins: A month later maybe they will have a little
time to heal. I’m sure it’s…
Mr. Sohl: I’m sure it’s not easy.
President Perkins: No, it’s got to be devastating and Mayor,
I thank you for everything that you are doing for the family. Thank
you.
Mr. Tobey: Ray?
President Perkins: Mr. Tobey.
Mr. Tobey: You know what, if I may, the purpose of moving it to
Non Consent, I think everybody is aware of it but I believe it’s
only appropriate not to, if I may, co-mingle that resolution with
the balance of them. That’s all.
President Perkins: That’s right, and thank you Phil. It
was an honorable… Okay, Roll Call on that.
ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously
MOTIONS
President Perkins: That takes us to Motions. Mr. Greenbaum, can
you move the Raffle Applications?
1. Approval of Raffle Application #2250 for the New Jersey Civic
Youth Ballet, Inc.
Mr. Greenbaum: I’ll move Raffle Application #2250 for the
New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet, Inc.
Mr. Rattner: Second.
President Perkins: Second, thank you. Discussion? Roll Call.
ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously
President Perkins: That takes us to the Bill List. Mr. Tepper?
2. Bill List.
Mr. Tepper: Yes, Mr. President, I move for approval of the Bill
List as presented.
President Perkins: Second?
Mr. Roman: Second.
President Perkins: Thank you. Any discussion? Call the Roll, please.
ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
President Perkins: Administrative matters, Mr. Sohl?
Mr. Sohl: Nothing else.
President Perkins: Nothing else, thank you. Old Business? New
Business? Legal Matters? He left you here?
OLD BUSINESS -none
NEW BUSINESS - none
LEGAL MATTERS – none
Mr. DiYanni: He left me.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Recreation Liaison Report
Mr. Roman: We meet tomorrow.
Board of Health Report
Mrs. Labow: Since I wasn’t here at the last meeting I will
give the Board of Health Report. We are currently in negotiations
with Mount Arlington. It’s time to renew our contracts in
both Mount Arlington and Netcong, and otherwise everything is going
good. Our reports are looking well and inspections are being done,
and everything’s rosy at the Health Department.
President Perkins: Excellent, thank you, Mrs. Labow.
Planning Board Report
Mr. Tepper: Meets Thursday.
President Perkins: Thank you.
Board of Adjustment Liaison Report
Mr. Roman: No meeting held.
Open Space Committee Report
Mrs. Labow: I actually missed the last meeting. I was ill and
I think most of the members missed the last meeting. Only two showed
up, so we look forward to this coming month’s.
Legislative Committee Report
Mr. Rattner: Nothing to report.
Pride Committee Liaison Report
Mrs. Labow: Pride Committee, we had on the 27th, Sunday, a week
ago already. A week ago Sunday we had our cleanup of the PAL Pond,
and just driving through it didn’t look like there was a
tremendous amount of garbage around, but once we got down into
the Pond area we found an exorbitant amount of empty liquor bottles
and other garbage. It seems to be that the PAL Pond areas are the
favorite hangout for the youth. Our volunteers did bring out a
substantial amount of garbage which was nice. We had good weather.
It was also very interesting too. We found some skeletons that
the kids were interested in seeing and it worked out well.
President Perkins: Animal skeletons, right?
Mrs. Labow: Animal skeletons.
Mr. Tepper: Thank you, you just got my attention.
Mrs. Labow: We found a complete opossum. We found a deer head
and a few other things so it’s a regular nature, it’s
a beautiful area.
Mr. Tepper: And a new Police investigation just opened.
Mr. Ratter: I just want to add one thing with the cleanup. You
know, with our underage drinkers that use the area, some of them
are very, very neat and considerate of the environment. We found
a couple full garbage bags nicely tied with all of their beer cans
and everything else in it.
Mr. Tepper: So we’re going to acknowledge and commend them
for this?
Mr. Rattner: No, it’s just that we have neat delinquents.
Mr. Sohl: Council proclamation.
Mrs. Labow: We’re going to have to patrol the area a little
bit more.
Mr. Tepper: Let’s continue.
Board of Education Liaison Report
Mr. Tobey: Nothing to report.
Lake/Environment Issues Committee
Mr. Rattner: The only thing I can report is that I saw different
e-mails today and it appears that the chemical treatment for the
weeding was done today.
Mr. Sohl: Yes, you should have gotten an e-mail forwarded from
Lisa.
Mr. Rattner: Yes, that’s why I said I only know from the
e-mail.
Mr. Sohl: Yes, in fact, I stopped over there around 1:00 coming
back from lunch and they were just finishing up.
Safety Committee Liaison
Mr. Greenbaum: Yes, we had a very lengthy meeting to discuss daytime
ambulance coverage. As you all know, I circulated a memo that came
from Frank Carlo to all Council members on this issue. The first
decision of the Safety Committee was to identify whether or not
there is a problem in terms of daytime coverage. The Committee
did come to the conclusion that there is a problem with daytime
coverage and/or the problem with daytime coverage is one individual
away, one individual who covers for either Flanders or Budd Lake
Rescue Squads not being able to cover could bring down the entire
system. Therefore, it was the decision of the Committee to move
forward with a new system in terms of daytime coverage during the
week. The Committee felt that the best option at this point in
time was to explore, once again, St. Claire’s, Atlantic,
those types of paid ambulance services where it would be of no
cost to the Township itself, but to the users of the ambulance
squads. The other option, which was presented by the Budd Lake
Rescue Squad, was to actually go to a paid EMS system paid by the
Township, which would require at a minimum four fulltime EMS, and
to bill back to the users. Both systems potentially have their
own issues. Obviously, in today’s budgetary situation that
we have, to sell an additional cost to the taxpayer without knowing
what type of revenue we would receive back to compensate for that
outlay is not something I think, and I advised the Committee we
could sell, or I could sell to the Council until such time as the
other system, the St. Claire’s and Atlantic system was tried
and the issues were identified, and it didn’t work. You know,
from all reports that I have seen it works. There are some problems
but it seems to be a better system than what we have now. Obviously,
Budd Lake was not happy with that result. The decision was made
to bring in both St. Claire’s and Atlantic to discuss what
options are available to the Township, and also to bring in, I
believe, Mansfield Township and one other Township that is operating
their own EMS system, to get as much information as possible. I
can tell you that the Committee was heavily leaning towards a hospital
based daytime ambulance coverage. So it was significant progress
that was made at the meeting, and I expect in the very short term
that we will be asked to make that decision on behalf of the Township,
and it will be the Safety Committee’s recommendation, which
is a member from each of the different Fire Departments and Rescue
Squads as well as the Police Department, that basically Flanders
Rescue, Flanders Fire, Budd Lake Fire are all in favor of the option
of the Hospital based daytime coverage system. So it was significant
progress. It was identified by the entirety of the Committee that
there was a problem, or potentially a problem, very near down the
road that we need to address. So, as I said, I expect to bring
something back to Council in the very near future on that issue.
President Perkins: Thank you, Mr. Greenbaum.
Mrs. Labow: Good job.
Finance Committee Report
Mr. Rattner: Nothing to report.
Economic Development Committee Report
Mr. Rattner: No, we’re probably meeting in the next week
or so.
Mayor Scapicchio: Ray, I can add something if you’d like.
President Perkins: Economic? Yes, sir.
Mayor Scapicchio: Last week Catherine, the Economic Development
Committee got a phone call from a group of people that represent
some retail businesses and they are looking for 20 plus acres in
Mount Olive Township, Northern New Jersey. Last week Don Hill,
Catherine Natafalusy, Gene Buczynski, Chuck McGroarty, and myself
met with these two individuals, I think we met with them on Thursday.
Yesterday, Catherine and Chuck were to drive around Town to show
these individuals that parcel or these parcels that are available
that can be built that we think are appropriate for retail. It’s
an indication that there is some interest amongst retail developer’s
to move to Mount Olive Township. We’re trying to work that
angle.
President Perkins: Wonderful. Excellent, Mayor, thank you.
Mr. Rattner: Finally, good news.
President Perkins: Let’s get them here.
Mr. Rattner: Yes.
Mrs. Labow: Yes.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee Report
Mrs. Labow: We’re supposed to have a meeting this month,
May. A week from Wednesday we’re going to have an outdoor
meeting. We’re going to do a cleanup outside but we haven’t
picked the location. I did send out an e-mail the other day suggesting
maybe we join with the Lake Committee to help with their cleanup
on May 24th. Only two members responded so far and they’re
going to be out of Town. So I don’t know. Phil, are we having
a meeting or not?
Mr. Tobey: We’ll discuss it.
Mrs. Labow: We’ll discuss it.
Library Board Liaison
Mr. Tepper: Nothing to report.
PUBLIC PORTION
President Perkins: That moves us into the last public portion.
Anyone else from the audience, from the public that would like
to be heard? Seeing none, I close it to the public. Council comments?
Mr. Greenbaum?
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mr. Greenbaum: None.
Mr. Tepper: No, I think I said enough tonight.
Mr. Greenbaum: I think you said too much.
Mr. Tepper: You’re probably correct, Mr. Greenbaum.
President Perkins: Mr. Roman?
Mr. Roman: The only comment that I want to say, going forward
into this budget hearing I keep hearing “it’s only “x” number
of cents, “x” number of dollars per resident, and I
just want to reiterate that that’s how it all starts. Fifteen
cents here, a dollar here, twenty dollars there. Twenty years from
now my kids will still be living with me because they can’t
afford to get their own place.
Mrs. Labow: I have to agree with what Mr. Roman has to say 100%.
I’m tired of hearing the only ten cents, only twenty cents.
We’ve got to make some serious decisions.
President Perkins: That’s your comment, Mrs. Labow?
Mrs. Labow: That’s it.
President Perkins: Thank you. Mr. Rattner.
Mr. Rattner: I have none.
President Perkins: Mr. Tobey?
Mr. Tobey: No further comments.
President Perkins: Alright, before we adjourn, I’d like
a poll of the Council. Either this upcoming Tuesday or this Saturday
will you guys be available for a final budget discussion and vote
on each one of the items?
Mr. Tepper: I prefer Tuesday rather than Saturday.
Mr. Roman: I prefer Tuesday.
Mrs. Labow: Tuesday.
President Perkins: Schedule a special meeting for the budget.
Mr. Rattner: I also think it makes it easy for the public, too.
Mrs. Labow: Yes.
President Perkins: For this upcoming Tuesday we will run down
all of the lines, we will discuss, and we will vote on them.
Mr. Roman: I’m assuming that’s enough time to notice
the public?
President Perkins: Yes.
Mr. Russell: 7:30, right?
President Perkins: Yes.
ADJOURNMENT - Motion was made and seconded, all in favor and none
opposed, the meeting was adjourned at 10:11 pm.
_________________________________
Raymond T. Perkins, Council President
I, LISA 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 May 20, 2008.
_________________________________
Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk
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