TOWNSHIP COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES - February 2, 2010

The Public Meeting of the Mount Olive Township Council was called to Order at 7:43 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; John Dorsey, Township Attorney; Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

President Tobey: We’re up to Approval of Minutes of the Previous Meeting of January 19, 2010. Mrs. Labow, would you please?

Mrs. Labow: Yes, I’d like to move the Minutes of:

January 19, 2010 Public Meeting – all present

Mrs. Labow: Do we have the Workshop also or it’s just the Public Meeting?

Mrs. Lashway: Yes, I was low on staff this last week.

Mrs. Labow: Okay, so it’s just the Public. I just want to make sure. Thank you.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

Mr. Tobey: It’s been moved and seconded. Roll Call.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

CORRESPONDENCE

LETTERS FROM RESIDENTS/ORGANIZATIONS

1. Email received January 17, 2010, from Brenda Acquisto supporting the Mount Olive Township EMS.

2. Email received January 19, 2010, from Alex Kramer supporting the Mount Olive Township Rescue Squads for at least one year.

3. Email received January 19, 2010, from Laura Russo Kay regarding the Volunteer EMS Services.

4. Email received January 19, 2010, from Cathy Peterson regarding the First Aid Squad.

5. Email received January 19, 2010, from Lisa Kennedy regarding Elimination of the Volunteer Ambulance Service.

6. Email received January 19, 2010, from Sheila Watral regarding the Mount Olive Rescue Squads.

7. Email received January 20, 2010, from Teresa Petrocelli supporting the Mount Olive Rescue Squads.

8. Email received January 29, 2010, from Jean Scharf supporting the Mount Olive Rescue Squads.

RESOLUTIONS / ORDINANCES / CORRESPONDENCE OTHER TOWNS

9. Ordinances of the Township of Washington received January 26, 2010, regarding amendments to their Land Use Ordinance.

DOT / DEP / LOI / HIGHLANDS

10. Letter received January 19, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding a Draft Solid Waste Facility Permit for the Morris County MUA Mount Olive Township.

11. Letter received January 19, 2010, from Nusbaum, Stein, Goldstein, Bronstein & Kron regarding Ciel West Lake Properties, LLC, 325 Route 46.

12. Letter received January 19, 2010, from Civil Engineering, Inc. regarding Lot 9 Block 8200 (Barnacle Realty, 1 Harris Lane).

13. Letter received January 19, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding 2 Pershing Avenue.

14. Letter received January 19, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding 17 Sunset Drive.

15. Letter received January 27, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding Wolfe Road FY 2010 Municipal Aid Program.

16. Letter received January 27, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding Morris Chase/Morris Hunt wells.

LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES

17. Email received January 15, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding an Update on U.S. Relief Efforts in Haiti.

18. Email received January 19, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding a Date Change – NJDARM Computer Training Seminar, League Professional Development Seminar – Personnel Manuals and Policies Primer, Length of Service Award Changes, Updated CEU’s – League Professional Development Seminar: Are Your Bond Credit Ratings Heading South?

19. Email received January 19, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding History Made in Trenton, Length of Service Award Changes and NJDARM Computer Training: Artemis Records Retention and Disposition Management System – Date Has Been Changed.

20. Email received January 20, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding 2010 Census Questionnaires, Bills Signed into Law and Social Security Survivors’ Benefits Information Sources for Haitian Community.

21. Email received January 20, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding a Federal Update – Period Ending January 15, 2010 and Bills Signed into Law.

22. Email received January 21, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding Governor Christie Issues Eight Executive Orders.

23. Email received January 22, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding S-1 Reforms Fair Housing Act, Abolishes COAH and Governor Publishes Transition Team Reports.

24. Email received January 25, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding NJDARM Computer training, changes to the DLGS website, hazard mitigation grant funds and the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign.

25. Email received January 25, 2010, from the Morris County League of Municipalities regarding the February 17th meeting.

26. Email received January 26, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding Assembly Budget Committee invites League to join State-Municipal working group.

27. Email received January 26, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, changes to the DLGS website, Hazard Mitigation Grant Funds, NJLM Scholarship Competition and Assembly Budget Committee invites League to join State-Municipal working group.

28. Email received January 28, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding elimination of the “Time of Decision Rule” being reintroduced.

29. Email received January 29, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding “Time of Decision Bill” posted.

30. Email received January 29, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding S-1 amending the Fair Housing Act and eliminating the Council on Affordable Housing.

31. Email received January 29, 2010, from the State of New Jersey League of Municipalities regarding FEMA/State web resources provide hazard mitigation policy guidance for local officials.

LETTER FROM LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES

32. mail received January 15, 2010, from Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen regarding The Week Just Past, The Recession is Over,? Backroom Wrangling Heats Up, Disclosing Sensitive Security Information, Good Idea of the Week: Saudi Detainees Stay Put, Eye on China, Haiti’s Disaster: How to Help and Rodney Plans Public Town Meeting.

UTILITIES

DCA

33. Email received January 15, 2010, from the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs regarding Community Energy Savings Program Training.

MORRIS COUNTY

34. Minutes of the November 5, 2009, Meeting of the Morris County Planning Board received January 25, 2010.

TORT

35. Letter received January 19, 2010, from Coppel, Laughlin, Blount & Lavin regarding a Notice of Claim Against the Township of Mount Olive.

DIVISION OF TAXATION

36. Email received January 21, 2010, from the State of New Jersey, Division of Taxation regarding a Highlands OPRA Notice.

President Tobey: We’re up to Correspondence. We have 37 items. Does anybody wish to discuss anything? Seeing none.

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

President Tobey: We are up to Ordinances for Public Hearing. I open the hearing to the public on 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: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, I’ll close it to the public. Mr. Walsh, would you move that, please?

Mr. Walsh: Yes, I move Ord.#1-2010. Is that correct?

Mr. Roman: Second.

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

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: Ord. #1-2010 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 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. (as amended)

President Tobey: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, Mr. Perkins, would you please move that?

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President. I move for adoption and final passage of Ord.#2-2010.

Mr. Roman: Second.

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

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: Ord. #2-2010 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 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: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, Mr. Roman, would you please move that?

Mr. Roman: Yes, I move for adoption and final passage of Ord.#3-2010.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

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

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: Ord.#3-2010 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 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: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, Mrs. Labow, would you please move that?

Mrs. Labow: Yes, I move ordinance number four… I’m sorry, which one is it?

President Tobey: Number five.

Mr. Sohl: Four.

Mr. Roman: Four.

President Tobey: I’m sorry, number five.

Mr. Greenbaum: Number four.

Mrs. Labow: No, Rob was supposed to do number four and I do number five. I was confused.

President Tobey: That’s my mistake. Mr. Greenbaum?

Mr. Greenbaum: You can move number four.

Mrs. Labow: No, you can move number four.

Mr. Greenbaum: I’ll move it.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

President Tobey: Okay, any Council discussion? Seeing none, Roll Call please.

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

President Tobey: Ord.#4-2010 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 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: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard? Seeing none, Mrs. Labow?

Mrs. Labow: Yes, thank you, Mr. President. I move Ord.#5-2010.

Mr. Perkins: Second.

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

Mr. Walsh: Question?

President Tobey: Yes, Mr. Walsh.

Mr. Walsh: These rates that they have here, what is this for? Hourly, daily, what is this? I don’t see where it says that.

Mr. Roman: It should be hourly.

Mrs. Maniscalco: They’re hourly.

Mr. Walsh: Okay. That’s all I have. Thank you.

President Tobey: Thank you. Roll Call, please.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: Ord.#5-2010 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.

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 Cancellation of a General Capital Ordinance Balance (Ord#48-08 Country Club Drainage Improvements).

2. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Providing for the Transfer of 2009 Budget Appropriations for the Current Fund Budget.

3. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Authorizing the Cancellation of the 2010 Taxes on Block 800 Lot 32.16 for Disabled Veteran Declared 100% Totally and Permanently Disabled by the Tax Assessor.

4. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive, in the County of Morris, New Jersey Authorizing a Temporary Appropriation Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20 in the Amount of $750,000 to Fund Amounts Owed by the Township to Owners of Various Properties for Taxes Levied by the Township and Authorizing the Issuance of $750,000 Temporary Notes Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-51 in Anticipation of the Issuance of Tax Appeal Refunding Bonds Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-51 or Provisions Otherwise for the Payment Thereof through Future Township Budgets.

5. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Amending the 2010 Temporary Budget for Current Fund.

6. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Adopting the List of Eligible LOSAP Emergency Service Volunteers for 2009.

7. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive to Adopt the Provisions of NJSA 52:14.17.38 Under Which a Public Employer May Agree to Pay for the State Health Benefits Program Coverage of Certain Retirees.

8. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Mount Olive Establishing a Policy for Waiver of Employee Coverage Under the Health Benefits Program.

9. Resolution of the Township Council, Township of Mount Olive Holding the County of Morris Harmless in Connection with Repairs to an Existing Box Culvert at Station 55+00 International Drive.

President Tobey: Moving on, we’re up to the Consent Resolutions Agenda. There are nine items listed. Does anyone on Council wish to move any to Non Consent? Okay, seeing none, Mr. Perkins, would you please move them?

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President. I move for adoption of Consent Resolutions numbers one through nine.

President Tobey: Thank you. Is there a second?

Mr. Greenbaum: Second.

President Tobey: Does anyone from the public wish to be heard on any Consent Resolutions? Seeing none, any Council discussion? Roll Call, please.

PUBLIC PORTION ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS – none

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON CONSENT RESOLUTIONS - none

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

RESOLUTIONS NON-CONSENT – none

PUBLIC PORTION ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS – none

COUNCIL COMMENTS ON INDIVIDUAL RESOLUTIONS – none

MOTIONS – CONSENT

President Tobey: Moving on, we’re up to Motions. We have three listed. Mr. Walsh, would you please move those?

Mr. Walsh: Yes, I move those three Motions.

1. Approval of Raffle Application #2345 & #2346 for the MOHS Band Booster Association and #2347 & #2348 for the Mt. Olive High School Parents Club.
2. Consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Brian Levine, Esq. as Municipal Court Judge for a two year unexpired term to expire 12/31/2011.
3. Bill List.

President Tobey: Thank you. Is there a second?

Mrs. Labow: Second.

Mr. Greenbaum: You’re moving all three Motions together, or is Pat moving Motion number one?

President Tobey: All…

Mr. Walsh: All three. Would you prefer I just do one at a time?

Mrs. Labow: Yes.

President Tobey: Mayor?

Mayor Scapicchio: I would at least like to introduce my appointment for Judge. So if we could at least do that one separately I would appreciate it.

Mr. Walsh: Okay.

President Tobey: Okay. We’ll move number one and three only. Mr. Walsh?

Mr. Walsh: I motion to move Consent Motions one and three.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Tobey: Thank you.

Mrs. Labow: Do we have to remove the last motion or was it an amendment to the motion?

Mr. Roman: It was never…

Mr. Greenbaum: It was never seconded.

Mrs. Labow: I did. I had seconded it.

President Tobey: Okay.

Mrs. Labow: Just for technical clarification I wanted to make sure.

Mr. Greenbaum: You take back your second?

Mrs. Labow: I take back my second.

Mr. Greenbaum: Then it’s gone.

Mrs. Labow: In other words I want to say that it probably should have been an amended motion and then I would second the amendment.

Mr. Greenbaum: I don’t think it makes any difference. If you take back your second then it’s gone. Now it’s a new motion on the table.

President Tobey: We’re moving number one and three. Roll Call, please.

Mrs. Lashway: Mrs. Labow?

Mr. Walsh: One and three.

President Tobey: One and three.

Mrs. Labow: One other question. We have the Bill List. Do you have to open it to the public for any questions on the Bill List?

President Tobey: We could open it to the public later for any questions.

Mrs. Labow: Okay, I just, in the past I think we kind of did the Bill List, we asked for questions when we were, you know, voting on the Bill List. I don’t know.

President Tobey: We’ll open it to the public for any questions later.

Mrs. Labow: Okay.

President Tobey: Thank you.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: We’re up to Motion number two. Mr. Walsh, would you please move that?

Mr. Walsh: Yes, I motion (move) Consent number two.

3. Consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Brian Levine, Esq. as Municipal Court Judge for a two year unexpired term to expire 12/31/2011.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

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

Mrs. Lashway: Mrs. Labow?

Mrs. Labow: Yes and welcome Judge Levine.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

Mr. Greenbaum: Congratulations.

President Tobey: Congratulations.

Mr. Walsh: Congratulations.

Mayor Scapicchio: Brian, thank you.

President Tobey: At this time we’re going to swear Mr. Levine in.

Mayor Scapicchio: Mr. Dorsey’s going to swear him in.

Mr. Dorsey: Okay, repeat after me.

Mr. Levine: I, Brian Levine, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United State, and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will bare true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States, and in this State, under the authority of the people, and that I will faithfully and impartially perform all of the duties of the office of Judge of the Mount Olive Township Municipal Court according to the best of my ability.

Mayor Scapicchio: And just so the Council knows, in order to save money the Judge and I share the same robe.

Mr. Levine: Yes, we do that and I also saw the presentation on the revenues.

Mrs. Labow: Thank you. Yes, no payment plans.

Mr. Levine: I understand. Thank you. I appreciate it.

President Tobey: We have one other motion and that’s a notice to cancel the February 13th, 20th and 27th budget hearings. Mr. Greenbaum?

Mr. Greenbaum: And that’s going to be replaced with additional dates, correct?

President Tobey: That’s correct. Lisa?

Mrs. Lashway: We will be having budget hearings at our Workshops, two departments per meeting starting February 16th and then March 6th we’ll be doing DPW and Police, and the following March 13th we will leave open for EMS.

Mr. Greenbaum: Okay, I’ll move the motion.

President Tobey: Second? I’ll second that.

Mrs. Labow: I don’t think you can second.

Mr. Greenbaum: Sure he can.

Mrs. Labow: Oh, the President can second?

Mr. Greenbaum: Absolutely.

Mrs. Maniscalco: I already have people scheduled for the 16th.

President Tobey: Mr. Perkins?

Mr. Perkins: Thank you, Mr. President. Just a question, what days are we proposing the budget hearings for now?

Mrs. Lashway: We’re going to be doing them at our Workshops, starting at our next Workshop, February 16th. The Saturdays will be March 6th and March 13th.

Mr. Perkins: Alright, so there’s no February Saturdays.

Mrs. Lashway: Correct.

Mr. Perkins: Okay.

Mrs. Labow: No February Saturdays, so it’s March 6th and March 13th.

Mrs. Lashway: Correct.

Mrs. Labow: And you said EMS will be coming in on the 13th.

Mrs. Lashway: Yes.

President Tobey: Roll Call, please.

Mrs. Labow: I think Sherry…

Mrs. Maniscalco: I have to change my schedule then because I thought, based on the email that we got, that we were just doing March 6th for DPW and Police and then everybody else was going to be scheduled in sections of two at every Council meeting as long as we needed them.

Mayor Scapicchio: That’s what I thought too.

Mrs. Lashway: Did you schedule EMS for any of those Tuesdays?

Mrs. Maniscalco: Not yet. I’m waiting for both of the Companies to get back to me.

Mrs. Lashway: Okay, well it was just something that he discussed tonight, so if you can fit it into the Tuesdays, or do you still want to keep the Saturday for EMS?

Mr. Greenbaum: I say take them whenever they are ready to be heard.

Mr. Perkins: Be heard, yes, the quicker the better.

President Tobey: So let’s get some feedback from them and we’ll schedule accordingly.

Mr. Greenbaum: Put them on the Tuesday night meetings.

Mrs. Maniscalco: Because right now I have most of the Tuesdays scheduled, literally through the end of April is the next one that I have open, because we’re only doing two a meeting. You know what I am saying?

Mr. Greenbaum: You know what, you could fit the EMS in as a third, and you could take them on successive Tuesdays.

Mrs. Maniscalco: When they’re free is what you’re saying.

Mr. Greenbaum: When they’re free.

Mrs. Maniscalco: Okay.

Mr. Perkins: And then just jockey them around with the other departments.

Mr. Greenbaum: I mean, they are not terribly complicated budgets, per se.

Mrs. Maniscalco: I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just want to be clear because I’ve already started scheduling these things. Thanks, Colleen.

President Tobey: It’s okay.

Mrs. Maniscalco: So we’re going to stick with just the one Saturday and then do the two per night over the Council meetings, and if the EMS wants to come in and be a third that’s fine for any particular…

Mrs. Lashway: We’ll leave the 13th open if needed. We can always cancel it in the future.

Mrs. Maniscalco: Okay.

Mr. Perkins: Right, the March 13th.

Mr. Greenbaum: Yes.

President Tobey: Okay, Roll Call, please.

Mrs. Labow: So, wait, starting February 16th and what…

Mr. Greenbaum: Done by March 6th.

Mrs. Labow: And the Saturday is…

Mr. Greenbaum: March 6th.

Mrs. Labow: So there’s not any Saturday…

Mrs. Lashway: No, it won’t be done because the Workshops are going to go into April. Sherry just said…

Mrs. Maniscalco: It’s going to go to the end of April. I think April 27th is what I had to schedule out to, to only do two a meeting.

Mr. Greenbaum: For departments.

Mrs. Maniscalco: Okay.

Mr. Greenbaum: Right.

Mrs. Labow: Let’s just clarify it. March 16th begins the budget hearings and that’s a Tuesday night at a Workshop.

Mrs. Lashway: February 16th.

Mr. Roman: February.

Mr. Perkins: No, February.

Mrs. Labow: February, I’m sorry. February 16th it begins, no Saturdays until March 6th and March 13th is going to be left just in case we need it.

Mrs. Lashway: Correct.

Mr. Perkins: Exactly.

Mrs. Labow: But there are April, Sherry has it scheduled through until April.

Mrs. Lashway: Every Workshop, every two weeks starting with our next Workshop, there will be two departments coming in to do budget hearings.

Mrs. Labow: Okay, I just wanted to clarify. Thank you.

ROLL CALL – Passed Unanimously

President Tobey: Okay, moving on… Excuse me?

Mrs. Labow: I just wanted to add one thing, Mr. Tobey. Thank you for having the budget hearings. It is greatly appreciated.

President Tobey: You’re welcome.

Mrs. Labow: Thank you.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

President Tobey: Administrative Reports, Mr. Sohl?

Mr. Sohl: I just wanted to report, I know that Kathy Murphy sent copies of this to each of you, but we did get final authorization or approval at the State level for the Energy Reports that were done by Steven Winter for the fourth building. So we’ll be at a point now where we’ll be looking to implement, especially those low cost items, so that we can utilize the balance of the 25% of the total cost. That’s going to take some time but that’s the direction we’re moving.

President Tobey: Okay. Mayor?

Mayor Scapicchio: Yes, today Bill and I met with a multi-national company that has an idea to utilize the methane gas from Combe Fill North to generate electricity to do one of two things. Either to supply energy to, electric to whoever develops that site and/or to just sell it back to the power company. The one question they had for me, John, and you may have the answer to this in your records, for them to do the calculations they need to know when that Landfill first went into operation, when it was closed, and how many total tons were disposed over the life of that operation. I guess if we don’t have that information in-house we can reach out for the people we’ve been dealing with, with the EPA or DEP.

Mr. Dorsey: Well that’s true. We have the third review of the closure of that site which was done in December of ’09. It has a lot of information in it. I’m not exactly, the information is obtainable.

Mayor Scapicchio: Are you going to try to obtain it for us or should I have…?

Mr. Dorsey: Yes, because the other thing I know is, and Bill can check this tomorrow, the plans for the capping of that site are on file, or at least they were, in the Mount Olive Township Library. So I think you could go there and you could get most of that information and you could see what the ventilation arrangement is in terms of the methane gas. When do I negotiate our price for gas? Natural gas is down this month but it’s up next month.

Mrs. Labow: I just wanted to say that that’s really great news because it’s only been in recent years that they have developed a process to be able to utilize the methane gas. It used to be a very costly and lengthy process, and I did a little bit of research on that a couple of years ago. So that’s good news.

Mayor Scapicchio: Well, there’s no promise. I mean, we’re just now starting to explore it, so…

Mrs. Labow: It’s good to explore. You always have to look at everything. I’m very happy to hear that.

OLD BUSINESS – none

NEW BUSINESS – none

LEGAL MATTERS

President Tobey: Okay, thank you. Any Old Business? Any New Business? Mr. Dorsey, any Legal Matters?

Mr. Dorsey: I need a five minute executive session on tax appeals.

COUNCIL REPORTS

President Tobey: Okay. We’re up to Council Reports. Does anyone on Council have any committees to report on?

Mr. Greenbaum: I have a Report.

President Tobey: Mr. Greenbaum? Thank you.

Library Board Liaison

Mr. Greenbaum: I had a discussion with a member of the Library Board who shall remain nameless, but is sitting in the audience in the second row in the second seat. Obviously, the Library has reorganized. Stephanie Sherman is now President. The Library continues to try to provide services through unique and non-costly methods and additional services such as the coffee service. I was also advised that the Library donation of a handicapped kind of scooter cart was provided to the Library, which is actually getting used by the people who use the Library. The Library is in the process of negotiating with their employees currently, and it hopes to conclude that process shortly. I was also advised that the Library is looking at different methods of staying current in terms of technology, including some type of plan to actually replace older computers with newer computers within the scope of their budget. Also, the Library is looking at more practical ways of accessing periodical information that they have in large amounts at the Library, but is difficult to access because of the way that, I guess, it’s ultimately indexed. Did I cover everything Scott?

Mr. Davan: Absolutely.

Mr. Greenbaum: Thank you. Okay, that’s it.

President Tobey: Thank you. Mr. Perkins?

Board of Health Report

Mr. Perkins: Thank you, Mr. President. Two Reports, one is that the Board of Health reorganized in January. We had a review of the Trap, Neuter and Return Program in Mount Olive. The numbers are being generated for exactly how many cats have been returned to each one of the respective colonies. We’re just finalizing getting some of the required data, the vaccination records, microchip numbers and description of the animals. That’s still outstanding for about half of the animals. We are looking to hire a new nurse to come on board to take Maryanne’s place. So that should be in the process of moving rather quickly.

Safety Committee Liaison

Mr. Perkins: The Public Safety Committee, we had a meeting in January where we briefly discussed the Mayor’s proposal and there is another meeting scheduled for tomorrow evening. That’s it, Mr. President.

President Tobey: Thank you. Mrs. Labow?

Mrs. Labow: I just wanted to add a little bit to the TNR Program. The one thing that I found was really remarkable through this program, which has really been fantastic, is that the majority, more than the majority of the cats have actually found homes. They haven’t been returned. So even though the program does suggest that they are returned, they have basically found homes and it’s been working really well. They have also been able to help a lot of families in Town that didn’t have the financial means to spay, neuter and vaccinate their cats and treat them for various things. They’ve been collecting funds and also taking care of that. So the program has actually gone beyond just TNR more than any of us had even anticipated or expected. So it’s been a really great success at this point, and hopefully the success does continue.

President Tobey: Thank you. Mayor?

Mayor Scapicchio: Ray, just a point of order. The Nurse was hired. Yesterday was her first day.

Mr. Perkins: She was hired? Excellent. Did you want to expand on her background, Dave? She’s from Mount Olive?

Mayor Scapicchio: I don’t have the background in front of me.

Mr. Perkins: We’ll do that another time.

Mayor Scapicchio: Okay.

Board of Education Liaison Report

President Tobey: Mr. Roman?

Mr. Roman: At the Board of Education meeting, there was a Budget Committee that met to discuss contingency spending for their upcoming budget. Items that were covered were courtesy busing and the sports recreation programs. Ideas that were bandied about would be for charging for busing, also increasing the fee for participating in sports programs and changing from a per person to a per family basis. On a good note, the Middle School is on a short list to be recognized as a School to watch. There’s only a handful of Schools in New Jersey to earn this recognition. The results will be announced in February. They’re among, like, six Schools, one of whom will be announced coming up. The High School will be supplying programming for MSG Varsity Network, the TV programming. So those of us that are akin to watching the High School Football team, Basketball team and such can watch it. The Board was asked to detail the impact on the School systems in the event that the Volunteer EMS was to be diminished or eliminated. I would assume that in upcoming meetings that report should be made available. There were a few parents in attendance to complain about serious misconduct by the Head Football Coach and his staff.

Mr. Greenbaum: Basketball.

Mr. Roman: Sorry, Basketball. Thank you. There was no consequential action taken thus far. Also, when asked if the Board of Education would televise their meetings, it was indicated that they wanted to see how it went here first before they decided to pull the trigger.

Mr. Perkins: The guinea pigs.

Mrs. Labow: So we’re the guinea pigs. Is that what you’re saying?

Mr. Roman: Exactly. I guess they wanted to see if, you know, it broke out into a Jerry Springer thing here. The School Bill List. Many of you have heard me speak on this issue. I did applaud the Board of Education for putting their Bill List on the website, but it has come to my attention that they only put one Bill List on the website. You cannot search for any previous Bill List on there. I sent an email requesting that they would change that. I have not gotten a response back to see if they are going to approve that. So I look forward to that, just like what we do with our website where you can look up to last year’s Bill List. I hope they will do the same. That is it.

Recreation Liaison Report – none

Planning Board Report – none

Open Space Committee Report – none

Legislative Committee Report – none

Pride Committee Report – none

Lake/Environment Issues Committee – none

Economic Development Committee Report – none

Senior Citizen Liaison – none

Community Development Revenue Sharing – none

PUBLIC PORTION – none

COUNCIL COMMENTS

President Tobey: Any other Council Reports? Seeing none, we’re up to the Public Portion. Does anyone from the public wish to be heard on any item? Seeing none, closing Council Comments, Mrs. Labow?

Mrs. Labow: I have nothing this evening, thank you.

President Tobey: Thank you. Mr. Walsh?

Mr. Walsh: Not at this time, no. Thank you.

President Tobey: Mr. Perkins?

Mr. Perkins: No comments, Mr. President.

President Tobey: Mr. Roman?

Mr. Roman: I have none.

President Tobey: Mr. Greenbaum?

Mr. Greenbaum: I would just like to congratulate both the Mayor and Brian Levine. Mayor, I think you made an excellent choice. I actually had an opportunity in the past on several occasions to watch Brian as Judge in Scotch Plains Municipal Court. I think he will go a long way in replacing, you know, someone who was irreplaceable, which was Judge Phil Maenza who ran a terrific Court during the number of years that he was here. I know that Brian’s temperament and his knowledge of the law will keep Mount Olive as one of the best run Courts in Morris County.

President Tobey: Thank you. I have no comments at this time. We are going to go into executive session for the discussion of tax appeals. When we convene there will be no further business discussed and we will simply adjourn. Mr. Perkins, would you please move us into executive session for the purpose of tax appeals?

Mr. Perkins: Yes, Mr. President. Under Sections 7 & 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, I make a motion that we move into executive session to discuss tax appeals, noting that the Minutes of those meetings will remain available at the conclusion of that matter.

Mrs. Labow: Second.

President Tobey: All in favor?

AYE

Motion was made and seconded, all in favor and none opposed, the meeting went into executive session at 8:10 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made and seconded, all in favor and none opposed, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

_________________________________
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 16, 2010.

_________________________________
Lisa Lashway, Township Clerk

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