Montville Township Committee Budget & Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Montville Township Municipal Building, 195 Changebridge Road, Montville, New Jersey
6:00 p.m. – Statement of Open Public Meetings Act Compliance read by Chairwoman Deborah Nielson: “As required by the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate Notice of this meeting has been provided which Notice specified the time and place of the meeting to the extent known at that time. The Notice was posted on the bulletin board at the Municipal Building, mailed to The Daily Record, The Star Ledger, and The Citizen as well as other newspapers and it was placed on file in the Township Clerk’s office. This meeting has been properly noticed to the public in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.”
Present: Committeeman Art Daughtry (arrival 6:20 p.m.)
Committeeman James Sandham, Jr.
Committeewoman Jean Bader
Committeeman Tim Braden
Chairwoman Deborah Nielson
Also present: Frank Bastone, Township Administrator
Frances Vanderhoof, Director of Finance
Anthony Barile, Township Engineer
Thomas Mazzaccaro, DPW/Water & Sewer Director
Robert Oostdyk, Township Attorney
Gertrude Atkinson, Township Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-CES-022808 PROVIDING FOR A MEETING NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12: Contract Negotiations – Blue Collar; Potential Litigation – Meadows @ Montville; Litigation – Bonnieview.
Motion: Bader. Second: Sandham. All in favor except Daughtry - absent. Resolution adopted.
At 6:04 p.m. – Closed Session. At 6:30 p.m. – Public Session.
Amend Resolution No. 2008-CES-022808 to include the discussion of Potential Litigation – Attorney-Client Privilege; and Property Acquisition. Motion: Bader. Second: Daughtry. All in favor. Resolution adopted.
At 6:32 p.m. – Closed Session.
At 7:00 p.m. – PUBLIC 2008 MUNICIPAL BUDGET MEETING:
Frank Bastone, Township Administrator, went over the budget exhibits. First two pages (Exhibit 1) are operating expenses. There is a 3% increase in o/e.
Exhibit 2 – 2.6% increase in salary/wages. Exhibit 3 – revenue.
On the next page there is a comparative analysis. Increases in PERS, PFRS, and library.
Capital improvement fund is slated at $75,000, which is 5% of the target.
Deferred charges - $30,000 equals 1/5. Statute – the cost of the master plan can be spread over five years. Reserve for uncollected taxes $2,200,000.
On the next page there is the calculation over reserve for uncollected tax and the amount to be raised by taxation for the 2008 municipal budget. Total as of now – 6.87% increase in the tax levy. Tax point equals $281,647.
Bastone stated he spoke to the Auditor: based on the surplus in the current fund, we will be able to anticipate another $100,000 to bring it to $1,850,000. The Auditor feels we can realize another $100,000 in receipts from delinquent taxes. That $200,000 would bring the increase in the levy down to 5.62%.
Committeeman Sandham stated this budget has allocation of expenses to water & sewer utilities of $388,000.
Committeeman Daughtry asked if we have taken into account the savings on the telephones. Bastone answered that is not in there yet.
Bastone stated the 1st Aid contribution should be $25,000. That is the Administrator’s recommendation. The Recreation decline is because last year they had a one-time $10,000 appropriation for a piece of equipment.
Committeeman Braden asked if all of the playgrounds are compliant. Bastone replied yes.
Bastone stated the police salary/wage/police retirement line items account for one lieutenant position being eliminated. Board of Health – the new Sanitarian has started. Road maintenance and repair – one position moved from facilities to roads.
Revenue – franchise fees/leases – down 10%. Municipal Court is down. The liquor license we sold is a surplus item. We realized that in 2007.
Sandham stated there is an Assembly bill proposed that would allow libraries to give back some of their allocation if there is a surplus. The bill has not passed yet. We are down to 5.6%. I would like to see it down to 4.9%.
Bastone stated we are about $125,000 under the cap levy right now. Don’t want to cut drastically.
Bastone passed out new exhibits for the utilities. Debt service for the sewer utility is going to increase substantially in 2009. We might want to hold off on the increased water rates for 2008 and do something with sewer.
Capital: total Administrator’s recommendation is $1,500,000. Does not include demolition of 86 River Road $125,000.
Chairperson Nielson stated the firemen need an answer. They have been waiting six years.
Braden stated it is going to have to be in one of our budgets over the next few years. It needs to be done.
Sandham stated do it but within the $1,500,000.
Township Committee agreed it needs to come down. Can look into doing it within the $1,500,000.
Daughtry stated he would like to look more into that $20,000 bid number for the asbestos.
At 8:00 p.m. – REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING:
Chairwoman Nielson read the Statement of Open Public Meetings Act Compliance again for the record.
Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance led by Committeewoman Bader.
PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF CHARLIE FILIOS 100TH BIRTHDAY: The Township Committee presented Mr. Filios with a proclamation and a birthday cake. In attendance were his friend, Bornie Parkins, and his friends and neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Fogelson, Montville Township Department members, commissioners, and ladies auxiliary members. Bob Fogelson, Bud Ballentine, Fire Commissioner, and John Osborne, former fire chief, spoke.
RIVER ROAD BUILDING UPDATE: Chairperson Nielson stated they discussed the demolition of the building at their budget meeting this evening. It is the consensus of the Township Committee to demolish the structure in 2008. We do have quotes on it already.
Bud Ballentine, Fire Commissioner, thanked the Township Committee for honoring Charlie Filios. What we would like to do is bring in an architect or engineer to see if we can even save the part we want to take. When could we do that? Would it be wise to bring them in now?
Township Committee consensus – yes, bring them in.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTION:
NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-06 ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY FROM ROBERT WERKO AND JOHN R. WERKO – BLOCK 3, LOT 47.17: 9 Masar Road, conservation restriction.
Chairwoman Nielson opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Chairwoman Nielson closed the public hearing. Motion: Sandham. Second: Bader. All in favor. Motion approved.
Motion to adopt ordinance: Sandham. Second: Bader. Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes. Ordinance adopted.
NO. 2 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-07 AMENDING CHAPTER 2.72, “HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW COMMISSION,” OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE:
Chairwoman Nielson opened the public hearing. Hearing no comments, Chairwoman Nielson closed the public hearing. Motion: Daughtry. Second: Braden. All in favor. Motion approved.
Motion to adopt ordinance: Sandham. Second: Braden. Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes. Ordinance adopted.
NO. 1 – ADMINISTRATOR: Bastone reported the Economic Development Committee is looking to send a questionnaire out to the business community. It was suggested that the Township Committee review it before it went out. Distributed questionnaire. Chairperson Nielson asked the Committee to review and get back to us with any comments.
NO. 2 – ATTORNEY: Robert Oostdyk, Township Attorney, reported in your packets is a draft copy of a policy for closed session minutes. We wanted to put the policy in writing. Please review.
Nielson stated there was a question as to when we go into closed session. Typically, we go into closed session at 7 p.m. We adopt a resolution outlining the items that are going to be discussed. At the January 22nd meeting, we did not finish closed session before the public session meeting. At the conclusion of our general meeting, we went back into closed session. We did not adjourn our closed session previously; we recessed it.
Oostdyk stated a second resolution is not necessary when you go back into closed session. You adopt the resolution and list the items when you first go into the meeting. I don’t see a problem with what took place at the January 22nd meeting.
NO. 3 – FINANCE: Frances Vanderhoof, Finance Director, reported they have finally finished the Smart Future Grant from 2008. The only open item now is the Robbins tract.
NO. 4 – ENGINEERING: No report.
NO. 1 – OLD BLOOMFIELD AVENUE VACATION – MILAN RESTAURANT: Bastone reported the property in question is owned by the Township and the State of New Jersey. Milan would like to expand their parking. There are maps in your packets.
Oostdyk stated at the expense of Milan, they did the title work. They are asking us to offer it to contiguous property owners at a bid price set by ordinance. We are entitled to set a minimum bid. It is a very small piece of property. They want an informal answer so they can do surveying, etc.
Sandham wants to be clear that it is absolutely not developable.
Township Committee agreed – move forward.
NO. 4 – WILDLIFE PRESERVE PROPERTY: Bastone reported they received a letter from the Wildlife Preserve. Mr. Len Fariello representing Wildlife Preserve is here tonight. He is also a Councilman in Hanover Township who is trying to get this deeded over to the NJDEP. The problem is there is a lien on this property that goes back to 1972. The principal amount on the taxes is $750.00. The total with interest is over $31,000.
Len Fariello, Whippany, representing Wildlife Preserve, stated we have held this land in Montville for a number of years. We sold all of the land in Fairfield. Montville is the last piece of property we would like to convey to the NJDEP so it remains open to the public. We are a nonprofit corporation. We are asking that you cancel the lien so it all can go to the State.
Nielson asked if there is general public access there. Fariello replied yes. We sold most of the parcels in Lincoln Park and Fairfield in 2006 and 2007. This is the one that remains. It is along Peace Valley Road.
Daughtry asked why the transfers are taking place.
Fariello stated they we are a private nonprofit land conservation organization. In 1999, the State of NJ entered into a contract with the US Army Corp of Engineers to purchase property in the floodplain with a federal grant.
Braden asked if they are realizing a profit on the land. Fariello stated we don’t collect donations or have grants. Whatever money we profit from a land sale, we use for the same project to protect the land. When it transfers to the State, there is a conservation easement that goes over the land and it is in perpetuity. We have no interest in developing it.
Sandham stated theoretically they could sell it to someone other than the State.
Nielson stated in theory Montville Township could take the land back, and we could sell it to the DEP.
Fariello stated 1972 was the only year the taxes weren’t paid. It fell through the cracks, and we didn’t know there was lien.
Daughtry stated maybe we can see the sale agreements with the other towns. Fariello stated he will provide them to Frank Bastone. Funds we acquire go back into the conservation effort. Wildlife Preserves would continue to post and patrol the property even after it is sold.
NO. 3 – SEWER SERVICE AREA MODIFICATION: Bastone reported they have received requests for two different pieces of property. The recommendation as per Tom Mazzaccaro’s memo dated 2/20/08 is to expand the sewer service area to include these two parcels: Block 39.07, Lot 2 and Block 39.07, Lot 3.
Sandham stated his own property is within 2,000 feet of these two parcels. Is it ok for him to vote on this? Oostdyk responded yes; 200’ is the number for notice requirements.
Nielson stated the white section on the map, Block 39.06, Lot 99.03, is the only section that is not included.
Thomas Mazzaccaro, Water & Sewer Director, stated that property was not included in the request. That property has some other constraints. The green area is the Highlands Preservation area. This automatically puts in a restricted area for extension of sewer or water. The applicant would construct the sewer system. Recommendation is to eliminate the sewer service area that was the original policy of 1985, because it is not in the Highland’s area. It is no longer pertinent.
Anthony Barile, Township Engineer, stated the easiest way might be to just embrace Parsippany’s wastewater management plan. That would cover the whole town without the Highlands.
Township Committee agreed – expand sewer service area to match Parsippany’s. Formal resolutions will be on next meeting’s agenda.
NO. 2 – MORRIS LAND CONSERVANCY: Bastone stated they want to replace the garage structure. We also have the proposed contract for their 2008 open space services. I went through the lease agreement and highlighted some points: they are responsible for all structural repairs in addition to the normal maintenance repairs. The other item is in the rider to the lease - they don’t have to go before the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment. Approval by the Township would be sufficient.
Sandham asked if there have been other leases that exclude Board of Adjustment or Planning Board approval. Bastone stated he does not recall.
Daughtry stated last night there was an HPRC meeting. Kathy Fisher stated there are certain restrictions, and the HPRC has oversight on this. She sent me the attachment, but I haven’t had the chance to look at it yet.
Nielson asked what happens when the lease expires. If systems are failing, etc.
Bastone stated a clause could be put in there for that.
Braden stated as the landlord approval, could we require them to go before the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment? Oostdyk replied yes.
Sandham stated the Open Space Committee expressed some concern about the services, etc. Nielson stated they did not discuss it any further because they had just received it that day. Hold for another meeting.
Mazzaccaro stated they we do maintain that parking area and plow it.
Bastone stated they are talking about renovating the garage and making it a two-story office building. They did not say anything about expanding parking.
Mazzaccaro stated when the MUA/Water & Sewer builds a structure, we go to the Planning Board and Design Review Committee as a courtesy.
Bastone asked if we want Open Space to review this. If so, they don’t meet before our next meeting.
Nielson stated she will check with the chairperson and let him know by next meeting.
Township Committee agreed to discuss again in two weeks.
PUBLIC PORTION FOR ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA:
Tom Mazzaccaro, on behalf of Kiwanis, requested to put a banner up across Changebridge Road (County Road) for their pasta dinner. Would have to get permission from utility company and there are insurance issues. There is labor involved.
Bastone stated this goes beyond the sign policy. Also, they need to get permission from the County.
Nielson asked if there was a policy on this. Concerned that other organizations will want banners all the time. Daughtry stated they should come up with a policy that there are; say six, banners approved for the year, etc. First come, first served. Bastone stated they have to speak to the County – they may want to approve on a case-by-case basis. Nielson stated she wants to treat everyone fairly.
Bader stated we have the electronic sign out front. Why do we want to put up banners?
Sandham stated we need guidelines. Nielson stated she agrees with Jean Bader’s comments.
Motion to approve the banner for two weeks subject to approval by the County and the Township Administrator, and this is a one-time approval until a policy is put in place: Daughtry. Second: Sandham. All in favor except Bader – no, and Braden – abstain.
Robert Lefkowitz, 81 Windsor Drive, Pine Brook, stated he has two questions. I was glad to see the policy on the closed session minutes is in the works. I see on the agenda there is the release of the closed session minutes. If they are on, then there is a policy. Does that mean I can get the minutes tomorrow? What is that procedure?
The second question is I know we audiotape these meetings and the closed meetings. Do we have a record retention on that?
Chairperson Nielson closed the public portion.
Oostdyk answered Mr. Lefkowitz’s questions. There are State records retention schedules which includes recordings. There are forms that are filled out to get permission for their disposal.
Gertrude Atkinson, Township Clerk, stated recordings may be destroyed 80 days after the minutes are approved.
Sandham stated just to be clear; there are no audiotapes of closed session meetings.
Oostdyk stated regarding the other question, we always have had to approve of closed session minutes. Part of the policy that we are talking about is the release of closed session minutes at the next meeting or as soon as they are available, even if they are in redacted form.
NO. 1 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-10 ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY FROM S DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC. – BLOCK 164, LOT 8, HOOK MOUNTAIN ROAD:
Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for March 11, 2008, at 8 p.m. Motion: Daughtry. Second: Sandham. Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes. Motion approved.
NO. 2 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-11 ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY FROM STEPHEN N. SHARPE – BLOCK 32, LOT 24.01, INDIAN LANE EAST:
Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for March 11, 2008, at 8 p.m. Motion: Bader. Second: Sandham. Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes. Motion approved.
NO. 3 – ORDINANCE NO. 2008-12 AMENDING CHAPTER 8.60 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE: Solid Waste Recycling.
Ordinance is offered for adoption on first reading with second reading and public hearing scheduled for March 11, 2008, at 8 p.m. Motion: Sandham. Second: Daughtry. Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes. Motion approved.
NO. 4 – ORDINANCE N. 2008-13 AMENDING CHAPTER 3.02, SECTION 3.02.103, “WATER AND SEWER FEES” OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND ESTABLISHING REVISED WATER USAGE RATES: Held.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONSENT AGENDA NO. 2008-CA4: Motion: Daughtry. Second: Sandham. All in favor. Resolution adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM A – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETURN OF CASH BOND POSTED WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE: Block 125.4, Lot 12, 17 Tara Lane, Restoration $1,000.00.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM B – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENT 2008: Block 34, Lot 10.2, Countrywide Tax Service, $2,135.97. Duplicate payments.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C – RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Township of Montville to treat employees and prospective employees in a manner consistent with all applicable employment laws and regulations including, but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Opportunity Act of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, the Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health Act, (the New Jersey Civil Service Act,) (the New Jersey Attorney General’s guidelines with respect to Police Department personnel matters,) the New Jersey Workers Compensation Act, the Federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Open Public Meeting Act; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee has determined that there is a need for personnel policies and procedures to ensure that employees and prospective employees are treated in a manner consistent with these laws and regulations.
NOW, THEREBY, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual attached hereto is hereby adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these personnel policies and procedures shall apply to all the Montville Township officials, appointees, employees, volunteers and independent contractors. In the event there is a conflict between these rules and any collective bargaining agreement, personnel services contract or Federal or State law, the terms and conditions of that contract or law shall prevail. In all other cases, these policies and procedures shall prevail.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this manual is intended to provide guidelines covering public service by Montville Township employees and is not a contract. The provisions of this manual may be amended and supplemented from time to time without notice and at the sole discretion of the Township Committee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that to the maximum extent permitted by law, employment practices for the Township of Montville shall operate under the legal doctrine known as “employment at will.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mark Tabakin, Esq. is hereby appointed as Labor Counsel to advise the Township of Montville in personnel matters.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Administrator and all managerial/supervisory personnel are responsible for these employment practices. The Director of Finance/CFO and Labor Counsel shall assist the Township Administrator in the implementation of the policies and procedures in this manual.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTVILLE AND ANTON COMPANY: Block 181, Lot 1, 91 Route 46, Board of Adjustment resolution dated 11/7/07.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM E – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A WAREHOUSE SALE PERMIT TO EINSTEIN MOOMJY, INC.: March 6 to March 9, 2008. Signage plan approved as follows: four one-sided signs and one two-sided signs.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM F – RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION TO SERVE BEER AND WINE AT THE MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP FIRST AID SQUAD BUILDING: 3/01/08, Carol DaCosta.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM G – RESOLUTION APPROVING MUNICIPAL TOWING SERVICES 2008:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance, application is made to the Township of Montville for approval to provide towing services when called by the police; and
WHEREAS, applications were made and inspections were conducted by the police, criminal histories were reviewed, and insurance certificates as required were provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montville, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, as follows:
Section 1. The following applicants are approved for light duty towing services:
1. Mt. View Auto, 76 Mt. View Blvd., Wayne, NJ 07470
2. Hiawatha Towing, Inc., 31 N. Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
3. C & L Towing Services, 73 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936
4. Boonton Service, 686 Main Road, Towaco, NJ 07082
5. Mike’s Automotive/Pompton Plains Service, 19 Jackson Avenue, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Section 2. The following applicants are approved for heavy duty towing services:
1. Mt. View Auto, 76 Mt. View Blvd., Wayne, NJ 07470
2. Corigliano Towing, 27 Intervale Road, Boonton, NJ 07005
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM H – PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AUTHOR LISA SEE AND PROCLAIMING MARCH 4, 2008, LISA SEE DAY IN MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM I – PROCLAMATION READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY MARCH 3, 2008.
NO. 1 – RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RELEASE OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES – REGULAR MEETINGS 1/8/08 AND 1/22/08: Closed session minutes released. The need for confidentiality continues to justify the redaction of minutes concerning the following subject matters: Property acquisition – Starkey and Tipcor; personnel; contract negotiations – Meadows Condo Association and animal control contracts. Motion: Daughtry. Second: Bader. All in favor. Resolution adopted.
NO. 2 – RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LISTING OF BILLS AND SIGNING OF CHECKS: Listing of bills approved; and the Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the checks. Motion: Daughtry. Second: Bader. Roll call vote – Daughtry, yes; Sandham, yes; Bader, yes; Braden, yes; Nielson, yes. Resolution adopted.
Committeewoman Bader stated the Chamber of Commerce dinner is this Saturday night. We do make presentations to the award recipients.
Committeeman Braden stated he attended the Environmental Commission meeting. We had a presentation from a solar power company about putting solar power in municipal buildings. Unfortunately, the most promising buildings are the high school and Lazar school. You need a large, flat roof area. We told them to run numbers on the public safety building and the senior center and determine feasibility.
Braden stated he received a call from the Library Chairperson regarding snow removal at the library and if the municipal building was closed due to the snow. I called the DPW Superintendent, and he told me the library would not be plowed until 12 noon. Is there a priority for snow removal? I know the roads are the first priority.
Bastone will check the priorities on the facilities.
Chairperson Nielson asked if a meeting was set up regarding the bypass road. Barile answered he spoke to the gentlemen, and he said a meeting would be difficult. He suggested I send them a revised plan. Nielson stated she would like a copy of that.
Nielson spoke about the Crooked Brook setbacks. Can we find out what they would be?
Barile replied they would have to have a wetlands classification done. I can have our consultant look at it. I would need to get him to do it out of courtesy.
Nielson stated Route 202 corridor study – Nielson stated that Mr. Barile had sent a letter to ask that the trestles get widened. Barile stated they called me and said they did inspect them, and they are structurally sound. They do acknowledge there are cosmetic repairs that need to be done. They have no plans on replacing them. They will help us with applying for a federal grant, but they don’t commit any funds to the project. The federal grant process can take from 8 to 10 years.
Nielson asked if we can get in the queue.
Open Space – Nielson stated Morris County is going to be lowering their open space tax next year. The Open Space Committee recommended that we prepare the proper ordinance in order to put our own local tax in place, as one of them sunsets in 2010.
Vanderhoof stated the Long-Term Financial Planning Committee has been discussing this also.
Sandham stated he did look at the referendums that were passed. They are about 5 cents. They would allow us to go to 7 cents.
Open space tax – discussion item next meeting.
Committeeman Sandham stated for solar all you need is a flat surface. We may want to piggyback with the Board of Education.
Resident’s with Disabilities Advisory Committee – they are concerned with handicapped accommodations at the Montville Museum. Sandham gave Mr. Bastone a copy of the regulations. They have spoken to the HPRC.
Knights of Columbus – they would like to have a pancake breakfast at the senior house. The policy for the use of the senior house needs to be reviewed and addressed.
Sandham stated at the Republican Club meeting he did make an announcement that he will run for re-election.
Nielson stated she also did announce her intention to seek re-election last night.
Committeeman Daughtry spoke about Verizon fios. BPU is contacting Verizon.
Condominium Association letter to NJ State League of Municipalities? Bastone stated it has not been sent yet. He will put it on his list.
Daughtry asked about status of traffic study – traffic lights. Barile stated he has not spoken to the County in a few weeks. He will e-mail them.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Motion: Daughtry. Second: Bader. All in favor. Motion approved.
Gertrude H. Atkinson, Township Clerk