1

Deputy Mayor DeBaecke

Committeeman Kocubinski

Committeeman O’Donnell

ABSENT: Committeeman Doyle

Also Present: Mary Picariello, Acting Township Clerk, Jack Bruno, CFO and Theodore “Budd”

Wells, Chief of Police

has been transmitted by email to the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Trenton Times as well as given to

those having requested same and posted on the Township bulletin board located in the foyer of the municipal building”.

Mayor DeLorenzo opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments this evening.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman Kocubinski

Seconded By: Deputy Mayor DeBaecke

Mayor DeLorenzo stated there would be discussion to firm up Capital budget and there would be closed session

discussion concerning the salary of the Police Chief. Deputy Mayor DeBaecke noted there was an agreement on the

police vehicles and ambulance. There would be $49,000 coming from capital reserve and $30,000 from the EMS fund

and the remaining balance from the Township, for the ambulance. Committee Kocubinski inquired of CFO Bruno if there

was funding for a new BAN and CFO Bruno noted the down payment reserve could handle a million dollars in

improvements. Committeeman O’Donnell inquired with the Fire Chief if foregoing the command vehicle and trailer was

acceptable. Ben Palombi, Fire Chief, noted his priority was the ambulance. He also noted this is something that would

need to be addressed in another year. Committeeman O’Donnell noted there are other Capital needs coming for the fire

department. He stated the Engine is 20 years old and is at its life span and that we would be pushing off the command

vehicle and trailer. He stated we would be using other monies that would allow almost a cash purchase for the ambulance.

CFO Bruno note the remaining balance would be funded through the bond and would not include the $49,000 or the

$30,000. Deputy Mayor DeBaecke noted another $21,000 is need for technology and $3,000 for a Fire Proof Cabinet for

the Registrar. CFO Bruno noted the reserve could be used this year and use the cash to buy the items and noted it reduces

the reserve fund. Deputy Mayor DeBaecke noted these Capital needs were approximately $170,000. Committeeman

O’Donnell made the Committee aware that there would be imminent Capital needs for the Fire Department. CFO Bruno

noted there would be an additional $800,000 available for future Capital needs. Committeeman O’Donnell stated as long

as everyone understands the future needs, that are substantial, he would agree to holding off. There was a general

understanding of this. Mayor DeLorenzo noted the $49,000 was put away for the purpose of Capital at the Fire

Department and due to financial setbacks; monies have not been put in recently. He noted he wanted to be mindful and

not have a tax increase for the taxpayers. Committeeman Kocubinski noted previous discussions where a .01 tax increase

was proposed and asked where would this differential come from and expressed concerns about using surplus funds due to

the school deferment. CFO Bruno noted there was no additional deferral used. Committeeman Kocubinski further

expressed his concern with regard to school deferral and concerns it would run out and a future drastic cut would be

needed. Deputy Mayor DeBaecke noted the taxpayers have been hit two years in a row and felt it was best to cut them a

break, especially because it does not affect the current numbers. CFO Bruno noted the budget is balanced without an

increase. He further gave an overview of revenues and appropriations and feels we are fine with the surplus and notes we

will “BANK” this year and it would not affect our ability next year. Committeeman Kocubinski noted there is not enough

revenue to meet appropriations without using the fund balance. Mayor DeLorenzo noted the addition of the solar farms.

Committeeman Kocubinski and Committeeman O’Donnell noted their concerns. CFO Bruno noted the ability to replace

surplus is balanced and has been increased over the last few years. He report there was an additional $118,000 this year.

Deputy Mayor DeBaecke stated he was willing to give that to the taxpayer. Mayor DeLorenzo stated there are other ways

to replace revenue and mentioned a possible increase in the Waste Facility payment. There was various discussion

regarding the Road Improvement Program and CFO Bruno stated in the near future he would discuss long term financing.

Committeeman Kocubinski expressed concern over the State Aid. Deputy Mayor DeBaecke felt taxing is the last resort

and wants to explore other revenue streams. Mayor DeLorenzo noted the JLUB is working on economic development.

2

Mayor DeLorenzo gave an overview of an application that went before the JLUB and felt senior housing would help.

Committeeman O’Donnell stated recurring expenses need to meet recurring revenue and expressed the concern of

injecting cash.

2017-65 Authorizing a Closed Session Meeting to discuss the following matter(s) pursuant to N.J.S.A.

47:1A-1 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-12; Police Chief Personnel Matter, Contract Matter Personnel and

Litigation matters

of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

and is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist which should not be discussed in public, and

Township Committee to discuss certain matter(s) in private, and in this case for the purpose of the Township Committee

to discuss contract negotiations, litigation and personnel matters in this regard.

into an Executive Session for the purpose of the Township Committee to discuss Police Chief Personnel Matter, Contract

Negotiations, Litigation and Personnel matters.

are resolved and/or a contract(s) is signed and/or the negotiations are formally settled. Interested parties may contact the

Township Clerk anytime during normal business hours for periodic updates as to the availability in this regard.

COMMITTEE MOTION 2ND AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT

Wayne Voorhees expressed concern over holding off on JVFC capital needs and stated rates could be higher

next year.

Proposed By: Deputy Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Kocubinski

Respectively submitted,

________________________

Mary Picariello

Acting Township Clerk