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NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
August 15, 2019, 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER Mayor DeBaecke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor DeBaecke
ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke Committeeman DeLorenzo Committeeman Doyle Committeeman Kocubinski
Absent: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell
Also Present: Township Clerk Picariello and Township Attorney Roselli
SUNSHINE STATEMENT: “The provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met. Notice of this meeting 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”.
INTRODUCTION RONALD CROCKER
OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS JCPL
Mr. Crocker was delayed due to a traffic accident and entered at 7:10
pm. Mr. Crocker introduced
himself as the replacement for Maria Sessa due to her retirement.
Mr. Crocker gave an overview of his 30 years of experience.
The Township Committee was pleased with his experience and looked
forward to a good working relationship.
Mayor DeBaecke discussed various concerns along with Committeeman
Doyle. Committeeman Doyle
noted concerns with the breakdown in communication during the last storm
and the hazards concerning the safety of certain residents due to
emergency access. There
were remedies discussed for the future and a Municipal phone number
would be provided. Mr.
Crocker educated the Committee on various electrical protocols.
A few residents in the audience voiced concerns with Mr. Crocker
and he noted he would address the residents’ concerns.
Committeeman DeLorenzo expressed concerns with the tree trimming
and Mr. Crocker gave the explanation and noted only 60 percent of
residents actually gives permission to address tree issues. Mayor
DeBaecke inquired about the staffing at the local JCPL office.
Mr. Crocker stated he was unaware of any plans to close that
office. Mayor DeBaecke
thanked Mr. Crocker for his attendance and the information he provided.
PUBLIC COMMENT AS IT RELATES TO AGENDA ITEMS Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments this evening.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT Proposed By: Committeeman DeLorenzo Seconded By: Committeeman Doyle
REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE
1.
JBMDL invite to 2019 United States Air Force Ball –
Clerk Picariello inquired if the Township Committee could attend.
There were scheduling conflicts and the Township Committee was
unable to attend.
2.
2019 Distribution Vegetation Overhang Removals –
Hornerstown Substation – Clerk Picariello noted this project would begin
in September.
3.
NJLM Conference Registration – There were four
Committee members whom will be attending.
ENGINEER’S REPORT - Engineer Hirsh stated the DEP issued a permit to the County for the Paulson Road Bridge. He stated he would inquire, again, with the County concerning the construction timeline. In regards to the FY2016 Municipal Park Grant program, Engineer Hirsh stated he did receive permission to address the bottom field and would prepare an RFQ. The concrete and paving for the FY 2015/2016 NJDOT program would begin on August 22nd and Engineer Hirsh would confirm the paving of Hornerstown-Arneystown Road immediately after. Engineer Hirsh reported the FY2019 NJDOT grant would be advertised next week and expects to award September 19th.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR JULY
2019
a.
Tax Collector
b.
Construction, Zoning & Mobile Homes
c.
North Hanover Courts
d.
Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company
e.
Police Department
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
· July 25, 2019 – Special Meeting
· July 25, 2019 – Executive Session
· August 1, 2019 – Regular Meeting
· August 1, 2019 – Executive Session
BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL
CONSENT AGENDA DEFINED:
All Resolutions listed on today’s consent agenda are to be considered as one vote by Township Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately.
2019-100 Resolution Authorizing Street Opening Permit
RESOLUTION 2019-100
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STREET
OPENING PERMIT
WHEREAS,
Marc Panaccione of New Jersey Natural Gas Co., hereinafter referred to
as “NJNG”, has submitted an application for a Street Opening Permit for
Chesterfield-Arneytown and Provinceline Road(s); and
WHEREAS,
pursuant to Chapter 12 the Township Engineer, Joseph Hirsh of
Environmental Resolutions Inc. has reviewed said application and
recommends approval by the Township Committee;
and
WHEREAS,
pursuant to Chapter 19 “Fees” a fee of $50 is required prior to the
issuance of a Street Excavation Permit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
by the Township Committee of
the Township of North Hanover that the application for a Street
Excavation Permit to NJNG for the location known as
Chesterfield-Arneytown and
Provinceline Road(s) is hereby approved subject to receipt of
payment of the applicable fee.
NON-CONSENT AGENDA 2019-101 Resolution Accepting the 2018 Municipal Audit
RESOLUTION 2019-101
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON
ACCEPTING THE 2018 MUNICIPAL AUDIT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:A5-4
requires the Governing Body of every local unit to have made an annual
audit of its books, accounts and financial transaction, and
WHEREAS, the Annual Report of
Audit for the year 2018 has
been filed by a Registered Municipal Accountant with the Municipal Clerk
as per the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:5-6, and a copy has been
received by each member of the Governing Body, and
WHEREAS, R.S.
52:27BB-34 authorizes the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey
to prescribe reports pertaining to the local fiscal affairs; and
WHEREAS, the Local Finance
Board has promulgated N.J.A.C. 5:30-6.5, a regulation requiring that the
governing body of each municipality shall, by resolution, certify to the
Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey that all members of the
Governing Body have reviewed, as a minimum, the sections of the annual
audit entitled:
General Comments and Recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the members of the
Governing Body have personally reviewed, as a minimum, the Annual Report
of Audit, and specifically the sections of the Annual Audit entitled:
Comments and Recommendations as evidenced by the group affidavit form of
the Governing Body, and
WHEREAS, such Resolution of
Certification shall be adopted by Governing Body no later than
forty-five days after the receipt of the annual audit, pursuant to
N.J.A.C. 5:30-6.5; and, and
WHEREAS, all members of the
Governing Body have received and have familiarized themselves with, at
least, the minimum requirements of the Local
Finance Board of the State of New Jersey, as stated aforesaid
and have subscribed to the affidavit, as provided by the Local
Finance Board, and
WHEREAS, failure to comply
with the promulgation’s of the Local Finance Board of the State of New
Jersey may subject the members of the local Governing Body to the
penalty provisions of R.S. 52-27BB-52 to wit: R.S. 52:27BB-52 – “A local
officer or member of a local Governing Body who, after a date fixed for
compliance, fails or refuses to obey an order of the Director (Director
of Local Government Services), under the provisions of this Article,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined not
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more
than one year, or both, in addition shall forfeit his office”.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Governing Body of North Hanover Township, hereby states that it
has complied with N.J.A.C. 5:30-6.5 and does hereby submit a certified
copy of this Resolution and required affidavit to said Board to show
evidence of said compliance.
2019-102 Resolution Accepting Quote from Forever Green Tree Service for the Clearing of Storm Debris
RESOLUTION 2019-102
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE FROM FOREVER GREEN TREE SERVICE FOR THE
CLEARING OF STORM DEBRIS
WHEREAS,
the Township of North Hanover desires to clear Storm debris for various
locations within North Hanover Township; and
WHEREAS,
N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1, authorizes the solicitation of quotations, if
practicable; and
WHEREAS,
the Township Committee has reviewed the quotes received and recommends
the lowest quote submitted by Forever Green Tree Service; and
WHEREAS,
the Township of North Hanover has sufficient funding in place as
evidenced by the Chief Financial Officers certification of the
availability of funds.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of
Burlington County, State of New Jersey hereby accepts the lowest quote
by Forever Green Tree Service, for the removal of storm debris, in the
amount of $1,919.25.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to issue said
purchase order aforesaid on behalf of the Township.
DISCUSSION There were no discussion items this evening.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS” Committeeman Kocubinski noted the town wide yard sale was scheduled for September 29th.
Committeeman Doyle expressed appreciation to the Township Clerk for getting JCPL to attend the meeting. He also noted the first ever North Hanover national night out and stated it was a great event.
Committeeman DeLorenzo stated he was appreciative of Mr. Crocker’s attendance this evening.
Mayor DeBaecke stated it was a pleasure meeting Mr. Crocker. He also stated the national night out was a great time and looks forward to its future. He also noted there were no audit recommendations in this years report. He thanked all the employees and noted it was something to be proud of.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Questions, comments or statements from members of the public in attendance.
Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public. Ms. Barbara Conrad – 589 Monmouth Road – Ms. Conrad expressed displeasure with the deer popper from the farmer. She noted he could make the sound lower. She stated she cannot sleep. She noted other farmers do not use it. Mayor DeBaecke gave an overview of the steps taken and noted the Township could not legally do anything about it. He informed the residents they could make a formal complaint with the County. He stated no local law could supersede State law.
Mr. Tony Chimel – Schoolhouse Road – Mr. Chimel passed out information from a case in Texas and noted he did not know the legal issues involved. He would like the Township to pursue a case. He also discussed various noise ordinances. Attorney Roselli noted you would have to be directly affected and a party of interest. It was also noted it is regulated by the State. Attorney Roselli also gave an overview of cases he plead before the SDAC. He also noted these laws are in place to prevent Municipalities to enact local zoning laws that would inhibit farmers and this needs to be fixed at the legislature.
Ms. Paula Schmidt – Schoolhouse Road – She noted she reached out to Assemblyman Dancer and Senator Thompson. She also spoke with the County and she would be making a formal complaint with the agricultural board. Mayor DeBaecke noted that was the only process available. Ms. Schmidt also stated sleep deprivation is a form of torture.
Ms. Nancy Morrow – Patty Drive – Ms. Morrow expressed displeasure with the seal coating project in her neighborhood. She noted the Arawak foreman threatened her to not complete the project.
Ms. Gloria Alpin – Larrison Road – She noted large trucks were parked on her property without permission during the 2015 Contract I road program. She also stated her apron was never repaired properly and expressed displeasure with Arawak Paving. She provided pictures to the Committee and Mayor DeBaecke stated he would look into it. Attorney Roselli also explained the public bidding process.
Mr. Ray Ostrowski – Chesterfield-Arneytown Road – Mr. Ostrowski expressed concerns over the rumble strip vibrations as it relates to the installation of the NJNG pipeline. It was noted his concerns would be relayed and Attorney Roselli stated he would address.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT Proposed By: Committeeman DeLorenzo Seconded By: Committeeman Doyle
EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION 2019-103 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 Contract Matters, Personnel Matters and Litigation matters
RESOLUTION 2019-103
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON
AUTHORIZING A CLOSED SESSION
MEETING
WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 and P.L. 2001, C. 404, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of North Hanover Township wishes to go into a closed Executive Session and is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist which should not be discussed in public, and
WHEREAS. the Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 permits the 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Township Committee of North Hanover Township that it will go into an Executive Session for the purpose of the Township Committee to discuss Contract Matters, Litigation and Personnel matters.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of such discussion may be revealed at such time as the matter(s) 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.
MOTION TO TABLE INDEFINITELY
MOTION TO ADJOURN
8:18pm Proposed By: Committeeman Doyle Seconded By: Committeeman DeLorenzo
Respectively submitted,
_________________
Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC
Township Clerk
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