NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA/BUDGET WORKSHOP

MINUTES

February 7, 2019, 6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER               Mayor DeBaecke called the meeting to order at 6:00 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:  Clerk Mary 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”.

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 Doyle

Seconded By:  Committeeman Kocubinski

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence this evening.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh reported that the FY 2016 Municipal Parks Grant Program reimbursement has been submitted.  He noted there was still $25,181.96 remaining.  He stated the FY2018 NJDOT plans were awaiting approval from the NJDOT.  He stated the reconstruction of Provinceline Road would be completed when the weather allows.  He stated the stormwater cleaning was awaiting the basin to thaw in order to do the cleaning work.  He stated he was awaiting the Mayor’s review for the Road Improvement Mapping.  He also stated the quotes were in for the guardrail damage on Meany road.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL 

·        January 3, 2019 – Reorganization Meeting

·        January 17, 2019 – Regular Meeting

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.

2019-37            Resolution Authorizing Release of Escrow

RESOLUTION 2019-37

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF ESCROWS

            WHEREAS, the following accounts have a balance in the escrow account:

Name                                                              Block/Lot                              Balance

Hanover Solar (2350400)                                700/10                                     $1,322.03

            WHEREAS, the professionals have indicated that no monies are due these accounts.

            NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, that the above named escrow account be released; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Chief Financial Officer.

2019-38           Resolution Approving the Participation with the State of New Jersey Safe and Secure Communities Program Administered by the Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Law and Public Safety

RESOLUTION 2019-38

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY

WHEREAS, the North Hanover Township Committee wishes to apply for funding for a project under the Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program 18-0326 for the period of May 18, 2018 through May 17, 2019; and

            WHEREAS, the Committee of North Hanover Township has reviewed the accompanying application and has approved said request; and

            WHEREAS. the project is a joint effort between the Department of Law and Public Safety and North Hanover Township for the purpose described in the application.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Township Committee of North Hanover Township that

1.       As a matter of public policy North Hanover Township wishes to participate to the fullest extent possible with the Department of Law and Public Safety.

2.       The Grant is to be in the amount of $30,000.00, to which the Township of North Hanover shall make a match of $30,000.00 for a total project cost of $60,000.00.

3.       The Division of Criminal Justice shall be responsible for the receipt and review of the applications for said funds.

4.       The Township of North Hanover is hereby authorized to accept and does accept the sub award of the grant funds; and

5.       The Township of North Hanover accepts the grant funds for the specific purpose described in the Grant Application

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2019-39           Resolution Authorizing the Burlington County Division of Mosquito Control to Administer Aerial Surveillance and Treatment Program

RESOLUTION 2019-39

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BURLINGTON COUNTY DIVISION OF MOSQUITO CONTROL TO ADMINISTER AERIAL SURVEILLANCE AND TREATEMENT PROGRAM

            WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover does hereby authorize the Burlington County Division of Mosquito Control to apply pesticides from aircraft to control mosquitoes over portions of North Hanover Township; and

            WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover understands that all pesticides used are registered with the NJDEP for aerial application by the State and the USEPA; and

            WHERAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover further understands that the areas being treated are only those found to have a significantly high mosquito population and may present either a public health nuisance of disease factor;

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that it hereby approves and authorizes the Burlington County Division of Mosquito Control to administer aerial surveillance and a treatment program to North Hanover Township and hereby authorizes the Mayor and/or Township Clerk to execute the document to authorize said services;

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the following:

1.      Burlington County Department of Public Works Division of  Mosquito Control

2019-40           Resolution Reducing the Performance Guarantee and accepting Maintenance Guarantee for the North Hanover Solar W2-082 (Altus Power) at Wrightstown-Sykesville Road; Block 602 Lot 9

RESOLUTION 2019-40

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A RESOLUTION REDUCING THE PERFORMARNCE GUARANTEE AND ACCEPTING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE FOR THE NORTH HANOVER SOLAR W2-082 (ATLUS POWER) AT WRIGHTSTOWN-SYKESVILLE ROAD; BLOCK 602 LOT 9

WHEREAS, Environmental Resolutions Inc. Engineers has inspected site improvements to Wrightstown-Sykesville Road, North Hanover, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, North Hanover Solar W2-082 (Altus Power)  has notified the Township Engineer in writing and in accordance with procedures set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.d, stating that the required improvements, which are the subject matter of the aforementioned guarantees, have been completed and has requested a release of said performance guarantees; and

WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Township’s Engineer that the Township of North Hanover Committee reduce the cash performance guarantee, in the amount of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars and 56/100 cents ($125,188.56) by ($88,439.16) Eighty-Eight Thousand Four Hundred Thirty-Nine and 16/100 cents; leaving a balance for the maintenance guarantee of ($36,749.40) Thirty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Nine Dollars and 40/100 cents.

WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Township Committee and in the best interest of the Township of North Hanover to reduce the Performance guarantee in the amount referenced herein in accordance with the Township Engineer’s recommendations and accept the maintenance guarantee in the amount referenced herein. 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, that the cash performances guarantee be reduced for the North Hanover Solar W2-082 (Altus Power) and accepts the maintenance guarantee described above.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution shall be provided to the Finance Director, the Township Engineer, and North Hanover Solar W2-082 (Altus Power) for their information and attention.

2019-41           Resolution Authorizing Extension and Amendment to Contract By and Between the Township of North Hanover and J.B. Lawn Care, LLC  for the Provision of Roads and Grounds Service and Maintenance Supervision

RESOLUTION 2019-41

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER AND J.B. LAWN & LAND CARE, LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF ROAD AND GROUNDS SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE SUPERVISION

            WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover (hereinafter “Township”) previously awarded by way of public bid, a contract (hereinafter “Contract”) to J.B. Lawn & Land Care, LLC (hereinafter “Contractor”) for the provision of road and grounds service and maintenance supervision for the Township of North Hanover for an initial term of April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2018; and

            WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the initial Contract and the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq., the term of the Contract can be extended by the Township for two one-year extensions, upon a finding that the services are being performed in an effective and efficient manner; the price change in the contract is based upon the price of the original contract as cumulatively adjusted pursuant to any previous adjustment or extension, not to exceed the change in the index rate for the 12 months preceding the most recent quarterly calculation available at the time the contract is renewed; and the terms and conditions of the Contract remain substantially the same; and

            WHEREAS, in accordance with the paragraph IV of the Contract, the Township by resolution adopted on April 5, 2018 extended the term of the Contract for an additional year term, commencing April 1, 2018 and terminating March 31, 2019, under the same terms and conditions, except that the price of the Contract was increased to $46,529.98, which was a 2.2% increase over the prior year price, the maximum amount permitted under state law; and

            WHEREAS, the Township Committee hereby finds that the services being provided by the Contractor are being performed in an effective and efficient manner and therefore, the Township Committee has determined to extend the term of the contract for an additional one year term, commencing April 1, 2019 and terminating March 31, 2020, under the same terms and conditions, except that the price of the Contract shall be increased to $47,414.05, which is a 1.9% increase over the prior year’s price, the maximum permitted under state law; and

            WHEREAS, the Contractor has consented to the extension of the term of the Contract under the same terms and conditions of the original contract and at a price of $47,414.05.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey that it does hereby authorize an extension and amendment to the Contract with J.B. Lawn & Land Care, LLC by extending the term of the contract for an additional one year term from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 and increasing the contract price to $47,414.05, with all other terms and conditions of the contract remaining the same.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute an amendment to the Contract providing for the terms of this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to J.B. Lawn & Land Care, LLC.

DISCUSSION

There were no discussion items this evening.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Kocubinski noted the recreation meeting on February 5^th.  He stated the Committee was looking for an after season banquets and would like to pick up the cost for pizza and drinks.  Mayor DeBaecke noted in the past, parents brought refreshments.  Committeeman Kocubinski noted this was something new and the projected cost was $320.00 and was unsure if we want to do that.  Mayor DeBaecke noted adequate funding is provided and he is not opposed to it.  However, he would like some anticipated head count and prefers to use a local business.  Committeeman Kocubinski noted they would also like to seek uniform sponsorship.  Mayor DeBaecke noted this was done in the past, maybe 12 or 13 years ago.  There was concern over lack of sponsorship.  Committee Kocubinski noted a lot of interest is not being generated among the programs.  Mayor DeBaecke noted then there would be less need for business’s to participate.  He wanted to make sure there was a contingency plan for teams with no sponsorship.  Attorney Roselli noted it would be fine for the Committee to solicit funding but payments are to run through finance and purchasing of the uniform.  Mayor DeBaecke was hopeful that the Recreation Advisory Committee has the man power to make it work.  Committeeman DeLorenzo inquired would this be for every sport.  Committeeman Kocubinski stated yes but there is concern over the low participation level in the sports program.  Attorney Roselli noted that was a continuing problem with travel teams being active.  Joe Greene recommended using the trust fund to finance the refreshments through the Recreation Trust.  There was a general consensus to allow that.  Committeeman Kocubinski stated the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held April 20, 2019 and more details will be provided at a later date.

Committeeman Doyle stated the appreciation dinner was well attended and went great.

Committeeman DeLorenzo apologized for not making the dinner.  He had some personal issues lately and appreciates the Committee’s understanding.

Mayor DeBaecke noted the appreciation dinner was a good time and the new venue was wonderful.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Questions, comments or statements from members of the public in attendance.

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

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman Kocubinski

Seconded By: Committeeman DeLorenzo

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2019-42           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; PPA vs Burlington County Board of Freeholders Litigation matter, Personnel, Contract Negotiation and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2019-42

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 PPA vs. Burlington County Board of Freeholders Litigation matter, Solar Contract Matter, 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.

BACK TO PUBLIC SESSION

BUDGET WORKSHOP – TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE TO REVIEW BUDGET LINE ITEMS

The Township Committee reviewed various Public Works requests.  It was noted that we would move forward with carpet in the Bowers Buildings and other various building projects.  Joe Greene, treasurer, reviewed the budget transfers.  He noted the budget of last year was on the target.  He further explained the shortages in the gas line item due to increases.  He further reviewed the repairs needed to the back-ho.  There was discussion concerning the carpet in the Bowers Building on the Senior Center side.  There was a general consensus to get pricing.  Twan Berben’s list was reviewed.

Chief Ben Palombi, JVFC, was present.  He reviewed his request for a command vehicle and the various specs.  The Committee inquired as to the fire departments willingness to split the cost out of the EMS fund.  Chief Palombi stated he would take to the company.  Mayor DeBaecke noted the Township budget was not done yet but was anticipating being able to contribute 20,000.00.  Chief Palombi noted their EMS collection was doing great and one of the highest in the county at 70 percent, as compared to Pemberton at 24 percent.  There was discussion about possible auction of old police cars. 

There was discussion concerning the air condition issue in the Court Room.  There was direction to solicit quotes.  There was also need to solicit quotes for electrical in the Police Department and new lighting in the garage.  The Police overtime budget was reviewed.  Joe Greene noted that would also include 2 years of retro pay.  The Committee questioned the difference in the budget numbers and it was noted CFO Bruno would clarify at a later date.  There was inclination that the public works line item might need to be increased.  There was also concern over the Court operational budget. 

There was a general consensus to have the Township Committee review the paperwork closer and have another work session tentative for February 23^rd. 

MOTION TO ADJOURN                                                     7:53 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman Doyle

Seconded By: Committeeman DeLorenzo   

Respectively submitted,

__________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk