NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2022, 7:00 P.M.
VIA CONFERENCE
CALL: Dial In: 1-888-482-9769; Access
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OR
IN PERSON LIMITED
TO THE FIRST 13 REGISTERED
TO REGISTER EMAIL: CLERK@NORTHHANOVERTWP.COM
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Doyle called the meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor Doyle
ROLL CALL: Mayor Doyle
Deputy Mayor Forsyth
Committeeman DeBaecke
Committeeman Kocubinski
Committeeman O’Donnell
Absent: None
Also Present: Township Clerk Picariello and Township
Attorney Mark 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”.
SWEARING IN OF FULL-TIME OFFICER LIMING
Mr. Liming came forward to be
sworn in as a Full-Time Police officer. Mayor
Doyle welcomed Mr. Liming’s family. Committeeman/Police Commissioner DeBaecke
administered the Oath of Office. A round
of applause was offered. Mayor Doyle
expressed his appreciation to Officer Liming.
He noted it is a much more difficult role to fulfill in this day and
age. He told him to stay safe and noted
his dedication to the residents of North Hanover does not go unrecognized.
PUBLIC COMMENT AS IT RELATES
TO AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Doyle
opened the meeting to the public. There
were no public comments this evening
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC
COMMENT
Proposed By: Committeeman
O’Donnell
Seconded By: Committeeman
DeBaecke
REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE
1. Fire Marshall final
correspondence – Clerk Picariello noted Mr. Paolo thanked the Township
Committee for all the years of service and offered any assistance that was
needed during the transition.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Engineer Hirsh noted the Local Recreation Improvement Grant
needs to be determined what improvements the Township Committee would like to
do. He noted there was $50,000
awarded. He stated the FY 2021 NJDOT
contract was working on final construction quantities and a payment. He noted the FY2022 NJDOT plans and
specifications were submitted and he was waiting for approval to bid.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
·
March
17, 2022 – Regular Meeting
|
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
|
Committeeman DeBaecke |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Forsyth |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman Kocubinski |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
·
March
17, 2022 – Executive Session
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman
DeBaecke |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy
Mayor Forsyth |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
Kocubinski |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
O’Donnell |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor
Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman
DeBaecke |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy
Mayor Forsyth |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
Kocubinski |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
O’Donnell |
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor
Doyle |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
ORDINANCE – ADOPTION
2022-04 Ordinance to Exceed the Municipal
Budget Appropriation Limits and to Establish a Cap Bank Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14
ORDINANCE 2022-04
CALENDAR
YEAR 2022
ORDINANCE
TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS
AND TO
ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
WHEREAS, the Local Government CAP Law,
N.J.S. 40A:4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual
budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5%
unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final
appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a
provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the
difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 1.0%
percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the
next two succeeding years; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the
Township
of North Hanover in the County of Burlington finds
it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2022 budget by up
to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the
interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the
Township
of North Hanover in the County of Burlington hereby
determines that a 1.0%
increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $27,772.67
in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the
Local Government CAP Law, is advisable and necessary; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the
Township
North Hanover of in the County of Burlington hereby
determines that any amount authorized herein above that is not appropriated as
part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final
appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the
Township
of North Hanover in the County of Burlington, a
majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively
concurring, that, in the CY 2022 budget year, the final appropriations
of the Township of North Hanover shall, in accordance
with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%,
amounting to $97,204.35, and that the CY 2022
municipal budget for the Township of North Hanover
be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized
herein above that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be
retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two
succeeding years; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this
ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local
Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of
this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed
with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.
MAYOR OPENS THE MEETING TO
THE PUBLIC
There were no public comments
this evening.
MOTION
TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke
Seconded By: Committeeman O’Donnell
MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2022-04
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman
DeBaecke |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy
Mayor Forsyth |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
Kocubinski |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
O’Donnell |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Mayor
Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
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.
2022-67 Resolution Appointing Part-Time Custodian
RESOLUTION 2022-67
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY
OF BURLINGTON
APPOINTMENT
OF PART-TIME CUSTODIAN
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide
for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be
appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and
responsibilities of the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Township Salary
Ordinance provides for the rate of Compensation, Salary, or Wages of Certain
Officers, Appointees and Employees of said Township.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for
their respective terms, as follows:
Part-Time Custodian ~ Kelly K. Greene
Effective Date of Employment:
04/05/2022
BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated at a
rate of $18.00 per hour, not to exceed 10 hours per week.
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman DeBaecke |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Forsyth |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman Kocubinski |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
.
2022-68 Resolution Appointing a Part-Time Fire Official
RESOLUTION 2022-68
TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY
OF BURLINGTON
APPOINTMENT
OF PART-TIME FIRE OFFICIAL
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide
for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be
appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and responsibilities
of the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Township Salary
Ordinance provides for the rate of Compensation, Salary, or Wages of Certain
Officers, Appointees and Employees of said Township.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for
their respective terms, as follows:
Part-Time Fire Official (including Fire
Inspector) ~ Robert Gancarz
Effective Date of Employment:
04/07/2022
BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated at a
rate of $26.00 per hour.
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman DeBaecke |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Forsyth |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman Kocubinski |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
2022-69 Resolution Designating the Month of May as “Bag Up New Jersey” Month
RESOLUTION
2022-69
TOWNSHIP
OF NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE
MONTH OF MAY AS “BAG UP NEW JERSEY” MONTH
WHEREAS, P.L.202,
c.117, signed into law on November 4th, 2020 is the most progressive
disposable bag law in the country, -with the goal of phasing out single-use
plastic and paper bags
And
encouraging the use of reusable bags throughout New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey
is working to reduce reliance on single-use products to ensure that future
generations have a clean and healthy environment to live, work, and recreate
in; and
WHEREAS, banning or
limiting the use of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags is a significant
step in this effort; and
WHEREAS, the New
Jersey Clean Communities Council, the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, the New Jersey Department of State, policymakers, environmental and
business groups, as well as stakeholders, are working together to educate
consumers, businesses, and communities about the new law and encouraging
residents to “Bag Up” before the ban on single-use plastic bags goes into
effect on May 4, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the
comprehensive “Bag Up NJ” campaign will include educational programs, public
and media engagement and reusable bag distribution programs throughout the
state, with an emphasis on underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, this
statewide public education campaign will provide residents, businesses, and
visitors with information about the types of reusable and sustainable bags and
containers that they may use and where to access these products.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the North
Hanover Township that it is critical to begin educating the public about this
new law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that one way
to gain important recognition is to deem the month of May each year as “Bag Up
NJ” month in North Hanover Township, as a further reminder that all residents
should bring their own reusable bags to the store; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy
of this resolution shall be transmitted to the NJ Clean Communities Council,
and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman DeBaecke |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Forsyth |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman Kocubinski |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
2022-70 Resolution Urging the Swift Passage of S-330/A3804, Which Shall Restore the Energy Tax Receipts to Municipalities
RESOLUTION
2022 -70
TOWNSHIP OF
NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF BURLINGTON
RESOLUTION URGING THE SWIFT
PASSAGE OF S-330/A3804, WHICH SHALL
RESTORE THE ENERGY TAX
RECEIPTS TO MUNICIPALITIES
WHEREAS, taxes on gas and electric
utilities were originally collected by the host municipalities to be used for
local purposes and to compensate the public for the use of their rights of way;
and
WHEREAS, when the State made itself
the collection agent for these taxes, it promised to dedicate the proceeds to
municipal property tax relief; since, just as municipalities collect property
taxes for the benefit of school districts, counties, and other entities, the
State is supposed to collect Energy Taxes for the benefit of municipal
governments; and
WHEREAS, for years, though, State
budget makers have diverted funding from Energy Taxes to fund State programs;
and instead of being spent on local programs and services and used to offset
property taxes, the money has been spent as successive Legislatures and
Administrations have seen fit; and
WHEREAS, the diversion of dedicated
energy tax receipts to the State’s General Fund further jeopardizes this
critical property tax relief funding in future years; and
WHEREAS, by reducing Consolidated
Municipal Property Tax Relief Act (CMPTRA), which is also comprised of revenues
that should be returned to municipalities, State Budget makers have been able
to continue collecting Energy Taxes, while keeping additional revenue that
should have been returned to provide property tax relief; and
WHEREAS, the cumulative impact of
years of underfunding has left many municipalities with serious needs and
burdensome property taxes; and
WHEREAS, local elected officials are
in the best position to decide the best use of these resources, which were
always intended to fund local programs and services; and
WHEREAS, Senator Singleton and
Senate President Scutari have introduced legislation (S-330) that will restore,
over a five-year period, Energy Tax Receipts to municipalities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of the
North Hanover in the
County of Burlington urges the Legislature to swiftly pass this legislation and
Governor Murphy sign the legislation prior to passage of the FY2023 State
budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this
Resolution is forwarded to Senate President Scutari, Assembly Speaker Coughlin,
Governor Murphy, and the League of Municipalities.
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman DeBaecke |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Forsyth |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman Kocubinski |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
NON-CONSENT AGENDA
2022-71 Resolution Approving the Public Display of Fireworks for
the Township of North Hanover Family Night Celebration
RESOLUTION
2022-71
TOWNSHIP OF
NORTH HANOVER
COUNTY OF
BURLINGTON
APPROVING THE PUBLIC DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS FOR THE TOWNSHIP
OF NORTH HANOVER FAMILY NIGHT CELEBRATION
WHEREAS,
it is the desire of the Township of North Hanover to approve the public display
of fireworks for the North Hanover Family Night Celebration; and
WHEREAS, a proposal was submitted to
the North Hanover Township Committee for consideration; and
WHEREAS, the North Hanover Township
Committee desires to accept the proposal from Celebration Fireworks Inc., in
the amount of $4,815.00; and
WHEREAS,
after authorization is approved, the
Fire Official will then be able to issue a permit for the public display of
fireworks.
NOW
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North
Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, that approval is granted
for the public display of fireworks for the North Hanover Family Night
Celebration to be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, with a rain date of
Sunday, September 18, 2022.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Fire
Official is hereby requested to issue a permit pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:18-2.7.
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman DeBaecke |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor Forsyth |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman Kocubinski |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
2022-72 Resolution Authorizing Release of Escrow
RESOLUTION
2022-72
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
Trex
Performance (2556909001) 609/2 $3,115.00
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.
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman
DeBaecke |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy Mayor
Forsyth |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
Kocubinski |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor Doyle |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
DISCUSSION
Mayor Doyle noted the
Memorial Day parade was being planned.
He noted the Recreation Advisory Committee wanted to know should they
plan for the luncheon. Attorney Roselli
noted he felt it would be fine. It was
noted it would be held in a well-ventilated area.
Clerk Picariello inquired if
restrictions should be lifted for meetings.
Township Committee stated yes but keep the audio portion in place.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”
Committeeman DeBaecke stated
he was looking forward to the Memorial Day parade. He also noted a proposed 37 house development,
on Provinceline Road, was coming before the JLUB at their April 27th
meeting. He noted he has been working
with Assemblyman Dancer on crafting a bill to change the funding formula for
preserving farms. He stated he was
hopeful for the future of farm preservation.
Deputy Mayor Forsyth stated Herman’s
donated stone for the compactor repair at the Waste Facility and expressed his
appreciation. He also expressed concerns
over accidents on Meany Road. Mayor
Doyle noted the County has been contacted numerous times over the hazards. There were discussions concerning reducing
the speed limit and Attorney Roselli noted a traffic study would need to be
done. There was also discussion concerning closing the end of the Road. Engineer Hirsh noted he would explore the
rural residential road law to see if it was feasible for reducing the speed
limit.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Questions, comments or statements from members of the public in attendance.
Mayor Doyle opened the
meeting to the public. He thanked Mr.
Voorhees for his attendance.
Mr. Wayne Voorhees – 226
Cookstown-New Egypt Road- Mr. Voorhees stated he was amazed that no one comes
to this meeting. He also inquired as to
what pickleball was and an explanation was given. He noted he was pleased the Township
Committee would be keeping the audio portion of the meeting.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC
COMMENT
Proposed By: Committeeman
O’Donnell
Seconded By: Deputy Mayor
Forsyth
EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION
2022-73 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 and Litigation matters
RESOLUTION 2022-73
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.
TABLE
INDEFINITELY
|
COMMITTEE |
MOTION |
2ND |
AYES |
NAYS |
ABSTAIN |
ABSENT |
|
Committeeman
DeBaecke |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
|
Deputy
Mayor Forsyth |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Committeeman
Kocubinski |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Committeeman O’Donnell |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Mayor
Doyle |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
BACK TO
PUBLIC SESSION
MOTION TO ADJOURN 7:58 pm
Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke
Seconded By: Committeeman O’Donnell
Respectively
submitted,
___________________
Mary
Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC
Township
Clerk