NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

AUGUST 17, 2023 7:00 P.M.

VIA CONFERENCE CALL: Dial In: 1-888-482-9769; Access Code 4493305#

OR

IN PERSON

CALL TO ORDER Mayor Forsyth called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor Forsyth, with a prayer offered by Mr. Voorhees

ROLL CALL: Mayor Forsyth

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Committeeman DeBaecke

Committeeman Doyle

Committeeman Kocubinski

Absent: None

Also Present: Township Clerk Mary 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”.

PUBLIC COMMENT AS IT RELATES TO AGENDA ITEMS

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

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Doyle

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence this evening.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh was not present this evening. Mayor Forsyth offered prayers to Engineer Hirsh and his family.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR JULY 2023

1. Tax Collector

2. Construction, Zoning & Mobile Homes

3. North Hanover Court

4. Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company

5. Fire Official

6. Police Department

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

• August 3, 2023 – Regular Meeting

• August 3, 2023 – Executive Session

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2023-09 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for Purposes of Establishing Requirements for the Proper Disposal of Pet Solid Waste

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

ORDINANCE 2023-09

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP’S MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PURPOSES OF ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF PET SOLID WASTE

SECTION 1. Purpose

An ordinance to establish requirements for the proper disposal of pet solid waste in the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey, so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.

SECTION 2. Definitions

For the purpose of this ordinance, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this Chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory.

a. Immediate – shall mean that the pet solid waste is removed at once, without delay.

b. Owner/Keeper – any person who shall possess, maintain, house or harbor any pet or otherwise have custody of any pet, whether or not the owner of such pet.

c. Person – any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

d. Pet - a domesticated animal (other than a disability assistance animal) kept for amusement companionship.

e. Pet solid waste – waste matter expelled from the bowels of the pet; excrement

f. Proper disposal – placement in a designated waste receptacle, or other suitable container, and discarded in a refuse container which is regularly emptied by the municipality or some other refuse collector; or disposal into a system designed to convey domestic sewage for proper treatment and disposal.

SECTION 3. Requirement for Disposal

All pet owners and keepers are required to immediately and properly dispose of their pet’s solid waste deposited on any property, public or private, not owned or possessed by that person.

SECTION 4. Exemptions

Any owner or keeper who requires the use of a disability assistance animal shall be exempt from the provisions of this section while such animal is being used for that purpose.

SECTION 5. Enforcement

This ordinance shall be enforced by the Township Police Department and/or Zoning Officer and/or Local Board of Health of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington.

SECTION 6. Penalties

Any person(s) who continues to be in violation of the provisions of this ordinance, after being duly notified, shall be subject to the general penalties set forth in Section 1-035 of the Municipal Code of the Township of North Hanover.

SECTION 7. Severability

Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this Ordinance to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this Ordinance.

SECTION 8. Repealer

All provisions of any other ordinance which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 9. Effective date:

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as may be required by law.

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 Kocubinski

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2023-09

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2023-12 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for Purposes of Establishing Regulations Regarding the Feeding of Unconfined Wildlife in Public Parks or Township Owned or Operated Property

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

ORDINANCE 2023- 12

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PURPOSES OF ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS REGARDING THE FEEDING OF UNCONFINED WILDLIFE IN PUBLIC PARKS OR TOWNSHIP OWNED OR OPERATED PROPERTY

SECTION 1. Purpose

The purpose of this ordinance is to prohibit the feeding of unconfined wildlife in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by North Hanover Township so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.

SECTION 2. Definitions

For this ordinance, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this ordinance clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

a. “Feed” means to give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing wildlife. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game.

b. “Person” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

c. “Wildlife” means all animals that are neither human nor domesticated.

SECTION 3. Prohibited Conduct

a. No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by Township of North Hanover any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers, or feral cats as part of an approved Trap-Neuter-Release program).

SECTION 4. Enforcement

a. This ordinance shall be enforced by the Township Police Department and/or Zoning Officer of North Hanover Township.

b. Any person found to be in violation of this ordinance shall be ordered to cease the feeding immediately.

SECTION 5. Violations and Penalties

Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the general penalties set forth in Section 1-035 of the Municipal Code of the Township of North Hanover.

SECTION 6. Severability

Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this Ordinance to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this Ordinance.

SECTION 7. Effective date

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as may be required by law.

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2023-13 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for Purposes of Establishing Requirements to Control Littering in North Hanover Township

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

ORDINANCE 2023-13

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PURPOSES OF ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS TO CONTROL LITTERING IN NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

SECTION 1. Purpose

An ordinance to establish requirements to control littering in North Hanover Township so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for the failure to comply.

SECTION 2. Definitions

For this ordinance, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this Chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

a. Litter - any used or unconsumed substance or waste material which has been discarded, whether made of aluminum, glass, plastic, rubber, paper, or other natural or synthetic material, or any combination thereof, including, but not limited to, any bottle, jar or can, or any top, cap or detachable tab of any bottle, jar or can, any unlighted cigarette, cigar, match or any flaming or glowing material or any garbage, trash, refuse, debris, rubbish, grass clippings or other lawn or garden waste, newspapers, magazines, glass, metal, plastic or paper containers or other packaging or construction material, but does not include the waste of the primary processes of mining or other extraction processes, logging, sawmilling, farming or manufacturing.

b. Litter Receptacle - a container suitable for the depositing of litter.

c. Person - any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

SECTION 3. Prohibited acts and regulated activities

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, drop, discard or otherwise place any litter of any nature upon public or private property other than in a litter receptacle, or having done so, to allow such litter to remain.

2. Whenever any litter is thrown or discarded or allowed to fall from a vehicle or boat in violation of this ordinance, the operator or owner, or both, of the motor vehicle or boat shall also be deemed to have violated this ordinance.

SECTION 4. Enforcement

This ordinance shall be enforced by the Township Police Department and/or Zoning Officer of North Hanover Township.

SECTION 5. Penalties

Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the general penalties set forth in Section 1-035 of the Municipal Code of the Township of North Hanover.

SECTION 6. Severability

Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this Ordinance to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this Ordinance.

SECTION 7. Effective date

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as may be required by law.

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2023-14 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for Purposes of Establishing Requirements for the Proper Handling of Yard Waste in North Hanover Township

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

ORDINANCE 2023-14

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PURPOSES OF ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPER HANDLING OF YARD WASTE IN NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

SECTION 1. Purpose

An ordinance to establish requirements for the proper handling of yard waste in North Hanover Township, to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for the failure to comply.

SECTION 2. Definitions

For purposes of this ordinance, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this Chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

a. Containerized - the placement of yard waste in a trash can, bucket, bag or other vessel, such as to prevent the yard waste from spilling or blowing out into the street and coming into contact with stormwater.

b. Person – any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

c. Street - any street, avenue, boulevard, road, parkway, viaduct, drive, or other way, which is an existing State, county, or municipal roadway, and includes the land between the street lines, whether improved or unimproved, and may comprise pavement, shoulders, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking areas, and other areas within the street lines.

d. Yard Waste - leaves and grass clippings.

SECTION 3. Prohibited Conduct

The owner or occupant of any property, or any employee or contractor of such owner or occupant engaged to provide lawn care or landscaping services, shall not sweep, rake, blow or otherwise place yard waste, unless the yard waste is containerized, in the street. If yard waste that is not containerized is placed in the street, the party responsible for placement of yard waste must remove the yard waste from the street or said party shall be deemed in violation of this ordinance.

SECTION 4. Enforcement

This ordinance shall be enforced by the Township Police Department and/or Zoning Officer of North Hanover Township.

SECTION 5. Violations and Penalties

Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to the general penalties set forth in Section 1-035 of the Municipal Code of the Township of North Hanover.

SECTION 6. Severability

Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this Ordinance to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this Ordinance.

SECTION 7. Effective date

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as may be required by law.

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

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.

2023-119 Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Sale Premium

RESOLUTION 2023-119

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND

OF TAX SALE PREMIUM

WHEREAS, Tax Sale Certificate#20-00002 was redeemed on August 9, 2023 in the amount of $29,482.32; and

WHEREAS, Culmac Investors, Inc. paid tax sale premium, in the amount of $9,000.00, for said Lien.

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that, as requested by the Tax Collector, it hereby authorizes a refund of tax sale premium, in the amount of $9,000.00 to Culmac Investors, Inc.; for Lien#20-00002, Block 301 Lot 39, commonly known as 1 Jacobstown-Chesterfield Road.

2023-120 Resolution Authorizing the Refund of Tax Sale Premium

RESOLUTION 2023-120

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND

OF TAX SALE PREMIUM

WHEREAS, Tax Sale Certificate#22-000001 was redeemed on August 15, 2023 in the amount of $4,969.03; and

WHEREAS, Culmac Investors, Inc. paid tax sale premium, in the amount of $1,000.00, for said Lien.

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that, as requested by the Tax Collector, it hereby authorizes a refund of tax sale premium, in the amount of $1,000.00 to Culmac Investors, Inc.; for Lien#22-00001, Block 300 Lot 3, commonly known as 295 Chesterfield-Jacobstown Road.

2023-121 Resolution Authorizing Refund of Construction Permit#22-191

RESOLUTION 2023-121

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND

OF CONSTRUCTION PERMIT #22-191

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that, as requested by the Construction Office, it hereby authorizes a refund of Construction Permit #22-191, in the amount of $102.00 to Sean and Jeanette Cronin located at 146 Jacobstown-Cookstown Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.

COMMITTEE	MOTION	2ND	AYES	NAYS	ABSTAIN	ABSENT
Committeeman DeBaecke		X	X
Committeeman Doyle	X		X
Committeeman Kocubinski			X
Deputy Mayor O’Donnell			X
Mayor Forsyth			X

2023-122 Resolution Appointing a Full-Time Police Officer

RESOLUTION 2023-122

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT OF FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER

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:

Police Officer ~ Ethan Louis Bruzzese

Effective Date of Employment: 08/18/2023 at Step 1

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated as per the Bargaining Agreement, Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution and contingent upon successful completion of physiological evaluation.

2023-123 Resolution Appointing Per Diem Emergency Medical Technicians

RESOLUTION 2023-123

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPOINTING PER DIEM EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS

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:

PER DIEM EMT ~ Nicholas R. Brown

Anthony W. Watson Jr.

Effective Date of Employment: 08/1/2023

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named positions will be compensated as per the Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution at a rate of $18.00 per hour not to exceed 24 hours per week.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

NONE

DISCUSSION

There were no discussion items this evening.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Mayor Forsyth offered prayers to Engineer Hirsh and his family.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public. There was no public comment this evening.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2023-124 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 Matter, Personnel and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2023-124

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.

TABLED INDEFINITLEY

MOTION TO ADJOURN 7:10pm

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Respectively submitted,

_________________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk