NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

OCTOBER 5, 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 Doyle

Committeeman Kocubinski

Absent: Committeeman DeBaecke

Also Present: Township 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”.

2023 STORMWATER COMPLIANCE – CHRISTA OUELLETTE OF ERI, INC.

Ms. Ouellette reviewed the new regulations under the Tier A Stormwater permit. She noted there were a lot more requirements and would be sharing the pressing highlights. She noted the new requirements went into effective January 1^st. She stated the end goal was to reduce pollution in waterways and to address stormwater infrastructure issues. She noted there were 40 new requirements with the Tier A permit. She noted the stormwater website had to be up. She discussed the adoption and enforcement of a tree ordinance. She gave a synopsis of the Ordinance and noted the final draft has not been released yet. The Township Committee expressed displeasure with this requirement. She noted exceptions for diseased trees and that adoption was an order from the NJDEP. She stated all paved roads with inlets would need to be swept every four months and roads without inlets would need to be swept at least once a year. She suggested a shared service for street sweeping. The Township Committee expressed concerns over funding. She stated all inlets would need to be retrofitted with new heads by the year of 2028. She discussed the removal of excess salt from roadways after a storm. She stated all inlets need inspection at least once a year and the catch basins need inspections at the end of a 5-year cycle. She also noted Municipal owned stormwater basins need inspection at least once per year. She stated the owners of the private basins need notification they must inspect. She stated secondary containments for bulk liquid containers. She noted a stormwater infrastructure map is required to be developed, sent to NJDEP and post on website. This would also cover outfall inspections at 20 percent per year. She also stated a watershed report would also be required. Ms. Ouellette noted she made her own website. The Township Committee thanked Ms. Ouellette for her time and guidance.

PUBLIC COMMENT AS IT RELATES TO AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public.

Mr. Vito D’Amato – Mr. D’Amato inquired as to how the NJ Stormwater regulations effect Water Wells. It was noted the regulations do not address Water Wells. Ms. Ouellette noted the regulations would apply to new developments.

Mr. Greg Grauer – inquired does the NJDEP have a definition of tree species. Ms. Ouellette stated yes there is a listing.

Mr. Tom DeSample – Mr. DeSample inquired is the tree discussion related to Stormwater. He was informed yes it was connected.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Seconded By: Mayor Forsyth

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

1. Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund Renewal Survey Report – Clerk Picariello noted there were no significant deficiencies and there is an indication of good safety management practices.

2. State of New Jersey Division of Taxation – Equalized Valuation – Clerk Picariello noted the drop in the equalized evaluation, to 79.37%. This was due to the inflated sales prices.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Mayor Forsyth reviewed the Engineer’s report as the Engineer was not present. He stated we were waiting for approval to bid the NJDOT FY23 project. The stated the NJDOT FY24 awards have not been issued. The stated the sink hole repair on Stewart and inlet casting would be done with the fall paving project. He stated there was some drainage concerns on Myron and it was recommended clearing the basin of overgrowth during the winter season and to inspect the basin structures for functionality.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

• September 21, 2023 – Regular Meeting

• September 21, 2023 – Executive Session

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2023-15 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2023-04 entitled “An Ordinance to Establish Salaries for Various Officials of the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey, and Regulating Payment the Manner of Payment of Same”

ORDINANCE 2023-15

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2023-04 ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH SALARIES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER, BURLINGTON COUNTY, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AND REGULATING THE MANNER OF PAYMENT OF SAME”

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that Ordinance 2023-04 entitled “An Ordinance To Establish Salaries For Various Officials Of The Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey, And Regulating The Manner Of Payment Of Same,” be and is hereby amended as follows (deletions have strikethrough; additions are bolded and underlined):

SECTION 1. The annual rate (unless otherwise specified) of compensation, salary, wages of the following officers, appointees and employees of North Hanover Township is hereby fixed in the following schedule:

TITLE PER ANNUM

Township Committee 2,500 - 7,000

Municipal Clerk 5,000 - 60,000

Deputy Municipal Clerk 0 - 15,000

Tax Assessor 7,000 - 30,000

Tax Collector 10,000 - 40,000

Chief Financial Officer 10,000 - 60,000

Accounts Payable Clerk/Finance Assistant 5,000 - 45,000

Construction Code Official 8,000 - 20,000

Building Sub Code Official/Inspector 5,000 - 15,000

TACO/Zoning Secy/Coah Liaison/JLUB Secy 5,000 - 40,000

Plumbing Sub Code Official/Inspector 3,000 - 10,000

Fire Sub Code Official/Inspector 3,000 - 10,000

Electric Sub Code Official/Inspector 5,000 - 10,000

Mobile Home Inspector 1,500 - 4,000

Zoning Officer 1,500 - 4,000

Emergency Management Coordinator 0 - 2,500

Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator 0 - 2,500

Recycling Coordinator 0 - 2,500

Clean Communities Coordinator 0 - 500
Police Clerk 15,000 - 40,000

Police Chief 50,000 - 110,000

Assessors Clerk 0 - 5,000

Deputy Tax Collector 0 - 5,000

Secretary Board of Health 0 - 400

Recreation Secretary 0 - 400

Dog Registrar 0 - 200

Deputy Dog Registrar 0 - 200

Discovery Clerk 100 - 3,000

Municipal Judge 15,000 - 38,000

Court Administrator/Violations Clerk 20,000 - 60,000

Deputy Court Admin/Violations Clerk 12,000 - 40,000

TITLE PER MEETING OR SESSION

Joint Land Use Board Secretary 50 - 100

Sound Recorder Court 30 - 100

Conflict Public Defender 125 - 250

Conflict Judge 325 - 700

Summer Recreation Lifeguard 75 - 150

TITLE PER HOUR

Mobile Home Inspector 15.00 - 20.00

Zoning Officer 15.00 - 20.00

Clerk Typist 13.00 - 20.00

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 15.00 - 25.00

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Supervisor 18.00 - 30.00

Custodian 12.00 - 20.00

Custodian Supervisor 18.00 - 25.00

Maintenance/Grounds Keeper 12.00 - 20.00

DPW Laborer Part Time 12.00 - 17.00

Treasurer 12.00 - 30.00

Laborer Waste Facility 12.00 - 17.00

Waste Facility Supervisor 12.00 - 17.00

Fire Official (including Fire Inspector) 26.00 - 35.00

Fire Inspector (Non-Fire Official) 20.00 - 25.00

Special Police Officers 12.00 - 25.00

Summer Recreation Co-director 20.00 - 40.00

Summer Recreation Bus Driver 11.10 - 25.00

Summer Recreation Instructors 15.00 - 40.00

Summer Recreation Nurse 11.10 - 40.00

Summer Recreation Aids 11.10 - 25.00

Summer Recreation Asst. Aids 11.10 - 20.00

Summer Recreation Sr Counselor 11.10 - 15.00

Summer Recreation Jr Counselor 11.10 - 15.00

Court Sound Recorder – MIN 3 Hrs 12.00 - 16.00

SECTION 2. The Overtime rate (unless otherwise specified) of compensation, salary, wages of the following officers, appointees, and employees of the Municipal Courts of North Hanover Township for Special Sessions and sessions under the Alcohol Education Rehab Funding are paid at the following overtime rate ranges:

TITLE PER SESSION

Municipal Judge 300 - 800

Public Defender 250 - 500

TITLE PER HOUR

Court Administrator/Violations Clerk 20.00 - 40.00

Deputy Court Admin/Violations Clerk 12.00 - 30.00

Court Sound Recorder 12.00 - 30.00

SECTION 3. All Ordinances inconsistent with the above are hereby repealed.

SECTION 4. This Ordinance and the salaries herein are subject to all Federal Laws, rulings, and guidelines concerning prices and wages.

SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall take effect after its final passage and publication according to law and shall be effective as of January 1, 2023 or date of hire or appointment if after January 1, 2023.

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR OCTOBER 19, 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.

2023-139 Resolution Authorizing the Municipal Clerk to Execute and Distribute Mercantile Applications for 2023

RESOLUTION 2023-139

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MUNICIPAL CLERK TO EXECUTE AND DISTRIBUTE MERCANTILE APPLICATIONS AND LICENSES FOR 2024

WHEREAS, pursuant to North Hanover Township Municipal Code Chapter 4:030 each business must obtain an annual license of which expires December 31^st of the licensing year; and

WHEREAS, the Municipal Clerk is tasked with the maintenance, distribution and execution of all such business licenses for North Hanover Township pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 4:030 of the Municipal Code of North Hanover Township and with the consent of the Township Committee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that it hereby authorizes the Municipal Clerk to distribute the annual Mercantile License Applications and to then execute them based upon the provisions as set forth in Chapter 4:030 of the Municipal Code of North Hanover Township.

2023-140 Resolution Approving Corrective Action Plan – 2022 Audit

RESOLUTION 2023-140

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN – 2022 AUDIT

WHEREAS, there exists comments entitled “Recommendations” in the 2022 Audit showing deficiencies in various departments; and

WHEREAS, each department was advised of the weaknesses/deficiencies within their department, and

WHEREAS, the Township Auditor, in conjunction with the Township employees and the Township Committee, discussed a Corrective Action Plan for the 2022 Audit;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, that as per the requirements of the Federal OMB Circular No. A-128 13(d), that the attached Corrective Action Plan for the 2022 Audit Findings be submitted to the Department of Community Affairs for their review.

2023-141 Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Alexandra DeGood

RESOLUTION 2023-141

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION

OF ALEXANDRA DEGOOD

WHEREAS, Alexandra DeGood was employed by the Township of North Hanover as T.A.C.O/JLUB Secretary/Zoning Officer/Mobile Home Inspector/Clean Community Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, by written notice dated September 15, 2023, Alexandra DeGood notified the Township Committee that she was resigning from employment with the Township of North Hanover, with her last day of employment being October 13, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to formally accept the resignation of Alexandra DeGood, effective October 13, 2023, by way of adoption of this resolution.

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover that it does hereby accept the resignation of Alexandra DeGood, as T.A.C.O/JLUB Secretary/Zoning Officer/Mobile Home Inspector/ Clean Community Coordinator for the Township of North Hanover, effective October 13, 2023.

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

1. Personnel File Alexandra DeGood

2. Chief Financial Officer

3. Jef Jones, Construction Official

2023-142 Resolution Authorizing Refund of Overpayment of Taxes

RESOLUTION 2023-142

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES

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 overpayment of 2023 taxes, in the amount of $1,338.58 to PennyMac Loan Services, for Block 800.01 Lot 2 commonly known as 193 Yorkshire Terrace.

2023-143 Resolution Appointing a Temporary Clerk Typist

RESOLUTION 2023-143

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY PART-TIME CLERK TYPIST

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:

Temporary Part-Time Clerk Typist ~ Alexandra DeGood

Effective Date of Employment: 10/16/2023

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated at a rate of $20.00 per hour, not to exceed 10 hours per week and for a limited duration to be determined in the sole and complete discretion of the Township Committee.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2023-144 Resolution Accepting Quote from GameTime%MRC for Schoolhouse Road Park Fitness Equipment Parts

RESOLUTION 2023-144

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE FROM GAMETIME%MRC FOR SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD PARK FITNESS EQUIPMENT PARTS

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover desires to replace parts on the fitness equipment located in Green Acres Park, North Hanover Township; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1, authorizes the solicitation of quotations, if practicable; and

WHEREAS, the Township has reviewed the quotes received and recommends the lowest quote submitted by GameTime%MRC; 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 GameTime%MRC, for fitness equipment replacement parts located in the Green Acres Park, North Hanover Township, in the amount of $1,515.85

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to issue said purchase order aforesaid on behalf of the Township.

2023-145 Resolution to Authorize the Hiring of Temporary Clerical Help for Rabies Clinic

RESOLUTION 2023-145

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF

TEMPORARY CLERICAL HELP FOR RABIES CLINIC

WHEREAS, there is a need for temporary office help in the Municipal Clerk’s Office to assist with the 2023 Annual Free Rabies Clinic; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee desire to hire up to three (3) persons to work temporarily to track said data entry, to assist the veterinarian and to issue dog licenses during the duration of the clinic.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover the following:

1. That up to three (3) persons be hired to work temporarily in the Municipal Clerk’s Office for a period not to exceed 2 hours on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

2. That the salary for said persons will be as follows:

• Mary Picariello, Dog Registrar, $100 flat.

• Twan Berben, Clerical Help $100 flat.

• Joseph Greene, Clerical Help, $100 flat.

2023-146 Resolution Requesting Chapter 159 Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation N.J.S.A.40A:4-87 for the State of New Jersey Local Recreation Improvement Grant – FY2021

RESOLUTION 2023-146

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

CHAPTER 159 REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 FOR THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT – FY 2021

WHEREAS, R.S.40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of a county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and

WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover in the County of Burlington hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of $50,000.00, which item is now available as a revenue from the State of New Jersey Local Recreation Improvement Grant – FY 2021.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sum of $ 50,000.00 the same is hereby appropriated under the following caption:

Operations-Excluded from “CAPS”:

Public and Private Programs off-set by Revenues:

State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Schoolhouse Park Improvements

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that two certified copies of this resolution be provided to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for his use in this regard.

2023-147 Resolution Requesting Chapter 159 Approval of Items of Revenue and Appropriation N.J.S.A.40A:4-87 for the Burlington County Municipal Park Development Program Grant – FY2020

RESOLUTION 2023-147

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

CHAPTER 159 REQUESTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 FOR THE BURLINGTON COUNTY MUNICIPAL PARK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – FY 2020

WHEREAS, R.S.40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of a county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget; and

WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for equal amount; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover in the County of Burlington hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of 75,00000, which item is now available as a revenue from the Burlington County Municipal Park Development Program – FY 2020.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sum of $ 75,000.00 the same is hereby appropriated under the following caption:

Operations-Excluded from “CAPS”:

Public and Private Programs off-set by Revenues:

Burlington County Schoolhouse Park Improvements

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that two certified copies of this resolution be provided to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for his use in this regard.

DISCUSSION

• Snow Removal Contract – Clerk Picariello noted the contract expiration that was available for extension. There was a general consensus to extend.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Doyle asked the public to be patient with the impending issues with implementing the Tier A permit.

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell noted the Clean Up day.

Mayor Forsyth stated the Clean Up Day would be held 8am until Noon and a shredding truck would be present. He also stated the Byrnes Farm will be holding pumpkin carving and display this coming weekend. He stated it was free to the public. Mayor Forsyth thanked Alexandra DeGood for her service. He also thanked Herman’s for their above and beyond assistance to North Hanover Township.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public.

Mr. Vito D’Amato – He inquired if the Ordinance sub-committee made any progress. Deputy Mayor O’Donnell credited Committeeman DeBaecke on his hard work getting a bill passed that addressed compensation to farmers for farmland preservation. He noted the short-term goal was getting that bill passed. Mr. D’Amato thanked the Township Committee for their hard work. He also inquired regulations regarding electric bicycles. Attorney Roselli noted it would fall under title 39, he believes and stated North Hanover Township does not regulate them.

Mr. Greg Grauer – asked for clarification regarding dog signs and dawn to dusk signs in the park. Attorney Roselli stated he would look into the status of those signs as it was regulated with the grant monies and NJDEP.

Mr. DeSample – He thanked Alexandra for her service and noted he has had pleasant experiences.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Seconded By: Mayor Forsyth

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2023-148 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; Attorney Client Privilege/Trotter Ridge Legal Opinion, SHBP Contract Matter, Contract Matters, Personnel and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2023-148

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 Attorney/Client Privilege/Trotter Ridge Legal Opinion, SHBP 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.

MOTION TO ADJOURN TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION 8:16 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman Doyle

Seconded By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Respectively submitted,

_________________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk