NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 7, 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 Wayne Voorhees in honor of Pearl Harbor and the DeBaecke family on the passing of their Mother.


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 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 Doyle

Seconded By: Committeeman DeBaecke


REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence this evening.


ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh reported that the park grant has an available balance and would need direction if the Township Committee would be moving forward with the Gazebo. He noted he would solicit new pricing for the Gazebo. He stated the NJDOT FY 22 project punch list was complete and he has requested close out documentation from the contractor. He stated the NJDOT FY23 project has received approval to bid and anticipates bidding in the Spring of 2024. He also anticipates bidding the NJDOT FY24 project at the same time. He reported on the drainage survey on Briggs Road pre and post the 2015 paving project and noted no changes in elevation.


MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

  • 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





BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

  • COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman DeBaecke


X

X




Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor Forsyth



X






ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2023-16 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for the Purposes of Establishing Requirements for Municipal Stormwater Control


MAYOR OPENS THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC

Attorney Roselli noted the JLUB gave no comments and in accordance with Land Use Law, the

Committee could move forward. He noted upon the Burlington County Plan review, there were

two minor revisions. He stated page 13 needed the “Office of the Burlington County Clerk” and

page 27 had a note at the bottom that needed to be deleted. A motion was made by Deputy

Mayor O’Donnell and seconded by Committeeman Doyle to approve the amendments. All

present were in favor by voice vote. Committeeman DeBaecke inquired what would happen if

this was not adopted. Engineer Hirsh and Attorney Roselli noted there was one in place and this

effects any developer not so much the Municipality.


MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Mayor Forsyth


MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2023-16 as amended

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman DeBaecke



X




Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor Forsyth


X

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.


2023-163 Resolution Appointing Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator


RESOLUTION 2023-163

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR


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.


WHEREAS, North Hanover Township Committee has recognized the statutory need to fill the position of Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator in order to assist in conducting the day-to-day operations of North Hanover Township.


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by North Hanover Township Committee hereby appoints Benjamin Palombi as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator effective August 1, 2023, for a three-year term expiring August 1, 2026.


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






2023-164 Resolution Approving Mobile Home License Renewals


RESOLUTION 2023-164

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION APPROVING MOBILE HOME LICENSE RENEWALS


WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 4-040 of the Revised General Ordinance of the Township, the Township Committee has the authority to either issue a mobile home license or issue the license on conditions or deny the license; and


WHEREAS, the Mobile Home Inspector has checked the applications and ascertained that the requirements of Chapter 4-040 have been met;


NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, that in accordance with Chapter 4-040 and based upon the Mobile Home Inspector’s certification, the governing body authorizes the following Mobile Home Parks and Mobile Homes Outside Mobile Home Parks to be issued a Mobile Home License Renewal for the year 2024.


Parks: South’s Mobile Home (52), Spartan Village (221), Deep Well Terrace (46), Hanover Village (99), California Village (129), Wagon Wheel Estates (41), Townsend (9), Wiggins (3), Blueberry Estates (19)


Mobile Homes Outside Parks: Ronald Miller (1), Mr. & Mrs. Fred Vitale (1), Dr. Youg Sup Sim (2), Ronnie L. Miller (1), Ferdinand Bruzesse (1), Else Turner (1) , James Mochera (2)


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Mobile Home Inspector for his/her files.

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





2023-165 Resolution Urging Action to Provide Relief from Increased Insurance Costs


RESOLUTION 2023-165

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION URGING ACTION TO PROVIDE RELIEF FROM INCREASED INSURANCE COSTS

WHEREAS, Local Government is facing the largest budget increase for property/casualty insurance since the mid-1980s; and


WHEREAS, the property/casualty budget for the typical municipality has already experienced a 20% to 25% increase since 2021 and will experience another 12% to 20% increase in 2024; and


WHEREAS, New Jersey now has the highest workers’ compensation premium rates in the country based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; and


WHEREAS, Workers’ Compensation escalated because New Jersey judges are now reopening cases up to four and five times, whereas in the past they rarely reopened a case more than once; and


WHEREAS, Workers’ Compensation also escalated because of a 2021 Department of Labor decision that directed workers’ compensation to pay many accidental disability claims that previously were paid by the pension plans; and

WHEREAS, another recent law created a presumption that firefighters diagnosed with cancer are eligible for workers’ compensation; and


WHEREAS, during the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Legislature approved a law that made COVID contracted by first responders and essential employees compensable under New Jersey’s workers’ statute resulting in the COVID cost per employee being the second highest in the country; and


WHEREAS, liability has increased because of the erosion of Title 59 protections in New Jersey’s courts. Judges are now reluctant to grant summary judgement dismissing even frivolous claims because of the 2021 New Jersey Supreme Court decision in Gonzalez v. Jersey City; and


WHEREAS, the recent amendment in the sexual molestation statute of limitations also increased Title 59 liability costs. In some cases, towns are being sued based on allegations going back to the 1970s; and


WHEREAS, property insurance premiums are increasing rapidly because the world-wide frequency of large natural disasters has almost tripled since 2000. New Jersey alone was hit with Hurricane Irene in 2011, Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and Tropical Storm Ida in 2021; and


WHEREAS, property insurance premiums are also indexed to replacement values that have jumped because of supply chain issues and the labor shortage; and


WHEREAS, cyber liability premiums have more than doubled in recent years, and organizations without strong cyber risk controls are finding it difficult to purchase any coverage.


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the North Hanover Township Committee that the Legislature is urged to adopt budget and levy cap exemptions for property/casualty insurance and claims; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Hanover Township Committee calls on the Administration and the Legislature to not adopt additional legislation or regulations that will increase municipal claims without a thorough and complete analysis of the cost; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the North Hanover Township Committee urges the New Jersey Department of Labor, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to meet with representatives of municipal government to discuss ways to reduce property/casualty cost; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Governor Murphy, Senate President, Assembly Speaker and the Legislative Delegation of New Jersey’s 12TH Legislative District.

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





2023-166 Resolution Authorizing Street Opening Permit


RESOLUTION 2023-166

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STREET OPENING PERMIT


WHEREAS, Tony Controneo of First Energy, parent company to JCP&L., hereinafter referred to as “JCPL”, has submitted an application for a Street Opening Permit for Meany/Provinceline Road; 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 JCPL for the location known as Meany/Provinceline Road is hereby approved subject to receipt of payment of the applicable fee.

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





2023-167 Resolution Authorizing Refund of Overpayment of Taxes


RESOLUTION 2023-167

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 $2,124.83 to Corelogic, for Block 400 Lot 9.01 commonly known as 1 Curtis-Liam Court

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





NON-CONSENT AGENDA


2023-168 Resolution Accepting Quote from Phil’s Painting and Woodworking for Refurbishing Five Gateway Signs


RESOLUTION 2023-168

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE FROM PHIL’S PAINTING AND WOODWORKING FOR REFURBISHING FIVE GATEWAY SIGNS


WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover desires to refurbish gateway signs located in 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 quote received and recommends the lowest quote submitted by Phil’s Painting and Woodworking; 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 Phil’s Painting and Woodworking, for refurbishing 5 gateway signs located in the North Hanover Township; in the amount of $2,500.00.


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


COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman DeBaecke



X




Committeeman Doyle

X


X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor Forsyth



X





2023-169 Resolution Accepting Quote from Stanley Steemer for Duct Cleaning at the Jeanette Bowers Building


RESOLUTION 2023-169

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE FROM STANLEY STEEMER FOR DUCT CLEANING AT THE JEANETTE BOWERS BUILDING


WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover desires to clean the HVAC vents located in 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 quote received and recommends the lowest quote submitted by Stanley Steemer; 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 Stanley Steemer, for Air Duct and Furnace Cleaning located in the Jeanette Bowers Building, North Hanover Township; in the amount of $3,400.00.


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


COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman DeBaecke


X

X




Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor Forsyth



X





DISCUSSION

There were no discussion items this evening.


TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Kocubinski recognized Pearl Harbor Day.


Committeeman Doyle noted it shall be a day that will always be remembered. He offered his heartfelt thanks to the Military. He also offered prayers to Committeeman DeBaecke on the loss of his mother.


Committeeman DeBaecke was mindful of the date. He stated the tree lighting was a bit dampened with the weather however, it turned out to be a successful event. He expressed appreciation for the Recreation Advisory Committee. He thanked the Committee for their condolences.


Deputy Mayor O’Donnell stated the event was a success and several residents expressed their pleasure with the event.


Mayor Forsyth noted the death of 2,403 people at Pearl Harbor and expressed his appreciation. He noted the children seemed to enjoy the tree lighting event.


PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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


Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public.


Mr. Vonschmidt – Briggs Road – He gave an overview of the drainage issues he was having. After discussion, it was recommended by the Township Engineer, at a future date, to extend the concrete curbing.


Committeeman Doyle complimented Mr. Vonschmidt on his presentation.


MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Doyle


EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2023-170 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 2023-170

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

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman DeBaecke


X

X




Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor Forsyth



X






MOTION TO ADJOURN 7:47 pm

Proposed By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Seconded By: Committeeman DeBaecke


Respectively submitted,




_________________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk