Board of Health 2^nd QTR

NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 18, 2024 7:00 P.M.

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

OR

IN PERSON

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

FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor DeBaecke

INVOCATION: Mr. Wayne Voorhees offered prayers for the loss of Georgette Pagliocca’s mother. He also offered condolences to the family of James Durr. He asked all to keep both families in prayer during this difficult time.

ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke

Committeeman Doyle

Committeeman Forsyth

Committeeman Kocubinski

Absent: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

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

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Kocubinski

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

1. BCJIF 2023 Safety Incentive Program Award – Clerk Picariello noted a $2,900 award will be issued for the outstanding performance in the 2023 BURLCO Safety Incentive Program.

2. 2023 Tax Collector’s Report of Uncollectible – Clerk reports that the Tax Collector has no uncollectible taxes for 2023.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh gave a quote summary for the offset pipe at 6 Laurel Drive. He recommended the quote received from Vulcan construction to repair the pipe. He noted he was preparing to file the annual Stormwater report. He stated he was still awaiting award notices for the FY24 Local Recreation Improvement and CDBG grants. He stated the NJDOT FY23/24 scope modifications were complete and he would be going back out to bid. Committeeman Forsyth inquired if the Larrison Road project would be included. Engineer Hirsh stated as long as there is funding left he would do a change order. Mayor DeBaecke inquire about the speed bumps on Meany. Engineer Hirsh noted we would be doing the striping, but was awaiting contracts to be in place. Committeeman Kocubinski inquired if Upper Freehold has responded yet. Engineer Hirsh stated not yet.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR MARCH 2024

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

• April 4, 2024 – Regular Meeting

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2024-07 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

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 2, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2024-08 An Ordinance By the Township of North Hanover Amending Township Code Repealing all Sections of the Township Code and Prior Ordinances of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey Pertaining to Floodplain Regulations and Flood Hazard Areas and to Adopt New Ordinance for Purposes of Adopting Flood Hazard Maps; Designating a Floodplain Administrator; and Providing for Severability and an Effective Date

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 16, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2024-09 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey Amending and Revising Certain Sections of Chapter 16 “Zoning” of the Township Code

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 16, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2024-04 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for the Purposes of Regulating Illicit Connections

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-04

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP’S MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PURPOSES OF REGULATING ILLICIT CONNECTIONS

SECTION 1. Purpose

To prohibit illicit connections to the municipal separate storm sewer system(s) operated by the Township of North Hanover so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for the 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. The definitions below are the same as or based on corresponding definitions in the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) rules at N.J.A.C. 7:14A-1.2.

a. Domestic sewage - waste and wastewater from humans or household operations.

b. Illicit connection – any physical or non-physical connection that discharges domestic sewage, non-contact cooling water, process wastewater, or other industrial waste (other than stormwater) to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the [insert name of municipality], unless that discharge is authorized under a NJPDES permit other than the Tier A Municipal Stormwater General Permit (NJPDES Permit Number NJ0141852). Non-physical connections may include, but are not limited to, leaks, flows, or overflows into the municipal separate storm sewer system.

c. Industrial waste - non-domestic waste, including, but not limited to, those pollutants regulated under Section 307(a), (b), or (c) of the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1317(a), (b), or (c)).

d. Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4)– a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated by [insert name of municipality] or other public body, and is designed and used for collecting and conveying stormwater.

e. NJPDES permit – a permit issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to implement the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) rules at N.J.A.C. 7:14A

f. Non-contact cooling water - water used to reduce temperature for the purpose of cooling. Such waters do not come into direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product (other than heat) or finished product. Non-contact cooling water may however contain algaecides, or biocides to control fouling of equipment such as heat exchangers, and/or corrosion inhibitors.

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

h. Process wastewater - any water which, during manufacturing or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, byproduct, or waste product. Process wastewater includes, but is not limited to, leachate and cooling water other than non-contact cooling water.

i. Stormwater – water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land’s surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewerage or drainage facilities, or is conveyed by snow removal equipment.

SECTION 3. Prohibited Conduct

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged through an illicit connection to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the Township of North Hanover any domestic sewage, non-contact cooling water, process wastewater, or other industrial waste (other than stormwater).

SECTION 4. Enforcement

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

SECTION 5. 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 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.

MAYOR OPENS THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC

There were no public comments this evening.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2024-04

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2024-05 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for the Purposes of Regulating Private Storm Drain Inlet Retrofitting

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-05

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP’S MUNICIPAL CODE FOR PURPOSES OF REGULATING PRIVATE STORM DRAIN INLET RETROFITTING

SECTION 1. Purpose

To require the retrofitting of existing storm drain inlets which are in direct contact with repaving, repairing, reconstruction, or resurfacing or alterations of facilities on private property, to prevent the discharge of solids and floatables (such as plastic bottles, cans, food wrappers and other litter) to the municipal separate storm sewer system(s) operated by the Township of North Hanover so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for the 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. Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) – a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated by North Hanover Township or other public body, and is designed and used for collecting and conveying stormwater.

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

c. Storm drain inlet- an opening in a storm drain used to collect stormwater runoff and includes, but is not limited to, a grate inlet, curb-opening inlet, slotted inlet, and combination inlet.

d. Waters of the State – means the ocean and its estuaries, all springs, streams and bodies of surface or ground water, whether natural or artificial, within the boundaries of the State of New Jersey or subject to its jurisdiction.

SECTION 3. Prohibited Conduct

No person in control of private property (except a residential lot with one single family house) shall authorize the repaving, repairing (excluding the repair of individual potholes), resurfacing (including top coating or chip sealing with asphalt emulsion or a thin base of hot bitumen), reconstructing or altering any surface that is in direct contact with an existing storm drain inlet on that property unless the storm drain inlet either:

1. Already meets the design standard below to control passage of solid and floatable materials; or

2. Is retrofitted or replaced to meet the standard in Section 4 below prior to the completion of the project.

SECTION 4. Design Standard

Storm drain inlets identified in Section 3 above shall comply with the following standard to control passage of solid and floatable materials through storm drain inlets. For purposes of this paragraph, “solid and floatable materials” means sediment, debris, trash, and other floating, suspended, or settleable solids. For exemptions to this standard see subparagraph 3 below.

1. Design engineers shall use either of the following grates whenever they use a grate in pavement or another ground surface to collect stormwater from that surface into a storm drain or surface water body under that grate:

a. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) bicycle safe grate, which is described in Chapter 2.4 of the NJDOT Bicycle Compatible Roadways and Bikeways Planning and Design Guidelines (April 1996); or

b. A different grate, if each individual clear space in that grate has an area of no more than seven (7.0) square inches or is no greater than 0.5 inches across the smallest dimension.

Examples of grates subject to this standard include grates in grate inlets, the grate portion (non-curb-opening portion) of combination inlets, grates on storm sewer manholes, ditch grates, trench grates, and grates of spacer bars in slotted drains. Examples of ground surfaces include surfaces of roads (including bridges), driveways, parking areas, bikeways, plazas, sidewalks, lawns, fields, open channels, and stormwater basin floors.

2. Whenever design engineers use a curb-opening inlet, the clear space in that curb opening (or each individual clear space, if the curb opening has two or more clear spaces) shall have an area of no more than seven (7.0) square inches or be no greater than two (2.0) inches across the smallest dimension.

3. This standard does not apply:

a. Where the municipal engineer agrees that this standard would cause inadequate hydraulic performance that could not practicably be overcome by using additional or larger storm drain inlets that meet these standards;

b. Where flows are conveyed through any device (e.g., end of pipe netting facility, manufactured treatment device, or a catch basin hood) that is designed,

at a minimum, to prevent delivery of all solid and floatable materials that could not pass through one of the following:

i. A rectangular space four and five-eighths inches long and one and one-half inches wide (this option does not apply for outfall netting facilities); or

ii. A bar screen having a bar spacing of 0.5 inches.

c. Where flows are conveyed through a trash rack that has parallel bars with one-inch (1”) spacing between the bars; or

d. Where the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection determines, pursuant to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:4-7.2(c), that action to meet this standard is an undertaking that constitutes an encroachment or will damage or destroy the New Jersey Register listed historic property.

SECTION 5. Enforcement

This ordinance shall be enforced by the Township Police Department and/or Zoning Officer 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. 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: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2024-05

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.

2024-66 Resolution Authorizing Budget by Title Only

RESOLUTION 2024-66

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

AUTHORIZE READING BUDGET BY TITLE ONLY

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-8, as amended by Chapter 95, P.L. 2015 provides that the Budget may be read by title only at the time of the Public Hearing if a Resolution is passed by not less than a majority of the full Governing Body, providing that at least one week prior to the date of hearing a complete copy of the Budget had been made available for public inspection and shall be made available to each person upon request.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington and State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The Township Committee, for the aforementioned reasons,

hereby determines that the Budget shall be read by title only.

2024-67 Resolution Accepting Maintenance Bond for the FY22 NJDOT Schoolhouse Road Improvement Project Phase IV

RESOLUTION 2024-67

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A Resolution Accepting Maintenance Bond FOR the FY 2022 NJDOT SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD improvement project PHASE IV

WHEREAS, the project engineer, Joseph Hirsh, of Environmental Resolutions Inc. has inspected the improvements by Earle Asphalt Company for the FY2022 NJDOT Schoolhouse Road Phase IV Improvements project and recommended that the final payment be released due to the posting of the following:

Maintenance Bond number K41540485M by Federal Insurance Company in the amount of $22,699.23 for the Schoolhouse Road Phase IV Improvement project to expire two years from the date of November 21, 2023.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover hereby authorizes the release of the final payment and performance bond to Federal Insurance Company for the Schoolhouse Road Phase IV improvement Project due to the posting and acceptance of the bonds cited above.

2024-68 Resolution Accepting Maintenance Bond for the FY2020 Municipal Parks Grant Related to the Rebid of the Schoolhouse Road Park Project

RESOLUTION 2024-68

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A Resolution Accepting Maintenance Bond FOR the FY 2020 mUNICIPAL PARKS GRANT RELATED TO the REBID OF THE SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD PARK PROJECT

WHEREAS, the project engineer, Joseph Hirsh, of Environmental Resolutions Inc. has inspected the improvements by Shore Top Construction Corporation for the FY2020 Municipal Parks Grant Rebid of the Schoolhouse Road Improvements project and recommended that the final payment be released due to the posting of the following:

Maintenance Bond number B1286030 by Selective Insurance Company of America in the amount of $13,492.41 for the Schoolhouse Road Park Improvement project to expire two years from the date of September 11, 2023.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover hereby authorizes the release of the final payment and performance bond to Selective Insurance Company of American for the Schoolhouse Road Phase Park improvement Project due to the posting and acceptance of the bonds cited above.

2024-69 Resolution Authorizing Consent to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Permit for AutoZone, Northeast LLC

RESOLUTION 2024-69

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONSENT TO NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PERMIT FOR

AUTOZONE, NORTHEAST, LLC

WHEREAS, the proposed AutoZone Northeast LLC, located at Carlyle Drive and Sykesville Road in the Township of North Hanover has made application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) for a Treatment Works Approval Permit concerning Block 609, Lot 5; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has reviewed said application made by the owner AutoZone Northeast LLC and has recommended execution of the same.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington County, State of New Jersey that the Township Committee hereby consents to the proposed project and hereby authorizes the Township Engineer to execute the NJDEP Statements of Consent on behalf of the Township.

2024-70 Resolution Authorizing the Preparation of Estimated Tax Bills for the Year of 2024

RESOLUTION 2024-70

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF ESTIMATED TAX BILLS FOR THE YEAR OF 2024

WHEREAS, the Division of Local Government Services, State of New Jersey has the authority by State Statue to examine, review and then certify all local government budgets to the County Board of Taxation for the purpose of real estate taxation, and

WHEREAS, the Burlington County Board of Taxation has not yet received certification of the North Hanover Township’s budget and cannot strike a tax rate until such certification is received from the State of New Jersey and will therefore cause the delay in receiving state funding, and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee has determined that there will be insufficient cash flow to support operations in August 2024 unless third quarter revenue is received on time, and

WHEREAS, the Tax Collector and the Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and computed an estimated tax levy in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.3,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the North Hanover Township, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, hereby authorized that:

1. The Tax Collector is directed to prepare and issue estimated tax bills

for the Municipality of North Hanover Township for the third quarter

2024, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.2et seq.

2. The entire estimated tax levy for 2024 is hereby set at $10,164,684.36

3. The Tax Collector takes any additional steps necessary to immediately

implement this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Municipal Clerk provides a certified copy of this resolution to the Tax Collector.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2024-71 Resolution Approving Agreement with Microsytems, LLC for Power Cama and MODIV Tax Assessor Software

RESOLUTION 2024-71

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH MICROSYSTEMS, LLC FOR POWER CAMA AND MOD IV TAX ASSESSOR SOFTWARE

WHEREAS, the North Hanover Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey desires to upgrade the North Hanover Township Tax Assessor’s Software Program; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee has reviewed the proposal provided by Microsystems, LLC., having offices located at 985 Route 202-206, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807 and found the proposal to be in conformance with the scope and intent of the Power Cama/Mod IV; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to memorialize its agreement with Microsystems LLC, by way written contract.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the North Hanover Township, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, hereby approves of the agreement with Microsystems LLC for SOFTWARE, setup and support at an annual rate of $1,020.00 and the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of North Hanover Township and the North Hanover Township Tax Assessor.

2024-72 Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. One, Final to Earle Asphalt Company Related to the FY22 NJDOT Schoolhouse Road Phase IV Improvements Project

RESOLUTION 2024-72

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1, FINAL TO EARLE ASPHALT COMPANY RELATED TO THE FY22 NJDOT SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD PHASE IV IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

WHEREAS, by Resolution 2022-154, the North Hanover Township Committee awarded a Contract to Earle Asphalt Company for the Schoolhouse Road Phase IV Improvements Project in the amount of $164,813.13; and

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover has funded the project through a FY2022 NJDOT Municipal Aid Grant in the amount of $155,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the contract required adjustment to reflect actual, completed, construction quantities; and

WHEREAS, current Change Order #1 will bring the adjusted Contract price to $151,328.19 which is an overall decrease to the original Contract price by 8.18% and is permitted under the Local Public Contracts Law, and the Regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and the Township Committee deems it appropriate to authorize this Change Order, subject to and contingent upon compliance with the conditions set forth below,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey that Change Order #1, submitted by Earle Asphalt Company and reviewed and authorized by the Township Engineer, is approved in the amount of $13,484.94 to be reduced from the contract, resulting in an adjusted contract amount of $151,328.19; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that nothing herein contained shall be deemed a waiver by the Township of any claims it currently possesses, or may possess in the future, regarding this Contract, the existing insurance policy, Performance and Payment Bond, and any other rights, privileges or remedies otherwise available to it.

2024-73 Resolution Authorizing Change Order No. One, Final to Shore Top Construction Corporation Related to the Rebid – FY20 Municipal Parks Grant Schoolhouse Park Improvements Project

RESOLUTION 2024-73

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1, FINAL TO SHORE TOP CONSTRUCTION CORP. RELATED TO THE REBID – FY 20 MUNICIPAL PARKS GRANT SCHOOLHOUSE PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover (the 'Township') applied for and received a FY 2020 Municipal Parks grant ($75,000) and FY 2021 DCA Local Recreation Grant ($50,000), for a total amount of$125,000.00 for the Schoolhouse Park Improvements project; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution 2023-91, the North Hanover Township Committee awarded a Contract to Shore Top Construction Corp. for the Rebid - Schoolhouse Park Improvements Project in the amount of $92,611.00; and

WHEREAS, the contract required adjustment to reflect actual, completed, construction quantities; and

WHEREAS, current Change Order #1 will bring the adjusted Contract price to $89,949.40 which is an overall decrease to the original Contract price by 2.87% and is permitted under the Local Public Contracts Law, and the Regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and the Township Committee deems it appropriate to authorize this Change Order, subject to and contingent upon compliance with the conditions set forth below,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey that Change Order #1, submitted by Shore Top Construction Corp. and reviewed and authorized by the Township Engineer, is approved in the amount of $2,661.60 to be reduced from the contract, resulting in an adjusted contract amount of $89,949.40; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that nothing herein contained shall be deemed a waiver by the Township of any claims it currently possesses, or may possess in the future, regarding this Contract, the existing insurance policy, Performance and Payment Bond, and any other rights, privileges or remedies otherwise available to it.

2024 BUDGET ADOPTION

2024-62 Authorizing Adoption of the 2024 Municipal Budget

• Comments from Mayor/Township Committee or CFO

Mayor DeBaecke thanked the Committee for their work during the budget process. He anticipated a much worse scenario and was relieved with what CFO Bruno and Treasurer, Joe Green put together. He noted the EMS operation came in better than anticipated. He noted all the new State mandates are being covered. He noted for the first time the employees would be getting a 3 percent raise this year. He noted it is not a lot but was a gesture to express appreciation for all their hard work. He thanked all the Township professionals. CFO Bruno thanked the Mayor for his compliments. Committeeman Kocubinski noted North Hanover is the seventh lowest in local purpose tax in Burlington County. He noted the increase would amount to $64.00 per taxpayer. Mayor DeBaecke also noted the staggering cost of insurance.

• Mayor Opens the Floor for Public Comment

Mr. Voorhees noted that equates to $1.28 a day and feels that is pretty cheap. Mayor DeBaecke noted some costs are unavoidable.

• Mayor Closes the Floor from Public Comment

MOTION TO ADOPTION 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

DISCUSSION

• Tree removal and replacement Ordinance – Attorney Roselli reviewed the new draft of this Ordinance. He stated this was a requirement of the Tier A stormwater permit. He noted he addressed the Committees concerns regarding agricultural issues and provided for additional exemptions and gave an overview of them. He noted he believes he captured the concerns expressed by the Township Committee. He noted this would ensure our compliance and could always be amended if need be. Clerk Picariello noted she attended the BCJIF retreat and there was a detailed discussion concerning this ordinance. She noted she brought to their attention the farmer’s hedge row issue and the stakeholder noted he was not aware of that and would bring to the DEP’s attention. Committeeman Doyle expressed displeasure with their pruning requirements. Attorney Roselli noted there is enforcement and discretion in enforcement. He also noted the intent is to address clear cutting. Committeeman Forsyth noted he was pleased with the issues Attorney Roselli addressed. He stated the only reason he would be voting was to avoid being fined by the DEP. Mayor DeBaecke noted this was an improvement to the first draft and made exemptions for agriculture. Committeeman Doyle stated he was appreciative of Attorney Roselli’s efforts.

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2024-10 An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey, Amending the Township’s Municipal Code for the Purposes of Establishing Requirements for Tree Removal and Replacement within the Township of North Hanover

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 2, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Kocubinski noted he was addressing some baseball maintenance issues and would be making sure there is better communication. He noted the recreation meeting was canceled.

Committeeman Forsyth offered condolences to the Pagliocca and Durr families. He noted he would miss Jim Durr’s friendship. He stated he was a very good farmer.

Committeeman Doyle noted the spoke with JCPL regarding the recent power loss and they did a pretty good job with restoration. He offered condolences to Ms. Pagliocca. He stated Jim Durr and Mayor DeBaecke were responsible for his participation on the Township Committee. He stated he grew up in North Hanover and was glad Jim Durr took his time to talk to him and guided him. He noted he was taught how to govern with positivity, fairness and using integrity to be loyal to the Town and its residents. He noted Mr. Durr’s services were fitting for the man. He noted his children did a wonderful job with the casket and memorial.

Mayor DeBaecke expressed condolences to Georgette on the loss of her mother. He noted it was a difficult thing as he had just lost his mother. He stated Jim’s passing was a great loss. He noted he was an icon in North Hanover. He stated Jim provided much guidance to him and what he will remember most is their talks regarding the history of the North Hanover. He noted he was an amazing man and very unique. He noted the services were so fitting for the man. He stated his last conversation with Jim was an education concerning the “peeper frogs”. He stated on the fourth night of peeping it would be time to plant the sweet corn. He noted every time he hears the frogs peeping he would think of Jim Durr and the smile in his eyes as he told the story. He offered heartfelt prayers to his family and noted Jim was a tremendous loss. He stated he would always consider him a friend.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public.

Mr. Greg Grauer – He inquired if all tree removal would have to come before the JLUB. Attorney Roselli stated no. Engineer Hirsh stated they would only come before the JLUB for a regular application.

Mr. Wayne Voorhees – He stated one of the last memorial day ceremonies Jim gave a history of the Doyle cemetery and he has a copy of the speech he wrote. Committeeman Doyle noted it was the most active cemetery in the Country.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Kocubinski

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2024-74 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 2024-74

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 8:05 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman Doyle

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

Respectively submitted,

_________________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk