NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

OCTOBER 3, 2024 7:00 P.M.

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IN PERSON

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

FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor DeBaecke followed by a moment of silence

INVOCATION: Mr. Wayne Voorhees offered prayers for those effected by the recent natural disasters and the Berben family the strength to deal with the illness of their son. He asked for blessings for our Town, State and Country.

ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Committeeman Forsyth

Committeeman Kocubinski

Absent: Committeeman Doyle

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: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

1. New Jersey Division of Taxation – Clerk Picariello noted that the equalized valuation for North Hanover exceeds by 10% or more. They advised that equalized valuation is an important factor in the apportionment of regional school district costs and the allocation of State School Aid is determined by the New Jersey Department of Education, which may affect your 2025 local budgets. Attorney Roselli noted a reevaluation could be paid out over a five-year period.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Ms. Katherine Villacis was present for Engineer Hirsh this evening. Ms. Villacis reported tax map updates were delivered this evening. She noted the FY20 parks grant project contracts were being executed this evening. The FY24 LRIG specs were revised and the rebid was due October 10^th along with the replacement of the Municipal Building doors bid. They were awaiting the schedule for the FY23 NJDOT project on Stewart and Ivy. She stated the FY24 NJDOT project concrete work was being performed and paving was scheduled for next week. She also reported the FY25 NJDOT awards have not been announced.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

• September 19, 2024 – Regular Meeting

• September 19, 2024 – Executive Session

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2024-12 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2023-06 Amending Ordinance 2021-03 Entitled “An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey, Appropriating $275,000.00 from the Capital Improvement Fund to Provide for Various Capital Improvements”

ORDINANCE 2024-12

COUNTY OF BURLINGON

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 2023-06 AMENDING ORDINANCE 2021-03 ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY APPROPRIATING $275,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO PROVIDE FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS”

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, as follows:

SECTION 1. $275,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington, New Jersey (the “Township”) to provide for various capital improvements and accessory equipment therefor and incidental thereto as follows:

Police Vehicles $ 23,000.00

Drainage Imp. $ 40,000.00

Water Treatment Imp. $ 10,000.00

Ambulance Remount $ 110,000.00

Generator Conversion

And Replacement $ 52,000.00

Municipal Buildings

HVAC Upgrades $ 3,000.00

Police Speed $ 10,000.00

Awareness

Monitor and related

equipment

Microphones $ 2,000.00

Fire Treatment Gear $ 25,000.00

SECTION 2. Said acquisitions are lawful capital improvements of the Township having a period of usefulness of at least five (5) years. Said improvements and acquisitions shall be made as general improvements, no part of the cost of which shall be assessed against property specially benefited.

SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication according to 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 Kocubinski

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2024-12

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2024-13 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2020-07 Entitled “An Ordinance of the Township of North Hanover, Burlington County, State of New Jersey, Appropriating $275,000.00 from the Capital Improvement Fund to Provide for Various Capital Improvements”

ORDINANCE 2024-13

COUNTY OF BURLINGON

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2020-07 ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY APPROPRIATING $275,000.00 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO PROVIDE FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVMENTS”

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, as follows:

SECTION 1. $275,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington, New Jersey (the “Township”) to provide for various capital improvements and accessory equipment therefor and incidental thereto as follows:

Carpet $ 15,000.00

Roof and Solar $110,200.00

Municipal Buildings

HVAC Upgrades $ 14,800.00

Gateway Signs $ 10,000.00

Police Car $ 60,000.00

Heater Repairs $ 14,000.00

Finger Print Machine $ 15,000.00

Alco Test Machine $ 20,000.00

Court Teleconference $ 6,000.00

Twp. Bldgs Water Sys $ 10,000.00

SECTION 2. Said acquisitions are lawful capital improvements of the Township having a period of usefulness of at least five (5) years. Said improvements and acquisitions shall be made as general improvements, no part of the cost of which shall be assessed against property specially benefited.

SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication according to 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: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2024-13

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2024-14 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, §2-060 of The Revised General Ordinances of the Township of North Hanover by Establishing a New §2-060.25 Entitled “Special Law Enforcement Officers”

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

ORDINANCE NO. 2024-14

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, §2-060 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER BY ESTABLISHING A NEW §2-060.25 ENTITLED “SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS”

SECTION 1. §2-060.25 Special Law Enforcement Officers.

A. The Township Committee may appoint from time-to-time special law enforcement officers in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq., and further subject to the North Hanover Township Rules and Regulations referenced herein, for terms not exceeding one year.

B. Special law enforcement officer (SLEO) shall mean any person appointed annually by the governing body pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.8 et seq. to temporarily or intermittently perform duties similar to those performed regularly by members of a municipal police department, or to provide assistance to a police department during unusual or emergency circumstances, and to provide security in a school system within North Hanover Township. Nothing herein shall be construed to require reappointment at the expiration of the term.

C. No special law enforcement officer, by virtue of his/her appointment as such, shall be or become a regular member of the police department.

D. Special law enforcement officers shall be at-will part-time employees assigned for not more that the number of hours prescribed by applicable provisions of the Special Law Enforcement Officers Act except that pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.16, the Township Committee may designate one special law enforcement officer to whom the limitation on hours employed shall not apply. Special law enforcement officers can be terminated for cause after adequate hearing unless the appointment is for four months or less, in which event the appointment may be revoked without cause or hearing.

E. Not more than seven special law enforcement officers may be employed by the Township. The number of SLEO Class II officers employed by the North Hanover Township Department shall not exceed 25% of the total number of regular police officers pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.17.

F. Every special law enforcement officer, while on duty, shall abide by the Police Department Rules and Regulations and those policies, general order or standard operating procedures established by the Chief of Police.

G. No person shall be appointed as a special law enforcement officer unless the person meets the criteria of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10, including but not limited to the provision that the person:

(1) Is legally permitted to work in the United States.

(2) Is a resident of the State of New Jersey during the term of appointment.

(3) Is at least 18 years of age.

(4) Shall possess and maintain a valid New Jersey driver’s license.

(5) Shall be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently and have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

(6) Shall be sound in body and of good health and be able to perform the physical functions of the duties assigned.

(7) Shall be of good moral character and shall not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude (dishonesty) or a crime or offense that would render him/her unfit for duty.

(8) Shall successfully undergo the same psychological testing that is required of full- time police officers.

(9) Additionally, SLEO III personnel:

a. Must be retired law enforcement officers who are less than 65 years of age. For the purposes of this subsection, a law enforcement officer shall not be considered retired if the officer’s return to employment violates any federal or state law or regulation, which would deem the officer’s retirement as not being bona fide;

b. Must have served as a duly qualified, fully trained, full-time officer in any municipality or county of this state or as a member of the New Jersey State Police and was separated from that prior service in good standing, within three years of appointment. Good standing means to exclude a retirement resulting from injury or incapacity;

c. Must be physically capable of performing the functions of the position, determined in accordance with PTC guidelines;

d. Must possess a valid New Jersey PTC basic police officer certification or New Jersey State Police Academy certification; and

e. Must be hired only in a part-time capacity.

H. Training and Classification of special law enforcement officers/duties. No person shall be appointed a special law enforcement officer unless the person successfully completes the training requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.11 or receives a statutory exception. There shall be three classifications for special law enforcement officers, which shall be based upon the duties to be performed by the special law enforcement officer as follows:

(1) SLEO Class I Officers shall be authorized to perform routine traffic detail, spectator control and similar duties. Class I officers shall have the power to issue summonses for disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses, violations of municipal ordinances and violations of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes. The use of a firearm by an officer of this class shall be strictly prohibited and no Class I officer shall be assigned any duties which may require the carrying or use of a firearm.

(2) SLEO Class II (SLEO II) are authorized to perform all duties of regular full-time police officers subject to the authorization of the Chief of Police.

a. SLEO II are authorized to carry firearms and must qualify and demonstrate proficiency with the same frequency as regular police officers.

b. SLEO II are authorized to carry designated mechanical and enhanced mechanical force weapons while on duty and must qualify and demonstrate proficiency with the same frequency as regular police officers.

c. SLEO II are authorized to utilize handcuffs and other restraining devices consistent with this department’s policies and only after demonstrating proficiency in the use of these devices.

d. SLEO II have the power of arrest and the authority to issue summonses and uniform traffic tickets the same as regular full-time police officers. SLEO II can enforce crimes, disorderly person offenses, petty disorderly person offenses and Township ordinances.

(3) SLEO Class III (SLEO III) are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer while providing security at a public or nonpublic school premises while occupied by the public or nonpublic school students and/or its staff.

a. SLEO III are authorized to carry a handgun and must qualify and demonstrate proficiency with the handgun and any other authorized firearms with the same frequency as regular police officer but must first comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6 authorizing a retired law enforcement officer to carry a handgun.

b. SLEO III are authorized to carry designated mechanical and enhanced mechanical force weapons while on duty and must qualify and demonstrate proficiency with the same frequency as regular police officers.

c. SLEO III are authorized to utilize handcuffs and other restraining devices consistent with this department’s policies and only after demonstrating proficiency in the use of these devices.

d. SLEO III are not eligible for health care benefits or enrollment in any state- administered retirement system.

e. The Township Committee shall make appointments for all SLEO III. The Chief of Police shall certify the eligibility and qualifications of all applicants, in writing, to the Township Committee prior to appointment.

SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication according to law.

SECTION 4: All Ordinance or parts of Ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

SECTION 5: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.

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: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2024-14

ORDINANCE – INTRODUCTION

2024-15 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2024-07 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”

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR OCTOBER 17, 2024 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.

2024-153 Resolution Authorizing the Municipal Clerk to Execute and Distribute Mercantile Applications for 2025

RESOLUTION 2024-153

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MUNICIPAL CLERK TO EXECUTE AND DISTRIBUTE MERCANTILE APPLICATIONS AND LICENSES FOR 2025

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.

2024-154 Resolution to Authorize the Hiring of Temporary Clerical Help for Rabies Clinic

RESOLUTION 2024-154

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 2024 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 23, 2024 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.

2024-155 Resolution Appointing Per Diem Emergency Medical Technician

RESOLUTION 2024-155

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPOINTING PER DIEM EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

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 ~ Kajan A. Boyer-Porter

Effective Date of Employment: 10/03/2024

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named positions will be compensated as per the Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution at a rate of $20.00 per hour not to exceed 24 hours per week.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2024-156 Resolution Accepting Quote From Freiberger Excavating for Sykesville Road Drainage Repair

RESOLUTION 2024-156

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE FROM FREIBERGER EXCAVATING FOR SYKESVILLE ROAD DRAINAGE REPAIR

WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover desires to repair a washout in roadway at Sykesville Road 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 Freiberger Excavating; 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 Freiberger Excavating, for wash out repair located at Sykesville Road in North Hanover Township for an amount not to exceed $1,500.00

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

DISCUSSION

• Snow Removal Contract – Clerk Picariello noted the expiration of the contract and stated it could be extended one more time. She noted the contractor would be willing to extend. There was a general consensus to extend.

• Senior Club Christmas Luncheon – Clerk Picariello noted the proposed date was December 12^th. There was a general consensus to move forward.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Kocubinski stated movie night was a success. He expressed appreciation for Brooke and Liva for their hard work and noted it was their first time doing the event. He noted they did a great job. He stated the kids seemed to enjoy. He stated the next recreation advisory meeting they would be discussing Halloween and the Christmas event.

Committee Forsyth noted the annual clean up day would be held this Saturday.

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell noted the multiple vacancies on the Recreation Advisory Committee and stated if anyone was interested please contact us. He asked to spread the word. He stated the members were needed to continue the programs.

Mayor DeBaecke noted the movie night was great. He thanked the Recreation Advisory Committee, especially the new members. He stated the Fireworks were spectacular.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public.

Mr. Wayne Voorhees – He stated the fireworks were very good. He noted there are only a few meetings left and would like to continue offering the invocations. There was a general consensus to allow.

Officer Schulze was present and offered any assistance he could provide for the recreation programs. Mayor DeBaecke expressed his appreciation.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Kocubinski

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2024-157 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; Shared Services Contract Matter, Township Clerk Personnel Matter, Contract Matters, Personnel and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2024-157

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 Shared Services Contract Matter, Township Clerk Personnel 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 7:26 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman Kocubinski

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

Respectively submitted,

_______________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk

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