NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

March 20, 2025 7:00 P.M.

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

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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 lifted up the Township Committee as they vote to introduce the budget. He additionally wished Committeeman Palombi safe travels while visiting family. He asked for blessings for North Hanover Township, our County and State.

ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke

Deputy Mayor Doyle

Committeeman Forsyth

Committeeman Giberson

Absent: Committeeman Palombi

Also Present: Township Administrator Joseph Bellina, Municipal Clerk Scout Beyer, Township Attorney Roselli, Chief Mellor and Township Engineer Hirsh

SUNSHINE STATEMENT: “The provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met. Notice of this meeting has been transmitted by email to the Burlington County Times and Courier 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: Deputy Mayor Doyle

Seconded By: Committeeman Palombi

PRESENTATION – PowerDMS

Retired Captain, N.J.S.P. Don Philippi appeared before Township Committee to present PowerDMS, an electronic software system for the North Hanover Township Police Department to work in conjunction with Lexipol. He highlighted the features of PowerDMS including video trainings, electronic review of reports and sign-offs and means for officers to access PowerDMS anywhere. He provided an annual quote for 10-24 licenses and will forward the contract and supporting documentation to Clerk Beyer who will distribute to Attorney Roselli for his review. After discussion, the Township Committee agreed that the program would be greatly beneficial to the police department. Administrator Bellina noted that the policies for the police department are currently being updated by Lexipol, and advised waiting to contract with PowerDMS until Attorney Roselli has a chance to review the contract and until a large portion of the police policies are updated.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh reported that playground repairs were scheduled earlier in the week. He reported that submittals have been reviewed and returned to the contract, awaiting construction start date for the FY24 Local Recreation Improvement Grant for repaving the basketball courts. He anticipates an early April start. The municipal door replacement project has been completed and final payment and closeout document request has been sent to the contractor. FY25 NJDOT Jacobstown-Arneytown Road project is anticipated to bid in April pending approval from NJDOT and survey results. He did not have an update to the solar lights for the gazebo and will follow-up.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR FEBRUARY 2025

1. Construction, Zoning & Mobile Homes

2. North Hanover Court

3. Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company

4. Fire Official

5. Police Department

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

• March 6, 2025 – Regular Meeting;

• March 6, 2025 – Executive Session; and

• March 13, 2025 – Special Meeting/Budget Workshop

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2025-02 Ordinance To Exceed The Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits And To Establish A Cap Bank (N.J.S.A. 40a:4-45.14)

ORDINANCE 2025-02

CALENDAR YEAR 2025

ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS

AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14)

WHEREAS, the Local Government CAP Law, N.J.S. 40A:4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5 % unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover in the County of Burlington finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2025 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover in the County of Burlington hereby determines that a 1.0% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $ 30,729.08 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government CAP Law, is advisable and necessary; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover in the County of Burlington hereby determines that any amount authorized herein above that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover in the County of Burlington, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2025 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of North Hanover shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $ 107,551.78, and that the CY 2025 municipal budget for the Township of North Hanover be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized herein above that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.

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 2025-02

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2025-03 An Ordinance Authorizing An Emergency Appropriation Under N.J.S.A. 40a:4-53 For The Purpose Of Preparing And Digitizing Tax Maps Of The Township Of North Hanover

2025-03

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION UNDER N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREPARING AND DIGITIZING TAX MAPS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

Be it ordained by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey as follows:

Section 1. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53, the sum of $16,000.00 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of the preparation and digitization of the tax maps of the Township of North Hanover, and shall be deemed a special emergency appropriation as defined and provided for in N.J.S.A. 40A:4-55.

Section 2. The authorization to finance the appropriation shall be provided for in succeeding annual budgets by the inclusion of at least 1/5 of the amount authorized pursuant to this act (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-55).

Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage, approval, publication and filing 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 Forsyth

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2025-03

ORDINANCE – ADOPTION

2025-04 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, §2-040 Of The Revised General Ordinances Of The Township Of North Hanover By Establishing A New §2-040.10 Entitled “Purchasing Agent”

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-04

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, §2-040 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER BY ESTABLISHING A NEW §2-040.10 ENTITLED “PURCHASING AGENT”

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, that it does hereby amend the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of North Hanover by amending Chapter 2, §2-040 by establishing a new §2-040.10 entitled “Purchasing Agent” as follows (additions are bolded and underlined):

SECTION 1. 2-040.10 Purchasing Agent.

A. There is hereby created the position of Purchasing Agent for the Township of North Hanover.

B, Appointment. The Purchasing Agent shall be appointed by way of resolution by the Township Committee of North Hanover.

C. Qualifications. The Purchasing Agent is required to possess a valid Qualified Purchasing Agent certificate, as issued by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs.

D. Duties. The Purchasing Agent shall have, on behalf of the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, the authority, responsibility and accountability for the purchasing activity pursuant to Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.); to prepare public advertising for and to receive bids and requests for proposals for the provision or performance of goods, services and construction contracts; to award contracts pursuant to New Jersey law in accordance with the regulations, forms and procedures promulgated by state regulatory agencies; and conduct any activities as may be necessary or appropriate to the purchasing function of the Township of North Hanover.

E. Bid Threshold. The Purchasing Agent appointed by the Township Committee shall be permitted to award any contract, without public advertising for bids, the cost or price of any contract awarded by the Township in the aggregate that does not exceed in a contract year the threshold amount established by the Governor pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-3 (c) and shall be permitted to award all contracts that are in the aggregate less than 15 percent of the bid threshold established herein, without soliciting competitive quotations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A;11-6.1 (c).

SECTION 2. INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES

All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

SECTION 3. PARTIAL INVALIDITY

If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder shall be deemed valid and effective.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This ordinance shall take effect immediately 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 Forsyth

MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2025-04

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.

2025-66 Resolution Certifying The North Hanover Township Committees Compliance With The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance On The Consideration Of Arrest And Conviction Records In Employment Decisions Under Title VII Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1964”

RESOLUTION 2025-66

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEES COMPLIANCE WITH THE

UNITED STATES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION’S

“Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183 requires the governing body of each municipality and county to certify that their local unit’s hiring practices comply with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., (April 25, 2012) before submitting its approved annual budget to the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; and

WHEREAS, the members of the North Hanover Township Committee have familiarized themselves with the contents of the above-referenced enforcement guidance and with their local unit’s hiring practices as they pertain to the consideration of an individual’s criminal history, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body attached hereto.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, hereby states that it has complied with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5, as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183, by certifying that the local unit’s hiring practices comply with the above-referenced enforcement guidance and hereby directs the Clerk to cause to be maintained and available for inspection a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to show evidence of said compliance.

2025-67 Resolution Authorizing Street Opening Permit

RESOLUTION 2025-67

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STREET OPENING PERMIT

WHEREAS, AllState Sales Group on behalf of Verizon NJ, hereinafter referred to as “ASG”, has submitted an application for a Street Opening Permit for 1 Sykesville 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 $100 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 ASG for the location known as 1 Sykesville Road is hereby approved subject to receipt of payment of the applicable fee.

2025-68 Resolution Authorizing the Preparation of Estimated Tax Bills for the Year of 2025

RESOLUTION 2025-68

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF ESTIMATED TAX BILLS FOR THE YEAR OF 2025

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 2025 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

2025, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:4-66.2et seq.

2. The entire estimated tax levy for 2025 is hereby set at $10,940,796.86

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

2025-69 Resolution Of The Township Committee Of North Hanover Township Awarding A Contract To Environmental Resolutions, Inc., For The Digitization Of Tax Maps Of The Township Of North Hanover

RESOLUTION 2025-69

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP AWARDING A CONTRACT TO ENVIRONMENTAL RESOLUTIONS, INC., FOR THE DIGITIZATION OF TAX MAPS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover has determined there exists a need to digitalize the Township’s tax maps, including the specialized procedures of research, organization, analysis and revision; and

WHEREAS, such services can only be provided by a recognized firm specializing therein; and

WHEREAS, the digitization of the tax maps involves the performance of professional services within the meaning of the Local Public Contracts Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.); and

WHEREAS, Environmental Resolutions, Inc., 815 East Drive, Suite 103, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08504, submitted a written proposal dated February 5, 2025 to the Township Tax Assessor outlining the scope of services that they will provide and that is required to digitize the Township’s tax maps at a cost $16,000.00, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law requires the resolution authorizing the award of contracts for professional services and the contract itself must be available for public inspection; and

WHEREAS, funds to cover the cost of said digitization shall be available by virtue of an ordinance adopted entitled: “An Ordinance Authorizing an Emergency Appropriation for the Digitization of the Tax Maps of the Township of North Hanover New Jersey,” and as set forth in the Township CFO’s certification of funds attached hereto; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to award a contract to Environmental Resources, Inc., for the digitization of the Township’s tax maps, in accordance with its February 5, 2025 proposal.

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

1. Environmental Resolutions, Inc., 815 East Drive, Suite 103, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08504is hereby awarded a contract for the digitization of tax maps in accordance with its February 5, 2025 proposal, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk, in the amount of $16,000.00.

2. The Mayor and Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute said contract be prepared by the Township Attorney with Environmental Resolutions, Inc. subsequent to the adoption of the relative emergency appropriation ordinance.

3. A copy of this resolution and contract shall be placed on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk of the Township of North Hanover and that the notice of the awarding of said contract will be published upon adoption of the relative ordinance.

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

1. Environmental Resolutions, Inc.

2. Chief Financial Officer

3. Municipal Clerk

DISCUSSION

• Mayor DeBaecke discussed the Recreation Committee’s desire to purchase several items from their Trust account. Attorney Roselli advised Mayor DeBaecke to hold off on purchasing items until Administrator Bellina is appointed to Qualified Purchasing Agent at the next meeting for quote threshold purposes.

• Engineer Hirsh advised the committee that an update to their fourth round of affordable housing requirements is due by June 30^th. He anticipates on providing plans at the next meeting.

2025 BUDGET INTRODUCTION

2025-70 Authorizing Introduction of the 2025 Municipal Budget

MOTION TO INTRODUCE

(MAYOR SETS THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 17, 2025)

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

There were no comments.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public.

• Mr. Buddy Wilkins requested the Township Committee to consider increasing the speed limit from 25mph to 35mph on Meany Road heading to Cookstown. Administrator Bellina will discuss this with Chief Mellor and Attorney Roselli and Engineer Hirsh will review any speed limit ordinances.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2025-71 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 2025-71

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 TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION 7:52 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman Forsyth

Seconded By: Mayor DeBaecke

Respectively submitted,

Scout Beyer

Scout Beyer, RMC/CMR

Municipal Clerk