Borough of Netcong s1
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG HELD March 1, 2012 AT THE NETCONG MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 23 MAPLE AVENUE, NETCONG, NEW JERSEY COMMENCING AT 7:30 P.m.
Mayor Nametko presiding.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER – STATEMENT OF OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT:
Mayor Nametko called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
The Borough Clerk read the following statement of compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act:
Adequate notice of this meeting as defined by the Open Public Meetings Act has been provided by:
1. Posting a notice of said meeting in the space provided for such announcements at the Netcong Borough Hall on January 6, 2012.
2. Publishing a notice in The Daily Record, the official newspaper of the Borough of Netcong on January 11, 2012 and mailing a copy to The Star Ledger on January 6, 2012.
ROLL CALL
Members of the Borough Council present at roll call were: Laureys, Hathaway, Sylvester, Still, Acquaro, Koster and Mayor Nametko. Ralph Blakeslee, Borough Administrator/Deputy Clerk and Dolores Dalessandro, Borough Clerk was also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Mayor asked if the Council had time to review the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 9, 2012. He asked for questions or comments. There were none.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Acquaro and seconded by Councilman Sylvester to approve the minutes.
Roll Call: 6 Yes
Resolution #2012-23: Resolution to Approve the 2012 Cost Estimate for the Borough’s Special Improvement District.
This resolution will be carried to the March 8th meeting.
PUBLIC PORTION OF MEETING
The Mayor asked if anyone from the audience would like to speak at this meeting.
Mr Ben Dellamo, 30 Church Street, Netcong, NJ wanted to discuss the SID meeting and wanted to relate what he observed. He also asked the Council to correct him if he was not accurate regarding his perception. He found the meeting was dysfunctional and provided several reasons including ‘no mission statement and no budget.’ Councilman Hathaway noted there was a budget, although it was not to Mr. Dellamo’s satisfaction. Mr. Dellamo added that it was an outline of a budget. The Mayor did not recall a mission statement ever and Mr. Dellamo stated there was one in the beginning. Councilman Hathaway noted there was a mission statement but it is no longer agreeable to the group. He added an updated mission statement should be settled upon.
A Motion to close the meeting to the public was made by Councilman Sylvester. The motion was seconded by Councilman Koster.
Roll Call: 6 Yes.
INTRODUCTION OF THE 2012 BUDGET
Resolution #2012-30 to Introduce the 2012 Budget
This resolution will be carried to the March 8 meeting.
ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS
- Adoption of Ordinance #2012-3:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG AND REQUIRING AND REGULATING SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL.
This ordinance will be carried to the March 8th meeting
- Adoption of Ordinance #2012-4
AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE FLANDERS ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG, COUNTY OF MORRIS AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
This ordinance will be carried to the March 8th meeting
- Adoption of Ordinance #2012·5
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING THE POLITICAL SIGN RESTRICTIONS ESTABLISHED IN CHAPTER 194, LAND DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG, COUNTY OF MORRIS AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
This ordinance will be carried to the March 8th meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was presented at this Meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
- Update on Circle Project.
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Mr. Blakeslee noted that the project is moving along. There have been some meetings between the Chief and the Council about the addition of signs. It was noted that the Chief secured the signs and they should be up sometime next week. The signs include detours for larger trucks away from Main Street. Mr. Blakeslee stated that the project is technically ahead by about two months. Councilman Still was concerned about the continuing drive-through traffic. The Council continued discussing the large truck ingress and egress situation. This will be carried to the March 8th meeting
- Update on Chair Lift for Fire Company No. 1.
Mr. Blakeslee had a meeting with two officials from the USDA. He was directed to an application for the water reservoir and another for the firehouse. The forms will be submitted next week. This will be carried to the March 8th meeting
Councilman Still noted that the recent windstorm had some effects on the firehouse which included damage to the fascia. Mr. Blakeslee noted he received pictures from Mr. Olivo regarding this and will try to include it in his applications.
The Mayor introduced Valerie Dolan, Borough Auditor, to answer questions regarding the Budget. She noted that the budget has a tax increase of 1.4. She also discussed a discrepancy about Netcong being up for State Review.
NEW BUSINESS
- Authorization to Go Out to Bid for Maple Avenue Streetscape-Phase II.
A Council member inquired whether this would affect the budget. Mr. Blakeslee responded that it would not.
A motion was made by Councilman Koster and seconded by Councilman Hathaway to approve authorization.
Roll Call: 6 Yes
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR TO THE COUNCIL
Councilman Hathaway wished to discuss two issues. He noted the topic of the absorption of the Stanhope Police Department. He felt there was a three to five year timeline to independently fund our police department. He wanted to discuss a proposal to go to Stanhope regarding Police services. He was interested in the council’s agreement to this. He said he already discussed this with the Chief and Mr. Blakeslee.
The Mayor was concerned that the department cannot cover the current shifts and this was going to stretch the force even thinner. Councilman Sylvester voiced his dissatisfaction that the Safety Committee was not included in the meeting. Councilman Hathaway explained that his inquiry was very preliminary prior to approaching the Council. Councilman Sylvester noted that there has been some discussion on this topic between the three towns for some time now. He noted that there were always issues regarding who will do what during these discussions. Councilman Hathaway suggested further investigation to see if Netcong could offer a proposal for consideration.
Regarding the NCP and Borough’s stance, Councilman Hathaway felt Mr. Dellamo’s suggestion regarding the borough’s lack of contribution was untenable. He noted that the Borough would consider putting the allotment back in with the condition that the NCP use it for the maintenance of the downtown area including the war memorial. Councilman Still asked about movement for an administrator. Mr. Blakeslee noted that there is an NCP meeting next week to discuss the possibility of Mr. Smart’s involvement on the NCP. The Mayor noted that he was not in favor of adding funds when there was still high level funding available to use. He felt the clean community funding should be funneled to the down town area needs. Mr. Olivo noted restrictions for the DPW when cleaning the down town area. The Council considered options regarding cost effective ways to beautify the down town area.
Councilman Still asked about rental registrations and Mr. Blakeslee provided a brief report. An improvement in compliance was noted. Mr. Blakeslee noted kudos to Janice for her work on the related software program.
Councilwoman Acquaro asked about the status of getting the new van. The Mayor noted that the presentation looked great and they are slotted for ten minutes next week to present it.
MAYORS COMMENTS
The Mayor wanted to discuss Netcong Day and the Five K race as well as the concerts presented by the NCP. The race will have a trifold for the signup sheet. All the functions of the town will be listed on this brochure. They are getting this document at a very reasonable rate, plus when published on the website, the document went “viral.” Netcong day is on over 50 websites thanks to Janice’s efforts on the web. Councilwoman Acquaro asked about the banner from the Recreation committee. The Recreation Committee was seeking the blessing of the Council.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution #2012-29 Authorizing the Borough’s Participation in the Morris County Adaptive Recreation Program (McARP) at a Cost of $455.00
The Mayor asked for a link to the website regarding the program.
A motion was made by Councilman Still and seconded by Councilwoman Acquaro to approve this resolution.
Roll Call: 6 Yes
2. Resolution #2012-31 Authorizing the Execution of Amendment No. 1 to the Shared Services Agreement Between the Township of Byram and the Borough of Netcong For Construction department Services Dated August, 2010
Mr. Blakeslee noted that there would need to be updates to the “trigger levels” regarding the fees. The Mayor was optimistic about the single family home plans for the pending development area.
A motion was made by Councilman Still and seconded by Councilman Hathaway.
Roll Call: 5 Yes Abstain: Councilman Koster
3. Resolution 2012-32 To Hire Joseph Fiorello as a Temporary Part Time Laborer for the Department of Public Works
A motion was made by Councilman Koster and seconded by Councilman Hathaway to approve this resolution.
Roll Call: 6 Yes
4. Resolution 2012-33 Tonnage Grant Application Resolution
A motion was made by Councilman Sylvester. The motion was seconded by Councilman Still.
Roll Call: 6 Yes
5. Resolution 2012-34 Tax Identification Statement/Recycling Enhancement Act
A motion to approve this resolution was made by Councilman Still and seconded by Councilman Sylvester.
Roll Call: 6 Yes
PROCLAMATION
1. To Designate the Third Week in March as National Poison Prevention Week.
To be carried to the March 8th meeting.
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS
1. Introduction of Ordinance #2012-6:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 194 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG AND ESTABLISHING MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE LIMITATIONS IN ALL ZONE DISTRICTS.
To be carried to the March 8th meeting
2. Introduction of Ordinance #2012-7:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE POLICE CHIEF TO EXECUTE AN APPLICATION FOR A CHARITABLE SOLICITATION PERMIT FOR AMERICAN LEGION AMBULANCE CORP OF STANHOPE/NETCONG'S "COIN DROP" ON JUNE 8TH, JUNE 9TH AND JUNE 10TH 2012 AND ON SEPTEMBER 7TH , AND SEPTEMBER 8TH , 2012 AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF ALLEN STREET AND LEDGEWOOD AVENUE AND MAIN STREET AND ROUTE 46 IN THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY
To be carried to the March 8th meeting
3. Introduction of Ordinance #2012-8:
AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14)
To be carried to the March 8th meeting.
4. Introduction of Bond Ordinance #2012-9:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR PHASE II MAPLE AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG, IN THE COUNTY OF MORRIS, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $254,350 THERE FOR, INCLUDING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $51,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF
To be carried to the March 8th meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Netcong, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of an action upon the specified subject matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:
o Personnel – Police Chief’s Salary
3. It is anticipated that the minutes on the subject matters of the closed session will be made public upon conclusion, dismissal or settlement of litigation; or final resolution of agreements on personnel matters; and in any event, when appropriate pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-7 and 4-13.
4. The Council will come back into open session and may take further action.
Council members were not stated that they were not comfortable discussing an employee without the Borough Attorney present. Decided to wait until the March 8th, 2012 meeting for this discussion.
Councilwoman Acquaro made a motion to table the closed session. Councilman Hathaway seconded the motion.
Roll Call: 6 Yes.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M. by Councilman Still and was carried by unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
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Dolores Dalessandro, Borough Clerk
Borough Council Meeting March 1, 2012 Page 7