Regular Meeting Minutes February 9, 2021 I February 9, 2021 A
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February 9, 2021 A Regular Meeting was held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on February 9, 2021 at the Municipal Building located at 1715 Route 46 in Ledgewood, New Jersey at 7:30PM; however, the Council Room was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, the meeting was broadcast via Zoom Pro in order to allow the continuation of routine municipal business and provide the opportunity for public participation during public comment periods. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilwoman Albrecht led the Pledge of Allegiance. OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT Adequate notice of this Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury was given as required by the Open Public Meetings Act as follows: On December 28, 2020, notice was published in the Daily Record. Notice was faxed to the Daily Record, Newark Star Ledger and The Roxbury Register on December 31, 2020. Notice shall also remain posted throughout the year on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal Building. Due to the ongoing public health emergency as declared by the Governor, the location of this regular meeting of the Township Council has been changed to be held remotely via telephonic audio conferencing and recorded utilizing the Zoom Pro platform. Adequate advance notice of this change, as well as instructions for accessing the agenda and relevant documents, and making public comment was provided as follows: On February 5, 2021 notice was emailed and faxed to the Daily Record, the Newark Star Ledger, the Roxbury Register; emailed to TAPinto Roxbury; posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the Municipal Building and on the exterior door of Town Hall; and electronic notice was posted on www.roxburynj.us. ROLL CALL (Present): Councilwoman Jaki Albrecht, Councilman Thomas Carey, Councilman Mark Crowley, Councilman Jim Rilee, Councilman Richard Zoschak, Deputy Mayor Fred Hall; Absent: Mayor Robert DeFillippo Also Present: John Shepherd, Township Manager; Amy Rhead, Township Clerk; Anthony M. Bucco, Township Attorney Staff: Robert Kuncken, IT Director Public: approximately thirty (30) members of the public, Mike Condon, Roxbury Register reporter, and Fred Aun, TAPinto Roxbury reporter, were in attendance remotely Deputy Mayor Hall amended the order of the agenda to share the sad news of the passing of Mayor DeFillippo’s mother in-law. Deputy Mayor Hall announced that Mayor DeFillippo was absent due to the passing of his mother-in-law. Deepest condolences were expressed to Mayor DeFillippo, his wife - former Roxbury Mayor and current Morris County Commissioner - Kathy DeFillippo, and their family for their loss. A moment of silence was held in memoriam. Deputy Mayor Hall continued to amend the order of the agenda to provide the following community update with regard to COVID-19 (NOTE: full text of “Deputy Mayor’s Opening Remarks from the February 9, 2021 Council Meeting” also available at www.roxburynj.us) Community Update February 9, 2021 1. Hello everyone and welcome, we hope you have weathered the recent storms over the past week. While the Township continues to clean-up from the record snowfall from a week ago, last Sunday, approximately six additional inches of snow fell in Roxbury. Public Works had all streets cleared by the evening. This week, Public Works continues to clean-up from the record snow events that seem to continue daily. Intersections are being cleared to improve sight visibility. Also, drains are being cleared to provide for drainage along roadways. Please understand that some roads will remain more narrow than normal since it is not feasibly to clear each road to the curb line. A personal thank you for the exceptional work performed by DPW and other Township departments during these large snowfalls, John will go over this in more Regular Meeting Minutes February 9, 2021 I detail. Also, to all residents who took the time to help their neighbors in need by shoveling, plowing, or providing support during these events, thank you for all you have done. 2. Turning our attention to COVID 19 totals—accumulated current totals in Roxbury is 1,634 which is an increase of 152 from the last update provided by Mayor DeFillippo. There is some good news, the past few days have shown a decline in new cases. With the increases in vaccinations, we are hopeful that these numbers will continue to decline. Please continue follow safety guidelines. We will persevere through this crisis. 3. Regarding the Vaccine Sites, the state has reported that the NJ COVID-19 hotline is able to assist with making a vaccination appointment for those who do not have access to a computer. The hotline number is on the Township’s website and is also available by contacting the Township’s Manager’s Office or Health Department. John will also provide us with some recent changes to locations offering the vaccinations Mr. Shepherd reported that COVID-19 informational sheets are available in all the township buildings as well as on www.roxburynj.us. Information includes instructions for registering and locations of vaccination sites. Deputy Mayor Hall returned to the order of the agenda. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, ETC. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 12, 2021 – Regular Meeting Councilman Rilee made a motion to approve the above-listed minutes. Councilman Carey seconded the motion. Roll Call: Councilwoman Albrecht - Yes Councilman Carey - Yes Councilman Crowley - Yes Councilman Rilee - Yes Councilman Zoschak - Yes Deputy Mayor Hall - Yes Motion carried unanimously, 6 to 0. PUBLIC PORTION (3 Minutes /1 Appearance per Individual) Deputy Mayor Hall reminded telephonic callers who would like to speak on any issues to press *6 (star six) to unmute their phone. Robert Kluska, 274 Emmans Road, Flanders – Mr. Kluska inquired about access to budget meeting information. Mr. Shepherd advised that the budget documents are available on the township website. Mr. Kluska will call Town Hall if he needs further assistance. Hearing no further comments, Deputy Mayor Hall closed the public portion. REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS / OLD BUSINESS A. Reports of Council Liaison Representatives and Council Committees Councilwoman Albrecht encouraged residents to participate in the online activities hosted virtually through the Roxbury Public Library. She credited Radwa Ali, Library Director, for providing a wide variety of activities and events to members of the community. Councilwoman Albrecht thanked the Public Works staff for doing a great job plowing during the recent snow storms. Councilman Crowley stated that the Lake Hopatcong Commission held a meeting the previous evening. He will provide a report at a future Council meeting. Councilman Crowley thanked the Department of Public Works for all their hard work keeping roadways plowed during the recent snow storms. Regular Meeting Minutes February 9, 2021 II Councilman Crowley thanked all the Roxbury residents who assisted neighbors clearing snow from their property. It is great to see people helping others with snow removal. Deputy Mayor Hall commented that it is very heart-warming to see so many residents assisting others. Councilman Rilee concurred with previous comments regarding Roxbury residents who are always willing to help others. He also expressed appreciation to the Department of Public Works for getting Roxbury through the snow storms. Councilman Zoschak thanked his neighbors for their assistance clearing snow. Councilman Zoschak said he will be forwarding some snow complaints to the Township Manager. Councilman Carey inquired as to requirements for residents to shovel out fire hydrants in front of their homes. Mr. Shepherd said the uniqueness of the storm and quantity of the snow made it difficult to completely clear all hydrants of snow. Councilman Carey mentioned that October is Fire Prevention month. General discussion occurred regarding the extensive programs the Fire Prevention Department and Fire Companies sponsor for both public and private schools. Mr. Shepherd had no reports at this time. Senator Bucco advised that the state is continuing to work toward getting vaccines for all residents. Mrs. Rhead had no reports at this time. B. New Business/Old Business None MATTERS REQUESTED / REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK A. Recreation Fees Mr. Shepherd provided an overview and rationale behind the recommendations to amend the fee structure for recreation programs and facility rental fees. Brett Douglas, Recreation Director, and Ryan Williams, Assistant Recreation Director, were in attendance remotely. Deputy Mayor Hall explained that the recommendations are the result of careful examination of programs and comparison of fees charged by surrounding communities for the same or similar programs/usage and have been fully-vetted by the Recreation Advisory Committee. He also thanked Brett Douglas and Ryan Williams for their hard work compiling data and creating a fee structure designed with the goal to ensure self-sustainability. General Council discussion occurred with regard to the changes associated with leasing and subleasing the fields. Brett Douglas, Recreation Director, thanked the Council and Recreation Advisory Committee for reviewing the proposal. Mr. Shepherd advised that an ordinance will be presented at the next Regular Meeting for Council consideration. B. Overview of Righter Road Greenway Project Mr. Shepherd spoke about the proposal to obtain engineering concept and design plans for a pathway associated with the Righter Road Greenway Project. Mr. Shepherd advised that Andy Tybus of the Open Space Advisory Committee was in attendance remotely and available to answer questions. Councilman Rilee and Mr. Tybus discussed the presence of wetlands properties along Righter Road. Councilman Rilee stressed the importance of having a clear understanding of the scope of the project prior to expending funds. Deputy Mayor Hall explained that the extension of the trail will connect Emmans Road to Horseshoe Lake. Mr. Tybus clarified that it will also connect Roxbury High School, Eisenhower Middle School, Horseshoe Lake, West Morris Greenway, Roxbury Day Care Center, Ledgewood Commons and the Roxbury Mall.