Minutes of Township Committee

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
APRIL 10, 2007
Regular Session begins at 8:00p.m. unless otherwise noted. Mayor Utter called the meeting to order. Those present were: Mr. Brislin, Mr. Lashendock, Mr. Barbagallo, Mr. Brace, Mr. Utter, and Clerk Francisco. EXECUTIVE SESSION including personnel, and potential litigation. WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey finds it necessary to discuss matters relating to possible litigation, and personnel; and WHEREAS, the Township Committee believes it to be in the best interest of the public to discuss such matters in closed session. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montague County of Sussex ,State of New Jersey that it shall enter closed session to discuss only the matters mentioned above; the result of which may be made public immediately thereafter or at a later date. April 10, 2007 Attest: Diana Francisco Clerk Mr. Lashendock motioned to enter into an executive session. Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. With no other items to discuss in Executive Session, the Executive session was closed on motion of Mr. Brislin seconded by Mr. Lashendock. The motion was carried with all members in favor. Mayor Utter stated the meeting was being held in Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act P.L.1975, C. 231 and has been duly advertised. All present were asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public regarding agenda items only. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. There was no comment from the public. Mr. Brace motioned to close to the public regarding agenda items. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. MINUTES Mr. Lashendock motioned to adopt the minutes of the executive session of March 27, 2007. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with a unanimous roll call vote. Mr. Barbagallo motioned to approve the minutes of the regular session of March 27, 2007. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. RESOLUTIONS R 2007-21 INTER LOCAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP(ROAD DEPARTMENT) Mr. Brislin motioned to table adoption of above-mentioned resolution. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. R 2007-23 OUTSIDE LIEN REDEMPTION Mr. Barbagallo motioned to adopt the above resolution. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. R 2007-24 FEASIBILITY STUDY Mr. Brislin motioned to withdraw above resolution. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.The motion was carried by a roll call vote. Mr. Brislin motioned to amend the agenda to add an item under UNFINISHED BUSINESS to include Deputy Clerk Position. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: -General Agreement Draft National Park Service :Mr. Brislin motioned to approve the Final Draft of the General Agreement Between National Park Service Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Montague Township: Agreement GA-4320-06-004 March1, 2007-February 28, 2012. Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. -Volunteer Dinner- Date chosen by the Committee is May 17, 2007 at Fratelli's Restaurant, Rt. 206, Sandyston Twp. -Budget 2007- The consensus of the Township Committee was to cut the Preliminary budget by $28,500. Areas that were addressed were Tax Foreclosures, Updating of Tax Maps, and Township Planner. The Committee also agreed that the township needed to raise $6,500 to process municipality held liens. Areas cut would include, the Fire Department's proposed budget totaling $8,500.00 and $10,000 for Emergency Management Equipment . The Road Department-snow removal and other expenses adding up to $10,000. The budget adjustments for the 2007 budget will be approximately 3.3 % increases over last years budget. -Deputy Clerk Appointment- Mr. Brace motioned to terminate the position of ADeputy Clerk.@ Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. Mr. Barbagallo objected to the motion, he stated that the Deputy Clerks' appointment was for one year. Mr. Barbagallo also stated the temporary appointment was because of an inter local agreement. Mr. Barbagallo requested his following statement placed on the record, A that the litigation which will evolve from here is the fault of this Committee and this committee only@ and Athe motion is totally illegal@. The motion was carried by a majority vote. Mr. Brislin, yes; Mr. Lashendock, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, no; Mr. Brace, yes; Mr. Utter yes. NEW BUSINESS: Personnel- Nicholas Grontis- Mr. Grontis was present to discuss his position with the Township of Montague and his duties as Department of Public Works auto mechanic at which position he was hired. Mr. Grontis requested he be heard in a public session versus an executive session. Mr. Grontis also stated that he also serves other functions wherever and whenever needed by the DPW Foreman. Mayor Utter since the committee was told otherwise asked Mr. Grontis if he wanted to go outside the building and he responded that he would like to continue to perform whatever duties were required by his supervisor. 2007 SPRING CLEAN UP Has been scheduled for June 9 and 10. MONTHLY REPORTS - Tax Collector Report ( March) $176,949.30 CORRESPONDENCE -Department of Health and Seniors- the committee requested the Township Clerk contact Wantage Township for utilization of their stray animal impounds service. -NJ Black Bear- Flier issued by the DEP. to be posted on the Township web site as well as the Bulletin Board. BILLS LIST Mr. Brislin motioned to pull item 2012 from the bills' list, The bill in question is from Montague Water and Sewer, particularly the Fire Hydrants in the Armstrong Tract, charges. Also Mr. Brislin motioned to table item 2037 Montague Seniors Luncheon until clarified. Mr. Brace seconded the motions. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote on the Fire hydrant bill and carried by a majority vote regarding the Montague Seniors. Vote- Mr. Brislin, yes; Mr. Lashendock, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, no; Mr. Brace, yes. -Mr Brislin motion to pay the remainder of bills. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all favor. Ruth Owen, President of the Montague Seniors invited 2008 candidates for Township Committee, to an Open Forum on the Friday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.. Mr. Brislin motioned to close public participation. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. Mr. Barbagallo motioned to adjourn meeting. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. Submitted by, Diana Francisco Clerk 05-08-08

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

APRIL 10, 2007

Regular Session begins at 8:00p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Mayor Utter called the meeting to order. Those present were: Mr. Brislin, Mr. Lashendock, Mr. Barbagallo, Mr. Brace, Mr. Utter, and Clerk Francisco.

EXECUTIVE SESSION including personnel, and potential litigation.

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey finds it necessary to discuss matters relating to possible litigation, and personnel; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee believes it to be in the best interest of the public to discuss such matters in closed session.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montague County of Sussex ,State of New Jersey that it shall enter closed session to discuss only the matters mentioned above; the result of which may be made public immediately thereafter or at a later date.

April 10, 2007
Attest:

Diana Francisco
Clerk

Mr. Lashendock motioned to enter into an executive session. Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion.
The motion was carried with all in favor.

With no other items to discuss in Executive Session, the Executive session was closed on motion of Mr. Brislin seconded by Mr. Lashendock. The motion was carried with all members in favor.

Mayor Utter stated the meeting was being held in Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act P.L.1975, C. 231 and has been duly advertised.

All present were asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public regarding agenda items only. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. There was no comment from the public.

Mr. Brace motioned to close to the public regarding agenda items. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

MINUTES
Mr. Lashendock motioned to adopt the minutes of the executive session of March 27, 2007. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Barbagallo motioned to approve the minutes of the regular session of March 27, 2007. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

RESOLUTIONS
R 2007-21 INTER LOCAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP(ROAD DEPARTMENT)
Mr. Brislin motioned to table adoption of above-mentioned resolution. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

R 2007-23 OUTSIDE LIEN REDEMPTION
Mr. Barbagallo motioned to adopt the above resolution. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

R 2007-24 FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. Brislin motioned to withdraw above resolution. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.The motion was carried by a roll call vote.

Mr. Brislin motioned to amend the agenda to add an item under UNFINISHED BUSINESS to include Deputy Clerk Position.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
-General Agreement Draft National Park Service :Mr. Brislin motioned to approve the Final Draft of the General Agreement Between National Park Service Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Montague Township: Agreement GA-4320-06-004 March1, 2007-February 28, 2012. Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.
-Volunteer Dinner- Date chosen by the Committee is May 17, 2007 at Fratelli's Restaurant, Rt. 206, Sandyston Twp.
-Budget 2007- The consensus of the Township Committee was to cut the Preliminary budget by $28,500. Areas that were addressed were Tax Foreclosures, Updating of Tax Maps, and Township Planner. The Committee also agreed that the township needed to raise $6,500 to process municipality held liens. Areas cut would include, the Fire Department's proposed budget totaling $8,500.00 and $10,000 for Emergency Management Equipment . The Road Department-snow removal and other expenses adding up to $10,000. The budget adjustments for the 2007 budget will be approximately 3.3 % increases over last years budget.

-Deputy Clerk Appointment- Mr. Brace motioned to terminate the position of ADeputy Clerk.@ Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. Mr. Barbagallo objected to the motion, he stated that the Deputy Clerks' appointment was for one year. Mr. Barbagallo also stated the temporary appointment was because of an inter local agreement. Mr. Barbagallo requested his following statement placed on the record, A that the litigation which will evolve from here is the fault of this Committee and this committee only@ and Athe motion is totally illegal@. The motion was carried by a majority vote. Mr. Brislin, yes; Mr. Lashendock, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, no; Mr. Brace, yes; Mr. Utter yes.

NEW BUSINESS:
Personnel- Nicholas Grontis- Mr. Grontis was present to discuss his position with the Township of Montague and his duties as Department of Public Works auto mechanic at which position he was hired. Mr. Grontis requested he be heard in a public session versus an executive session. Mr. Grontis also stated that he also serves other functions wherever and whenever needed by the DPW Foreman. Mayor Utter since the committee was told otherwise asked Mr. Grontis if he wanted to go outside the building and he responded that he would like to continue to perform whatever duties were required by his supervisor.

2007 SPRING CLEAN UP Has been scheduled for June 9 and 10.

MONTHLY REPORTS
- Tax Collector Report ( March) $176,949.30

CORRESPONDENCE
-Department of Health and Seniors- the committee requested the Township Clerk contact Wantage Township for utilization of their stray animal impounds service.

-NJ Black Bear- Flier issued by the DEP. to be posted on the Township web site as well as the Bulletin Board.

BILLS LIST

Mr. Brislin motioned to pull item 2012 from the bills' list, The bill in question is from Montague Water and Sewer, particularly the Fire Hydrants in the Armstrong Tract, charges. Also Mr. Brislin motioned to table item 2037 Montague Seniors Luncheon until clarified. Mr. Brace seconded the motions. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote on the Fire hydrant bill and carried by a majority vote regarding the Montague Seniors. Vote- Mr. Brislin, yes; Mr. Lashendock, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, no; Mr. Brace, yes.
-Mr Brislin motion to pay the remainder of bills. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all favor.
Ruth Owen, President of the Montague Seniors invited 2008 candidates for Township Committee, to an Open Forum on the Friday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m..
Mr. Brislin motioned to close public participation. Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mr. Barbagallo motioned to adjourn meeting. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Submitted by,

Diana Francisco
Clerk

05-08-08