OPENING STATEMENT

FLAG SALUTE: All present were asked to salute the flag.

ROLL CALL: Those present were Mr. Brislin, Mr. Lashendock, Mr. Barbagallo, Mr. Brace, Mr. Utter, Attorney Hinkes and Diana Francisco, Clerk.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:
Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public.  Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mr. Krebs requested the Township Committee address the Cell Tower issue on DPW property before the Land Use Board makes a decision on the application currently before them.  Mr. Barbagallo motioned to amend the agenda to add the Cell Tower to AUnfinished Business@.  Mr. Brislin seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mr. Cole request information on  Ordinance 2007-17 which was on the agenda  Acreating the position of Flood Plain Administrator. Mr. Brislin motioned to close to the public.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Session 11-27-2007, Executive Session 11-27-2007
Mr. Lashendock  motioned to approve the minutes.   Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.   Mr. Barbagallo motioned to approve the executive session minutes.  Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Safety, Recreation and Grants Administration.

Administration
Mr. Utter reported to the Committee that there are a series of scheduled meetings regarding  handling of the water in the Reservoirs, one which will be a public hearing in Matamoras on December 18, 2007 at 3 PM and 6:30 PM at the Best Western.

Finance 
Mr. Brislin invited the public to the four scheduled budget meetings on December 13, 2007 December 20, 2007, January 10, 2008 and January 24, 2008.

Health and Welfare
Mr. Barbagallo motioned to amend the agenda to add the traffic light on Rt 23 to AUnfinished Business@, Mr. Brislin seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Public Works
Mr. Lashendock stated the DPW is currently well stocked and ready for the Winter Season.

Recreation
Mr. O'Connor updated the Committee on the funds for the Recreation and they expect to return $3,078 to the general fund.

BILLS LIST
Mr. Lashendock motioned to approve the bills list.  Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

ORDINANCES:

R 2007-078       PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR 2007
Mr. Barbagallo motioned to adopt R 2007-078.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

R 2007-079       OUTSIDE LIEN REDEMPTION
Mr. Barbagallo motioned to adopt R 2007-079.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

R 2007-081       RESOLUTION TO GO TO BID FOR BEERSKILL ROAD RETAINING WALL AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Mr. Lashendock motioned to adopt R 2007-081.  Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

ORDINANCES   (Second Reading)

ORD 2007-16    RESIDENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR KNOWN SEX OFFENDERS
Mr. Brislin motioned to approve Ordinance 2007-16.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.  Mr.  Brislin motioned to open to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.  Mr. Lashendock motioned to close to the public. Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motioned.  The motion was carried with all in favor. The ordinance was adopted on second reading by a unanimous roll call vote.

ORDINANCES (first reading)    
                   
ORD 2007-17   ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF FLOOD PLAIN ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. Lashendock motioned to table ordinance. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

2007-18   ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF HOUSING LIAISON FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING TOWNSHIP OF MONTAGUE'S   AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE FAIR HOUSING ACT
Mr.  Lashendock motioned to approve Ordinance 2007-18 on first reading.  Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Fire Department
Mr. Lashendock motioned to table discussion.  Mr. Brislin seconded the motion.

Drainage Coss Lane
Mr.Lashendock motioned to table discussion. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion.The motion was carried with all in favor.

Plan Endorsement Citizen's Advisory Committee
The motion was carried with all in favor.Mr. Barbagallo motioned to table matter. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Cell Tower
Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.
Mr. Krebs suggested the Committee look at the possibility of  $80,000 revenue, better phone coverage and better service for DPW radios, and public safety.
Ken O'Connor recommended the Committee look at actual numbers.
Reginald Cole stated the Cell tower is a five year contract and the town would have to take it down after five years.
Mr. Clauberg suggested that however much money was received form the cell tower income the township Committee should consider using the money toward beautifying the town. 
Mr. Lashendock motioned to close to the public.  Mr. Brace seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.
Mr. Barbagallo stated the last figures he is aware of are based upon the Municipal Building property at $20,000.  He indicated that the township may involve itself in a lawsuit. He feels it should go on township property.    
Mr. Brislin motioned to table discussion to next meeting.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

Route 23
Mr. Barbagallo reported that he had contacted several parties involved in the route 23 Traffic Light Project. He stated he understands  that something will come of project. Mr. Brislin motioned to have Mr.Barbagallo speak to the business owners regarding contributing to the cost of a traffic light. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all favor.

REPORTS

CORRESPONDENCE

Flood Insurance Studies for Sussex County-
A letter was received from Medina Consultants.  Stating that they are doing Surveying in the Delaware River Area.

January is Radon Action Month. 
Letter from the DEP concerning Radon.

COAH-
The Township Attorney William Hinkes explained the Regional Contribution Concept and the Council on Affordable Housing and that Local Assemblywoman Alison Mchose opposes repealing RCA's.

2008 Holiday Schedule and Committee Meeting Dates.
Mr. Brislin requested verification of Lincoln's Birthday and Veteran's Day if they were State Holidays or Montague Holidays?
                
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public.  Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

-Mr. Guimes stated that there are 3 election districts and the township should be concerned about the 2nd district ( High Point Country Club) spilling over into the other election districts.

-Mr. Reginald Cole expressed his concerns about RCA's.

-Mr. Degroat expressed concerns regarding route 23 traffic light. Do not necessarily need more than one light on Route 23.
Mr. O'Connor - Recreation  Committee would like the Township Committee to honor Mr. Blumhagen and his years of decorating for the holidays.  Mr.  Brislin motioned to name the Holiday lighting Contest after the Late Mr. Robert  Blumhagen.  Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion.  The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Lashendock motioned to close o the public.  Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mr. Brislin motioned to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters.  Mr. Lashendock seconded the motion The motion was carried with all in favor.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Barbagallo motioned to go into an executive session to discuss personnel matters with employee Toni-Lu Martin.  Mr. Brislin seconded the motion.  The motion was carried with all in favor.

       WHEREAS, the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, finds it necessary to discuss matters relating to Personnel,
      WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Montague believes, it to be in the best interest of the public to discuss only those matters in a 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 into a closed session to discuss only matters mentioned above, the result of which may be made public immediately thereafter or at a later date.

December 11, 2007
Attest:

Diana Francisco
Clerk

The Township Committee returned from Closed Session and resumed the regular meeting.  No action was taken.

ADJOURN
Mr. Lashendock motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. Barbagallo seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.
Submitted by,

Diana Francisco
Clerk