7:00 p.m.

OPENING STATEMENT
Mayor Barbagallo called the meeting to order and stated that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act PL. 1975 C. 231 and has been duly advertised.

ROLL CALL
Those present were Mr. Brace, Mr. Brislin, Mr. Teufert, Mr. Utter, Mr. Barbagallo Attorney Padula, and Diana Francisco, Clerk.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Barbagallo informed the audience that if anyone should have any comments or questions regarding the agenda items. There were no comments or questions.

PROFESSIONALS
JOHN C. RISKO, Sussex County Division of Engineering- Mr. Risko and Mr. Don Drake were present to speak to the Township Committee and residents regarding the upcoming bridge repair and Clove Road closure scheduled for June 27, 2008 through October 3, 2008 with the potential of the project being complete by September 13, 2008 Mr. Risko explained the need for the bridge repair. The bridge has been classified as structurally deficient. Mr. Risko fielded questions and concerns from residents and emergency services personnel.

Some of the major concerns expressed by the audience were safety issues. The ambulance and fire departments had real concerns regarding the summer flooding issues the township has endured over the past several years which have resulted in closing of River Rd. The possibility of both roads being closed at the same time will cause a multitude of problems. Employ the Mutual aid of neighboring towns and hold harmless agreements. These were some of the comments made, a truck traffic detour advisory to use 209, Milford Bridge and 84 is needed. Trucks are unable to make a right turn at the end of River Rd and this isn't considered an emergency aid situation because this is a planned project.

MINUTES
March 11, 2008 Regular Session, March 25, 2008 Regular Session
Mr. Teufert motioned to adopt the above minutes. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Utter reported under Health and Welfare regarding the impending closure of Mountain View Correctional Facility. Currently, the inmates process the township's recycling materials and if the facility closes the Township will have to make other arrangements.
Mr. Brace reported on the Fire Departments monthly calls.

BILLS LIST
Payment of Vouchers
Mr. Brislin motioned to pay the monthly bills. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

RESOLUTIONS
R 2008-37
REFUND OF DUPLICATE TAX PAYMENT
Mr. Brace motioned to adopt R 2008-37. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

R 2008-38
AUTHORIZATION TO CANCEL TOWNSHIP SALE CERTIFICATE
Mr. Teufert motioned to adopt R 2008-38. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

R 2008-39
OPPOSING THE CLOSURE OF HIGH POINT STATE PARK
Mr. Brislin motioned to adopt R 2008-39. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

R 2008-41
RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR BEERSKILL ROAD RETENTION WALL AND ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Mr. Brislin motioned to adopt R 2008-41. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

R 2008-42
MUNICIPAL SELF EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL BUDGET
Mr. Utter motioned to adopt R 2008-42. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

ORDINANCE
(First Reading)
ORD 2008-003 Development Fee Ordinance -
Mr. Utter motioned to table until next meeting. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

ORD 2008-004
ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK
Mr. Brace motioned to adopt Ordinance 2008-004 on first reading. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

ORDINANCE
(Second Reading)
ORD 2008-002
2008 SALARY ORDINANCE
Mr. Teufert motioned to open discussion on Ordinance 2008-002. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. Mr. Brislin motioned to open to the public. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. Mr. Teufert motioned to close to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. Mr. Teufert motioned adopt the 2008 salary ordinance. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a majority roll call vote.
Vote: Mr. Brace, yes; Mr. Brislin, no; Mr. Teufert, yes; Mr. Utter, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, no.

NEW BUSINESS-
INTRODUCTION OF THE BUDGET
Mr. Utter motioned to adopt the 2008 Municipal Budget on introduction. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a majority roll call vote.
VOTE: Mr. Brace, yes; Mr. Brislin, no; Mr. Teufert, yes; Mr. Utter, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, no.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tractor/Mower Bid
DPW Foreman, David Berhman, recommended awarding the Tractor/Mower BID to Cherry Valley Tractor. Mr. motioned to table award until next meeting. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Coss Lane Drainage Easement
Michael O'Krepky the Township's Engineer was present at the request of the Committee to discuss the drainage issues on Coss Lane and an alternate plan to correct the drainage problem. Mr. O'Krepky had informed the Committee of two different ways to correct the problem neither being any better than the other. Mr. Teufert suggested the Committee obtain a price quote on the project.

Shared Services
Mr. Barbagallo reported he met with representatives of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough on two occasions to participate in discussions regarding Municipal Court and the Department of Public Works.

Romyns Property
Mr. Teufert motioned to authorize the Township engineer to look at the current drainage issues of Reuben Hill Road at the Romyns property, 1 Galloping Hill, and 3 Chubby Lane and make recommendations to the Committee. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a majority roll call vote.
Mr. Brace, yes; Mr. Brislin, abstain; Mr. Teufert, yes; Mr. Utter, yes; Mr. Barbagallo, yes.

School Grounds
Mr. Utter motioned to table discussion. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

REPORTS
Tax Collector ( March) $210,469.46 Year to date $2,022,987.05
Fire Department (March) 9 fires, 8 drills

CORRESPONDENCE
Mayors Advisory - Re: Support for Motor Vehicles Surcharge to Offset Property Tax Increases
No motion was made to adopt the above resolution.

ABATE of Garden State/Resolution Supporting the month of May as AMotorcycle Awareness Month - The Township Committee agreed to display banner promoting support of May motorcycle Awareness Month.

NJ RIDE Against Aids - September 26-28. Bicycle ride from High Point to Cape May.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Teufert motioned to open to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mark Krebs-Asked for clarification of the new tax rate, which the committee responded that it is 2.49 cents also can be interpreted as a 6.4% increase.

Bob Degroat- Informed the public that Republican Club will be sponsoring a Forrester to speak about Gypsy Moths, on April 28, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. at the Minisink Reformed Church.

Kevin Kelly- Fire Department President read a letter from the Fire Department regarding their efforts, concerns and desire to build a new firehouse.

Darren Ponce- Had two letters which he presented to Mayor Barbagallo, from Montague Baseball and Recreation.

David Gibson resident and member of Parents of Montague Baseball requested $1820.00 for two loads of clay for ball fields from Recreation funds.

Alicia Batko asked if the 5-year lease was with the National Park Service.
She also mentioned fund raising for the 250th Anniversary Celebration and requested to have fund-raising funds to be placed in a sub account ear marked for the 250th Celebration.
Mr. Teufert motioned to have the CFO create a sub account ear marked for the 250th Anniversary Celebration. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Mrs. Batko also had a map which was issued by the NJ DOT which indicated that Millville had a population of 25,000 which she wanted to bring to the committee's attention.

Beverly Berego- Chairperson of Recreation confirmed that the recreation Committee agreed to use $1820.00 from their budget for the clay. Mr. Teufert motioned to approve $1820 for clay for the ball fields, Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

David Gibson- President of Montague Baseball, requested support from the Township committee members to build the baseball program and to expand. He also requested a place to put batting cages, which they are building.

Raymond Biggs- Vice president of Montague Baseball voiced his support of Dave Gibson and the kids.

Mr. Teufert motioned to close the public session. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Attorney Padula indicated that he would send the County DOT a letter regarding issues that were discussed regarding the closing of Clove Road, payment for emergency services, and hold harmless agreements.

A discussion took place regarding what had been previously discussed regarding locks on the gasoline tanks and if it was a committee decision. The discrepancy was whether or not a majority of the Township Committee was aware of the policy enacted regarding the locking of the fuel tanks after hours.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Teufert motioned to adopt R 2008-43 EXECUTIVE SESSION for the purpose discussing personnel matters and matters involving attorney client privilege. No action will be taken.
Br. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

The Committee returned from Executive Session. Mr. Teufert motioned to close executive session. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

ADJOURN
Mr. Utter motioned to adjourn. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Submitted by,

Diana Francisco
Clerk
May 8, 2008