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

Mr. Utter motioned to adopt R 2008-032A EXECUTIVE SESSION to interview Tax Map Engineers. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP R 2008-032 A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION
PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 10:4-12

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 (B), specifically:

Matters Relating to the Employment Relationship:

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, it is anticipated that the deliberation conducted in closed session may be discussed to the public upon the determination of the Township Committee that the public interest will no longer be served by such confidentiality and if not then legally privileged.

Diana Francisco, RMC
Municipal Clerk

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, at a meeting held on March 11, 2008.
_____________________________________
Diana Francisco, RMC
Municipal Clerk

The Township Committee returned to public session and resumed the meeting.

FLAG SALUTE All present were asked to salute the flag.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
There was no response from the public.
Mr. Utter motioned to amend the agenda to include Fire Department property to add to unfinished business and move the 2008 State Aid Budget and the Wantage Township Consolidation Study and discuss them with Shared Services under New Business. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

MINUTES February 19, 2008 Regular Session and February 19, 2008 Executive Session
February 26, 2008 Regular Session and February 26, 2008 Executive Session
Mr. Teufert motioned to approve the minutes. Mr. Utter seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS Administration, Finance, Health and Welfare, Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation. Mr. Teufert stated that he met with the DPW Foreman David Berhman regarding the ensuing rain storm and that they were ready to go. There were no other committee reports.

RESOLUTIONS

R 2008-030 REFUND OF DUPLICATE TAX PAYMENT
Mr. Teufert motioned to adopt R 2008-030. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
R 2008-031 OUTSIDE LIEN REDEMPTION
Mr. Brace motioned to adopt R 2008-031. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

ORDINANCE (second reading)

ORD 2008-001 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 34, DOGS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTAGUE
Mr. Brislin motioned to open Ord 2008-001 to the public on second reading. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. Mr. Cole requested clarification on the ordinance. Attorney Padula summarized the ordinance for the public. Mr. Guimes asked if licenses are required for cats.
Mr. Teufert motioned to close to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.
Mr. Brislin motioned to adopt Ordinance 2008-001 on second reading. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

CCH Request for Speed Limit Ordinance – Mr. Brislin moved to table until next meeting after the Township Attorney speaks with Mr. Wallace, CCH Attorney. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Clove Road Closing – Mr. Barbagallo requested the Clerk to contact the County Road Department to attend a Township meeting to the residents what will take place regarding the temporary closing of Clove Rd.

School Grounds Agreement – Mr. Brace moved to table until next meeting. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Lawn Maintenance Price Quotes – The following price quotes were submitted for seasonal lawn maintenance on township properties, Route 206 Ballfield the Nelson Roberts House and Fire House.
JPH $10,379.00 , Dickinson $13,178.00, JRC $9500.00, Quinn $11,495.00. Mr. Brace motioned to award the contract to JRC. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Coss Lane Drainage Easement – Mr. Brace motioned to table until the Township Engineer had a design available. Mr. Teufert seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Beerskill Road and Retaining Wall – Attorney Padula requested discussion take place in Executive Session.

Municipal Building Backdoor Entrance – There was nothing new to discuss.

Mr. Barbagallo informed the public that he continues to meet with representatives from New York State regarding the traffic issues on Route 23.

Fire House Property – A discussion took place regarding the Montage Volunteer Fire Department raising funds to purchase and/or construct a new fire house versus the township constructing and/or owning a new fire house. Mr. Utter recommended two committee members work with the Fire Department in project. Mayor Barbagallo recommended the creation of a Citizen=s Advisory Committee to review any plans of a new Fire House.

NEW BUSINESS

Raffle Licenses – PTA Tricky Tray -St. James, The Greater Church – Mr. Brislin motioned to approve the license applications. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a majority roll call vote. ROLL Call- Mr. Brace, yes, Mr. Brislin, yes, Mr.Teufert, abstain, Mr. Utter, yes, Mr. Barbagallo, yes.

COAH Fee Ordinance – Attorney Padula informed the committee that the ordinance had been previously adopted, however, COAH made recommendation changes they would like the Committee to make to the ordinance. Mr. Barbagallo recommended the Committee wait until Fred Suljic review it with the Committee at the next public meeting.

COAH Resolution Draft Expressing Comments Third Round Regulations – Mr. Utter motioned to table until next meeting when Fred Suljic, Township=s Planner, will be present to discuss topic. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Shared Services – Wantage Township invited Montague Township to consider participating in a Consolidation Study with Wantage and Sussex Borough. The Committee agreed to meet with Wantage Township and Sussex Borough.
Discussion took place regarding, meeting Sandyston, Frankford and Branchville in addition to the separate meetings with Wantage and Sussex.
Mr. Utter motioned to send a letter to Sandyston, Frankford and Branchville to further look at shared services. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a majority roll call vote. Mr.Brace, yes; Brislin, yes; Mr. Teufert, yes; Mr. Utter, yes; Barbagallo, no.

REPORTS

Tax Collector – February was reported as $1,211,470.44 Year to date =$1,812,517.59

CORRESPONDENCE

Annual Tax Lien Sale – Set for April 17, 2008 at 10am

Delaware Water Gap NRA Advisory Commission Meeting – set for Saturday. March 29 at 9:00am at the Municipal Building.

Dolan and Dolan Regarding Mountaintop Road

Tax Collector Treasurer Request to Attend Seminar – May 20-22, 2008 - Mr. Teufert motioned to approve the request. Mr. Brislin seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor.

Sussex County Mosquito Control – Information is available in the lobby of the Municipal Building.

2008 State Aid Budget – Our State Aid was cut by $72,000.

Wantage Township Consolidation Study – Reported above.

Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders – appointment to Water Quality Management- Mr. Barbagallo invited any of the Committee members to attend the meetings which are scheduled for the seconded Thursday each month.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mr. Teufert motioned to open to the public. Mr. Brace seconded the motion. The motion was carried with all in favor. The following members of the public commented.

Bob Degroat asked if the Mountain Youth Correctional Residents still do lawn maintenance. The response of the Mayor was that the State of New Jersey does not permit them to at this time.
He also suggested that the Fire Department should be the lead in the construction of a fire house and the citizens advisory come later.

Mark Krebs- Look at shared services with Port Jervis and Milford and the possibilities of receiving Federal Funds for doing so.

Reginald R. Cole- asked about gas again. The Committee responded that a card system is being looked at as well as other options. He also commented on the cost of a new fire house.

Virginia Van Wagner commented on township gas usage.

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

Mr. Brislin motioned to approve R 2008-32B Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and matters involving attorney client privilege.

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP R 2008-032B
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION
PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 10:4-12

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 (B), specifically:

Matters Relating to the Employment Relationship:

Matters Relating to Litigation, Negotiation, and the Attorney-Client Privilege:

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, it is anticipated that the deliberation conducted in closed session may be discussed to the public upon the determination of the Township Committee that the public interest will no longer be served by such confidentiality and if not then legally privileged.

Diana Francisco, RMC
Municipal Clerk

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Montague, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, at a meeting held on March 11, 2008.

_____________________________________
Diana Francisco, RMC
Municipal Clerk

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

Mr. Utter commented of the Romyns property and flooding at the bottom of Reuben Hill Road. There was a brief discussion and suggested the DPW look at the problem. Other properties with flooding issues were discussed.

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

Submitted by
Diana Francisco
Clerk
04-08-2008