MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

March 11, 2003

Minutes

Mayor Barbagallo called the session to order at 8:04 p.m. and opened the meeting, stating that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, P>L> 1975, c. 231, and has been duly advertised.

The Clerk was asked to call the roll.

Present were: Committeewoman Kaman, Deputy Mayor Zitone, Committeeman Butto, Committeeman Krebs,

Mayor Barbagallo

Helen F. Felter, Clerk, Denis G. Murphy, Atty.

Absent: None

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

Chris Tourge-Grant Writer:

Mr. Tourge spoke to the Committee regarding several matters. He explained that he had a meeting earlier in the evening with

Dave Coss, Fire Chief of the Montague Fire Department, to discuss a FEMA grant that had just become available. This grant will cover the purchase of supplies. Mr. Tourge also advised the Committee that the Trail grant that he has applied for won't be announced until August. His next question to the Committee was what property would they consider if the property next to the Municipal Building is not available? Mayor Barbagallo asked if

Mr. Tourge had found the reason for the large difference in one of the appraisals. Mr. Tourge said he had spoken with the appraiser but had been told unless he (the appraiser) saw the other appraisals, he could not answer that question. After a lengthy discussion regarding the adjoining property, the Committee asked Committeewoman Kaman to speak to the appraiser and go over the appraisal with him. The Committee also directed the Clerk to write a letter to the property owner presenting the Committee's offer of $108,000.00.

Committeeman Zitone made a motion to make an offer of $108,000.00, based on the appraisals we have, to purchase the property, adjoining the municipal property, located on the corner of Clove Road and Weider Road.

The motion was seconded by Committeewoman Kaman.

The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote:

Ayes: Committeewoman Kaman, Deputy Mayor Zitone,

Committeeman Butto, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Barbagallo

Nays: None

Approval of Minutes: Regular Session February 25, 2003

Executive Session February 25, 2003

Committeeman Butto made a motion to approve the above mentioned minutes with correction.

Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.

The motion was approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Committeewoman Kaman, Committeeman Butto,

Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Barbagallo

Nays: None

Abstain: Deputy Mayor Zitone

Ordinances:

Resolutions

R2003-29 Refund of Tax Overpayment - Block 4.08, Lot 4

R2003-33 Outside Lien Redemption

R2003-34 Refund of Duplicate Tax Payment-Block 18.48, Lot 3

R2003-35 Outside Lien Redemption-Block 18.56, Lot 7co4

R2003-36 Resolution to Join Statewide Insurance Fund

R2003-37 A Resolution Requesting An Exemption To The Requirement of Appointing A Principal Public Works Manager

Deputy Mayor Zitone made a motion to adopt the above mentioned resolutions.

Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.

The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Robert T. Untig, Sheriff, Sheriff's Office Sussex County-Radio Communications

Sherif Untig requested that the Sheriff's office be allowed to put a receiver somewhere in the Municipal Building in order to improve radio communications. The Committee agreed to his request and asked the Clerk to write a letter to the Sheriff giving their approval.

United Telephone Company of New Jersey, Inc. d/b/a/ Sprint-Ordinance and Petition to Use Public Rights-of-way

It was the decision of the Committee to table any action on the above matter until it could be determined if there is already an existing ordinance in force.

Resignation:

Stephen C. Wack-Land Use Board

Mr. Wack submitted his letter of resignation as a member of the Land Use Board. The Committee accepted it with regret.

Appointment:

Mayor Barbagallo, with the approval of the Committee, appointed

Joseph Lashendock to fill the unexpired term vacated by

Stephen Wack.

Applications For Membership-Montague Fire Department

Keith A. Martin - Jerry D. Mailloux

Committeeman Butto made a motion to approve the above referenced applications.

Committeewoman Kaman seconded the motion.

The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Applications for Blue Light Permits:

Fred Drake-Stephen Aldom-John Reznik, Sr.-Keith Lamberson

Committeeman Butto made a motion to approve the above mentioned permits.

Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.

The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Reports:

Montague Township Fire Dept-January, 2003

Tax Collector's Monthly Report-February, 2003

The Committee acknowledged receipt of the above mentioned reports.

Approval of Vouchers - Payment of Bills:

Committeeman Butto made a motion to approve payment of the bills.

Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.

The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Correspondence:

Glen Goodyear-Recreation Commission

Mr. Goodyear recommended Chris Braie be appointed as a member of the Recreation Commission.

Committeewoman Kaman made a motion to appoint Chris Braie to the Recreation Commission.

Committeeman Butto seconded the motion.

The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Rock N' Roll Cycling Club

The Committee gave their approval to the Rock N' Roll Cycling Club to hold their annual hill climb race in the Township of Montague. The Clerk was asked to write a letter confirming their approval to the Club.

Montague Tax Office

The Committee noted receipt of a memo from Tax Collector

Fran Multari stating that the Tax Office will be holding its annual Tax Lien sale on April 22, 2003.

Eric Snyder-Small Cities Grant

Mr. Snyder requested an extension of time for our Small Cities grant from the State but was denied. After a short discussion, the Committee decided to ask Mr. Snyder to look into a joint Small Cities application with the Township of Sandyston. The Clerk was requested to write a letter to Mr. Snyder stating the Committees wishes.

Public Participation

Committeeman Krebs made a motion to open public participation.

Committeeman Butto seconded the motion.

The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Reginald Cole

Mr. Cole spoke to the Committee regarding his concerns about adult entertainment businesses coming into Montague Township.

Mayor Barbagallo advised Mr. Cole that the Committee was aware of this possibility and was looking into their options.

Richard Clauberg

Mr. Clauberg addressed the Committee regarding the Senior Club meeting in the downstairs library. He did not feel that would

would be a solution as at some of the meetings there are thirty

(30) to forty (40) seniors in attendance and the library is not large enough to accommodate that number of people. The Committee thanked Mr. Clauberg for his comments.

Mayor Barbagallo asked if anyone else wished to speak. There was no one.

Committeewoman Kaman made a motion to close public participation.

Committeeman Butto seconded the motion.

The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Adjourn:

Committeewoman Kaman made a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Deputy Mayor Zitone seconded the motion.

The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

The meeting closed at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Helen F. Felter

Municipal Clerk