MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
June 15, 2004
Minutes
Mayor Butto called the session to order at 8:00 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: Committeeman Sarocco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs
Mayor Butto,
Atty. Murphy, Clerk Felter
Absent: None
All present were asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Award:
Mr. George Moreville of the Woodland Insurance Group presented an award to Montague's Department of Public Works commending their outstanding record of safety for the last three years. No other municipality in our insurance group has ever gone three years without an accident. A plaque was presented.
Approval of Minutes: Regular Session April 27, 2004
Executive Session May 11, 2004
Regular Session May 11, 2004
Committeeman Krebs made a motion to approve the above referenced minutes.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
Ordinances:
First Reading:
Ord. 2004-08 An Ordinance Funding $192,000 for Acquisition of a Fire Truck and a Backhoe
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to approve the above referenced ordinance.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
Second Reading:
Ord. 2004-06 Salary Ordinance
Public Hearing:
Committeeman Krebs made a motion to open the public hearing.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
There was no comment from the public.
Committeeman Krebs made a motion to adopt Ord.2004-06
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
Resolutions
R2004-39 Approval of Liquor Licenses for the Period of 2004/2005
R2004-40 Refund of Tax Over Payment Block 8, Lot 19.04
R2004-41 Refund of Duplicate Payment Block
R2004-42 Foreclosure Resolution
R2004-43 Outside Lien Redemption of Subsequent Lien
R2004-44 Outside Lien Redemption
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to approve the above referenced resolutions.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was approved by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
R2004-45 Benz Tract
Committeeman Zitone made a motion to table R2004-45.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
R2004-46 Amendment to the Capital Budget
Committeeman Soracco made a motion to adopt R2004-46.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
R2004-47 Risk Management Consultant-Statewide Insurance-
George Moreville
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to appoint George Moreville
our Risk Management Consultant to the Statewide Insurance Fund.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
R2004-48 Ratifying the appointment of the Acting Clerk for a 1 year appointment.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to appoint Helen Felter as Acting Municipal Clerk for a 1 year period.
Committeeman Zitone seconded the motion.
The motion had no action according to the following voice vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Zitone, Deputy Mayor Zitone
Nays: Committeeman Soracco, Mayor Butto
Abstain: Committeeman Krebs
Old Business
Property Adjoining Municipal Building Property
Committeeman Joseph Zitone spoke to the Committee regarding the property adjoining the municipal property. Committeeman Zitone suggested that the Township make an offer of $200,000.00 to purchase this property for future development by the Township.
After a very lengthy discussion, it was the decision of the Committee to contact the real estate agent representing the owner of this property and make an offer of $200,000.00.
Committeeman Zitone made a motion to offer $200,000.00 for the property boarding the municipal property located on the corner of Clove Road and Weider Road.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: Deputy Mayor Barbagallo
State Health Benefits Letter
Committeeman Soracco made a motion to send the letter prepared by the Township Attorney Denis Murphy to the State Benefits and Pensions Division.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was passed by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
North Jersey Housing & Planning-Center Designation PIA
North Jersey Housing & Planning-Master Plan Expenses
The Committee noted receipt of the above referenced correspondence.
Law Governing Animal Rescue
The Committee noted receipt of the information regarding the animal rescue law which clarified a question raised regarding the responsibility of the Township concerning animal rescue and care.
Road Damage in the Armstrong Tract
Committeeman Zitone advised the Committee there are a lot of problems in the Armstrong Tract that have been created by contractors running heavy equipment on the roads and damaging them. Committeeman Zitone mentioned that he was sure that a resolution was adopted stating that a Certificate of Occupancy would not be issued until the Road Foreman inspected the road and any damage that was done was repaired. The Municipal Clerk was directed to look into this matter.
New Business
Reginald R. Cole-Subordination of Small Cities mortgage.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to approve the above referenced subordination.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the mortgage.
The motion was carried by a unanimous roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone,
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
Township Liens-Fran Multari, Tax Collector
The Committee noted receipt of the above mentioned correspondence.
State Aid 2005-Reconstruct Birch Tree Road-Jack O'Krepky, PE
Receipt of the above referenced letter was noted by the Committee.
Richelle Homes, LLC-Refund of Permit Money
Committeeman Krebs made a motion to refund the permit money to Richelle Homes.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Ordinance to Abolish the Advisory Board of Health
Committeeman Zitone made a motion to have our attorney draw up an ordinance abolishing the Advisory Board of Health.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Zoning Map
Committeeman Zitone spoke to the Committee regarding the revision of the zoning map. There have been changes in the zoning and they should be reflected on the map. After a short discussion, it was decided to bring the matter to the Land Use Board for their decision.
Volunteer Dinner
Mayor Butto suggested that a volunteer of the year should be named and he recommended Alica Batko. He requested that a proclamation be made up in her honor. The Committee agreed.
Committeeman Barbagallo stated that there are many people, such as Fire Chief David Coss, have also worked for the Township as volunteers for many years and he felt something should be done for two, three or four of these people.
Dorothy Ames, Volunteer, to Work With Frank Walsh,
Housing Inspector
Committeeman Zitone advised the Committee that Ms. Dorothy Ames has volunteered to help Frank Walsh, Housing Inspector, with the organization of the landlord registration files. The Committee agreed to accept her offer and requested the Clerk to contact
Mr. Walsh and ask him to contact Ms. Ames.
Applications:
Blue Light Permit-Kevin Kelly
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to approve Kevin Kelly for a blue light permit.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
New Jersey State Fireman's Assoc. - Riegal Ryan, Jay Barocevac
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to approve the above mentioned applications.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Resumes:
Treasures Position: Part Time
Toni-Lu Martin
Administration: Part Time
Desrie Picinich
Committeeman Zitone made a motion to hire Toni-Lu Martin for the Treasurer's position and Desrie Picinich for the Administration Clerk position.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo seconded the motion.
No action was taken on a roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Zitone, Deputy Mayor Barbagallo
Nays: Committeeman Soracco, Mayor Butto
Abstain: Committeeman Krebs
The Committee decided to form a subcommittee consisting of
Committeeman Soracco and Committeeman Zitone to interview for the afore mentioned positions and to empower them to hire for these positions.
Reports:
Board of Health Report
The Committee noted receipt of the monthly Board of Health Report
Housing Report-Frank Walsh
Mr. Walsh reported, among other things, that he had sent out 72
housing inspection letters. The Committee acknowledged receipt of his report and expressed the hope that this project will continue to go forward.
Zoning Report, Wayne Rumsey
Tax Collector's May, 2004 Report, Fran Multari, Tax Collector
Montague Volunteer Fire Department Report May, 2004
The Committee acknowledged receipt of the above referenced reports.
Approval of Vouchers - Payment of Bills:
Committeeman Soracco made a motion to approve the bills.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Correspondence:
Tri State Chamber of Commerce-10K Race
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to approve the Tri State
Chamber of Commerce 10K race.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
Kellie Garrigan, Fund Raiser
Ms. Barrigan requested permission to use the municipal parking lot for a school fund raiser as long as there is adult supervision.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to allow Ms. Garrigan to use the parking lot.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
CCHP, Sweeping of Roads-David Wallace, ESQ.
David Wallace, ESQ. Attorney for the CCHP wrote a letter to the Township asking when we were going to sweep the roads in the country club. Committeeman Zitone stated that we are not obligated to sweep the roads. The Township plows the roads under the "Kelly Act" but the CCHP is obligated to maintain them.
Mayor Butto suggested that we get an opinion as to what the Township is obligated to do.
Committeeman Zitone made a motion to deny the request to sweep the roads in the CCHP.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was passed by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Committeeman Soracco, Committeeman Zitone, Mayor Butto
Nays: None
Abstain: Deputy Mayor Barbagallo, Committeeman Krebs
CCHP Acceptance of Roads, David Wallace, ESQ.
Mr. Wallace's letter explains that there was a motion at the last Board of Trustee's meeting to make a request that the roads in the Country Club be taken over by the Township. Mr. Wallace went on to explain that this was not a formal request by the CCHP.
Committeeman Zitone explained that in order for the Town to take over the roads they would have to be brought up to Township standard and the cost would be very expensive with widening them, repairing the bridges etc. Mayor Butto suggested opening the discussion to the public.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to open the floor to the public.
Committeeman Krebs seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Richard Carlson
Mr. Carlson advised the Committee that a small group of people suggested that the Township take over the roads and he was trying to find out how the Town felt about it so that they could answer these people. Committeeman Zitone stated that we are not interested in taking over the roads over.
Ruth Owen-President of the Board of Trustees CCHP
Mrs. Owen requested the Township send our response to them in writing so that they may enclose it with their newsletter.
Committeeman Zitone stated that it will be included in the minutes and she could use that.
Richard Carlson
Mr. Carlson stated that he felt the Committee should think about sweeping the roads in CCHP. In his opinion, if the Township did it once they are obligated to continue. He feels it should be done.
Kathleen Gurry
Ms. Gurry advised the Committee that she has submitted her resume twice to Montague Township for part time work.
Dan Quinn
Mr. Quinn is having a problem with a contractor who is building on Armstrong Road dumping dirt and rocks on his lawn. He spoke to the contractor about it but got no satisfaction only an attitude.
Emily Sanchez
Ms. Sanchez wanted the Committee to be aware that the fine for parking in a handicapped space has gone up to $250.00. The Township signs have not been changed.
Mayor Butto asked if anyone else wished to speak. There was no one.
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to close public participation.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Public Participation
see above
Adjourn:
Deputy Mayor Barbagallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Committeeman Soracco seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
The meeting closed at 9:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen F Felter
Municipal Clerk