TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH
COMBINED WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 8:00PM by Council President Williams who read the Open Public Meetings Act Statement as prescribed by law. Notice was advertised in The Record on November 26, 2012 and The Ridgewood News on November 30, 2012 stating this meeting would be held in the Council Chambers of the Richard J. Martel Municipal Center, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 8:00PM.
Notice of this meeting is posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board. The Minutes of this meeting shall be available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office once they have been approved by the Township Council.
Salute to the Flag.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR VETERANS AND THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Moment of Silence was observed for those who served and are serving in the military both in the United States and abroad.
Present: Councilmembers DiGiulio, Jandris, Larson, Roth, Sbarra, and Williams.
Also present were Mayor William C. Laforet, Business Administrator Brian Campion, Township Engineer’s Associate Mike Kelly, Township Attorney Andrew Fede, and Deputy Municipal Clerk Jan Fox.
PUBLIC PORTION
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Larson, the meeting was opened to the public at 8:03PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Larson, the meeting was closed to the public at 8:04PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
SUBMISSION OF BILLS AND CLAIMS
Any Councilmember with questions on the Bills and Claims were asked to speak with Administration prior to the Public Meeting.
ENGINEERING (Boswell-McClave)
1a. Written Status Report – August, 2013
MA-59: Route 17/287 Overpass – Warning Signs--The Township Engineer’s Associate
Mentioned that they have asked the NJ DOT to install advance warning signs where
trucks have overturned around a curve. He said they have asked for rumble strips or
chevron signs. He received an e-mail from the NJDOT indicating they were willing to
put up the chevron signs. The Township Engineer’s Assistance responded to them and
said that area needs more than that and he is now waiting for a response from them.
MA-1212: Bus Shelter-Franklin Turnpike and Miller Road Intersection--The Township
Engineer’s Associate stated he met with the Transportation Committee to review the
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August 8, 2013
proposed Bus Shelter locations on Franklin Turnpike. He said he is going to review
the findings with the Police Department and will provide a report for the Council at the
next meeting.
MA-1318: West Airmount Road Drainage Improvements--The Township Engineer’s
said the Contractor is expected to have the road opened by September 1, 2013.
MA-1320 – Campgaw Road and Seminary Drive Intersection: The Township Engineer’s
Associate said he met with representatives from Rio Vista Homeowner’s Association to
review clearing vegetation within the sight lines. He said he also reviewed with the
County the possibility of reducing the speed limit on Campgaw Road. The Township
Engineer’s Associate said that he submitted a speed survey to the County in July.
MA-1371: 2013 Road, Curb an Sidewalk Program--The Township Engineer’s Associate
said they are having a Pre-construction meeting with the Contractor next week.
The Township Engineer’s Associate mentioned he had a conversation with FEMA and
NJDOT for additional funding that may be available for flood prone property. He said
there was only one potential Grant that is eligible which could help a resident in the
Township. It would be a $30,000 Grant that the resident could apply for.
DiGiulio asked what the project was that is going on at Chapel Road and Pulis Avenue.
The Township Engineer’s Associate said this is a project being down by Northwest
Bergen Sewer.
DiGuilio asked if the Township Engineers Associate received any information back on
the Bus Shelters.
The Township Engineer’s Associate said he reviewed the informatuion with Capt.
Sinneave. He said, they were looking at three areas on Franklin Turnpike
southbound. One would be in front of Stephens Lane. They also are discussing bus
shelters on the northbound side but decided it is not needed.
Jandris asked how long it would take for a speed limit survey. The Township Engineer’s
Associate answered he will try to get a date.
Williams said he has noticed many people taking the bus on Stephens Lane. He asked if
if would be a possible to move the shelter a little south. The Township Engineer’s
Associate said the shelter should be before or at the light signal.
1b. Arcadis/Malcolm Pirnie; NJDEP Allocation Permit; Professional Services Agreement
The Business Administrator said this is a proposal in reference to the discussion
with Mr. Mahon of Malcolm Pirnie. He said this is to assist the Township of Mahwah,
to include increased pumping rates for the Ford 3 and Ford 4 Wells in the Permit
Application in progress and to add proposed Well 18A. He stated that the NJDEP seems
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August 8, 2013
to be willing to increase the pumping rates for Ford 3 and Ford 4 as part of the
Application and to add Well 18A which would save the Township money.
Resolution shall be voted on in the public meeting.
ADMINISTRATION
2a. Pay to Play Compliance; Oriental Pacific Maintenance Company, Inc.
The Business Administrator explained this is for the Municipal Building Cleaning
Services Contract for a six month extension option ending July 31, 2014. Administration
awarded the contract to the lowest bidder, Oriental Pacific Maintenance Company,
Inc.
Resolution shall be voted on in the public meeting.
2b. Municipal Pool Budget Review; Discussion
The Business Administrator said at the end of second quarter they reviewed the Pool
Budget. At the Council’s request they supplied an up-to-date report on the revenue. He
said the expenses are within the amounts budgeted and the revenue is a little behind.
Roth asked if the expenses will be over budget. The Business Administrator said he does
not feel the expenses will be over the budget as most expenses have been done.
Larson asked what the revenue will be to the expenses. Williams said the revenue is
down $11,000 and is an item of concern. He said there should be some sort of long term
planning for the pool to keep the cost at an acceptable number.
The Business Administrator said the Council should have a discussion about the pool in
advance of the next Budget.
Roth said we have to identify the needs, priorities and if we have the resources before
anything else. Williams agreed and said this item should be reviewed at the end of the
year.
2c. Authorization to Award Bid #MTB-13-17: Land Lease Communications Facility
The Business Administrator said this is to award a lease for the existing monopole,
adding an extension antenna. He said they are recommending awarding the highest
bidder, Wireless Holdings Network, LLC., as they have a high speed data transmission
which is greater then the present use.
Roth asked if we know who this company is. The Business Administrator answered yes
the Township has been working with them.
Resolution shall be voted on in the public meeting.
2d. Certificate of Determination and Award #2013-1; For information Only
The Business Administrator said this is a report from the Chief Financial Officer.
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He said they refinanced their short term notes from various bond ordinances. They were able to sell the notes at an effective rate of .28 of a percent. He said it is approximately $7M dollars rolled over for a year.
LEGAL
3a. Resolution; Rules and Regulations Governing the Mahwah Fire Department;
Approval of all Amendments
The Township Attorney stated he prepared a resolution confirming what was presented by the Fireman at the last meeting.
Larson suggested attaching the changes to the Resolution. The Township Attorney said
that can be done.
Resolution shall be voted on in the public meeting.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL and MUNICPAL CLERK
4a. Sunesys, Inc.; Right of Way and Use Agreement; Discussion
The Township Attorney said Sunesys wants approval for poles with all the conditions that have already been approved by the Council. This would be for new locations he stated, that are shown on the maps that Council has.
Williams asked if there are notices to the residents at the communities involved letting them know where they will be installed. The Business Administrator said there are no residents in those areas.
The Township Attorney said there is a map missing from the correspondence.
Roth said he had trouble looking at the maps. The Business Administrator said he would obtain better copies of the maps and highlight the areas and will have for the next Council Meeting.
Williams suggested having one map that clearly shows everything.
4b. Authorization to Survey for Gypsy Moth Egg Masses; State of New Jersey
Department of Agriculture; Discussion
The Business Administrator explained this is for an Application to Survey for Gypsy Moth Egg Masses . The Council agreed the Department of Agriculture should survey for gypsy moth egg masses. The Business Administration said he would send the Department of Agriculture a letter that we want to participate in the survey. He stated there is no charge for the inspections.
4c. Raffle Applications
1. HSO Ramapo Ridge (Off Premise)
2. Mahwah Ladder Company #2 (Off Premise)
The above two Raffle Applications were tentatively approved. Final approval shall be voted on in the Public Meeting.
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4d. Firefighter Application (Daytime); Justin A. Roth to Fire Company #2
Resolution shall be voted on in the Public Meeting.
4e. Firefighter Application; Timothy G. Tedesco to Fire Company #1
Resolution shall be voted on in the Public Meeting.
PUBLIC MEETING
APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS
On a motion by DiGiulio, seconded by Sbarra, the Bills and Claims, previously signed, totaling $9,111,041.54 were approved. Roll call vote: DiGiulio, yes; Jandris, yes; Larson, yes; Roth, yes; Sbarra, yes; Williams, yes. A List of Bills and Claims is on file in the Municipal Clerk’s Office.
REPORTS OF TOWNSHIP COUNCIL and MUNICIPAL CLERK
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL; COMMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS OF SUBCOMMITTEES
DiGiulio said she received a phone call that the Business Administrator is staying and is happy he reconsidered.
Jandris said he attended Mahwah Police Youth Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony where Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno was the key speaker. Other dignitaries were Mayor Laforet, Senator Cardinale and Assemblywoman Holly Schipesi.
Jandris commented that he was also pleased that the Business Administrator decided to stay with the Township.
Larson said he was very happy the Business Administrator decided to remain with the Township.
Roth said he attended the Mahwah Police Youth Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony. Roth said it was an event the Township could be proud of.
Roth said he was delighted that the Business Administrator decided to stay as he is an asset to the Township and thanked him for reconsidering.
Sbarra added his comments that he was happy the Business Administrator was staying in his position and he was looking forward to working with him.
Williams said he attended Movie Night that the Recreation Department sponsored. There was a large attendance.
Williams said he also echoed everyone’s sentiments about the Business Administrator reconsidering.
Williams said softball ended last week with the women winning.
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Williams said this evening is the Soccer Championship. Williams congratulated all the coaches who run these programs in the Township.
Williams said he attended the Mahwah Youth Leadership program. He was happy that state county and local dignitaries were there to witness what a great program that the Township runs.
Williams thanked the leadership of both the programs that the MMA runs.
REPORTS OF MAYOR AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Mayor Laforet also is thankful the Business Administrator is staying.
The Mayor said the two academies the Jr. Police Academy andLeadership Acacdeym were two great events for our community. He thanked the state, county and local dignitaries.
Mayor Laforet thanked the Guests of Honor, the Van Duren family who have done so much for our community. Also he thanked the MMA and the Police Department who have spent a year planning this event. But most of all, he said, thanks to the children
who attended.
ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING
The Business Administrator pointed out there is a minor change before adopting Ordinance #1725.
The title of an Ordinance was read as follows:
HIGHLANDS AREA EXEMPTION ORDINANCE
On a motion by DiGiulio, seconded by Roth, the meeting was opened to the public. All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Sbarra, seconded by DiGiulio, the meeting was closed to the public. All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Sbarra, the following resolution was passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION – ORDINANCE NO. 1725
RESOLVED that the ordinance be passed and adopted on second reading and the Municipal Clerk is authorized to advertise by title only as having been finally adopted, as required by law.
Roll call: DiGiulio, yes; Jandris, absent; Larson, yes; Roth, yes: Sbarra, yes; Williams, yes.
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PUBLIC PORTION
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Sbarra, the meeting was open to the public
At 8:57PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Roth, seconded by Jandris, the meeting was closed to the public at 9:05PM.
CONSENT AGENDA .
Resolutions #195-13 through #201-13 and the Raffle Applications for HSO Ramapo Ridge (Off Premise) and the Fire Company #2 (Off Premise) were voted on under the Consent Agenda. Resolutions are attached to and made part of these Meeting Minutes.
Resolution #202-13 was removed from the Consent Agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
CLOSED SESSION
On a motion by Larson, seconded by Roth, the meeting was closed to the public at 9:15PM for the express purposes of discussing:
C1. Tax Appeal Settlement: Block 21.03, Lot 1.02; 675 Ramapo Valley Road
C2. White/Blue Collar Collective Bargaining Agreement Update
All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Sbarra, seconded by Roth, the Council returned to open session at 9:55PM.
RESOLUTION
Resolution #200-13 was voted on separately. The Resolution is attached to and made part of these Meeting Minutes.
On a motion by Sbarra, seconded by DiGiulio, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathrine G. Coletta, RMC/CMC/MMC
Municipal Clerk
The Meeting Minutes Prepared and Typed by Deputy Municipal Clerk Jan Fox
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