Sandyston Township

Minutes

August 17, 2010

This meeting was opened and called to order at 7:40 pm by Mayor Harper who stated this meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, having been duly advertised.

Roll Call

The clerk was asked to call the roll. Present were: Deputy Mayor Leppert and Mayor George Harper.

Absent: Committeeman MacDonald

Also in attendance: Patricia Haggerty Frato, Elizabeth Pinzone, Joseph Pinzone, Thomas Brackney

The Mayor invited all to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes: The Committee reviewed the regular meeting minutes of Tuesday, July 13, 2010 and the Special Meeting minutes of Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of Tuesday, July 13, 2010, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. Mayor Harper made a motion to table the Special Meeting minutes of July 20, 2010, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. The Special Meeting Minutes of July 20, 2010 will be tabled to the September 14, 2010 meeting.

Tax Collector Report: The Tax Collector’s report for the month of July 2010 was presented with total receipts Month-to-Date of $44,683.22 and Year-to-Date of $2,562,904.13. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve the Tax Collector’s Report, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report for the month of July 2010 was presented with a beginning balance of $332,720.13, total receipts of $250,331.40, and total disbursements of $558,605.92 with an ending balance of $24,445.61. Mayor Harper noted the General Capital Account with a balance of $808,819.35, Sinking Fund $542,000.00 plus interest, Animal Control Escrow $26,577.63, Public Assist Escrow $3,518.53, Unemployment Escrow $20,464.62, COAH Trust $29,706.35. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

Payment of Vouchers: The Bill List for the month of July 2010 was submitted for approval in the amount of $408,616.24. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve the payment of bills, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

Departmental Reports: The Committee reviewed the Departmental Reports.

Old Business:

Layton Post Office: Mayor Harper stated the Bike Rack and Bench will be installed in the Fall.

C.O.A.H. Update: There is no update at this time.

Green Acres Submission/Municipally Owned Property: There has been no word since the November 2009 Meeting regarding the proposal submitted by Louis Cherepy for the possible land swap with the State.

Flatbrook Road: There is no update at this time.

Tax Title Lien Foreclosure: The foreclosures should be nearing completion.

P-13 Bridge Replacement/Warning Light: The committee reviewed an email from Bill Koppenaal, Chief Engineer with the Sussex County Division of Engineering regarding the warning light which is due to be installed during the P-13 Bridge Replacement. The email states the warning beacons are outside the County right-of-way. They are in the process of obtaining a construction and maintenance easement for Block 1202 Lot 8. Additionally, a similar construction and maintenance easement will be required for the Layton Fire House Lot (Block 2301 Lot 14), which is owned by Sandyston Township. Mayor Harper stated he would like to see the easement before it is granted and suggested a Special Meeting should that paperwork come in before the next meeting.

Hotalen Road – Section II: Mayor Harper stated he attended a preconstruction meeting on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 with Owl Construction. The job should start after Labor Day and take about three to four weeks. One pole must be moved.

New Business:

Review Bids for DPW Floor: The Committee reviewed the bid received by Zitone Construction in the amount of $27,999. The Clerk stated two bid packets were picked up and only one packet was returned. Mayor Harper made a motion to accept the bid received by Zitone Construction in the amount of $27,999, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.(See Resolutions)

CBT Funded Projects in Sussex County: The Committee reviewed the CBT Funded Projects in Sussex County. Mayor Harper requested this discussion be held until Mr. Cherepy is feeling better.

Certification for Rescue Squad Contribution: The Committee reviewed the request from the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Sussex County requesting approval for the County to donate money to Blue Ridge Rescue Squad. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

Quotes for Layton Post Office Roof: The Committee reviewed the proposals submitted for the necessary repairs needed to the roof of the Layton Post Office. Black Dog Builders of West Virginia submitted the lowest bid in the amount of $5,200 to replace 35 broken and missing slate, remove and replace two valleys, install new copper flashing and replace or install tiles as necessary, install new snow birds on all eves. Mayor Harper made a motion to accept the bid from Black Dog Builders pending submittal of all required paperwork, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. The Clerk asked for some reason if Black Dog Builders does not submit required paperwork or cannot do the required work in a timely fashion how we should proceed. Mayor Harper made a motion to accept Sharp Construction as an alternate should Black Dog Builders not comply, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

Application for Blue Light Permit: The Committee reviewed the application for Blue Light Permit for Koty Orr. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve this application, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

Profit & Loss/Balance Sheet for STVFD: The Committee reviewed the Profit & Loss/Balance Sheet as of Tuesday, August 17, 2010, for the Sandyston Township Volunteer Fire Department submitted by Thomas Brackney, Treasurer. Mr. Brackney apologized for the report submitted in July. He contacted Nisivoccia for help categorizing the depreciation for 2009 and they helped him place the depreciation in the proper place.

Resolutions:

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION

R-49-2010

A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING

WHEREAS, the Township of Sandyston received bids on August 17, 2010 for proposed improvements to the Sandyston Township Department of Public Works Building located on Maple Lane, Layton, Sandyston Township, Sussex County, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee utilized bidding procedures as required by N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, State of New Jersey that a contract be awarded to Zitone Construction & Supply Company, Inc., as the lowest responsible bidder after public advertising for bids for the proposed improvements to the Sandyston Township Department of Public Works Building located on Maple Lane, Layton, Sandyston Township, Sussex County, New Jersey for an amount not to exceed $27,999.00.

Deputy Mayor Leppert made a motion to approve R-49-2010, seconded by Mayor Harper and unanimously carried.

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION

R-58-2010

A PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT OF FARMLAND PRESERVATION

BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, in the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, does hereby express its support for the Farmland Preservation program and gives preliminary approval of the below listed application(s) for the 2008 Sussex County funding round.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that approval is hereby granted for this application(s) to be submitted to the State Agriculture Development Committee by the Sussex County Agriculture Development Board for county reimbursement consideration when state funding for farmland preservation is available.

Thaddeus Spinks Block 2602, Lots 16.01 +45 acres

Peter Southway, “Layton Valley Farm” Block 2602, Lot 13 +33 acres

Mayor Harper made a motion to approve R-58-2010, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP

R-59-2010

A RESOLUTION TO REDEEM TAX SALE CERTIFICATE 2010-09

WHEREAS, Jessica M. Caruso, Tax Collector, has received $6,374.95 for the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate 2010-09 on Block 1204 Lot 15 and is requesting that $6,374.95 be refunded to the lien holder, Lawrence & Helen Earl Family, LLC P.O. Box 42 Stillwater, New Jersey 07875.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to authorize the Tax Collector to refund $6,374.95 for the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate 2010-09 on Block 1204, Lot 15 to the lien holder Lawrence & Helen Earl Family, LLC P.O. Box 42 Stillwater, New Jersey 07875.

Mayor Harper made a motion to approve R-59-2010, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP

R-60-2010

A RESOLUTION TO REDEEM TAX SALE CERTIFICATE 2010-10

WHEREAS, Jessica M. Caruso, Tax Collector, has received $5,074.70 for the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate 2010-10 on Block 1204 Lot 15.03 and is requesting that $5,074.70 be refunded to the lien holder, Lawrence & Helen Earl Family, LLC P.O. Box 42 Stillwater, New Jersey 07875.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to authorize the Tax Collector to refund $5,074.70 for the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate 2010-10 on Block 1204, Lot 15.03 to the lien holder Lawrence & Helen Earl Family, LLC P.O. Box 42 Stillwater, New Jersey 07875.

Mayor Harper made a motion to approve R-60-2010, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried.

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP

2010-07

ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $4,350.00 CURRENTLY LOCATED WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SANDYSTON FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) SETS OF TURNOUT GEAR

WHEREAS, there is currently the sum of $4,350.00 in the Capital Improvement Fund; and

WHEREAS, it is deemed appropriate to make use of the $4,350.00 for the purchase of turnout gear; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, that

SECTION 1: There is hereby appropriated from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township of Sandyston the sum of $4,350.00 for the purchase of turnout gear.

SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances, which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of their inconsistency.

SECTION 3: This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon proper passage and publication in accordance with the law.

Mayor Harper made a motion to open Ordinance 2010-07 to the public for public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. There being no comment from the public, Mayor Harper made a motion to close the meeting to the public for public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve Ordinance 2010-07, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. Roll Call Vote followed: Ayes: Leppert, Harper; Nays: 0; Abstain: 0; Absent: MacDonald.

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP

2010-08

ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $27,999.00 CURRENTLY LOCATED WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SANDYSTON FOR THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING

WHEREAS, there is currently the sum of $27,999.00 in the Capital Improvement Fund; and

WHEREAS, it is deemed appropriate to make use of the $27,999.00 for the proposed improvements to the Sandyston Township Department of Public Works Building; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, that

SECTION 1: There is hereby appropriated from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township of Sandyston the sum of $27,999.00 for the proposed improvements to the Sandyston Township Department of Public Works Building.

SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances, which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of their inconsistency.

SECTION 3: This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon proper passage and publication in accordance with the law.

Ordinance 2010-08 was introduced on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve Ordinance 2010-08, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. Roll Call Vote followed: Ayes: Leppert, Harper; Nays: 0; Abstain: 0; Absent: MacDonald. The Public Hearing for Ordinance 2010-08 will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 9:00 am at the Sandyston Township Municipal Building.

SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP

2010-09

ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $16,500 CURRENTLY LOCATED WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SANDYSTON FOR THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SANDYSTON TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING – SECOND FLOOR

WHEREAS, there is currently the sum of $16,500 in the Capital Improvement Fund; and

WHEREAS, it is deemed appropriate to make use of the $16,500 for the proposed improvements to the Sandyston Township Municipal Building – Second Floor; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by Township Committee of the Township of Sandyston, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, that

SECTION 1: There is hereby appropriated from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township of Sandyston the sum of $16,500 (Sixteen thousand five hundred dollars) for the proposed improvements to the Sandyston Township Municipal Building – Second Floor.

SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances, which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of their inconsistency.

SECTION 3: This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon proper passage and publication in accordance with the law.

Mayor Harper made a motion to open Ordinance 2010-09 to the public for public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. There being no comment from the public, Mayor Harper made a motion to close the meeting to the public for public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. Mayor Harper made a motion to approve Ordinance 2010-09, seconded by Deputy Mayor Leppert and unanimously carried. Roll Call Vote followed: Ayes: Leppert, Harper; Nays: 0; Abstain: 0; Absent: MacDonald.

Correspondence: The Committee reviewed the Correspondence. Mayor Harper asked about the letter sent from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding a deficiency at the County Road Department Building. The deficiency is “Benzine” (gasoline) which has been found in the water supply. The Clerk also noted Sandyston Township received a “Satisfactory” for the items submitted following an audit performed by the Department of Treasury on June 30, 2010.