Explanation: This Resolution memorializes the Township Committee’s allowing William Thomas Watkinson a month-to-month lease extension to the existing Lease for Farming Purposes and authorizes the Administrator to solicit bids for the period October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.

TOWNSHIP OF RARITAN

COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION #14-139

AMENDED

WHEREAS, the Township of Raritan is the owner of Lot 17.13 in Block 5 as shown on the Tax Map of the Township (“Property”); and

WHEREAS, on May 14, 2013, the Township received one (1) bid for a Lease for Farming Purposes from William Thomas Watkinson for a one (1) year term, ending April 30, 2014; and

WHEREAS, because there was confusion between Mr. Watkinson and the Township regarding whether the Lease could be extended without soliciting new proposals under the Local Lands and Buildings Law, and Mr. Watkinson continued to invest in the Property beyond April 30, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Township Committee desires to meet the requirements of the Local Lands and Buildings Law, while not prejudicing Mr. Watkinson’s investment; and

WHEREAS, at the July 15, 2014 Township Committee meeting, the Township Committee considered the facts and circumstances recited in this Resolution and decided as follows:

1.  That Mr. Watkinson continue to farm the Property as a month-to-month tenant until September 30, 2014, and that Mr. Watkinson pay prorated rent during this period; and

2.  That the Township Administrator prepare a bid for the lease of the Property for the period beginning on October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2017.

Resolution #14-139

Page 2

3.  That the bid for the lease provide for a minimum bid of $50.00 for each year of the lease, plus an escalation clause.

4.  That the return date of the bids and award of the lease occur no later than September 16, 2014.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Raritan, in the County of Hunterdon, and State of New Jersey, that it hereby ratifies and memorializes the action it took on July 15, 2014 as described in this Resolution.

ATTEST: TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE

TOWNSHIP OF RARITAN

______

Rose Sollena, RMC/CMC Craig O’Brien, Mayor

Township Clerk

CERTIFICATION

I, Rose Sollena, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true, complete and accurate copy of a Resolution adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Raritan at a meeting held on August 19, 2014.

______

Rose Sollena, RMC/CMC

Township Clerk

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