Land Use Board Meeting Minutes

Fredon Township Land Use Board

Meeting Minutes

January 22, 2024

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Boland, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Boyle, Ms. Erb, Mr. Passafaro, Mr. McCaffrey, Mr. Meyer

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Deitz, Mr. Lazzaro, Mrs. Prommel, Mr. Rome, Ms. Wilcox

ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Robert Correale, Esq., Mr. David Simmons, P.E.

Mr. Correale, acting as chairman pro-tem, called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. M. with the statement that this meeting is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Law 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 and 13, as advertised by Annual Notice.  If the applicant is a partnership or corporation, an attorney must represent it.  No new applications will be heard after 10:00 P. M.  No new testimony will be heard after 11:00 P. M.

Mr. Correale invited all present to participate in the salute to the flag.

New and Reappointed members, Mr. Andrews and Ms. Erb were sworn in at this time.

Mr. Correale, acting as Chair Pro Tem, opened the floor for nominations for Chairman of the Land Use Board for the year 2024.  Ms. Erb nominated Mr. Boland.  Mr. Boyle second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

Chairman Boland opened nominations for Vice Chairman.  Mr. Boyle nominated Mr. Andrews. Ms. Erb second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland.  Opposed: None.  So moved.

Chairman Boland called for nominations for Land Use Board Attorney. Mr. Andrews nominated Mr. David Brady.  Ms. Erb second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

Chairman Boland called for nominations for Land Use Board Engineer.  Mr. Andrews nominated Mr. David Simmons of Harold E. Pellow & Associates.  Ms. Erb second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

Chairman Boland opened nominations for Planner.  Ms. Erb nominated Ms. Jessica Caldwell. Mr. Boyle second. Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

Chairman Boland called for nominations for Secretary.  Ms. Erb nominated Alexandra Usinowicz. Mr. Boyle second.  Roll call vote:  In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve the scheduled meeting dates as presented.  Mr. Passafaro second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

Mr. Boyle moved to approve the Official Newspapers and Legal Newspapers for Legal Notice Purposes, The New Jersey Herald and the Sunday New Jersey Herald.  Ms. Erb second. Roll call vote:  In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland.  Opposed: None.  So moved.

Chairman Boland opened nominations for Environmental Commission Liaison.  Mr. Andrews nominated Mr. Chris Boyle.  Mr. McCaffrey second. Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

MINUTES

Ms. Erb moved acceptance of the minutes for the December 18, 2023 meeting as posted and waived reading.  Mr. Boyle second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

CORRESPONDENCE

As shown on the attached agenda.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution of the Fredon Township Land Use Board Releasing Funds from Escrow in Accordance with the October 6, 2021 Administrative Consent Order with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Mr. Boland reminded the Board that the Resolution was to release escrow funds for the old Bear Brook Golf Course. Mr. Boland opened the floor to questions from the members. Mr. McCaffrey asked for clarification on current ownership of the golf course. Mr. Boland stated that 50 acres was owned by Bear Brook Valley and Catering and the remaining parcels were owned by East Coast Equine. Mr. McCaffrey then asked who the escrow was being released to. Mr. Boland answered that the funds were being released to the State of New Jersey to correct issues created by the golf course. Mr. McCaffrey motioned to approve and adopt the Resolution of the Fredon Township Land Use Board Releasing Funds from Escrow in Accordance with the October 6, 2021 Administrative Consent Order with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Mr. Passafaro second. In favor, Boyle, Erb, Passafaro, McCaffrey, Meyer, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None. So moved.

ADJOURNED CASES

None.

HEARING OF NEW CASES

None.

OTHER BUSINESS

None.

LIAISON REPORTS

Environmental Committee

No Meeting. No Report.

Township Committee

No Representation. No Report.

Mr. McCaffrey expressed his concern regarding the delays for the Solar, In-Law Suite, and Short-Term Rental Ordinances. Mr. Boland stated that he spoke with Mr. Deitz about this and was assured that the Township Committee would act on the Land Use Board requests. Mr. Boland believes the new Township Committee will be more proactive on getting things done.

There being no further business before the Board, a motion was made to adjourn at 7:19 P.M.  All in favor.  So moved.

Respectfully submitted,

Alexandra Usinowicz

Land Use Board Secretary