Township Committee
Meeting Minutes, August 22, 2019
Meeting date:
Thursday, August 22, 2019
This REGULAR MEETING of the Fredon Township Committee was called to order by Chairman Smith at 7:02 P.M.
Chairman Smith advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13, as noticed to the New Jersey Herald and Sunday Herald in January 2019.
ATTENDING: Mr. Flora, Mr. Green, Mr. Masi, Mr. Smith
ABSENT: Mr. Richardson
Chairman Smith invited those present to participate in a flag salute.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Upon MOTION by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Flora, action was moved to waive reading of correspondence since list of same had been posted and copies made available for public inspection. All in favor. Motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the memo received from Gisela Rutnik, Tax Collector. It was noted that Ms. Rutnik had previously been given a three month deadline to correct the errors; however, the auditor did not provide the requested documentation until July 23rd.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Flora action was moved to grant an additional 60 days (two months) to correct discrepancies noted in the audits regarding the tax title liens.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Referencing the recent correspondence received from Township Engineer Harold Pellow, Committeeman Flora commented that he felt there was an unpleasant tone in the letter regarding traffic calming devices. Committeeman Flora requested that engineering services be placed on the next agenda for discussion.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Committeeman Smith asked if anyone wished to have any items separated. No response.
* MINUTES OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING: August 8, 2019
* RAFFLE APPLICATION: Fredon Educational Foundation RA429
* REPORTS:
- Advisory Board of Health
- Construction Department
- Dog Licensing
- Environmental Commission
- Joint Municipal Court
- Keepers of Coursen’s Corners
- Recreation Commission
- Tax Assessor
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Flora, action was moved to approve adoption of the Consent Agenda.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
VOUCHERS: Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Green action was moved to approve vouchers presented by Deborah Bonanno, CFO.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Claims are listed on the attached schedule, which is made a part of the minutes of this meeting as a supplemental record.
ORDINANCE 2019-07: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF FREDON PROVIDING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND APPROPRIATING $83,100 THEREFOR FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
Mayor Smith advised that discussion and consideration of First Reading would be held on ORDINANCE 2019-07 as read by title. No public input will be held at this time. Public Hearing will be held on September 12, 2019.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved on ORDINANCE 2019-07.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Green with second by Committeeman Flora, action was moved to approve the letter regarding speeding, authorizing it to be sent to residents. All in favor. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the proposal for the meeting room air conditioner replacements, with consensus that it be considered for the 2020 capital budget.
Mayor Smith amended the agenda at this time to discuss an email he recently received from a resident. The resident questioned if the recent news article in the New Jersey Herald was accurate, noting that the cost of education per pupil at the Fredon township Elementary School was near $30,000. Committeeman Smith indicated that he had written back to the resident, noting that this has been discussed at length and that the Committee had asked to work collaboratively with the Board of Education numerous times. A Fredon School budget presentation has been requested repeatedly with no response received. Mayor Smith suggested, in light of the recent article that they be asked to come in and discuss the budget with the Committee.
Committeeman Flora stated that they can do what they want within the budget and back out the cap reserve. Committeeman Flora explained that Governor Christie took away the ability to vote on the budget, no checks exist except the 2% cap. The school has seen a decreasing enrollment, and there is no longer a cap on superintendent salaries. Committeeman Flora commented that Fredon is a target for Path to Progress, noting that we are a rural community with a decreasing school census, adding that Path to Progress will force consolidation.
Committeeman Green proposed that the discussion be reopened on moving the election date back to April.
Committeeman Flora left the meeting at 7:40 P. M.
Chairman Smith resumed the regular order of the agenda at this time.
Discussion on the traffic calming devices was carried to the September 12, 2019 meeting.
Acting Clerk Debra Prommel explained that as the generator service contractor, Frank Giambrone had passed away suddenly, a replacement for the generator service agreement is necessary.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved to approve the yearly service agreements submitted by EM Electrical for the Municipal Building and DPW Garage totaling $1394.00.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved to approve the request submitted by Debra Prommel to attend a seminar related to her position in the amount of $95.00.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Chairman Smith opened the meeting to the public at this time.
Mr. George Plock of 492 Ridge Road stepped forward at this time. Mr. Plock expressed his concern regarding the potential for consolidation of Fredon School. He asked if the main contention was moving the date of the elections. Mr. Plock questioned what would happen if a petition was circulated, asking if it can be changed back again by the Board of Education. Committeeman Green commented that the viability of going against a public petition was unlikely. Mr. Plock stated he was confident he can get the signatures and suggested that once obtained perhaps the school could be approached and ask them to work this out.
Chairman Smith stated that he spent two years going to meetings with no positive outcome. Mr. Plock suggested getting 8-10 people attend the meeting and ask logical, good questions and livestream the meeting on Facebook.
Committeeman Green commented that it may be an option to allow people to see what is going on. Committeeman Green added that community involvement is good.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Smith closed the meeting to the public at this time.
There being no further business before the Committee, upon Motion by Committeeman Green, with second by Committeeman Masi, this meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P. M. All approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Prommel
Acting Municipal Clerk