Township Committee
Meeting Minutes, October 10, 2019
Meeting date:
Thursday, October 10, 2019
This REGULAR MEETING of the Fredon Township Committee was called to order by Chairman Smith at 7:00 P.M.
Committeeman 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. Richardson, Mr. Smith
ABSENT: None
Mayor Smith invited those present to participate in a flag salute.
CORRESPONDENCE: Upon MOTION by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to waive reading of correspondence since list of same had been posted and copies made available for public inspection.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, abstain; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Committeeman Smith asked if anyone wished to have any items separated. No response.
* MINUTES OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING: September 26, 2019
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved to approve adoption of the Consent Agenda.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, abstain; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
VOUCHERS: Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to approve vouchers presented by Deborah Bonanno, CFO.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, 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.
RESOLUTION 2019-62: CANCELLATION OF TAXES
Upon Motion by Committeeman Green, with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to approve Resolution 2019-62.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2019-63: ACCEPT RESURFACING PROJECT OF FREDON-SPRINGDALE ROAD, SECTIONS III, IIIA, & IV AS COMPLETE
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, action was moved to approve Resolution 2019-63.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Mayor Smith amended the agenda at this time for discussion with Acting DPW Supervisor Matthew Lambert. Mayor Smith asked Mr. Lambert if he had any concerns, noting that there had been some mention of basin replacements. Mr. Lambert noted that it not fully determined if it will be necessary to hire an outside company for basin work, the situation is still being evaluated.
Committeeman Smith requested that intersections be cleared of accumulated gravel as it is creating a hazardous condition, particularly for motorcycles.
Committeeman Green asked how the department was doing clearing the excess gravel. Mr. Lambert stated that the gravel was a little much for the skid steer. Committeeman Flora noted that he had a conversation with Mr. Lambert about resurrecting the Elgin Sweeper. Mr. Lambert agreed that it would be faster and more economical. Committeeman Green stated that the Township has made a change in the road maintenance program and spent roughly $150,000 in tar and gravel. He suggested that keeping the sweeper running was the cost of doing business. Mr. Lambert stated that the sweeper has had multiple things fail, not just the same thing over and over, adding that it is a very temperamental machine. Committeeman Green suggested that bringing in a private contractor for sweeping may be an option.
Mr. Lambert commented that he is very pleased with the progress that has been made on the roads, adding that thirteen miles of the Township roads have been completed with oil and stone. Mr. Lambert stated that he has a tentative date of November 12th for the resurfacing of Fredonia Court.
Committeeman Flora spoke of his concerns regarding the raised basins on County Route 618. He will reach out to County Engineer Bill Koppenaal about the matter.
Committeeman Green asked Mr. Lambert for his thoughts on the upcoming budget. Mr. Lambert noted that he was getting quotes to replace the single axle truck.
Committeeman Smith asked if the department was ready for winter. Mr. Lambert stated yes, salt has been ordered and delivery is due the second week of November.
Committeeman Richardson mentioned the Fredon School Emergency Evacuation drill that is taking place on October 11th.
Committeeman Green requested that Mr. Lambert speak with Township Engineer Harold Pellow regarding the status of the roads and how it works into the plan. Committeeman Green would like Mr. Pellow to revise the plan and have the plan reflect what has been done.
Committeeman Green suggested that Mr. Lambert update the community on what has been accomplished.
Chairman Smith resumed the regular order of the agenda at this time.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, action was moved to approve the purchase in the amount of $1402.66 for two computers to replace the Tax Collector and Land Use/Board systems.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Green with second by Committeeman Masi action was moved to open discussion regarding hiring a tax collector. All in favor. Motion carried.
Committeeman Green updated the Committee on the recent interviews that took place for the Tax Collector position.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Flora with second by Committeeman Richardson action was moved to offer Kerri Womack the position of part-time Tax Collector at rate of $45.00 per hour for up to 12 hours per week and offer Patricia Carlson an additional eight hours a week at her current rate of pay to train as Deputy Tax Collector.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
Mayor Smith offered congratulations to the Fredon Volunteer Fire Company on the awards received at the annual Sussex County Fireman’s Parade that was held recently. He asked that a letter be sent commending them.
Committeeman Green spoke of the lack of content on the Township website from the fire company. He noted that contributions can be made through his company that will be matched and suggested that this be advertised as there are other companies doing the same. Committeeman Richardson will mention the request for more information for the Township website to Fire Company officers.
Committeeman Flora asked what the function of Atlantic Ambulance was. It was explained that they are a paid service based through the hospital. Committeeman Richardson noted that the Town of Newton uses Atlantic for back-up coverage.
Chairman Smith opened the meeting to the public at this time. There being no comments from the public, Chairman Smith closed the meeting to the public at this time.
There being no further business before the Committee, upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, this meeting was adjourned at 7:48 P.M. All approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Prommel
Acting Municipal Clerk