Township Committee

Meeting Minutes, December 30, 2019
Meeting date: 
Monday, December 30, 2019
This REGULAR MEETING of the Fredon Township Committee was called to order by Chairman Smith at 7:00 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. Green, Mr. Flora, Mr. Masi, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Smith
 
ABSENT:                     None
 
Chairman Smith invited those present to participate in a flag salute.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:          
Upon MOTION by Committeeman Masi with second by Committeeman Green, 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.
 
Committeeman Richardson arrived at 7:05 P. M.
 
CONSENT AGENDA:
Committeeman Smith asked if anyone wished to have any items separated. No response.
 
* MINUTES OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING:  December 12, 2019
 
* REPORTS:
  1. Advisory Board of Health
  2. Code Enforcement 
  3. Construction Department
  4. Dog Licensing
  5. Joint Municipal Court
  6. Keepers of Coursen’s Corners
  7. Recreation Commission
  8. Tax Assessor
  9. Tax Collector
 
Committeeman Richardson mentioned that Twelfth Night was being celebrated at Coursen’s this coming Saturday, January 4th
Referring to the most recent snowstorm, Committeeman Richardson noted that it passed without incident. 
 
Upon Motion by Committeeman Flora with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved to approve adoption of the Consent Agenda.
ROLL CALL:               Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Masi, (abstain from minutes) aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
 
VOUCHERS:  Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson with second by Committeeman Flora 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 2019-70:         RETURNING THE DATE OF THE ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTIONS TO APRIL – 2nd Reading
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Flora, action was moved approve Resolution 2019-70.
ROLL CALL:               Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye: Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
 
RESOLUTION 2019-70 as annexed, was introduced and passed at this Regular Meeting of the Fredon Township Committee.
 
Committeeman Flora commented that he would like to do an interview with the newspaper to get the information out to the residents that the committee is attempting to change the election date once again.  The Committee members agreed with his suggestion. 
Committeeman Smith questioned if the State is withholding aid as a means to force the Path to Progress.  Committeeman Smith noted that this ordinance had been discussed and voted on previously, adding that numerous attempts have been made to engage the School Board but they had not gotten any traction. 
 
Committeeman Flora stated that enrollment at Fredon School has gone down by approximately another forty children yet the budget has gone up by $60,000.00. 
ROLL CALL:               Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye: Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
 
RESOLUTION 2019-70 as annexed, was introduced and passed at this Regular Meeting of the Fredon Township Committee.
 
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Green action was moved to set the hourly rate of pay for the Civic Center substitute at $13.00 per hour. 
ROLL CALL:               Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye: Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
 
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Green action was moved to approve a 2% salary increase in 2020 for Fredon Township employees. 
ROLL CALL:               Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye: Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
 
Discussion was held regarding the Sussex Warren Area Electric Cooperative, with it being noted that there is a proposed price decrease.  Residents will be advised via postcards in January.  As in the past, residents always have the option to opt-out of the program.  
 
Upon Motion by Committeeman Green with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to approve the proposed price decrease and the extension of the current contract. 
ROLL CALL:               Mr. Flora, aye; Mr. Green, aye: Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Smith, aye; Motion carried.
 
Committeeman Richardson reported that all was status quo regarding buildings and grounds.  He added that they are waiting for installation of the Civic Center outside lights. 
 
Committeeman Flora asked about the brush on the sides of the road.  The clerk replied that the chipper had been out of service but is back now.  They are beginning to work on it. 
 
Committeeman Richardson noted that during the last ice/snow storm, the Fire Company was out as much as the road crew. 
 
Mayor Smith opened the meeting to the public at this time.  There being no comments from the public, Mayor Smith closed the meeting to the public at this time.
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Upon Motion by Committeeman Green, with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved on a RESOLUTION (as annexed) to move into EXECUTIVE SESSION at 7:35 P.M. All approved. Upon motion of Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, members of the Committee moved out of EXECUTIVE SESSION at 8:05 P.M. Mayor Smith advised that a matter regarding personnel was discussed. No decisions were made and the subject would be revealed at the appropriate time.
 
Committeeman Green noted that the Fire Company’s non-profit status did not allow his employer to donate to them.  Committeeman Richardson believed that the Fire Company had a 501c3 status and would investigate it.  Mrs. Prommel will check into the file in the clerk’s office. 
 
Committeeman Flora thanked Chairman Smith for what has been accomplished during his tenure, adding that he appreciated what he has done. 
 
Mayor Smith commented that he had definitely invested himself in the position and he leaves feeling good in what he has accomplished.  He noted that improvements have been made to the roads and municipal building, personnel, and shepherding the town through several storms. 
 
Deputy Mayor Green presented Mayor Smith with a certificate of appreciation, thanking him for his years of service to the community.  Committeeman Green noted that prior to serving on the Township Committee as Committeeman and Mayor, he was a member of the Recreation Commission. 
 
There being no further business before the Committee, upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, this meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P. M.  All approved.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Debra Prommel
Acting Municipal Clerk