Township Committee
Meeting Minutes, January 9, 2020
Meeting date:
Thursday, January 9, 2020
This REGULAR MEETING of the Fredon Township Committee was called to order by Chairman Flora at 7:02 P.M.
Committeeman Flora 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 2020.
ATTENDING: Mr. Green, Mr. Lazzaro, Mr. Masi, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Flora
ABSENT: None
Committeeman Flora 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. All in favor. Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Chairman Flora asked if anyone wished to have any items separated. No response.
* MINUTES OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING: December 30, 2019
* RESOLUTIONS:
- 2020-24: SALARY RESOLUTION
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, action was moved to approve adoption of the Consent Agenda.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2020-24 as annexed, was introduced and passed at this Regular Meeting of the Fredon Township Committee.
Mayor Flora amended the agenda at this time to hear a budget presentation from members of the Fredon Volunteer Fire Company.
Fredon Volunteer Fire Company President Siegfried Mueller and Fire Chief Peter DePalma came forward at this time and distributed the Financial Perspective of the Fredon Volunteer Fire Company to the Committee members.
Mr. Mueller spoke of the need to purchase a new first responder vehicle in the upcoming year, adding that they were hoping that the Township would pay the $50,000.00 for the vehicle, which would be purchased through the co-op. Mr. Mueller continued, saying that it has cost $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 a year to run the fire company for the last twenty years.
Committeeman Green asked the what the current savings balance was. Mr. DePalma stated that they had approximately $27,000.00 in savings. It was noted that the majority of their fundraising money comes from the mailing to residents.
Mr. Mueller stated that the Fire Company can’t increase their fundraising efforts, adding that they don’t want to be a fundraising organization who fights fires.
Mr. Mueller commented that the addition of the Tripod has not cost the Fire Company any more money. Chairman Flora noted that it has increased man hours.
Committeeman Green stated that his intuition regarding the Tripod was that it was costing the Township, both in man hours and dollars. He added that it benefits the Township with response and man power. Mr. DePalma said that the Tripod is working very well and didn’t think they were seeing a deficit from it, only seeing a benefit.
The issue of selling the 1993 truck was addressed. There had been previous discussion with CFO Deborah Bonanno about selling the truck. The clerk was asked to obtain input from the Township attorney and from Ms. Bonanno.
Much discussion was held about obtaining grants for vehicles and equipment, with Committeeman Green noting that some towns in Sussex County have secured grants. He suggested that the Township Committee provide seed money for grant writers. Mr. Mueller supported the use of a grant writer.
Chairman Flora suggested that efforts begin in the next month, noting that there is no way that the Town can fund $800,000 - $900,000 in the next four to five years.
Mr. Mueller commented that he didn’t think that the volunteer ambulance services will look at all in the future like they do now. He added that the value is in first response and suggests that an outside agency provide the transport. Mr. Mueller noted that it is tough to staff and doesn’t see the squad increasing in membership. Committeeman Richardson asked who the contract ambulance services are staffed with. Mr. Mueller said they were staffed with two EMTs.
Mr. Mueller asked if there were any questions. There being no further questions, Mr. Mueller and Mr. DePalma thanked the Committee for their time and left the meeting.
At 8:18 P.M., Chairman Flora called for a five-minute break. The meeting resumed at 8:22 P.M.
Chairman Flora resumed the regular order of the agenda at this time.
VOUCHERS: Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved to approve vouchers presented by Deborah Bonanno, CFO.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, 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.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, action was moved to approve the request by Suzanne Boland to attend instructional classes related to her position.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, action was moved to approve the investigation into a shared services agreement with Stillwater Township for Animal Control Services.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
Committeeman Richardson mentioned the notification regarding the Senior Officials Workshop at the Division of Emergency Management on January 29, 2020. Committeeman Flora plans to attend.
Committeeman Masi brought up the grant application process for federal grant opportunities. He added that he is interested in pursuing grants for roads and bridges. Additionally, towns have been getting funds for stormwater control. Committeeman Lazzaro mentioned that Hopatcong has a person who obtains a significant number of grants. Committeeman Richardson stated that there has not been any work done towards following the Township’s stormwater mitigation plan.
Committeeman Flora spoke of a conversation that he had with the County Engineer regarding the Puder Road bridge. Further discussion will be held.
Chairman Flora noted that the Fredon School Board has a new Board President, Mr. Ben Kappler, adding that school board member John Niemasz is now on the finance sub-committee. Chairman Flora stated that he had a conversation with Mr. Kappler, who said he would like the two groups to meet.
At this time, the meeting was opened to the public. With no one available with comments, the meeting was closed to the public.
There being no further business before the Committee, upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, this meeting was adjourned at 8:37 P.M. All approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Prommel
Acting Municipal Clerk