Township Committee
Meeting Minutes, January 23, 2020
Meeting date:
Thursday, January 23, 2020
This REGULAR MEETING of the Fredon Township Committee was called to order by Chairman Flora at 7:05 P.M.
Chairman 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. Lazzaro, Mr. Masi, Mr. Richardson, and Mr. Flora
ABSENT: Mr. Green
CORRESPONDENCE: Upon MOTION by Committeeman Richardson with second by Committeeman Masi, 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:
Committeeman Flora asked if anyone wished to have any items separated. No response.
* MINUTES OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS: January 2, 2020 & January 9, 2020
* REPORTS:
- Advisory Board of Health
- Construction Department
- Environmental Commission
- Joint Municipal Court
- Keepers of Coursen’s Corners
- Recreation Commission
- Tax Assessor
- Tax Collector
Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to approve adoption of the Consent Agenda.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
Mayor Flora amended the agenda at this time to open the meeting to the public.
Fredon Township residents Jean Ireland of 26 Fredonia Road and Lori Molkenthin of 24 Fredonia Road were present to express their concerns about a tree on Fredonia Road that had been marked for removal four years ago, but still remains on the roadside. Ms. Ireland distributed photos of the tree to the Committee members. She explained that she had spoken with the DPW supervisor regarding the tree.
Committeeman Lazzaro arrived at 7:12 P. M.
Ms. Ireland stated that she had left messages with Committeeman Lazzaro, Committeeman Masi and Committeeman Richardson, and received a call back from Committeeman Lazzaro. Ms. Ireland went on to call Fredon School Superintendent Matthew Beck to express her concerns about the tree and potential impact the tree may have on bus traffic on the road.
Chairman Flora commented that basically Ms. Ireland and Ms. Molkenthin were present this evening to ask for the tree to be cut down. Ms. Ireland stated yes. Ms. Molkenthin reiterated Ms. Ireland’s concerns, in particular expressing her concern for her son’s safety.
Committeeman Flora stated that the tree needs to come down. Committeeman Masi thanked them for bringing it to the Committee’s attention, adding that it will be taken care of.
Acting DPW Supervisor Matthew Lambert stated that it should be taken care of within the next month, if not, then within the next sixty days.
There being no further comments from the public, the meeting was closed to the public.
Chairman Flora resumed the regular order of the agenda at this time.
VOUCHERS: Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro, action was moved to approve vouchers presented by Deborah Bonanno, CFO.
ROLL CALL: 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.
RESOLUTION 2020-25: AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF COOPERATIVE PRICING SYSTEM AND FOR FREDON TOWNSHIP TO CONTINUE TO SERVE AS LEAD AGENCY
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Masi, action was moved on Resolution 2020-25.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2020-25 as annexed, was introduced and passed at this Regular Meeting of the Fredon Township Committee.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro, action was moved on a RESOLUTION (as annexed) to move into EXECUTIVE SESSION at 7:27 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
Upon Motion of Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro, members of the Committee moved out of EXECUTIVE SESSION at 7:43 P.M. Mayor Flora advised that a matter regarding personnel was discussed. No decisions were made and the subject would be revealed at the appropriate time.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro, action was moved to amend the Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution as determined by CFO Deborah Bonanno to reflect the merging of the salaries of the positions of treasurer and systems coordinator.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro, action was moved to support the proposed farmland preservation of Block 1.02, Lot 1 consisting of 1.47 acres in Fredon Township with it being noted that the bulk of the property proposed for preservation was adjoining property located in Hampton Township.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Lazzaro, with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to transfer the title of the 1993 Tanker from the Township to the Fredon Volunteer Fire Company for the sum of $1.00.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro, action was moved to approve the change in the internet service provider for the municipal building and DPW building to PenTeleData.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Richardson, action was moved to accept with regret the resignation of Deputy Animal Control Officer Tara Pellegrino.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
Mayor Flora stated that the leadership of the Fredon School Board had changed, noting that Mr. Kappler is now Chairman and Ms. Wisinski is the Vice-Chairman. Committeeman Flora commented that these are positive changes. Committeeman Flora mentioned that he has involved himself in an organization to change the right to vote on school elections and will be sending a letter out to municipalities in Sussex and Warren Counties.
Committeeman Richardson reported that in 2019 Fredon EMS logged 12, 508 man-hours responding to calls. He noted that the fire department is in the process of determining their hours.
Committeeman Richardson spoke of the upcoming OEM meeting scheduled for January 29th at 7:00 P.M.
At this time, the meeting was opened to the public.
Mr. Henry Rothrock of 67 Van Horn Road came forward. Mr. Rothrock asked about the Second Amendment Resolution and if the Committee intended to adopt it.
MOTION: Upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Lazzaro action was moved to approve the preparation of a Second Amendment Resolution.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
Mr. Rothrock questioned the adoption of an ordinance by Green Township regarding the growing of medical marijuana. Committeeman Masi stated the Committee is waiting to see what the State does before taking any action.
There being no further comment from the public, the meeting was closed to the public.
There being no further business before the Committee, upon Motion by Committeeman Lazzaro, with second by Committeeman Richardson, this meeting was adjourned at 8:02 P.M. All approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Prommel
Acting Municipal Clerk