Township Committee
Meeting Minutes, April 9, 2020
Meeting date:
Thursday, April 9, 2020
This REGULAR MEETING of the Fredon Township Committee was called to order by Chairman Flora at 7:04 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. Green, Mr. Lazzaro, Mr. Masi, Mr. Richardson (via phone), Mr. Flora
ABSENT: None
Chairman Flora 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 Lazzaro arrived at 7:06 P. M.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Committeeman Flora asked if anyone wished to have any items separated. No response.
* MINUTES OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS: March 26, 2020
Upon Motion by Committeeman Richardson, with second by Committeeman Green, 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.
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. 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.
RESOLUTION 2020-35: APPROVING THE PREPARATION OF ESTIMATED TAX BILLS
Per the recommendations contained in Local Finance Notice 2020-07, estimated tax bills for the 3rd Quarter tax billing will be prepared and mailed.
Upon Motion by Committeeman Lazzaro with second by Committeeman Green, action was moved to approve Resolution 2020-35.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Green, aye; Mr. Lazzaro, aye; Mr. Masi, aye; Mr. Richardson, aye; Mr. Flora, aye; Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2020-35 as annexed, was introduced and passed at this Regular Meeting of the Fredon Township Committee.
Discussion was held regarding a bill that has passed in the Assembly that would allow municipalities a grace period for the quarterly payments to school districts and county entities. The legislation does not grant an automatic extension but defers to the DLGS Director as to what is appropriate, given the nature of the public emergency. Chairman Flora stated that he had been contacted by Fredon School Superintendent Beck, who is concerned about the impact the delay in funding would have on the school’s operation. Mayor Flora asked for suggestions on how, if the bill is signed, the Township should proceed.
Committeeman Green asked what Fredon School’s cash reserves were at this time. Chairman Flora noted that the dollar amount is not known. Committeeman Green questioned what the minimum amount that is required, in particular, since there are no students in the building at this time or for the foreseeable future, so there should have been a cost savings there. Committeeman Green stated that the Township will be faced with a large bill from both Fredon School and Kittatinny Regional School, adding that the Township’s cash reserves will not carry the municipality through.
Mayor Flora commented that the Township’s CFO has recommended that the Township wait as long as possible to certify the municipal budget as the possibility exists that the State may appropriate funds from the Township budget.
Committeeman Green asked if this would prevent us from paving roads from the capital budget. Committeeman Flora stated that all monies have dried up, and the Township should not certify the budget until the last minute.
The clerk was directed to send a memo to Fredon School Superintendent Beck, explaining the Committee’s questions regarding the immediate financial needs of the school and advise him that Mayor Flora will be returning his call shortly.
The Budget discussion was carried until a meeting in May.
Discussion was held regarding remote Township Committee meetings. Committeeman Lazzaro suggested that the Committee wait to see what happens and make a decision at the next Township Committee meeting. Mrs. Prommel noted that Ms. Bonanno has offered to assist in the implementation of a remote meeting set-up, adding that Ms. Bonanno had set up Zoom for use in Franklin. The Committee was in consensus that they would like the public comments and questions to come across a keyboard and not on video.
Chairman Flora and Committeeman Green will meet with CFO Deborah Bonanno regarding the budget.
Chairman Flora opened the meeting to the public at this time. There being no comments from the public,
Mayor Flora closed the meeting to the public at this time.
There being no further business before the Committee, upon Motion by Committeeman Masi, with second by Committeeman Richardson, this meeting was adjourned at 7:40 P. M. All approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Prommel
Acting Municipal Clerk