MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MARCH 23, 2015

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1 A.) OPENING CEREMONIES CALL TO ORDER The Regular Council Meeting of the Township of Monroe was called to order at Cncl. Pres., Frank Caligiuri in the Court Room of the Municipal approximately 8: 15 PM by Complex located at 125 Virginia Avenue, Williamstown, New Jersey. This meeting was advertised pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act( NJSA 10:4-6 thru 10:4-21). Notices were placed in the official publications for Monroe Township ( i.e.: South Jersey Times, the Courier Post and the Sentinel of Gloucester County). A copy of that notice is posted on the bulletin board at the Municipal Complex. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri stated the Clerk has placed a sign-in sheet at the rear of the Court Room. If anyone would like to address Council during the Public Portion, please sign in and you will be asked to come forward to the microphone. Kindly state your name for the record. SALUTE TO FLAG - INVOCATION Cncl. Dilks led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to Our Flag and Darlene Schoenewald of the Cross Keys United Methodist Church offered the Invocation. ROLL CALL OF TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS Cncl. Walter Bryson Cncl. Marvin Dilks Cncl. Rich DiLucia Cncl. Bob Heffner Cncl. Bart McIlvaine Cncl. Cody Miller Cncl. Pres., Frank Caligiuri Mayor Daniel Teefy Solicitor, Charles Fiore Business Adm., Kevin Heydel Engineer, Dave Cella Dir. Of Code Enforcement, George Reitz Dir. Of Public Safety, Jim Smart Dir. Of Public Works, Bob Avis Deputy Mayor Andy Potopchuk Township Clerk, Susan McCormick POLICE PROMOTIONS Chief John McKeown extended his appreciation to Mayor Teefy, Council and everyone in attendance for their support and requested the Monroe Township Fraternal Order of Police 125 Honor Guard to post the colors. Chief McKeown spoke of how a Police Department requires leadership and how the Monroe Township Police Department received accreditation and is currently working to use data and team work to better fight crime and serve the community. These accomplishments are possible because of the elected officials and management of this township recognizing the importance of leadership within the Police Department. Chief McKeown called forward Captain Jon Rumpf and noted Captain Rumpf is being promoted to Deputy Chief after serving Monroe Township honorably for twenty-three years. Jon is a graduate of the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Command Leadership Program as well as the Penn State Budgeting Course. He has commanded the Patrol Division for the past two years as Captain and previously commanded the entry team, training unit and was a founding member of our Community Policing Unit. Jon also served on the Gloucester County Emergency Response Team and is currently spearheading the data program to reduce crime and traffic problems throughout the township. Mayor Teefy administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Chief Jon Rumpf. 1

2 POLICE PROMOTIONS (cont' d) Chief McKeown called Lt. Michael LaPorta forward and noted Lt. LaPorta is being promoted to Captain after serving Monroe Township honorably for over twenty-three years. He is currently enrolled in the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership Program. He has extensive training in crash investigation and has been commanding the Records Division since January 1st. Mayor Teefy administered the Oath of Office to Captain Michael LaPorta. Chief McKeown call Officer Ryan Borkowski forward and noted Officer Borkowski is being promoted to Sergeant after serving honorably with the Monroe Township Police Department for over sixteen years. Officer Borkowski is a graduate of Seton Hall University and has lead the DARE Program for many years providing education and friendship with the youth of Monroe Township. He has been a supervisor of the Police Department' s Entry Team and has been the Patrol Division Supervisor since November Mayor Teefy administered the Oath of Office to Sergeant Ryan Borkowski. Chief McKeown extended his appreciation to the Mayor, Council and everyone in attendance for supporting the Police Department. At this time the Police Department Honor Guard left the meeting. PRESENTATION Community of Caring Gardens Mayor Teefy and Cncl. Miller presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following for serving the community by their participation in the Community of Caring Gardens. Cub Scout Pack 34- Nicholas Cancelmo, Lucus Iacavone, Jacob Macauley, Christopher Moustakas, Aidan Middleton, Chase Quintavalle, Brette Quintavalle, Aiden Tahmazian, Dylan Watts, Caleb Williams and Michael Zeoli Boy Scout Troop 81- Tom Brown Tahmazian Boy Scout Troop 161- Robert Bond and Ben McCausland Siblings - Lexi Unipan, Anastasia Moustakas, Sophia Moustakas and Isabella Leaders - Boy Scout Troop 161 Leader Pidge Bond, Cub Scout Pack 34 Cub Master Tracey Leeds and Den Leaders Cub Scout Pack# 34 Louis Moustakas and Jen Moustakas APPROVAL OF MINUTES Cncl. Heffner made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted of the Council Work Session and Regular Council Meeting of March 9, The motion was seconded by Cncl. Miller and unanimously approved by all members of Council. B.) CORRESPONDENCE- None C.) RESOLUTIONS SCHEDULED- PUBLIC PORTION Cncl. Dilks made a motion to open the Resolutions Scheduled - Public Portion. The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. Debra Porter extended appreciation on behalf of all the residents of Green Avenue to the Mayor and Council for coming out to speak to the residents regarding a problem they had on the street. With no one else wishing to speak Cncl. Miller made a motion to close the Resolutions Scheduled - Public Portion. The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Introduction of 2015 Municipal Budget 2

3 C.) RESOLUTIONS SCHEDULED- PUBLIC PORTION (cont' d) Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Of The Township Council Of The Township Of Monroe Accepting Proposal From Newfield National Bank For Banking Services For The Township Of Monroe Cncl. Dilks made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Miller and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Releasing The Performance Guarantee Posted For " Advanced Auto", Site Plan #461- SP, Block 3101, Lots 2 & 3 And Substituting A Maintenance Guaranty In The Amount Of$ 11, For Certain Site Improvements Cncl. Bryson made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. DiLucia and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Of The Township Council Of The Township Of Monroe Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Lease Agreement With Four Seasons Nursery, LLC For The Purposes Of Farming For The Years 2015 And 2016 Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Mcllvaine and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Of The Township Council Of The Township Of Monroe Authorizing The Mayor To Execute A Lease Agreement With Gerald A. Barrett For The Purposes Of Farming For The Years 2015 And 2016 Cncl. Bryson made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Dilks and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Approving The Bill List For The Council Meeting Of March 23, 2015 Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Authorizing The Acceptance Of An Irrevocable Standby Letter Of Credit In The Amount Of$ 420, For Cross Keys Pavilion, Site Plan# SP-444 PS- 3, Block 101, Lot Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. DiLucia and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Emergency Temporary Resolution Prior To Adoption Of The Budget Township Of Monroe, County Of Gloucester ( Emergency Temporary# 3) Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Mcllvaine and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Adjusting Township Of Monroe Tax Records Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Dilks and unanimously approved by all members of Council. R: Resolution Of The Township Council Of The Township Of Monroe To Donate Three Surplus Vehicles To The Gloucester County Institute Of Technology For Educational Purposes Cncl. Mcllvaine made a motion to approve Resolution R: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Miller and unanimously approved by all members of Council. 3

4 D.) ORDINANCES Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri turned this portion of the meeting over to Ordinance Committee Chairman, Cncl. Dilks. Cncl. Miller made a motion to open the Public Hearing for Ordinances 0: and 0: The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. With no one wishing to speak Cncl. Miller made a motion to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Cncl. Bryson and unanimously approved by all members of Council. 0: An Ordinance Of The Township Council Of The Township Of Monroe Appropriating A Sum Not To Exceed $ 35, For Professional Services Related To The Installation Of An Irrigation System At Owens Park And Other Parks And Recreation Facility Improvements Second Reading: The above ordinance was published in an official publication for the Township of Monroe. This portion was opened to the public. Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Ordinance 0: for Second Reading and Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Cncl. DiLucia. ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 0: ALL AYES Tally: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstain, 0 Absent. Ordinance 0: was duly approved for Second Reading and Public Hearing. 0: An Ordinance To Further Amend The Code Of The Township Of Monroe Establishing Rates Of Compensation To Officers And Employees Of The Township Of Monroe Human Resource/ Claims Coordinator) Second Reading: The above ordinance was published in an official publication for the Township of Monroe. This portion was opened to the public. Cncl. Miller made a motion to approve Ordinance 0: for Second Reading and Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri. ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 0: ALL AYES Tally: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 Abstain, 0 Absent. Ordinance 0: was duly approved for Second Reading and Public Hearing. E.) REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS Cncl. Bryson reported the Historical Society Meeting was very sad due to the passing of a member, Sandy Hoffman. Sandy handled many things and was a pillar of the Historical Society and will be missed. During the meeting discussion took place regarding the British Car Show scheduled for May 9th at the Ireland House. Last year approximately fifty cars participated in this event, which also included a tea garden. This year a reopening of the Hall Street Little School will be held and everyone is invited to attend. He urged people to join the Historical Society to gain knowledge about the town and provide new input into the organization. The cost to join is per year but it is a lot of fun. Cncl. Bryson reported attending the Law Committee Meeting where a demonstration was held for merchants to see the mandated software package and discuss/ mediate problems with the enacted Dealers of Precious Metals Law. Cncl. Bryson newly noted another fine person passed away this month, Phil Price. Phil was a pillar of the community serving in many capacities within the township but especially known for coaching kids in football. Cncl. Bryson urged everyone to drive carefully especially through developments, as children will be outside playing now that spring is here. Cncl. Dilks reported attending the Monroe Municipal Utilities Authority Meeting on March 18th. All Board members were in attendance, resolutions were adopted and a couple job titles were changed. Purchasing Agent was appointed. The MMUA now has a Human Resource Manager and a Qualified 4

5 E.) REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS (cont' d) Cncl. DiLucia reported attending the Open Space Committee Meeting on March 2nd and that the Historical Society Meeting of March 5th was cancelled due to snow and when it was rescheduled he had a conflict in his schedule and could not attend. He congratulated Cncl. Bryson for being appointed a trustee of the Historical Society and noted most meetings they will both be in attendance but if they both can't be there at least one of them will be there. He also expressed his sentiments regarding the passing of Phil Price. He spoke of how Phil helped him file his election financial reports during his campaigns for Council and how he had just moved into Holiday City so they would have been neighbors. Cncl. DiLucia noted in his opinion Phil passed away too young and will be missed by all who knew him. He also reported that he chaired the Law Committee Meeting that was held last week for the purpose of finding a common ground between the Police Department and the local merchants required to comply with the new ordinance adopted to protect residents from precious metals, stones or coins. A losing demonstration was held for a computer program the Police Department has introduced that would oversee the sale of those types of items. There is some hesitancy on the part of the merchants but he felt they were not insurmountable barriers and could be worked out. An attorney was there representing the merchants and our Solicitor was there representing the township. An understanding was reached that the attorneys would communicate with one another over the next two weeks to try to reach a common ground and then they will come back to the committee. If there is not an agreement reached unfortunately, as always, Council will have the difficult task of authoring an ordinance that neither side may like but Council will do it in the best interest of the residents. Cncl. Heffner reported attending the Parks and Rec Commission Meeting where Easter eggs were stuffed for the annual Easter egg hunt. He thanked the Williamstown National Honor Society, Streams of Life Church and the Braves Cheerleaders for helping to stuff 8, 500 eggs; noting without them the Parks and Rec Commission would still be there stuffing eggs. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 28th at noon but the Easter bunny will be there at 11: 00 am 29th. March Monroe Township Little League will hold its for pictures. Rain date is Sunday, 64th Opening Day Ceremonies on Saturday, April 4th at 10:00 AM. The parade begins at the Williamstown Fire House and will end at the Church Street Field. Cncl. Heffner urged everyone to come out and celebrate 64 years of providing baseball in this township and to hear Cncl. Miller sing the National Anthem and see the Mayor throw out the first pitch. Cncl. Mcllvaine reported attending the Economic Development Commission Meeting. The Commission is working hard trying to bring business into the township and is currently working with the Main Street Commission. They are working hard to bring Main Street back and are looking into putting banners on the existing poles along Main Street to bring back a sense of community. The EDC lead by Tony Langella and the Main Street Commission lead by Ernie Carbon are doing an awesome job. Cncl. Mcllvaine noted he was unable to attend the Library Board Meeting due to a previous commitment but he did speak with the Board members and they are ecstatic that former Councilman Ron Garbowski has been appointed to that Board. Cncl. Mcllvaine noted his appointment is a great step for the Library Board and he is looking forward to working with Mr. Garbowski. Cncl. Miller reported attending three meetings within the past two weeks, the first being a Monroe Green Team Meeting. He explained the Green Team has presented resolutions to Council and will be presenting a Compete Streets Resolution. They are working on a Safe Routes to School Project along with Oak Knoll and through the School Board will be hosting a complete streets program in May. They are going to try to contribute ideas to the Main Street Committee relating to walk and bike friendly ideas and creative place making. They are also going to be submitting an application for Sustainable Jersey Certification in June Cncl. Miller explained if the municipality meets certain criteria in terms of making the municipality more green it will allow the municipality access to grant money to help further our goals and objectives to be more sustainable. Cncl. Miller reported attending the Municipal Alliance Commission Meeting. The Commission is trying to provide the community with the opportunity to save a life and will be holding a Narcan training session on May 14th at 6:00 PM at the Library. Narcan is administered when someone overdoses and it brings that individual back to life. Many police departments and first responders are now equipped with Narcan. being In regards to the School Board Mayor Teefy had a discussion with Mrs. Yoder, Vice Principal at Williamstown High School, as he realizes young lives lost to substance abuse has been a recurring issue in the township. Cncl. 5

6 E.) REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS (cont' d) Miller noted a meeting was held and we are trying to implement a strategy that would encompass the municipality and the schools. We are also discussing whether a drug task force should be put together to address this issue. That would be presented to the School Board as well as Council and our Mayor would have the sign-off on it. Mayor Teefy reported the annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Owens Park on Saturday, March 28th at noon. He reported on Friday, March 13th he attended, along with his wife who recently fractured her ankle, the Gloucester County Education Association Dinner, a black tie affair held at Scotland Run. The theme this year was Literacy and three awards were given to Gloucester County The event was very nice, very well attended and was the first area residents. formal affair he attended as Mayor. He also reported attending the Williamstown High School Weight Room Dedication Ceremony on March 19th along goes out to Cncl. Dilks and Engineer Chris Rehmann for their help with this project. The Mayor noted that the weight room is beautiful and expands services so the other weight room is not with Cncl. Miller. A special thanks overcrowded. Mayor Teefy reported on March 20th he, Tony Langella, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, and Cncl. Miller attended an event at the ML Hotel in Mt. Laurel where thirty mayors had an opportunity to interface with thirty developers. With the help of Jared Valdez from the EDC and Cncl. Miller a pamphlet and power point presentation were put together to show our redevelopment zones, available properties, the layout of the town and how it is growing. The Mayor extended his thanks to Mr. Langella and Cncl. Miller for attending this event with him. He noted he is warming up his arm to throw the first pitch at the Little League Opening Day Ceremonies on April 4th. On the same day the Church Street Field will be rededicated to Marvin Wagner to honor him where he started his career with the youth football and baseball programs. All members of Council and members of the public are invited to attend. The Main Street Committee had a positive article in the South Jersey Times that spurred a lot of interest on the Township Facebook page. The Main Street Committee, which will meet again tomorrow night, has appointed subcommittees that are aggressively attacking this project one step at a time. Additional information will be posted to our Facebook page as we go along. The Mayor spoke of discussion regarding what employees wear to work (uniforms, jeans on Fridays, shirts and ties, etc.) so a dress code policy was put together. The policy is being reviewed by Labor Counsel Brown and Connery and it will be introduced to township employees on May 1st because appearance is important when facing the public. Inspectors will be given shirts that say Monroe Township Inspector so residents know it is an inspector at their door. Different departments have been trying to institute a dress code policy but we want it to be across the board for all departments. The Mayor reported tomorrow the township' s bond rating will be finalized. In 2007 the township had an A-3 rating but since 2012 it has been a high quality AA Standards and Poor' s rating and we are trying to get that to a AAA rating, as that will get us a better rate when we go out to bond. The Mayor thanked Cncl. Bryson for getting pictures from the Historical Society that will be used at Applebee' s. He noted one really good picture is an air view of the Blue Hole. The Mayor urged residents to share their old pictures with Applebee' s, as they like to have a neighborhood feel to their restaurants. Engineer Chris Rehmann reported Kevin Heydel did an excellent job in getting the County to move the training buildings behind the Cecil Fire House at their cost and that was a major accomplishment because dealing with the County is sometimes tough. We are now moving along with the County engineer to see what else needs to be done and to see how we can get into Pinelands compliance. Mr. Rehmann noted the Green Team and the Main Street Committee were gracious enough to contract with ARH to prepare a report that will show how the township I can be bike and pedestrian friendly for a grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission called the Multimodal Transportation Program. Internal conversations were how Main Street could be made the focal point for the program with all schools, the Library, municipal buildings, recreation fields and parks being the second focal point. Then we will interconnect the existing bike path, which goes west through Gloucester County, as it is a major element of the program. County It is important that both the Green Team and the Main Street Committee are going to focus on something that may be able to be included as part of the plan so once this is adopted the DVRPC may provide funding to implement this. A simple thing such as adopting a I resolution that would allow the DVRPC to place a monitor on the bike path to count people on the path is an interconnection that gives the township a higher rating every time we go back to them for funds for planning. Mr. Rehmann noted he is in the process of internally starting the outline for the plans but these committees are two important elements that he needs to sit down 6

7 E.) REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS (cont' d) with once the maps, plans and ideas are done so they can become part of the solution to the problem and he is looking forward to working with them and will keep them advised of what is happening. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri thanked Cncl. Miller for the update on the Green Team. He added Patrick McDevitt who serves on the Environmental Commission is seeking to become a liaison between the Environmental Commission and the Open Space Commission. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri reported attending the Environmental Commission Meeting, which Cncl. Miller already reported on. On March 12th he attended the Planning Board Meeting where a sidewalk waiver was granted for a small subdivision on Fries Mill Road. In lieu of sidewalks along an area where there are none, $6, was given to the sidewalk fund so sidewalks can be constructed where needed. A site plan waiver was also granted for First Haitian Baptist Church. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri reported attending a Budget Committee Meeting on March 11th. He spoke of being on the Budget Committee over the last eleven years for budgets introduced under the previous mayor' s jurisdiction. The previous mayor had been exceptionally frugal as far as presenting his budget and expenditures and that put us all in a unique situation because we have a lot of work that remained, not so much neglected, but not as well completed as it should have been. He added he knows if anybody has hit a pothole like he has they know what he is talking about. We are in desperate need of somethings that perhaps the previous mayor in his attempts to curve spending an awful lot has left a little bit of a load on this council. Council is looking at the budget as carefully as we can making as many cuts as we can without affecting the public safety but this is going to be an exceptionally tough budget this year. The Budget Committee will report back to the balance of council their findings and recommendations on the budget. Of course Council has the option to review the budget as well to come up with any ideas they can because we really need to make some cuts and keep expenditures in line. People are hurting as far as the tax load and we don' t want to increase that any more then we absolutely have to. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri thanked Cncl. Bryson for making a report on the Historical Society. He added Mr. Bryson has been liaison to the Historical Society for many years and is very close to it so if he would like to serve again as the liaison and swap positions moving forward just let him (Cncl. Caligiuri) know because he is flexible in that respect. Cncl. Bryson noted he is now a trustee on the Historical Society and by Cncl. DiLucia being there more people are involved. Cncl. DiLucia added that he is starting to love the Historical Society. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri noted when he was liaison to the Historical Society it was tremendously interesting and a good experience for him as well but we are trying to have our resources spread out; however, if both members of Council want to attend those meetings that is alright. F.) GENERAL PUBLIC DISCUSSION Cncl. Miller made a motion to open the General Public Discussion. The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. A representative of the New Jersey Local Tradesman Union questioned how New Jersey Building Trades can get to bid on jobs in this area. Many of the jobs in the area have been nonunion for years and many Winslow Township is building like residents are union members. crazy and a lot of it is being done by local union workers but down the street in Monroe Township they He noted he was talking about retail stores or buildings such as are non-union workers. CVS for plumbing, heating or air conditioning. the Building Trades Union could contact about upcoming projects. He questioned if there is a contact person that Engineer Chris Rehmann explained all the public work is advertised by bid and any municipal funds spent must meet the State' s prevailing wage statutes, which is union scale. Who is hired depends on the generally contractors that bid. Shopping centers or housing developments are private and done through a developer. The township has no control over that. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri explained all the publicly funded projects are advertised for bid and they are prevailing wage so they draw the union trades. The other projects being referred to like shopping centers are in many cases private industry and they are funded by the individual contractors so there is not much the township can Board of I do about that. Mr. Rehmann explained the Planning Board and the Zoning municipalities are the approval agencies for new development and he suggested the gentleman request copies of the minutes from those boards to see what approvals have been granted. The gentleman questioned if anyone can attend the Economic Development Commission Meetings. 7

8 F.) GENERAL PUBLIC DISCUSSION Mr. Rehmann advised they are public meetings and anyone can attend. Cncl. Pres., Caligiuri added he could get a list of all upcoming projects through the Planning Board Office and there are also other private resources like Construction Data where public and private projects throughout the State are listed. Projects publically funded by taxpayers or ratepayers often require union labor or at least prevailing wage where bids can be competitive but the township has little or no control over what is spent for labor for private projects. We would prefer to see union workers; however, we have no jurisdiction over that. With no one else wishing to speak Cncl. Miller made a motion to close the General Public Discussion. The motion was seconded by Cncl. Heffner and unanimously approved by all members of Council. G.) ADJOURNMENT With nothing further to discuss Cncl. Miller made a motion to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting of March 23, The motion was seconded by Cncl. Dilks and unanimously approved by all members of Council in attendance. Respectfully submitted, i 771 Susan McCormick, RMC Township Clerk Presid. ng Officer These minutes were prepared from excerpts of the tape- recorded proceedings of the Regular Council Meeting ofmarch 23, 2015 and serve as only a synopsis of the proceedings. The official tape may be heard in the Office of the Township Clerk upon proper notification pursuant to the Open Public Records Law. Approved as submitted Approved as corrected Date Date 8