Committeemember Donohue was absent.

Transcription

1 Cape May Court House, NJ August 21, 2017 REGULAR MEETING FLAG SALUTE THIS MEETING IS BEING RECORDED: I hereby declare that notice has been given to the Herald Times, the Atlantic City Press and posted on the bulletin board of the Middle Township Municipal Building, stating the time and place of the following meeting, as required in P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 of the State of New Jersey. (Sunshine Law). The Township Committee met on the above date at 6:00 PM at the Middle Township Municipal Building. Members present were Mayor Clark, Deputy Mayor DeVico, Business Administrator Elizabeth Terenik, Township Clerk Kimberly Krauss, Municipal Solicitor Frank Corrado, and Township Engineer Edward Dennis. Committeemember Donohue was absent. 1. PRESENTATION BY MAYOR AND COMMITTEE JULY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH MARK HIGGINBOTTOM Chief Leusner discussed the Middle Township Police Youth Camp, and the concept that was originated by Sgt. Higginbottom 2. PRESENTATION BY MAYOR AND COMMITTEE MIDDLE MATTERS CIVIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM DAVE SALVO, MIDDLE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT; DOUG BURKE, BURKE MOTOR GROUP; TEMERITY BERRY, CAPE ASSIST; OCEANFIRST FOUNDATION Chief Leusner: - 47 kids were registered for MTPD Youth Camp; free of charge. - Focused on middle school kids; wanted to interact with that age group. - Camp would not have been possible without partners; explained activities. - Spoke to how proud he is to see all involved come together to do something positive for our youth. - Echoed Chief Leusner s comments. - Spoke to feedback he has received from the community and from the children. - Best police department and chief in the country. Committeemember DeVico: - Stated how everyone coming together says wonders about our community. - Thanked all involved. Senator Jeff VanDrew: - Spoke to current problems the country faces in society; further explained. - Proud of all involved; all about the community coming together and love. - Presented Ms. Berry from Cape Assist with a Certificate. Mark Higginbottom: - Thanked all of Township Committee and Chief Leusner for believing in the youth camp. - Individually recognized the officers that helped with the camp. Dr. Dave Salvo: - Spoke of both Diane Fox and Dennis Roberts and their assistance with the youth camp. - Thanked the police department; spoke to the Board of Education s relationship with Township Committee and the police department. 3. RESOLUTION APPOINTMENTS NEW HIRES POLICE OFFICERS On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark passed on roll call, the following resolution Middle, County of Cape May, State of New Jersey, that the following employees are hereby appointed to the following position at the salaries opposite their name: NAME DEPARTMENT TITLE SALARY/RATE EFFECTIVE Trevor Public Safety Police Officer* $34, /29/2017 MacCormack Shawn Rocca Public Safety Police Officer* $34, /29/2017 Thomas Runyon Public Safety Police Officer* $34, /29/2017 Blake Martindale Public Safety Police Officer* $34, /29/2017 Christian Public Safety Police Officer* $34, /29/2017 Maldonado Gregory DeCecco Public Safety Police Officer* $34, /29/2017 *Hired from Certification List OL SWEARING IN OF NEW OFFICERS - Welcomed all new officers to the Township. Chief Leusner: - Thanked all of committee and former committee members full-time officers; has been in the works for years. - School Resource Officer; Street Crimes Unit.

2 - Years of hard work has finally come together. 5. QUESTION/ANSWER PERIOD ON AGENDA (This question and answer session shall relate only to items as outlined and pending on current agenda. Issues and concerns not related to agenda item shall be withheld to public comment portion at the conclusion of meeting.) Stan Donegar, Rio Grande: - Questioned item on the bill list. Committeemember DeVico: - Provided Mr. Donegar with an explanation of the charge; takeover of foreclosed property. - Outside company was hired to remove personal items. Elizabeth Terenik: - Property will be sold. Frank Corrado: - Property has to be held for certain period of time. - Explained eviction process. Dan Lockwood, Boyd Street: - Asked for clarification on items 16 and 17. Frank Corrado: - Provided explanation on separation agreement. - Item 17 is Hand Avenue from Route 9 to Boyd Street; Township s portion acquired from the County. - County supposed to do their portion; no timeframe. Dan Lockwood, Boyd Street: - Asked if it includes sidewalks. - No. 6. RESOLUTION APPROVING PAYMENT FOR BILLS BILL LIST A (General Bills) On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution Middle, the governing body thereof, that payment for the following bills in the amounts indicated are hereby approved: Current Acct. $ 251, RESOLUTION APPROVING MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution Middle, the governing body thereof, that the following minutes are approved: Regular Meeting 08/07/ REPORTS: The following departments have submitted their reports for the months indicated: Sewer Collection for the month of July; Finance for the month of July; Sterback Harbor for the month of July; Tax Collection for the month of July; 9. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CREATION OF LIEN ON PROPERTY On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40: authorizes the governing body of every municipality the power to make, enforce, amend and repeal ordinances requiring the owner or tenant of a dwelling or of lands lying within the municipality to provide for the removal or destruction of brush, weeds, debris, etc. constituting fire hazard or injurious to public health or safety and to provide for the imposition of penalties for the violation of any such ordinance; and WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40: authorizes the municipality the right to place a lien against such dwelling or lands to provide for the cost of removing brush, weeds, debris, etc.; and WHEREAS, the Township of Middle has adopted Ordinance No known as Article I of Chapter 193 of the Code of the Township of Middle Property Maintenance; and WHEREAS, the Township of Middle has noticed the following property owners as indicated below and furthermore these violations had not been remedied; and WHEREAS, in absence of compliance by said owners, the Township of Middle commenced and completed abatement of these violations; and WHEREAS, the Code Enforcement Officer of the Township of Middle has certified the following cost as listed. Middle, the governing body thereof, that it hereby imposes a lien on the properties listed below as indicated. FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this lien shall be filed in the Office of the Tax Collector of the Township of Middle. OWNER PROPERTY LOCATION BLOCK // LOT AMOUNT Hand, Elizabeth J 914 Route 9 N. 124 // 4 $ Daley, Cherie 108 Bennett Road 270 // 7 $ King, Robert S & Rosalie E 124 Indian Trail 208 // 4 $ Reddick, Gwenerva R 9 Starling Ave // 65 $ US Bank Trust 211 Vermont Ave // 6 $188.50

3 10. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZE CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS - On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution Middle that the following employee is hereby designated to the employment status listed below: NAME DEPARTMENT PREVIOUS AMENDED SALARY EFFECTIVE Brandon Mitchell Public Safety STATUS Telecommunications Operator F/T STATUS Telecommunications Operator P/T DATE $15.00/hr 08/10/ RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DISCONTINUATION OF TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee, the Governing Body of the Township of Middle, County of Cape May and State of New Jersey, that the following discontinuation of temporary appointment listed below, is acknowledged. EMPLOYEE DEPARTMENT POSITION EFFECTIVE Allen Mason Public Works Laborer 1 T/A Seasonal 08/14/2017 Rocco Tonzelli Public Works Laborer 1 T/A Seasonal 08/14/ RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT NEW HIRE On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution Middle, County of Cape May, State of New Jersey, that the following employees are hereby appointed to the following position at the salaries opposite their name: NAME DEPARTMENT TITLE SALARY/RATE EFFECTIVE Alex Bauer EMS EMT P/T $11.60/hr. 08/21/ RESOLUTION RATIFYING MUNICIPAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MIDDLE AND THE LINKS AT AVALON CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., PURSUANT TO THE N.J.S.A. 40: KNOWN AS MUNICIPAL SERVICES ACT On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee, of the Township of Middle, County of Cape May and State of New Jersey that the attached Municipal Services Agreement between the Township of Middle and The Links at Avalon is hereby approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appropriate officials are hereby authorized to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. 14. RESOLUTION APPROVE LEAVE OF ABSENCE On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee, the Governing Body of the Township of Middle, County of Cape May and State of New Jersey, that the Leave of Absence without pay for Jeff Salvesen, from August 4, 2017 through December 31, 2017 is hereby approved. 15. RESOLUTION AWARD CONTRACT AND RATIFY AGREEMENT THROUGH NON-FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS AMAZING AMUSEMENTS & ENTERTAINMENT INC. HARVEST FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Middle, the governing body thereof, that the Agreement between Amazing Amusements & Entertainment, Inc. and the Township of Middle for the amusement ride entertainment for the Middle Township Harvest Festival, be and is hereby ratified and the contract is hereby awarded through the Non-Fair and Open Process as described in Pay-to-Play Statutes. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the appropriate officials are hereby authorized and directed to sign said agreement. FURTHER RESOLVED, that this contract is contingent upon obtaining any and all requirements and approvals as set forth by the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund. Amazing Amusements & Entertainment, Inc. Harvest Festival $9, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the final separation agreement, as reviewed and approved by counsel, between Krystel Arana Capella and the Township of Middle. 17. RESOLUTION AWARD OF BID RECONSTRUCTION OF HAND AVENUE On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution WHEREAS, it has been deemed necessary and desirable to solicit bids for reconstruction of Hand Avenue; and WHEREAS, sealed bids were received on August 15, 2017; and WHEREAS, it appears that the following bid submitted represents a figure equal to the lowest bid received, which complies with specifications; and

4 Middle, the governing body thereof, that the contract for the reconstruction of Hand Avenue, be and hereby is awarded to: Ricky Slade Construction, Inc. - $111, FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that this award is conditioned upon certification of availability of funds. 18. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A QUITCLAIM DEED FOR BLOCK 878, Lot 5 AND 12 On motion by Committeeman DeVico seconded by Mayor Clark and passed on roll call, the following resolution WHEREAS, the Felicia H. Smith is the record owner of Block 878, Lots 5 and 12 (the property) and is seeking approval for short sale of the property; and WHEREAS, prior to the tax maps being updated in 2006, Block 878, Lots 5 and 12, was known as Block 878, Lots 16, 18, 19, and 21; and WHEREAS, the Township of Middle previously obtained judgments in a tax foreclosure against Lots 16, 18, 19, and 21; and WHEREAS, the judgments against Lots 16, 18, 19 and 21 were vacated by Court Order in 1998; and WHEREAS, a recent title search revealed that there is no record of the Order vacating judgment against Lot 16 with the County Clerk s Office; and WHEREAS, the Township previously authorized discharge of two mortgages associated with this property in exchange for $2, payment at settlement of the short sale; and WHEREAS, Ms. Smith s lender has indicated their intent to move forward with foreclosure if this issue is not resolved by August 25, 2017; and WHEREAS, the Township has an interest in the short sale being completed because in the event of the Sheriff s Sale, the Township would likely not receive any payment due to their lien position; and WHEREAS, after considering the matter, the Township Committee believes that granting and conveying any interest they had in the property by way of Quitclaim Deed is in the township s best interest; and NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Township Committee of Middle Township as follows: 1. The averments of the preamble are incorporated by reference. 2. The Township of Middle hereby authorizes the execution of a Quitclaim Deed disclaiming any ownership interest in Block 878, Lots 5 and 12, previously known as Lots 16, 18, 19, and This resolution shall take effect immediately, according to law. 19. PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment. ENGINEERING REPORT: Edward Dennis: - Reviewed Engineering report attached above. Elizabeth Terenik:

5 COMMITTEE COMMENTS: - Commented that next work session will include reports from department heads. - Spoke of presentation to Open Space Board for Rio Grande Park. - Residents comments were included; really great project; serves bike path users as well. - Proud moment to add six police officers; thanked Chief Leusner. - Spoke of youth summer camp and all involved; great job of the community coming together. - Congratulated Chief Leusner and his officers on a successful camp. Kimberly D. Krauss, Municipal Clerk Motion to adjourn meeting 6:40pm 1 st Committeeman DeVico 2 nd Mayor Clark Pass on Roll Call: Committeeman DeVico, Mayor Clark *Minutes prepared by Andrea N. Bruno, Keyboarding Clerk