BOROUGH OF CALIFON COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 2, 2012

Transcription

1 67 BOROUGH OF CALIFON COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 2, 2012 The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Charles Daniel with the reading of the following Sunshine Law announcement: I would like to announce and have placed in the minutes that ad4quate notice of this regular meeting of the Califon Borough Council has been provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by publication of the annual notice in the Hunterdon Review and the Hunterdon County Democrat. FLAG SALUTE ROLL CALL: PRESENT: K. ANDERSEN, R. BAGGSTROM, M. MEDEA, J. SALISBURY, G. SMITH (arrived at 8:12 p.m.) ABSENT: J. BEARD APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by J. Salisbury seconded by M. Medea to approve the minutes from the meeting held on March 19, For: R. Baggstrom, M. Medea, J. Salisbury, G. Smith Abstain: K. Andersen LIST OF BILLS Motion was made by R. Baggstrom seconded by K. Andersen to approve the list of bills in the amount of $10, For: K. Andersen, R. Baggstrom, M. Medea, J. Salisbury, G. Smith TAX COLLECTOR S REPORT The Tax Collector s Report was reviewed and filed. CORRESPONDENCE Califon Fire Marshall report for month of March, 2012 Califon Resolution # distributed to those mentioned in Resolution Raritan Headwaters Association: 22 nd Annual Raritan River Clean Up will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration form for membership in Lower Valley Community Garden

2 68 PUBLIC HEARING 2012 MUNICIPAL BUDGET A. Mayor Daniel welcomed Califon Auditor, Anthony Ardito, present tonight for the public hearing and for questions and answers prior to final adoption of the 2012 Municipal Budget. Mayor Daniel opened the public hearing on the 2012 Municipal Budget. There being no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed. B. RESOLUTION SELF EXAMINATION OF 2012 MUNICIPAL BUDGET Councilman Medea pointed out to Auditor Ardito that on the Municipal Budget Notice the name Weiler needs to be changed to Beard to reflect that ex-councilman Weiler has left Council and Councilman Beard has taken his place in Mr. Ardito will make that change and transmit to the Clerk an amended Municipal Budget Notice. RESOLUTION WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-78b has authorized the Local Finance Board to adopt rules that permit municipalities in sound fiscal condition to assume the responsibility, normally granted to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, of conducting the annual budget examination; and WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-7 was adopted by the Local Finance Board on February 11, 1997; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5: thru 7.5 the Borough of Califon has been declared eligible to participate in the program by the Division of Local Government Services and the Chief Finance Officer has determined that the Borough of Califon meets the necessary conditions to participate in the program for the 2012 budget year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Califon that in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.6a & b, and based upon the Chief Finance Officer s certification, the governing body has found that the budget has met the following requirements: 1. That with reference to the following items, the amounts have been calculated pursuant to law and appropriated as such in the budget: a. Payment of interest and debt redemption charges b. Deferred charges and statutory expenditures c. Cash deficit of preceding year d. Reserve for uncollected taxes e. Other reserves and non-disbursement items f. Any inclusions of amounts required for school purposes

3 69 2. That the provisions relating to limitation on increases of appropriations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:45.2 and that appropriations for exceptions to limits on appropriations found at 40A: et seq. are fully met (Complies with the CAP law.) 3. That the budget is in such form, arrangement and content as required by the Local Budget Law and N.J.A.C.5:30-4 and 5: That pursuant to the Local Budget Law: a. All estimates of revenue are reasonable, accurate and correctly stated; b. Items of appropriation are properly set forth; c. In Itemization, form, arrangement and content, the budget will permit the exercise of the comptroller function within the municipality. 5. The budget and associated amendments have been introduced, publicly advertised and adopted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Budget Law, except that failure to meet the deadlines of N.J.S.A.40A:4-5, shall not prevent such certification 6. That all other applicable statutory requirements have been fulfilled. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. Motion was made by R. Baggstrom seconded by K. Andersen to adopt Resolution as read. C. RESOLUTION FINAL ADOPTION OF 2012 MUNICIPAL BUDGET RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Califon that the 2012 Municipal Budget as introduced on March 5, 2012 and duly advertised on March 21, 2012 as required by law, whose public hearing was held on April 2, 2012, with a total General Revenue and Appropriations equaling $962,338; be hereby approved and finally adopted; and

4 70 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that two certified copies be forwarded to the Division of Local Government Services along with two certified copies of Self-Examination Resolution , adopted by the governing body at a meeting held on April 2, Motion as made by G. Smith seconded by M. Medea to adopt Resolution as read. PUBLIC HEARING WILLIAM KIBLER, EXEC. DIRECTOR RARITAN HEADWATERS ASSOCIATION. TRANSFER 50% OWNERSHIP OF NELLIE HOFFMAN ESTATE TO CALIFON AND N.J. WATER SUPPLY AUTHORITY Mayor Daniel introduced William Kibler, Co-Director of the Raritan Headwaters Association to Council. Mr. Kibler explained that back in 2007, there was a joint purchase of the Nellie Hoffman Estate; and at that time 50% was purchased by the Raritan Headwaters Association (formerly South Branch Watershed Association) with Green Acres Funds; 25% was purchased by Califon Borough and 25% was purchased by the New Jersey Watershed Association. Raritan Headwaters Association would now like to divide and turn over its 50% ownership equally between Califon Borough (25%) and the NJWSA (25%) so that they will each have 50% ownership equally. Mr. Kibler further explained that because RHA initially used Green Acres funding to purchase their 50% share, the DEP is requiring that, in order to turn over their share to the other two entities, RHA must hold a public hearing and post a sign on the property for 30 days, prior to transfer of deed. Mr. Kibler reported that RHA was initially interested in partnering with Califon to preserve the land/estate; however, they were not interested in long term management of the property. With this transfer, Califon and NJWSA will be solely responsible for management of the Hoffman Estate. Mayor Daniel opened up the public hearing for public comment. There being no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Kibler reported that this transfer should have been done by now, however, the merger of the South branch Watershed Association with the Upper Raritan Watershed Association to form the Raritan Headwaters Association slowed things down. The transfer of deed will now be finalized, having satisfied the public hearing requirement. OLD BUSINESS A. RESOLUTION APPROVAL OF 2012 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GROUP MELVIN DESIGN MICHAEL MUELLER, P.P., PLANNING CONSULTANT

5 71 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Califon that the 2012 Professional Services Contract as submitted by Group Melvin Design for professional planning/consulting services to the Borough of Califon by Michael Mueller, P.P. is hereby approved; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are duly authorized to sign and fully execute the Professional Services Contract between Group Melvin Design and the Borough of Califon. Motion was made by R. Baggstrom seconded by K. Andersen to adopt Resolution as read. For: K. Andersen, R. Baggstrom, M. Medea, J. Salisbury, G.Smith NEW BUSINESS A. RESOLUTION INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE RAILROAD AVENUE DEED TRANSFER FROM HUNTERDON COUNTY TO CALIFON BOROUGH The Clerk read Ordinance by title: AN ORDINANCE OPENING AND ACEPTING RAILROAD AVENUE AS A BOROUGH ROAD; ACCEPTING THE GRANT OF A RIGHT-OR-WAY FROM THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON AND ESTABLISHING THE BOUNDARIES THEREOF IN THE BOROUGH OF CALIFON, COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY. RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Califon that Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE OPENING AND ACCEPTING RAILROAD AVENUE AS A BOROUGH ROAD; ACCEPTING THE GRANT OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON AND ESTABLISHING THE BOUNDARIES THEREOF IN THE BOROUGH OF CALFION, COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY is hereby introduced upon first reading; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Ordinance be considered for final adoption following the public hearing to be held on May 7, 2012; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Notice of Ordinance is hereby scheduled for publication in the April 11, 2012 edition of the Hunterdon Review as required by law. Motion was made by J. Salisbury seconded by G. Smith to adopt Resolution as read.

6 72 B. RESOLUTION 2011 TONNAGE GRANT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L. 1987, c.102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and WHEREAS, it is the intent and spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and expand existing programs; and WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental protection is promulgating recycling regulations to implement the mandatory sources Separation and Recycling Act; and WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, including, but not limited to, making and keeping accurate verifiable records of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and WHEREAS, a Resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for such tonnage grants will memorialize the commitment of this municipality to recycling and indicate the assent of the Borough of Califon Council to the efforts undertaken by the municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and WHEREAS, such a Resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure that the application is properly completed and timely filed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Borough of Califon that the Borough of Califon hereby endorses the submission of a Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant Application for CY2011 to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Recycling and designates Steven Stanaback, Recycling Coordinator, Borough of Califon, P.O. Box 368, 39 Academy St., Califon, N.J , to ensure that the said Application is filed properly. Motion was made by R. Baggstrom seconded by M. Medea to adopt Resolution as read.

7 73 C. RESOLUTION APPROVAL OF RAFFLE LICENSE FOR OFF PREMISE 50/50 RAFFLE SPONSORED BY CALIFON FIRE CO. DAN HANDY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Califon that the application for Raffle License RL (off-premise 50/50) is hereby approved for license issuance for this raffle to be sponsored by the Califon Fire Company with the drawing to be held on June 9, 2012 at the Dan Handy Scholarship Fund Softball Tournament at the Califon Island Park; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk is duly authorized to sign and fully execute Raffle License RL to the Califon Fire Co. Motion was made by K. Andersen seconded by M. Medea to adopt Resolution as read. COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilman Medea reported that the Parks Committee will meet on Thursday and he will bring the design and pricing details of the new playground to the meeting to discuss. Councilman Medea reported that there was no Park cleanup on the 31 st as originally planned and this will be rescheduled for some time in April. The ball fields are done and he has received many compliments that they look better than they have ever looked. The Parks Committee would like to pursue the idea of having a street fair in June. Councilman Medea reported that the CAMPA mixer that took place at the Raritan Inn was very successful with approx. 30 people in attendance. Councilman Medea read the committee report for Councilman Beard who could not be present at tonight s meeting: Councilman Beard reported that he attended the BOE meetings held on 3/21 and 3/28. The BOE reported on the above average number of Califon School graduates at Voorhees H.S. who have attained honor roll/high honor roll status. The BOE discussed the resolution drafted by Mayor Daniel and adopted by the Council regarding school consolidation. The BOE will move forward with a Rutgers study on school consolidation. The public hearing on the school budget was held. The budget indicates a 1.9% increase and will be forwarded to the County. Cynthia Behrens, Califon school 1 st grade teacher, will be retiring this year. Ms. Brown gave an informational presentation on the school s enrichment program. The Miles for Music fundraiser organized by Jessica Hickman-Beard raised $865 for the Califon School music program. The last day of school will be June 15 th with spring break running from

8 74 April 6 th through the 15 th. The school Talent Show was held on March 30 th with over 25 students participating. The next BOE meetings will be held on April 18 th and April 25 th. Councilman Beard reported that the Recreation Committee met on March 27 th. Movie Night at the school was held on March 23 rd and was very successful with kids in attendance. The Easter Egg hunt was held on April 1 st with over 100 participants. Thanks to the cub scouts for filling all the eggs. Thanks to Alison Ramarge, Recreation Committee Chairperson and members of the Recreation Committee for organizing these events. The Rec Committee will be holding their monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month with the next meeting to be held on the 18 th to discuss plans for the Memorial Day parade. The Recreation Committee is considering conducting a Just Dance Under the Stars event in the park over the summer. Councilman Beard reported that he is pursuing the use of social media tools as part of Califon s communications strategy. Bob Kelly has worked to establish a Facebook and Twitter account and is posting any website announcements to these media. It is recommended that the Borough establish a Use policy for these sites. Councilman Beard will draft a document that details various media, their uses, the suggested Use policy draft and other key questions for the Council to review and consider at the next meeting. Councilwoman Salisbury reported that she attended the SWAC meeting on March 20 th where they reorganized and appointed new officials. Councilwoman Salisbury reported the Frenchtown has obtained 50 gallon barrels and lids from the Coke Company that fit the barrels and function as recycling bins that are painted by children. She would like to see about setting up this project for Califon. The Sustainable Jersey Green Team met and created a registration form for the Lower Valley Community Garden which the Borough will participate in this summer. The registration fee will be $25.00 for a 3 x 8 plot. A large fence will be erected around the garden and water is available and plentiful for watering the gardens. The garden will open May 14 th and volunteers are needed to help build the garden beds. Bob Runge, Green Team member, will donate the wood. The orientation is scheduled for May 6 th. 25% of the produce grown will be donated to the Open Cupboard Food Pantry. Councilman Baggstrom reported that the Planning Board met on March 28 th. The Planning Board discussed the draft solar ordinance with the Planning Board attorney, William Caldwell, who asked for more clarification on details of this ordinance and suggested the solar and wind ordinance be combined into one. This will go back to the subcommittee to work out the details and a new draft will be presented to Council in about a month. Councilman Baggstrom has made contact with three bond counsel firms with a response from one; Mcmanimon & Scotland. There is a meeting with this firm scheduled for April 10 th at 7:00 p.m. to be attended by the Mayor, Councilman Baggstrom, the Clerk and CFO. Councilman Baggstrom spoke with Elizabeth, a paralegal at the firm and there are a number of ways to proceed. We may be able to qualify for a low interest loan from the N.J. Infrastructure Trust Fund. Councilman Smith reported that he and the Mayor have a quarterly meeting scheduled this Thursday with Tewksbury Twp. DPW Director, Hayden Hull and Administrator Landon. Councilman Smith asked Council if they had any questions or concerns to discuss with

9 75 Tewksbury Twp. Councilman Medea asked if they might discuss the possibility of periodically raking the ballfields, as they do on a regular basis on Tewksbury Twp. s fields. Councilwoman Andersen reported that she, the Mayor and Clerk met with the Police Chief of W.T., the W.T. Mayor, Ken Short and W.T. Police Commissioner Roerhrich for a quarterly police meeting. Discussed at this meeting was speeding on Philhower, School and Main streets and ideas for remediation of the speeding problems and park vandalism and ways to mitigate the vandalism issues, particularly since the summer months are fast approaching. Councilwoman Andersen reported that the Chief gave the Califon reps a tour of their police facility, which was very impressive. Councilwoman Andersen read the Court report for the month of March. Councilwoman Andersen reported that she and the Mayor will be scheduling a trip to observe the Court soon. Councilwoman Andersen reported that the Califon Preservation Committee is obtaining quotes for the exterior painting of the Nellie Hoffman house; a project that will begin soon. MAYOR S REPORT Mayor Daniel reported on a meeting he recently had with John Mello, representative from the EPA regarding the STAG/storm water grant. In attendance at this meeting was Borough Engineer, Donald Scott; the Clerk; Ken Klipstein from N.J.W.S.A. and two representatives from Quercus Studio, landscape architects. Mr. Mello explained to all present that there are all of the NEPA and SHPO requirements to meet before the Borough can be awarded the grant funding in the amount of $400,000. This group will try to meet every three months for status reports so the next meeting will be sometime in June. Mayor Daniel reported that he was invited to attend a meeting in Lebanon Twp. where representatives from FEMA met with homeowners of residences that were destroyed by the flooding from Hurricane Irene. These homeowners have to prove to FEMA that the assessed value of their properties was reduced, because of flooding damage, by at least 50%. Maggie McGuire, a Lebanon Twp. homeowner, whose property was severely damaged by the flooding, and advocate for those similarly affected, was present at the meeting and enlightened her neighbors on how to deal with FEMA. Mayor Daniel reported that he attended a meeting of Courage to Connect ; the topic of which was municipal consolidation. At this meeting, Princeton Boro and Princeton Twp., along with Merchantville and Cherry Hill, discussed the work involved and steps that need to be taken in order to transact their mergers. Mayor Daniel reported that Senator Michael Doherty, 23 rd District, will be here on April 16 th to discuss his Fair School Funding Plan. Mayor Daniel reported that he attended this presentation by Senator Doherty in Lebanon Boro a couple of weeks ago and it was very informative. Councilman Beard said he would ask the Califon School to get the word out about this presentation so that parents and school representatives can attend. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Deb Dawson, reporter for the Hunterdon Review, asked for the date of and purchase price of the

10 76 Nellie Hoffman house. The Clerk answered that the closing was in 2006 or 2007 and the purchase price was approximately $400,000. She will check on the exact dates and purchase price and report to Ms. Dawson. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor read the following Resolution which was introduced for adoption: RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A MEETING NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Califon is subject to certain requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, et seq., and WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12, provides that an Executive Session, not open to the public, may be held for certain specified purposes when authorized by Resolution, and WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Borough Council of the Borough of Califon to discuss in a session not open to the public certain matters relating to the item or items authorized by N.J.S.A. 10:4-12b and designated below: Matters Relating to Litigation, Negotiations and the Attorney-Client Privilege: Any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiation in which the public body is, or may become a party. Any matters falling within the attorney-client privilege, to the extent that confidentiality is required in order for the attorney to exercise his/her ethical duties as a lawyer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Califon assembled in public session on April 2, 2012, that an Executive Session closed to the public shall be held on April 2, 2012 at 9:33 P.M. in the Califon Municipal Building, 39 Academy St., Califon, N.J , for the discussion of matters relating to the specific items designated above. It is anticipated that the deliberations conducted in closed session may be disclosed to the public upon the determination of the Borough council that the public interest will no longer be served by such confidentiality. Motion was made by R. Baggstrom seconded by G. Smith to adopt Resolution as read.

11 77 Motion was made by K. Andersen seconded by R. Baggstrom to resume the regular meeting at 10:03 p.m. There being no further business to come before Council at this time, motion was made by G. Smith seconded by K. Andersen and unanimously accepted to adjourn the meeting at 10:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Laura G. Eidsvaag, RMC Municipal Clerk/Administrator