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MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY July 24, 2007

The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Conference Room in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, for a pre-meeting conference at 7:07 P.M.

Present: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang and Tobin.

Absent: Councilors Mattox and Schlager

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

DOG TETHERING ORDINANCE:

The Council will hold a public hearing on this ordinance on August 7, 2007; however, vote will be postponed until a later date.

* * *

Councilor Lang suggested that the Council withdraw 07-33 (rezoning four Orange Road properties from the R-1 one-family zone to the NC Neighborhood Commercial zone). The Council will announce this during the regular portion of tonight’s meeting.

* * *

Councilor Mattox joined the meeting.

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Review of agenda for the Regular Meeting.

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PLEASANT VALLEY WAY ROAD VACATION:

Township Attorney Alan Trembulak reported that a request had been received to vacate a portion of Pleasant Valley Way. The request will be sent to the Township Engineer for review.

* * *

TAX DELINQUENCY ISSUE:

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett explained an unfortunate situation which may negatively impact certain taxpayers who obtained reductions in their revaluation assessments i.e., scheduling and failure of State to deliver extraordinary aid figures in order for the Township to set the tax rate.

He recommended that the Council void the billing on any assessment that was reduced so that the Tax Collector will have a basis to waive interest on that portion.

* * *

At 7:39 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matters.

2. The general nature of the subject matters to be discussed are as follows: Advice of Counsel.

3. We do not anticipate that the matters discussed will be made public.

4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

At 8:12 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the executive session was adjourned by unanimous vote.

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The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, for a Regular Meeting at 8:15 P.M.

Present: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang, Mattox and Tobin.

Absent: Councilor Schlager

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MAYOR’S REPORT

On motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the minutes of May 22, 2007 were approved by unanimous vote.

* **

PENDING ORDINANCES

The pending ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 347-4 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY BY REZONING FOUR PROPERTIES ON ORANGE ROAD FROM THE R-1 ONE FAMILY ZONE TO THE N-C NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONE” (07-33) passed first reading June 12, 2007 and upon second reading the title thereof was read by the Clerk who then reported that it had been published and posted and copies had been made available to the public as required by law and that an affidavit to that effect was on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

Mayor Remsen asked whether anyone present wished to address the Councilors regarding the proposed ordinance.

There being no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Remsen closed the hearing.

On motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the ordinance was WITHDRAWN by unanimous vote.

* * *

NEW BUSINESS

Deputy Mayor Michaelson introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on August 7, 2007.

“ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 228 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE TO PROVIDE NEW PARKING REGULATIONS FOR STREETS ADJACENT TO MONTCLAIR HIGH SCHOOL” (07-38).

The motion was adopted by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang and Tobin. “Nay” Councilor Mattox.

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On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, on January 13, 2003, the Montclair Planning Board granted Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval to Montclair Auto Group (the “Developer”) for construction of various improvements, including a new parking deck to be constructed on property commonly known as 39 Orange Road the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A.40:55D-53 and Montclair Code Section 301-39A(2), the Developer posted a performance guarantee with the Township in the total amount of $630,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the Developer has completed all required improvements to the Property, except for two minor items, and complied with all other requirements of the Planning Board Resolution relative to the Property; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Board Engineer has verified that all required improvements have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with applicable Township requirements, except for two items noted in the Engineer’s Memorandum to the Planning Board, dated July 5, 2007, a coy of which is attached hereto; now therefore,

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BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township hereby accepts the improvements determined to be complete and satisfactory by the Planning Board Engineer; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township shall release and return to the Developer all performance guarantees posted in connection with the subject property, except for the sum of $10,000.00 which shall not be released until the Planning Board Engineer or the Township Engineer has verified satisfactory completion of the two items noted in the attached Memorandum.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that DEPUTY

MAYOR JOYCE MICHAELSON AND COUNCILOR SANDRA LANG be and they hereby are appointed to serve as Montclair’s representative to the Essex County Community Development Representatives’ Committee for the year 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that KAREN KADUS be and she hereby is authorized to serve as Montclair’s representative to the Essex County Community Development Representatives’ Committee for the year; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that any and all actions made to date by the above mentioned representatives are hereby ratified and confirmed.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the Montclair Community Intervention Alliance has prepared for submission its application for funding for the year 2008; and

WHEREAS, the County of Essex Department of Health & Rehabilitation, Division of Health Services, requires authorization by the governing body to submit the aforementioned application; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that authorization is hereby given for the submission of said application.

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On motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang and Tobin.

“Nay” Councilor Mattox.

WHEREAS, an emergent condition has arisen in that the Township is expected to enter in contracts, commitments or payments prior to the 2007 budget and no adequate provision has been made in the 2007 temporary budget for the aforesaid purposes, and

WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-20 provides for the creation of an emergency temporary appropriation for said purpose, and

WHEREAS, the total emergency temporary appropriation resolutions adopted in the year 2007 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20) including this resolution total as follows:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, State of New Jersey, (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20:

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1. Emergency temporary appropriations be and the same are hereby made in the amount of $5,097,474.37 as per the attached schedule.

2. Said emergency temporary appropriations will be provided for in the 2007 budget.

3. That one certified copy of this resolution be filed with the Director, Division of Local Government Services.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

BE IT RESOLVED that the following persons are hereby appointed to the Advisory committee on

Public Memorials for terms of two years effective immediately:

Representing the Montclair Historical SocietyNancy Simonic

Representing the Montclair Arts CouncilPatricia Selden

Representing the Parks, Recreation and

Cultural Affairs Advisory CommitteeNancy Miller

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS,N.J.A.C 15-3.7, adopted in accordance with P.L. 2003, Chapter 117, Sections 38 and 39, established the New Jersey Public Records Preservation Account for the support of county and municipal government efforts in the management, storage and preservation of public records; and

WHEREAS, P.L. Chapter 117, Sections 38 and 39 has dedicated 40% of all recording fees collected by county clerks and registers deposited in this account for distribution to county and municipal governments to ensure a sound foundation is laid for records management throughout county and municipal government; and

WHEREAS, through unprecedented cooperation between New Jersey’s PARIS Grants Program, all of New Jersey’s 21 counties and 315 New Jersey municipalities, will be eligible to apply for FY 2008 funds for Program Year 2008-2009; and

WHEREAS, this cooperation between New Jersey’s PARIS Grants Program, and New Jersey counties and municipalities, has created cost efficiencies in excess of $20,000,000 for county and municipal government; and

WHEREAS, the 2008 state budget reduced PARIS Grants Funding by an amount of $10,000,000; and

WHEREAS, estimated requests from eligible applicants are greater than $40,000,000 for PARIS projects funded through the 2008 state budget; and

WHEREAS, The PARIS Grants Programs is an example of a government program instituting permanent positive change for local governments and residents; and

WHEREAS, under the PARIS program, counties and municipalities have excelled in providing greater transparency of government actions, by making more documents more readily available to more concerned citizens at less cost in a shorter period of time; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, as follows:

1.The Township urges the Legislature and Governor Corzine to restore full funding for County and Municipal PARIS grants.

2.The Township appeals to the Legislature and Governor Corzine to protect this crucial, fundamental, viable program for County and Municipal PARIS grants.

3.The Township Clerk shall forward certified copies of this resolution to the following:

a. Governor Corzine

b. District Legislators

c. County Clerk

d. Nina Mitchell-Wells, Secretary of State, State of New Jersey

e. Karl Niederer, Director, NJ Division of Archives and Records Management

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f. New Jersey League of Municipalities

g. New Jersey Association of Counties

h. Constitutional Officers of New Jersey

i. Municipal Clerk Association of New Jersey

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On motion made by Councilor Tobin and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, on June 13, 2007 the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for Kaveny and Mountainside Field Improvements - Alternate C (Entire Project), as prescribed by law; and

WHEREAS, this contract has been awarded pursuant to a “fair and open process” as defined in the New Jersey Pay-to-Play law, N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, Zenith Construction Services, Inc. of 256 Grant Avenue, East Newark, New Jersey submitted the lowest responsible bid, according to the specifications, in the amount of $650,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the monies for this project have been appropriated in the following Capital Budget Account(s):

therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that Zenith Construction Services, Inc.be and they are hereby awarded the above-stated contract, pending certification of funds by the Finance Director. Details of the contract are attached hereto and made a part hereof.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Lang and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote: “Ayes” Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang and Tobin. “Nay” Councilor Mattox.

WHEREAS, on June 27, 2007 the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for Street Improvements on South Fullerton Avenue - Section 1, as prescribed by law; and

WHEREAS, this contract has been awarded pursuant to a “fair and open process” as defined in the New Jersey Pay-to-Play law, N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, Cifelli and Son general constructionof 4 Coppola Street, Nutley, NJ submitted the lowest responsible bid, according to the specifications, in the amount of $124,200.03; and

WHEREAS, the monies for this project have been appropriated in the following Capital Budget Account(s):

and

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that CIFELLI AND SON GENERAL CONSTRUCTION be and they are hereby awarded the above-stated contract, pending certification of funds by the Finance Director. Details of the contract are attached hereto and made a part hereof.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair has entered into an Amended and Restated Intralocal and Lease Agreement with the Montclair Parking Authority (the “Parking Authority) pursuant to which the Township has leased certain Parking Facilities to the Authority; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-36, provides that a municipality may sell personal property not needed for public use to another “contracting unit” without advertising for bids; and

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WHEREAS, the Parking Authority qualifies as a “contracting unit” under the Local Public Contracts Law; and

WHEREAS, the Township is the owner of a “Brandt/De La Rue” Coin Counter and Sorter (Model 6600-052-Number 801500 with printer) which is no longer needed by the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township has agreed to sell and transfer the aforementioned equipment to the Parking Authority for the sum of $2,500.00 which is the current value of the equipment according to an estimate prepared by Frank Connell Associates, dated June 26, 2007; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township Manager be and he is hereby authorized to take any and all action necessary to sell and transfer the aforementioned “Brandt/De La Rue” Coin Sorter and Counter, with printer, to the Montclair Parking Authority, for the sum of $2,500.00.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Tobin and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, by Resolution dated June 12, 2007, the Township Council nominated the following two properties for designation as historic landmarks pursuant to the Historic Preservation Ordinance of the Township of Montclair:

848 Valley Road(“The Van Reyper-Bond House”) Block 1005 Lot 8

108 Orange Road(“The Clark House”)Block 1304 Lot 11

and

WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed nominations and adopted resolutions on July 19, 2007 recommending that the subject properties be designated as historic landmarks; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Council hereby refers the Historic Preservation Commission’s resolutions, and any accompanying reports regarding the aforementioned properties, to the Planning Board for a report and recommendation in accordance with Montclair Code Section 347-135B(8), which report shall be provided to the Township Council as soon as possible but not more than 60 days from the date of this Resolution.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair supports the development and installation of traffic calming as a means of managing traffic speeds on Township streets; and

WHEREAS, the proper installation of “Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk” signs on and within public streets has been demonstrated to be effective in improving pedestrian safety; and

WHEREAS, the proposed sign locations, listed on Attachment A, includes roadways under the jurisdiction of Essex County that have been determined by the Township Engineer to meet the New Jersey Department of Transportation standards for installation; and

WHEREAS, Essex County requires the Township of Montclair to assume responsibility for installation, maintenance and/or replacement of “Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk” signs installed on County roads within the Township of Montclair; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Montclair does hereby agree to install, maintain and/or replace “Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk” signs to be installed on County Roads and to hold Essex County harmless for any claims and/or litigation relating to said signs. A copy Attachment A - “Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk” Sign Locations on Essex County Roads is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Freier and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, on June 27, 2007, the Township of Montclair opened and read bids, as prescribed by law, for general electrical services to be provided to the Township, and

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WHEREAS, Sal’s Electric Co., Inc. of Jersey City, New Jersey, submitted the lowest responsible bid for the required services, in accordance with the bid specifications, namely $68.21 per hour for journeymen and $23.87 per hour for apprentices; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that Sal’s Electric Co., Inc. be and is hereby awarded a contract for general electrical services to be provided to the Township of Montclair, pending certification of funds by the Chief Financial Officer.

* * *

On motion made by Deputy Mayor Michaelson and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair recently underwent a complete tax revaluation of all properties; and

WHEREAS, as part of the tax revaluation process certain taxpayers received reductions in their initial assessments as a result of informal conferences with the Township’s appraisal company, , Appraisal Systems, Inc, (“ASI”) of Glen Rock, New Jersey, which reductions were made directly by ASI as part of said revaluation program; and

WHEREAS, estimated tax bills were recently sent by the Township for the third quarter of 2007 which did not reflect the aforesaid reduced assessments because the Essex County Tax Board closed the tax books on February 8, 2007, and because the Township has not yet adopted its 2007 budget in order to certify a new tax rate for 2007; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the foregoing, the third quarter estimated tax bills include a charge for taxes against the amounts that the aforesaid taxpayers’ assessments were reduced; and

WHEREAS, charges for taxes based upon the initial assessments, rather than the reduced assessments approved by ASI result in an unfair and unintended overcharge and said overcharges are, in fact, not taxes which are due from the aforesaid taxpayers;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, hereby finds and determines as follows:

1)       Taxes billed against the aforesaid assessment reductions are void ab initio only as to that portion of the third quarter 2007 estimated tax bills that relates to the amount by which the assessed value of the property was reduced by ASI as part of the tax revaluation program as described above; and

2)       Pursuant to Paragraph 1 above, for any such taxpayer who may have withheld payment on that specific portion of their estimated tax bill applicable to the reduced assessment amount – i.e., the portion which is hereby being declared void ab initio – there will be no interest charged on that amount only, for the period from August 1, 2007 to November 1, 2007 only; and

3)       Nothing contained herein shall be applicable to any taxes or interest due or owing for any part of a tax bill or estimated bill except the amount by which the assessment was reduced by ASI as described above; and

4)       Nothing contained herein shall be applicable to any tax appeals filed with the Essex County Tax Board or the New Jersey Tax Court.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Lang and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 94 Pine Street, is currently observing the 100^th Anniversary of its founding, marked by various celebrations throughout the year—including the recent three day festival—which culminated with a celebratory Mass on July 16^th, the feast day of the church’s patroness, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel; and

WHEREAS, the church was established in 1907 after the Italian community in Montclair petitioned the diocese of Newark and was given its own parish and pastor, Reverend Paul Lisa, who supervised the fund-raising campaign to build the church which was within walking distance of most of its members. The church evolved from a struggling mission serving the needs of an immigrant population, to a pillar of the community and stronghold of faith providing a center for the celebration of Italian culture and customs even as its members were adjusting to the new language and traditions of their adoptive country; and

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WHEREAS, Montclair recognizes the many accomplishments of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and the many contributions its parishioners have made to the community; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, congratulate Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church of Montclair and their pastor, Father Anthony Lionelli, on the occasion of the 100^th Anniversary and extend our best wishes in their ministry in the years that lie ahead.

* * *

On motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that said bills be and they are hereby ordered paid and that warrants be drawn on the Treasurer to the order of such persons for the amount respectively as hereinafter stated to wit: $1,250,849.76.

* * *

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Municipal Clerk reported that she had filed in her office a list of reports and communications received since the last meeting.

On motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the following reports and communications were accepted and ordered to be made part of the minutes of this meeting:

FILED: Complaint in Lieu of Prerogative Writs filed with the Superior Court Clerk which challenges the validity of the decision rendered by the Essex County Board of Construction Appeals in reversing the Construction Official’s denial of a demolition permit for 24 Upper Mountain Avenue and ordered that a demolition permit be issued as of January 16, 2007.

Complaint, Jury Demand and Designation of Trial Attorney: Barbara Berger vs. Town of Montclair, Board of Education, Community pre-K and ABC Corp. (fictitious business entity).

Notice of Claim:

Marcus H. Brown, d/a: April 25, 2007.

Petition and letter from Residents of Edgemont Road and School Parents re: Township of Montclair address with urgency the public safety hazard that the damaged infrastructure of the Street, Edgemont Road, represents.

Letters of objection to the proposed “dog tethering ordinance” received from: The Collie Club of Northern New Jersey, Inc., the Garden State Neapolitan Mastiff Club, the New Brunswick Kennel Club and the Ramapo Kennel Club.

* * *

Councilor Lang recently attended the 100^th anniversary of Mt. Carmel Church. She thanked Martin’s Funeral Home and St. Paul’s Church for their support of the recent gospel performance held in the municipality as part of its summer concert series.

Councilor Freier explained the calculations necessary to compute accurate tax payments.

Councilor Mattox welcomed audience members from the Fourth Ward and noted a recent meeting with residents of Mission and New Streets to discuss the newly enacted ordinance regarding overnight parking permits on those streets.

Mayor Remsen thanked Councilor Lang for her efforts to assist with facilitating arrangements during the Mt. Carmel Church anniversary celebration. He announced a “safe routes” grant to Rand School in the amount of $324,000. Mayor Remsen urged all to participate in a summer blood drive conducted by the Montclair Red Cross.

Deputy Mayor Michaelson announced that the final summer concert given by the community will be held at Edgemont Park on Thursday evening. In case of rain, it will be held at Montclair High School.

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Councilor Tobin announced his hope to enter into a dialog with Montclair State University with regard to maintenance and upkeep of the Van Reyper-Bond House on their campus. He also reported next steps with regard to the Upper Montclair Railroad Station.

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett thanked the Council for awarding several contracts for work within the municipality. He also reported that the Township is still awaiting word regarding extraordinary aid awards from the State of New Jersey.

Municipal Clerk Linda Wanat announced a successful lobbying effort which resulted in an appropriation of 10.5 million dollars to address costs associated with the new Presidential Primary Election.

* * *

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Remsen stated that the meeting was now open to the public and asked if there was anyone present

who wished to address the Council regarding any matters of interest or importance:

Mr. John Weisel, President, Board of Trustees, Montclair Historical Society and Mr. Mike Simon, Vice

President, Board of Trustees, Montclair Historical Society, presented the Orange Road History Center Plan:

·Site of Crane and Clark Houses

·Focal point for Montclair history education

· Destination site for residents and visitors

· Partnership with local schools and other non-profits

· Current Plan

1. Extensive building restoration

2. Historic gardens restored and expanded

3. Education center created

4. Montclair History Library established

5. Programs and support endowed

Mr. Weisel stated that the Montclair Historical Society would like to work closely with the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission, the Township Council, the Planning Department and the municipality on projects of interest to all. Council members suggested several scenarios for collaborations.

Ms. Ethel Booker, 24 Ward Place, referencing 399 Orange Road, suggested that certain emissions are detrimental to the health of Montclair citizens. She asked that the municipality be cognizant of the dangers. She also complained about the lack of summer bulky waste pickup for residents of the South End.

Mr. Eric Feggins, 33 South Willow Street, protested the proposed sale of 32 South Willow Street to Covenant House. He asked what the Council could do regarding this matter.

Mrs. Wineglass, 16 Mission Street, expressed concern over her perceived lack of representation for her ward.

Ms. Patty Grunther, 44 Mission Street, stated her confusion regarding the timetable for implementation of permit parking on Mission Street and New Street. She urged the Council to reconsider this ordinance.

Mr. Felix Ocascio, 17 William Street, and Anthony Glouster, 8 William Street, residents of “Frog Hollow,” protested tax increases due to the recent revaluation. He believes this area should have historic status as a “working class” neighborhood and a separate tax structure.

Mr. Mike Merritt, 110 Midland Avenue, stated that the new assessment will have a detrimental effect on diversity within the Township. He asked for “special status” for this area.

Ms. Paulette Johnson, 26 William Street, believes many tax appeals during the recent revaluation were not successful.

Mr. Felix Ocascio, 17 William Street, believes increased taxes are “pushing people out of Montclair.”

Ms. Raquel Ocascio, 17 William Street, reiterated similar concerns.

Ms. Helen Moore, 14 William Street, stated that she is being “taxed out of the county.”

Mrs. Carol Schlein, 168 Midland Avenue, protested the lack of notification regarding the proposed changes to parking surrounding Montclair High School. She does not believe the ordinance as introduced will be effective.

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Dr. Renee Baskerville, 371 Orange Road, thanked the Council for withdrawing the proposed Orange Road zone change ordinance. She asked to establish a dialogue with the Council to discuss “a desirable, visual character” for the South End.

Ms. Lillian Clifton, 58 Mission Street, stated that the residents of this street should be able to park for a nominal fee.

Ms. Winsome Smith, 58 Mission Street, protested a parking ticket that she believes was given to her improperly.

Ms. Miller, 79 Mission Street, asked if the purchase of an overnight permit for Mission Street would guarantee a space.

Ms. Carolyn Rowley, 25 Mission Street, expressed dismay at this evening’s proceedings.

Ms. Mildred Childress, 25 Hitchcock Place, protested the lack of a response regarding a Township tree that is “clogging” her sewer system.

There being no one else present wishing to be heard, Mayor Remsen closed the hearing.

* * *

At 11:03 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

___________________________________________
EDWARD REMSENMAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________________
LINDA S. WANATMUNICIPAL CLER