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MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEYAugust 14, 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 Special Meeting at 7:07 P.M.

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

Absent: Councilors Freier and Schlager

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

PENDING ORDINANCE

The pending ordinance entitled: “ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 228 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE TO PROVIDE NEW PARKING REGULATIONS FOR STREETS ADJACENT TO MONTCLAIR HIGH SCHOOL” (07-38) passed first reading July 24, 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. The hearing was held on August 7, 2007 and the ordinance was POSTPONED.

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

Mr. Timothy Farley, 122 Buckingham Road and Mr. Andrew Giustina, 296 Park Street, believe the proposed ordinance discriminates against Montclair High School students; they also stated that restricted parking (and the inability of 1500 students to leave the campus at lunch times) will create an overflow in the Montclair High School cafeteria.

Mr. Farley alerted the Council that students would not be able to participate in certain athletic activities if they did not have access to automotive transportation. Finally, he cited the permit cost as burdensome to students. There being no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Remsen closed the hearing.

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

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Mr. Gordon Stelter, Chief Financial Officer, presented a list of proposed budget adjustments as of August 14, 2007. This proposal included revenue adjustments totaling $3,575,000 and $464,629.22 in grants to be added to the adopted budget.

Councilor Mattox asked Mr. Stelter to provide clarification of expenses falling under/over the cap.

Mayor Remsen noted that Montclair’s budget is “coming in better” than several other municipalities; however, it is still a difficult year. He asked that anyone who may have concerns or substantive suggestions to convey them to the Council.

Deputy Mayor Michaelson stated that Council review of the budget should be a continuous process conducted throughout the year.

Councilor Tobin stated “it is time for municipalities to say we had enough to the New Jersey State legislature” because of the financial burden they place on New Jersey’s 566 municipalities.

Councilor Lang concurred. She believes that the current tax policy must be changed by the state.

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The Council approved the introduction of an amendment to the 2007 Budget by the following vote:

“Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Lang and Tobin. “Nay” Councilor Mattox.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Remsen asked if there was anyone present wishing to be heard concerning any matter of interest or importance:

Ms. Pegi Adam, 13 The Fairway, asked if a referendum was necessary to “increase the cap.” She also requested that the Township provide a simple version of the budget for public use.

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At 7:55 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

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EDWARD REMSENMAYOR

ATTEST:

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LINDA S. WANATMUNICIPAL CLERK