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MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY

April 8, 2008

At 6:15 P.M., an informal reception was held with students from the London Borough of Barnet.

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 7:14 P.M.
Present: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang, Schlager and Tobin.
Absent: Councilor Mattox

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

PRESENTATION ON MONTCLAIR CAPS

Guest: Gordon Stelter, Chief Financial Officer, presented the following:

“MUNICIPAL CAPS

1. TWO TYPES
1. Municipal Budget CAP
2. Property Tax Levy CAP - New

1. MUNICIPAL BUDGET “CAP”
1. What is being “Capped”? – Increase in Certain Expenditures
2. Percentage Limit – COLA up to 3.5% or Referendum
3. Exceptions – “Outside of CAPS”
1. Library
2. Excess Health Insurance
3. Other Limited Non Operating Short Term Items
4. Phase-In Pension Obligation
5. Interlocal Municipal Service Agreements
6. Grants
7. Capital Improvements
8. Debt Service
9. Emergency Authorizations
10. Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
4. “Add Ons”
1. New Ratables/Added Assessments

1. PROPERTY TAX LEVY “CAP”
1. What is being “Capped”? – Increase in Amount to be Raised by Taxes
2. Percentage Limit – 4%
3. Exceptions – “Exclusions”
1. Debt Service
2. Allowable Pension Increase
3. Allowable Increase in Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
4. Allowable Increase in Health Care Costs
5. Capital Improvement Fund or Down Payment on Improvements
6. Deferred Charges to Future Taxation Unfunded
4. “Add Ons”
1. New Ratables/Added Assessments
2. State Aid Formula Loss
3. Referendum
4. Waivers
2. MUNICIPAL BUDGET “CAP” vs. PROPERTY TAX LEVY “CAP”

1. SUMMARY – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MONTCLAIR?

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1. How does the new Property Tax Levy “CAP” affect the Budget?
2. Status of State Aid?
3. Challenging Times
4. Future Years”

***

Councilor Mattox joined the meeting.

***

 Review of agenda for the Regular Meeting.

***
EASEMENT DISCUSSION

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett provided background on this agenda item. The City of Clifton has requested an enlargement of an easement for a sanity sewer line that runs through the Alonzo F. Bonsal Preserve. The Council will continue discussion of this matter at the regular Council Meeting.

***

Mayor Remsen brought forward a suggestion that the Township invite a representative of Montclair State University to serve as Grand Marshall of the Fourth of July Parade. He also acknowledges the following Montclair residents who will be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame: Buzz Aldrin and Yogi Berra.

***

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

***

The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Ave, for a Regular Meeting at 8:05 P.M.
Present: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang, Mattox, Schlager and Tobin.
Absent: none

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

***

PRESENTATION: FRIENDS OF MONTCLAIR

The Council received students and members of the Friends of Montclair. Wendy Webster spoke on behalf of the group and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Montclair Council for their civic welcome and reception earlier this evening. Also speaking for the group, Kevin Mcsharly thanked all involved for their extrodinary hospitality (especially Applegate’s ice cream cone!)

***

PUBLIC COMMENT

Chris Manthey, 19 Marquette Rd, Clifton, neighbor of the Alonzo Bonsal Preserve, believes that a recent report on this project is lacking in detail. He asked the Council to consider alternatives.

Debra DeSalvo, 7 Elizabeth Rd, believes a “preserve should be preserved.” She appealed to the Council to save this area.

Martha Bonsal Day and Julia Bonsal, 17 Duryea Rd, restated the “vision” for the preserve and the family’s desire to maintain it as an ecological, educational and passive recreation space. On behalf of her family she urged the Council to maintain this space as a refuge.

Michael Devito, 43 Marquette Rd, reiterated earlier objections to the development of this property.

Lisa Schaffer, 17 Marquette Rd, urged the Council “not to pave paradise”

***

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NEW BUSINESS

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

RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE FORM AND OTHER DETAILS OF $14,600,000 SCHOOL BONDS (SCHOOL BONDS RESERVE ACT, P.L. 1980, C. 72) OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, NEW JERSEY AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR SALE.

***

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

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair and the Township of Belleville wish to renew their agreement pursuant to which the Township of Montclair furnishes health services of a technical and professional nature to the Township of Belleville pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:A2-1 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Interlocal Services Act, N.J.S.A. 40:8A-1 et seq., provides that a municipality may enter into contracts with other municipalities or local units for the joint provision of any service; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the Township to continue to provide health services to the Township of Belleville in exchange for quarterly payments to be received by the Township; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Mayor and Township Clerk be and they are hereby authorized to execute and attest the attached interlocal agreement with the Township of Belleville for the provision of health services.

***

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

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair and the Township of Nutley wish to enter into a contract for the furnishing of health services of a technical and professional nature; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair agrees to pay the Township of Nutley during the contract period, January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, thirty-five dollars ($35) per hour of nursing time which includes administrative costs for 15 hours per week of nursing time.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township Mayor, Clerk and Manager be and are hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement with the Township of Nutley for Professional Public Health Nursing Services.

***

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

WHEREAS, an emergent condition has arisen in that the Township is expected to enter in contracts, commitments or payments prior to the 2008 budget and no adequate provision has been made in the 2008 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 2008 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20) including this resolution total as follows:

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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:

1. Emergency temporary appropriations be and the same are hereby made in the amount of $9,447,891.58 as per the attached schedule.

1. Said emergency temporary appropriations will be provided for in the 2008 budget.

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

***

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

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2008 the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for Lorraine Avenue Street Improvements , 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, jenicar builders contractors of 573 Belegrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032 submitted the lowest responsible bid, according to the specifications, in the amount of $620,559.32 ; 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 JENICAR BUILDERS CONTRACTORS 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.

***

Councilor Lang requested an update on the use of minority vendors on all municipal projects as soon as possible.

***

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

WHEREAS, on March 26, 2008 the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for South Fullerton Avenue Street Improvements , as prescribed by law; and

WHEREAS, there was an error in the contract quantity listed on the Township's bid proposal for a key item ; and

WHEREAS,  the bid proposals received were unbalanced for said quantity, resulting in potentially significant additional cost to the Township ; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the bid proposals received be and they are hereby rejected

***

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

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WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair owns various motor vehicles which are no longer in service, and the Township wishes to dispose of such vehicles; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-36, provides that the governing body of a municipality may authorize the sale by public auction of any personal property not needed for public use; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township shall conduct a public auction of the attached list of surplus township vehicles, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-36, on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

***

On motion made by Deputy Mayor Michaelson 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 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 2008; 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 Deputy Mayor Michaelson and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, pursuant to a Resolution adopted on January 12, 2004, the Montclair Planning Board granted Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval to Herod Redevelopment I, LLC (the “Developer”) for property located in the “Hahne’s Redevelopment Area” designated as Lot2 in Block 2205 on the Montclair Township Tax Maps; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53 and Montclair Code Section 301-39A(2), the Developer posted performance guarantees with the Township to ensure the completion of various improvements required in connection with the approved project; and

WHEREAS, the Developer has completed all required improvements and complied with all other applicable requirements of the Planning Board Resolution; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer and the Planning Board Engineer have determined that all improvements have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with Township requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Developer has agreed to provide the Township with a two-year Maintenance Bond for the completed improvements as required by the Municipal Land Use Law; now therefore,

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 Township Engineer and Planning Board Engineer; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township shall release and return to the Developer the balance of all performance guarantees posted in connection with redevelopment of “The Siena” Building on Block 2205 Lot 2, upon the Township’s receipt of a two-year Maintenance Bond in the amount of $8,577.00 in compliance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53(2) and in form and substance satisfactory to the Township Attorney

***

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

WHEREAS, pursuant to Township policy, an application was made for the installation of a public memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King at Nishuane Park; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to said policy, this application was vetted by the Township’s Public Memorials Committee; and

WHEREAS, the Public Memorials Committee has recommended said installation as per the attached letter from the Chair of said Committee; now therefore
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BE IT RESOLVED that the installation of a public memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King at Nishune Park as recommended by the Public Memorials Committee as per the attached drawing and as per the approved application on file in the Office of the Township Clerk be and is hereby approved.

***

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

WHEREAS, the Alonzo F. Bonsal Preserve (hereinafter “the Preserve”) is owned by the Township of Montclair and represents rare and valuable open space and an important resource to the residents of Montclair and nearby communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Clifton has an easement for a sanitary sewer line that runs through the Preserve; and

WHEREAS, Clifton has proposed an enlargement of the easement to provide greater access to the sewer line for the purposes of inspection, cleaning, repair and maintenance; and

WHEREAS, the enlargement of the easement could require the destruction of many trees and be a disturbance of and infringement on the Preserve; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council believes that the Preserve should remain in its current undeveloped state and the Council is therefore not inclined to support any plan that would create new roads or pathways through the Preserve or result in the permanent clearing or removal of trees; and

WHEREAS; at the present time the City of Clifton has requested permission via an easement agreement to construct a roadway to support vehicles it believes are necessary to clean and inspect the existing line; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township Council hereby requests that the City of Clifton provide an alternate plan or plans for addressing any necessary cleaning and inspection of the existing sewer line within the Preserve, taking into account the aforementioned considerations and the Township’s stated goal to maintain or enhance the natural state of the Preserve.

***

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

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair is in need of architectural and engineering services to design certain interior space to be leased by the Township in accordance with the Redevelopment Agreement between the Township and Lincoln Montclair Urban Renewal, LLC in the building presently being constructed on property commonly known as 11 Pine Street and designated as Block 4201 Lot 6.01 on the Township Tax Maps; and

WHEREAS, the Township intends to sublease the subject premises for use as a child care facility in accordance with the approved Redevelopment Plan for the “Bay Street Station Redevelopment Area;” and

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair has decided to retain DMR Architects to provide the required architectural services and engineering services; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5 authorizes the Township to enter into contracts for professional services without competitive bidding; and

WHEREAS, this contract is being awarded in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 et seq. applicable to non-fair and open contracts; and

WHEREAS, DMR Architects has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification certifying that he has not made any reportable contributions to any political or candidate committee in the Township of Montclair in the previous one year period, and the subject contract will prohibit said individual from making any reportable contributions during the term of this contract; and

WHEREAS, the cost of this contract will be paid with funds received by the Township from New Jersey Transit in settlement of the “Montclair Connection” litigation; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Mayor and Township Clerk be and they are hereby authorized to execute and attest the attached contract between the Township and DMR Architects for architectural and engineering services at a cost not to exceed $31,200.00, in a form similar to the agreement attached hereto, pending certification of available funds by the Chief Financial Officer and final approval of the contract by the Township Attorney.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice shall be published in the Montclair Times stating the nature, duration, service and amount of the attached agreement and that copies of the Resolution and agreement are on file and available for inspection in the office of the Township Clerk.

***

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

WHEREAS, on March 19, 2008, the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for the Purchase and Delivery of One New 10-Yard Combination Sewer Cleaner and Vacuum Manhole Cleaner, as prescribed by law; and

WHEREAS, one bid was received for this vehicle which substantially exceeded the Township’s cost estimate for this purchase; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-13.2, the bid received from Jet-Vac, Inc. for the purchase and delivery of One New 10-Yard Combination Sewer Cleaner and Vacuum Manhole Cleaner, be and is hereby rejected.

***

On motion made by Deputy Mayor Michaelson 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 E. RICHARD DIXON AND MUFFY DIXON be and they hereby are APPOINTED to serve on the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee for a term commencing immediately and terminating December 31, 2009.

***

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

WHEREAS, the communities of Clifton, Little Falls and Montclair recognize the important role Montclair State University plays in New Jersey’s system of higher education and appreciates the outstanding education the University provides to State residents, including many from their own communities; and

WHEREAS, these communities also appreciate the many services and programs the University provides to their schools and local organizations, as well as the opportunity for their residents to use the University’s excellent facilities and enjoy its many cultural offerings; and

WHEREAS, the communities of Clifton, Little Falls and Montclair also recognize, however, that Montclair State University is the fastest growing University in the State, with a plan to expand to 18,000 students in 2008, and that the continued expansion of the University has significant adverse impacts on their respective infrastructures and municipal services, as well as their residents; and

WHEREAS, each of the communities has determined that there should be a continuing dialogue with the University regarding its expansion plans and has decided that the best method to achieve and promote this dialogue is through an organization with representation from all three communities; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, hereby authorizes the establishment of a “Tri-Town Board” comprised of Clifton, Little Falls and Montclair and approves the Township’s participation in same; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council will appoint two Council Members as the Township’s representatives to the Tri-Town Board, and one Council Member as an alternate representative, all of whom shall serve two-year terms.

***

Councilor Tobin asked that representatives to this newly appointed group be appointed within the next two weeks.

***

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

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair is a party to a Redevelopment Agreement with Lincoln Montclair Urban Renewal, L.L.C. (the “Redeveloper”) with respect to a portion of the Bay Street Station Redevelopment Area (Phase II), dated as of October 10, 2003 (the “Redevelopment Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, as part of its obligations under the Redevelopment Agreement, the Redeveloper is constructing a mixed-use project consisting of an apartment building with approximately 160 residential units and 6,000 square feet of space to be subleased to the Township for use as a child day care center (the “Township Sublease Space”); and

WHEREAS, the Township previously entered into a Memorandum of Agreement, dated January 10, 2006, pursuant to which the Township agreed to sublease the Township Sublease Space to Day Nurseries, Inc. for use as a child day care center as provided for in the Redevelopment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Day Nurseries’ child care license has been revoked by the State, and the corporation is no longer operating a child care center; and

WHEREAS, The Neighborhood Child Care Center, Inc. is a nationally accredited organization with an 84-year history of providing quality, affordable child care for lowincome families in the Township of Montclair and neighboring communities through a State-certified child care program; and

WHEREAS, The Neighborhood Child Care Center, Inc. has actively attempted to succeed Day Nurseries in servicing the child care needs of low-income families in the Township by, among other things, providing child care services to Day Nurseries’ former clients and giving priority status to the hiring of displaced employees of Day Nurseries; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council has determined that it is consistent with the terms and objectives of the aforementioned Redevelopment Agreement, and in the best interests of the Montclair community, for the Township to enter into a Sublease with The Neighborhood Child Care Center, Inc. for the Township Sublease Space on terms substantially similar to the Township’s prior agreement with Day Nurseries; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Mayor and Township Clerk be and they are hereby authorized to execute and attest the attached Memorandum of Agreement with The Neighborhood Child Care Center, Inc.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Manager and the Township Attorney are hereby authorized to negotiate the terms of a written Sublease with The Neighborhood Child Care Center, Inc. in accordance with the terms of the attached Memorandum of Agreement, which Sublease shall be subject to the approval by the Township Council.

***

On motion made by Deputy Mayor Michaelson 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 FABIO GIRELLI-CARASI be and hereby is APPOINTED to serve as a member of the Parking Advisory Committee immediately and terminating December 31, 2010.

***

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

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 hereafter stated to wit: $1,167,289.60

***

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.

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FILED:Monthly report for the month of January 2008:

Tax Collector’s Office$ 8,041,282.45

Monthly report for the month of February 2008:

Tax Collector’s Office$ 28,977,942.85

Monthly report for the month of March 2008:

Municipal Clerks Office$ 4,909.25

Tax Collector’s Office$ 2,023,087.12

Oaths of Office:

Dean M. Berardi, Regular Police Officer
Paul W. Rusiniak, Jr., Regular Police Officer
Anthony Swan, Regular Police Officer
Keith Testa, Probationary Firefighter

One Supplemental Debt Statement received approved from the Dividion of Local Government Services from February 19, 2008.

1. “Certificate of the Montclair Board of Education to the Board of School Estimate of the Township of Montclair, New Jersey” relating to the school district budget for the 2008-2009 school year.
2. “Certificate of the Montclair Board of Education to the Board of School Estimates of the Township of Montclair, New Jersey” relating to Authorization of School Bonds for Capital Purposes.
3. “Certificate of the Board of School Estimate to the Board of Education of the Township of Montclair, New Jersey, and Council of the Township of Montclair, New Jersey” relating to the school district budget for the 2008-2009 school year.
4. “Certificate of the Board of School Estimate to the Board of Education of the Township of Montclair, New Jersey, and Council of the Township of Montclair, New Jersey” relating to Authorization of School Bonds for Capital Purposes.

One fully executed copy of an auditor’s agreement between Samuel Klein and Company and the Township of Montclair for 2007

One fully executed contract for an Independent Consultant between the Montclair Economic Development Corporation and the Township of Montclair for 2007

One Order to Show Cause from the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Law re: State of New Jersey v. Glenmont RR Crossing, et al.

One Order to Show Cause from the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Law re: State of New Jersey v. Mohammed Arifee, et al.

One approval for a grant award from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to the Township of Montclair for the Municipal Alliance Program for 58,100.00 for 2008.

One letter from Sean W. Russell, a T-Mobile representative, re: the location of the proposed monopole on the property at 219 North Fullerton.

One letter from The Second River Joint Meeting to Gordon L. Stelter, Chief of Finance, containing a resolution that explained an assessment due from the Township of Montclair for the sum of $5,050.84.

One letter from Bonnie Cushing, 115 Bellevue Ave, to the Township Council asking for the school budget to allow for an additional music teacher.

One letter from the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice to the Mayor concerning an award under the FY Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program (Safe and Secure).

One letter from Frederick D. Chichester and Patricia C. Kenshaft to the Township Manager, Engineer and Council asking not to disturb the curbs and trees because tree’s are important.

***
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Mayor Remsen thanked Jason Street, owner of Applegate Farms for his generosity and service to the community and, especially for the ice cream treats provided to the student delegation from Barnet.

Mayor Remsen noted that he will attend the 10th anniversary celebration of the MECC. He recently met with members of the Environmental Commission and reported that he will assist this group in developing a Shade Tree Preservation ordinance. He announced the completion of the Board of Education budget and referenced its reduction from the budget originally proposed.

Councilor Mattox noted that his wife Kuae will be honored at an upcoming MECC event.

Councilor Freier provided background on the Council’s involvement with the proposed Pre-K Center at the Bay St development site. He also suggested that perhaps it was time to follow Montclair’s example of hosting children from the London Borough of Barnet during wartime (WWII) by reaching out to children currently living in such situations across the world.

Councilor Lang stated that it was a “labor of love” to assist The Neighborhood Center in its expansion. Councilor Lang welcomed former Montclair High School principal Elaine Davis back to Montclair as a member of the Friends of Barnet. She announced that both the Housing Commission and the Landlord Tenant Advisory Committee will review and evaluate all Township housing ordinances.

Deputy Mayor Michaelson announced that the Memorial Committee has designed guidelines for memorial projects within the municipality. That information will assist residents who wish to move forward with memorial and commemorative projects.

Councilor Schlager congratulated the “Parents Who Rock” on a most successful event. All proceeds will assist with funding for an all access playground of Edgemont Park. She asked that all those sporting events at Montclair High School be mindful of safety and noise issues.

Councilor Tobin stated that the Upper Montclair Village will hold it’s “Just Do It” initiative on May 2 and 3.

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett stated that the recent “CAP” presentation presented to the Council earlier this evening by Chief Financial Officer Gordon Stelter can be viewed on Channel 34.

***

PUBLIC COMMENT

Joyce Goldman, representative of Essex County Ex, Joe D, presented a schedule of “glorious Cherry Blossom Festival activities.”

Harant Yousofian, 1 Argyle Rd, citing the sale of Grove Street School in 1988, expressed concern that there does not appear to be substantial evidence of the need for a new school on Washington Street.

Ron Locascio, 21 Sylvan Place, complained that the false alarm fee is another “tax” on residents. He asked the Council to reconsider a reduction in the fee (from $50.00 to $25.00)

***

At 9:45 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the Regular Meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
___________________________________________
ED REMSEN MAYOR

ATTEST:
________________________________________
LINDA S. WANATMUNICIPAL CLERK