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TagsMONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY May 5, 2009
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 7:09 P.M.
Present: Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Baskerville, Lewis, and Weller.
Absent: Councilor Murnick
STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE
Mayor Fried introduced Diane Lilli, representing The Jersey Tomato Press.com.
The Municipal budget will be presented for adoption at the meeting of June 9, 2009.
The Council asked Township Manager Hartnett to post budget information on the Township website as soon as possible.
Councilor Baskerville asked for clarification of invoices submitted by McManimon & Scotland.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Harvey Oliver, 8 Warman Street, asked that bulky waste pickup schedules be rotated throughout the Township so that it is not burdensome to one geographical segment of the municipality.
There being no one else present wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
* * *
At 7:51 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried 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 8:02 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the executive session was adjourned by unanimous vote.
* * *
At 8:03 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried 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 Avenue, for a Regular Meeting at 8:10 P.M.
Present: Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Baskerville, Lewis, and Weller.
Absent: Councilor Murnick
STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INTRODUCTION OF THE 2009 BUDGET
Municipal Clerk Linda S. Wanat read the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the following statements of revenues and appropriations shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the year 2009:
Amount to be Raised by Taxes for Support of Municipal Budget:
Local Tax for Municipal Purposes Including Reserve for Uncollected Taxes: $49,470,298.80.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the budget will be published in The Montclair Times in the issue of May 21, 2009. The Governing Body of the Township of Montclair does hereby approve the following as the Budget for the year 2009:
Ayes: Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Lewis and Weller.
Nay: Councilor Baskerville
Absent: Councilor Murnick
Notice is hereby given that the Budget and Tax Resolution was adopted by the Governing Body of the Township of Montclair, County of Essex ,on May 5, 2009.
A hearing on the Budget and Tax Resolution will be held at the Municipal Building, on June 9, 2009 at 8:00 o’clock P.M. at which time and place discussions to said Budget and Tax Resolution for the year 2009 may be presented by taxpayers or other interested persons.
* * *
Mayor Fried reviewed the Council’s process in preparing for the 2009 budget. He explained that the manager’s budget to be introduced this evening is only a “place holder” and is subject to further review and revision. The Council expects to receive a revised budget from the Township Manager which reflects a 5% across the board reduction in both the Other Expenses and Salaries and Wages lines for all departments.
Mayor Fried noted that, although the budget reflects a 1% increase over the 2008 budget, the total impact on the taxpayers will be a 4.2% increase due to a reduction in revenues created by the current economic decline.
* * *
PUBLIC COMMENT
Former Councilor Dolores Reilly, 37 Draper Terrace, asked why the Council no longer holds “traditional” conference meetings. She also asked why informal meetings on the budget to receive citizen input were not held this year.
There being no one else wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
* * *
On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the minutes of April 14, 21 and 23, 2009 were approved by unanimous vote.
* * *
Municipal Clerk Linda Wanat stated: “Mayor and Council, I wish to report that the Director of Finance has this day filed with me a Supplemental Debt Statement duly verified by his oath showing the percentage the net debt of the Township bears to the average assessed valuation for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 to be 1.057%.
* * *
PUBLIC HEARING-PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION
Township Manager Hartnett proffered information on a $2,680,000 grant application for a Pedestrian Safety Improvement Program. When asked if any grant monies would be used for the Grove Street parking lot, Mr. Hartnett replied that the lot would not be eligible; however, the Parking Authority is reviewing the situation at that site.
* * *
SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS
On motion made by Deputy Mayor Terry and duly seconded, the following proclamation was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the nation’s oldest, largest and more widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization; founded on February 12, 1909, it is celebrating the Association’s centennial this year. The NAACP’s stated goal was to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively; and
WHEREAS, The NAACP’s principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States and eliminate race prejudice. The NAACP seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through the democratic process; and
WHEREAS, In 1916, seven years after the founding of the NAACP, a group of Montclair townspeople rose up in protests of injustices against members of their race and founded the Montclair Branch NAACP. In the ensuing 93 years the Branch has been instrumental in affecting significant change in myriad issues concerning education, housing, and employment in order to speak to the issue of inequality and inequity where people of color are concerned; and
WHEREAS, Focusing on our young people and the importance of education, the Branch provides opportunities for local youth to attend local and national conventions and conferences, participate in workshops and programs designed to educate, empower, and instill leadership skills as well as assisting them in meeting the challenges of today. The Branch also strives to recognize and salute educators who have demonstrated efforts “Above and Beyond” the call of duty in the education of students enrolled in the Montclair school district, showing appreciation for their work and encouraging them as they go about the very difficult task of educating our children; and
WHEREAS, The Montclair Branch has and will continue to influence the election of people of color to positions in local government, the revision of the structure of Municipal government, urban renewal, senior citizen housing, health services and voter education/registration, emphasizing diversity and working diligently toward attaining it; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of Montclair, does hereby celebrate the Centennial of the NAACP and the 93rd anniversary of the Montclair Branch of the NAACP and commends and supports the Association in remaining vigilant to its mission of making the promise of America real for all Americans.
Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilor Baskerville presented a proclamation celebrating the NAACP’s 100th anniversary and the 93rd anniversary of the Montclair Branch to the President Ruth Taylor and members of this organization.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Weller and duly seconded, the following proclamation was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, May 6 to 12, 2009 has been designated as a time of national celebration of and appreciation for the work of nurses – the 2.9 million registered nurses in the United States comprise our nation’s largest healthcare profession; and
WHEREAS, Nurses have a long and distinguished history as health care providers in this community; whether working at Mountainside Hospital, in Montclair’s schools or as public health nurses providing numerous services including visiting seniors in the home; and
WHEREAS, Nurses are an integral part of every health care team who make a difference in the lives of our residents each day; and
WHEREAS, Nursing is a complex and challenging career that requires special credentials, continuing education and exceptional interpersonal skills; and
WHEREAS, Nurses positively impact the quality-of-life in this community with their specialized skills and caring, compassionate approach to their work; and
WHEREAS, Nurses are essential in promoting restoration and maintenance of health in the individual and family and crucial to the success of hospitals such as Mountainside; in safeguarding our children’s health in schools and in responding to public health emergency issues such as our Township public health nursing staff; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Township Council of Montclair, proclaim May 6 to 12 as National Nurses Week and urge all residents to join in honoring the nurses of our community including those who work in hospitals, schools and as public health nurses.
* * *
ORDINANCES-SECOND READING/ADOPTION
The pending ordinance entitled: “ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 347-90 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE (“THE ZONING ORDINANCE”) TO ESTABLISH REVISED REGULATIONS REGARDING PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES IN N-C NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS” (O-014-09) passed first reading April 7, 2009 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 Fried asked whether anyone present wished to address the Councilors regarding the proposed ordinance.
There being no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the hearing.
On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the ordinance was POSTPONED until May 19, 2009 by unanimous vote.
* * *
The pending ordinance entitled: “ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 292-21 AND 292-23
OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE (“THE SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE”) TO ESTABLISH REVISED
REGULATIONS REGARDING THE WEIGHT OF SOLID WASTE RECEPTACLES AND THE TIMES FOR
PLACEMENT OF RECEPTACLES, BULKY WASTES AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS FOR
COLLECTION ” (O-015-09) passed first reading April 7, 2009 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 Fried asked whether anyone present wished to address the Councilors regarding the proposed ordinance.
There being no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the hearing.
On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the ordinance was adopted by unanimous vote.
* * *
The pending ordinance entitled: “BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $715,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $679,250 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF” (O-016-09) passed first reading April 7, 2009 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 Fried asked whether anyone present wished to address the Councilors regarding the proposed ordinance.
There being no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the hearing.
On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the ordinance was adopted by unanimous vote.
* * *
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Lewis 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 June 9, 2009.
“BOND ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $3,853,200 FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS IN MONTCLAIR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $3,853,200 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING THE COST THEREOF” (O-020-09).
The Council asked for more detail and accountability regarding monies to be bonded by the Township.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Baskerville and Weller. Nay: Councilor Lewis.
* * *
Deputy Mayor Terry 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 June 9, 2009.
“ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 51 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT OF OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS, AND THE UTILIZATION OF POLICE VEHICLES, FOR PRIVATE AND QUASI-PUBLIC FUNCTIONS” (O-021-09).
The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.
* * *
Councilor Baskerville 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 June 9, 2009.
“ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 11-1.B OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE TO REQUIRE THE APPOINTMENT OF A MONTCLAIR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND A MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT AS MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION.” (O-022-09).
Deputy Mayor Terry made a motion to substitute F2 for F1 and the motion was DEFEATED by the following vote: “Ayes” Deputy Mayor Terry. “Nays” Mayor Fried and Councilors Baskerville, Lewis and Weller. “Abstained” Councilor Africk.
Councilor Baskerville made a motion to amend F1 to state a one year term, a student from any school in Montclair, and the process be consistent. The motion carried by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried and Councilors Baskerville, Lewis and Weller. “Nay” Deputy Mayor Terry. “Abstained” Councilor Africk.
* * *
Councilor Baskerville 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 June 9, 2009.
“ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 29-2 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE TO REQUIRE THE APPOINTMENT OF A MONTCLAIR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND A MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT AS MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION.” (O-023-09).
Deputy Mayor Terry made a motion to substitute G2 for G1 and the motion was DEFEATED by the following vote: “Ayes” Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilor Africk. “Nays” Mayor Fried and Councilors Baskerville, Lewis and Weller.
Councilor Baskerville made a motion to amend G1 to state a one year term, any high school student, keep the process consistent and exchange “require” to “allow.” The motion carried by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried and Councilors Africk, Baskerville, Lewis and Weller. “Nay” Deputy Mayor Terry.
* * *
Councilor Lewis 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 June 9, 2009.
“ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 234-8 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE IN FEES FOR THE USE OF TOWNSHIP SWIMMING POOLS.” (O-024-09).
The motion was DEFEATED by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried and Councilors Africk and Lewis. “Nays” Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Baskerville and Weller.
Councilor Baskerville voiced her strong objections to any increase in recreational fees.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Africk and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair owns various motor vehicles and equipment which are no longer in service, and the Township wishes to dispose of such vehicles and equipment; 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 and equipment, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-36, on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.
Year |
Make/Model |
Vehicle ID Number |
Department |
1986 |
GMC 3500 Sewer Rodder |
1GDJC34J1GJ502676 |
DCS |
1986 |
Ford E350 Truck |
1FDKE37H8GHC15365 |
DCS |
1992 |
Chevrolet Blazer |
1GNDT13W6N2213536 |
DCS |
1993 |
Chevrolet 2500 |
1GCGC24K1PE163637 |
DCS |
1996 |
Ford Crown Victoria |
2FALP71W4TX119184 |
Police |
1999 |
Ford Explorer |
1FMZU349XUC20562 |
Police |
2000 |
Ford Crown Victoria |
2FAFP71W9YX118908 |
Police |
2002 |
Ford Explorer |
1FMZU72EX2UC60846 |
Police |
2004 |
Ford Crown Victoria |
2FAFP71W74X106122 |
Police |
2006 |
Ford Crown Victoria |
2FAFP71W46X136648 |
Police |
2006 |
Gulfstream Cavalier Trailer |
1NL1GTR2961029562 |
Fire |
|
Beuthling Roller – B100 |
10991 |
DCS |
|
Carter 3” Trash Pump |
1037D |
DCS |
|
Homelite 2” Trash Pump |
42842691 |
DCS |
|
Homelite DP3 3” Trash Pump |
48203867 |
DCS |
|
Homelite #3 Trash Pump |
No serial number |
DCS |
|
Manhole Fan |
No serial number |
DCS |
1990 |
Eager Beaver Roller |
034980 |
DCS |
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Africk and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2009 the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for the purchase, delivery and planting of trees for the Township’s 2009 Spring Tree Planting program, as prescribed by law; and
WHEREAS, ten companies submitted bids to provide trees in accordance with the bid specifications; and
WHEREAS, Solicito & Son Contracting submitted the lowest responsible bid in accordance with the specifications in the amount of $15,600.00; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township of Montclair enter into an agreement with Solicito & Son Contracting for the purchase, delivery and planting of trees for the Township’s 2009 Spring Tree Planting program in the amount of $15,600.00 pending Certification of Funds by the Chief Financial Officer; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the funds for this purchase have been appropriated in the 2008 Capital Budget, Account Number C-04-08-043-000-104. Complete details of the contract are attached hereto and made a part hereof.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Lewis and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair is a party to a lawsuit entitled, “Ted Mattox et al, vs. Township of Montclair, et al.” pending in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Essex County; and
WHEREAS, the Township’s legal representatives have negotiated a proposed settlement of all claims and counterclaims in the aforesaid litigation involving Richard Seltzer; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council has reviewed the proposed settlement and concluded that the terms of the settlement are in the best interests of the Township; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township hereby approves the partial settlement of the aforementioned litigation as set forth in the “Settlement Agreement and Release” attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized to execute the attached Settlement Agreement and Release on behalf of the Township of Montclair.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Baskerville 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 to of the Bay Street Station Redevelopment Area (Phase II), dated as of October 10, 2003 (the “Redevelopment Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to 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 Subleased Space”); and
WHEREAS, on April 13, 2006, the Township and an affiliate of the Redeveloper entered into a certain Sublease Agreement relating to the Township Subleased Space; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned Sublease contemplated that the Township would, in turn, sublease the Township Subleased Space to Day Nurseries, Inc. for operation of a child day care center in accordance with the Redevelopment Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Day Nurseries’ child care license has been revoked by the State of New Jersey and Day Nurseries no longer operates a child care center; and
WHEREAS, in view of the foregoing, the Township and the Redeveloper have agreed to amend various terms and conditions of the Sublease Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council has determined that amending the Sublease is consistent with the terms and objectives of the Redevelopment Agreement and in the best interest of the community; 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 First Amendment to the Agreement of Sublease by LPC Montclair, L.L.C. and the Township of Montclair in the form attached hereto and made a part hereof.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Weller and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair is a sustainable community which seeks to optimize the quality of life for its residents by ensuring that its environmental, economic and social objectives are balanced and mutually supportive; and
WHEREAS, the Township also strives to save tax dollars, assure clean land, air and water, and improve working and living environments; and
WHEREAS, the Township is a participant in the Sustainable Jersey Program; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable Jersey Program has created a grant program known as “Sustainable Jersey Small Grants funded by Wal-Mart” in order to provide resources to municipalities to make progress on sustainability issues; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council has determined that the Township should apply for a grant pursuant to the aforementioned Program; 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 apply for a grant pursuant to the aforementioned Sustainable Jersey Grant funded by Wal-Mart on behalf of the Township of Montclair.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Lewis and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair intends to apply for a Transportation Enhancements grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA); and
WHEREAS, the application is for pedestrian safety and traffic calming improvements at various locations throughout the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Township agrees to maintain said improvements in accordance with applicable standards and procedures; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Engineer is hereby authorized to submit an electronic grant application identified as “TE-ARRA-Montclair Township-00116” to the New Jersey Department of Transportation on behalf of the Township of Montclair; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Township of Montclair and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions and approves the execution of the grant agreement.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Lewis and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:
WHEREAS, the Council of the Township of Montclair supports the improvement of Montclair’s streets for pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair has already committed and spent municipal funds to improving our streets for all modes of traffic; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair has applied for and received other NJDOT grants and aid for construction of pedestrian improvements, including a 2005 Bicycle and Pedestrian Local Assistance Study; a 2006 Local Aid Grant for Pedestrian Crosswalk and Signalization Improvements at Various Locations; a 2007 Safe Routes to Schools grant for Rand School; and
WHEREAS, this Transportation Enhancements grant, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will provide for construction of additional pedestrian safety improvements at various locations throughout Montclair, which can be implemented quickly to provide economic benefits to the entire community; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, strongly supports and endorses this grant application and the program of improvements it will support.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Baskerville and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted as amended by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried and Councilors Africk, Baskerville, Lewis and Weller.
“Nay” Deputy Mayor Terry.
WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair has established various advisory boards and commissions pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:81-13; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council believes that it is in the best interests of the community to include a Montclair high school student and a Montclair State University student as members of certain advisory boards and commissions; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that membership of the following advisory boards and commissions shall include one student from a high school located in the Township and one Montclair State University student:
- Communications Advisory Committee
- Health and Human Services Advisory Committee
- Montclair Community Intervention Alliance
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
- People with Disabilities Advisory Committee
- Youth Advisory Board
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the number of members authorized to serve on of each of the aforementioned boards and commissions is hereby increased to include two additional members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, unless otherwise provided, the student members of the aforementioned boards and commissions shall be non-voting members who shall each serve a term of one year; and said members shall be appointed in accordance with the Township Council’s operating practices and procedures for appointments to advisory boards and commissions, including the submission of written volunteer forms provided by the Township Clerk; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council hereby endorses and encourages the participation of Montclair high school students and Montclair State University students to serve as volunteer, non-voting members of the Montclair Environmental Commission and all other Township advisory boards and committees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall amend all prior Council Resolutions regarding membership of the aforementioned advisory boards and commissions.
* * *
On motion made by Councilor Lewis 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: $891,292.39.
* * *
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 Fried and duly seconded, the following reports and communications were accepted and ordered to be made part of the minutes of this meeting:
FILED: Monthly report for the month of April 2009:
Municipal Clerk $7,911.25
Oath of Office:
Anes Hadzifejzovic, Probationary Police Officer
Amended Montclair, NJ Quiet Zone Detailed Plan
Received approved from the Division of Local Government Services, the Supplemental Debt Statement of April 21, 2008.
Letter from Sal Electric Co., Inc. stating that they would be placing a “freeze” on the present hourly rate per their contract with the Township, if the Township decided to extend their contract for another year.
Township Manager Joseph Hartnett stated that he and all Township departments are fully
committed to a transparent budget process. He invited all to attend the grand opening of the Montclair Animal Shelter on Friday, May 8 between 7 to 9 p.m.
Councilor Africk thanked the Township Manager for his efforts on the budget process. He asked the citizens to carefully review the document and offer suggestions. Councilor Africk also thanked Glenn Rogers and Steve Klein for their assistance with the municipal budget.
He noted that he does not intend to ask one group (municipal employees) to sacrifice when other employees (Board of Education) have already negotiated salary increases for 2009.
Councilor Africk invited all to attend the Montclair High School Visual and Performing Arts outstanding production of “Seussical.”
Councilor Lewis recently attended a meeting of the Business Improvement District. He and Councilor Baskerville also took part in a panel regarding the new elementary school and the Renaissance School. Councilor Lewis reviewed several initiatives of the Parking Advisory Committee.
He stated that he is not interested in financing tax relief on the backs of municipal employees
and urged more creative thinking.
Councilor Baskerville wished all a happy Cinco DeMayo “en espanol.”
Councilor Weller thanked Councilor Baskerville for her recent community meeting.
She is dismayed that the budget introduced this evening does not reflect community values or creative thinking. Councilor Weller recently received an “A” on her Rutgers’ Municipal Budget Course.
Deputy Mayor Terry also referenced the inequity of penalizing one group of municipal employees over another in the budget process. He wished a very happy 104th birthday to Richard Owens and to his Dad who will be a “vibrant 90 years of age.”
Mayor Fried stated that the goal of the 2009 budget is to preserve the economic diversity of Montclair. He refuted the Township Manager’s perception that there has been a lack of transparency in the budget process. Mayor Fried stated that the 5% reduction in departmental budgets is an exercise to show the impact on certain services provided to citizens by the Township.
* * *
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Fried asked if there was anyone present wishing to be heard regarding any matter of interest or importance.
Mr. Nick Fiorescente, Valley Road, asked why the schedule of township meetings has been eliminated from the Montclair Times. He suggested that new hires be hired at lower starting salaries.
Mr. Jeff Posnick, 29 College Avenue, believes that no solution has been found to the proposed Montclair State University/Carlisle Road project. He asked for a response from his ward representative.
A College Avenue resident believes Montclair State University has “not been a good neighbor” and that the University is not concerned with safety issues. He also addressed “lack of communication” issues.
Ms. Audrey Hawley, 17 Grenada Place, reported that in 2007 Office and Professional Employees International Union employees did not receive any increases. She strongly suggested that municipal employees should be happy to forego increases and be able to maintain their jobs. She raised concerns regarding bulky waste collection in the heavily populated Fourth Ward.
Ms. Joan Checca, Upper Mountain Avenue, believes the neighbors’ relationship with Montclair State University can be mutually beneficial. She reported that this neighborhood group has not received a lot of support for their concerns.
Ms. Bobbie Reilly, 37 Draper Terrace, urged all residents to call on members of the Council to assist them. She suggested the Township considered “staggered terms” for Montclair’s governing body.
Mr. Andrew Povich, referenced a May 13th meeting with Dr. Cole, Councilor Murnick and others to discuss relationships between neighbors and Montclair State University.
There being no one else present wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
* * *
At 11:01 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned
by unanimous vote.
___________________________________________________
JERRY FRIED
MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________________
LINDA S. WANAT
MUNICIPAL CLERK
