The Reorganization Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:31 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, in the Vernon Township Municipal Building, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey, with Council President Brian Lynch presiding.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on December 23, 2011, and was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6.

Salute to the Flag

The Vietnam Veterans group presented the American and P.O.W. flags. Council President Lynch led the assemblage in the salute to the flag. He asked for a moment of silence for those residents who had passed during 2011, as well as the veterans of the United States who had served—especially those who had given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. He also included the very recent loss of Ted Palomba, husband of employee Valerie Palomba.

Roll Call of Members

Present were Council Members Eddie Dunn, Dan Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, and Brian Lynch. Also present were Mayor Vic Marotta, Business Administrator Jerry Giaimis, and Township Attorney Kevin Kelly.

Council President

Council Member Daniel Kadish moved to nominate Brian Lynch as Council President. The motion was seconded by Council Member Eddie Dunn. All were in favor. Brian Lynch was approved as Council President.

Public Comments

Council President Lynch opened the meeting for Public Comment.

Gary Martinsen—addressed the proposed salary ordinance listed on the agenda. He questioned giving people raises given the current economic situation.

Tom McClachrie—advised Council that contracts cannot be given out for more than 2 years. Council President Lynch advised that all listed professional contracts were for 1 year.

Barbara Chorzepa—thanked the Mayor and Council for their hard work. She felt they had done more in the past 6 months than the previous administration, especially the joint purchase of salt and the improved relationship with the lake communities.

Closed to Public Comments

Seeing no one else from the public wishing to speak, Council President Lynch asked for a motion to close the public portion of the meeting.

Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Dick Wetzel
All members were in favor.

Mayor’s Report

The Mayor noted the new government’s accomplishments in the past 6 months:

  • Budget: not $1.00 above the 2011 budget, without service cuts; we are losing assessed values, but due to the diligence of employees, we will add $1million to the surplus. In all, there will be no municipal budget increase.
  • Vernon sewerage system will be up and running very soon. Mountain Creek’s missing link was completed—they have met their obligations. We will re-capture every tax dollar spent on sewers to be paid to SCMUA.
  • There hasn’t been a zero-tax increase in 15 years.
  • Cuts in Police overtime are due to the new 12-hour contracted shifts.
  • The DPW saved the Township about $1/2 million by doing a large amount of repairs from Hurricane Irene themselves.
  • He applauded all the efforts of all employees.

Consent Agenda

Council President Lynch explained Resolutions #12-01 through #12-10.

Motion to adopt Resolutions #12-01 through #12-10 from the Consent Agenda:
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Eddie Dunn

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain:
Consent Agenda items #12-01 through #12-10 were adopted.

Resolution #12-01: Designating of Official Newspaper for 2012

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40:53-1 et al. of the Open Public Meetings Act requires that the governing body of every municipality designate an official newspaper or newspapers for the publication of all advertisements and notices required by law to the published by the municipality; and

WHEREAS, the second newspaper designated by this body must be one which has the greatest likelihood of informing the public within the jurisdictional boundaries of this body of such meetings; and

WHEREAS, The New Jersey Herald/Sunday Herald is hereby designated to receive all notices of meetings as required under the Open Public Meetings Act and The Advertiser News and the Vernon Aim will be designated as the alternate newspapers; and

WHEREAS, It is the opinion of this public body that The New Jersey Herald/Sunday Herald, have the greatest likelihood of informing the public within the jurisdictional area of this public body of such meetings.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that The New Jersey Herald/ Sunday Herald is hereby designated as the official newspaper for the 2012 Calendar Year and will receive all Notices of meetings of the Township Council as required by the Open Public Meetings Act, and The Advertiser News and the Vernon Aim will be designated as alternate newspapers of the Township of Vernon.

This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Resolution #12-02: Designating Meeting Dates of the Township Council for the 2012 Calendar Year

BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq., the Regular Meetings of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon shall convene on the Second and Fourth Mondays of each Month at 6:30 p.m. (if there is an Executive Session), or at 7:30p.m. (if there is no Executive Session) at the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey for the following meeting dates:

January 9 and 23
February 16* and 27
March 12 and 26
April 9 and 23
May 14 and 31
June 11 and 25
July 9 and 23
August 13 and 27
September 10 and 24
October 11* and 22
November 8* and 26
December 10 and 17*

* Meeting day moved due to conflict

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if there is to be an Executive Session, the Township Council shall immediately convene into Executive Session after opening their Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in order to discuss those matters in executive session from which the public shall be excluded and at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter, the public portion of the meeting will recommence. Formal action may be taken at any Regular Council Meeting.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all meetings shall be opened to the public and public participation will be entertained at all meetings but limited to five (5) minutes for each speaker to provide the Governing Body sufficient time to complete its work.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Notices required by the Open Public Meetings Act shall be published in The New Jersey Herald/Sunday Herald and if needed as alternate newspapers, The Advertiser News and The Vernon Aim, and shall be posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building.

Resolution #12-03: Resolution to Adopt a Cash Management Plan

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, that for the year 2012, the following shall serve as the cash management plan of the Township of Vernon.

1. Cash Management and Investment Objectives

The Township of Vernon has the following objectives.

  1. Preservation of capital.
  2. Adequate safekeeping of assets.
  3. Maintenance of liquidity to meet operating needs.
  4. Investment of assets in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
  5. Maximize yield.

2. Designation of Official Depositories

The following Government Unit Protection Act approved banks are authorized depositories for deposit of funds:

  • Sussex Bank
  • Valley National Bank
  • Highlands State Bank
  • Lakeland Bank
  • PNC Bank

3. Cash Management

  1. All funds shall be deposited within 48 hours of receipt in accordance with N.J.S.A.40A:5-15
  2. The Chief Financial Officer shall minimize the possibility of idle cash accumulating in accounts by assuring that any excess amounts not needed to cover expenses or in excess of negotiated compensating balances are kept in interest bearing accounts or promptly swept into the investment portfolio.
  3. Investment decisions shall be guided by the cash flow projections prepared by the Chief Financial Officer.

4. Permissible Investments

  1. Certificates of Deposits
  2. Savings and Loan Associations and Saving Bank Accounts
  3. New Jersey Cash Management Plan
  4. MBIA Municipal Investors Service Corporation CLASS

5. Authority for Investment Management

The Chief Financial Officer is authorized and directed to make investments on behalf of the Township. All investment decisions shall be consistent with this plan and all appropriate regulatory constraints.

6. Reporting

The Chief Financial Officer shall report to the Township Council investments in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:5-15.2.

7. Audit

The Cash Management Plan shall be subject to annual audit conducted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-14.

8. Disposition of Abandoned Property

The Chief Financial Officer shall escheat to the State of New Jersey checks which remain outstanding for more than twelve months after the date of issuance.

Resolution #12-04: Reauthorizing Petty Cash Funds for Calendar Year 2012

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-21 authorizes the establishment of a Petty Cash Fund in municipalities by application and resolution; and,

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Township of Vernon to establish the following Petty Cash Funds for calendar year 2012 as follows:

DepartmentCustodianAmount Authorized
DPW Dave Pullis $100.00
Finance William I. Zuckerman $300.00
Recreation Melissa Wiedbrauk $600.00

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes such action and that the Municipal Clerk file two copies of this resolution with the Division of Local Government Services, State of New Jersey.

Resolution #12-05: Establishing Interest Rates for Delinquent Property Taxes and Assessments

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 permits the governing body of each municipality to fix the rate of interest to be charged for nonpayment of taxes or assessments subject to any abatement or discount for the late payment of taxes as provided by law; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 has been amended to provide an additional penalty of up to six percent (6%) on delinquent taxes and all municipal charges in excess of $10,000.00 that are not paid prior to the end of the fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, this resolution is necessary for efficient and uninterrupted operations of the business of the Tax Collector.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that:

  1. The Tax Collector of Vernon Township is authorized to cancel all payments of taxes of $10.00 or less.
  2. That no interest shall be charged if payment of any installment is made within ten (10) days after date upon which the same became payable.
  3. That the rate of interest to be charged for nonpayment of taxes on or before they would become delinquent shall be 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of the delinquency and 18% per annum, on any amount in excess of $1,500.00, and;
  4. Interest at the rate of 8% per annum on the unpaid balance of assessment is charged with each installment on due date. Any installment not paid on or before due date is subject to 8% interest, 18% interest over $1,500.00.
  5. That the Chief Financial Officer of the Township of Vernon is hereby authorized to make investments for the Township of Vernon.

Resolution #12-06: Authorizing the Municipal Tax Assessor and the Special Municipal Attorney to Defend the Township before the Sussex County Board of Taxation for Tax Appeals

WHEREAS, the County Tax Board requires the governing body of each municipality to pass a resolution authorizing the Assessor and special municipal attorney of the municipality to file and prosecute any and all tax appeals, farmland rollback complaints, and any added and omitted assessment complaints before the Sussex County Tax Board.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Township of Vernon that the Assessor and special municipal attorney are hereby authorized to file, prosecute, defend, stipulate, and/or agree upon all contested appeals before the Sussex County Board of Taxation and Tax Court of the State of New Jersey, and to initiate municipal appeals to correct the Township of Vernon tax list, including but not limited to, rollback complaints, added and omitted assessment complaints, and such other appeals as are necessary to correct property assessments for the Township of Vernon; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Assessor and the municipal attorney are hereby designated as the agents of the Township of Vernon for the purpose of signing settlements of the foregoing matters by stipulation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the Sussex County Tax Board.

Resolution #12-07: Appointment of Public Agency Compliance Officer

WHEREAS pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 17:27-1 the Township of Vernon is required to designate a Public Agency Compliance Officer on an annual basis; and

WHEREAS said Public Agency Compliance Officer shall act as the official liaison for all equal opportunity employment matters in the administration of public contracts; and

WHEREAS the Township designates the Township Business Administrator as the Public Agency Compliance Officer for calendar year 2011;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that it hereby designates the Township Business Administrator as the Township’s Public Agency Compliance Officer for calendar year 2012; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk shall forward a certified copy of this Resolution to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury Affirmative Action Office as required.

Resolution #12-08: Appointing Township Business Administrator as ADA Coordinator

WHEREAS, every municipality is required to designate an ADA Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, the ADA Coordinator’s role is to ensure the Township’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that the Township Business Administrator is hereby appointed as the ADA Coordinator for Vernon Township.

Resolution #12-09: Appointment of Municipal Court Judge

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-4 and Chapter 5, §Section 37-4 of the Vernon Township Administrative Code, a municipal judge shall be appointed by the Township Council and serve for a term of three years from the date of appointment and until a successor is appointed or qualified; and

WHEREAS, the Hon. James G. Devine, J.M.C., has been serving as Municipal Court Judge for the Township since January 1, 2009; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council has determined that Judge Devine is qualified to be re-appointed to the position of Municipal Court Judge for the Township of Vernon.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the Hon. James G. Devine, J.M.C., is hereby re-appointed to serve as Municipal Court Judge for the Township of Vernon, New Jersey, for a term of three (3) years commencing on January 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2014, to be compensated at an annual salary of $35,000.00.

Resolution #12-10: Authorizing Signatures on Township Checks Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:5-16

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that the following Township Officials are hereby authorized to sign checks, withdrawal slips or other bank related items with two out of the four below listed principal signatures being required:

Mayor
Business Administrator
Chief Financial Officer
Municipal Clerk

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that signature cards with the signatures of the persons authorized to sign be on file at all banks that presently have Township accounts.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption according to law.

Motion to adopt Resolution #12-11:
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Daniel Kadish

Council Member Kadish asked about the MUA, as it did not seem to be noted in the temporary budget. Mayor Marotta advised that they were a separate body from the Township and would, therefore, be doing their own budget.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Resolution #12-11 was adopted.

Resolution #12-11: Adoption of 2012 Temporary Municipal Budget

WHEREAS, The Local Budget Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-1 et seq., provides that until the official Annual Budget for the budget year is adopted, a temporary budget not exceeding 26.25% of the total of all appropriations including appropriations for debt service, capital improvement fund, and public assistance must be adopted covering the first quarter of the fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-1 et seq. further provides that the governing body of a municipality must adopt by resolution within the first thirty (30) days of the budget, by affirmative vote of the full membership of the governing body, a temporary budget; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council desires to establish temporary appropriations pursuant to the Local Budget Law; and

WHEREAS, total appropriations for the 2012 Annual Budget, exclusive of any appropriations for debt service, capital improvements, public assistance, and pension benefits was $18,444,961.00; and

WHEREAS, 26.25% of total appropriations for the 2012 Annual Budget, exclusive of any appropriations for debt service, capital improvements, public assistance, and pension benefits is $4,180,942.00 for a total of $7,947,545.00.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that the attached Schedule ‘A’ entitled “2012 Temporary Appropriations” is hereby approved.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Introduced Official Budget shall serve as the Temporary Budget pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-19.1 if the Director of the Division of Local Government Services extends the budget dates pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5.1.

Temporary Budget for 2012—Schedule A
 
Appropriations within “CAPS” 26.25%
 
 Annual 2011
 Salaries/WagesO/E Salaries/WagesO/E
Gen’l Admin. 52,746 21,788   200,936 83,000
Mayor & Council 4,200 656   16,000 2,500
Municipal Clerk 35,303 25,509   134,488 97,177
Financial Admin. 80,496 12,639   306,652 48,150
Audit 0 0   0 41,000
Technology 0 11,156   0 42,500
Revenue Admin. 42,350 11,477   161,334 43,720
Tax Assessment 39,375 14,846   150,000 56,555
Legal Services 0 53,550   0 204,000
Engineering 0 10,631   0 40,500
Beautification 0 1,313   0 5,000
Historic 0 656   0 2,500
Land Use 47,786 17,758   182,041 67,650
Insurance 0 981,469     3,738,931
Police 895,267 39,094   3,410,542 148,930
Radio Comm. 92,919 1,706   353,976 6,500
Volunteer Emerg. 0 60,375     230,000
Fire Safety 28,167 0   107,302 1
Prosecutor 0 7,088     27,000
Streets & Roads 310,330 88,673   1,182,210 337,800
Recycling 5,250 13,781   20,000 52,500
Building & Grounds 0 21,000     80,000
Fleet Maintenance 64,442 60,506   245,493 230,500
Municipal Services 0 157,500     600,000
Environmental 0 656     2,500
Animal Control 20,972 2,813   79,892 10,717
Recreation 18,119 12,162   69,023 46,330
Senior Citizens 1,675 15,278   6,380 58,200
Park Maintenance 40,636 7,875   154,803 30,000
Salary & Wage Adjust. 17,953 0   68,394  
Municipal Court 43,528 1,326   165,822 5,050
Construction Official 98,757 2,809   376,219 10,700
Utility Expense   128,693     490,260
Sub Total 1,940,271 1,784,782   7,391,507 6,840,171
          14,231,678
 
Appropriations outside “CAPS”
PERS   489,635     419,275
PFRS   778,882     825,634
Social Security   144,375     550,000
Defined Contribution 263     1,000
Employee Group Health 78,917     300,637
Sussex County MUA 97,821     372,651
911 Comm. 32,151 2,363   122,479 9,000
        Grants 118,400
        Res. for Uncoll. 2,739,116
        Capital Improv. 250,000
Debt          
Bond Principal   1,411,200     1,409,610
BANS         0
Interest on Bonds   1,038,667     382,112
Interest on Notes   5,000     269,748
PVL Prin. & Int.   17,802     24,978
Interest on Emergency Notes 6,000     13,000
Principal on Assessments Notes 7,800     6,000
Interest on Assessments Notes 11,617     1,840
          210,000
Total Debt   2,498,086     2,317,288
 
Legal Settlement   100,000      
  1,972,421 5,975,123     22,257,158
 
Total Temporary Appropriations 7,947,545      
Less:       Less:  
Capital Improv. 0   Capital Improv. -250,000
Debt -2,498,086   Debt -2,317,288
Pension -1,268,517   Pension -1,244,909
    4,180,942     18,444,961

Motion to adopt Resolution #12-12:
Moved: Eddie Dunn
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Resolution #12-12 was adopted.

Resolution #12-12: Authorizing the Award of Contract for Professional Services

WHEREAS, there is a need for Professional Services to the Township of Vernon for Attorney, Special Attorney, Auditor, Bond Counsel, Prosecutor, Public Defender, Engineer, Engineer for Lake Conway Dam, Engineer for Utility Purposes, Planner, Water Operator, and Computer Technician; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5 specifically exempts professional services from provisions of public bidding as provided in the Local Public Contracts Law; and

WHEREAS, said specified professional services are to be rendered or performed by a person or persons authorized by law to practice a recognized profession, and whose practice is regulated by law within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq., as amended; and

WHEREAS, the performance of said professional services requires knowledge of an advanced field of learning acquired by a prolonged formal course of specialized training and study as distinguished from general academic instruction or apprenticeship and training; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon is desirous to enter into an agreement with these professionals as a fair and open contract pursuant to the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq., as amended; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified in writing that the value of the contracts are available for these purposes subject to the adoption of the 2012 Municipal Budget; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq., as amended, requires that this Resolution be publicly advertised.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Vernon that they hereby authorize and approve the award of contracts of a Professional Service Contract pursuant to the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:20-1 et seq. to provide Services in accordance with the attached Contracts for Professional Services pursuant to a non-fair and open contract to the following:

  1. Township Attorney—Kevin D. Kelly, Esq. of Kelly & Ward, LLC
  2. Special Township Attorney—John E. Ursin, Esq. of the firm Courter, Kobert & Cohen
  3. Township Auditor—Francis “Bud” Jones of the firm Nisivoccia & Company, LLP
  4. Township Bond Counsel—Robert Beinfield, Esq. of the firm Hawkins Delafield & Wood, LLP
  5. Municipal Prosecutor—Michael J. Hanifan, Sr., Esq.
  6. Public Defender—Eric A. Wood, Esq.
  7. Township Engineer for Lake Conway Dam—Maser Consulting P.A.
  8. Township Engineer—Cory Stoner of Harold E. Pellow & Associates
  9. Township Engineer for Utility Purposes—John Ruschke of Hatch Mott MacDonald, LLC
  10. Township Planner—Jessica C. Caldwell of Harold E. Pellow & Associates
  11. Township Water Operator—Mike Furrey of Agra Environmental and Laboratory Services
  12. Township Computer Technician—Kevin Blumenthal of Wired Up, LLC

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the award of contract shall be contingent upon the completion and receipt of the following:

  1. A fully-executed professional services contract detailing the scope of services, established fees for said professional services, mandatory Equal Opportunity Language and Affirmative Action Certificate; and
  2. Receipt of all statutorily mandated “pay to play” political contribution forms pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq.; and
  3. New Jersey Business Registration Certificate; and
  4. Upon the aforementioned professional being a member in good standing in his respective profession.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute, seal and deliver the attached Contracts for Professional Services on behalf of and in the name of the Township of Vernon and that the Municipal Clerk shall publish the award of contract as required by law with ten (10) days of passage of this Resolution.

Motion to adopt Resolution #12-13:
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Dick Wetzel

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: Daniel Kadish
Resolution #12-13 was adopted.
Mr. Kadish later changed his vote to “Aye.”

Resolution #12-13: A Resolution Appointing Health Insurance Broker

WHEREAS, there exists a need for the services of an Health Insurance Broker for the Township of Vernon; and

WHEREAS, RHM Benefits has indicated a desire to continue to be the Township’s Broker of Record for all health insurance coverages; and

WHEREAS, RHM Benefits submitted a proposal of the services RHM Benefits would perform for the Township of Vernon; and

WHEREAS, the Health Insurance Broker of Record will be the sole representative for the Township of Vernon.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, as follows:

  1. The Township of Vernon hereby appoints RHM Benefits as its Health Insurance Broker of Record.
  2. The Mayor of the Township of Vernon and Health Insurance Broker are hereby authorized to execute Broker of Record Designation Letters to each of the Health Insurance Carriers, (Horizon, Delta Dental, Vision Service Plan and The Standard).

Motion to adopt Resolution #12-14:
Moved: Eddie Dunn
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: Daniel Kadish
Resolution #12-14 was adopted.

Resolution #12-14: Resolution Appointing Risk Management Consultant for Property & Casualty Insurance

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon (hereinafter “Local Unit”) has joined the Statewide Insurance Fund (hereinafter “Fund”), a joint insurance fund as defined in N.J.S.A. 40A:10-36 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, the Bylaws require participating members to appoint a Risk Management Consultant, as those positions are defined in the Bylaws, if requested to do so by the “Fund”; and

WHEREAS, the Local Unit has complied with relevant law with regard to the appointment of a Risk Management Consultant; and

WHEREAS, the “Fund” has requested its members to appoint individuals or entities to that position.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of “Local Unit,” in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, as follows:

  1. The Township of Vernon hereby re-appoints Wayne Dietz, D & H Alternative Risk Solutions as its local Risk Management Consultant for Property & Casualty Insurance.
  2. The Mayor of the Township of Vernon and Risk Management Consultant are hereby authorized to execute the Risk Management Consultant’s Agreement for the year 2012.

Motion to adopt Resolution #12-15:
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Dick Wetzel

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Resolution #12-15 was adopted.

Resolution #12-15: Appointment of Tax Collector and Designation of Tax Search Officer

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon is required to have a certified Tax Collector pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-141; and

WHEREAS, Antoinette Izzo is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a municipal tax collector and meets all other qualifications for the position, and was appointed as the Tax Collector to fill the unexpired term of the previous Tax Collector until December 31, 2011; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:5-11, the governing body of each municipality shall from time to time by resolution, designate an official of the municipality to make examinations of its records as to unpaid municipal liens and to certify the result thereof.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that Antoinette Izzo is hereby appointed Tax Collector for the Township of Vernon effective January 1, 2012, until December 31, 2015.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of Vernon will hold a Public Official Bond in the name of Antoinette Izzo as required by law pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-8.3 for the duties performed as Tax Collector; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to N.J.S.A.54:5-11, Antoinette Izzo, being a duly bonded Official of the Township of Vernon, is designated as the Tax Search Officer for the Township of Vernon; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption according to law.

Ordinance—Introduction—1st Reading

Ordinance #12-01: An ordinance to provide and determine the range of compensation for specified officers and employees in the Township of Vernon

Motion to approve on introduction:
Motion: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Brian Lynch

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Ordinance #12-01 was approved on first reading.

Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees

Land Use Board

Motion to appoint Council Member Patrick Rizzuto to a Class III, 1-year term on the Land Use Board:
Motion: Brian Lynch
Second: Eddie Dunn

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Appointment was approved.

Mayor’s Appointments

Mayor Marotta made the following appointments (no Council approval required, as per Mr. Kelly).

Special Police Officers

Larry Kacmarcik
Larry Pettigano
Kurt Reinhardt
Michael Sauer
James Vette
Douglas Vince
Roger Titus

Emergency Management Coordinator

Chief Roy Wherry

Council Business

Council Member Wetzel wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Council Member Dunn wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Council Member Rizzuto wished everyone a Happy New Year. He noted that he was appreciative and grateful to the Mayor for a job well done on the 2012 budget, including 3 extensive labor agreements, as well as returning a substantial amount back into the Township’s surplus.

Council Member Kadish noted that he would like to see the Health Department come back to Vernon Township, especially for well monitoring.

Council President

Council President Lynch noted the following:

  • Despite the Hurricane and Storms with their flooding and devastation (both 100-year events), the financial situation—both globally and locally, the Council has and will continue to work together to move Vernon forward.
  • He hopes that the County will do their part, thanks to the leadership of Freeholder Director Phil Crabb, and Assistant Freeholder Director Parker Space. He noted that both gentlemen were present at the meeting.
  • He thanked the following:
  • Police Department and the Chief for keeping residents aware of events through Facebook.
  • The DPW who was put to the test, and through their dedication made all efforts to persevere through the devastation. (He noted the new gray hairs for Dave Pullis.)
  • The CFO and Tax Assessor, and all employees
  • MUA members—Edward Rolando, Sr., Thomas Buchney, Barbara Chorzepa, Gloria Frato-Gallo, Vincent Zinno, and Doug Dobrzynski—for their hard work in getting the sewer system on line in a short amount of time.
  • Fire Departments for all their efforts during the year, especially Chiefs Carter, Davis, Cosh, and Casbarro.
  • Ambulance Squads for always being there.
  • Township Attorney Kevin Kelly, and Township Engineer Cory Stoner for their guidance.
  • Mayor Marotta for moving forward with dignity and integrity, as well as the Business Administrator Jerry Giaimis.
  • His fellow Council Members for all their hard work.
  • All the residents for their interest.
  • He wished everyone a Healthy, Happy, and hopefully prosperous New Year.

Adjournment

There being no further items of business to be conducted, a motion for Adjournment was made by Council Member Dunn. Motion seconded by Council Member Kadish, with all members voting in favor.

The Reorganization Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan S. Nelson, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: January 24, 2012