The Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:30 p.m. on October 11, 2012, in the Vernon Township Municipal Building, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey.

Statement of Compliance

Adequate notice of this meeting had been provided to the public and the press on January 9, 2012, 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.

Roll Call of Members

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

Salute to the Flag

Council President Lynch led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.

Public Comments

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to open the meeting to public comments at this time.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Dick Wetzel
All were in favor.

Noreen Moran—spoke about a Municipal Utilities Authority issue she encountered when attempting to pay her bill. The issue was relative to the size of her residential unit (the number of bedrooms) being changed.

Jean Murphy—offered the real estate paperwork to Ms. Moran with the original size of the unit.

Tom Kelly—also had issues with the MUA. He felt that grants would be available from the State to cover the installation of meters for MUA usage. He had additional concerns on the taxes and economy in general.

Linda Gerval—had issues with the MUA, and also felt the units should be metered.

Kristen Gearry—inquired about senior housing. She had heard that seniors were getting money back. She asked for information on the project. Mayor Marotta advised that the developer hoped to go before the Land Use Board in December or January, and break ground in the spring. Ms. Gearry offered a survey that was taken a few years ago that might be helpful with the planning stages.

Don Conover—also had MUA issues.

Craig Williams—of the Environmental Commission—asked if the Commission was able to gather the money, would the Council do the bike bath. The area under consideration is a right-of-way on Block 92 Lot 2, known as “Master Marsh” at Maple Grange Park.

Jeff Kustead—asked about the re-evaluation of the size of the units for MUA billings. The Mayor promised to look into this issue.

Craig Thompson—noted the condo listing of unit sizes was discussed with MUA officials. He asked about FEMA reimbursement monies from last year’s Hurricane Irene damage. The Mayor advised that he was actively pursuing all avenues for reimbursement. Mr. Thompson asked about the Kelly bill reimbursements, and possible law changes from the State.

Mr. Gearry—talked about the railroad crossings at Maple Grange and the Flats, noting that the Dept. of Transportation was out to inspect and measure. Mayor Marotta noted he had called the D.O.T. to inspect it.

Lynn VanGorder—asked about the fire marshal taking the Township vehicle to the Wildwood Firemen’s convention. She wanted to know if he had Township approval. Ms. VanGorder was advised that he did have permission.

Tom McClachrie—complained about a letter he received from the assessor’s office relative to his veteran’s deduction, asking for verification. He felt that was odd since the assessor was included in the salary ordinance that his taxpayer’s association successfully petitioned to be put before the voters in November. Council Member Wetzel noted that there was a benefit event this weekend to benefit the veteran’s cemetery. Mr. McClachrie suggested donating to the Wounded Warrior Project. Council Member Rizzuto advised that the Council supports the cemetery project. Mayor Marotta advised Mr. McClachrie that the State directed all assessors to send out the verification letter to all residents receiving a veteran’s deduction. Council Member Kadish commended Mr. McClachrie for his years of service on the Environmental Commission and the Planning Board.

Gary Martinsen—noted an event scheduled for next weekend to benefit the veteran’s cemetery and firefighters.

Sally Rinker—had a question about “other trust” as noted on the Bills List resolution. The Mayor explained that it was for construction fees to the State. Ms. Rinker noted that the drug drop-off program was a huge success, and suggested that it could be done all year round at a cost of $1,000. She noted that the developer’s agreement for Main Street Associates was approved by the Council a while ago but it is still not signed. She asked when it would be signed and released to the public.

Mary Ellen Vichiconti—asked for information on the pipeline issue, and the status of the materials found in the waterway. Council President Lynch advised what he found when he went up to look into the situation with the Highland Lakes people in charge. He was told that the booms were intended to filter silt and keep it from going further into the waterway.

Beverly Budz—addressed the Council President in refuting his comments about the booms v. pillows. Her comments became quite pointed.

Michael Cheski—clarified the issue of the booms.

Closed to Public Comments

Council President asked for a motion to close the public portion of the meeting.
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Dan Kadish
All members present were in favor.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Marotta read the following proclamation for Breast Cancer Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Breast Cancer is a serious threat to women’s health across New Jersey and the nation, and

WHEREAS, increased public awareness of this disease, its risk factors, and its symptoms may save lives as women across New Jersey learn to recognize the warning signs of Breast Cancer; and

WHEREAS, Breast Cancer is treatable when detected early and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the suffering and deaths caused by this disease; and

WHEREAS, the Sussex County Chronic Disease Coalition and Project Self Sufficiency are organizations partnering to promote Breast Cancer awareness during the Month of October through the Susan G. Komen’s Annual Tie a Pink Ribbon Campaign; and

WHEREAS, Pink Ribbons have become an increasingly recognized sign of courage, support and hope for a cure.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that the MONTH OF OCTOBER shall be proclaimed BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in the Township of Vernon and the displaying of Pink Ribbons during the Month of October is a wonderful way to encourage citizens to stand together against this disease.

Council President Lynch asked for a motion to approve the Mayor’s Proclamation for Breast Cancer Month.
Moved: Dick Wetzel
Second: Daniel Kadish

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

The Mayor’s report continued:

  • Mayor Marotta announced that there was an Eagle Court of Honor to award the Eagle Scout Award to Michael John Griffin on October 20, noting that Michael is a member of Scout Troop #912.
  • He advised that the Vernon Valley Lake area drainage project had a bid opening on Friday, October 5. A resolution is on the agenda to award the project this evening.
  • The intersection of Rt. 517/Maple Grange/Lounsberry project is now completed, with only fencing on the top of the retaining wall and relative landscaping still to be done.
  • He felt the EDAC Roundtable event last week was very successful. The total cost of the event was $1,350.00.
  • He addressed the issue of taxes, as many comments were made. He explained that property taxes are made up of 3 components: municipal, school board and county. The Mayor noted that the municipal portion went down 2 cents per $100 of value. He gave a comparison of other towns in the county and their respective tax rates.

Council President Lynch asked the Mayor if he could look into the idea of a drug drop-off site here at the municipal building. Mayor Marotta advised that the Police Chief was already looking into it.

Public Auction—Property at 23 Acorn Drive

The Council President asked Mr. Kelly to conduct the auction.

Mr. Kelly asked if the qualified bidders were present—Mr. Singerline announced that he was present. Mr. Kelly explained the details of the bid amounts as outlined in Ordinance #12-16. Mr. Singerline made a bid of $1,500.00. No other bids were received and Mr. Singerline was awarded the bid. He gave the Municipal Clerk a check for $600.00 as a deposit.

Approval of Minutes

Regular Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2012

Moved: Dan Kadish
Second: Dick Wetzel

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
The regular meeting minutes of 9/24/12 were approved.

Consent Agenda—Resolutions #12-189 through #12-195

Council President Lynch gave a brief explanation of each resolution. Council Member Kadish asked to vote on each resolution separately.

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-189.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

Council Member Kadish had questions on a number of payments which were all explained to him. He complimented the exercise stations recently installed.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch*
Nays: None
Abstain: * chk #37808, 37811, 37812, 37818, 37823, 37827, 37848, 37863, 37884
Resolution #12-189 was adopted.

Resolution #12-189: Authorizing the Approval of Bills List

BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE FOLLOWING BILLS LISTED ARE HEREBY APPROVED:

Disbursement
Journal
FundAmountMajor Vendor
#1 CURRENT $1,014,958.33 BAN PAYMENT
#2 CURRENT $881,190.80 BD OF ED
#3 CURRENT $361,670.13 HORIZON BLUE CROSS
#4 CURRENT $888,577.98 BD OF ED
#5 CAPITAL $106,634.38 CELEBRITY FORD
#6 GRANT $4,707.50  
#7 GRANT $178,702.75 EARTH TEC
#8 P & Z $8,119.24  
#9 RECREATION $532.90  
#10 OUTSIDE SERVICES $7,642.96  
#11 OTHER TRUST $9,821.00  
#12 VT AFFORDABLE HOUSING $82.50  
#13 2ND PAY-SEPT $313,756.78  
    $3,776,397.25  

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-190.
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Eddie Dunn

Council Member Kadish asked about this resolution. Mayor Marotta noted that this was the first draw-down from last year’s Bond Ord. #11-23, as well as the need to do so at this time.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolution #12-190 was adopted.

Resolution #12-190: Authorizing the Issuance of Not Exceeding $500,000 Bond Anticipation Notes of the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex (herein called “local unit”) entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the restructuring of a portion of the cost of acquisition of capacity at the sanitary sewage treatment plant of the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority by the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $2,800,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $2,666,000 bonds or notes of the Township for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on November 14, 2011 (#11-23), Bond Anticipation Notes of the local unit in a principal amount not exceeding $500,000 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any Bond Anticipation Notes heretofore issued therefor.

Section 2. The following matters in connection with said Bond Anticipation Notes are hereby determined:

  1. All notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the chief financial officer or the interim chief financial officer (the “chief financial officer”) of the local unit, provided that no note issued pursuant to Section 1 shall mature later than (i) one year from the date of the first such note issued pursuant to the respective ordinances referred to in said Sections, and (ii) three years from the date of the first note issued pursuant to each such respective ordinance unless the local unit shall have paid and retired amounts of such notes sufficient to allow it, in accordance with provisions of Section 40A:2-8 of the Local Bond Law, to renew a portion thereof beyond the third anniversary date of the first of such notes;
  2. All notes issued hereunder shall bear interest at such rate or rates as may be determined by the chief financial officer of the local unit; and
  3. The notes shall be in the form prescribed by resolution heretofore adopted by the governing body of this local unit determining the form of Bond Anticipation Notes issued pursuant to the Local Bond Law, and any such notes may be signed or sealed by officers of the local unit in any manner permitted by Section 40A:2-25 of said Local Bond Law notwithstanding that said form or resolution may otherwise provide.

Section 3. The chief financial officer of the local unit is hereby authorized and directed to determine all matters in connection with said notes not determined by this or a subsequent resolution, and the chief financial officer’s signature upon said notes shall be conclusive as to such determinations.

Section 4. The chief financial officer of the local unit is hereby authorized to sell said Bond Anticipation Notes from time to time at public or private sale in such amounts as the chief financial officer may determine at not less than par and to deliver the same from time to time to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from their dates to the date of delivery thereof and payment therefor.

Section 5. Any instrument issued pursuant to this resolution shall be a general obligation of the local unit, and the local unit’s faith and credit are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said obligations and, unless otherwise paid or payment provided for, an amount sufficient for such payment shall be inserted in the budget and a tax sufficient to provide for the payment thereof shall be levied and collected.

Section 6. The chief financial officer of the local unit is authorized and directed to report in writing to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of notes pursuant to this resolution is made, such report to include the amount, description, interest rate and maturity of the notes sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.

Section 7. The chief financial officer of the local unit is hereby authorized and directed to do all other matters necessary, useful, convenient or desirable to accomplish the delivery of said notes to the purchasers thereof as promptly as possible, including (i) the preparation, execution and dissemination of a Preliminary Official Statement and Final Official Statement with respect to said notes, (ii) preparation, distribution and publication, if necessary, of a Notice of Sale with respect to said notes, (iii) execution of a Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, with respect to said notes in accordance with Rule 15c2-12 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and (iv) execution of an arbitrage and use of proceeds certificate certifying that, among other things, the local unit, to the extent it is empowered and allowed under applicable law, will do and perform all acts and things necessary or desirable to assure that interest paid on said notes is not included in gross income under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 8. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-191.
Moved: Patrick Rizzuto
Second: Eddie Dunn

Council Member Kadish asked for the history of this resolution. Mayor Marotta explained how the Township acquired the tax liens on these properties (no one was interested in purchasing the liens at the tax sale). He advised how acquiring them and now selling them to a third party benefits the town (we receive all back taxes, and it puts them back on the tax rolls for subsequent taxes) as well as any third party wishing to acquire the assignments (advanced timetable for foreclosure, if applicable). Mr. Kadish asked how it would affect our uncollected tax amounts, and the Mayor advised that it would not. Mr. Kadish inquired if the buyer was related to any of our banks, and was told “not to our knowledge.”

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolution #12-191 was adopted.

Resolution #12-191: Resolution Authorizing Private Sale of Tax Sale Certificates Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:5-113

WHEREAS, on September 12, 2012, a tax sale was held for the following properties:

See Schedule A attached hereto

WHEREAS, there were no bidders, and said taxes remained unpaid at the close of the tax sale; and

WHEREAS, said liens were stricken off and sold to the Township of Vernon; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon desires to hold a private sale and assignment of the Tax Sale Certificates; and

WHEREAS, public notice of the assignment of the municipal Tax Sale Certificates was previously given, with said date for consideration of the sale and assignment being October 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., at the Township Hall; and

WHEREAS, US Bank is the custodian for Pro Capital I, LLC and has offered to purchase the entirety of the Tax Sale Certificates identified above for an amount of $307,795.71, said amount representing the total amount due with subsequent liens; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council has considered the arguments of the owners of said properties and all interested parties, if any; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council desires to authorize the assignment of the aforementioned Tax Sale Certificates at a private sale to US Bank, a custodian for Pro Capital I, LLC.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey that a private sale of the Tax Certificates set forth in this Resolution is hereby authorized.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor for the Township of Vernon is hereby authorized to execute the assignment of same to US Bank, a custodian of Pro Capital I, LLC.

Schedule A
Schedule Tax Title Liens
Liens in McAfee
Amount Owned as of 10/11/12

BLOCKLOTQUALLIEN#AMOUNT OWNEDOWNER ON CERT.ADDRESSDATEBOOKPAGE
231.01 1 CS10A 12-088 $12,057.41 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1083
231.01 1 CS10C 12-089 $12,057.41 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1085
231.01 1 C1111 12-101 $25,281.74 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1109
231.01 1 C1112 12-102 $15,624.41 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1111
231.01 1 C1254 12-107 $36,027.47 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1121
231.01 1 C1325 12-115 $8,903.32 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1137
231.01 1 C1326 12-116 $32,169.81 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1139
231.01 1 C1327 12-117 $15,600.39 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1141
231.01 1 C1329 12-119 $33,088.60 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1145
231.01 1 C1330 12-120 $15,233.04 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1147
231.01 1 C1333 12-123 $14,018.96 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1153
231.01 1 C1335 12-125 $5,621.85 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1157
231.01 1 C1436 12-126 $6,839.44 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1159
231.01 1 C1548 12-138 $8,060.56 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1183
231.01 1 C1549 12-139 $26,633.89 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1185
231.01 1 C1551 12-140 $34.800.95 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1187
231.01 1 C1552 12-141 $5,776.46 Metairie Corp. McAfee 9/21/12 9045 1189

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-192.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

Council President Lynch asked the Mayor to explain about this change order. Mayor Marotta advised that the County had increased their figures due to new specifications for additional asphalt (we will be reimbursed by the County). The Mayor noted that we added all necessary items in the event a traffic light is required at a later date so that the new roadway would not need to be dug up. He also noted that the 2 side streets were widened to accommodate turn lanes, and that the intersection is now much safer.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolution #12-192 was adopted.

Resolution #12-192: Authorizing Change Order #1 to Earth-Tec Associates for Improvements to County Road 517, Maple Grange Road and Lounsberry Hollow Road Intersections

WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon awarded a contract for improvements to County Road 517, Maple Grange Road and Lounsberry Hollow Road intersections via resolution #12-133 to Earth Tec Associates for $924,819.00; and

WHEREAS, an additional item that was unforeseen and not in the original specification is needed, totaling $37,783.25; and

WHEREAS, according to NJAC 5:30-1.3, the total amount of all change orders may not exceed 20 percent of the original contract award; and

WHEREAS, this change order does not exceed the 20 percent threshold; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer recommends that this change order be approved per the attached request.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, that this change order be approved; and

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

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-193.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

Council Member Kadish was concerned with how the Prosecutor would be able to evaluate the risk of re-offense. Mr. Kelly said expert psychiatric evaluations would be required.

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolution #12-193 was adopted.

Resolution #12-193: Resolution of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, to Support the Passage of S180/A640 by the Legislature

WHEREAS, Bill S180/A640, introduced in the Legislature in 2010 proposes to amend Megan’s Law to require the County Prosecutors to determine the risk of re-offense of sex offenders under Megan’s Law prior to the release of a sex offender from incarceration; and

WHEREAS, currently, many sex offenders are not tiered until they have been released into the community; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee believes it is in the best interests of the citizens of the Township of Vernon and all of New Jersey to require the Prosecutor’s Office to determine a sex offender’s risk of re-offense prior to release.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey hereby supports the passage of New Jersey Legislature Bill S180/A640 which amends Megan’s Law in order to require the County Prosecutors to determine a sex offender’s risk of re-offense prior to release from incarceration and urges the enactment of such legislation as soon as possible.

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-194.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel, Brian Lynch
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolution #12-194 was adopted.

Resolution #12-194: Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Reivax Contracting Corp. for the Drainage Improvements to Various Streets in the Vernon Valley Lake Section Project

WHEREAS, the Township received ten (10) bids for this project for the bid opening that occurred on October 5, 2012; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer recommends awarding a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, Reivax Contracting Corp. of 46 Washington Street, Harrison, New Jersey 07029, who submitted a bid of $381,735.00.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Vernon Township Council, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to award a contract to Reivax Contracting Corp. in the amount of $381,735.00 for the Drainage Improvements to Various Streets in the Vernon Valley Lake Section Project.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately according to law.

Mr. Lynch asked for a motion adopting Resolutions #12-195.
Moved: Daniel Kadish
Second: Patrick Rizzuto

A roll call vote was taken:
Ayes: Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Patrick Rizzuto, Dick Wetzel
Nays: None
Abstain: Brian Lynch
Resolution #12-195 was adopted.

Resolution #12-195: Social Affair Permit

WHEREAS, the Pochuck Valley Fire Department has submitted an application for a social affair permit for a Turkey Dinner to be held at the Pochuck Valley Firehouse on November 3, 2012, from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight; and

WHEREAS, the proceeds of this event will benefit the Pochuck Valley Fire Department; and

WHEREAS the Chief of Police has no objections to the filing of said application, and the Municipal Clerk has certified that not more than 25 Social Permits have been authorized for these premises during this calendar year.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that it grants permission for the Pochuck Valley Fire Department to apply for a Social Affair Permit for a Turkey Dinner to be held at the Firehouse located at 13 Lake Wallkill Road, Sussex, on November 3, 2012, from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight to serve alcoholic beverages; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Clerk be authorized to sign said application and forward same to the Department of Law & Public Safety, Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Trenton.

Council President

Council President Lynch advised that it was Fire Prevention Week, and told everyone it was time to check chimneys, smoke detector batteries, and escape plans. He addressed comments made earlier by Mr. McClachrie about being targeted due to his efforts against the salary ordinance, which could not be farther from the truth.

Council Comments

Council Member Wetzel noted that he was appalled by a comment made earlier in the meeting by a member of the public that the Council was being controlled by Mr. Mulvihill. He noted that Mr. Mulvihill is one of a few who are building in this town. Mr. Wetzel addressed an earlier comment about the commissioners on the MUA, advising that he had spoken to a number of knowledgeable people in town about serving as a commissioner, but was told that they do not need the abuse.

Council Member Rizzuto noted an article in the Star Ledger about Merck Pharmaceutical being told to relocate after 20 years from White Horse Station to Summit. He advised that new projects that were being considered have now been put on hold or cancelled due to the lack of a revenue stream. Mr. Rizzuto addressed the comment about Mr. Mulvihill, noting that while Vernon is sensitive to residents’ concerns, it cannot be ignored that Mt. Creek is the largest taxpayer and that Vernon is known for its resort area which brings in tourists who also spend money in Vernon businesses while here. Mr. Rizzuto noted that tax bills did go up but not the municipal portion, adding that the largest increase was the school board and complaints should be addressed to them at their meetings.

Council Member Kadish had nothing to add at this time.

Council Member Dunn thanked those on Council and the Mayor who attended the EDAC event. He was especially pleased with the presentation on social media for business purposes, as he felt it was very powerful. He was very hopeful for the progress made so far and projected to be made in the future. Mr. Dunn addressed the issue of veteran’s employment, noting that it is now down below the national average, but still anticipated to take a sharp increase as troops are coming home due to the draw-down. He outlined the reasons for hiring veterans due to their work ethic and the skills learned while in the military.

Mr. Rizzuto commented that the gentleman running the EDAC roundtable session was excellent.

Adjournment

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

The Regular Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan S. Nelson, RMC
Municipal Clerk

Minutes approved: October 22, 2012