Township Council Work Session
The Work Session of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2013, in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey. The purpose of this Work Session was to discuss the Municipal Alliance Needs Assessment.
Statement of Compliance
Adequate notice of this work session has been provided to the public and the press on February 8, 2013 and was posted in the Municipal Building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6.
Salute to the Flag
The Council President led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.
Roll Call of Members
Present were Council Members Eddie Dunn, Daniel Kadish, Brian Lynch, Dick Wetzel, and Council President Patrick Rizzuto.
Public Comments
No one from the audience wished to speak.
Closed to Public Comments
The Council President closed the meeting to public comments.
Discussion on the Municipal Alliance Needs Assessment
Jeanne Buffalino, Vernon MAC Coordinator, had requested a meeting with the Township Council to obtain information which is a requirement for the MAC Grant through the County. The information consisted of an assessment of the current trends, needs and behaviors regarding the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs within our community. The information obtained will help provide programs and services to counteract the negative impact of these behaviors. Ms. Buffalino gave an overview of the Municipal Alliance program and explained how the funding is established, how it is attained by municipalities and how it should be utilized.
Ms. Buffalino gave a synopsis of programs that were established from grant money in the past and discussed how this needs assessment will be used in determining the funding for the next cycle of grant funding to Vernon Township for the years 2014-2017.
Ms. Buffalino asked questions regarding substance, liquor and tobacco abuse in Vernon. The Council Members answered all questions; and discussions and ideas were exchanged. Ms. Buffalino requested that the Council participate in an on-line survey which is vital to the program’s success.
Ms. Buffalino advised that she is constantly in touch with the County and that she has had many meetings with other groups to obtain information and exchange ideas. The Needs Assessment must be finalized by August.
The Council thanked Ms. Buffalino for all her efforts and all the years she has served on the MAC Committee.
Other Items of Discussion
Council President Rizzuto discussed the Open Space Trust Fund and a discussion ensued regarding how the money should be spent. The Council agreed that this will be a topic of further discussion at a future meeting.
Council President Rizzuto stated that we are 5 months into the year, and asked if any Council Members had any concerns that needed to be addressed.
Council Member Lynch advised that he would like a comprehensive evaluation done of the equipment of the Road Department, Police Department, fire department and ambulance squads. He noted that this was not a wish list, just what purchases are needed.
Council Member Dunn would like a work session on Vernon Values, to make the public aware of the “Buy Local” campaign initiated by the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Council Member Kadish asked for an assessment of all dams, and would also like to see a long-term road assessment.
Adjournment
Council Member Dan Kadish moved to adjourn this Work Session of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon. Council Member Eddie Dunn made the second; all were in agreement. The work session was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Bates
Deputy Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved: May 30, 2013
