Vernon Township
21 Church Street, Vernon, NJ 07462
Phone: 973.764.4055
Minutes: April 10, 2023
YouTube of the April 10, 2023 council meeting
This Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on April 10, 2023 via Zoom Webinar and in the Vernon Municipal Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon, New Jersey with Council President Buccieri presiding.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided to the public and the press on January 6, 2023 and was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-7.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Council President Buccieri led the assemblage in the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Present were Council Members Peg Distasi, Patrick Rizzuto, Bradley Sparta, Joe Tadrick and
Council President Natalie Buccieri. Also present were Mayor Howard Burrell, Administrator Tina Kraus, Municipal Clerk Marcy Gianattasio and Township Attorney Josh Zielinski.
Mayor Burrell commented that the DPW was able to turn the monitor in the courtroom for the public to view Zoom.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (For Current Agenda Items Only, Limited to 3 Minutes Per Person)
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the meeting to Public Comments.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Tadrick
All members were in favor.
Steve Dunlop – thanked the Council for getting the monitor turned around. Mr. Dunlop questioned last year’s budget. He also asked how the Mayor and CFO could spend money once the budget is approved.
The Mayor answered that a resolution would need to be approved.
Sean Clarkin – feels that Vernon needs to scrutinize money being spent and people are upset because the budget is high.
Jessi Paladini – questioned items on the bills list.
Mishelle Downtain Recreation Director answered some of Ms. Paladini’s concerns.
Thomas McClachrie – had concerns about the budget.
Seeing no one else from the public wishing to come forward, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the meeting to Public Comments.
MOVED: Rizzuto
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
REVIEW OF BILLS LIST
The Council reviewed the bills list.
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution #23-102: Authorizing the Extension of Award of a Required Disclosure Contract for Container Service at the Township’s Public Works and Animal Control Facilities
Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve resolution #23-102
MOVED: Sparta
SECOND: Tadrick
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve resolution #23-102.
RESOLUTION #23-102
AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF AWARD OF A REQUIRED DISCLOSURE CONTRACT FOR CONTAINER SERVICE AT THE TOWNSHIP’S PUBLIC WORKS AND ANIMAL CONTROL FACILITIES
WHEREAS, there exists a need to haul and dispose of solid waste (type 10) containers at the Township’s Public Works and Animal Control facilities and;
WHEREAS, the quotations were sought in accord with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 as a required disclosure contract; and
WHEREAS, the Township has sought to receive quotations for monthly services and on September 22, 2021, received two (2) quotes, to wit:
And;
WHEREAS Gaeta Recycling Company has provided for the lowest quote based upon price and other factors for these services proposed for the time frame of November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022; and
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2022 Gaeta Recycling Company has agreed to hold prices quoted in 2021 for the 2022-2023 contract year in accord with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-15; and
WHEREAS, the Qualified Purchasing Agent has solicited informal quotes for these services, of which Gaeta Recycling Company was the lowest cost of the quotes sought and determined that the cost will exceed the pay to play threshold of $17,500.00; and
WHEREAS, Gaeta Recycling has provided for a Business Entity Disclosure and Political Contribution Disclosure form in accord with pay to play law;
WHEREAS, the Qualified Purchasing Agent recommends awarding a contract to Gaeta Recycling Company, Inc., 278 Railway Ave., Paterson, New Jersey 07053 who submitted the pricing of $1,579.00 per month for a total of $18,948.00 for the extension of contract period of November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023; and
WHEREAS, surcharges for transport and tonnage will be charged in an indeterminate amount on a monthly basis creating a not to exceed amount of $21,948.00; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer subject to the approval of the 2023 Municipal Budget certifies $21,948.00 is available in:
2022 Municipal Budget ($2,896.00): 2-01-26-310-20 Buildings and Grounds O/E
2023 Municipal Budget (subject to approval): 3-01-26-310-20 Buildings and Grounds O/E
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, the Mayor, Clerk and CFO are authorized to extend the contract by one (1) year and execute a contract with Gaeta Recycling Company, Inc., 278 Railway Ave., Paterson NJ 07053 not to exceed $21,948.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Entity Disclosure and Political Contribution Forms shall be on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Municipal Clerk.
Resolution #23-103: Authorization to Endorse a Treatment Works Approval Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for Construction of an On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Alteration at Tall Timbers Located at Block 291 Lot 1
Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve resolution #23-103
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
Council Member Distasi verified that the Township was not paying for this.
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve resolution #23-103.
RESOLUTION #23-103
AUTHORIZATION TO ENDORSE A TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM ALTERATION AT TALL TIMBERS LOCATED AT BLOCK 291 LOT 1
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) is responsible for administering the Treatment Works Approval (“TWA”) program, which establishes and implements minimum standards for building, installing, modifying, and operating treatment works; and
WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 7:14A-22.2 and 22.3 requires the filing of a TWA permit application with the NJDEP for building or modifying a sewer connection or extension; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 58:10A-1 et seq., a municipality must endorse such application for review by the NJDEP; and
WHEREAS, Tall Timbers Property Owners Association is requesting approval to construct an On-site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Alteration at System located at Block 291 Lot 1 per plans submitted by Houser Engineering, LLC, dated February 22, 2023.
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has reviewed the plans submitted and recommends the Township Council endorse the submission per letter dated April 4, 2023.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that:
1. The Township will endorse the submission of the TWA application for the aforesaid project.
2. The Township Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the TWA on behalf of the Township.
3. This Resolution shall be made a part of the application submitted to the NJDEP.
4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption according to law.
Resolution #23-104: A Resolution Amending Budget
Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve resolution #23-104
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
Council Member Tadrick thanked Council Member Rizzuto for questioning the CFO regarding the budget.
Mayor Burrell commented saying that our form of government works best when the Mayor and Council work together.
This working together is a critical requirement when putting together our annual municipal budget; because under our form of government, only the Mayor can develop and present a municipal budget, and only the Council can approve and adopt a municipal budget.
These two facts require that the Mayor and Council compromise whenever they have a significant difference of opinion on what should be in the annual municipal budget.
In the State of New Jersey, when there is an unresolvable budget stalemate between the Mayor and Council, New Jersey law gives the Department of Community Affairs the authority to:
- First, impose a personal penalty of $25 per day on each Council Member for every day that the Council fails to approve a budget, that has not been approved after the State of New Jersey’s established statutory date by which all municipal budgets must be approved. This year, that statutory date is April 28; and …
- Second, to dictate an annual budget for the town.
Neither this Council nor I want to put ourselves in the position where the State of New Jersey would be forced to take either of these actions in Vernon Township.
And therefore, while Chief Financial Officer Bright, Business Administrator Kraus and I have worked close with the municipal staff to develop and present a municipal budget that we believe is reasonable, and that is based on a focus of addressing our town's real and necessary needs, and not some unreal and unnecessary wants - - -
Because I believe that the Vernon Township governing body - - that is the Mayor and Council - - and not the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, should determine the annual budget for our town, in discussions with Council President Buccieri, I made a commitment to work close with her as the leader of the Council, and to work hard to reach a compromise solution with the Council as a collective group that would enable me to present a budget that could get at least three votes of approval from the Council.
And while it is not my preference to adjust my proposed 2023 Budget in a way that would delay the purchase of some needed municipal equipment and other items, or delay some needed municipal facility improvements; I have never-the less adjusted my budget to do just that, as a part of my compromise with the Council.
While it is not my preference to adjust my proposed 2023 Budget in a way that would decrease the amount of cash that we had planned to put in our Capital Improvement Fund, which would have enabled the town to pay cash for some needed municipal items, rather than borrowing money to pay for these items; I have never-the less adjusted my budget to do just that, as a part of my compromise with the Council.
I did not wish to adjust my proposed 2023 Budget in a way that would reduce the municipality’s Fund Balance - - that is the municipality’s savings account - - below the current level of 22% of the proposed budget; I did not want to do this, because according to our auditor, this action is very likely to reduce the municipality’s Bond Rating - - that is the municipality’s Credit Score - - and result in the municipality having to pay a higher interest rate for the funds that we are forced to borrow to pay for some needed items.
However, I have never-the less adjusted my budget to do just that, as a part of my compromise with the Council.
Resolution # 23-104 amends the proposed 2023 Budget that I have submitted by implementing these compromises that I have made.
Specifically:
1. This resolution authorizes the transfer of another almost 1M$ from the municipality’s Fund Balance - - that is the municipality’s savings account - - into the budget, resulting in the use of a total of 2.065M$ of our Fund Balance to reduce the amount of funds that we will have to collect from taxpayers in this year’s budget;
2. This resolution will allow the town to take full advantage of the fact that Business Administrator KRAUS has used her connections with the Sussex County Administrator, who she worked with when they both were employed by the municipality of Hopatcong, to gain Vernon access to a Sussex County contract which will enable us to purchase our road salt for a price that’s 18% below the price we are currently paying for this product. This, along with the optimistic assumption that the October, November, December portion of the 2023 winter season will be as mild as the January, February, March portion, allowed us to move forward with reducing the amount of funds that we will seek to collect from taxpayers in this year’s budget for Road Maintenance and Repairs;
3. This resolution will reduce the amount of funds that we had planned to collect from taxpayers in order to build up the municipality’s Capital Improvement Fund, which would have enabled the town to pay cash for some needed municipal items, rather than borrowing money to pay for these items; and …
4. The actions authorized by this resolution will reduce the 2023 Municipal Budget to an amount that totals $31,032,000, an amount that will result in a zero municipal tax increase.
As we all know, there is no such thing as a “free lunch”; and at some point, in the future, some future Mayor and Council will have to deal with the economic consequences of the actions that I and this Council have agreed to take as part of our compromise to get a 2023 Municipal Budget approved at the April 24 Council meeting, which will be just four days before New Jersey’s established statutory date by which all municipal budgets must be approved.
You have my commitment, that during these remaining nine months that I will serve as your Mayor, I will do everything that I can to make those future consequences as economically painless as possible.
Council Member Tadrick expressed concern that the trail will be blacktopped this year.
Council President Buccieri is glad that we have a zero percent increase and this is a good compromise. She appreciated the work that was done.
Council Member Sparta feels that the town has to start to contract the government. He feels that personnel need to be looked at to see if they are all warranted. Council Member Sparta feels that if we are careful with our spending, we can find $75,000 to put back in the capital improvement fund.
Council Member Distasi thanked the Mayor and Administration for presenting a zero percent budget. Our goal for the next year will be to scrutinize any unnecessary spending.
Council Member Tadrick asked the Township Attorney is an ordinance can be written to make sure that in the future any money spent has to come before the Council.
Attorney Zielinski will have to review the current State structure.
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Buccieri
NAYES: Tadrick
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve resolution #23-104.
RESOLUTION #23-104
A RESOLUTION AMENDING BUDGET
WHEREAS, the introduction of the Local Municipal Budget for the Year 2023 was approved on March 27, 2023, and
WHEREAS, the public hearing on said Budget has not yet been held as advertised, and
WHEREAS, it is desired to amend the Introduced Budget,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, that the following amendments to the approved Budget of 2023 be made:
From To Change
Current Fund
General Revenues
1. Surplus Anticipated 1,150,000.00 2,065,000.00 +915,000.00
3. General Revenues
(G) Special Items of Revenue
Hotel Occupancy Tax 365,000.00 377,000.00 +12,000.00
6. (a) Local Tax for Municipal Purposes 20,055,217.53 18,975,217.53 (1,080,000.00)
Including Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
7. Total General Revenues 31,185,000.00 31,032,000.00 (153,000.00)
General Appropriations
8. General Appropriations
(A) Operations-within “CAPS”
General Government:
Revenue Administration S&W 161,000.00 156,000.00 (5,000.00)
Public Works Functions:
Streets and Roads Maintenance O/E 710,000.00 670,000.00 (40,000.00)
Total Operations within “CAPS” 17,280,499.00 17,235,499.00 (45,000.00)
Total Operations Including Contingent 17,280,499.00 17,235,499.00 (45,000.00)
within “CAPS”
From To Change
Current Fund
(C) Capital Improvements – Excluded from “CAPS”
Capital Improvement Fund 1,235,000.00 1,160,000.00 (75,000.00)
Total Capital Improvements Excluded from “CAPS” 1,906,350.00 1,831,350.00 (75,000.00)
(H-2) Total General Appropriations for 8,859,010.03 8,784,010.03 (75,000.00)
Municipal Purposes Excluded from “CAPS”
(M) Reserve for Uncollected Taxes 2,524,583.97 2,491,583.97 (33,000.00)
9. Total General Appropriations 31,185,000.00 31,032,000.00 (153,000.00)
Resolution #23-105: Authorizing the Vernon Township Council to Approve a Person-to-Person Transfer of Liquor License #1922-33-013-004
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve resolution #23-105.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve resolution #23-105.
RESOLUTION #23-105
AUTHORIZING THE VERNON TOWNSHIP COUNCIL TO APPROVE A PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE #1922-33-013-004
WHEREAS, an application has been filed for a person-to-person transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption License #1922-33-013-044, for the purpose of changing the name of licensee wherein the sale, service and storage of alcoholic beverages are authorized; and
WHEREAS, the submitted application form is complete in all respects, the transfer fees have been paid, and the license has been properly renewed for the current license term.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of Vernon does hereby approve, effective as of April 10, 2023 person-to person transfer of the Plenary Retail Consumption License #1922-33-013-004, located at 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, New Jersey to transfer from Smokeys Glenwood Grill Limited Liability Co., to Smokeys Glenwood Grill LLC as delineated in the application form.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
Ordinance #23-13: Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Amending Chapter 94 of the Code of the Township of Vernon Regarding the Police Division
Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-13.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to introduce ordinance #23-13.
PUBLIC HEARING/2ND READING OF ORDINANCES
Ordinance #23-10: Capital Ordinance Providing for Fire Department Apparatus by the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, Appropriating Therefore the Sum of $340,000.00 and Providing that Such Sum so Appropriated Shall be Raised from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township.
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the floor for public hearing on ordinance #23-10.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Distasi
All members were in favor.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to come forward, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance #23-10.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve ordinance #23-10.
MOVED: Rizzuto
SECOND: Tadrick
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve ordinance #23-10.
ORDINANCE #23-10
CAPITAL ORDINANCE
Capital Ordinance providing for Fire Department Apparatus by the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating therefore the sum of $340,000.00 and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from the Capital Improvement Fund of the Township
BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Body of the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the following capital projects be hereby authorized but not limited to include acquisition of Fire Department Apparatus for the Fire Department for a total Improvement Authorization of $340,000.00.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the financing for the above projects be as follows:
General Capital Improvement Fund................................ $340,000.00
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the capital budget of the Township is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget and capital improvement program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Township Clerk and are available for public inspection.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the period of usefulness of the capital projects are in excess of the five (5) year statutory requirement, and that no debt shall be incurred by the Borough for this authorization. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law.
Ordinance #23-11: Ordinance of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Supplementing Chapter 5, Article II Entitles “Mayor and Council” to Make Meeting Minutes Compliant with Daniel’s Law
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the floor for public hearing on ordinance #23-11.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Distasi
All members were in favor.
Thomas McClachrie – asked how much this is going to cost us. He does not remember any town officials stating their name and address.
Council Member Sparta explained this also included addresses that are on resolutions and ordinances.
Council Member Rizzuto said this is an unfunded State mandate.
Municipal Clerk Gianattasio announced that the Clerk’s office has completed through 2016 minutes.
Seeing no one else from the public wishing to come forward, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance #23-11.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Rizzuto
All members were in favor.
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve ordinance #23-11.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Rizzuto
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve ordinance #23-11.
ORDINANCE #23-11
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II ENTITLED “MAYOR AND COUNCIL” TO MAKE MEETING MINUTES COMPLIANT WITH DANIEL’S LAW
WHEREAS, in or about November 2020, Governor Murphy signed Daniel’s Law, amended the Open Public Records Act and other statutes intending to protect certain persons in public service. Specifically, Daniel’s Law prohibits the disclosure of home addresses and unpublished telephone numbers of certain active and retired law enforcement officers, judicial officers, prosecutors, and their immediate family members; and
WHEREAS, a determination has been made that there is a need to update the Township code to help ensure compliance with Daniel’s Law, as amended (P.L. 2021, c. 371).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey, that Chapter 5 of the Township Code be supplemented as follows:
SECTION 1
- 5-6. Meeting of Council.
- Compliance with Daniel’s Law.
The Vernon Township Council hereby authorizes and approves the review and legally required redaction of all meeting minutes on the Township website to comply with the requirements of Daniel’s Law, as amended (P.L. 2021, c. 371).
SECTION 2
Each section of this ordinance is an independent section, and the holding of any section or part thereof to be unconstitutional, void or ineffective for any cause shall not be deemed to affect the validity of constitutionality of any other sections or parts thereof.
SECTION 3
Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.
SECTION 4
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately as provided by law.
Ordinance #23-12: Bond Ordinance Providing for the Acquisition of a New Fire Truck by the Township of Vernon, In the County of Sussex, New Jersey, Appropriating $845,300 Therefor and Authorizing the Issuance of $320,300 Bonds or Notes of the Township for Financing Such Appropriation
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the floor for public hearing on ordinance #23-12.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to come forward, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance #23-12.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve ordinance #23-12.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Buccieri
Council Member Rizzuto explained that there has been a modification to the requirements needed by the Fire Department and the amount of money needed was going to be less. The reason for approving this ordinance now was to get the better rates. Council Member Rizzuto asked for reassurance that an adjustment will be made at a future meeting.
Business Administrator Kraus said that this is correct.
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve ordinance #23-12.
ORDINANCE #23-12
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A NEW FIRE TRUCK BY THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $845,300 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $320,300 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING SUCH APPROPRIATION.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY (not less than two‑thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS:
The improvement described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by The Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey. For the said improvement or purpose stated in said Section 3, there is hereby appropriated the sum of $845,300, said sum being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefor and including the sum of $350,000 as the down payment for said improvement or purpose required by law and now available therefor by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Township for down payment or for capital improvement purposes and including also $175,000 from Fire Truck Reserves of the Township.
For the financing of said improvement or purpose, including for the purpose of applicable United States Treasury regulations the reimbursement of expenditures heretofore or hereafter made therefor, and to meet the part of said $845,300 appropriation not provided for by application hereunder of said down payment and Fire Truck Reserves, negotiable bonds of the Township are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $320,300 pursuant to the Local Bond Law of New Jersey. In anticipation of the issuance of said bonds and to temporarily finance said improvement or purpose, negotiable notes of the Township in a principal amount not exceeding $320,300 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
a. The improvement hereby authorized and purpose for the financing of which said obligations are to be issued is the acquisition by purchase of new and additional firefighting equipment for the preservation of life and property in the Township, consisting of one (1) pumper truck for use by the Highland Lakes Fire Company of the Township, including all equipment, appurtenances, accessories and attachments necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Township Clerk and hereby approved.
The estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for said purpose is $320,300.
The estimated cost of said purpose is $845,300, the excess thereof over the said estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued therefor being the amount of the said $350,000 down payment for said purpose and the said $175,000 from Fire Truck Reserves of the Township.
The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:
The said purpose described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is not a current expense and is a property or improvement which the Township may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefitted thereby.
The period of usefulness of said purpose within the limitations of said Local Bond Law, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the said bonds authorized by this bond ordinance, is ten (10) years.
The supplemental debt statement required by said Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the office of the Township Clerk and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey, and such statement shows that the gross debt of the Township as defined in said Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $320,300, and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
An aggregate amount not exceeding $60,000 for interest on said obligations, costs of issuing said obligations and other items of expense listed in and permitted under section 40A:2-20 of said Local Bond Law may be included as part of the cost of said improvement and is included in the foregoing estimate thereof.
All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the chief financial officer, the acting chief financial officer or the treasurer of the Township (the “Chief Financial Officer”) provided that no note shall mature later than one year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the Chief Financial Officer’s signature upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. §40A:2-8. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes from time to time at public or private sale at not less than par and to deliver them to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from their dates to the dates of delivery thereof. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body of the Township at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the principal amount, interest rate and maturities of the notes sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
The full faith and credit of the Township are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Township, and the Township shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the Township for the payment of said obligations and interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
The capital budget or temporary capital budget of the Township is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget or temporary capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Township Clerk and are available for public inspection.
This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to 5 Minutes Per Person)
President Buccieri asked for a motion to open the meeting for public comment.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
Peter Knipe – asked where the compromise of money being spent is.
Council Member Buccieri explained that the original budget was made wanting to increase the fund balance, there were purchases in the original budget for equipment for our DPW and there were other minor adjustments made.
Mr. Knipe was not satisfied with the explanation.
Steve Dunlop – expressed concern with the budget. He would like to know if the Mayor has asked for additional funds.
Sean Clarkin – feels that the Mayor went against the Council and bought the Baldwin Property.
Thomas McClachrie – suggested that the Council change the town code that gives the Mayor the authority to do the budget. Mr. McClachrie feels that disabled veterans are owed retroactive money.
Jessi Paladini – asked how many garden plots are in the community garden.
Recreation Director Mishelle Downtain answered 72 plots.
Ms. Paladini asked what line item is the Mayor’s budget.
Ms. Paladini gave credit to Council Members Tadrick and Sparta for their scrutiny of the things and their understanding of the budget. Ms. Paladini feels that the meeting of tax assessment had nothing to with quelling the publics angst.
Stephanie DeBrienza – asked the Council if any of them listen to the public questions and concerns. Ms. DiBrienza expressed concern with being timed when speaking at the meeting and she feels that Council Member Distasi does not represent them.
Ann Larson – expressed concern with the County Tax Assessor and the inspection process for the assessments. Ms. Larson feels someone has to take control of the spending and that there is waste in the budget.
Seeing no other members of the public wishing to speak, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the meeting for Public Comments.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
MAYOR COMMENTS
On an annual basis, those New Jersey municipalities that have a Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, report to The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute on the annual initiatives that they have undertaken in support of improving the health and wellness for the residents of their towns.
As of this date, Vernon and 429 other New Jersey municipalities have these Mayor’s Wellness Campaigns.
Vernon’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign was started in 2016 under the leadership of former Mayor HARRY SHORTWAY, and was activated and implemented by our Municipal Director of Recreation & Community Affairs, Ms. MICHELLE DOWNTAIN.
When I became Mayor in 2020, I recognized that our town’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign was an important initiative that contributed significantly to Vernon being a good place to live and raise a family; and therefore, I not only continued this Campaign, but I also gave it my full encouragement and support.
Each year, the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute awards three levels of Mayor’s Wellness Campaign achievements - -
1. The beginning award level is the Bronze Award, which is awarded to those municipalities that are judged as New Jersey HEALTHY TOWNS THAT’S UP AND COMING;
2. The next award level is the Silver Award, which is awarded to those municipalities that are judged as New Jersey HEALTHY TOWNS TO WATCH; and …
3. The highest award level is the Gold Award, which is awarded to those municipalities that are judged as being full-fledged New Jersey HEALTHY TOWNS.
During the first six years that Vernon participated in this program, the highest award level that we have been able to achieve was that of a New Jersey HEALTHY TOWN TO WATCH. However, during 2022, which was our seventh year of participation, our performance finally earned us the highest and Gold Level award of a New Jersey HEALTHY TOWN!
Vernon was one of only 14 towns in the entire State of New Jersey to earn this prestigious honor of being recognized as a New Jersey HEALTHY TOWN!
I thank Ms. DOWNTAIN for the key role and critical that she played in leading our Mayors Wellness Committee team in the planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating functions that were required in researching and gathering the information and data required for our town’s application to be considered for this prestigious award.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Distasi commented that she does not believe that challenging anything is proper way for the Council to function. She went to department heads, the CFO and the Mayor to get her information that was needed. Council Member Distasi doesn’t challenge anything, she does research. Council Member Distasi said she had nothing to do with the tax assessor meeting and she is not in support of the one-year assessment.
Council Member Sparta asked about the 2.4-million-dollar ARP money that have been received and slated for water improvements. He would like to know the status of the RFP that was supposed to go out. He asked Ms. Kraus to have an answer at the next Township Council meeting.
Council Member Tadrick feels that it is the Council’s job to confront and question. Everything Council Member Tadrick says is in public and is on the record and he thinks this is how we are supposed to do business for the people. He feels everything is supposed to go through the Council president, and the Council should not be gathering information on their own.
Council Member Rizzuto had no comments.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Council President Buccieri feels that having a debate and conversation is a great idea. She does not want to quell or suppress that. Yelling and getting to levels of agitation is not healthy as a Council for our town. Council President Buccieri explained that we have all asked questions in between meetings and outside of a Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:20 pm Council Member Tadrick made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Council Member Rizzuto.
All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved: April 24, 2023
