Vernon Township
21 Church Street, Vernon, NJ 07462
Phone: 973.764.4055
Minutes: May 22, 2023
YouTube of the May 22, 2023 council meeting
This Meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Vernon was convened at 7:00 p.m. on May 22, 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, CFO Donelle Bright, Municipal Clerk Marcy Gianattasio and Township Attorney Joshua Zielinski.
PRESENTATION
Bandshell
Council Member Rizzuto gave a power point presentation to introduce a proposed Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bandshell that he is hoping to have built at Maple Grange Park in the near future. See attached for the presentation.
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.
Jessica Paladini – supports the bandshell. The Vernon Historical Society will donate money towards it and apply for grants for the bandshell.
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: Sparta
SECOND: Tadrick
All members were in favor.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Ordinance #23-14: Capital Ordinance
b. Ordinance #23-15: Bond Ordinance Appropriating $2,861,000, and Authorizing the Issuance of $2,432,486 Bonds or Notes of the Township, for Various Improvements of Purposes Authorized to be Undertaken by the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey
Council Member Sparta recused himself from the discussion.
Council Member Distasi feels that the ordinances should be separated into items that are necessary for the safety and function of Vernon from non-essential items that are wants. She feels that bonding at this time is fiscally irresponsible.
Council Member Rizzuto feels that because the number of roads, the needs for fire safety and to maintain the towns assets, on a pay as you go basis, we would not be able to provide our citizens with necessities that they require. On a pay-to-pay basis the current taxpayers of Vernon would be responsible for the debt. The people who come to town in the future will have the benefit of these assets without having to pay for them.
Council Member Distasi would like more information to make decisions easily.
c. Council Meeting Procedures
Council President Buccieri explained that we are no longer in state of emergency and she wanted opinions on continuing with hybrid meeting procedures.
Council Member Rizzuto feels that this is not an appropriate time to change the hybrid meetings. He also feels that if the Council violates the ordinance and misses meetings, there really is nothing that can be done.
Council Member Distasi feels that the Council should lead by example and follow the ordinances.
Council Member Sparta feels that it is advantageous to be able to call into the meetings. He is concerned about the virtual option being advertised and if there is a problem with the internet, the meeting would have to be cancelled.
Attorney Zielinski explained that the annual meeting notice for this year was published saying all of the meetings will be hybrid. Until that meeting notice is changed, and a new notice is published, all meetings have to remain hybrid. He said you can do away with the hybrid meetings and Council Members can still attend via zoom. Zoom is no different than a dial in telephone line.
REVIEW OF BILLS LIST
The Council reviewed the bills list.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 8, 2023 – Executive Session
May 8, 2023 – Regular Meeting
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve the above listed minutes.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Distasi
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve the above listed minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution #23-137: Approving a Charitable Solicitor’s Permit: Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc.
Resolution #23-139: Resolution Authorizing Fireworks to be Displayed on July 1, 2023 with a Raindate of July 2, 2023 Within the Township of Vernon
Resolution #23-140: Refund for Totally Disabled Veteran (Block 361 Lot 12 – Wallace)
Resolution #23-141: Refund for Totally Disabled Veteran (Block 54 Lot 2 -Brennan)
Resolution #23-142: Refund for Totally Disabled Veteran (Block 510 Lot 33 - Santana)
Resolution #23-143: Refund for Totally Disabled Veteran (Block 462 Lot 24 - Koziel)
Resolution #23-144: Resolution Authorizing Copier Equipment and Accessories Through Sourcewell National Cooperative 030321-KON Through Konica Minolta Business Solutions
Resolution #23-145: Canceling Taxes for Total Disabled Veteran (Block 68 Lot 4 -Jones)
Resolution #23-146: Refund for Totally Disabled Veteran (Block 68 Lot 4 – Jones)
Resolution #23-147: Authorizing Approval of Sussex County Contribution to the Vernon and Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Squads
President Buccieri asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Distasi, Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to approve the consent agenda.
RESOLUTION #23-137
APPROVING A CHARITABLE SOLICITOR’S PERMIT: GLENWOOD POCHUCK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS INC.
WHEREAS, Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc., P.O. Box 241, Glenwood, NJ 07418, has made application for a Charitable Roadside Solicitor’s Permit for the purposes of soliciting funds on July 1, 2023 and July 2, 2023 (alternate weather dates July 8, 2023 and July 9, 2023) 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Church Street; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Ordinance 18-12, the Vernon Township Police Department has reviewed the necessary application found that all documentation is in order.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Council of the Township of Vernon that approval be granted for a Charitable Roadside Solicitor’s Permit for Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc., P.O. Box 241, Glenwood, NJ 07418, has made application for a Charitable Roadside Solicitor’s Permit for the purposes of soliciting funds on July 1, 2023 and July 2, 2023 (alternate weather dates July 8, 2023 and July 9, 2023) 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Church Street; as depicted on the attached map, subject to the approval of the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey as needed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Clerk is hereby authorized to issue a Charitable Roadside Solicitor’s Permit to the aforesaid applicant in accordance with Chapter 428 of the Code of the Township of Vernon upon receipt of the approval from the County of Sussex.
RESOLUTION #23-139
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FIREWORKS TO BE DISPLAYED
ON JULY 1, 2023 WITH RAINDATE OF JULY 2, 2023
WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF VERNON
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A.21:3-1et seq. Explosive and Fireworks, provides that a Municipal Governing Body must authorize the display of fireworks within its boundaries as a pre-condition to such display in accordance with the New Jersey Fire Prevention Code; and
WHEREAS, Tall Timbers Property Owner’s Association has submitted an application to Vernon Township to conduct fireworks display on July 1, 2023, with rain date of July 2, 2023, to be held at Tall Timbers, 100 Tall Timbers Road per site map provided; and
WHEREAS, Tall Timbers Property Owner’s Association has engaged in a contract with Garden State Fireworks, Inc., Millington, NJ, to perform the public fireworks and special effects display and has provided the required certificate of liability insurance to the Township.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, hereby authorizes the firework display, performed by Garden State Fireworks Inc. on July 1, 2023, with rain date of July 2, 2023, at Tall Timbers, located at 100 Tall Timbers Road, Vernon, upon satisfaction of all statutory and departmental requirements.
RESOLUTION #23-140
REFUND FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN
(Block 361 Lot 12 - Wallace)
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
awarded Monique Wallace a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran: and,
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes the Tax Collector to refund 2nd quarter 2023 property tax in the amount of $1,986.69 to Corelogic.
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Tax Collector.
RESOLUTION #23-141
REFUND FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN
(Block 54 Lot 2 - Brennan)
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS awarded Robert Brennan a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran: and,
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes the Tax Collector to refund 2nd quarter 2023 property tax in the amount of $3,009.99 to Corelogic.
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Tax Collector.
RESOLUTION #23-142
REFUND FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN
(Block 510 Lot 33 - Santana)
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS awarded Henry Santana a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran: and,
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes the Tax Collector to refund 2nd quarter 2023 property tax in the amount of $1,510.28 to Corelogic.
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Tax Collector.
RESOLUTION #23-143
REFUND FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN
(Block 462 Lot 24 - Koziel)
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS awarded Darrin Koziel a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran: and,
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes the Tax Collector to refund 2nd quarter 2023 property tax in the amount of $1,952.16 to Corelogic.
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Tax Collector.
RESOLUTION #23-144
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COPIER EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES THROUGH SOURCEWELL NATIONAL COOPERATIVE 030321-KON THROUGH KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon, Sussex County, State of New Jersey as follows:
WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Public Contract Law P.L. 2011, C.139 (the “Law” or “Chapter 139” and N.J.S.A.52:34-6.2 the regulations promulgated there under in Local Finance Notice LFN 2012-10, the following purchase without competitive bids from vendor with a National Cooperative Contract is hereby approved for municipalities, and;
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon has the need to procure certain copier equipment and accessories in accord with the Local Publics Contract Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et. Seq., and;
WHEREAS, the Township of Vernon has previously acted in accord with New Jersey public procurement statutes and regulations as promulgated by formally joining a recognized and compliant national cooperative, being the Sourcewell National Cooperative, and;
WHEREAS, the regulations as set forth within Local Finance Notice LFN 2012-10 have been fully complied with, and;
WHEREAS, the equipment and corresponding Sourcewell National Cooperative contract is 0303021-KON, for Konica Minolta Business Solutions Inc; and
WHEREAS, the quoted cost under the Sourcewell National Cooperative contract $1,259.74/ month for a lease term of 60 months; and
WHEREAS, subject to the approval of future budgets by the governing body of the Township of Vernon, the Chief Financial Officer has determined, and certified available funds are available in the amounts of: $8,818.18 in 2023; $15,116.88 in 2024-2027; $6,298.70 in 2028 in budget account -General Admin Equipment Rental.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Business Administrator is hereby directed to effectuate the purchase of herein approved equipment through Sourcewell National Cooperative under contract #030321-KON for Copier Equipment and accessories through Konica Minolta Business Solutions Inc., for the approved cost of $1,259.74/ month for 60 months in accord with the provisions of the tenets as established within 40A:11-1 et. Seq.,
RESOLUTION #23-145
CANCELING TAXES FOR TOTAL DISABLED VETERAN
(Block 68 Lot 4 - Jones)
WHEREAS THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS awarded George Jones a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran; and
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon authorizes the Tax Collector to cancel the taxes for 2023 in the amount of $2,568.22.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Tax Collector.
RESOLUTION #23-146
REFUND FOR TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN
(Block 68 Lot 4 - Jones)
WHEREAS, THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
awarded George Jones a 100% permanent and totally disabled veteran: and,
WHEREAS, the law exempts said property from taxation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon hereby authorizes the Tax Collector to refund 1st quarter 2023 property tax in the amount of $1,253.20 to George Jones.
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Township Tax Collector.
RESOLUTION #23-147
AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF SUSSEX COUNTY CONTRIBUTION TO THE
VERNON AND GLENWOOD POCHUCK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SQUADS
WHEREAS, Vernon Township is in receipt of Request for Certification for Rescue Squad Contribution of $4,500.00 per squad from the County of Sussex; and
WHEREAS, per a resolution approved by the Board of Chosen Freeholders on February 28, 2001, Sussex County established policy to appropriate aid to Emergency Rescue Squads for the benefit of the county residents; and
WHEREAS, the policy stated that prior to approval, the appropriate municipality must approve the Emergency Rescue Squad seeking financial assistance.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Vernon that it hereby approves the Certification for Rescue Squad Contribution to the Vernon and Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Squads within Vernon Township and approves the receipt of financial assistance in the amount of $4,500.00 per squad for the calendar year 2023; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Sussex County Administrative Center, and the Vernon and Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Squads.
RESOLUTION
Resolution #23-138: Approving a Solicitor’s Permit – Erika Rivera, Realty Empire
The Council would like more information from the solicitor regarding her intentions while soliciting.
President Buccieri asked for a motion to table resolution #23-138.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Sparta
All members were in favor.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE
Council Member Sparta recused himself.
Ordinance #23-14: Capital Ordinance
Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-14 for discussion.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Buccieri
A roll call vote was taken:
Council Member Sparta recused himself from the vote.
AYES: Rizzuto, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES: Distasi
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to introduce ordinance #23-14.
Ordinance #23-15: Bond Ordinance Appropriating $2,861,000, and Authorizing the Issuance of $2,432,486 Bonds or Notes of the Township, for Various Improvements of Purposes Authorized to be Undertaken by the Township of Vernon, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey
Council President Buccieri asked for a motion to introduce ordinance #23-15 for discussion.
MOVED: Tadrick
SECOND: Sparta
A roll call vote was taken:
AYES: Rizzuto, Sparta, Tadrick, Buccieri
NAYES: Distasi
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Motion carries to introduce ordinance #23-15.
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.
Rohmell Dash and Andrea Rivers – introduced themselves to the Council in hopes to get their approval for a retail cannabis license in Vernon. They have a conditional license from the State of New Jersey.
Mark Heftler – expressed concern about the discussion of the meeting procedures tonight and ordinance #22-15 that updated the rules of order and procedures governing Council meetings.
Jessica Paladini – is disturbed because the Council postponed voting on a resolution because they did not know the town code. Ms. Paladini feels that a Council Member is overstepping their authority and contacting individuals about town litigation.
Thomas McClachrie – feels that all bonding over a million dollars should go to the public for a vote.
George Nikanorov – is disappointed with the Council in regards to the meeting procedure discussion and ordinance #22-15 that updated the rules of order and procedures governing Council meetings.
Ann Larson – thanked Council Member Tadrick for taking the position on the Council. Ms. Larson requested that the Right to Life flag be hung at the Municipal Building.
Seeing no other members of the public wishing to speak, President Buccieri asked for a motion to close the meeting for Public Comments.
MOVED: Distasi
SECOND: Tadrick
All members were in favor.
MAYOR COMMENTS
Since 1960, the American Public Works Association has sponsored National Public Works Week.
National Public Works Week is observed during the third full week of May for the purpose of recognizing the importance of public works in an organized society. This year, it is taking place during May 15 to 21.
This week-long observation also sheds light on the brave and essential role that public works employees play in our lives.
Public works and public workers are in fact an indispensable part of any developed society, and that is especially true for Vernon Township’s outstanding Department of Public Works - - they play a critical role in our on-going efforts to make Vernon an even better place to live and raise a family.
As Mayor, I know first-hand how important and indispensable our Department of Public Works (DPW) is to the daily functioning of our town.
Like all of Vernon Township, I have a great degree of respect and appreciation for DPW Department Head Mr. ED BABCOCK; for the individual who does so much to make the DPW operation work so smooth, Office Manager Ms. JANE TUTOLO; as well as for the entire hard-working DPW Team. And, it is my honor to remember, recognize and thank all of them during this National Public Works Week observance.
Although the new Town Center Park has been open for only approximately seven months, it has become the Vernon municipal park that has attracted the largest number visitors of any park in our town’s three Municipal Park System, during this seven-months period.
Without a doubt, the key reason for this level of attraction is the existence of the beautiful, scenic, and state-of -the art Town Center Pump Track.
This Pump Track has been embraced enthusiastically by both, those who enjoy the sport and/or recreational activity of bicycling, and those parents, guardians, friends and others who get satisfaction from just sitting and watching their children, their grandchildren, their friends and/or others enjoying this unique bicycle sport and recreational activity.
This embracement of the Town Center Pump Track, by a whole host of individuals, has been expressed in part by:
1. The financial sponsorship of the cost of the various signage around and in the Pump Track - - which has saved our town many taxpayer-provided dollars;
2. The donation of two memorial park benches that serve as good spots for Town Center Park visitors to rest, relax, read and/or just simply sit and enjoy the beautiful views of Vernon that are available from the Town Center Pump Track site.
I am very pleased to add that my wife Reba and I, plus former Council Member Mike Furrey and his wife Naomi, donated the first two of what I anticipate will be several more memorial park benches to our new Town Center Park;
3. The donation of items and equipment that has enhanced the useability, and the user experience and enjoyment, of the Pump Track. For example:
a. The Sussex Bike & Sports Shop donated two 10 feet galvanized steel Bike Storage Racks that have been mounted at the Pump Track. Each of these top-quality racks have the capability of storing 18 bicycles;
b. The Sussex Bike & Sports Shop also donated a state-of-the-art weatherable Outdoor Public Tire Bike Pump with a Gauge. These items are also mounted at the Pump Track;
c. Diamond Cycle of Montclair, NJ, which is owned by a Vernon resident, donated a state-of-the-art Park Tool Trail Head Work Station, which is a work station that has all of the key tools that bike riders may need to help them repair their bikes on the spot, and quickly get back to enjoying the Pump Track;
d. A host of Vernon residents have donated picnic tables which help to make what is already a family comfortable and family friendly facility, an even better place that families will desire to come to and enjoy; and …
e. A prominent Vernon resident has expressed the strong desire to donate of a flag pole from which we will be able to fly our nation’s flag. This donation will be coming soon this year.
However, the key reason that I have made donations to our new Town Center Pump Track the subject of part of my comments tonight, is to offer special words of thanks and appreciation to our most recent contributor to the Pump Track - - and that is Mr. CHRISTIAN WOLSKE, an Eagle Scouts who is a member Boy Scouts of America Troop 36 in Long Valley, NJ.
For his Eagle Scout project, CHRISTIAN chose to build a storage shed at the Town Center Pump Track.
Let me briefly share with you some of the pertinent comments from CHRISTIAN’s Eagle Scout project writeup. In this narrative, CHRISTIAN said, and I quote:
“My name is CHRISTIAN WOLSKE, and I am a senior at West Morris Central High School in Chester, NJ. I am a Scout. I wanted to help the community where I do a significant amount of bike riding, by building a tool shed for my Eagle Scout project. The shed will allow the township to store maintenance supplies and equipment, and will also enable the park to ultimately get electric service to the area. This is a great benefit to the riding community of which I am a part, and I hope to the Township of Vernon.”
On behalf of the residents of Vernon, I congratulate Mr. CHRISTIAN WOLSKE for achieving the significant and prestigious honor of being named an Eagle Scout; and, I thank him for his kind and useful contribution of a shed to the Town Center Pump Track, and to the people of Vernon!
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Tadrick had no comment.
Council Member Sparta wished his wife a happy 55th birthday.
Council Member Distasi thanked the Recreation Committee for all of the beautiful work they have done around towns. She also congratulated Christian Wolske for his work on his Eagle Scout project.
Council Member Rizzuto reminded everyone that with the nice weather upon us, please watch for children playing and riding bicycles on the roads.
Council Member Rizzuto received an invitation from Mayor Burrell to march in the upcoming Memorial Day Parade. He has a prior commitment and asked to extend his regrets to the Veterans and thank them.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Council President Buccieri is thankful for the invitation to the Memorial Day Parade. It is special that Vernon honors the Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Council President Buccieri thanked all of the volunteers who were able to contain a total structure fire this week. There were many volunteers and people willing to give to the family who lost their home and their dog.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:48 pm Council Member Sparta made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Council Member Tadrick.
All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcy Gianattasio, RMC, CMR
Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved: June 12, 2023
