* A G E N D A *
7:30 P.M.
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, at
The Village Inn, 2 Water Street, Englishtown, New Jersey 07726.
1. Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
2. Statement of Compliance with Sunshine Law
3. Moment of Silence and Salute to the Flag
4. Committee Reports
5. Correspondence
6. Open Public Portion/Limited to Agenda Items Only
Limited to Five (5) Minutes per citizen to be determined at Borough
Council's discretion. Any and all situations regarding Borough
Personnel, when names are implied or mentioned, are to be brought
to the full attention of the Council through an appointment and
subsequent disclosure through the Personnel Committee.
7. New Business
B. Ordinance Number 2004-03
Amending Chapter 2.130, Borough Code Book
Community Residences for Developmentally Disabled
First Reading and Introduction
Authorization of Purchases Over $800 – Center Street Builders
Appointment of Part Time Clerk Typist – Christine Robbins
Borough of Englishtown Supporting The Clean Indoor Air Act
H. Resolution Number 2004-070
Authorizing Application to the Local Finance Board
Authorizing Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate/Premium
Authorizing Amendments/Approval of Borough Personnel Policy
Authorizing Payment of Borough Bills
Requesting Modifications to Notification Procedures/Requirements of “Megan’s Law”
Supporting A-1786 and S-263 to Call a Constitutional Convention
8. Public Portion
Limited to Five (5) Minutes per citizen to be determined at Borough
Council's discretion. Any and all situations regarding Borough
Personnel, when names are implied or mentioned, are to be brought
to the full attention of the Council through an appointment and
subsequent disclosure through the Personnel Committee.
9. Executive Session
10. Adjournment
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Reynolds at 7:34 P.M.
Roll Call: Present: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Absent: None
Also present were Julie Martin, Municipal Clerk, Lynn Tillman, Deputy Municipal Clerk, and John O. Bennett, Borough Attorney.
Mayor Reynolds stated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10 4-6 notification of this meeting has been (1) Published in the Asbury Park Press and Home News and the News Transcript the Official Newspapers of the Borough, (2) Posted to the Public at Borough Hall, (3) Copy has been filed with the Municipal Clerk, (4) Copy of this agenda and the Sunshine Statement has been filed with the Mayor and Council. Thus this meeting tonight is deemed in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
There was a moment of silence and salute to the flag.
Committee Reports
C/Rucker stated nothing at this time.
C/Palmieri stated that they are looking for volunteers for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 10, 2004 at 12:p.m. Sanford Park. Volunteers should be at the park by 11:00 a.m.
C/Gallagher stated regarding Resolution 2004-067, I would like to welcome Christine Robbins as the new clerk typist. Regarding Resolution 2004-072, the reason for this resolution is our insurance carrier The Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund requires certain language to be in the Personnel Policy. The resolution needs to be adopted in order to keep deductible down.
C/Soden stated nothing at this time.
C/D’Agostino stated nothing at this time.
C/Simon stated I handed out insurance letters/quotes for everyone in council to review. I am awaiting a decision so it can be added to the budget.
Correspondence
Julie Martin, Municipal Clerk, stated nothing at this time.
Open Public Portion/ Limited to Agenda Items Only
Mayor Reynolds opened the floor to the public limited to agenda items only.
Jayne Carr, Main Street asked for an explanation of Ordinance Number 2004-03.
John Bennett, Borough Attorney, explained that the ordinance brings the Borough in compliance with Court Order and Federal Laws for the developmentally disabled.
Jayne Carr – asked with regards to Resolution 2004-065, what is the proposed tax increase?
Mayor Reynolds responds, and discussion continues.
Jayne Carr – regarding Resolution Number 2004-074, what changes are being made to “Megan’s Law”?
Mayor Reynolds responds that we are only requesting the modifications from the resolutions adopted by other municipalities.
John Bennett adds the resolution requests that there should be restrictions for a registered sex offender, not allowing them to live within certain distances of a school, park, playground or other recreational area.
Discussion continues between Jayne Carr, John Bennett and Mayor and Council.
Jayne Carr – regarding Resolution Number 2004-075, what is a Constitutional Convention?
John Bennett explains.
There being no further questions or comments from the public, a motion to close the public portion was offered by C/Soden, seconded by C/Simon. Passed unanimously.
New Business
ORDINANCE NO. 2004-02 First Reading & Introduction
REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN, IN THE COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF ALL OR A PORTION OF THE BOROUGH’S USDA GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, HERETOFORE ISSUED TO FINANCE CAPITAL AND WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS, APPROPRIATING AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING $2,000,000 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $2,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS OF THE BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN FOR FINANCING THE COST THEREOF
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF ENGLISHTOWN, IN THE COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all members thereof affirmatively concurring) AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Borough of Englishtown, in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (the "Borough") is hereby authorized to (i) refund all or part of the remaining outstanding amount of the Borough’s USDA General Improvement Bonds the (“Prior Issues”), including the following: $366,500 USDA Improvement Bonds dated March 11, 1975, $235,000 General Improvement Bonds dated June 1, 1983, $633,900 General Improvement Bonds dated August 24, 1988, $89,600 General Improvement Bonds dated August 24, 1988, $100,000 General Improvement Bonds dated August 24, 1988, $649,000 General Improvement Bonds dated September 26, 1997, and $149,000 General Improvement Bonds dated September 26, 1997, issued to finance capital improvements of the Borough; and (ii) provide for the payment of the costs of issuance.
Section 2. In order to finance the cost of the purpose described in Section 1 hereof, negotiable general obligation refunding bonds (the "Refunding Bonds") are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 pursuant to the Local Bond Law.
Section 3. An aggregate amount not exceeding $50,000 for items of expense listed in and permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-51(b) has been included in the aggregate principal amount of refunding bonds authorized herein.
Section 4. The purpose of the refunding is to reduce the debt service payable by the Borough with respect to its outstanding obligations.
Section 5. The full faith and credit of the Borough are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this refunding bond ordinance. The obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Borough, and the Borough shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable real property within the Borough for the payment of the obligations and the interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
Section 6. A certified copy of this refunding bond ordinance as adopted on first reading has been filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey prior to final adoption, together with a complete statement in the form prescribed by the Director and signed by the chief financial officer of the Borough as to the indebtedness to be financed by the issuance of the refunding bonds authorized herein.
Section 7. This refunding bond ordinance shall take effect 20 days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law, provided that the consent of the Local Finance Board has been endorsed upon a certified copy of this ordinance as finally adopted.
Offered By: C/Simon
Seconded By: C/D’Agostino
Julie Martin, Municipal Clerk, advises Public Hearing and Adoption will be held at the next council meeting on April 14, 2004 at Borough Hall.
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ORDINANCE NO. 2004-03 First Reading & Introduction
Amending Chapter 2.130, Borough Code Book
Community Residences for Developmentally Disabled
WHEREAS, the Borough legal counsel has advised the Committee that Chapter 2.130, Section 20 is invalid pursuant to the revisions to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.1;
WHEREAS, the aforementioned statute has been revised to conform to the mandates of the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 (42 U.S.C.A. 3601, et.seq.);
WHEREAS, the purpose of both the state and federal law is to eliminate discriminatory zoning laws that restrict housing opportunities for persons with handicaps.
BE IT SO ADOPTED, that Chapter 2.130, Section 20 be revised to read as follows:
A) In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.1, community residence and/or shelters for the
following: developmentally disabled, victims of domestic violence, the terminally ill, persons
with head injuries, adult family care homes for elderly persons, and physically disabled adults,
and all other categories, which may in the future, be set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.2, are
permitted uses in all residential districts of the Borough. The requirements for said uses shall
be the same as for single-family dwellings located within such districts.
B) “Community residence for the developmentally disabled” means any community residential
facility licensed pursuant to P.L1977, C.448(N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq.) providing food,
shelter and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 16
developmentally disabled or mentally ill persons, who require assistance, temporarily or
permanently, in order to live in the community, and shall include, but not limited to: group
homes, halfway houses, intermediate care facilities, supervised apartment living
arrangements, and hostels.
In the case of such a community residence housing mentally ill persons, such residence shall
have been approved for a purchase of service contract or an affiliation agreement pursuant to
such procedures as shall be established by regulation of the Division of Mental Health and
Hospitals of the Department of Human Services.
“Developmentally disabled person” means a person who is developmentally disabled as
defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.448 (N.J.S.A. 30:11B-2), and “mentally ill person” means
a person who is afflicted with a mental illness as defined in R.S.30:4-23, but shall not include a
person who has been committed after having been found not guilty of a criminal offense by
reason of insanity or having been found unfit to be tried on a criminal charge.
“Community shelter for victims of domestic violence” means any shelter approved for a
purchase of service contract and certified pursuant to standards and procedures established
by regulation of the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L.1979, c.337 (N.J.S.A.
30:14-1 et seq.), providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, personal guidance,
and other services to not more than 15 persons who have been victims of domestic violence,
including any children of such victims, who temporarily require shelter and assistance in order
to protect their physical or psychological welfare.
Community residence for persons with head injuries “means a community residential facility
licensed pursuant to P.L.1977, c448 (N.J.S.A.30:11B-1 et seq.) providing food, shelter and
personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 persons with head
injuries, who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in the community,
and shall include, but not be limited to: group homes, halfway houses, supervised apartment
living arrangements, and hostels.
“Person with head injury” means a person who has sustained an injury, illness or traumatic
changes to the skull, the brain contents or its coverings which results in a temporary or
permanent psychobiological decrease of mental, cognitive, behavioral, social or physical
functioning which causes partial or total disability.
“Community residence for the terminally ill” means any community residential facility operated
as a hospice program providing food, shelter, personal guidance and health care services,
under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 terminally ill persons.
C) Licensed Facilities: Any community residence for the developmentally disabled, victims or
domestic violence, mentally ill, and persons with head injuries requiring a license, service
contract, or affiliation agreement from the New Jersey Department of Human Services shall
present a certified copy of such license, service contract or affiliation agreement to the
Borough Zoning Officer upon request. This same document shall be maintained on the
premises at all times. The suspension or revocation of such license, service contract, or
affiliation agreement may be grounds for a re-determination by the Borough Zoning Officer.
) Unlicensed Facilities: Community residences for the terminally ill, and adult family care homes
for the elderly and physically disabled adults not requiring a license, service contract or
affiliation agreement with the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, may
be subject to local limits on the total number of persons residing in a dwelling to prevent
overcrowding.
Offered by: C/D’Agostino
Seconded by: C/Simon
Julie Martin advises Public Hearing and Adoption will be held at the next council meeting on April 14, 2004 at Borough Hall.
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-065
Resolution Introducing the Municipal Budget of the Borough Of Englishtown,
County of Monmouth, for Fiscal Year 2004, with Statements of Revenues and
Appropriations Which Shall Constitute the Local Budget for the Year 2004
Be It Resolved, that the following statements of revenues and appropriations shall constitute the Municipal budget for the year 2004.
Be It Further Resolved, that the said budget be published in The Asbury Park Press in the issue of April 16, 2004.
The Governing Body of the Borough of Englishtown does hereby approve the following as the budget for the year 2004:
1. Appropriation within "Caps"
Municipal purposes (Item H-1, Sheet 19)
(N.J.S. 40a:4-45.2) $918,314.00
2. Appropriations excluded from "Caps"
Municipal purposes (Item H-2, Sheet 28)
(N.J.S. 40a:4-45.3 as amended) $723,815.00
Total general appropriations excluded from "Caps" (Item 0, Sheet 29) $723,815.00
3. Reserve for uncollected taxes (Item M,
sheet 29) -based on estimated 95% of
tax collections $195,079.00
4. Total general appropriations
(Item 9, Sheet 29) $1,837,208.00
5. Less: Anticipated revenues other than
current property tax (Item 5, Sheet 11)
(i.e. surplus, misc. revenues and receipts
from delinquent taxes) $1,180,697.00
6. Difference: Amount to be raised by taxes
for support of Municipal Budget (As Follows)
A. Local tax for Municipal purposes
including reserve for uncollected
taxes (Item 6 (A), Sheet 11) $656,511.00
Notice is hereby given that the Budget, and Tax Resolution was approved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth on March 24, 2004.
A hearing on the Budget and Tax Resolution will be held at 15 Main Street, Englishtown, NJ 07726 on April 28, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at which time and place objections to said Budget and Tax Resolution for the year may be presented by taxpayers or other interested persons.
Offered By: C/Simon
Seconded By: C/Gallagher
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-066
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Council requires that purchases and services over $800.00 or more be pre-approved by the Governing Body except in the case of imminent emergency situation; and
Whereas, the following itemized request(s) were submitted to the Chief Financial Officer by the respective Committee Chairperson(s) for Council approval; and
Whereas, the Chief Financial Officer certifies that appropriate funds are available for the following:
For Water Leaks on Rt. 522 $3,530.00
Purchased From:
Center Street Builders
P.O. Box 602
Perth Amboy, N.J. 08862
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that the above request(s) is approved for the purchase or order.
Offered By: C/D’Agostino
Seconded By: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-067
Appointment of Part Time Clerk Typist
Administration Department
Whereas, there is a need for a part-time Clerk Typist; and
Whereas, it is the recommendation of the Administration, Finance and Personnel Committee to appoint Christine Robbins of Englishtown, NJ.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that Christine Robbins be appointed Clerk Typist as follows:
1. Part-time 20 hours per week.
2. Paid $9.00 per hour, bi-weekly per the salary ordinance.
3. Shall be under the direction of the Municipal Clerk and
Deputy Municipal Clerk.
4. Appointment shall be effective March 25, 2004 till
December 31, 2004.
Be it further resolved that a certified true copy of this resolution be forwarded to Christine Robbins and the Borough Chief Financial Officer.
Offered By: C/Gallagher
Seconded By: C/Soden
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-068
Resolution Authorizing the Borough Engineer to
Wood Avenue to English Club
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown desires to perform replacement of the water line from Wood Avenue to English Club, and
Whereas, the Mayor and Council has authorized the Borough Engineer to prepare bid documents for the Project.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, and State of New Jersey that the Borough Engineer is hereby authorized to advertise and receive bids for the Project.
Offered By: C/D’Agostino
Seconded By: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-069
Whereas, one out of every five Americans deaths is smoking-related; and
Whereas, smoking is the number one preventable cause of death responsible for 440,000 deaths nationally, including 13,000 in New Jersey; and
Whereas, smoking kills more people than cocaine, heroine, alcohol, fire, automobile accidents, homicides, suicides and AIDS combined; and
Whereas, each pack of cigarettes sold in the United States costs the nation an estimated $7.18 in medical care costs and lost productivity; and
Whereas, estimates show that smoking causes over $150 billion in annual health related economic losses; and
Whereas, Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) known as “second-hand smoke” is the third leading preventable cause of death responsible for 53,000 deaths per year of nonsmokers, including 1,600 in New Jersey. This includes 37,000 to 40,000 deaths from heart disease, and 3,825 lung disease deaths; and
Whereas, ETS is responsible for 150,000 to 300,000 lower respiratory infections, 400,000 to 1,000,000 attacks of asthma and 8,000 to 26,000 new cases of asthma; and
Whereas, infants exposed to ETS are two times more likely to die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) than infants never exposed; and
Whereas, ETS contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including 401 poisons and 43 carcinogens, such as nicotine; and
Whereas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates ETS as a Group “A” carcinogen, a rating used only for dangerous substances, such as asbestos, known to cause cancer in humans.
Be It Hereby Resolved, that the Borough of Englishtown petitions members of the New Jersey Legislature to support Senate Bill S-264 (Adler/Kean, Jr.) and Assembly Bill A-315 (Weinberg/Gusciora), which may be cited as the “Clean Indoor Air Act,” and which would prohibit smoking in the common areas of indoor places and workplaces through the State.
Offered By: C/D’Agostino
Seconded By: C/Gallagher
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: C/Soden, C/Rucker
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-070
Resolution of the Borough of Englishtown, In The County of Monmouth, New Jersey, Making Application To The Local Finance Board Pursuant To N.J.S.A. 40A:2-51 AND 40A:2-55
Whereas, the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown, in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (the "Borough") desires to submit an Application to the Local Finance Board for its review and approval of a proposed refunding issue consisting of not to exceed $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Borough's general obligation refunding bonds (the "Refunding Bonds"); and
Whereas, the Borough Council believes that:
(a) it is in the public interest to accomplish such purpose;
(b) such purpose is in compliance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:2-51, et seq.;
(c) said purpose or improvements are for the health, welfare, convenience or betterment of the
inhabitants of the Borough;
(d) the amounts to be expended for said purpose or improvements are not unreasonable or exorbitant
and are consistent with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:2-51, et seq.; and
(e) the proposal is an efficient and feasible means of providing services for the needs of the inhabitants
of the Borough and will not create an undue financial burden to be placed upon the Borough.
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved By The Borough Council of The Borough of Englishtown, In The County Of Monmouth, New Jersey, As Follows:
Section 1. The application to the Local Finance Board for the purpose described in the preamble hereof is hereby approved, and the Borough's chief financial officer, bond counsel and auditor, along with other representatives of the Borough, are hereby authorized to prepare such application, to file such application with the Local Finance Board and to represent the Borough in matters pertaining thereto.
Section 2. The Clerk is hereby directed to prepare and file a copy of this resolution together with the refunding bond ordinance as introduced with the Local Finance Board as part of such application.
Section 3. The Local Finance Board is hereby respectfully requested to consider such application and to record its findings, recommendations and/or approvals as provided by the applicable New Jersey Statute.
Offered By: C/Soden
Seconded By: C/D’Agostino
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-071
Resolution Authorizing Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate/Premium
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Tax Collector has reported that the following Tax Sale Certificate has been sold to Crusader Servicing Corp., 179 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, PA 19046:
Tax Sale Certificate Number 02-8 on Block 26-02, Lot 33
in the amount of $21,285.58
together with a
Premium paid at tax Sale in the amount of $6,300.00
Whereas, the above mentioned certificate and premium has been paid and Crusader Servicing Corp., 179 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, PA 19046 is entitled to refunds of $21,285.58 and $6,300.00.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that it hereby authorizes payment in the amounts of $21,285.58 and $6,300.00 to Crusader Servicing Corp., 179 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
Be It Further Resolved that a certified true copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough's Tax Collector and Chief Financial Officer.
Offered by: C/D’Agostino
Seconded by: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-072
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown is a municipal corporation in the State of New Jersey; and
Whereas, as a municipal entity, the Borough employs various employees; and
Whereas, the Borough Council previously authorized the Borough to join the Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund; and
Whereas, the Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund provides the Borough with Employment Practice Liability Coverage, conditioned on the following:
a. The Borough submitting the standard employment application form;
b. The Borough establishing a Risk Management/Loss Control Plan and Personnel Policy;
c. The Borough providing for annual updates of the Risk Management Plan and the Personnel Policy Manual; and
Whereas, the Borough representatives have reviewed the attached Personnel Policy Manual and find that adoption of the same would be in the best interest of the Borough; and
Whereas, adoption of the above-referenced document will better enable the Borough to handle employment-related matters in accordance with updated legal requirements.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown, in the County of Monmouth and the State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. That the Borough hereby adopts and approves the attached Personnel Policy Manual of the Borough of Englishtown, dated March 24, 2004.
2. That nothing contained in the within Resolution shall preclude the Borough Council from modifying the Personnel Policy, in the future, as it deems appropriate.
3. That the within Resolution shall take effect immediately.
4. That upon adoption of the within Resolution, the revised Personnel Policy Manual shall be made available to all Borough employees.
Offered by: C/Gallagher
Seconded by: C/Soden
Discussion begins between Mayor and Council regarding two additions to the Personnel Policy. Additions include:
1) Employees who go on leave of absence, health insurance will be discontinued after 90 days. Option to go on Cobra will be given.
2) Employees will be given the opportunity of opting out for health insurance if employee has other health coverage. At C/Gallagher’s recommendation, and council’s discretion, the employee would receive an annual amount of $2,500.00 (two annual payments of $1,250.00). Checks would be disbursed in June and December. Proof of other coverage would be required.
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Simon, C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/D’Agostino
Abstain: C/Palmieri
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-073
Resolution of the Borough of Englishtown,
County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey
Authorizing the Payment of Borough Bills
Whereas, the Mayor and Council have carefully examined all vouchers presented to the Borough for the payment of claims; and
Whereas, after due consideration of the said vouchers, the Mayor and Council have approved payment of same.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, as follows:
1. The said approved vouchers amounting to the sum of $231,196.90 be and
the same are hereby authorized to be paid on March 24, 2004.
2. The Borough Clerk be and is hereby directed to list on the page in the
Minutes Book following the minutes of this meeting all of the said vouchers
hereby authorized to be paid.
Offered by: C/D’Agostino
Seconded by: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-074
Whereas, the Governing Body of the Borough of Englishtown recognizes the benefits as a result of the adoption of “Megan’s Law’ by the New Jersey Legislature; and
Whereas, said requirements have been modified by the Courts; and
Whereas, it is the belief of this Governing Body that additional modifications are necessary to protect the children of our community; and
Whereas, it is the Governing Body’s belief that they should be notified if a classified sex offender has moved into the municipality; and
Whereas, the Governing Body has a strong belief that there should be restrictions against said individuals being allowed to live within certain distances from a school, park, playground or any other recreational areas where children would be frequently present.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the governing body of Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey as follows:
1. That the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown hereby formally request the Legislature to enact legislation to modify the notification requirements of “Megan’s Law” to include those hereinabove set forth in this resolution.
2. That upon adoption of the within resolution, the Clerk is authorized and directed to forward certified copies to Governor James McGreevy, Senator Leonard T. Connors, Jr., Assemblymen Christopher J. Connors and Brian E. Rumpf and all other members of the New Jersey Legislature, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders and all Monmouth County Municipalities.
Offered By: C/D'Agostino
Seconded by: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-075
Supporting A-1786 and S-263 to
Call A Constitutional Convention
Whereas, the people of this State have reserved to themselves, as part of their intrinsic sovereignty, the right to alter or reform the State Constitution and the statutes when the public good may require it; and
Whereas, the current system of property taxation in this State is regressive because it is not based on the ability to pay and is an inordinate burden on citizens and a disincentive to business investment; and
Whereas, there is a need to revise and amend the State Constitution and the statutes to lessen the dependence of local government on property taxes, reduce property taxes as a share of overall public revenue, and find alternative means of funding local government services; and
Whereas, the Legislature, when considering proposals for broad restructuring of revenue sources, recognizes that there is great political risk in making recommendations which the general public might perceive as increasing taxes; and
Whereas, it is, therefore, essential that the citizens of New Jersey are fully engaged in the effort to restructure taxes; and
Whereas, the convening of a constitutional convention for the purpose of recommending amendments to the New Jersey Constitution and changes to the statutes is the most appropriate method for building a consensus for, and implementing, reform;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the governing body of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey supports the effort to place before the electorate the question of calling a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing property tax reform, as spelled out in A-1786, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts and S-263, sponsored by Senator John Adler, and further;
Be It Resolved, that we do all call on our fellow citizens to inform themselves about this issue, and to join in our efforts to advance the cause of property tax reform, through support for A-1786 and S-263; and further;
Be It Resolved, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to: our Stated Legislators and to Governor McGreevy, urging them to act favorably on the Legislation, so that the voters may be able to express their will on Election Day, November 2, 2004; and to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.
Offered by: C/D’Agostino
Seconded by: C/Simon
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino, C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Public Portion
Mayor Reynolds opened the floor to the public for anything they wish to bring to the attention of the Governing Body.
Debbie Matcovick, 16 Northgate Drive asks for shed approval for her property because of easement.
C/Soden responds, I was over to see the property and see no problem.
Discussion continues between John Bennett, Mayor and Council.
Jayne Carr, Main Street thanks Mayor and Council for holding this council meeting at the Village Inn. Also the Village Inn will be open to the public for tours on Saturday, March 27,2004 from 10:00a.m – 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2004 is the Village Inn’s Soup Day. Lastly, the Easter Bunny will be at the Village Inn following the Easter Egg Hunt on April 10, 2004.
Joe Palmieri, Queens Way complained regarding condition of the roadway on LaSatta Avenue.
C/Rucker responds he will notify the DPW.
Julie Martin stated discussion needed from Council on certain issues. Discussions were held regarding The Master Plan Reexamination. There was consensus of Council on items 1,4 and 5. Council requested Tom Herits, Borough Engineer attend next council meeting to explain items 2 and 3 further.
A second discussion was held regarding the Community Development Grant for the Sanford Park bathrooms.
A third discussion was regarding construction fees. The Construction Code Official has presented a draft of new fees for the Fire Bureau and Code Enforcement.
There being no further questions or comments from the public, a motion to close the public portion was offered by C/Soden, seconded by C/Simon. Passed unanimously.
Executive Session
There is no executive session this evening.
Adjournment
There being no further business a motion to adjourn was offered by C/Soden, seconded by C/Simon. Passed unanimously.
The time being 8:45 P.M.
____April 28, 2004_________ ________________________
Approved by Governing Body Clerk