* A G E N D A *
August 25, 2004
7:30 P.M.
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, 15 Main 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
Authorizing Veteran Deduction for 2004 Tax Year
Authorizing Purchases Over $800 – Recreation Department
Request To Implement State Financial Aid Program For Military Reservists and National Guard Members Deployed In The Global War on Terror
Authorizing Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate
F. Resolution Number 2004-149
Authorizing Payment of Borough Bills
8. Tax Collector’s Report – Month of July, 2004
9. 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.
10. Executive Session
11. Adjournment
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Reynolds at 7:30 P.M.
Roll Call: Present: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino,
C/Palmieri
Absent: None
Also present were Lynn Tillman, Deputy Municipal Clerk, Christine Robbins, Clerk Typist 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.
C/Rucker states nothing at this time.
C/Palmieri states Lynn Strong requests that we have the September 11th Service later than 8:45 a.m. because it would be hard to get the clergy to come. I will call tomorrow and see what time would be good for Fr. Valentine.
C/Gallagher states nothing at this time.
C/Soden states the police activity report from 8/9 - 8/22 there was a total of 660 calls, 106 motor vehicle stops, and 126 tickets were issued. Also on tonight’s bill list there is a bill for the lease of the new police car.
C/D’Agostino states nothing at this time.
C/Simon states nothing at this time.
Lynn Tillman, Deputy Clerk states regarding the 2005 Special Grant Request, Julie Martin, Municipal Clerk gave Mayor and Council a memo asking for some guidance as far as which project the Borough would like to pursue. I would like to know if the Council has any suggestions.
Mayor Reynolds responds council will discuss it.
Mayor Reynolds opened the floor to the public for discussion of agenda items only.
Joe Palmieri, Queens Way, regarding Resolution No. 2004-147, is this for only active military?
Mayor Reynolds responds.
There being no questions or comments from the public, a motion to close the public portion was offered by C/Simon, seconded by C/D’Agostino.
Resolution No. 2004-144
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Tax Collector has reported that the 2003 Homestead Rebate for Block 2/Lot 20.37 C37 was received from the State of New Jersey; and
Whereas, Martin and Patricia Zuckerman, 3 Camrose Street, Toms River, NJ 08527 have since sold Block 2/Lot 20.37 C37 in the Borough of Englishtown at which time taxes were paid current.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, and State of New Jersey that it hereby authorizes payment in the amount of $1,200.00 to Martin and Patricia Zuckerman, 3 Camrose Street, Toms River, NJ 08527.
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/Simon
Seconded By: C/Gallagher
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino
C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Tax Collector has reported the need to grant a veteran deduction; and
Whereas, the deduction is for14 Heritage Drive, Block 26.02/Lot 22, for Robert Schwartz, to be applied to his taxes, in the amount of $250.00.
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 the above deduction and application.
Be It Further Resolved that a certified true copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Tax Collector and Chief Financial Officer.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Resolution No. 204-146
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:
2004 Fall Festival Entertainment $1,500.00
Purchased From:
JPZ Entertainment, Inc.
1 Jeannine Court
Manalapan, NJ 07726
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/Simon
Seconded By: C/D’Agostino
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino
C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Resolution No. 2004-147
Whereas, in the largest deployment since World War II, a large share of New Jersey’s 17,000 Military Reserves and National Guard Members are being called up to active military service for extended periods to help the United States in its Global War on Terrorism; and
Whereas, the Borough Council are greatly concerned for the welfare of these brave men and women, and add their prayers to those of other Americans for their safe return; and
Whereas, in additional to their concern for the safety of these troops, the Borough Council are also very concerned about the financial impact on these individuals and their families by having their jobs, careers, or in this difficult economy, their job-hunting efforts, interrupted for long periods while serving our county; and
Whereas, the Borough Council were pleased to receive notification that the State of New Jersey’s Department of Banking and Insurance, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Treasury are offering, a financial aid program known as Freedom Loans “that will provide financial assistance to New Jersey’s Military Reserve and National Guard personnel who have been called up for long-term military service”; and
Whereas, upon reading the details of the Freedom Loan Program, the Borough Council were disappointed to learn that after an individual is deployed for at least one year of service, the loans offered are only up to a maximum of $10,000 at an annual percentage rate of 6% with a 5 year pay-back term principal and interest deferred for a year during Deployment. Officials think that, while such a program might provide immediate relief to some individuals, the Freedom Loan Program falls short of providing long-term, meaningful financial help to the Reservists and Guard members being deployed; and
Whereas, The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) is an instrumentality of the State which guarantees about $900,000,000 of State Revenue Bonds to provide further access to postsecondary education; and
Whereas, a variety of Federal and State Student Loan Programs are guaranteed by HESAA with many of these programs offering students tens of thousands of dollars, currently at interest rates from 2.8% to 5.5%, with no payments required until after graduation, and with pay-back periods from 10 years to 25 years; and
Whereas, the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown strongly believe no lesser financial aid should be offered to our Reservists and Guard members being deployed than to our students; and
Whereas, the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown strongly believe that, in addition to the short-term help provided by the Freedom Loan Program, a State financial aid program for Reservists and Guard members deployed for extended periods needs to be established similar to the student loan programs that have been so successful over the years in helping thousands of our young people advance their education;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved on this 25th day of August 2004, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey that:
1. The Borough Council of the Borough of Englishtown respectfully request the Governor and members of the New Jersey Senate and Assembly to work with the Department of Banking and Insurance, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of the Treasury, and any other departments or agencies, to implement a financial aid program for our Reservists and Guard members that offers loans similar to those offered to our students.
2. Specifically, our Reservists and Guard members should be offered financial aid a.) Of sufficient size, b.) At low interest rates, c.) With payments deferred until one year after completion of service, and d.) With at least ten year payback period with the same type of terms as given to students to help them get their lives back in order when they return home. New Jersey is one of the wealthiest States in the Union. Certainly we can do more to support the individuals, who are being deployed, many to dangerous places, to protect us from terrorism.
3. A copy of this resolution be sent to every New Jersey municipality asking that, if they agree in principle, they pass a similar resolution and forward it to the Governor and members of the State Legislature.
Offered by: C/Simon
Seconded by: C/D’Agostino
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino
C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Borough of Englishtown
Resolution No. 2004-148
Resolution Authorizing Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate
Whereas, the Borough of Englishtown Tax Collector has reported that the following Tax Sale Certificate has been sold to Lien On Me LLC, 16 Evan Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751:
Tax Sale Certificate Number 2-01 on Block 20, Lot 5.01
in the amount of $59,190.62
Whereas, the above mentioned certificate has been paid and Lien On Me LLC, 16 Evan Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751 is entitled to refunds of $59,190.62.
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 amount of $59,190.62 to Lien On Me LLC, 16 Evan Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751.
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/Simon
Seconded by: C/D’Agostino
Roll Call: Ayes: C/Soden, C/Rucker, C/Gallagher, C/Simon, C/D’Agostino
C/Palmieri
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Resolution No. 2004-149
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 $339,923.52 be and
the same are hereby authorized to be paid on August 25, 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
Abstain: None
Current Taxes 77,697.07
2003 Taxes 3,086.72
Interest & Cost on Taxes 1,038.64
Total Cash Receipt 81,822.43
Mayor Reynolds opens the floor to the public for any items they wish to bring to the attention of the governing body.
Jayne Carr, 8 Main Street states I just wanted Council to be aware that May Davison, a long time resident of Englishtown, has passed away yesterday. There will be a service at Old Tennent Church. I run the Antique Festival on September 19th and I have more craft vendors than I can use, if the Recreation Committee is interested I will provide them this list for the Englishtown Festival.
There being no further questions or comments from the public, a motion to close the public portion was offered by C/Simon, seconded by C/D’Agostino.
Executive Session
Mayor Reynolds stated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10 4-12B be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey as follows whereas N.J.S.A. 10 4-12B of the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey permits exclusion of the public from those portions of the meetings in which matters authorized to be discussed in Executive Session under the cited statute will be reviewed and discussed; and
Whereas, the Governing Body concludes that the public must be excluded from the discussion of the following matters of personnel, and
Therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, as follows, 1) Hereby authorizes Executive Session for the purpose of discussing above matters with N.J.S.A. 10 4-12B, 2) Anticipated at this time that the matters to be discussed in Executive Session will be discussed in Public not earlier than the next regular meeting of the Governing Body, 3) It is anticipated that the Executive Session last not longer than one-half hour, 4) There exists the possibility that action may be taken upon conclusion of the Executive Session when the meeting returns to open.
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
Absent: None
Abstain: None
The time being 7:45 P.M.
There being no further business in Executive Session, a motion to return to open session was offered by C/Simon, seconded by C/D’Agostino. Passed unanimously.
The time being 8:04 P.M.
Adjournment
There being no further business a motion to adjourn was offered by C/Rucker, seconded by C/Simon. Passed unanimously.
The time being 8:06 P.M.
October 27, 2004 ________________________
Approved by Governing Body Clerk