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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ALLAMUCHYTOWNSHIP COUNCIL
HELD APRIL 25, 2018 AT 6:00 P.M.
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor DeTombeur.
2. At this time, the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence was held.
3. Mayor DeTombeur advised that this meeting was held in accordance with the Open Public
Meetings Act as prescribed by State Statute.
PRESENT: Mayor DeTombeur, Councilman Koppel,Councilman Ochwat, Councilman
Quinoa and Councilwoman Tuohy.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
a. Regular Meeting – 03/28/2018 as submitted.
Motion by Councilman Ochwat, seconded by Councilman Quinoa, and approved on
roll call vote: AYES - Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor
DeTombeur.
5. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF THE 2018 MUNICIPAL BUDGET: (ATTACHMENT 1).
Councilman Quinoa stated that since Mr. Smith, Municipal Department Head of the Water
and Sewer Department, was present how comfortable he was with the water/sewer
budget. He stated that there seems to be an uphill trend over the years.
Mr. Smith advised that the main issue is the maintenance of equipment which impacted
the budget. There are areas that could be reviewed and cut back and that has already been
done.
Councilman Quinoa stated that the budgetappears to be a good budget but he would like
tosee some of the expenses go downinstead of up.
Chief Financial Officer James Kozimor was present and advised that extra surplus was used
on emergency repairs incurred in 2017 and the hiring of Mr. Smith to operate the plant.
Councilman Ochwat questioned if there was enough money in the budget to cover a few
larger items such as security upgrades as previously discussed and smaller items such as
lighting the welcome signs.
Mr. Kozimor advised that large item expenditures could be covered under a capital
improvement fund. The smaller items would be covered under the general operating
budget. This is a very good budget and the finances are in good shape. Mr. Kozimor advised
that Auditor William Schroeder, Nisivoccia and Company LLC, was present at this meeting.
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Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to open the
meeting up to the public. Roll call vote: Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy
and Mayor DeTombeur.
There were no comments or objections from the public and the public hearing was closed.
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to close the meeting
to the public. Roll call vote: Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy
and Mayor DeTombeur.
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to adopt
the 2018 Municipal Budget as presented. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel,
Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor DeTombeur.
ADOPTIONOF THE 2018 SOLID WASTE BUDGET (ATTACHMENT 2).
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to open the
meeting to the public. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy
and Mayor DeTombeur.
There were no comments or objections and the public hearing was closed.
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to close the public
hearing. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy
and Mayor DeTombeur.
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to adopt the
2018 Solid Waste Budget as presented. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel,
Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor DeTombeur.
6. MAYOR’S REPORT/CORRESPONDENCE:
a. Mayor DeTombeur stated that he would like to recognize Administrative Professional
Day. He thanked all the public employees for doing a great job.
b. WarrenCountyGovernment Officials Meeting - 04/30/2018 at The Panther Pub - officials
arewelcome to attend. The guest speaker is from JCP&L - Vice President of External Affairs
John Anderson.
c. WarrenCounty Rescue Task Force - Volunteers are needed. There isliterature on the
table in the lobby.
d. Senior Hall of Fame - Councilman Koppel and Patricia Layton are at least two members
selected to the Senior Hall of Fame from AllamuchyTownship and will be recognized on
May 22, 2018. If anyone is interesting in attending this event to please let Mayor
DeTombeur know.
e. Mayor DeTombeur advised that there was a meeting with representatives of the
Allamuchy Board of Education regarding the possible development of property
off of the Route 80 Westboundramp. This matter is in the exploratory stage.
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Councilman Ochwat stated that he had spoken with one of the members of the school
board who indicated there have been several meetings on this issue. Is there
any thing else that should be known.
Mayor DeTombeur stated that he was unsure who that member was but he had one
meeting with the Board of Education on this matter.
Councilwoman Tuohy advised that she had met with some board members along with
Councilman Quinoa and she has some maps and other information. If there are any
questions please contact her.
Councilman Quinoa stated that it is his understanding that the Board of Education is taking
the lead on this project. The Township is providingsome support service for this
exploration.
Mayor DeTombeur advised that the Municipal Engineer is involved. It has to start with him.
The Township is paying for his services since it is Township owned property.
Councilwoman Tuohy questioned why the Board of Education is not taking the lead on this
project.
Councilman Quinoa stated that there are a lot of other issues involved and when more
information is received this matter should be brought in front of the general public. If the
Township owns the property he questioned why is theBoard of Education taking the lead.
This will not bea simple task toundertake.
Mayor DeTombeur advised that this is all premature but he wanted to inform everyone of
the meeting.
Councilman Quinoa stated that if there is a developer interesting in developing this property
then this developer or developers should be contributing to the costs of the exploration.
7. Bruce Smith, Municipal Department Head of the Allamuchy Water/Sewer Department was
present.
Mr. Smith advised that the water tank inspection was completed. This consists of a remote
operating vehicle placed into the tank which disinfects and inspects with a camera the
inside of the tank. A report should be received next month.
Mr. Smith advised that the Pressure Reducing Valve for the treatment plant has been
received and quotes are being obtained for the installation of that valve.
The DMR's have been submitted to the NJ DEP for March. There are no violations to report.
A new water meter was installed at the MountainVillaSchool. This was done just to make
sure there is an accurate accounting of water usage.
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Mr. Smith advised that the Water/Sewer Administrator is working on replacing the older
water meters as needed.
Councilman Tuohy questioned if there was any word on the existing work done by The
Meter Guy.
Attorney Ursin advised that a letter was sent to The Meter Guy. There is no additional work
to be done on the project that is in question. He advised that he has requested supporting
documentation for the existing work done. This documentation should be reviewed
by Mr. Smith and Engineer Sterbenz and then submitted to the Township Council.
Attorney Ursin stated that Mr. Smith and Engineer Sterbenz should determine the future
stages of this project. If the project needs to be bid then those steps should be taken.
8. Mr. Smith stated that there was a question regarding hydrant fees. The fees are related to
a lot of different things. In his experience, he advised that he has neverseen a detailed
calculation of the development of hydrant fees.
Attorney Ursin stated that PVPOA had made an inquiry regarding hydrant fees. There was
documentation that went back 20 years and over the years it was estimated what those
costs are - which included hydrant replacement costs, etc. Fees for the hydrants need to
find its way into an ordinance and a recommendation has been made by the
Municipal Engineer. There are 155 total hydrants - approximately 10-20 may not be in
PantherValley.
Councilman Quinoa questioned what does $120.00 cover.
Attorney Ursin stated that it is intended to cover the repair and maintenance costs of the
hydrants.
Mr. Smith advised that it also includes the maintenance of the lines and pressure reducing
valves.
Councilman Quinoa stated for the record that he was not questioning the fee. He was
questioning the hydrants on private propertyand are those hydrants billed.
Mr. Smith stated thatPanther ValleyMall, the Village of Allamuchy andthe School have
hydrants. The mall is private property and the mall already pays for those hydrants.
Councilwoman Tuohy questioned the capacity of the treatment plant.
Mr. Smith stated that the treatment plant capacity is 600,000 gallons per day.
Councilwoman Tuohy questioned how much more building could be done with that
capacity.
Mr. Smith stated that a significant amount but the Township needs to make sure flow
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meters are correct. There are concentration limits on the permits which the Township
must be careful not to exceed permit levels. Sewer extension permits need to be
obtained and are logged into the DEP. A lot of variables need to be looked at.
The key is the five year max flow that the DEP has on record.
Councilman Quinoa stated that he would like to see the hydrant fee ordinance tabled
until the May meeting.
Mayor DeTombeur advised that the ordinance should be introduced at this meeting
as those fees need to be collected.
Motion by Councilwoman Tuohy, seconded by Councilman Quinoa, carried to table
the hydrant fee ordinance until the May workshop meeting. Roll call vote: AYES –
Councilpersons Koppel, Quinoa and Tuohy; NAYES - Councilman Ochwat and Mayor
DeTombeur.
9. TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS:
a. Councilman Quinoa stated that there was an issue that came up regarding the hydrant
fees and an OPRA request. He believes that this issue has been resolved after speaking
with the Municipal Engineer.
b. Councilman Ochwat stated that now that the signissue is wrapping up he would like to
implement the installation of the signs at the playground and dog park.
c. Councilwoman Tuohy advised that girls softball has started.
d. Councilman Koppel advised that he has nothing to report.
Councilwoman Tuohy stated that she has circulated information regarding the
farmers market which will be held at the Panther Valley Mall parking lot.The rules and
regulations were circulated for review.
At this time, the fee scheduled was reviewed and discussed. Councilwoman Tuohy stated
that if the event is successful then the fees could be increased over the next three years.
Betty Schultheis, Economic Development Chairperson, stated that once the rules and
regulations are approved then the committee could proceed with the property owner to
prepare anagreement and obtain the necessary insurance requirements.
Attorney Ursin advised that once the agreement is received from the owner of the Panther
Valley Mall it should be reviewed by insurance risk manager.
Councilwoman Tuohy stated there will be a market manager. This matter
will need to be approved by theTownship Council when the time comes.
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10. MUNICIPAL CLERK'S REPORT:
a. The Municipal Clerk advised that the 2017 Audit resolution will be on the May 23, 2018
agenda for action.
b. Municipal Building Roof bids will be accepted on 04/26/2018 - at 11:00 a.m.
c. Ricoh copier in the hallway - the Municipal Clerk requested permission to dispose
of the old Ricoh copier that was located in the copy room. There is an e-waste event
on 04/28/2018.
Motion by Councilwoman Tuohy, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to authorize
the disposal of the RICOH copier that was previously in the copy room. The copier will
be included in the e-waste program on04/28/2018. Roll call vote: AYES –
Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor DeTombeur.
The Municipal Clerk advised that salary resolution was handed out to the Township
Council.
Councilwoman Tuohy advised that she was not comfortable voting on this resolution.
She needs to compare it to the 2016 ordinance that was passed.
At this time, a 5 minute recess was held at 7:37 P.M.
Motion by Councilwoman Tuohy, seconded by Councilman Koppel, carried to take a 5
minute recess. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy
and Mayor DeTombeur.
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilman Ochwat, carried to go back into
regular session at 7:42 P.M. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat,
Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor DeTombeur.
CFO James Kozimorstated that there is a range of salaries so the Salary Ordinance does
not always need to be done every year. It would be good to get 3 or 4 years out of
the salary ordinance before it has to be adopted again. The budget figures are higher
than the salary ranges because of over time.
The Municipal Clerk advised that a letter was received from PVPOA expressing their
concerns regarding the safety of Mallard Drive during the construction phase.
Councilwoman Tuohystated that PVPOA is concerned for the residents safety with the
construction vehicles. There is a concern with vehicle traffic and foot traffic.
Councilman Quinoa stated that the developer, along with PVPOA, believes that it was
not a good idea to open Mallard Drive. The President of Baker Residential feels that it
would be alright to open the road with the construction of the new townhouses.
Councilman Ochwat stated that he thought the road was going to be closed as a result of
recent discussions.
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11. ENGINEER'S REPORT/ACTION LIST:
a. DPW Parking Lot Improvement Project - Approve payment to Tilcon in the amount of
$22,166.70.
Motion by Councilman Ochwat, seconded by Councilman Koppel, and approved on
roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat, Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor
DeTombeur.
12. ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
Attorney Ursin advised that he will comment on the agenda items as they are presented.
13. Councilman Ochwat questioned if a Council person resigns how much time does the
Township Council have to fill the vacancy.
Attorney Ursin advisedthat a 15 day clock starts when the resignation is
effective. A resignation is effective when it is delivered to the Municipal Clerk.
Councilwoman Tuohy questioned what happens when there is 2 1/2 years left on a term.
Attorney Ursin advised that a person would serve until the next General Election. The office
wouldgo on the ballot for the unexpired term. He stated that both parties could nominate
someone to get their name on the ballot.
14. PUBLIC SESSION:
a. Charles Fineran, Open Space Director, was present and stated that at the last meeting he
had brought to the Township Council's attention the death of Mr. Erivan Haub. Mr.
Haub was very generous to the Township with years of donation money to various
environmental projects.
Mr. Fineran stated that he had prepared a letter acknowledging Mr. Haub's sincerity
and circulated it to the Township Council for their approval (ATTACHMENT 3).
The Township Council advised that they were satisfied with the letter and authorized it
to be sent to Mr. Haub's family
b. Rick Henderson, Raven Drive, was present and stated that he would like the Township
to fulfill their promise and install a sign at the Allamuchy Township Playground.
Councilman Ochwat provided a rendition of the sign and the Township will fulfill the
promise. There is some groundwork that needs to be done with some lighting and
shrubbery on the existing Welcome Signs. The signs will be smaller than the already
installed "Welcome Signs."
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Mr. Henderson advised that he has also reviewed the playground equipment and found
nothing wrong with the equipment. It is unfortunate that people post blogs about the
condition of the playground. The complaints were unwarranted. There are rules and
regulations at the playground - he did not recall if it is a two sided sign but they are
very complete.
Councilman Ochwat advised that there will be a sign for the playground, dog park and
trail.
Betty Schultheis advised that she does a lot of work with the Highlands Council.
Ms. Schultheis offered her assistance with the BOE proposal discussed earlier in the
meeting regarding the development of property.
Councilman Ochwat suggested that Ms. Schultheis reach out to BOE members spear
heading this project.
Pat Holdt, Goldfinch Place, was present and questioned if all the fire hydrants in Panther
Valley arein operational order.
Mayor DeTombeur advised they are in working order unless there is a bag on one that
he is unaware of.
Councilwoman Tuohy stated that unless all the hydrantsare flushed it is not known if
their working or not.
Councilman Quinoa advised that it is assumed that all the hydrants are working - all the
hydrants flushed are in working order.
Councilwoman Tuohystated that as soon as there is a plan in place regarding the
hydrant flushing then there would be assurance that all the hydrants are working. With
the new legislation all the hydrants will have to be flushed.
Motion by Mayor DeTombeur, seconded by Councilwoman Tuohy, carried to close
the meeting to the public. Roll call vote: AYES – Councilpersons Koppel, Ochwat,
Quinoa, Tuohy and Mayor DeTombeur.
15. ORDINANCES - FIRST READING:
a. # 2018-10 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODEOF THE TOWNSHIP OF ALLAMUCHY
REPLACING SECTION 25-5 REGARDING GOVERNMENT ETHICS
Councilman Quinoa stated that at the last meeting it was discussed that Attorney
Ursin obtain an opinion from the Local Finance Board regarding possible conflicts on