TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
APRIL 13, 2010 MINUTES
The Tewksbury Township Committee met in a regular/work session on the above date at the Municipal Building, Mountainville, NJ.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM, roll call held and a quorum established.
Mayor Robert Hoffman Jr. presided.
Other officials in attendance were Township Committee members Dana Desiderio, Peter Melick, Shaun Van Doren and William Voyce.
Jesse Landon, Township Administrator, Roberta Brassard, Municipal Clerk and Michael Selvaggi, Township Attorney were in attendance.
There were approximately thirty five members of the public in attendance.
1. Open Public Meetings Statement
The Open Public Meetings Statement was read by Mayor Hoffman.
2. Flag Salute
Those present stood and pledged allegiance to the American flag.
3. Presentation of Eagle Scout Proclamations
Mr. Van Doren made a motion to adopt the follow Proclamations that were read into the minutes of the meeting, seconded by Dr. Voyce. The motion was approved. Ayes: Desiderio, Hoffman, Melick, Van Doren, Voyce. Nays: None.
PROCLAMATION
TO HONOR ANDREWJACOB BUTERBAUGH
WHEREAS, Andrew Buterbaugh, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 199, has attained the designation of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Buterbaugh has been an active Scout demonstrating outstanding leadership and has contributed many service hours during his years of Scouting; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Buterbaugh’s Eagle Scout project consisted of completing the newly build Oldwick Fire Company by taking on the final landscaping portion; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Buterbaugh’s work consisted of working with Oldwick Fire Company members to allocate funds for the materials needed and to lay out the landscaping; and
WHEREAS, the final phase of Andrew Buterbaugh’s project consisted of organizing the planting effort and coordinating volunteers, equipment, plants, and supplies while being aware of safety issues and codes; and
WHEREAS, the success of this project was evident by the level of participation by Troop 199 and the help of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Tewksbury, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey hereby extends to Andrew Buterbaugh individually, collectively and with great pride, sincere congratulations for achieving this highest of Scouting awards which symbolizes the American ideal of good citizenship and service to community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee wishes Andrew Buterbaugh much success in all his future endeavors.
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Robert M. Hoffman, Jr.
Mayor
PROCLAMATION
TO HONOR EDWARD FRANK D’ARMIENTO
WHEREAS, Edward D’Armiento , Boy Scouts of America, Troop 199, has attained the designation of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award; and
WHEREAS, Edward D’Armiento has been an active Scout demonstrating outstanding leadership and has contributed many service hours during his years of Scouting; and
WHEREAS, Edward D’Armiento’s Eagle Scout project consisted of landscaping for a labyrinth at St. john Neumann’s Church located in Califon; and
WHEREAS, Edward D’Armiento’s work consisted of planting a selection of deer-resistant and sun loving plants, trees and shrubs to enclose the labyrinth; and
WHEREAS, Edward D’Armiento’s project consisted creating the planting beds which required digging, rock hauling, tilling, mulching, planting and careful watering; and
WHEREAS, the success of this project was evident by the level of participation by Troop 199 and the help of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Tewksbury, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey hereby extends to Edward D’Armiento individually, collectively and with great pride, sincere congratulations for achieving this highest of Scouting awards which symbolizes the American ideal of good citizenship and service to community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee wishes Edward D’Armiento much success in all his future endeavors.
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Robert M. Hoffman, Jr.
Mayor
PROCLAMATION
TO HONOR COLIN TIMOTHY SMITH
WHEREAS, Colin Smith, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 199, has attained the designation of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award; and
WHEREAS, Colin Smith has been an active Scout demonstrating outstanding leadership and has contributed many service hours during his years of Scouting; and
WHEREAS, Colin Smith’s Eagle Scout project consisted of assembling and installing ten 100% recycled benches in the Christie Hoffman Park; and
WHEREAS, Colin Smith’s work consisted of frequent meetings with the Township Parks Committee and numerous fund raising efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Sean Smith added stainless steel plaques to each of the benches with the name of the donating organization, family or in memory of a loved one; and
WHEREAS, the success of this project was evident by the level of participation by Troop 199 and the help of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Tewksbury, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey hereby extends to Colin Smith individually, collectively and with great pride, sincere congratulations for achieving this highest of Scouting awards which symbolizes the American ideal of good citizenship and service to community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee wishes Colin Smith much success in all his future endeavors.
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Robert M. Hoffman, Jr.
Mayor
PROCLAMATION
TO HONOR SEAN BRANDON SMITH
WHEREAS, Sean Smith, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 199, has attained the designation of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award; and
WHEREAS, Sean Smith has been an active Scout demonstrating outstanding leadership and has contributed many service hours during his years of Scouting; and
WHEREAS, Sean Smith’s Eagle Scout project consisted of obtaining items required to assemble Emergency Preparedness Kits as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security; and
WHEREAS, Sean Smith’s work consisted of soliciting donations of goods and funds and acquiring items for the Kits; and
WHEREAS, through Sean Smith’s efforts, he was able to sell 84 Kits at a cost far below what is available in retail stores and to donate 56 to needy families; and
WHEREAS, the success of this project was evident by the level of participation by Troop 199 and the help of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Tewksbury, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey hereby extends to Sean Smith individually, collectively and with great pride, sincere congratulations for achieving this highest of Scouting awards which symbolizes the American ideal of good citizenship and service to community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee wishes Sean Smith much success in all his future endeavors.
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Robert M. Hoffman, Jr.
Mayor
PROCLAMATION
TO HONOR PATRICK JORDAN GLENNON
WHEREAS, Patrick Glennon, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 199, has attained the designation of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest award; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Glennon has been an active Scout demonstrating outstanding leadership and has contributed many service hours during his years of Scouting; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Glennon’s Eagle Scout project consisted of repairing and rebuilding the porch of the Parsonage House for the Zion Lutheran Church - the church that has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 199 for 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Glennon’s work began with power washing and scraping old paint from the porch; and
WHEREAS, additional work was needed rebuilding the rails, cleaning and repainting the walls, sanding and staining the floor boards, rebuilding and staining the porch steps and replacing and painting the lattice work; and
WHEREAS, the final step in the project was replacing the light fixture and repainting the shutters; and
WHEREAS, the success of this project was evident by the level of participation by Troop 199 and the help of the community, which amounted to over 300 manpower hours.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Tewksbury, County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey hereby extends to Patrick Glennon individually, collectively and with great pride, sincere congratulations for achieving this highest of Scouting awards which symbolizes the American ideal of good citizenship and service to community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Committee wishes Patrick Glennon much success in all his future endeavors.
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Robert M. Hoffman, Jr.
Mayor
4. School superintendent Statement
William Petrick, Superintendent of Schools noted that the past year has been a dramatic year for public education in New Jersey.
He noted that $600,000 in State Aid will not be coming to Tewksbury in 2010, so the $13.3 million operating budget of 2009 will be reduced despite the increase in non discretionary costs. He added that this will be the third year in a row that the budget has remained flat, but warned that this trend will not continue indefinitely.
Mr. Petrick made note of the small class size in Tewksbury (20 students to 1 teacher) and the advantage to small class size. He stressed that teaching in Tewksbury teaches the “whole student” by stressing academics, performing arts and visual arts. He commented that the string program is still available in Tewksbury although it was cut at the high school level.
Additional comments were made regarding how the administrative structure was streamlined to realize a cost savings.
Mr. Petrick noted the full gamut of extracurricular activities that are available through the schools and that 450 students participated in winter, spring and autumn activities throughout the past school year. He stressed that nothing is being cut from this program.
Comments were made regarding the referendum question that proposes $4.4 million for capital projects. The referendum would fund the replacement of a 40 year old boiler, valves and vents in the Old Turnpike School. The Board is being proactive with regard to this capital improvement as the current boiler is not energy efficient and a new system could save 40% in fuel costs annually. He noted that the boiler has to be replaced even if the referendum fails; approval of the referendum would lessen the impact on the tax payers. $1.7 million in State funding will be available for use for this project and if the referendum fails, the funds will be lost.
In closing, Mr. Petrick requested that everyone exercise the right to vote on 04-20-10. He added that a recent comment made by Governor Christie regarding not voting in favor of a budget if a salary freeze were not authorized was a blanket statement and irresponsibly stated.
Robert Becker questioned the net debt for the school.
Discussion followed regarding Mr. Van Doren’s question as to whether there would be any give backs in the current school year with regard to the teacher’s contract.
Debbie Close stated that the District School Board has stated that they will have an administrative salary freeze. She stressed the need for all residents to vote in the School Election on 04-20-10.
5. Public Participation
Mayor Hoffman opened the public participation by stating that there have been rumors going around the Township that the Committee would not be sending a letter to the Highlands Council regarding the JCP&L landscaping plan. He stated that a draft letter would be written, reviewed by the Township Attorney and Committee prior to being sent (if applicable) to the Highlands Council.
In response to a question by Tom Dillon it was stated that the Oldwick Sidewalk discussion will be held on 04/27/10. The Township Engineer will be in attendance and cost estimates will be discussed.
Jon Holt thanked staff for uploading the Township Committee e-mail addresses on the website. He explained how the rumor as mentioned by Mayor Hoffman began. Information was distributed to the Committee regarding Highlands comments on the proposed JCP&L substation and landscaping. Mr. Holt stressed that it is important to have a record of written communication. He stressed that the Committee should send written comments to the Council prior to the 04-19-10 deadline in support of Township Ordinances and public outcry.
Robin Love echoed comments made by Mr. Holt. In response to a question by Ms. Love, Mayor Hoffman stated that the Committee would discuss the content of the letter in Executive Session and would present their findings to the public in open session.
Debbie Close defined the word “bullying” to the Committee stating that JCP&L has been bullying the Township and its laws and environment. She stated that the Committee has the power to “stand up to the bully” and urged the Committee to send a letter to the Highlands Council regarding the landscaping plan.
Dominic Dipinto stated that the current situation could be construed as fortuitous. He opined that the landscaping plan is ridiculous and the substation should be moved to a different location. He urged the Committee to send a strong letter to the Highlands Council.
Nancy Summer noted the points of the Township Master Plan and urged the Committee to send a strong letter to the Highlands Council rejecting the proposed landscaping plan. She stated that the matter is a Township issue and not just a neighborhood issue.
George Cassa presented information related to surface water quality standards. He opined that the proposed site is a bad location for the substation. Further comments were made regarding safety issues, water related issues and the proposed landscaping plan. He urged the Committee to send a strong letter to the Highlands Council rejecting the proposed landscaping plan.
Tom Schroth noted that the Environmental Commission discussed this issue and agreed to send a letter to the Highlands Council rejecting the landscaping plan. He urged the Committee to do the same. In response to a question from Mr. Schroth, Mayor Hoffman stated that the afore mentioned possible legal issue will be discussed in Executive Session.
Sandy Hance stated that the Committee’s overriding concern should be to act as elected officials representing the community. He urged the Committee to send a letter to the Highlands Council rejecting the landscaping plan. He stated that the landscaping plan is grossly inadequate.
Nancy Hance noted her concern with the 04-19-10 deadline for a letter to be sent to the Highlands Council.
Carol Leighton referred to a letter to the Highlands Council from the Scenic Roads and Bridges Commission outlining their rejection of the landscaping plan.
In response to a question from Bob Flowers, Mr. Selvaggi stated that the Committee is entitled to legal advice in Executive Session and the JCP&L matter is currently a litigated matter.
Robert Becker stated that the Township Committee can only move into Executive Session with a clear agenda. He added that he would like to review past Executive Session minutes.