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TOWNSHIP
MINUTES
September 17, 2008
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TOWNSHIP MEETING
SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
The regular scheduled meeting of the Mayor and
Committee of the Township of Oxford was held on
September 17, 2008 in the Township Municipal
Building, 11 Green Street, Oxford, New Jersey.
Mayor Bonnie Riley announced that the meeting had
been properly advertised in compliance with the OPMA
of 1975 and called the meeting to order at 6:07 PM.
In attendance were Bonnie Riley, N. Angelo Accetturo,
William Bray, Michael Lavery Michael Finelli, and
Sheila L. Oberly.
Everyone stood and recited the flag salute.
Mrs. Riley stated that the tax, and sewer reports
for September 2008 are available to the public in
the back of the room.
Mrs. Riley made an announcement asking to please
hold all public comments until the public comment
section of the meeting.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve the
August 5th and 20th, 2008 meeting minutes.
Ordinance 2008-08 Recycling will be tabled until the
October 15, 2008 meeting on motion by Mr. Bray,
seconded by Mr. Accetturo and passed unanimously on
roll call vote.
Ordinance 2008-09 Sewer Fee Wavier was opened for
public comment. Mr. Accetturo asked whose job would
it be to set the rate. Mr. Bray answered that the
sewer collector would set the rate once PRMUA has
it’s budget hearing. This ordinance would allow
properties that are uninhabitable to waive their
sewer charges while these properties are
uninhabitable. The waiver would only apply to the
charges of the treatment costs the owner but would
still have to pay the capital costs. At the present
time, there are two residents that have this wavier.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to adopt
Ordinance 2008-09 on second reading.
Ordinance 2008-11 Create the Position of Municipal
Housing Liaison for the Purpose of Administering
Oxford Township’s Affordable Housing Program
Pursuant to the Fair Housing was opened for public
comment. Mr. Lavery stated that this position is
state mandated.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to adopt
Ordinance 2008-11 on second reading.
Ordinance 2008-12 Change Permitted Uses in Business
Zone was opened for public comment. On motion by Mr.
Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and passed
unanimously on roll call vote to adopt Ordinance
2008-12 on second reading.
Ordinance 2008-15 Raising Dog Fee Licensing was
introduced on first reading. Second reading, public
comment will be on October 15, 2008 at 6:00 PM.
ORDINANCE 2008-15
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF
WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO AMEND, REVISE AND
SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 118, “ANIMALS,” SUBCHAPTER 118-3,
“APPLICATION FOR LICENSE AND TAG; EXEMPTION” OF THE
CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD FOR WHICH THE COST
FOR AN ANNUAL DOG LICENSE IS HEREBY INCREASED.
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of
Oxford wishes to amend Chapter 118, “Animals.”
Subchapter 118-3, “Application for license and tag;
exemption” of the code of the Township of Oxford to
increase the annual dog licensing fee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township
Committee of the Township of Oxford, County of
Warren, State of New Jersey that Subchapter 118-3,
“Application for license and tag; exemption” of
Chapter 118, “Animals” is hereby amended as follows:
Section 1.
§118-3 “A person applying for a license and
registration tag shall pay a fee of $3.80 $8.80 for
each dog, plus $1.00 New Jersey registration fee,
plus $0.20 Pilot Clinic Fund, for each annual
renewal for a spayed or neutered dog for a total of
$10.00. Proof of neutering or spaying must be
presented at the time of licensing. For each
nonspayed or nonneutered dog, the license fee shall
be $5.80, $10.80, plus New Jersey registration fee
of $1.00, New Jersey Pilot Clinic Fund fee of $0.20,
and New Jersey pet population control fee of $3.00
for a total of $15.00. All licenses, registration
tags and renewals thereof shall expire on the last
day of January each year.
Section 2.
Should any part or parts of this Ordinance be held
to be invalid by any competent court of law, such
invalidity shall only affect the part or parts held
to be invalid, and all other parts shall remain in
effect.
Section 3.
Severability. The various parts, sections and
clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be
severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section
or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by
a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder off
this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby.
Section 7.
Repealer. Any ordinances
or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of
this Ordinance are hereby repealed as to their
inconsistencies only.
Section 8.
Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect
upon its passage and publication as required by law.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to introduce
Ordinance 2008-15 Raising Dog Fee Licenses.
Ordinance 2008-16 Sewer Permit Fee Rates-First
Reading was tabled until the October 15, 2008
meeting at 6:00 PM.
Resolution 2008-50 Adjust 1st and 2nd Quarter
Taxes-Block 6. Lot 4 & 4.01 was tabled until October
15, 2008 at 6:00 PM. Mrs. Riley will talk to Mr.
Cushing, Attorney to get his legal opinion on this
resolution and submit it to the Committee at the
next township meeting.
RESOLUTION 2008-76
REFUNDING TAX SALE CERTIFICATE #496
THAT WAS REDEEMED
WHEREAS, the property owned by Albert L & Donna M
Pierro also known as Block 33, Lot 52 located at 2
Shippen Ridge had unpaid 2007 Taxes and Sewer
Service Charges and was sold at a Tax Sale held on
July 21, 2008 by the Oxford Township Tax Collector;
and
WHEREAS, Park Finance, LLC of PO Box 109, Cedar
Knolls, NJ 07927 was the successful bidder of the
above stated property; and the amount of the Tax
Sale consisted of unpaid taxes, sewer service fees,
interests and other costs, and totaled $2,054.81 and
is represented by Tax Sale Certificate #496; and
WHEREAS, Chase Home Finance paid $7,043.27 via
certified check to the Oxford Township Tax Collector
to satisfy the outstanding Tax Sale Certificate on
September 10, 2008 to redeem the certificate:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and
Township Committee of the Township of Oxford on this
17th day of September, 2008 that the Chief Financial
Officer be authorized to draw a check payable to
“Park Finance, LLC” in the amount of $7,043.27 for
the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate #496; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Tax Collector be
directed to return the satisfied Tax Sale
Certificate to Jeremy Coons, of Chase Home Finance
at 1 First American Way, Bldg 1, 4th Floor,
Westlake, TX 76262
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to adopt
Resolution 2008-76- Refunding Tax Sale Certificate
496 That Was Redeemed.
RESOLUTION 2008-77
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF
WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, APPOINTING A MUNICIPAL
HOUSING LIAISON AS REQUIRED BY NEW JERSEY
ADMINISTRATION CODE SECTION 5:94-7 ET SEQ.
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Oxford Township
petitioned the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH)
for substantive certification of its Housing Element
and Fair Share Plan in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Oxford Township’s Fair Share Plan promotes
an affordable housing program pursuant to the Fair
Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301, et seq.) and
COAH’s Third Round Substantive Rules (N.J.A.C.
5:94-1, et seq.); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:94-7 and N.J.A.C.
5:80-26.1 et seq., Oxford Township is required to
appoint a Municipal Housing Liaison for the
administration of Oxford Township’s affordable
housing program to enforce the requirements of
N.J.A.C. 5:94-7 and N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, Oxford Township has amended Chapter 100
entitled “Affordable Housing” to provide for the
appointment of a Municipal Housing Liaison to
administer Oxford Township’s affordable housing
program.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body
of Oxford Township in the County of Warren, and the
State of New Jersey that Michael S. Finelli is
hereby appointed by the Governing Body of Oxford
Township as the Municipal Housing Liaison for the
administration of the affordable housing program,
pursuant to and in accordance with Section 100 of
Oxford Township’s Affordable Housing Code.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Accetturo
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to appoint
Michael Finelli as the Municipal Housing Liaison and
to adopt Resolution 2008-77.
Ordinance 2008-13 Adopting Revisions to the
Redevelopment Plan for the Oxford Textile Mill
Redevelopment Area was opened to the public for
comments. Mrs. Riley stated that this plan had been
in existence since June 2006 and the revisions are
changing the minimum lot size from 7,500 square feet
to 5,000 square feet on some of the units, which
reduced the lot count. Ms. Mulligan asked for a
brief summary of the total units ands different
types that are proposed as of today. Mr. Accetturo
stated that there is 265 age restricted and 40 not
age restricted units.
Peggy Hissim stated that Mario Guariello has
supported Oxford Township for years and he is very
proud of all his contributions. She stated that the
residents should stand up for him and let him do
whatever he wants-the Township should back him in
anything that he a requests for this property. Mr.
Accetturo stated that the town has worked with the
Guariello family in the last few years and would
like to see something that would work for them and
the Township.
There was a question in regard to accommodating more
children in the school and what the impact would be
for Oxford Central School. Mr. Accetturo stated that
he has never received anything from the school
asking the Township not to approve this
redevelopment plan. A couple of years ago, the
Township had meetings with the school board,
residents and the Guariello family, giving the
numbers that the school was willing to accept
without any impact and still as of today these
numbers are greater then the proposal before the
Township.
On motion by Mr. Bray and seconded by Mr. Accetturo
to adopt Ordinance 2008-13 Adopting Revisions to the
Redevelopment Plan for the Oxford Textile Mill
Redevelopment Area on second reading. Mrs. Riley
abstained.
Peg Hissim announced that the Second Annual Boat
Race would be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009.
The Squad also will also hold a flea market in the
parking lot. The Squad is going to ask the Oxford
Youth Association, the Oxford Fire Company and the
Ladies Auxiliary and any other organization that
would like to be a part of this event. This is a
fundraiser for the Building Fund.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve this
event.
Ms. Hissim asked the Committee for permission to
hold a Tricky Tray on October 24th at St. Lima’s
Catholic Church at 6:00 PM, to benefit the Oxford
Emergency Squad’s Building Fund.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve the
Tricky Tray.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to
designate Trick or Treat Night on October 31, 2008
from 5:00 PM to 7:00
PM.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve the
application for 2009 Municipal Alliance.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve
the Blue Light permit from the Oxford Emergency
Squad for Joan Fratezi.
Mr. Bray stated that in reference to the share court
situation that he is working on something for next
year.
The Committee received a letter from Angelo Perrucci
resigning his position as Oxford’s public defender
effective immediately.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to accept
Mr. Perrucci resignation and to hire Scott Wilheim
for public defender at the same rate as Angelo
Perrucci.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mr. Finelli spoke of the meeting with Mrs. Riley,
and PRMUA in reference to Wastewater Management Plan
Amendment. He said that he has to follow up with DEP
on questions that came up at the meeting. He will
report at the next meeting in October on any
developments.
Mr. Finelli stated that that Mt. Pisgah has been
paved and all the total expenses for this road
project came in under budget.
Mrs. Riley talked to Hannah Mosquorri, J.C.P.&L. in
regards to tree branches hanging over electric
wires. Ms. Mosquorri stated that J.C.P.& L. would be
going through Oxford Township with a new program
entitled “Enhanced Vegetation Management Plan. This
plan would include taking down any vegetation that
is near to the electric wires. They refer to it as
“Wire to Sky Clearance.”
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Lavery said that he reviewed the latest
revisions to the Code Book and everything looked
fine-no major changes have to be done. He noted that
this would be the time to increase or decrease any
fees to bring them up to date with the new
ordinances and also to change some of the penalties
stated in the violation section to agree with the
law. Mr. Finelli also said he had nothing to add or
change and General Code did a very good job
compiling the information.
Mr. Lavery said he has sent a follow-up letter to
Bob Zelley of Maser Consulting in reference to the
Coachlite property. Mr. Zelley informed Mr. Lavery
that the revised plan is almost done. The Township
received a letter from the DEP, stating we had
ninety days to get the information to them. Mr.
Lavery sent a letter to DEP stating he has talked to
Mr. Zelley and DEP will be receiving this plan
shortly.
Mr. Lavery said he received a letter from Stuart
Ours, Attorney about the Docker property at 50
Washington Avenue. There still has to be a minor
revision to the survey so that the property transfer
to the Dockers matches that transferred to the
Township. After this is completed, the Township will
be in a position to prepare the necessary documents
for the land swap.
Peggy Niece of 19 Scranton Parkway wrote a letter
stating that there is a forsythia bush that has
gotten out of control and is taking up part of the
street and is causing a problem for traffic on both
sides of the road. Mrs. Riley will investigate.
The Committee agreed that there would be no personal
advertising from the public included in the Oxford
Township newsletter.
Mrs. Riley stated that there have been several
residents asking if Oxford is going to have a clean
up in October. Blairstown did a cleanup in their
township on September 2 thru September 20. Every
resident was given two clean-up vouchers to take
their “clean-up” to Warren County Pollution Control
Financing Authority” (The Landfill). She talked to
Jim Williams, Director and he would be willing to
let Oxford come to the Landfill for the month of
October. The Department of Public Works will still
pick up metals and nonburnables, curbside for all
senior citizens (65 & Older), handicapped and
disabled.
The Committee authorized a notice to be put into the
“Riverbend” newspaper announcing the dates and
notification where all residents can pick-up these
vouchers. There will be two vouchers per address.
The voucher will be collected at the Landfill and
residency will be checked. WCPCFA will bill the
Township for what actually was dumped.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was a question about licensing cats. Mrs.
Riley stated that at the last meeting held on
September 2, 2008, this issue was discussed. Betty
Wysocki, Animal Control Officer attended this
meeting and presented to the Township Committee
statistics from other towns and the cost associated
with capturing and boarding cats. The price was
approximately $1,000.00 per month. The Committee
agreed that at this time, the Township would not
license cats.
Mr. Phillips asked about Oxwall and if the owner,
Stuart Kellner, has been sent a letter in regard to
the timeline to clean up 50 Wall Street. Mr. Lavery
said that last month, he was authorized to send a
letter out but there is an ordinance that has a
process that must be followed by law, which the
Township is following at this time. There was a
meeting with the Township Engineer, the Mayor, DCA
and the Township Attorney to enforce the cleanup and
a letter has been sent to Mr. Kellner.
Mrs. Spinx questioned what is currently happening
with the police department. Mr. Bray stated that
letters were sent to Mansfield, Washington Borough,
Washington Township, Liberty Township, Belvidere,
White Township and Knowlton in regard to merging
police departments. Mr. Bray said that the Township
has received a bill from the State Treasurer’s
office for state police coverage and different
options have to be explored by December 15, 2008 in
order to be exempt from paying this bill. He said
the options are:
1. Hire additional police officers to have 24 hour
coverage
2. Enter into a shared service agreement or a
contract for service agreement with adjacent police
department to cover the few hours a day where a
police officer isn’t on patrol.
3. Hire another Township to be Oxford’s Police
Department
4. Merge Oxford’s Police Department with another
police department or other Townships that are also
facing bills for state police coverage-Regional
Police Department.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve the
land swap with the Docker family pending to the
adjustment of the property line.
Ms. Hooper asked if there was any changes or
discussions about share court. Mr. Bray said there
would be no changes for 2008 and the Township will
look at the numbers again in 2009.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meeting Act,
Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, permits the exclusion of the
public from a meeting in certain circumstances, and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that
such circumstances presently exist.
1. The public shall be excluded from the discussion
of any action upon the hereinafter-specific subject
matter.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be
discussed is: two pending litigation matters
(Cambridge, Oxtech at 50 Wall St.), two
attorney-client matters (lake ownership and
responsibility of sidewalks) and one personnel
matters- (police).
3. It is anticipated at this time that the above
stated subject matter will be made public at the
conclusion of the litigation. The motion carried
with the following roll call vote.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to enter into
Executive Session at 9:50 PM.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray to
enter open session at 10:34 PM. No official action
was taken.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to extend for
no charge, the Oxford Township Emergency Squad’s
zoning permit.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to record the
letter from Helen Homko asking to change the parking
of cars to the opposite side of the street on
Mechanics Street.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and
passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve all
bills listed on the Bill List except to hold:
US Gas-$3,525.69
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Accetturo
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adjourn
the meeting at 10:45 PM.
________________________
Sheila L. Oberly, RMC
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