TOWNSHIP MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 2009

The regular scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Oxford
was held on November 4, 2009 in the Township Municipal Building, 11 Green Street,
Oxford, New Jersey.

Mayor Lazorisak announced that the meeting had been properly advertised in compliance
with the OPMA of 1975 and called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.

In attendance were Alex Lazorisak, Bonnie Riley, Howard Vex, and Sheila L. Oberly.
William Bray was absent.

Everyone stood for the flag salute.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded Mr. Lazorisak to approve the October 7, 2009
meeting minutes.



RESOLUTION – 2009-87

BUDGET TRANSFER

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 and 59 authorizes transfers from certain budget
appropriations where it is expected that it will be insufficient, and

WHEREAS, it is reasonable expected that certain appropriations will not be sufficient
for contemplated expenditures;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer of
Oxford Township, County of Warren, State of New Jersey, is hereby instructed to adjust
the financial records in accordance with the provision of this Resolution:

CURRENT FUND


Account: From: To:

Legal OE $25,000.00

Revitalization Planning $15,000.00
Landfill/Solid Waste Costs $ 5,000.00
Police OE $ 5,000.00


General Liability Insurance $ 2,807.00

Workers Compensation Insurance $ 2,807.00


Recreation SW $ 799.31

Recreation OE $
799.31



TOTALS $28,606.31 $28,606.31



RESOLUTION 2009-88

CANCELLING 2009 PROPERTY TAXES
ON BLOCK 24, LOT 13.01
GRANTED A DISABLED VETERAN TAX EXEMPTION


WHEREAS, Wayne Short, the owner of block 24, lot 13.01 located at 51 Zulauf
Lane, was evaluated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and
totally disabled because of injuries suffered during wartime service. Mr. Short purchased
the above mentioned property on 09 February 2009; and

WHEREAS, according to NJSA 54:4-3.30 et seq when a veteran or a surviving
spouse of a veteran or serviceperson is determined to have suffered a permanent disability
being total, paraplegia, or blindness caused by their wartime service, that the applicant be
granted a property tax exemption on their dwelling house and the lot where the house is
erected, if they so occupy this property and it is considered their legal residence; and

WHEREAS, the Oxford Township Tax Assessor has approved Mr. Short’s
application for tax exemption on the above mentioned property:

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 4th day of November 2009
by the Mayor and the Township Committee of the Township of Oxford that property
taxes on block 24, lot 13.01 be cancelled for the year 2009 subsequent to 09 February
2009, the date when the disabled veteran assumed ownership.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized
to draw a check payable to Wayne Short, the owner of the property, in the amount of
$7,366.54 to refund previously paid 2009 property taxes.



RESOLUTION 2009-89

CANCELLING 2009 PROPERTY TAXES
ON BLOCK 31, LOT 21 C0032
GRANTED A DISABLED VETERAN TAX EXEMPTION


WHEREAS, David Gilchrist, the owner of Block 31, Lot 21 C0032 located at 32
Cambridge East, was evaluated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to be
permanently and totally disabled because of injuries suffered during wartime service; and

WHEREAS, according to NJSA 54:4-3.30 et seq when a veteran or a surviving
spouse of a veteran or serviceperson is determined to have suffered a permanent disability
being total, paraplegia, or blindness caused by their wartime service, that the applicant be
granted a property tax exemption on their dwelling house and the lot where the house is
erected, if they so occupy this property and it is considered their legal residence; and

WHEREAS, the Oxford Township Tax Assessor has approved Mr Gilchrist’s
application for tax exemption on the above mentioned property:

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 4th day of November 2009
by the Mayor and the Township Committee of the Township of Oxford that property
taxes on Block 31, Lot 21 C0032 be cancelled for the year 2009 subsequent to 13 March
2009, the date from which the VA has granted 100% disability.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized
to draw a check payable to David Gilchrist, the owner of the property, in the amount of
$1,298.82 to refund previously paid 2009 property taxes.




RESOLUTION 2009-90

AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE
WARREN COUNTY MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE


WHEREAS, The Township Committee of the Township of Oxford, County of
Warren, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious
problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and

WHEREAS, the Oxford Township Committee further recognizes that it is incumbent
upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent
such abuses in our community; and,

WHEREAS, the Oxford Township Committee has applied for funding to the
Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Warren;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township of Oxford, County of
Warren, State of New Jersey hereby recognizes the following:

1. The Township Committee does hereby authorize submission of an application
for the Warren County Municipal Alliance grant for calendar year 2010 in the
amount of $ 7,385.00.

2. The Township Committee acknowledges the terms and conditions for
administering the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative
compliance and audit requirements.



On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Lazorisak to approve Resolution 2009-87,
Resolution 2009-88, Resolution 2009-89 and Resolution 2009-90.




ORDINANCE 2009-07

ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF WARREN,
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO AMEND, REVISE, AND SUPPLEMENT
CHAPTER 294, “STREETS AND SIDEWALKS,” OF THE CODE OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD TO REGULATE TREES WITHIN THE ROAD
RIGHT OF WAY

WHEREAS, the Committee of the Township of Oxford, County of Warren, State of
New Jersey, has determined that Chapter 294, “Streets and Sidewalks” of the Code of
the Township of Oxford shall be amended, revised and supplemented to amend the title
of the Section and to regulate trees within the road right of way.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Committee of the Township of
Oxford, County of Warren, State of New Jersey that Chapter 294 “Streets and
Sidewalks,” of the Code of the Township of Oxford shall be amended, revised and
supplemented as follows:

Section I:

The title of Section 294, “Street and Sidewalks” is hereby amended to “Streets,
Sidewalks and Trees.”

Section II:

ARTICLE V

Road Right of Way Obstruction

294-33 Trimming of Trees and Shrubs.

All trees and shrubs that stand along any public street in the Township, the branches of
which extend over any part of the road right of way, shall be trimmed by the owner,
occupant or tenant of any premises which abuts or borders upon that public road along
which the trees or shrubs stand. Such owner, occupant or tenant shall keep the branches
and limbs of such trees or shrubs trimmed and cut so that no limb or branch shall
overhang inside the road right of way at a height of less than eight (8) feet above ground
level.

Section III:

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 reminder of this Ordinance shall not be
affected thereby.

Section IV:

Repealer.

Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.

Section V:

Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by law.

NOTICE is hereby given that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced to pass on first
reading at a regular meeting of the Committee of the Township of Oxford held on
November 4, 2009, and ordered published in accordance with the law. Said Ordinance
will be considered for final reading and adoption at a regular meeting of the Township
Committee to be held on December 16, 2009 at 6:00 PM. or as soon thereafter as the
Township Committee may hear this Ordinance at the Municipal Building, 11 Green
Street, Oxford, New Jersey, at which time all persons interested may appear for or against
the passage of said Ordinance.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Lazorisak to introduce on first reading
Ordinance 2009-07.

Mrs. Riley read a Thank You card received from The Young at Heart, thanking Oxford
Township for their generous donation of $800.00.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Lazorisak to have the tree lighting
ceremony on December 6, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

Mr. Lazorisak said that the Township received a letter from New Jersey Department of
Transportation stating that there will be no funding available for the repair of Buckley
Avenue.

Mr. Lazorisak announced that on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 7:00 PM, there
would be a joint meeting of the Land Use Board and Committee members. The
meeting is to discuss Petition for Plan Conformance to the Highlands Council for
that portion of our jurisdiction lying within the Preservation Area in accordance
with the Highlands Act, the Regional Master Plan, and the Highlands Plan
Conformance Guidelines.

Mr. Lazorisak submitted to Howard Vex a copy of the personnel policy and
procedure manual with highlighted changes for his review. Mrs. Riley stated that
she would e-mail to Mr. Vex, the changes that she made.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Peggy Hissim announced that the 2010 diesel ambulance has been ordered and
will be delivered in 180 days and will cost $141,000.00. Oxford Township would
pay $10,000.00 for six years, White Township would pay the same amount and
the Oxford Emergency Squad would pay the remainder. Ms. Hissim will give a
copy of the loan agreement to the Oxford Committee.

Mr. Lazorisak congratulated Don Niece on winning the general election to become
a Township Committeeman for three years starting in January 2010.

Joan Mulligan asked the Committee if it would be possible to put lights on the
poles in the parking lot across from the Oxford Central School. She stated that
“The Young at Heart,” use the parking lot to park there when they take bus trips
and the area is very dark.

Mr. Lazorisak said he would discuss this with Mr. Finelli and report back at the
next Township meeting.

End of Public Comment.

Mr. Lazorisak called for a five-minute recess.


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: ongoing
litigation, and personnel issues.

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 Mr. Lazorisak and seconded by Mrs. Riley to enter into Executive Session
at 6:42 PM.

Enter into open session at 7:05 PM. No Official Action Was Taken.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Lazorisak to pay all the bills listed on the
November 4, 2009 Bill List.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Lazorisak to authorize the Mayor to
discuss the repair of the police server with Jean Paul at a cost not to exceed $5,000.00.

ORDINANCE 2009-06

ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY
OF WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING AND
SUPPLEMENTING THE OXFORD TOWNSHIP CODE TO
INCLUDE A NEW SECTION 220 ENTITLED BRUSH, GRASS
AND WEEDS.

WHEREAS, the Committee of the Township of Oxford, County of Warren,
State of New Jersey, has determined that the Code of the Township of Oxford shall be
amended, revised and supplemented to create a new Section 220 titled “Brush, Grass and
Weeds”;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Committee of the Township
of Oxford, County of Warren, State of New Jersey that the Oxford Township Code shall
be amended to provide a new Section 220 titled “Brush, Grass and Weeds”, and that the
Code of the Township of Oxford shall be amended, revised and supplemented as
followings:

§220-1: Removal near roadways.
Where it shall be necessary and expedient for the preservation of the public
safety, as determined by the Township Committee or other officer of the
Township designated by the Township Committee, any owner or tenant of lands
lying within the township shall be required to cut all brush, hedges or other plant
life to a height of not more than 2 ½ feet where such brush, hedges or other plant
life is located within 10 feet of any roadway or within 25 feet of the intersection
of two roadways, within 10 days after notice to cut the same. The term
“roadway”, as used herein, refers to right-or-way width.

§220-2: Notice to remove or destroy; time limit for compliance.
Where it shall be necessary and expedient for the public health, safety, general
welfare or to eliminate a fire hazard, as determined by a the Township Committee
or other officer of the Township designated by the Township Committee, any
owner, or tenant or lands lying within the Township shall remove from such lands
or destroy brush, weeds, including ragweed, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots,
obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash and debris within 10 days after notice to
remove or destroy the same.

§220-3: Performance of work by Township.
In the event that the owner or tenant shall refuse or neglect to cut the brush,
hedges or plant life under §220-2 within 10 days after notice, the Township may
do the work or cause the work to be done under the direction of the Township
Committee or other officer of the Township designated by the Township
Committee.

§220-4: Lien for costs of removal.
The supervising Committee member or Township officer shall certify to the
Township Committee the cost of the work which has been performed under §220-
3 herein; and the Township Committee shall examine the certificate; and, if it
finds the amount to be correct, the Committee shall cause the costs as shown
thereon to be charged against said lands. The amount so charged shall forthwith
become a lien upon the lands and shall be added to and become and form part of
the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon the lands, and the same shall bear
interest at the same rate as taxes and shall be collected and enforced by the same
officer and in the same manner as taxes. Costs may include payments made to
contractors hired by the Township to perform the work, costs for work or
supervision performed by Township employees, and an administrative fee of $25
for the processing and mailing of notices.

§220-5: Violations and penalties.
(1) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter and who fails to
abate any nuisance defined in §220-1 after receiving notice thereof, within
the time specified in said notice, or who violates any other section of this
chapter shall, for each and every violation or offense, be subject to a fine
of not more than $500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days,
or both, in the discretion of the Judge.
(2) Each and every day such violation or offense continues shall be deemed
and constitute a separate and distinct violation of this chapter and not as a
continuing offense.
(3) Each and every person who actually violates this chapter and each and every
person who, after receiving notice thereof, fails to abate the same as
hereinbefore required shall each severally be liable for such violation and to
the penalty hereinabove set forth.

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.

Repealer.
Any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance
are hereby repealed as to their inconsistencies only.

Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by
law.




NOTICE is hereby given that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced to pass
on first reading at a regular meeting of the Committee of the Township of Oxford
held on November 4, 2009, and ordered published in accordance with the law. Said
Ordinance will be considered for final reading and adoption at a regular meeting of
the Township Committee to be held on December 16, 2009 at 6:00 PM. or as soon
thereafter as the Township Committee may hear this Ordinance at the Municipal
Building, 11 Green Street, Oxford, New Jersey, at which time all persons interested
may appear for or against the passage of said Ordinance.


On motion by Mr. Lazorisak and seconded by Mrs. Riley to introduce on first reading
Ordinance 2009-06.

Mr. Lazorisak opened the meeting to any additional public comments.

Diane Hooper asked about the Cambridge litigation. Mr. Lazorisak stated that it is still
an ongoing litigation. Ms. Hooper also stated that the Cambridge Association was
disappointed that they were not allowed to hold their annual meeting in the Municipal
Building.

Mrs. Riley explained that the Township has nothing against the Association and the
decision not to allow outside agencies to use the building was in regard to a problem with
insurance coverage.

On motion by Mr. Lazorisak and seconded by Mrs. Riley to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM.


_________________________
Sheila L. Oberly, RMC