TOWNSHIP MEETING

APRIL 7, 2010

The regular scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Oxford was held on April 7, 2010 in the Township Municipal Building, 11 Green Street, Oxford, New Jersey.

Mr. Niece announced that the meeting had been properly advertised in compliance with the OPMA of 1975 and called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

In attendance were Donald Niece, Bonnie Riley, William Bray, and Sheila L. Oberly.

Everyone stood and recited the flag salute.

On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve the March 3, 2010 meeting minutes.


ORDINANCE 2010-03

ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF WARREN,
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING
SECTION 36-2 INCREASING LIQUOR LICENSE FEES


WHEREAS, The Township of Oxford has the authority to increase the fees for liquor
licenses periodically to cover their cost incurred to process same; and

WHEREAS, The Township Committee of the Township of Oxford believes that
increasing the fees for liquor licenses to be in the best interest of the taxpayers of the
Township of Oxford,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township
of Oxford, County of Warren, State of New Jersey that section 36-2 is hereby amended
as follows:

A. Plenary Retail Consumption License: Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars ($720.00).

B. Plenary Retail Distribution License: Four Hundred Sixty-Eight Dollars
($468.00).

C. Club License: One Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars ($188.00).


On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call
vote to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2010-03. The second reading, public hearing
will be on April 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Oxford Township Municipal Building at
7:00 PM.



RESOLUTION 2010-31
IN SUPPORT OF ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION
Every human life has matchless value; we must reaffirm our commitment to
raising awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. We also
wish to express our appreciation to those who have donated organs, tissue, and
bone marrow.
Over 106,000 Americans are currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant
and thousands more need life enhancing tissue transplants. I urge all New Jersey
residents to register with the state’s donor registry; say yes to organ and tissue
donation on their driver's license; and share their decision with family and
friends. By taking these steps, New Jerseyans can help save lives. My
Administration is committed to strengthening organ and tissue donation
programs and to increase the number of organs available for transplantation in
order to save lives. The kindness and generosity of donors reflect the
compassionate spirit of our state.
We celebrate the life-saving work of medical professionals and researchers and
the many others whose actions reflect our commitment to a brighter tomorrow.
Individuals can visit www.DonateLifeNJ.org to register to become a donor, to
learn the facts, and to understand how their decision to give the gift of life can
make a difference in the world of so many who are in need.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Donald Niece, Mayor of Oxford Township, by virtue of
the authority vested in me by the citizens of Oxford, do hereby resolve our
community’s support of organ and tissue donation. I call upon health care
professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, faith-based and
community groups, and private organizations to help raise awareness of the
urgent need for organ and tissue donors throughout our state.


RESOLUTION 2010-32

TO CANCEL AN AMOUNT FOR SEWER

WHEREAS, the property at 15 Pine Street, Block 10, Lot 1, known as Oxford
Heritage Manor has been sent into a receivership by virtue of serious delinquencies in
both sewer and lieu tax payments for the past several years and also as evidenced by
Tax Sale Certificate #482 which was redeemed by this committee on Feb 3rd 2010, and;

WHEREAS, we had received via wire transfer credits of $12,243.91 for
delinquent sewer and $60,224.47 for lien redemption for a total of $72,468.38 on
December 8th from USDA Rural Development, but had no knowledge of it until
December 21st, too late to take action in December, and;

WHEREAS, we needed permission to re-group the funds instead because the
date for which the redemption calculation had elapsed, so that the redemption would
now incur further interest, a year-end-penalty, and the new calculation date would
displace $3,323.66 of the funds so that now $8,920.25 would be for delinquent sewer
and $63,548.13 would be for lien redemption for a total of $72,468.38; and;

WHEREAS, we had displaced $3,323.66 from the funds intended for delinquent
sewer payment, we requested and received an additional $3,323.66 via wire transfer on
February 10th but did not know about it until we received our February banking
statement, on approximately March 15th; and also that an amount of $5,775.01
representing first quarter sewer has been received in the interim:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the
Township of Oxford that on this 7th day of April the remaining amount of $165.85 be
cancelled from the above mentioned sewer account on the basis of good faith payments
having been made and there being a difference in the time of receipt of funds and
information regarding the funds arrival, essentially representing a capacity issue on
time and internal communication, for which the taxpayer should not be penalized.



RESOLUTION 2010-33

AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP ENGINEER/PLANNER TO
CONTINUE EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR MAP UPDATES, MAP
ADJUSTMENTS, CENTER DESIGNATIONS AND
REDEVELOPMENT AREA DESIGNATIONS TO RECOGNIZE
AND APPROVE PORTIONS OF THE OXFORD TOWNSHIP
PLANNING AREA AS CENTER AREAS, REDEVELOPMENT
AREAS AND AN EXISTING COMMUNITY ZONE

WHEREAS, the Township of Oxford submitted a Petition for Plan Conformance to
the Highlands Council on December 8, 2009 for Preservation Area lands, which
includes a comprehensive package of draft planning and implementation
documents that meet the requirements of the Highlands Act, the Regional Master
Plan and the Highlands Plan Conformance Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, Plan Conformance by the municipality is strictly voluntary for lands in
the Planning Area, and Oxford Township may at any time voluntarily revise its master
plan, development regulations and other regulations, as applicable to the development
and use of land in the Planning Area, to conform them with the Regional Master Plan;
and
WHEREAS, at any time during the Plan Conformance process, Oxford Township
may choose not to obtain conformance with the Regional Master Plan for the lands
lying within the Planning Area, and any approvals, rejections or approvals with
conditions of the revised municipal master plan and development regulations
recommended by the Highlands Council during the Plan Conformance process will not
be binding on Oxford Township as they relate to the development and use of land in
the Planning Area; and
WHEREAS, upon application of Oxford Township into the Plan Conformance
Grant Program, the Highlands Council has made, or will make, grant funding and other
financial and technical assistance available to Oxford Township for the reasonable costs
associated with the revisions of the master plan, development regulations or other
regulations, as applicable to the development and use of land in the Preservation Area
and the Planning Area, which are designed to bring those plans and regulations into
conformance with the Regional Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Highlands Council shall make grant funds available for all
mandatory aspects of Plan Conformance in accordance with the Plan Conformance
Grant Program, and shall also make available grant funds for the discretionary aspects
of Plan Conformance as determined by the Highlands Council; and
WHEREAS, should Oxford Township formally withdraw from the Plan
Conformance process with regard to the Planning Area, grant funding awarded to
Oxford Township up to the date of withdrawal that has been appropriately utilized in
accordance with the Plan Conformance Grant Program and applicable grant agreement
shall not be reimbursable to the Highlands Council; and
WHEREAS, grant funding awarded to Oxford Township is still available; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Oxford has submitted
a Petition for Plan Conformance to the Highlands Council, as it relates to the
development and use of land for the entire municipality, in accordance with the
Highlands Act, the Regional Master Plan, and the Highlands Plan Conformance
Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Oxford has a certain industrial area, commonly
known as the Oxford Textile property, that is the subject of a Redevelopment
Agreement, which said redevelopment is critical to the environmental clean-up of the
property and the economic and aesthetic vitality of the Township of Oxford; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Oxford has confirmed
to the Highlands Council that it requests map updates, map adjustments, center
designations and redevelopment area designation; and
WHEREAS, the Township has committed to provide additional
supplemental reports and information in support of this request.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the
Township of Oxford hereby authorizes the Township Engineer/Planner to continue
working with Highlands Council staff to provide additional supplemental reports and
information in support of this request, including applications and materials for map
updates, map adjustments center designations and redevelopment area designations;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Engineer/Planner is further
authorized to seek additional grant moneys from the Highlands Council to be utilized
for the cost of both the mandatory and permissive aspects of the Township’s Plan
Conformance Petition, including, but not limited to, for the development of a Highlands
Center Designation with respect to the Oxford Textile Property.
On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on toll call
vote to adopt Resolution 2010-31, Resolution 2010-32 and Resolution 2010-33.

Donald Niece, Mayor proclaimed May 2010 as Older American’s Month.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, it has become a tradition that the Month of May is designed as
Older Americans Month, and

WHEREAS, the growing population of older adults in our county and our
municipality continues to make innumerable positive contributions through their
efforts as volunteers and citizens; and

WHEREAS, Oxford Township wishes to honor our older adults for their past
and present contributions and encourages our older residents to remain in the
mainstream of life as they continue to play a vital role in our society,
and particularly in our local community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor, Donald Niece of
the Township of Oxford hereby proclaim, May 2010 as OLDER AMERICANS
MONTH in Oxford Township.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of April in the year of our Lord, two thousand ten.



Alex Lazorisak and Angelo Accetturo was not attendance at the meeting to discuss PRMUA.

The Committee discussed the request from Pequest River Municipal Utility Authority to change the billing process for sewer usage fees. The Township Committee decided to remain the responsible part to bill Covanta WERC directly for their sewer treatment charges.

The Committee received a letter from JCP&L, stating there will be an aerial inspection of overhead transmission power lines during the time period of April 8 to April 27, 2010. During the inspections, residents may notice a helicopter hovering in the vicinities of substations and transmission lines. The helicopter flying is white and black with red and orange stripes. The identifying # is N50AP.

Mr. Niece stated that there was a question raised by Mr. Colantano, Township Auditor if there is a conflict with Mr. Finelli being employed by the Township as the Zoning Officer and Township Engineer. Mr. Niece will forward this question to Mr. Benbrook, Township Attorney for his review and answer.

On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Foley for maintenance on the new generator at the pump station for the cost of $1665.00.

Mrs. Riley said that on April 10 and April 11, the Oxford Township Road Department and Warren County Corrections would be cleaning up the tires behind Oxwall. There is no cost to the Township, all tires and debris will go to the Pollution Control Financing Authority, all overtime costs and dumpsters will be paid out of the Recycling Grant.

Mr. Bray remarked that he has documentation in regard to residents wanting to erect a small wind turbine at their home or at their business. At this time, Oxford does not have anything in their zoning ordinance, relating to this. NJ Board of Public Utility and Office of Clean Energy have drafted a model ordinance that Oxford can review and then forward to the Land Use Board.

On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote for Mr. Bray to forward the model ordinance to the LUB for their review.

Mr. Bray said that on behalf of Oxford Township, he withdrew Oxford’s request for earmark money in regard to the water main extension on Upper Denmark Road. He stated that the funding was not 100%, and would require matching funds from Oxford Township.

Mrs. Riley announced that tentatively the Oxford Township Tax Sale date is set for July 13, 2010 at 10:00 AM.

Mrs. Riley asked Mr. Bray is there was any information in regard to the sick time that the former Oxford Township’s officers could carry over to Washington Township since Oxford Township paid them their sick time pay at $10,000.00 each. Mr. Bray stated that he talked to Washington Township and said if Washington Township wants to carry over the sick days that these officer accumulated in Oxford, Washington Township will pay the officers, not Oxford. Mrs. Riley said that the agreement had two options-the officers would be entitled to sick pay OR could carry over their sick days to Washington but not both. If they carry their sick days, then a refund should be due to the Township. Mrs. Riley also asked for the “Schedule A” from Washington Township that should be attached to the Interlocal Agreement. Mr. Bray answered; Washington Township is working on it. Mrs. Riley asked Mr. Bray where the other Crown Victoria police car is. The Clerk stated that it is at Burdge’s Garage having all the lights and equipments removed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

The Committee reviewed the April 7, 2010 Bill List. The Committee discussed the bill from Burdges and the two police cars.

On motion by Mr. Niece, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve all the bills on the Bill List except Burdge’s Garage and NJ Driver’s License Guide.

James Kyle, formerly employed by CMX, will be at the next township meeting on April 21, 2010 with a presentation, asking the Committee if he can continue to work for Oxford Township as planner under a new business that he has started.

The Committee discussed an e-mail received in reference to a sinkhole at 10 Old Forge. Mr. Niece stated that it is the homeowner’s responsibility since it is in their driveway. He stated that in answer to their question who to contact, they should contact a contractor of their choice.

The Committee discussed a firing range at Connelly Farm for Washington Township Police officers only. Mr. Bray said that the Township needs a better understanding of how frequently, how many officers would be qualifying and what savings this would be to Oxford Township. Mr. Niece stated that additional information is needed before the Committee can give their approval. Mr. Bray said that the township owns the Coachlite property and this site could be a possibility and should be researched. The Committee agreed a lot of research has to be completed and information gathered before any decision can be made.

The Committee discussed a letter received from Sergeant Teter, Washington Township police in regard to Ordinance 91-14- signs that are not posted or erroneously posted in reference to this ordinance.
Mr. Bray called the Construction Code Official on 50 Wall Street and discussed the deteriorating condition of the building. They suggested that possibly a structural report be submitted to them by the Township Engineer, which would help facilitate their enforcement. Mr. Finelli said that he knows a gentleman that could do this work Mr. Bray said that DCA, Code Enforcement, could declare the building an imminent hazard and order it for immediate demolition. Mr. Niece stated that more information is needed, including the cost and the Committee will decide at the April 21, 2010 meeting.

On motion by Mr. Niece, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 PM.

________________________
Sheila L. Oberly, RMC