TOWNSHIP MEETING

MAY 5, 2010

The regular scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Oxford was held on May 5, 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 7:10 PM.

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

Everyone stood and recited the flag salute.

Mr. Niece announced that the 2010 Oxford School Budget was defeated on April 20, 2010 and now the Township Committee is required to review the budget and cut the budget in order to find ways to save the taxpayers money.

Mr, Niece asked the Oxford School Board if they have anything to offer before the Township Committee goes through the budget section by section.

Robert Magnuson, Chief School Adminstrator said that he believes this is a sound 2010-2011 school budget proposal for the Township which was based on two years ago with a tax decrease and last year with a zero percent increase. He said, this budget is based on cuts this year, totaling $400,000, which were made to salaries and supplies. He also
stated that the budget has only increased $30,000 since 2009.

Mr. Niece stated that he looked at this budget, and his opinion, he thought it was a good
budget with the biggest problem being loss of state aid. Mr. Niece asked Mr.
Magnuson how much surplus is left.

Patricia Martucci, Business Secretary answered, that currently there is $219,000 and
with this budget, she will be removing $95,000. The State of New Jersey allows two
percent or a maximum of $250,000, which she stated that they do not have anywhere
near the minimum allowed.

She explained that Gov. Christie is mandating that the last two years of back tuition be
paid to the State of New Jersey which is depleting the tuition reserve of $271,000 in
order to close the revenue gap.

Mr. Niece asked if the school board has approached the teachers, administration, etc.
asking them to take a wage freeze. Mr. Magnuson answered that he took a $5,000
stipend cut in order make sure that the people who work the hardest for the district and
put in long hours are able to receive a decent salary reflecting their hard work. He
stated that the teachers union was due a four percent raise but voted to give back one
percent of that raise which amounted to over $18,000.00.

Mr. Niece said that he was surprised by the total of 53 employees and asked if everyone
at the Oxford School is an essential employee. Mr. Magnuson answered yes, and said
that next year there is a special education teacher that is retiring and will not be
replaced.

Mrs. Riley said she had a meeting with the school yesterday and reviewed the budget.
She stated she was not happy with the budget or voter turnout, and that only two
hundred and ninety-two residents voted-the count being one hundred fifty-eight to one
hundred thirty-four. She said she did not consider that to be the multitude of voters for
Oxford Township.

Mrs. Riley said that she thought it was a really good budget but the voters have turned it
down so it is now the Committee’s job to look at ways to decrease the budget.

Mr. Bray said he just received the budget tonight and really did not have time to
completely review the budget. He asked why there is a decrease in salaries for grades
one to five. Mr. Magnuson answered that it is the way the students shift around based
on the students enrollment.

Mr. Bray asked what the total number or increase in salaries for all the staff, if everyone
was zeroed out and nobody received a raise, what would be the savings? He stated that
he estimated the increase would be $116,000. He said that he thinks that elections
matter and the only way to help the school to get better voter turnout, and to have
parents take elections serious, is to make the point that when the budget goes down, the
school is going to suffer because the governing body is going to cut the budget. In the
2009 budget, the governing body did not cut the school budget because that budget did
not propose a tax increase.

Mr. Bray said he wanted the total value of salary increases and that is the number he
recommends that should be cut, and if the budget can’t be cut by people agreeing to
sacificing their raises, then he recommended staff or program cuts. He also advised the
school board that next year when the budget is compiled, stress to parents that you must
vote to approve the budget and if the budget is defeated, drastic cuts will be made.

Mr. Bray stated that he is not asking the teachers or administration to do anything less
than what is required by him in his job, he did not get a raise last year or this year. He
suggested that no vote be taken tonight on the school budget until the Township
Committee receives the number from the school board of the total amount of raises for
teachers and administration.

Mr. Niece said that the only problem of not having a vote tonight, is the number must
be agreed upon prior to May 19th , so the tax rate can be certified. Mr. Bray said that the
Township could have a special meeting on May 26, 2010.

Mr. Maguson stated that the law states that a mutual number must be agreed upon
between the School Board and Oxford Township, the Committee does not have the
power to say where the cuts are to be made.

Mr. Farkas said that everyone has the right to vote, the people of Oxford have spoken,
we don’t want this budget, we don’t want a tax increase, we cannot afford a tax increase
and the school can’t continue to bleed us dry as taxpayers. I want to thank you Mr.
Bray for listening to the voters, but I was a little disappointed in Mrs. Riley. The
number of voters that voted show that they did not approve this budget, that’s the vote
and the people of Oxford have spoken whether it was one person or fifty, that came to
the polls, the residents voted the budget down.

Mr. Niece said he agreed with Mr. Bray that this year there should be some budget
reductions but disagreed with Mr. Bray on the severity of the reductions, and to take
$100,000 out of this budget will not be productive but would result in an a appeal to the
commissioner who will restore a large part of that amount because of the extreme
effect.

Loraine May agreed with Mr. Bray, said she doesn’t think it is unreasonable to ask the
teachers and administration to not take an increase this year. She also stated that she
thinks the board should ask for that amount of money and if it goes to the state for the
appeal, whatever happens, happens; Oxford Township should
take that chance.

Mr. Bray made a motion to hold a special meeting on May 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM, with
the only item on the agenda would be the reconciliation of 2010-2011 budget at which
time the Board of Education will report on what the aggregate salary increase for its
facility and staff iincluded in their proposed budget and at that time, Mr. Bray will
make a motion to reduce the school budget by that amount. Motion died due to lack of
a second.

Mrs. Riley asked when these raises will take effect in the proposed budget. Ms.
Martucci answered July 1, 2010.

On motion by Mr. Niece and seconded by Mrs. Riley to cut $25,000 from the 2010-2011
Oxford Township Scholl Budget. Mr. Bray voted No.



RESOLUTION 2010-47

RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE GENERAL FUND TAX LEVY
FOR THE OXFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR
THE SCHOOL YEAR 2010-2011, BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF
THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF WARREN, STATE OF
NEW JERSEY

WHEREAS, the voters of the Township of Oxford in a duly held
election, did fail to approve the General Fund Tax Levy Budget of the Board
of Education of the Township of Oxford for the school year 2010-2011; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey Law requires the Governing Body of the
Township of Oxford, after consultation with the Oxford Township Board of
Education, to determine the amount which is necessary to be appropriated in
such budget and to certify to the County Board of Taxation the total amount
so determined; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Township of Oxford has
consulted with representatives of the Township of Oxford Board of
Education, and has thereafter determined the amount necessary to be
appropriated;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of
the Township of Oxford, County of Warren, State of New Jersey, that the
following determination is hereby made:

1. The original tax levy on the ballot for the base budget:

$3,311,838.00
2. The amount of reduction to the tax levy for the base
budget:
(Deducted from the Maintenance Reserve Account)

25,000.00
3. The amount of tax levy being certified for the base
budget:

$3,286,838.00
4.
Supporting reasons for reduction: Based upon a review of all data
provided by the Board of Education, meetings with representatives of
the Board of Education, a public hearing and consideration of the
public need, it has been determined that no reduction can be
effectuated without a reduction in programs or negatively impacting
upon the education of the students.
5.
The revised budget is sufficient to provide a thorough and efficient
education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this resolution
be forwarded to the Township of Oxford Board of Education,
Superintendent of the Warren Department of Education, and the
Administrator of the Warren Board of Taxation.
On motion by Mr. Niece and seconded by Mrs. Riley to adopt Resolution 2010-47. Mr.
Bray voted No.

Mr. Niece thanked the Oxford School Board for attending the meeting.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Bray to adopt the March 17, 2010
meeting minutes. Mr. Niece abstained.

Kathy Enz, Warren County Arts discussed the idea previously presented to the
Committee in regard to putting plywood around the fence at 50 Wall Street. Mr. Niece
explained that Mr. Kellner owns this property and he is the only person that can give
permission to Warren County Arts to erect a fence.

Mrs. Riley informed the Committee that the tire piles are now covered with dirt and has
been planted with grass seed. Mr. Niece said he has talked to Warren County Health
Department and they are satisfied with the job that has been done and are closing their
file as complete.

PUBLIC COMMENT


A resident stated that in Oxford Township, there are sixty-eight homes either in bankruptcy or foreclosures.

Diane Hooper asked about the surplus. Mr. Bray said that last year, Oxford used $281,000 and in 2010, Oxford used $459,000 out of a total of $525,000. He stated that the budget hearing will be held on May 19, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Oxford Township Municipal Building and asked everyone to attend.

Mr. Bray stated that Washington Borough has approached Oxford Township to ask if Oxford would be open to the idea of a shared service for garbage collection. The Committee agreed that figures would have to be compiled before any decision could be made.

Mr. Gibbons asked about a shooting range being constructed on the Coachlite property. Mr. Niece stated that no proposal has been received in reference to a shooting range. Mr. Bray said that Washington Township Police officers have permission from Oxford Township, only to qualify pistols on the Connolly Farm in the months of May and June. Mr. Bray informed the public that no permission has been granted to use the Coachlite property-this is not an official shooting range. Mr. Niece said that if the Committee would ever authorize a shooting range, all the residents would be notified before the
final approval.

Peg Hissim stated that every time the Oxford Emergency Squad asks for land to be donated for a new squad building, the Committee always denies their request. She said that years ago, the squad came before the Committee asking them to donate the Coachlite property to them and the Committee voted no, on the request. She also said that EMS is always put in the “back seat.”

A question was asked when the “One Way” sign would be put on Church Street, since she requested it six months ago. Mr. Niece answered that he did not pick that one sign out of the list to tell Lou Accetturo, DPW Supervisor to have it made. He said he would review the whole list once the budget is completed.

Peg Hissim stated that the gas station is closed on Route 31 and the Emergency Squad is paying for diesel fuel. Mr. Niece said that once the new owner opens the station, the Township would ask if the Township could purchase gasoline/diesel. In the mean time, Mrs. Riley told Ms. Hissim to talk to Lou about going to Gas World.

On motion by Mrs. Riley and seconded by Mr. Niece to pay all the bills listed on the Bill List. Mr. Bray voted No.


Recess 9:30 PM – 9:47 PM.


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.
The public shall be excluded from the discussion of any action upon the hereinafter-
specific subject matter.

The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is: Contractual-Washington Township Police Department proposal.

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. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote, to enter into Executive Session at 9:47 PM.

On motion by Mr. Niece, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed uunanimously on roll call vote, to enter regular session at 10:00 PM. No Official action was taken.

Mr. Bray made a motion, seconded by Mr. Niece and passed unanimously on roll call vote, that the Township Committee reject any proposals or plans for any type of firing range within the Township’s limits and to have any work that was performed on the Coachlite property, reversed and the property restored to the prior condition.

On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Niece and passed unanimously on roll call vote to have all agendas posted on the Friday before the meetings and no new items will be added after 3:00 PM on that Friday.

On motion Mr. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 PM.

____________________________
Sheila L. Oberly, RMC