WHEREAS, the property owned by John Velez known as Block 37, Lot 5 located at 24 Axford Avenue had unpaid 2006 sewer service charges and was sold at a Tax Sale held on April 16, 2007 by the Oxford Township Tax Collector; and

            WHEREAS, Arthur Frustaci of 1178 Fifth Avenue, Alpha, NJ  08865 was the successful bidder of the above stated property; and the amount of the Tax Sale consisted of unpaid sewer service charges, interests and other costs, and totaled $598.84 and is represented by Tax Sale Certificate #476; and

            WHEREAS, Bradford Day, Esq. paid $753.84 on February 4, 2008 to the Oxford Township Tax Collector to satisfy the outstanding Tax Sale Certificate, subsequent taxes, and delinquent taxes;

            NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Oxford on this 20^th day of February, 2008 that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized to draw a check payable to Arthur Frustaci in the amount of $753.84 for the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate #476

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Tax Collector be directed to return the satisfied Tax Sale Certificate to Bradford Day, Esq. at PO Box 97, Belvidere, NJ 07823 for his further recording.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adopt Resolution 2008-23.

RESOLUTION 2008-24

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ENDORSEMENT OF NJDEP GENERAL INDUSTRIAL TREATMENT WORKS APPLICATION (TWA) FOR THE WARREN COUNTY LANDFILL LEACHATE PRETREATMENT PLANT PROJECT

WHEREAS, Hatch Mott MacDonald has prepared plans and specifications for a General Industrial Treatment Works Approval (TWA) application to be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for the Warren County Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Plant Project to be completed by the Pollution Control Financing Authority of Warren County, and;

WHEREAS, the treated effluent from the Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Plant will be discharged through an existing force main to the Township of Oxford Wastewater Collection System, and;

WHEREAS, the Pollution Control Financing Authority of Warren County has solicited the consent of the governing body of the Township of Oxford for the construction of said project;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Township of Oxford hereby endorses the submission of the General Industrial TWA application for the Warren County Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Project to the NJDEP, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of Oxford authorizes the Township Clerk to sign the endorsement form (WQM 003) for the NJDEP General Industrial TWA application on behalf of the Township.

On motion by Mr. Bray and seconded by Mrs. Riley to adopt Resolution 2008-24. 

Mr. Accetturo abstained.

On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Accetturo and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adopt Resolution 2008-25 

RESOLUTION 2008-26

REFUNDING TAX SALE CERTIFICATE #422 THAT WAS REDEEMED

            WHEREAS, the property owned by Cambridge at Oxford, Inc. also known as Block 34, Lot 51 located at 42 Axford Ave. had unpaid 2001 taxes and was sold at a Tax Sale held on November 19, 2002 by the Oxford Township Tax Collector; and

            WHEREAS, Wachovia Coll Agt/Sass Muni IV dtr of 123 South Broad St., PA  1328S Philadelphia, PA  19109 was the successful bidder of the above stated property; and the amount of the Tax Sale consisted of unpaid taxes, interests and other costs, and totaled $710.73 and is represented by Tax Sale Certificate #422; and

            WHEREAS, DGC Management paid $2,222.91 on November 14, 2007 to the Oxford Township Tax Collector to satisfy the outstanding Tax Sale Certificate, subsequent taxes, and delinquent taxes;

            NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Oxford on this 20^th day of February, 2008 that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized to draw a check payable to “MD Sass/Wachovia” in the amount of $2,222.91 for the redemption of Tax Sale Certificate #422

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Tax Collector be directed to return the satisfied Tax Sale Certificate to DGC Management at C/O Eugene DeNagel, 71 Catskill Ct., Belle Mead, and NJ 08502.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adopt Resolution 2008-26.

The township received a contract from Great Blue Lake and Pond Management for Oxford Furnace Lake at a price of $200.00 per application of the herbicide Copper Sulfate to target algae and $350.00 per application of Reward to target watermilfoil and pondweeds.  The price has stayed the same for the years 2006 and 2007.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray to authorize the Mayor to sign the Great Blue Lake and Pond Management contract for the year 2008.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to authorize the Mayor to sign the blue light permit for Mike Schott of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Company.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve Keith Stires application to become a member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Finelli reported on the status of the Regular Inspection Report (IR) Compliance Schedule (CS) and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuel Report required to be submitted to NJDEP in reference to the Furnace Brook W.S. #2 Dam.  This report was submitted on February 1, 2008 in compliance with the New Jersey Dam Safety Standards. (N.J.A.C. 7:20-1.11).

Mr. Finelli stated that the Mount Pisgah project is running ahead of schedule and is almost ready to go out to bid.   At the March 2008 meeting, Mr. Finelli will submit the resolution to be passed, awarding unit bid prices for construction items to perform the necessary construction to complete this project.

RESOLUTION NO.  2008-27

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION MADE TO THE WARREN COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL FOR THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF A COMPOSTING FACILITY AT 15 ORAM’S LANE

            WHEREAS, the Township of Oxford had applied to amend the Warren County Solid Waste Management Plan to operate a composting facility for leaves only at 15 Oram’s Lane, Oxford, New Jersey, Block 34 Lot 2; and

            WHEREAS, the aforementioned composting facility is permissible under exemption #13 of NJDEP Recycling Regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:26A-1.4b13; and

            WHEREAS, application materials were submitted on October 24, 2007, October 29, 2007 and January 23, 2008; and

            WHEREAS, the Warren County Solid Waste Advisory Council has notified the Township that the application is complete, and

            WHEREAS, the Township of Oxford supports the application made to the Warren County Solid Waste Management Council for the installation and operation of a composting facility to be located on Township property at 15 Oram’s Lane, Block 34 Lot 2 and the facility will be installed and operated by the Township in accordance with the exemption and conditions described at 7:26A-1.4 (a) 13.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Oxford, County of Warren, State of New Jersey, that the Township of Oxford supports the application made to the Warren County Solid Waste Management Council for the installation and operation of a composting facility to be located on Township Property at 15 Oram’s Lane Block 34 Lot 2 and the facility will be installed and operated by the Township in accordance with the exemption and conditions described at 7:26A-1.4 (a)13 

On motion by Mr. Accetturo and seconded by Mrs. Riley to adopt Resolution 2008-27.   Mr. Bray voted No.

Mr. Finelli in regard to the recreation fields (Hissim Property) stated that Glasson Environmental a number of months ago submitted a Wetlands Permit to NJDEP and they have just now received a review letter from DEP asking for additional information, which are minimal.    Mr. Finelli made a recommendation to authorize Glasson Environmental to proceed and get the work done.  He estimated a ballpark figure of $1,500.00.  He will let the Township Committee know tomorrow night at the budget meeting, the actual figure.

Mr. Bray said that about two or three weeks ago he was incorrect when he stated that the $200,000 that the Township received from Covanta was for a debt settlement.  This statement was a mistake, which left an incorrect impression to the public about the nature of how the Township received that money, and how the Township settled its debts with Covanta.  Mr. Bray stated that after reading the contract again, he realized it was money owed for taxes and sewers that were received and in addition, the Township also received grant money for the ball fields.

Mr. Lavery stated that his attorney ‘s report has seven items, all for executive session.

Mr. Bray said that the Oxford Township School would present their primarily budget tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. At the school board meeting.  The budget includes a proposed tax levy that would result in a one and a half cent decrease in the tax levy.  No copies are available at this time.  Mr. Bray asked the school board representatives to attend the April 1, 2008 meeting to present the budget to the Township Committee.  He also stated that the school sewer bill is around $9,000.00 and Mr. Bray asked if the Committee would assume this line item in the Township Committee budget thus reducing the cost per pupil spending, thus helping the school with state aid.  The Committee will discuss this at a later date.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Diane Hooper asked if there has been any news about the Cambridge property.  The Committee stated there has not.  Mr. Accetturo explained that the Township owns this property and had an agreement with Starbare years ago for a senior development overlay.  This agreement was for the Township to put a housing project on that property with roughly 50 to 70 units of senior housing.  The ordinance was passed but no decisions have been made with the property.  Mr. Lavery stated that this property is not on the ROSI map.

Loraine May asked how many people have picked up water bottles to have their wells tested.  There has been 466 letters mailed to residents and as of today, 147 people have picked up water bottles to use for testing. 

Ms. May also stated that in reference to questions about the New Jersey League of Municipalities seminars and payment for the Township Committee- that she thinks the Committee should go to these seminars to learn everything they can and also be reimbursed for their lodging.  She stated this is money well spent, a small price to pay for the information that is gathered and brought back to used in the Township.    Joan Mulligan agreed and stated that this should be compulsory.

Mrs. Riley stated that she received a letter from Washington Township- Mansfield Court asking Oxford to consider share services with them.  Mrs. Riley also received a phone call from Belvidere asking Oxford Township to consider combining court share services with White, Belvidere and Oxford.

Mr. Bray said that he met with Lt. Lilly earlier and Lt. Lilly asked that there was certain information he would like Mr. Bray to look into as part of the potential shared services before making a decision.

Mrs. Riley asked Mr. Bray to research this proposal and attend any meetings in regard to share services since he is the police director.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote to pay the following bills:

B&R Uniforms                            169.90

B&R Uniforms                              89.95

B&R Uniforms                            540.90

Mr. Bray stated that he has reviewed all bills but did not sign off on all bills that were presented.

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: Mr. Lavery   read the list:

Nextel Lease

JCPL Bill

Attorney-Client Matter

Contractual-Docker Survey

Personnel-Finelli

Contractual Potential Litigation -Oxford Mill

Potential Litigation -Oxford Heritage Manor

Wall Street LLC and Corson Tax Appeals

Police Contract

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.

The Committee moved into Executive Session at 8:45 PM on motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote.

Mr. Lavery stated at 10:54 PM, the Committee emerged from Executive Session, which several things were discussed:

Contractual- Nextel Lease, Docker Survey and J.C.P.& L. Bill, Police Contract, Wall Street LLC.

Attorney Client Privilege

Personnel Matter-Mr. Finelli

Contractual Potential Litigation-Oxford Mill

Potential Litigation-Oxford Heritage Manor

Pending Litigation-Corson Tax Appeal

No Official Action was taken. A copy of these minutes will be available when the Committee makes such decision that there is no harm to the public interest.

On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to authorize Mr. Accetturo to make an offer to Mr. Corson on his Tax Appeal.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement with Warren County Mosquito Control Commission to perform aerial applications of pesticides for mosquito control.

Mr. Bray stated that the police want to get paid for National Night Out.  He said the police informed him if they cannot be compensated, they do not want to do National Night Out.  On motion by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote, the Committee agreed under those circumstances, there would be no National Night Out in Oxford Township for 2008.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote, authorizing Mr. Bray to discuss share services with various Townships.

Mrs. Riley stated that if anyone wants to discuss anything at any future meetings, please notify the Clerk to put items on the agenda so everyone will have documentation on all items to be discussed.

On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr. Bray and passed unanimously on roll call vote to adjourn the meeting at 11:05 PM 

______________________

Sheila L. Oberly