|
|
|
TOWNSHIP MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 15, 2007
PDF
Version
TOWNSHIP MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2007
The regular scheduled meeting of the Mayor and
Committee of the Township of Oxford was held on
August 15, 2007 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 7:35 PM.
In attendance were Alex Lazorisak, N. Angelo
Accetturo, Bonnie Riley, Michael Finelli, Michael
Lavery and Sheila L.
Oberly.
Everyone stood and recited the flag salute.
Mr. Lazorisak stated that the tax, sewer, and
treasurer’s reports from July 2007 are available to
the public for review.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Accetturo
and passed unanimously on roll call vote,
to approve the July 3, 17, & 18, 2007 meeting
minutes.
ORDINANCE 2007-08 Accessory Buildings-Revised was
read by title on second reading and
opened for public comments.
Mr. Lazorisak explained the only revision to the
Accessory Building Ordinance is Pool footprint
areas shall not be considered when calculation the
allowable coverage of accessory structures for
an individual property.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and approved unanimously on roll call vote
to adopt Ordinance 2007-08.
RESOLUTION 2007-48
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee of the
Township of Oxford, County
of Warren has adopted their 2007 Salary Resolution
setting forth the salaries and compensation
for all its employees, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee now wish
to amend such resolution,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the initial Salary
Resolution be amended to
read:
Collector $ 27,318.18 per annum prorated
January 1, 2007 to July 15, 2007
Collector $ 25,000.00 per annum prorated
July 9, 2007 to December 31, 2007
Land Use Board Attorney $ 8,000.00 per annum
effective
January 1, 2007
Land Use Secretary $ 20.00 per hour effective August
10, 2007.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any inconsistencies
with this resolution be
repealed.
On motion by Mrs. Riley, seconded by Mr. Accetturo
and passed unanimously on roll call vote,
Resolution 2007-48 was approved.
RESOLUTION
2007-51
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING THE PROHIBITION AGAINST
HUNTING AS
CODIFIED BY CHAPTER 72-1H OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD, WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
WHEREAS, Oxford Township operates and conducts a
recreational park and swimming
facility on lands owned by it and known as Oxford
Furnace Lake, and,
WHEREAS, non-migrating Canadian Geese have acquired
residency at Oxford Furnace
Lake, and
WHEREAS, the existence of said non-migrating
Canadian Geese has escalated
dramatically, and
WHEREAS, the existence of said non-migrating
Canadian Geese in the numbers now
present are despoiling the Lake and surrounding
lands and present a clear and present danger to the
health of the citizens of Oxford Township and others
utilizing this recreational area, and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey in recognition of
the escalating population of non-
migrating Canadian Geese in New Jersey have
established a special hunting season for the express
purpose of reducing the non-migratory Canadian Geese
population which said special hunting season is to
be conducted from September 4, 2007 through
September 28, 2007 and
WHEREAS, notice of this special hunting season was
provided to Oxford Township
under circumstances wherein the Township does not
have sufficient opportunity to amend Chapter 72
Section 72-1H of the Oxford Code, which said
Ordinance prohibits the hunting of Canadian Geese at
the Oxford Furnace Lake premises.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED on this 14th Day of
August 2007 that the
prohibition against hunting as it appears in Chapter
72 Section 72-1H of the Oxford Code is hereby
temporarily suspended from September 4, 2007 through
September 28, 2007 to the extent that said ordinance
prohibits the hunting of Canadian Geese at
municipally owned premises known as Oxford Furnace
Lake.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that duly licensed and
permitted hunters shall be
allowed to hunt and shoot Canadian Geese at the
Oxford Furnace Lake premises during the periods
aforesaid, with the exceptions that no hunting will
be allowed on Saturdays or
Sundays during the period of September 4th and
September 28th, 2007.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Chapter 72 Section 72-1H
of the Oxford Code
shall remain otherwise in full force and effect.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr.
Lazorisak and passed unanimously on roll call vote
to approve Resolution 2007-51.
Attorney’s report will be discussed in Executive
Session.
Mr. Finelli stated that the Department of
Transportation grant application for the Mount
Pisgah Avenue Reconstruction project has been
submitted to the State. He noted that the deadline
for mailing is August 31, 2007 and the Township
should receive notification by November 2007.
As per the request from the Mayor, Mr. Finelli
forwarded the Center of Place Grant application to
Assemblywoman Karrow to potentially write a letter
to Trenton supporting Oxford.
The Committee commented what a great job everyone
did at the Oxford Summer Festival that was held on
August 11, 2007 and thanked Jennifer Wiseburn and
Maureen Kelly for all their hard work. Mr. Riley
thanked all the businesses that donated money to pay
for the fireworks. She stated that the fireworks
were a great ending to a great event. She estimated
three to four thousand people attended throughout
the day.
She also informed everyone that the Department of
Public Works truck is being processed. Lou went down
and looked at the truck and is happy with the
progress.
After review with the CFO, and on motion by Mrs.
Riley, seconded by Mr. Lazorisak and passed
unanimously on roll call vote to approve the bill
for Angela Cortese in the amount of $ 167.50 that
was held at the workshop meeting, August 14, 2007.
Mr. Lazorisak and Mr. Lavery reviewed Gibbons, P.C.
contract for bond counsel. Mr. Lavery will notify
Mr. Daikiwicz of Gibbons to request some paperwork
that is missing.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mr.
Lazorisak and passed unanimously on roll call vote
to authorize the Mayor to work with Mr. Lavery to
sign the contract when all paperwork required is
received.
Mr. Lazorisak said that the Township has a received
a Richard Dunlap Memorial Grant for $1,000 from
Warren County. Mr. Finelli will meet with Lou
Accetturo and call Warren County to get the details
and what projects would fall into this category.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Diane Hooper asked what the procedure is for
disposing of cardboard. Mrs. Riley said it would be
beneficial for the DPW workers if it would be tied
up and will be picked up on recycling days only. The
workers will not pick up cardboard or papers on
regular garbage days. Also, residents can also take
their cardboard to the Department of Public Works
(DPW) garage during the week and put into the
dumpster.
Don Phillips asked if it is cheaper for an outside
contractor or the Township to pick-up the Township’s
recycling. Mr. Lazorisak and Mrs. Riley stated that
before the township started to collect recycling,
numbers were run to see if this would be cost
efficient. The bid for 2007 from Second Chance was
$18,328.00 a year. The Committee stated that they
estimated it would cost the town $5,000 - $6,000 a
year to do their own recycling. From January to
July, the Township has received $1,367.95 back from
recycling newspapers.
Mr. Hill asked the Committee for an extension on the
waiver that was granted for a sewer payment on 185
Jonestown Road. He stated that he is repairing this
property and at this time there is no one living in
the house and there is no plumbing or water
available.
On motion by Mr. Lazorisak, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to extend
this waiver until February 20, 2008.
Joan Mulligan asked who enforces removal of old
furniture, refrigerators, mattresses, etc. that
residents put curbside to be picked up for garbage.
Mr. Finelli said that the zoning officer has the
power to send letters and violations. Mr. Accetturo
will notify Lt. Lilly to start to enforce removal of
old unlicensed and junk cars that are parked on the
owner’s property.
Arlene Sillett asked if residents could take grass
clippings and brush to Oram’s Lane for composting.
Mr. Lazorisak stated that yes it is open and
residents can take brush and grass clippings there
during the week. He explained that the Township is
waiting for final approval from SWAC and DEP, which
is a technicality since what the Township is doing
is less than ten thousand square feet. Lou Accetturo
is getting prices from fence contractors, because
this area will be fenced off and controlled on the
weekend.
Bob Magnuson of Oxford Township School and on behalf
of the school board thanked the Committee and
Department of Public Works for their great efforts
and assistance at the school. He stated the DPW does
a great job.
He said that he has left a message with the
Guarriellos of Oxford Textiles in regard to setting
up a meeting with them at the school board’s
workshop meeting held on September 6th. When it is
finalized, he will let the Committee know.
Mr. Magnuson stated that the teachers have received
for this school year more than $15,000 in grants for
service learning. Students from the school would be
able to assist seniors in town, raking leaves,
cleaning up around the Township, etc. but not
shoveling snow. This is a yearlong school project
and all classes are qualified to participate. The
Committee said they would support the school and to
notify Mrs. Riley if the school needs the
Committee’s assistance in anyway.
The public comment period was closed and entered
into Executive Session at 8:40 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.
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 potential
litigations, two contractual matters, escrow request
from Washington Boro and
the Maser contract-HDSRF.
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 Mr. Lazorisak, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to enter
into Executive session.
The Committee went into open session at 9:35 PM.
ORDINANCE NO. 2007-09
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD,
COUNTY OF WARREN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING
THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY BY
NEGOTIATION
PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 ET. SEQ.
WHEREAS, there is within the Township of Oxford,
(“the Township”) certain real
property known as Block 6, Lot 13 and 14, also known
as 2 and 4 Keps Road, Oxford, (the “Property”) as
shown on the official Tax Map of the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Township has determined that there is a
need to acquire the Property
for public purposes and that such acquisition is in
the best interest of the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Township has determined that it shall
acquire the Property by
negotiation; and
WHEREAS, the Township has executed an agreement with
the Estate of Frank O. Lauer
for the acquisition of the Property in the amount of
$150,000.00; and
WHEREAS, the Township is authorized pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1, et. seq. (Local
Lands and Buildings Law), and other Statutes to
acquire the Property for public purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Township has negotiated an agreement
with the property owner to
purchase the property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and the
Township
Committee of the Township of Oxford in the County of
Warren, and State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. The Township is authorized to acquire for public
purposes by voluntary
purchase at a price of $150,000.00 title in lands
and improvements known and designated
as Block 6, Lots 13 and 14, also known as 2 and 4
Keps Road, Oxford, and in connection
therewith to do such acts as required by law to
accomplish the acquisition aforesaid.
2. The Mayor and Clerk are authorized to enter a
contract to acquire the
property at a cost of $150,000.00. Said contract and
purchase shall be conditioned on a
certification of availability of funds from the
Township’s Chief Financial Officer.
3. Counsel for the Township is authorized and
directed to take such steps as
may be required pursuant to law to accomplish the
acquisition aforesaid on such terms as
may be authorized by the Township Committee by
resolution.
Section 1.
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 of this
Ordinance shall not be affected thereby.
Section 2.
Repealer. Any ordinances
or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of
this
Ordinance are hereby repealed as to their
inconsistencies only.
Section 3.
Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect
upon final passage and publication as
provided by law.
Ordinance 2007-09 Authorizing the Acquisition of
Certain Real Property by
Negotiation Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 et. Seq.
was introduced on motion by Mr.
Accetturo, seconded by
Mrs. Riley and passed unanimously on roll call vote.
On motion by Mr. Accetturo, seconded by Mrs. Riley
and passed unanimously on roll call vote to approve
a payment to Treasurer, State of New Jersey State in
the amount of $4,296.00, the cost of the application
fee for a letter of interpretation for Block 26, Lot
85.
The mayor opened the meeting to public comment.
Kim Lauer and the Committee discussed the Lauer
estate.
On motion by Mr. Lazorisak, seconded by Mr.
Accetturo and passed unanimously on roll call vote
to adjourn at 9:45 PM.
___________________________
Sheila L. Oberly, RMC |
|
