MINUTES - MENDHAM TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

JUNE 19, 2002

The meeting of the Mendham Township Planning Board was called to order at 7:40 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Present:  Mr. Giordano, Mr. Tolley, Mayor Porter, Mr. D’Emidio, Mr. Buchanan,

Mrs. Kinsel, Mr. Mountain, Mr. Majorossy, Alt. 1; Mr. Timpson, Alt. 2

Also Present:  Mr. Falcon, Attorney; Mr. Kimball, Planner

Absent:  Mr. Aubin, Environmentalist; Mr. Balut, Engineer

Chairman Giordano called the meeting to order.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ADEQUATE NOTICE OF MEETING of the Mendham Township Planning Board was given as follows:  Notice was sent to the Daily Record and the Observer Tribune on January 4, 2002 .  Notice was posted on the bulletin board in the Township Hall in Brookside , New Jersey on January 4, 2002 , and Notice was filed with the Township Clerk on January 4, 2002 .

MINUTES – June 3, 2002 – moved, seconded, and carried to approve with minor changes.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The following persons represented the Board of Education in presenting “Mendham Township Community Committee – Ideas for Today and Tomorrow”:         

Dr. Fanning, Interim Superintendent of Schools

            Mr. Cartotto, Business Administrator

            Ms. Baldwin, Home School Association Member

            Ms. Aldea, President of the Board of Education

            Mr. San Filippo, The Prissco Group Representative

Ms. Baldwin proceeded to guide the Board through the PowerPoint presentation.  She indicated that there had been a 5-month long planning process to address the school system facilities issues. The following are the highlights and summary of committee findings:

·        District enrollment statistics are anticipated to increase 25% in the next 5 years.

·        Substantial areas of both schools reveal the need for renovations and repairs.

·        By meeting State Educational Guidelines, the Township can qualify for up to 40% of eligible building costs to be offset by the State from this legislation.

·        Recommendations are to address capital improvement issues, upgrade fire protection systems, meet ADA Compliance Codes, address growth, and update technology.

·        Specific capital improvements to the elementary and middle schools were outlined.

·        Education/Curriculum recommendations were identified.

·        New construction recommendations for both schools were made using floor plan models.

·        Technology recommendations included adding LCD projection devices, projection screens and whiteboards, installing electrical service requirements, etc.

Mr. San Filippo reviewed the cost structure.

·        Estimated Construction Costs:

Elementary School                    $  6,652,566

Middle School                          $  7,153,815

Soft Costs                                $  3,488,212

GRAND TOTAL                   $17,294,593

·        State Reimbursement    -           $  5,317,820

Mendham Township Share    $11,976,774

Mr. Cartotto stated the tax impact would be $  0.123402 per $100. On a home valued at $500,000 the assessed increase would be $617.

Dr. Fanning suggested a Referendum be scheduled for December 2002.  If passed, construction would begin the summer of 2003 and be completed by September 2004.

The Board was asked for their comments and questions.

Mr. Buchanan recommended the Board of Education prepare a press release and have a strong public relations plan.

Dr. Fanning said presentations were planned for various organizational meetings in the community to provide maximum educational exposure for the public.

Mrs. Kinsel asked if updated septic systems were being considered.  Mr. San Filippo explained there would be at the middle school.

Mr. D’Emidio suggested new construction plans include the possibility for second floor expansion in the future and that one general contractor oversee the work rather than obtaining multiple sub-contractors.  Mr. San Filippo agreed.

In response to Mr. Giordano’s question, Dr. Fanning indicated the renovations would be substantial for 10 – 15 years based on trend analysis.

Mrs. Kinsel asked if State funding is guaranteed.  Dr. Fanning stated the State’s funding share would be calculated and incorporated into the proposed Referendum.

Mr. Mountain suggested getting the Township Construction Officials involved as early in the process as possible.

Mr. Giordano asked Board members if the agenda order could be changed in order to hear the two applicants before the Ordinance discussion.  The response was all aye.

SMITH AND DONATO

Mr. Liberman, attorney for the applicant, and Mr. Smith were present.  Mr. Liberman opened with a review of the application.  He was in receipt of Mr. Falcon’s letter dated June 14, 2002 .  Although not necessarily in agreement, Mr. Liberman indicated the applicant would pursue a variance if required.

Mr. Falcon referenced his letter recommending to the Board that the applicants amend the application to provide for variance relief as to lot area.  This approach has the benefit of avoiding a precedent more difficult to apply in the future.  He advised Mr. Liberman it would be necessary to notify neighbors. 

Mr. Kimball, speaking for all three consultants who attended the TRC meeting, agreed to recommend waiving Application Checklist Numbers 28, 30, 35, 36 & 45.

Mr. Giordano called for a vote.  Mr. D’Emidio made a motion to deem the application complete with the variance requirement and waivers.  Mayor Porter seconded the motion, vote all aye.

The applicant was scheduled for the next Regular Planning Board Meeting on July 17, 2002 .

SAJ ASSOCIATES

Mr. Parker, Engineer, and an attorney substituting for Brian Mulligan from Sterns and Weinroth, were present.

Mr. Parker stated he is seeking a completeness determination pending a response from the DEP along with an LOI.  He asked Board members to review the findings of a report from Environmental Technology, Inc., dated May 7, 2002 .

Mr. Kimball supported completeness if DEP LOI submission for approval regarding wetlands is obtained.

Mr. D’Emidio stated it was common practice for the Board to hear applications with DEP LOI submission for approval pending.

Mr. Parker is seeking a waiver for Application Checklist Numbers 52 & 63 requiring a landscaping plan.

Mr. Kimball suggested granting the waiver for completeness but making this a condition for final approval.

Everyone agreed that the water supply and the landlocked parcel would be important issues for discussion at the Regular Planning Board meeting on July 17, 2002 .

Mr. D’Emidio made a motion to grant completeness pending DEP approval, seconded by Mr. Buchanan, vote all aye.

ORDINANCE 12-2002

Mr. Mountain provided an explanation for the amendment relating to Equestrian Farms.  Irene’s Springtree Farm wants to install coin-operated video games for the use of children while they wait for instruction.

Mr. Buchanan believes the activity is not authorized or appropriate in a residential area and could set an undesirable precedent.

Mr. D’Emidio was supportive of the activity and for the additional income it would generate for Irene’s Springtree Farm.

Mr. Kimball said it was consistent with the Master Plan and favored supporting activities that allow the Farm to survive.

Following a debate among members, a motion was made by Mr. D’Emidio to approve Resolution PB-18 supporting the adoption of Ordinance 12-2002.  This motion was seconded by Mr. Majorossy, aye Mr. Giordano, Mayor Porter, Mr. Mountain; nay Mrs. Kinsel and Mr. Buchanan.

HEARING PERSONS PRESENT

None.

CORRESPONDENCE

·        Mr. Trawinski’s letter dated June 10, 2002 , regarding Ko

Mr. Falcon advised that it was not necessary to attach this to the minutes as suggested by Mr. Trawinski.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded, all aye, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lillian Smith, Secretary