MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF

THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MENDHAM

MORRIS COUNTY , NEW JERSEY

OCTOBER 12, 2007

Mayor Florek called the meeting to order at 3:37 p.m. in Township Hall, Brookside , New Jersey .

ROLL CALL:    Present:                    Mr. Schrier

                                                            Mr. Cioppettini

                                                            Mayor Florek

                          Absent:                     Mr. Phelan

                                                            Mr. Krieg

                          Also Present:           Stephen P. Mountain , Township Administrator

                                                            Christopher Falcon, Esq., Township Attorney

                                                            Ann Carlson, Township Clerk

Mayor Florek led all in the Pledge of Allegiance and then read the following statement:

Adequate notice of this meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of Mendham was given as required by the Open Public Meetings Act as follows:  Notice was given to the Observer Tribune and the Daily Record on January 11, 2007 and October 5, 2007; Notice was posted on the Bulletin Board in the Township Offices and Notice was filed with the Township Clerk on January 11, 2007.

PRESENTATION – TURF FIELD INITIATIVE

Mayor Florek welcomed Dan Kelly, 2 Ballantine Road , who was present to discuss fundraising for the Turf Fields.  He reported that this is a private organization raising funds to install two turf fields at Mendham High School .  These turf fields are made of a tire “crumb” material, with a sand layer and drainage under the surface. 

Prior to any fundraising activities, the group went to the Board of Education to ask permission for the project.  The Board gave its permission, but stated it would not be able to help with financing. It also gave permission for Stadium and Field naming. 

The Governing Body questioned Mr. Kelly about any environmental or health issues that may be associated with this type of field, as well as safety concerns with the field surface.  Mr. Schrier stated that there had been issues raised recently with toxic gases emitting from the tire material.  Mr. Kelly said that the group is looking into this carefully as they do not want any health hazards for the children playing on the fields.  He also stated that Turf fields do not produce any more physical injuries from playing than do regular grass fields.

Mr. Kelly stated that the group has not yet chosen a manufacturer, but was in discussion with a few.  Mayor Florek requested that he provide her with the names of those manufacturers as she hopes to speak with them while at the annual League of Municipalities conference. Mr. Kelly also stated that if funds are raised, the group hopes that construction will begin immediately after graduation in June in order to have the stadium field finished in September.  If the group does not raise enough money, or if it is proven that health hazards exist, donations will be refunded. 

Mayor Florek expressed concerns about maintenance of the fields after installation, and questioned whether the cost would increase over maintenance of the current grass fields.  She requested that should the fields be installed, the group consider setting up an escrow fund for maintenance.  The Mayor reiterated her concerns on the costs involved in maintenance and stated that she does not want the taxpayers to have any additional burden to support the fields.

 Mayor Florek asked Mr. Kelly to check with the high school on current maintenance costs and provide her with that information. She also asked Mr. Mountain to check with the school to see if the Board of Education anticipates any other improvements in order to facilitate field installation.  Additionally, the Mayor requested that Mr. Kelly check to see if liability costs at the high school will be increased with the installation of these fields.

Mr. Kelly stated that he is also present to request that the Township fund postage for the mailing the group is doing to promote the fundraising campaign. 

Mayor Florek stated that historically, the Township does not provide funding to any outside groups and could not fund postage.

Mr. Kelly thanked the Governing Body for its time and left the meeting at 4:11 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Schrier moved to approve the minutes of the regular and executive sessions of September 25, 2007.  Mr. Cioppettini seconded.  All present approved.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business to discuss.

HEARING PERSONS PRESENT

No one was present to be heard.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Florek read Resolution R2007-124, by title, authorizing the Township of Randolph to enforce water conservation measures in connection with those Township of Mendham residents to whom they provide water.  Mr. Schrier moved to adopt Resolution R2007-124, Mr. Cioppettini seconded.

May Florek questioned the dates of the restrictions and if this could be held over until May.  Mr. Falcon explained that these restrictions will be in place permanently.  Mr. Schrier stated that these are essentially the same as MUA, but these specifically apply to the residents who receive their water from Randolph .  Mr. Falcon will advise Randolph to notify the homeowners.

Mayor Florek called for a vote and Resolution R2007-124 was passed unanimously.  This resolution is appended to the official minutes.

Mayor Florek read Resolution R2007-127, by title, authorizing a refund of interest paid on delinquent taxes.  Mr. Schrier moved to approve the resolution, Mr. Cioppettini seconded.  Mayor Florek called for a vote and Resolution R2007-127 was passed unanimously.  This resolution is appended to the official minutes.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Mountain reported significant progress in the Emergency Services Building construction.  The siding has been installed and the two tanks – septic and oil/water separator have been installed in the ground.  Mr. Mountain advised that he will be presenting a formal change order at the next meeting to allow payment to the contractor for approved changes.  Additionally, he will be proposing a supplemental ordinance to make funds available for any future necessary changes.  Currently, with payment of the approved changes, funds available for payment will be limited.  A supplemental ordinance will put the Township in a position to pay for any changes that may come up later, and not cause a further delay.

Mr. Banisch will be at the October 23 meeting to provide a final facilities analysis report.

OPEN ITEMS LIST

Mr. Mountain noted that scheduling of the dye test at Drakewick is waiting for a significant rainfall.  To date, the rain has not been heavy enough to allow the test to be performed.  

The Knollwood Trail DEP application has been submitted and there is approximately a four to six month time frame on that.

CORRESPONDENCE

Discussion on the Library will be scheduled for the next meeting when Mr. Krieg is present.  Mr. Schrier noted that the changes talked about in the letter from the County Administrator with respect to the M.A.I.N. Membership Agreement, are of no concern to the Township.

A letter was received from Raymond Nadasky, Chair of the Historic Preservation Committee, stating concerns about demolition of “listed historic structures”.  Mr. Schrier requested that Mr. Falcon compile a list of concerns about an ordinance addressing historic homes.  Then if it is possible to address those concerns, it may be possible to put an ordinance in place to preserve historic structures.  Mayor Florek stated that, when originally presented, one of the concerns of the ordinance was that there were too many homes on the list, and it needed to be culled further.  Mr. Falcon stated that this is something that needs to be done correctly and it has to get in to the historic element of the master plan. 

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Mr. Schrier reported that the Legislature will not meet again until after elections.

Mayor Florek reminded the Governing Body members present that the dedication of the new Ambulance will take place on Friday, October 19, from 6 to 9 p.m.

HEARING PERSONS PRESENT

No one was present to be heard.

Mayor Florek called for a motion to adjourn at 4:41 p.m. Mr. Cioppettini so moved, Mr. Schrier seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Ann L. Carlson, RMC

                                                                        Township Clerk