WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES - Boonton

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WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES June 19, 2017

Mayor & Board of Aldermen Town of Boonton Meeting begins 7:00 pm 100 Washington Street Boonton, NJ 07005

All cell phones must be turned off

The Meeting of June 19, 2017 is now being recorded and called to order

FLAG SALUTE ROLL CALL VOTE:

ALDERMAN TITLE PRESENT ABSENT

Mr. Michael Eoga 1st Ward Alderman X

Mr. Cyril Wekilsky 1st Ward Alderman X

Mr. Keith Price 2nd Ward Alderman X

Mr. Bob Tullock 2nd Ward Alderman X

Mr. Daniel Piccioni 3rd Ward Alderman X

Mr. Scott Miniter 3rd Ward Alderman X-7:22 PM

Mr. James Plaisted 4th Ward Alderman X- 7:10 PM

Mr. James Lynch 4th Ward Alderman X

Mr. Matthew DiLauri Mayor X

Mr. Fred Semrau Town Attorney X

Mr. Neil Henry Administrator X

Ms. Cynthia Oravits Town Clerk X

Adequate Notice

MAYOR’S STATEMENT

Pursuant to the requirements of RS 10:4-10, I announce and direct the Clerk to enter into the Minutes of this meeting an accurate statement to the effect that: 1. Notice of this meeting was posted at Town Hall on December 23, 2016 and this agenda was

posted on June 16, 2017. 2. Notice of this meeting was published in the Citizen of Morris County and the Daily Record

Newspapers on December 23, 2016 and a copy of this agenda was forwarded to each of the town’s official newspapers on June 16, 2017.

PROCLAMATIONS WHEREAS, Patricia “Pat” VanBuskirk was employed by the Town of Boonton as the Secretary to the Boonton Police Department since July, 1999; and WHEREAS, although Pat’s position was secretary, she was also everybody’s “mother” in that department, always giving her support, putting the officers first, and showing her love and generosity to each and every one of them; and WHEREAS, Pat has worked for three Chiefs in the department, seeing many changes throughout her nineteen years, and WHEREAS, everyday Pat would lovingly speak about her children and grandchildren, whose names, ages and activities they were involved in were expressed to us on a daily basis; and WHEREAS, Pat will be remembered as a family member to all of the employees in Town Hall and will be truly missed. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Mayor Matthew DiLauri, together with Police Chief David Mayhood and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, present to Pat VanBuskirk posthumously on June 19, 2017 in grateful appreciation for her love and dedication to her job.

She will be greatly missed. Matthew DiLauri, Mayor David Mayhood, Chief

___________________________________________________________________________

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WHEREAS, the Boonton High School Boy’s Track & Field Team consists of sixty-one members for the 2016-2017 season; and WHEREAS, under the guidance of Bob Bongo who is entering his 33rd year of coaching, the team has dedicated themselves to succeeding through the sport of Track and Field, competing in and having a successful undefeated season and winning the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference, Independence Division; and WHEREAS, the team consists of 28 Varsity members with 24 having competed to win the North 1 Group 1 Sectional Championship; and WHEREAS, 16 highly skilled and united athletes continued to move forward and win the NJSIAA Overall Group 1 Championship. NOW THEREFORE, I, Matthew DiLauri, on behalf of the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton and the residents of the Town of Boonton congratulate the Boonton High School Boy’s Track & Field Team for a remarkable year.

Matthew DiLauri, Mayor

CORRESPONDENCE – Alderman Tullock

1.

Alderman Tullock made a motion to approve the request which was seconded by Alderman Wekilsky – motion carried. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

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2.

Alderman Tullock made a motion to approve this request, being assured it would be done on sidewalks only. Alderman Piccioni seconded the request – motion carried.

3.

Alderman Tullock made a motion to accept the letter. Alderman Wekilsky seconded the motion – motion carried.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mayor DiLauri opened this portion of the meeting to the Public. Having nobody come forwarded, the Mayor closed this portion of the meeting to the public.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Town Engineer Andrew Holt (Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc.) gave an update on the operation of the water and sewer system in the town, indicating these are critical elements, being the “life-blood” of the community in terms of services and needs of the businesses and citizens. Maintenance and repairs need to be addressed. The infrastructure we have is well over 100 years old and more intense regulations continue to occur. Asset management planning is needed to better allocate the limited resources we have.

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He said the town has had an aggressive capital program and there needs to be a strategy on

continually maintaining our system. A lot of our sanitary sewer system is clay. Our sewer filtration system needs regular maintenance. The wells need to be re-done in the next three-five years. The Taylortown Dam also is in need of repair.

In the past, the Town has used the NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust and he recommends

using this again. This type of funding is available and is the least costly. It’s a good idea to let the state know we are interested in using it. Prioritization is important. Applications take about six months to be reviewed.

Mayor DiLauri said capital projects selected this year have already moved forward and assumes

this is something that can be rolled into 2018. Mr. Holt said he could contact the state department to merge it with the current Wootton Street project.

Mayor DiLauri asked if anyone was opposed to this idea. There was no opposition and Mr. Holt

will forward a letter with his recommendations and will contact the state. He added that his findings will be used in the proposed Master Plan.

CONSENT AGENDA – Alderman Piccioni Resolutions 17-143 through 17-162

RESOLUTION 17-143 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON APPOINTING CHRISTIAN L. DANZI AS POLICE OFFICER IN THE BOONTON POLICE DEPARTMENT BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that Christian J. Danzi be and is hereby appointed to the position of Probationary Police Officer in the Boonton Police Department, contingent upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment screening, at a prorated annual salary of $43,197.00, effective July 3, 2017.

RESOLUTION 17-144 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT MINUTES OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETINGS BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the Minutes from the following meetings are hereby approved as typed and filed in the Town Clerk’s office:

JUNE 5, 2017 – REGULAR MEETING

RESOLUTION 17-145 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS WHEREAS, vouchers for payment have been submitted to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen by the various municipal departments. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, County of Morris and State of New Jersey, all vouchers approved by the respective committees be and are hereby ordered paid. RESOLUTION 17-146 RESOLUTION TO CANCEL WATER/SEWER CHARGES BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, County of Morris and the State of New Jersey, that the following water/sewer charges be and are hereby canceled:

Account Address Reason Amount

Water 2578-0 130 Holly Lane Bad Reading $ 433.48

Water 1658-0 226 Washington Street Clerical Error $ 381.70

Water 611-0 220 Ross Drive Clerical Error $ 239.50

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RESOLUTION 17-147 RESOLUTION APPOINTING NOAH REED AS A MEMBER OF THE BOONTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton that Noah Reed, 414 Green Street, Boonton, New Jersey, be and is hereby appointed as a member of the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department, Salvage & Rescue Co., No. 1 effective June 19, 2017. RESOLUTION 17-148 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ROBERT L. EZZI AS A JUNIOR MEMBER OF THE BOONTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton that Robert L. Ezzi, 134 Kenmore Road, Boonton, New Jersey, be and is hereby appointed as a Junior member of the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department, effective June 19, 2017. RESOLUTION 17-149 RESOLUTION APPOINTING DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, County of Morris, and State of New Jersey that Cynthia Oravits be and is hereby appointed Deputy Registrar of the Town of Boonton, at a stipend of $1,000.00. RESOLUTION 17-150 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON HIRING A HEARING OFFICER WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 4A:2-2.5(c ), an employee is afforded the right to a departmental hearing when they are served with a Preliminary Notice of Disciplinary Action seeking major discipline; and WHEREAS, in an effort to ensure impartial departmental hearings, the Town seeks to appoint a neutral third-party Hearing Officer; and WHEREAS, the Town Administrator recommends that Edward Florio, Esq. be appointed as a Hearing Officer; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen have been afforded an opportunity to read and review the the curriculum vitae of Edward Florio, Esq. of Florio, Kenny and Raval, LLP; and WHEREAS, Edward Florio, Esq. shall be compensated at the rate of $145.00 per hour for his services as Hearing Officer. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, County of Morris and State of New Jersey that Edward Florio, Esq. of Florio, Kenny and Raval, LLP be and is hereby appointed Hearing Officer for disciplinary actions involving major discipline; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Edward Florio, Esq. shall be compensated at the rate of $145.00 per hour of his services as Hearing Officer; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to Edward Florio, Esq. RESOLUTION 17-151 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO REDEEM TAX SALE CERTIFICATE # 14-00005 WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has been paid $ 23,295.01, the necessary amount to redeem the following Tax Sale Certificate held by Isaac Moradi for property assessed to Andrew and Gregory Barnish.

Certificate Block/Lot Address Amount

14-00005 10-4.02 227 Church Street $ 23,295.01 (not including premium)

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tax Collector, upon receipt of the Tax Sale Certificate properly endorsed for cancellation, be authorized to draw a check for $23,295.01 from the Trust Account and forward said check to the lienholder, Isaaic Moradi, 520 Elm Street, Kearny, NJ 07032. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Tax Collector be authorized to cancel lien #14-00005 from the municipal record. RESOLUTION 17-152 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) COBRA STREET LIGHTS WHEREAS, the Lights, Buildings and Grounds Committee recommends additional street lighting along Main Street, specifically at the intersections of Main & Church Streets and Main & Mechanic Streets; and WHEREAS, Adelaida Colon, JCPL submitted a report indicating the yearly average energy cost of $516.48. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen hereby approve the installation of two (2) Cobra lights, to be located at the intersections of Main and Church Street and Main and Mechanic Street. RESOLUTION 17-153 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BOONTON LOUNGE LLC WHEREAS, the following application has been filed with the Town Clerk for renewal of the Alcoholic Beverage License for the year 2017-2018; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended the renewal of these licenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Application be processed:

BOONTON LOUNGE LLC 1401-33-002-002

RESOLUTION 17-154 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SHARKEYS WINGS & RAW BAR WEST LLC WHEREAS, the following application has been filed with the Town Clerk for renewal of the Alcoholic Beverage License for the year 2017-2018; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended the renewal of these licenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Application be processed:

SHARKEYS WINGS & RAW BAR WEST LLC 1401-33-008-007

RESOLUTION 17-155 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MAXFIELDS ON MAIN LLC WHEREAS, the following application has been filed with the Town Clerk for renewal of the Alcoholic Beverage License for the year 2017-2018; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended the renewal of these licenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Application be processed:

MAXFIELDS ON MAIN LLC 1401-33-003-006

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RESOLUTION 17-156 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BOONTON ELKS CLUB INC. WHEREAS, the following application has been filed with the Town Clerk for renewal of the Alcoholic Beverage License for the year 2017-2018; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended the renewal of these licenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Application be processed:

BOONTON ELKS CLUB INC. 1401-31-014-001

RESOLUTION 17-157 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SLOVAK GYMNASTIC UNION SOKOL ASSEMBLY 32 WHEREAS, the following application has been filed with the Town Clerk for renewal of the Alcoholic Beverage License for the year 2017-2018; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended the renewal of these licenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Application be processed:

SLOVAK GYMNASTIC UNION SOKOL ASSEMBLY 32 1401-31-015-001

RESOLUTION 17-158 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR GUS GINDER POST #242 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS WHEREAS, the following application has been filed with the Town Clerk for renewal of the Alcoholic Beverage License for the year 2017-2018; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has recommended the renewal of these licenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that the following Alcoholic Beverage Control Application be processed:

GUS GINDER POST #242 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 1401-31-018-001

RESOLUTION 17-159 RESOLUTION APPROVING CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FOR THE 2016 AUDIT TO THE DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Local Finance Notice 92-15 dated July 8, 1992, a corrective action plan shall be prepared addressing the recommendations provided in the annual audit of the Town’s books, accounts and financial transactions; and WHEREAS, the Annual Audit of the Town of Boonton for the Year 2016 provides no recommendations, which is reflected in the Corrective Action Plan. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton directs the Chief Financial Officer to file a copy of this resolution along with the Corrective Action Plan with the Director, Division of Local Government Services.

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RESOLUTION 17-160 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO PETITION THE HIGHLANDS COUNCIL FOR PLAN CONFORMANCE WHEREAS, the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act), N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq., finds and declares that protection of the New Jersey Highlands is an issue of State level importance because of its vital link to the future of the State’s drinking water supplies and other key natural resources; and WHEREAS, the Highlands Act creates a coordinated land use planning system requiring the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands Council) to prepare and adopt a Regional Master Plan for the Highlands Regions; and WHEREAS, the Highlands Regional Master Lan was duly adopted on July 17, 2008; and WHEREAS, the Highlands Act provides for any municipality located in the Planning Area to petition the Highlands Council of its intention to conform with the goals, requirements, and provisions of the Regional Master Plan (Plan Conformance); and WHEREAS, the Highlands Council’s Plan Conformance Guidelines require that for jurisdictions with any lands in the Planning Area, a Notice of Intent may be submitted at any time; and WHEREAS, the Town of Boonton lies within the Highlands Region in the Planning Area as defined by the Highlands Act; and WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton believes that it is in the best interest of the Town to conform to the Regional Master Plan. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED this Notice of Intent specifies that the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton intends to include all lands lying with the Planning Area in the petition. In accordance with the Highlands Council’s Plan Conformance Guidelines, this Notice of Intent is not binding with respect to lands within the Planning Area. RESOLUTION 17-161 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, NEW JERSEY APPOINTING JEFFREY W. DEMAREST AS POLICE PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAINEE

BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that Jeffrey W. Demarest be and is hereby appointed to the position of Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainee in the Boonton Police Department, contingent upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment screening, at a prorated annual salary of $30,639.00, effective July 10, 2017.

RESOLUTION 17-162 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, NEW JERSEY APPOINTING PER DIEM PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BE IT RESOLVED By the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, NJ that Matthew F. Mondino be and is hereby appointed the position of Per-Diem Parking Enforcement Officer in the Boonton Police Department, contingent upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment screening, at a rate of $18.00/hour, effective July 3, 2017.

CONSENT AGENDA

Roll Call vote for Resolutions 17-144 through 17-162

MOVED: PICCIONI SECONDED: WEKILSKY

BOARD MEMBER YES NO ABSTAIN RECUSE ABSENT

Mr. Eoga X x-17-143

Mr. Lynch X X-17-144

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

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MAYOR, BOARD OF ALDERMEN AND ATTORNEY GENERAL DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Rockaway River Slope Failure Alderman Lynch stepped down during the following discussion. Alderman Eoga presented the following report on the Rockaway River Slope Failure. He indicated this is a $2.5M project and, to date, funding has not been founde. The slope failure affects four houses. Mr. Eoga does not feel the town can fully fund this without negatively affecting taxpayers. Perhaps the Town could contribute 40% of the total cost ($1M) and the Town could seek funding for the balance.

Rockaway Street – Slope Failure Remediation Options Presented by Michael Eoga & Cy Wekilsky Monday, April 17, 2017 Introduction & Background

In August of 2011 as a result of Hurricane Irene, a large portion of the slope along the Rockaway River behind Rockaway Street failed.

FEMA was contacted, came on site, and determined that the failure did not meet their criteria for funding.

2017

BLOCK ASSESSED

VALUE ASSESSED

VALUE

TAX 15 Year

LOT PRE-

HURRICANE POST-

HURRICANE

REVENUE TOTAL

332 ROCKAWAY STREET B112 L14 $429,600.00 $363,700.00

$10,009.00 $173,089.81


$11,924.00 $206,206.70


$12,054.00 $208,454.85


$11,231.00 $194,222.37

$1,892,000.00

$1,643,100.00

$45,218.00 $781,973.73

DIFFERENCE: $248,900.00

LOST TAX REVENUE

(TOWN, SCHOOL, &

COUNTY) $781,973.73

PURCHASE COSTS

$1,643,100.00

5% DOWN PAYMENT $82,155.00

ESTIMATED BOND ISSUE

$1,560,945.00

ANNUAL PAYMENTS @ 2% INTEREST $120,540.00

TOTAL COST OVER 15 YEARS

$1,808,100.00

COST OF PURCHASE PLUS LOST TAX REVENUE (TOWN & SCHOOL)

$2,511,876.35

COST OF BOND PAYMENTS PLUS LOST TAX REVENUE $165,758.00

At $166K, $15.02 per $100K assessed value or $54/avg household per year

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With the assistance of Congressman Frelinghuysen, US Army Corps of Engineers also visited the site but determined that they could not assist

In response to storm damage in Morris County, the County Freeholder Board introduced a Flood Mitigation Grant Program which would provide communities with funding for acquisition of at risk properties if they qualified.

Four homes on Rockaway Street (209, 306, 322 and 332) adjacent to the slope failure were submitted to the county for consideration for grant funding.

The request was turned down by the county based on the Town Engineers, Suburban Consulting Engineers, report that there was an adequate factor of safety for the properties in question.

This report was similar to the FEMA findings. Initial Options for Consideration 1. Do Nothing 2. Purchase the properties directly 3. Pay for remediation with town funds 4. Continue to explore options for grants to help offset remediation costs Option #1 – Do Nothing

While exploring options for remediation the past 6 years, there has been no reported deterioration or increased risk to the 4 homes on Rockaway Street impacted by this slope failure.

Historical evidence shows that this type of failure is not the first time it has occurred in this area as evident by newspaper articles documenting flood damage in 1896 and 1903.

To the town’s knowledge, no remediation was performed in follow-up to these floods. Option #2 – Purchase Properties

The pre-hurricane assessed values of the 4 properties totaled $1,892,000. The post-hurricane assessed values of the 4 properties totaled $1,643,100. Assuming approximate purchase price,

◦ Down Payment (5%) – $82,155 ◦ Bond Issue – $1,560,945 ◦ Cost Over 15 Years – $1,808,100

Lost Tax Revenue – ◦ 2017 – $45,589 in 2017 (includes Town, School, & County) ◦ Cost Over 15 Years – $788,390

Total Costs – $2,596,490 Option #3 – Pay for Remediation

Boswell Engineering Estimated Costs - $2,304,468 Down Payment (5%) – $110,000 Bond Issue – $2,200,000 Annual Payment – $161,392 Cost Over 15 Years – $2,402,880 Estimate Tax Increase of $14.63 per $100K of assessed value or $53 per average household

Option #4 – Explore Grant Options

Uniqueness of project coupled with the Rockaway River provides a very limited scope of available funding.

FEMA already denied initial applications and subsequent appeals. Funding from county to restore trails lost in the storm dependent upon town commitment to proceed

with project, i.e. with no guarantee of receiving funding. Items for Consideration

Costs for purchasing properties versus remediation approximately the same over 15 years, i.e. $2.4M to $2.6M.

If properties are purchased, ◦ Would continue to see lost tax revenue from Years 16 & beyond. ◦ May diminish value of surrounding homes.

If grants are pursued, what is the threshold that the town is willing to fund, e.g. $1M, $1.5M, or $2M?

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Recommendations

Continue to explore grants at the county, state, and federal levels for off-setting the $2.5M total costs for remediation.

Explore alternative means of funding for remediation.

Alderman Miniter questions the claim that this benefits only four homeowners and feels this affects the whole town. He fully supports moving ahead with this project and thinks there is broad support even though funding may not be found. Alderman Plaisted added this is something that warrants investment. He feels by saying we will pay 40% is the same as not doing anything. Alderman Tullock said several people have come into his store voicing their concern of spending money on this. He feels when news gets out, we will “get the feel of the town”. He, however, would like to go forward with the project as well. He feels everyone needs to be educated in what this action means. If we place a cap at 40%, and no grants are found, the effort is worthless. Alderman Price said there is a lot of infrastructure in town that needs to be addressed within the next few years; $2.5M is a lot of money that will affect four homeowners and park users when we have water infrastructure to think about, as previously reported by our Town Engineer. Alderman Plaisted said regarding grants, he tried contacting our senators and there is an outside chance of getting some money. The Town has exhausted our two appeals with FEMA. The State of NJ has just returned $8M from Hurricane Irene to FEMA. Senator Booker’s office and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are lobbying to repurpose that money. Alderman Eoga referenced the Pepe Field remediation, which took 15 years to clean up. He also referenced the train cars which sat on the tracks for more than 30 years until ex-Mayor Wekilsky was able to get them removed. He feels the time must be right in order to decide what to do. Mayor DiLauri said the long-term impact would be negative if nothing is done. He is in favor of restoring the park but there is a need for a threshold. Mayor DiLauri recommended discussion to continue until July 17 when we will have some answers to questions brought up here tonight. Alderman Wekilsky said that area must be secured better in order to prevent people from walking through. Yasmin Paretti, Rockaway Street homeowner added that teenagers continue to climb up that hill and if someone falls the Town is looking at a lawsuit. She is confident that if we go forward we will get the Freeholders’ support. Ed Regan, 290 Rockaway Street: Agreed that citizens need to be educated in what this project entails and a safety issue is also very important. A straw poll vote was taken with the following results: Go ahead with no stipulation: Miniter, Plaisted, Tullock. Go ahead with a 40% threshold on cost: Eoga, Piccioni, Price, Wekilsky, DiLauri. The CFO will look into 30-year bonds, Attorney Fred Semrau will prepare proposed resolution and Mr. Petonak, DPW Superintendent will be contacted to install sufficient fencing.

ARU ZONE (ADOPTIVE RE-USE ZONE) DISCUSSION:

Town Planner Jeff Janota, H2M, came before the board to discuss the upcoming Ordinance for the creation of an ARU Zone (Adoptive Re-Use Zone). Mr. Janota spoke about proposed construction of 62 rental units (which will include affordable housing) in the “Packard Building” on Monroe Street. He indicated the building height is 75’, there will be 35 units/acre, the brick building will be maintained and the average unit size will be approximately 920 sf. Tonight, the board will be introducing an ordinance to change the zone for this proposed project.

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Anthony Garrett, project architect, Steve Schepis, attorney and Mr. Gorga, Developer, were present and explained the plans for creating this residential project. They indicated that the Town will get credit for 18 affordable housing units. This type of construction is very attractive for young married couples and for empty nesters, and feels this will benefit the Town. The building also has an historic value. He added that the analysis being conducted shows that the number of school children would be “minimal”. He said the tax advantage of this $10M project will well-offset the additional children in the schools. Attorney Semrau asked that the number of bedrooms be included to the ordinance and Mr. Schepis had no objection. Mr. Janota stated they would designate a “bedroom” count. Alderman Lynch commented about the number of children in our school system. There are two other ongoing construction projects in Boonton now and he would like to see more one-bedroom units. Mr. Schepis explained that financially, two-bedroom units are needed. Mr. Garrett indicated there were specific stipulations from Mr. Kanter (present owner of the property) to buy this property, plus this building is literally “shovel ready”. They would like to begin construction this year.

NEW BUSINESS – Alderman Wekilsky RESOLUTION 17-163 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, NEW JERSEY, AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO THE CANNING GROUP LLC FOR QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT (QPA) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE TOWN OF BOONTON WHEREAS, the Town of Boonton is desirous of obtaining a Qualified Purchasing Agent; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen deem it in the best interests of the residents of the Town of Boonton to retain the services of the Canning Group, LLC, 45 South Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960; and WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq., permits the hiring of professional services without advertising and public bid and requires that the resolution authorizing same be available for public inspection; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, as follows: 1. That the Administrator and Clerk be and are hereby authorized to execute a contract on the

Town’s behalf with The Canning Group for professional services relative to a Qualified Purchasing Agent.

2. This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a “professional service” in accordance

with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i) of the Local Public Contracts Law because the contract is awarded for services to be performed by a person or persons licensed and authorized by law to practice a recognized profession and the services to be rendered are of an unspecific nature not compatible with competitive bidding.

3. The term of services shall be from the date of acceptance of the agreement until its completion,

in full accord with the terms and conditions thereof. The total fee these services shall not exceed $5,000.00 in accordance with the proposal submitted by Sean P. Canning, MPA, QPA for said project, dated June 14, 2017.

4. This award is contingent upon certification by the Chief Financial Officer that sufficient funding

exists therefore.

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5. Notice of this action shall be published in “The Daily Record” newspaper within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.

I hereby certify that $ 5,000.00 is available in the Current, Water and Sewer Operating Budgets

Account #’s 7-01-20-130-228, 7-05-55-502-235 and #7-07-55-502-235 _________________________________________

Yolanda Dykes, CFO

MOVED: WEKILSKY SECONDED: PICCIONI

Administrator Neil Henry said three quotes were received for the QPA position. Having a QPA will enable the Town to raise the threshold to $40,000 and he is very comfortable to recommend the Canning Group. Mr. Henry is also signing up to be a Certified QPA.


Mr. Eoga X

Mr. Lynch X

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

RESOLUTION 17-164 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF BOONTON AND BOONTON URBAN RENEWAL, LLC TO DEFER OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES WHEREAS, Boonton Urban Renewal, LLC entered into a Financial Agreement with the Town of Boonton which, in accordance with applicable law, provides that the property is exempt from real estate taxes during the term of the financial agreement; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the Financial Agreement, Boonton Urban Renew is required to pay the town an initial annual service charge of $10,000 on a quarterly basis ($40,000 per year) until the last day of the month in which substantial completion is reached and prior to the commencement of payment in lieu of taxes based on the completion of the project and a percentage of rents. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen hereby authorize an agreement between the Town of Boonton and Boonton Urban Renewal, LLC, subject to legal review.

MOVED: WEKILSKY SECONDED: EOGA

Mr. Plaisted stated he is waiting to see the signed, final financial agreement before voting on this resolution. He asked this resolution be tabled until a review can be done. Attorney Semrau apologized to Mr. Plaisted for not having the signed agreement for him to review. Mr. Plaisted feels it looks like they made the mistake of not filing their tax appeal on time and they should be paying taxes on that property. Attorney Semrau said this resolution is different from the agreement. The property was assessed before the original building was taken down. If the assessor had addressed the cleanup at the end of the year, the assessment would have been different. This is an $8.5M assessment and there is an environmental issue. When working in a redevelopment status, they are exempt. He assured the board they will continue to make their payments to us and in return, we will defer their overpayment of taxes. This is a favorable alternative rather than the Town having to pay them back $193,920 because of the wrong assessment. Mr. Semrau agreed to amend the resolution to indicating “subject to legal review at the end.


Mr. Eoga X

Mr. Lynch X

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

RESOLUTION 17-165 RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR BLOCK PARTY PERMIT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE

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WHEREAS, Tamra Watts has submitted a Block Party application to close the 400 Block of Holmes Street; and WHEREAS, the application has been reviewed by the Boonton Police Department. BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton, New Jersey, that all papers being in good order, the Clerk is hereby authorized to approve the permit on July 1, 2017.

MOVED: SECONDED:

Mayor DiLauri stated that the current Block Party application needs to be amended to include a regulation that the applicant must notify all of the residents of the block that they are requesting the closure.

VOICE VOTE: IN FAVOR: X AGAINST:

ORDINANCES – Introduction/Title Only – Alderman Price

ORDINANCE 10-17 (Introduction/Title Only) AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, COUNTY OF MORRIS AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 58,500.00 FOR THE PREPARATION OF A MASTER PLAN PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53

MOVED: PRICE SECONDED: MINITER


Mr. Eoga X

Mr. Lynch X

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

ORDINANCE 11-17 (Introduction/Title Only) AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, COUNTY OF MORRIS AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING CHAPTER 27, DEPARTMENTS, ARTICLE III, POLICE DEPARTMENT, § 27-7, DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED, TO ESTABLISH A MINIMUM NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

MOVED: PRICE SECONDED: PICCIONI


Mr. Eoga x

Mr. Lynch X

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

ORDINANCE 12-17 (Introduction/Title Only) AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON, COUNTY OF MORRIS AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING CHAPTER 300 ENTITLED “ZONING AND LAND USE” OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF BOONTON REGULATING DEVELOPMENT ON STEEP SLOPES

MOVED: PRICE SECONDED: PICCIONI


Mr. Eoga X

Mr. Lynch X

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

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ORDINANCE 13-17 (Introduction/Title Only AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND IMPLEMENT VARIOUS ZONING DESIGNATIONS FOR LAND USE IN THE TOWN ZONING AND LAND USE ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 300) AND THE TOWN ZONING MAP TO CREATE THE ADAPTIVE RE-USE (ARU) DISTRICT AND THE STANDARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM IN THE TOWN OF BOONTON, NEW JERSEY

MOVED: WEKILSKY SECONDED: PICCIONI


Mr. Eoga X

Mr. Lynch X

Mr. Miniter X

Mr. Piccioni X

Mr. Plaisted X

Mr. Price X

Mr. Tullock X

Mr. Wekilsky X

Mayor DiLauri X

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mayor DiLauri opened the meeting to the public for comment or discussion. Having nobody come forward, he closed this portion of the meeting. Alderman Eoga notified the Board that the Boonton Holmes Public Library Director, Stephanie Gabelmann has submitted her resignation. The Board of Trustees will conduct a search for her replacement.

RESOLUTION 17-166 RESOLUTION TO RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public meetings 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. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Boonton in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter(s). 2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows: 1) Personnel; 2) Contract

Negotiations 3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter will be made public at the

conclusion of each individual specified submit matter. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 5. No action may be taken in Closed Session

MOVED: EOGA SECONDED:

VOICE VOTE: IN FAVOR: X AGAINST:

Return from Closed Session – Time: 10:00 p.m.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

MOVED: PICCIONI SECONDED: EOGA

VOICE VOTE: IN FAVOR:__X__ AGAINST:_____

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES - Boonton

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