The Verona Community Pool opens Memorial Day weekend and will be open weekends until June 18, when it will then open daily.

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1 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Verona Township Council on Monday, May 16, 2016 beginning at 7:00 P.M. in the Municipal Building, 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, New Jersey. Call to Order: Municipal Clerk reads notice of Open Public Meetings law. Roll Call: Mayor Kevin Ryan, Deputy Mayor Michael Nochimson; Councilman Bob Manley; Councilman Roman and Councilman Jay Sniatkowski. Township Manager Matthew Cavallo, Township Attorney Brian Aloia and Jennifer Kiernan, Municipal Clerk are also present. Mayor Ryan leads the Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Mayor Nochimson comments that the Township lost Officer Ron Thorwood one year ago today. A moment of silence is held in remembrance of Officer Thorwood. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the May 2 nd meeting is moved for approval by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson. Vote: 5 ayes. Mayor s Report: Mayor Ryan announces National Police Recognition Week and National Emergency Medical Responder s Week. He shares his appreciation to the police, fire department and rescue squad for their dedication to the community. The Verona Community Pool opens Memorial Day weekend and will be open weekends until June 18, when it will then open daily. The Township is holding a free rabies clinic this evening from 6:00 7:30 p.m. for dogs and cats. This Saturday, May 21 st the Verona School system is holding a Town wide garage sale from 9:00 am 4:00 p.m. A digital map is available at veronaschools.org. The 2 nd Annual Verona Green Fair is this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. in the Civic Center. The rain date is Sunday. Steve Neale approaches the lectern and reports that there are currently 70 vendors registered for the event. The Verona Police Department is accepting unused prescriptions and giving away gun locks. The Library is holding a book sale, the Episcopal Church is holding a food drive. The Public Works Department is allowing for electronic waste drop off. The County is also holding an electronic waste drop off at 125 Fairview Avenue for County residents. Mr. Neale also states there will be food trucks and live music throughout the day. Mayor Ryan announces the Verona Rescue Squad will hold an All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner on June 3 rd from 5:30 9:00 p.m. at the Community Center. The cost is $10 per person and children under 5 eat for free. The Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 30 th at 10:00 a.m. The parade will commence at Everett Field and end at the Civic Center. The Verona Environmental Commission will hold a Peckman River clean-up on June 4 th from 9 a.m. until noon. The Mayor co-hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at Our Lady of the Lake School for their TREP$ program last Friday held for 7 th and 8 th grade entrepreneurs along with alumni Ariane Duarte of Ariane Kitchen and Bar. Councilmembers Reports: 1

2 Deputy Mayor Nochimson reminds the public that the High School Junior Prom is this Friday, May 20 th. He urges kids to be responsible and warns parents to be aware of hosting parties and to be vigilant. He comments on the construction of the new fields and requests building steps into the hill of the parking lot near Centennial Field up to Liberty Field. Councilman Sniatkowski thanks the 9/11 Committee Scholarship Program. Two winners from Verona High School have been awarded scholarships in the names of Billy Erwin and Steven Roach, two of Verona s residents who lost their lives on September 11, He thanks the Town Manager, Municipal Clerk and Township Attorney for drafting the ordinance on tonight s agenda regulating Realtor Open House Signs. Councilman Manley commends Steven Neale and the work he has done with the Verona Green Team and organizing the Green Fair. He states he spoke to Montclair Councilman Bob Russo regarding the condition of Crestmont Road and requests the status of repaving the road. The Town Manager states Crestmont Road is owned by both Verona and Montclair and was paved within the past 10 years though funding by a DOT grant. Repaving the road will depend on DOT funding availability. Councilman Roman seconds the condition of Crestmont Road. Township Engineer James Helb explains that due to the high water table and the fact the road is on a bed of rock, deterioration occurs quicker than most roads. The Councilman comments that pedestrian crossing at Park Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue is becoming more dangerous as cars approaching the intersection from Park Avenue are not yielding to the pedestrians crossing the street. The Township Manager states there will be an increase of police enforcement of yielding to pedestrians. Manager s Report: Matthew Cavallo requests Chief Stern to approach the lectern. Chief Stern reports that two people were found to be illegally dumping at the leaf dump and were issued summons. Chief Stern also reports that Officer Joel Martin organized a parent forum including the Board of Education to discuss juvenile matters which was well attended. He reports that Sergeant Banta wrote a letter commending Officer Martin s initiative in planning the event. Mr. Cavallo reports that Safewise, a community focused organization has ranked Verona #55 out of 100 safest communities in America based on informing residents through frequently updated message boards on the Township s website. Mr. Cavallo attended the Grand Opening of the Turtle Back Zoo s Giraffe Exhibit. The County is holding its fishing derby for children under age 15 on Thursday. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. Chief Financial Officer Matthew Laracy approaches the lectern and states that water bills were mailed out last week, but have yet to be received by residents. He reports he is looking into the issue. ORDINANCE# ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK The Municipal Clerk reads Ordinance #10-16 by title into record. The Township Manager explains that the appropriations cap is 2%. In regards to this year s proposed budget, the Township is nowhere near that. The proposed budget for 2016 is 0.0%. However, the NJ 2

3 Legislature has decided that municipalities can exceed the 2% cap if an ordinance is adopted, and can go up to 3.5%. Any unused portion of the 3.5% can be banked for an additional 2 years. He explains this is simply a housekeeping item, done by every municipality. Motion for adoption of Ordinance #10-16 is moved by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Councilman Roman. Public Participation: None. Council Discussion: None. Ordinance #10-16 is approved 5-0 and will be published according to law. ORDINANCE #11-16 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERONA CHAPTER 140 THEREOF ENTITLED VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC BY AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS. The Municipal Clerk reads Ordinance #11-16 by title into record. The Township Manager explains this ordinance amends parking on certain Township streets and increases the amount of parking spots on Grove Avenue near Bloomfield Avenue by removing the yellow curb near the animal hospital. Additional 2 hour parking meters will be installed. He states this is the first of a few steps to aid business complaints in the area. Motion for adoption of Ordinance #11-16 is moved by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Councilman Roman. Public Participation: None. Council Discussion: None. Ordinance #11-16 is approved 5-0 and will be published according to law ORDINANCE #12-16 REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERONA, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR THE REFUNDING OF ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING CALLABLE $7,084,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE TOWNSHIP, DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2004, CONSISTING OF $5,764,000 GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, $858,000 WATER AND SEWER UTILITY BONDS AND $462,000 POOL UTILITY BONDS, APPROPRIATING $2,750,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,750,000 REFUNDING BONDS OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING THE COST THEREOF. The Municipal Clerk reads Ordinance #12-16 by title into record. Chief Financial Officer Matthew Laracy explains this Ordinance is basically refinancing the 2005 Bond Sale. The adoption of this bond will save the Township about $20,000 per year. 3

4 Motion for introduction of Ordinance #12-16 is moved by Councilman Manley; seconded by Councilman Roman. AYES: Manley, Sniatkowski, Roman, Nochimson, Ryan Ordinance #12-16 is approved on introduction. It will be published according to law and a public hearing will be held on June 6, ORDINANCE #13-16 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 150 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF VERONA ENTITLED SIGNS NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT The Municipal Clerk reads Ordinance #13-16 by title into record. Township Manager Matthew Cavallo states that in 2012 the Township began a pilot program in reference to all Open House realtor signs. Signs were allowed on all corners except Mount Prospect, Bloomfield Avenue and Pompton Avenue. This ordinance codifies and sets penalties for violators. Motion for introduction of Ordinance #13-16 is moved by Councilman Manley; seconded by Councilman Sniatkowski. AYES: Manley, Sniatkowski, Roman, Nochimson, Ryan Ordinance #13-16 is approved on introduction. It will be referred to the Planning Board for determination of consistency with the Master Plan. The public will be informed of the public hearing date for adoption of this ordinance. PERMITTING 2016 MUNICIPAL BUDGET TO BE READ BY TITLE RESOLUTION NO A motion was made by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson that the following resolution be adopted: WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Township of Verona in the County of Essex did in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 introduced and approved the annual budget for the Township at a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on April 18, 2016; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-6, the annual budget as introduced and approved was published by summary in the Verona-Cedar Grove Times, a newspaper circulated within the Township of Verona at least 10 days prior to May 16, 2016 the date set forth in the advertisement for public hearing to be held at the Municipal Building of the Township of Verona at 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, New Jersey at 7:00 p.m.; and WHEREAS, the provisions of Sections 1(a) and 1(b) of N.J.S.A.40A:4-8 have been met by making for available for public inspection a complete copy of the approved budget at least one week prior to the date of the hearing and by making copies of said approved budget available to each person requesting the same during the said week and during the public hearing. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Verona, in the County of Essex, New Jersey that pursuant with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-8, the Mayor and Council hereby determines that the Municipal Budget for the year 2016 shall be read by its title 4

5 and it is further declared that the conditions as set forth in Sections 1(a) and 1(b) of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-8 have been met. RESOLUTION No A motion was made by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson that the following resolution be adopted: AWARD OF STATE AID PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING A NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACT WITH STANZIALE CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR CONTRACT #16-01 RECONSTRUCTION OF CLAREMONT AVENUE SECTION II WHEREAS, on May 3, 2016, the Township of Verona received bids for the Reconstruction of Claremont Avenue, Section II Contract # 16-01; and WHEREAS, Stanziale Construction LLC, P.O. Box 2597, Bloomfield, NJ was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for Contract #16-01, in a required contract amount of $375,625.82; and WHEREAS, this contract shall be charged to Account No. C (Capital Ordinance #15-15(A)) or any other account that may be deemed appropriate by the Chief Financial Officer or his designee, and these funds have been certified by the Chief Financial Officer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Verona in the County of Essex, New Jersey that the bid of Stanziale Construction LLC, P.O. Box 2597, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, Contract #16-01, be accepted and it be awarded the contract, in a required contract amount of $375, subject to the approval of the New Jersey Department of Transportation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this expenditure shall be charged to Account No C or any other account that may be deemed appropriate by the Chief Financial Officer or his designee and the availability of funds shall be certified by the Chief Financial Officer; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Manager and the Municipal Clerk are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Stanziale Construction LLC for the aforementioned services a copy of which shall be available for public inspection in the Office of the Township Clerk. RESOLUTION No A motion was made by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson that the following resolution be adopted: RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX LIEN REDEMPTION 5

6 WHEREAS, property located at 75 Fairway Avenue Block 2005, Lot 12 (formerly Block 133 Lot 12), owned by Sabrina Hodgson, has been held in tax lien since December 4, 2014; and WHEREAS, payment was received in the amount of $2, from Jennifer Corcorhan Law Group, West 100 Century Road Paramus, NJ 07652, clearing the lien as follows: Certificate # Certificate Penalty 2% Recording Fee Due Diligence $ Water/Sewer plus Interest $ Water/Sewer plus Interest $ Maintenance Liens plus Interest $ $2, Premium (Held in Trust) $1, Total $4, WHEREAS, this certificate has been held by Ebury Fund 2, NJ LLC and the certificate has been received and properly signed for cancellation, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Verona, in the County of Essex, New Jersey that the Chief Financial Officer and Tax Collector are hereby authorized and directed to refund from Trust $4, to Ebury Fund 2 NJ LLC, P.O. Box 54908, New Orleans, LA 70154; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and the Tax Collector are hereby authorized and directed to transmit the cancelled lien certificate to the Corcoran Law Group, LLC, West 100 Century Road, Paramus, NJ RESOLUTION No A motion was made by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson that the following resolution be adopted: PERMITTING ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE 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 exists. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Verona, County of Essex, State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of an action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter. 2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows: 6

7 a. Pending Litigation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(7) b. Personnel Matters pursuant to N.J.S.A. 10:4-12(8) 3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter will be made public when said subject has been fully discussed by the Council, and the attorney rules this matter may be brought before the public without jeopardizing any pending litigation. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. RESOLUTION No A motion was made by Councilman Sniatkowski; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson that the following resolution be adopted: 2016 MUNICIPAL BUDGET Public Hearing on 2016 Municipal Budget: NONE Council Discussion: NONE Municipal Clerk reads Section II of the 2016 Municipal Budget into record. The 2016 Municipal Budget is passed by a 5-0 vote. 7

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10 Public Participation: John Edmunds, Manalapan, New Jersey Jack McEvoy - 20 Montclair Avenue, Verona, New Jersey Al DeOld, 15 Howard Street, Verona, New Jersey Adjournment: Motion to go into Executive Session at 8:09 p.m. is moved by Councilman Manley; seconded by Mayor Ryan. Vote: 5 ayes. Council reconvenes public session at 9:06 p.m. RESOLUTION No A motion was made by Councilman Manley; seconded by Deputy Mayor Nochimson that the following resolution be adopted: AUTHORIZING THE SETTLEMENT OF TAX APPEALS RESULTING IN A REDUCTION NOT EXCEEDING $10, WHEREAS, there are tax appeals before the County Tax Board or the Tax Court of New Jersey where the amount of reduction in the total annual taxes as a result of a settlement does not exceed $10, per tax year; and WHEREAS, it will be more cost efficient for the Township to permit the Tax Assessor, the Attorney and the Township Manager to settle those tax appeals without the necessity of obtaining Mayor and Council approval by way of a resolution; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Verona, in the County of Essex, New Jersey that the Tax Assessor, the Attorney and the Township Manager are hereby authorized to settle any tax appeal where the amount of reduction in the total annual taxes as a result of a settlement does not exceed $10, per tax year. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all settlements authorized pursuant to this Resolution shall be reported at the next meeting thereafter of the Mayor and Council. Motion to adjourn the meeting is moved by Councilman Roman; seconded by Councilman Sniatkowski. Vote: 5 ayes. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Kiernan Kevin Ryan Jennifer Kiernan, Municipal Clerk Kevin Ryan, Mayor 10