MINUTES OF THE HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING July 23, 2015

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1 Flag Salute MINUTES OF THE HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING July 23, 2015 For Approval Sunshine Statement: In compliance with the 'Open Public Meetings Act' this meeting was duly advertised by a notice to the South Jersey Times and The Press, sent on January 7, A notice was placed on the Municipal Office bulletin board as of the same date. Officials Present: Hankins, Freitag, Facemyer, Ritter, Shoemaker. Others Present: Solicitor Matt Ritter, Clerk/Administrator Susan Quinones, Deputy Clerk Lois Yarrington, Treasurer Lois Buttner, Mark Blauer of Blauer Associates, Jim McCleary of Countywide Animal Control, Al Caggiano, Jeff Shimp, Kenny Mayhew, Pam Burton, Cynthia Calabrese, Jim Cristos, Judy Laning. Freitag, seconded by Ritter, moved for Approval of Minutes of 7/09/2015 Regular Meeting. Approved 5-0. Freitag, seconded by Ritter, moved for Approval of Minutes of 7/09/2015 Executive Session. Approved 5-0. Ritter, seconded by Facemyer, moved to accept Treasurer s Report as submitted. Approved 5-0. DEPARTMENT & COMMITTEE REPORTS: Administrator/Clerk: Potential grant applications: o Reviewing USDA-Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program For Fire Truck and Township Building Renovations Evaluating various software programs for multiple uses-construction/planning/zoning/code Enforcement/Rental Registration. Economic Development: Recommendations: o Highly recommend bigger, better Welcome signs on each end of Rt 49 to be purchased by Economic Development Committee budget. Up to $5,000, including installation, unanimously supported and authorized, for two (2) one (1) sided carved signs 3 x 6. o Requesting review of sign ordinance in regards to signage at Hopewell Business Park. Engineer: River Road project advertise for bids date tentatively end of July. Emergency Management: Emergency Operation Plan will expire on August 31, 2015 currently under County OEM Preliminary review. Tax & Sewer Collector: June 2015 Cash Book Report ($195, incl. interest and $32, sewer). Senior Center: (Freitag): Update dated July 15, 2015 provided reviewing popular activities and other items. A bill listed dated 7/23/2015 prepared by Treasurer Buttner was provided, Ritter, seconded by Facemyer, motion for Approval of bills totaling $456, on prepared list (Including Payroll/No Hankins Bill). Approved 5-0. The Mayor asked if there were any questions or comments and opened the meeting to PUBLIC COMMENTS. There being no comment at this time, at 6:37 pm Facemyer, seconded by Ritter, moved the meeting to Public Hearing for potential Small Cities Grant opportunities. Mark Blauer of Blauer Associates conducted the Public Hearing in regards to potential New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Small Cities/Community Development Block Program Grant opportunities. One program that the Township could consider would be Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program assists qualified homeowner with repairs to their home. The program provides finance assistance in the form of half grant and half loan that would need to be repaid when the property is sold or refinanced. Another project could be another sidewalk project, or other ADA type project, in a qualified area. Resident Pam Burton stated that she would support the Housing Rehab program and any ADA projects. Resident Cindy Calabrese supports ADA Compliance. Resident Jim Cristos suggested a sidewalk project on at least one side of West Park Drive in the area of the Nazarene Church. Mr. Blauer noted that an income survey of the neighborhood in the area would be required prior to application being submitted for consideration. With any of these projects, a ten (10) percent match would be required from the Township. Recapture Funds of prior Housing Rehab programs, and potential future programs, could be used as, or towards, the matching funds needed. Application deadline is September 11, 2015 for any project. Mr. Blauer also stated it could be possible to inquire with DCA on possible need for extension of

2 grant period for existing ADA Compliant Renovations at the Township Building and possibility of additional funding to cover costs. As requested, Township Animal Control Officer Jim McCleary, of Countywide Animal Control, was on hand to provide an update to Township Committee regarding ongoing feral cat complaints in the Township. One area of concern is the feeding of cats on Mary Elmer Lake Drive. There are a variety of problems that arise from feeding feral cats without any further regard for additional care of the animal(s). Cats, and other animals drawn to the food, cause property damage, increase the likely of the spread of Rabies and other diseases, and increase the likely hood of people being injured by the cats and wild animals. Currently, animal control has been setting human traps for the multitude of kittens being born, since the central feeding increases the number of cats in proximity to eachother. These kittens and cats are being sent to the SPCA in which the Township is billed for the length of time animals are in the shelter. These cats are not being spayed or neutered, even though there are low cost program available. At this time Mr. McCleary has suggested that the Township Committee looks to adopt a Cat Ordinance that will address that anyone who owns/keeps/harbors the animal to at least be required to ensure they have all required vaccinations. A sample of the Gloucester Township was provided to the Clerk/Administrator, Mr. McCleary stated that their Ordinance is one of the best he has seen to date. The residents on hand thanked Mr. McCleary for his help. Resident Pam Burton stated that she has had up to eighteen (18) cats in her driveway at one time. She was very excited to live in the Township, but it has not been nice at all because of the cats. She has experienced excessive veterinary bills for her dog due to the cats and is extremely concerned about cat scratch fever. Of the 18 cats that have been in the yard, one three (3) have been caught in the live traps because it seems someone is trespassing on personal property and releasing the cats from the traps. OLD BUSINESS: ADA Municipal Building Renovation: o Bids received July 21, 2015 at 2:00 pm J.W.Pedersen Architect to provide written recommendation for award. After review of the cost of the bids received, Ritter, seconded by Shoemaker, moved to reject all bids for being over estimate for the project. The Committee further moved to rebid the project, with no changes to the existing specifications, with a bid opening date of August 11, COAH: (Shoemaker) o Subcommittee determined at May 21, 2015 meeting. No update subcommittee to schedule a meeting. Telecommunications/BPU Update: (Facemyer) Cumberland County and County Counsel Ted Baker will act a lead agency. Meeting schedule to be held at Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi s office to discuss ongoing issue and request support. Watson s Dike o Meeting scheduled for July 27 with representatives from County, Hopewell, and Greenwich Possible Ordinances/Fee Changes: o Rental Registration discussion. Revised Draft Ordinance for further review and discussion. Concern was expressed over referencing compliance with IPMC, Committeeman Shoemaker felt that some items would be too strict and cause excess manpower to enforce. Mayor Hankins noted that proper reason would need to be used by the Inspector(s). Shoemaker also went on to state that he felt we already had the tools in place with our current ordinances. Committeeman Ritter stated that it is better to be proactive than reactive. Mayor Hankins stated concern with issues of overcrowding and the potential tax impact of excessive student population. Clerk/Administrator Quinones stated that there is a large issue of safety, for tenants and Public Safety officials, with people living in poor conditions and inhabiting spaces with true means of escape in the event of a fire. Not known how many people may be occupying a dwelling, and where they may within, causes greater risk for all. Kenny Mayhew of the Hopewell/Stow Creek Fire Company stated that this possible Ordinance will help the Fire Company. He also stated that as a landlord himself, he would like the Township to do inspections so that he doesn t feel he is interfering with his tenant. Facemyer, seconded by Ritter, motion to Table further discussion. Mayor Hankins stated to be ready for action at the next meeting on August 13 th. Rowan University/GeoLab Grant: o Next meeting tentatively slated for September. o Currently pulling data from various Plans via our website and Clarke Caton Hintz. No current update. NEW BUSINESS: The following Ordinances for submitted for First Reading: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE NO SALARY ORDINANCE

3 BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Hopewell, County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey, that the following salaries and wages be paid for the year 2015: Section One Electric Sub Code Official Decrease Annual Salary from $11,500 to $9, Section Two Hourly Employees Adjust starting hourly rates only: Public Works Employees From $8.00 to Minimum Wage Public Works (Landfill Employees) From $8.00 to Minimum Wage ** ** Reimbursed Shared Service Roll Call: Paul Ritter III Greg Facemyer Robin Freitag Joseph Shoemaker HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO BOND ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL,IN THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE A GGREGATE AMOUNT OF $ 480, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $ 455, BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST OF MULTIPLE PHASE MUNICIPAL RENOVATIONS AND ADA COMPLIANCE PROJECTS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL IN THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring) AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The improvement described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is hereby authorized to be undertaken by the Township of Hopewell, New Jersey as a general improvement. For the improvement or purpose described in Section 3, there is hereby appropriated the sum of money therein stated as the appropriation made for the improvement or purpose, such sum amounting in the aggregate $ 480, including the aggregate sum of $2 5, as the 5% down payment required by the Local Bond Law. The down payment has been made available by virtue of provision for down payment or for capital improvement purposes in one or more previously adopted budgets. SECTION 2. In order to finance the cost of the improvement or purpose, negotiable bonds are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $ 455, pursuant to the Local Bond Law. In anticipation of the issuance of the bonds, negotiable bond anticipation notes are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law. SECTION 3. The improvement hereby authorized and the purpose for which the bonds are to be issued is for Multiple Phase Municipal Building Renovations not covered by the ADA Grant. The total appropriation and estimated cost is $ 480, and the maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued is $455, The excess of the appropriation made for the purchase or purpose aforesaid over the estimated maximum amount of bonds and notes to be issued therefore, as above stated, is the amount of the down payment for the purpose. SECTION 4. All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer, provided that no note shall mature later than one year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall determine all matters in connection with notes issued pursuant to this ordinance, and the Chief Financial Officer's signature upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:2-8(a). The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from their dates to the date of delivery thereof. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes pursuant to this ordinance is made. Such

4 report must include the amount, the description, the interest rate, and the maturity schedule of the notes sold, the price obtained, and the name of the purchaser. SECTION 5. The capital budget of the Township of Hopewell is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith. The resolution in the form promulgated by the Local Finance Board is on file with the Clerk and is available there for public inspection. SECTION 6. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated: (a) The purpose described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is not a current expense. It is an improvement that the Township may lawfully undertake as a capital project, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefited thereby. (b) The period of usefulness of the improvement and the reasonable life thereof within the limitations of the Local Bond Law is 15 years. (c) The Supplemental Debt Statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly prepared and filed in the office of the Clerk and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey. Such statement shows that the gross debt of the Township as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $400,000. The obligations authorized herein will be within all debt limitations prescribed by that Law. (d) An aggregate amount not exceeding $10, for items of expense listed in and permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20 is included in the estimated costs indicated herein for the purpose or improvement. SECTION 7. Any grant moneys received for the purpose described in Section 3 hereof shall be applied either to direct payment of the cost of the improvement or to payment of the obligations issued pursuant to this ordinance. The amount of obligations authorized but not issued hereunder shall be reduced to the extent that such funds are so used. SECTION 8. The TOWNSHIP hereby declares the intent of the TOWNSHIP to issue the bonds or bond anticipation notes in the amount authorized in Section 2 of this bond ordinance and to use proceeds to pay or reimburse expenditures for the costs of the purpose described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance. This Section 8 is a declaration of intent within the meaning and for purposes of Treasury Regulations or any successor provisions of federal income tax law. SECTION 9. The chief financial officer of the TOWNSHIP is hereby authorized to prepare and to update from time to time as necessary a financial disclosure document to be distributed in connection with the sale of obligations of the TOWNSHIP and to execute such disclosure document on behalf of the TOWNSHIP. The chief financial officer is further authorized to enter into the appropriate undertaking to provide secondary market disclosure on behalf of the TOWNSHIP pursuant to Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Rule ) for the benefit of holders and beneficial owners of obligations of the TOWNSHIP and to amend such undertaking from time to time in connection with any change in law, of interpretation thereof, provided such undertaking is and continues to be, in the opinion of a nationally recognized bond counsel, consistent with the requirements of the Rule. In the event that the TOWNSHIP fails to comply with its undertaking, the TOWNSHIP shall not be liable for any monetary damages, and the remedy shall be limited to specific performance of the undertaking. SECTION 10. The full faith and credit of the TOWNSHIP are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. The obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the TOWNSHIP, and the TOWNSHIP shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable real property within the TOWNSHIP for the payment of the obligations and the interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount. SECTION 11. This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law. Paul Ritter III Greg Facemyer Robin Freitag Joseph Shoemaker The following Resolutions were submitted for approval: TOWNSHIP OF HOPEWELL COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Resolution No Resolution Requesting Reduced Speed Limit along Route NJ 49

5 WHEREAS, the Township of Hopewell is requesting that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) complete a traffic investigation on Route 49 in Hopewell Township to possibly reduce the speed limit from Stell Street to Hillcrest Avenue and to possibly include pedestrian crosswalk(s) in the area of West Park Drive; and WHEREAS, expansions of existing businesses, along with current and potential additions of new businesses in the area, have resulted in an increase of vehicle and pedestrian traffic; and WHEREAS, an increase in traffic accidents have been occurring more frequently due to a variety of factors; such as existing speed limit of 50 mph, limited road shoulders, many roadway access points in short distances, and conditions of existing intersections. WHEREAS, the NJDOT investigation should include any and all data regarding traffic counts, recorded traffic accidents, along with pedestrian traffic along and across the roadway; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to NJDOT as requested. Paul Ritter III Greg Facemyer Robin Freitag Joseph Shoemaker HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY RESOLUTION NO AUTHORIZATION FOR A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP AND GREENWICH TOWNSHIP FOR REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS WHEREAS, the Uniform Shared Services Act (N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq.) having been adopted and made effective on April 3, 2007 encouraging government efficiency through shared services to help ameliorate high property taxes paid in the State of New Jersey; and, WHEREAS, the Recipient Municipality has a need for certain services that the Provider Municipality offers by way of Certified New Jersey Registrar services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:8-1 e seq.; and, WHEREAS, the Municipalities desire to enter into a Shared Services Agreement formalizing the terms and conditions of the provision of Registrar services in the form of a shared services arrangement; and, WHEREAS, the Registrar for Hopewell Township has historically provided the same service on behalf of Greenwich Township at the Hopewell Township building; and WHEREAS, the Hopewell Township Committee, during its regular Committee meeting on July 23, 2015 reviewed and discussed the before mentioned Resolution; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Hopewell Township Committee that the Mayor of Hopewell Township has the authority to sign the Shared Services Agreement between Hopewell Township and Greenwich Township. Paul Ritter III Greg Facemyer Robin Freitag Joseph Shoemaker CORRESPONDENCE & NOTES & FILINGS include: State of NJ Dept. of Transportation Executed Agreement for Resurfacing of River Road Section I was received 7/9 /2015. City of Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly thanked Hopewell Township for contribution to the 4 th of July fireworks display. New Jersey Mayors Committee on Life Sciences Member List provided. Inspira Health Network 2015 Golf & Tennis Tournament to take place Wednesday, September 9 th, 2015 in Galloway. Rutgers Accepting entries for the 54 th Annual Municipal Public Information Contest. NJ Transit Statement of Fiscal Year 2015 Federal Program Request for Federal Financial Assistance. CCUA Agenda for meeting held July 16, NJSLM Innovation in Governance Awards-applications being accepted. OTHER NEW BUSINESS:

6 There being no further business, Freitag, seconded by Shoemaker, motion to ADJOURN was approved by all. Mayor Hankins adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: August 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm Susan A. Quinones, Municipal Clerk cc: Committee, Township Bulletin Bd., Sol. T. H. Ritter, Sol. Matthew Ritter