MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING MAYOR & COUNCIL - Hopatcong ...

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING MAYOR & COUNCIL - 10/19/05 P1
1. The regular October 19, 2005 meeting was called to order by Mayor Hodson at 6:06 p.m. in
the Municipal Building, 111 River Styx Road, Hopatcong, NJ. Councilmembers present: John
Armeno, Richard Bunce, Paul Fisher, Estelle Klein, Madeline McManus & Sylvia Petillo.
Others present: Attorney Richard Stein (closed only), Administrator Steven Ward & Clerk
Lorraine Stark.
Mayor Hodson announced this meeting is held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings
Act, NJSA 10:4-1 et seq., annual notice having been forwarded to the New Jersey Herald/New Jersey
Sunday Herald, the Daily Record, The Star-Ledger, and posted on the bulletin board maintained in the
Municipal Building for public announcements.
In accordance with NJUFC, please note there are exits to the left of the dais and right
rear of the room that should be utilized in case of emergency or fire.
2. Council President McManus moved Resolution for Closed Session at 6:10 p.m., seconded by
Bunce. Those present voted affirmative. Absent – none.
Continued open session at 7:35 p.m.
3. Moment of Silent Reflection. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the USA was lead by Police
Chief J. Swanson, Sgt. R. Unhoch & Detective Sgt. R. Brennan. Police Presentation by Chief
Swanson – Exceptional Duty Award to: Sgt. Robert Unhoch & Detective Sgt. Robert Brennan. Chief
Swanson recognized the unselfishness of these two individuals by volunteering to assist with the
Hurricane Katrina cleanup efforts; our Nation asked for assistance and Sgts. Brennan and Unhoch
answered the call. Chief Swanson read letters of commendation for the officers, and a thank you letter
from the officers for permitting them to participate in this recovery effort.
Mayor Hodson thanked the people who came to visit him, sent cards and prayers; he appreciated all of
the items and was glad to be back. Both Councilmembers Armeno & Klein briefly stated a welcome
back to Mayor Hodson, and Councilwoman Klein toasted his return.
4. Councilmember Bunce moved approval of minutes from regular meeting held on October 5, 2005,
seconded by Klein. Those present voted affirmative, expect for abstention by Armeno (open only).
5. Meeting open to public for comments on the agenda items for which no public discussion is
provided. Jim Byron, Assistant Fire Chief spoke about the vacating of Hopatcong Street, and the fact
that although a stand-pipe is nice, the Fire Department still needs access to the ramp; this is the only fire
lane within the Northwood area and critical to firefighting capabilities. Mr. John Ursin distributed a
concept drawing for the proposed road and parking at the Northwood Inn; he explained that the road
access from lot 34 was better than Hopatcong Street, and the rationale for his proposal. He also noted
that a choice would have to be made, either use Hopatcong Street or the road on lot 34; the Borough
would be given a dedicated roadway on lot 34. Mr. Ursin also informed those present that Planning
Board approval would be required for whatever plan is decided upon. There was a discussion
pertaining to parking of vehicles and enforcement from the Police Department. Councilperson Fisher
noted that the wall installed on the property seriously compromises the ability to fight fires in the area.
Mr. Ursin reported that the u-shape traffic pattern will not continue because additional parking is

MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING MAYOR & COUNCIL - 10/19/05 P2
required for the restaurant to increase its capacity, currently 34 parking spaces have been approved by
the Planning Board; one road would be closed.
Connie Bogardus questioned if Hopatcong Street were to close would there still be access to the
Post Office. The answer was yes. In addition, she pointed out that during inclement weather it is
extremely difficult to traverse the roadway.
Tim Hess said that in his opinion the plows would have difficulty coming up the hill because the
incline is too steep. He also indicated that there was very little police presence in the Northwood
area; therefore he was concerned about who would be enforcing the parking.
Steve Kucevic President of Northwood Fire Company #2 expressed concern about parking
vehicles within the fire lane, and reported that a dumpster had been parked within the area for three
weeks. He too noted that no one informed the firemen that a wall was being constructed, and the
importance of this access for firefighting.
Helen Jungfer, Don Bogardus, Cynthia Wiard, Kevin Miller, and Patty Catalano expressed their
views: not in favor of vacating Hopatcong Street due to safety and lack of parking for area
residents during inclement weather. Several residents noted that they were glad to see the new
restaurant, and that they supported it, but were not in favor of closing Hopatcong Street.
Councilman Bunce suggested that both roadways be kept open. Mr. Ursin responded that his
client could not afford to do that because they needed the additional parking.
Mayor Hodson requested additional information about the slope, conditions during the winter, and
comments from the Police Department. Council President McManus stated that Mr. Wills was
adamant that Hopatcong Street not be vacated.
Mr. Ruschke commented that you can’t talk about the Northwood Inn in just one evening;
recommended that the business be permitted to open as per their site plan approval. In his opinion
it was a little premature to vacate the road at this time.
Councilperson Armeno wanted plans reviewed by Fire, Engineering, Public Works and Police
Departments. Council President McManus wants to notify the residents in Northwood of any
future meetings where this matter would be discussed.
#341-05 Authorize Postponement and Review for six (6) months of any decision to vacate
Hopatcong Street, Councilperson Klein moved the resolution, seconded by Bunce. Roll Call Vote:
YES- Klein, Bunce, Fisher, Armeno, McManus, Petillo.
6. Reports from Administrator.
A. Speed Radar Sign – Update. Mr. Ward revealed that two units have been ordered.
B. Veteran’s Memorial – Update. The pavers have been installed, and the area looks great.
C. Holiday Lights – Update. The agreement with JCP & L has been executed; $6,000 was
authorized for the additional 24 light sensors.
D. Boiler Replacement - Update. The boiler has been installed; need to make some minor
adjustments.
E. Lake Hopatcong Commission – Stormwater Management Grant Project Meeting
scheduled on 10/24/05 at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Municipal Building. Mr. Ward noted that
Borough representatives would be attending this meeting.
F. Emergency Services Unit – Presentation by Chief Swanson. This matter was postponed.
7. Consent Agenda.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PASSAGE OF CONSENT AGENDA

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WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Hopatcong has reviewed the Consent
Agenda consisting of various proposed resolutions; and
WHEREAS, none of the council members are desirous of removing any resolutions for
individual action from the agenda;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following resolutions on the Consent
Agenda are hereby approved:
A. #342-05 Approve Payment Escrows. *
B. #343-05 Approve Raffle Applications RA #21-2005 & RA #22-2005 for the Knee Deep
Club for a Tricky Tray and Off Premises Merchandize Raffles.*
C. #344-05 Approve Firemen: W. Schinzel & R. Tuers, III for Hopatcong Hills Co. #4.
Motioned by Bunce, seconded by Klein. Roll Call Vote: YES- Bunce, Klein, Armeno,
Petillo, McManus. ABSTAINED- Fisher.
Following the removal of item C the consent agenda was motioned by Bunce, seconded by Klein. Roll
Call Vote: YES- Bunce, Klein, Fisher, Armeno, Petillo, McManus.
8. Ordinances and Resolutions.
A. Public Hearing Ord. #33-2005 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 231 OF THE
CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF HOPATCONG ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” BY
REVISING NO PARKING REGULATIONS ON NARITICONG AVENUE AND CHINCOPEE
AVENUE. This ordinance corrects the current ordinance that was not accurate. Open to the public for
comment, none was forthcoming. Councilperson Fisher moved ordinance, seconded by Klein. Roll
Call Vote: YES – Fisher, Klein, Bunce, Armeno, McManus, Petillo.
B. #345-05 Resolution – Approve Change Order for Contract S-7 to Metra Industries in the
amount of $11,392.02. Councilperson McManus moved resolution, seconded by Bunce.
Roll Call Vote: YES- McManus, Bunce, Klein, Fisher, Armeno, Petillo.
C. #346-05 Resolution – Approve Bill List. Following the removal of Check #19820,
Councilperson Armeno moved resolution, seconded by Klein. Roll Call Vote: YES-
Armeno, Klein, Fisher, Bunce, McManus, Petillo.
D. #347-05 Resolution – Approve Check # 19820. Councilperson Armeno moved the
resolution, seconded by Klein. Roll Call Vote: YES- Armeno, Klein, Fisher, Petillo,
McManus. ABSTAINED- Bunce because check was for Senior Dinner supplies.
E. #348-05 Resolution – Authorize Grant Agreement with DEP for Stormwater activities in
an amount of $12,029. Councilperson McManus moved the resolution, seconded by
McManus. The Vote was unanimous.
F. Resolution – Approve Sewer Allocation to 7 property owners as per Application. This
matter was postponed until a later date.
G. #349-05 Resolution – Approve Renewal in the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund from
1/1/06 – 1/1/09. Councilperson Armeno moved the resolution, seconded by Bunce. Mr.
Ward reported that although the rate increase for 2006 has not been finalized, it appears to
be within the 2 to 4 percent range, which is reasonable. The vote was unanimous.
H. #350-05 Resolution – Approve the Merger of Borough Lots. Councilperson Bunce moved
the resolution, seconded by Klein. Councilperson Bunce remarked that the Real Estate
Committee has spent many hours reviewing these properties; they have revisions to make
to some of the lots, and requested that Blk. 31603 Lt 19 & 20 be removed. Mayor

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Hodson informed those present that this action was being taken to reduce the number of
lots because of the upcoming revaluation, and that the Borough could at will subdivide any
of these in the future. Those present vote affirmative.
I. #351-05 Resolution – Approve Dedication by Rider for COAH Fees. Councilperson
Armeno moved the resolution, seconded by Fisher. Roll Call Vote: YES- Armeno, Fisher,
Klein, Bunce, McManus, Petillo.
9. Old Business.
10. New Business.
A. Sewer Project Update & Contract Status. Mayor Hodson reported that the testing for
Contract S-10 is moving along, there are 1250 hookups, and 1300 paying customers. He
also noted that the Borough would be receiving a credit for contract S-4, action to be taken
this evening. Resolution - #352-05 Authorize the Reduction in Contract S-4 in the Total
Amount of $242,902.90, moved by Bunce, seconded by Fisher. Roll Call Vote: YES –
Bunce, Fisher, Klein, McManus, Petillo, Armeno.
B. Planning Board – Endorsement of Water Study and allocation of funds. Mayor Hodson
revealed that the Planning Board approved a contract for a water analysis study and the
money to pay for the study would come from their budget. Mr. Ward reported that
confirmation was obtained for a joint meeting with the Environmental Commission, Open
Space and Passaic River Coalition, in the Municipal Building on Nov. 3, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
C. Open Space Meeting – Update by Councilwoman Petillo. Councilwoman Petillo stated
that it was a very productive meeting; a myriad of suggestions were made involving trails
of various levels, surfaces and activities. They would begin with a trail around Veteran’s
Field. Councilperson Petillo encouraged citizens to participate in the process, and noted the
next meeting to be held on December 1 st at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building; suggested
this notice go into the school newsletter. Councilmember Armeno suggested that perhaps
the Eagle Scouts or Girl Scouts could assist with this project.
D. Request to Vacate Hopatcong Street (Northwood Area). Discussion held earlier in the
meeting.
E. Informational – HBA Halloween Parade, 23 Oct. Noon (rain date 30 th ) & Craft Fair.
F. Informational – Mayor/Council & Knights of Columbus Senior Citizen Spaghetti Dinner at
St. Jude’s on 10/23 from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M.
G. Informational – Deadline for Absentee Ballot Applications by Mail Nov. 1, and In Person 3
p.m. Nov. 7. General Election Nov. 8 th Polls open 6 A.M. – 8 P.M.
H. Informational – Grant and Loan Programs available from State to provide financial
assistance for cleanup costs (tanks): Contact Division of Remediation Support at (609)
777-0101.
I. Informational – Special Meeting Sewer Contract S-13 on 26 Oct. at 7 p.m. Municipal
Building. Mr. Ward reported that letters were mailed out last week to the residents
affected by this contract.
J. Informational – Borough received a Fair Sharing Planning COAH Grant in the amount of
$7,500. Mayor Hodson noted that this was part of the Highlands Act.

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11. Comments from public. Mr. Helmet Rehe 501 Nariticong Avenue, remarked that he received a
letter pertaining to blasting at the Musconetcong parking lot. He thinks that the hill has been blasted
enough, expressed a concern about the water tank, and that he doesn’t want to look at rocks from the
blasting left on the property. Mr. Ruschke said that he did not know the exact distance from the water
tank that the blasting would occur, but they were attempting to level off the area. The contractor
would perform a per-construction survey by taking pictures and video. Councilman Bunce explained
the 5-Year program has begun for improvements to the parking area, and the commitment made by the
governing body for the $400,000 plus project. Mayor Hodson also pointed out that fields are being
constructed in other areas of the Borough.
Mr. Ruschke spoke about the two properties he has purchased within the Borough, would like to build
on one, and presented a proposal to extent the sewer line 600 feet to service his property and eight
others along Hudson Avenue. Mr. Ruschke proposed to perform all of the necessary engineering for
this project at no cost to the Borough. Mayor Hodson commented that this area was not within the
approved DEP sewer area, and that no decision has been made regarding a Phase III; anticipates that a
decision would be forthcoming sometime in April 2006. Mr. Ruschke noted that as an independent
contractor he would perform the work cheaper.
12. Comments from governing body. Councilmember Fisher revealed that an e-mail was received
containing a resume for consideration as the appointee to the MSA; he would like this kept on file for
future consideration. He also thanked everyone for coming this evening.
Councilperson Petillo reminded everyone about the Halloween Parade and Craft Fair on Sunday,
thanked Sgts. Unhoch & Brennan and citizens for attending the meeting.
Councilwoman Klein welcomed Mayor Hodson back, and thanked residents for coming.
Council President McManus thanked everyone for attending, and said she was glad to be back in her
spot on the dais.
Councilman Bunce thanked the public, welcomed back Mayor Hodson and noted the power of
prayers. He also reminded those present that the 15 th Annual Spaghetti Dinner for Senior Citizen
would be held on Sunday 23 rd at St. Jude’s, the Knights of Columbus would be preparing the food that
was purchased by the Borough; invited all seniors to attend.
Councilperson Armeno commended Council President McManus for the way she performed the duties
of acting mayor, and thanked the Girl Scouts for the display outside Borough Hall.
Mayor Hodson thanked everyone for their well wishes, along with Madeline & John for assisting with
the duties in his absence, and thanked Borough employees.
13. Council President McManus moved to adjourn at 10:20 p.m., seconded by Klein. The vote was
unanimous.
Respectfully submitted: