BOT meeting recap 1-9-12

The following is a brief unofficial recap of many items that occurred or were discussed at the January 9, 2012 BOT Meeting..  Official minutes will be posted online at www.southorange.org when they are available or the video can be viewed on-demand at southorange.org/videoViewer.asp

Public Comments

• David Solomon - expressed concern about the timing and notification for the Next G hearing that was held during the day last week.  He was informed that the transcript of the meeting would be posted to the Village website, NextG has until Friday to submit their legal brief and interim administrator Burkholder will issue an opinion and have it posted to the website and distributed to the media (as early as next week, but depending on the contents of the legal brief)
• Marlo Taybron -  expressed thanks for having the lights at the Rite Aid parking lot turned on
• George Matios -  expressed thanks for fixing previously reported lighting issues, noted issued with downed trees branches in Grove Park and  that several street signs are missing (SO Ave & Riggs, SO Ave and Park Pl, SO Ave and Holland Rd)
• Alyssa Aronson - asked the Board for our New Year's Resolutions

Presentations

Main Street Design Committee shared a presentation on a concept for the Train Trestle Beautification. Main Street will be meeting with NJ Transit  to share ideas and see if approval can be obtained

Discussion

2011 Salary increases - Salary ordinance increasing employee salary ranges that was passed at the last meeting will effectuate the salary increase and no subsequent resolution that was discussed at the last meeting will be forthcoming.  Going forward, all noncontractual salaries will be set based on performance.

Bocce Courts - River committee has asked about the bocce courts to determine  if they can be removed.  Everyone is under the impression that they are not used, however input will be solicited in the Gaslight and a blurb will be posted on the website to gather feedback from the public.

Restructuring of Village Departments - Interim Administrator Burkholder shared his goal of having a central customer service area for a one-stop visit to Village Hall for all needs. He also recommended the consolidation of Engineering and Code Enforcement departments

Consent Agenda

14 resolutions were passed on consent agenda, including the promotion of Tommy Machetti to Director of Public Works.  Tommy will be filling the position that was recently vacated by Mario Luciani's retirement after his many years with the Village.  We wish Tommy luck in his new role and thank Mario for his years of service.