BOT meeting recap 11-14-11

The following is a brief unofficial recap of many items that occurred or were discussed at the .  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

Presentations

• Seton Hall Update - Adam Loehner provided a brief update on events and concerts occurring at Seton Hall in November
• Community Coalition on Race - the CCR provided an update on events and activities over the past quarter

CDBG Public Hearing

• The first of two hearings to get input on eligible projects was held
• Historically, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have paid for part of SOPAC debt service
• Next hearing will be on on Nov 28

Ordinances on Second Reading

• 2011-18 Bond Ordinance - increases bond for tax refunds from tax appeals to $575,000:  passed 6-0

Ordinances on First Reading

• 2011-17 Salary Ordinance - provides salary increases for all noncontractual personnel:  Interim Administrator Burkholder recommended it remain tabled until next meeting for some adjustments.
• 2011-19 - salary ordinance for police captains  - this ordinance was stricken (will be consolidated within Ordinance 2011-17 above)

Public Comments

• Michael Davis - stated he is representing properties adjoining 3rd/Valley and requested they be incorporated into current plan and offered them for sale to the Village
• Elaine Harris - shared a "business plan" from the Chamber of Commerce which includes entire business community, doesn't cost any money, would accomplish all goals, be optional, be profit motivated, be an opportunity to sell shares and an investment vehicle.  She requested 3-6 months to create a detailed plan.  She said it was based on an article that appeared in this past Sunday's NY Times.
• Alyssa Aronson - Asked "What is the annual cost for the sewer charge?" and "What property owners are in favor of SID?"
• Jim Ankner - expressed his opposition to changing the titles of the BOT and inquired about the status of the Historic Preservation Commission
• Debbie Adler - encouraged the BOT to create a Historic Preservation Commission
• Stuart Wainberg - expressed his support of a SID
• Leslie Pogany - stated that the Village doesn't need a SID
• Matt Mattheis - shared information about Clean Sweep SO

Consent Agenda

11 Resolutions were passed 6-0

Conference Agenda

Reassessment update

• The Tax Assessor has received new assessments for all properties
• Letters will be going out the first week of December to all property owners
• The Village will use the Baird to meet with Property owners

RFEI for Village Hall - The Board discussed the proposal and the pros and cons.  Counsel will meet with Jon Busch-Vogel from the development committee to see if a similar financing option is possible.

RFP for Redevelopment Counsel - ad is currently posted on the Village website and will be placed in the NJ Law Journal

Schedule for upcoming meetings

• Planning Mtg will occur on Nov 21
• Budget Meeting will occur on Nov 30 @7pm

Referendum results

• Results are not yet officially certified and will be discussed at a future meeting
• At that point, the BOT will decide which issues to approve by creation of an Ordinance and sends it to Trenton for approval by the State legislature
• BOT can send to Trenton with a request to automatically become law or it can come back for a binding referendum at the next election

SID Advisory Committee report - the Board agreed to have an Ordinance on first reading at next meeting

Relocation of Village Hall - during renovation, a potential location for "mobile offices" (trailers) has been identified on 2nd St

RFP for Valley/3rd - the RFP for development of the property will be sent out with a return date of January

Public Works Committee - received Single Stream recycling RFP; meeting will be held later this month to review the RFP before sending it out;  It was noted that residents should call PSE&G to trim trees around power lines on their properties to help try to minimize the risk from future storms.

Public Safety Committee

• Committee discussed reallocation of former administrator's car to the Fire Chief; Fire Chief's old car was reallocated to the SOFD and the SOFD's old car will now be auctioned
• Board has agreed to move ahead with purchase of a new aerial ladder truck.  Counsel will provide opinion from Bond Counsel on financing options.  Chief Markey reiterated his offer to Seton Hall to have the truck painted blue with a large pirate on the side, in exchange for providing sponsorship for the vehicle  Just think of the National Media coverage potential!  (only half in jest!)   :)