Meeting Recap: Ordinances and Resolutions Approved While Budget Review Meetings are Planned

On the first full day of Spring, after a weekend that started with temperatures in the 70s on Friday, the Verona governing body held it’s Township Council meeting. This was after attendees spent their day walking through and cleaning up the wet snow and slush that unexpectedly blanketed the township on Monday morning.

The meeting started with recognition and congratulations to both fifth Grade basketball teams. The boys’ and the girls’ teams won their respective inter-city, suburban basketball championships at the same time this season. “This is a first for Verona,” according to coach Peter Festa. Township Manager Joseph Martin called it a “splendid accomplishment.” Watch this site for a complete story later in the week.

During the “Reports” segment of the meeting, Township Manager Martin announced a reminder that on Tuesday, March 22, there will be a special Budget Review Committee and Council Workshop meeting at 7 p.m. in Council chambers. At that time, they will meet with four department heads to review their budgets. This will include presentations from Chief Doug Huber, of the Police Department; Buildings and Grounds Director, Len Waterman; Code Enforcement and Building Inspection Director, Tom Jacobsen; and Library Director, Jim Thomas. On Thursday, March 24, the Budget Review Committee will meet with the Department of Public Works and Sewer and Water Department. Both meetings are open to the public.

Other Council announcements included reminders about registering for the Spring Track Program and the Summer Recreation Programs, with a special notice about the need for more adult volunteers. The Township website, veronanj.org has additional information.

The Verona Rescue Squad will hold a Pasta Night on Friday, April 15 at the Community Center. A $10 donation for adults will get you all you can eat and because of the Lenten Season, meatless meals will be available as well. Continuing with the theme of food, a special mention was made regarding this week’s Family Night presented by the Verona Municipal Alliance Committee. This Wednesday evening, March 23, participating restaurants will offer discounts on meals to eat in or take out to encourage families to eat and spend more time together. For more information got to vmacnj.org.

Ordinances and Resolutions

The second reading and public hearing took place on the ordinance to authorize the purchase of a sports utility vehicle for the Police Department. The ordinance was approved and adopted by vote. .

Two resolutions were adopted by the Mayor and Council. Resolution #31 established the new membership and related fees for the Verona Community Pool. Most fees increased by $10-$20, depending on the category. Martin emphasized, “This was still within the middle of the bell curve when you compare our rates to those of neighboring towns.” Resolution #32 was adopted, authorizing the Township Treasurer to make specific transfers within the 2010 Budget Reserve Appropriations. Martin described this strictly as a housekeeping transaction.