Mayor & Council

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON October 28, 2024 - 7 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Madison was held on the 28th day of October, 2024. Mayor Conley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., in the Committee Room of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, Kings Road, in the Borough of Madison. STATEMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT The Borough Clerk read the statement pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act: “In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, adequate notice of this meeting of the Council was provided by transmitting a copy of the meeting notice to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the bulletin board at the main entrance of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, and filing a copy in the office of the Clerk, all on January 12, 2024. This Notice was made available to members of the general public.” ROLL CALL The Borough Clerk called the roll and the following acknowledged their presence: Mayor Robert H. Conley Council Members: Rachael Ehrlich Robert Landrigan Eric P. Range Melissa Honohan John J. Forte Absent: Thomas Haralampoudis, excused Also Present: Raymond M. Codey, Borough Administrator James E. Burnet, Assistant Borough Administrator Elizabeth Osborne, Borough Clerk Marina Stinely, Esq. for Matthew J. Giacobbe, Esq. Borough Attorney AGENDA REVIEW There was approval of the Regular and Executive Agenda. READING OF CLOSED SESSION RESOLUTION Mr. Range moved: RESOLVED, that the meeting be adjourned to an Executive Session to consider the following matters: MINUTES FOR APPROVAL (1) October 16, 2024 Date of public disclosure 60 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. PERSONNEL MATTERS (2) DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IT DEPARTMENT POSITIONS Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 Date of public disclosure 90 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. LITIGATION MATTERS (2) AFFORDABLE HOUSING DREW UNIVERSITY Date of public disclosure 60 days after conclusion, if disclosure required. Seconded: Ms. Ehrlich Vote: Approved by voice vote RECONVENE IN COUNCIL CHAMBER Mayor Conley reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8 p.m. in the Council Chamber with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. Mayor Conley asked for a moment of silence for the passing of Madison residents Mario LoSapio, John T. Rillo and Patricia A. Caccavale. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Range approval of the Executive Minutes of October 16, 2024. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous voice call vote recorded. Mr. Range moved approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2024. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous voice call vote recorded. GREETINGS TO PUBLIC Mayor Conley made the following comments: Proclamation - Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, November 2024 In memory of the late Councilmember Ben Wolkowitz, and sister of the Borough Clerk, Patricia Kovacs, Mayor Conley presented the following proclamation to Mrs. Osborne. Proclamation of the B o r o u g h o f M a d i s on Proclaiming Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month November 2024 WHEREAS, in 2024, more than 66,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and almost 52,000 will die from the disease including more than 1,400 in New Jersey; and WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is projected to become the second leading cause by around 2030; and WHEREAS, each person’s chances of getting this cancer can be affected by certain risk factors such as tobacco use, being overweight, family history and inherited genetic syndromes; and PAGE 2 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 WHEREAS, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves it is generally in later stages and 88 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and WHEREAS, it’s important to see a doctor at the first signs of pancreatic cancer which include abdominal pain, mid-back pain, new onset diabetes not associated with weight gain and yellow eyes or skin; and WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the residents of Madison are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about the symptoms and risks of pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes and effective treatments. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert H. Conley, Mayor of the Borough of Madison, on behalf of the governing body, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in the Borough of Madison. _____________________________ Robert H. Conley, Mayor October 28, 2024 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES Public Safety Mr. Range, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: On October 24th, Madison Police Command Staff, Detective Bureau, and School Resource Officers attended “Bagels & Brainstorming” event hosted at the Madison YMCA by members of Project Community Pride. This event is held several times a year. Members of the Madison Police Department and Project Pride discuss trends and issues they see with youth and collaborate on events that will be planned to strengthen the relationship with police and our community. Topics of discussion were bullying and social media safety for teens. Madison Police personnel attended several events for the kickoff of Halloween week. Officer were present at the annual Trunk or Treat held at the Madison High School as well as the Halloween Parade. During Halloween Trick or Treating time, you will see many marked police vehicles in residential areas to ensure that your night is a very safe one. The Madison Fire Department responded to a large brush fire at Drew University on Saturday morning. The NJ State Forest Fire Service’ watch tower located 6 miles away in Denville spotted a fire located deep in the Drew Forest. Madison Fire Department was dispatched and found the fire between Loantaka and Drew University. Working with the state forest fire service and mutual aid fire department partners, the fire was held at just under two acres. On Sunday night around 11:45pm, multiple 911 calls were made reporting a large fire near the tennis courts at Drew University. Firefighters arrived and found the field house fully engulfed in fire. The surrounding grass area was also burning and spreading rapidly. The fire went to two alarms and with the help once again of our partners we were able to limit the spread of the fire and keep it within the structure. One minor injury to a firefighter was reported. New Jersey is in extreme fire danger, under a red flag warning. The dry weather and low humidity have made conditions very dangerous. There should be no outside fire unless they are elevated and fueled by propane or natural gas. The leaves are incredibly light and dry. Take care not to park cars on or near piles of leaves as this can result in the car catching on fire. The Fire Department and the EMS division responded to a major motor vehicle collision on Route 24 yesterday. The Fire PAGE 3 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 Department would like to remind everyone that all occupants of a vehicle should have their seat belts on. Fire Prevention month was a great success. The Fire Prevention Bureau visited St. Vincent Martyr School, Central Avenue School, Kings Road School and Torey J. Sabatini School. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grades in each school learned about fire safety and the equipment used by firefighters. Firefighters have also been busy visiting all of nursey schools in the Borough. They have been showing the children our fire engines and the gear we wear working in a fire. Finance and Borough Clerk Ms. Ehrlich, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: The Tax Collector would like to remind residents that the fourth quarter taxes are due November 1st. Because of the Veterans’ Day holiday weekend, the grace period is extended through the end of business on Tuesday November 12th. Any payments not received by November 12th will have interest charged back to the 1st of the month. In addition, the Property Tax Reimbursement forms (in the blue booklet, also called the ‘senior freeze’) must be filed by October 31st. The Tax Office is available to answer your questions and to fill out the tax certification portion of the application. On October 15th, the Finance Department wired the Board of Education their monthly funds, which were $4,067,724.67. This evening we have a short presentation from Administration on the State of New Jersey’s Best Practices Checklist. The State Division of Local Government Services issued the check list last month. Questions cover various topics including personnel, ethics, budget, cyber security, transparency, shared services, affordable housing, purchasing and capital. The Best Practices Checklist assesses Madison’s compliance with various laws. It also evaluates operations as well as fiscal practices. The checklist provides taxpayers with additional means for evaluating a town’s management. This is the 6th year that the Best Practices checklist has been in existence. This year’s list, as well as all prior year lists, can be found on the Finance Department’s pages of Rosenet in the documents section. This year, a municipality must attain at least 35 points in order to receive 100% of their state aid. The Borough scored 43.5 out of a possible 46.5 points, so I am happy to report that the Borough will once again receive 100% of our state aid. The CFO will discuss some of the questions later this evening. Public Works and Engineering Mr. Landrigan, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: The Engineering Department reports that Well B has passed inspection. The Utility Road replacement project has fans installed and the Library Renovation project is 98% complete, with the Library hoping to reopen this fall. The Dodge Field playground renovation is being praised by parents. The Solar Carport project is also advancing with the project awarded to Bullet Electric, Inc. of North Arlington, NJ. The Department of Public Works has completed a Borough wide picked up of leaves with leaf vacuums. Residents are reminded to not put sticks or any other debris in with leaves. This clogs up the machines and slows down collection. The Department is having work done on the trusses at Public Works building on John Ave. This is an emergency repair, and the crews are here every day. We anticipate all work to be done mid-November. The Parks Department has shut off and blown out all sprinkler systems, and encourages residents to do the same if you have not done so. This will save line breaking. In the coming weeks the Department of Public Works will start working on snow equipment and making sure plows and salters are ready. Utilities Mr. Haralampoudis, Chair of the Committee, absent. PAGE 4 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 Community Affairs Ms. Honohan, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: The Rose City Christmas Committee has begun planning for the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Please email Lisa Ellis at ddc@rosenet.org if you are interested in sponsoring one of Madison's most beloved holiday traditions. The Madison Farm & Artisan Market is open for business every Saturday through December 14, 2024 in the Prospect Street Parking Lot from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The next regular meeting of the Downtown Development Commission will be held on October 17th at 7:15 pm in the 2nd Floor Committee Room in the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building. The public is invited to attend. The Chamber of Commerce and the DDC are presenting a new event called the Rose City Dog Day & Parade this fall. It will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Please contact Karen at MadisonChamber@gmail.com or Lisa Ellis at DDC@rosenet.org for more information regarding sponsorships or the event. At the Madison Community Arts Center, over 50 paintings by area artists from the Debarry Studio in Florham Park are being displayed through November 25, 2024. On Friday, November 1st, the Film Society of Summit will be screening Intercepted, a documentary looking at messages of Russian soldiers that were intercepted in the Ukraine War. There will be viewings at 2:00 and 8:00 pm. The NJ Jazz Society will present a concert of annual High School and College Jazz Scholarship winners at 3:00 pm on November 3, 2024. The students will be joined in concert by established professional Jazz musicians. The monthly Literary Open Mic Platform, presented by Arts by the People, will take place on Wednesday, November 6th at 8 pm. As always, there is a writing workshop before the open mic, free and open to the public. Events for the entire year can be viewed on the MCAC landing page at madisonartsnj.org/mcac. Health Mr. Forte, Chair of the Committee, made the following comments: Mr. Forte reported that there are multiple confirmed cases of measles in Middlesex County, NJ, with all cases are connected to a resident with recent international travel. The Health Department reminds residents to update all recommended vaccines. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS - None INVITATION FOR COMMENT (1 of 2) Mayor Conley opened the meeting to the public for their opportunity to ask questions and make comments on those items listed on the Agenda only. Mayor asked that, upon recognition by the Meeting Moderator, each person give his/her name and address in an audible tone of voice, for the record. He/she shall limit his/her statement to three (3) minutes or less. Since no member of the public wished to be heard, the invitation for discussion was closed. AGENDA DISCUSSIONS 10/28/2024-1 2024 BEST PRACTICES CHECKLIST Mr. Burnet noted the annual State requirement to discuss the Best Practices checklist, which was submitted to the State Division of Local Government Services on October 25, 2024. The Borough scored 43 out of 461/2 possible points, which is well above the score of 34 required for full state aid. PAGE 5 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 ADVERTISED HEARINGS - None INVITATION FOR COMMENT (2 of 2) Mayor opened the meeting to the public for their opportunity to ask questions and make comments on any subject. Mayor asked that, upon recognition by the Meeting Moderator, each person give his/her name and address in an audible tone of voice, for the record. He/she shall limit his/her statement to three (3) minutes or less. Claire Whitcomb; Fairwood Road, noted a new name for the Madison Recreation Complex, noting it doesn’t captor what the area truly is. The new name will be the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex or MRCC. Ms. Whitcomb noted the recent fire and thanked the Fire departments that help control the fire. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES The Clerk made the following statement: Ordinances scheduled for introduction and first reading tonight will have a hearing during the meeting of November 13, 2024 in the 2nd Floor Council Chamber of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, Kings Road, in the Borough of Madison at 8 p.m., or as soon thereafter as practical, for further consideration and final adoption. Said ordinances will be published in the Madison Eagle, be posted at the main entrance to the Borough offices and be made available to members of the public requesting same, as required by law. Mayor Conley called up Ordinances for first reading and asked the Clerk to read said ordinance by title: ORDINANCE 32-2024 ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROPRIATING $160,000.00 FROM THE GENERAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE ROOF WHEREAS, the Director of Public Works has recommended that the Borough appropriate $160,000.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund for emergency repairs to the garage roof and related improvements for the Department of Public Works Garage; and WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has attested to the availability of the funds in the General Capital Improvement Fund in an amount not to exceed $160,000.00 for this purpose; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined that the Borough should appropriate $160,000.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund for emergency repairs to the garage roof and related improvements for the Department of Public Works Garage. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, as follows: PAGE 6 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 SECTION 1: The amount of $160,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the General Capital Improvement Fund for emergency repairs to the garage roof and related improvements for the Department of Public Works Garage. SECTION 2: The budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this Ordinance. SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall take effect as provided by law. Mr. Landrigan moved that Ordinance 32-2024, which the Borough Clerk read by title, be adopted. Mr. Forte seconded the motion. There was no Council discussion, and the motion passed with the following roll call vote recorded: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None Absent: Mr. Haralampoudis ORDINANCE 33-2024 ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON ESTABLISHING AN "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" POLICY FOR RESTRICTED AREAS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF MADISON WHEREAS, the Borough of Madison seeks to maintain safety and security in certain areas of public property and facilities by limiting access to authorized personnel only; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that the public should be restricted from entering certain areas deemed hazardous, sensitive, or restricted in nature in order to protect public safety, ensure the proper functioning of borough operations, and preserve the integrity of borough property; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Madison, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, as follows: Section 1. Purpose and Intent The purpose of this ordinance is to establish a policy restricting access to designated areas within the Borough of Madison to authorized personnel only, ensuring the safety, security, and proper functioning of borough operations, and protecting the general public from potential harm. Section 2. Definitions For the purposes of this ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:  Authorized Personnel: Employees, contractors, agents, or other individuals specifically designated by the Borough of Madison to enter restricted areas.  Restricted Area: Any area within the Borough of Madison property or facility that is marked, fenced, or otherwise designated as off-limits to the public and intended for authorized personnel only.  Public: Any person who is not an employee, contractor, or agent of the Borough of Madison and has not been granted permission to enter a restricted area by the appropriate authority. PAGE 7 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 Section 3. Designation of Restricted Areas 1. Identification: Borough departments, including but not limited to public works, parks, court, police, fire, and administrative offices, shall identify areas within their jurisdiction that are to be classified as restricted areas. 2. Signage and Markings: All restricted areas shall be clearly marked with appropriate signage indicating that access is limited to authorized personnel only. The signage shall be posted in a visible manner at all entry points to the restricted area. Section 4. Prohibition on Public Access 1. No Public Entry: No member of the public shall enter any restricted area within the Borough of Madison unless granted express permission by an authorized borough official or employee. 2. Violations: Any person found in violation of this ordinance by entering a restricted area without proper authorization shall be subject to penalties as provided in Section 6 of this ordinance. Section 5. Exemptions The following individuals and circumstances are exempt from the restrictions of this ordinance: 1. Emergency Responders: Police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and other emergency responders acting in the course of their duties. 2. Special Permissions: Individuals who have received prior approval or a permit from the Borough of Madison to access restricted areas for specific purposes, such as contractors, vendors, or inspectors. Section 6. Enforcement and Penalties 1. Enforcement: This ordinance shall be enforced by the Madison Police Department, Borough employees designated as security personnel, and other appropriate borough officials. 2. Penalties: Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of up to $75.00 for the first offense and up to $250.00 for each subsequent offense. Section 7. Severability If any provision of this ordinance, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect. Section 8. Effective Date This ordinance shall take effect upon final adoption and publication in accordance with the law. Section 9. Repealer All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. Mr. Range moved that Ordinance 33-2024, which the Borough Clerk read by title, be adopted. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion. There was no Council discussion, and the motion passed with the following roll call vote recorded: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None Absent: Mr. Haralampoudis PAGE 8 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS The Clerk made the following statement: Consent Agenda Resolutions will be enacted with a single motion; any Resolution requiring expenditure is supported by a Certification of Availability of Funds; any Resolution requiring discussion will be removed from the Consent Agenda; all Resolutions will be reflected in full in the minutes. Mr. Range moved adoption of the Resolutions listed on the Consent Agenda. Ms. Ehrlich seconded the motion. There was no Council discussion and the motion passed with the following roll call vote recorded: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None Absent: Mr. Haralampoudis R 292-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT DUFFY TO THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has recommended the appointment of Robert Duffy to the position of Director of Public Works; and WHEREAS, Robert Duffy holds a Certified Public Works Manager certificate, CPWM # M-2241, in good standing. WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, that Robert Duffy is hereby appointed to the position of Director of Public Works. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that he be compensated at the annual salary of $165,000.00 per year. R 293-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING A LETTER FROM THE GOVERNING BODY STATING THERE IS NO OBJECTION TO THE ISSUANCE OF A TEMPORARY HELISTOP LICENSE FOR THE ‘EVERY FIFTEEN MINUTES’ PROGRAM AT THE MADISON HIGH SCHOOL WHEREAS, the Madison Police Department hosts the “Every Fifteen Minutes” program at Madison High School; and WHEREAS, to participate in the program, Atlantic Health requires a flight application for the issuance of a temporary helistop license to land a helicopter on the fields at the Madison High School; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council and the Chief of Police have concluded that there is no objection to the issuance of a temporary helistop license on March 24, 2025 for this purpose. PAGE 9 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, State of New Jersey that the Mayor and the Borough Clerk are authorized to sign a letter stating there is no objection to the issuance of a temporary helistop license for the “Every Fifteen Minutes” program to be held on March 24, 2025. R 294-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENTS WITH THE MADISON BOARD OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS III WHEREAS, the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act, N.J.S.A. 40:65-1 authorizes local governmental entities to enter into an agreement, among other things, for the sharing of services; and WHEREAS, the Madison Board of Education (BOE) and the Borough of Madison wish to enter into an agreement under which the Borough agrees to provide one (1) Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO III) to the BOE to be paid for by the BOE, but managed by the Borough of Madison Police Department; and WHEREAS, the Madison Borough Council has determined to enter into said shared services agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are authorized to enter into Shared Services agreements with the Madison Board of Education for the provision of one (1) Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO III), such agreement to be in a form approved by the Madison Borough Attorney. R 295-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON ACCEPTING DONATION FROM THE FORMER MASONIC LODGE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the former members of the Madison Masonic Lodge have generously offered to donate $5,000.00 for school-related events and programs for use by the Madison Police Department; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council has concluded that it would be in the best interest of the Borough to accept the donation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison in the County of Morris in the State of New Jersey that the Borough accepts the donation of $5,000.00 for school-related events and programs for use by the Madison Police Department. PAGE 10 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough of Madison expresses its gratitude to the members of the Madison Masonic Lodge. R 296-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT TO ALLOW THE USE OF SUMMERHILL PARK BY GIRL SCOUTS ON NOVEMBER 1, 2024 WHEREAS, the Madison Area Girl Scouts have requested permission to use public property on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., for a scouting event; and WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has recommended that such permission be granted; and WHEREAS, the Girl Scouts have submitted a Special Event Permit Application to the Borough and will provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the Borough of Madison as an additional insured; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, that Madison Area Girl Scouts are hereby given permission to use Summerhill Park, Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00- 6:30 p.m., for a scouting event, subject to such safety requirements as may be directed by the Madison Police Department and/or Fire Department. R 297-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF AN AGREEMENT FOR AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WITH ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM WHEREAS, the Borough of Madison wishes to renew the contract with Atlantic Health System for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as hereinafter set forth, in consideration of payment as hereinafter provided; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined to approve the renewal of an agreement with Atlantic Health System for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute a renewal of the contract for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Atlantic Health System, in a form approved by the Borough Attorney. PAGE 11 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 R 298-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING THE SUSTAINABLE JERSEY CLIMATE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION WHEREAS, Borough of Madison aims to be a climate-ready community that is resilient to climate change. WHEREAS, a climate-ready community seeks to understand current and projected climate hazards affecting health, safety, infrastructure, property, and businesses so that appropriate actions may be implemented before hazard events occur to cause harm; and WHEREAS, a climate-ready community seeks to optimize sustainability through improving quality of life for its residents by ensuring that its environmental, economic, and social objectives are balanced and mutually supportive; and WHEREAS, Borough of Madison’s Master Plan is aimed at guiding the use of lands within the municipality in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare; and WHEREAS, Borough of Madison strives to save tax dollars, assure clean land, air, and water, and improve working and living environments; and WHEREAS, a Climate Change-Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessment is required by NJ law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28) to be included in [Municipality’s] Master Plan Land Use Plan Element; and WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Sustainable Jersey Program is to provide resources to municipalities to make progress on sustainability issues, and, recognizing municipalities are interested in guidance on climate resilience, created a Guide to Local Climate Change Adaptation Planning; and WHEREAS, Sustainable Jersey provides a Climate Vulnerability Assessment Technical Assistance Program for municipalities to use the Guide to Local Climate Change Adaptation Planning to complete a Climate Change-Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessment consistent with the NJ law. NOW THEREFORE, the Borough Council of Borough of Madison has determined that Borough of Madison should apply for the aforementioned Climate Vulnerability Assessment Technical Assistance Program. NOW THEREFORE, Borough of Madison will commit to providing staff support for the duration of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Technical Assistance project, including providing planning documents and relevant assessment data and supporting public events and opportunities to share and receive comment on the project. PAGE 12 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 NOW THEREFORE, Borough of Madison will commit to providing a professional planner to review the draft and final version of the Climate Change- Related Vulnerability Assessment for potential adoption into the municipal Master Plan Land Use Plan Element. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Borough Council of the Borough of Madison, State of New Jersey, authorize the submission of the aforementioned application to Sustainable Jersey for Climate Vulnerability Assessment Technical Assistance. R 299-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN ACRES ENABLING RESOLUTION AND APPLICATION (1417-24-007/DODGE FIELD PLAYGROUND) – ($172,500.00) WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program (“State”), provides loans and/or grants to municipal and county governments and grants to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the acquisition and development of lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Madison desires to further the public interest by obtaining a Green Acres grant of $517,500 from the State to fund the following project(s): #1417-24-007 Dodge Field Playground NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Borough Council of the Borough of Madison, THAT: 1. The Mayor (title of authorized official) of the above-named body or board is hereby authorized to execute an agreement and any amendment(s) thereto with the State known as Dodge Field Playground, and; 2. The Borough agrees to provide its matching share to the Green Acres funding, if a match is required, in the amount of $172,500.00, and; 3. The Borough agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations in its performance of the project. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. R 300-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION LEADERSHIP PLEDGE WITH EV ADOPTION LEADERSHIP WHEREAS, the Madison Climate Action Committee and Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee have recommended that the Borough Council approve execution of a pledge to participate in the Charge@work program to include electric vehicle charging and clean transportation access at the workplace; and PAGE 13 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined to approve the execution of the pledge attached hereto. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Borough of Madison the Charge@Work pledge with EV Adoption Leadership. R 301-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON APPROVING RAFFLE LICENSE APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY DREW UNIVERSITY INC. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Madison, County of Morris, State of New Jersey, that the following applications for Raffles Licenses, to be held as listed below, be and the same are hereby approved: DREW UNIVERSITY INC. I.D. No. 274-5-23707 R.A. No. 1594 – On-Premise Merchandise Date of Raffle – January 25, 2025 R.A. No. 1595 – On-Premise 50/50 Date of Raffle – January 25, 2025 R 302-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF AJAY RANGU TO THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has recommended the appointment of Ajay Rangu to the position of Director of Information Technology; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, that Ajay Rangu is hereby appointed to the position of Director of Information Technology. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that he be compensated at the annual salary of $165,000.00 per year. R 303-2024 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF MADISON AUTHORIZING APPOINTMENT OF ARCHEE JOSEPH TO THE POSITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SPECIALIST WHEREAS, the Borough Administrator has recommended the appointment of Archee Joseph to the position of Information Technology (IT) Specialist; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council agrees with this recommendation. PAGE 14 OF 15 Regular Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2024 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Borough of Madison, in the County of Morris, and State of New Jersey, that Archee Joseph is hereby appointed to the position of Information Technology (IT) Specialist. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that he be compensated at the annual salary of $65,000.000 per year. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS On motion by Mr. Range, seconded by Ms. Ehrlich and carried, the following vouchers of the Borough of Madison were approved for payment, and the supporting documentation of said vouchers was made part of the Supplemental Minute Book. Current Fund $6,065,068.19 General Capital Fund 72,865.84 Electric Operating Fund 466,868.86 Electric Capital Fund 0.00 Water Operating Fund 6,442.90 Water Capital Fund 0.00 Trusts 15,423.75 Total $6,626,669.54 The following roll call vote was recorded approving the aforementioned vouchers: Yeas: Ms. Ehrlich, Mr. Landrigan, Mr. Range, Ms. Honohan, Mr. Forte Nays: None Absent: Mr. Haralampoudis NEW BUSINESS - None ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Osborne Borough Clerk Approved November 13, 2024 (EO) PAGE 15 OF 15