North Hanover Committee looks at construction

North Hanover Committeeman Patrick Kennedy will be the point man for the construction meetings listening to the contractor and relaying information back to the township committee.

During Thursday's township meeting, information from the pre-construction meeting was discussed.

Kennedy mentioned that "the contractor (R.B. Reynolds) is still waiting for contracts." Ground breaking ceremonies for both municipal and firehouse improvements will be held tentatively on January 31.

Additional work for the firehouse includes ceramic tiles, partitions for walls and doorframes, rough inwiring for light switches, grease trap, toilet partition, and mirrors. It seems that costs for these items will be checked with the contractor and if these amounts are too high, then other contractors will be found after the work is finished at the firehouse.

Kennedy made it known that the "side additions need to be completed first before the downstairs is started." Another piece of information was "laying block or pouring concrete." Concrete was decided upon since weather affects block. There will no cost change to the bid amount. Elaine Hinkle, Township Clerk, commented, "They (contractor) are ready to start." In addition, the township is "waiving all fees for permits." Construction meetings will be held every two weeks.

Committeeman Kennedy updated the township committee upon "the preliminary costs of purchasing an antenna tower. Approximate cost is $60,000 of a tower that is 200 feet high and has 100-mile capacity with load. Kennedy will sit down with purchasing agent to compose a letter to area telecommunications company to see if any interest arises. In addition, a letter will be prepared and mailed to the Burlington County Freeholders explaining the township position.

George Ivens requested to be put on an agenda in order to discuss the grid matter (change) of the Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company. Committeeman Kennedy commented on the new ambulance service of the Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company "is taking calls away from New Egypt First Aid Squad. We will cutback on calls."

Mayor John Kocubinski remarked on the fact that township committee discussed in the past "If North Hanover were ever to have a first aid squad, than there would be a potential change. We base budget on number of calls. If less calls, then less money. New Egypt (FAS) is doing a great job." The township committee agreed to ask First Aid Squads of New Egypt, Wrightstown, and Jacobstown to a meeting on Saturday, January 22, 2000.

The township committee discussed the recent state legislation that passed regarding police and firemen retirement system. Bills S-1742 and A-2328 would give police and firemen personnel the right to retire after 20 years. In addition, they would receive retirement allowance equaling 50% compensation. The bills are on the Governor's desk for signature.

The township committee remarked, "The Township would incur more costs. Money from the tax revenue would contribute" to the retirement allowance. Last year, the township committee approved Resolution 1999-73 that opposed both pieces of legislation. The township committee agreed to fax and/or call the state with opposition to the legislation.

The township received a letter from a North Hanover resident. This resident believes he should not be charged with COAH fees. The land was apparently subdivided in 1993 and COAH was enforced in 1996. A house was built on the property recently. Committeeman Kennedy expressed, "It's not a subdivision fee." Part of the township ordinance (relating to COAH fees) mentions that developer to be exempt in certain situations. Committeeman Kennedy said, "Need to see all of the ordinance before final determination."

Two mercantile licenses to a towing company and a kennel were approved. First petty cash fund was denied. Elaine Hinkle, Township Clerk, said, "I'll re-do it." It appears a title needs to be corrected/added. Bowman & Company, auditing company of township, has a seminar for flexible charter accounts on January 27, 2000. The township recommended that someone could go with Barbara Sprowl, Chief Financial Officer for North Hanover, as she "does not want to go alone." Sprowl would like to attend another meeting located in Voorhees (cost $75.00).

The township committee approved Hinkle's request to attend Masters of Municipal Clerk Academy. This class would enable Hinkle to get certification of highest municipal clerk level. The cost is $302.00; the dates are February 28-29, 2000. The township committee received packets containing information for the new budget. It seems that line items categories will need to be changed. This year, utilities, telephones, and insurance are mandated to be changed.

This changed has occurred due to citizens in towns have asked on how much their municipality is spending (such as how much is governing body spending? How much is municipal clerk spending?). Hinkle commented, "It is strange. We are a small town. It will be difficult."

Resolution 2000-13 was approved. This resolution involves the State of Police (SOP) #10. In particular, this section deals with evidence. Committeewoman Nancy Morrow stated, "Tightened chain of evidence to be secure." The township is revising duties and compensation for mobile homes position.

In other news, township tennis courts may be bubbling. The township will look into this situation. In addition, the township has a third fund of $25,000 (from state) "to take initiative on and what to spend it on." Thoughts ranged from gas grills, tennis wall, shelter with tables and lights, water. The items focused upon were gas grills, shelter, and a well.

A reminder was given to Committeeman Kenneth Inman, Mayor Kocubinski, and Deputy Mayor Brian Johnson (he did not attend the meeting as he was sick). These three township committee members signed up to attend Annual Mayor's Legislative Day on January 26, 2000.

Mayor John Kocubinski was appointed Chairman of the Board of Health. Minutes of the December 28, 1999 health meeting were approved. Correspondence included a news brief from the National Association of the local boards of health.

The next meeting of the North Hanover Township Committee will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 7:45 p.m. It will be located in the municipal building.