BOT Meeting re-cap 11-26-12

The following is a brief unofficial recap of many items that occurred or were discussed at the November 26, 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

Presentations

Adam Loehner shared an update on upcoming activities at Seton Hall

Public Comments

• Robert Sandow - Expressed concerns about Village trees in Tuxedo Park after two trees fell on houses during storm;  Requested the trees be inspected.

CDBG Block Grant Program - First Hearing

The Village received $174k in 2010 & 2011 for SOPAC Debt Service.  Plan is to ask for $250k this year.

Consent Agenda

5 items on Consent Agenda, passed 5-0

2012-262 Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Contract without Competitive Bidding for Energy Consulting Services, passed 3-2 (Trustee Gould & I opposed)

2012-263 Resolution Authorizing the award of a Contract without Competitive Bidding to Robert Verry to act as a hearing officer, passed 4-1 (I opposed)

Reports

• Public Information and Marketing Committee members will be appointed at next meeting
• Resolution to be introduced at next BOT meeting to send a strong message to NJ Transit about scheduling
• Administrator Lewis attended FEMA meeting and submitted initial request to be reimbursed for 75% of storm-related expenses and 30 days for storm cleanup and debris removal
• Budget Workshop scheduled for December 13
• Debt Management study - significant portion of debt are in BANs (Bond Anticipation Notes) which have a more aggressive pay-down schedule and subject to volatility of market ; recommendations will be forthcoming to eliminate uncertainties and shift to longer term funding with lower interest rates
• Village Hall  - preliminary report on asbestos is being reviewed;  Finalized plans for trailers;  50% design plans for Construction are under review by cost estimator
• EOWC - Village is still engaged in discovery; Holland Rd interconnection still open; Latest water testing results will be posted to Village website

Finance

• Resolution awarding contract to Everbridge is expected at next BOT Meeting for Reverse 911 system
• 2013 Cash Mgt plan to be put together
• Munidex cashiering program - looking to replace another module to integrate cashiering with accounting
• RFPs have been posted for professional services
• Resolution awarding contract for new email system is expected at next meeting
• Looking at Contract Management Systems

Planning & Zoning

• Meeting to be held on December 19

Public Safety

• Meeting to be held on November 29

Public Works

• Meeting to be held on November 28

Recreation

• Meeting to be held on November 27

Discussion

Ordinance 2012-22  - purchasers on the Avenue will be at next meeting to answer any questions

OPMA  - The Board discussed the (OPMA) Open Public Meeting Act.

For any questions or comments, please post below or email me at mgoldberg@southorange.org