Township Committee Meeting – November 16, 2011

Resident Mike Meade agreed that the Township  “did a good job” and noted that the town’s website was operational.  Another resident, Alf Newlin, asked if the town could “get control of its own destiny” perhaps by subcontracting trucks from other towns.

Committee man Nic Platt praised various departments:  the Police for excellent outreach to residents and said the DPW; DPW for outstanding performance and Adminsitration for “working their magic.”  He said residents need more accurate prediction of when service will be restored, even if the prediction is dishearteningly distant.

The Garden Club is recommending that the town get advice from an arborist on tree maintenance.

There also seemed to be a consensus that getting information from PCP&L about the architecture of the electric grid in Harding would be helpful to help understand why certain locations are lit while others very close are dark.  This could help to prioritize emergency services and reduce resident frustration.

Other Items…

Citizens park Advisory Committee voted to replace the unhealthy Christmas tree in Bayne Park with a new one.  The exact location is to be determined but it will not be on Kirby Hall grounds.

Tax Appeals Settled. (1) 1200 Mt Kemble Road, formerly Dendrite.  Reduction in taxes of $82,795.  Commercial buildings property taxes are a function of income generated not property value as with a residence.  With the building 30% vacant, the tax owner, Alferi, made the successful appeal. (2) Gewelli, 72 Millbrook Rd, reduction totaling $11, 530 for two years 2010 and 2011.

Resident asked how much property taxes were lost due to the open space acquisition of the Primrose Preserve property.  Estimate of $160,000 – half of which will impact the school, and a quarter of which will come hit each of the Township and the County.

Appointments to Harding Open Space Trust – Tim Stevens (Harding Land Trust representative) and James Morgan (Environment Commission representative).  Both these organizations have representation on HOST by statute.

Donation by Committeeman Lanzerotti accepted.  $700 annual donation to fund scientific data collection on the chemistry of Bayne Park pond to establish baseline conditions so in the future it we can know if the corrective actions had an effect.

Purchase of Emergency Generator approved. (Cost - $60K , $30-35k equipment and $35-30K installation).  The recent storms have shown the inadequacy of the current 35 year old generator,  It broke down and will require costly repairs and it only supports the Police Department and a small bank of outlets. 

Operator for Sewer Pumping Station Hired.  (Cost $10,640 per year).   Well qualified, with a network of technicians and based closer (E Hanover) than previous operator.

Township Christmas Party – Dec 16^th late afternoon at the New Vernon Fire Department.