MINUTES - MENDHAM TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD
WORKSHOP MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2001

The meeting of the Mendham Township Planning Board was called to order at 7:45 P.M.

by Mr. Willemsen.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mr. Willemsen, Mr.Tolley, Mr. Buchanan, Mrs. Kinsel, Mr. Maglione,

Mr. Giordano,  Mr. Mountain

Absent: Mr. D’Emidio, Mayor Phelan

Also Present: Mr. MacDonald, Attorney; Mr. Balut, Engineer; Mr. Kimball, Planner; Mr. Aubin, Environmentalist

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THIS MEETING of the Mendham Township Planning Board was given as follows:  Notice was sent to the Daily Record and the Observer Tribune on January 6, 2001, Notice was posted on the Bulletin Board in the Township Hall in Brookside, New Jersey on January 6, 2001 and Notice was filed with the Township Clerk on January 6, 2001.

MINUTES – November 5, 2000 minutes moved, seconded and carried to approve.

MENDHAM GOLF & TENNIS CLUB 

Mr. Lavigne represented the applicant.  He summarized negotiations to-date.  Significant progress was made following an extensive meeting last week by all concerned parties. He believed a mutual solution was very close at hand.  However, Mr. Van Rensselear faxed a letter this afternoon outlining his suggested list of conditions for applicant approval by the Board.  Several recommendations had not been agreed to by the Club.

One issue of great concern to the Van Rensselears is the tennis program as it is currently conducted.  The Club believes that some of the detailed restrictions to be imposed on the tennis operations as he suggested may be overly intrusive and difficult to enforce.

Mr. Willemsen questioned the right of neighbors to be involved in the Club’s operations.  He asked if an agreement on the primary issue to provide the visual screening was reached.

Mr. Lavigne stated they had agreed.  The Club intended to comply with plantings and landscaping in accordance with Mr. Van Rensselear’s suggestion.

Mr. Lavigne did not have an opportunity to discuss the latest requests with his client and was not authorized to agree to any additional conditions.  He requested an adjournment until next month.

Mr. Giordano expressed his observation that the applicant’s checklist was complete.  He would oppose having the Board become involved in setting limits regarding the Club’s operations.  He requested a ruling be made on the information already provided.

In the interests of concluding this hearing tonight, Mr.Willemsen asked both parties to meet in another room to try to resolve their differences.  All parties agreed and exited the room.

No agreement could be reached.  An extension of time until February 4, 2002 was requested by the applicant and granted by the Board.

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
REPORT BY MRS. KINSEL

The West Morris Regional High School District hired a demographer, Sara Weissman, to study enrollments.  She made a presentation of her findings.  A copy of the “Summary of Key Points” will be given to Board members.  The entire study can be viewed online using the West Morris/Mendham link.

New state standards addressing classroom size need to be considered.  Increased enrollment is not a projection but based on actual enrollments that exist today in Mendham Township.  Incoming freshman will out number outgoing seniors by 40 over each of the next 4-5 years.  After that time a decline is expected.

Mr. Tolley pointed out this cycle has been seen before in the Mendhams.

Options will be given to the Public for their consideration.  This study is one tool to be used in determining these options.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT

Mr. Tolley said the Master Plan Subcommittee is seeking input from the Board prior to a formal hearing before the Public.  Additionally, he supplied a copy of the 1998 list of land acquisitions as an example of possible properties for acquisition.

Mr. Kimball was asked to provide an overview of the plan.  He said it was intended to be a strategic document rather than one with specific recommendations. The strategic findings indicate there is a general conclusion that improvement in community facilities are needed based on the desire of many residents.  Many facilities depend on volunteers.  It is important to have quality facilities to continue that good spirit.

Tension exists between the desire to have improved facilities and the desire to maintain Mendham Township’s rural, historic character.  There can be conflicts in these goals.  A need for balance should be sought. Mr. Kimball emphasized the four-bullet summary on Page 6 of the Plan.

Mr. Tolley indicated the key properties would be a revolving list. An advantage to having a list is that it allows prospective sellers and purchasers to be aware the Township may have an interest in purchasing these properties. 

Mr. Tolley requested a memo be sent to the Township Committee asking them to prepare a list of properties to replace the one from 1998 which would be added as an addendum to the new Community Facilities Element.  Their decision is requested before January 31, 2002.

Mr. Tolley asked board members for comments and suggestions for each of the six pages.  Mr. Kimball said he would make the changes.

The Master Plan Subcommittee intends to schedule a Public Hearing in March to decide the last four elements, including the above.

Upon motion made and a vote all aye the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Lillian Smith, Secretary