Vernon council introduces $1.6M bond ordinance

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council on Monday tussled over the introduction of a new $1.6 million bond ordinance that Mayor Harry Shortway said would cover necessary maintenance and upgrades for the township.
As brought before the council, Ordinance 16-15 calls for the appropriation of $1,614,500 and the issuance of $1,307,000 in bonds. Shortway said the funds would be used to complete a number of projects, including upgrading the township's 911 system, modernizing the township's “antiquated” police desk and paving both Sammis Road and the Lake Wallkill section of town.
“There's been neglect in the past several years for the sake of saving some dollars,” Shortway said. “I will not tolerate nor condone such a philosophy. This administration is committed to protecting municipal property and, more importantly, the health and well-being of municipal employees and the public.”
Though Shortway warned the council failing to pass the ordinance would “jeopardize the safety of this community,” Councilmen Patrick Rizzuto and Dick Wetzel took issue with the ideal of taking on additional debt without a way to offset it. Rizzuto in particular focused his argument on the council's failure to move forward with a plan to expand the township's water and sewer system.
“The township's ability to repay its indebtedness is tied to its tax base and its ability to promote the growth of commercial ratables,” Rizzuto said. “These commercial ratables require necessary infrastructure.”
Like Rizzuto, Wetzel said the town would be hard pressed to repay the debt and maintain a reasonable tax rate for residents without the ability to attract new businesses.
Councilwoman Jean Murphy urged Rizzuto and Wetzel to reconsider their positions based on the importance of the items on the funding list.
The council on Monday also voted to introduce an ordinance that would effectively disband the township's Environmental Commission.
Though the measure drew the ire of former Vernon Mayor Victor Marotta during the public comment portion of the meeting, Shortway said the move is part of the township's effort to save costs and improve efficiency.
That ordinance was passed for introduction in a 4-1 vote, with Rizzuto dissenting. A second reading and public hearing will be held on June 13.
The latter decision came on the heels of presentations from several members of the Environmental Commission during the public comment portion of the meeting. The commission members, including Environmental Commission Chairwoman Beverly Budz, implored the council to take up and approve three different resolutions opposing fracking, bear baiting and logging in the township.
No action was taken on those measures, though Rizzuto voiced his support for the measure against bear baiting.
The council also provided the public with an update following its meeting with county, state and federal officials about parking near the Appalachian Trail boardwalk on Route 517.
The council said no short-term solution had yet been found, but said the group is working on a long-term plan to potentially acquire property and build an additional parking lot for trail visitors.