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Administrator Torres was looking for Council support to amend administrative charges for releasing a vehicle. He said at times vehicles could be subject to additional investigation and there would be a fee for releasing the vehicle, about $15 to $20. This is only if the vehicle is in storage and would be paid by the owner of the vehicle. Council felt this is more of a tax, and the Township should be looking for ways to cut costs instead of increasing taxes and spending more. Captain Siedler of the Police Department felt the fee would be helpful to cover costs when a vehicle is used in an crime and the Police Department handles the storage and notification to owners. Council felt that is different and understood that, and agreed with a storage fee if the vehicle has to be stored at the Police Department. Attorney Cipriani will develop an ordinance and forward it to the Police Department for review.

Administrator Torres received communication from the Ocean County Agricultural Board for participation in the Planning Incentive Grant (PIG) and asked for approval and support of purchasing 1,700 acres for preservation. Resolution for December 13.

Administrator Torres announced the event.

Administrator Torres said this system would be helpful to document time taken and earned and assist manpower in maintaining the time records of all employees. Resolution to be prepared for the December 13 meeting.

RAYMOND CATTONAR, 11 FORDHAM ROAD produced a 16-page report of how in-house legal services would save money. Council received copies from the Mayor this evening. He proposed that the Township hire an in-house attorney and paralegal. He feels there could be significant savings. He said he would petition the town to have this put on an ordinance. Council President Bressi stated that Mr. Cattonar did a nice job on the report and that he would review it. He noted the suggestion for shared services with the Board of Ed and that the Township attorney has stated we couldn't do that, at least several times. He suggested Mr. Cattonar make a presentation to the Board of Education and that a copy of this report should be presented to the Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee, and in the meantime, Council could research the content of the report. Council President Bressi said this is more appropriately reviewed during the budget workshop hearings in the near future. Attorney Cipriani's opinion remained consistent that the shared legal services could not be combined with the Board of Education and she would ask the State Ethics Committee for an advisory opinion. Mr. Cattonar asked the current status of the budget and was told the numbers are preliminary and they are looking to finalize contract agreements before the end of the year. Mr. Cattonar said in house attorney rates could be 50% of what is in place now.

BOB BLAIR, 35 BANBURY LANE spoke of Lacey Township furlough pay. PERC sided with the union in that town, and consequently, Jackson Township TWU is suing for back pay up to $200,000. He asked if outside legal counsel approved of the decision to furlough and Attorney Cipriani said she is not labor counsel and could not comment. Mr. Blair asked Administrator Torres if there is an accrual for these monies. Administrator Torres said no, the furlough plan was approved by the administrative code, and approved by the Department of Civil Service and then agreed to by PERC. It is a matter of litigation at this point. Attorney Cipriani knew there are many municipalities that relied on the administrative code provision and the approval from Civil Service. There is a precedent from PERC and there may be precedents from the Appellate Division as well. Mr. Blair said the last Council meeting passed ordinance 35-11 with police promotions and an increase in police officers. Council disagreed with the numbers, saying the wording was changed from 87 officers to up to 87 officers. Mr. Blair said there was no reason to do so. Councilman Martin said it doesn't mean there are 87 officers, it removed the requirement to actually have 87 officers. Mr. Blair said in June, the officers were being laid off. Then they weren't and there wasn't a good explanation for it. Council President Bressi stated there were give backs to save those jobs last year. Mr. Blair stated