Resolutions keep Hopewell Borough Council members busy

Action taken on 10 different measures

By Aleen Crispino
   Hopewell Borough Council adopted 10 resolutions and tabled one at its monthly meeting Nov. 3.
   — Resolution 2005-115, titled "Resolution in Support of Cable Television Service Competition," was tabled until next month’s meeting.
   "This resolution is to say that competition for cable TV service is a good thing as opposed to a bad thing," said Mayor David Nettles. "It is in response to legislation pending in Trenton to let Verizon upgrade to offer cable service," he said, adding that cable companies are already approved to offer phone service. "This would allow you to receive cable service over your Verizon phone line," he added.
   "Verizon is expanding its bandwidth; it would like a statewide, blanket approval – we’re only being asked to promote competition," said Councilman Sky Morehouse.
   "Who asked for the resolution?" said Councilman Mark Samse.
   "Verizon groups," said Mayor Nettles.
   Mr. Samse said that council was "not compelled" to pass such a resolution, and that the matter "should be dealt with in Trenton."
   Mayor Nettles suggested tabling of the resolution. Council members concurred.
   — Resolution 2005-116, which was adopted by council, endorses the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
   This agreement, as amended at the 73rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in June 2005, calls on federal and state governments "to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012." According to the agreement, this would have been the Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the United States had it ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
   According to one Web site, "The Kyoto Protocol or Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international treaty on climate change. It is actually an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Countries which ratify this protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases. The objective is the ‘stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.’"
   The agreement requires mayors to take local action, such as setting targets and creating an action plan for reducing "global warming emissions," purchasing only Energy Star equipment and appliances and increasing recycling rates. Energy Star refers to an energy efficiency rating given to a product by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
   Borough Planning Board member Andrew Lea, as a borough resident, spoke before Council in support of the resolution.
   — Resolution 2005-109, adopted by council after discussion, authorizes the mayor and borough administrator to execute a license agreement with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), allowing the use of music written or published by ASCAP members at activities "conducted, sponsored, or presented" by the borough. Dramatic presentations with music are not covered.
   There is an annual license fee of $268, which covers events for which the gross revenue is less than $25,000.
   Borough Clerk/Administrator Michele Hovan said that ASCAP had approached the borough as well as other municipalities about a licensing agreement.
   Mayor Nettles said the borough’s attorney had recommended signing the agreement to protect the borough from being held responsible if a performer at one of its events should neglect to secure an ASCAP member’s permission.
   "They (ASCAP) have inspectors," said Ms. Hovan. "You can be fined." She listed the Memorial Day parade, Hopewell Harvest Fair and Concerts in the Park as events that would be covered.
   Other resolutions approved by council included: approval of payment to CRJ Contracting of Plainfield of $47,065 for materials related to the Hopewell Borough Water Company and New Jersey American Water Company Interconnection Project; and acceptance of performance guarantees and authorization of a developer’s agreement for a minor subdivision of one residential lot into three and the construction of two new dwellings at 11 Hamilton Ave.
   Resolutions approved relating to borough finances include: those involving budget transfers totaling $60,616; the combination of general improvement bonds into a single issue of bonds; the combination of certain issues of water utility bonds into a single issue; the determination of the form and details of general obligation bonds and provision for their sale, and a subordination agreement under a Small Cities Mortgage agreement.
   The next regular meeting of council will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5.