MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING 

MINUTES 

THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on April 17, 2024; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci, the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Member Hemant Patel, and Secretary Jeff Mogila.  

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Business Administrator Alan Weinberg and Board Planner Nathan Foote (in place of Malvika Apte)

ABSENT: Board Planner Malvika Apte, Board Member Richard Lans, Board Member Kenneth Hilyard, and Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

• 1 Member of the Public was in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – January 10, 2024

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the MINUTES of the January 10, 2024 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Abstain

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq.: 

• RESOLUTION: APPOINTMENT OF BOARD SECRETARY – JEFF MOGILA

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Arnold Riback, the Appoint of Board Secretary – Jeff Mogila was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

• RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN FOR MT-339-18

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Resolution recommending the release of affordable housing lien for MT-318-13 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report; Nathan Foote present

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering – No report, absent

New Business:

• UPDATE ON VETERAN’S HOUSING PROJECT – B.A. ALAN WEINBERG

B.A. Alan Weinberg stated the passing of 60 percent completion on the Veteran’s Housing Project.  Expect marketing to begin summer 2024 with move in approximately December 2024.  Website available to compile interested parties.  Conifer Realty in charge of developing, filling and operating. Conifer will begin outreach.

Old Business:

• No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                              

Michelle Arminio, Township Resident – Mrs. Arminio asked why Piazza & Associates must be involved.  Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci explained they are the administrative agent for Affordable Housing so they would have to share information with Conifer as they have been compiling a Veterans list of those interested in applying.  Mrs. Arminio asked if the 4^th round counts the 3^rd round rate contributions. Board Attorney Jerome Convery stated there’s carry over from 3^rd round to 4^th round and the builder must honor the obligation from the 3^rd round.  Mrs. Arminio asked who owns the rentals.  Board Attorney Jerome Convery stated the developers own the rentals.  Mrs. Arminio asked what had already been built.  B.A. Alan Weinberg stated we have been following COAH schedules, all within target of COAH guidance.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Jeffrey Mogila

Affordable Housing Secretary

                                    NEXT MEETING: OCTOBER 9, 2024

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING 

MINUTES 

WEDNESDAY, January 10, 2024 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 29, 2023; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci, the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Member Kenneth Hilyard, Member Richard Lans and Member Hemant Patel. 

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Board Planner Malvika Apte and Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.

ABSENT: Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

• Member of the Public was in attendance.

Re-Appointment of Board Attorney:  Jerome J. Convery, Esq.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Re-Appointment of Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Esq. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Re-Appointment of Board Vice-Chairman:  Randy Beverly

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Re-Appointment of Board Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Board Planning Consultant: Robert Russo, PP, of CME Associates

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chariman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Appointment of Board Planning Consultant Robert Russo, PP, of CME Associates was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Rehabilitation: Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE

UPON MOTION made by vice-Chariman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Richard Lans, the Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Rehabilitation – Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Services: Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the Appointment of Consulting Engineer for Affordable Housing Services – Center State Engineering, Mark Rasimowicz, PE was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Reorganization: Appointment of Administrative Agent for Affordable Housing: Piazza & Associates

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Appointment of Administrative Agent for Affordable Housing – Piazza & Associates was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

• Engineer Rasimowicz gave a brief overview of the need for Professional Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Legal and Planning Services, stating that Round 4 is coming up in 2025 and this will give us a head start in working on it. He went on to say that Ms. Beahm has worked on the Township’s Master Plan and our Township Attorney, Louis Rainone, has worked on the Round 3 obligation so it is important for these two appointments so work can be done cooperatively.

• Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Legal Services:

Township Attorney (Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC) - Louis N. Rainone, Esq.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Richard Lans, the Prof. Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Legal Services - Township Attorney (Rainone, Coughlin, Minchello, LLC) - Louis N. Rainone, Esq. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Abstain

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

• Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Planning Services:

Planner (Leon S. Avakian) – Jennifer Beahm, P.E., P.P., C.M.E., C.P.W.M.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the Prof. Services Contract for Round 4 Affordable Housing Planning Services: -Planner (Leon S. Avakian) – Jennifer Beahm, P.E., P.P., C.M.E., C.P.W.M. was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – October 11, 2023

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the MINUTES of the October 11, 2023 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq. – No Report.

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering – No Report.

New Business:

• Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci shared that in the Spring of 2024 we will be working on promoting the Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program by advertising in the Monroe News and possibly putting a flier in with the tax/sewer bill mailings.

Old Business:

• No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                            

Michelle Arminio, Township Resident – Mrs. Arminio asked if there were any reports to which she was told there were none at this time.

Mrs. Arminio asked if there will be a Special Master appointed to Round 4 to which Board Planner Malvika Apte responded.

Mrs. Arminio asked about applications received by Piazza & Associates for the Veteran’s Housing project to which Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci responded that there have been no applications given out yet as the project is still being completed but an interest list is being compiled for those to receive an application once available.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel the meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Absent

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Tanya Pannucci

Affordable Housing Coordinator

NEXT MEETING: APRIL 10, 2024

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023 @ 6:00PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 30, 2022; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Affordable Housing Secretary Alicia Gonzalez, the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Member Richard Lans, Member Hemant Patel, Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback.  

ALSO PRESENT: Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci, Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Board Planner Malvika Apte and Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.

ABSENT: Board Member Kenneth Hilyard.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(1) Member of the Public was in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – July 12, 2023

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback, the MINUTES of the July 12, 2023 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq.:

• RESOLUTION APPOINTING PROFESSIONAL TREE CONSULTANT IN REGARD TO THE VETERANS HOUSING PROJECT

Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery stated that the Administration indicated the need for tree removal services in regard to the Veterans Housing Project.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the Resolution appointing a professional tree consultant in regard to the Veterans Housing Project was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

• RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN MT-362-21

Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery gave a brief overview of the request for hardship consideration of MT-362-21 stating that the homeowner has passed away and the family is wanting to now sell the property.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Richard Lans and seconded by Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback, the Resolution recommending the release of affordable housing lien for MT-362-21 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering

• RESOLUTION APPROVING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CONSULTING ENGINEER IN REGARD TO THE VETERANS HOUSING PROJECT

Engineer Rasimowicz explained that this resolution was for Engineering funds in regard to the Veterans Housing Project to come directly from the Affordable Housing Trust.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi, the Resolution approving additional funds for consulting Engineer in regard to the Veterans Housing Project was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

• RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CONTRACT MT-379-22

Engineer Rasimowicz explained that this resolution was for a Change Order which decreased the contract amount by $82.00, making the final amount $45,110.00.

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Resolution authorizing change order #1 and final payment for rehabilitation contract MT-379-22 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

New Business:

• No new business.

Old Business:

• No old business.

Public Comment:                                                                                                                

Michelle Arminio, Township Resident – Mrs. Arminio stated the Midpoint Review was supposed to be presented at the last Affordable Housing meeting and asked where and when it would be presented. Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci stated that it was presented at the April 19, 2023 Affordable Housing meeting and that it was provided to her at that time and also located on the Township website. Mrs. Arminio asked how many affordable housing units under the settlement have been constructed. Board Planner Malvika Apte stated that information is listed in the Midpoint Review that is located on the Township website but did not know the exact number of units at this time. Mrs. Arminio asked if any developments were being built that did not have any affordable housing units and if the developers paid the affordable housing developer fees. Board Attorney Jerome Convery stated that currently any developers not under obligation to build affordable housing units under the settlement would pay the affordable housing developer fees. Mrs. Arminio stated that Director Joseph Stroin told her that 96% of the building is under the affordable housing settlement and that only 4% of new construction is not. Mrs. Arminio stated that the Township should look to the future as any new construction not accounted for under the affordable housing settlement or counted towards future affordable housing settlements may be used against the Township. Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that no developer is building without either paying the affordable housing developer fee or building affordable housing units in conjunction with the required number of affordable units per the most recent Affordable Housing settlement. He went on to state that the Veteran Housing Project initially had 37 approved affordable housing units but we have increased that total to 80 affordable housing units, having those additional 43 units put towards the next affordable housing obligation. Mrs. Arminio stated that the Township does not have “organic growth”, which she went on to explain means having a population grow slowly and naturally. Mrs. Arminio went on to opinionize that our Township has grown exponentially in the past few years because of the additional 4,800 – 5,000 units being constructed and has negatively impacted the school district as it cannot keep up with the rapid growth and our children deserve to be taught inside schools and not cramped classrooms or trailers. Lastly, Mrs. Arminio stated that our Governing Body needs to do more to curtail the ongoing overdevelopment.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Tanya Pannucci, Affordable Housing Coordinator

                                    NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 10, 2024

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 30, 2022; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci, the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Member Hemant Patel, Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback.

ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery and Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.

ABSENT: Board Secretary Alicia Gonzalez, Board Planner Malvika Apte and Board Member Kenneth Hilyard.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(2)    Members of the Public were in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – April 19, 2023

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the MINUTES of the April 19, 2023 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Abstain

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Abstain

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq.:

• RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN FOR MT-340-18

Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery gave a brief overview of the request for hardship consideration of MT-340-18 stating that the homeowner has passed away and the family is wanting to now sell the property.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Resolution recommending the release of affordable housing lien for MT-340-18 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

• RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE RELEASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN FOR MT-318-13

Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery explained that this was a resolution modifying a previous resolution approved at the April 13, 2022 Affordable housing Board Meeting which recommended releasing two liens for MT-318-13 upon repayment due to a financial hardship the homeowners were experiencing requiring them to now sell their home. This resolution modifies the amount to be paid back to the Township as the lien has now been in place for eight years and six months requiring only 50% of repayment to be made.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Resolution recommending the release of affordable housing lien for MT-318-13 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte – No Report, Absent.

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering

• RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CONTRACT MT-380-23

Engineer Rasimowicz explained that this resolution was for a Change Order which decreased the contract amount by $10,865, making the final amount $54,325.00.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Hemant Patel and seconded by Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback, the Resolution authorizing change order #1 and final payment for rehabilitation contract MT-380-23 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

New Business:

• No new business.

Old Business:

• No old business.

Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci reminded the Board of the groundbreaking ceremony for our Veteran’s Housing project which will take place next Thursday, June 20^th at 9:30am. She added that it is requested for those interested in attending to please be at Patriot’s Park by 9:15am as the ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30am.

Public Comment:                                                                                                                 

Michelle Arminio, Township Resident – Mrs. Arminio asked in reference to the release of liens, why they could not be paid back to the Township at the time of closing; Board Attorney Jerome Convery answered that they typically are. Mrs. Arminio commented that allowing the liens to be paid prior to closing would then allow the property to be marketed at a higher value due to the work that has been done. Board Attorney Jerome Convery rebutted that could be true but is not considered for our purposes. Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci added that the discharge of lien is not considered by Council until payment has been made per the Board’s recommendation resolution.

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and seconded by Board Member Richard Lans the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Absent

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Aye

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Aye

Tanya Pannucci

Affordable Housing Coordinator

                                    NEXT MEETING: OCTOBER 11, 2023

MONROE TOWNSHIP AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MEETING

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023 @ 6:30PM

The Township of Monroe Affordable Housing Board met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen with a Salute to the Flag.

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen requested the Board Attorney to read the following SUNSHINE LAW:

In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:

1. Posted on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk;
2. Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
3. Printed in the Home News Tribune on December 30, 2022; and
4. Posted on the Monroe Township website

UPON ROLL CALL by the Board Secretary Alicia Gonzalez, the following members of the Board were present: Chairwoman Miriam Cohen, Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, Member Hemant Patel, Board Member Kenneth Hilyard, Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi

ALSO PRESENT: Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci, Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery, Board Planner Malvika Apte, and Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.

ABSENT: Board Planner Robert Russo, Board Member Richard Lans and Alternate II Board Member Arnold Riback

Chairwoman Miriam Cohen confirmed that there is a five (5) minute standing rule that applies for the public portion of the meeting.

(1)    Member of the Public was in attendance.

Approval of Minutes: MTAHB Meeting – January 11, 2023

UPON MOTION made by Alternate I Board Member Andrea Pellezzi and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the MINUTES of the January 11, 2023 Monroe Township Affordable Housing Board Meeting were approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Board Attorney’s Report, Jerome J. Convery, Esq.:

Board Attorney Jerome J. Convery stated he had no report and would defer to Planning to review the Annual Review Report.

Board Planner’s Report, Malvika Apte, PP:

Board Planner Malvika Apte presented and reviewed the Midpoint Review with the Affordable Housing Board which will be posted to the Township website.

• RESOLUTION – APPROVAL OF ANNUAL REPORT

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Kenneth Hilyard and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel, the Resolution approving the annual report was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Board Engineer’s Report, Mark Rasimowicz, Centerstate Engineering:

• RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CONTRACT MT-375-22

Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated the change order was a reduction to the original contract in the amount of $2,968.37 making the final contract amount to be $66,277.63.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Kenneth Hilyard and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the Resolution authorizing change order #1 and final payment for rehabilitation contract for MT-375-22 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

• RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CONTRACT MT-377-22

Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated the change order was a reduction to the original contract in the amount of $204.25 making the final contract amount to be $34,667.75.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Kenneth Hilyard and seconded by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly, the Resolution authorizing change order #1 and final payment for rehabilitation contract for MT-377-22 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

• RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #1 AND FINAL PAYMENT FOR REHABILITATION CONTRACT MT-378-22

Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated the change order was a reduction to the original contract in the amount of $2,710.00 making the final contract amount to be $35,750.00.

UPON MOTION made by Vice-Chairman Randy Beverly and seconded by Board Member Kenneth Hilyard, the Resolution authorizing change order #1 and final payment for rehabilitation contract for MT-378-22 was approved.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

New Business:

• No new business.

Old Business:

• Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci stated that the updated Affordable Housing Rehabilitation flyer will be in the next Monroe News. She stated she will also be sending the updated flyer/brochure to the Homeowner’s Associations of each Planned Retirement Community starting with the older communities first.

Public Comment:                                                                                                         

• Michelle Arminio – Township resident - requested clarification regarding the ratio that Developers are to build market rate units vs. affordable units. Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that the general formula is a 1/5 or 1/4 ratio when building market rate units with an overall 20% of market rate units built compared to when affordable units are built. Mrs. Arminio asked if it was possible to see the number of affordable units each Development is obligated to build. Board Engineer Mark Rasimowicz stated that that information can be found in the 1999 – 2025 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan which is on the Township website. Mrs. Arminio suggested that we reach out to the Board of Education to provide the Township’s Rehabilitation flyer to those who receive free/reduced lunches and to put in Recreation Center. Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci stated that the Monroe News is distributed to all residents of Monroe Township. Mrs. Arminio asked for clarification on how the lottery system works when choosing income qualified applicants for rental units. Affordable Housing Coordinator Tanya Pannucci provided the written lottery explanation from Piazza and Associates website and stated if her explanation and the written document still leaves Mrs. Arminio with questions then she is welcome to reach out to Piazza and Associates for further clarification.

UPON MOTION made by Board Member Kenneth Hilyard and seconded by Board Member Hemant Patel the meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.

ROLL CALL:   Chairwoman, Miriam Cohen                             Aye

                        Vice-Chairman, Randy Beverly                         Aye

                        Board Member, Kenneth Hilyard                       Aye

                        Board Member, Richard Lans                            Absent

                        Board Member, Hemant Patel                           Aye

                        Alternate I Board Member, Andrea Pellezzi       Aye

                        Alternate II Board Member, Arnold Riback        Absent

Alicia Gonzalez

Affordable Housing Board Secretary

NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023