Vernon Township Council discusses action on a number of fronts

VERNON-A brief rundown matters discussed at the Vernon Township council meeting May 24: - NJDEP deputy commissioner Jay Watson was scheduled to tour the Maple Grange and possibly Van Dokkenburg properties May 25 as part of ongoing negotiations for the township recreation fields and proposed centralized park. Township manager Don Teolis and Vernon councilman Neil Desmond were scheduled to conduct Watson through the properties he wishes to view. - Gene Osias, Vernon health officer, distributed several radon kits to councilmembers in order to publicize the fact that the kits are now available on a first come, first served basis from the Vernon health office. The office currently has about 80 kits, obtained through a grant, which it is making available to Vernon residents free of charge. - The council voted unanimously to approve a service contract with General Code. The company will codify all township ordinances, which will be made available through the town Web site. More information on the company may be found at: http://www.generalcode.com. - The council discussed the first "Coffee with the Council" session held May 22 in Highland Lakes. Councilmembers Neil Desmond and Philip Weiler met with about 40 residents to discuss community concerns. The council was encouraged by the turnout, and another session is planned for June 12. -The council informally discussed the formation of a town center guidelines committee consisting of two representatives from the developers involved and two "neutral" seats to be filled by non-involved local professionals, such as a landscaper or contractor. No formal action on the proposal has been taken yet. - Vernon mayor Ira Weiner attended a press conference on the Highlands bill making its way through the Senate. Although Weiner acknowledged there are still serious concerns regarding the bill, he made it a point to recognize the work Senator Robert E. Littell has done on the bill. Littell has done "a wonderful job," Weiner said. - In her comments to the council, Vernon deputy mayor Janet Morrison stated she would like to form an internship program for students at Sussex County Community College and Sussex County Vocational Technical School. Morrison received a thumbs up from her fellow council members after mentioning she would be willing to do the "leg work."