STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 12, 2025
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 6:02 p.m. Mayor L. Chammings stated that this meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of P.L. 1975, Ch. 231, Secs. 4 & 13 the Sunshine Law and that adequate notice of the meeting has been published in the New Jersey Herald as to the time, place, and date of meetings, and is posted in the usual location of posted notices in the municipal building as well as electronically on the township website.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Committeewoman D. Delaney, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, Committeeman G. Scott, Mayor L. Chammings
Also Present: Township Attorney Eric Bernstein, Esq., and Deputy Township Clerk J. Leatham
EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, with all members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 6:03 p.m.
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting under certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from that portion of this meeting.
2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows: Personnel, Attorney-Client, Litigation/Potential Litigation & Contract
3. As nearly as can now be ascertained, the matter or matters to be discussed at this time will be disclosed to the public when such matters are resolved.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to go back into Regular Session at 7:11 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the record should reflect that all members of the governing body present, commencing from Executive Session, are present to recommence the open session, along with the Township Attorney and the Deputy Township Clerk. Also present during a portion of executive session were the CFO T. Leonard, Zoning Official T. Dixon, and Tax Collector T. Beshada. There was a discussion relative to salary increases and annual adjustments. Formal action will be taken at the next meeting.
The Township Committee took a brief break until 7:20 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Committeeman D. Manser
Committeeman D. Manser stated that the Stillwater Township School had their “Week of Respect,” which included various special events. The NJSP brought the helicopter for the students to tour. The gym needs repairs/replacement, and they were given an estimate of $5 million, so they’re looking for a 2nd opinion. The school also had Halloween festivities, including a costume parade and PTA-sponsored Trunk or Treat.
Committeeman D. Manser stated that the recycling center has been busy and doing good. There are still some co-mingling issues in one of the dumpsters. He stated that he doesn’t think it’s intentional; people just don’t realize certain items are not recyclable. He asked if anyone had a question on something, to please just ask instead of throwing it in.
Committeewoman D. Delaney
The Planning Board meeting was cancelled as there was no business to discuss.
Kittatinny Little League generously donated $1,500 to the Recreation Commission to chip in for half of the new mound at Veterans Park. There is a Senior Game Night on November 14th from 6-8 p.m. at the Community Center. Trunk or Treat had 16 trunks and went very well. She thanked Recreation Commission member Traci Trotter and Municipal Clerk Valerie Ingles for organizing the event. There was also a Halloween home decorating contest. Residents were encouraged to vote online for their favorite. There were 127 votes cast online. The holiday tree lighting celebration will be on December 5th from 6-8 p.m. at the Community Center. Recreation had its budget discussion. There will be breakfast with Santa at the Firehouse on December 14th. Lastly, there will be a pop-up vendor fair on November 22nd at the Community Center. There are about 20 vendors registered.
Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey
Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that the next Zoning Board meeting is on November 17th. At the last meeting, they had one resolution for 1003 Route 521. they also reviewed an application for completeness and had a hearing for 907 Morningside Drive, which was approved.
The Fire Department will be preparing their Thanksgiving Dinners on November 24th and distributed them on November 25th. These meals are free to any residents in need, just call the firehouse and let them know your address and how many meals are needed. They also accept donations of turkeys or Weis/Shoprite/Walmart gift cards. Please coordinate with the firehouse for turkey drop off, and any gift cards can be left in the red box. They will also be having a free breakfast available to all residents and their families on December 14th from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Ambulance is up at the DPW and is out of service. It was sold on Municibid, and the Striker stretcher has been removed.
Committeeman G. Scott
Committeeman G. Scott stated that October was a busy month for asphalt & park maintenance for the DPW. Possum Hill has been freshened up. Potters and Saddleback have been refreshed. They used the hotbox to also fill in other miscellaneous potholes. They have been busy taking trees down. they’ve done Kubota maintenance, including new tires. There is an Ordinance on the agenda tonight for DPW equipment, for the purchase of a tow-behind man life. The trucks are snow-ready with the plows and salt spreaders in tow. The new containers/canopy at the DPW for equipment storage is set up.
Mayor L. Chammings
Mayor L. Chammings stated that there was a Trails Stewardship meeting on October 10th with the County Planner, Facility Manager, State Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail, Kittatinny State Park Administration, Byram Environmental Commission, and Tammie Horsefield. Common goals were discussed for Stewardship, Promotion, and Connectivity.
On October 11th, the Historical Society had its Fall Festival. The weather was a little better than the Bicentennial, as it did not pour. It was a good day overall. It was also the day that Stillwater’s DPW employee, Doug, got married.
On October 19th, there were two historical markers unveiled. She thanks Historical Society member Andy Martin for his guidance and persistence in obtaining the historical markers.
On October 20th, there was an Environmental Commission meeting. Wild & Scenic River was discussed, and again, Stillwater expressed concerns. They are not on board with the study that is to be done. They also received their ANJAC award for the 40-year water quality control report.
October 22nd was the Sussex County Economic Development Commission dinner. BCC passed a resolution supporting grants for Trail Stewardship as recommended by OSC. She was also given the Mayor of the Year award and thanked Vera & Dawn for attending. She thanks everyone, stating that it’s because of the township staff, committees, and boards all working together. Many hands make light work!
October 26th was Recreation’s Trunk or Treat event.
October 31st Habitat for Humanity invited her to a site they’re remediating. She said that it was great to get to see what the volunteers are doing and to add the township in their communications to be able to aid in the renovations.
November 6th was the SCCC president’s reception at the Conservatory. It was very informative, and the goals of the college are to be well-rounded, to Corey Homer, Herb Yardley, and Chrissy Quinn from Sparta.
On November 8th there was a brunch at Mountain Creek for Mayors. The main topic was the Opioid Settlement Fund. She brought the information back to D. Tighe, as she is the Municipal Alliance Coordinator.
On November 9th there was a presentation by Andy Martin at the church on the History of Religion, but she could not attend.
November 10th was another Environmental Commission meeting. There was a discussion of GP8 restrictions. She congratulated the Environmental Commission and Dr. Lippencott for receiving Honorable Mention. They will continue moving forward with their goals for water quality.
On November 12th there was a safety meeting at the Stillwater Elementary School, as OEM, along with law enforcement.
Committeeman G. Scott thanks Committeeman D. Manser and Mayor L. Chammings for going to look over the trucks with DPW Acting Supervisor J. Gardner while he couldn’t.
Committeeman D. Manser stated that it was a very good deal on both trucks. They’re both used and in great shape. They got a great deal on both of them by buying used rather than new, which saved taxpayers a lot of money.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: None
PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)
Public Session Open at 7:49 pm.
No public comment.
Public Session Closed at 7:50 pm.
OLD BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE 2025-02B
AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIED AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2025
BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, as it follows;
Section 1. The Township of Stillwater shall pay it municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below. Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.
POSITION: Police Dept. Purging
SALARY RANGE: $20.00-$25.00 per hour
Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by the Ordinance shall be made active as of the first payroll of 2025 unless otherwise noted.
Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer of employees of the Township of Stillwater. Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon the availability of funds.
Section 4. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage according to law.
A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to open the discussion on Ordinance 2025-02B to the public.
No public comment. Public Session Closed.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Ordinance 2025-02B.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
ORDINANCE 2025-18
AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF CAPITAL ORDINANCE 2025-16
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater no longer intends to purchase a Tow Behind Man-Life; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies that no funds were transferred from the Storm Emergency Trust Fund, and no funds will be transferred from the Trust Fund for the purchase of the Tow Behind Man-Lift, the unused debt authorizations and/or grant receivables may be canceled;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the following Capital Ordinance be canceled:
ORDINANCE #: 2025-16
GENERAL CAPITAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Tow Behind Man-Lift
AMOUNT CANCELLED: Funded $40,000.00
To be canceled to Storm Emergency Trust Fund: $40,000.00
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, to Introduce Ordinance 2025-18.
Ordinance 2025-18 will be up for adoption on December 2, 2025.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Commiteeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Blue Light Permit for Leslie Shauger Sr.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to approve the blue light permit for Les Shauger Sr.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Commiteeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
CONSENT AGENDA – All items with an Asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non-controversial in nature. All such items will be handled by one (1) motion and one (1) second, and one (1) vote. There will be no separate discussion of any of these items unless a Committee member requests the same, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
*MINUTES: October 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes & Executive Session Minutes
*CORRESPONDENCE:
- Stillwater Township Environmental Commission September 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes
- Stillwater Township Zoning Board September 22, 2025 Meeting Minutes; October 27, 2025 Meeting Agenda
- SCMUA FY2026 Proposed Rate Schedule Effective December 1, 2025
- State of NJ Cable Television Franchise Renewal
*RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION 2025-153 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION TO THE STILLWATER TOWNSHIP RECREATION COMMISSION FROM KITTATINNY LITTLE LEAGUE
RESOLUTION 2025-154 RESOLUTION TO REDEEM TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL LIEN TSC #24-00013 FOR BLOCK 3807 LOT 2.04 QFARM, 926 DUCK POND ROAD
RESOLUTION 2025-155 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF DYLAN AMALFITANO AS A MEMBER OF THE STILLWATER AREA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH COMMITTEE CONCURRENCE
RESOLUTION 2025-156 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER APPROVING APPOINTMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
RESOLUTION 2025-157 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF 2015 FORD F550 CHIPPER BUCKET TRUCK FROM THE 2025 OPERATING BUDGET IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $51,000.00
*REPORTS:
- Recreation Commission Report – October 2025
- Board of Health Receipts – October 2025
- Construction Permit Activity Report – October 2025
- Vacant/Abandoned Property Registration Report – October 2025
- Registrar Report – October 2025
- Certified Copies Report – October 2025
- ACO Report – October 2025
- Zoning Report – October 2025
- Recycling Center Report – October 2025
- DPW Report – October 2025
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- Christmas Lunch & J. Leatham Retirement Party – 12/19/2025 Office to close at Noon
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to approve the building closure at 12 noon on 12/19/2025 for J. Leatham’s Retirement Party/the Holiday Lunch.
- Cub Scout Pack 83 – Christmas Wreath Sales at the Recycling Center
Mayor L. Chammings stated that she would like to suggest that they use Chammings Horse Ring, right next to the Recycling Center, to sell their wreaths. It gets too chaotic inside the recycling center to have the kids in there, but they’ll have plenty of room right next to the entrance in the horse ring and shed in the event of bad weather. The Committee agreed that it would be a great idea.
- Website Content Accessibility – Compliance Deadline April 24, 2026
This item is carried to the December 2, 2025 meeting. The Clerk is still meeting with other companies and will discuss this at the next meeting, as this will be a budget item for 2026.
- Rabies Clinic at the DPW Garage on Saturday, November 15th, from 9am-11am
- Tax Sale Wednesday, December 3rd at 10am
Letters were beginning to be received by owners on the tax sale list on November 3rd. The list is published and available for public viewing.
- Municibid Results
Mayor L. Chammings noted that two of the items came in at/above the reserve. The backhoe came in $100 under the reserve. She asked if the Township Committee would agree to sell the backhoe to the highest bidder.
A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to approve the sale of the backhoe to the highest bidder at $4,900.00.
PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit) 8:03 p.m.
Township Resident JL Flager asked if there would be another Plymouth Lake meeting. Mayor L. Chammings advised that the Plymouth Lake Association needs to find its bylaws and have a meeting to vote on what they want to do. The Association has not contacted the Township to say that they have done those things yet, so there is no meeting scheduled at this time.
Township Resident L. Buff stated that she received a letter of meeting notice, but that they are not following their posting guidelines according to the bylaws. Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that it is an issue that they would need to bring up their association. She asked when there would be another meeting.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that there will be no meeting until Plymouth Lake Association is ready.
PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED at 8:08 p.m.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that he will discuss in Executive Session.
BILLS LIST #17 $ 1,206,409.37
RESOLUTION 2025-158 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has approved payment upon certification from the Township Department Heads that the goods and/or services have been rendered to the Township;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the current bill lists, dated November 12, 2025, are on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and approved by the Chief Financial Officer for payment, be paid.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2025-158 with the removal of check #1746 for Broton Contracting, funds permitting.
Committeeman G. Scott stated that he would like Kittatinny Little League to know that, although they donated money for the pitching mound, they do not own the field. Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that she does not think it’s an issue. She will bring it up to Recreation Chair T. Tosti at the next meeting and ask her to stress to Kittatinny Little League that they appreciate their generous donation; however, that does not make the field theirs or give them priority access to the fields.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Commiteeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, with all members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go back into Executive Session under Attorney-Client and Litigation/Potential Litigation at 8:18 p.m.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to go back into Regular Session at 9:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Commiteeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the record should reflect that all members of the governing body present, commencing from Executive Session, are present to recommence the open session, along with the Township Attorney and the Deputy Township Clerk. There was a discussion on possible Ordinance that will be introduced, most likely in 2026. An update was given on Fair Share Housing, and direction has been given to the Township Committee. There was also a discussion on correspondence received from IDT regarding the end of the program. No formal action needs to be taken.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Ingles
Municipal Clerk
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