January 6, 2026 Re-Organization Meeting

TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

JANUARY 6, 2026

RE-ORGANIZATION MEETING

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Municipal Clerk Valerie Ingles who stated that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030 noting the meeting date, time and place were duly published in the New Jersey Herald on January 2^nd, 2025, posted at the Town Hall, official website, and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13.

Municipal Clerk V. Ingles led the public in the salute to the American Flag.

Municipal Clerk V. Ingles invited Sussex County Clerk Jeffrey Parrott to read the Statement of Determination and announced that at the last general election, Mrs. Vera Rumsey & Mrs. Dawn Delaney were elected to the Township Committee for three-year terms.

Mr. Parrott administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Dawn Delaney, congratulating her and wishing her well. Mrs. Delaney’s husband held the Bible and joined her during the Oath.

Mr. Parrott then administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Vera Rumsey, congratulating her and wishing her well. Mrs. Rumsey’s grandson held the Bible, and her other grandchildren joined her as well during the Oath.

Municipal Clerk V. Ingles invited Chaplain of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Department Robert Scrudato to provide an invocation. The Committee thanked Mr. Scrudato for his wonderful words.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Committeewoman D. Delaney, Committeewoman L. Chammings, Committeeman G. Scott, Committeewoman V. Rumsey

ELECTION OF MAYOR:

Municipal Clerk V. Ingles called for nominations for Mayor.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott to nominate Committeewoman V. Rumsey, seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney.

Municipal Clerk V. Ingles called for additional nominations. There were no other nominations, so nominations were closed.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser, yes; Committeewoman D. Delaney, yes; Committeewoman V. Rumsey, yes; Committeeman G. Scott, yes; Committeewoman L. Chammings, yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Committeewoman V. Rumsey accepted the position of Mayor of Stillwater Township for 2026. The meeting was turned over to Mayor V. Rumsey.

ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR:

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott to nominate Committeewoman D. Delaney as Deputy Mayor, seconded by Committeeman D. Manser.

There were no other nominations, so nominations were closed.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser, yes; Committeewoman D. Delaney, yes; Committeewoman L. Chammings, yes; Committeeman G. Scott, yes; Mayor V. Rumsey, yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Committeewoman D. Delaney accepted the position of Deputy Mayor for Stillwater Township for 2026.

Mayor V. Rumsey delivered the following message to the public: “I am deeply honored to serve Stillwater Township as your Mayor. I began this journey after a memorable conversation with Mr. Charlie Gross, who served for many years on the Township Committee as a Committeeman and Mayor. He told me he was stepping down and encouraged me to run for his position. After speaking to several residents and Community Leaders, I decided to run.

Following in the footsteps of Mayor Lisa Chammings, I know I have big shoes to fill. I am committed to building a strong foundation and guiding Stillwater Township with integrity, openness, and focus on positive, practical results.

My priorities are clear: strengthen the Department of Public Works, address our tree management needs, ensure reliable power delivery, and remain available to every resident who needs to reach me. I welcome your ideas, questions, and feedback as we work together to keep Stillwater Township a wonderful place to live for years to come.

I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in Stillwater Township over the past few years. Our Fire Department and EMS have added new apparatus and expanded training to keep our neighborhoods safe. The Recreation Commission continues to serve our youth and our seniors with programs held at our Community Center, making it a welcoming hub for gatherings of every kind.

I am committed to ongoing support for these essential organizations and to exploring ways Stillwater Township can strengthen its tax base, including pursuing revenue-generating opportunities that benefit the entire community. This couldn’t be accomplished without the dedicated help and guidance from the members of the Planning and Zoning Boards and the Historical Society.

In conclusion, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our exceptional Township Committee and Township Attorney, whose collaboration and shared vision make Stillwater Township the remarkable place it is. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated staff and the Town Hall team, whose professionalism, kindness, and hard work serve every resident each day. Together, we are the strongest when we work as one team for the people we serve. And lastly, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and the person I am, if I didn’t have the love and support of my amazing family and close friends.

Thank you for believing in me.”

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION & FIRST READING

ORDINANCE 2026-01

CALENDAR YEAR 2026 ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NJ TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK

(N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)

WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget up to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2026 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee hereby determines that a 1.0% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $29,252.36 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,

WHEREAS the Township Committee hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2026 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of Stillwater shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $102,383.00, and that the CY 2026 municipal budget for the Township of Stillwater be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this Ordinance as introduced, be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this Ordinance, upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to introduce Ordinance 2026-11.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes; Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Motion carried with all in favor.

CONSENT AGENDA: All matters listed below are considered routine in nature and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of the items. If any discussion is desired, that particular item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately on the regular agenda.

RESOLUTIONS:

2026-001 Designating the Official Newspapers

2026-002 Authorizing Awards of Non-Fair and Open Contracts for Professional Services

2026-003 Authorizing the Cancellation of Tax Overpayment or Delinquent Amounts

2026-004 Authorizing the Cancellation of Delinquent Amounts for any Charges/Fees

2026-005 Setting Property Tax Due Dates, Delinquency Charges and Year-End Penalty

2026-006 Temporary Budget

2026-007 Establishing Mileage Reimbursement

2026-008 Adopting Cash Management Plan for 2026

2026-009 Authorizing the CFO to Invest Idle Funds

2026-010 Authorizing the CFO to sell Bond Anticipation Notes and Bonds

2026-011 Approving Mayor’s Appointments of Township Officers with Committee Concurrence

2026-012 Approving Appointments of Boards and Commissions with Committee Concurrence

2026-013 Appointing Tax Assessor and Attorney to Represent Township before County Tax Board

2026-014 Authorizing the CFO or Tax Collector to Impose a Service Charge For Returned Checks

2026-015 Authorizing Signatures on Checks

2026-016 Striking the 2026 Tax Rate for Funding the Stillwater Open Space Trust Fund

2026-017 Authorizing Purchases under New Jersey State Contract

2026-018 Authorizing Compliance with the US EEOC

2026-019 Authorizing The Waiver Of The Signature Requirement On Purchase Orders For Certain Vendors

2026-020 Resolution Designating Official Depositories

2026-021 Mayor’s Appointment Of Lisa Chammings As OEM Coordinator With Committee Concurrence

2026-022 A Resolution Of The Township Committee Of The Township Of Stillwater Naming William Andrew Martin ‘Andy’ As The Official Local Historian

2026-023 Resolution Of The Township Committee Of The Township Of Stillwater Authorizing The Appointment Of Doug Vaughan As Recycling Coordinator

Committeewoman L. Chammings asked that Resolution 2026-012 be tabled until the next meeting, as committee liaisons have not been chosen yet.

Committeewoman L. Chammings asked that Resolution 2026-022 be removed from the Consent Agenda as she would like to present the agenda to Andy Martin.

Committeeman G. Scott asked that Resolution 2026-023 be removed from the Consent Agenda for a separate vote.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to approve the Consent Agenda as listed with the exception of Resolutions 2026-012, 2026-022, and 2026-023.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor V. Rumsey; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Municipal Clerk V. Ingles asked Andy Martin to come to the front to be presented with Resolution 2026-022. Committeewoman L. Chammings presented Andy Martin with the resolution and read it aloud for all those in attendance.

RESOLUTION 2026-022

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER

NAMING WILLIAM ANDREW MARTIN ‘ANDY’

AS THE OFFICIAL LOCAL HISTORIAN

WHEREAS, Andy Martin is a resident of the Township of Stillwater and has demonstrated a deep and abiding interest in the preservation and promotion of our community’s rich history; and

WHEREAS, the individual has for many years voluntarily collected, documented, and shared historical information, contributing significantly to the community’s understanding of its past; and

WHEREAS, the designation of an official Local Historian is a valuable attribute for a good records management program and for identifying records with historical value; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Township Committee to formally recognize this individual’s contributions and appoint them to this important advisory role to provide guidance on matters of local historical significance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that:

• SECTION 1. Andy Martin is hereby officially named and appointed as the Local Historian for the Township of Stillwater to serve a term of three (3) years, effective January 1, 2026.
• SECTION 2. The Local Historian shall work with local officials, employees, and citizens to encourage participation in events that recognize local history and advise the governing body on historical matters.
• SECTION 3. The Township Clerk is hereby directed to file this resolution in the permanent records of the Town and provide a certified copy to Andy Martin.

This Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Stillwater Township Committee at a regular meeting held on the 6^th of January, 2026.

The Township Committee congratulated Andy Martin and thanked him for his continued service and dedication.

Resolution 2026-023: Committeeman G. Scott stated that he felt that this Resolution should be voted on separately since it involved an employee’s salary and that it shouldn’t be a part of the Consent Agenda.

A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2026-023.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes; Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Motion carried with all in favor.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

There were no amendments to the agenda.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION at 7:22 pm

D. Gatanas inquired about the Cap Bank Ordinance, including the cost per taxpayer in Stillwater Township and whether it was influenced by factors such as the Community Center not generating sufficient revenue to cover its daily operating expenses. He noted that the majority of the Township’s professionals appointed in 2025 have been reappointed for 2026. He suggested implementing term limits for residents serving on boards and commissions, stating that periodically introducing new members could provide fresh perspectives rather than having individuals serve for 20 or more years. He also asked about the Township Committee’s top priorities for 2026. Mr. Gatanas congratulated Mayor V. Rumsey and Deputy Mayor D. Delaney and thanked Committeewoman L. Chammings for her service to the Township.

Mayor V. Rumsey responded that information regarding the Cap Bank Ordinance would be provided at the next meeting. She noted that two professional appointments changed for the year: Eric Burnstein was appointed as In Rem and Tax Appeal Attorney, and Skylands Risk replaced Gallagher as the Township’s risk insurance provider. Deputy Mayor D. Delaney added that three new members have recently joined the Recreation Commission and that there are generally vacancies available on most boards. Mayor Rumsey emphasized that board and commission members are volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise. She expressed concern that limiting volunteer service terms may discourage participation, as long-serving members continue to be valuable contributors. She encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to complete a citizen leadership form and submit it to the municipal office.

Mr. Gatanas requested that the Township website list the names of all board and commission members, along with their term expiration dates and any current vacancies. Mayor Rumsey directed the Township Clerk to ensure that the website is updated accordingly.

L. Sylvester congratulated Mayor Rumsey and Deputy Mayor Delaney, thanked the Township Committee for their service, and expressed appreciation to outgoing Mayor L. Chammings for her contributions to the Township.

Recreation Commission Chairperson T. Tosti reported that the Commission held its reorganization meeting the previous evening. She was elected Chair, with Mike Carvalino elected Vice Chair. She referenced Mr. Gatanas’s earlier comments and confirmed that three new members have joined the Recreation Commission, with one alternate position currently available for interested residents. She also congratulated Mayor Rumsey and Deputy Mayor Delaney.

Township resident H. Yardley congratulated Mayor Rumsey and Deputy Mayor Delaney and expressed appreciation for the work of the Township Committee, noting the challenges of their roles. He asked whether the Township could submit a letter of complaint to JCP&L on behalf of residents regarding the frequency of power outages in Stillwater Township. Mayor Rumsey responded that she is exploring grant opportunities for tree removal, noting the limited budgets available to both the Township and JCP&L.

Committeewoman L. Chammings stated that she, as OEM, has a meeting scheduled for January 19 or 20 with her JCP&L contact, the engineer, and Forestry Management, to address four to five problem areas that she has identified within the Township.

No further public comment.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED at 7:34 pm.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein thanked the Township Committee for reappointing him for 2026.

Committeeman G. Scott suggested raising the limit for public sessions from three minutes to a higher number, depending on the topic of discussion.

Committeewoman L. Chammings stated that the 2026 budget meeting is this Saturday, January 10^th, at 9:00 a.m. and that it’s a public meeting that anyone can attend. It’s generally about 3 hours. She thanked the Township Committee, Clerk, staff, and DPW for all that they do. She wouldn’t have been awarded Mayor of the Year in 2025 without such a great team.

Committeeman G. Scott wished everyone a happy and prosperous new year!

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney, with all in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Ingles, RMC

Township Clerk