February 18, 2026

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
February 18, 2026

The regular meeting of the Stillwater Township Planning Board was held on the above date and was called to order by Chair Pierce at 7:00pm.

Roll Call:
Members Present: Mr. Pierce, Ms. Kavanagh, Mayor Rumsey, Deputy Mayor Delaney, Dr. Lippencott, Mrs. McDonough
Members Absent: Mrs. Puccio and Mr. Voris
Also Present: William Haggerty, Esq.

The Board stood for the flag salute, and it was announced that adequate notice of this meeting had been given to the public and the press under the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Act”, N.J.S.A 10:4-1 et. seq.

Minutes: Mayor Rumsey made the motion to approve the January 2026 minutes, seconded by Ms. Kavanagh.

Roll Call: Mayor Rumsey – Yes, Ms, Kavanagh – Yes, Mr. Pierce – Yes, Deputy Mayor Delaney – Yes, Dr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. McDonough – Yes.

Memorializing Resolutions: None

Completeness: None

Hearings: None

Open to the Public: The meeting was opened to the public at 7:08pm. With there being no public comment, the hearing was closed to the public.

Bills: None

Old/New Business:
Affordable Housing – Mr. Haggerty provided an overview of the Ordinance advising that March 15, 2026 is the mandatory state deadline for approval. After his review, he suggested the Board make a motion to deem Ordinance #2026-02 (to amend Section 240:118) consistent with the Master Plan and to recommend its adoption.

Mr. Pierce made the motion to deem the Ordinance consistent with the Master Plan and to recommend its adoption, seconded by Dr. Lippencott.

Roll Call: Mayor Rumsey – Yes, Ms, Kavanagh – Yes, Mr. Pierce – Yes, Deputy Mayor Delaney – Yes, Dr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. McDonough – Yes.

Upon continued discussion, Dr. Lippencott proposed a motion for a Resolution to perform an annual progress review of the Fair Share Housing Plan, seconded by Mr. Pierce.

Roll Call: Mayor Rumsey – Yes, Ms, Kavanagh – Yes, Mr. Pierce – Yes, Deputy Mayor Delaney – Yes, Dr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. McDonough – Yes.

Short Term Rentals – Mr. Haggerty reviewed Stillwater’s Ordinance and license requirements under Chapter 313 which is applicable to all rentals across the board. It’s his recommendation that the existing ordinance should be changed to real “annual” and not “on change of occupancy,” as it’s excessive for homeowners renting on a short-term basis to have to apply upon each change of occupancy. The current registration fee is $25.00 which should be increased with the amendment to the Ordinance.

Correspondence: Mr. Haggerty acknowledged receipt of correspondence dated December 26, 2025.

Liaisons:
The Township Committee Report was provided by Mayor Rumsey:
The DPW is utilizing a shared services program with Frankford Township for a Certified Public Works Manager to perform some clean-up and to ensure OSHA compliance as well as better structure.

The Community Center continued to thrive with successful rentals and programs, and will shortly include a senior citizen group. The rental fees have been reduced.

Condolences to the family of long-time DPW employee, Jerry Leatham, who passed away on February 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lisa Chammings has a meeting with JCP&L to start forestry management. They will begin working on a power substation in Branchville to help alleviate power outages.

The Environmental Commission Report was provided by Dr. Lippencott:
NJ Watershed Ambassador, Matt Trochim, from AmeriCorps, provided details and discussed their programs and services they provide.

Emails were received regarding DEP accomplishments, Flood Plain Fridays in Veteran’s Park with Chris Dunbar, as well as the Trail Grant Webinar. The Commission is working on getting a $20,000 grant to perform work on the trails at Veteran’s Park.

A standard notice of PSE&G Vegetative Maintenance was received.

The Healthy Forest Initiative is moving forward regarding invasive species damage to various trees and the overgrazing of deer. The Committee is looking to work with local experts to formulate a plan for surveys and to evaluate the Township overall.

Surface water sampling is continuing and will be amended to be more in line with the Stormwater Management Program.

Two Site Surveys were performed for the two pending applications before the Zoning Board.

Executive Session: None

Public Comment: Mr. Pierce opened the hearing to the public at 8:34pm. There being no public comment, the meeting was closed to the public.

Adjournment:
With there being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting with all in favor at 8:35pm.

Respectfully Submitted:
Penny Bair, Secretary