July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes

Township Committee

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TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

JULY 21, 2026

MEETING MINUTES

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor

V. Rumsey at 7:15 p.m. Mayor V. Rumsey 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.

Mayor V. Rumsey apologized for starting the meeting late; they were having difficulty trying to get Zoom to work and found that there was no internet connection so Zoom was unable to be utilized at this meeting.

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

ABSENT: None

Also Present: Attorney Philip George, Esq., Municipal Clerk V. Ingles, Attorney Eric Bernstein, Esq (8:50pm)

FLAG SALUTE: Mayor V. Rumsey led the Flag Salute.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Committeeman David Manser

Committeeman D. Manser stated that the oil tank for the waste oil at the recycling center is leaking; they must have a discussion on what to do moving forward. The scrap metal dumpster had a milk crate full of propane cylinders thrown in. It was brought to the dump, and the attendants flipped as this could have been fatal if the tanks were crushed with oxygen still in them. He stated that they’re going to have an additional person up there to watch. There are two new people hired as needed for the recycling center.

CPWM M. Yetter brought Frankford’s groomer for the baseball fields at Veterans Park. They look great and are all cleaned up.

The KRHS school board meeting is on Thursday, but he’s unable to make it. They don’t have a meeting in August, so the next meeting will be on September 10^th.

Deputy Mayor Dawn Delaney

Deputy Mayor D. Delaney stated that she and Mayor V. Rumsey attended the school board meeting on June 29^th. The engineers were there to explain to the public the gym project, and there were 16 people in attendance. They will be placing 100 stabilizing borings around the gym for the settlement issues. They will be 12’ down and 6’ apart and poured in with cement. The project will take about 4-6 weeks, so they’re allowing 8-12 weeks, and it would begin June 10, 2027. The debt service aid would be about 34 cents on the dollar. About $6.00 a month per average assessed home ($200,000). They are putting it out to the public, and it will be on the next general election ballot as a referendum. The waterway will not be affected. When the school was constructed in 1950ish and, the dirt was not packed down before building on top of it, so there are settlement issues.

The Recreation Commission meeting was the normal order of business. There will be another cleanup day on October 3^rd. There’s also a senior ice cream social on August 15^th. There were 2 new field applications, both for soccer. Stillwater Day was great; the 6^th grade class at Stillwater Elementary School created the display board for the 250^th celebration, and it will stay to be displayed for the week at the fair. September 20^th is Sussex County Day. There will be no fall garage sale.

She was not in attendance at the Planning Board meeting as she was sick.

Committeewoman Lisa Chammings

Committeewoman L. Chammings stated OEM has been busy with the storms. She thanked the Fire Department for helping with closing the roads on the July 4^th weekend and the DPW for coming in that weekend to close & clear the roads. The JCP&L Rep has been very attentive to Stillwater and the County OEM, helping get the roads clear. She thanked the town hall staff for aiding residents, the CFO for figuring out the wages for the DPW employees/equipment list to submit to FEMA to try to recoup some funds, and the CERT team for hosting a cooling center.

The Zoning Board had one application, which was to enlarge an entryway.

Mayor Vera Rumsey

Mayor V. Rumsey stated that she didn’t make the Planning Board meeting as she had medical appointments for an upcoming event. She thanked Lisa as OEM for being out helping with all the storms. She’s been on conference calls with JCP&L for Mayor’s updates. She’s going to a roundtable with finance and OEM to try to submit to FEMA to try to get some money back. She also wants to roundtable with forestry to discuss the tree situation again. She discussed that there used to be a list for special needs people for emergencies. She’s looking into reestablishing the program. She’s going to have a joint meeting for shared services with Hampton & Fredon Townships for fireworks. With the cost of everything, and the cost of fireworks now, each town could alternate hosting the fireworks each year. She would also like to start a farmers’ market behind the Community Center.

Committeeman George Scott

Committeeman G. Scott stated that the parking lots have been resealed and repainted at the Stillwater Town Hall, Veterans Park, and the Community Center, and they look great. The DPW did a fantastic job on the fields. There was one new full-time DPW employee and two seasonal part-time employees, and they’re all doing great. There are a couple of other DPW Ordinances on the agenda. The foreman has been busy checking the drains after all the pouring rain; there were a lot of washouts. The Fire Department has been working hard. There were two confirmed touchdowns with the recent tornadoes in the area.

Mayor V. Rumsey stated that she also wanted to note that they ordered another solar camera for Veteran’s Park since they continue to have vandalism issues there. The Fire Department is having their car show on Thursdays at the firehouse. This is their second week, and it’s going well. They have food, drinks, and ice cream!

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

Mayor V. Rumsey requested to add Resolution 2026–129 titled, “A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF STILLWATER TOWNSHIP FALL FESTIVAL & PARADE”, to the agenda.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda items only – 5 min time limit)

No Public Comment.

Public Session Closed.

OLD BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING & FINAL ADOPTION

ORDINANCE 2026-09

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE AND SUPPLEMENT THE TOWNSHIP CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, BY CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 212 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE ENTITLED “GAS FRANCHISE”

WHEREAS, Elizabethtown Gas Company (formerly known as NUI Corporation), a corporation of the State of New Jersey and a public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has sought Municipal Consent to construct, maintain, and operate gas lines for the distribution of natural and mixed gas throughout Stillwater Township; and,

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater has received, reviewed and considered additional information provided by Elizabethtown Gas and its request to adopt the Township’s Municipal Consent Ordinance; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee has determined that it is reasonable and necessary for Elizabethtown Gas to provide construction, maintenance and operation of a gas line for the distribution of natural and mixed gas in the entire Township; and,

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater desires to extend the Municipal Consent to Elizabethtown Gas;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey as follows:

Section I. Grant of Municipal Consent.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A., 48:3-11, the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater hereby grants Elizabethtown Gas Company, a Corporation of the State of New Jersey (hereinafter “Elizabethtown Gas”), with principal offices located at 520 Green Lane, Union, New Jersey 07083, its successors and assigns, a nonexclusive consent, right and privilege for the use, without impairment of, or obstruction to the public use, of the roads, streets, parks, avenues, ways, and other public places of the Township of Stillwater to construct, lay, maintain and operate for a period of fifty (50) years, the necessary mains, conductors, pipes and concomitant appurtenances for the purpose of conveying, storing, supplying and distributing natural and mixed gas for heat, power, light and other purposes for public and private use and consumption, along in, or under the following described Service Area: all of the streets, avenues, alleys, parks, parkways, highways, or other public places within the Township; and, other public places that now exist or may be hereinafter be laid out by the municipal authorities of the said Township or dedicated to said Township.

Section II. Conditions on Grant of Municipal Consent.

The Municipal Consent granted herein is expressly conditioned upon all of the following:

(a) the written acceptance of Elizabethtown Gas of the terms and conditions of this Municipal Consent Ordinance within thirty (30) calendar days of its final adoption.

(b) the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (hereinafter “N.J.B.P.U.”) approval of the Consent Ordinance herein granted and the issuance of such other grants or approvals as determined by the N.J.B.P.U.

(c) Elizabethtown Gas shall satisfy all statutory requirements of N.J.S.A. 48:13-1 et seq. regarding the proper organization and operation of Public Utilities engaged in the distribution of natural and mixed gas and shall remain subject to the jurisdiction of and comply with all Rules and Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety and the N.J.B.P.U. as well as the Township Code Ordinances of the Township of Stillwater.

(d) Elizabethtown Gas shall construct and continuously maintain and operate its distribution line within the service area in a safe and efficient manner and maintain such gas distribution lines in a state of good operation and repair and including all streets, roads, and public rights-of-way within the Township of Stillwater wherein its lines are located.

(e) The construction, operation and maintenance of the gas distribution system within the rights-of-way of the Township of Stillwater shall in no way place any obligation, financial or otherwise, or any liability of any kind, upon the Township of Stillwater and no obligation is to attach for the construction, operation and maintenance of the said gas distribution system to the Township.

(f) Any and all regulating pits and venting structures or like facilities shall not be located along the public rights-of-way comprising the Service Area.

Section III. Construction; Installation; Restoration.

A. Construction. In each and every case in which road openings or excavation of any nature are required and/or made for the purposes aforesaid, Elizabethtown Gas shall restore, all such public and private lands or facilities to as good a condition as existed at the commencement of the said work or such better condition, at its sole cost and expense. All such openings and installation and maintenance shall be undertaken in strict compliance with the standards imposed by the N.J.B.P.U., any other regulatory agency, and all applicable provisions of the Township Code, with such work to be done in a careful, prudent and workmanlike manner and within such time limitations as shall be best for the proper safeguard of the public.

B. Relocation. If, at any time during the period of this Municipal Consent, the Township of Stillwater finds it necessary to alter or change the grade of any street, road or other public right-of-way or area, Elizabethtown Gas shall, upon reasonable notice by the Township of Stillwater, remove and relocate its distribution line and pipes at the sole expense of Elizabethtown Gas.

C. Restoration. In the event that Elizabethtown Gas shall refuse or neglect, after ten (10) calendar days notice in writing by the representative of the Township, to restore any disturbed area at its cost and expense, and in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Township Code in effect at the time, to its pre-existing or better condition, any street, road, pavement, driveway or other reserves after having made an opening or excavation, the necessary work to accomplish such restoration may be done by the Township of Stillwater and, thereafter, Elizabethtown Gas shall be liable for the actual and necessary costs thereof, and shall immediately pay such costs to the Township upon receiving notice thereof.

D. Preconditions to Undertaking Construction. Elizabethtown Gas shall give to the Township of Stillwater, through written notice of its intention to open and/or excavate any street or other public place in accordance with the Township of Stillwater’s Code regulating the excavation and opening of streets, roads and highways, with the exception that such notice requirement shall be waived in the event of an emergent circumstance such that such emergent circumstances will affect public health or safety. As soon as practically possible after the occurrence of such emergent circumstance, Elizabethtown Gas shall give prompt written notice to the Township of any emergency opening or excavation that Elizabethtown Gas shall undertake.

Section IV. Indemnification, Performance Bond, Liability.

A. Indemnification. Elizabethtown Gas, its successors and assigns, by the acceptance of the grants, rights and privileges conferred by this Ordinance, shall at all times and does hereby and will indemnify and hold harmless, the Township of Stillwater and all of its subsidiary agencies, officials, offices and employees for any and all claims of whatsoever kind or nature arising from or relating to the construction, installation, maintenance, laying, repairing, inspecting, and/or altering of mains conductors, pipes and appurtenances thereto, and any other facilities, and including, but not by way of limitation, any damages, penalties, costs, attorneys’ fees and charges for personal injury, property damage or otherwise, based upon Elizabethtown Gas’s negligence or the negligence of its agents, servants, employees or independent contractors.

B. Performance Bond. Prior to the commencement or any construction or installation under this Municipal Consent, Elizabethtown Gas shall execute and deliver to the Clerk of the Township and subject to prior review and approval by the Township Attorney, a Bond in the amount of $10,000.00 guaranteeing the faithful performance of all of its obligations and undertakings under this Ordinance, which Bond shall be enlarged or renewed from time to time as the Council may require.

C. Liability Insurance. Elizabethtown Gas agrees to maintain and keep in full force and effect, at its sole expense, and at all times during the terms and duration of this Municipal Consent, sufficient liability insurance naming the Township of Stillwater as an additional insured party and insuring and indemnifying the Township against any loss by any such claim, suite, judgment, execution or as follows:

Elizabethtown Gas shall carry Workman’s Compensation Insurance with Statutory limits.
Elizabethtown Gas shall, at all times, maintain a Comprehensive General Liability Insurance Policy with a single limit amount of $1,000,000.00 covering liability for any death, personal injury, property damage or other liability arising out of its construction and operation of the gas distribution systems herein and in addition, an excess liability (or “umbrella”) policy in the amount of $3,000,000.00.
Elizabethtown Gas shall furnish to the Township of Stillwater a certified copy or Certificate of Insurance of each of the Policies as set forth herein.

Section V. Duration of Consent.

Term. The Municipal Consent granted to Elizabethtown Gas herein is for a period of fifty (50) years from the effective date of this Ordinance.
Public Hearing. Immediately prior to the fifty (50) year expiration of this Municipal Consent, the Township of Stillwater shall conduct public hearings regarding the performance of Elizabethtown Gas with the terms of this Municipal Consent. The public hearing shall be duly advertised and shall provide any opportunity for all interested persons to participate.
Extension. Upon the conclusion of the public hearings as set forth herein, the Township of Stillwater shall consider such extension and such additional conditions as the record of the public hearings may warrant.
Notice of Proceedings. Elizabethtown Gas shall give the Municipality timely written notice of at least fifteen (15) calendar days in advance of all proceedings initiated by Elizabethtown Gas or the N.J.B.P.U. or other Regulatory Agency, when such proceedings may affect the commitments, this Municipal Consent or relationship between Elizabethtown Gas and the Municipality, whether or not such notice is required by law. All submissions provided to such Regulatory Agency by Elizabethtown Gas shall also be provided to the Township of Stillwater.

Section VI. Severability.

If the provision of any article, section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this Ordinance shall be judged invalid by any Court of Competent jurisdiction, such Order or Judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any such article, section, subsection, paragraph or clause, and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

Section VII. Effective Date.

This Municipal Consent Ordinance shall become effective upon adoption and publication according to law, and only upon written acceptance of this Municipal Consent by Elizabethtown Gas, which written acceptance shall be filed with the Clerk of the Township of Stillwater within thirty (30) calendar days of the date after which Elizabethtown Gas receives notice of the passage of this Ordinance.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final adoption and publication

according to law, and approval of the franchise hereby granted by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to open the meeting up to public discussion regarding Ordinance 2026–09.

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

P. Calsi asked where the gas lines would be going. The Rep answered that they will come in from Route 94 by the Fredon Elementary School. It will then turn to the right at the County garage onto East Shore Drive and go into Paulinskill Lake via West End Drive.

No further public comment.

Public Session Closed.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to adopt Ordinance 2026-09.

ORDINANCE 2026-10

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 240 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, ENTITLED “LAND DEVELOPMENT”, MOST NOTABLY, SECTION 240-4, “DEFINITIONS” AND SECTION 240-104, “GENERAL REGULATIONS” TO INCLUDE AND DESIGNATE DATA CENTERS AS A NON-PERMITTED USE IN ALL ZONES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater Master Plan emphasizes protection of the Township’s rural character, agricultural lands, scenic landscapes, environmental resources and historic and cultural heritage; and,

WHEREAS, data centers, by their very nature, present an intense and unique form of land use and development, posing significant challenges related to electricity consumption, noise, air quality, water use, community character and long-term planning objectives; and,

WHEREAS, preliminary data cited by members of the New Jersey State Legislature has cautioned that large-scale data centers can use as much as three (3) to five (5) million gallons of water in a single day between liquid cooling and water consumed to generate the energy that powers them; and,

WHEREAS, this extreme volume of water usage impacts homes and businesses both within the Township, as well as the surrounding communities; and,

WHEREAS, preliminary studies noted by the State Legislature have also indicated that some data centers require three hundred (300) MW of electricity, which is roughly equivalent to the output of a small modular nuclear reactor; and,

WHEREAS, aside from increases in taxes and governmental services across the board, last year alone, the majority of the State has already seen consumer energy costs increase more than twenty percent (20%), with additional increases expected; and,

WHEREAS, these high-tech data centers that are proliferating throughout the State consume large amounts of electrical power at a time when energy costs are increasing for ratepayers; and,

WHEREAS, it is well established that overdevelopment, urbanization and overuse of environmental resources impact subterranean aquifers and the quality of drinking and other water resources and pose a substantial strain on a community’s water resources; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee is conscious of all of these hazards, such as, but not limited to, depletion of critical groundwater resources and the impact on the environmental and natural resources posed by the scope, depth and pervasiveness of large-scale commercial data center operations; and,

WHEREAS, municipal regulations which are designed for the preservation of the environment and the protection of ecological values are a well-recognized, legitimate and proper exercise of municipal authority; and,

WHEREAS, the cutting and removal of trees has been found to cause and create increased soil erosion and dust, instability and deterioration in the value of surrounding property and other adverse environmental and geographical conditions; and,

WHEREAS, dramatic increases and changes in population and development caused by the impact of certain data center operations on residents, businesses, the environment and private and public property have imposed significant burdens on municipal resources and have created an increased need to balance the rights and interests of the residents and general public with that of the legitimate rights of property owners to conduct business without unreasonable regulation; and,

WHEREAS, in light of these significant changes in confluence with modern advancement in technology, scientific and environmental research that have allowed for a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the hazards and dangers posed to surrounding property, environmental and natural resources, the general public and the proliferation and expansion of governmental regulation of the environment, safety and business in general, that have occurred since the enactment of the municipalities zoning and development regulations, the Mayor and Township Committee have determined it necessary and appropriate to amend and update its ordinances to adequately address data center uses in a manner that best reflects present needs and realities; and,

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater have determined that it is at this time necessary and appropriate and in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of its residents and members of the public who visit, travel and/or conduct business in the Township, to amend the Township Code to include all manner of data centers land use and development as a non-permitted use within the geographic boundaries of the Township and to otherwise improve and strengthen the nature, scope, manner and effectiveness of such regulations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey as follows:

Section 1. Chapter 240, “Land Development”, Article II, “Interpretation; Definitions”, § 240-4, “Definitions” of the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater is hereby amended, revised and supplemented to add a new section/subsection as follows:

DATA CENTER shall mean any facility, building or portion thereof primarily used for the storage, management, processing, transmission, mining, retrieval and/or distribution of digital data or information through the use of computers, servers, network equipment, cloud computing systems, artificial intelligence processing systems, cryptocurrency mining equipment, telecommunications equipment or similar high-density computing infrastructure.

The term shall include all accessory structures, equipment and other uses customarily associated therewith, including, but not limited to, electrical substations, transformers, backup generators, battery storage systems, cooling and ventilation equipment, fuel storage, utility infrastructure, security facilities and data communications equipment.

Section 2. Chapter 240, “Land Development”, Article XI, “Zoning”, § 240-104, “General Regulations” of the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater is hereby amended, revised and supplemented to add a new subsection § 240-104M, entitled “Prohibited Uses” as follows:

Data centers, as defined in § 240-4 of the Township Code, shall be prohibited in all zoning districts within the Township of Stillwater, as defined in the Township Code.
No building, structure, use, occupancy, redevelopment plan, site plan and/or land use approval shall be established, constructed, expanded, converted, occupied, operated and/or maintained for use as a data center.
The prohibition contained herein shall include principal uses, accessory uses, conditional uses, server farms, cloud computing centers, artificial intelligence processing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations, warehouse-style data processing facilities and any other substantially similar use or facility.
No interpretation of any permitted commercial, industrial, warehouse, utility, telecommunications, research, or technology use shall be construed to permit a data center, unless expressly authorized by the Township Code.
Any use determined by the Township Zoning Officer and/or any other Township entity and/or official to meet the definition of a data center shall be prohibited unless and until specifically permitted by amendment to the Township Code.

Section 3. The Township Clerk is hereby directed to give notice at least ten (10) calendar days prior to a hearing on the adoption of this Ordinance to the Sussex County Planning Board and/or to all other persons and/or entities entitled thereto, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-15, including to the Municipal Clerks of adjoining municipalities.

Section 4. After introduction, the Township Clerk is hereby directed to submit a copy of the within Ordinance to the Planning Board of the Township of Stillwater for its review in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26 and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-64. The Planning Board is directed to make and transmit to the Township Committee, within thirty-five (35) calendar days after referral, a report including identification of any provisions in the proposed Ordinance which are inconsistent with the Master Plan and recommendations concerning any inconsistencies and any other matter as the Board deems appropriate. Upon the adoption of this Ordinance, after public hearing, the Township Clerk is further directed to publish notice of the passage and to file a copy of this Ordinance, as finally adopted, with the Sussex County Planning Board, as required by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-16.

Section 5. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency only.

Section 6. Severability. Each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase. If any portion of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstances, shall be adjudged or otherwise determined to be invalid, unconstitutional, preempted, void, or ineffective for any clause or reason by a Court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Ordinance, and the application of such remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.

Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication according to law.

Section 8. Prior actions. All actions of the Township of Stillwater taken prior to the date of adoption hereof contemplated by this Ordinance are hereby ratified and approved.

Section 9. Codification. This Ordinance may be renumbered for codification purposes.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to open the meeting up to public discussion regarding Ordinance 2026–10.

No Public Comment.

Public Session Closed.

Committeewoman L. Chammings stated the Planning Board had sent the Township Committee a statement that the Ordinance is consistent with the Master Plan.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Ordinance 2026-10.

ORDINANCE 2026-11

ORDINANCE MAKING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $75,000 FROM CAPITAL FUND BALANCE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AS FOLLOWS:

The bond ordinance of The Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey (the “Township”), heretofore adopted by the governing body thereof on April 21, 2026 and entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $610,000 and authorizing the issuance of $379,430 bonds and notes of the Township, for various improvement or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey” (#2026-07) (the “Prior Ordinance”). The cost of the improvement described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance, estimated in April, 2026, at $100,000 is now estimated at $175,000. By the Prior Ordinance there has been appropriated to payment of the cost of said improvement the sum of $100,000. It is now necessary for the Township to raise the additional sum of $75,000 to meet the remainder of said $175,000 estimated cost of said improvement not provided by the appropriation therefor made by the Prior Ordinance.

The improvement described in Section 3(c) of the Prior Ordinance and Section 3 of this ordinance has heretofore been and is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by the Township and there is hereby appropriated therefor the sum of $75,000 from Capital Fund Balance of the Township.

The improvement hereby authorized and the purpose for the financing of which the appropriation is made as provided in Section 2 of this ordinance is the improvement of the Department of Public Works Garage by the installation of new fuel tanks and pumps, together with for all the aforeaid all structures, equipment, site work, work, materials, apparatus and appurtenances necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Township Clerk and hereby approved.

The capital budget or temporary capital budget of the Township is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget or temporary capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Township Clerk and are available for public inspection.

This ordinance shall take effect after publication after final passage as provided by law.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman L. Chammings to open the meeting up to public discussion regarding Ordinance 2026–11.

No Public Comment.

Public Session Closed.

Committeewoman L. Chammings noted that this Ordinance is needed because the fuel tanks came in at a higher cost than anticipated.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Ordinance 2026-11.

ORDINANCE 2026-12

CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $24,000.00 FOR TOOL

PURCHASES TO OUTFIT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, AS FOLLOWS;

Section 1. The improvements described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are hereby respectively authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey. For the said improvements or purposes stated in said Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriations made for said improvements or purposes, said sums being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefore and amounting in the aggregate to $24,000.00, which has heretofore been set aside for the improvement of purpose stated in Section 3 and now available therefore by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Township for capital improvement purposes.

Section 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the said $24,000.00 appropriations, the Township will use funding as described in Section 3.

Section 3. The improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for the allocation of which said obligations are to be spent, the appropriation made for an estimated cost of each such purpose, and the estimated maximum amount of funds to be spent for each such purpose, are respectively as follows:

Tools for the Department of Public Works:

$24,000.00 Capital Fund Balance

All the aforestated improvements or purposes where applicable, are in accordance with specifications on file in the office of the Township Clerk, which specifications are hereby approved.

Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:

The said purposes described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are capital expenses and are each a property or improvement which the Township may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specifically assessed on property specially benefited thereby.
The average period of usefulness of said purposes within the limitations of said Local Bond Law and taking into consideration the respective amounts of the said obligations authorized for the several purposes, according to the reasonable life thereof computed by this capital ordinance, is five (5) years.

Section 5. This capital ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to open the meeting up to public discussion regarding Ordinance 2026–12.

No Public Comment.

Public Session Closed.

Mayor V. Rumsey noted that all the tools will be engraved and there is a camera overlooking the area where the tools are stored.In the past, the township mechanic has always brought their own tools with them, and Mr. Baamonde has as well. However, the Township doesn’t want to always need to rely on the mechanic to bring their own tools. Or if the mechanic is away, the other employees still have access to mechanical tools.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Ordinance 2026-12.

NEW BUSINESS:

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 2026-119 GRACE PERIOD FOR AUGUST TAX PAYMENT

WHEREAS, the 2026 Final – 2027 Preliminary tax bills were not mailed out before the June 14, 2026, statutory date due to the receipt of the tax rate after that date, and

WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-66 et seq., third quarter property taxes shall not be subject to interest until the later of: August 1st, or the ten-day grace period authorized by the Township Committee, or the twenty-fifth calendar day after the tax bills for the third quarter are mailed, and

WHEREAS, the bills will be mailed by July 30, 2026, and the latest date is August 24, 2026.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the grace period allowed for payment of the August 1, 2026 tax quarter for Stillwater Township ends August 24, 2026, and any payment received after that date will be charged interest calculated from the original August 1, 2026, due date.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman L. Chammings and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2026-119.

Committeewoman L. Chammings noted that the tax rate was released to all the municipalities in mid-July. The tax bills will be printed and mailed by the end of the month, so the tax payment has been extended to August 24^th. However, if payment is not made by August 24^th, the interest reverts to August 1^st.

RESOLUTION 2026-120 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF TRISTAN CHAMPIGNON AS AN AS-NEEDED PART-TIME RECYCLING/SOLID WASTE ATTENDANT

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoints Tristan Champignon as a Part-Time Recycling/Solid Waste employee effective July 11, 2026, on an “as needed basis” at a rate of $16.00 per hour pending working paper approval.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2026-120.

RESOLUTION 2026-121 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF BRIAN VARGA AS AN AS-NEEDED PART-TIME RECYCLING/SOLID WASTE ATTENDANT

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoints Brian Varga as a Part-Time Recycling/Solid Waste employee effective July 11, 2026, on an “as needed basis” at a rate of $17.30 per hour.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2026-121.

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, 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: June 16, 2026 Regular & Executive Meeting Minutes

July 7, 2026 Special Regular & Executive Meeting Minutes

*CORRESPONDENCE–

*REPORTS:

1. Community Center Report- June 2026

2. Recreation Commission Report – June 2026

3. Board of Health Receipts –June 2026

4. Vacant/Abandoned Property Registration Report – June 2026

5. Convenience Center Report – June 2026

6. Registrar Report – June 2026

7. Certified Copies Report – June 2026

8. ACO Report – June 2026

9. Tax Collector’s Report-June 2026

10. Office of Construction Official Report- June 2026

11. Zoning Officer’s Report- June 2026

12. Sussex County Health Department Report- May 2026

13. Sussex County Health Department Monthly Rabies Data Report- May 2026

14. Landlord Registrations Report- June 2026

*RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION 2026-122 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF REDEMPTION FOR TSC 20-00062 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1032 RT 619, STILLWATER, NJ

RESOLUTION 2026-123 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF 2023 RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT

RESOLUTION 2026-124 APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE HAMPTON ROAD RESURFACING PHASE 1 PROJECT

RESOLUTION 2026-125 APPROVAL TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE POSSUM HILL ROAD RESURFACING PHASE 1 PROJECT

RESOLUTION 2026-126 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $1,507,697 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION 2026-127 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF REDEMPTION FOR TSC 25-00007 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT MAPLE TRAIL, STILLWATER, NJ

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman L. Chammings to adopt the Consent Agenda.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes/abstain from Resolution 2026-127, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, and Mayor V. Rumsey; yes. Motion carried forward with all in favor.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Dumpster at Veteran’s Park

Mayor V. Rumsey stated that there are parties at the pavilion in Veterans Park, and people are not taking their trash with them. The bears then drag the trash across the fields and into the woods, and the DPW must spend time cleaning it up. The dumpster will help keep the bears from getting into the trash and taking up the DPW’s time.

A MOTION was made by Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman L. Chammings to authorize the Township CFO to purchase a dumpster for Veteran’s Park.

WeatherWorks Storm Alert Service

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman L. Chammings and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to authorize the Township CFO to purchase the WeatherWorks Storm Alert Service for the DPW.

Committeewoman L. Chammings stated that she feels this is essential for the DPW. She keeps forwarding the alerts to them as OEM, which will send everything directly to the DPW. She noted that this can also provide certification of snow totals, which will be very helpful for the snow reimbursements to the private communities.

Microphones/Speakers for Meeting Room

A MOTION was made by Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman L. Chammings to authorize the additional funds needed to purchase the equipment needed for the microphones for the meeting room.

Mayor V. Rumsey stated that they tried using wireless Bluetooth speakers with the new microphones; however, they weren’t compatible. They have a sound engineer that’s selected a set of speakers that will work with the microphones and can come install them. It is $100 over the budget, so she is asking for approval to purchase the speakers and to have them installed.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Township Resident S. Sugar asked for an update on the generator repair and electrical board at the Community Center. Mayor V. Rumsey stated that the DPW CPWM is working on it and has been in touch with an electrician.

No further public comment.

Public Session Closed.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

No Report.

BILLS LIST #12 $ 1,333,583.43

RESOLUTION 2026–128 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 July 21, 2026, 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 2026–128, funds permitting.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, and Mayor V. Rumsey; yes. Motion carried forward.

ADDITION TO THE AGENDA

RESOLUTION 2026-129 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF STILLWATER TOWNSHIP FALL FESTIVAL & PARADE

WHEREAS, the Historical Society of Stillwater Township will be hosting its Annual Fall Festival; and

WHEREAS, in celebration of the Fall Festival, the Historical Society of Stillwater Township has requested permission from the Stillwater Township Committee to host the Fall Festival Tractor Parade in the Township of Stillwater on October 10, 2026, commencing at 10:45 AM; and

WHEREAS, the parade route will be as follows:

Bridge by Gristmill on Route 610 (lineup)
Up Route 610 towards Stillwater School
Ends in Stillwater School parking lot; and

WHEREAS, the parade will take approximately two hours during which no parking will

be permitted on the parade route; and

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Historical Society will be notifying the residents of the Parade in a timely manner so that they will be duly informed; and

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Historical Society has agreed to the removal of all trash after the parade.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, to grant approval for the Stillwater Township Historical Society to host the Fall Festival & Tractor Parade on October 10, 2026, in Stillwater Township as stated above.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Mayor V. Rumsey, to adopt Resolution 2026–129, with County approval.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, and Mayor V. Rumsey; yes. Motion carried forward.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott, seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney, with all present members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:19 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: Litigation/Potential Litigation, Attorney-Client

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 Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, to end Executive Session, and go back into Regular Session at 9:10 P.M.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the record should reflect that all members of the governing body were present, commencing from the Executive Session, and are present to recommence this open session, along with the Township Attorney, the Assistant Township Attorney, and the Township Clerk. There was a discussion on ongoing attorney-client privilege matters; the Township Committee was given advice and will get back to the Township Attorney after further review. No formal action needs to be taken at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Mayor V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Ingles

Township Clerk

VIEW THE 2026 ADOPTED BUDGET

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July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes

Departments

Government

VIEW THE 2026 ADOPTED BUDGET