TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
AUGUST 18, 2026
MEETING MINUTES
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor V. Rumsey at 7:00 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.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney, Committeewoman L. Chammings, and Mayor V. Rumsey
ABSENT: Committeeman G. Scott
Also Present: Attorney Eric Bernstein, Esq. and Deputy Clerk J. Leatham
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor V. Rumsey led the Flag Salute.
Moments after the presentation by the Stillwater Historical Society began, there were multiple interruptions from participants on Zoom. They were muted multiple times by the meeting host, Deputy Clerk J. Leatham. Additionally, Mayor V. Rumsey asked them multiple times to mute themselves. Due to the nature of comments being vulgar and explicit, along with the inability to keep the participants’ microphones muted until the appropriate public portions of the meeting, Mayor V. Rumsey asked Zoom to be turned off for the remainder of this meeting.
PRESENTATION: STILLWATER TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY (HSST): Andy Martin & Rob Jacoby- Recent Findings From The Historical Preservation Plan Regarding The Shafer Grist Mill
Rob Jacoby presented multiple images of damage affecting the Shafer Grist Mill while highlighting the current structural issues the mill is currently suffering from. R. Jacoby highlighted issues including cracked windowsills and inlets, stressed purlins, leaky roof, and lost stucco and explained how these issues will degrade the mill, and in time, cause structural collapse. He further explained the loss of the mill wouldn’t just be a loss of a town symbol, as it’s the only building depicted on Stillwater Township’s Town Seal, but it could also lead to injuries or fatalities and indefinite closure of Main Street. R. Jacoby discussed how the HSST has funded, out of their own pockets, treatments for infestations and registering the mill on a national registry.
Jacoby explained that while the HSST had received a grant in 2024, and was waiting to receive word about whether or not they’d be issued another grant now in 2026, they were still seeking approximately $6,000 from the Township, with hopes that the money could be taken from the Open Space Fund, as that fund also encompasses historic sites and landscapes within Stillwater Township. The HSST also stated they were seeking sponsorships from local corporations.
Township Resident and HSST President, D. Drumm spoke and explained that this money was to help them restore the mill.
Township Resident L. Sylvestor stated it would be a tragic loss to lose the grist mill after already losing the Stillwater Inn, so the HSST is seeking assistance from the Township to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Committeewoman L. Chammings stated that while she doesn’t believe anyone else on the Committee would be opposed to assisting the HSST, she is unsure of the legality behind it. Since the Shafer Grist Mill is owned by the NJDEP, Committeewoman L Chammings asked Township Attorney E. Bernstein if the Township could pay for repairs on a building they don’t own.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein inquired as to why no one, including the State Legislators who have written letters in support of the HSST, have reached out to the NJDEP.
Township Resident and Historian, A. Martin explained that there has recently been a lot of movement within the DEP but that when the State and DEP went to the grist mill for a tour, they explained that they felt they had done enough for the mill in terms of maintenance.
A Township Resident who did not state their name inquired as to if it were possible that the Township give the $6,000 to the HSST like a grant? Township Committeewoman L. Chammings stated that she felt like that was a backdoor loophole and she prefers to see if it would be something they could do without loop holes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Committeeman David Manser
Committeeman D. Manser stated the Stillwater Recreation Commission was doing good, just dealing with a lot of field approvals and the fall sports leagues. Their recent ice cream social had a great turn out, with approximately 10 RSVPs, but ended up filling 6+ tables. He also said Miss Stillwater, Saffron Bessler, did great at the Sussex County Fair. Stillwater’s Board of Education recently held a meeting where they approved all the stuff for the upcoming school year. They had a few emergencies, like the loss of a fridge, but otherwise pretty routine beginning of the school year stuff.
Manser stated he’d also be providing the DPW Report in Committeeman G. Scott’s absence. D. Manser said the DPW is doing well, despite being hit with all these crazy rain storms this summer. He said there’s been lots of wash outs and damage, along with the constant rain making the grass grow faster than anyone can keep up with. There’s still a few Personnel things being worked out, but otherwise everything is going well.
Committeewoman Lisa Chammings
Committeewoman L. Chammings reported that the Environmental Commission will be putting the stream water testing on their January 2027 agenda and that they’ve found a new location that will accept TREX. The Zoning Board discussed some potential changes to the ‘accessory structure’ setbacks as they pertain to propane tanks, condenser units, and generators. No changes were made at this time. Miss Stillwater, Saffron Bessler participated not just in the Queen of the Fair competition, but also in the demolition derby and horse showing events held at the fair, and she did great in every event she participated in.
Lastly, L. Chammings announced that Stillwater Township received an Open Space Grant for $16,000, which will go towards improvements at Veterans Park.
Deputy Mayor Dawn Delaney
Deputy Mayor D. Delaney noted that she was not at the last Planning Board meeting or Recreation Commission meeting, but that in regard to the Cell Phone Tower meeting in Fredon Township, there was currently no update and no next meeting scheduled but she would keep everyone updated once a date was announced.
Mayor Vera Rumsey
Mayor V. Rumsey stated she was also not present at the last Planning Board meeting but that she recently attended a meeting for the County Commissioners and Municipal Mayors where she was informed that there would be a meeting, open to the public, on September 9, 2026 regarding the bond that the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) wants to go out for so that they can get a new water treatment plant.
Mayor V. Rumsey also noted that the County Sheriff spoke at this meeting and said there was issues across the county with reporting emergencies versus nonemergencies. She stated that people cannot post on Facebook and expect things to be handled, but rather Stillwater residents should contact 911 in the event of a true emergency, or, in nonemergency situations, Township OEM L Chammings, who can notify the proper authorities. Lastly, the Township just had an insurance meeting and all municipal employees will be completing more training, in various things pertaining to their job positions, very soon.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: None.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda items only – 5 min time limit):
Opened to the Public at 7:52 p.m. There being no one from the public who wished to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed to the public at 7:52 p.m.
Public Session closed.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
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: July 21, 2026 Regular & Executive Meeting Minutes
*CORRESPONDENCE:
- County of Sussex Resolution Requesting a Full, Independent, and Transparent Investigation into the Improper Registration of Non-Citizens to Vote in New Jersey and Calling for Additional Safeguards to Protect Election Integrity.
- County of Sussex – 2026 Sussex County Striping Program Project Startup Notice
- County of Sussex – Four Seasons of Agriculture
- Hampton Township Ordinance 2026-11 Titled “AMENDING CHAPTER 76, ENTITLED “PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS” AND CHAPTER 99, ENTITLED “VEHICLES, UNLICENSED MOTOR-DRIVEN” OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HAMPTON, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO REGULATE ELECTRIC BIKES
- New Jersey League of Municipalities – Annual Audit Statement
*REPORTS:
- Landlord Registration Report – July 2026
- Recreation Commission Report – July 2026
- Board of Health Receipts – July 2026
- Vacant/Abandoned Property Registration report – July 2026
- Convenience Center Report – July 2026
- Registrar Report – July 2026
- Certified Copies Report – July 2026
- ACO Report – July 2026
- Tax Collector’s Report – July 2026
- Office of Construction Official Report – July 2026
- Zoning Officer’s Report – July 2026
- DPW Monthly Report – July 2026
- Sussex County Health Department Report – June & July 2026
- Sussex County Health Department Rabies Report – July 2026
*RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION 2026–130 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REFUND OF A DOWN PAYMENT FOR THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 1102, LOT 42
RESOLUTION 2026–131 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 REDUCING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT FOR THE MT. BENEVOLENCE PHASE 5 ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WITH TILCON NEW YORK INC.
RESOLUTION 2026–132 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 REDUCING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT FOR THE MT. BENEVOLENCE PHASE 4 ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WITH TILCON NEW YORK INC.
RESOLUTION 2026–133 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLAN FOR THE REDEMPTION OF TAX LIEN 25-00012 FOR BLOCK 3504, LOT 16.02
RESOLUTION 2026–134 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SALE OF TOWNSHIP PROPERTY NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE THROUGH MUNICIBID.COM PUBLIC AUCTION
RESOLUTION 2026–135 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE RA-2026-04 FOR THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF STILLWATER TWP
RESOLUTION 2026–136 REFUND OF PERMIT FEES
RESOLUTION 2026–137 REFUND TAXES BACK ON BLOCK 3306, LOT 1, KNOWN AS 902 SADDLEBACK ROAD FOR HOMEOWNER WHO IS 100% PERMANENT AND DISABLED VETERAN AND CANCEL THE BALANCE OF 2026 AND PRELIMINARY 2027 PROPERTY TAXES
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
Committeewoman L. Chammings asked that Discussion Item #4 be pulled. She noted that this was from Hampton Township and that Stillwater wouldn’t be doing something like this. She raised the issue of determining if all e-bikes were not allowed in parks, or if only destructive ones were, and how one makes that differentiation.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman D. Manser and seconded by Deputy Mayor D. Delaney to adopt the Consent Agenda.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes, and Mayor V. Rumsey; yes. Motion carried forward with all in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- In Office Purge Day-9/18/2026 (free paper shred on October 3rd with cleanup day)
The Township Committee wants to confirm the day the office would be closed prior to approval.
- Stillwater Fire Department
Mayor V. Rumsey stated that this discussion would be put on hold due to the Fire Department’s liaison, Committeeman G. Scott, not being present.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
This portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:01 p.m.
Township Resident R. Kelsky stated he’s been a Township resident for over 30 years and is greatly appreciative of the Township Committee’s effort to keep taxes low. He noted that Stillwater has the 6th highest property taxes in the County and also the highest in the County for a municipality without a police department. R. Kelsky noted that approximately 30% of property taxes go to Kittatinny, the regional school, while approximately 40% goes to Stillwater’s Elementary School. He further went on to voice his opinion regarding the school’s wasteful spending and the potential referendum that is being debated in light of renovations and repairs the school is stating are needed.
Township Resident L. Sylvestor thanked the Committee for hearing the HSST’s request for support and invited the Committee to attend a presentation on September 10th at 6 p.m. regarding regionalization and consolidation of schools. Committeewoman L. Chammings confirmed with Township Attorney E. Bernstein that, so long as the committee is not there on behalf of the town, multiple committee members may attend.
Township Resident C. Caster also voiced his opinion on the Stillwater Board of Education referendum. He stated that he attended the last informational session and found it insulting to Stillwater’s residents that the engineer present at the informational session had no information. He also noted that the architect would only guarantee the work for 2 years, but the referendum is 20 years of debt. He urged everyone to review the facts, rather than opinions, before voting.
There being no further public comment, the meeting was closed to the public at 8:12 p.m.
Public Session Closed.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT: None.
BILLS LIST #13: $2,607,182.82
RESOLUTION 2026-138 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 August 18, 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 Deputy Mayor D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2026–138, funds permitting.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Deputy Mayor D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman L. Chammings; yes, and Mayor V. Rumsey; yes. Motion carried forward with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Ann Leatham
Deputy Township Clerk
