April 1, 2025 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 1, 2025

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 6:35 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 E. Bernstein

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 6:37 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: Attorney-Client and Litigation/Potential Litigation

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 Committeeman D. Manser and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to go back into Regular Session at 6:59 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 the Executive Session, are present to recommence to the open session along with the Township Attorney and Township Clerk. There was a discussion on the review of a possible problem Ordinance. The attorney is looking for direction from the Township Committee; he is awaiting direction, and no formal action needs to be taken at this time. The Committee will be going back into Executive Session after the meeting.

 

FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.

PRESENTATION: Director, Division of Planning and Economic Development Autumn Sylvester, P.P & County Engineer/ Administrator Bill Koppenaal, P.E.

Director A. Sylvester explained that the State is updating their State Development & Redevelopment plan, and part of that process includes cross-acceptance. Cross-acceptance is the process of comparing state-wide planning policies of all government levels to attain a high level of consistency among municipal, county, regional, and other state agencies for the state plan. It provides an opportunity to compare the county and municipal master plan documents to determine where inconsistencies and consistencies lie and recommend changes. The state has an aggressive deadline for the cross-acceptance process, which is why the county also has an aggressive deadline for the cross-acceptance process. They released the plan on December 6^th, and on February 13^th, the County Commissioners adopted a Resolution agreeing to act as a negotiating entity on behalf of all 24 municipalities. If a municipality would like to participate with the county’s help, it must adopt a resolution that would authorize the municipality to work with the county. Prepare its own municipal cross-acceptance response template, which is a model document sent out with the initial notifying letter & then they ask all municipalities to review their master plan documents and ordinances against the state’s plan update. She stated that the municipalities just need to identify the inconsistencies. Stillwater Township is primarily Planning Area 5; Environmentally Sensitive, and planning area 4A; Rural Planning & 4B; Rural Environmentally Sensitive Areas. A preliminary review potentially identifies a couple of inconsistent areas in Stillwater Township, located primarily in the eastern portion of the township from Old Schoolhouse Road to the border of Walpack Township. The state has it marked as 4A Rural Planning; however, it’s actually preserved open space. That is the type of information that they’re looking to update.

Ms. Sylvester recommended the Planning Board to be the one to review the plans as the responsible agent. The first step would be to adopt the resolution agreeing to work with the County. Mr. Koppenaal suggested having one or two individuals that would be good for this to represent the goals and objectives of the town to look at the planning documents. One person would be the primary contact and needs to be someone that can make decisions in case there is negotiations with the state. The most important job would be to identify the areas of deviation that will impact what we would hope to be the future development opportunities within the municipality. Every one of the state agencies uses the state master plan as the basis of all the rules and regulations, so if the state plan does not match what’s actually in the municipality, it could cause issues. Ms. Sylvester is the primary contact for any questions.

Mayor L. Chammings will speak with the Planning Board Chair, Karen Puccio, and will report back to the Township Committee.

PROCLAMATION: Child Abuse Prevention Month

Mayor L. Chammings read the Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation and notified the Township Committee that the pinwheels would be set up at the Municipal Office the next day by Ginny’s House. She thanked Mandy Coriston and her daughter for doing this again for Stillwater Township.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Committeeman George Scott

Committeeman G. Scott did not have an update for this month.

Committeeman David Manser

Committeeman D. Manser stated that the Recreation Commission meeting will be on Monday, April 7^th. He informed the committee that April 5^th is Clean-Up Day and to be sure to drive slow around town as there will be kids helping to clean the sides of the Township roads. Saturday, April 12^th at 1:00 P.M. is the Stillwater Easter Egg Hunt at Veteran’s Park. Spring sports will be starting soon. KMFO wants Veteran’s Park to be their home space. They want to be able to use it for one evening per week for games along with practices.

The DPW has been working at the parks, cleaning up and preparing all the areas for the spring. They also have the ballfields prepared to go.

The Board of Education has been having strategic planning sessions. The next will be April 7^th at 6:30 P.M. at the school. They will be searching for a new superintendent, the current one is moving on effective June 1^st. They are still working on the issue with the floor cracks in the gym; nothing is structurally wrong. The soil underneath is not as stable as they thought.

Committeeman D. Manser went to the Recycling Center on Sunday and said they were very busy, as usual. The co-mingled dumpsters are doing much better. They still have the 3^rd employee up there monitoring the items going in, which is working out well.

Committeewoman Dawn Delaney

Committeewoman D. Delaney attended the Planning Board meeting on March 19^th. They went through their regular order of business. They reviewed an application for the alternate #2 position for two years. There was a discussion with the engineer on the parking ordinance regarding the current language and if it still makes sense today for Stillwater. Mayor L. Chammings commented that the Ordinance has to do with street parking and feels that it is appropriate the way it’s currently written. She stated that the county can be contacted for permission to put up proper signage to notify the public of “no parking” anytime or the hours they’re allowed on the street, which should help alleviate problems.

Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that the Recreation Commission, Township Committee, and Historical Society had their second Bicentennial Workshop meeting, which was very productive. They discussed the parade route. The Historical Society has 25 artisans to put on their map, a horse and carriage ride for a fee, and they are working on flags to hang on Main Street, Millbrook, and Swartswood Road. Many food and retail vendors have signed up so far. The save the date has gone out. The Historical Society is working on the information to put into the proclamation. April 29^th will be the next bicentennial meeting, which everyone is invited to attend.

Deputy Mayor Vera Rumsey

Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that the Fire Department had 22 calls and EMS had 38 calls in March. The drills were Wild Land Urban Interface taught by Chris Brannick, who is with the Division of Forest Fire, and they also completed their annual gear cleaning

The Zoning Board had a hearing on 935 Potters Road. There were different regulations put forth against one party, which the Zoning Official will follow up on. The resolution is on hold for 901 Stillwater Road as it’s under review.

The Community Center has some changes in the works. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and Committeewoman D. Delaney are working on changes to the application and provided an outline to the Town Committee. They will have the full package ready for the April 15^th meeting. She will send it to the attorney for review as well. The legal wordage will stay the same, but the conditions of use and fees will be changing.

The Board of Health inspected the Community Center kitchen, and it passed. There were some stipulations for one of the groups that have a couple of cabinets there to store their items, which has not been rectified yet. There is a bear problem near the community center. There will no longer be outside grilling allowed as grease gets on the ground, which attracts the bears. The day prior and that day, a bear got into the shed to pull the trash cans out along with all the trash in them. The bear broke the frame when breaking in today. There is to be no more trash left at the community center for meetings and parties. Everyone is to now provide their trash bags and remove all the trash themselves. The key and signs have been taken down for the trash. The Clerk has emailed all of the organizations using the community center of the trash changes. She stated that the Community Center is bleeding money. The Township has been very generous in providing everything for the groups/parties using the center, but some changes need to be made. The water cooler has also been removed and brought up to the DPW garage. They would like to eventually close in the pavilion out back.

Mayor L. Chammings thanked V. Rumsey, D. Delaney, V. Ingles, and J. Leatham for all the work that they put into the community center. She also thanked the DPW for all the work that they have done there. She suggested having an in-person meeting with all the groups to discuss the changes to the community center.

Mayor Lisa Chammings

Mayor L. Chammings stated that it has been a very busy month for OEM. There was a meeting with the state police and school with their areas of concern and emergencies. She also attended training on the 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th for the ICS300 class at the EOC for mandatory training. On March 20^th there were EMMET drills online. She also attended a meeting in Green Township with the state police, the Sheriff’s Department, Municipal Clerks, and Mayors. There was a big discussion on tractor-trailers and how the State Police and Sheriff’s Department have been very vigilant with pulling them over. There was a meeting on the 27^th with a tabletop exercise with Harold Pellow’s office regarding Crandon Lakes Dam and the Emergency OP plan. At the County OEM meeting, they discussed the Red Cross and NJ Smoke Alarms. They will put smoke alarms in houses, one for each floor at least.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that they have received 2 (two) quotes so far for the HVAC in the meeting room.

The staff observed an in-service purge day on March 27^th. They have entered their documents up for destruction on Artemis and will be able to have them destroyed at the Free Paper Shredding Event at the Municipal Office on Saturday, April 5^th, from 9 am- 12 pm.

The Environmental Commission meeting was on March 10^th. They discussed the Open Space and Rec Plan as well as the Open Space Referendum.

A camera has been placed on the end of the Municipal Building to help aid in seeing tractor-trailers that go by as well as security for the office.

CERT had a meeting on March 26^th. She regretfully informed the Township Committee of Bob Kouba’s passing.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: None

PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)

Public Session Open at 7:56 pm.

Township Resident C. Feenstra asked what Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey meant when she said that the Community Center is bleeding money. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey explained that the CFO provided her with the costs from the beginning of 2024 to the present. Between the costs of the oil for heating, fuel for stove, electric, trash, cleaning costs, paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, soap, etc., it all adds up and is taking a loss. After researching other halls that are available to rent in Sussex County, the Community Center is the cheapest, so it’s been getting a lot of use.

C. Feenstra asked if there was a downside for our town if Stillwater didn’t participate in the State’s Master plan. Mayor L. Chammings responded that it’s good to participate since the State thinks that we have developable land however, it may actually be wetlands, preserved farmland, a public park, etc., so by providing these updates, their maps will be up to date.

Township Resident B. Isabell commented on how much happens at the Township Committee meetings since she doesn’t regularly attend. She was in awe of how much information the Township Committee discussed at meetings.

Public Session Closed at 8:01 pm.

OLD BUSINESS:

PUBLIC HEARING & FINAL ADOPTION

ORDINANCE 2025-07

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING, REVISING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER I0, “ADMINISTRATION” OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE, MOST NOTABLY ARTICLE XVIII”, “BOARD OF HEALTH”, SECTION 10-87 “MEMBERS; TERMS” AND SECTION 10-88 “VACANCIES.”

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey wishes to amend the membership of the Township Board of Health to consist of only the members of the Township Committee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that Chapter 10 of the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater, entitled “Administration”, most notably Article XVII, entitled “Board of Health”, Section 10-87, entitled “Members; Terms” and Section 10-88, entitled “Vacancies” is hereby amended, revised and supplemented as follows:

Ҥ10-87. Members; terms

The members of the Board of Health shall be appointed by the Township Committee and the membership of the Board shall be comprised of and hold terms of office as follows:

The members of the Township Committee shall also be the members of the Township Board of Health. Their terms on the Board of Health shall coincide with their terms on the Township Committee. They shall remain as members of the Board of Health for their terms on the Township Committee and until their successors have been elected (or appointed where applicable) and qualified to serve on the Township Committee.”

Ҥ10-88. Vacancies.

Any vacancy which may arise amongst the members of the Board of Health shall be filled by a member of the Township Committee appointed (and/or elected where applicable) to fill the vacancy on the Township Committee and therefore the Board of Health as well.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that:

(1) If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or any application of this Ordinance is, for any reason declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof, other than that so declared as unconstitutional or invalid.

(2) Any Ordinance or part of any Ordinance that is inconsistent as to this Ordinance shall

be deemed repealed as to the inconsistency(ies) only.

(3) This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and publication in accordance with law

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, to open the discussion on Ordinance 2025-07 to the public.

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.

No Public Comment. Public Session Closed.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Ordinance 2025-07.

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- Public Hearing & Final Adoption April 15, 2025

ORDINANCE 2025-08

ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS OR PURPOSES TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AND APPROPRIATING $587,100 THEREFOR FROM VARIOUS SOURCES.

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

The improvements or purposes described in Section 2 of this ordinance are hereby authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by The Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, and there is hereby appropriated therefor the sum of $587,100 to the extent (a) $25,000 from the Asphalt Overlay Reserve, (b) $164,650 from the Capital Improvement Fund, (c) $30,000 from the DPW Equipment Reserve, (d) $40,000 from the Oil and Stone Rescue, (e) $25,000 from the Reserve for Parks Projects, (f) $48,000 from Capital Fund Balance (g) $164,760 from the proceeds of an NJDOT grant, (h) $45,240 from the proceeds of obligations of the Township heretofore issued under bond ordinance nos. 22-07 ($35,240) and 23-06 ($10,000) and (i) $44,450 from monies available under fully-funded ordinance nos. 23-07 ($2,700), 24-12 ($35,000), 23-19 ($4,000) and 24-09 ($2,750).

The improvements hereby authorized and the purposes for the financing of which the appropriation is made as provided in Section 1 of this ordinance including, without limitation, the following: (a) the acquisition by purchase of new and additional equipment including a mower, vibrating roller, blower and front-end loader for use by the Department of Public Works of the Township, turnout gear, radios and a thermal imaging drone for use by the Fire Department of the Township, and file cabinets for use by various Township departments, (b) the resurfacing of Mt. Benevolence Road and various other roads in the Township, (c) the upgrade and renovation of Township facilities including the pickle ball storage area, the dais and the meeting room, 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.

It is the opinion of the Township Committee of the Township, as the governing body thereof, that it is in the best interest of the Township that $45,240, constituting proceeds of obligations of the Township heretofore issued under Ordinance Nos. 10-22-07 ($35,240) and 23-06 ($10,000) of the Township, shall be appropriated to and used to finance costs, including incidental expenses, of the improvement or purpose above described in Section 2 of this ordinance.

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 Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to Introduce Ordinance 2025-08.

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.

ORDINANCE 2025-09

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 370 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE, ENTITLED “TRAFFIC”, MOST NOTABLY SECTION 370-9, ENTITLED “VEHICLES OVER DESIGNATED WEIGHT EXCLUDED FROM CERTAIN STREETS”

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater continues to address commercial truck traffic using Township roads that can not accommodate such truck traffic, causing unsafe conditions to those members of the traveling public using said roads, along with the homeowners bordering such roads and the utilities located along said roads; and,

WHEREAS, due to various mapping programs, said trucks continue to transverse such roads and when they are giving violations, said violations have not produced the desired result and the Township believes that an increase in road designations and possible penalties can be an additional deterrence to the existing and growing problem.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that Chapter 370 of the Township Code, entitled “Traffic”, most notably Section 370-9, entitled “Vehicles over designated weight excluded from certain streets” be amended, revised and supplemented as follows:

A. Vehicles over the registered gross weight are hereby excluded from the streets or parts of streets described, except for the pickup and delivery of materials on such streets.

 

Name of Street Weight (tons) Location

Mount Benevolence Road 10 Entire length

Stillwater Road 10 From Mount Benevolence Road to County Route 521

Middleville Road 10 From Stillwater Road to Fairview Lake Road

 

B. Violations and penalties. Unless another penalty is expressly provided by New Jersey Statute, any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished for a first (1^st ) conviction thereof by a fine of One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars; for a second (2^nd ) such conviction, such

 

person shall be punished by a fine of One Thousand Five Hundred ($1,500.00) Dollars; and, upon the third (3rd) or any subsequent conviction, such person shall be punished by a fine of Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars. The owner of a vehicle in violation of this section will be jointly liable for the penalties imposed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that:

(1) All other provisions of Section 370-9 of the Township Code and all other provisions of Chapter 370 of the Township Code not amended, revised and/or supplemented above shall remain in full force and effect.

(2) If any article, section, subsection, sentence, clause and/or phrase of this Ordinance is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance and they shall remain in full force and effect.

(3) All existing Township Code provisions/ordinances or parts of existing Township Code provisions/ordinances which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance, are to the extent of such inconsistency(ies) only, repealed.

(4) This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage, approval and publication in accordance with law.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to Introduce Ordinance 2025-09.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; abstain, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with four (4) in favor and one abstention.

Resolutions

RESOLUTION 2025-064

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION OF STILLWATER TOWNSHIP IN

THE STATE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PLAN (State Plan) CROSS-ACCEPTANCE PROCESS

WHEREAS, the State Planning Act of 1985 (N.J.S.A. 52:18A-196 et. seq.) created a State Planning Commission and an Office of Planning Advocacy for the purpose of establishing a cooperative planning process that involves the full participation of state, county and local governments; and,

WHEREAS, the State Planning Act states that New Jersey needs integrated and coordinated planning in order to conserve its natural resources, to revitalize its urban centers, to provide affordable housing and adequate public facilities at a reasonable cost, to promote equal social and economic opportunity for New Jersey’s citizens, and to prevent sprawl and promote the suitable use of land; and,

WHEREAS, the primary duty and responsibility of the State Planning Commission under the State Planning Act is the preparation of a “State Development and Redevelopment Plan;” and,

WHEREAS, the State Planning Act also provides that the State’s municipalities are to have an essential role in the development of the State Plan through their participation in the Cross- acceptance process to be conducted under the Act; and,

WHEREAS, the Cross-acceptance process is the primary vehicle under the Act for promoting vertical coordination and integration of state, county and local plans by affording county and municipal governments a full and open opportunity to be involved in reconciling inconsistencies between state and local policies; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Sussex County has concluded that it is appropriate, necessary and in the County’s interest to fully participate in the development of the State Plan through the full and active participation of the County government, including in particular its Planning Board and its Department of Planning, in the Cross-acceptance process,

WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Township of Stillwater has concluded that it is appropriate, necessary and in the municipality’s interest to fully participate in the development of the State Plan through the full and active participation of the Municipal government, including in particular its Planning Board and its Department of Planning, in the Cross-acceptance process,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Council of the County of Sussex as follows:

1. That the Municipal Planning Board is hereby authorized and directed to carry out the Cross-acceptance process pursuant to the State Planning Act, N.J.S.A. 52:18A-196 et. seq. and the State Planning Rules, N.J.A.C. 15:30 and any other rules promulgated by the State Planning Commission for this purpose:

2. That the Municipal Planning Board shall coordinate with the County or Negotiating Entity in their preparation of a proposed work program and schedule for municipal and county Cross-acceptance and the Negotiating Entity shall submit said work program and schedule to the New Jersey Office of Planning Advocacy by ;

3. That the Municipal Department of Planning shall provide staff assistance to the County Planning Board or Negotiating Entity in order to prepare a Cross-acceptance Response Template and successfully complete the Cross-acceptance process;

4. That all other Municipal Departments and Agencies shall cooperate with the Municipal and County Planning Board or Negotiating Entity and provide information and furnish such documents as may be required.

A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Mayor L. Chammings to adopt Resolution 2025-064.

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.

RESOLUTION 2025-065

AUTHORIZING REFUND OF ZONING BOARD ESCROW ACCOUNT

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following property owner has a Zoning Board Escrow Accounts; and

WHEREAS, all conditions have been met;

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township that a refund be issued in the following amount:

Name & Address Funding Amount

Secofsky ZB Escrow Acct $9.75

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to Adopt Resolution 2025-065.

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.

RESOLUTION 2025-066

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH SUSSEX COUNTY

SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HAVE SHERIFF’S OFFICERS PATROL THE TOWNSHIP IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office have agreed to enter into an Agreement by which the Sheriff’s Office shall provide Sheriff’s Officers to patrol the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township has completed the Application to use Sheriff’s Officers for patrols and has agreed to utilize their services on a schedule to be mutually agreed upon by the Township and the Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, the Application provides for a charge of $105.40 per hour for an officer with a minimum of four (4) hours per shift, per day and $117.80 per hour for a supervisor with a minimum of four (4) hours per shift, per day.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Committee, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Application on behalf of the Township; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township’s expenses for the Sheriff’s Office patrols shall not exceed in total $20,000.00 during the year 2025; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified the Township has $20,000.00 available for 2025 for these services.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to Adopt Resolution 2025-066.

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.

RESOLUTION 2025-067

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER APPROVING APPOINTMENTS OF TOWNSHIP BOARD AND COMMISSIONS

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments and Committee appointments to Board and Commission Members for the year 2025 as follows:

PLANNING BOARD

Name Term Term Expires

Barbara Fornari- Alternate #2 2 years 12/31/2026

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that they do hereby concur with the appointments herein for the year 2025.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to Adopt Resolution 2025-067.

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.

RESOLUTION 2025-068

RESOLUTION FOR THE STILLWATER TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR ROADSIDE FUND DRIVE

WHEREAS the Township Committee will approve the STVFD Fund Drive pending all requirements have been met; and,

WHEREAS, the funds raised will help operate our Fire Department; and,

WHEREAS, the Roadside Fund Drive will take place on Friday, May 2^nd and Saturday, May 3^rd, with an alternate date of Sunday, May 4^th in the event of bad weather; and,

WHEREAS, the Roadside Fund Drive will be at the intersections of CR 610 and CR 619, as well as CR 521 and CR 622, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. and end at 2:00 P.M. or 6:00 P.M.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater supports the STVFD to have their Roadside Fund Drive on May 2^nd and May 3^rd,pending all necessary applications and approvals have been met.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to Adopt Resolution 2025-068.

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.

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 same, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.

*MINUTES:

March 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes & Executive Session Minutes

*CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Stillwater Township Planning Board February 19, 2025 Meeting Minutes
2. Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment February 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes
3. Preliminary Equalization Table for the County of Sussex for the Year 2025

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt 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:

1. Book Recycling Bin

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the Recycling Coordinator received an email regarding having a book recycling bin at the Recycling Center. It would be placed next to the paper bin and would be $0 to the township. Everyone agreed that is a great idea. She asked the Clerk to email the approval and CC the recycling coordinator.

1. Board of Health 2025 Meeting Dates: May 20, August 19, October 28

Mayor L. Chammings noted the Board of Health meetings for the remainder of the year. The Board of Health meetings will occur prior to the Township Committee meetings.

1. Clean-Up Day & Free Paper Shredding Event Saturday, April 5^th at 9:00 am
2. Historic Marker

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she spoke with the Historical Society regarding the two historic markers that they had approved and purchased this past year. They provided the invoices for the markers, which have already been paid for. She stated that it would be covered in the Township’s Open Space Fund and asked the Historical Society. The Township can reimburse the Historical Society for the other half, pending there are enough funds in the township’s Open Space fund.

1. Garden Club kids out to help Reforestation Solutions landscape at the Community Center

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the garden club provided a landscaping idea for the Township Committee to review. The Garden Club will attend the May 6^th meeting to discuss further with some of the students. They will be putting in low-maintenance perennials through a grant, so it will not cost the township anything.

Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that one master gardener has planted some plants there as well as some rose bushes by a recreation commission member that are personal to her. She said that the overflow parking area against the building would be another potential area to plant. She wants to ensure that there aren’t any plants that attract bees as well. She stated that she’s already been in contact with Lowe’s as well and that they will be donating some shrubs.

Committeeman D. Manser noted that some of the plants listed are deer resistant, which is something important to consider.

The DPW will be maintaining the garden.

PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit) 8:23 p.m.

No public comment.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED at 8:23 p.m.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Township Attorney E. Bernstein asked to give his update during a brief executive session.

BILLS LIST #6 $ 1,126,772.44

RESOLUTION 2025-069 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 April 1, 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 Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2025-069, funds permitting.

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.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONTINUED

A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to go back into Executive Session at 8:25 P.M for the purposes of attorney-client privilege and potential litigation/litigation.

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.

A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to go back into Regular Session at 9:09 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 the Executive Session, are present to recommence to the open session along with the Township Attorney and Township Clerk. There was a discussion with the attorney seeking legal advice relative to a provision of the township code involving the fire department. No legal advice was given to the Township Committee and the liaison. No legal action needs to be taken. There was a further discussion relative to the concept of the ongoing Community Center agreements. Legal advice was provided by the attorney. A subcommittee has been designated to meet with the problematic organizations and the Township Clerk. No formal action needs to be taken. Additional legal advice was given regarding the interaction between the Planning Board and Environmental Commission as it relates to site visits. Legal advice was given, and no legal action needs to be taken.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Ingles

Municipal Clerk