April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

April 17, 2018 – Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were duly published in the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

PRESENT: Deputy Mayor Morrison, Committeeman Gross, Committeeman Fisher, Committeeman Scott, Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mr. Scott, seconded by Mr. Morrison and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 6:03 p.m.

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: Personnel
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.

There being no further business to attend to, a motion was made by Mr. Scott, seconded by Mr. Gross to conclude the Executive Session at 6:56 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.

 

REGULAR SESSION:

CONSENT AGENDA:

ALL MATTERS LISTED BELOW ARE CONSIDERED ROUTINE IN NATURE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THE ITEMS. IF ANY DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THAT PARTICULAR ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY ON THE REGULAR AGENDA.

RESOLUTIONS:

2018–055 Approving Appointments to Township Environmental Commission

2018-056  Awarding Lawn Maintenance Contract to Stillwater Lawn Services

2018-057  Mayors’ Appointment of Joseph Geraci as OEM Coordinator

2018-058  Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Agreement with Garden State Fireworks – Tabled

REPORTS:

Tax Collector – March 2018

Building Department – March 2018

Animal Control Officer – 4^th Quarter 2017

DPW – March 2018

QPA – March 2018

SC Health Department – March 2018

Mr. Scott made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, removing Resolution 2018-058 for separate consideration, seconded by Mr. Gross.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

 

BILLS LIST #7: $775,460.43

RESOLUTION 2018-059   PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-059, seconded by Mr. Gross.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

 

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: Add:  Recycling Center Hours; Fireworks Discussion

 

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public.

Jan Bonavita, 918 Dove Island Road questioned what the fire department is committing to Hardwick, what is the length of agreement and what is expected. She asked for clarification on the order of response should a call come in Stillwater while the fire department is called out in Hardwick. Mrs. Bonavita expressed concern with the distance to be traveled by mutual aid departments to cover when Stillwater is in Hardwick. She questioned if the $5,000 was worth it and she felt there had to be some difference between this agreement and mutual aid. Mr. Morrison stated even if there was no agreement, Stillwater would still be responding to Hardwick for mutual aid. Mayor Chammings noted that Hampton and Fredon can reciprocate with equipment use if needed, but Hardwick cannot and will provide compensation as an alternative. Mr. Gross disagreed with the agreement and felt Hardwick had no liability. Mrs. Bonavita hoped the taxpayers would not carry the responsibility of another township. Mr. Fisher stated in the past Hardwick used to provide an annual donation to the fire department for their coverage, however this stopped even though mutual aid continued. This agreement will allow the department to receive compensation for their service.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

OLD BUSINESS

PUBLIC HEARING OF THE 2018 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

RESOLUTION 2018-060:  RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING READING OF THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET BY TITLE AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET ADOPTION

WHEREAS, N.J.S.40A:4-8 provides that the budget may be read by title only at the time of the public hearing if a resolution is passed by not less than a majority of the full Governing Body, provided that at least one (1) week prior to the date of public hearing a complete copy of the approved budget, as advertised, has been posted in the Municipal Building, the Official Municipal web-site and copies have been made available by the Clerk to persons requesting them; and

WHEREAS, these conditions have been met;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the 2018 Municipal Budget shall be read by title at this public hearing for same.

Mr. Scott made a motion to open the meeting for public comment on Resolution 2018-060, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

Dana Mooney, CFO and Luisa Rodriguez, Nisivoccia LLP – Budget Presentation:

The 2018 budget is $3.6 million; an overall increase of 1% in the municipal levy. The average home value is $204,221.00 equating to $18.17 per household annually, $1.51 monthly. It was not necessary for the township to use any of the appropriation cap banking for the current year and it is under the levy cap by $184,186.00. The debt is .388% of the average of the past three year’s levies – well below the allowable debt level. As of December 31, 2017, $1,698.500 in bond anticipation notes exist at an interest of 1.73 percent. The capital plan is $1,018,410.00 – almost half of the amount is fully funded.  The surplus has increased and the tax collection rate was 96.56%.

Jan Bonavita, 913 Dove Island Road thanked the Committee and others for their work on the budget.

There being no further public comment, this portion of the meeting was closed.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-060, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

 

ORDINANCE 2018-04 Public Hearing and Adoption:

AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2018

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:

Section 1. The Township of Stillwater shall pay its municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below.  Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.

POSITION

Township Committee Member                                                 $         4,273.00

Township Clerk                                                                                              60,707.00

Township Clerk – Additional 2.5 Hours per week                               4,335.00

Municipal Registrar                                                                              5,629.00                                      Principal Clerk Typist                                                                          49,424.00

Deputy Municipal Registrar                                                                    2,759.00

Receptionist                                                                                         $12.81 per hour

File Clerk                                                                                             $  8.98 per hour

Chief Financial Officer                                                                                    34,450.00

Finance Clerk                                                                                     $24.81 per hour

Clean Communities Coordinator – Stipend                                          1,000.00

Qualified Purchasing Agent – Stipend                                                  3,000.00

Tax Assessor                                                                                      30,591.00

Tax Collector                                                                                      33,382.00

Tax Collector – Extra Hours                                                                $53.50 per hour

DPW Supervisor                                                                                  As per contract

Recycling Coordinator                                                                          1,695.00

DPW Laborers                                                                                      As per contract

Solid Waste Worker #1                                                                                     $12.17 per hour

Solid Waste Worker #2                                                                                     $10.82 per hour

Solid Waste Cashier                                                                             $10.82 per hour

Recycling Worker #1                                                                           $12.17 per hour

Recycling Worker #2                                                                           $10.82 per hour

Construction Code Official                                                                  11,037.00

Plumbing Sub-code Official                                                                8,745.00

Electrical Sub-code Official                                                                 8,573.00

Fire Sub-code Official                                                                         4,752.00

Smoke Detector Certifications                                                             $25.00 per Cert

Electrical Inspector/Subcode Official – Vacation Coverage                 $35.00 per hour

Zoning Officer                                                                                    40,612.00

Emergency Mgmt Coordinator                                                            1,350.00

Deputy Emergency Mgmt Coordinator                                                            552.00

Animal Control Officer                                                                                   8,603.00

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

Zoning Board Secretary                                                                                 6,571.00

Planning Board Secretary                                                                    6,571.00

Environmental Commission Secretary                                                 2,637.00

Recreation Commission Secretary                                                      2,026.00

Crossing Guard                                                                                                $12.99 per hour

Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by this Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2018 unless otherwise noted.

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer or employees of the Township of Stillwater.  Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of the funds.

Section 4. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage according to law.

Mr. Scott made a motion to open the meeting for public comment on Ordinance 2018-04, seconded by Mr. Fisher.  There being no public comment, this portion of the meeting was closed.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-04, seconded by Mr. Gross.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

 

ORDINANCE 2018-04A Public Hearing and Adoption:

AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2018

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:

Section 1. The Township of Stillwater shall pay its municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below.  Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.

POSITION

Zoning/Code Enforcement Official                                                     $   40,612.00

Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by this Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2018 unless otherwise noted.

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer or employees of the Township of Stillwater.  Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of the funds.

Section 4. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage according to law.

Mr. Scott made a motion to open the meeting for public comment on Ordinance 2018-04A, seconded by Mr. Morrison. There being no public comment, this portion of the meeting was closed.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-04A, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstain, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

 

RESOLUTION 2018-052:

TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AND THE STILLWATER AREA VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company (“Fire Company”) has requested that Township of Stillwater (“Township”), authorizes it to use the Township owned fire equipment in order to provide secondary fire protection and coverage to Hardwick Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township and the Fire Company agree to enter into the attached Agreement;

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

1. The Agreement attached to this Resolution is hereby approved.
2. The Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the Township of Stillwater.
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately, however it shall be void and of no effect in the event that the Fire Company fails to approve and/or sign the Agreement.

Mr. Gross made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-052, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Mr. Gross reiterated his concerns expressed previously and felt the compensation amount was insufficient. Mayor Chammings stated that in 2017 there were only two fire calls for Stillwater in Hardwick and noted the compensation is $35,000 over the five-year agreement, equal to one year of the township contribution to the fire department. Mr. Gross stated the Hardwick funding goes directly to the department, not to the township. Mayor Chammings noted there is a termination clause included in the agreement.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, no, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, abstain, Mayor Chammings, yes

Mr. Scott stated he is an active member of the fire department and felt since there is funding going to the department he should abstain. Mr. Morrison questioned why he was advised two years ago to resign from the fire department while serving on the Committee. He was asked to do so when the township was purchasing the tanker. Mr. Bolcato will research the matter.

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION 2018-061:

 

WHEREAS, the Township Committee adopted Ordinance # 2018-04 on April 17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater desires to set the specific salaries for full-time and part-time non-contract Township employees for the year 2018,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following salaries are retroactive to January 1, 2018 unless otherwise noted:

Lisa Chammings                      Mayor                                                  $     4,273.00

Charles Gross                          Committeeman                                           4,273.00

George Scott                            Committeeman                                          4,273.00

William Morrison                     Deputy Mayor                                         4,273.00

Timmy Lee Fisher                    Committeeman                                         4,273.00

Lynda Knott                            Township Clerk                                        60,707.00

Lynda Knott                            Township Clerk, Additional 2.5 hours      4,335.00

Lynda Knott                            Municipal Registrar                                     5,629.00

Lynda Knott                            Qualified Purchasing Agent-stipend            3,000.00                    Kathy Wunder                               Principal Clerk Typist                               49,424.00

Dawn Tighe                             Deputy Municipal Registrar                        2,759.00

Dawn Tighe                             Receptionist                                         $12.81 per hour

Kelsey Branagan                      File Clerk                                             $  8.98 per hour

Dana Mooney                          Chief Financial Officer                            34,450.00

Tammy Leonard                      Finance Clerk                                     $24.81 per hour

Tammy Leonard                      Clean Communities Coordinator          $     1,000.00

Penny Holenstein                     Tax Assessor                                            30,591.00

Gisela Rutnik                           Tax Collector                                            33,382.00

Gisela Rutnik                           Tax Collector – Extra Hours                $53.50 per hour

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Brian Hendershot                     Equipment Operator                            As per contract

Gerald Leatham                       Truck Driver Heavy/Road Repairer     As per contract

Keith Whitehead                      Truck Driver Heavy/Road Repairer     As per contract

Keith Whitehead                      Recycling Coordinator                    1,695.00

Joel McAllister             Road Repairer 3                                   As per contract

Joshua Raff                             Road Repairer Supervisor                    As per contract

William Martin             Solid Waste Worker #1                        $12.17 per hour

Louis Zack                               Solid Waste Cashier                             $10.82 per hour

David Bell                               Recycling Worker #2                           $10.82 per hour

 

CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

Richard Bizik                          Construction Code Official                     11,037.00

Robert Huber                           Plumbing Sub-code Official                     8,745.00

Patrick Murphy                        Electrical Sub-code Official                      8,573.00

Walter Van Kirk                      Fire Sub-code Official                              4,752.00

Richard Bizik                           Smoke Detector Certifications          $25.00 per Cert

Electrical Inspector/Subcode Official – Vacation Coverage                          $35.00 per hour

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Joseph Geraci                          Emergency Management Coordinator      1,350.00

Justin Francomacaro                Deputy Emergency Mgmt Coordinator       552.00

Alan DeCarolis                        Animal Control Officer                            8,603.00

Elizabeth Diorio                       Crossing Guard                                               12.99 per hour

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

Alfia Schemm                          Zoning Board Secretary                            6,571.00

Alfia Schemm                          Planning Board Secretary                          6,571.00

Kathy Wunder                         Environmental Commission Secretary     2,637.00

Michele Hess                           Recreation Commission Secretary            2,026.00

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-061, seconded by Mr. Gross.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2018-061A:

WHEREAS, the Township Committee adopted Ordinance # 2018-04 on April 17, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater desires to set the specific salaries for full-time and part-time non-contract Township employees for the year 2018,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following salaries are retroactive to January 1, 2018 unless otherwise noted:

Arlene Fisher                           Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer      $     40,612.00

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-061A, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Gross, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstain, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Fisher contacted Mr. Vreeland to follow up on Five Points Lane. Ms. Knott stated the initial observation is complete and a report should be provided in the next two weeks.  She has received all bid specifications for the Ridge Road project, Phase I and II.  As soon as Mr. Vreeland receives approval from the State, the bid packets will be available. The bid opening is tentatively scheduled for May 8^th, with it being awarded at the May 15^th meeting.

Mr. Scott reported the DPW had 321.5 hours in overtime; 27 inches of snow as of February, using 365 tons of grit and 320 tons of salt. The DPW is currently grooming intersections and roads, and chipping. Mr. Scott will contact the DPW Supervisor regarding a hanging branch on Dove Island Road.

Mayor Chammings reported the Planning Board met for a special meeting to hear the North Shore House application for a proposed 30’ x 40’ pole building to house an 8,000-gallon water tank for their suppression system. The application was approved.

The Environmental Commission met and two new members have been appointed. A discussion was held on the tree restoration grant application and map. A quote was accepted for the sign over the bridge at VMP – to be funded by $1,000 from the ANJEC grant and $1,100 Clean Communities.

Mayor Chammings reported a BPU hearing was held in Byram recently. A resident attended and provided a letter of their concerns to the Committee. The Mayor is waiting for a representative to call her back regarding the poor Century Link service.

Mayor Chammings suggested sending a fruit basket to Mrs. Wunder and her family for her husband’s recent medical issue. The Committee agreed.

 

Attorney Report:

Mr. Bolcato reviewed the fireworks agreement and provided a list of comments. Input was also provided by Mr. Morville.  The comments will be forwarded to the fireworks company to revise the agreement.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Land Sales and Donations:

Mr. Morrison will be compiling a land sale list this week for the next meeting. Ms. Knott researched and reported that no other municipality in the County accepts land donations unless it is contiguous to Green Acres property, etc.   Ms. Knott questioned if it would be more cost effective to accept a donation and conduct a title search as opposed to foreclosing on a property.  She will draft a block and lot list of those owners wishing to donate their property and its location.

 

 

Renewal of Exemption of CPWM:

Ms. Knott provided a copy of the resolution adopted by the Committee five years ago. The DPW Supervisor will begin his courses in 2019.  The Committee agreed to apply for the exemption again and this item will be added to the next agenda.

 

DPW Position:

The search has been narrowed to seven applicants. Mr. Raff has provided a list of questions, qualifications and requirements for the interview process.

 

Verizon Nodes:

A copy of a resolution adopted by Hardwick regarding the installation of Verizon nodes was provided to the Committee for their review. Mayor Chammings explained the nodes are installed in a cabinet on a utility pole.  It is done through a shared service with the company that owns the utility pole to improve service.  She suggested having a Verizon representative provide a presentation to the Committee.  Mr. Bolcato recommended having the Planning Board and Engineer review the resolution. Mayor Chammings noted there may be noise issues when several nodes are installed. The County is currently drafting regulations for node installation and she will obtain a copy.

 

Email from Kevin Duffy, Mayor – Hardwick:

The email asked the Committee to join their group of local municipalities in expressing their concerns with the $58 million mitigation rock walls proposed near Route 80. The Committee agreed to review the information and this item will be added to the next agenda.

 

Impact Aid:

Mayor Chammings reported that the offices of Corey Booker and Parker Space have contacted her about the resolution adopted by the Committee regarding the loss of impact aid. Stillwater and Sandyston are the only two municipalities in the County with federal land.  A $1 million decrease in impact aid is being proposed.

 

Recycling Center:

Mr. Morrison reported he met with Mr. Whitehead at the Recycling Center. Mr. Whitehead requested to change the hours of operation for the center from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. to 8 a.m.-1 p.m.   This item will be added to the next agenda for discussion.

 

Tire Drop-Off:

A “free” tire drop-off will be held on May 5th at the Recycling Center; limit of four tires.

 

Open Public Session:

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public.

Ed Szabo, 978 Route 521 spoke about the possible legalization of marijuana. He obtained an information packet on the issue and will offer it to Stillwater and Kittatinny schools. He provided a copy to the Committee and public for their review.

Mr. Szabo congratulated Mr. Bolcato on a recent award he received.

Mayor Chammings stated drugs, alcohol and vaping have become a big challenge facing students. She thanked Mr. Szabo for his information and hoped the schools would also be receptive.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

 

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Fisher.  In a voice vote, all were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kathy Wunder