April 21, 2020 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

April 21, 2020 – Regular Meeting

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:03 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. Mayor Chammings added the meeting was being held virtually on Zoom and this meeting was also advertised with the link in the New Jersey Herald, the Stillwater Township website (www.stillwatertownshipnj.com) on the Stillwater Township Face Book page and other local Face Book pages.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

PRESENT: Committeeman Morrison, Committeewoman Rumsey, Committeeman Fisher, Deputy Mayor Scott, Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: None

Jackie Espinoza , FIRSTENERGY/ JCP&L Regional External Affairs, 56 Hampton House Rd., Newton NJ, addressed the Township Committee and attendees outlining the social distancing procedures implemented by JCP&L to keep their employees and customers safe during this COVID-19 crisis. Mrs. Espinoza noted the foundation has donated funds to Project Self Sufficiency to help stock their food pantry. Mrs. Espinoza said JCP&L is considering cancelling all events and rerouting the funds for non-profit donations. Mrs. Espinoza noted the overhead tree trimming (part of the IIP Reliability Plus Program) is on-going to lessen tree related outages. Mayor Chammings said she knows the three-phase line trimming is helping. Mrs. Espinoza addressed Mr. Steven Sugar, Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief saying she is working on getting them Toughbooks but felt they may not be what they want. Mr. Sugar said they would be great full for any Toughbooks and thanked Mrs. Espinoza.

MINUTES: April 7, 2020 Regular Meetings Minutes

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstain Mayor Chammings, yes.

BILLS LIST #7: $110,907.82

RESOLUTION 2020-069 PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mayor Chammings asked that purchase order 10210 be voted on separately because it is for her reimbursement for the zoom platform.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-069, funds permitting and pay bills list #7 minus purchase order 10210, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

Purchase Order 10210

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to pay purchase order 10210, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstain Mayor Chammings, abstain.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Scott said he had no report at this time.

Mr. Fisher reported he had spoken to Mr. Zack, cashier at the Recycling and Convenience Center, and Mr. Zack reported everything was going well at the Center.

Mr. Morrison had no report at this time.

Mrs. Rumsey reported the Fire Department is doing fantastic and she had no report from the school. The Clerk told Mrs. Rumsey she had just received an e-mail from the Stillwater School Business Agent regarding their upcoming Board of Education meeting via Zoom and she will be forwarding it to her.

Mayor Chammings said she could speak for an hour but would be reporting the highlights. Mayor Chammings spoke about a conference call she was on earlier in the evening and reported the County has 723 positive COVID-19 results out of 1965 total tests which is about a 35% to 40% positive average of total tests. The County also has 56 deaths. Mayor Chammings noted out of 56 deaths 49 have been from long term care facilities. Mayor Chammings discussed the sad situation at the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center and steps she has taken personally and with other county officials by writing to the Governor, Ombudsman etc. to see if the National Guard could get involved with the immediate needs at the facility.

Mayor Chammings said the Sussex County College grounds may be used for a testing site. Mayor Chammings also discussed the statistics in Newton Memorial and Morristown Memorial hospitals regarding the COVID-19 patients being treated and on ventilators.

Mayor Chammings thanked CERT members for their endless supply of masks and the fire department and County OEM members for all they do. Mayor Chammings also thanked those who have donated to Garrison’s General Store to supply meals for front line workers in the hospitals and nursing homes during this difficult time. Mrs. Dania Bodensieck said Garrison’s Store has received approximately $6,000 and is able to supply 1030 meals they have scheduled through May 9, 2020. Mrs. Bodensieck thanked the Stillwater residents and also those of our surrounding communities who have selflessly donated to the cause.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Mr. Morrison asked that the following items be added to the May 5, 2020 agenda: laptop computers and DPW Supervisor salary.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

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

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

OLD BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 2020- 02

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 202 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER (KNOWN AS “FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION” ARTICLE IV ADMINISTRATION) TO CHANGE DESIGNATION OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL TO ENGINEER FOR THE ZONING & PLANNING BOARD, OR DESIGNEE OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater has reviewed Chapter 202, Article IV, “Flood Damage Prevention,” Administration and has determined that this section should be modified in order to replace the designation of “Construction Official” to “Engineer for the Planning and Zoning Board or the Designee of the Township Committee.” NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that Chapter 202, Article IV, Administration “Flood Damage Prevention,” shall be changed to replace the designation of “Construction Official” wherever it appears in Article IV with “Engineer for the Planning and Zoning Board or the Designee of the Township Committee.”

Conflicts & Severability. If other ordinances, parts of ordinances or other local requirements are inconsistent or in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby superseded to the extent of any inconsistency or conflicts, and the provisions of this ordinance shall apply.

Continuing Validity. All provisions of this Ordinance not changed in accordance herewith shall remain in force and effect.

This Ordinance shall take effect upon final adoption of publication as may be required by law.

Mrs. Rumsey made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2020-02, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

ORDINANCE 2020-03

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY CREATING CHAPTER 339 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER ENTITLED, “SOIL AND FILL PLACEMENT”

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Planning Board determines that unregulated and uncontrolled dumping of fill in the Township of Stillwater (“Township”) may result in conditions detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the Township;

WHEREAS, there currently is no mechanism for the Township to abate and prohibit the hazards created by dumping of fill;

WHEREAS, the Township is concerned that it may not be able to abate such hazards by working with State agencies;

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee have determined that it is in the best interests of the Township to regulate the placement of fill within the Township; and,

WHEREAS, procedures are needed to allow for submission of applications for the placement of fill within the Township; and,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township of Stillwater as follows:

SECTION I.

Chapter 339: Soil Fill Placement shall be created and added to the Municipal Code of the Township of Stillwater as follows:

CHAPTER 339: SOIL FILL PLACEMENT
ARTICLE I
Title; Findings; Definitions; Permit Requirements

§ 339-A. Title.

This chapter shall be known as the “Soil Fill Ordinance of the Township of Stillwater.”

§ 339-B. Purpose and Findings

The Township Committee finds that the unregulated and uncontrolled placement and movement of soil and other mineral deposits can result in conditions detrimental to the public safety, health and general welfare. Such conditions substantially hamper and deter the efforts of the Township to effectuate the general purposes of municipal planning. Soil movement operations and filling operations should relate to the overall physical development of the area within which the operation is located. It is essential that all soil movement operations and filling operations be reviewed and approved by those individual(s) designated by Township resolution. All soil movement operations and filling operations must be conceived and operated in such a way that there will be no appreciable harmful effects to the environment. In order to best ensure that all soil movement operations and filling operations are an asset to the Township of Stillwater, rather than a liability, all such operations shall adhere to the conditions, restrictions and provisions outlined in this chapter.

§ 339-C. Definitions

The words defined in this section shall mean and include the following when used in this chapter:

APPROVED PLAN – A plan for the placement of soil fill approved by those individual(s) designated by Township resolution (minor permit) or by the Township Engineer (major permit) pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

MAJOR SOIL FILL PERMIT – A permit for the fill of more than 500 cubic yards or more of soil.

MINOR SOIL FILL PERMIT – A permit for the fill of more than 100 cubic yards but less than 500 cubic yards or more of soil.

PERMIT – A soil fill permit.

PERSON – Includes an individual, a partnership, a corporation or any other legal entity.

PLANNING BOARD – The Planning Board of the Township of Stillwater.

SOIL – Includes dirt, stone, gravel, sand, humus, clay, loam and mixtures of any of these, but this shall not include quarry process or rock products utilized in the construction of roads, driveways or similar types of construction.

TOPSOIL – The arable soil within eight inches of the surface.

TOWNSHIP – The Township of Stillwater.

§ 339-D. Permit Required

No person shall fill or cause the placement of any soil on any premises in the Township of Stillwater whether such fill be for sale, gift or otherwise, unless a permit therefore is first secured from those individual(s) designated by Township resolution. A permit shall not be required for the moving or placement of fill of less than 100 cubic yards of soil within a one (1) year period.

A single permit shall be required for placement of soil on adjacent lots where title to those is held in common ownership

§ 339-E. Exceptions and Exemptions

  1. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to excavations or fill for building foundations, septic tanks or sanitary installations, provided that no excavation or construction of any kind shall take place until a site plan or permit has been approved by the Construction Official and/or Department of Health as required by law.
  2. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect or apply to any person engaged in the moving of soil in and upon lands enrolled in the Soil Conservation Program of the Sussex County Soil Conservation District, Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service and for which lands an approved farm plan has been established by said agency, provided that all soil moving operations and fill operations in and upon such lands are performed in accordance with said approved farm plan and provided further that a copy of said approved farm plan is placed on file with the Township prior to any soil moving operations or fill operations.
  3. A separate soil permit under this chapter shall not be required for subdivisions and/or site plans approved pursuant to Chapter 470, Subdivision of Land of the Township of Stillwater.
  4. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect or apply to any person engaged in a state-mandated cleanup plan; provided that all soil moving, removal operations and fill operations are performed in accordance with said cleanup plan and provided further that notice of the state-mandated cleanup plan is placed on file with the Township Engineer prior to any soil moving, removal operations or fill operations.
  5. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the storage of sand, soil, stone, topsoil, mulch or other similar materials on lawfully existing landscaping and contractor yards, provided that the outdoor storage of materials on said property has previously been established and does not require site plan approval pursuant to Chapter 470, Subdivision of Land of the Township of Stillwater.
  6. This chapter does not regulate the movement and placement of soil fill directly related to agricultural uses on certified commercial farm properties that have filed for Agricultural Management Practice Determination with the Sussex County Agriculture Development Board within the Township of Stillwater and does not supersede any rights granted under the Right to Farm Act.

§ 339-F. Application for permit

  1. Application for a minor soil fill permit shall be filed with those individual(s) designated by Township resolution who shall issue the permit based upon substantial compliance with the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, those individual(s) designated by Township resolution shall have the authority to deny a permit if he/she determines that the placement of fill would be detrimental to the health, welfare or safety of the general public. The denial shall be in writing setting forth reasons for same.
  2. Application for a major soil fill permit shall be filed with the Township Engineer and shall be accompanied by a fee prescribed in Section 245, Fees and Escrows. Four (4) copies shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the Township Planning Board and supplied by the Secretary to the Board.
  3. The application for minor and major soil fill permits shall set forth the following:
    1. Name and address of the applicant.
    2. Name and address of the owner, if other than the applicant.
    3. The description of the land upon which the fill is proposed to be placed including the physical address and the tax map lot and block numbers.
    4. The purpose or reason for placement of soil.
    5. The nature and quantity, in cubic yards, of soil to be filled.
    6. The source of material to be used as fill and certification that the fill can be considered “clean fill” as regulated by State and local regulations including the street address of the source or sources, the tax map lot and block numbers of the source or sources, and the record title folder of such location or locations and contact information for the title holders or authorized agent.
    7. The proposed date of placement of the soil fill.
    8. Supporting documentation as required to adequately address and comply with the purpose and the provisions of this chapter.
    9. An approved soil erosion and sediment control permit (if applicable).

D. No more than one (1) minor soil fill permit or major soil fill permit may be issued for any property within a one (1) year period from the issuance of the permit. Any additional application for even minor or major soil fill permit within that one (1) year shall require an application for an approval from the Stillwater Township Planning Board.

§ 339-G. Supporting documentation for a major soil fill application

The application for a major soil permit shall be accompanied by a topographic map or maps prepared and certified by a professional engineer or land surveyor. The scale of said map shall not be more than 100 feet to the inch and shall include the following:

  1. Key map.
  2. Existing contour lines at five-foot intervals.
  3. Proposed contour lines at five-foot intervals after fill of the soil.
  4. All existing structures, all existing roads and drainage within 200 feet of the property.
  5. Location of all property lines.
  6. Location of any wetlands, streams, or other environmentally sensitive areas on the property.
  7. Location of any topsoil storage areas.
  8. Soil erosion and sediment control measures.
  9. Cross sections of the fill areas at fifty-foot intervals.

§ 339-H. Referral

Upon receipt of a second application for a minor soil fill permit or major soil fill permit within one (1) year by the Planning Board Secretary shall forthwith send a copy of same to those individual(s) designated by Township resolution, Township Engineer, and the Environmental Commission who shall review the application, and they shall submit their reports and recommendations, and their reasons, to the Township Planning Board within 30 days of receipt of the application. Failure to file such a report within the required time period shall be deemed an approval of the application by such department, officials and commissions.

§ 339-I. Action by Planning Board; notice of hearing on applications for a second minor or major soil fill applications within a one-year period.

  1. The Township Planning Board shall grant or deny the application within 45 days after receipt of the reports and recommendations of those individual(s) designated by Township resolution, Township Engineer, and Environmental Commission. On an application for a major soil fill permit, the Planning Board shall schedule a public hearing and shall notify the applicant of the date of such hearing. The applicant shall notify in writing all property owners within 200 feet of the extreme limits of the property, as their names appear on the Township tax records, at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing in the application. The notice shall be given in person or by registered mail and shall state the reason for the hearing; the time and place of the hearing as fixed by the Township Planning Board; a brief description of the property; and that a copy of the application and map has been filed with the Township Clerk for public inspection. The applicant shall also cause notice of the hearing to be published in the official newspaper of the Township, at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
  2. Five (5) days prior to the hearing, the applicant shall present to the Township Planning Board Secretary the following:
    1. Certification, in the form of an affidavit, signed and sworn by the applicant, affirming that he has notified all property owners, as required in Subsection A of this section.
    2. Proof of publication of the newspaper notice required in Subsection A of this section.

§ 339-J. Factors to be considered in approving permits

In considering and reviewing the application and arriving at a decision, those individual(s) designated by Township resolution (minor permit) and the Township Engineer (major permit) and Planning Board, as applicable, be guided by and take into consideration the public health, safety and general welfare and the general purposes of municipal planning, and particular consideration shall be given to the following factors:

  1. Soil erosion by water and sand.
  2. Surface water drainage.
  3. Soil fertility.
  4. Lateral support of abutting streets and lands.
  5. Public health and safety.
  6. Land values and uses.
  7. Contours, both existing and proposed.
  8. Existing contours and topographic character of the land prior to the placement of any soil and proposed contours which will result subsequent to the placement of soil in accordance with the soil fill application.
  9. Whether the proposed placement of soil is necessary and incidental to the development of the property for its intended use or whether the proposed placement of fill constitutes primarily a commercial activity.
  10. The application shall disclose the address and location from which the soil of fill materials will be obtained, the owner of representative of the owner of the premises from which the soil or fill materials is to be obtained and the kind and quality of soil and fill materials to be imported.

§ 339-K. Issuance of permit

The property owner and the individual placing fill shall be responsible to comply with the terms of this ordinance and no soil is to be placed in the Stillwater Township without compliance with the terms of the Ordinance. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to authorize the placement of any fill within the Township of Stillwater which is not deemed to constitute “clean fill” in compliance with all state, local and federal standards including but not limited to those standards which are currently or may be enacted in the future by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. A permit shall be issued after the approval of the application by the those individual(s) designated by Township resolution (minor permit) or by the Township Engineer (major permit). The approval shall specifically list the total number of cubic yards of soil authorized to be filled as calculated by the Township Engineer based upon the contour maps submitted and approved.

ARTICLE II

Operating Requirements

§ 339-L. Method of operation

If a permit is issued for the placement of soil as provided herein, the owner or person in charge shall so conduct the operations that there shall be no sharp declivities, pits or depressions, and in such manner that the area shall be properly leveled off, cleared of debris, and graded to conform with the contour lines and grades as required and shown on the approved plan.

§ 339-M. Hours of Operation

No soil shall be placed, or any operation conducted in hours other than 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P. M., Monday through Friday.

§ 339-N. Regulation of operation

No soil shall be placed, nor shall any operation be conducted so as to violate any of the regulations contained in this article after a permit is granted.

§ 339-O. Deposit of soil on adjoining property or public roads

Soil fill shall not be deposited or in any way thrown or placed upon adjoining property or public roads. Any soil or material resulting from any such operation accumulating on any adjoining property or public road shall be removed there from immediately upon notice to the permittee of such accumulation.

§ 339-P. Compliance with other standards and terms of permit

All operations shall be conducted in strict accordance with any state law, other ordinances of the Township, and the terms and conditions of any permit granted for such operations.

§ 339-Q. Nuisances and unsafe conditions

The operation shall be so conducted as not to constitute a nuisance, and in no event shall said operation create any hazardous or unsafe condition with regard to any person or persons. Natural screening is to be preserved by the applicant.

§ 339-R. Restoration of area

  1. Upon completion of any operation delineated on the approved plan, said area shall be properly leveled off, cleared of debris, and graded to conform to the contours and grades as approved by those individual(s) designated by Township resolution. A final map for all major soil fill permits shall be submitted containing and complying with all requirements as set forth in this chapter.
  2. If the Township Engineer, in the course of review, determines that Township roads may sustain meaningful “wear and tear” damage due to the passage of trucks carrying the imported materials, the Township Public Works Supervisor shall review the application. If meaningful damage is determined to be likely, the Public Works Supervisor shall provide a reasonable estimate of excess costs attributable to truck traffic associated with the importation activity. Such estimates shall fairly apportion and distinguish between the costs associated with the importation activity and those associated with normal usage of the Township’s roadways including occasional passage of heavy trucks. The applicant shall be solely responsible for costs attributable to the importation activity and shall establish an escrow fund in the Township Clerk’s office sufficient to refund the Township for this expense.
  3. No trash, junk or debris may be stored in any area, and no safety hazards will be permitted, either during or after the completion of operations.

§ 339-S. Storage limitations

The material stored shall not exceed a height of 20 feet, and the maximum storage slope shall be 45 degrees.

§ 339-T. Enforcing officer; inspections

Those individual(s) designated by Township resolution will be designated as the officer whose duty it shall be to enforce the provisions of this chapter. He/she shall, from time to time, upon his/her own initiative, and whenever directed by the Township, inspect the premises for which permits have been granted to ensure compliance with the terms of the permit and of this chapter. The Zoning Officer shall have the right to enter upon any lands for the purpose of examination and inspection of the operation without advance notice.

§ 339-U. Use of Streets for soil transportation

In the placement of soil or fill operation, the applicant shall cause such streets to be kept free from dirt and debris resulting from such soil or fill operation.

ARTICLE III

Fees; Bonds; Penalties and Miscellaneous Provisions

§ 339-V. Permit fees; inspection fees

  1. The fees for a minor or major soil placement permits are set forth in Chapter 245, Fees and Escrows.
  2. The obligor shall be responsible for all of the inspection fees of the Township Engineer incurred in making the inspections.

§ 339-W. Revocation of Permit; Violations and Penalties.

After notice and an opportunity to be heard before those individual(s) designated by Township resolution, the permit of any person may be revoked or suspended for such period as the those individual(s) designated by Township resolution may determine for any violation of the terms hereof or the terms and conditions of any permit granted hereunder. In addition to the revocation provided for herein, any person who violates this chapter or any director or officer of a corporation who participates in a violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a maximum fine of $2,000, or imprisonment for a period not to exceed 90 days, or both. Each and every day that such violation continues or exists shall be considered a separate and specific violation of these provisions and not as a continuing offense.

§ 339-X. Other permits

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to affect the owner’s application for soil erosion and sediment control permits or any other state or federal regulations or permits as required.

SECTION II.

Chapter 437: Fees and Escrows of the Municipal Code of the Township of Stillwater to amended to include fees and escrows for soil fill permits as follows:

§ 339. Soil Fill Placement

  1. Minor Soil Fill Permit (100 to 500 cubic yards) Fee: $100 Escrow: $500
  2. Major Soil Fill Permit (greater than 500 cubic yards) Fee: $500 Escrow: $2,000

SECTION III.

Inconsistency. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent where they are in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

Partial Invalidity. If any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Article shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, clause or provisions of adjudged and the remainder of the Article shall be deemed valid and effective.

Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by law.

Inconsistency. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent where they are in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2020-03, seconded by Fisher.

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

Ordinance No. 2020-05

CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $39,000 FOR
PURPOSES AUTHORIZED TO BE UNDERTAKEN 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;

Section 1. The several 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 several 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 $39,000, which has heretofore been set aside for the improvements or purposes 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 part of said $39,000.00 appropriations, the Township will use $39,000.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund.

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:

Public Works Vehicle

RAM 3500 Utility Truck Base $ 39,000.00 General C.I.F.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 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.

Section 6. This capital ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after the publication thereof after final adoption.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2020-05, seconded by Fisher.

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

PUBLIC HEARING OF THE 2020 MUNCIPAL BUDGET

RESOLUTION 2020-070 Self-Examination of Budget

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-070, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

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

RESOLUTION 2019-071 Authorizing Reading of the Municipal Budget by Title and providing for Public Hearing on the Budget Adoption

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-071, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

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

RESOLUTION 2020-072 Amending Introduced Budget for the addition of $34,000 from the Garden State Preservation Fund (State Aid)

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-072, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

RESOLUTION 2019-073 Authorizing Reading of the Amended Municipal Budget by Title and providing for Public Hearing on the Budget Adoption

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-073, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

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

NEW BUSINESS:

RESOLUTION 2019-074 Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater authorizing the appointment of Brian Hendershot as substitute seasonal employee

Ms. Mooney said there is no salary amount associated with the resolution. Mrs. Leonard added the same was true for the resolution adopted to hire Keith Whitehead. The Township Committee had a brief discussion and decided to pay the men what new hires would make which is $19.68 per hour.

Mr. Morrison made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-074 amended to include the salary amount of $19.68 per hour and also to amend Resolution 2020-067 for Mr. Whitehead to include the salary amount of $19.68 per hour, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

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

DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Ordinances 2020-04 and 04A (Salaries for Officers and Employees for the year 2020)
Mr. Morrison said he asked for the two ordinances to be tabled at the last meeting because he could not vote to give the Town Hall employees a raise for 2020 because of all the people out of work due to the COVID-19 crisis. Mr. Morrison said he had hoped to be able to discuss this with everyone in the meeting room but the ordinances should not be put off indefinitely. Mr. Morrison asked to have the ordinances introduced at the May 5, 2020 meeting. Mayor Chammings asked Ms. Mooney and Mrs. Leonard what the 3% raise equates to monetarily. They did not have the answer off the top of their heads so Mayor Chammings asked to have the figure for the next meeting. The DPW employees have a collective bargaining agreement and has already received their 3% raise for 2020. Mrs. Rumsey asked about the DPW Supervisor’s salary and if he has chosen to stay in the union or not. Mr. Morrison said that could be discussed at the next meeting at an executive session if that is allowed at this time. Mr. Bolcato said he would research the matter. Mrs. Rumsey said she agrees the employees are doing a good job but the discussion should be put off until next month. Mr. Fisher stated he felt it was not right to withhold raises to the Town Hall employees while giving raises to the employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement.

Municipay
Mayor Chammings asked Mr. Bolcato to begin the conversation and asked if his concerns were addressed by Municipay. Mr. Bolcato reported the contract is really designed for businesses and not for municipalities. He said Municipay addressed his concerns by letting him know most of his requests for changes in the contract will not be honored. Mr. Bolcato said although the wording is not of his liking there have been many municipalities using the product with no issues. Ms. Mooney added that the other municipality she works in has been using the product since February and has had success. Mr. Bolcato noted his other concern was cost to the Township. Ms. Mooney said there is no cost to the Township. There is a 2.65% fee for credit card use and a flat $1.50 fee for e-checks for the users. The user security is ensured by Municipay not retaining any of their private information on the platform so all information must be re-entered each time someone uses the service. Another suggestion Ms. Mooney had for Stillwater was not to use the card reader on the counter. It is not user friendly and telling residents to use their computer/smart phone is much easier.

Mr. Scott made a motion to approve the contract with Municipay, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

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

PUBLIC SESSION:
Fire Chief Steven Sugar
said he has noticed many more tractor trailers using Stillwater Road and he feels the roads are not meant for that type of load capacity. Mr. Sugar asked about the weight limits on bridges. The weight limits for the bridges are set by the County and Mayor Chammings noted the Township has contacted the County before for similar issues and the complaints go unanswered.

Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Route 619, asked if she could still drop of taxes at town hall and if someone was at the building. The Clerk said the building is manned but the Tax Collector would like the tax payments to either be dropped off in the drop box on the front porch of Town Hall or mail. If residents want a receipt they need to enclose their bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mrs. Draghi also noted her company withheld raises one year and it was not good for employee moral. Mrs. Draghi suggested the employees should be given a 1% raise.

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

ATTORNEY REPORT: Mr. Bolcato reported he was working on the deeds for the property sales and hopes to have them by next week.

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey at 8:48 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk

 

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