April 3, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

April 3, 2018 – 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.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

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

ABSENT: Committeeman Fisher 

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.

MINUTES:   March 20, 2018 Executive and Regular Meeting Minutes

RESOLUTION:  2018-050  Authorizing Refund of Permit Fees

Mr. Scott made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

PROCLAMATION: APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Mayor Chammings read the following proclamation:

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a complex and ongoing problem in our society, affecting many children in Sussex County, and

WHEREAS, every child is entitled to be love, cared for, nurtured, feel secure and be free from verbal, sexual, emotional and physical abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect not only directly harms children, but also increases the likelihood of criminal behavior, substance abuse, health problems, and risky behavior; and

WHEREAS, the effects of child abuse are felt by communities as a whole and need to be addressed by the entire community; and

WHEREAS effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater does hereby proclaim April 2018 as

Child Abuse Prevention Month

And calls upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live.

BILLS LIST #6: $877,112.44

RESOLUTION 2018-051   PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-051, seconded by Mr. Gross.

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

AMENDMENT TO AGENDA: Add:  Tire Day; Resolution 2018-053 PTA Raffle; 2018-054 Riparian Restoration

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:10 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at       7:10 p.m.

OLD BUSINESS

 

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 2018-04 Introduction (Public Hearing and Adoption – April 17, 2018)

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

ORDINANCE 2018-04

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 introduce Ordinance 2018-04, seconded by Mr. Gross.

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

 

RESOLUTION 2018-052: Authorizing an Agreement between the Township of Stillwater and the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company

DISCUSSION:

Mr. Gross expressed concern with certain aspects of the proposal including Hardwick not having a fire department, insurance costs, maintenance and wear and tear on the fire trucks and equipment; as well as taxpayer money funding equipment being used in another township. He noted the money being paid to the fire department by Hardwick should be paid to the township to offset the taxpayer money being used to fund the department. Mr. Gross was also concerned with coverage in Stillwater during a call in Hardwick.

Mr. Gross stated he would be in favor of the proposal if Hardwick had a small department of their own that we would only be assisting.

Mr. Morrison spoke about mutual aid with Hardwick, which would be the case without this agreement and with no funding. He noted the fire department is expensive to operate and the funding from Hardwick for coverage would be beneficial.

Mr. Scott was in favor of the proposal but expressed concern with being bound to the agreement for a certain extent of time. Mayor Chammings noted there is a severability clause included in the agreement.

Mayor Chammings was in favor of the agreement. Hampton and Fredon would cover Stillwater when Stillwater is providing services to Hardwick.

Mayor Chammings made a motion authorizing the Stillwater Volunteer Fire Department to execute an agreement with Hardwick, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

Resolution 2018-052 was tabled to the April 17^th meeting following the execution of the agreement.

 RESOLUTION 2018-053

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES
RA-18-01 AND RA-18-02

WHEREAS the following Raffle Applications with required fees have been submitted for Township Committee approval;

Raffle #           Applicant                                                         Date                 Type of Game

RA-01              Stillwater Township PTA                                 5/18/18            50/50

RA-02              Stillwater Township PTA                                 5/18/18            Tricky Tray

WHEREAS said Raffle Applications have been provided to the Township Committee and New Jersey State Police for their review;

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

The appropriate officials are hereby authorized to execute the findings and determination for the above application and shall forward same to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) for review.

That the above license shall be issued pending LGCCC approval, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13.1 et seq.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-053, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

 

RESOLUTION 2018-054
TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE SUSSEX COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY AUTHORITY-WALKILL RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GROUP’S PAULINS KILL RIVER RIPARIAN RESTORATION CORRIDOR PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (“SCMUA”)-Walkill River Watershed Management Group (“WRWMG”) and the Nature Conservancy (“TNC”) are implementing their Phase III plan to restore degraded riparian buffers and stabilize eroding streambanks by planting trees in order to re-establish native floodplain forest in the Upper Paulins  Kill headwaters areas of the Town of Newton, as well as downstream into the newly identified areas referred to as “Restoration Alley”, sections of which are located within Stillwater Township; and

WHEREAS, TNC and WRWMG propose to continue to spearhead riparian reforestation work within the Township, specifically at the Township’s Veterans Park. The proposed reforestation work along with the proposed ongoing maintenance of the reforestation corridor will significantly contribute to the health, connectivity, and natural sustainability of the Paulins Kill. Within the Upper Paulins Kill and Restoration Alley priority focus areas for the NJ Highlands Cluster, TNC and the WRWMG are targeting floodplain areas for reforestation work that will provide wildlife habitat, filter pollutants, absorb runoff and attenuate floodwater, protecting the biologically-rich waters of the Paulins Kill; and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure project success over the long-term, TNC and the WRWMG will continue to prioritize maintenance of the existing 4-mile reforestation corridor.  Site maintenance includes bi-annual mowing, vine removal, and tree shelter upkeep/removal.  Not only will maintenance activities help to ensure tree survival, but they will also help to steward the open space lands of Sussex County.  In a 2017 public referendum, Sussex County residents voted to allow funding from the Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund to be used for stewardship projects and maintenance of permanently preserved open space.  The referendum results highlight the perceived need to prioritize stewardship activities on Sussex County open space lands and could be a potential source of supplemental funding as project opportunities develop during the proposed grant period; and

WHEREAS, prior to planting within Veterans Park invasive species will need to be managed through non-chemical control mechanisms and WRWMG and TNC are requesting that the Stillwater Township Department of Public Works and Stillwater Environmental Commission, work with local volunteers to perform this stewardship work;

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

The Stillwater Township Committee supports the efforts of TNC and WRWMG to restore degraded riparian buffers and stabilize eroding streambanks along the Paulins Kill River within Stillwater Township.

1. The Stillwater Township Committee will authorize the Township’s Department of Public Works to reasonably assist with the restoration work within Veterans Park, after consultation and coordination with the Department of Public Works Supervisor, and provided that the Township has personnel and equipment available to do so, and provided that it does not unduly interfere with other work required by the Township.
2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Mayor Chammings made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-054, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

 

Attorney Report:

Following a discussion with the Zoning Officer, Mr. Bolcato reported on the following options for addressing property maintenance violations, currently for one specific property.

-Existing ordinances based on the statute can address the matter – citing the owner for the violation and ordering clean up; or serving the owner with a summons to court, the judge orders clean up by a specific date or the township has a right to address the matter, resulting in a lien.

-Source of funding needs to be determined; an estimate of the cost to address the property and whether or not it is worth investing the money to do so.

-Safety of individuals sent to clean up the properties and/or inspectors – Mr. Bolcato suggested contacting the Sheriff’s Office or State Police to arrange their attendance.

Mayor Chammings was concerned with the expenditure of taxpayer dollars to clean up a property and the possibility of not being reimbursed. Mr. Bolcato suggested researching grant funding or other options for assistance.

Mr. Morrison questioned if fines were being imposed at the maximum level and the consequences

of not paying them. If fines are paid the money could be used to address the issue. Mr. Bolcato stated nonpayment of fines could eventually result in a lien but would not address neighbor’s complaints and the negative affect on their property values.

Mr. Gross suggested looking at the property in question before making a decision. Mayor Chammings suggested looking into funding opportunities.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Land Sales and Donations:

Following a discussion on land donations, the Committee agreed to have Ms. Knott contact other municipalities to inquire if they have a procedure in place for addressing the donation of properties.

The Committee discussed the sale of township owned lots. Ms. Knott stated the township is paying taxes on such properties and there are liability and maintenance issues associated with that ownership.

Mr. Bolcato stated an undersized property that is less than an 1/8 of the zoning requirement does not have to be sold at fair market value. Parcels more than 1/8 of the zoning requirement must be auctioned off to the highest bidder at no less than fair market value. Adjoining property owners would have first right of refusal.

Ms. Knott will draft a list of those interested in donating property to the township and those wishing to purchase township owned property. Mr. Morrison will work on the land sale list with the assistance of Mayor Chammings.

 

DPW Position:

Ms. Knott stated Mr. Raff, DPW Supervisor, has asked that the position initially require a month or two of training at the Recycling Center, working Saturday through Wednesday, so the individual would be able to run the center if needed. Following that training period, the employee would then work full-time with the DPW, Monday through Friday and an additional employee would be hired to manage the Recycling Center. The Committee agreed with his request and an advertisement would be placed in the near future for a DPW laborer.

 

JCP&L:  Mayor Chammings reported she met with JCP&L on Friday, March 30^th at the Municipal Building.  There will be another meeting scheduled that will include six mayors and the Regional Supervisor of the area.  It was a productive meeting.  JCP&L will use the fairgrounds as a staging site for future storms.

 

Free Tire Disposal Day:

The Committee agreed to hold a free tire drop-off on Saturday, April 14^th, a limit of four tires.  An additional date will be added in May.

 

Open Public Session:

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

Jan Bonavita, 918 Dove Island Road addressed Resolution 2018-052 and felt Mr. Gross and Mr. Morrison had very valid comments and concerns. She stated it should be appreciated that the fire department is looking for income, however Mr. Gross is correct in stating his concerns regarding taxpayer costs for equipment that is being used elsewhere. She agreed and also expressed concern with there being a call in Hardwick and Stillwater simultaneously. Mr. Bolcato indicated the agreement includes language that should that happen Stillwater would get preference.  Stillwater is also secondary to Blairstown for covering Hardwick.

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 at 8:22 p.m., seconded by Mr. Morrison.  In a voice vote, all were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Kathy Wunder