April 4, 2023 – Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday April 4, 2023

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:01 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were sent to the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall, on the Township’s website and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13.

Roll Call: PRESENT: Mrs. Delaney, Mr. Barta, Mrs. Rumsey, Mr. Scott, Mayor Chammings

The flag was saluted.

PROCALMATION 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 2023 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.

PRESENTATION: Sam Wykoff Architect Community Center Roof

Mr. Wykoff met with Mr. Paul Hawkins and they inspected the Community Center Roof. Mr. Wykoff also met with Mayor Chammings and Deputy Mayor Rumsey to discuss the scope of the work. Mr. Wykoff plans to reframe the soffit on both the upper and lower roofs, vent the attic, and to insulate above the roof decking. The upper roof is the main roof of the building and the lower roof is the roof over the kitchen and bathrooms.

MINUTES: March 21, 2023 Executive and Regular Meeting Minutes

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

BILLS LIST #06 $1,058,748.16

RESOLUTION 2023-76 Authorizing Payment of Bills

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance 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 4, 2023 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-76, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

• Committeewoman Delaney
  • Recreation – The Recreation Commission had their monthly meeting on April 3, 2023. The clean-up day is scheduled for April 22, 2023 at the recycling center. Miss Stillwater contest is scheduled for May 12, 2023 at the Community Center. The Fall Festival Committee met on March 23, 2023 and their next meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2023 at the Town hall. Garage Sale weekend is scheduled for May 20 and 21, 2023. The Easter Egg Hunt was held on April 2, 2023 and went really well. Mrs. Delaney thanked the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Department and a huge shout out to Bill Hughes for all of his help during the event. Developmental Disabilities event was held on March 19, 2023. Mrs. Delaney sent a thank you to Jenn Minervino for helping to chair that event. The clay was spread at Veteran’s Field, by the DPW. There is a Water Safety Fair scheduled for May 7, 2023 at Swartswood State Park. Volunteers are needed for this event. There is a senior event being held at the Community Center on April 27, there is a possibility at this event for the residents to learn how to knit. There was a note of concern about the dog waste all over the fields at Veteran’s Park. Please clean up after your animals. The Committee is going to look into having bags or some other sort of disposal available to the residents.
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment – The Zoning Board of Adjustment met on March 27, 2023. There were two hearings. One was denied and the applicant will be submitting a set back variance application. The Zoning Board of Adjustment’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday April 24, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the town hall.
• Committeeman Barta
  • Board of Education – no report as meeting was cancelled.
  • Planning Board – no report as meeting was cancelled.
• Committeewoman Rumsey
  • Emergency Services – The fire department have been busy with calls. Their annual golf outing is sold out. It is scheduled for June 30, 2023. They are currently still looking for sponsors for the event.
  • Community Center – Everyone has been doing a great job at cleaning up and keeping it nice after their parties.
  • Architect – no report as Mr. Wykoff was present at the meeting.
  • Personnel – no report at this time.
  • CERT – Mrs. Rumsey reported there were a few new members at the CERT meeting. The CERT team will be joining the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Department for a training on April 23, 2023 at Camp Aldersgate. The next CERT meeting is scheduled for April 26, 2023.
• Committeeman Scott
  • DPW – no report at this time.
  • Engineering – no report at this time.
• Mayor Chammings – Thanked the DPW for cleaning up the yard by the shop so there is now a better area where they can park the trucks, plows, and other equipment.
  • Environmental Commission – The Environmental Commission was very grateful for the letter which went out to all the local lakes and lake communities in regards to the Biochar ordinance. There was a discussion in regards to putting a house and pole barn on property located at Block 2701/Lot 2.01. They are waiting on legal documentation from the DEP before proceeding with this request.
  • Legal – no report at this time.
  • Engineering – There was discussion on the 992 Fairview Lake Road property. The engineers sent a report which covers the whole process from the beginning and the steps to take in the future which the committee has to review.
  • OEM – no report at this time.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

Resolution 2023-82: AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE STATEMENT OF CONSENT FOR TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL APPLICATION was added to the agenda.

There was a request from Mrs. Rumsey to add an executive session to be after the regular meeting.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION (agenda items only):

Heidi Mountford questioned the process of 992 Fairview Lake Road property and asked if the property would go up for bid after the clean up was finished. The committee explained we are going out for bid to demolish and clean up the property.

Joe Doherty suggested putting oversized signs up at the parks to alert the pet owners about cleaning up after their animals.

Marcia Bradley stated CERT is going to continue to work with the fire department and figuring out in what capacity is best. There were two CERT members who went to a Mass Causality training at the fairgrounds. CERT also helped at the Easter Egg Hunt, and stated it was a wonderful event.

OLD BUSINESS:

Township’s Tax Lien Update: no update Mr. Vex was absent

ORDINANCE 2023-08 AMENDING CHAPTER 304 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE ENTITLED “PROPERTY, VACANT AND ABANDONED” Public Hearing and Adoption

WHEREAS, Public Law 2021, chapter 444 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s1 et seq.), effective January 18, 2022, governs a municipality’s ability to regulate, manage, and enforce the proper administration of vacant and abandoned real property; and

WHEREAS, the Committee of the Township of Stillwater desires to update its existing Code provisions to be in accord with the provisions of P.L. 2021, c. 444 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s1 et seq.), in order to serve the best interests of the Township and its residents.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey, that Chapter 304 of the Code of the Township of Stillwater entitled “Property, Vacant and Abandoned” is hereby amended as follows:

SECTION I.

Articles I and II of the Chapter 304 of the Township Code are hereby repealed in their entirety and replaced with a new Article I entitled “Registration of Vacant and Abandoned Properties in Foreclosure” as follows:

Chapter 304 Property, Vacant and Abandoned

Article I Registration of Vacant and Abandoned Properties in Foreclosure

§ 304-1 Purposes

The purposes of this Article are to:

A. Create a Property Registration Program to identify and monitor residential and commercial properties in the Township for which a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage has been filed;

B. Regulate the care, maintenance, security, and upkeep of the exterior of vacant and abandoned residential and commercial properties for which a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose has been filed; and

C. Impose property registration fees on the Creditor of residential or commercial properties on an annual basis.

§ 304-2 Definitions

All words, terms, and phrases used within this Article shall be defined and interpreted consistent with their meanings as outlined within P.L. 2021, c. 444 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s1 et seq.), as may be amended from time to time.

CREDITOR

A mortgagee or an agent or assignee of a mortgagee, such as a servicer, who has filed a complaint in the Superior Court seeking to foreclose upon a residential or commercial mortgage. If the entity seeking to foreclose upon the residential or commercial mortgage changes as a result of an assignment, transfer, or otherwise after the filing of the foreclosure complaint in the Superior Court, the new entity shall be deemed the Creditor for purposes of this section. A Creditor shall not include the State, a political subdivision of the State, or a State, County, or local government entity, or their agent or assignee, such as the servicer.

FORECLOSURE

Legal process by which a mortgagee, or other lienholder, terminates a property owner’s equitable right of redemption to obtain legal and equitable title to the real property pledged as security for a debt or the real property subject to the lien. This definition shall include, but is not limited to public notice of default, a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, sale to the mortgagee or lienholder, certificate of title and all other processes, activities and actions, by whatever name, associated with the described process. The process is not concluded until the property obtained by the mortgagee, lienholder, or their designee, by certificate of title, or any other means, is sold to a nonrelated bona fide purchaser in an arm’s length transaction to satisfy the debt or lien.

OWNER

The title holder, any agent of the title holder, or any holder of legal or beneficial title to vacant and/or abandoned property.

VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY

Any residential or commercial building which is not legally occupied by a mortgagor or tenant, which is in such condition that it cannot be legally reoccupied, because of the presence or finding of at least two of the following:

1. overgrown or neglected vegetation;
2. the accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, or mail on the property;
3. disconnected gas, electric, or water utility services to the property;
4. the accumulation of hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials on the property;
5. the accumulation of junk, litter, trash, or debris on the property;
6. the absence of window treatments such as blinds, curtains, or shutters;
7. the absence of furnishings and personal items;
8. statements of neighbors, delivery persons, or government employees indicating that the property is vacant and abandoned;
9. windows or entrances to the property that are boarded up or closed off, or multiple windowpanes that are damaged, broken, and unrepaired;
10. doors to the property that are missing, smashed through, broken off, unhinged, or continuously unlocked;
11. a risk to the health, safety, or welfare of the public or any adjoining or adjacent property owners due to acts of vandalism, loitering, criminal conduct, or the physical destruction or deterioration of the property;
12. an uncorrected violation of a municipal building, housing, or similar code during the preceding year, or an order by municipal authorities declaring the property to be unfit for occupancy and to remain vacant and unoccupied;
13. the mortgagee or other authorized party has secured or winterized the property due to the property being deemed vacant and unprotected or in danger of freezing;
14. a written statement issued by a mortgagor expressing the clear intent of all mortgagors to abandon the property; or
15. any other reasonable indicia of abandonment.

§ 304-3. Property Registration Program

A. There is hereby created a Property Registration Program in the Township of Stillwater for the purposes set forth in § 304-1 pursuant to the authority granted by P.L. 2021, c. 444 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s1 et seq.).

B. The Code Enforcement Officer of the Township of Stillwater shall be responsible for the administration of the Property Registration Program. Duties shall include the following:

1. Identify properties subject to the registration requirement;
2. Maintain and update the registration list;
3. Communicate with Creditors and/or in-State representatives and agents;
4. Invoice and collect payment of fees and penalties;
5. Monitor compliance; and

(6) Such other functions, within the scope of P.L. 2021, c. 444 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s1 et seq.) which may be deemed necessary to carry out their function on behalf of the Township.

§ 304-4. Residential or Commercial Foreclosures

A. The Creditor filing a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose shall, in addition to the notice provided to the Township pursuant to N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51 or N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s2, register the residential or commercial property with the Property Registration Program as a property in foreclosure.

B. To register a property as a property in foreclosure, the Creditor must provide the Township with the following:

1. Information regarding the Creditor required by N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51(a)(1) or N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s2(a)(1);
2. The date the summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage was filed against the subject property, the court in which it was filed, and the docket number of the filing; and

(3) Identify whether the property is vacant and abandoned in accordance with the definition in § 304-2.

C. If there is any change in the name, address, or telephone number for a representative, agent, or individual authorized to accept service on behalf of a Creditor required to register pursuant to the Property Registration Program following the filing of the summons and complaint, the Creditor shall update the Property Registration Program within 10 days of the change in that information.

D. If the registered property becomes vacant and abandoned in accordance with the definition in § 304-2 after the property is initially registered with the Township, the Creditor filing a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose shall update the Property Registration Program within with the Township to reflect the change in the property’s status.

E. The Creditor filing a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose shall be responsible for the care, maintenance, security, and upkeep of the exterior of the property if the property is vacant and abandoned at any time while the property is registered with the Property Registration Program.

F. A Creditor located outside the State of New Jersey shall be responsible for appointing an in-state representative or agent to act for the foreclosing Creditor.

G. A Creditor filing a summons and complaint in an action to foreclosure on property that is or becomes vacant and abandoned shall:

1. Secure the property against unauthorized entry;
2. Post a sign affixed to the inside of the property and visible to the public indicating the name, address, and telephone number of the Creditor or an out-of-state Creditor’s in-state representative or agent for the purpose of receiving service of process; and

(3) Acquire and otherwise maintain liability insurance by procuring a vacancy policy, covering any damage to any person or any property caused by any physical condition of the property while registered with the Property Registration Program.

H. The Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue a notice to the Creditor filing the summons and complaint in an action to foreclose, if he or she determines that the Creditor has violated this Article. The Creditor shall correct all violations for failing to provide care, maintenance, security, and upkeep of the exterior of vacant and abandoned property within 30 days of receipt of notice from the Township, or within 10 days of receipt of the notice if the violation presents an imminent threat to public health and safety.

§ 304-5. Provisions Only Applicable to Commercial Properties

A. For the purposes of this section only, “Creditor” means a State chartered bank, savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union, any person required to be licensed under the provisions of the “New Jersey Residential Mortgage Lending Act,” N.J.S.A. 17:11C-51 through N.J.S.A. 17:11C-89, and any entity acting on behalf of the Creditor named in the debt obligation including, but not limited to, servicers. For purposes of this section, a Creditor shall not include the State, a political subdivision of the State, or a State, county, or local government entity, or their agent or assignee, such as the servicer.

B. A Creditor serving a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage on commercial property shall, within 10 days of serving the summons and complaint, notify the Township Clerk and the Mayor, in writing, that a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage has been filed against the subject property.

C. The notice shall contain the full name, address, and telephone number for the representative of the Creditor who is responsible for receiving complaints of property maintenance and code violations, and the full name and contact information for any person or entity retained by the Creditor or a representative of the Creditor to be responsible for any care, maintenance, security, or upkeep of the property.

D. If the Creditor that has served a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a commercial property within the Township and that Creditor is located out-of-state, the notice shall contain the full name, address, and telephone number of an in-state representative or agent who shall be responsible for the care, maintenance, security, and upkeep of the exterior of the property if it becomes vacant and abandoned.

E. The notice shall include the street address, lot, and block number of the property.

F. The notice may contain information about more than one property.

G. The notice shall be mailed to the Township Clerk at the following address: Office of the Township Clerk, Township of Stillwater, 964 Stillwater Road, Newton, New Jersey 07860.

H. The Township Clerk shall forward a copy of the notice to the Code Enforcement Officer.

I. If there is any change in the name, address, or telephone number for a representative, agent, or individual authorized to accept service on behalf of a Creditor required to be provided in a notice pursuant to this Section following the filing of the summons and complaint, the Creditor shall provide a notice to the Township Clerk containing the updated name, address, or telephone number within 10 days of the change in that information.

J. Within 30 days following the effective date of this Section, any Creditor that has initiated a foreclosure proceeding on any commercial property in the Township that is pending in Superior Court shall provide to the Township Clerk a listing of all commercial properties in the Township for which the Creditor has foreclosure actions pending by street address and lot and block number. The Township Clerk shall forward a copy of the notice to the Code Enforcement Officer.

K. If the owner of a commercial property vacates or abandons any property on which a foreclosure proceeding has been initiated or if a commercial property becomes vacant at any point subsequent to the Creditor’s filing the summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage against the subject property, but prior to vesting of title in the Creditor or any other third party, and the exterior of the property is found to be a nuisance or in violation of any applicable state or local code, the Code Enforcement Officer shall notify the Creditor or the representative or agent of an out-of-state Creditor, as applicable, which shall have the responsibility to abate the nuisance or correct the violation in the same manner and to the same extent as the title owner of the property, to such standard or specification as may be required by State law or Township ordinance. The Township shall include a description of the conditions that gave rise to the violation with the notice of violation and shall provide a period of not less than 30 days from the Creditor’s receipt of the notice for the Creditor to remedy the violation. If the Creditor fails to remedy the violation within that time period, the Township may impose penalties allowed for the violation of Township Ordinances.

L. If the Township expends public funds in order to abate a nuisance or correct a violation on a commercial property in situations in which the Creditor was given notice pursuant to the provisions of § 304-5(K) but failed to abate the nuisance or correct the violation as directed, the Township shall have the same recourse against the Creditor as it would have against the title owner of the property, including but not limited to that provided under N.J.S.A. 55:19- 100.

§ 505-6. Registration Fees

A Creditor required to register a property pursuant to this Article shall pay an annual registration fee as follows:

A. $500 per property annually for any property that is required to be registered because a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose was filed by the Creditor.

B. An additional $2,000 per property annually if the property is vacant or abandoned pursuant to the definition in § 304-2 when the summons and complaint in an action to foreclose is filed, or becomes vacant and abandoned pursuant to said definition at any time thereafter while the property is in foreclosure.

C. Registration fees shall be due to the Township Clerk on January 31 of each year.

§ 505-7. Penalties and Fines.

A. An out-of-state Creditor found by a municipal court or other court of competent jurisdiction, to be in violation of the requirement to appoint an in-state representative or agent pursuant to this Article shall be subject to a fine of $2,500 for each day of the violation. Any fines imposed on a Creditor for the failure to appoint an in-State representative or agent shall commence on the day after the 10-day period set forth in N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51(a)(1) or N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s2(a)(1) for providing notice to the Township Clerk that a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage has been served.

B. A Creditor found by a municipal court or other court of competent jurisdiction, to be in violation, excluding only a violation of § 304-7 A, of this Chapter shall be subject to a fine of $1,500 for each day of the violation. Any fines imposed pursuant to this Section shall commence 31 days following receipt of the notice of violation, except if the violation presents an imminent risk to public health and safety, in which case any fines shall commence 11 days following receipt of the notice.

C. No less than 20% of any money collected pursuant to this Article shall be utilized by the Township for code enforcement purposes.

SECTION II.

Article III of the Township Code entitled “Municipal Powers to Rehabilitate Abandoned Properties” shall be renumbered and renamed as “Article II. Municipal Powers to Rehabilitate Abandoned Properties” with § 304-10 through § 304-17 being renumbered sequentially as § 304-8 through § 304-15.

SECTION III.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion thereof.

SECTION IV.

All existing Ordinances and/or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance are, to the extent of such inconsistency, repealed.

SECTION V.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication according to law.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to open to the public, seconded by Mrs. Delaney.

Mrs. Arlene Fisher asked what changes to the ordinance were made. It was explained towns can only charge for homes which have been foreclosed on by a bank via state statute.

Mrs. Heidi Mountford questioned what about homes which are owner owned but abandoned. Mayor Chammings explained that is still covered under the property maintenance ordinance and can be brought to the zoning officer.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Ordinance 2023-08, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

RESOLUTION 2023-77 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER FOR ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SERVICES AS SET FORTH IN THE NJ STATE UNIFORM FIR CODE REGULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF N.J.S.A. 40 A:60-1 ET SEQ.

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater desires to work with various entities in order to realize mutual cost savings through joint agreements for public services: and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has adopted the “Uniform Fire Safety Act” for the purpose of establishing fire safety standards and to safeguard the lives and property of New Jersey’s citizens from fire and explosion: and

WHEREAS, the “New Jersey Regulations for Fire Code Enforcement” permits the County Fire Marshal to be the County Enforcing Agency with the right to inspect all County and autonomous County facilities and in addition, to inspect life hazard uses or enforce the Code fully on behalf of a Municipality or fire department or fire district when so designated: and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater accepts the terms and conditions of the agreement between the Township of Stillwater and the County of Sussex regarding the provisions of enforcing agency services through the Sussex County Fire Marshal for a period of five (5) years, as more fully set forth in a Shared Services Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto: and

BE IT RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution shall be forwarded to Teresa Lyons, Clerk of the Board of Chosen Freeholders; Virgil R. Rome, Sussex County Fire Marshal; Michael F. Strada, Sussex County Sheriff; Ron Tappan, Sussex County Administrator, Douglas J. Steinhardt, Sussex County Counsel; Sean Thompson, Director, NJ Division of local Government Services, P.O. Box 803, Trenton, NJ 08625.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-77, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-78 CRANDON LAKES RESOLUTION – TABLED UNTIL 4/18/2023

RESOLUTION 2023-79 AUTHORIZATION TO CANCEL DELINQUENT TAXES ON EXEMPT PROPERTIES – Block 1401, Lot 6; Block 1501, Lot 26

WHEREAS, the following (2) parcels were foreclosed on by the Township of Stillwater in 2019, and

WHEREAS, the delinquent taxes and interest need to be canceled in the amount of $ 3,173.04.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee to authorize the Tax Collector to cancel the amount of $ 3,173.04 for properties that are owned by the Township of Stillwater.

Block Lot Address Amount

1401 /6 Fairview Lake Road $ 284.21

1501 / 26 Possum Hill Road $ 2,888.83

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-79, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-80 AUTHORIZATION TO CANCEL DELINQUENT TAXES ON EXEMPT PROPERTY – Block 501, Lot 3

WHEREAS, Block 501 Lot 3 for Baldwin Gate and owned by Louis M and Ann Rita have conveyed ownership by a Quit Claim Deed on February 6, 2023 to the Township of Stillwater, and

WHEREAS, the delinquent taxes and interest need to be cancelled in the amount of $ 632.42.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee to authorize the Tax Collector to cancel the amount of $ 632.42 for 3 Baldwin Gate that is now owned by the Township.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-80, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-81 AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR HAZARDOUS DISCHARGE SITE REMEDIATION

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater has been awarded a Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund Grant for the Project Site 992 Fairview Lake Road; and

WHEREAS, the amount of the Grant Award is up to $5,867.50; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater accepts the award of the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Application Prod-00303054, in the amount of $5,867.50;

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

1. The Township of Stillwater hereby accepts the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund Grant detailed above.
2. The Chief Financial Officer is authorized to establish a grant line in the amount of $5,867.50.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-81, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-82 AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE STATEMENT OF CONSENT FOR TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL APPLICATION

WHEREAS, Davies Engineering, LLC has requested Stillwater Township’s endorsement of a Treatment Works Approval Application for 913 Duck Pond Road; and

WHEREAS, the application requires consent by the Stillwater Township Committee for the submission of the Treatment Works Approval Application to the Department of Environmental Protection for approval; and

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

1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the Statement of Consent for Davies Engineering, LLC submission of the Treatment Works Approval Application to the Department of Environmental Protection for approval.
2. A certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Quality.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-82, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Fire Department Road Side Fund Drive June 2-4:

A motion was made by Mr. Scott for approval for road side fund, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

CPWM Exemption: The Township had CPWM exemptions in 2013 and 2018. It is due to expire again in May of this year. Since the township currently does not have a Certified Public Works Manager it would be beneficial to apply for the exemption again this year. A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to apply for CPWM exemption, seconded by Mr. Scott. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit):

Lou Sylvester expressed his concerns regarding the progress of 947A Old Schoolhouse Road. The committee asked if Mr. Sylvester would bring his questions to the next meeting to ask the attorney.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:

Mr. Vex was absent so there was no report at this time.

Mr. Barta expressed his concerns about a memo he and the rest of the committee had received from an employee in regards to an offer made to them regarding reimbursement of education. The employee wrote to let the Township Committee know he would not be accepting their offer. Mr. Barta asked his fellow committee members who was the one who had made the offer before speaking to the rest of the committee. Mr. Barta felt the committee should discuss and come to a decision on these issues prior to bringing it to the employee. Mrs. Delaney said agreed with Mr. Barta.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in Town Hall

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mayor Chammings, seconded by Mrs. Delaney and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:32 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: Contract and Attorney Client.

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 Mayor Chammings to return to public session at 8:46 p.m. seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Martin, Deputy Clerk