August 18, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

August 18 2020 – Regular Meeting

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

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

MINUTES: July 21, 2020 Regular Minutes and Executive Minutes Part 1

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the Minutes as amended, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

July 21, 2020 Executive Session Minutes Part 2 were tabled until September 1, 2020 because Mr. Morrison had not seen the minutes.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION 2020-106 Authorizing Payment of Redemption Block 2101 Lot 13

WHEREAS, on DECEMBER 11,2019 Gisela Rutnik, Collector Of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as Block 2101 Lot 13 to US BANK Cust PC 8 FIRST TRUST BANK 50 SOUTH 16^TH STREET STE 2050 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on AUGUST 1,,2020 And has deposited said sum in the current account of the Township of STILLWATER,TOWNSHIP

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of STILLWATER

1. As soon thereafter as the redemption funds have cleared the current account, payment shall

Be made to the holder of the Certificate of Sale in the sum of 16,551.74

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $0.00 to be added to the certificate holder, Provided the holder shall surrender the Certificate of Sale and comply with all laws relating thereto.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-106, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-107 Authorizing Payment of Redemption Block 2101 Lot 13

WHEREAS, on DECEMBER 29^TH 2014 GISELA RUTNIK , Collector Of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as Block 3601 LOT 22.01 to STILLWATER TOWNSHIP 964 STILLWATER ROAD NEWTON NEW JERSEY 07860

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on AUGUST 1 ,2020 And has deposited said sum in the current account of the Township of STILLWATER,TOWNSHIP

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of STILLWATER

1. As soon thereafter as the redemption funds have cleared the current account, in the

amount of $ 115,897.99 ISSUED TO TOWNSHIP the surrender of the certificate shall be issued to the owner of record

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $.00 to be added to the certificate holder,

Provided the holder shall surrender the Certificate of Sale and comply with all laws relating thereto.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-107, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-108 Authorizing the Issuance of Not Exceeding $1,744,136 Bond Anticipation Notes of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey

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

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex (the “Township”), entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the purchase of peosha gear and a fire truck pump in and by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $130,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $100,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof”, finally adopted on June 14, 2011 (#2011-10) bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount not exceeding $12,500 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating the aggregate amount of $322,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $306,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof”, finally adopted on June 19, 2012 (#2012-004), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount not exceeding $80,000 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for renovations to the municipal building in and by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $250,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $238,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof”, finally adopted on July 16, 2013 (#2013-005), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $70,000 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating the aggregate amount of $415,000 therefor, including a grant in the amount of $180,000 expected to be received from the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation and authorizing the issuance of $223,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof”, finally adopted on May 6, 2014 (#2014-008), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount not exceeding $82,500 in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating the aggregate amount of $373,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $353,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof”, finally adopted on July 7, 2015 (#2015-007), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount not exceeding $161,600 in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the purchase of a fire truck by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $420,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $285,000 bonds or notes of the Township to finance part of the cost thereof”, finally adopted on November 10, 2015 (#2015-014), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $170,500 shall be issued. for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $939,200, and authorizing the issuance of $328,475 bonds or notes of the Township, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 3, 2016 (#2016-007), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $194,857 shall be issued. for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the acquisition of a new and additional tractor by the Township of Stillwater, in and by the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $48,700 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $30,100 bonds or notes of the Township for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on October 18, 2016 (#2016-014), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $22,000 shall be issued. for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $175,100, and authorizing the issuance of $119,825 bonds or notes of the Township, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 26, 2017 (#2017-05), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $81,680 shall be issued. for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of the municipal building parking lot in and by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $31,500 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $29,000 bonds or notes of the Township for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on July 5, 2017 (#2017-07), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $24,501.40 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $694,100, and authorizing the issuance of $526,317 bonds or notes of the Township, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 15, 2018 (#2018-06), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $510,167 shall be issued. for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Township entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $675,000, and authorizing the issuance of $482,750 bonds or notes of the Township, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 7, 2019 (#2019-05), bond anticipation notes of the Township in a principal amount of not exceeding $333,830.60 shall be issued. for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.

All bond anticipation notes (the “notes”) issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the treasurer, the chief financial officer or the acting chief financial officer of the Township (the “Chief Financial Officer”), provided that no note shall mature later than one year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer and shall be signed and sealed by officials and officers of the Township in any manner permitted by N.J.S.A. §40A:2-25. The Chief Financial Officer shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued hereunder, and the Chief Financial Officer’s signature upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. §40A:2-8. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes at not less than par from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body of the Township at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes hereunder is made. Such report must include the principal amount, interest rate and maturities of the notes sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.

Any note issued pursuant to this resolution shall be a general obligation of the Township, and the Township’s faith and credit are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the notes and, unless otherwise paid or payment provided for, an amount sufficient for such payment shall be inserted in the budget and a tax sufficient to provide for the payment thereof shall be levied and collected.

The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to do all other matters necessary, useful, convenient or desirable to accomplish the delivery of the notes to the purchasers thereof as promptly as possible, including (i) the preparation, execution and dissemination of a Preliminary Official Statement and Final Official Statement with respect to the notes, (ii) preparation, distribution and publication, if necessary, of a Notice of Sale with respect to the notes, (iii) execution of a Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, with respect to the notes in accordance with Rule 15c2 12 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and (iv) execution of an arbitrage and use of proceeds certificate certifying that, among other things, the Township, to the extent it is empowered and allowed under applicable law, will do and perform all acts and things necessary or desirable to assure that interest paid on the notes is not included in gross income under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

All action heretofore taken by Township officials and professionals with regard to the sale and award of the notes is hereby ratified, confirmed, adopted and approved.

This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ordinance Detail

Number	Adoption Date	Current Amount	Initial Issuance Date and Amount	Current Paydown	Aggregate Paydown
2011-10	06/14/11	$12,500	09/27/12 – $100,000	$12,500	$87,500
2012-04	06/19/12	$80,000	09/26/13 – $306,000	$40,000	$226,000
2013-05	07/16/13	$70,000	09/26/13 – $238,000	$35,000	$168,000
2014-08	05/06/14	$82,500	09/25/14 – $223,000	$27,500	$140,500
2015-07	07/07/15	$161,600	09/24/15 – $353,000	$40,400	$191,400
2015-14	11/10/15	$170,500	09/22/16 – $260,000	$30,500	$114,500
2016-07	05/03/16	$194,857	09/22/16 – $305,000	$51,143	$133,618
2016-014	10/18/16	$22,000	09/21/17 – $30,100	$2,000	$8,100
2017-05	05/26/17	$81,680	09/21/17 – $119,825	$16,343	$38,145
2017-07	07/05/17	$24,501.40	09/20/18 – $29,000	$1,498.60	$4,498.60
2018-06	05/15/18	$510,167	09/20/18- $526,317	$6,350	$16,150
2019-05	05/07/19	$333,830.60	09/19/19 – $482,750	$148,919.40	$148,919.40

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-108, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-109 Awarding contracts to multiple Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Vendors for Old Foundry Road Improvements-Phase I through DOT Grant 2020

BE IT RESOLVED

that the Stillwater Township Committee

hereby recommends to the New Jersey Department of Transportation that the contract for Old Foundry Road Improvements – Phase I

in the Township of Stillwater County of Sussex be awarded to the following Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Vendors:

Tilcon New York, Inc (MCCPC Contract #6) whose bid amounted to $ 221,376.75

Campbell Foundry Company (MCCPC Contract #14) whose bid amounted to $376.00

Tree King, Inc. (MCCPC Contract #18) whose bid amounted to $2,580.00

Road Safety Systems, LLC (MCCPC Contract #26) whose bid amounted to $26,230.00

Garden State Highway Products, Inc (MCCPC Contract #28) whose bid amounted to $525.00

Denville Line Painting, Inc (MCCPC Contract #36) whose bid amounted to $10,639.20

whose bids amounted to $ 261,726.95 subject to the approval of the Department.

That the presiding officer of this body be and is hereby directed to sign for and on its behalf the

contract in the prescribed form for said construction.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-109, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-110 Mayor’s Acceptance of Ian Blanchard’s Resignation from the Environmental Commission with Committee Concurrence

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the OEM’s acceptance of the resignation of Ian Blanchard as Environmental Commission effective August 10, 2020.

Mayor Chammings said Mr. Blanchard resigned because he has moved out of town and also a new father and is looking forward to spending time with his child. Mayor Chammings noted Mr. Blanchard was very instrumental in obtaining grant financing for the Paulinskill River clean-up and Mr. Blanchard was happy to help the Stillwater Environmental Commission with financing in the future.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-110, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

REPORTS: DPW Report of July 2020

Building Report of July 2020

QPA Report of June 2020

Clerk/Registrar’s Reports of July 2020

Convenience Center Report of June and July 2020

Recreation Commission Report of July 2020

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

BILLS LIST #12: $2,111,351.92

RESOLUTION 2020-111 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 August 18, 2020 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 2020-111, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Scott said the DPW have been working hard on the roads. The DPW also found some garbage that was dumped illegally. They were able to get contact information from the trash. The resident in question received and paid the fine of $100 to the Township for the illegal dumping. Mr. Scott also noted the Planning Board meeting will be held the following night and there is a minor subdivision on the agenda.

Mrs. Rumsey gave a report from Patrick Bodensieck, Captain of the Emergency Squad. The squad answered 189 call year-to-date with 26 calls in July. The squad has also put together duty crews so there is coverage in town every night.

Mrs. Rumsey deferred to Mr. Steve Sugar to give the Fire Department report. Mr. Sugar asked the Township Committee for three more dedicated spaces for fireman at the community center. Mayor Chammings said she would have to check with the Township Engineer to make sure giving up spaces would not bring the community center out of compliance with too few parking spots. Mayor Chammings recommended moving some spaces to the front by the man door. Mrs. Rumsey said that Hampton Fire Department gave Mr. Carbone some red paint to paint lines in the bays. Mr. Sugar reported the fire department responded to 118 calls year-to-date. Mr. Sugar also reported engine 62 was back from having repairs but needs the have the breaks done. Mr. Sugar thanked the DPW for their new office door. Mr. Sugar also said he is working on updating the ISO rating for the Township. The ISO scores fire departments on how they are doing against its organization’s standards to determine property insurance costs. Mr. Sugar is confident now the second fire house is up and running the rating will be better and residents should hopefully see better insurance rates.

Mayor Chammings congratulated Mr. Sugar for formally being named as Chief and to all the other firefighters and EMS personnel. Mayor Chammings noted the North Shore House did a wonderful job hosting the event especially with the never-ending COVID restrictions.

Mayor Chammings also wanted to thank Bill Hughes for his professional driving ability during the incident in Hardwick and making sure the tanker was not damaged further than it was.

Mrs. Rumsey reported she attended via Zoom the Board of Education meeting on July 27, 2020. The Board of Education is working on their goal setting strategic plan (which they adopted on June 22, 2020) and their re-opening plan under the present State guidelines. The Board of Education is planning on holding an open house for pre-school on August 22^nd with a rain date of August 27^th. Stillwater Board of Education has entered into a shared service with Sandyston Board of Education for the Superintendent. The Board of Education also thanked Stillwater DPW for moving the playground equipment and mulch.

Mrs. Rumsey reported that Marcia Bradley, Cert Coordinator, wanted to hold a joint meeting for Stillwater, Fredon and Hampton CERT organizations. Mrs. Bradley is interested in forming a tripod CERT especially since the three towns have a tripod for emergency response. Mrs. Rumsey also wanted to set up a public safety meeting and proposed the date of Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the Stillwater Community Center. Since Fire Chief Sugar, Committeeman Fisher and OEM Chammings were in attendance they all confirmed the date with Mrs. Rumsey. The Clerk will advertise the meeting so three Township Committee members can all attend the entire meeting.

Mr. Fisher and Mr. Morrison had no reports at this time.

Mayor Chammings contacted the owners of Block 2004/Lot 5 via e-mail which was read into the record:

Lynda Knott has passed along your emails regarding possible donation of the property on Lotus Terrace to the township committee. I first wanted to reach out and ask if you have approached either of the neighboring land owners to see if either was interested in expanding their lots? I believe our township has an ordinance in place for a “Simple Lot Line Adjustment” and merging into another lot by County and deed is not a difficult process.

While we understand the desire to simply donate it to the township we then inherit it as vacant land and then still must pay the taxes due on it to Schools and County Taxes. We would therefore inherit this responsibility and residents would then absorb the cost. While we know this is a small amount, if we set the precedent for ‘donations’ of this type it could happen again and again. This would cause taxpayers to inherit more tax responsibility.

I thought I would ask this question first about if you have approached the adjacent owners. You could send them a letter asking if they might be interested.

The link below shows the two neighboring property owners. If you click over the property it will give name and address of adjacent lot owners. This is a public domain website.

https://njparcels.com/property/1920/2004/7

IF you cannot get to it with the link I am providing if you simply search njparcels.com it will allow you to search by address and county or block and lot.

The response from the owner was:

Thank you for the email below.  I understand the situation at hand, however, I’m quite upset that we have paid taxes for the last 30 or 40 years only to find out recently that the lot has become unbuildable through changes in the building codes.

This property was purchased by my Grandparents and handed down to my Father and his brother.  When my Uncle died, his name was taken off and my name was added.  My father Edward and I have paid the taxes for the last 10 years or so, with the hopes of building on the property one day.  3 years ago, I was informed that the building codes have changed, and the lot is no longer buildable.    The property is basically useless to us now, as well as worthless (to anyone looking to buy land to build on) and yet we have been paying taxes on it all of these years.

My father Ed died this past July (I can provide a death certificate if necessary) and I have now been burdened with this situation.  All things considered, I believe the town should take back the property as a gift and do what they will with it.   I think the town of Stillwater should be willing to help me out considering I am now stuck with a useless/worthless piece of property.

Mayor Chammings said she would reach out to him but she has no resolution other than what was already stated. Mr. Morrison said they should just stop paying the taxes and that is the way around it. The Township will regain ownership of the property. Mayor Chammings said she will respond back to him.

Mayor Chammings reported Mr. Scott could not attend the Recreation Commission meeting on August 3, 2020 so she was the substitute liaison. Mayor Chammings reported the Recreation Commission met in person and had some participation via Zoom. Garage Sale Weekend was a success with 64 participants. It was a good turnout and sellers made a decent amount of money.

Mayor Chammings reported the Recreation Commission had to cancel their April clean-up day because of COVID-19. The State provides the Township with a Clean Communities Grant if the Township if the Township meets certain criteria. Without clean-up day the grant would not be given to Stillwater Township. The Recreation Commission decided to reschedule clean-up day for the last Saturday in September which is the 26^th. The Clerk has also rescheduled the Shred-it truck from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for residents at the Recycling and Convenience Center.

Summer Camp is a go. Mrs. Tara Tosti and Mrs. Alicia Gardner have worked hard to put together the camp following all the State’s regulations. The first week there were thirty-one (31) participants and there are many signed up for week two. Almost all activity was happening outside under tents and in the playground across the street (which Mrs. Tosti and Mrs. Gardner wiped down before use). Thank you to the Sheriff’s Department and Bob Pierce of the Bridges and Signs Department of Sussex County for lending the Township two digital speed signs and temporary crossing signs providing extra safety for the campers.

Mayor Chammings also noted a resident brought her a diagram of a pickle court. Mayor Chammings is looking into the possibility of painting (in a different color) lines on the existing tennis court so the court could be used for tennis or pickleball.

Mayor Chammings reported she had several zoom meetings today. The first meeting discussed was the re-opening of Stillwater School. Mayor Chammings said the total student population of the school is approximately 300. Out of the 300 students a bit more than 100 will be attending only remotely. The remaining students will attend an all-day program with lunch. There will be two cohorts A & B with 80-85 students. Cohort A will attend on Monday and Tuesday and Cohort B will attend on Thursday and Fridays. The total amount of people in the school on a daily basis including administration, teachers, staff and students will be 100 to 110 at one time. The School has hired a new nurse and has two sub-nurses on call. Mayor Chammings said page 15 of the Board of Health Report is the best reference for parents to know the procedures in place regarding the pandemic. Mayor Chammings asked the Clerk to post page 15 to the OEM page on the Township’s website.

Mayor Chammings also participated in a Round Table discussion for rural broadband with Congressman Gottheimer and local mayors from Warren and Sussex Counties. Mayor Chammings reported the BPU has lowered the density of homes from 35-38 to 25 homes for service areas. Mayor Chammings said Mr. Boyle of Planet Networks reported Planet Networks is investing $2,000,000 to bring service to Knowlton. Mr. Boyle said if you do not have service at your home please let us know. Mayor Chammings noted Planet Networks has provided two homes in Stillwater with service at a lower cost than SECTV or Altice. Mayor Chammings said Marilyn Davis of Altice was also in attendance and said Altice will provide local students on free or reduced lunch programs service for a reduced rate. The schools will provide names to Altice. Mayor Chammings also reported Verizon Wireless is working on a LTE Home Internet for $40 a month. The network is currently in the testing phase.

Mayor Chammings reported the Township will be updating the jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. There will be a kick off meeting on September 10, 2020 and Mayor Chammings has written a letter of intent to participate.

Mayor Chammings has also been posting signage as part of the COVID best practices at the Township’s playgrounds.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: Resolution in support of Freeholder resolution regarding elections, West End Drive guide rail upgrade, Attorney-Client subject in Executive

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

No one from the public wished to speak so this portion of the meeting was closed.

Discussion Items:

Eric Heilberg property request: Mr. Heilberg was in attendance to ask what he needs to do to follow up on his property request. The Clerk gave Mayor Chammings pictures given to her by the zoning officer of the property. The Zoning Officer feels the property is a buildable lot. The Clerk contacted Mr. Holtzhauer, the Township’s appraiser for a quote to appraise this property and another property on Old School House Road. Mr. Holtzhauer gave the Clerk a $1,500 per parcel price but would follow it up with a written proposal. Mr. Holtzhauer said he could get the appraisals back to the Township around September 4, 2020.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to accept the not to exceed price of $1,500.00 per parcel as quoted, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

• Amendment to Pandemic Policy for 20 % at home work:

Amendment to Stillwater Township Pandemic Response/Return to Work Policy

This Amendment (“Amendment”) to the Stillwater Township Pandemic Response/Return-To-Work Policy, dated May 19, 2020, (“Pandemic Policy”) is effective August 18, 2020.

The Stillwater township committee desires to amend the Pandemic Policy in order to address requests that may be made by employees that work at the Municipal Building to work remotely during the pandemic.

The Pandemic Policy is hereby amended in order to provide that employees that work at the Municipal Building may work up to twenty percent (20%) of their work hours remotely upon obtaining the advance written approval from the Township Committee.

This Amendment was approved by the Stillwater Township committee on August 18, 2020

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt the Amendment to Stillwater Township Pandemic Response/Return-To-Work Policy, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Public Entry/appointments Start date: will be discussed at the September 1, 2020 meeting until then the building will remain closed.

NEW BUSINESS:

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Baldwin Gate Bridge – the only access to lower Crandon area: The Clerk received an e-mail from a concerned resident that should the Baldwin Gate Bridge fail there is no way in or out of lower Crandon Lakes and the small paper road is blocked. Mr. Morrison discussed in 2008/2009 the Stillwater DPW semi-improved the road in case the bridge failed and noted if someone is blocking the road it is probably illegal. People need a second way out. The Township Committee will investigate the road legally. The clerk will get the block and lot and then pull the deed. Mayor Chammings and Deputy Mayor Scott will take a ride up to the site to take a look at the road.

West End Drive/Bridge S-20 Guide Rail Upgrades: Township Engineer Michael Vreeland met with Matthew Sinke of Sussex County Department of Engineering and Planning on June 16, 2020 to see if the County would partner with the Township’s road project to upgrade the guide rail on Bridge S-20. The County agreed to the request and sent a proposal to for the work with the County’s share being $21, 950.00. The County is awaiting the Township to acknowledge/accept their contribution. A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to accept the County’s share of Stillwater Township’s West End Drive road project for guide rail upgrades, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Drop Box at Town Hall: Resident Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Route 619, mentioned the drop box at town hall is not secure. Mr. Morrison agreed. The clerk will look for a more secure drop box. Mrs. Rumsey said Hampton Township uses an old mailbox that is very secure. Mayor Chammings noted she has already been in contact with the postal service for an old post box for a flag depository at the Recycling and Convenience Center requested by Mr. Hawkins of the DPW.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION – There being no members of the public wishing to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Mr. Bolcato has no report.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Scott and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:40 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: 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.

There being no further business to attend to, a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Scott to conclude the Executive Session at 8:50 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Fisher at 8:51 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk