August 20, 2024 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

AUGUST 20, 2024

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 7:06 p.m. Mayor L. Chammings stated that this meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of P.L. 1975, Ch. 231, Secs. 4 & 13 the Sunshine Law and that adequate notice of the meeting has been published in the New Jersey Herald as to the time, place, and date of meetings, and is posted in the usual location of posted notices in the municipal building as well as electronically on the township website.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to excuse Committeeman G. Scott from the August 20^th meeting.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Committeewoman D. Delaney, Committeewoman V. Rumsey, and Mayor L. Chammings

Also Present: Township Attorney E. Bernstein

Absent: Committeeman G. Scott

 

FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Committeeman David Manser

Board of Education

Committeeman D. Manser stated that most of the items on the agenda that evening was day to day items. They did receive the bronze certificate for Sustainable NJ which allows them to apply for more grants. Cerbo’s donated more plants for their garden area for this year. They have been having septic issues which they are working on to complete before school starts. They have hired all their replacements and support staff so they are ready to begin the school year.

Recreation Commission

Committeeman D. Manser stated that he attended the August 5^th Recreation Commission meeting where the pickleball/tennis courts were discussed. The project is now complete. The nets are there and they are setting up a way for scheduling use of the courts. They also had a request from a Men’s Softball League to use the Swartswood field in the fall. He was unable to attend the workshop meeting on the 19^th as he was at the School Board meeting, however Committeewoman D. Delaney and Committeewoman V. Rumsey were in attendance.

Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that the meeting on August 19^th was a workshop meeting on the Bicentennial celebration. They will be meeting each month on the workshop meeting until January then there will be two meetings per month for the bicentennial planning. The event will be on June 7^th with a rain date of June 8^th at Veteran’s Park. There are lots of things planned! The Historical Society would like the Mill open, the Museum and to give a garden tour. They would also like to be present at Veteran’s Park. They have discussed having the Historical Society buildings open until about 1pm so that people don’t have to choose between going there or to the event at the park. They are still trying to decide whether or not to have the Miss Stillwater competition at the Bicentennial event or have it the evening before. The next workshop meeting is scheduled for September 16^th at 7pm.

The Township Committee noted how well Miss Stillwater Paige DeCaro did at the Queen of the Fair. They all commended her on the way she presented herself and the way that she spoke.

Recycling Center

Committeeman D. Manser stated that there are still some issues with residents giving the staff at the recycling center a hard time on what is recyclable. Especially on the plastic potted planters which used to be recyclable but aren’t now. He asked that everyone please be respectful to the people working there, they are just doing their jobs. The MUA has threatened to turn Stillwater Township down or start charging the town for bringing the recycling there.

Committeewoman Dawn Delaney

Planning Board

Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that the Planning Board was a fairly short meeting. They discussed a change in the agreement on the easement on Fairclough property that’s being purchased by the Nature Conservancy.

Finance

Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that she spoke with the CFO for a finance update. The Bond Anticipation Note will take place on August 29^th. The CFO will have the new interest rate information at the September meeting. The road resolutions are part of tonight’s meeting. Once approved Tammy will reach out to the co-op for paving the roads and the parking lots for this fall.

Deputy Mayor Vera Rumsey

Zoning Board

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that the Zoning Board meeting was fairly short. There was a decision made regarding 935 Potters Road which was approved and they paid the bills.

Emergency Services

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that fire has responded to 147 calls and EMS has responded to 363 calls to date. The tri-pod drills have been on firefighter survival as well as pumping and drafting. The new engine is fully in service now. They took home three trophies from the Mountain Lakes 75^th anniversary for the best pumper, best mini pumper and 1^st place in the truck pull. Upcoming they are preparing for the State parade in Wildwood, NJ. They will be driving the Seagrave truck down to Wildwood where it will be parked at the convention center and will enter the parade while there. The County Parade will be the 1^st Saturday in October in Hampton Township. They will be working on ladder drills and turbo drafting drills.

Community Center

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that chair yoga will be starting in the community center again soon. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Department has had different events there and more to come. Summer Camp is in progress and will be completed that week. They have approximately 66 children enrolled in the camp and they’re having a blast. The ice machine was cancelled by the company but the new fridge is installed and ready to be used. There was some vandalism there caused by paint balls and someone tried breaking into the shed as well as the Swartswood Deli. There were also some teens on dirt bikes who were riding around on the Stillwater fields however they were spoken to and there was no damage done.

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that Navis doors will be coming to do repairs to the front door to make it easier to operate. They’re going to put a new butterfly pull handle on the door so you can either open the door that way or by the handicap button. They are also going to lower the box where the key is to set the door to automatic so it’s easier to reach. They will also add a window by the back-kitchen door so that when users are going to throw trash out they can see outside before just stepping out.

Personnel

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that Julie Ann, the new receptionist, had her 30-day review completed and she is doing great.

Mayor Lisa Chammings

Environmental Commission

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the Environmental Commission has collected 996 pounds of TREX and need to collect about 204 more pounds to reach their goal by the end of November. The Wild and Scenic river designation was discussed, they will revisit later this year. The October meeting has been changed to October 7^th with the Recreation Commission as a joint meeting with Jessica Caldwell for the draft Open Space and Rec Plan. Ms. Caldwell will be discussing the goals and objectives at an upcoming Township Committee meeting.

Legal

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she has been speaking with the Township Attorney regarding various issues. She also met with the Tax Collector and In-Rem attorney Robert McBriar on moving forward with foreclosures. They will need to do more title searches to make sure nothing has occurred since the last title search.

DPW

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the DPW has been working extra hard with all the recent rain. There have been extra debris and trees down plus their normal tasks to take care of.

Engineer

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she met with the town engineer for two meetings. The first was with herself, the CFO, DPW Supervisor and Engineer to discuss the upcoming paving projects which there are three resolutions to be approved for at tonight’s meeting. We are waiting to hear back on the scheduled dates.

CERT

Mayor L. Chammings stated that CERT had their meeting on July 24^th and discussed an emergency operation plan. They discussed shelter and need to do a review of the annex. They’re discussing how to move forward with training. A presentation was also done by Carol Kuba on heat emergencies. She stated that Ms. Kuba did a nice job on it.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she attended a Mayor’s lunch on August 7^th at the Black Forrest Inn with Congressman Kane which was very interesting.

Mayor L. Chammings met with the DEP, Municipal Clerk and DPW to discuss the Stormwater Tier A mapping. They need to purchase a tough book that has cellular capabilities in order to do the mapping. She stated that they were going to look into the private roads in the township. Stillwater Township is technically the permittee but the township does not maintain those roads. They may need to certify a letter stating that they are doing what they should to maintain the drains.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she spoke with David Lott who informed her of a little groundwater contamination at 992 Fairview Lake Road. The wells nearby are all clean except for one residence that had refused to do a water test so it’s unknown. They will be doing a couple borings next to where the tank and there is a little surface contamination in the back by the garage. Mr. Lott suggested closing out the 1^st grant and apply for the second round. They will need to do another resolution in October or November to apply for the second round. He suggested the Municipal Clerk contact Rachel Stopper every couple of months to check in to make sure that they grant stays in effect.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she also wanted to add a discussion on the Historical Society’s tractor parade in October and possibly having a parade at the Bicentennial next year. For the County Road closure application, a sign and sealed traffic control engineered plan needs to be submitted. She stated that the plan could be used for the years to come. The Township Committee agreed to have the Municipal Clerk receive a quote of the engineered plan and they will discuss at the September meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)

PUBLIC SESSION OPEN. At 7:55pm

Township resident K. Feenstra asked if Mr. Manser knew the number of students in attendance at the elementary school this year. Committeeman D. Manser replied that he wasn’t sure of the exact number but he believes that enrollment is up this year. They have also added more bus stops.

K. Feenstra stated that she tried getting tickets to the Miner’s Baseball game for Stillwater night, but when she tried going online that the link said that the tickets were sold out but they weren’t. Mr. Noss also stated that he was able to purchase 5 tickets with the link but when he went back and tried purchasing an additional ticket that it told him the same thing. Committeewoman D. Delaney apologized for the inconvenience and explained that it was a technical issue on the Miner’s end.

K. Feenstra suggested putting up a shed at the recycling center where people can drop off things that could still be used but they no longer have a use for. She stated that there could be rules like no glass items, etc. People could come and give or take things that they need. The Township Committee stated that is was a good idea however they would want to make sure that it wouldn’t just become a dumping area for everyone’s unwanted items, someone would have to be assigned to oversee that area. They will bring it up to the recycling coordinator and supervisor.

Township Resident K. Draghi asked about the Stillwater Quarterly Contributions to the Fire Department on the bills list. She asked if it was normally broken down the way that it’s shown on the list. Committeewoman V. Rumsey replied that it’s done the way that it always is. It may be split up between EMS, Fire, Repairs, etc.

Township Resident K. Draghi also asked if the qualifications for a permanently disabled veteran are universal throughout the state or is it determined by each municipality. Township Attorney E. Bernstein replied that it is determined by federal disability and the state and that if they are eligible then we are required to provide tax exemption.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED. At 8:12pm

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Solicitor’s Permit Application- Trinity Solar- Bethany Smith

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that Trinity Solar needed to be contacted to have the clerks name changed on their paperwork.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the committee members could vote for this tonight, and for the clerk to do write a resolution giving trinity solar approval.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to approve Bethany Smith of Trinity Solar’s Solicitor’s permit with the change of the clerk’s name on their documents.

1. County of Sussex- Shared Service Agreement with the Township of Stillwater for the Provision of 9-1-1 System Management for years 2025-2029

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the contract for the shared service agreement between Stillwater Township and the 9-1-1 System Management is up for renewal for another 5 years. She named the yearly amounts. Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the Town Committee could review the contract at this meeting and to have a resolution prepared for the September 3^rd meeting authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the contract.

RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION 2024-97 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING IN REM FORECLOSURE OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATES HELD BY THE TOWNSHIP

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to approve Resolution 2024-97.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

CONSENT AGENDA – All items with an Asterisk (*) are considered to be routine

and non-controversial in nature. All such items will be handled by one (1) motion and one (1) second and one (1) vote. There will be no separate discussion of any of these items unless a Committee member requests same, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.

*MINUTES: July 16, 2024 Regular & Executive Meeting Minutes

*CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Stillwater Township Planning Board June 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes
2. Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment June 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes
3. Stillwater Township Environmental Commission August 12, 2024 Agenda
4. Sussex County Division of Senior Services Chair Yoga August 26^th – October 7^th
5. Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption Advisement- Penny Holenstein
6. County of Sussex; Acceptance of Federal Funds for Entitlement Lands & Distribution of Federal Funds for Payment in Lieu of Taxes 31 U.S.C.§ 6902
7. Stillwater Township Historical Society Letter- Historic Markers Request
8. NJ Legislative Bulletin 2024 No.1
9. Montague Township Resolution 2024-078 RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED LEGISLATION BYPASSING LOCAL ZONING FOR HOME-BASED BUSINESSES

*REPORTS:

1. Community Center Receipt Report – July 2024

2. Recreation Commission Report – July 2024

3. Board of Health Receipts –July 2024

4. Construction Permit Activity Report July 2024

5. Vacant/Abandon Property Registration Report – July 2024

6. Convenience Center Report – July 2024

7. Registrar Report – July 2024

8. Certified Copies Report – July 2024

9. ACO Report – July 2024

10. Landlord Registration Fees- July 2024

 

*RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION 2024-92A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING A 25 DAY GRACE PERIOD FOR TAX BILL MAILING FOR AUGUST 2024 TAX PAYMENT

RESOLUTION 2024-98 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE RA-2024-03

RESOLUTION 2024-99 AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF GENERAL CAPITAL BALANCE

RESOLUTION 2024-100 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CIVIC GROUP USE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER

RESOLUTION 2024-101 A RESOLUTION TO REFUND AN OVERPAYMENT ON BLOCK 2601 LOT 8 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD

RESOLUTION 2024-102 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DISPOSAL OF 30- YARD DUMPSTER

RESOLUTION 2024-103 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF TIMOTHY REILLY AS A MEMBER ON THE RECREATION COMMISSION WITH COMMITTEE CONCURRENCE

RESOLUTION 2024-104 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A REFUND FOR OVERPAID TAXES TO 912 DOVE ISLAND ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,967.79

RESOLUTION 2024-105 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REFUND OF TAXES FOR A 100% PERMANENT AND TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN AT 908 FAIRVIEW LAKE ROAD, BLOCK 3401 LOT 2.08

RESOLUTION 2024-106 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REFUND OF TAXES FOR A 100% PERMANENT AND TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN AT 907 WALNUT DRIVE, BLOCK 4308 LOT 1.02

RESOLUTION 2024-107 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REFUND OF TAXES FOR A 100% PERMANENT AND TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN AT 911 HILLCREST ROAD, BLOCK 3704 LOT 5

RESOLUTION 2024-108 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REFUND OF TAXES FOR A 100% PERMANENT AND TOTALLY DISABLED VETERAN AT 928 OLD TANNERY ROAD, BLOCK 1605 LOT 2.07

RESOLUTION 2024-109 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DIVISION OF LOCAL AID AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD STATE AID PROJECT

RESOLUTION 2024-110 RESOLUTION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE

MT. BENEVOLENCE PHASE 3 – EXTENSION

RESOLUTION 2024-111 RESOLUTION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE

MIDDLEVILLE ROAD OVERLAY

RESOLUTION 2024-112 RESOLUTION OF THE LOCAL REGISTRAR OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF JULIE ANN LEATHAM AS ALTERNATE – DEPUTY REGISTRAR

APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

Committeewoman V. Rumsey requested that Correspondence #7 be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney adopt the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Correspondence #7.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the Township Committee received a request from the Stillwater Historical Society. In July 2023, the office of the Sussex County Historian stated that Stillwater could get two historical markers for Keen’s Mill and the “Academy” otherwise known as the Historical Society Museum. The Historical Society just learned that the historic markers would cost approximately $7,200 each, with costs shared by the Historical Society of Stillwater Township and Sussex County. They want to know if Stillwater Township will also share in the cost. The Township Committee discussed and decided that they need more information and to know how much the County is contributing. They would like Mrs. Drumm or a representative from the Historical Society come to a town meeting to discuss further.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, to accept receipt of the letter and that the Committee has instructed the clerk to contact them for more information.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Fall Land Sale

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the Committee has been discussing a fall land sale however at this point in time it would be very difficult to get this done prior to the end of the year. They could possibly have a land sale in December but may be better to wait until the new year. The Township Committee instructed the Clerk to give the list to the tax collector then move forward with her suggestions. They would also still need to do a resolution stating that the properties are no longer needed for public use. The properties should also be sent to the Tax Assessor and have a minimum bid established.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to give the list of the 14 properties to sell to the tax assessor and the Zoning Officer for review as well as drafting an Ordinance that the properties are “buy at your own risk”.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Community Center- Smoke Free Facility

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that she discussed with the DPW to moving the designated smoking section to the far corner by the cell tower instead of by the pavilion. There will also be an awning over the designated area.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, to move the designated smoking area from the pavilion to the tower area.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit)

PUBLIC SESSION OPENED at 8:48 PM

No Public Comment.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED at 8:50 PM

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the only report that has will be discussed in Executive Session.

BILLS LIST #12 $1,740,318.15

RESOLUTION 2024-113 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS

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

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial 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 20, 2024, are on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and approved by the Chief Financial Officer for payment, be paid.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2024-113, funds permitting.

Committeewoman D. Delaney asked if the bills from Amazon could also have a description next to what they are, not just “Amazon”.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney with all members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:53 p.m. Formal action will be taken at the conclusion of Executive Session.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting under certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.

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

1. The public shall be excluded from that portion of this meeting.

2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows: Personnel, Contract, Litigation/Potential Litigation, 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 Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney with all members in favor, to go back into Regular Session at 10:23 P.M.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated to let the record reflect that all members of the governing body present commencing from Executive Session are present to recommence to the open session along with the Township Attorney and Township Clerk. There was a discussion regarding 992 Fairview Lake Road where advice was given and legal opinion will be provided after review. No formal action required at this time.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that there was an extensive discussion on the ongoing negotiations with Teamsters Local DPW Contract. No formal action required at this time.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated there was a discussion on a deceased member of the Fire Department regarding LOSAP monies and payment of the same. The recommendation is that the estate of WB shall be paid to the estate in the amount that has been elected by the LOSAP entity. The only thing preventing the individual from completing his vesting was due to his untimely passing. The Committee will review these specific situations going forward or issues that come about going forward, no prior individuals that have been in the same situation will be eligible for any such payment. The funds are to be released by Lincoln Financial.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to approve the LOSAP monies to be released to the estate of WB and that moving forward the Township Committee will review these specific situations on a case by case basis.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 10:26 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by,

Valerie Ingles, Municipal Clerk