STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

August 26, 2024 @ 7:30 pm

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held on the above date and time. The meeting was called to order in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The flag was saluted, and roll call taken.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mr. Lippencott, Mrs. Draghi, Mrs. Mountford, Mr. Kochenthal, Mr. Wykoff

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. van der Haeghen and Mr. Doolittle

ALSO PRESENT: William Haggerty, Esq., Joe Vuich, PE, Deputy Mayor, Vera Rumsey

SWEARING IN OF BOARD MEMBERS: N/A

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 22, 2024

Mrs. Mountford made the motion to approve the July minutes, seconded by Mr. Kochenthal.

Roll Call: Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Lippencott- Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. Wykoff – Yes

RESOLUTIONS: None

COMPLETENESS: Hinchman – 929 Fairview Lake Lane, Block 2501, Lot 57

The Engineer’s report was reviewed by the Board and Mr. Vuich deemed the matter to be complete for a hearing.

Mr. Kochenthal made the motion to deem the matter complete, seconded by Mr. Wykoff.

Roll Call: Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Wykoff- Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes.

HEARINGS: Hinchman – 929 Fairview Lake Lane, Block 2501, Lot 57 Richard Valenti, Esquire provided a summary of the application as follows:

The lot size is 60 x 755 feet. The applicants wish to demolish and reconstruct their residence to make it into a four-season home. The variance request is for lot area and

setbacks. The home will be built as a two bedroom and only increase by 160 square feet.

Mrs. Karen Hinchman was sworn in and testified that her husband’s family has owned the property since the 1970’s. She and her husband purchased it three years ago from her mother-in-law’s estate. The size of the proposed home will remain consistent with homes in the neighborhood.

Engineer, Howard Bach also gave testimony. He provided an overlay of the proposed home in comparison to the existing home and explained the setback dimensions. The lot in question is similar in size to the lots in the area and the home will be balanced between the surrounding properties. Mr. Bach responded to the key points of Mr.

Vuich’s report.

The applicants’ contractor, Dustin Gushea provided information regarding the construction. He testified that the existing foundation is not worthy to build on and advised that it makes more sense to demolish and reconstruct the home. The applicants are hoping to have the construction completed before the end of the year.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: The session was opened to the public at 8:10pm.

Mr. Boyd Burgen from 927 Fairview Lake Lane spoke in support of the Hinchman’s application for construction of a new home.

Ms. Lisa Chammings also spoke in favor of the application as her family has known the Hinchman family for many years. She also spoke highly and in favor of the Applicants’ contractor.

The hearing was closed to the public at 8:14pm.

Mr. Kochenthal made the motion to approve the application, seconded by Mrs. Mountford.

Roll Call: Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. Wykoff – Yes.

Mrs. Draghi made the motion for a waiver or Resolution to apply for building permits, seconded by Mr. Wykoff.

Roll Call: Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. Wykoff- Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes.

BILLS:

Mrs. Draghi made the motion to pay the following bills, seconded by Mrs. Mountford.

VanCleef Engineering – Gatanas 3202/2

VanCleef Engineering – Stillwater Farms 2401/19.07 VanCleef Engineering – Stillwater Farms 2401/19.07 Dolan & Dolan – Wilbur 3501/7.11

Dolan & Dolan – Stillwater Farms 2401/19.07 Dolan & Dolan – Hinchman 2501/57

$ 588.00

$1176.00

$ 147.00

$ 527.00

$ 85.00

$ 102.00

Dolan & Dolan – General $ 345.10

Roll Call: Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Wykoff- Yes.

CORRESPONDENCE: NJPO OLD/NEW BUSINESS: None COMMITTEE LIAISON REPORT:

Deputy Mayor, Vera Rumsey:

The Sussex County Fire Parade will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary on October 5, 2024 in Hampton Township.

This year’s Summer Camp hosted over 60 children and was a huge success. The Pickle Ball Courts are now up and running.

The road department has been working on removal of brush and trees.

The Mt. Benevolence project consists of 6 phases and continues toward Hampton Road. The following phase will go up to Owassa Road.

The Town is working with their attorney on list for tax sale properties. The parks and parking lots of the Community Center will soon be paved.

Recycling employees have received complaints about the new rules regarding what can be accepted.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: The session was opened to the public at 8:30 pm. Being no business, the hearing was closed to the public.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 8:31 pm, Mrs. Mountford made the motion to move into executive session, seconded by Mrs. Draghi.

Roll Call: Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Wykoff- Yes.

At 8:36 pm At 8:31 pm, Mr. Lippencott made the motion to come out of executive session, seconded by Mr. Kochenthal.

Roll Call: Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Wykoff – Yes.

ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. With a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Ir1 Board Secretary 2024