December 15, 2020 Budget Session and Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

December 15, 2020 – Regular Meeting and Budget Session

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:05 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: Committeewoman Rumsey, Committeeman Morrison, Deputy Mayor Scott, Committeeman Fisher and Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: NONE

BUDGET SESSION: 6:00 p.m. Discussion presented by: CFO Tammy Leonard

The discussion begins with departments and boards and commission requests of expenses. There will be no discussion of salary and wages.

Page 3-a-1 – General Administration: The forms, books and subscription line request is $40 higher for 2021 to cover increases. There are no other changes for this section. The township committee agreed with the budget requests for this section.

Page 3-b-1 – Mayor and Council: There is no change from the 2020 budget.

Page 3-c-1 – Municipal Clerk: There is a request in the office supplies line for $100 more (to $600), an increase of $50 (to $100) in the books and subscription line to cover increase in costs of products and a request of $500 (to $1500) in legal advertising to cover additional items. The township committee agreed to the increase in the municipal clerk’s budget.

Page 4-a-1 – Financial Administration: A $250 increase in payroll services (to $4750) and a $150 increase in mileage reimbursement (to $400) covers increase in service costs. There are also reductions of $50 (to $200) for membership dues, $200 (to $500) in seminars and conferences and $100 (to $100) for QPA operating expenses for a budget section totaling $8,150 – a total of $50 increase for 2021. The township committee agrees with these changes.

Page 4-c-1 – Tax Collection: Increases are requested in the following line items – $50 (to $375) for tax sale costs, $1600 (to $4300) for postage. Mr. Morrison asked why the increase was so high and was informed there was an additional mailing of tax bills in 2020 for estimated taxes because the State delayed its budget adoption three months and it may be the same in 2021. There is also an increase of $30 (to $130) in membership dues, an increase of $430 (to $1,100) for tax bill expense, an increase of $110 (to $360) for training and certification classes and an increase of $110 (to $280) for mileage. There is also reductions of $410 (to $50) for forms and books, a reduction of $35 (to $225) for office supplies. The township committee agrees with these changes in budget expense.

Page 4-d-1 – Tax Assessment: There is no change to the budget for 2021. Mayor Chammings notes she hoped the tax maps would be updated in 2021.

Pages 5-b-1 and 5-c-1 Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment have requested no increase in their budgets.

Page 6-a-1 Zoning Officer: A decrease of $1000 (to $200) in office supplies. The 2020 budget amount of this line included new office furniture for this department.

The clerk asked to add a new line item for property maintenance expense so the zoning officer or others can use funds to clean up properties in violation of the township’s maintenance laws causing public health issues.

Page 6-b-1 Building Department: The only difference in the 2021 budget is an increase of $35 (to $150) for membership and dues. The township committee agrees with this change.

The OEM budget and included CERT budget is in the process of being prepared. The clerk will send the CERT budget to the CFO and the OEM.

The Environmental Commission and Board of Recreation Commissioners have no changes in their 2021 budgets.

Most of the 2021 budget discussions will be held prior to the regular township committee meetings at 6:00 p.m. The DPW budget discussion will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and the Fire Department/EMS budget will be discussed on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

There being no more budget items to discuss Mayor Chammings asked for a motion to suspended the meeting at 6:40 p.m. to resume at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Rumsey made that motion, seconded by Mr. Fisher and agreed to with a unanimous voice vote.

REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

MINUTES:

Executive Meeting Minutes from October 20, 2020: A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the Minutes, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, abstained, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstained Mayor Chammings, abstained.

December 1, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes and Executive Meeting Minutes: The Executive Session minutes were tabled until the next meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the Minutes, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

REPORTS: DPW Report of November 2020

Building Report of November 2020

Registrar Report of November 2020

QPA Report of October and November 2020

Tax Collector Report of November 2020

Recreation Commission Report of November 2020

Zoning Officer Report of November 2020

Stillwater Board of Health Report of November 2020

Clerk’s Retail Food Establishment Licenses Report

QPA Report of October – December 2020

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

Mr. Scott asked why they had not yet received a report from the tax assessor. Mayor Chammings said by statute the tax assessor only had to give an annual report.

BILLS LIST #20: $ 735,819.88

RESOLUTION 2020-156 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 December 15, 2020 as amended 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.

The original bill list was $747,561.01. The Township Committee pulled the invoice to United Telephone for $11,741.13 and a motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-156 as amended, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. 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 is preparing for the storm and he hoped there would be enough man power.

Mr. Scott reported the Tree Lighting was a great success and thanked Dawn Delaney, Tara Tosti, Alicia Gardner and the Recreation Commission for all their hard work pulling the event together sooner than planned to allow for maximum participation for Stillwater residents.

Mr. Scott said the Planning Board meeting for December 16th has been cancelled.

Mr. Fisher will mark up the map for the clerk to get estimates from surveyors for the potential egress roadway at lower Crandon Lake.

Mrs. Rumsey reported the Stillwater Board of Education met and their re-organization meeting will be held via Zoom on January 4, 2021. The 6th grade trip will not be Washington D.C. in 2021 but the sixth grade students will be going for day trips to YMCA Camp Linwood MacDonald in Sandyston on June 1 and 2, 2021.

Mrs. Rumsey stated the first bathroom at the community center is ready for use and will be a unisex/handicapped bathroom.

Mrs. Rumsey noted the Fire Department will be doing the Santa run on December 19, 2020 and they will also be involved in Lighting up Main Street.

Mr. Morrison reported there are resolutions on the agenda to hire two employees. The receptionist, Dawn Tighe, will be returning to Stillwater and a new plumbing inspector will be hired.

Mayor Chammings reported there are new CDC Guidelines for those who have been exposed to Covid 19 to isolate and work. The OEM area in the old emergency squad building is being utilized if someone from the DPW needs to work away from others. Mayor Chammings sent a memo to all employees outlining the new guidelines.

Mayor Chammings said the SC Mitigation Plan update is moving along. Mayor Chammings said Jackie Espinoza of JCP&L was in attendance and gave an update on JCP&L’s mitigation plans.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: Resolution 2020-165 will be added to the resolution portion of the agenda.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Road 619, asked why United Telephone was receiving a tax refund of $11,741.13. The Township Committee had not received an explanation for the refund so after a brief discussion the Township Committee decided to amend both the resolution authorizing the refund and the bills list until they had all the facts.

Seeing no one else from the public who wished to speak so this portion of the meeting was closed.

OLD BUSINESS:

Update on 992 Fairview Lake Road (Block 2401 Lot 37) – Mayor Chammings reported her OPRA request to the State had been answered. There are 7 boxes of responsive records for the file. Someone would have to go down to Trenton and look through the boxes to let them know which documents to copy for our files. Mr. Bolcato suggested speaking with Senator Oroho’s office to see if they can aid in getting the DEP to waive some (or all) of the fees owed if Stillwater Township were to take over the property. Mr. Bolcato also suggested he contact the NJDEP to see if they will eliminate their lien.

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution 2020-157 Authorizing the Appointment of Dawn Tighe as Part-Time Receptionist/Office Assistant

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Dawn Tighe as a Part-Time Receptionist/Office Assistant for twenty (20) hours per week with an hourly rate of $20.00 per hour commencing on December 21, 2020.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-157, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-158 Authorizing the Appointment of Dawn Tighe as Deputy Registrar

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Dawn Tighe as Deputy Registrar commencing on December 21, 2020.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-158, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-159 Authorizing the Provisional Appointment of Anthony Citarella as Part-Time Plumbing Sub-Code

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Anthony Citarella as a provisional Part-Time Plumbing Sub-Code Official for four (4) hours per week with an hourly rate of $40.00 per hour commencing on January 1, 2021.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2020-159, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-160 Authorizing a Transfer of 2020 appropriations

WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies there appear to be insufficient funds in the budgetary accounts listed below to meet the demands thereon for the balance of the year; and

WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies there appear to be a surplus in the budgetary accounts listed below, over and above the demand deemed necessary for the balance of the year; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 provides that transfers of funds may be made during the last two months of the budget year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the Chief Financial Officer is authorized to make a transfer in 2020 budget appropriations in the amount of $16,000.00 within the Current Fund, as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt Resolution 2020-160, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-161 Authorizing a Shared Service Agreement with the Township of Sandyston
For the services of a Qualified Purchasing Agent

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Sandyston have agreed to enter into a Shared Services Agreement by which the Township of Stillwater shall provide Qualified Purchasing Agent services to the Township of Sandyston pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq., and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Sandyston agree to enter into the attached Shared Services Agreement;

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

1. The Shared Services Agreement between the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Sandyston is approved pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq. The terms and conditions of the Agreement (Exhibit “A”) are made a part of this Resolution.

2. The Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Township.

3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately, however, it shall be void and of no effect in the event that the Township of Sandyston fails or refuses to adopt a similar resolution and/or execute the Shared Services Agreement.

4. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed, for informational purposes, with the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt Resolution 2020-161, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-162 Authorizing a Shared Service Agreement with the Township of Frankford
For the services of a Qualified Purchasing Agent

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Frankford have agreed to enter into a Shared Services Agreement by which the Township of Stillwater shall provide Qualified Purchasing Agent services to the Township of Frankford pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq., and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Frankford agree to enter into the attached Shared Services Agreement;

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

1. The Shared Services Agreement between the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Frankford is approved pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq. The terms and conditions of the Agreement (Exhibit “A”) are made a part of this Resolution.

2. The Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Township.

3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately, however, it shall be void and of no effect in the event that the Township of Frankford fails or refuses to adopt a similar resolution and/or execute the Shared Services Agreement.

4. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed, for informational purposes, with the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2020-162, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-163 Authorizing a Shared Service Agreement with the Borough of Andover
For the services of a Qualified Purchasing Agent

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Borough of Andover have agreed to enter into a Shared Services Agreement by which the Township of Stillwater shall provide Qualified Purchasing Agent services to the Borough of Andover pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq., and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Borough of Andover agree to enter into the attached Shared Services Agreement;

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

1. The Shared Services Agreement between the Township of Stillwater and the Borough of Andover is approved pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq. The terms and conditions of the Agreement (Exhibit “A”) are made a part of this Resolution.

2. The Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Township.

3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately, however, it shall be void and of no effect in the event that the Borough of Andover fails or refuses to adopt a similar resolution and/or execute the Shared Services Agreement.

4. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed, for informational purposes, with the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2020-163, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-164 Authorizing the refunds of overbillings due to Assessment Adjustments

WHEREAS, there appears on the tax records of Stillwater Township certain residents who qualify for refunds due to overbilling,

WHEREAS, said overbillings occurred due to the assessment adjustments.

WHEREAS, the Collector of Taxes recommends the refunds be made,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper officers are hereby authorized to issue checks refunding overpayments and directed to ensure proper adjustments be made.

Assessors Overbilled Properties

BLK LOT NAME YEAR AMOUNT

1401 13 QFM THOENIG 2020 484.20

2601 7.03 QFM FISCHER 2020 748.92

TOTAL 1,233.12

This Resolution originally contained a refund payment to United Telephone for $11,741.13. The Township Committee pulled the entry for clarification and a motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2020-164 as amended, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Resolution 2020-165 Authorizing a Shared Service Agreement with the Township of Montague
For the services of a Qualified Purchasing Agent

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Montague have agreed to enter into a Shared Services Agreement by which the Township of Stillwater shall provide Qualified Purchasing Agent services to the Township of Montague pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq., and
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Montague agree to enter into the attached Shared Services Agreement;

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

1. The Shared Services Agreement between the Township of Stillwater and the Township of Montague is approved pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq. The terms and conditions of the Agreement (Exhibit “A”) are made a part of this Resolution.

2. The Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Township.

3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately, however, it shall be void and of no effect in the event that the Township of Montague fails or refuses to adopt a similar resolution and/or execute the Shared Services Agreement.

4. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed, for informational purposes, with the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt Resolution 2020-165, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mr. Scott Douglass, President of the Paulinskill Lake Association, said he Mayor Chammings has done an outstanding job this year especially with the COVID pandemic and he would like her to continue to be mayor in 2021.

Mrs. Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Route 619, agreed Mayor Chammings has done a great job and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mrs. Rumsey brought up a concern she saw on Facebook regarding residents who voiced their disapproval with response time or a response at all from the New Jersey State Police regarding people walking around their homes. One resident even posted pictures of foot prints in the snow. Mayor Chammings said the NJSP did log those calls and they were part of a report. Mrs. Rumsey said a face to face response is what would be acceptable and the residents should feel safe. Mrs. Rumsey would like a letter to be sent from the Township Committee to the New Jersey State Police in support of these residents. Mr. Morrison feels the Township Committee should not react to Facebook but said if Mrs. Rumsey wished to contact these individuals on Facebook and have them send the Township a formal complaint then a letter could be sent. Mrs. Rumsey will contact the residents involved.

The Clerk asked if the Re-organization meeting will be in person or virtual. The Township Committee discussed and the Mayor will let the clerk know by the end of the week.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Mr. Bolcato reported he contacted the potential vendor for the fire truck and he has not heard back yet. Mr. Bolcato also noted he spoke with the Zoning Officer and an attorney who may be Mountain Shadows new attorney but she has not been hired yet. Mr. Bolcato wished everyone a wonderful holiday.

There being no further business, Mr. Morrison made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey at 8:18 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk

 

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