February 18, 2020 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES – February 18, 2020 – Regular Meeting

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7 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.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

PRESENT: Committeeman Morrison, Committeewoman Rumsey, Committeeman Fisher, Deputy Mayor Scott, Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 5:30 p.m.

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mr. Morrison, seconded by Mr. Fisher and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 5:33 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: Personnel

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. Morrison to conclude the Executive Session at 6:03 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.

REGULAR SESSION:

MINUTES:

Regular and Budget Meeting Minutes: February 4, 2020

Mr. Scott made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Ms. Rumsey.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTIONS:

2020-041 Authorizing Refund of Permit Fees

2020-042 Mayors’ Appointment of Alicia Gardner as Alternate #2 Recreation Commissioner with Committee Concurrence

2020-043 Authorizing Shared Service Agreement with Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority for the Provision of Certified Recycling Professional Services to Certify and Submit the 2019 Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP

2020-044 Awarding the West End Drive Phase I & Phase II to Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council Vendors

2020-045 Awarding the Fireworks Contract to Garden State Fireworks, Inc. for Stillwater Day 2020

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt the Resolutions 2020-041 through 2020-044, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

Following a brief discussion, Mr. Scott made a motion to table Resolution 2020-045, pending receipt of the insurance certificate and approval of Mr. Bolcato, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

DPW Report – January 2020

Building Department Report – January 2020

Recreation Commission Report – January 2020

Fire Department Report – January 2020

QPA Report – January 2020

Ms. Rumsey made a motion to accept the reports as submitted and reviewed, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

BILLS LIST #3: $315,335.67

RESOLUTION 2020-046 PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2019-046, funds permitting, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2020-047:

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION 2020-047

MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF ROBERT WOLFF DEPUTY OEM COORDINATORWITH COMMITTEE CONCURRENCE

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of

Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments of Robert Wolff

as Deputy OEM Coordinator effective February 18, 2020.

Ms. Rumsey made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-047, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:15 p.m.

Kathy Draghi, 1016 Route 619 commended the recycling employees for a job well done, the Recycling Center is clean and looks great.

Ms. Draghi referred to an article in the February 10^th edition of the New Jersey Herald regarding Governor Murphy’s veto of bill S908 with respect to lake assessment fees. She asked how that will impact the township’s liability with co-signing the loan for Plymouth Lake. This seems to negate the ability of associations to assess people moving forward if it is not part of their original real estate purchase.

Mr. Bolcato would need to review the information on the Governor’s action. No agreement has been signed at this point with Plymouth Lake. Mayor Chammings recalled the veto was specific to one or two items and not the bill in its entirety.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed to the public at 7:22 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 2020-01

ORDINANCE 2020-01

CALENDAR YEAR 2020 ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NJ TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK

(N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)

WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget up to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2020 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Committee hereby determines that a 1.0% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $23,112.30 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,

WHEREAS the Township Committee hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2020 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of Stillwater shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $80,893.05, and that the CY 2020 municipal budget for the Township of Stillwater be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.

Mr. Scott made a motion to open the meeting for public comment on Ordinance 2020-01, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

There being no public comment, this portion of the meeting was closed.

Ms. Rumsey made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2020-01, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Township Entrance Signs:

Vo-Tech was contacted and they would not be able to take on the entrance sign project until next year, however they are willing to look at the township park signs and schedule to construct them for next year. Ms. Rumsey offered to meet with the Vo-Tech to review photos of the existing signage. She would really like to have the students involved. Materials will be provided by the township.

Ms. Rumsey reported a quote was received from EM Signs ($2325.00) to replace the three township entrance signs, double-sided, “Welcome to Stillwater” on the front and “Thank You for Visiting” on the back. They will have the same appearance as the existing signs, are more durable and will include the seal. Mr. Fisher suggested using the wood from the existing signs. Ms. Rumsey would have to inquire if that would be possible. Mayor Chammings noted the quote for the signs is $1875.00 and an additional $450.00 for installation, painting of posts and removal of the original signs.

The Committee agreed to have Ms. Knott obtain additional quotes.

Ms. Rumsey requested to have a sign for Volunteer Park installed on the corner of Middleville Road and Fairview Lake Road so people stop entering her driveway looking for the soccer field. She noted EM Signs does a fantastic job and their turn around time is quick.

Ms. Knott will meet with Lou’s Glass on Thursday at the Community Center and Town Hall to obtain a quote for the installation of push buttons to be installed for handicap access. The Board of Elections will reimburse the town for the cost to do so through grant funding.

Rescue Squad/Fire Department Merger:

Documentation was completed; a letter was received from the Rescue Squad for dissolution and one from the Fire Department accepting the merger with the squad, effective date of February 17, 2020. Ms. Knott will follow up on insurance coverage with Mr. Morville and confirm that the date of the merger is appropriate. Mayor Chammings stated there will be more responders due to the merger and less response time and both sides of the township will be covered through Stillwater and Swartswood.

Public Safety Meeting:

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 20^th at 7 p.m. at the Community Center.

File Room and Bays:

Ms. Knott has been working on digitalizing the Building Department records. She met with vendors and also with Mr. Freed, Sussex County Records Manager. She needs to look into the matter further and obtain additional information.

Mayor Chammings reported the fire department has moved their equipment from the bays, allowing files from the file room to be moved there. The DPW moved their paving machine, mowers, roller and sidearm mower into the bays and the equipment will now be covered from the weather.

Once the Rescue Squad merger occurs there has been discussion of having one ambulance at each fire department to cover both sides of town. The RTV, trailer and truck will then be stored at the former EMS Building. The fire department and EMS will be using the office at Swartswood. Ms. Rumsey would like to provide access to the fire department and EMS to the upstairs area at Swartswood for meetings, trainings, etc. This will leave the Community Center open for other users and events. Mr. Fisher was in favor of them using the downstairs office and had no issue with the department using the upstairs for meetings and training. He suggested also using the upstairs as an additional rental area for small groups that do not need the larger community room.

Mayor Chammings explained the tripod of fire departments is considering having each department rotate coverage on Friday nights. The upstairs area would provide a place for Stillwater members when it is their turn to provide coverage. Mr. Sugar, Stillwater Fire Chief, explained the idea is to have a staff engine on a rotating basis to run on a first alert in Stillwater, Hampton and Fredon, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. with members staying at the firehouse. The upstairs area would also be perfect to use as a command center during an emergency, bad weather, etc. It would be suitable for several screens for road closures, weather, etc. and is secure from the public.

Mayor Chammings spoke to EMS Captain Pat Bodensieck about the EMS assets, computers, TVs and their disposition; there are still issues to resolve.

Mayor Chamming stated one bay will still be open at town hall and is heated if needed.

Ms. Rumsey asked about finalizing the facility use form for the Community Center. Mayor Chammings indicated the decision at the last meeting was to let the 4H hold their event and then fees will be determined moving forward. This item will be added to the March 17^th agenda for completion.

DPW WiFi:

Ms. Rumsey asked about the WiFi for the DPW, they are currently without it. Ms. Knott was not aware of the issue and will contact them to see what is needed.

Budget Meeting:

Mr. Morrison asked for an additional budget date to be set to address minor items. The budget has to be introduced at the end of March or first meeting in April. The Committee agreed to hold a budget discussion on March 3^rd; audio to be provided to Mr. Fisher who will not be able to attend the March 3^rd meeting. This will leave March 17h if any further budget items need addressing.

Stillwater Board of Education:

Ms. Rumsey was unable to attend the last meeting. Mayor Chammings did attend the strategic planning session. It went well and the topic was based on if there was a newspaper article on the school that someone was to read twenty years from now, what impact was the school having on the community and students moving forward. Discussion was held on teaching through technology, building security, and having a vision for the future that teaches the whole student. The session was well attended including the Superintendent of KRHS and many Stillwater School teachers.

CERT Meeting:

Mayor Chammings attended the CERT meeting on February 13^th at the Municipal Building. There was a guest speaker and a new member joined the group.

Community Center:

The DPW has obtained the demolition permit to start work on the bathrooms. Ms. Knott has contacted Architect Steve Boshart and he will be visiting the site to provide a quote on plans.

Soil and Fill Ordinance:

The ordinance was tabled at a past meeting. Mr. Morrison had expressed concerns with certain language and he will speak with Attorney Bolcato.

Real Property Sale:

Mayor Chammings informed the public about the land sale that was held earlier this evening. Four properties of eleven offered sold.

Environmental Commission (EC):

The EC expressed concerns with improper commingled disposal. Mayor Chammings felt the new employee will oversee proper disposal from this point forward and there should not be any more issues. The EC and Committee provided a letter of support for an HABs grant application by the Swartswood Lakes Watershed Association.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8 a.m.

Jan Bonavita asked if the next budget meeting would be held before or after the Committee meeting. Ms. Knott indicated it would be during the regular meeting on March 3rd.

Kathleen Marshall, 1015 Route 619 asked if there has ever been discussion relating to signage for several locations in the township indicating the direction to restaurants, businesses, community center, parks, trails, fire departments, etc. One sign with several postings that could be changed if a business or location changes. Locations could be prioritized and added as needed. Mayor Chammings stated it may be possible for Bob Pierce at the County to do such a sign.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

ATTORNEY REPORT: No report.

There being no further business, Ms. Rumsey made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Morrison at 8:04 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Wunder