STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 16, 2024
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 7:02 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 and Facebook page.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Committeewoman D. Delaney, Committeewoman V. Rumsey, Mayor L. Chammings, Committeeman G. Scott
Also Present: Township Attorney E. Bernstein
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.
RESOLUTION 2024-003A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARDS OF
NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
WHEREAS, there exists a need for the services of certain professionals to wit: Township Attorney, Township Engineer, Insurance Agent, Labor Attorney, Bond Attorney, and Auditor as non-fair and open contracts pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has determined and certified in writing that the value of the acquisitions will exceed $17,500; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated term of these contracts is one year; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Township of Stillwater that:
- The Mayor and Committee are hereby authorized to engage the following professional persons:
Auditor: Valerie Dolan, CPA/Nisivoccia
Township Engineer: Michael Vreeland/ Van Cleef Engineering Associates
Risk Manager: George W. Morville/The Morville Agency
Labor Attorney: Eric M. Bernstein/Eric M. Bernstein & Associates, LLC
Municipal Attorney: Eric M. Bernstein/Eric M. Bernstein & Associates, LLC
Bond Attorney: Robert Beinfield, Esq./ Hawkins, Delafield &
Wood, LLP
Special Council & Thomas F. Collins, Jr., Esq./Vogel, Chait, Collins
Conflict Attorney: And Schneider
Conflict Tax Assessor and Scott Holzhauer, CTA, SCGREA
Appraiser:
Tax Appraiser: Darren Raymond, Associated Appraisal Group
Special Council-Tax Appeals
& In Rem: Robert B. McBriar, Schenck Price Smith & King, LLP
2. The above are engaged without competitive bidding as a professional service under the provisions of the Local Public Contract Law because said services are performed by a person authorized by law to practice a recognized profession.
3. A copy of this resolution shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten days of its passage.
Mayor L. Chammings stated that this resolution was adopted at the January 2nd meeting but is being amended to include Eric Bernstein & Associates as the Municipal and Labor Attorney, to add Robert McBriar for Tax Appeals and In Rems, and to also include Tom Collins as Special Council.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2024-003A.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
MINUTES: December 19, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt the meeting minutes as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
MINUTES: January 2, 2024 Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt the meeting minutes as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. State of NJ, DEP Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification
2. NJ EDA Notice of Approval Letter HDSRF, Public Entity Grant Program, 992 Fairview Lake Rd
3. State of NJ, DEP Letter to Lake Plymouth Association Re: Dam Inspection
4. State of NJ, DEP Letter to Crandon Lake Country Club Re: Dam Inspection
5. State of NJ, Department of Agriculture: 2024-2026 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Grant Program for Counties and Municipalities
Mayor L. Chammings read aloud the Correspondence included in the meeting packets. She noted that the hazardous substance discharge notice was for a leaking tank at Camp Hoover. The Crandon Lake Dam Inspection is in the works. The Township is trying to receive quotes to repair the dam spillway while the lake water is lowered. The work was originally going to be completed by previous DPW Supervisor J. Raff but now they must contract the work out to be done.
REPORTS:
- Food License Renewal Report – December 2023
- Community Center Receipt Report – December 2023
- DPW Report- December 2023
- Recreation Commission Report – December 2023
- Board of Health Receipts – December 2023
- Construction Permit Activity Report December 2023
- Vacant/Abandon Property Registration Report – December 2023
- Convenience Center Report – December 2023
- Registrar Report – December 2023
- Certified Copies Report – December 2023
- 2023 Accumulated Absences Summary
- Stillwater Township Environmental Commission 2023 Annual Report
- Sussex County Division of Health Report- November & December 2023
- ACO Report – October through December 2023
- Zoning Board Report December 2023
Mayor L. Chammings read through the list of reports and noted that the 2023 Accumulated Absences Summary was not included in their packets. There was system work being performed at the Municipal Office so the report was not able to be completed in time for the meeting.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt the reports as presented minus Report #11.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
Mayor L. Chammings stated that there were no amendments to be made to the agenda.
PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)
PUBLIC SESSION OPEN.
Township Resident K. Draghi asked if the work to the Crandon Lakes Dam would be more since the town now has to contract out for the work to be done. Mayor L. Chammings stated that she couldn’t answer that question since there are no quotes for the work yet but either way they would have had to purchase the materials.
No further public comment.
PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED.
OLD BUSINESS
TAX IN REM FORECLOSURE UPDATE: Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that there have not been any new updates on the tax in rem foreclosures.
992 Fairview Lake Road: Mayor L. Chammings stated that they need to sit and speak with legal regarding the hazardous discharge. Township Attorney E. Bernstein asked to have all of the documents on 992 Fairview Lake Road sent to his office to look over then a zoom meeting could be set up between himself, Mayor L. Chammings, Committeeman G. Scott, Municipal Clerk V. Ingles and Mr. David Lott to discuss the next steps.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
ORDINANCE 2024-01
CALENDAR YEAR 2024 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 2024 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 $27,089.29 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 2024 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 $94,812.52, and that the CY 2024 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.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to Introduce Ordinance 2024-01.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Mayor L. Chammings stated that the next two Ordinances were from the Planning Board, that the Township Committee needed to approve their introduction at tonight’s meeting so that it can go back to the Planning Board for their meeting the next evening.
ORDINANCE 2024-02
VACATION OF STORM WATER MANAGEMENT LOT
Block 3306, Lot 2.99
WHEREAS, the Township Committee in the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex is of the opinion that the public interest will best be served by abandoning, vacating, releasing and extinguishing any and all public rights which said Township may have in and to the Storm Water Management Lot in Block 3306, Lot 2.99, located as depicted on an amended subdivision plan prepared by Kenneth Dykstra of Dykstra Walker Design Group, bearing most recent revision date January 4, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, as follows:
- Vacation of Storm Water Management Lot.
The public rights and interests in and to Storm Water Management Lot Block 3306, Lot 2.99 depicted on Schedule A annexed hereto and as shown on an Amended Subdivision plan prepared by Kenneth Dykstra of Dykstra Walker Design Group, bearing most recent revision date January 4, 2024.- There is reserved and excepted from this vacation all rights and privileges then possessed by public utilities as defined in R.S. 48:2-13, and by any cable television company as defined in the “Cable Television Act.” P.L.1972, c. 186 (C.48:5-1 et seq.) to maintain, repair and replace their existing facilities in, adjacent to, over or under the street, highway, lane, alley, square, place or any part thereof to be vacated.
- This ordinance shall become effective after final passage and publication according to law and filing with the County of Sussex as may be applicable.
Il. Severability. If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subdivision, clause of provision so adjudged and the remainder of the Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.
Ill. Repealer. All Ordinances or pans of Ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with the Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
IV. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect after final passage, adoption and publication according to law.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to Introduce Ordinance 2024-02.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
ORDINANCE 2024-03
VACATION OF TWIN RIVER DRIVE
WHEREAS, the Township Committee in the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex is of the opinion that the public interest will best be served by abandoning, vacating, releasing and extinguishing any and all public rights which said Township may have in and to Twin River Drive, located as depicted on an amended subdivision plan prepared by Kenneth Dykstra of Dykstra Walker Design Group, bearing most recent revision date January 4, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. Vacation of Twin River Drive.
The public rights and interests in and to Twin River Drive, depicted on Schedule A annexed hereto, located to the Southwest of Saddleback Road between Potters Road and the Paulinskill River as shown on an Amended Subdivision plan prepared by Kenneth Dykstra of Dykstra Walker Design Group, bearing most recent revision date January 4, 2024.- There is reserved and excepted from this vacation all rights and privileges then possessed by public utilities as defined in R.S. 48:2-13, and by any cable television company as defined in the “Cable Television Act.” P.L.1972, c. 186 (C.48:5-1 et seq.) to maintain, repair and replace their existing facilities in, adjacent to, over or under the street, highway, lane, alley, square, place or any part thereof to be vacated.
- This ordinance shall become effective after final passage and publication according to law and filing with the County of Sussex as may be applicable.
Il. Severability. If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subdivision, clause of provision so adjudged and the remainder of the Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.
Ill. Repealer. All Ordinances or pans of Ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with the Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
IV. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect after final passage, adoption and publication according to law.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to Introduce Ordinance 2024-03.
Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that there’s a house on Twin River Drive, do they now maintain the road? Mayor L. Chammings confirmed that they are responsible for maintaining the road once it’s been adopted, that was also noted in the Planning Board meeting minutes that it was explained that they are responsible for maintain the road.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein suggested attaching the Resolution from the Planning Board to the Ordinances.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTIONS 2024-015A RESOLUTION APPOINTING TAX ASSESSOR AND SPECIAL COUNCIL TAX APPEAL ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER BEFORE THE COUNTY BOARD OF TAXATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024
BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Township of Stillwater that the Municipal Assessor Penny Holenstein and the Special Council Tax Appeal & In Rem Attorney Robert McBriar are hereby authorized to defend before the Sussex County Board of Taxation and the Tax Court of the State of New Jersey all contested appeals and to initiate municipal appeals to correct the Township of Stillwater tax list including but not limited to rollback complaints, added and omitted assessment complaints, and such other appeals as are necessary to correct the assessments for the Township of Stillwater; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for calendar year 2024 the Municipal Assessor and Tax Appeal Attorney are hereby designed as the agents of the of the Township of Stillwater for the purpose of signing settlements of the foregoing matters by stipulation.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2024-015A.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2024-022 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP TO ACCEPT DONATIONS OF CERTAIN UNDEVELOPED AND UNBUILDABLE PROPERTIES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP VIA QUIT CLAIM DEED
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater authorized 2022 Township Attorney Howard Vex to commence In Rem proceedings to foreclose on 22 tax lien certificates and one of more of the Defendants in that litigation may be interested in simply donating their undeveloped property to the Township via Quit Claim Deed in lieu of continuing with the litigation; and
WHEREAS, the owners of three other undeveloped properties within the Township have expressed an interest in donating their property to the Township.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater as follows:
- That Mr. Vex is authorized to draft and obtain completed Quit Claim Deeds from the owners of any of the 22 undeveloped properties included in the pending In Rem Foreclosure litigation.
- That Mr. Vex is authorized to draft and obtain a completed Quit Claim Deed and any other necessary property transfer documents from the owners of the following properties who have expressed an interest in donating their property to the Township:
Owner Property Dimensions Location
James R. O’Neil, JR Block 501 Lot 6 0.2 acres East Court
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2024-022.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2024-023 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
ESTABLISHING COMMITTEE LIASONS
Mayor L. Chammings stated that she would like to move Resolution 2024-023 to Discussion for further consideration.
RESOLUTION 2024-024 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF TOWNSHIP BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments and Committee appointment to Board and Commission Members for the year 2024 as follows:
PLANNING BOARD
Name Term Term Expires
Lisa Chammings – Class I Member 1 year 12/31/2024
Dawn Delaney – Class III Member 1 year 12/31/2024
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that they do hereby concur with the appointments herein for the year 2024.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2024-024.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2024-025 REFUND OF COMMUNITY CENTER SECURITY DEPOSIT
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following individual submitted a security deposit in the amount of $50.00 for use of the Stillwater Township Community Center, and;
WHEREAS, the security deposit was retained by the Township and deposited into the Township General Account, and;
WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Committee has decided to refund the security deposit.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township, that a refund be issued in the amount of the deposit.
Name & Address Funding Amount
Jodi Shaw Security Deposit $50.00
10 Overlook Court
Newton, NJ 07860
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2024-025.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2024-026 IN SUPPORT OF THE 2024 LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT (LRIG)
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2024-026.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Mayor L. Chammings stated that Committeewoman V. Rumsey had started a list of ideas of items that still need to be completed at the community center. She asked Municipal Clerk V. Ingles to send the list to everyone and create a shared document that can be added to if someone else has something to add. She also asked V. Ingles to forward last years grant to the Township Committee so they can see what they added and asked for.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Community Center Fees
Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that the new Community Center Application is virtually ready except for a final decision on the deposit amount. She stated that they have one quote from a cleaning company for the cost of an emergency cleaning. Mayor L. Chammings asked Municipal Clerk V. Ingles to contact JanPro, the current cleaning company, to ask what they would charge for an emergency cleaning.
Committeewoman D. Delaney also stated that she could add to the application that users can bring their own device to stream on the TV there such as an amazon fire stick.
The Committee also discussed once the contract is completed and the fees adopted, a notice be sent to the organizations using the Community Center on a regular basis of the changes. It will also be noted that if there is a private party going on that other organizations cannot freely walk in and out to use the restrooms during a private event.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein also asked that Municipal Clerk V. Ingles send him the new community center application to review.
Stormwater Management
Mayor L. Chammings stated that they are working on the Stormwater Management plan, that it was completed and submitted but it was returned with a couple things to correct. Then they can begin the GIS mapping for the stormwater drains. She also noted that the Township Engineer J. Vuich is the Stormwater Management Coordinator. If any information comes to the Municipal Office to forward it onto him.
Personnel Handbook Update
Mayor L. Chammings stated that the personnel handbook needs to be updated, the last time it was done was in April 2021. She asked Municipal Clerk V. Ingles to send the personnel handbook, collective bargaining agreement with the DPW, as well as the addendums to Township Attorney E. Bernstein.
200th Anniversary
Mayor L. Chammings stated that they need to start planning the 200th Anniversary which is in 2025. She stated that the Recreation Commission is starting to do Stillwater Day again instead of doing one event in the fall with the Historical Society. She discussed establishing meetings to plan the anniversary. She mentioned having each of the Township Committee members rotate going to meetings so that they can all contribute toward the planning of the 200th Anniversary and not have to establish a sub-committee.
Committee Liaisons
The Township Committee discussed the who would be the liaisons for each category and agreed to the departments listed on the Resolution.
RESOLUTION 2024-023 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
ESTABLISHING COMMITTEE LIASONS
WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to establish Departments within the Township government to provide for the orderly and efficient transaction of Township business and to promote public service.
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 allegations of the preamble are incorporated herein by this reference.
2. The following Departments are hereby established within the Township of Stillwater, effective immediately and to remain in effect until the next Reorganization Meeting of the Township Committee, unless sooner modified or terminated and the member of the Township Committee assigned to oversee the operation of such Department is as follows:
Deputy Mayor Rumsey: Emergency Services, Community Center, Personnel
Committeeman Manser: Board of Education, Recreation Commission, Recycling Center
Committeewoman Delaney: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Finance
Committeeman Scott: DPW, Engineering
Mayor Chammings: Environmental Commission, Legal, CERT, Personnel
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2024-023.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Before going into Public Session, Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that the previous week was very busy for the Fire Department. She stated that on January 14th during the bad weather, the Fire Department went on 10 calls back to back responding to fire calls, downed trees, downed wires, etc. She just wanted to thank them for all of their hard work and that they have done an outstanding job.
Committeeman D. Manser also stated that the Fire Department has done a great job.
Mayor L. Chammings also thanked the Stillwater Township DPW for all their work and the great job that they’ve done. She said that they’ve had very long hours as well over the weekend and late evenings.
PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit)
Public Session Opened
Township Resident K. Draghi greeted Township Attorney E. Bernstein and asked if he could say a little about himself so that the public could get to know who he is. Mr. Bernstein explained that he started practicing in 1982 in mostly municipal work and has had his office for the past 25 years. They currently service four municipalities and was retained by Stillwater Township about 30 years ago. Over his time, he’s been retained by 18 municipalities total. He has also taught on the subject at many different organizations.
Township Resident S. Michelman stated that she wanted to know if Possum Road would be cleared from the snow. She stated that they hadn’t come to plow until 4:00 PM that day and haven’t come back since then. Committeeman G. Scott stated that he would check with DPW Supervisor G. Leatham on Possum Road.
Township Resident J. Doherty read the following statement:
“THERE IS AN OLD SAYING THAT GOES LIKE THIS: “WE LIVE.IN HOPE AND DIE IN DESPAIR.” I HOPE THAT 2024 WILL BRING A CHANGE THAT AMERICA NEEDS, ESPECIALLY AS IT PERTAINS TO THE BORDER CRISIS. THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO UNDERMINE AND DISMANTLE THE VERY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA. THIS BETRAYAL OF THE FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF THIS NATION IS TREASONOUS AND THEY SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THEIR OFFICE AND PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. NOT ONE SHOT HAS BEEN FIRED DURING THIS INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF AMERICA. IT IS SHEER LUNACY TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO TO BLAME FOR THEIR DISMAL FAILURE TO STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT IN UNISON AND DO THEIR JOB AND PASS LEGISLATION TO SECURE THE BORDER.
NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS COULD I IMAGINE THE OUTRAGEOUS HARM THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT UPON THIS GREAT NATION BY MY FELLOW AMERICANS. IT DISTRESSES ME AND ANGERS ME AS I SEE THIS NIGHTMARE UNFOLD. IT STUNS THE SENSES THAT A SELF-INFLICTED WOUND OF THIS MAGNITUDE IS ALLOWED TO STRIKE AT THE HEART OF OUR BELOVED AMERICA. SURELY, THE SENSIBLE AND SANE CITIZENS OF THIS LAND WILL RISE UP, BAND TOGETHER, AND BANISH THIS OBSCENITY FROM OUR MIDST. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT A PERSON OF COURAGE AND STRENGTH WILL LEAD THE CHARGE AND TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE TO REVERSE COURSE AND RESTORE AMERICA TO ITS FORMER GLORY. I PRAY A SAVING SIGN WILL APPEAR ON THE HORIZON AND I HOPE IT WILL BE IN THE PERSON OF DONALD J. TRUMP, THUS ASSURING THAT OUR MUCH-NEEDED HOPE WILL NOT DIE IN DESPAIR.
AS WE GREET THE YEAR 2024 MAY WE ALL HAVE PEACE, PROSPERITY, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN OUR DAILY ROUTINE. MAY COUNCIL CONTINUE TO BE GUIDED BY COMMON SENSE, VALUES ANS ISSUE WISE DECISIONS ON BEHALF OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS. THE COUNTRY AND INDEED THE WHOLE WORLD NEEDS ALL THE HELP IT CAN GET IN THESE TROUBLED AND UNPRECEDENTED TIMES. LET US ALL DO OUR PART TO HELP MAKE IT A BETTER COUNTRY AND A BETTER WORLD. HAPPY NEWYEAR!”
Mayor L. Chammings thanked J. Doherty and stated that his concerns are noted.
No more public comment.
PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that he didn’t so much have a report to present but wanted to thank the Township Committee for the opportunity to serve the Township.
BILLS LIST #01 $1,214,533.55
RESOLUTION 2024-026 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 January 16, 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.
Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that wanted to know if the bill from NAVRIZDOORS for was the last payment on the Community Center doors. Mayor L. Chammings replied that she believed so but that they would need to check with the CFO to see if that was the last.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to adopt Resolution 2024-026.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Committeeman G. Scott stated that DPW Manager G. Leatham responded to him that Possum Hill Road had been plowed and that they would be going back in the morning to widen the road before the school busses would be on their way.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Ingles
Municipal Clerk
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