STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday January 17, 2023
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:02PM p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were sent to the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall, on the Township’s website and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13.
Roll Call: PRESENT: Mrs. Delaney, Mr. Barta, Mrs. Rumsey, Mr. Scott, Mayor Chammings
The flag was saluted.
MINUTES: December 20, 2022 Budget Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, abstain, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
MINUTES: December 20, 2022 Regular and Executive Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, abstain, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
MINUTES: January 3, 2023 Reorganization Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mrs. Delaney to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
MINUTES: January 4, 2023 Regular and Executive Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
REPORTS: Food License Renewal Report – December 2022
Community Center Receipt Report – December 2022
Recreation Commission Report – December 2022
Board of Health Receipts – December 2022
Building Department Report – December 2022
Vacant/Abandon Property Registration Report – December 2022
Sussex County Sheriff’s Department Activity Summary – 2022
Tax Collector Reports – November and December 2022
Convenience Center Report – December 2022
Registrar Report – December 2022
Certified Copies Report – December 2022
OPRA Report – December 2022
2022 Accumulated Absences Summary
ACO Report – October through December 2022
Mr. Scott asked where the Tax Assessor and Zoning Officer Reports were. Mayor Chammings stated the Assessor just compiled her information and will be submitting her report next month and she would speak with the Zoning Officer. A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the reports as presented, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
BILLS LIST #01 $1,147,714.97
RESOLUTION 2023-22A 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 20, 2022 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.
A discussion was had about PO# 13296 and it was pulled. A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-22A, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
After a short discussion a motion was made by Mr. Scott to pay PO# 13296, seconded by Mayor Chammings. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, abstain, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
Mayor Chammings added Resolution 2023-36: RESOLTUION AUTHORIZING IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR NEW DPW MECHANIC/TRUCK DRIVER to the agenda under Discussion.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
Joseph Doherty, 943 Old Schoolhouse Road, read the following statement into the record,
“I support a citizen’s basic second amendment rights to keep and bear arms. I also support the individual citizens right to reasonable peace and quiet and their right to voice a protest in that right is infringed. That is why I have appeared before this council on numerous occasions to make my position known on the issue of excessive and extended target practice shooting and the use of explosive material in the process of said shooting exercises. Amending the township noise ordinance to include the prohibition of excessive and extended target practice shooting and use of explosive material will help keep in check the conduct of the self-indulgent individuals who disrespect their neighbors and ride roughshod over their fellow citizens right to enjoy a peaceful and serene setting in the comfort and security of their own home. A yes vote will strike a balance between the freedom to express ones second amendment rights while at the same time protect the rights of all residents who are entitled to live in a peaceful environment.”
Kathy Draghi, questioned the bill and the cost for Route 23 Auto Mall and was curious to as what it was for. Mayor Chammings stated it was for a truck for the DPW.
Arlene Fisher, 1059 Mt Benevolence Road, questioned who was doing the inspections for the vacant and abandoned properties. Mrs. Fisher noted until inspections were made to confirm the premise were indeed vacant/abandoned they should not be registered because it will open up the Township to potential lawsuits.
Tim Fisher, 1059 Mt Benevolence Road, questioned the tractor trailer traffic still coming through Mt Benevolence Road. He suggested having the county put a digital light up sign stating no tractor trailers to hopefully eliminate some of the truck traffic that is still happening on Mt. Benevolence Road.
Marcia Bradley reported that the first CERT meeting of the year is going to be held on January 25, 2023 at the town hall. The Basic CERT Class is going to be held at the EOC on the weekend of March 17 and 18, 2023 from 8a-4p, both days. She also reported that the CERT team is excited to work alongside the Fire Department, and is looking forward to working with them more and attending trainings with them in the future.
Seeing no one else who wished to speak Mayor Chammings closed this portion of the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Township’s Tax Lien Update:
Howard Vex reported there are four (4) Quick Claim Deeds in process in lieu of In-Rem Foreclosure.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE 2023-01 CALENDAR YEAR 2023 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) – INTRODUCTION [Public Hearing and Adoption February 7, 2023]
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 2023 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 $26,105.89 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 2023 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 $91,370.62, and that the CY 2023 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 Mrs. Rumsey to introduce Ordinance 2023-01, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
ORDINANCE 2023-02 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE OF SPENT BIOCHAR FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AND MANDATING THAT ANY SPENT BIOCHAR THAT MAY BE GENERATED WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP THROUGH PERMITTED USE OF BIOCHAR BE RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OF SAID BIOCHAR FOR RECYCLING – INTRODUCTION [Public Hearing and Adoption February 7, 2023]
WHEREAS, Biochar is a pure carbon, charcoal-like substance made from organic material that has recently gained popularity for various uses, including as a water quality enhancer for lakes, ponds and streams based on its ability to remove unwanted nutrients that can lead to excessive plant and algae growth; and
WHEREAS, Biochar is sold by various manufacturers to be placed in floatation balls, cages, or bags/socks and floated in lakes or other waterways and needs to be periodically replaced when spent; and
WHEREAS, spent Biochar contains not only the captured phosphorus and other nutrients, but also contains captured contaminants such as heavy metals and volatile organic compounds that pose a risk to human health and safety; and
WHEREAS, Biochar is also sold by various manufacturers to be spread on soil for agriculture as a source of phosphorus and spent Biochar has also been irresponsibly recommended for such use without sufficient proof that said use is safe; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission of the Township of Stillwater has concluded that any use of spent Biochar within the Township of Stillwater poses an unacceptable risk that captured heavy metals and volatile organic compounds in the spent Biochar will be released back into the soil, potentially contaminating crops, the ground waters below and nearby waterways.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that the Township Code shall be amended as follows:
SECTION 1
A new Chapter shall be added to the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater as follows:
Chapter 468. Biochar
§ 468-1 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Township by preventing health hazards caused by the use of spent Biochar.
§ 468-2 Restrictions on the Use of Biochar.
A. New Biochar intended for aqua filter use within the Township of Stillwater may only be purchased from manufacturers who will accept return of the spent biochar for recycling. All purchasers of Biochar shall retain their receipt of purchase and accurate records of the manufacturer that provided the Biochar for inspection at the Township’s discretion
B. All spent Biochar must be returned for recycling to the manufacturer of that Biochar or any other Biochar recycling source so long as the spent Biochar is recycled and decontaminated and not used for any other purpose prior to recycling and decontamination.
C. Spent Biochar may not be used for any purpose within the Township of Stillwater.
§ 468-3 Enforcement.
This chapter shall be enforced by the Township Zoning Officer.
§ 468-4 Violations and penalties.
Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 1, Article III, General Penalty.
SECTION 2
All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 3
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to introduce Ordinance 2023-02, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-23 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF PAUL HAWKINS AS PROVISIONAL DPW SUPERVISOR
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Paul Hawkins as Provisional DPW Supervisor pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement at a salary of $28.00 per hour. Mr. Hawkins’ designation is effective January 1, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-23, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-24 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSEPH FUNARI AS FULL-TIME DPW LABORER
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Joseph Funari as Full Time DPW Laborer pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with a salary of $22.16. Mr. Funari’s employment start date will be Monday January 9, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-24, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-25 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF JACOB KIENER AS PROVISIONAL MECHANIC/TRUCK DRIVER
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Jacob Kiener as a Provisional Mechanic/Truck Driver, with a salary of $27.00 per hour. Mr. Kiener’s employment start date will be Wednesday February 1, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-25, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-36 RESOLTUION AUTHORIZING IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR NEW DPW MECHANIC/TRUCK DRIVER
WHEREAS the Township has offered employment to an individual currently receiving medical benefits from the municipality where he has been working; and
WHEREAS the Township Committee wishes to permit immediate access to the Township of Stillwater coverage upon commencement of employment without the waiting period, as long as the Teamsters Representative concurs; and
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the appropriate Township Officers take the necessary steps to provide the new DPW Mechanic/Truck Driver with access to the Township of Stillwater medical coverage upon commencement of employment without to the waiting period as the Teamsters Representative concurs; and
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that the employee will be required to reimburse the township for the two (2) months of early coverage should he terminate his employment with the Township of Stillwater before three (3) years for any reason.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-36, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, NO, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-26 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER TO ACCEPT A SUBGRANT AWARD OF THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2022 OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ASSISTANCE
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater Office of Emergency Management has been awarded State Homeland Security Grant Program Sub-grant AFN #97.042, Subgrant Award #FY22-EMPG-EMAA-1920 from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General. The subgrant, consisting of $10,000.00 Federal Award is for the purpose of enhancing the City’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism, natural disasters and other catastrophic events and emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater will use these funds to enhance your Emergency Management Program and that the funds will be used for Emergency Management purposes; and
WHEREAS, the award period is from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the subgrant award incorporates all conditions and representations contained or made in application and notice of award; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater Office Emergency Management, designated by the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management, has submitted an Application for Subgrant Award that has been required by the said New Jersey State Office of Emergency Management.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex State of New Jersey:
- That the Council accepts the award of the FFY22 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG), Emergency Management Agency Assistance Subgrant (EMAA) in the amount of up to $10,000.00 Federal Funds from the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management.
- That the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Emergency Management are authorized to sign the appropriate subgrant award documents.
- That copies of this resolutions shall be forwarded to the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management, the City Business Administrator, the Chief Financial Officer and the County Division of Emergency Management and Office of Treasury.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-26, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-27 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER APPROVING APPOINTMENTS OF TOWNSHIP BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments and Committee appointments to Board and Commission Members for the year 2023 as follows:
PLANNING BOARD
Name Class Term Term Expires
Lisa Chammings I 1 year 12/31/2023
Paul Barta III 1 year 12/31/2023
Emily Wills II 1 year 12/31/2023
RECREATION COMMISSION
Name Position Term Term Expires
Beth Martin Alternate 2 5 years 12/31/2027
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 2023.
A motion was made by Mrs. Delaney to adopt resolution 2023-27, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-28 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
ESTABLISHING COMMITTEE LIAISONS
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:
- 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, Architect,
Personnel
Committeeman Barta: Planning Board, Board of Education
Committeewoman Delaney: Recreation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment
Committeeman Scott: DPW, Engineering
Mayor Chammings: Environmental Commission, Legal, Engineering, CERT,
Personnel
A motion was made by Mrs. Delaney to adopt resolution 2023-28, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-29 RESOLUTION INCREASING THE MILAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR THE 3RD AND 4TH QUARTERS OF 2022 PER IRS GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the IRS adjusted the standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022 to 0.625 cents per mile to better reflect the recent increase in fuel prices;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Committee, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to adjust the mileage reimbursement rate for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022 in accordance with the IRS adjustment is hereby approved.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt resolution 2023-29, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-30 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION GRANT for SAVCO
WHEREAS, the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company desires to apply for and obtain a grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for $19,517.66 for a LUCAS 3, v3.1 chest Compression System, and
NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, as follows:
1. That the Township Committee does hereby support the application for such a grant; and,
2. Recognizes and accepts that Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation may offer a lesser amount and therefore, upon receipt of the grant agreement from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, does further support the execution of any such grant agreement; and also, upon receipt of the fully executed agreement supports the expenditure of funds pursuant to the terms of the agreement between Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-30, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-31 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF LISA CHAMMINGS 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 Lisa Chammings for a three year term as OEM Coordinator effective January 1, 2023
A discussion was held on whether the nepotism ordinance allows a committee member to be appointed to another position in the Township. Mr. Vex will look into the concerns but noted the governing body has the power to change ordinances to reflect their true desires on how the township is run.
A motion was made by Mrs. Delaney to adopt resolution 2023-31, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, No, wants to revisit the nepotism ordinance, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, No, wants to revisit the nepotism ordinance, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-32 IN SUPPORT OF THE 2023 LOCAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT GRANT (LRIG)
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-32, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-33 TOWNSHIP ACCEPTS QUICK CLAIM DEEDS
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 so long as he remains the Township Attorney.
- 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
Antonia Mariani Block 1201, Lot 63 60 x 143 feet Owassa Road
Louis and Ann Rita Block 501, Lot 3 75 x 90/100 feet Baldwin Gate
James and Edward Arvotti Block 2004, Lot 5 325 x 306/436/137 Stillwater Rd
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-33 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-34 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 125
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) was prepared between the Township of Stillwater and Teamsters Local 125 (Public Works Department) in order to amend the 2022-2024 Collective Negotiations Agreement between the parties solely to add a new job title of Mechanic/Truck Driver; and
WHEREAS, the requirement all new entry-level employees shall be hired at the Laborer I rate shall not apply to the Mechanic/Truck Driver position; and
WHEREAS, the Mechanic/Truck Driver Position starting salary is $27.00 per hour; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Committee that the Township is hereby authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Teamsters Local 125 to amend the 2022-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement to add a new job title of Mechanic/Truck Driver at the starting salary of $27.00 per hour.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Memorandum of Agreement.
This Resolution shall be effective immediately.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-34 seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-35 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER OF 2022 APPROPRIATIONS
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies there are 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 2022 budget appropriations in the amount of $352.32 within the Current Fund, as follows:
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt resolution 2023-35 seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
LANDLORD REGISTRATION – LEAD PAINT AND INSURANCE – Mayor Chammings noted the township committee received ordinances adopted by Newton to review. Mr. Vex said the new regulations will require an ordinance, application, community education and follow-up. The clerk said she intends to do a mailing to all businesses and known landlords and also a social media campaign to alert other landlords. Mr. Vex will prepare an ordinance for discussion and potential introduction for the February 7, 2023 meeting.
4 Board of Health Meeting Dates: After a discussion from the committee it was agreed on that the Board of Health meetings would go with the tax payments and be quarterly. The dates for the meetings are 2/21/2023, 5/16/2023, 8/15/2023, and 11/21/2023. All four meetings will take place at 6:30pm at the town hall.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
Arlene Fisher, 1059 Mt Benevolence Road, expressed her concerns about the OEM appointment and the nepotism ordinance.
Lou Sylvester, 945 Old Schoolhouse Road, wished the committee a Happy New Year. He expressed his concerns for the progress on property 947A Old Schoolhouse Road. Mr. Howard Vex stated he will speak with the Zoning Officer in regards to this property.
Tim Fisher, 1059 Mt Benevolence Road, expressed his concerns regarding the stop sign leading from Stillwater Road onto Mt Benevolence. Committeewoman Rumsey stated that the DPW has put a “Stop Ahead” sign on Stillwater Road prior to approaching the stop sign at the intersection. The DPW is also putting in signs that reflect the curve and once it is repaved it will have more cautionary steps put in.
Lou Sylvester, 945 Old Schoolhouse Road, congratulated two more graduates from the Marines. This is a total of five (5) Marine and one Navy graduates. Mr. Sylvester Congratulated all the new soldiers.
Committeeman Scott asked if there was an update on 992 Fairview Lake and Mayor Chammings noted a second inspection had been completed.
Seeing no one else who wished to speak Mayor Chammings closed this portion of the meeting.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT:
Mr. Vex reported he had nothing further to report at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in Town Hall
After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mayor Chammings, seconded by Mr. Scott and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:24 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, Contract
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 Mayor Chammings to return to open session, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynda Knott, RMC
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