July 21, 2020 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

July 21, 2020 – Regular Meeting

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:06 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: Committeeman Morrison, Committeewoman Rumsey, Committeeman Fisher, Deputy Mayor Scott (via Zoom), Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 6:00 p.m. held in Town Hall

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 5:36 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: Attorney Client

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. Scott to conclude the Executive Session at 6:40 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.

The meeting was then suspended until 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

COAH Fee – Mr. Gary Fisher

Mayor Chammings stated Mr. Fisher had come to the Township with a Coah Fee concern regarding the building of his new home. Mayor Chammings said the Township Committee had reviewed documents received from the building department and discussed Mr. Fishers concern in Executive Session prior to the public meeting. It was decided Mr. Fisher did not owe Coah Fees for the construction. Mr. Bolcato added the regulations in effect at the time of the construction contained an exemption for homeowners already in the process of home construction.

PRESENTION: 2019 Audit – Presented by: Valerie Dolan, CPA (via Zoom)

Mrs. Dolan said she was in attendance to present the Findings of the 2019 Audit and Stillwater Township’s financial picture on December 31, 2019. The Fund balance was $3,494,500. 00. The tax decrease was $80,000 from 2018 because more surplus was used to fund the 2019 budget. Mrs. Dolan noted the Township had 2.2 million in debt and the CFO will review open ordnances and cancel unneeded funds prior to refinancing debt in September. The tax collection rate was down slightly to 97.27%. Mrs. Dolan said outstanding liens are still an issue because the Township pays county and school taxes on properties not producing revenue to pay these debts and the township should continue foreclosing on the liens. Mrs. Dolan thanked the Stillwater Staff for helping in the audit process and making sure their staff was secure during the pandemic.

RESOLUTION 2019-099 Certification of the Annual Audit

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A .40a:5-4 requires the governing body of every unit to have made an annual audit of its books, accounts and financial transactions; and

WHEREAS, the Annual Report of Audit for the year 2009 has been filed by a Registered Municipal Accountant and with the Municipal Clerk pursuant to N.J.S.A .40A:5-6, and a copy has been received by each member of the governing body; and

WHEREAS, R.S. 52:27BB-34 authorizes the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey to prescribe reports pertaining to the local fiscal affairs; and

WHEREAS, the Local Finance Board has promulgated N.J.A.C. 5:30-6-5, a regulation requiring that the governing body of each municipality shall, by resolution, certify to the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey that all members of the governing body have reviewed, as a minimum, the sections of the annual audit entitled “Comments and Recommendations”; and

WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have personally reviewed, as a minimum, the Annual Report of Audit, and specifically the sections of the annual Audit entitled “Comments and Recommendations”, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body attached hereto; and

WHEREAS, such resolution of certification shall be adopted by the Governing Body no later than forty-five days after the receipt of the annual audit, pursuant to N.J.A.C .5:30-6-5; and

WHEREAS, all members of the governing body have received and have familiarized themselves with, at least, the minimum requirements of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey, as stated aforesaid and have subscribed to the affidavit, as provided by the Local Finance Board; and

WHEREAS, failure to comply with the regulations of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey may subject the members of the local governing body to the penalty provision of the R.S. 52:27BB-52 to wit:

 

R.S. 52:27BB-52: A local officer or member of the local governing body who, after a date fixed for compliance, fails or refuses to obey an order of the Director (Director of Local Government Services), under provisions of this Article, shall be guilty of a

misdemeanor and upon conviction, may be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than one year or both, in addition shall forfeit his office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, hereby states that it has complies with N.J.A.C. 5:30-6-5 and does hereby submit a certified copy of the resolution and the required affidavit to said Board to show evidence of said compliance.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-099, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

MINUTES: June 16, 2020 Regular Minutes

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the Minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

June 16, 2020 Executive Session Minutes

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the Executive Minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION 2020-088 Accepting donation from Michael and Penny Holenstein of eleven legal size four draw file cabinets

WHEREAS the Township of Stillwater was in need of file cabinets for various departments; and

WHEREAS, the Holensteins’ had eleven legal size four draw file cabinets no longer needed for their business; and

WHEREAS, Penny Holenstein spoke with the Clerk and Mayor offering the Township the eleven four draw legal file cabinets and wanted to donate the cabinets; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Stillwater to accept the donation of file cabinets from Michael and Penny Holenstein.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2020-088, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-089 Authorizing the Township Engineer to provide Professional Engineering Services for the Old Foundry Road Phase II Project in the Amount Not to Exceed $35,000

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater is undertaking the reconstruction of Old Foundry Road (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from the engineering firm Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC, serves as the Stillwater Township Engineer and has submitted a proposal dated June 18, 2020, to design, bid, administer and close out the Project in the total amount of $35,000; and

WHEREAS, the Township desires to accept the proposal by Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC for the services;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey that the Township Engineer, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC is hereby authorized to provide professional engineering services for the Old Foundry Road Project Phase in an amount not to exceed $35,000.

The Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available for the engineering services.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

A copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Township.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2020-089, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-090 Approving the submittal of a grant application and execution of a grant contract with the NJDOT for the Old Foundry Road – Phase II project

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-090, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-091 Awarding Deer Carcass Removal Contract

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater was in need of a deer carcass removal contractor to provide deer removal service for the 2020 and 2021 for various municipal streets; and

WHEREAS, the anticipated cost of said services would not exceed the bid threshold; and

WHEREAS, not removing the dead carcass is a health and safety hazard; and

WHEREAS, the Township received one (1) written proposal valid through December 31, 2021 in response to its request for quotations; and

WHEREAS, Space Farms Zoo and Museum provided the lowest responsive, responsible quote in the amount of $31.00 per carcass for the years of 2020 and 2021; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that it does hereby award a contract to Space Farms Zoo and Museum for the 2020 and 2021 dead deer carcass removal in an amount not to exceed $31 per carcass in accordance with Space Farms Zoo and Museum’s written proposal.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2020-091, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, no.

RESOLUTION 2020-092 Authorizing the Renewal to Join the Statewide Insurance Fund

WHEREAS, a number of local units have joined together to form the Statewide Insurance Fund (“FUND”), a joint insurance fund, as permitted by N.J.S.A. 40A:10-36, et seq.; and

WHEREAS, STILLWATER TOWNSHIP (“LOCAL UNIT”) has complied with relevant law with regard to the acquisition of insurance; and

WHEREAS, the statutes and regulations governing the creation and operation of joint insurance funds contain elaborate restrictions and safeguards concerning the safe and efficient administration of such funds; and

WHEREAS, the LOCAL UNIT has determined that membership in the FUND is in the best interest of the LOCAL UNIT.

WHEREAS, the LOCAL UNIT agrees to be a member of the FUND for a period of three (3) years, effective from January 1, 2021 terminating on January 1, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. standard time; and

WHEREAS, the LOCAL UNIT has never defaulted on claims, if self-insured, and has not been canceled for non-payment of insurance premiums for two (2) years prior to the date of this Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LOCAL UNIT does hereby agree to join the Statewide Insurance Fund; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that to the extent required by law, the Local Unit shall provide notice of the Indemnity and Trust Agreement to the Office of the State Comptroller; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the LOCAL UNIT will be afforded the following coverage(s):

Workers’ Compensation & Employer’s Liability X
Comprehensive General Liability X
Automobile Liability and Physical Damage X
Public Officials and Employment Practices Liability X
Property X
Inland Marine Boiler and Machinery X
Crime-Faithful Performance and Fidelity X
Pollution Liability X
Cyber Liability X
Non-Owned Aircraft X

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the LOCAL UNIT’s Fund Commissioner is authorized and directed to execute the Indemnity and Trust Agreement and such other documents signifying the membership in the FUND as required by the FUND’s Bylaws and to deliver same to the Administrator of the FUND with the express reservation that said documents shall become effective only upon the LOCAL UNIT’s admissions to the FUND following approval of the FUND by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2020-092, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-093 Amending the 2020 Budget to include Clean Communities Grant

WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and

WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for an equal amount, and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater has received a total of $14,842.84 from the Solid Waste Administration for the 2020 Clean Communities Grant, and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater now wishes to amend its 2020 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $14,842.84 as a revenue.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee of the Township of Stillwater does hereby request the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2020 in the sum of $14,842.84, which will be available as a revenue from:

Miscellaneous Revenues

Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated with Prior Written

Consent of the Director of Local Government Services – Public

And Private Revenues Offset with Appropriations: 2020 Clean Communities Grant, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$14,842.84

be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:

General Appropriations

  1. Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:

2020 Clean Communities Grant, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer submit one copy of the Chapter 159 certification form to the Director of Local Government Services.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2020-093, seconded by Ms. Chammings. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-094 Authorizing Refund of Zoning Permit Fee

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following property owner had made a payment of $30.00 for a Zoning Permit fee, for 966 Edgewood Drive, Block 4002, Lot 12, and;

WHEREAS, Sandra Garen will not be proceeding with construction of the proposed deck at this time rendering the Zoning Permit unnecessary;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township, that a refund be issued in the amount of the Zoning Permit fee.

Name & Address Funding Amount

Sandra Garen Zoning Permit Fee $30.00

966 Edgewood Drive

Newton, NJ 07860

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2020-094, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-095 Authorizing a Change Order for the Township Engineer to Provide Professional Engineering Services for the Town Hall Parking Lot and Recycling Center Driveway

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater undertook paving the Town Hall parking lot and the Recycling Center driveway (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from the engineering firm Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC, serves as the Stillwater Township Engineer and had submitted a proposal not to exceed total of $7,000.00 for the project; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee accepted the proposal by Guerin and Vreeland Engineering for the services by Motion at a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 19, 2016;

WHEREAS, uncovering a gasoline UST in the Town Hall parking lot created additional work for bidding, remediation and construction; and

WHEREAS, the Recycling Center driveway was subject to multiple bidding dates; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey that the Township Engineer, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC is hereby authorized to submit an additional bill for additional provided professional engineering services for the Town Hall Parking Lot and the Recycling Center driveway.

The Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available for the engineering services.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately and a copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Township.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt Resolution 2020-095, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-096 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Dana Mooney as CFO with Committee Concurrence

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of Dana Mooney as CFO effective Friday, July 31, 2020.

The Township Committee thanked Dana for her years of service. Ms. Mooney said she enjoyed working with everyone in Stillwater but will look forward to free evenings.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-096, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-097 Mayor’s Appointment of Tammy Leonard as CFO with Committee Concurrence

Mayor Chammings noted the salary has been left blank and all the township committee members have met with Mrs. Leonard and have reviewed her memo and have decided her salary will be set at $75,000.00. Mrs. Leonard also requested to work from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. so she could meet with people who need to meet with her prior to their work day. Mayor Chammings said hours could be discussed at a later time because it was not part of the resolution. Mayor Chammings asked if there was any discussion. Mr. Fisher said he was not part of any discussion on making this position full time. The CFO position has never been full time and now the township does not have a police department which was a separate second budget and only one fire department Mr. Fisher does not feel the position should be full time. Mr. Fisher shared his concerns regarding the other CFO salaries Mrs. Leonard stated as her basis for asking for the salary she did. Mr. Fisher stated they were all seasoned CFOs not just starting out. Mayor Chammings asked if Mr. Fisher had responded to Mrs. Leonard’s memo and Mr. Fisher said no he had just seen it this day. Mr. Morrison asked if Mr. Fisher had a conflict of interest in this discussion the same as Mayor Chammings with the police records because her father was the police chief. Mr. Bolcato said because this discussion was about another employee (and not his wife) there was no conflict with Mr. Fisher discussing Mrs. Leonard’s position. Mrs. Rumsey noted Mrs. Leonard’s memo was in their mail boxes since July 6th and he should have checked his mail sooner. Mr. Fisher also noted he was not contacted to discuss this matter. Mayor Chammings said she did e-mail the township committee requesting if they wanted to discuss and meet in person before July 21. Mr. Scott said the only thing he had a problem with was Mrs. Leonard’s requested hours because the other employees will also want custom hours. Mr. Morrison said the hours should be 8 to 4. Mayor Chammings said Mr. Fisher’s concerns are noted.

RESOLUTION 2020-097 Appointment of Tammy Leonard as CFO

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of Tammy Leonard as CFO effective Monday, August 3, 2020 at an annual salary of $75,000.00

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt Resolution 2020-097, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, no (noting he was not voting against Mrs. Leonard), Mayor Chammings, yes.

Mayor Chamming welcomed Mrs. Leonard in her new position.

RESOLUTION 2019-102 Authorizing a Change Order for the Township Engineer to Provide Professional Engineering Services for Old School House Road Phases I and II

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater undertook making improvements to Old School House Road Phases I and II (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from the engineering firm Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC, serves as the Stillwater Township Engineer and had submitted a proposal not to exceed total of $22,800.00 for the project; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee accepted the proposal by Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC for the services by Adopting Resolution 2016-104 on September 6, 2016; and

WHEREAS, additional time for the project was needed for planning and construction; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey that the Township Engineer, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC is hereby authorized to submit an additional bill for additional provided professional engineering services for Old School House Road Phases I and II in the amount of $2,535.00.

The Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available for the engineering services.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately and a copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Township.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-102, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-103 Authorizing the Cancellation of General Capital Balances

WHEREAS, certain Capital Improvement appropriation balances remain dedicated to projects now completed and/or cancelled; and

WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies that it is necessary to formally cancel said balances so that the unexpended balances may be returned to either Capital Improvement Fund or Surplus or Reserves, and unused debt authorizations and grant receivables may be canceled;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the following unexpended and dedicated balances of General Capital Appropriations be canceled:

General Capital Amount Cancelled
Ord. # Project Description Funded Unfunded

2016-007 Ridge Road – West End to Hampton $ 19,930.31
2017-05 Purchase of Asphalt Paver $ 6,342.89
2019-04 Purchase of 30 Yd Open Top Rolloff $ 1,271.70
2019-05 Purchase of John Deere Wheel Loader $148,919.40
2019-07 Purchase of Color Copier $ 916.10

To be canceled to Capital Improvement Fund: $ 2,187.80
To cancel debt authorized: $167,454.59
To cancel DOT Grant Receivable – 2017 Ridge Road $ 7,738.01

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-103, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

REPORTS: DPW Report of June 2020
Building Report of June 2020
QPA Report of June 2020
Clerk Report of June 2020
Convenience Center Report of May 2020
Tax Collector Reports January-June 2020
Zoning Officer Report March-June 2020

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

BILLS LIST #11: $97,121.05

RESOLUTION 2020-098 PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-087, funds permitting and pay bills list #11 in the amount of $97,121.05, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Scot said he spoke with the Zoning Officer regarding a dumping issue with several contractor bags of garbage the DPW had to clean up. They did retrieve some mail with names and addresses which were given to the Zoning Officer to follow up. Mr. Scott noted the DPW has been working hard getting roads ready for paving. The firemen removed old letters from the Community Center and the DPW washed, sanded and painted the fascia of the building to be ready for the new lettering. Mr. Scott noted the DPW will be working on the AC for the Community Center because the Recreation Commission wants to hold its Summer Camp there. Mr. Scott reported last weekend was the town-wide garage sale and he saw many signs out. Mr. Scott also said he and Mr. Raff interviewed for the Recycling Center position and a resolution was on the agenda to hire a young man for the position.

Fire Chief Sugar reported the fire department responded to 86 calls so far in 2020. Their first fund raiser since COVID will be on July 25th the casino night and will be held outdoors. The fire department’s annual golf outing will be held the following Friday. Mr. Sugar noted the siren near the school will be upgraded to high band and the fire department would like to get the Swartswood siren working as well. The fire department is considering purchased a new siren for Swartswood station. Mr. Scott feels the sirens should be maintained.

Mr. Morrison had no report.

Mrs. Rumsey reported she was in attendance on a zoom meeting for the Board of Education and they were still putting together their plan for the fall. Mrs. Rumsey also noted the DPW had removed the playground equipment the school had donated to the town.

Mr. Scott thanked Mrs. Rumsey for the sign project at the Community Center and noted how really great it looks. Mrs. Rumsey finished the project by purchasing and hanging a new American Flag for the building.

Mr. Fisher and Mr. Morrison had no reports at this time.

Mayor Chammings reported high risk sport practices are now permitted to take place – outside only.

Summer Recreation camp has been discussing the possibility of swimming at the Paulinskill beach and the PLA are meeting tonight.

Ms. Chammings said KRHS is also working on a plan with two groups of students (Group A and Group B) so that families with children at both schools will be on the same schedule.

Ms. Chammings reported the Environmental Commission met last Monday at town hall. They caught up and discussed projects they will work on in September.

The Clerk asked Mayor Chammings if Mr. Heilberg was still on Zoom and if so could he be put on next for discussion. Mayor Chammings told Mr. Heilberg he was up.

Mr. Heilberg has offered the Township $12,000 for Block 903 Lot 13 a five-acre parcel in Plymouth Lake. Mayor Chammings asked Mr. Heilberg if he did any wetlands delineation or other investigation into whether or not the parcel was a buildable lot. Mr. Heilberg said he did not. The Clerk noted the Zoning Officer believes it is a buildable parcel. Mayor Chammings said before the Township Committee makes any decisions to make sure the lot is buildable. Mr. Bolcato said the appraiser should also give the Township committee the value of the land as a buildable piece. Mayor Chammings said to get a price from the appraiser for the appraisal. The Mayor said any buildable lot would be sold by public auction. The Clerk will ask the Zoning Officer to go and do an inspection of the property to see if the property is indeed buildable.

Amendments to Agenda: Resolution 2020-105 Authorizing submission of a revised strategic plan for the Stillwater Municipal Alliance grant for fiscal year 2021.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Terry Beshada, 1032 Stillwater Road, said the DPW did a great job on Five points.

Steven Sugar, Fire Department Chief, asked if he fire department page on the Township’s website could be updated. The clerk said she would be happy to do so and asked the Chief to give her the new information and pictures they would like posted.

Kathy Draghi,1016 County Route 619, questioned the appointment of the new full-time CFO and the salary awarded to the position for someone who has no experience performing the duties of a CFO. Mayor Chammings said Mrs. Leonard had passed her CFO exam in December 2016 and although she has been working under the title of Finance Clerk she really handled more of the workload and was being mentored by the prior CFO. Mrs. Draghi expressed her concern regarding Mr. Morrison not wanting to give the town hall employees a 3% raise for 2020 but now is for granting a large salary to the new CFO. Mrs. Draghi noted the new CFO is now the highest paid employee in the Township. Mrs. Draghi noted the CFO had never been full time and it is a funny time to give such a raise to one employee.

Louis Sylvester 945 Old School House Road, thanked the Clerk and Tax Collector for helping him get going on the new on-line tax program. Mr. Sylvester also wanted to share his idea about “pausing” delinquent tax notices for ten days. Mr. Sylvester would like the township committee to ask the tax collector to push back sending delinquent for an additional ten days to allow residents to pay their taxes without the added pressure of seeing the delinquent notice. Mayor Chammings explained the taxes were governed by statute and unless legislature is changed the township has to follow the timeline addressed by law. Mayor Chammings thanked Mr. Sylvester for sharing his concerns.

OLD BUSINESS

DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Town Hall Hours: Mayor Chammings said she obtained the employees vacation schedules and thinks the Town Hall should remain closed to the public until September 1, 2020 and then begin to open by appointment only. Mayor Chammings noted she also received a memo from the employees asking for the same thing. After a brief discussion the Township Committee agreed Town Hall will remained closed to the public until September 1, 2020.

Amendment to Pandemic Policy for 20 % at home work Public Entry/appointments Start date – because the amendment was not included with the agenda the discussion was tabled until the next meeting on August 18, 2020.

Lap Tops and Desktops: Mayor Chammings discussed there were five brand new desktops purchased in 2020 prior to the pandemic. Then the Township Committee agreed to purchase six lap tops with accessories so employees could work easily from town hall or home. After reviewing the employee need it was decided to replace three of the new desktops for laptops which left two new desktops. Those desktops will go in the OEM area and meeting room. Because the laptop users also have docking stations they will use the new monitor, keyboard and mouse provided with the desktops. Therefore, the remaining two desktops now need a monitor, keyboard and mouse. The Township Committee decided it would use a portion of the funds from reducing the number of new laptops to purchase the needed monitors, keyboards and mice.

Wi-Fi in Meeting area and Other areas: Mayor Chammings discussed the upgrades to the Wi-Fi in the meeting area and town hall.

Changing of Password on a rotating basis for a Public/Guest use: Mayor Chammings would like to make sure the passwords for Wi-Fi be changed regularly. She will discuss in the future.

Reconfiguring work space to maximize safety and minimize exposure: Mayor Chammings has ideas of how town hall could be reconfigured to keep employees safer. She will put her ideas in writing and provide it to the Township Committee members to discuss.

Ventilation cleaning/reconfiguring to maximize air flow: Mayor Chammings discussed the ventilation systems in the town hall and OEM building cleaned tomorrow and Friday of this week.

Summer Recreation camp: Mayor Chammings said she will meet with Mrs. Tosti and the counselors to go over safety items for camp. Mayor Chammings said signage is key and she is getting a laminator to make up signs. The camp will be held at the Community Center but there is a possibility there will be swimming at the Paulinskill Beach. The Paulinskill Lake Association is meeting tonight and will discuss.

NEW BUSINESS:

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

League Conference: Mayor Chammings plans on attending and asked that anyone else interested let the Clerk know so she can reserve rooms. It is always easier to give up the room then find one at the last minute.

Sussex County Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement: Mayor Chammings noted the Agreement was part of their agenda packets and asked if anyone on the Township Committee wanted to discuss the agreement. All had reviewed the agreement and there was no further discussion needed.

RESOLUTION 2019-100 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Agreement with Sussex County for Mutual Aid and Assistance

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater has reviewed and agreed with the terms of the Agreement dated June 16th between The County of Sussex and Stillwater Township; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to execute the Agreement between The County of Sussex and Stillwater Township for Mutual Aid and Assistance through December 31, 2023.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2020-100, seconded by Mr. Morrison. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2019-101 Authorizing Execution of a Right-Of-Way Use Agreement with Planet Networks, Inc. for use of the Township’s Public Rights-Of-Way for Telecommunication Services

WHEREAS, Planet Networks, Inc. represents that it was approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to provide local exchange and interexchange telecommunications services throughout the State of New Jersey and intends to provide telecommunication services in accordance with an Order entered by the Board of Public Utilities, and the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to such authority granted by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Planet Networks, Inc. (referred to herein as “Planet”) may locate, place, attach, install, operate and maintain facilities within Public Rights-of-Way for purposes of providing telecommunications services provided that it secures municipal consent to use Public Rights-of-Way; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater (“Township”) and Planet will enter into a Rights-of-Way Use Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Township of Stillwater (“Township”) for Planet’s non-exclusive use of the Township’s Public Rights-of-Way for the purpose of owning, constructing, installing, operating and maintaining a telecommunications system, which Agreement shall be for a term of ten (10) years; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Township and its residents to promote competition in the telecommunications market and the Township is empowered to enter into the Agreement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:17-10 and 12, and to grant its consent to Planet to occupy and use the public rights-of-way in the manner set forth in the Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Agreement with Planet upon the Township Manager’s approval of the final version of the Agreement with the advice of the Township Attorney;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately, however, it shall be void and of no effect in the event that the Township Committee and Township Attorney do not agree to the final version of the Agreement, or in the event that the parties agree to a final version of the Agreement and Planet fails or refuses to execute the Agreement.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

A copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Township.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to adopt Resolution 2020-101, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Chammings, yes.

Arvotti Property Donation: After a brief discussion Mayor Chammings said she would reach out to Mr. Arvotti.

RESOLUTION 2020-104 Authorizing the Appointment of Gregory A. Holcomb as Part-time Recycling Attendant

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Gregory A. Holcomb as Part-Time Recycling Attendant #2 with a salary of $11.47 per hour.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-104, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

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

RESOLUTION 2020-105 Authorizing submission of a revised strategic plan for the Stillwater Municipal Alliance grant for fiscal year 2021

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse established the Municipal Alliances for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in 1989 to educate and engage residents, local government and law enforcement officials, schools, nonprofit organizations, the faith community, parents, youth and other allies in efforts to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in communities throughout New Jersey.

WHEREAS, The Township Council of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and therefore, has an established Municipal Alliance Committee; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Council further recognizes that it is incumbent upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent such abuses in our community; and,

WHEREAS, the Township Council has applied for funding to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Sussex;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey hereby recognizes the following:

  1. The Township Council does hereby authorize submission of a revised strategic plan for the Stillwater Municipal Alliance grant for fiscal year 2021 in the amount of:

DEDR $ 1,128.00
Cash Match $ 282.00
In-Kind $ 846.00

  1. The Township Council acknowledges the terms and conditions for administering the Municipal Alliance grant, including the administrative compliance and audit requirements.

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-105, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

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

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

ATTORNEY REPORT: Mr. Bolcato did not have anything to report.

There being no further business, Mrs. Rumsey made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Chammings at 9:25 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk

 

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