June 14, 2022 – Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

June 14, 2022

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Scott at 7:03 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were sent 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: Mr. Barta, Mrs. Rumsey, Mr. Fisher, Ms. Chammings and Mayor Scott.

The flag was saluted.

PRESENTATION: 2021 Audit – Valerie Dolan, CPA and Tammy Leonard CFO

Mrs. Valerie Dolan reported the 2021 Stillwater Township Audit was complete and filed with the State. Mrs. Dolan said Stillwater Township is in great financial position with a surplus increase of 3.7 to from 2020’s 3.5 million. The increase is created by additional recovery of revenue and conservative spending. Stillwater Township has the same two recommendations: (1) an adequate segregation of duties be maintained with respect to the recording and treasury functions and (2) that measures be taken to collect or foreclose on the liens held by the Township. The first recommendation will most likely never be satisfied because the size of the municipality does not allow for the staff to satisfy the requirement. On December 31, 2021 the township had ninety-three tax title liens. Mrs. Dolan noted the township is in the process of a large project to review all tax title liens and either collect, redeem or foreclose but it is a path and not something that can be accomplished overnight.

Mrs. Dolan said the township’s records are in great shape and the CFO organized everything to allow the audit process to be smooth and quick.

Mrs. Dolan asked for any questions.

Ms. Chammings asked if all the ARPA funds had been received from the State. Mrs. Leonard said $200,000.00 had been received and $200,000.00 is forthcoming. Mrs. Dolan noted the State has changed the requirement for the funds use because the narrow perimeters did not allow most municipalities to spend the money. Regulations begin for monetary amount of 10 million and Stillwater is looking at $400,000.00

Mr. Barta asked if the funding could be used for wages and expenses. Mrs. Dolan said technically yes that the funds could be utilized for anything normally spent by governments but she recommends using the money for one-time purchases because if the funds are used for operations the expenses or bills will still remain and would have to be further covered by increased revenues somewhere else.

Mayor Scott then opened the floor to the public if they had any questions for Mrs. Dolan.

Heidi Mountford, 921 Mt. Benevolence Road, asked if Stillwater’s 3.7 million surplus was excessive or normal. Mrs. Dolan answered her firm audits 80+ municipalities in New Jersey and Stillwater’s surplus is consistent with most of the other towns they service. Mrs. Dolan noted that the towns with less surplus faired worse during the pandemic and had to pass emergency spending resolutions. Mrs. Dolan said consistency is key in stability and without stability there will be spikes in the tax levy from year to year.

Mayor Scott thanked Mrs. Dolan for her report and her work for the township.

RESOLUTION 2022-103 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 2020 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. Fisher to adopt the Resolution 2022-103, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes and Thanked CFO and all employees that helped with the audit, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-104 Approving Submission of the Corrective Action Plan for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 to the State of New Jersey, Division of Local Government Services

WHEREAS, all municipalities operating under the Local Fiscal Affairs Law must prepare and submit a Corrective Action Plan as part of their annual audit process, and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater has by Resolution accepted the 2021 audit prepared and presented by the Township Auditors, and

WHEREAS, Tammy Leonard, the Chief Financial Officer for the Township of Stillwater, has prepared a Corrective Action Plan to address the findings and recommendations for the 2021 audit and presented copies of same to the Township Committee,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey that the Corrective Action Plan, attached hereto and made a part hereof, be approved for submission to the Division of Local Government Services.

A motion was made by Ms. Chamming’s to adopt the Resolution 2022-104, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chamming’s, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

LAND SALE

Tax Block Lot Location Lot Size Minimum

Sale Price

1201 29 Plymouth Lake Drive 96 x 94 $250

1201 30 Plymouth Lake Drive 58 x 72 $250

310 3 Tupelo Path 75 x 100 $250

4004 21 East End Drive 61 x 186 $250

As per ORDINANCE 2022-13: AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SALE OF REAL PROPERTY TO CONTIGUOUS PROPERTY OWNERS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(b)(5) Mr. Vex began the land sale auction:

1201 29 Plymouth Lake Drive 96 x 94 $250

Jacob Swartout bid $250 for the lot. There were no other bidders for this lot.

1201 30 Plymouth Lake Drive 58 x 72 $250

Jacob Swartout bid $250 for the lot. There were no other bidders for this lot.

310 3 Tupelo Path 75 x 100 $250

Carl Wood bid $250 for the lot. There were no other bidders for this lot.

4004 21 East End Drive 61 x 186 $250

Karen Felix bit $250 for the lot. There were no other bidders for this lot.

There was a five-minute break so the clerk could do paperwork for the sale.

MINUTES: May 17, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes

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

REPORTS: Tax Collector Report – May 2022

Building Department Report – May 2022

Community Center receipt Report – May 2022

Liquor License Renewal Report – April 2022

Recreation Commission Fee Report – May 2022

Convenience Center Report – May 2022

SC Board of Health Inspection Report – May 2022

DPW Report – May 2022

Zoning Officer Report – May 2022

2022 OPRA Report – May 2022

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

BILLS LIST #10: $1,232,963.06

RESOLUTION 2022-105 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 June 14, 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 motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt the Resolution 2022-105, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Mayor Scott added Committee Reports to the agenda

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Kathy Draghi, 1019 Route 619, asked if the spending for the Miss Stillwater contest in line with previous years. Mrs. Delaney Chair of the Recreation Commission said yes and the funds are provided in their budget.

There being no one else who wished to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Fisher reported all but fire engine 2 passed its pump test and discussed the plan to repair this truck and another fire vehicle needing required maintenance. Mr. Fisher said year-to-date the fire department has had 75 calls and the EMS 97 calls.

Mrs. Rumsey added the fire department had three rescues in Stokes in one week.

Mrs. Rumsey reported the Recreation Commission has partnered with the Stillwater Historical Society and are co-sponsors for the Stillwater Fall Festival gearing up for the Stillwater Township’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2025. This year the festival will be held on Saturday, October 8^th (rain date 10/9/22) and anyone wishing to be a vendor should contact Beth Martin.

Mrs. Rumsey also reported the Stillwater Summer Camp will be held at the Community Center from August 8 through the 19^th and applications are available at Townhall or on the website.

Ms. Chammings reported she, Deputy Mayor Fisher and DPW Supervisor Josh Raff met in Crandon Lakes to walk the properties for the potential emergency ingress/egress road for residents of Lower Crandon Lakes. The proposed site would be through the woods for approximately ¼ acre.

Ms. Chammings also reported there was a meeting at the Crandon Lakes Dam and DPW Supervisor Raff gave the governing body a detailed memo. This meeting was an initial meeting with the Stillwater and Hampton Township DPW Supervisors to go over what their thought are in approaching the dam maintenance since Stillwater, Hampton and Crandon Lakes Association will own the dam next year.

Ms. Chammings said the Zoning Board of Adjustment had five applications deemed complete and hearings will begin on June 27, 2022.

Ms. Chammings reported the Environmental Commission was working on site surveys for those applications and also researching Biochar and will bring a letter of concern to the Township Committee after their next meeting.

Mr. Barta reported there were two Stillwater Board of Education meetings in May. The first on May 9^th where the concentration was on hiring employees for the 2022-2023 school year. On May 27, 2022 the Board of Education and Teachers signed a three-year contract with 2022 being the second year of the contract so the 2024-2026 contract negotiations will begin almost immediately.

Mr. Barta noted that COVID cases were non-existent at this point and masonry work at the school will begin in July.

Mr. Barta reported the Planning Board will not meet in June and at the May meeting there was one application for a three-season structure at the North Shore House.

Mayor Scott reported the DPW is down one man and he and Supervisor Raff have reviewed applications. Mayor Scott, Mrs. Rumsey and Mr. Raff will interview six candidates and the final three will be asked back to interview with the entire township committee at the July meeting.

Mayor Scott also reported he, Supervisor Raff, Fire Chief Hawkins and the Municipal Clerk met with George Morville and Ivan Cohen of Statewide Insurance for the Township’s yearly safety meeting. The township is in good shape including parks and public buildings. Mr. Cohen has suggested some security measures for the townhall which will be implemented.

OLD BUSINESS:

Township’s Tax Lien Update: Mr. Vex reported the process going forward there were 2 redemptions and one large redemption is waiting for a closing of sale and there are fifteen (15) properties which are in the process of In Rem foreclosure.

ORDINANCE 2022-16 AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF

NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2022 Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption]

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater in the County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:

Section1. The Township of Stillwater shall pay its municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below. Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.

POSITION: SALARY RANGE:

Deputy Municipal Clerk $18.00 – $25.00 per hour

Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by the Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer or employees of the Township of Stillwater. Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of funds.

Section 4. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage according to law.

Mayor Scott opened the floor to the public to speak on this ordinance. Seeing no one who wished to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Ordinance 2022-16, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

Mrs. Rumsey asked the Municipal Clerk for the status of the signs for Stillwater Road. Ms. Knott reported the signs for the jake brake and weight limits were installed but Mr. Raff feels the weight limit posted is too low. Mr. Raff said weight should be in tonnage so smaller trucks are not prohibited but only the tractor trailers they were looking to re-route. Mayor Scott will discuss with Mr. Raff.

Mrs. Rumsey asked Mr. Fisher about the building department fee ordinance. Mr. Fisher said he met with Construction Official Richard Bizik and they decided to lower the minimum fee to $70 from $75 but was going to table the ordinance this evening for further discussion.

Mrs. Rumsey asked about the lighting to be installed through the energy audit. Ms. Knott noted the governing body has a resolution on the agenda this evening to approve the work for the lighting install. Ms. Knott said the contractor is aware of the funding requirements and the work has been scheduled for mid to late August.

Mr. Barta asked Ms. Chammings if there was any progress on a grant for the purchase of the new firetruck. Ms. Chammings said she was not mayor this year so she no longer receives the e-mails sent to the mayor. The municipal clerk will check with Congressman Gottheimer’s office to see if there was any grants available to the township.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 2022-17 CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $12,000.00

FOR ELECTRICAL UPGRADES IN THE STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

MUNICIPAL BUILDING, DPW GARAGE AND COMMUNITY CENTER Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption July 12, 2022]

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, AS FOLLOWS;

Section 1. The several improvements described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are hereby respectively authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey. For the said several improvements or purposes stated in said Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriations made for said improvements or purposes, said sums being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefore and amounting in the aggregate to $12,000.00, which has heretofore been set aside for the improvement of purpose stated in Section 3 and now available therefore by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Township for capital improvement purposes.

Section 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the part of said $12,000.00 appropriations, the Township will use $12,000.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund, as described in Section 3.

Section 3. The improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for the allocation of which said obligations are to be spent, the appropriation made for an estimated cost of each such purpose, and the estimated maximum amount of funds to be spent for each such purpose, are respectively as follows:

Electrical Upgrade: Municipal Building $4,800.00 General C.I.F.

Electrical Upgrade: DPW Garage $5,000.00 General C.I.F.

Electrical Upgrade: Community Center $2,200.00 General C.I.F.

All the aforestated improvements or purposes where applicable, are in accordance with specifications on file in the office of the Township Clerk, which specifications are hereby approved.

Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:

1. The said purposes described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are capital expenses and are each a property or improvement which the Township may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specifically assessed on property specially benefited thereby.
2. The average period of usefulness of said purposes within the limitations of said Local bond Law and taking into consideration the respective amounts of the said obligations authorized for the several purposes, according to the reasonable life thereof computed by this capital ordinance, is five (5) years.

Section 5. This capital ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to Introduce Ordinance 2022-17, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

ORDINANCE 2022-08A Amending Ordinance 2022-08 Providing for Various Improvements or Purposes to be Undertaken by the Township Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption July 12, 2022]

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, as follows:

SECTION 1. The appropriations for the improvements or purposes described in Section 2 of this ordinance are hereby amended by the sum of $2,000.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund.

SECTION 2. The increases in the appropriations for the following improvements are hereby authorized by the Township Committee: (a) the acquisition by purchase and installation of signage at various locations ($2,000.00).

SECTION 3. Unless specifically amended by this ordinance, all other provisions of Ordinance 2022-08 shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 4. When Effective. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to Introduce Ordinance 2022-08A, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-106 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH SUSSEX COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HAVE SHERIFF’S OFFICERS PATROL THE TOWNSHIP IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office have agreed to enter into an Agreement by which the Sheriff’s Office shall provide Sheriff’s Officers to patrol the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Township has completed the Application to use Sheriff’s Officers for patrols and has agreed to utilize their services on a schedule to be mutually agreed upon by the Township and the Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, the Application provides for a charge of $93.12 per hour with a minimum of four (4) hours per shift, per day.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Committee, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Application on behalf of the Township; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township’s expenses for the Sheriff’s Office patrols shall not exceed in total $15,000.00 during the year 2022; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified the Township has $15,000.00 available for 2022 for these services.

A motion was made by Mr. Barta to adopt Resolution 2022-106, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, abstain.

RESOLUTION 2022-107 AMENDING THE 2022 BUDGET

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve 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 $16,047.57 from the Environmental Protection Agency for the 2022 Clean Communities Grant, and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater now wishes to amend its 2022 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $16,047.57 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 insertion of an item of revenue in the budget in the year 2022 in the sum of $16,047.57, 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: 2022 Clean Communities Grant, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of …………………………… $16,047.57

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

General Appropriations

Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues: 2022 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 Ms. Chammings to adopt Resolution 2022-107, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-108 AUTHORIZING REFUND OF GARAGE SALE WEEKEND MAP FEE

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following resident has paid fees to appear on the Garage Sale Weekend map; and

WHEREAS, the Rowe family was unable to participate in Garage Sale Weekend;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township that a refund be issued in the amount of $5.00.

Name & Address Funding Amount

Melissa Rowe Recreation Fees $5.00

923 East Walnut Drive

Newton, NJ 07860

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2022-108, seconded by Ms. Chammings. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-109 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF REDEMPTION

WHEREAS, on November 20 ,2017 Gisela Rutnik, Collector of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as

Block 3305 LOT 16 to STILLWATER TOWNSHIP 964 STILLWATER ROAD NEWTON NEW JERSEY 07860

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on June 13 ,2022,

And has deposited said sum in the current account of the Township of STILLWATER,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of STILLWATER

1. As soon thereafter as the redemption funds have cleared the current account, in the amount of

$ 5,575.07 ISSUED TO TOWNSHIP the surrender of the certificate shall be issued to the owner of record

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $.00 to be added to the certificate holder, Provided the holder shall surrender the Certificate of Sale and comply with all laws relating thereto.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-109, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-110 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF REDEMPTION

WHEREAS, on December 15, 2020 Gisela Rutnik, Collector Of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as

Block 2401 LOT 30.03 to STILLWATER TOWNSHIP 964 STILLWATER ROAD NEWTON NEW JERSEY 07860

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on June 1 ,2022,

And has deposited said sum in the current account of the Township of STILLWATER,TOWNSHIP

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of STILLWATER

1. As soon thereafter as the redemption funds have cleared the current account, in the amount of

$ 10,485.80 ISSUED TO TOWNSHIP the surrender of the certificate shall be issued to the owner of record

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $.00 to be added to the certificate holder,

Provided the holder shall surrender the Certificate of Sale and comply with all laws relating thereto.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to adopt Resolution 2022-110, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-111 Resolution Authorizing Renewal of Liquor Licenses

WHEREAS, THE Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, pursuant to the authority vested in it by an act of Legislature, has heretofore by ordinance, provided for the sale of alcoholic beverage in the Township of Stillwater; and

WHEREAS, the following named Liquor License holder has filed an application for the license renewal and the Municipal Clerk has received the Tax Clearance Certificate for this establishment and all fees have been paid.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following liquor license known as Plenary Retail Consumption License be granted renewal for the period of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

LICENSE NUMBER LICENSEE AND ADDRESS

1920-33-003-002 Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company

929 Stillwater Road

Newton, New Jersey 07875

1920-33-010-003 North Shore House, LLC

P. O. Box 167, 912, Route 622 Swartswood Road

Stillwater, New Jersey 07875

1920-33-006-007 Hyde-Away Restaurant & Tap Room LLC

901 Route 521

Stillwater Township, NJ

1920-44-008-004 Main Street Liquors, LLC

P. O. Box 123, 906 Main Street

Stillwater, New Jersey 07875

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk is hereby authorized to issue the License herein granted, the same effective as provided by Law.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-111, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-112 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION oF A PARENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS CONCERNING THE PROTECTION AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IN THE TOWNSHIP OF Stillwater

WHEREAS, legislation has been enacted by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, the effect of which is to teach sexually specific and highly sensitive curricula to children in New Jersey and, particularly, in Stillwater Township, as early as grades K-2; and

WHEREAS, recent guidelines provided by the New Jersey Department of Education (the ‘Department of Education’) and the associated sample curricula regarding same is disturbing and concerning to the parents and residents of Stillwater Township and throughout New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, Township Council members have been contacted by residents regarding this sensitive issue; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Education’s guidelines were promulgated, and the legislation passed and signed into law in 2020 and 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when New Jersey residents were sheltering in place, preoccupied with the pandemic, and there was not sufficient time or opportunity for public comment; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the foregoing, Stillwater Township parents specifically, and New Jersey parents generally, did not have any input into creating the sexually specific and highly sensitive curricula that will be taught to Stillwater Township children under the legislation and guidelines; and

WHEREAS, it is the overwhelming opinion of this governing body that the decision to teach sexually specific and highly sensitive curricula to children in grades K-2 is best left to the sound discretion of those children’s parents, local communities, and local districts; and

WHEREAS, it is the overwhelming opinion of this governing body that Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature have no business regulating, legislating, directing, or dictating matters that are, and should be, decided solely and exclusively by parents in said parents’ best judgment as to health, safety, and welfare of their children; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council call on Governor Murphy, the New Jersey Legislature, and the Department of Education to return such decisions to local School Boards regarding such sexually specific and highly sensitive curricula for our children; and

WHEREAS, as a show of support for Stillwater Township families, the Mayor and Council also desire to work with Township parents, community leaders, and professionals to develop the framework for a Parents’ Bill of Rights to use as a model for local schools that will, among other things, protect our children, notify our parents of the curricula being taught in our schools, and allow parents to make their own informed decisions regarding their children’s education and exposure to sensitive information; and

WHEREAS, public interest demands that parents have an opportunity to be heard on the issue of this curricula being taught in grades K-2.

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

1. We demand that Governor Phil Murphy, the New Jersey State Legislature, and the Department of Education ban the sexually specific and highly sensitive curricula for young children that was developed out of the aforesaid guidelines, legislation, and sample curricula.

2. All appropriate Township officials are authorized and directed to work with our parents, community leaders, educators, and professionals to develop the framework for a Parents’ Bill of Rights to use as a model for our local schools that will serve, among other things, as a guide to protect our children, notify parents of the curricula being taught to their children in our schools, and allow parents to make their own informed decisions regarding their children’s education and exposure to sensitive information.

3. The Township Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward this resolution of Governor Murphy, the New Jersey Legislature, the Department of Education, the County Superintendent of Schools, the local School Boards and private and charter schools, New Jersey League of Municipalities, all County Boards of County Commissioners, the Mayors and governing bodies of all municipalities within Sussex County, and the New Jersey State Board of Education.

4. This resolution and contract shall be available for public inspection in the office of the Township Clerk.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

A motion was made by Mr. Barta to adopt Resolution 2022-112, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, abstained, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-113 Mayor’s Appointment of Nicholas J Carriera as a Member of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Department with Committee Concurrence

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of Nicholas J Carriera as a Member of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Department.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, June 14, 2022

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2022-113, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Building Department Fees

ORDINANCE 2022-15 Amending Chapter 69 of the General Code of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Entitled “Fees” Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption July 12, 2022]

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to table Ordinance 2022-15, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

GREEN DOG INN AGREEMENT – A discussion was held because a dog was left at the Green Dog Inn for 100 days when the agreement only allows for a maximum of 10 days before the animal is euthanized. The municipal clerk noted this is only the second time in 10 years a dog remained boarded for more than the maximum time allowed. Ms. Knott said she would like clear direction on what happens when a dog is not picked-up or adopted. Mrs. Rumsey suggested the Inn call the clerk after eight days and give the governing body time to decide the next step.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ROADSIDE FUND DRIVE 7/15 & 7/16 RAIN DATE 7/17

A request was received from the fire department for their annual roadside fund drive.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to approve the areas for the fund drive seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

Mr. Barta feels the Stillwater Employee handbook should be amended to clarify some frequent issues:

Mr. Barta discussed his concern with the lack of procedure townhall employees have when they have a concern. Mr. Barta suggested employees first line would be the personnel committee. Mr. Barta feels strongly any concern be documented so if the matter arises again or with another employee there is a documented policy on how the concern was handled and consistency is key.

Mr. Barta also noted the governing body need to discuss social media policy. Mr. Barta said employees should not have to answer township questions on a private platform but use the official Stillwater platform for all communications. Mr. Barta has been researching other municipalities policy for how surrounding communities handle social media. Mr. Vex said he has employee handbooks for many municipalities and would be glad to share them with Mr. Barta.

Mrs. Rumsey feels social media is a very productive outlet for communicating with the public.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mrs. Kathy Draghi, and Mrs. Heidi Mountford, Members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment discussed in Chairman Lippencott’ s absence that someone approached Chairman Lippencott with questions of inappropriateness and/or trying to influence the quasi-judicial independent board decisions. Chairperson Lippencott called for an Executive Session at the last meeting where this matter was discussed. The board’s attorney wrote a letter outlining the ZBA’s thoughts and the letter which should have been forwarded to the entire township committee only went to two members. The ladies asked Mayor Scott to share the letter with the entire township committee and discuss the letter among themselves.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Mr. Vex said he has nothing further to report.

There being no further business, Ms. Chammings made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m., seconded by Mr. Fisher. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Lynda Knott, RMC