March 15, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes

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STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

March 15, 2022

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Scott at 7:01 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.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in Town Hall

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey, seconded by Mr. Fisher and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 6:09 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, Attorney-client, Litigation/Potential Litigation.

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.

By a motion was made by Ms. Chammings, seconded by Mr. Fisher to suspend Executive Session at 7:01 p.m., to resume public session unanimously carried by voice vote.

The flag was saluted.

BUDGET DISCUSSION: CFO Tammy Leonard

Mayor Scott said he told the township committee members to take home a copy of the proposed 2022 budget and look closely for areas to cut. Mayor Scott noted he spoke with Mr. Sarinelli of Nisivoccia and he would be in attendance on April 5, 2022 for the budget introduction and to answer any questions the Township Committee or residents had regarding the budget. Mr. Sarinelli was also able to find additional funding for the budget.

Ms. Chammings said before Mrs. Leonard leaves she would like her to discuss the memos given to the Township Committee about the RUT (Reserve for Uncollected Taxes) and for the TTL (Tax Tile Liens).

Mrs. Leonard’s Tax Title Lien memo showed that in 2021 the total transfer to Tax Title Liens from the tax sale was $59,448.63 (Mrs. Leonard’s memo used $60,000.00 for simplicity in her illustration). Each average home paid $29.79 in tax covering those who do not pay their property taxes.

Mrs. Leonard said her Reserve for Uncollected Tax memo shows the RUT levels from 2012 to 2022 and the level mainly remained the same with a low of $768,000 in 2012 to a high of $810,000 in 2015. The reason for the RUT is it replenishes the fund balance and each year the Township Committee uses a substantial portion of the fund’s surplus to keep taxes low. A higher fund balance is also attractive to investors and keeps money borrowed at a lower interest rate.

Mrs. Leonard suggested the Township Committee reduce the amount of the RUT from $790,000.00 to $700,000.00 and see how a small reduction affects the financial picture.

Mrs. Leonard asked the Township Committee when they would like to meet again to finalize the budget. The Township Committee decided they would hold a workshop meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Townhall. Mr. Sarinelli of Nisivoccia will be invited to join the discussion.

MINUTES: February 15, 2022 Regular Session Minutes

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings 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: DPW Report for February 2022

Tax Collector February 2022

Building Department February 2022

Dog License report February 2022

Registrar Reports February 2022

Board of Health Receipts 2022

Abandoned/Vacant Property Registration Report February 2022

2021 Accumulated Absences Summary for Employees

Annual Storm Water Report 2021

Environmental Commission Annual Report for 2021

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 #5: $973,544.66

RESOLUTION 2022-049 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 March 15, 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 Resolution 2022-049, 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 – Mr. Fisher noted he and Mayor Scott attended the fire department meeting and discussed keeping Engine 3 (the old Swartswood Fire Truck) because it really is a good truck that works well and even though it had originally been slated to be sold they would now like to keep the truck. Further discussion will be held when the new truck is ready to be delivered.

Mrs. Rumsey asked the clerk to find out when the security system would be up and running at the community center. The clerk said the funds are included in the budget so it cannot be funded until after the budget is finally adopted but will check with the CFO for a final decision.

Ms. Chammings asked that the Master Plan/Planner and Planet Networks be put on under discussion and Mr. Fisher asked that Home Depot also be put under Discussion.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mrs. Heidi Mountford, Mt. Benevolence Road, prepared a memo comparing Stillwater’s RUT (Reserve for Uncollected Taxes) to other municipalities in the county with similar tax collection rates. Mrs. Mountford’ s memo showed that Stillwater Township’s RUT and surplus was far larger than the other surrounding towns with similar tax collection percentages. Mrs. Mountford feels the Stillwater RUT balance is too large because if the RUT funds are not used for uncollected taxes it cannot be used for anything else and becomes part of the surplus. Mrs. Mountford noted tax appeals are budgeted separately and disabled veterans are reimbursed by the State so having such a large RUT is collecting far more taxes from residents than necessary.

Mrs. Mountford said the CFO suggested reducing the RUT to $700,000.00 but Mrs. Mountford feels this is still not enough of a reduction.

Mrs. Mountford said she has read every audit and budget report for the township since 2011. In each and every audit there is a summary at the end of the report with recommendations. Since 2009 Stillwater’s tax title liens were $480,000 and in 2010 $500,00 and Mrs. Mountford said this is a problem with a history. Mrs. Mountford added each year the township committee’s answer to the recommendation of reducing title tax liens was the CFO will look into it. Mrs. Mountford noted she remembers the township committee discussing the separation of duties comment but never the tax title liens and asked what the Township Committee plans on doing to correct the problem.

Ms. Gisela Rutnik, said she is the Tax Collector and the letters to all delinquent properties with tax liens are ready to go out tomorrow. Ms. Rutnik feels the auditors should have discussed the tax title lien issue better with the township committee.

Ms. Rutnik said no one from the township committee has ever asked her for the tax title lien list except Ms. Chammings who asked for the top five properties.

Mayor Scott responded Mrs. Mountford was seeing action now. Letter are written and ready to go out. The Township is moving forward and addressing the situation.

Mrs. Rumsey said moving forward the Township Committee will be better communicators with employees in townhall and thanked Mrs. Mountford for rattling the cage.

Ms. Chammings also thanked Mrs. Mountford for bringing forward her concerns with the RUT and noted she wished things could move at a faster speed but things are moving forward.

Mr. George Lippencott, Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, said he sent a memo to the Township Committee on Sunday summarizing his concerns on the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment merger and asked if they had received his memo. The Township Committee said they have read the memo and are aware of his thoughts and concerns.

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

OLD BUSINESS:

Fact-Finding Reports from Committeewoman Chammings and Committeeman Barta on merging into a Land Use Board:

Ms. Chammings said she reviewed the spending of both boards for the last few years to see if she could see where a cost savings would be realized as the ordinance for the merger stated. Ms. Chammings found that a small savings of $1,000 to $1,500 might be possible but most expenses would remain the same whether one board or two.

Mr. Barta spoke to the secretary (who is the secretary of both boards) and they determined that a combined board may not reduce two monthly meetings to one a month. The Master Plan re-examination is due by the end of the year and the three hours meeting restriction will contribute to additional meetings per month.

Mr. Barta noted that the Zoning Board working with the Planning Board on the master plan re-examination would be a benefit but they would still report to each other their findings.

Since there are no clear benefits other than a very small savings and a large detriment of losing interested resident volunteers both Ms. Chammings and Mr. Barta recommended leaving the two boards as is. Ms. Chammings said if in the future a merger is in the best interest of the Township she would like to proceed with the proper notification and participation of the board members.

ORDINANCE 2022-05 VESTING POWERS OF THE STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT IN THE STILLWATER TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to adopt Ordinance 2022–05, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, no, Mrs. Rumsey, no, Mr. Fisher, no, Ms. Chammings, no, Mayor Scott, no. The Ordinance was not adopted.

Mr. Ed Szabo thanked the Township Committee for doing their homework and due diligence.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 2022-06 Clarifying the Residency Requirements for Persons who are Candidates for Election to the Township Committee, Boards and Commissions- Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption April 19, 2022]

Mrs. Rumsey asked that is ordinance be pulled and feels the Sussex County Board of Elections has election processes under control and the Township Committee does not need their own policy. The Township Committee agreed to pull the ordinance.

RESOLUTION 2022-050 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES RA-22-01 and RA-22-02

WHEREAS the following Raffle Applications with required fees have been submitted for Township Committee approval;

Raffle # Applicant Date Type of Game

RA-01 Stillwater PTA 04/29/2022 Raffle

RA-02 Stillwater PTA 04/29/2022 50/50

WHEREAS said Raffle Applications have been provided to the Township Committee and New Jersey State Police for their review;

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

  1. The appropriate officials are hereby authorized to execute the findings and determination for the above application and shall forward same to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) for review.
  2. That the above license shall be issued pending LGCCC approval, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13.1 et seq.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the Resolution 2022-050, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-051 Mayor’s Appointment of Homer E Wanamaker, Sr. 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 Homer E. Wanamaker, Sr. 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, March 15, 2022.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the Resolution 2022-051, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-052 Supporting Potential Brownfield Remediation at 992 Fairview Lake Road

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-6, the Township Committee of Stillwater Township has decided to undertake a preliminary investigation to determine whether a portion of 992 Fairview Lake Road, Block 2401 Lot 37, Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey (hereinafter the “Property”) is an area in need of redevelopment according to the criteria set forth in N.J.S.A.40A:12A-5; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of Stillwater Township has determined that there has been, or it suspects that there has been, a discharge of hazardous substances or a hazardous waste on the Property; and,

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township is applying from the Hazardous Discharge Site Fund for funding for the investigation and cleanup of 992 Fairview Lake Road in order to determine the extent of any hazardous substance or hazardous waste; and,

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township currently holds the Tax Title Lien for 992 Fairview Lake Road, Certificate #2019-008; and,

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township intends to acquire the property in furtherance of the redevelopment plan through voluntary conveyance or other means provided by law; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that Stillwater Township is committed to the redevelopment 992 Fairview Lake Road for the purpose of a commercial or residential site and finds that a realistic opportunity exists for the redevelopment of 992 Fairview Lake Road within a three year period after the completion of the remediation of this site either through the planned redevelopment project or through alternate redevelopment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Township Committee hereby authorizes the Municipal Clerk and Township Attorney to prepare the necessary application and submit documentation to the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund for a PA/SI/RI Grant to perform a Preliminary Assessment, Site Investigation or Remedial Investigation. The Township Committee authorizes the Municipal Clerk to be the contact for this application and to execute this application on the Township Committee’s behalf.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt the Resolution 2022-052, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-053 Authorizing Shared Services Agreement with Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority for the Provision of Certified Recycling Professional Services to Certify and Submit the 2021 Recycling Tonnage Report to the NJDEP

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater is required to submit a Certified Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP for the year 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater does not employ a Certified Recycling Professional required to file the Recycling Tonnage Report; and

WHEREAS, the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act (N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1, et seq.) (hereinafter, “the Act”) provides that local units of government may enter into a contract to provide or receive any service that either local unit participating in the Agreement is empowered to provide or receive within its own jurisdiction, including services incidental to the primary purposes of any of the participating units (N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4); and

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township will prepare the 2021 Stillwater Township Recycling Tonnage Report; and

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township wishes to request the services of the SCMUA in the form of the District Recycling Coordinator as a Certified Recycling Professional to certify and submit the required 2021 Stillwater Township Tonnage Report to NJDEP by April 30, 2022; and

WHEREAS, SCMUA has the qualified staff to certify the Recycling Tonnage Report prepared by Stillwater Township and electronically submit it to NJDEP on behalf of Stillwater Township under the terms and conditions set forth in the Shared Services Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater as follows:

1. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Shared Services Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto, with SCMUA for the provision of Certified Recycling Professional Services to certify and submit the 2021 Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP.

2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

3. All Township Staff and Professionals are authorized to take any and all necessary actions to see to the implementation of this Resolution.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to adopt the Resolution 2022-053, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-054 Authorizing Payment of Redemption Block 4103 Lot 18

WHEREAS, on December 29, 2011 Donna Clouse , Collector

Of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as Block 4103 LOT 18 to STILLWATER TOWNSHIP 964 STILLWATER ROAD NEWTON NEW JERSEY 07860

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on March 8,2022, 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 $ 13,399.06 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 Mrs. Rumsey adopt the Resolution 2022-054, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-055 Authorizing Payment of Redemption Block 3201 Lot 10

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 3201 Lot 10 to C & E Tax Lien Fund 1 PO Box 5021 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19111

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on

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, payment shall Be made to the holder of the Certificate of Sale in the sum of 22,128.86

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $ 12,500.00 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. Barta adopt the Resolution 2022-055, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-056 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Greg Holcomb as PT Recycling and Convenience Center Employee 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 Greg Holcomb

as Part-time Recycling and Convenience Center employee effective March 13, 2022.

A motion was made by Mr. Barta adopt the Resolution 2022-056, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-057 Approving the Sale of two (2) lots from the Township of Stillwater’s Property Sale on March 1, 2022

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater conducted a sale of undersized lots owned by the Township of Stillwater and no longer needed for public use on March 1, 2022, pursuant to Ordinance 2022-02. The purpose of the sale was to sell the undersized lots to contiguous property owners in order that the lot being sold by the Township would merge with the property owner’s existing property; and

WHEREAS, the Township received bids for two (2) properties as follows:

Block 1101, Lot 20, bid by Tom and Darlene Rodriguez – $250

Block 903, Lot 27, bid by Michael J. Stephenson – $250

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Stillwater Township Committee that the following property sales are hereby approved:

Block 1101, Lot 20, bid by Tom and Darlene Rodriguez – $250

Block 903, Lot 27, bid by Michael J. Stephenson – $250

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED upon each bidder’s payment of the balance of the purchase price along with the fees and costs provided for in Ordinance 2022-02, as applicable, and their compliance with all requirements of Ordinance 2021-12, as applicable, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, as appropriate, and the Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Quit Claim Deeds and such other documents, if any, for the two (2) properties being sold.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all terms and conditions contained in Ordinance 2022-02, authorizing the sale are hereby incorporated into this resolution by reference.

This resolution shall take effect immediately.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings adopt the Resolution 2022-057, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-058 Approving the Sale of Block 501, Lot 7 from the Township of Stillwater’s Property Sale on March 1, 2022

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater conducted a sale of a single lot owned by the Township of Stillwater and no longer needed for public use on March 1, 2022, pursuant to Resolution 2022-031; and

WHEREAS, the Township received a bid for the property as follows:

Block 501, Lot 7, bid by Laura Timony – $500

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Stillwater Township Committee that the following property sale is hereby approved:

Block 501, Lot 7, bid by Laura Timony – $500

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED upon the bidder’s payment of the balance of the purchase price along with the fees and costs provided for in Resolution 2022-031, as applicable, and their compliance with all requirements of Resolution 2022-031, as applicable, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, as appropriate, and the Township Clerk are authorized to sign the Quit Claim Deed and such other documents, if any, for the property being sold.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all terms and conditions contained in Resolution 2022-031 authorizing the sale are hereby incorporated into this resolution by reference.

This resolution shall take effect immediately.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher adopt the Resolution 2022-058, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-059 Rescinding Authorization of the Public Sale of Township property no longer needed for public use

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater adopted Resolution 2022-47 on March 1, 2022 to sell certain property that is no longer needed for public use consisting of a 2000 Ford Utility Van VIN #1FDWE 35FXY HB415 47: and

WHEREAS, the CPWM determined the vehicle would be of use to the Township as a tool utility truck; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Township Committee of the of Stillwater hereby rescinds their authorization for the sale the 2000 Ford Utility Van VIN #1FDWE 35FXY HB415 47; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2000 Ford Utility Van VIN #1FDWE 35FXY HB415 47 will be part of the Stillwater Township DPW fleet.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher adopt the Resolution 2022-059, seconded by Ms. Chammings. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-060 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Agreement with Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater desires to become a member of the Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System, #2-SOCCP, effective March 15, 2022 and that such a membership shall be for the period ending December 31, 2023 and each renewal, thereafter of the system, unless elects to formally withdraw from the system; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk are authorized to execute the Agreement with Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings adopt the Resolution 2022-060, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-061 APPROVING APPOINTMENT TO THE STILLWATER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments to the Stillwater Environmental Commission Members for the year 2022 as follows:

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

Name Term Term Expires

Amanda Coriston – 2nd Alternate 3 years 12/31/2024

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that they do hereby concur with the appointments herein for the year 2022.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings adopt the Resolution 2022-061, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-062 APPROVING APPOINTMENT OF KATHY WUNDER AS ENVIRONMENAL COMMISSION SECRETARY WITH COMMITTEE CONCURRENCE

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of the of Kathy Wunder as Environmental Commission Secretary effective April 1, 2021 at a prorated annual salary of $2,967.00

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings adopt the Resolution 2022-060, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-063 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF JACK BRANAGAN AS MEMBER OF THE STILLWATER PLANNING BOARD 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 Jack Branagan as Member of the Stillwater Planning Board effective February 1, 2022.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings adopt the Resolution 2022-063, seconded by Mayor Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-063A APPROVING APPOINTMENT TO THE STILLWATER PLANNING BOARD

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments and Committee appointment to Board and Commission Members for the year 2022 as follows:

PLANNING BOARD

Name Term Term Expires

Beth Raff – Class IV Member 2 year 12/31/2024

(filling the vacancy of Jack Branagan)

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 2022.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher adopt the Resolution 2022-063A, seconded by Mayor Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Violation of Ordinance – 947A Old Schoolhouse Road, Block 2602 Lot 8.12 – the clerk asked the Township Committee if they had read the letter and resolution regarding 947A from the Zoning Board Attorney and if they agree the clerk will notify the property owner. The Township Committee agreed the clerk should notify the property owner as outlined by the Zoning Board of Adjustment Attorney William Haggerty.

Ms. Chammings noted the ordinance cited for violation contains a section on a preferred tree list. Currently there is no tree list. Ms. Chammings gave the clerk a list supplied by the Environmental Commission after their review to put on the next agenda so if the owner of 947A Old Schoolhouse Road wishes to re-plant trees they would know which trees were suggested by the Township to be native and non-evasive.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mrs. Heidi Mountford, Mount Benevolence Road, questioned Resolution 2022-054 for acceptance of redemption fees for property tax. Mrs. Mountford said the penalties were not included in the redemption amount and felt the Township should not accept just the tax.

Ms. Chammings said she was trying to pause the adoption because she was trying to find that parcel on the township list. Ms. Chammings noted she uses a link from the County website too to check for all monies owed on properties. Ms. Chammings said the resolution will be pulled and rescinded. The clerk noted the tax collector always includes interest and penalties before she puts together the resolution and does not give the clerk the resolution until the required funds are in the bank.

Mrs. Kathy Draghi, 1018 County Road 619, said she chaperoned the Teen Art Festival at Sussex County College today and was dismayed to see Kittatinny Regional High School did not participate. Mrs. Draghi added that event Chair Anita Collins told her Kittatinny did not ever respond to the e-mail about the event. Ms. Chammings said she would check into the matter as Kittatinny always participated in this event.

Seeing no one else who wished to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Mr. Vex had nothing to report.

The Township Committee re-entered Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. and adjourned Executive Session at 9:45 p.m. There being no further business, Mr. Fisher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, RMC

 

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