STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 18, 2025
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 7:00 p.m. Mayor L. Chammings stated that this meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of P.L. 1975, Ch. 231, Secs. 4 & 13 the Sunshine Law and that adequate notice of the meeting has been published in the New Jersey Herald as to the time, place, and date of meetings, and is posted in the usual location of posted notices in the municipal building as well as electronically on the township website.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Committeewoman D. Delaney, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, Committeeman G. Scott, Mayor L. Chammings
Also Present: Township Attorney E. Bernstein
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.
ASSIGNMENT OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATE- TERRY BESHADA, CTC
Mayor L. Chammings stated that Tax Collector T. Beshada was unable to make it to the meeting that evening. She read the resolution authorizing the assignment for 926 Greenwood Point.
RESOLUTION 2025-056
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT FOR 926 GREENWOOD POINT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:5-113 authorizes assignment by a Municipality of Tax Sale Certificates for the full amount of the Certificate, including all subsequent municipal taxes and other municipal charges, and
WHEREAS, Philip Nadler, Lienholder, has presented an offer to purchase, by assignment, Certificate of Sale #24-00012 which was issued to the Stillwater Township at a Tax Sale held December 30, 2024, on Block 3601 Lot 10.01, known as 926 Greenwood Pt., Stillwater Township, NJ and assessed to Ralph Scott & Linda Ficke, in the amount of $2,373.82, being the full amount of the Certificate, including all subsequent municipal taxes and other municipal charges.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee that at their regular meeting held March 18, 2025, at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building, 964 Stillwater Road, Stillwater, New Jersey.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2025-056.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
2025 BUDGET INTRODUCTION- TAMMY LEONARD, CFO
[Public Hearing and Adoption: April 15, 2025]
CFO T. Leonard gave a PowerPoint presentation on the 2025 Municipal Budget, which will be available on the township website. There will also be a copy available for viewing at the town hall. Mayor L. Chammings noted that the public hearing will be on April 15th, at which time the public will have the opportunity to comment. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that she had one clarification to make: the pricing on the drone has increased, and the fire department will be covering the additional costs of the increase.
RESOLUTION 2025-057
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER INTRODUCING THE 2025 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
BE IT RESOLVED that the attached Statements of Revenues and Appropriations shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the 2025 calendar year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Summary of said Budget shall be published in The New Jersey Herald on Sunday, March 30, 2025 and the public hearing and final adoption shall be held on April 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building at which time and place objections to the 2025 Municipal Budget may be presented by taxpayers or other persons of interest.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein recommended amending the resolution to state that the final adoption shall be held on April 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. or soon thereafter, in the event that the meeting doesn’t start right at 7:00.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2025-057, with the amendment to add “or soon thereafter”.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Mayor L. Chammings read Resolution 2025-058 aloud to the public.
RESOLUTION 2025-058
SELF-EXAMINATION OF BUDGET RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-78b has authorized the Local Finance Board to adopt rules that permit municipalities in sound fiscal condition to assume the responsibility, normally granted to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, of conducting the annual budget examination; and
WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-7 was adopted by the Local Finance Board on February 11, 1997; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.2 through 7.5, the Township of Stillwater has been declared eligible to participate in the program by the Division of Local government Services, and the Chief Financial officer has determined that the local government meets the necessary conditions to participate in the program for the 2025 budget year.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Township of Stillwater that in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.6a & 7.6b and based upon the Chief Financial Officer’s certification, the governing body has found the budget has met the following requirements:
1. That with reference to the following items, the amounts have been calculated pursuant to law and appropriated as such in the budget:
a. Payment of interest and debt redemption charges
b. Deferred charges and statutory expenditures
c. Cash deficit of preceding year
d. Reserve for uncollected taxes
e. Other reserves and non-disbursement items
f. Any inclusions of amounts required for school
purposes.
2. That the provisions relating to limitation on increases of appropriations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.2 and appropriations for exceptions to limits on appropriations found at N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.3 et seq., are fully met (complies with CAP law).
3. That the budget is in such form, arrangement, and content as required by the Local Budget Law and N.J.A.C. 5:30-4 and 5:30-5.
4. That pursuant to the Local Budget Law:
a. All estimates of revenue are reasonable, accurate and correctly stated,
b. Items of appropriation are properly set forth
c. In itemization, form, arrangement and content, the budget will
permit the exercise of the comptroller function within the municipality.
5. The budget and associated amendments have been introduced and publicly advertised in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Local Budget Law, except that failure to meet the deadlines of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 shall not prevent such certification.
6. That all other applicable statutory requirements have been fulfilled.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution will be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services upon adoption.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, to adopt Resolution 2025-058.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
The Township Committee thanked CFO T. Leonard for her time and presentation of the 2025 Municipal Budget.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
Mayor L. Chammings added “Fee Ordinance for Trailers” and an update on 992 Fairview Lake Road under discussion.
PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)
Public Session Open at 7:19 pm.
No Public Comment.
Public Session Closed at 7:19 pm.
OLD BUSINESS:
PUBLIC HEARING & FINAL ADOPTION
ORDINANCE 2025-06
CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $9,442.50
IN ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR GUIDE RAIL FOR
MT. BENEVOLENCE PHASE 3 AND EXTENSION
BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1. The 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 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 $9,442.50, 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 $9,442.50 appropriations, the Township will use funding as described in Section 3.
Section 3. The improvements hereby authorized and the purpose for the allocation of which said obligations are to be spent, the appropriation made for an estimated cost of such purpose, and the estimated maximum amount of funds to be spent for such purpose, are respectively as follows:
Add’l Cost of Guide Rail: $9,442.50 Ord. 2022-07 Mt Bene Phase 1
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:
- 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.
- 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 twenty (20) 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 Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, to open the discussion on Ordinance 2025-06 to the public.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
No Public Comment. Public Session Closed.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Ordinance 2025-06.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Discussion Item
- Land Sale Property Discussion
Mayor L. Chammings stated that she met with the municipal clerk and the tax assessor to discuss the properties listed for the land sale. The assessor suggested contacting Green Acres for the block and lots next to the state land as they may be interested. There were two other blocks and lots that are contiguous to the Nature Conservancy that may be interested in purchasing them as well. For any properties over an acre, she recommended seeing if Habitat for Humanity would be interested in them, and it would also assist with the requirements for affordable housing. She recommended increasing the minimum bid as she feels that it is too low. It costs $100 to adjust the properties on the tax map alone. The township is not making any money by having a minimum bid of $250. She recommended starting the minimum bid at $500.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING
ORDINANCE 2025-07
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AMENDING, REVISING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER I0, “ADMINISTRATION” OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE, MOST NOTABLY ARTICLE XVIII”, “BOARD OF HEALTH”, SECTION 10-87 “MEMBERS; TERMS” AND SECTION 10-88 “VACANCIES.”
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey wishes to amend the membership of the Township Board of Health to consist of only the members of the Township Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that Chapter 10 of the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater, entitled “Administration”, most notably Article XVII, entitled “Board of Health”, Section 10-87, entitled “Members; Terms” and Section 10-88, entitled “Vacancies” is hereby amended, revised and supplemented as follows:
Ҥ10-87. Members; terms
The members of the Board of Health shall be appointed by the Township Committee and the membership of the Board shall be comprised of and hold terms of office as follows:
[A. One member shall be a member of the Township Committee who shall hold office for the term of one year from January 1 of the year of his appointment but in no event shall he serve longer than annually by the Township Committee.
B. The remaining members shall hold office for terms of four years or the balance thereofremaining from January I of the year of their appointment and until their successors have been appointed and qualified.
C. The two alternate members shall be designated by the Township Committee as “Alternate No. 1” and “Alternate No. 2.” The term of the alternate members shall be for two years, except that the term of the alternate members first appointed shall be two years for Alternate No. 1 and one year for Alternate No. 2, so that the term of not more than one alternate will expire in any given year.]
The members of the Township Committee shall also be the members of the Township Board of Health. Their terms on the Board of Health shall coincide with their terms on the Township Committee. They shall remain as members of the Board of Health for their terms on the Township Committee and until their successors have been elected (or appointed where applicable) and qualified to serve on the Township Committee.”
Ҥ10-88. Vacancies.
[Any vacancy which may arise amongst the members of the Board of Health shall be filled by appointment by the Township Committee for the unexpired portion of the term only.]
Any vacancy which may arise amongst the members of the Board of Health shall be filled by a member of the Township Committee appointed (and/or elected where applicable) to fill the vacancy on the Township Committee and therefore the Board of Health as well.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that:
(1) If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or any application of this Ordinance is, for any reason declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any part thereof, other than that so declared as unconstitutional or invalid.
(2) Any Ordinance or part of any Ordinance that is inconsistent as to this Ordinance shall
be deemed repealed as to the inconsistency(ies) only.
(3) This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and publication in accordance with law.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman D. Manser and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to Introduce Ordinance 2025-07.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Resolutions
RESOLUTION 2025-059
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER
OF 2024 APPROPRIATIONS
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies there are insufficient funds in the budgetary accounts listed below to meet the demands thereon for the balance of the year; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies there appear to be a surplus in the budgetary accounts listed below, over and above the demand deemed necessary for the balance of the year; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 provides that transfers of funds may be made during the last two months of the budget year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the Chief Financial Officer is authorized to make a transfer in 2024 budget appropriations in the amount of $6,000.00 within the Current Fund, as follows:
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2025-059.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; abstain, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with four in favor and one abstention.
RESOLUTION 2025-060
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT PUBLISHING LEGAL
NOTICES ON OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
WHEREAS, the sunset provision of March 1, 2025, imposed under P.L. 2024 c.106, has occurred in what was a temporary solution that allowed local governments to comply with the public notice requirements under the law in time for annual reorganization meetings in January; and
WHEREAS, local government officials serve as the stewards of property taxpayer dollars and should no longer be required to subsidize the newspaper industry with revenues collected from publishing legal notices in the press; and
WHEREAS, long before NJ Advanced Media’s announcement that it was terminating daily print publications in January of 2025, local government officials found it increasingly difficult to comply with the public notice requirements under the law as the media has become almost exclusively digitized and struggled to retain staff, resources, and publications; and
WHEREAS, legislation that will authorize local governments to publish legal notices on a local government’s official website will streamline an antiquated and overly burdensome process and save valuable time, resources, and property taxpayer dollars;
NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Stillwater does in fact, hereby urge State leaders to pass legislation that will authorize municipalities, counties, school districts, and all local governments to publish legal notices in a clear, transparent, and timely manner on a local government’s official website; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a copy of this Resolution shall be sent to Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Speaker of the General Assembly Craig Coughlin, Senator Parker Space, Assembly members Dawn Fantasia and Michael lnganamort, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to Adopt Resolution 2025-060.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2025-061
MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF KYLE KAVANAGH AS PART-TIME DPW LABORER WITH COMMITTEE CONCURRENCE
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of Kyle Kavanagh as Part-Time DPW Laborer effective April 10th, 2025.
A MOTION was made with regret by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to Adopt Resolution 2025-061.
Mayor L. Chammings explained that Mr. Kavanagh was offered a position in Montana, furthering his career in forest fire. The Committee wished him well and good luck.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Committeeman G. Scott asked that a letter of thanks please be sent to Mr. Kavanagh.
Mayor L. Chammings said that she spoke with the DPW Supervisor and that they will need to advertise for a part-time laborer for 24 hours per week. They need to clarify if they can be classified as a seasonal employee or a part-time laborer, as Mr. Kavanagh is. The position would start in May.
RESOLUTION 2025-062
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF
ANDREW SIMONIS AS PART-TIME ELECTRICAL SUB-CODE OFFICIAL
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint Andrew Simonis as Part-Time Electrical Sub-Code Official for four (4) hours per week with an annual, pro-rated salary of $10,000.00 commencing on March 17, 2025.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman D. Manser and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to Adopt Resolution 2025-062.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
CONSENT AGENDA – All items with an Asterisk (*) are considered to be routine
and non-controversial in nature. All such items will be handled by one (1) motion and one (1) second and one (1) vote. There will be no separate discussion of any of these items unless a Committee member requests same, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
*MINUTES: February 25, 2025 Bicentennial Meeting Minutes
March 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes & Executive Session Minutes
*CORRESPONDENCE:
- Stillwater Township Recreation Commission February 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes
- NJ PEOSH Safety & Health Alert- Preventing Crossing Guard Injuries & Fatalities
- 2025 LDD Control Program Draft Letter
*REPORTS:
1. Zoning Report- February 2025
2. Recreation Commission Report – February 2025
3. Board of Health Receipts –February 2025
4. Construction Permit Activity Report- February 2025
5. Vacant/Abandon Property Registration Report – February 2025
6. Convenience Center Report – February 2025
7. Registrar Report – February 2025
8. Certified Copies Report – February 2025
9. ACO Report – February 2025
10. Community Center Report- February 2025
11. Landlord Registration Fee Report- February 2025
12. Sussex County Health Dept Report- January 2025
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor L. Chammings stated that she just wanted to briefly discuss the LDD Gypsy Moth and noted that Howard Panton was in attendance again at the meeting for any questions. She stated that a sample letter was given to the committee for what is going to be mailed out to the residents within the spray zones. The most frequently asked questions will also be in the mailing. The resident letter, pesticide into and map of the spray zones will all be available for viewing on the municipal website and also at the town hall. She asked if anyone had any questions to please ask now as H. Panton was at the meeting.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- Sheriff’s Patrols Agreement
Mayor L. Chammings stated that the sheriff’s patrol amounts have slightly increased. The budget will still be $20,000 for additional patrols.
- Fee Ordinance Tractor Trailers
Mayor L. Chammings noted that in the back of the Township Committee’s packet under misc., she provided a copy of Ordinance 2023-15 titled “Traffic”. It lists the streets with a weight limit and the location. It also notes the amounts of the fines. She recommended increasing the minimum fine from $250 to $1,000 for the first offense. The second offense shall be changed to $1,500 and the third $2,000. They would also like to add Middleville Road to the list for the weight limit. The officers pulling the tractor-trailers over must cite the Ordinance on the ticket for them to have to pay this fine. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey also noted that if they cite the Ordinance, then they won’t receive any points against their license. Township Attorney E. Bernstein said to check with the engineer then he will update the Ordinance for Introduction.
- Chapter 376- Trailers and Camping Vehicles Code Update
Mayor L. Chammings noted that this was included in their packets because it lists the Construction Official as the code enforcement for trailers and camping vehicles. The code has not been updated since 1971 and should reflect the Zoning Official as the code enforcement. The township attorney asked to send over any additional changes.
- Stillwater Fire Department Roadside Fund Drive- Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd
The Township Committee is in favor of the Fire Department Roadside Fund Drive. Once all their paperwork is in, a resolution will be prepared for April 1st or April 15th. If they do not have everything in by then, it can be a provisional resolution.
- Community Center User Agreement & Fees
Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that Dawn Delaney and herself have been meeting and having conversations with the Clerk regarding the community center agreement and fees. She explained that the private events have been causing issues at the community center. She stated that the past weekend, two private parties left the community center a mess with tape left all over the place from decorations, the floors were dirty, and they had been going through private marked cabinets and using things from them. People are not following the rules. She said that they’re also constantly told that people are always renting the community center because it’s the cheapest venue in the county. D. Delaney has researched the other venues/halls for rent in the county for comparison. They plan to have all the information gathered for the April 15th meeting. She stated that they would like to put a temporary hold on all other private party bookings until they adjust the agreement form. The parties that have already given their deposit will be honored, but any further parties will need to wait. She stated that another concern is that two of the civic groups that paid the $100 annual fee are hosting fundraisers for their organizations. One is a pancake breakfast, and another is a spaghetti dinner. She would like to make the new application clear that the $100 is for meetings only; any additional events will have an additional fee and must be approved by the Township Committee ahead of time. If the issue cannot be rectified after the new changes, they may consider not renting the hall out to private parties any longer. They will also consider locking the kitchen doors so that no one can get in unless they have permission.
Mayor L. Chammings suggested having a meeting with the civic groups to go over the rules of the community center so that everyone will be on the same page regarding what is allowed and what isn’t. Committeeman G. Scott stated that on the fire department’s application, it states that organizations renting the fire hall cannot make any money while renting the building. The only organization that can is the Fire Department.
- Cell Tower Lease
Mayor L. Chammings stated that someone reached out stating that they could offer a better lease on the cell tower. They will give the company a copy of the current lease and see what they offer.
- 992 Fairview Lake Road Update
Mayor L. Chammings stated that there is another round of grant funds that the township can apply for. She wanted to know if the committee agreed to apply for the next round of grants for remediation at 992 Fairview Lake Road.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to apply for the next round of grant funding for the remediation at 992 Fairview Lake Road.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit) 8:05 p.m.
Township Resident P. Piccone asked what’s being done about the problem at Millbrook Road. Mayor L. Chammings responded that the owner of the property has been issued a Notice of Violation by the Zoning Officer and that’s all she can say on the matter at this point in time. Mr. Piccone provided pictures to the Township Committee that the Board of Health had taken in June 2024 showing the condition of the property. The Township Committee reviewed the photos and asked if they could have the Clerk copy them to have on file and that they would be returned thereafter. He asked if it had been followed up on and the Mayor explained that the Notice of Violation gives the owner a specified amount of time to rectify the situation. Committeeman G. Scott thanked Mr. Piccone for bringing the information to the Township Committee and that they would look further into it.
Township Resident K. Draghi stated that there is an issue with the TV at the Community Center. She said that they tried using it but couldn’t get any sound, and the screen wasn’t working. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that they are working on replacing that TV. They included it in the LRIG Grant that they applied for this year. Mrs. Draghi also expressed concern regarding the number of tractor-trailers that are on route 619. The Township Committee explained that they have tried contacting the County numerous times about putting a weight limit on county roads, but they won’t do it. They encouraged her to attend the County Commissioners’ meetings and voice her concerns there. They did say that the State Police and Sheriff’s Department have been pulling tractor-trailers over and giving out tickets, but it doesn’t seem to phase them. There are larger, numerous weight limit signs now detouring them, but they just blow past them. They’re hoping increasing the fines will help change that.
Mrs. Draghi asked if they could put a lock on their cabinets in the community center so that other groups or private parties using the center can’t go through their items and take things. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that it’s township property, so they can’t put a lock on the cabinets themselves, but they are working on something with the DPW on how to fix that issue.
Township Resident B. Doolittle asked if there was an update on Emmons Lane. Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that tree limbs in the roadway would be removed by the township. The Township is not required to cut down trees that are not obstructing the roadway. If something happens after hours, they should call the State Police’s non-emergency line, and they will contact the DPW to remove the downed tree and secure the area.
No further public comment.
PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED at 8:25 p.m.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Township Attorney E. Bernstein asked to give his update during a brief executive session.
BILLS LIST #5 $ 268,046.11
RESOLUTION 2025-063 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has approved payment upon certification from
the Township Department Heads that the goods and/or services have been rendered to the
Township;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the current bill lists, dated March 18, 2025, are on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and approved by the Chief Financial Officer for payment, be paid.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2025-063, funds permitting.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney, seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:26 p.m.
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
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 and Contract
3. As nearly as can now be ascertained, the matter or matters to be discussed at this time will be disclosed to the public when such matters are resolved.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to go back into Regular Session at 8:40 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the record should reflect that all members of the governing body present, commencing from the Executive Session, are present to recommence to the open session along with the Township Attorney and Township Clerk. There was a discussion on the completion of the Teamsters Local 125 Contract and a further discussion regarding some guidance from the attorney to the governing body, no formal action needs to be taken at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Ingles
Municipal Clerk
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