March 19, 2024 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 19, 2024

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, Committeewoman V. Rumsey, Committeeman G. Scott, Mayor L. Chammings

Also Present: Township Attorney E. Bernstein

 

FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.

Mayor L. Chammings asked for a moment of silence for Bill Banghart. Without his generosity the Community Center would not have been given to Stillwater Township and we wouldn’t be able to host so many wonderful programs for our residents.

2024 BUDGET INTRODUCTION- TAMMY LEONARD, CFO

[Public Hearing and Adoption April 16, 2024]

RESOLUTION 2024-47

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER INTRODUCING THE 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

BE IT RESOLVED that the attached Statements of Revenues and Appropriations shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the 2024 calendar year; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Summary of said Budget shall be published in The New Jersey Herald on Sunday, March 31, 2024 and the public hearing and final adoption shall be held on April 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building at which time and place objections to the 2024 Municipal Budget may be presented by taxpayers or other persons of interest.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2024-47.

 

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Township CFO T. Leonard stated that the budget being introduced that evening for 2024 is an increase of only 0.17% over the 2023 budget and meets all the necessary requirements for a lawful budget. There will be approximately a $1.00 annual increase for residents with an average home valued at $200,000, or approximately an $0.08 increase per month.

The town is able to increase the budget for additional Sheriff’s patrols from $12,500 to $20,000. The budget for tree removal has also been increased from $12,500 to $15,000. The addition of the new bucket truck to remove problem trees that may be brought down during storms should also help with the tree problem. Aid to Stillwater’s volunteer fire department was increased from $33,850 to $40,000. This will help offset the increased cost of training. The line for Celebration of Public Events has been increased from $2,000 to $5,000 to help prepare for the bicentennial next year.

The town has applied for another Local Recreation grant, including $47,000 to be used toward installation of a new pickleball court. An additional $42,000 has been allocated to our Reserve for Park Projects that can be used toward a pickleball court. The engineer is currently investigating the best spot to put a court. In the meantime, the town has $17,500 in their capital plan to be used toward repairs of the existing tennis/pickleball court. The town is able to fully fund all project this year so they will not be adding to the Township’s debt.

The Municipal budget makes up for only about 15% of the total tax bill and is the only part that they can control. The reminder of the tax bill will be divided between the schools and the County at approximately 65% and 20%, respectively. CFO T. Leonard is not currently aware of how they will impact the taxpayers.

Registered Municipal Accountant Valerie Dolan stated that Stillwater is subject to state review this year and that the division may pull items that they want corrected. She stated that every 3^rd year the municipality is up for being reviewed; the town can do 2 years of self-review then the 3^rd year be reviewed by the state. She stated that if needed, the town can do an amendment to the budget then approve and adopt the amended version at the April 16^th meeting.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that she had asked for an additional $20,000 for Sheriff’s services to increase patrols in Stillwater Township for safety. She explained that one of the reasons that the Committee decided to close the official Township Facebook page, besides not having many followers, was to put the $4,400 per year that it costs to archive the posts from the Facebook page toward public safety. The residents should be going to the township website where all the of township’s information is posted, the calendar is located, township forms and flyers, etc.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that next year the township will have to budget for Stormwater. The DCA has been encouraging shared services. She stated that she looked into the Leap Grant which is designated for shared services but that Stillwater would need to find other municipalities that are close by and interested in going into a shared service, specifically for a street sweeper.

The Township Committee thanked CFO T. Leonard and RMA V. Dolan for their time and their presentation. The Committee stated that T. Leonard did a great job preparing the budget and V. Dolan with assisting.

Committeeman G. Scott asked if a maintenance schedule for the new fire truck is in the budget. CFO T. Leonard stated that the Fire Department did not put in for that in their budget request.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that there is a warranty on the truck. The truck will not be delivered until June then will be covered under warranty for at least 6 months. They were also provided vouchers for extra parts and services, etc. It will need to be added to the 2025 budget.

MINUTES: March 5, 2024 Regular & Executive Session Meeting Minutes

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt the meeting minutes as presented.

 

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

1. NJDEP Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification

Mayor L. Chammings stated that this hazardous substance discharge notification was a heating oil spill on the ground at 946 Ridge Road. The underground tank was being removed and had some oil leak. The cleanup is pending.

REPORTS:

1. Community Center Receipt Report – February 2024
2. Recreation Commission Report – February 2024
3. Board of Health Receipts – February 2024
4. Construction Permit Activity Report February 2024
5. Vacant/Abandon Property Registration Report – February 2024
6. Convenience Center Report – February 2024
7. Registrar Report – February 2024
8. Certified Copies Report – February 2024
9. ACO Report – February 2024
10. OPRA Request Report- February 2024
11. Campground License Report- February 2024
12. Zoning Report- February 2024
13. Tax Collector’s Report- January & February 2024
14. Sussex County Health Department 2/12/24-3/13/24 Inspection Report

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt the reports as presented.

The Township Committee commented on how the new ACO’s monthly report is great, they love the format.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

Mayor L. Chammings asked Committeeman D. Manser if he could speak regarding the Stillwater School Budget which was discussed at the school board meeting the previous night. Committeeman D. Manser stated that there have been shortfalls in state aid since 2018. In 2018 the state aid package was $1.8 million and for the 2024/2025 school year its $540,000. It amounts to a $15.76 per month increase per taxpayer. The school is really scraping to make it happen with the low funding. They may need to cut some programs next year. They don’t have any capital projects planned however they have the settling issue that needs to be fixed and some moisture in the floors which has caused tiles to start lifting. They have eliminated some positions based on retirement and have blended some other positions to try and save money. The PTA is going to try to do more fundraising to help aid the programs that the school provides. The KRHS budget has a $68 increase for the year which comes out to about $5.66 per month to taxpayers.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

Mayor L. Chammings stated that there were no amendments to be made to the agenda.

PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)

PUBLIC SESSION OPEN.

No public comment.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED.

OLD BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 2024-08

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SALE
OF REAL PROPERTY TO CONTIGUOUS PROPERTY OWNERS
PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(b)(5)

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater is the owner of certain real property set forth in Schedule “A”, which properties are not needed or required for municipal use; and

WHEREAS, the lots are less than the minimum size required for development under the municipal ordinance and is without capital improvements; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee deems it in the best interest of the Township of Stillwater to sell the properties to owners of each contiguous property in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(b)(5) and N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13.2; and

WHEREAS, the sale shall be conducted as an auction limited to contiguous property owners to be held at the Township of Stillwater Municipal Building, 964 Stillwater Road, Newton, New Jersey 07860 on June 18, 2024, at 7:00pm or such adjourned date as may be determined by the Stillwater Township Committee; and

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

1. The Township of Stillwater shall offer for sale by auction, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:12‑13(b)(5) and N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13.2, the properties listed on Schedule “A” to the contiguous property owners. Schedule “A” also contains the minimum sale price for each property. The sale is limited to contiguous property owners, and the sale is conditioned upon the property being sold merging with the contiguous property owner’s existing property. The properties being sold are less than the minimum size required for development under the municipal zoning ordinance and are without any capital improvement and shall be merged with the purchaser’s contiguous lot. The Township Committee reserves the right, in its discretion to reject all bids for each property for any reason, including but not limited to, in the event that the minimum sale price for such property is not met.
2. Upon final passage of this Ordinance, the sale shall take place on June 18, 2024 at 7:00pm at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building, 964 Stillwater Road, Newton, New Jersey, subject to receiving no higher bid for said parcels, after offering same to the highest bidder, at said time and place.
3. A copy of this Ordinance shall be posted on the bulletin board or other conspicuous place in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building. Notice of adoption of this Ordinance shall be made in the official Township newspaper within five (5) days following the enactment of the Ordinance. Notice of the public sale shall be published in the official Township of Stillwater newspaper by two (2) insertions at least once a week during two (2) consecutive weeks, the last publication shall be within seven (7) days prior to the sale date.
4. The property shall be sold subject to the following terms and conditions:
5. The property is sold “as is”. No representations of any kind are made by the Township as to the conditions of the property, and the descriptions of the property are intended as a general guide only and may not be accurate. The properties are being sold in the present “as is”, “where is”, with all faults.
6. The sale shall be made after legal advertisement of this Ordinance to the highest bidder who is the owner of a contiguous property, which property shall merge with the property being sold, and become part of the contiguous property owned by the successful bidder.
7. The Township does not warrant or certify title to the property and in no event shall the Township of Stillwater be liable for any damages to the purchaser-successful bidder if title is found unmarketable for any reason and the purchaser-successful bidder waives any and all right in damages or by way of liens against the Township. The sole remedy being the right to receive a refund prior to closing of the deposit paid in the event title is found unmarketable. It shall be the obligation of the successful purchaser to examine title to said premises prior to the closing. In the event of closing and a later finding of defect of title, the Township shall not be responsible for same, shall not be required to refund money or correct any defect in title or be held liable for damages.
8. Acceptance of the highest bid shall constitute a binding agreement of sale and the purchaser shall be deemed to agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the sale herein contained.
9. The highest bidder shall deposit with the Township cash, check or money order in the amount of not less than 10% of the bid price at the time of sale. In the event the successful bidder fails to deposit 10% of the bid price at the time of the sale, the Township of Stillwater will re-auction the property at the same public sale. If the successful bidder fails to pay the deposit, the bidder shall be responsible for any difference between their bid and the final sale bid in the event such bid is lower than the bid of the original bidder.
10. The highest bidder must pay the balance of the purchase price, plus (1) the sum of $275 for the legal services incurred by the Township; (2) the Township of Stillwater’s advertising and the actual recording fees within thirty (30) days after the date the Council adopts a resolution confirming the winning bid(s); and (3) realty transfer fees, if any. The balance shall be paid by certified funds. In addition, for all properties that are subject to Section 5 (r) of this Resolution, the Purchaser shall provide the Township Attorney with a copy of the deed for their existing property and their title insurance policy within seven (7) days of their being notified that they are the successful bidder of the sale. Once the purchase price has been paid, a Quitclaim Deed without covenants will be prepared by the Township Attorney and, after execution by the Township Officials, shall be recorded with the Sussex County Clerk’s Office by the Township Attorney. Additional work performed by the Township Attorneys beyond the standard preparation of the sale resolutions, notice of sale, letters to property owners and adjoining property owners, Deed and closing statement shall be billed at the rate charged by the Township Attorney and shall be the responsibility of the purchaser, which fees must be paid prior to the Deed being recorded.
11. The Deed will be subject to all matters of record, which may affect title herein, what an accurate survey may reveal, the Ordinances of the Township of Stillwater and reserving an easement for all natural or constructed drainage systems, waterways, water and sewer easements, if any, on the premises and the continued right of maintenance and flow thereof.
12. The property will be sold subject to the current year taxes, prorated from the date of sale.
13. The Township Committee reserves the right to withdraw this offer to sell, or upon completion of the bidding to accept or reject any or all bids for said properties or to waive any informality in relation thereto.
14. All bidders currently owing property within the Township must have their taxes, as well as all municipal utility charges, if applicable, paid to date in order to be a qualified bidder. In the event the bidder’s taxes or municipal utility charges are delinquent, the bidder shall be deemed unqualified and such bid shall be rejected.
15. This same is made subject to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, resolutions and ordinances of the United States, State of New Jersey and Township of Stillwater.
16. No employee, agent or officer of the Township of Stillwater has any authority to waive, modify or amend any of the conditions of sale.
17. The purchaser must abide by appropriate zoning, subdivision, health and building regulations and code, and agrees that this sale will not be used as ground to support any variance from or realization of the regulations.
18. The failure of the purchaser to close on title within the time provided for in Subsection 5(f) of this Ordinance shall constitute a breach of this Ordinance unless the Township agrees in writing prior to that date to extend the time of the closing. In the event the purchaser fails to close within the dates provided for in Subsection 5(1) or such date as may be extended by the Township, the deposit paid by the purchaser shall be retained by the Township as liquidated damages. The municipality is entitled to retain the purchaser’s deposit to the extent of any expenses and/or losses it incurs including but not limited to advertising costs, attorney’s fees, lost tax revenues from the date of the required closing as well as additional cost of resale and the difference in the sales price, to the extent the property is sold for a lower price and any subsequent sale. The only exception to this section is in the event that the purchaser fails to close as a result of the title being unmarketable, in which case the Purchaser shall be entitled to a refund of their deposit as provided for in Subsection 5(c) of this Ordinance.
19. The purchase shall not be used for any County, Board of Taxation, Tax
    Court of New Jersey, or in any Courts of the State as grounds to support a challenge of the existing assessments with regard to other properties.
20. The sale shall be subject to final approval by the Township Committee.

Potential Bidders are advised:

(1) To conduct all necessary title searches prior to the date of sale.

 

(2) No representations of any kind are made by the Township of Stillwater as to the conditions of the Property, including habitability or usability; the Property is being sold in its present conditions ”as is”.

(3) The Property will be conveyed by a Quit Claim Deed and such conveyance shall be subject to all covenants, restrictions, reservations and easements established of record or by prescription and without representation as to character of title of the Property to be conveyed.

(4) The highest bidder for the Property shall have the right, at its sole cost and expense, to obtain a new survey of the Property. Provided such survey depicts the Property and is certified to be correct to the Township of Stillwater, the Township of Stillwater shall utilize the legal description drawn in accordance with such survey in the Deed of conveyance, provided the highest bidder provides such legal description and a copy of the certified survey to the Township of Stillwater not less than one week prior to the date set for closing of title.

Additional Terms the Successful Bidder must comply with:

(1) To abide by appropriate zoning, subdivision, health and building regulations and codes and stipulate that this sale will not be used as grounds to support any variance from the regulations.

(2) That the failure to close title as agreed shall forfeit to the Township of Stillwater any and all money deposited with the Township.

1. Severabilitv. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application of this Ordinance to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
2. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions that are inconsistent or in opposition to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed in their entirety.
3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.

This Ordinance shall take effect upon final adoption of publication as may be required by law.

SCHEDULE A

Tax Block Lot Location Lot Size Minimum

Sale Price

301 7 Poplar Terrace 338 x 100 $500

301 5 Poplar Terrace 75 x 100 $250

409 1 Lower Lake W 150 x 105 $250

409 14 Vine Way 75 x 100 $250

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to open Ordinance 2024-08 for public hearing.

PUBLIC HEARING

No public comment.

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to Adopt Ordinance 2024-08.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

NEW BUSINESS:

 

RESOLUTION# 2024-45 A

RESOLUTION TO CANCEL FEBRUARY TAXES AS PROPERTY OWNER HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR 100% EXEMPT AND DISABLED VETERAN

WHEREAS, Block 3704 Lot 5 also known as 911 Hillcrest Road, Stillwater, and

WHEREAS, they were approved for a 100% exemption for a Disabled Veteran by the Tax Assessor and property taxes were paid for the February 1, 2024 taxes by Evident Title Agency in the amount of $2,159.88, and

WHEREAS, Evident Title Agency needs to be reimbursed the amount paid as of January 26, 2024 as the owner was approved as of January 25^th for the 100% exemption.

Now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Township Committee that the Tax Collector be authorized to refund taxes in the amount of $1,579.24 to Evident Title Agency.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2024-45A.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that this was a Resolution that was approved at the last meeting that had an amendment to the amount.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

RESOLUTION # 2024 –48

REFUND TAXES BACK ON BLOCK 3401 LOT 2.08

KNOWN AS 908 FAIRVIEW LAKE ROAD FOR HOMEOWNER

WHO IS 100% PERMANENT AND DISABLED VETERAN

WHEREAS, the February 1, 2024 taxes for 908 Fairview Lake Road, Stillwater, NJ

Have been paid in error by Corelogic Mortgage Company, and

WHEREAS, the amount of $ 2,218.71 need to be refunded back to the Homeowner,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee that the Tax Collector be authorized to refund to Joao Paulo Domiciano whom is 100% Permanent and Disabled Veteran be refunded the amount of $ 2,218.71.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2024-48.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

RESOLUTION 2024-49

A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION AND EXECUTE A GRANT WITH T-MOBILE HOMETOWN GRANT

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township is a small town with no corporations or large business to help bring these projects to life; and

WHEREAS, this grant will be the added push to help us make this community the best it can be; and

WHEREAS, these projects will add additional outdoor activities to encourage a healthier lifestyle and social gathering for all ages and walks of life; and

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Committee acts in full support of approving the grant application for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, New Jersey hereby supports Stillwater Township in applying for the grant application.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to submit an electronic grant application to T-Mobile on behalf of the Township of Stillwater.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf of the Township of Stillwater and that their signature constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and approves the execution of the grant agreement.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2024-49.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

992 Fairview Lake Road Update

Mayor L. Chammings stated that there was not an update on 992 Fairview Lake Road at that time but that another meeting would be scheduled to discuss the next steps.

Open Space & Rec Plan Update

Mayor L. Chammings stated that they had two quotes for the Open Space & Rec Plan from Jessica Caldwell of J Caldwell & Associates LLC and Barbara Davis of the Land Conservancy of New Jersey. The Land Conservancy’s proposal came in at $13,500 and J Caldwell & Associates is stated as not to exceed $12,000. Mayor L. Chammings stated that she has worked with both companies before and they’re equally as good. She stated that the plan really needs to be completed by the end of this year. The last time it was done was in 2006 and it should be updated every 10 years. They have budgeted to complete the plan this year.

The Committee discussed if the Community Center and Recreation should be added to the plan. They instructed Municipal Clerk V. Ingles to send a digital copy of the 2006 Open Space & Rec Plan to J. Caldwell & ask both companies if the town should include the community center and rec programs in the plan. If so would it increase their proposal fee. The Open Space & Rec Plan will be carried to the April 2, 2024 meeting.

Educational Benefit Request

Mayor L. Chammings stated that Committeewoman D. Delaney submitted an educational benefit request to take a course on The Power & Duties of the Municipal Governing Body. The course is designed to assist elected officials in the many facets of government organization. The course costs $200 and she will be attending the 6-hour Zoom course on April 13^th.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to approve the Educational Benefit Request from Committeewoman D. Delaney.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit)

PUBLIC SESSION OPENED at 7:50 PM

Township Resident C. Feenstra asked if anything has been discussed as to her flooding issue. Committeeman G. Scott stated that he asked the Township Engineer to take a look at it, that is unfortunately all that they can do for now.

Mrs. Feenstra asked if the town is going to continue to refill the mulch pile at Volunteer Park. Mayor L. Chammings stated that due to being classified as Stormwater Tier A that unfortunately they can no longer leave the mulch pile there, that it can only be for a short period of time.

Mr. Travis Monahan stated that he had attended a meeting in Sandyston Township on “No National Parks”. He stated that there were approximately 40-50 people there. He stated that he attended tonight’s meeting to ask if the Stillwater Township Committee would help get the information out to the residents since the whole ridgeline will be affected.

Committeeman G. Scott asked T. Monahan to send the info to the Municipal Clerk who will pass the info onto the Town Committee. Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that they could have a seminar at the Community Center on the whole project.

Mr. Monahan stated that he also coaches lacrosse at Veteran’s Park and works for JCP&L. He stated that he could put a couple of poles and nets up himself if the Town Committee approves. He stated that last year he put up some temporary fencing but that doesn’t stop the ball from flying into the brush or prevent families that are walking by from getting hit. Mayor L. Chammings told him to submit a site plan of where he wants to put the poles and nets to the zoning officer to look over and he would need to supply some sort of insurance or hold harmless release. Committeeman G. Scott stated that he also has to explain his plan to the Recreation Commission for their approval as well.

Mr. Monahan stated that he also had a wish list for lacrosse that he was instructed to bring. The Town Committee told him that he needed to contact the Recreation Commission for wish list requests.

No further public comments.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the only report that he had would be discussed in Executive Session.

BILLS LIST #05 $160,632.84

RESOLUTION 2024-50 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 19, 2024, 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 Committeeman D. Manser to adopt Resolution 2024-50, funds permitting.

ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman 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 V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:12 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

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 Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to go back into Regular Session at 8:58 P.M.

Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated to let the record reflect that all members of the governing body present commencing from Executive Session are present to recommence to the open session along with the Township Attorney and Township Clerk. A discussion was had between the Township Committee and the Township Attorney regarding several legal matters such as risk management, labor & employment related issues at which direction was given to the Township Attorney & the Township Clerk to carry out the discussions. Formal action will not be taken at this time but may need to be taken at a future time. With that being said, the only appropriate motion is the motion to adjourn.

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by,

Valerie Ingles

Municipal Clerk