STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday March 7, 2023
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 6:04 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were sent to 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: Mrs. Delaney, Mr. Barta, Mrs. Rumsey, Mr. Scott, Mayor Chammings
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 Mrs. Delaney and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 6:05 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, Contract, 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 Mayor Chammings to suspend executive session and return to public session at 7:04 p.m. seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
The flag was saluted.
BUDGET PRESENTATION – Tammy Leonard, CFO
The CFO, Tammy Leonard, presented the budget to the township committee. Mrs. Leonard explained the budget process started in October of 2022. There were three budget workshop meetings held which created the budget. After the presentation the CFO presented the Township Committee with a few areas of the budget that could be reduced slightly to reduce the overall budget. The Township Committee discussed the options and chose the cuts they felt best served the Township. The CFO agreed with their decisions and will make the final changes to the budget. The 2023 budget will be introduced at the March 21, 2023 regular Township Committee meeting.
MINUTES: Budget Meeting Minutes February 4, 2023
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, abstain, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
MINUTES: February 21, 2023 Executive and Regular Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
BILLS LIST #04 $923,723.79
RESOLUTION 2023-62 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 February 21, 2023 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.
Mr. Scott pulled PO#13516, which is mileage reimbursement for Mrs. Delaney. Mr. Barta questioned the cost of the Knox boxes on if it was the cost of one or two. The Clerk explained Mr. Sugar was able to find the boxes cheaper so the cost of the bill is for the two of them.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-62, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to pay PO#13516, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, abstain, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: There were no amendments to the agenda.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
Lou Sylvester expressed his concerns on the budget capital line not showing paving for two parks, Stillwater and Veteran’s, and having pickleball lines painted on them. Mr. Sylvester stated it would be very minimal upkeep from the township once the parking lots are paved. It was explained these costs were already a part of the capital plan.
Heidi Mountford expressed her concerns for the RUT (reserve for uncollected taxes). Mayor Chammings explained the township was following the recommendations of our CFO and Auditor in regards to the RUT. Mayor Chammings referenced a resolution which for the Fund Balance Policy in 2022.
Marica Bradley thanked Paul Mole for all of the work he did for CERT and how sad they are to see him resign. Paul created a clear outline called Steps for New CERT Members. He also administered the Facebook page for Stillwater CERT. The Sussex County CERT Basic course has been postponed until the Fall. CERT is currently looking for other avenues to take the course before the Fall.
OLD BUSINESS:
Township’s Tax Lien Update:
The advertisement of the foreclosures will be in the Sunday February 26, 2023 New Jersey Herald. Forty-five (45) days after the advertisement we will be able to foreclose on the first set of properties. At the next meeting there will be a resolution to authorize the next set of properties to start the foreclosure process on. Mr. Vex is going to start the title search on the next set of properties to be foreclosed on.
ORDINANCE 2023-04 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TOWNSHIP NOISE ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY PROHIBITED ACTS AND CONFIRM ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater wishes to improve the Township Noise Ordinance to ensure that its provisions can be efficiently enforced when necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that the Township Code shall be amended as follows:
SECTION 1
The Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater hereby amends Chapter 272 of the Township Code entitled “Noise” to add a new subsection to § 272-2 (Prohibited Acts) as follows:
SECTION 2
The Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater hereby amends Chapter 272 of the Township Code entitled “Noise” to add a new Section § 272-5 as follows:
§ 272-5 Enforcement, Violations and penalties
This Chapter shall be enforced by the New Jersey State Police or any law enforcement agency serving Stillwater Township. Any person who fails or refuses to comply with any lawful order or direction of a member of the State Police or any law enforcement agency serving Stillwater Township to cease and desist from making noise believed to be in violation of this Chapter, or who violates this Chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the penalties provided in Chapter 1. Article III of the Code of the Township of Stillwater (§ 1-17 et seq.)
SECTION 3
The Township Clerk shall take all necessary action to assure the Code is promptly updated to accurately reflect the current law, policies and practices of the Township of Stillwater.
SECTION 4
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to open the discussion of the ordinance to the public, seconded by Mr. Barta.
Mr. Joseph Doherty read a letter of thanks into the record:
“I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to council for amending the township noise ordinance and to Attorney Howard Vex for crafting the wording to acknowledge, in part, in legalese, my sentiment on extreme and incessant noise activity. I see it as a victory for the people, whose voice was heard and heeded by their elected representatives. It is a classic example of the peoples’ government at work. Vox Populi – Well Done!”
Mr. Steve Sugar questioned the wording of the ordinance limiting enforcement to the New Jersey State Police. Mr. Vex suggested adding “or any local law enforcement agency” to allow for any law enforcement agency to enforce the ordinance as it reads.
Mr. Lou Sylvester just thanked the committee for taking the time to amend this ordinance. Mr. Sylvester expressed his concerns about not having the Zoning Officer listed as an enforcer of this ordinance.
Mayor Chammings expressed she would not want to put our Zoning Officer in an area which could become contentious when you are talking about firearms.
After the discussion from the public a motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Ordinance 2023-03, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes, with the changes to the ordinance.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE 2023-05 AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2023 – INTRODUCTION [Public Hearing and Adoption March 21, 2023]
BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, as follows;
Section 1. The Township of Stillwater shall pay it municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below. Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.
POSITION: SALARY RANGE:
Township Committee Member $4,500.00 – $6,000.00
Township Clerk $50,000.00 – $90,000.00
Deputy Clerk $18.00 – $25.00 per hour
Municipal Registrar $6,000.00 – $8,500.00
Clerk 1 $40,000.00 – $60,000.00
Deputy Municipal Registrar $3,000.00 – $4,500.00
Receptionist $15.00 – $20.00 per hour
File Clerk $15.00 – $20.00 per hour
Chief Financial Officer $50,000.00 – $90,000.00
Clean Communities Coordinator-Stipend $1,000.00
Qualified Purchasing Agent-Stipend $3,000.00
Tax Assessor $25,000.00 – $45,000.00
Tax Collector $25,000.00 – $45,000.00
Tax Collector-Extra Hours $25.00 – $40.00 per hour
DPW Supervisor (Provisional) $58,000.00 – $65,000.00
DPW Supervisor (CPWM) $70,000.00 – $90,000.00
Recycling Coordinator $1,750.00 – $2,500.00
DPW Laborers As Per Contract
Solid Waste Worker $15.00 – $20.00 per hour
Solid Waste Cashier $15.00 – $20.00 per hour
Recycling Supervisor $20.00 – $30.00 per hour
Recycling Worker $15.00 – $25.00 per hour
Zoning Officer $20,000.00 – $40,000.00
Construction Code Official $10,000.00 – $25,000.00
Plumbing Sub-Code Official $7,500.00 – $15,000.00
Electrical Sub-Code Official $7,500.00 – $15,000.00
Fire Sub-Code Official $2,500.00 – $5,000.00
Fire Inspector $2,500.00 – $5,000.00
Smoke Detector Certifications $25.00 per Certification
Smoke Detector Re-Certifications $20.00 per Certification
Electrical Inspector/Sub-Code Official-Vaca Coverage $35.00 – $50.00 per hour
Emergency Mgmt Coordinator $2,000.00 – $5,000.00
Deputy Emergency Mgmt Coordinator $1,000.00 – $3,000.00
Animal Control Officer $7,500.00 – $12,000.00
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: SALARY RANGE:
Zoning Board Secretary $5,000.00 – $9,000.00
Planning Board Secretary $5,000.00 – $9,000.00
Environmental Commission Secretary $2,500.00 – $5,000.00
Recreation Commission Secretary $2,500.00 – $5,000.00
POLICE: SALARY RANGE:
Crossing Guard $15.00 – $18.00 per hour
Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by the Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2023 unless otherwise noted.
Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer of employees of the Township of Stillwater. Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of funds.
Section 4. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage according to law.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to introduce Ordinance 2023-05, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-63 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE RA-23-02
WHEREAS the following Raffle Application with required fees have been submitted for Township Committee approval;
Raffle # Applicant Date Type of Game
RA-23-02 Domestic Abuse Services Inc. 03/24/2023 Raffle
(Event to be held at the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company)
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:
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-63, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-64 OEM COORDINATOR’S APPOINTMENT OF JAMES CANTELMO AS DEPUTY OEM COORDINATOR WITH COMMITTEE CONCURRENCE
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, they do hereby concur with the OEM Coordinator’s Appointments of James Cantelmo for a three-year term as Deputy OEM Coordinator effective March 8, 2023.
A motion was made by Mrs. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2023-64, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, abstain, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, abstain, Mayor Chammings, yes. Mr. Scott and Mr. Barta abstained due to wanting to meet with Mr. Cantelmo prior to accepting him as Deputy OEM Coordinator.
RESOLUTION 2023-65 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SUSSEX COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE PROVISION OF CERTIFIED RECYCLING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO CERTIFY AND SUBMIT THE 2022 RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT TO NJDEP
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater is required to submit a Certified Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP for the year 2022; 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 2022 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 2022 Stillwater Township Tonnage Report to NJDEP by April 30, 2023; 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 2022 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 Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-65, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
RESOLUTION 2023-66 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ALLISON LAROCCA AS
COVERING ZONING OFFICER FOR THOMAS DIXON
WHEREAS, Thomas Dixon is temporarily unable to fulfill all duties of his position as the Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer for the Township of Stillwater, effective March 1, 2023 while he recovers from surgery; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee have recommended that Certified Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, Allison LaRocca, temporarily fill the position as the provisional Township Zoning Officer, until Thomas Dixon can return to his duties; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor and Committee of Stillwater Township in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey confirms the need of the provisional appointment of Allison LaRocca to the Township Zoning Officer Position, subject to the following terms and conditions:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that her employment is subject to the usual terms and conditions as set forth in the Township of Stillwater Personnel Policy Manual, as well as New Jersey Court Rules and Civil Service Law.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-66, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Allison thanked the Committee and is looking forward to helping out in the absence of Mr. Dixon. She will be at the town hall Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Peddling and Soliciting Application:
The Township Clerk received an email asking for a peddler’s application. She presented to the committee for approval an application and requirements of the applicant. The Committee approved her recommendations.
Landlord Identity Registration:
The Township Clerk put together the landlord registration cover letter, the landlord registration form, and they are up on the website as a fillable form. Mayor Chammings thanked the clerks department for all of their work on getting all the pieces together to get the mailing out to over 300 landlords.
Workshops:
Mayor Chammings suggested to the Committee to utilize some of the workshop meetings built into the schedule to go over three main topics: the community center, the personnel handbook, and public safety.
The workshop meeting to discuss the Community Center and public safety will be held Tuesday April 11, 2023 at 4 pm at the Community Center.
The workshop meeting to discuss the personnel handbook will be help Tuesday May 2, 2023 at 6pm, prior to the regular meeting, at the Town Hall.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
Heidi Mountford expressed her concerns for the non-returned escrow from different projects, not just for herself but for other residents as well. The Committee agreed to come up with a better process to make sure residents get the escrow back after they complete a project at their home. Kathy Draghi questioned what the process of returning the escrow is currently.
Heidi Mountford stated she works with a non-profit called Benny’s Bodega and asked if there was anyway to get a list of seniors who could benefit from the organization. Committeewoman Rumsey informed her to contact The Sussex County Senior Services Department, the office of the Aging, to get the information she is looking for.
Scott Douglas, President of the Paulinskill Lake Association, thanked the clerk’s department for fixing the “Lakes” link on the website. It now goes to the lake page where residents can access information on the different lakes in the community. He also wanted to thank the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company for the recent activity which happened in his front yard, involving a truck and a tree. He stated they were quick to respond, professional, and courteous.
Scott Douglas asked if there was easy access for the solicitation information on the website. The clerk asked him to have the people contact her via email right away, and the link is on the website under forms and applications. Committeeman Scott suggested having something in the bylaws of Paulinskill Lake Association about solicitation.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT:
Mr. Vex reported he had nothing further to report at this time.
The Township Committee resumed Executive Session at 9:00pm and re-entered public session at 9:44 p.m.
There being no further business, Mr. Scott 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,
Beth Martin, Deputy Clerk
Stillwater Township offers residents a Recycling and Convenience Center for household trash and recycling.
Residents are able to view property tax information and make payments through the online system. You may find a property by entering the property’s location or block, lot and qualifier.
Stillwater Township posts all information about bids and proposals for township projects on a dedicated page.
The Stillwater Rec Summer Camp will be August 12-16 and August 19-23, 2024
Visit the Office of Emergency Management page for links and the latest information