May 16, 2023 – Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday May 16, 2023

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 6:05 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 6:06 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: 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 Mr. Scott to return to public session at 7:02 p.m. seconded by Mayor Chammings. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, Mr. Barta, Mrs. Rumsey, Mr. Scott, Mayor Chammings

The flag was saluted.

MINUTES: May 2, 2023 Executive and Regular Minutes

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

REPORTS: Tax Collector Report – April 2023

Community Center Receipt Report – April 2023

Kennel License Report – April 2023

Landlord Registration Report – April 2023

Campgroup License Report – April 2023

Dog Licensing Report – April 2023

Sussex County Department of Health Report – March 2023

Recreation Commission Fee Report – April 2023

Convenience Center Report – April 2023

Stillwater Board of Health Receipts – April 2023

Building Department Report – April 2023

Fire Department Report – April 2023

DPW Report

Certified Copies Report – April 2023

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the reports 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 #09 $1,225,047.87

RESOLUTION 2023-104 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 May 16, 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.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-104, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

There were no amendments to the agenda.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION (agenda items only):

Joe Doherty read the following statement into the record:

“A few words and personal observations from the May 2^nd meeting: now that the issue of amending the township noise ordinance as it pertains to guns and the second amendment has been resolved to the delight of the pro-gun advocates, allow me to remind my fellow citizens that my right to equal protection under the law is still in play. I want peace and harmony in the community, but it’s a two-way street of mutual respect. I believe the gun enthusiasts of Stillwater “jumped the gun” by thinking their gun rights were in jeopardy. No one wants to infringe on their gun rights, least of all me. The soon-to-be repealed amendment was merely an attempt to put in place a mechanism whereby a citizen could seek redress from excessive demonstrations and displays of gun noise. Not all disputes can or will be resolved by a dialogue, a smile, a handshake and a pat on the back. That’s why we have laws. It may come as a surprise to some, but not everyone subscribes to a carte blanche point of view when it comes to guns. It has been said that this issue could have been resolved between the parties without bringing council into it and disturbing the 1972 ordinance. In my view the 1972 ordinance needed to be disturbed – it needs to be updated and enforced and I trust council will do just that. Furthermore, on the belief that council did not need to be involved obviously depends on one’s point of view. However, if bringing council into the controversy was not the way to go, my regrets to council and Mr. Vex for putting them thru an eight-month long ordeal. Regarding my reconsidering the issue in the best interest of the community, that is true, but it may have fallen on some deaf ears. The large crowd of self-serving individuals who appeared at the May 2^nd meeting were out to undo a legitimate act of governance – again, based on their mis-informed belief that their gun rights were in jeopardy. Council was quick to respond to the will of the masses by agreeing to repeal the previously approved amended ordinance. I must admit that although I knew it was done deal, I had mixed feelings about the decision, but the best interest of the community had to be given top priority. I noticed a marked difference in the demeanor of one of the speakers at the May 2^nd meeting and comments made to me at previous meetings. I got the impression that he was taking a ‘victory lap’ and gloating at the large turnout of supporters. It lacked respect, sincerity and humility. There were no conciliatory gestures or remarks to indicate an understanding of the differences and the settling of same. It was strictly about a partisan point of view. I was aghast when he stood before attorney Vex and berated him for drafting the ordinance, ie: doing his job. Also, I was disappointed that my neighbor did not expound on his meeting with Mayor Chammings and myself. A little more enthusiasm and a few informative details would have been helpful. Yes, the turnout was impressive, but not enough to counter the rights and determination of an individual seeking satisfaction under the law. In a federal constitutional republic like we have in America, protecting the rights of the individual from the rule of the majority is paramount. In closing, please understand that my comments are in no way an attempt to detract from the agreed settlement of the issue or should they be construed as adverse towards Mayor Chammings or to diminish her efforts to resolve a ‘hot issue’ for council. On the contrary, we all try, but she succeeds. Thank you Mayor Chammings for all you have done and continue to do for the residents of Stillwater. Shalom!”

Cody Castner read the following prepared statement into the record:

“At this time, I would like to note that these amendments were scrupulously created, so well that we struggle to improve or revise them today. I would like to point out that nowhere does it say that a citizen’s tranquility shall take precedence over other citizens free will on their own private property, and that is what has occurred here. By the sound of firearm discharge could one determine if it is a legal firearm? No, it is not possible which causes law enforcement to violate the ‘victim of a noise complaints’ 4^th Amendment Rights which ‘prevents citizens from unreasonable search and seizure and can only be issued by a judge based on probable cause’. If a person whom files a noise complaint about the discharge of a firearm from someone whom may be legally hunting it leaves the person filing the complaint to act as Judge and Jury. This is not only violates our 4^th Amendment but is also considered ‘Hunter harassments’ as per NJSA 23:7A-1. I would like to thank the committee for allowing our voices to be heard. We are here again to display not only our concern, but the importance of the committee’s actions specifically pertaining to the noise ordinance 272-2 and 272-3. December 15, 1791. The date in which the US Bill of Rights were ratified. The First Amendment states, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the Free exercise thereof: or abridging the Freedom of Speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.’ The Second Amendment, ‘A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a Free state, the right of the people to keep and bare arms shall not by infringed.’”

Ms. Shelly Vosper stated the Stillwater Gun Club has hunted her family’s property for 50 years and should establish a very long friendship with the gun club and show the members they are on the same side. Ms. Vosper asked if the change to the ordinance being requested tonight allows the discharge of guns 24/7? Mayor Chammings said Not a 24/7 No. Ms. Vosper said a 11 to 7 ban? Mayor Chammings noted the ordinance already has a time regulation for noise. Mr. Castner offered to speak with Ms. Vosper outside and explain what the group is requesting the Township Committee to consider and adopt.

OLD BUSINESS:

Township’s Tax Lien Update: Mr. Vex mentioned the process is moving forward. All the paperwork for all the properties should be done and ready to be signed at the June 20, 2023 meeting.

ORDINANCE 2023-10 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SALE
OF REAL PROPERTY TO CONTIGUOUS PROPERTY OWNERS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(b)(5) – Public Hearing and Adoption

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 20, 2023, 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 20, 2023 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.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Ordinance 2023-10, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

ORDINANCE 2023-12 REPEALING ORDINANCE 2023-04 AMENDING CHAPTER 272 OF THE CODE OF STILLWATER ENTITLED “NOISE” AND RESTORING IT TO THE JANUARY 18, 1972 VERSION – Public Hearing and Adoption

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater has determined that Ordinance 2023-04 Chapter 272, Noise, of the Code of the Township of Stillwater, that was adopted by the Township Committee on March 7, 2023, should be repealed and Chapter 272, Noise should be restored to its January 18, 1972 version in effect prior to the March 7, 2023 ordinance 2023-04.

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

SECTION 1.

Ordinance 2023-04 be repealed in its entirety and, Chapter 272, Noise of the Code of the Township of Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey, be restored to its January 18, 1972 version.

SECTION 2 – SEVERABILITY

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.

SECTION 3 – 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.

SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Ordinance 2023-12, seconded by Mr. Barta. Mr. Barta commented to the public he recommends going through Civil Court if there is any other issues. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 2023-11 AN ORDINANCE TO COMPLY WITH NEW STATE REQUIRED RESTRICTIONS ON WILDLIFE FEEDING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY – INTRODUCTION [Public Hearing and Adoption – 6/20/2023]

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has mandated that the Township of Stillwater adopt the new restrictions on wildlife feeding on public property owned or controlled by the Township.

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

SECTION 1

The Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater hereby amends the Township Code to add a new Chapter entitled “Wildlife Feeding” as follows:

§ ____-1 Purpose

This Chapter prohibits the feeding of unconfined wildlife in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the Township of Stillwater, so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.

§ ____-2 Definitions

For the purpose of this Chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this Chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always intended to be mandatory and not merely directory or advisory.

Feed – to give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing wildlife. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game.

Person – any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

Wildlife – all animals that are neither human nor domesticated.

§ ____-3 Prohibited Conduct

No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the Township of Stillwater any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers, or feral cats as part of an approved Trap-Neuter-Release program).

§ ____-4 Enforcement

This Chapter shall be enforced by the State Police, Sheriff Officers and/or other Municipal Code Enforcement Officials of the Township of Stillwater.

Any person found to be in violation of this Chapter shall be ordered to cease the feeding immediately.

§ ____-5 Violations and Penalties

Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50.00.

SECTION 2

Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this Ordinance to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this Ordinance or the resulting Chapter of the Township Code.

SECTION 3

The Township Clerk shall take all necessary action to assure that the Township 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 Mrs. Delaney to introduce Ordinance 2023-11, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, no, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, no, Mayor Chammings, yes

ORDINANCE 2023-13 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 272 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER ENTITLED “NOISE” TO ADD AN EXCEPTION FOR THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS – INTRODUCTION [Public Hearing and Adoption 6/20/2023]

After a very extensive lengthy discussion between the committee members, A motion was made by Mr. Scott to table Ordinance 2023-13, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, abstain.

ORDINANCE 2023-14 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 182, SECTION 2, OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER ENTITLED “FEES”– INTRODUCTION [Public Hearing and Adoption 6/20/2023]

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that Chapter 182, Section 2, entitled “Fees”, be amended to provide as follows:

CHAPTER 182-2 Summer camp registration fee per child shall be $50.00

SEVERABILITY

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.

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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.

A motion was made by Mrs. Delaney to introduce Ordinance 2023-14, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-105 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR 100% DISABLED VETERAN

WHEREAS, there appears on the tax records of STILLWATER Township certain resident who Qualify for tax exemptions, and

WHEREAS, said exemptions were created when the taxpayer’s application for Veteran Status, – Total Disability was completed and approved by the Tax Assessor.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper officers be and they are hereby authorized and directed to cancel 2023 property taxes beginning on April 27, 2023 due to fact that the taxpayer is qualified under the veteran disability act.

DISABLED VETERANS

BLOCK LOT NAME YR

4308 1.02 VALENZUELA 2023

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-105, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-107 RESOLUTION TO AMEND 2023 BUDGET TO INCLUDE THE 2023 CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT

WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and

WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for an equal amount, and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater has received a total of $17,999.10 from the Solid Waste Administration for the 2023 Clean Communities Grant, and

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater now wishes to amend its 2023 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $17,999.10 as a revenue.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee of the Township of Stillwater does hereby request the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of $17,999.10, which will be available as a revenue from:

Miscellaneous Revenues

Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated with Prior Written

Consent of the Director of Local Government Services – Public

And Private Revenues Offset with Appropriations: 2023 Clean Communities Grant, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$17,999.10

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

General Appropriations

Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:

2023 Clean Communities Grant, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer submit one copy of the Chapter 159 certification form to the Director of Local Government Services.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-107, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

RESOLUTION 2023-108 APPOINTING KATHRYN WUNDER AS FILE CLERK FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT PURGING/FILING/SCANNING PROJECT

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township Committee adopted Resolution 2023-102 on May 2, 2023 and decided to change the pay structure for Mrs. Wunder and therefore Resolution 2023-102 is rescinded in full; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to appoint Kathryn Wunder to provide the necessary services as File Clerk; and

WHEREAS, the work will be undertaken for the number of hours reaching a total of $2,500.00 for the calendar year of 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified the funds are available for this purpose;

BE IT RESOLVED the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoints Kathryn Wunder to provide purging/filing/scanning assistance to the Construction Department at a rate of $20 per hour, as File Clerk, until reaching a total of $2,500.00 for the calendar year of 2023 beginning June 6, 2023.

A copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Township.

The Resolution shall take effect immediately.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this Resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2023-108, seconded by Mrs. Delaney. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

There were no discussion items on the agenda.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit):

Pam Vreeland explained how she is a local realtor and offers a program through NJEA for local “heroes” i.e.: law enforcement, fire fighters, EMTs, nurses, teachers, etc.

John Eick told a story relating to being civil with your neighbors.

Sean Donahue read a statement “I, Sean Donahue, urge the committee to enact 272-3 to include discharge of legal firearms.” He asked people who agree to raise their hands. There were 20 people who raised their hands in the audience, in agreement with the statement he read.

Arlene Fisher after reading a comment posted on Facebook, stated she “hasn’t touched the election signs, nor has anyone else she knows touched the election signs, and I resent you, Vera, making this comment. It makes me look like I am the one stealing the signs.” There was a determination the county is the one who is removing the election signs from all of the county roads in Stillwater. Mrs. Rumsey defended her post noting Mrs. Fisher constantly accuses her of blaming or going after Mrs. Fisher and she did not and does not and Mrs. Rumsey is tired of the tirade from Mrs. Fisher.

Donna Price informed the committee and public there is a new law passed regarding giving bicyclists four feet of room when passing them on the road. Mrs. Price is going to provide the links to the law to the clerk who will than post them on the website and Facebook page for the public awareness.

Lou Sylvester invited everyone to our Memorial Day Service at Veteran’s Park at 10am on May 29, 2023 and thanked township employees for helping with the event.

Dimitri Gatanas asked the committee how to go about submitting a complaint against an employee. Mayor Chammings explained to write a letter and submit it to the clerk who will than hand it out to the committee.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:

Mr. Vex had no further report at this time.

Mr. Scott noted there was one more item which needed to be addressed and said the Township Committee has received a letter of resignation from the Deputy Clerk. A motion was made by Mr. Scott to accept the resignation of the Deputy Clerk, with regret, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Delaney, yes, Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes with regret, Mr. Scott, No, Mayor Chammings, yes. Mayor Chammings noted Mrs. Martin has accepted a full-time position in another municipality.

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Martin, Deputy Clerk