May 18, 2021 Regular Meeting
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
May 18, 2021 – Regular Meeting
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:00 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were duly published in the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13. Mayor Chammings added the meeting was being held virtually on Zoom and this meeting was also advertised with the link in the New Jersey Herald, the Stillwater Township website (www.stillwatertownshipnj.com) on the Stillwater Township Face Book page. PRESENT: Committeewoman Rumsey, Committeeman Morrison, Deputy Mayor Scott (8:15 p.m.), Committeeman Fisher, Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott and Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: 6:05 p.m. held in Town Hall
After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mr. Scott, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 6:07 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 and 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.
By a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Scott to conclude Executive Session at 7:05p.m., unanimously carried by voice vote.
Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.
MINUTES: April 20, 2021 Regular and Executive Session Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the regular and executive minutes of April 20, 2021, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
May 4, 2021 Regular and Executive Session Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the regular and executive minutes of May 4, 2021, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
REPORTS: DPW Report of April 2021
Building Department Report of April 2021
Registrar’s Report of April 2021
Convenience Center Report of April 2021
Recreation Commission Report of April 2021
Animal Control Report January – March 2021
ACO Report January through March 2021
Fire Department Report Year-To-Date
Mr. Fisher asked Chief Sugar if he would provide vehicle maintenance reports with his monthly report. Chief Sugar said he would and has reported issues with the vehicles.
Mr. Scott asked Mrs. Gardner, Recreation Commission Secretary in attendance, to provide the township committee with a clean-up day report.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the reports as presented, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
BILLS LIST #7: $705,919.32
RESOLUTION 2021-075 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 18, 2021 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 the Resolution 2021-075, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Scott reported the first day of the DPW Local 125 contract negotiations was held on May 21, 2021.
Mr. Scott said the Planning Board will meet tomorrow night.
Mayor Chammings said since the Recreation Commission cancelled Stillwater Day were they considering something like a movie and fireworks in the fall. Mr. Scott said they were waiting to see what the Governor does with restrictions. Mayor Chammings noted the Governor released most of the outdoor restrictions. Mayor Chammings asked that fireworks be put on the next Recreation Commission agenda for discussion. Mayor Chammings will forward them the executive orders to review.
Mr. Fisher had no report.
Mrs. Rumsey reported the Community Center’s recent and upcomming events: Plant Exchange on May 15th and Miss Stillwater Pageant on May 21, 202. Mrs. Rumsey noted there has been a lot of interest in using the community center.
Mrs. Rumsey noted it was EMS Week and thanked all responders for “Stepping Up”.
Mrs. Rumsey said the public safety meetings will resume after the COVID vaccination site closes and CERT is able to attend.
Mayor Chammings reported she attended the last Sussex County Mayor’s COVID-19 telephone conference this afternoon. Mayor Chammings commended CERT for all their help at the County’s vaccine site noting Marsha Bradley volunteered for 127 hours!! Mayor Chammings reported the Governor’s Executive Orders that all students have in person learning starting in September – no exceptions. Students who cannot attend school will have to be home schooled. The Governor has also lifted the outdoor mask mandate and Mayor Chammings would like to discuss whether the DPW or Recycling Center employees still have to wear masks since they work outside.
Mayor Chammings said the OEM Mitigation Plan is almost complete and asked the clerk to have the Annex signed by the municipal engineer when he is in town tomorrow. Mayor Chammings also reported she has been working on FEMA reimbursements for the Isaias and Orlena storms and thanks Sussex County Deputy Coordinator in the office of Emergency Management Steven Sugar for his help with completing the Plan.
Mayor Chammings also reported she attended the Court of Honor for Eagle Scout Jack Ericson. Jack Ericson’s Eagle Scout project was the lacrosse rebounding wall in Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Chammings would like to have a proclamation to present to Jack in June or July.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
Alicia Gardner, Recreation Commission Secretary and Member, reported fellow Recreation Commission Member Tara Tosti will be providing the township with a quote from her employer for camera for the community center.
Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Route 619 asked when will the boards be meeting in person at town hall. Mayor Chammings said the Environmental Commission had discussed meeting in person. Some were hesitant and so they participated via Zoom. Mayor Chammings was in Town Hall for those who wished to participate in person and she had one member who came down. Mayor Chammings said she and Mr. Scott will address the subject at the Planning Board meeting tomorrow and suggested Mrs. Draghi bring it up at the Zoning Board of Adjustment Board meeting.
Seeing no one from the public who wished to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.
OLD BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Update on 992 Fairview Lake road (block 2401 Lot 37) Mayor Chammings reported she spoke with Cheryl Kraus from Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s office received some paperwork from the DEP for this property. Mayor Chammings asked Ms. Kraus to follow through with the DEP’s abatement of the lien of the property. Mayor Chammings also noted Kathy Wunder found some information in an old Environmental Commission folder from 1992.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION 2021-076 AUTHORIZING REFUND OF RECREATION COMMISSION STILLWATER DAY VENDOR FEE
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following individual has paid Stillwater Day vendor fees to participate in Stillwater Day; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation Commission voted to cancel Stillwater Day 2021;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township that a refund be issued in the amount of $25.00.
Name & Address Funding Amount
Shaun Garber Recreation Fees $25.00
950 Millbrook Road
Newton, NJ 07860
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the Resolution 2021-076, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
RESOLUTION 2021-077 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Kathryn Wunder as Full-Time Principle Clerk Typist with Committee concurrence
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of Kathryn Wunder as Principal Clerk Typist effective July 31, 2021.
A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt the Resolution 2021-077 with regrets and best wishes, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
RESOLUTION 2021-078 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of William Morrison as Township Committee Member with Committee concurrence
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of William Morrison as Township Committee Member effective May 4, 2021.
A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt the Resolution 2021-078, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.
RESOLUTION 2021-079 Mayor’s Appointment of Thomas Dixon as Part-Time Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer with Committee Concurrence
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of the of Thomas Dixon as part-time Zoning Officer/Code Enforcement Official for 10 hours per week at the rate of $40 per hour effective June 8, 2021.
Mayor Chammings noted Mr. Dixon’s office hours will be Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 to noon.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the Resolution 2021-079, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher abstained, Mayor Chammings, yes.
Mr. Fisher said his abstention vote was because he was not in attendance during Mr. Dixon’s interview.
RESOLUTION 2021-080 Authorizing the Township of Stillwater to enter into an Ambulance Sharing Agreement with Fredon Township
WHEREAS, the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company has requested that the Township, as a convenience to members of the emergency services tripod, should consider allowing Stillwater Township and Fredon Township to borrow certain ambulances from each other for the purposes of municipal operations; and
WHEREAS, the Township Committee has agreed the agreement will be beneficial for both municipalities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Committee that the Township is hereby authorized to enter into an ambulance sharing Agreement with Fredon Township.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Township Clerk are authorized to sign the required documents and agreements.
This Resolution shall be effective immediately.
A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the Resolution 2021-080, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, no, Mayor Chammings, yes.
Mr. Fisher said he voted no because he feels township vehicles are too expensive to lend.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
June 1, 2021 Meeting: Mayor Chammings said she feels there is a lot of business to attend to in June and waiting for the 15th for a meeting could create problems that would have to wait until mid-July to address. Mayor Chammings noted the township committee needs to interview candidates for receptionist and also respond to the Stillwater Republican County Committee’s recommendations and the three names given to them to replace Mr. Morrison.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to schedule a regular meeting for June 1, 2021, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, no, Mayor Chammings, yes.
Town Hall Re-opening: Mrs. Rumsey expressed her desire for town hall to reopen on June 1, 2021 to the public. Mrs. Rumsey noted masks will be worn and the reception door should remain closed so the public does not enter the office areas of town hall. Mr. Scott also believes June 1st is a good time to reopen and seconds Mrs. Rumsey’s motion. Mayor Chammings said she hoped to have this conversation at the June 1st meeting in order to review and modify the Return to Work Policy which was adopted and made part of the employee handbook. Mayor Chammings wanted to say for the record she feels the employees worked diligently at home during COVID and feels they did a phenomenal job. Mr. Bolcato noted this would give the Township Committee the opportunity to remove what sections of the policy they want rescinded and be able to keep other parts. Mrs. Rumsey said the entire Return to Work policy should be rescinded. Mayor Chammings said that would mean no employee could do remote work and she hoped to have the full-time employees keep their one remote day through the summer. Mr. Fisher said two of the full-time employees have their own offices and the other has a large area. Mayor Chammings noted they all share common areas and the copier, fax machine etc. and restated her desire to see the remote day continue through the summer. Mr. Scott called for a vote.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt the re-open Town Hall to the public on June 1, 2021 and rescind the COVID Return to Work policy in full, seconded by Mr. Scott. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, no.
Kittatinny Youth Football light request: Mr. Scott reported the Kittatinny Youth Football would like to having temporary lighting until 8:00 p.m. from the end of October through November (approximately six weeks). Mr. Scott said they were trying to do this the right way after having to remove their temporary lighting last year. Mr. Scott feels this change to the park policy is good for the kids and noted the noise ordinance starts at 10:00 p.m. Mayor Chammings said the township committee would have to amend Ordinance 2016-012 and possible the lighting ordinance as well to accommodate the request. Mr. Bolcato will look at the ordinances and recommend changes to allow the lighting to be used.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Road 619, asked if the ambulance lending had been discussed during public session so the public could weigh in. Mayor Chammings noted that is why there are open public sessions. Mrs. Rumsey explained the township committee’s reasons for the agreement noting the agreement replaces the “hand-shake” used for years and holds the borrowers responsible to repairs and/or other things that may happen while using Stillwater’s ambulance.
Stanley Zeveney, 948 Old School House Road, asked what action has been taken on his complaint on 947A Old School House Road. Mayor Chammings answered at the last meeting the township committee appointed Michael Vreeland, Stillwater’s Municipal Engineer, as conflict zoning officer and he was coming to pick up the file from Joseph Golden and going to do an inspection of the property so he could address the complaint.
Louis Sylvester, 945 Old School House Road, expressed his concerns about the new owner of 947A Old School House Road inviting strangers into the township to look at the property to invest in the new owner’s cannabis business. Mr. Sylvester asked how a commercial business could occur in a residential area and said the township committee should act. Mr. Sylvester also wanted to add a complaint about the old owners violating the zoning permit by removing more trees needed for a home and driveway as permitted by the permit.
Mayor Chammings asked Mr. Sylvester to allow Mr. Vreeland to review and inspect the property and decide how to proceed.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Mr. Bolcato had nothing further to report.
There being no further business to attend to, a motion was made by Mr. Scott, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey to conclude the meeting at 08:48 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynda Knott, Township Clerk
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