May 5, 2020 Regular Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

May 5, 2020 – Regular Meeting

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:06 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 and other local Face Book pages.

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

PRESENT: Committeeman Morrison, Committeewoman Rumsey, Committeeman Fisher, Deputy Mayor Scott, Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: None

MINUTES: April 21, 2020 Regular Meetings Minutes

A motion was made by Mr. Morrison to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstain Mayor Chammings, yes.

BILLS LIST #8: $925,428.42

RESOLUTION 2020-075 PAYMENT OF BILLS

Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-075, funds permitting and pay bills list, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Fisher, Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Rumsey had no reports at this time.

Mr. Scott reported the Recreation Commission met via Zoom on May 4, 2020 and decided to withhold making any decisions on their events until their June meeting and see where the world stands with the COVID-19 crisis.

Mayor Chammings said Stillwater School introduced their budget on April 27, 2020.

Mayor Chammings reported the Scott application was heard at the Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting via Zoom. ZBA Member Kathy Draghi was in attendance and Mayor Chammings asked her how the meeting went. Mrs. Draghi said the application was approved and all including the applicant had the ability to participate.

Mayor Chammings said she participates in many conference calls and reported the news today is good for Sussex County. Out of the 994 positive cases of COVID-19 72% of the people have recovered, 12% have died and 17% are actively being treated. The County has had 121 deaths. 82 of the 121 deaths have occurred in the County’s long term care facilities.

Mayor Chammings said the Sussex County College grounds will be used for a testing site. Mayor Chammings added the testing site will be for up to 100 symptomatic people per day with prescriptions and there will be no antibody testing. The County is also looking to test first responders without a prescription.

Mayor Chammings reported the schools were closed for the remainder of the academic year.

Mayor Chammings noted she has been working with the Tax Collector, CFO, Finance Clerk and Auditor on estimated tax bills which are necessary because the State has delayed its budget until September 1, 2020. School Business Administrators Rene Metzger and Kathy Kane have been very helpful in making sure Stillwater has the information for the school taxes

Mayor Chammings thanked CERT members for their endless supply of masks and the fire department and County OEM members for all they do. Mayor Chammings also thanked Dania Bodensieck for all her hard work coordinating meal deliveries etc. for front line employees.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:
There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

OLD BUSINESS:

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION 2020-076

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
TO ENTER INTO AN ELECTRONIC PAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH MUNICIPAY

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township’s Chief Financial Officer has recommended that the Township, as a convenience to its residents and taxpayers, should consider allowing residents and taxpayers to make payment of taxes and municipal charges by credit card, debit card or electronic check; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Government Electronic Payment Acceptance Act, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-43, et seq., and implementing regulations, N.J.A.C. 5:30-9.1 et seq., as may be amended, authorizes municipalities to establish and accept online and electronic payments.

WHEREAS, the business, MuniciPAY, provides for such services to businesses and municipal governments; and

WHEREAS, MuniciPAY has offered an Electronic Payment Agreement to the Township with sub-agreements with CardConnect and Paya Services, Inc. for debit and credit card payments, electronic checks and convenience fees to be charged to payers; and

WHEREAS, the resident or taxpayer utilizing the service would pay the convenience fee in addition to their tax or municipal fee charge; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee has been advised that other than a fee for a credit card reader, if the Township requires one, fees for charge backs and fees from VISA if the Township does not comply with its PCI scan requirements, there is no additional expense to the Township to utilize the credit card, debit card or electronic payment receipt services; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee is of the opinion that the Township should extend the convenience of credit card, debit card and electronic payments to the public.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Stillwater Township Committee that the Township is hereby authorized to enter into an Electronic Payment Agreement with MuniciPAY with sub-agreements with CardConnect and Paya Services, Inc.

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, however it shall be void and of no effect in the event that Municipay or any of the subcontract parties fail or refuse to sign any documents and agreement that they are required to sign, or change the terms after the review, approval and execution of the documents by the Township.

The Township Committee made a motion to approve the agreement at the meeting on April 21, 2020. This resolution memorializes that motion. Mr. Scott made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-076, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

ORDINANCE 2020-04

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 2020 [Introduction – Public Hearing and Adoption May 19, 2020]

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 its municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below. Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.

POSITION

Township Committee Member $ 4,533.00
Township Clerk 69,003.00
Municipal Registrar 5,972.00 Principal Clerk Typist 52,434.00
Deputy Municipal Registrar 2,927.00
Receptionist $13.60 per hour
File Clerk – Effective 1/1/2020 $11.00 per hour
Chief Financial Officer 36,549.00
Finance Clerk $26.32 per hour
Clean Communities Coordinator – Stipend 1,000.00
Qualified Purchasing Agent – Stipend 3,000.00
Tax Assessor 32,454.00
Tax Collector 35.414.00
Tax Collector – Extra Hours $56.76 per hour
DPW Supervisor As per contract
Recycling Coordinator 1,798.00
DPW Laborers As per contract
Solid Waste Worker #1 $12.92 per hour
Solid Waste Worker #2 $11.47 per hour
Solid Waste Cashier $11.47 per hour
Recycling Worker #1 $12.92 per hour
Recycling Worker #2 $11.47 per hour
Construction Code Official 11,709.00
Plumbing Sub-code Official 9,277.00
Electrical Sub-code Official 9,095.00
Fire Sub-code Official 5,042.00
Smoke Detector Certifications $25.00 per Cert
Smoke Detector Re-Certifications $20.00 per Cert
Electrical Inspector/Subcode Official – Vacation Coverage $35.00 per hour
Emergency Mgmt Coordinator 1,391.00
Deputy Emergency Mgmt Coordinator 569.00
Animal Control Officer 9,127.00

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Zoning Board Secretary 6,971.00
Planning Board Secretary 6,971.00
Environmental Commission Secretary 2,797.00
Recreation Commission Secretary 2,150.00

Crossing Guard $13.78 per hour

Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by this Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2020 unless otherwise noted.

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer or employees of the Township of Stillwater. Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of the funds.

Section 4. All former ordinances or parts therof 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.

Mr. Scott made a motion to Introduce Ordinance 2020-04, seconded by Mr. Fisher.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes

ORDINANCE 2020-04A

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 2020 [Introduction – Public Hearing and Adoption May 19, 2020]

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 its municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below. Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.

POSITION

Zoning Officer 43,085.00

Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by this Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2020 unless otherwise noted.

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer or employees of the Township of Stillwater. Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of the funds.

Section 4. All former ordinances or parts therof 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.

Mr. Scott made a motion to Introduce Ordinance 2020-04A, seconded by Mr. Morrison.

Roll Call Vote: Ms. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Morrison, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher, abstain, Mayor Chammings, yes

NEW BUSINESS:

DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Executive Order 130: Mayor Chammings reported Executive Order 130 allows municipalities to extend the grace period for tax payments for the 2^nd quarter until June 1, 2020. The order does not extend the municipalities’ time to pay the school and county taxes due. The Township Committee along with the Tax Collector, CFO, Finance Clerk and Auditor researched the extension and the Township Committee decided not to extend the grace period.

Lake Plymouth: The Clerk received a note from a resident who lives near Lake Plymouth asking why he was being charged a State Mandated DAM Assessment Fee from the Lake Plymouth Community Association, Inc. The gentleman stated he was not a member and asked if the dam repair was proceeding and if he were responsible for the fee. Mr. Bolcato said the last time Mr. Torregrossa was in attendance at a Township meeting he was going to obtain an updated quotation from the contractor for the project and then Mr. Torregrossa would be applying to the State for additional funds. The Township has not heard back from Mr. Torregrossa and currently has no agreement to proceed with the project. Mayor Chammings asked the Clerk to contact the gentleman relay the information and direct him to contact Mr. Torregrossa, President of the Lake Plymouth Community Association, Inc.

Laptops: Mr. Morrison asked to have the subject tabled.

DPW Supervisor Salary: Mr. Morrison wanted to continue the conversation into the DPW Supervisor’s salary. Since Mr. Raff took over the position he has performed at a high level and made many good changes to the procedures, projects and tasks for his department. Mr. Morrison said he is seriously underpaid. Mr. Scott and Mrs. Rumsey agreed. Mr. Fisher said he agreed Mr. Raff is doing a very good job but felt his salary adjustment should be discussed in Executive Session with Mr. Raff in attendance. The Township Committee agreed to further discuss the matter and directed the Clerk will see if Mr. Raff is available for discussion on May 19, 2020.

Donation for the Stillwater School graduating Class of 2020: The Clerk reported the Sixth Grade Recognition Committee is planning on doing something for a recognition party even if it happens over the summer and hoped the Township Committee is still willing to make the annual contribution of $200. The Township Committee discussed and said they would be glad to make the donation but would only send it when the event is happening. The Clerk noted the Recognition Committee has approached the Paulinskill Lake Association to possible hold their event at their beach if Camp Nejeda was operating at that time and unable to host their event. The Clerk will pass the information along to the Recognition Committee.

Town Hall Hours for employees: Mayor Chammings discussed the employees have been working mostly from home but there is a schedule for manning town hall on a daily basis and Mayor Chammings wanted to discuss staffing as the State moves toward re-opening from the COVID-19 crisis. The Clerk would like additional time in the office and will now work in the office on Monday and Wednesday.

Estimated Taxes for 3^rd quarter 2020: The State of New Jersey has delayed introducing the 2020 budget until September 1, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore the Township will not receive their tax rate as usual in mid-July. The Township Committee reviewed a memo prepared by the CFO outlining her best estimates of the following taxes to be collected by the Township: County, County library, County Health Svc., County Open Space, District School, Regional School, Municipal and Municipal Open Space and came up with a total of $13,007,175.95. Ms. Mooney outlined scenarios that levy .95% of 2019 and 1.05% of 2019 levy. The Township Committee would like to levy residents a middle ground amount that will not undercharge residents now and affect them later or overcharge the residents now in these trying times. A Resolution for the levy will be on the agenda for the May 19, 2020 meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Scott Douglas, President of the Paulinskill Lake Association said The Association would be glad to host the 6^th grade recognition party. Mr. Douglass also wanted to discuss an abandoned home at 963 Ridge Road (Block 4002 Lot 8). He noted the home was next to his and had what was a swimming pool in the back yard. The neighbor on the other side of 963 Ridge Rd. has been mowing the front lawn but the back and pool area has become a health hazard. The Clerk said she would pass along his concern to the Zoning Officer who handles both his maintenance complaint and registration of vacant/abandoned homes. The registration of vacant homes helps the Township keep on top of banks/mortgage companies to maintain the properties until sold.

Steven Sugar, Stillwater Township Fire Chief reported the department has responded to 52 calls so far in 2020. Mr. Sugar also asked if the door to the fire office at the Community Center be replaced because the door now had been forced open and now no longer closes or locks properly.

Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Route 619, expressed her concern the Township has been keeping employees who are sub-par in positions because the Township Committee is now saying the DPW Supervisor is a quality employee who goes above and beyond and deserves more money. She believes the Township should feel all employees are quality and if not replace them.

There being no additional members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed.

ATTORNEY REPORT: Mr. Bolcato did not have anything further to report.

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey at 8:14 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk