November 17, 2025

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
November 17, 2025 @ 7:00 pm

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held on the above date and time. The meeting was called to order in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

The flag was saluted, and roll call was taken.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Lippencott, Mrs. Draghi, Mrs. Mountford, Mr. van der Haeghen, Mr. Kochenthal, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Bessler

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Wykoff

ALSO PRESENT: Frank McGovern, Esq., Robert Beringer, PE, Deputy Mayor Vera Rumsey, and Committeewoman Dawn Delaney.

Swearing in of Board Members: None

Approval of Minutes:
October 27, 2025

Mrs. Draghi made the motion to approve the October 2025 minutes, seconded by Mr. Doolittle.

Roll Call: Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. Doolittle – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen – Abstained, Mr. Bessler – Abstained.

Resolutions:
– Lewis (907 Morningside Drive, Block 2101, Lot 9)

Mrs. Mountford made a motion to memorialize the above Resolution, seconded by Mr. Kochenthal.
Roll Call: Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen – Abstained, Mr. Doolittle – Yes, Mr. Bessler – Abstained.

Completeness:
– Manser (Pepperidge Drive, Block 307, Lot 8)

Mr. van der Haeghen made a motion to deem the matter complete for hearing, seconded by Mr. Doolittle.
Roll Call: Mr. van der Haeghen – Yes, Mr. Doolittle – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Bessler – Yes.

Hearings:
– Manser (Pepperidge Drive, Block 307, Lot 8)

The applicant’s attorney, Daniel Benkendorf, provided an overview of the application to the Board. The parcel is a 1.22 acre undeveloped lot. Mrs. Manser would like to construct a home and her application is seeking variance approval for building on an undersized lot, front yard set back, as well as, pre-existing, non-conforming use.

Mrs. Manser was sworn in and provided testimony as questions were presented by her council.

The applicant’s land surveyor/planner, Doug Dykstra, was sworn in and testified regarding the map of the property, explaining that is located on the West Shore of Crandon Lake. The home will be approximately 1,338 sq. ft. with a one car garage and will have no basement. It will have a driveway off West Shore Drive. The septic permit has already been issued.

The matter was opened to the public at 7:25pm. Mr. Sam Slobodzian was sworn in and advised that he owns the property across the street. He testified that he was told by the prior zoning officer that the applicant’s lot was unbuildable due to concerns with septic and because the water would run downhill. He voiced concerns regarding water and septic run-off, as it’s currently problematic for his property. The Township Engineer advised that if the current catch basin is not working properly, the Town and County should be contact to correct the issue. He also advised that the State would not approve a septic design if there would be any leakage in the structure.

The applicant was advised that she would need to comply with Stormwater Management guidelines to ensure her build would not impact neighboring properties. Mr. Benkendorf advised that the applicant would submit a plan to show how they would mitigate the issue and have it as a condition of the variance approval.

There being no further public comment, the matter was closed to the public at 7:42pm.

The Board agreed to approve the application as presented, allowing reconstruction of the front porch, as well as, allowing the existing flagstone and concrete walkways to remain.

Mrs. Mountford made a motion to approve the application, seconded by Mr. van der Haeghen.
Roll Call: Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Doolittle – Yes, Mr. Bessler – Yes.

Bills:
Mr. van der Haeghen made the motion to pay the following bill, seconded by Mr. Doolittle.

Dolan & Dolan – Carbone 4202/10     $70.00

Roll Call: Mr. van der Haeghen – Yes, Mr. Doolittle – Yes, Mr. Lippencott – Yes, Mrs. Draghi – Yes, Mrs. Mountford – Yes, Mr. Kochenthal – Yes, Mr. Bessler – Yes.

Correspondence: None

Old/New Business:
The Board requested more timely receipt of engineering reports prior to the hearing date.

Discussion was held regarding the necessity to change existing ordinances so homeowners do not need to go through the expense of variance approval to improve or build in the various lake communities.

Executive Session: None

Open to the Public: 
The session was opened to the public at 8:16pm. There being no public comment, the session was closed to the public.

Committee Liaison Report:
The liaison report was provided by Deputy Mayor Vera Rumsey:
– All budgets are currently being worked on.

– Donations are being sought for the Fire Department who will be doing the turkey/meal deliveries on November 25th.

– On December 1st, three Township Committee members will attend the Stillwater School 6th Grade Class Trip.

– The annual tree lighting will be held on December 5th.

– Free Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 14th from 8:00am-10:00am at the fire house.

– The annual vendor sale will be held on Saturday, November 22nd from 11:00am-3:00pm.

– The DPW took possession of their new chipper bucket truck and they sold off old equipment on MuniciBid.

Adjournment: With there being no further business, at 8:12pm, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. With a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Bair