STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – OCTOBER 17, 2023
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 7:18 p.m. Mayor L. Chammings stated that this meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of P.L. 1975, Ch. 231, Secs. 4 & 13 the Sunshine Law and that adequate notice of the meeting has been published in the New Jersey Herald as to the time, place, and date of meetings, and is posted in the usual location of posted notices in the municipal building as well as electronically on the township website and Facebook page.
ROLL CALL: Present: Committeewoman D. Delaney, Committeewoman V. Rumsey, Mayor L. Chammings
Absent: Committeeman G. Scott
Also Present: Township Attorney H. Vex
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.
DISCUSSION: Diamond Communications LLC – Lisa Payne
Ground Lease for Wireless Tower at Stillwater Community Center
Diamond Communications representative Ms. Lisa Payne called into the meeting to discuss the land that they are leasing from Stillwater Township that has the cell tower on it. She explained that they are very interested in buying out the ground lease between Diamond and Stillwater Township located at 931 Stillwater Road. They are offering a non-binding one-time payout of $650,000-$675,000 for a perpetual term. Currently they are paying a monthly rental fee of $2,851.52 to Stillwater Township per the terms of the ground lease. Upon signing a Letter of Intent, Diamond will work with Stillwater Township to draft an easement agreement while simultaneously conducting a due diligence review. They do not cover the property owner’s legal fees. They can also look into a 50-year agreement if the township would like that option as well instead of a “forever” easement. They are paying a base rent currently, which means that it is just a base pay and not based on the number of carriers that use the cell tower. The rent increases 3% annually, which was negotiated in the contract. They have been renting the space for 19+ years.
Committeewoman V. Rumsey asked if they could fix the fencing around the base of the tower. She said the fencing has been in despair and the gate is often unlocked. She has tried calling the phone number numerous times but never hears back from anyone. The cell tower is next to the community center, and there are lot of children that play around it while at events, parties, camps, etc., and it’s dangerous being left unlocked and falling apart. Ms. Payne assured her that she will get in touch with the head of operations about taking care of the fencing around the cell tower.
Mayor L. Chammings stated that the CFO and Attorney would need to review the documents prior to making a decision. She asked what would happen if the cell tower became decommissioned. Ms. Payne replied that there is a termination clause in the easement agreement, that if the cell tower was decommissioned that they will cover having the cell tower removed and restore the land back to the way things were. The Township would not be responsible for paying Diamond any money back if it was prior to the agreement termination date.
Committeewoman D. Delaney asked if they ever do upgrades on the tower such as making it larger or higher? Ms. Payne replied that typically the tower doesn’t change. Unless there’s a problem, they don’t change the tower once it’s up.
Ms. Payne also noted that if the Township does not want to do the one-time payment option that they could do a 25-year extension on top of the 17 years that is left on the current contract for $15,000.
Committeewoman D. Delaney asked if emergency services could access the tower to utilize it for their own purposes. Ms. Payne replied that she has done that in the past, that they can make a licensing agreement so that the first responders can add an antenna to the cell tower. She doesn’t believe that there is a charge for first responders, but she will check and let Municipal Clerk L. Knott know.
Ms. Payne stated she can make another follow-up call if needed and is also available to answer any other questions that may come up.
The Township Committee thanked Ms. Payne for her time and will consider their options after careful consideration.
MINUTES: October 3, 2023 Regular Session & Executive Session Meeting Minutes
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt the meeting minutes as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.
BILLS LIST #17 $117,366.18
RESOLUTION 2023-188 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial 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 October 17, 2023, are on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and approved by the Chief Financial Officer for payment, be paid.
Mayor L. Chammings stated that she would like to have PO 14232 and 14089 removed for further discussion.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2023-188, with the two items removed for further discussion.
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
Mayor L. Chammings stated PO 14232 is for a payment to Committeewoman V. Rumsey in the amount of $46.89 for paint samples for the community center.
A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to approve the $46.89 reimbursement to Committeewoman V. Rumsey.
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; abstain, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 2 in favor and 1 abstention.
Mayor L. Chammings stated PO 14089 is for the community center doors. The doors are completed and working properly now. Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated she would like to have a key and will get one from DPW Supervisor J. Leatham. She will also speak with him about putting something up so that the key that is there now will permanently stay there. She stated that she’s heard some concerns from some of the organizations about being able to reach the key since it is located above the door. Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated that they could purchase a non-skid step stool that can stay next to the door if someone has trouble reaching the key.
A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to approve bill 14089.
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
REPORTS: Recreation Commission Fee Report for September 2023
Community Center Receipt Report for September 2023
Certified Copies Report for September 2023
Registrar Report for September 2023
Convenience Center report for September 2023
Construction Permit Activity Report for September 2023
Zoning Reports August 2023 – September 2023
Mayor L. Chammings stated the Construction & Zoning Reports were distributed to the Township Committee that evening, that they were not on the agenda. Committeewoman V. Rumsey asked if the Municipal Clerk could distribute a memo to the departments reminding them that they need to have their reports in prior to the meeting so that the Township Committee has adequate time to be able to review them prior to the meeting.
Mayor L. Chammings pointed out that one item on the zoning report was for her property and wanted to note that Hampton Township did all of the work for that permit, and she used Hampton Inspectors to check the work that was completed.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt the reports as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: No amendments to the agenda needed.
PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)
Public Session Open.
Township Resident Heidi Mountford asked for clarification on the amount that the Township is receiving monthly for the cell tower to help consider which option may be more beneficial. She stated that the cell tower could go away at some point and at least the town would still have the large lump sum from it. Mayor L. Chammings responded that the township must review all the information with the Registered Municipal Accountant, CFO and the Township Attorney. After which, the information will be given back to the Township Committee to discuss at a public meeting.
Public Session Closed.
OLD BUSINESS
TAX IN REM FORECLOSURE UPDATE: Township Attorney H. Vex reminded everyone the US Supreme Court overturned the foreclosure process in Texas and New Jersey has a similar case. Mr. Vex will be going forward with the tax sales until he hears anything different and expressed the importance of getting correct mailing addresses for the tax bills to and reach people when alerting them that their property is going to tax sale.
ORDINANCES
PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ADOPTION
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-25
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND A STATE MANDATED ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER THAT PROHIBITS ILLICIT CONNECTIONS TO THE MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater adopted Ordinance 2023-22 on September 19, 2023; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that the Township Code shall be amended as follows:
§_____-5. Penalties.
Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $ 100.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to adopt at final reading Ordinance #2023-25.
PUBLIC HEARING
No comments from the public.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-26
TO AMEND A STATE MANDATED ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER THAT SETS STORM SEWER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR DUMPSTERS AND REFUSE CONTAINERS
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater adopted Ordinance 2023-23 on September 19, 2023; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that the Township Code shall be amended as follows:
§_____-6. Penalties.
Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $ 100.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to adopt at final reading Ordinance #2023-26.
PUBLIC HEARING
No comments from the public.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-27
CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $156,758.00 FOR REROOFING RENOVATIONS AND ALTERATIONS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1. The several improvements described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are hereby respectively authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey. For the said several improvements or purposes stated in said Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriations made for said improvements or purposes, said sums being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefore and amounting in the aggregate to $156,758.00, which has heretofore been set aside for the improvement of purpose stated in Section 3 and now available therefore by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Township for capital improvement purposes.
Section 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the part of said $156,758.00 appropriations, the Township will use funding as described in Section 3.
Section 3. The improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for the allocation of which said obligations are to be spent, the appropriation made for an estimated cost of each such purpose, and the estimated maximum amount of funds to be spent for each such purpose, are respectively as follows:
Reroofing Renovations and Alterations: $130,000.00 American Rescue Plan
$15,000.00 2023 LRIG
$11,758.00 General C.I.F.
All the aforestated improvements or purposes where applicable, are in accordance with specifications on file in the office of the Township Clerk, which specifications are hereby approved.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:
Section 5. This capital ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to adopt at final reading Ordinance #2023-27.
PUBLIC HEARING
Township Resident Heide Mountford expressed concern for the amount paid for the roof at the Community Center. She asked if there was any way that the expenses could have cost less and if peaking the roof would have made a difference. Committeewoman V. Rumsey replied that they did consider peaking and restructuring the roof and that the cost was actually higher. She stated that state law is to pay companies using prevailing wages and that they must go out to bid. Municipal Clerk L. Knott concurred that any public works job over $16,263 must go through prevailing wage which is very expensive. The Township Committee stated what they have been doing with the community center is to suit the needs of the community and will sustain it through the coming years.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-28
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2021-03 OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AMENDING AND MODIFYING CHAPTER 240 “land Development”, article ii “iNTERPRETATION; dEFINITIONS”, Section 4 “Definitions”, and ARTICLE vii “sITE IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT”, Section 89 “STORMWATER management”, OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater (the “Township”) regulates the control and discharge of stormwater through the use of stormwater best management practices and nonstructural stormwater management strategies; and
WHEREAS, on March 2, 2020, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP” or the “Department”) adopted amended stormwater management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8-1, et seq. (the “Amended Rules”), which require municipalities to revise their stormwater control Ordinances in accordance with the Amended Rules.
WHEREAS, in July 2023 the Department of Environmental Protection amended the Inland Flood Protection Rule which requires municipalities to revise their stormwater control Ordinance in accordance with the Amended Inland Flood Protection Rule; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey, as follows:
Section C. “Applicability” is hereby amended to include:
“Definitions” of Section II of Chapter 240 “Land Development” of the Township of Stillwater is hereby amended to include, as follows:
“Public roadway or railroad” means a pathway for use by motor vehicles or trains that is intended for public use and is constructed by, or on behalf of, a public transportation entity. A public roadway or railroad does not include a roadway or railroad constructed as part of a private development, regardless of whether the roadway or railroad is ultimately to be dedicated to and/or maintained by a governmental entity.
“Public transportation entity” means a Federal, State, county, or municipal government, an independent State authority, or a statutorily authorized public-private partnership program pursuant to P.L. 2018, c. 90 (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-52 et seq.), that performs a public roadway or railroad project that includes new construction, expansion, reconstruction, or improvement of a public roadway or railroad.
Section IV- “Stormwater Management Requirements for Major Development” is amended as follows:
E. Repeal: https://njstormwater.org/bmp_manual2.htm and replace with
https://dep.nj.gov/stormwater/bmp-manual/.
P-2(ii) Repeal in its entirety and replace with:
P-4(i) Repeal in its entirety and replace with:
R-2 (i), (ii) and (iii) Repeal in its entirety and replace with:
Section V. Calculation of Stormwater Runoff and Groundwater Recharge
Section A (1) and A(2) are repealed in their entirety and replaced with:
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) methodology, including the NRCS Runoff Equation and Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph, as described in Chapters 7, 9, 10, 15 and 16 Part 630, Hydrology National Engineering Handbook, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. This methodology is additionally described in Technical Release 55 – Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds (TR-55), dated June 1986, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. Information regarding the methodology is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service website at:
https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=21422
or at United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, New Jersey State Office.
Add Section C (1) and C (2) , Table 5 as follows:
https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/pfds_map_cont.html?bkmrk=nj; and
Table 5: Current Precipitation Adjustment Factors
County | Current Precipitation Adjustment Factors | ||
2-year
Design Storm |
10-year
Design Storm |
100-year
Design Storm |
|
Atlantic | 1.01 | 1.02 | 1.03 |
Bergen | 1.01 | 1.03 | 1.06 |
Burlington | 0.99 | 1.01 | 1.04 |
Camden | 1.03 | 1.04 | 1.05 |
Cape May | 1.03 | 1.03 | 1.04 |
Cumberland | 1.03 | 1.03 | 1.01 |
Essex | 1.01 | 1.03 | 1.06 |
Gloucester | 1.05 | 1.06 | 1.06 |
Hudson | 1.03 | 1.05 | 1.09 |
Hunterdon | 1.02 | 1.05 | 1.13 |
Mercer | 1.01 | 1.02 | 1.04 |
Middlesex | 1.00 | 1.01 | 1.03 |
Monmouth | 1.00 | 1.01 | 1.02 |
Morris | 1.01 | 1.03 | 1.06 |
Ocean | 1.00 | 1.01 | 1.03 |
Passaic | 1.00 | 1.02 | 1.05 |
Salem | 1.02 | 1.03 | 1.03 |
Somerset | 1.00 | 1.03 | 1.09 |
Sussex | 1.03 | 1.04 | 1.07 |
Union | 1.01 | 1.03 | 1.06 |
Warren | 1.02 | 1.07 | 1.15 |
Add Section D and Table 6 as follows:
NOTE: The municipality may instead wish to abbreviate this table along with the text in Item D above to reflect only the relevant information, depending on the location of the municipality. The future precipitation change factors added to the ordinance shall be those found in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.7(d) as Table 5-6.
Table 6: Future Precipitation Change Factors
County | Future Precipitation Change Factors | ||
2-year
Design Storm |
10-year
Design Storm |
10-year
Design Storm |
|
Atlantic | 1.22 | 1.24 | 1.39 |
Bergen | 1.20 | 1.23 | 1.37 |
Burlington | 1.17 | 1.18 | 1.32 |
Camden | 1.18 | 1.22 | 1.39 |
Cape May | 1.21 | 1.24 | 1.32 |
Cumberland | 1.20 | 1.21 | 1.39 |
Essex | 1.19 | 1.22 | 1.33 |
Gloucester | 1.19 | 1.23 | 1.41 |
Hudson | 1.19 | 1.19 | 1.23 |
Hunterdon | 1.19 | 1.23 | 1.42 |
Mercer | 1.16 | 1.17 | 1.36 |
Middlesex | 1.19 | 1.21 | 1.33 |
Monmouth | 1.19 | 1.19 | 1.26 |
Morris | 1.23 | 1.28 | 1.46 |
Ocean | 1.18 | 1.19 | 1.24 |
Passaic | 1.21 | 1.27 | 1.50 |
Salem | 1.20 | 1.23 | 1.32 |
Somerset | 1.19 | 1.24 | 1.48 |
Sussex | 1.24 | 1.29 | 1.50 |
Union | 1.20 | 1.23 | 1.35 |
Warren | 1.20 | 1.25 | 1.37 |
Section VI. Sources for Technical Guidance:
Repeal Section A website link and replace with: https://dep.nj.gov/stormwater/bmp-manual/.
Repeal Section A (1) website link and replace with: https://dep.nj.gov/stormwater/bmp-manual/.
Repeal Section B in its entirety and replace with:
The Division of Watershed Protection and Restoration, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Mail Code 501-02A, PO Box 420, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420.
Section VIII. Safety Standards for Stormwater Management Basins
Section X. Maintenance and Repair.
https://dep.nj.gov/stormwater/maintenance-guidance/.
Section XIII. Effective Date:
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
All of Which is Adopted this 17th day of October, 2023, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township.
A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to adopt at final reading Ordinance #2023-28.
PUBLIC HEARING
No comments from the public.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 2023-189 AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE STILLWATER MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE GRANT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
WHEREAS, the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse established the Municipal Alliances for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in 1989 to educate and engage residents, local government and law enforcement officials, schools, nonprofit organizations, the faith community, parents, youth and other allies in efforts to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in communities throughout New Jersey.
WHEREAS, The Township Council of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey recognizes that the abuse of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem in our society amongst persons of all ages; and therefore, has an established Municipal Alliance Committee; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Council further recognizes that it is incumbent upon not only public officials but upon the entire community to take action to prevent such abuses in our community; and,
WHEREAS, the Township Council has applied for funding to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the County of Sussex;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey hereby recognizes the following:
GCADA GRANT FUND $ 1,511.00
Cash Match $ 377.75
In-Kind $ 1,133.25
strategic plan FOR FUNDING MUNICIPAL ALLIANCES
Grant Year: FY2025 Alliance Tier ___1___
A) Alliance GCADA Grant Fund Allocation $ 1,511.00
B) Cash Match (must be 25% of GCADA Grant Fund Allocation) $ 377.75
C) In-Kind Match (must be 75% of the GCADA Grant Fund Allocation) $ 1,133.25
TOTAL ALLIANCE BUDGET (add A+ B+C) $ 3,022.00
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to adopt Resolution 2023-189.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2023-190 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER APPROVING APPOINTMENTS OF TOWNSHIP BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s Appointments and Committee appointments to Board and Commission Members for the year 2023 as follows:
PLANNING BOARD
Name Term Term Expires
Dawn Delaney Class III Member 1 year 12/31/2023
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that they do hereby concur with the appointments herein for the year 2023.
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Mayor L. Chammings, to adopt Resolution 2023-190.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Budget Discussion E-mail from CFO
Mayor L. Chammings suggested waiting for the CFO to be back in the office to discuss and set up dates.
Community Center Fees
Mayor L. Chammings stated the Committee just received a budget for the community center bills vs income from the CFO that evening. Since they had not had adequate time to review the document, they decided to table the discussion to the November 21st meeting.
Stillwater NJ Property Purchase Inquiry
Municipal Clerk L. Knott said she spoke with Tax Assessor P. Holenstein regarding the property and that if the town wants to sell the property it would need to be a public auction since it’s a buildable lot.
Best Practices Worksheet
Municipal Clerk L. Knott said there were some changes made to best practices since last year. One of them being that the State now wants a CFO Surety Bond, right now the township uses a blanket surety bond that covers all the employees. She stated best practices is all the best practices that the municipality does so that they’re able to qualify for state aid. The Township Committee discussed the best practices worksheet and approved submitting it on November 3rd.
906 Curving Lane
Mayor L. Chammings explained that Committeeman G. Scott has something to share on this property and as he is absent from the meeting, they will table the discussion to the November 21st meeting.
PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit)
Township Resident Joseph Doherty read the following:
I AM HERE THIS EVENING TO EXPRESS MY POINT OF VIEW ON THE MASS MIGRATION INVASION OF AMERICA THAT IS TAKING PLACE AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER. THE MAIN THRUST OF MY IRE IS DIRECTED AT THAT ELEMENT INTENT ON HARMING THE UNITED STATES AND ITS CITIZENS. HOWEVER, THERE IS PLENTY OF IRE TO GO AROUND AND I POINT THE FINGER OF GUILT AT THOSE WHO FLOOD INTO THE COUNTRY DEMANDING RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES NORMALLY RESERVED FOR U.S CITIZENS. THE GOVERNTMENT HAS FAILED TO TAKE ANY CREDIBLE ACTION TO COMBAT THIS UNPRECEDENTED ASSAULT ON OUR SOVEREIGNTY.
THE BORDER HAS BEEN BREACHED AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS STAND IDLY BY WITH THEIR DIGIT IN THEIR DUFF. THERE IS NO CONCERTED EFFORT TO PUSHBACK BY OUR GOVERNMENT BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT IS COMPLICIT IN PROMOTING THIS ASSAULT ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. ANY DECISION BY THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION TO RESUME BUILDING THE WALL IS A PLOY- MERELY WINDOW DRESSING -TOO LITTLE TOO LATE-THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE. THE CURRENT OCCUPANT OF THE WHITE HOUSE IS A MENTALLY DIMINISHED PUPPET WHO SUCKS ON ICE CREAM CONE WHILE THE COUNTRY IS IN CRISIS. BIDEN AND HIS FECKLASS APPOINTEES ARE UNDERMINING THE RULE OF LAW WHICH IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC.
THEY ARE THE VILLAINS AND TRAITORS WHOSE PROGRESSIVE IDEAS AND POLICIES ARE DESIGNED TO DESTROY OUR CULTURE AND OUR BELOVED COUNTRY. BIDEN HAS FAILED TO UPHOLD HIS OATH OF OFFICE AND SHOULD BE IMPEACHED AND REMOVED FROM OFFICE FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY. THIS WHOLE FIASCO STARTED WITH THAT SUPER SLICK CONMAN BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA AND HIS GANG OF AMERICA HATING MISCREANTS. THEY ARE THE ENEMY WITHIN. THIS FOREIGN FREE FOR ALL MUST BE STOPPED-NO COUNTRY CAN SUSTAIN SUCH AN INFLUX OF FOREIGN NATIONALS.
THE IMPASSIONED WORDS FROM THE STATUE OF LIBERTY REGARDING THE POOR AND HUDDLED MASSES DO NOT APPLY TO THIS SITUATION. THOSE NOBLE WORDS HAVE BEEN BASTARDIZED BY THOSE WHO PLOT, PLAN, SCHEME AND SCAM THEIR WAY INTO THE COUNTRY. THERE IS A VAST ARRAY OF EVIL DOERS COMING ACROSS THE BORDER AND THE DAY IS COMING WHEN ANOTHER 911-TYPE OF DISASTER WILL STRIKE AT THE HEART OF AMERICA. EVERYDAY THERE ARE REPORTS OF ILLEGAL ALIENS COMMITTING VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST AMERICANS. PRECIOUS RESOURCES AND TAXPAYER-FUNDED SERVICES ARE BEING PROVIDED TO THESE UNDESIRABLE AND UNDESERVING TRESPASSERS, WHILE MANY DESERVING AMERICANS ARE SHUT OUT OF THE PROCESS. NEVER BEFORE HAS THE RULE OF LAW BEEN SO UNDERMINED AND TRODDEN UNDERFOOT.
IT IS MADNESS TO ALLOW THE OUTRAGE TO CONTINUE! TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR AMERICA. IF THIS SITUATION IS NOT MET HEAD-ON AND STOPPED THAT BRIGHT CITY/LIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE HILL THAT SYMBOLIZES AMERICA AS THE LAST BEACON OF HOPE FOR HUMANITY WILL FLICKER AND FAIL AND BE EXTINGUISHED FOREVER. I BELIEVE THERE IS ONE AMONGST US WHO CAN SAVE OUR NATION FROM SUCH A FATE-AND THAT PERSON IS DONALD J. TRUMP-A MAN FOR THE PEOPLE! THE MAN FOR AMERICA!
Mayor L. Chammings said Mr. Dougherty’s concerns are noted.
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Township Resident Kathy Draghi emphasized how much she appreciates being able to use the Community Center and what a wonderful thing it is to have. She said the difference from years ago when she had rented it for a party is incredible, the new bathrooms, floors and even the general cleanliness. She suggested maybe allowing liquor at the Community Center could bring in more rental potential. She thought that the fees for renting the Community Center would have been raised by now, that they are very low compared to what other township’s charge for renting their spaces. Committeewoman V. Rumsey explained that now that most of the improvements have been made that the fees will be raised.
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Recreation Commission Chair Tara Tosti said that the Recreation Commission has started their town wide Halloween Decorating Contest. She said that the members love going out to see the decorated homes and then going back to discuss the winners. The kids all really enjoy seeing the decorated homes as well. Trunk or Treat is this Sunday from 1-4pm at the Community Center.
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Committeewoman V. Rumsey thanked the Stillwater Fire Department for doing fire prevention at Stillwater School. She said the kids always look forward to it and it’s very informative. She stated that it gets some kids interested at an early age in fire prevention that go on to become cadets at age 14.
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Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated the Stillwater County Committee will be meeting on Friday at 5pm to discuss and suggest the person to fill the remainder of Paul Barta’s term which ends 12/2024.
PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Township Attorney H. Vex stated that he had nothing further to discuss.
Mayor L. Chammings stated the Township Committee would be going into a brief Executive Session to discuss a candidate for the DPW. A decision would not be made that night.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, with all members in favor, to adopt the Resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
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
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 L. Chammings and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to go back into Regular Session at 9:07 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Ingles
Deputy Municipal 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