October 25, 2021Regular Meeting

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

October 25, 2021 – Regular Meeting

A regular meeting of the Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lippencott in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.   The flag was saluted and roll call taken:

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Lippencott, Mrs. Draghi, Mr. Sarni, Mr. Wykoff, Ms.

Mountford, Mr. van der Haeghen, and Mr. Kochenthal

MEMBERS ABSENT:     Mr. Straub

ALSO PRESENT:            Board Attorney Haggerty and Board Engineer/Planner Golden.

MINUTES:

Mrs. Draghi made the motion to approve the minutes of September 27, 2021, seconded by Mr. Sarni.  Roll call vote, in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Abstain, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mrs. Draghi-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, and Mr. Sarni-Yes

COMPLETENESS:

#617   Graham Garber, Block 3101, Lot 40

   Mr. Golden reviewed his October 17th report and the measurement of the front yard and whether the pond is manmade or natural.  He recommended that the application be deemed complete.  Mr. Haggerty stated that he will advise the Applicant of the Board’s discussion.

Mr. van der Haeghen made the motion to deem the application complete.  Motion seconded by Mr. Sarni.  Roll call vote, in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mrs. Draghi-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, and Mr. Sarni-Yes

   #618   First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, Block 3202, Lots 2 & 3

Mr. Golden reviewed his October 24th report and the proposed lot line adjustment and the classification/technicality of it being a major subdivision due to the non-conformity.  He recommended that the application be deemed complete.

Peter Henry, Esq. was present on behalf of the First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater and he reviewed and discussed the fees and escrows for a major subdivision. The Board agreed to classify the application as a minor subdivision for fee calculation purposes.

Mr. Kochenthal made the motion to deem the application complete and to classify the application as a minor subdivision for fee calculations.  Motion seconded by Mr. van der Haeghen.  Roll call vote, in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mrs. Draghi-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, and Mr. Sarni-Yes

Mr. Henry questioned the fee calculation.  After a brief discussion it was agreed to calculate for 2 C variances, a D variance, and the Minor Subdivision.  The Applicant was advised to notice for the November meeting.

BILLS:

Mr. van der Haeghen made the motion to pay the following bills, seconded by Mr. Sarni:

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  General                                  341.80

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  Newhouse                                33.00

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  Condit                                    132.00

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  Garber                                      41.25

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  First Presbyterian Church        33.00

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  First Presbyterian Church        33.00

Dolan & Dolan    Re:  First Presbyterian Church        41.25

Roll call vote, in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, Mrs. Draghi-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Yes, and Mr.  Kochenthal-Yes

CORRESPONDENCE:

NJ Planner

OTHER BUSINESS:

   Budget for 2022

  The Board reviewed what was spent so far in 2021 and it was agreed to recommend the same budget for 2022.

Ms. Draghi made the motion to recommend for 2022, the same as budgeted for 2021. Motion seconded by Ms. Mountford.   Roll call vote, in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, Mrs. Draghi-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Yes, and Mr.  Kochenthal-Yes

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Chairman Lippencott opened the meeting to the public at 8: 00 p.m.

Louis Sylvester was present to request that the Board hear his appeal and he went on to give an overview of the matter.  The Board reviewed the appeal process/procedure and the jurisdictional issue as the 20 day appeal period may have expired.  An application needs to be filed, supporting the jurisdictional issue along with the appeal.  Notice will need to be provided for the Board to make any determinations on either matter.   Mr. Haggherty stated that there may be different areas to be considered and it may be beneficial for Mr. Sylvester to speak with a Land Use Attorney.

With there being no further public comment, the meeting was closed to the public at 8:25 p.m.

COMMITEE LIASON REPORT:

Mayor Chammings provided a Township Committee Update:  Ordinance Introduction regarding driving age for DPW and Emergency Response Vehicles, accepting with regret resignations, American Rescue Plan money used to purchase radios, support of the Bear Hunt, Community Center Use Agreement, anti nepotism ordinance, temporary lighting at Veterans Park, code review process, and the Planner RFP for the Master Plan.

ADJOURNMENT:

With there being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at

8:29 p.m.  In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________            _______________________________

Alfia Schemm, Board Secretary                                        George Lippencott, Chairman

11/18/21