October 3, 2023 Regular Meeting

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES  October 3, 2023

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 6:03 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, Committeeman P. Barta, Committeewoman V. Rumsey, Committeeman G. Scott, Mayor Chammings

Also Present: Township Attorney H. Vex

 

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 6:05 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, Contract, Real Property, 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.

A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to go back into Regular Session at 7:03 P.M.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.

FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.

MINUTES: September 5, 2023 Executive Session Meeting Minutes

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to adopt the meeting minutes as presented.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.

MINUTES: September 19, 2023 Regular & Executive Session Meeting Minutes

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Mayor L. Chammings, to adopt the meeting minutes as presented.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.

BILLS LIST #16 $ 1,016,874.34

RESOLUTION 2023-182 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 3, 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.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2023-182, funds permitting.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; yes, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Committeewoman D. Delaney

Recreation Commission

Committeewoman D. Delaney thanked the BUNCO group for their $25 donation to the Activity Club for being able to use the Community Center. She stated that there are many events coming up for Recreation. They just had their ice cream social which many people attended, everyone really enjoyed it and had fun. She asked Municipal Clerk L. Knott about the insurance policy for the Fall Festival, if it will cover the rain date if they need to change the date or is it only covering October 7^th. L. Knott replied that it will cover whatever day the Fall Fest gets changed to. Committeewoman D. Delaney stated they will make a final decision on Thursday whether they need to post pone the date of the Fall Festival to Sunday or another date due to the weather forecast.

Committeewoman D. Delaney said a Recreation member asked for an update on the parking lots and paving. The Committee asked Committeeman G. Scott to ask DPW Supervisor J. Leatham to retrieve quotes for paving the Veteran’s Park parking lot.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

No update available.

Committeeman P. Barta

Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting was cancelled so no report.

Board of Education

No update available.

Committeewoman V. Rumsey

Emergency Services

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated she attended the CERT meeting with Mayor L. Chammings. They have been busy organizing basic CERT courses to be offered at the Public Safety Academy in Wayne. She said CERT has also been working at several flu clinics around the County. There was one in Stillwater at the Community Center that evening. They were all awarded new CERT safety vests. They also are putting activity books together to give out at the Fall Festival with crayons.

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that she didn’t have a Fire & EMS report for that evening. She said the new lights were approved for the UTV and that all vehicles are getting PM’d. There have been new LED lights installed in the Fire Department bays, one needs to be repaired. She stated the Fire Department will also be at the Fall Festival.

Community Center

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated the roof is basically completed. There will be black levers, gutters, and soffits all around the Community Center. She said she will be doing paint samples at the Community Center tomorrow with Municipal Clerk L. Knott. The DPW will be completing the painting. They will be plastering the cracks, fixing the stucco, and then painting. There will also eventually be a covering over the front door sometime in the future. The doors are all installed. The key is also in place so that people using the Community Center can place the door on automatic to keep open for people coming in and then turn it back to off when leaving. The new tables are also being ordered and the new chairs are already there.

Architect

Nothing to discuss.

Personnel

Nothing to discuss.

Committeeman G. Scott

DPW

Committeeman G. Scott stated Mt. Benevolence Road has been paved. He said that he received a couple resident complaints that the road was milled for two weeks prior to paving. Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that the paving company was stalled with a job in Lafayette due to the rain, which pushed them to be a little behind with starting Stillwater’s project.

Committeeman G. Scott explained that himself and the DPW will be meeting with the two candidates next week. The Township Committee can discuss hiring them at the next meeting.

Engineering

No update available.

Mayor L. Chammings

Environmental Commission

Mayor L. Chammings stated she gave an update on the Environmental Commission at the last meeting. Their next meeting will be on 10/12/23.

Legal

Mayor L. Chammings stated Diamond Communications contacted her to see if Stillwater Township would be interested in doing a 25-year lease and it would be one large payout versus monthly. Diamond Communications is the original owner of the cell tower by the Community Center. She asked L. Knott to see if they would come to a meeting to do a presentation and give them more info.

Engineering

Mayor L. Chammings stated that Committeeman G. Scott gave an update on the DPW but that the Township Engineer was also there both days of the paving. There was an issue on the first day with one of the berms not being built correctly. The berm was corrected today by the company and completed in the proper manner.

 

Mayor L. Chammings explained there were concerns from residents on Old Tannery Road about the water run-off from Mr. Benevolence Road. The Township Engineer investigated that situation and provided a memo that the issue was addressed in 2008 as well and that it cannot be fixed.

CERT

Mayor L. Chammings said there was an OEM Hazard Mitigation last week. She also received an email that Planet Networks is officially set up at the Municipal Office area, she has contacted them asking what the next steps are for establishing their services.

Mayor L. Chammings noted that there will be an emergency alert test tomorrow at 2:20PM. She stated that everyone’s phones will sound an alarm as a test along with a banner stating that it is a test, and that it will be coming from FEMA & the FCC. She asked Municipal Clerk L. Knott to have the info posted on the Stillwater website and Facebook page.

Mayor L. Chammings also noted that they received the $10,000 EMMA grant money in the bank account to go toward the increasing costs on the fire truck.

Personnel

No personnel update.

Mayor L. Chammings also stated that she went to a mayor’s meeting which was very informative. She said there were many DCA representatives there and that there are many other grants available. She is interested in the LEAP grant, which could be used to purchase a new street sweeper. She stated it’s a $400,000.00 grant that needs to be in conjunction with a shared service. She will investigate the grant further.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

Committeeman P. Barta distributed his resignation letter to the Township Committee and the Municipal Clerk. He read as follows:

After careful consideration, I hereby submit my resignation as Stillwater Township Committeeman effective midnight Oct 3^rd, 2023. I will also be stepping down from the Stillwater Twp Planning Board.

I have enjoyed meeting and speaking with many residents during my term. I have purposed to be thoughtful with my recommendations and input so that residents would not be burdened with unnecessary expenses or risk to the township.

I have strived to treat our exceptional employees fairly and without favoritism. I am saddened by how many employees and committee members have resigned this past year.

In my opinion, an effective Township Committee must work as a team, be communicative and transparent. I do not currently agree with the direction/agenda my fellow committee members are taking in serving our town.

I would encourage residents to attend township meetings and ask questions of their representatives regarding decisions being made. Committee members have been elected to serve YOU. I would also caution residents not to base their opinions upon carefully curated Facebook pages.

Thank you to the residents of Stillwater Township. It has been my honor to serve you.

Paul J Barta

Mayor L. Chammings expressed her surprise at Committeeman P. Barta’s resignation and appreciated him for stepping up when the Town Committee needed someone. She also appreciated his honesty in his letter and takes his reasoning to heart. She explained that the lines of communication are sometimes difficult with having full time jobs. Committeewoman V. Rumsey thanked Committeeman P. Barta for being on the Township Committee and that she appreciates everything he’s done. Mayor L. Chammings thanked him and stated she hopes that he will continue to be a voice in the community. Municipal Clerk L. Knott will start the vacancy procedure.

PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)

Public Session Open.

Township Resident Kathy Draghi wanted to mention that the front door at the Community Center was unlocked when her group went for Majong on Monday morning. She stated it was the little door that was unlocked, and they were able to just pull the door open as an FYI to make sure that it gets locked. Mayor L. Chammings responded that she will have another sign put up.

K. Draghi expressed that she wished that Committeeman P. Barta would be staying on the Township Committee longer. She said that she agreed with a lot of what he was saying and asked if this is a civil service town then why doesn’t she ever see any civil service postings?

Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated that some positions are civil service, but the majority of the employees are appointed or statutory positions, and that they have all been advertised. The positions have also been posted on the NJ League of Municipalities website. She stated that the inspectors are civil service positions. Everyone else in the municipal building is statutory and many of the positions are only part time.

K. Draghi asked why so many of the DPW employees have left, that she has noticed a big change over the past three years.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that the DPW employees that have left didn’t have any ill feelings toward the township when they left, they just moved on to bigger opportunities or higher paying opportunities in larger municipalities. She noted that 12 people have applied for the DPW positions that are open, however many of the candidates are not qualified or live far away.

K. Draghi expressed that she feels that there is always contention on the Township Committee and feels that there is a lot put on Facebook that shouldn’t be, as well as things on the Stillwater Facebook page, she feels that should only be items specific to Stillwater.

Mayor L. Chammings expressed that she is sorry that Committeeman P. Barta has come to the decision to leave the Township Committee however she feels that the township is transparent is everything that they do, it’s a difficult job and she will keep working hard for the community moving forward.

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Township Resident Marcia Bradley thanked Mayor L. Chammings & Committeewoman V. Rumsey for being so steadfast in supporting CERT and being present at their meetings. It’s very important to herself & CERT. She stated that CERT will be at the Fall Festival. She also explained that she attended the flu shot clinic that evening and said that Dr. Sugar did a fantastic job. She wanted to know if there was a way to see how many people this season in Stillwater have a problem with flu.

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Township Resident Heidi Mountford thanked Committeeman P. Barta for his service. She asked what the next steps were in filling the vacancy. Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated that she notifies the County Committee, and they will give 3 recommendations to the township committee for appointment.

 

OLD BUSINESS

TAX IN REM FORECLOSURE UPDATE:

Township Attorney H. Vex stated that he is getting conflicting information on tax in rem foreclosures. He’s trying to move forward but having trouble due to the possible pending litigation.

Township Committeeman P. Barta expressed concern with the town moving forward if the courts do move forward with the new legislation. Township Clerk L. Knott added that a lot of the foreclosed properties in Stillwater are vacant properties, with no one living there.

ORDINANCES

PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ADOPTION

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-20

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAMPTER 163 DRAINAGE CONTROL; DRIVEWAYS “DEFINATIONS” SECTION 163-1 DEFINATIONS OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER “TOWNSHIP DRIVEWAY OFFICIAL”

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Committee has received recommendations from the Township’s Construction Official and Zoning Officer to change the designation of Township Driveway Official to allow applicants a proper path for review of their application.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Stillwater Township Committee, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, as follows:

SECTION 1

Chapter 163-1 (Definitions) of the Township Code shall be amended to change the designated Township Driveway Official from the Construction Officer to the Zoning Officer and shall read as follows:

TOWNSHIP DRIVEWAY OFFICIAL

The Township Zoning Officer and/or any other individual(s) designated by the Township Committee to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 2

Chapter 163 (Drainage Control; Driveways) of the Township Code (§ 163-1 through § 163-14) shall be merged in its entirety into Chapter 240 (Land Development) to allow variance applications where driveways are not fully compliant to be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

SECTION 3

Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or the application of this ordinance to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 4

Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions inconsistent or in opposition to the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed in their entirety.

SECTION 5

The Township Clerk shall take all necessary action to assure the Code is promptly updated to include this Ordinance.

SECTION 6

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney, to adopt at final reading Ordinance #2023-20.

PUBLIC HEARING

No comments from the public.

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and one abstained.

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-24

A STATE MANDATED ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER THAT

REGULATES PRIVELY OWNED SALT STORAGE WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater has been directed by the State of New Jersey to implement this Ordinance and must comply with said directive.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that the Township Code shall be amended as follows:

SECTION 1

A new Chapter shall be added to the Township Code as follows:

Chapter ___. PRIVATELY OWNED SALT STORAGE

§_____-1. Purpose.

The purpose of this Ordinance is to prevent stored salt and other solid de-icing materials from being exposed to stormwater.

This Ordinance establishes requirements for the storage of salt and other solid de-icing materials on properties not owned or operated by the municipality (privately-owned), including residences, in the Township of Stillwater to protect the environment, public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.

§_____-2. Definitions.

For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this Chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When consistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory.

1. “De-icing materials” means any granular or solid material such as melting salt or any other granular solid that assists in the melting of snow.
2. “Impervious surface” means a surface that has been covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water.
3. “Storm drain inlet” means the point of entry into the storm sewer system.
4. “Permanent structure” means a permanent building or permanent structure that is anchored to a permanent foundation with an impermeable floor, and that is completely roofed and walled (new structures require a door or other means of sealing the access way from wind driven rainfall).

A fabric frame structure is a permanent structure if it meets the following specifications:

• 1. Concrete blocks, jersey barriers or other similar material shall be placed around the interior of the structure to protect the side walls during loading and unloading of de-icing materials;
  2. The design shall prevent stormwater run-on and run through, and the fabric cannot leak;
  3. The structure shall be erected on an impermeable slab;
  4. The structure cannot be open sided; and
  5. The structure shall have a roll up door or other means of sealing the access way from wind driven rainfall.

1. “Person” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.
2. “Resident” means a person who resides on a residential property where de-icing material is stored.

§_____-3. Deicing Material Storage Requirements.

1. Temporary outdoor storage of de-icing materials in accordance with the requirements below is allowed between October 15^th and April 15^th:
2. Loose materials shall be placed on a flat, impervious surface in a manner that prevents stormwater run-through;
3. Loose materials shall be placed at least 50 feet from surface water bodies, storm drain inlets, ditches and/or other stormwater conveyance channels;
4. Loose materials shall be maintained in a cone-shaped storage pile. If loading or unloading activities alter the cone-shape during daily activities, tracked materials shall be swept back into the storage pile, and the storage pile shall be reshaped into a cone after use;
5. Loose materials shall be covered as follows:
   • • • 1. The cover shall be waterproof, impermeable, and flexible;
         2. The cover shall extend to the base of the pile(s);
         3. The cover shall be free from holes or tears;
         4. The cover shall be secured and weighed down around the perimeter to prevent removal by wind; and
         5. Weight shall be placed on the cover(s) in such a way that minimizes the potential of exposure as materials shift and runoff flows down to the base of the pile.
         6. Sandbags lashed together with rope or cable and placed uniformly over the flexible cover, or poly-cord nets provide a suitable method. Items that can potentially hold water (e.g., old tires) shall not be used;
6. Containers must be sealed when not in use; and
7. The site shall be free of all de-icing materials between April 16^th and October 14^th.
8. De-icing materials should be stored in a permanent structure if a suitable storage structure is available. For storage of loose de-icing materials in a permanent structure, such storage may be permanent, and thus not restricted to October 15 -April 15.
9. The property owner, or owner of the de-icing materials if different, shall designate a person(s) responsible for operations at the site where these materials are stored outdoors, and who shall document that weekly inspections are conducted to ensure that the conditions of this ordinance are met. Inspection records shall be kept on site and made available to the municipality upon request.
   1. Residents who operate businesses from their homes that utilize de-icing materials are required to perform weekly inspections.

§_____-4 . Exemptions.

Residents may store de-icing materials outside in a solid-walled, closed container that prevents precipitation from entering and exiting the container, and which prevents the de-icing materials from leaking or spilling out. Under these circumstances, weekly inspections are not necessary, but repair or replacement of damaged or inadequate containers shall occur within 2 weeks.

If containerized (in bags or buckets) de-icing materials are stored within a permanent structure, they are not subject to the storage and inspection requirements in Section III above. Piles of de-icing materials are not exempt, even if stored in a permanent structure.

This ordinance does not apply to facilities where the stormwater discharges from de-icing material storage activities are regulated under another NJPDES permit.

§_____-5. Enforcement.
This Ordinance shall be enforced by the New Jersey State Police, and all Township and County Officials whose duties permit municipal code enforcement.

§_____-6. Penalties.

Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance shall have 72 hours to complete corrective action. Repeat violations and/or failure to complete corrective action shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100 for the first violation and $200 for subsequent violations.

§_____-7. Severability.

Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this Ordinance is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this Ordinance to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this Ordinance.

§_____-8. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as may be required by law.

SECTION 2

The Township Clerk shall take all necessary action to assure the Code is promptly updated to include this Ordinance.

SECTION 3

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott, to adopt at final reading Ordinance #2023-24.

PUBLIC HEARING

No comments from the public.

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and one abstention.

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCES

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING

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 Committeeman G. Scott, to Introduce Ordinance 2023-25.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and one abstention.

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 2023-26

AN AMENDMENT TO 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 Introduce Ordinance 2023-26.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and one abstention.

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:

1. The said purposes described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are capital expenses and are each a property or improvement which the Township may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specifically assessed on property specially benefited thereby.
2. The average period of usefulness of said purposes within the limitations of said Local bond Law and taking into consideration the respective amounts of the said obligations authorized for the several purposes, according to the reasonable life thereof computed by this capital ordinance, is twenty (20) years.

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 D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to Introduce Ordinance 2023-27.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and one abstention.

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:

1. An application required by ordinance pursuant to (b)1 above that has been submitted prior to October 17, 2023 shall be subject to the stormwater management requirements in effect on October 16, 2023.
2. An application required by ordinance for approval pursuant to (b)1 above that has been submitted on or after March 2, 2021, but prior to October 17, 2023, shall be subject to the stormwater management requirements in effect on October 16, 2023.
3. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, a major development for any public roadway or railroad project conducted by a public transportation entity that has determined a preferred alternative or reached an equivalent milestone before July 17, 2023, shall be subject to the stormwater management requirements in effect prior to July 17, 2023.

“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:

1. Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the increase of stormwater runoff volume from pre-construction to post-construction for the projected 2-year storm, as defined and determined pursuant to Section V.D of this ordinance, is infiltrated.

 

P-4(i) Repeal in its entirety and replace with:

1. Stormwater from areas of high pollutant loading. High pollutant loading areas are areas in industrial and commercial developments where solvents and/or petroleum products are loaded/unloaded, stored, or applied, areas where pesticides are loaded/unloaded or stored; areas where hazardous materials are expected to be present in greater than “reportable quantities” as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR 302.4; areas where recharge would be inconsistent with Department approved remedial action work plan approved pursuant to the Administrative Requirements for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites rules, N.J.A.C. 7:26C, or Department landfill closure plan and areas; and areas with high risks for spills of toxic materials, such as gas stations and vehicle maintenance facilities; and

R-2 (i), (ii) and (iii) Repeal in its entirety and replace with:

1. Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that for stormwater leaving the site, post-construction runoff hydrographs for the current and projected 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, as defined and determined in Section V.C and D, respectively, of this ordinance, do not exceed, at any point in time, the pre-construction runoff hydrographs for the same storm events;
2. Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that there is no increase, as compared to the pre-construction condition, in the peak runoff rates of stormwater leaving the site for the current and projected 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, as defined and determined pursuant to Section V.C and D, respectively, of this ordinance, and that the increased volume or change in timing of stormwater runoff will not increase flood damage at or downstream of the site. This analysis shall include the analysis of impacts of existing land uses and projected land uses assuming full development under existing zoning and land use ordinances in the drainage area;
3. Design stormwater management measures so that the post-construction peak runoff rates for the current and projected 2-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, as defined and determined in Section V.C and D, respectively, of this ordinance, are 50, 75 and 80 percent, respectively, of the pre-construction peak runoff rates. The percentages apply only to the post-construction stormwater runoff that is attributable to the portion of the site on which the proposed development or project is to be constructed; or

Section V. Calculation of Stormwater Runoff and Groundwater Recharge

Section A (1) and A(2) are repealed in their entirety and replaced with:

1. The design engineer shall calculate runoff using the following method:

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.

1. For the purpose of calculating numbers and groundwater recharge, there is a presumption that the pre-construction condition of a site or portion thereof is a wooded land use with good hydrologic condition. The term applies to the NRCS methodology above at Section V.A.1. number or a groundwater recharge land cover for an existing condition may be used on all or a portion of the site if the design engineer verifies that the hydrologic condition has existed on the site or portion of the site for at least five years without interruption prior to the time of application. If more than one land cover has existed on the site during the five years immediately prior to the time of application, the land cover with the lowest runoff potential shall be used for the computations. In addition, there is the presumption that the site is in good hydrologic condition (if the land use type is pasture, lawn, or park), with good cover (if the land use type is woods), or with good hydrologic condition and conservation treatment (if the land use type is cultivation).

Add Section C (1) and C (2) , Table 5 as follows:

1. The precipitation depths of the current two-, 10-, and 100-year storm events shall be determined by multiplying the values determined in accordance with items 1 and 2 below:
2. Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service’s Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates: NJ, in accordance with the location(s) of the drainage area(s) of the site. This data is available at:

https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/pfds_map_cont.html?bkmrk=nj; and

1. The applicant shall utilize Table 5: Current Precipitation Adjustment Factors below, which sets forth the applicable multiplier for the drainage area(s) of the site, in accordance with the county or counties where the drainage area(s) of the site is located. Where the major development lies in more than one county, the precipitation values shall be adjusted according to the percentage of the drainage area in each county. Alternately, separate rainfall totals can be developed for each county using the values in the table below.

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:

1. Table 6: Future Precipitation Change Factors provided below sets forth the change factors to be used in determining the projected two-, 10-, and 100-year storm events for use in this chapter, which are organized alphabetically by county. The precipitation depth of the projected two-, 10-, and 100-year storm events of a site shall be determined by multiplying the precipitation depth of the two-, 10-, and 100-year storm events determined from the National Weather Service’s Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates pursuant to (c)1 above, by the change factor in the table below, in accordance with the county or counties where the drainage area(s) of the site is located. Where the major development and/or its drainage area lies in more than one county, the precipitation values shall be adjusted according to the percentage of the drainage area in each county. Alternately, separate rainfall totals can be developed for each county using the values in the table below.

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:

1. Submissions required for review by the Department should be mailed to:

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

1. Repeal Section 2 (ii) and replace with: The overflow grate spacing shall be no greater than two inches across the smallest dimension

Section X. Maintenance and Repair.

1. Repeal current website link and replace with:

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.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to Introduce Ordinance 2023-28.

ROLL CALL: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 2023-183 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE REFUND OF TAXES FOR BLOCK 3401 LOT 2.08

WHEREAS, Block 3401 Lot 2.08 for 908 Fairview Lake Road, and owned by

Joao Paulo Domiciano, and

WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor has approved Mr. Domiciano as of January 26, 2023 as a 100% permanent and totally disabled Veteran, and

WHEREAS, Corelogic Mortgage Company has been paying the property taxes thru August 1, 2023 in the amount of $ 4,437.41 which need to be refunded back to the homeowner.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee that the Tax Collector be authorized to refund Mr. Domiciano the amount of $ 4,437.41 for taxes paid in error.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2023-183.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

RESOLUTION 2023-184 RESOLUTION APPROVING ADDITIONAL HOURS

FOR THE TAX COLLECTOR

WHEREAS, Terry Beshada was hired by the Township of Stillwater as Tax Collector by Resolution 2022-169 effective November 2, 2022; and

WHEREAS, the Township has changed to a new Tax System which has experienced multiple ongoing issues requiring the Tax Collector’s attention to correct to properly fulfill her duties and service the tax payers of Stillwater Township; and

WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has requested the Township Committee approve a request for up to twenty (20) additional hours;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that they do hereby approve up to twenty (20) additional hours to be compensated at her annual hourly rate.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Mayor L. Chammings to adopt Resolution 2023-184.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

RESOLUTION 2023-185 REFUND TAXES DUE TO PROPERTY BEING CHANGED TO FARMLAND

WHEREAS, Block 3102 Lot 3 known as 913 Maple Avenue, and owned by Alexander Dingertopadre, and

 

WHEREAS, the Tax Assessor has changed this property from regular tax to farmland assessed, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dingertopadre has overpaid the 2023 taxes and a refund is due in the amount of $ 1,341.37,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee that the Tax Collector be authorized to refund Mr. Dingertopadre the amount of $ 1,341.37.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2023-185.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

RESOLUTION 2023-186 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE CANCELLATION OF INTEREST PAID BLOCK 2301 LOT 36

WHEREAS, Block 2301 Lot 36 also known as 1048 Stillwater Road, Owned by Alice Breitenbucher, and

WHEREAS, the homeowner had paid her taxes by credit card online on September 1, 2023, and

WHEREAS, interest was charged to her account in error in the amount of $ 12.06.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Township Committee that the Tax Collector be authorized to cancel the interest in the amount of$ 12.06.

A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2023-186.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention..

RESOLUTION 2023-187 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE IN THE OF SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER REROOFING RENOVATIONS & ALTERNATIONS PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater awarded a contract to Mak Group, LLC in the base bid amount of $156,758.00 for the Community Center Reroofing Renovations & Alternations project; and

WHEREAS, the soffits on the main area of the community center roof do not have to be rebuilt; and

WHEREAS, the front bay area needs new gutters, leaders and soffits and the gutters, leaders and soffits for the bay area of the building will be substituted for the same base bid amount of the contract; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Body must approve the change order; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee that the Township does hereby authorize change of scope of work of new gutters, leaders and soffits for the bay area of the community center instead of rebuilding soffits on the main portion of the building.

A MOTION was made by Committeewoman D. Delaney and seconded by Committeewoman V. Rumsey, to adopt Resolution 2023-187.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Committeeman P. Barta; abstain, Committeewoman V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Advertisement for Municipal Clerk position

Mayor L. Chammings stated that Municipal Clerk L. Knott provided the Township Committee members with a letter of two of the municipal office employees 30/45 day reviews. The letter stated that they are both doing very well. Mayor L. Chammings asked if they can promote from within and move the Deputy Clerk into the Municipal Clerk position or do they need to advertise for the position. L. Knott replied that the Municipal Clerk is not a civil service title, it is a statutory position, so you are able to hire from within. Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that she would like to go with L. Knott’s review, that L. Knott works with the Deputy Clerk and gave rave reviews.

Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated that the Deputy Clerk V. Ingles is very well recommended and has 10 years of experience. She stated she was out of the office for a week, and when she came back the job had been handled and there were no issues which spoke volumes to her. She stated the Township Committee can advertise but she feels V. Ingles would be a good fit. She also noted everyone is getting along well at the office too.

Committeeman G. Scott stated he feels that the position should be advertised.

Committeewoman D. Delaney agreed they should advertise, and it could end up being a lateral transfer, however, she thinks that is how it should go across the board with any of the positions involved with the Township.

Mayor Chammings confirmed with the Committee they would not be advertising for an Administrator, it would be for Municipal Clerk, and authorized L. Knott to do the advertisement.

There was a discussion on civil service employees and the different classifications that are civil service and appointed statutory positions.

Committeeman P. Barta stated that he appreciated Municipal Clerk L. Knotts evaluation and feels evaluations should be given to all employees annually.

Community Center Fees

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that she had a discussion with Municipal Clerk L. Knott and feels the Community Center fees should be increased for the basic rentals. Committeeman G. Scott asked if she could figure out what the cost is to run the Community Center. Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated that she will ask CFO T. Leonard to put a budget together of what it costs to keep the doors open at the Community Center including the cost of the dumpsters, electric, maintenance to the generator, the air conditioning, furnace, cleaners, etc.

Committeewoman V. Rumsey stated that there are also people using the Community Center weekly that are not civic groups and they aren’t being charged anything. She stated that one group makes a voluntary donation of $25 per month, others don’t.

Mayor L. Chammings stated she also wants to know how much money is brought in from Community Center rentals and that gets brought in by the cell tower if CFO T. Leonard is putting together a budget.

RFP’s

Mayor L. Chammings stated that they are going to go out for RFPs for Labor Attorney and Municipal Attorney. She stated that she would like Township Attorney H. Vex to put in for the Labor Attorney position. She expressed that she would like the RFP to list who will be filling in for the attorney at the meetings if they are unable to make it. She asked to have the RTP’s due at the end of October. Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated not to wait any longer than that so that if they want to interview it could be in November. The November meeting is on the 21^st.

Municipal Clerk L. Knott stated that she will make the arrangements for the League for Committeeman G. Scott, Committeewoman V. Rumsey, and Committeewoman D. Delaney.

Stillwater NJ Property Purchase Inquiry

Mayor L. Chammings stated there was a Stillwater property purchase inquiry and that they are waiting for a reply from the Tax Assessor. She stated that the property is on a 6.84 acre lot that is township owned. It would have to be put up for public auction, it cannot just be sold to someone. Municipal Clerk L. Knott will discuss it will Tax Assessor Penny Holenstein and then Township Attorney H. Vex. It is a buildable lot, and they can put a reserve amount on it for auction.

Correspondence from Sandyston Township RE: NJ & PA Sierra Club Proposal

Mayor L. Chammings stated that Sandyston is different from Stillwater; Sandyston has more federally owned land. She asked if a resolution could be written saying that Stillwater supports Sandyston, that Stillwater understands the plight of Sandyston, that Stillwater agrees with Sandyston’s battle, however Stillwater has such a small portion of federal land compared to Sandyston, etc.

S-25/S-26 Bridge Project

Mayor L. Chammings stated the S-25 and S-26 bridges need to be rebuilt. The County was looking to widen the roads to meet current standards, however they would be encroaching on the property lines, so they have decided to take the sidewalk portion off the bridges instead.

Mayor L. Chammings stated that there are training courses for the Township Committee members and some other boards and commissions, to do online for the public works training manual, stormwater management training. Municipal Clerk L. Knott will distribute the memo for the training to the Secretaries of the boards and let them know what they need to do.

PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit)

PUBLIC SESSION OPEN

Township Resident H. Mountford expressed what a fantastic job was done on Mt. Benevolence Road, the paving is great and how there was no flooding in her barn. She is very happy.

Mayor L. Chammings thanked the Stillwater Volunteer Fire Department for assisting at the paving of Mt. Benevolence Road.

Township Resident Joseph Doherty wished Committeeman P. Barta well and thanked him for his service. He then read the following:

I am here this evening to comment on two matters. First, I appeared before council on September 19^th to voice my concern about voter participation and voter apathy in the electoral process, stating that lack of involvement can result in people of questionable character attaining positions of power, authority and influence. Case in point- Robert Menendez, the United States Senator from NJ who was indicted recently by the federal government on corruption and bribery charges. This is not the first time this tainted politician has been caught in the snare of political wrongdoing.

Fortunately for him he beat a previous federal corruption charge. However, his luck may run out this time around. The whole scandalous affair reflects poorly on NJ and unfortunately many residents are not tuned into the scandal or even care about it. While the fundamental belief of “innocent until proven guilty” is etched firmly in our legal system, the old saying of “where there is smoke there is fire” is also a basic belief. It is quite obvious that this ethically – challenged/ethnic/entity politician is more concerned with enhancing his personal wealth and influence than he is providing honest and true representation for all of his constituents.

Secondly, in reference to the black bear hunt scheduled to take place in October and December- I wish to express my opposition to this barbaric ritual of inflicting pain, suffering and death on such a storied and maligned denizen of the forest. I realize there are different schools of thought on the subject, but I am not here to debate the issue at this time, but rather to lend my voice to the ever-growing call to halt the hunt. There are non-lethal/humane options available to deal with the bear population.

Which are in consonance with today’s compassionate feelings towards the animal kingdom. Give the bears a break-it’s their home too!! Ironically, the welcome to Sussex County signs that dot the roadways boldly proclaim, “people and nature together!” While it may conjure up an image of unruffled quietude the reality is something quite different when it comes to dealing with the black bear. They are tracked and hunted down for so-called sport. They race frantically through the forest in a desperate attempt to escape the human predator who pursues them with dogged determination and frenzied excitement, all the while anticipating the thrill of the kill and satisfying a primitive lust for the blood of the beast! There is nothing serene or pastoral about that! A more accurate proclamation would be- “people and nature together, but black bears better beware!”

P.S. I have posted “no trespassing, no hunting” signs on my property and will maintain a vigil to make sure the written warning is observed.

Mayor L. Chammings said Mr. Dougherty’s concerns are noted.

Committeeman G. Scott thanked Committeeman P. Barta for his service and stated it has been a privilege and honor to work with him and he is disappointed and sad to see him go. He expressed that Committeeman P. Barta’s ideas and thoughts have been appreciated. Committeewoman V. Rumsey concurred with Committeeman G. Scotts statements.

Mayor L. Chammings expressed that she is also sorry to see Committeeman P. Barta step down and asked his thoughts as to what he would like to see accomplished by the end of the year. Committeeman P. Barta replied that he would like to see the employees be recognized and have regular evaluations recording the good/bad/indifferent going forward. He said that he wants the employees to feel like they’re being governed by a committee that is there for them, but with limitations. He stated that the employees need to have some sort of accountability and in his opinion, it feels like sometimes there’s not. He also feels that the Township Committee tends to discuss the same issues repeatedly.

 

Committeewoman D. Delaney stated that she was disappointed to see Committeeman P. Barta leave as well, that she feels that he was making some good changes. She also noted that he did have the chance to be involved in the employee reviews.

PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Township Attorney H. Vex stated that he was also sorry to see Committeeman P. Barta go. He had nothing more to discuss.

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Committeeman P. Barta and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Ingles

Deputy Municipal Clerk