October 4, 2022 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday October 4, 2022

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Scott at 7:07 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were sent the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall, on the Township’s website and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13.

Roll Call: PRESENT: Mr. Barta, Mrs. Rumsey, Ms. Chammings, Mr. Fisher and Mayor Scott.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in Town Hall

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey, seconded by Mr. Barta and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 6:33 p.m.

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 and Contract

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.

By a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey to suspend Executive Session at 7:06 p.m., and resume public session unanimously carried by voice vote.

The flag was saluted.

DISCUSSION: Animal Protection League of New Jersey – Doreen Frega

Doreen Frega attended via Zoom and to promote two programs for nuisance wildlife – Canadian Geese and Bears. Ms. Frega said the Animal Protection League has many nonlethal solutions including habitat modification and the Animal Protection League of NJ would be happy to present to the committee and residents of Stillwater. Mrs. Rumsey stated that this would be a good presentation to have at the Community Center. The Clerk will set up a date and time for Doreen Frega to come to the Community Center to do a bear presentation for the public.

MINUTES: September 6, 2022 Executive Meeting Minutes

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

MINUTES: September 20, 2022 Regular and Executive Meeting Minutes

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

BILLS LIST #15: $925,675.07

RESOLUTION 2022-154 Authorizing Payment of Bills

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper

account; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Finance 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 September 20, 2022 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2022-154, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mrs. Rumsey reported the Historical Society and Recreation Commission put in a lot of work to make the Saturday October 8^th Fall Festival a great day. She is looking forward to attending. Mrs. Rumsey also reported that on November 12, 2022 there is going to be a Veteran’s get together at the Community Center and the tree lighting is scheduled for December 2^nd with a snow date of December 3, 2022.

Mrs. Rumsey stated Josh Raff, DPW Supervisor, will get prices for a monthly extermination services for the Community Center.

Mrs. Rumsey reported the Fire Department worked really hard for several weeks on their tanker, 42-72. The truck was entered in the County Fireman’s Parade and took 3^rd Place. Congratulations to all members of the Fire Department.

Mr. Barta reported the Planning Board met and tabled incomplete applications. The Planning Board had just received recommendations from the planner for the master plan re-evaluation which will be reviewed by the members and discussed at the next meeting on October 19^th at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Barta noted the Planning Board did have recommendations for short-term rentals and will decide how they will be handled in the master plan.

Mr. Barta reported the Stillwater Board of Education has added many after school programs for children. The Board of Education also adopted a resolution requesting stabilization of school aid for the 22-23 school year because they have lost so much aid in the last four or five years.

Mr. Barta noted the Fall Festival to be held on October 8^th is held at Stillwater School.

Mr. Barta said the Opt-out letter for school health curriculum is not an all or nothing choice but allows parents to pick and choose subjects they are comfortable having their children learn.

Ms. Chammings reported the Environmental Commission met on September 12, 2022 and listened to a presentation from Jack Branagan on Biochar. They also watched a video provided for them on the topic. The Environmental Commission is going to be starting their stream water testing, this month some time. They discussed the Master Plan. Ms. Chammings also reported there were three (3) site surveys, one was a minor sub-division, one was an addition, and the other was for steep slopes. She reported lantern flies were discussed. The lantern flies are really starting to lay eggs. It one sees them scrape them off. In order to kill the lantern flies you have to go towards them from the front to be successful.

Ms. Chammings reported that the Zoning Board met on September 26, 2022. There were two applications for completeness. And one was approved for renovation in Crandon Lakes. There was a presentation about short term rentals from Mrs. Mountford. Ms. Chammings noted any time an application comes before the Zoning Board they discuss the tree ordinance with the applicant and make sure the applicant complies with the ordinance.

Ms. Chammings stated she attended and OEM meeting on September 29, 2022 at the EOC. SWIFT 911 is changing its name to RAZOR. She stated there was a presentation for Dam Safety and the hazards that come along with dams. Ms. Chammings said an updated list of the dams within our municipality is available. Ms. Chammings reported Steve Sugar did a training for the Rapid Task Force and they hope to move that along quickly.

Ms. Chammings reported the Recreation Commission had its Clean-Up Day on Saturday September 24, 2022 with 12 participating groups. Ms. Chammings thanked Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Raff for their help. Mrs. Dawn Delaney stated the groups collected just shy of 800lbs of trash, 442lbs of recycling, and 2 tires.

Mr. Fisher read the fire report into the record:

There are two (2) more graduates from Fire Fighter 1 with one (1) more still in class, giving a total of five (5) for the year. There are currently three (3) members enrolled in Fire Fighter 2. There are now eight (8) members certified in water rescue. There is a tentative date in November for Swift water rescue on the Delaware River. The Fire Department purchased a new Scott RIT pack 3, which is an air delivery system to trapped firemen. The Fire Department will have three (3) members trained to the state level of training for the RIT. There have been 166 Fire calls and 337 EMS calls to date. The Fire Department continues to have drills on Mondays with the Tripod. The last drill was for emergency exits for school buses and how to open them. They are continuing Driver Training. The Fleet is in good shape. They are rotating the three (3) engines and two (2) tankers in and out of service for routine maintenance. Tanker 42 is out of service until further notice.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

Mr. Barta added Tour de Farm to the agenda.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Mayor Scott opened the floor to the public to speak. Noting there was no one that wished to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.

OLD BUSINESS:`

Township’s Tax Lien Update: Mr. Howard Vex stated that they are moving forward with the twenty (20) foreclosures. He will have an updated timeline by the October 18^th meeting.

ORDINANCE 2022-21 An Ordinance Clarifying the Residency Requirements for Candidates for Election to the Township Committee and for Persons who Serve on the Township Committee, and for Persons who Serve on Appointed Positions with the Township’s Various Boards and Commissions – Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption October 18, 2022]

WHEREAS, the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater includes residency requirements for the Township Committee and certain employees of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Township of Stillwater has determined that the residency requirements for candidates for Township Committee and for elected Members serving on the Township Committee should be clarified in the Township Code; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Township of Stillwater has determined that the residency requirements should also be clarified in the Township Code to include persons who are appointed to serve in unpaid positions on the Township’s various Boards and Commissions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater as follows:

SECTION 1

Chapter 1O, Article II of the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater shall be amended to by changing its Title from “Elective Officers” to “Elected/Appointed Members of the Township Committee and Unpaid Appointees to Township Boards and Commissions.

SECTION 2

Chapter 1O, Article II of the Township Code of the Township of Stillwater shall be further amended add the following additional provisions:

10-__ Definitions

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-1.11 and as otherwise permitted by law, the following definitions shall be applicable to the residency requirements established herein:

A. “Resident” means a person having, within the territorial limits of the Township of Stillwater, a place of abode, which has not been adopted for any mere special or temporary purpose, but serves as their ordinary and permanent domicile.

B. “Candidate” means any person who shall file, or cause to have filed, a petition of nomination for election, or for re-election, to the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater.

C. “Elected or Appointed Member of the Township Committee” means any person elected by the general public, or appointed as otherwise permitted by law, to serve a term of office on the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater.

D. “Appointed Member of a Township of Stillwater Board or Commission” means any person duly appointed to serve a term of office as an unpaid appointed member on the various Township Boards and Commissions as may be established by the Township Committee.

10-__ Residency Requirement

A. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:9-1.11 and as otherwise permitted by law, no person shall be a candidate for or serve as an Elected or Appointed Member of the Township Committee unless they are a resident of the Township of Stillwater. If any person nominated for, or holding, a seat on the Township Committee shall cease to be a resident of the Township of Stillwater, the nomination or office, as the case may be, shall be deemed vacant and shall be filled in the manner prescribed by law.

B. As permitted by law, no person shall serve as an Appointed Member of a Township of Stillwater Board or Commission unless they are a resident of the Township of Stillwater unless expressly permitted by law. If any person appointed to such a Board or Commission shall cease to be a resident of the Township of Stillwater, their seat shall be deemed vacant and shall be filled in the manner prescribed by law.

10__ Failure to maintain residency; investigation; notice of hearing; failure to appear.

A. Failure of any Candidate for or Elected or Appointed Member of the Township Committee or failure of any Appointed Member of a Township of Stillwater Board or Commission to maintain residency in the Township of Stillwater, when required to do so under the terms of this Chapter, shall be cause for immediate removal from their office.

B. The Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, or a duly appointed agent thereof, are hereby authorized to investigate into the residency of any Candidate for or Elected or Appointed Member of the Township Committee or any Appointed Member of a Township of Stillwater Board or Commission and to require any such person to produce proof of bona fide residence. The standards as set forth in N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.11 shall be used to make the determination of residency and are as follows:

1. Whether the location where that person claims be a resident is owned or rented by the person or their immediate family;

2. Whether time actually spent in the claimed residence exceeds that of other locations;

3. Whether the relationship among those persons living in the claimed residence is closer than those with whom the individual lives elsewhere. If an individual claims a parent’s residence because of separation from his or her spouse or domestic partner, a court order or other evidence of separation may be requested;

4. Whether the residence recorded on a driver’s license, motor vehicle registration, or voter registration card and other documents is the same as the claimed legal residence. Post office box numbers shall not be acceptable; and

5. Whether the school district attended by child(ren) living with the person is the same as the claimed residence.

C. The Township Committee is tasked with enforcement of this Chapter. Any person accused of violating the residency requirement established herein shall be given written notice from the Township Committee setting forth the charge that they are not a bona fide resident of the Township of Stillwater. The notice shall also set forth the time and place of hearing to be conducted by the Township Committee, but in no case shall that hearing be less than ten days from the provision of the notice upon the accused. At the hearing, the Township Committee or its designee shall present the witnesses and evidence they have obtained related to the lack of residency of the accused. The accused or their designee shall be permitted to present his or her own witnesses and evidence related to residency.

D. Failure to appear at the time and place of the hearing set forth in the notice from the Township Committee or to comply with the residence requirements shall be sufficient cause for removal from service.

E. The Township Committee is hereby authorized, in extraordinary circumstances only and upon written application of the person accused of violating the residency requirement, to extend the time for compliance with the residency requirement for a period up to but not exceeding six months. In considering whether there exists extraordinary circumstances for an extension of time, the Township Committee shall take into consideration the length of time the applicant had been a nonresident before the notice of violation was given; any objectively verifiable problems related to the sale of a home or in the purchase of a home within the Township of Stillwater that caused the violation; significant and verifiable financial problems concerning existing leases; significant verifiable difficulties in locating suitable living quarters within the Township of Stillwater; other verifiable financial hardships; and such other matters that would clearly create an undue burden on the person’s family if the requested extension is denied.

SECTION 3

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

SECTION 4

All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

SECTION 5

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to introduce Ordinance 2022-21, seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, no, Ms. Chammings, no, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Scott, yes.

ORDINANCE 2022-22 An Ordinance to Clarify the Period of Retroactivity to be Applied to Disabled Veterans Tax Refunds Public Hearing and Adoption

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 et seq., the dwelling house and lot where it sits of any veteran who has been honorably discharged or honorably released from military service due to a 100% permanent disability as declared by the United States Department of Veterans Administration shall be exempt from taxation on their property when a proper and eligible claim has been submitted to the Township Tax Assessor; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the New Jersey Superior Court decision in Del Priore v. Edison Township 26 N.J. Tax 502 (2012), the Township retains the discretion to either grant or deny a taxpayer’s request for a retroactive refund of property taxes paid for the period prior to the date of submission of their claim and back to the “effective date of the disability” as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Administration; and

WHEREAS, the Township’s payment of retroactive refunds back to the “effective date of the disability”, which can go back several years, rather than just back to the date when their claim was properly submitted to the Township, may have a significantly adverse financial impact on the Township and its taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater desires to clarify its policy regarding requests for refunds of property taxes previously paid, to limit such refunds to the period of time commencing on the date that the fully completed disabled veteran tax exemption application, with all required documentation, was filed with the Township’s Tax Assessor.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, that the following provisions be included in the Township Code as follows:

SECTION 1

XX-1 100% Disabled Veterans’ Tax Refund.

For a veteran, or his or her surviving spouse or domestic partner, entitled to exemption under N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 et seq., after a formal written request for a refund of property taxes, submitted to the Township Tax Assessor with all required documentation, including the Total Disability Termination Letter issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Township Committee, by appropriate resolution, shall refund taxes previously paid for the period time commencing on the date that the fully completed disabled veteran tax exemption application, with all required documentation is filed with the Tax Assessor by the veteran, or his or her surviving spouse or domestic partner, was received by the Township Tax Assessor.

No further or additional refund of taxes shall be permitted, regardless of the date of the disability of the veteran as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

SECTION 2

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

SECTION 3

All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.

SECTION 4

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

Mayor Scott opened the floor to the public to speak on this ordinance only. Seeing no one who wished to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Ordinance 2022-22, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Scott, yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 2022-23 An Ordinance of the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, Amending Chapter 370, “Traffic,” of the Township Code Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption October 18, 2022]

WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Stillwater that certain commercial trucks are regularly traversing Mount Benevolence Road and Stillwater Road to pass through the Township; and

WHEREAS, Mount Benevolence Road and Stillwater Road were not designed to accommodate heavy, commercial truck traffic; and

WHEREAS, the passing of commercial truck traffic along Mount Benevolence Road and Stillwater Road creates unsafe conditions for the travelling public along those Roads; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Stillwater wish to amend the Township’s existing Municipal Code, Chapter 370, “Traffic,” to better ensure the safety of the travelling public along Mount Benevolence Road and Stillwater Road; and

WHEREAS, the Township Engineer concurs with the need to amend Chapter 370 of the Township’s Municipal Code.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 370, “Traffic,” is hereby amended as follows:

§ 370-9 Vehicles over designated weight excluded from certain streets.

Vehicles over the registered gross weight are hereby excluded from the streets or parts of streets described except for the pick-up and delivery of materials on such streets.

Name of Street	Weight (tons)	Location
Mount Benevolence Road	10	Entire Length
Stillwater Road	10	From Mt. Benevolence Road To County Road 521

SECTION 2. Severability. If any article, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance and they shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. Repealer. All existing ordinances or parts of existing ordinances which are inconsistent with the terms of this ordinance are to the extent of such inconsistency repealed.

SECTION 4. Effect. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon final passage, approval and publication as required by law.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to introduce Ordinance 2022-23, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-155 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Township Boards and Commissions – Recreation – Heather Falotico

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 2022 as follows:

RECREATION COMMISSION

Name Term Term Expires

Heather Falotico – Alternate #2 3 years 12/31/2025

(filling the unexpired term of Gina McCabe-Richardson)

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 2022.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2022-155, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-156 Authorizing Refund of Pension Deductions – Leatham

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following employee had Pension and Contributory Insurance deductions withheld from his pay dated September 9, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Pension and Contributory Insurance should not have been withheld;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township that a refund be issued in the amount of $102.50.

Name & Address Funding Amount

Gerald Leatham PERS $102.50

180 Main Street

Newton, NJ 07860

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-156, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-157 Mayor’s Acceptance with Committee Concurrence of the Resignation of Full-Time DPW Assistant Supervisor Joel McAllister

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of Joel McAllister as Full-time DPW Assistant Supervisor effective October 10, 2022.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-157, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes Mayor Scott, yes, all with regrets and wishing him the best of luck in his new position.

RESOLUTION 2022-101A Resolution Amending Resolution 2022-101 and Authorizing an Increase in Funding for Electrical Upgrades to the Municipal Building with Wildan Direct Install

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township applied to the Sustainable Jersey 2021 EDF Climate Corps Program to take advantage of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program and utility incentives; and

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township employees worked with Sustainable Jersey staff to identify funding resources to implement energy projects to make their facility more energy efficient; and

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township received its on-site assessment, energy usage analysis and upgrade proposal with incentives; and

WHEREAS, the LED energy savings lighting upgrades proposed for the Townhall called for 48” 10W LED bulbs in error; and

WHEREAS, the updated proposal for the Townhall lighting has been corrected to 24” 15W LED bulbs, with an increased cost of $814.00;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor is authorized to increase the amount of the electrical upgrade by $814.00 for a total of $11,034.95 for the entire project.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2022-101A, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

RESOLUTION 2022-158 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Gisela Rutnik, as Tax Collector, with Committee Concurrence

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of Gisele Rutnik as Tax Collector effective October 31, 2022.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to adopt Resolution 2022-158, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Scott, no, all with regrets.

RESOLUTION 2022-159 Authorizing the Appointment of Nicholas Carriera as Full-Time DPW Laborer

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appoint of Nicholas Carriera as a Full-Time DPW Laborer pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Mr. Carriera’s employment start date will be decided at the October 18, 2022 Township Committee meeting.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment was made at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to adopt Resolution 2022-159, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Architectural Services for Community Center Roof

Two proposals were received to replace the flat roof at the Community Center to a pitched roof, one from Fox Perpetual Design, and the other from Sam Wykoff. The committee is going to look at both proposals and come to a decision for the October 18^th meeting.

Lisa Chammings Elected Official Course

Ms. Chammings asked for permission from the committee to take the Elected Official Course that is being held on October 22, 2022 at the cost of $200.

A motion was made by Mayor Scott to agree to pay the $200 for Ms. Chammings course, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, abstain, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

Stillwater School TREX Recycling Program

Ms. Chammings discussed the Stillwater School has started the TREX Recycling Program and hoped to have a receptacle placed at the Town Hall and at the Community Center. Parent volunteers will be responsible for picking up recycling from the containers.

A motion was made by Mayor Scott, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

Tour de Farm

Mr. Barta stated there was a bicycle run starting in Blairstown and goes throughout all of Stillwater where participants stop by local farms and farm stands and taste and test some product produced by our local farmers. Mr. Barta would like to reach out to this group and ask them to alert the Townhall the next time an event will be going through the Township.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Ed Szabo, 978 Rt 521, asked the Committee where they stand on the Biochar topic. Mr. Howard Vex stated he had spoken with Mr. Jack Branagan and Mr. Branagan is going to speak with surrounding towns to see if they are using Biochar and how they dispose of the product. Mr. Branagan will also check with Biochar type product manufacturers to see if they recycling. Mr. Vex noted they need to know what is available to the public before an ordinance could be written.

Steven Sugar, 999A Stillwater Road, expressed his concerns about changing the weight limit on Mount Benevolence and Stillwater Road, from ten (10) to twenty (20) ton. Mr. Sugar understands this ordinance was just being introduced and will voice his objection at the next meeting during the adoption process.

Lou Sylvester, 945 Old Schoolhouse Road, thanked the Committee and the Zoning Officer for the letter to 947A Old Schoolhouse Road, dated August 30, 2022. Ms. Chammings and Mr. Barta stated they and the Zoning Officer owner. Mr. Sylvester noted none of the properties’ adjoining neighbors have seen any progress toward the property being cleaned up.

Seeing no one else who wished to speak this portion of the meeting was closed.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:

Mr. Vex said he has nothing further to report at this time.

Ms. Chammings said she spoke with Planet Networks and they are willing to help the township’s phone issues. Planet Network’s Mr. Boyle said they are currently being held up by CenturyLink’s permitting process of allowing other vendors install lines on their polls in order to continue installing lines in Stillwater Township. Planet Network will run the phone lines now and when they receive their permits from Centurylink it will only take a few days to run the wires from the Stillwater School to the Town Hall to get everything switched over to Planet Network.

Seeing no additional public business, the Township Committee voted to resume executive session with a unanimous voice vote at 8:50 p.m.

At 9:02 p.m. public session resumed. There being no further business, Ms. Chammings made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, RMC