September 1, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

September 1 2020 – Regular Meeting

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:01 p.m. noting the meeting date, time and place were duly published in the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall and advised those present that this meeting was being held in compliance with provisions of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 & 13. Mayor Chammings added the meeting was being held virtually on Zoom and this meeting was also advertised with the link in the New Jersey Herald, the Stillwater Township website (www.stillwatertownshipnj.com) on the Stillwater Township Face Book page. PRESENT: Committeewoman Rumsey, Deputy Mayor Scott and Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott, Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: Committeeman Morrison and Committeeman Fisher

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

MINUTES: Regular and Executive Session Minutes of August 18, 2020

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the Minutes, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

July 21, 2020 Executive Session Minutes Part 2 were tabled until September 1, 2020 because Mr. Morrison and Mr. Fisher were not in attendance

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION 2020-112 RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER, 2020

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has a Secretary of State and County Clerks in each of the 21 counties whose duties include the administration and overseeing of elections; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey will be holding a General Election in November, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Mail-in ballots were used exclusively in the Primary Election in July, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the universal distribution of mail-in ballots to all registered voters caused concerns for voter fraud in mail-in elections and significant delays in counting ballots; and

WHEREAS, the universal distribution of mail-in ballots to all registered voters is also of significant cost and is an unfunded mandate; and

WHEREAS, well before the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey law permitted voting by mail for any reason, or no reason at all, allowing any voter the option to request a mail-in ballot thus enhancing voter choice; and

WHEREAS, some voters have expressed an opinion of wishing to “wait” until Election Day to cast their ballot electronically for the candidate of their choice to fully assess the latest information available; and

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Committee is gravely concerned that the exclusive mail-in ballot “experiment” has been difficult at best and during the Primary Election cycle representing a small fraction of the ballots to be cast when compared to the upcoming General Election; and

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township Committee feel strongly that voter “choice” should refer to “how” to vote, not just “who” to vote for in a given election cycle.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Stillwater Township Committee oppose the exclusive use of mail-in balloting in the General Election in November, 2020 and in all future elections; and
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the Stillwater Township Committee urges the Secretary of State and County Clerks to utilize in-person voting in conjunction with mail-in balloting in the General Election of November, 2020 and in all future elections; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Clerk forward a certified true copy of this resolution to the New Jersey Secretary of State; the Governor of the State of New Jersey; the President of the New Jersey State Senate; the Speaker of the General Assembly; the Sussex County Freeholders, Sussex County Clerk and all other Municipalities in Sussex County.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-112, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

BILLS LIST #13: $880,081.31

RESOLUTION 2020-113 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 1, 2020 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 Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-113, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mrs. Rumsey said Fire Chief Steven Sugar will have the fire company’s report for the Township Committee on September 15, 2020.

Mrs. Rumsey read the emergency squad report from Captain Patrick Bodensieck: The squad responded to 27 calls in August and 202 year-to-date. The night crews have been working well keeping the Township covered.

Mrs. Rumsey noted the Fire Department and EMS participated in a drive parade at the Karen Ann Quinlin Hospice Center for George Sabourin, a member of the Ogdensburg EMS and also a long time CPR Instructor for Sussex County.

Mrs. Rumsey congratulated Meghan Radimer, Health and Physical Education Teacher at Stillwater School for being named “Teacher of the Year”.

Mrs. Rumsey also reported the school is still working on the 6^th grade trip for the 2020-2021 school year. Stillwater School has also been working hard on how bus transportation will work for students this year. Stillwater School is changing their policy and have had their first reading with the second reading to follow at the next meeting.

Mr. Scott reported a vacancy in the DPW. Mr. Scott has met with Mr. Raff, DPW Supervisor and they have decided to advertise the position as a Wednesday to Sunday position with the new person starting in the Recycling and Convenience Center.

Mr. Scott also reported the Recreation Commission will be meeting on September 9, 2020 because their regularly scheduled meeting time was Labor Day.

Mayor Chammings reported the Teacher In-Service Days were held remotely at KRHS because of faulty exhaust fans.

Mayor Chammings also reported restaurants will be allowed to have indoor dinning beginning Friday, September 4, 2020 at 25% capacity.

Mayor Chammings read the following letter from Tom and Cindi Rivara of 981A Mt. Benevolence Road into the record:

“The Rivara Family have been proud Stillwater residents since 1910. It is our pleasure to send kudos to your fine Department of Public Works. The department lead by Supervisor Josh Raff is an example of a group of men with exemplary work ethic. Keeping the roads clear of ice and snow in the winter to tree trimming and mowing and resurfacing our roads is never ending. We appreciate their professional demeanor. Thank you.”

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: None

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

No one from the public wished to speak so this portion of the meeting was closed.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Stillwater PTA – Community Center for Trick-tray: An Application was received from the Stillwater PTA for their Tricky-tray on September 26, 2020. The prizes would be set up inside and the calling and running of gifts would be held outside.

Mrs. Rumsey said she is thrilled the public would like to use the community center but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to get the building ready for public use. Mrs. Rumsey’s biggest concerns are the bathrooms, outside lighting and supplies. Mrs. Rumsey asked who would be responsible for the community center calendar. Mrs. Rumsey noted the CFO told her there was $3,000 left in the budget for incidentals and that a fully funded ordinance could be adopted to complete the bathroom. Mr. Scott said the Township should provide a porta-potty for the event as it did for the summer camp. Mr. Scott feels the needed work could be completed in time for the September 26^th event.

Mrs. Christine Bello of the Stillwater PTA was in attendance via zoom. Mayor Chammings asked Mrs. Bello for the PTA’s plan for the event. Seating for the event will be in the parking lot and lawn of the Community Center. The PTA planned on asking the Church next door to use their parking lot. The participants will be allowed into the building 25 at a time during scheduled time slots throughout the day. The calling of the numbers will begin at 3:00 p.m. and the event should be completed by 6:00 p.m. Mayor Chammings told Mrs. Bello to get the church’s permission and then see if the fire company would help direct parking.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt accept the application from the Stillwater PTA to use the Community Center for their Trick-Tray on September 26, 2020, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

Public Entry/appointments Start date: Mayor Chammings led a discussion on re-opening the building. The Township Committee would like to open the building by appointment only and the appointments would be held in the meeting room at the two large tables in opposite sides of the room on September 15, 2020.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to open the Stillwater Town Hall by appointment only on September 15, 2020 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

Property Assessments and Foreclosure of liens/sale of Township owned properties: The two property assessment reports are due to the Township Committee on September 4, 2020. Upon receipt the Township Committee will decide if they will be sold to the interested parties by auction. Mr. Bolcato noted an Ordinance must be adopted to sell the properties. The Clerk asked if some undersized lots owned by the Township residents have requested to purchase be part of the auction. The Clerk will put together a list of properties in question for the Township Committee to review.

Baldwin Gate – the only access to lower Crandon area: Mayor Chammings and Deputy Mayor Scott have not had a chance to take a ride up to the area and have now rescheduled their inspection.

NEW BUSINESS:

RESOLUTION 2020-114 AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP ENGINEER TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE WEST END DRIVE – PHASE I & II PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $43,500

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater is undertaking the reconstruction of West End Drive (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from the engineering firm Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC, serves as the Stillwater Township Engineer and has submitted a proposal dated August 27, 2020, to design, bid, administer and close out the Project in the total amount of $43,500; and
WHEREAS, the Township desires to accept the proposal by Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC for the services;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey that the Township Engineer, Michael Vreeland, P.E. from Van Cleef Engineering Associates, LLC is hereby authorized to provide professional engineering services for the West End Drive Project in an amount not to exceed $43,500.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

A copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Township.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-114, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-115 AUTHORIZING REFUND OF RECREATION COMMISSIONSUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FEE-PTORICH

RESOLUTION 2020-116 AUTHORIZING REFUND OF RECREATION COMMISSION SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FEE-MILLER

RESOLUTION 2020-117 AUTHORIZING REFUND OF RECREATION COMMISSION SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION FEE-GARDNER

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that the following resident has paid registration fees for two weeks of the Recreation Commission Summer Camp for two children; and

WHEREAS, the Recreation Commission voted to establish discounted registration fees when registering for both weeks of the camp; and

WHEREAS, the Prtorich, Miller and Gardner family paid the full amount for both weeks of the camp;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of Stillwater Township that a refund be issued in the amount of $10.00.

Name & Address Funding Amount

Christine Prtorich Summer Camp Receipts $10.00

Courtney Miller Summer Camp Receipts $10.00

Alicia Gardner Summer Camp Receipts $10.00

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolutions 2020-115, 2020-116 and 2020-117 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2020-118 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Jeremy C. Motz as Full- Time DPW Laborer 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 Jeremy C.

Motz as a Full-Time DPW Laborer effective September 11, 2020.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-118 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes. The resolution was adopted with regrets.

RESOLUTION 2020-119 Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Dawn Tighe as Part- time Receptionist 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 Dawn Tighe

as Part-Time Receptionist effective September 11, 2020.

Mayor Chammings, Deputy Mayor Scott and Committeewoman Rumsey all regret Ms. Tighe’s resignation. They noted she has been a valuable employee and the welcoming face of Stillwater Township.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2020-119 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Town Hall Clean Up Days (10/22, 10/28) and Reorganization of file room and office space: Mayor Chammings is asking to close town hall and allow employees to focus on the file room and vault. Mayor Chammings has spoken with Mr. Fisher to get some prices for shelving but would like to hold off any discussion until the meeting of 9/15/2020 when he is in attendance. Mayor Chammings noted she wanted a firm date so a DPW employee or two can help move file cabinets, boxes, etc.

Budget Dates: 11/10 (Initial discussion), possible Saturdays 12/12, 1/9/21, 1/23/21: Mr. Scott said November 10^th would not be good he will be away. Mayor Chammings noted since the League conference is not being held in person perhaps November 17^th would be a better day for a budget discussion. The Clerk will check with all those involved to see if November 17^th is good for all and then advertise the workshop as a meeting with possible action.

Gov. Budget Proposal shifts $12 Million from Recycling Fund: Mayor Chammings would like to write a letter in opposition to this shift because Stillwater does have its own recycling and convenience center and utilizes the Clean Community Grant. Mr. Scott and Mrs. Rumsey were in favor and Mayor Chammings will pen a letter from the Township Committee.

A resolution calling for regional reopening: Mayor Chammings reported this is a subject of many Mayor’s calls with the County. Mayor Chammings said the Freeholders were going to put together a resolution and the Township will wait to see what they do.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Bob Wolfe, Deputy OEM and Member of the Stillwater Fire Company, said he will bring the PTA request back to the department for their meeting.

Kathy Draghi, 1016 County Route 619, expressed her concern regarding the Stillwater PTA Tricky-
Tray.

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

ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Mr. Bolcato said he has a report for executive session.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey, seconded by Mr. Scott and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:40 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: 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.

There being no further business to attend to, a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Scott to conclude the Executive Session at 9:30 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.

There being no further business, Mr. Scott made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey at 9:31 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk