STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor L. Chammings at 6:14 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.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser, Committeewoman D. Delaney, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, Committeeman G. Scott, Mayor L. Chammings
Also Present: Township Attorney Eric Bernstein, Esq
EXECUTIVE SESSION: held in the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor 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 6:16 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, Attorney-Client, Litigation/Potential Litigation
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 Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser to go back into Regular Session at 7:07 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that the record should reflect that all members of the governing body present, commencing from Executive Session, are present to recommence the open session, along with the Township Attorney and the Township Clerk. There was a discussion regarding the ongoing employee sick and vacation leave policy. The Township Clerk is handling one item, and the Township Attorney will be handling another once hearing back on the Township Committee’s thoughts. There was an update on the ongoing issue regarding the Township Housing Element & Fair Share Plan. Directions have been given to the Town Clerk, the Township Attorney, and the mayor regarding the next step on the issue. Also, a discussion on and an action item that will be added to the agenda later in the evening regarding a current DPW employee who was RICED. A potential DPW employee will be addressed at the October 7th meeting, so no formal action needs to be taken at this time.
FLAG SALUTE: Mayor L. Chammings led the Flag Salute.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:
RESOLUTION 2025-135 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF GERALD LEATHAM AS DPW SUPERVISOR AND RECYCLING COORDINATOR
RESOLUTION 2025-136 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING DPW LABORER JEREMY KING TO OBTAIN PEST CONTROL & HERBICIDE APPLICATION LICENSE
RESOLUTION 2025-137 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED APPOINTMENT OF JEFF GARDNER AS ACTING DPW SUPERVISOR/MECHANIC AND ACTING RECYCLING COORDINATOR
PUBLIC SESSION (Agenda Items Only – 3 Minute Time Limit)
Public Session Open.
No public comment.
Public Session Closed.
OLD BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE 2025-14
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE 2025-03: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 2008 FORD F-450 AMBULANCE
WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater adopted Ordinance 2025-03 on February 4, 2025, to sell 42-53, a 2008 Ford F-450 Ambulance, VIN 1FDXF 47R68 EC364 59 (“42-53”), to the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company for one dollar ($1.00) as it was no longer needed for public purpose; and,
WHEREAS, after adopting Ordinance 2025-03, 42-53 was deemed not fit for medical transport due to mechanical issues; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater hereby repeals Ordinance 2025-03 and its authorization for the sale of 42-53 to the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, does hereby approve the continuing ownership of 42-53. The Stillwater Township Department of Public Works shall maintain 42-53, and can use 42-53 as a utility vehicle.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and publication according to law.
A MOTION was made by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey and seconded by Committeeman D. Manser, with all members in favor, to open the discussion on Ordinance 2025-14 to the public.
No public comment. Public Session Closed.
Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that she spoke with Fire Chief D. Banghart, who confirmed that the ambulance had been stripped except for the Striker stretcher, red lights, and radios. The stretcher needs to be removed at Striker. They are waiting on a quote to see how much it will be to remove it. The Fire Department doesn’t have any money in its budget to remove the stretcher, so they have asked the town to pay for the removal.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Ordinance 2025-14.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS: None
*MINUTES: September 2, 2025 Meeting Minutes & Executive Session Minutes
*CORRESPONDENCE:
- Stillwater Township Environmental Commission September 8, 2025 Meeting Agenda
- Sussex County Striping Program- Phase 2
*RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION 2025-132 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER TO ACCEPT A SUBGRANT AWARD OF THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2025 OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ASSISTANCE
RESOLUTION 2025-133 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION TO THE STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) FROM SIGNATURE SAFETY
*REPORTS:
1. Recreation Commission Report – August 2025
2. Board of Health Receipts –August 2025
3. Construction Permit Activity Report- August 2025
4. Vacant/Abandoned Property Registration Report – August 2025
5. Registrar Report – August 2025
6. Certified Copies Report – August 2025
7. ACO Report – August 2025
8. DPW Report- August 2025
9. Tax Collector’s Report- August 2025
10. Zoning Report- August 2025
11. Recycling Center Report- August 2025
APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
- In service purge day- October 3rd (Free Paper Shred Saturday, October 4th from 9 am – 12 pm)
Mayor L. Chammings stated that there is a free paper shredding event on Saturday, October 4th, from 9 am to 12 noon at the Stillwater Municipal Building. The township staff has requested to close the office and have an in-office purge day on Friday, October 3rd, to prepare for the shredding event and move all the files ready for destruction to the bays. The Township Committee approved the office being closed on Friday, October 3rd, for an in-office purge day.
- Flu Shot Clinic- Tuesday, October 14th, from 5-7 pm at the Community Center, sign up with the Clerk
Mayor L. Chammings noted that there will be a flu shot clinic on Tuesday, October 14th, from 5-7 pm at the Community Center. Anyone interested must sign up for a time slot with the Clerk.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
RESOLUTION 2025-135
MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF GERALD LEATHAM AS
DPW SUPERVISOR AND RECYCLING COORDINATOR
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of the resignation of Gerald Leatham as DPW Supervisor and Recycling Coordinator effective September 15, 2025.
The Township Committee thanked G. Leatham for all his years of service and will miss him greatly. They discussed organizing a retirement party & gift ideas.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2025-135, with regret.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2025-136
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING DPW LABORER JEREMY KING TO OBTAIN PEST CONTROL & HERBICIDE APPLICATION LICENSE
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater received a request from DPW Laborer Jeremy King seeking to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license 7A & 7B and a herbicide license, which are valid for 5 years.
WHEREAS, Mr. King previously had his pest control license; however, it expired in October 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater approve Mr. King’s request to take the class to obtain his 7A & 7B Pest Control License and Herbicide Application License, up to $1,000.00.
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Committeewoman D. Delaney to adopt Resolution 2025-136, funds permitting.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
RESOLUTION 2025-137
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED APPOINTMENT OF JEFF GARDNER AS ACTING DPW SUPERVISOR/MECHANIC AND ACTING RECYCLING COORDINATOR
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appointed Jeff Gardner as Acting DPW Supervisor/Mechanic pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Mr. Gardner’s designation was effective June 23rd, 2025.
WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater appointed Jeff Gardner as Acting Recycling Coordinator at a meeting of the Township Committee on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and the appointment was effective June 23, 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this appointment will continue to be effective through December 31, 2025, or an earlier determined date.
A MOTION was made by Mayor L. Chammings and seconded by Committeeman G. Scott to adopt Resolution 2025-137.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
PUBLIC SESSION (any subject – 3-minute limit) at 7:30 p.m.
Township Resident C. Feenstra wanted to let the committee know that two (2) almost dead trees at the Community Center. She offered to help move them once the ground isn’t so dry. She also noted that there are several weeds in the garden area and that it appears no one is taking care of it.
C. Feenstra brought up her suggestion on having a “Town Shed” at the Recycling Center again, where residents can donate items that are in good, working condition that others could use. She stated that there could be no electronics or furniture placed in the shed. If items have been there for more than a month, then they can be discarded. The Committee agreed in theory that it’s a great idea; however, they’re concerned that it will become a dumping ground for unwanted items that the taxpayers would then be paying for when they end up in the trash bin. It would also take time away from the recycling employees from their current jobs to monitor/organize the shed and try to account for things that have been there for more than a month.
C. Feenstra wanted to discuss the drainage issue with her property again, as she’s concerned that if we continue to have large storms like the one where it rained 4” and her property was flooded, it could end up flooding her basement if the sub pump isn’t working or the power is out. The Committee responded that they had received the previous correspondence from the engineer a couple of meetings ago. Then, they can review the paperwork again; however, they aren’t sure that there is anything that can rectify her issue.
C. Feenstra noted that she attended the Sheriff’s Department Safety Series meeting that day, and there was a discussion on how enrollment in the Fire Departments is low. She said that she felt it was a deterrent to becoming a Fire Department member because you need to take a 6-month course every Saturday. She stated that if anyone wanted to sign up for that as a volunteer, it would be a huge sacrifice. She stated that she understands it’s a state regulation, but the town should complain or see if they can modify it in some way. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey explained that this is a huge concern for all the Fire Departments in the state of New Jersey. She stated that the state has come up with stricter guidelines, which you used to be able to take Firefighter 1, take a break, then Firefighter 2, etc. Now it’s all combined. She stated that they’re also having issues with people getting certified to move up as officers/chiefs because there’s too much training involved. Mayor L. Chammings stated that they have tried reaching out to have the regulations relaxed a little, but it never goes anywhere.
Township Resident K. Draghi stated that she hasn’t been to the last couple of Township Committee meetings due to a scheduling conflict; however, she has been watching the recorded meetings to keep up. She asked about the new Community Center fee Ordinance, and if anything has changed with the Civic Groups. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey responded that the fees for the Civic Groups are still the same and will be due in January. K. Draghi noted that she loves the new dumpster. Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey stated that solar lights were installed as well.
Township Resident S. Sugar stated that he will obtain the quote from Striker as soon as possible. Everything else has been stripped from the ambulance except for the radios, which they are leaving for the DPW, and the lights.
K. Draghi asked about the reimbursement payments to Crandon Lakes from 2021, 2022, and 2023. Mayor L. Chammings replied that there were negotiations with Crandon Lakes for the reimbursements, and they refused to accept payment until it was rectified. There is a specific formula that the Township follows with snow plowing reimbursements to private communities. Everything has been rectified, they have now been reimbursed for the previous years, and everyone can move forward.
No further public comment.
PUBLIC SESSION CLOSED at 7:45 pm.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Township Attorney E. Bernstein stated that he did not have anything additional to report.
BILLS LIST #14 $ 1,602,891.00
RESOLUTION 2025-134 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 September 16, 2025, 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 Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2025-134, funds permitting.
Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey noted that there was a correction for PO 31106 for Jeremy King, that it isn’t for a Fire Department member, but for a DPW employee.
ROLL CALL: Committeeman D. Manser; yes, Committeewoman D. Delaney; yes/abstained from PO 31107, Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey; yes, Committeeman G. Scott; yes, Mayor L. Chammings; yes. Motion carried with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Committeeman G. Scott and seconded by Deputy Mayor V. Rumsey, with all members in favor, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Ingles
Municipal Clerk
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