STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
September 26, 2022
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lippencott in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The flag was saluted and roll call taken:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Lippencott, Mr. Kochenthal, Mrs. Draghi, Ms. Mountford (arriving at 7:42 p.m. ), Mr. Wykoff, and Mr. Sarni.
MEMBER ABSENT: Mr. van der Haeghen
ALSO PRESENT: Board Attorney Haggerty and Board Engineer Golden
MINUTES:
Mrs. Draghi made the motion to approve the minutes of August 22, 2022, seconded by Mr. Kochenthal. Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Abstain, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.
COMPLETENESS:
#627 Bill & Donna Urban, Block 3804, Lot 2.01
Mr. Golden reviewed his report of 9-23-22 and he recommended that the application be deemed complete.
Mr. Kochenthal made the motion to deed the application complete. Motion seconded by Mr. Sarni. Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.
#628 Alexander Fisher, Block 2401, Lot 53
Mr. Golden reviewed his report of 9-23-22 and he had many questions in regards to the submission, which was reviewed with Mr. Fisher and the Board at great length. Ms. Mountford arrived. It was agreed to have Mr. Golden work with Mr. Fisher to provide guidance on the submission.
Mrs. Draghi made the motion to deem the application incomplete and have Mr. Golden work with the Applicant. Motion seconded by Mr. Kochenthal. Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Abstain, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.
Mr. Morgenstern reviewed the planning variance necessary due to the home being on a private road and Ms. Schemm stated that she will scan and email the Sussex County Certificate of Compliance.
HEARINGS:
#624 Skylands 10x LLC, Block 310, Lot 16
Frank McGovern, Esq. was present on behalf of the Applicant and he provided an overview of the proposed expansion of the existing house. Adrian Kierans was sworn in and he stated that he is one of the principals of Skylands 10x LLC. He went on to describe the expansion/renovation proposal. He stated that the structural report states that the structure is repairable and structurally sound and the well and septic are ok. He then went on describe the photographs that were submitted with the application, which were marked as Exhibits:
A-1 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-2 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-3 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-4 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-5 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-6 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-7 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-8 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-9 2 Photographs dated 2022
A-10 Deed from 2021
A-11 Location Survey
A-12 Survey Plan dated 8-16-21
A-13 Architectural Drawings.
Mr. Kierans continued to review and describe the proposal, which was reviewed with the Board.
- L. Worley was sworn in and he provided his qualifications as a surveyor. He stated that he
prepared the drawings and the following were submitted and marked as Exhibits:
A-14 Survey, dated 7-12-21
A-15 Photograph of property
A-16 Photograph of property
A-17 Photograph of Lot 14
A-18 Wade Wander report, dated 9-26-22
A-19 Topography
Mr. Worley went on to describe/review the proposal, the variances being requested, the neighborhood homes and their sizes, the wetlands, and slopes.
The hearing was opened to the public. With there being no public comment, the hearing was closed to the public.
Mr. Haggerty summarized the proposal. Mr. Golden stated that his questions have been addressed.
Mr. Sarni made the motion to grant the relief as requested/presented this evening. Motion seconded Mrs. Draghi. Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.
BILLS:
Ms. Mountford made the motion to pay the following bills, seconded by Mr. Sarni.
Dolan & Dolan Re: Burke 156.75
Dolan & Dolan Re: General 140.25
Dolan & Dolan Re: First Presbyterian Church 99.00
Dolan & Dolan Re: Skylands 66.00
Dolan & Dolan Re: Lambrecht 49.50
Dolan & Dolan Re: General 343.75
Dolan & Dolan Re: Lotus Way 33.00
Dolan & Dolan Re: Urban 49.50
Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Ms. Mountford-Yes, Mr. Kochenthal-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Planning Board Update
Ms. Mountford commented on her conversation with the Planning Board and economic development. The Board discussed the process in the Master Plan development, the roles of the Boards, and the ordinances that are adopted. Ms. Mountford also brought up the Fredon Policy/Ordinance. The Board then discussed the Engineer RFP.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
Chairman Lippencott opened the meeting to the public at 9:00 p.m. With there being no public comment, the meeting was closed to the public.
COMMITEE LIAISON REPORT:
Ms. Chammings was in attendance and she reported on: short term rentals, 947 A Old Schoolhouse Road, tax liens, Sussex County Day, Stormwater Management, ordinances, resignations and hiring, noise, recreation programs and summer camps, and the disposal of spent BioChar and the model ordinance. Ms. Mountford also commented on the Sparta warehouse proposal.
ADJOURNMENT:
With there being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. In a voice vote, all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________ _______________________________
Alfia Schemm, Board Secretary George Lippencott, Chairman
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