September 6, 2022 – Regular Meeting

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STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

 Tuesday September 6, 2022

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Scott at 7:00 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, Mr. Fisher, Ms. Chammings and Mayor Scott.

The flag was saluted.

 MINUTES:                August 16, 2022 Regular Meeting and Executive Session 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, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

 BILLS LIST #13: $993,390.70

RESOLUTION 2022-143     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 6, 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 Mr. Barta to adopt Resolution 2022-143, seconded by Mr. Fisher.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 Mr. Barta said Stillwater School did have its August meeting and Regional Board of Education Meeting regarding the new Board of Health curriculum.

Mr. Barta stated that the stage two of the masonry work that was being done at the Stillwater elementary school is now complete. It went a little more in depth than had originally planned, but is all good and finished now. They were hoping to have it all completed by the start of the school year and they succeeded in doing so. The lighting is all taken care of as well. The teachers had a good first day back, last week.

The Board of Education has agreed to have an opt out option for the parents of students with regard to the gender identity and sexual preference portion of the health education. The parents will have the option to opt their child(ren) out of each section of the education. If the parents choose to have their child(ren) opted out of this education portion of the curriculum that child(ren) will then be in a different classroom being take basic health education.  The Board of Education is hoping to get a head, of the state, by putting something into place rather than completing opting out of the new education requirement from the state which could cause the State to scrutinize their current curriculum.

Mr. Barta reported Elaina Gable, the Planner from Van Cleef Engineering, attended the Planning Board meeting and went over suggestions for the Master Plan. Mr. Barta stated each commission had a representative in attendance at the Planning Board meeting as well as the Zoning Officer. Electric car charging stations were discussed. The clerk stated that there are many grants out there now that would allow for the electric car charging stations to be installed at no cost to the township. The discussion of solar power farms came up and the Planning board wants to put into place perimeters and buffers for the farmers who want to make solar power farms. The Planning Board also discussed Air B&Bs short term rentals and how to regulate this type of business. Mr. Golden is retiring at the end of 2022 so the township is looking for an Engineer for both the Planning and Zoning boards.

The Planning Board would also like to give more height to the outbuildings for farmers and would like to maintain the current rural charm of the Township.

Mrs. Rumsey stated that the Community Center is getting a lot of use Township events, Recreation Commission events, and private parties. The Recreation Commission had a Senior Ice-Cream Social with a great turn out and everyone had a great time. The Recreation Commission’s next senior event is a Sing-Along on September 29, 2022.

The company installing the lights at the Community Center and Townhall will install lights as soon as the correct size lamps are received.  Both buildings can be completed in the same day. The clerk and Mrs. Rumsey are going to meet with the manager of the cleaning company to go over exactly what is needed to be done at the Community Center. The Recreation Commission had a meeting scheduled for September 7th. The Recreation Commission has a lot of events planned for the fall including a clean-up day scheduled for September 24, 2022, the Fall Festival on October 8, 2022 (they are looking for vendors) and a Fall Garage Sale weekend scheduled for the weekend of October 15/16, 2022 (rain or shine).

Ms. Chammings asked if the members of Stillwater Township Committee would represent Stillwater at Sussex County Day on Sunday, September 18, 2022. The committee agreed to work out times for them to attend the event.  The clerk will fill out and submit the registration form. Stillwater Keepsake Blankets will be sold.

Ms. Chammings reported that CERT/MRC had a meeting on August 17th. There was a grant writing webinar that Marcia Bradley and Paul Mole attended on August 24th. CERT/MRC wants to try to start a teen CERT team hopefully through KRHS. CERRMRC safety shirts and jackets have been ordered for the volunteers and a new CERT/MRC banner. CERT/MRC is moving forward with their plans to keep the community informed and trained for any emergency.

Ms. Chammings reported the Zoning Board of Adjustment adopted resolutions for decisions made at the previous meeting which will be sent to the paper to be memorialized. The Master Plan was discussed.

Mr. Fisher said he had not received the report from the fire chief and would give his report at the next meeting.

Mrs. Rumsey said she had some fire department news to report.  Tanker 42 is out of service until further notice. Mrs. Rumsey reported there was a water rescue training at Fairview Lake and there are now approximately 10 people trained. There is going to be a Rapid Water Rescue in November that is going to take place on the Delaware River. Mrs. Rumsey noted the fire department will also be taking a Stop-the-Bleed course.

Mayor Scott reported that Crandon Lakes is going to be lowering their lake thirty inches starting on October 15, 2022 through April 1, 2023. This is for dock repairs.

Mayor Scott reported that there is a lift truck in Hampton Township that Josh Raff, DPW Supervisor, will let the clerk know if he is interested in bidding on the truck. The clerk is going to look into and see if this truck would require a change to the insurance. Starting on Monday September 12, 2022, the DPW will be back to the fall/winter schedule of 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

The QPA sent a memo requesting approval to repair the 2010 International 740 Dump Truck. A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to approve Tony Sanchez to fix the truck at the amount of $5420.25. Mr. Fisher seconded the motion. Voice Vote All in Favor.

Ms. Chammings stated that she received communication from a resident who is concerned about a noise disturbance. A neighbor is shooting guns and blasting explosives all day on Sundays and was looking to see if the Township had an ordinance prohibiting these actions.  Mr. Barta said there is no ordinance prohibiting shooting guns on Sundays but there is a “nuisance noise” civil complaint which can be filed with the municipal court.  The court also has mediation to help the neighbors work through their concerns without going to court.

Ms. Chammings stated that she received communication from Mr. Neumann in regards to motor boats in Fairview Lake and the repeal of Stillwater Ordinance 2021-13.  Ms. Chammings said Mr. Neumann and Ms. Williams think the repeal of the ordinance was for scientific or maintenance issues. The reason for the repeal of the ordinance was because Stillwater Township does not own or control the lake and the rules of the lake fall to the land owners surrounding the lake as it is a private community.  Mayor Scott said he would speak with Mr. Neumann about his concerns.

Mr. Fisher brought up the check scanning for the township. He is hearing conflicting reviews, one that it is free of charge for the township and the other that there is a monthly fee that the township would have to pay. A discussion between Mr. Fisher and Mrs. Rumsey about the approval of the check scanning device, if it was approved or not. Mrs. Rumsey feels that it was approved and Mr. Fisher feels that it was not. The subject will be discussed under old business.

Mr. Barta asked that social medial policies be put on for discussion under new business.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Doherty of 943 Old Schoolhouse Road, stated he was the resident who sent Ms. Chammings the e-mail sharing his concerns about gunfire and fireworks being shot off for long periods of time during the day, especially on Sunday. Mr. Barta said if the resident was exploding fireworks it is an illegal act and Mr. Doherty should contact the state police, and to call them every time, and let them know the situation that is taking place. Ms. Chammings gave Mr. Doherty the non-emergency number for the State Police.

Mrs. Arlene Fisher, 1059 Mt Benevolence Road, asked a few questions regarding Mr. Barta’s report on the master plan. She asked about the height change for farm buildings. She stated that the current height restriction was based on the fire department equipment and the ability to successfully put out a fire.  Mrs. Fisher said the set backs that were required for the solar farms and front yards of lakes for a reason. The DEP has certain restrictions that caused the ordinances to be written in the first place. Mrs. Fisher said when the Air B&B discussion is held she would like to attend because they have already caused a lot of issues in the township.  Mrs. Fisher added Mr. Barta’s report on the Planning Board’s discussion was very informative.

Mrs. Anita Kline, 924 Stillwater Road, is concerned about the Air B&B regulations or lack of regulations in the township.  Mrs. Kline said the Township’s Zoning Officer told her Chapter 116 of Stillwater Township’s Code speaks of Bed and Breakfasts and includes Air BnBs.  Mr. Vex said no when the Township’s Code is amended Chapter 116 will include Air BnBs.  Mrs. Fisher also added her concerns and past issues involving Air BnBs in the township while she was the Zoning Officer.  Mrs. Rumsey suggested an ordinance prohibiting Air BnBs and Ms. Chammings noted the Planning Board is going to address Air BnBs in the Master Plan.  Mrs. Rumsey made a motion, seconded by Mr. Fisher for Mr. Vex to write an ordinance to prohibit short term rentals and Air BnBs. The Voice Vote was unanimous. Mr. Vex will have an ordinance for the Township Committee to review and possibly introduce at the September 20, 2022 meeting.

Mr. Lou Sylvester, 945 Old Schoolhouse Road, asked about the 947A Old Schoolhouse Road situation. Ms. Chammings stated that she and Mr. Barta had spoken to the Zoning Official, Tom Dixon. Mr. Dixon went to the property, with the homeowner, identified some areas of concern, and addressed it in a letter that was sent certified to the homeowner. Mr. Dixon gave the homeowner ten days to make improvements. The fire department has offered to drive Mr. Dixon with one of the R-TV’s to the harder to reach areas.

Seeing no one else from the public who wished to speak this portion of the meeting was ended.

OLD BUSINESS:

Township’s Tax Lien Update:

Mr. Howard Vex stated the final list he and the Tax Collector compiled for In-Rem foreclosure was 20 properties.  Many of these properties have adjoining property owners interested in purchasing them. There were three or four properties who have redeemed their liens.

Mr. Barta would like to have more open communications with our local lake communities. Mr. Barta would like the clerk to send a letter sent to the lake community executive boards inviting them to Township Committee meetings.

Mr. Barta said since the Township Committee has adopted a new social media policy for Elected and Appointed Officials and have requested all recipients sign an acknowledgment of receipt and understanding of the policy.  Mr. Barta noted employees do have a social media policy included in their handbooks but feels this is a good time to remind employees of their social media policy and asked the clerk to reprint the policy from the handbook and distribute it with a new acknowledgment of receipt and understanding to the employees.

Mrs. Rumsey would also like employees who are taking advantage of classes sign a new acknowledgement each time they take a class reminding them they must remain employed by the Township of Stillwater for three years or pay the township back for the cost of the class.

Mr. Fisher discussed the check scanning policy.  Mr. Fisher said he received two different correspondence one stating the scanning is free for the township from the CFO and one stating there is a $100 set up fee and monthly fee is $50 from the Tax Collector.  Mr. Vex said as a good customer the bank can waive fees for the township.  The Tax Collector noted the check scanning does not eliminate the need to go to the bank for cash deposits.  Checks scanned at townhall must be kept for 45 days.  The Tax Collector said she is a department head and the person who handles the most payments coming into the township and she was never included or her professional opinion asked and Ms. Rutnik is choosing not to participate in check scanning.  Ms. Rutnik asked who on the township committee approved the new policy?  Ms. Rutnik added she has attended most of the township committee meetings and she never heard a word of discussion or their approval on the subject.  Mayor Scott will speak with the CFO regarding check scanning.

ORDINANCE 2022-18         AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEESOF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2022

This Ordinance was tabled by Ms. Chammings for no job description of the position of Recycling and Convenience Center Supervisor.  After a brief discussion a further discussion will be held in executive session.

 ORDINANCE #2022-019 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER BY REPEALING AND REPLACING THE FEE SCHEDULE FROM SECTION 4 OF CHAPTER 304 ENTITLED “VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTIES”

BE IT ORDAINED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, Sussex County of Sussex, New Jersey, that Chapter 304 of the Code of the Township of Stillwater entitled “Vacant and Abandoned Properties” shall be repealed and replaced as set forth herein to comply with new 2022 fee requirements of N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s3:

SECTION 1 – UPDATED FEE SCHEDULE

 Section 4 “Fee Schedule” of Chapter 304 “Vacant and Abandoned Properties” of the Code of the Township of Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey, is repealed in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 4 – Fee Schedule:

SECTION 4 – FEE SCHEDULE.

The initial registration fee for each property governed by this Ordinance shall be $250.  The registration for each property governed by this registration Ordinance shall be $500 for each year after the first year,  In addition, for each property that is required to be registered because a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose was filed, the creditor must pay an additional fee of $2,000 annually if that property is vacant or abandoned pursuant to the definition in this Ordinance when the summons and complaint to foreclose was filed, or becomes vacant and abandoned pursuant to the definition in this Ordinance at any time thereafter while the property remains in foreclosure.

SECTION 2 – 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 3 – REPEALER

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

SECTION 4 – EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to Adopt Ordinance 2022-19, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

ORDINANCE 2022-20         CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $19,900.00 FOR TURNOUT GEAR FOR THE STILLWATER AREA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, AS FOLLOWS;

Section 1.  The improvement(s) or purpose(s) 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 improvement(s) or purpose(s) stated in said Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriations made for said improvement(s) or purpose(s), said sums being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefore and amounting in the aggregate to $19,900.00, which has heretofore been set aside for the improvement(s) or purpose(s) 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 improvement(s) or purpose(s) and to meet the part of said $19,900.00 appropriations, the Township will use $19,900.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund, as described in Section 3.

Section 3.  The purpose hereby authorized 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 such purpose, is respectively as follows:

Turnout Gear – (5) Sets                                              $19,900.00      General C.I.F.

The aforementioned improvement(s) or purpose(s) 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:

  • The said purpose(s) 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.
  • 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 five (5) 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 Mrs. Rumsey to Adopt Ordinance 2022-20, seconded by Ms. Chammings.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

ORDINANCE NO. 2022-21 AN ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS WHO ARE CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION TO THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE AND FOR PERSONS WHO SERVE ON THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE AS WELL AS ESTABLISHING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS WHO SERVE ON UNPAID APPOINTED POSITIONS WITH THE TOWNSHIP’S VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

 After a discussion there are changes to be made to this ordinance before it can be adopted.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to TABLE Ordinance 2022-21, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

 NEW BUSINESS:

RESOLUTION 2022-144     Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey in Opposition to the Reassignment by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection of all Municipalities Currently Designated Tier B under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit Program to Tier A Designation

WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater (‘Township’) that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (‘NJDEP’) intends to reassign to ‘Tier A’ designation under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit program (‘Permit Program’) all New Jersey municipalities currently designated ‘Tier B’ (‘Reassignment Plan’); and

WHEREAS, compliance with the Permit Program for a municipality designated ‘Tier A’ (‘Tier A’) is far costlier and more onerous than compliance for a municipality designated ‘Tier B’ (‘Tier B’); and

WHEREAS, under the existing designation system (‘Existing Designation System’), the Tier B designation was specifically created for municipalities that are located in more rural areas and non-coastal regions, while the Tier A designation was created for municipalities that are located within the more densely populated regions of the state or along or near the coast; and

WHEREAS, the Existing Designation System makes logical sense, as the costly and onerous compliance required for municipalities designated Tier A is necessitated by the population densities and environmental concerns of Tier A municipalities; and

            WHEREAS, the Existing Designation System makes logical sense also for municipalities designated Tier B, as Tier B municipalities generally do not have the population densities and environmental concerns of their Tier A counterparts; and

WHEREAS, many municipalities designated Tier B under the Existing Designation System simply do not have the resources to comply with Tier A designation, unlike their Tier A counterparts; and

WHEREAS, the State, however well-intentioned in its actions, continues to saddle municipalities with additional responsibilities via its unfunded mandates; and

WHEREAS, reassignment by the NJDEP to Tier A designation for all New Jersey municipalities currently designated Tier B under the Existing Designation System will result in a redistribution of these municipalities’ limited resources, away from their crucial government functions; and

WHEREAS, the Township wholeheartedly supports taking action to better protect and improve the quality of its own waterways, as well as waterways throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, the Township simply views the NJDEP’s Reassignment Plan as a costly, unfair, and ineffectual approach to improving the well being of the State’s waterways.

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 Township of Stillwater hereby urges members of the New Jersey Assembly and Senate to support, co-sponsor, and adopt legislation that would prevent the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (‘NJDEP’) from reassigning to ‘Tier A’ designation under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit program New Jersey municipalities that are currently designated ‘Tier B.’
  2. The Township of Stillwater hereby urges the Governor of the State of New Jersey to sign any legislation adopted by the State Assembly and Senate which legislation would prevent the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (‘NJDEP’) from reassigning to ‘Tier A’ designation under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit program New Jersey municipalities that are currently designated ‘Tier B.’
  3. A certified true copy of this Resolution upon its adoption shall be furnished to New Jersey State Governor Philip D. Murphy, New Jersey State Senator Steven V. Oroho, New Jersey State Assemblyman Parker Space, New Jersey Assemblyman Harold Wirths, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and the Municipal Clerks of all the Sussex County Municipalities.
  4. All municipal officials are hereby authorized to take whatever actions may be necessary to implement the terms of this Resolution.
  5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to adopt the Resolution 2022-144, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

 RESOLUTION 2022-145     Mayor’s Acceptance of the Resignation of Stephen Straub from the Zoning Board of Adjustment

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 Stephen Straub from the Zoning Board of Adjustment effective August 31, 2022.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-145 seconded by Ms. Chammings.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, with regrets, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-146     Resolution of the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater Authorizing the Issuance of Raffle License RA-22-05

WHEREAS the following Raffle Application with required fees have been submitted for Township Committee approval;

Raffle #           Applicant                                                       Date                Type of Game           

RA-05             Stillwater Historical Society.                          10/08/2022      Raffle

 

WHEREAS said Raffle Applications have been provided to the Township Committee and New Jersey State Police for their review;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, the following:

 

  1. The appropriate officials are hereby authorized to execute the findings and determination for the above application and shall forward same to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) for review.

 

  1. That the above license shall be issued pending LGCCC approval, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13.1 et seq.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-146 seconded by Mr. Barta.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

RESOLUTION 2022-147     Resolution of the Township Committee Authorizing the Refund of Permit Fees – Felix

WHEREAS, Building Permit Number 2020185 for 970 Ridge Road, Block 4003, Lot 16, was priced at $224.00, and;

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that fees in the amount of $244.00 were collected for Permit Number 2020185 creating an overpayment of $20.00;

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

 

Name & Address                                Funding                                               Amount

Karen Felix                                         Permit Fee                                           $20.00

970 Ridge Road

Newton, NJ  07860

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2022-147 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Ordinance for Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption:

The township committee discussed sample ordinances from Green Township one which made the tax refund retroactive to the first day of the year in which the application is accepted and deemed complete and one which the refund is retroactive to the date where the application is deemed complete and accepted.  The second scenario was chosen and Mr. Howard Vex is going to draft up an ordinance for Stillwater to be introduced at the next meeting on September 20, 2022.

Storm Water Management Tier B to Tier A – The clerk will send Mike Vreeland, Township Engineer, Resolution 2022-144 adopted earlier in the meeting and confirm that Stillwater would like to oppose being designated Tier A.

 OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

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

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:  Mr. Vex had nothing further to report.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  held in Town Hall

After the reading of the following Resolution to enter into Executive Session, a motion was made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Barta and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 9:20 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, 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 Ms. Chammings, seconded by Mr. Barta to end Executive Session at 9:42 p.m., to resume public session unanimously carried by voice vote.

RESOLUTION 2022-148

APPOINTMENT OF FRANK ROONEY AS PROVISIONAL RECYCLING CENTER SUPERVISOR

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of Stillwater desire to hire Frank Rooney as Provisional Recycling Center Supervisor; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of Stillwater has set the hourly rate at $20.00 per hours; and

WHEREAS, the position of Provisional Recycling Center Supervisor has recently been adopted and the 2022 Salary Ordinance is currently being amended to include Recycling Center Supervisor; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater do hereby concur with the appointment of the of Frank Rooney as Provisional Recycling Center Supervisor effective September 10, 2022 for 11 hours per week at the rate of $20.00 per hour.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to Adopt Resolution 2022-148, seconded by Mr. Fisher.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.

ORDINANCE 2022-18         AN ORDINANCE FIXING SALARIES AND WAGES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEESOF THE TOWNSHIP OF STILLWATER, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2022

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

Section1. The Township of Stillwater shall pay its municipal officers and employees for services rendered as shown below. Figures shown represent annual salary, unless otherwise noted.

 

POSITION:                                                                            SALARY RANGE:

Recycling and Convenience Center Supervisor                     $20.00 – $25.00 per hour

Section 2. Specific salaries or wages established by the Ordinance shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

Section 3. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed as making mandatory the payment of annual salary increments to any officer or employees of the Township of Stillwater. Salary or wage increases shall be contingent upon availability of funds.

Section 4. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication and passage according to law.

A motion was made by Ms. Chammings to Adopt Ordinance 2022-18, seconded by Mr. Barta.  Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Fisher, yes, Ms. Chammings, yes, Mayor Scott, yes.


There being no further business, Ms. Chammings made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 p.m., seconded by Mr. Fisher.   In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, RMC

Visit the Office of Emergency Management page for links and the latest information

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