September 7, 2021 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

September 7, 2021 – Regular Meeting

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Committee was called to order by Mayor Chammings at 7:00 p.m. noting the meeting date was sent, time and place to the New Jersey Herald and posted at the Town Hall on the official Stillwater Township website and Facebook page 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, Committeeman Barta, Deputy Mayor Scott, Committeeman Fisher, Mayor Chammings, Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott and Attorney Angelo Bolcato ABSENT: None

Roll Call was taken and the flag was saluted.

August 17, 2021 Regular Minutes:

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt the regular and executive minutes of August 17, 2021, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

BILLS LIST #13: $896,786.62

RESOLUTION 2021-113 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 7, 2021 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 the Resolution 2021-113, seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Scott reported he had a discussion on personnel for executive session. Mr. Scott said the Kobota sickle bar is being used to help with roadside maintenance. Mr. Scott also reported the Recreation Commission would be meeting the following evening at the Community Center.

Mr. Barta reported the Planning Board August meeting had been cancelled so he had no report.

Mr. Fisher reported the DPW Supervisor had two additional alternative areas for the potential emergency access road in lower Crandon Lakes and he would be meeting with him to look at these areas.

Mrs. Rumsey reported she was unable to attend the Stillwater Board of Education but Mr. Barta was there and asked if he could give an update. Mr. Barta said the school will be following the State’s mask mandate. Mr. Barta also said the school board discussed reasons why the school budget has gone up and teachers will be attending an anti-racist training program.

Mrs. Rumsey asked if roof proposals were received and if the there was still Board of Election funding for polling places for the door. Mayor Chammings said the DPW Supervisor was waiting for the architect to see if a conventional roof could be put on the building and in the meantime, he will be receiving quotes to redo the flat roof. The Clerk said she will check with the Board of Elections Administrator to see if the program is still in effect. Mrs. Rumsey said the Clerk has provided her and Mayor Chammings with other municipalities community center rental agreements so they could discuss and update the current use agreement. The addition of paid rentals will also be added and the proposed agreement will be brought to the entire committee to discuss.

Mrs. Rumsey noted Fire Chief Sugar was not in attendance but the fire department has been busy with basement pump outs from the storm and today the fire department wrangled some cows so their dedication to the community is ongoing and far reaching.

Mayor Chammings reported the clerk sent the adoption resolution to the County and that completes the

Mayor Chammings also said Planet Networks has had a good response from residents to the survey to see how many residents want them to service Stillwater. As soon as the township reaches 60% of residents who would like Planet Networks they would be able to install their new cable in Stillwater. Mayor Chammings noted Robert Boyle, owner of Planet Networks, has been active on the Facebook page answering resident questions.

Mayor Chammings reported the Zoning Board met and heard two poll barn applications and a completeness for another application.

Mayor Chammings noted J C P & L are going to try to do more trimming of the ash trees on Owassa Road.

Mayor Chammings reported she has been firming up job descriptions with employees and there will be a discussion later about contracting with an HR professional.

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

Draft Memo regarding tax certificates and discussion on Debra Carter’s presentation both under Old Business

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Scott Douglas, Paulinskill Lake Association President, voiced his concern 963 Ridge Road. The residence has been abandoned for about two years. He and neighbors cut the front lawn so it is not immediately noticeable it is vacant but the back yard has not been touched and is a health hazard. Mayor Chammings said his concern will be passed to the new zoning officer.

Mr. Douglas also shared the e-mail for the PLA for the township to announce information on both the PLA website and Facebook page.

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

OLD BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Update on 992 Fairview Lake road (block 2401 Lot 37) Mayor Chammings has not received the boxes from the State yet and has sent an e-mail asking for a time frame to when they can be expected.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORDINANCE 2021-13 Repealing Chapter 266 Motorboats of the Code of the Township of Stillwater – Introduction [Public Hearing and Adoption September 21, 2021]

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater has determined that Chapter 266, Motorboats, of the Code of the Township of Stillwater, that was adopted by the Township Committee on January 18, 1972, should be repealed.

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

SECTION 1.

The entire Chapter 266, Motorboats of the Code of the Township of Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey, is repealed in its entirety.

 

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 Mr. Scott to Introduce Ordinance 2021-13 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2021-114 Authorizing the Township Engineer to Provide Professional Engineering Services for the Old Foundry Road Phase II Project in the amount not to exceed $35,000

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater is undertaking the reconstruction of Old Foundry Road (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 30, 2021, to design, bid, administer and close out the Project in the total amount of $35,000; 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 Old Foundry Road Project Phase II in an amount not to exceed $35,000.

The Township’s Chief Financial Officer has certified that sufficient funds are available for the engineering services.

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. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2021-114 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2021-115 Authorizing the cancellation of 2021 Property Taxes for 100% disabled Veterans under the Veteran Disability Act

WHEREAS, there appears on the tax records of STILLWATER Township certain resident who Qualify for tax exemptions, and

WHEREAS, said exemptions were created when the taxpayer applied for Veteran Status, – Total Disability

WHEREAS, the Collector of Taxes recommends the adjustment of such taxes be made.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper officers be and they are hereby authorized and directed to cancel the OF 2021 due to fact that the taxpayer is qualified under the veteran disability act. This exemption has also created a refund for the year of 2021 and recommends such refund to be made.

DISABLED VETERANS

BLOCK LOT NAME YR AMOUNT

2602 8.11 Leahy 21 $2,689.35

2501 40.04 Nance 21 $4,698.37

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2021-115 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2021-116 Authorizing the Payment of Redemption Block 3601 Lot 16.06

WHEREAS, on September 30, 1997 Donna Clouse , Collector Of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as Block 3601 16.06 to STILLWATER TOWNSHIP 964 STILLWATER ROAD NEWTON NEW JERSEY 07860

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on September 7, 2021,  And has deposited said sum in the current account of the Township of STILLWATER,TOWNSHIP

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of STILLWATER

1. As soon thereafter as the redemption funds have cleared the current account, in the amount of $ 13,480.02 ISSUED TO TOWNSHIP the surrender of the certificate shall be issued to the owner of record

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $.00 to be added to the certificate holder,

Provided the holder shall surrender the Certificate of Sale and comply with all laws relating thereto.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2021-116 seconded by Mr. Barta. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2021-117 Authorizing the Payment of Redemption Block 3601 Lot 17.01

WHEREAS, on September 30, 1997 Donna Clouse , Collector Of Taxes sold at public sale Tax Lien for delinquent municipal lien on premises known as Block 3601 17.01 to STILLWATER TOWNSHIP 964 STILLWATER ROAD NEWTON NEW JERSEY 07860

WHEREAS, the Collector has received redemption of said lien on September 7, 2021, And has deposited said sum in the current account of the Township of STILLWATER,TOWNSHIP

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of STILLWATER

1. As soon thereafter as the redemption funds have cleared the current account, in the amount of $ 12,844.14 ISSUED TO TOWNSHIP the surrender of the certificate shall be issued to the owner of record

There was also a Premium paid in the amount of $.00 to be added to the certificate holder,

Provided the holder shall surrender the Certificate of Sale and comply with all laws relating thereto.

A motion was made by Mr. Scott to adopt Resolution 2021-117 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2021-118 Authorizing the Purchase of 2021 Ford 550 Mason Dump with snow plow package in an Amount Not to Exceed $88,820.00

WHEREAS, the Township of Stillwater adopted Resolution 2021-108 for the purchase of a 2021 Ford Mason dump, in an amount not to exceed $83,133.00; and

WHEREAS, due to an unprecedented chip shortage and commodity constraints the original price cannot be held by Morris County Cooperative Purchasing Council; and

WHEREAS, MCCPC has received a Nine (9%) percent increase and now the base bid of the truck is $83,240.00; and

WHEREAS, the truck is also to be equipped with a snow plow package that costs $5,580.00; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 township capital budget includes $88,820.00 for a new 2021 Ford 550 Mason Dump with snow plow package; and

WHEREAS, Township Committee adopted Ordinance 2021-10 on July 20, 2021 to appropriate the funds; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 2021-019 authorizes purchases under New Jersey State Contract which may be in the aggregate exceed $44,000 per annum; and

WHEREAS, the Morris County Cooperative Purchasing Council Contract includes Item #4 a 2021 Ford Mason Dump; and

WHEREAS, the estimate of approximately $88,820.00 is over the Township bid threshold, and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.29 requires that the governing body award contracts over $44,000.00; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater, New Jersey as follows:

1. The purchase of a new 2021 Ford 550 Mason Dump in an amount not to exceed $88,820.00 is hereby approved.
2. The Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available for the purchase in an amount not exceed $88,820.00.

A motion was made by Mrs. Rumsey to adopt Resolution 2021-118 seconded by Mr. Fisher. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

RESOLUTION 2021-119 Authorizing the Mayor and Municipal Clerk to sign a contract to join Houston-Galvaston Area Council for Cooperative Purchasing

WHEREAS, the Stillwater Township has entered into a contract with Seagrave Fire apparatus, LLC for a new Seagrave Model TB70CT Marauder Pumper Truck; and

WHEREAS, the purchase is to be made through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) program (Contract FS12-19) in the amount of $807,260.00; and

WHEREAS, Stillwater Township has been approved as the End User and has been issued a membership number of 11422; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater has reviewed and agrees with the terms of the Agreement between Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) program and Stillwater Township.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of Stillwater that the Mayor is authorized to execute the Agreement between Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) program and Stillwater Township to provide cooperative purchasing.

A motion was made by Mr. Fisher to adopt Resolution 2021-119 seconded by Mrs. Rumsey. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Barta, yes, Mrs. Rumsey, yes, Mr. Scott, yes, Mr. Fisher yes, Mayor Chammings, yes.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Mayor Chammings reported the CFO had participated in the new Bond Anticipation Note Sale and Stillwater Township received an excellent interest rate.

Tax Certificate Assignment: Mayor Chammings asked the other members if they had a chance to review the memo from Mr. Bolcato that outlined the processes to purchase Township Owned Tax Sale Certificate and Properties she would like to have on the website as a resource for residents. The other members agreed with Mayor Chammings and the clerk will post the information of the township’s website. Mayor Chammings would like the township committee to review the list of requests from residents on a quarterly basis.

Mayor Chammings asked the other township committee members if funds permit would they like to contract with Mrs. Carter to write job descriptions and processes for the town hall employees. Everyone agreed and the clerk will ask the CFO if there are funds for the project.

Mayor Chammings reported SGT. Gray of the Sherriff’s office has requested the township to give them specific times to patrol Owassa Road. The Township Committee decided the best times were on Saturdays from noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The clerk will relay their request to SGT. Gray.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

TJ, Grow Works, asked the Township Committee to consider amending its ordinance to allow the growing of cannabis. TJ is currently a State licensed hemp grower and processor in Stillwater who would like to expand his business to boutique cannabis growing. His intention is to have a 2,500 sq foot growing area for cannabis.

Mrs. Rumsey said since there are so many people who are not educated about the benefits of hemp TJ should consider having a seminar at the community center to answer resident questions. TJ was interested in this opportunity and will contact the clerk to schedule a date.

Mr. Lou Sylvester, 945 Old Schoolhouse Road, voiced his concerns and noted the five months he has been fighting a hemp farm business from establishing their business on Old Schoolhouse Road. Mr. Sylvester said he will still continue to protect his neighborhood from hemp and canabis.

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

ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Mr. Bolcato had nothing 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. Scott, seconded by Mr. Fisher and carried by roll call vote to adopt the resolution permitting the Committee to go into Executive Session at 8:27 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, Litigation/Potential Litigation, Attorney Client and public safety.

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 Mayor Chammings, seconded by Mr. Scott to conclude Executive Session at 9:20p.m., unanimously carried by voice vote.

There being no further business to attend to, a motion was made by Mr. Scott, seconded by Mrs. Rumsey to conclude the meeting at 09:21 p.m., unanimously carried by roll call vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynda Knott, Township Clerk