Contact:
Borough Clerk Ellen Horak 973-347-0159 ext 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stanhope, NJ - December 16, 2009
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
November 24, 2009
7:00 P.M.
MAYOR'S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on December 31, 2008 and placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 11:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to time, date and place within ten (10) days of this meeting. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this Meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilwoman Santucci – present Councilman Graham – present
Councilwoman Maio – present Councilman Vance – present
Councilman Depew – present Councilman Benson – present
Mayor Kuncken – present
CLOSED SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter-specified subject matter(s).
2. The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 Contract: - Kelly Act
1 Potential Litigation – Escrow Protest
2 Attorney-Client- Morris Canal
- Highlands
3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter(s) will be made public at the conclusion of each individual specified subject matter.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:00 P.M.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 7:58 P.M. with all present as before.
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Kuncken invited all those present to stand in a salute to colors.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Kuncken opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Kathy O’Bitz, 19 New Street, Stanhope thanked the governing body for their time at the previous meeting and for the committee who met at her home to assess the drainage problem. Ms. O’Bitz asked if there was any update on how the issue will be resolved. Engineer Keller said his plan is to determine the project details (general scope, costs, etc.) and the regulatory aspects of any improvements along the channel. Mr. Keller reported he would have his report for the December 15th meeting. Councilwoman Maio has contacted Ms. Helen Maurella regarding the overhanging/leaning trees from the State’s property. Councilwoman Maio reported Ms. Maurella said there would be tree trimming as quickly as the State could send forestry personnel to the property.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, commented that there were so many street lights not working. Councilman Graham said he reported the outages he saw to J C P & L. Administrator Stewart will call the J C P & L liaison to report the street outage at Canfield and Brooklyn Roads. Ms. Hoyt also inquired when the new streetlights for the Main Street Reconstruction Project would be installed. Councilwoman Maio reported they were in transit and would be installed as soon as they are received.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Kuncken closed the public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Kuncken read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
October 6, 2009 Work Session Meeting & Closed Session
October 20, 2009 Agenda Meeting & Closed Session
October 27, 2009 Regular Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilwoman Santucci seconded by Councilman Graham and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by voice vote the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Main Street Reconstruction Phase II
Engineer Keller reported the Main Street Reconstruction Phase II project is nearing completion. Engineer Keller said he received an update from the contractor that the guide rails, trees, and road striping would be done Wednesday, November 25, 2009 (weather permitting). Engineer Keller spoke with the lighting manufacturer and was told the lights were delivered to the electrician on Friday, November 20, 2009. Engineer Keller is awaiting confirmation from the electrician. Mayor Kuncken asked if the crosswalks were sealed and Engineer Keller confirmed that they were sealed.
Water Storage/Infrastructure Improvements
A meeting of the Water Storage Infrastructure Committee was held on November 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. The committee discussed preliminary findings on replacement of the water storage tank and necessary distribution system improvements. The results showed that distribution system upgrades are critical to improving fire flow and pressure in the “high level” system. An increase in the water storage tank capacity is necessary to provide an adequate supply of water for firefighting as well as daily usage. A design report with cost estimates will be available for discussion in early December. If the governing body decides to apply for NJEIT funding it will be done in October of 2010 for funding in 2011.
Water Allocation Permit
Mr. Keller reported he received comments back on the renewal application for the Borough’s water allocation permit that additional paperwork must be supplied. Mr. Keller will set up a meeting for next week with the Administrator and Public Works Superintendent to discuss and prepare what is needed.
Highlands Conformance Analysis
Engineer Keller is waiting for feedback from the Borough representatives on Modular 4 Environmental Resource Inventory “ERI”. Councilman Graham said there are several items to be forwarded to the Highlands Council by December 8th. The first item needed is a continuing resolution to allow the investigation of plan conformance to continue. Councilman Graham also noted that Planner David Troast will have a preliminary housing element available for discussion. Engineer Keller, as Borough representative, will file the updated ERI with the Highlands Council. Councilman Graham reported the last ERI is twenty (20) years old and will be updated with the changes that have occurred. Councilwoman Maio mentioned the geology is correct as portrayed in the Open Space Plan and that should be compared to the present ERI. Mayor Kuncken said the professional bills for work on plan conformance should be billed against the grant funds. Engineer Keller reported all work done on modules were given a separate job number and he will look over previous bills under general services and make sure the work was billed against the correct items. Councilman Benson said the Finance Committee has scheduled a meeting for Monday, November 30 with the CFO to discuss the Highlands grant billing.
Councilwoman Maio asked Engineer Keller for an update on the canal repair grant. Engineer Keller will call and check on the application.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Stewart reported the New Jersey Environmental Financing Program’s initial review of the Borough’s Sanitary System Project application noted some deficiencies. The forms were revised and the application is now satisfactory. The DEP stated they want to include as many projects in the 2009 winter cycle so there is hope this project will be funded shortly. Engineer Keller reported the funding is a loan with 25% of the funds at market interest rates and 75% at zero interest. Mr. Keller added the loan amount is $200,000.00 instead of $175,000.00 because of administrative expenses, engineering fees (inspections/project administration), construction costs and contingencies.
Administrator Stewart reported he has County permission for the GPS equipment to be lent to the Borough for the Shade Tree Commission. Councilwoman Maio noted the GPS equipment is needed by the DPW to plot the outfalls for the Stormwater Management Plan. The Administrator will coordinate the dates of use with the DPW Superintendent.
Administrator Stewart reported the Dispatch Services Contract was received today from Sparta’s Manager, Henry Underhill and was submitted to Mr. Stein for review. Mr. Stewart will contact Sparta tomorrow to get the Memorandum of Agreement missing from the contract.
Mr. Stewart also reported he is in the process of researching the Borough’s energy data for the last twelve months to gain a complete picture of the energy use as part of the application for the Local Government Energy Audit Program. Mr. Stewart said he would have this process complete by the December 1st meeting so the program could be submitted for approval.
Administrator Stewart said he attached a schedule of additional JIF seminars for those who did not attend the session at the League. Mr. Stewart also noted he will attend a CDL Drug/Alcohol Testing Program Review Seminar in Hanover Township on December 9th. Mayor Kuncken asked if the seminar was all day. Administrator Stewart said the seminar only runs a few hours.
Councilman Benson asked the Administrator if JIF had been invited to the Borough to speak with volunteers from the Ambulance Squad and the Fire Department. Administrator Stewart said they had spoken with the officers only. Councilman Benson pressed the importance of all volunteers being educated. The Administrator said he would set up the seminar.
Councilman Vance asked the Administrator if he had looked into getting any price comparisons for the employee health insurance. The Administrator said he had spoken to Frank Cobelli. Mayor Kuncken said she spoke with Joe Sabatini, Manager of Byram Township, at the League Conference and that he had interesting information on their employee health insurance and suggested the Administrator contact him.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilmen Depew/Maio
Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management – No report
Finance & Administration – Councilmen Benson/Graham
Tax Assessment, Tax Collection, Water & Sewer Cashier, Treasurer, Health & Other Insurance, Personnel- Councilman Benson reported on the month’s utility collection. The water collection in October was $34,187 compared to $78,600 in 2008. The sewer collection in October was $73,584 compared to $169,000 in 2008. Councilman Benson reminded the governing body and public that the prior months’ collections have been much higher than 2008. Councilman Benson also reported the CFO will have an up to date end of the month budget comparison for the next meeting. Councilman Benson said that except for salaries in the water department that had unexpected overtime the Borough’s budget was on track.
Community Development – Councilmen Graham/Depew
Zoning, Construction Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization- No report
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilmen Vance/Benson
Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds- Councilman Vance reported the sanding equipment is installed on the trucks in preparation for winter and the fire hydrants have been flushed a second time as mandated by the State.
Information Technology – Councilwoman Maio/Santucci
Acquisition of Hardware & Software, Technical Equipment Services, Telecommunication, Cable Television Franchise- Councilwoman Maio reported the first phone bill has been received since the change to Cablevision and the savings is between $500 to $600, which does not include the $120 to $200 savings on the DSL lines.
Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Santucci/Vance
Board of Health, Regional Planning Board, Environmental Commission, Musconetcong Sewerage Authority, Sanitation & Recycling, Recreation Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Land Use Board – Councilwoman Santucci reported the Board of Heath is interested in having Michelle Lerner attend the December 15th Mayor and Council meeting for a presentation on the feral cat program. Mayor Kuncken said the meeting is very full and the presentation must be limited to one-half hour. Councilwoman Santucci also reported the Tree Lighting will be held on Sunday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Kuncken asked the Administrator to have the DPW cordon off the area of the front lawn recently reseeded to avoid killing the new grass.
Main Street Streetscape - Councilwoman Maio/Depew/Vance – Councilwoman Maio displayed the new holiday banner that will be hung on the new light poles as soon as they are installed. The banners are warranted for five seasons and have the option of an additional piece that can be hung underneath to promote an event. Engineer Keller then confirmed the light poles have been delivered to the electrician and that he will confirm with the Administrator when the poles will be installed.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuncken offered the following resolutions, which were read by title
Resolution 192-09 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO RELEASE THE PERFORMANCE BOND FOR CIFELLI & SON GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE BELL/BEDFORD/KING/PLANE/HIGHLAND ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council had deemed it necessary for Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. to submit a performance bond prior to the commencement of the Bell/Bedford/King/Plane/Highland Road Reconstruction Project; and
WHEREAS, Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. did produce and the Borough did accept a performance bond guaranteeing the quality and completeness of the work; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has inspected the project site and has deemed the project has been completed in general compliance with the contract; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has advised the Mayor and Council that a maintenance bond be required in the amount of $183,901.00 to be effective for one year from the date of issuance to ensure the quality of the work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, at the concurrence of the Borough Engineer, do hereby authorize the Chief Financial Officer to release the performance bond to Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. for the Bell/Bedford/King/Plane/Highland Road Reconstruction Project.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Graham, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Depew – yes Councilman Benson – yes
Resolution 193-09 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF MAINTENANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $183,901.00
OFFERED BY CIFELLI & SON GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INC.
FOR THE BELL/BEDORD/KING/PLANE AND HIGHLAND
ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council heretofore authorized the release of a performance bond offered by Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. has substantially completed the Bell/Bedford/King/Plane and Highland Road Reconstruction Project; and
WHEREAS, Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. has offered to the Borough a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $183,901.00, which amount has been specified by the Borough Engineer; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Attorney has reviewed and approved of the form of said Maintenance Bond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough does hereby accept the Maintenance Bond issued by Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. in the amount of $183,901.00 for the Bell/Bedford/King/Plane and Highland Road Reconstruction Project.
On motion by Councilwoman Santucci, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Depew – yes Councilman Benson – yes
Resolution 194-09 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO RELEASE THE PERFORMANCE BOND FOR CIFELLI & SON GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE GROVE AND MAIN STREET ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council had deemed it necessary for Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. to submit a performance bond prior to the commencement of the Grove and Main Street Road Reconstruction Project; and
Whereas, Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. did produce and the Borough did accept a performance bond guaranteeing the quality and completeness of the work; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has inspected the project site and has deemed the project has been completed in general compliance with the contract; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has advised the Mayor and Council that a maintenance bond be required in the amount of $234,971.55 to be effective for one year from the date of issuance to ensure the quality of the work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, at the concurrence of the Borough Engineer, do hereby authorize the Chief Financial Officer to release the performance bond to Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. for the Grove and Main Street Road Reconstruction Project.
On motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Depew – yes Councilman Benson – yes
Resolution 195-09 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF
MAINTENANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $234,971.55
OFFERED BY CIFELLI & SON GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INC.
FOR THE GROVE AND MAIN STREET ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council heretofore authorized the release of a performance bond offered by Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc.; and
Whereas, Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. has substantially completed the Grove and Main Street Road Reconstruction Project; and
WHEREAS, Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. has offered to the Borough a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $234,971.55, which amount has been specified by the Borough Engineer; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Attorney has reviewed and approved of the form of said Maintenance Bond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough does hereby accept the Maintenance Bond issued by Cifelli & Son General Construction Inc. in the amount of $234,971.55 for the Grove and Main Street Road Reconstruction Project.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Depew – yes Councilman Benson – yes
Resolution 196-09 RESOLUTION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENERGY AUDIT
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Office of Clean Energy administers the Local Government Energy Audit Program (Program), an incentive program to assist local government agencies to conduct energy audits and to encourage implementation of energy conservation measures; and,
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope has decided to apply to participate in the Local Government Energy Audit Program; and,
WHEREAS, the facilities to be audited are in New Jersey, are owned by the Borough of Stanhope, are served by a New Jersey regulated public utility, and that the Borough of Stanhope has not already reserved $100,000 in the Program this year as of this application; and,
WHEREAS, it is acknowledged that acceptance into the Program is dependent on the Scope of Work and cost proposal, and that Program rules will have to be met in order to receive incentive funds; and,
WHEREAS, upon acceptance into the Program, the Borough of Stanhope will prepare Facility Data Forms and Scopes of Work for each facility to be audited, solicit quotations from the authorized contractors, and submit the Part B application; and,
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope understands that energy audit work cannot proceed until a Application Approval Notice is received from the Program; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope, approves the submission of an Application for participation in the Local Government Energy Audit Program of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Depew – yes Councilman Benson – yes
Resolution 197-09 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMISSION OF A
GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has a state-approved Community Forestry Plan to create, manage and sustain a healthy and sustainable community forest resource; and
WHEREAS, the Stanhope Environmental Commission and Stanhope Shade Tree Commission desire to apply for such grant funding in order to expand the Borough-wide Tree Inventory and Assessment, a Hazardous Tree Identification plan, and further promote the community’s awareness of the value provided by the community forest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope declares its support for the Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission to apply for grant funding under the 2010 Green Communities Grant and pledges to assist such application by committing certain in-kind services as prescribed by the grant.
On motion by Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Vance, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Resolution 198-09 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SUBMISSION OF A
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM
BUSINESS STIMULUS FUND (BSF) GRANT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has a state-approved Community Forestry Plan to create, manage and sustain a healthy and sustainable community forest resource; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of the Borough’s Community Forestry Plan will improve the quality of life for Borough residents, promote a positive community identity and foster community pride; and
WHEREAS, the goals and objectives detailed in the Borough’s Community Forestry Plan set forth their second 5 year plan of activities to promote good stewardship and management of the Borough’s street trees and wooded lands; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Forest Service is providing grant funding to assist municipalities in following their Community Forestry Management Plans: and
WHEREAS, the Stanhope Environmental Commission and Stanhope Shade Tree Commission desire to apply for such grant funding in order to expand the Borough-wide Tree Inventory and Assessment, a Hazardous Tree Identification plan, and a plan to remove and replace the highest priority hazardous trees, and further promote the community’s awareness of the value provided by the community forest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope declares its support for the Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission to apply for grant funding under the 2009 Business Stimulus Fund and pledges to assist such application by committing certain in-kind services as prescribed by the grant.
On motion by Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Resolution 199-09 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT WITH SPARTA TOWNSHIP FOR RADIO COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Mayor Kuncken advised that this resolution will be tabled until the Memorandum of Understanding is received and reviewed. The resolution will be acted upon at the December 1, 2009 meeting.
Mayor’s Acceptance of Resignation
Resolution 200-09 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF
ANN JOHNSON FROM THE STANHOPE SHADE TREE COMMISSION WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of Ann Johnson’s resignation as an appointed member on the Shade Tree Commission, effective November 24, 2009.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Resolution 201-09 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF
JOHN E. MOHRLE FROM THE STANHOPE LAND USE BOARD
WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of John E. Mohrle’s resignation as an appointed alternate member on the Land Use Board, effective November 24, 2009.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Santucci, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Resolution 202-09 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE 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 Borough Department Heads that the goods and/or services have been rendered to the Borough;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the current bills list, dated November 24, 2009 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.
Councilman Benson said while reviewing the bill list he and Graham questioned the two bills from John Cilo and recommended pulling them from the bill list.
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Graham, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted, with the exception of the Cilo bills pulled from the bill list.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Depew – yes Councilman Benson – yes
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
There was no Attorney report.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
Mayor Kuncken reported that additional funds are needed for inspections to complete the Main Street Reconstruction II project and those funds are available in the Grove Road Ordinance. The CFO will transfer money between projects.
The Clerk reported the office staff would like to hold the annual Christmas Luncheon on December 17th with a snow date of December 18th and asked if Borough Hall could once again close at 2:00 p.m. on that day. It was the consensus of Council to permit the staff to close Borough Hall at 2:00 p.m. on December 17th to afford them time for the Christmas luncheon.
Mayor Kuncken reported that the governing body attended a variety of workshops at the League Convention. Councilwoman Maio highlighted one workshop on Transit Villages which includes the town where the train station is located plus neighboring communities. The studies concluded that 60-65% of the residents rent high end condominiums and town houses with one or two bedrooms or one bedroom and a den.
Mayor Kuncken also reported at the League Conference they spent time with the new Mayor, Manager and new Councilmember of Byram. Mayor Kuncken reported on one pertinent conversation regarding the Byram senior bus. Two years ago Mayor Kuncken was told the bus was totally utilized and asked the Township Manager, Joseph Sabatini, if the bus was still busy. Mr. Sabatini replied the bus is not in use on Mondays or Fridays and on other days there were seats open. Mayor Kuncken will be attending a Stanhope Seniors meeting to find out what the seniors’ needs are and if it would be beneficial to partner with Byram on their senior bus.
Councilwoman Maio noted New Jersey Transit is considering having low cost bus service through communities served by the Netcong train station that would also loop through the International Trade Zone.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Kuncken opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Ms. Peggy Findley, 88 Main Street, Stanhope, asked if there was an ordinance regarding the feeding of stray cats. Mayor Kuncken replied there is not and there are issues with feral cats in several areas of the Borough. Mayor Kuncken said a feral cat presentation has been made to the Board of Health and recommended the presentation be given to the governing body. Ms. Findley also asked if the grassy areas disturbed by the Main Street Restoration II project will be reseeded. Engineer Keller replied affirmatively that the grass would be reseeded in the spring.
Kathy O’Bitz, 19 New Street, Stanhope mentioned the owner of the Blue Heron Antique Store parks just east of the driveway between the store and the deli and that has created a dangerous blind spot on Main Street. Engineer Keller will look into whether that area is a no parking zone.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Kuncken closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilman Vance, and carried by unanimous voice vote to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 P.M.
Approved:
Lynda Knott,
Deputy Clerk
For Ellen Horak, RMC Borough Clerk