FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stanhope, NJ - February 24, 2010
STANHOPE BOROUGH
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REORGANIZATION MEETING
JANUARY 1, 2010
12:00 PM
OPENING STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Mayor Kuncken called this meeting to order at 12:00 PM and read the following:
Adequate notice for this meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. The notice for this meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice and was sent to the NJ Herald and the Daily Record on December 23, 2009 and was placed on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building.
SALUTE TO THE COLORS
Mayor Kuncken led all those in attendance in a salute to the colors.
INVOCATION
Reverend Hugh Matlack of the Stanhope Presbyterian Church offered the invocation.
ELECTION RESULTS – STATEMENT OF DETERMINATION
Brian McNeilly, Sussex County Clerk read the Statement of Determination from the Board of County Canvassers certifying that at the November 3, 2009 election the following were duly elected to terms set forth:
George Graham – Council – 3 year term
Brian Murphy – Council – 3 year term
OATH OF OFFICE FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS
Sussex County Deputy Clerk, Brian McNeilly, administered the Oath of Office to George Graham and Brian Murphy, elected Councilman at the November 3, 2009 election.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Councilman Murphy – Present Councilman Graham - Present
Councilwoman Santucci – Present Councilman Vance – Present
Councilwoman Maio – Present Councilman Benson - Present
Others present: Mayor Kuncken, Administrator Stewart, Attorney Richard Stein.
MAYOR’S INTRODUCTION
Mayor Kuncken extended a warm welcome to all present at the 2010 annual reorganization meeting. She thanked the residents of Stanhope for attending on New Years Day and welcomed and introduced the many state, county and local officials in the audience. Mayor Kuncken recognized Mitch Ellicott who is home on leave from Iraq. Mayor Kuncken offered a special thank you to the American Legion for use of their hall and to the Stanhope Senior Citizen Club for their help today with refreshments and set up.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuncken offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution No. 001-1009 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE BY LAWS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the By-Laws, as revised and adopted on February 24, 2004,be reinstated and be effective for the calendar year 2010.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Santucci – yes Councilman Vance – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Benson - yes
ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT
On nomination by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Murphy, Councilwoman Rosemarie Maio was nominated Council President for 2010. On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Benson nominations were closed.
By the following roll call vote, Councilwoman Maio was elected Council President for 2010:
Roll Call:
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Santucci – yes Councilman Vance – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Benson - yes
Resolution 002-10 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
OF BOROUGH OFFICERS WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council that they do hereby concur with the Mayor's appointments to Municipal Officers for the year 2010 as follows.
Title Name Term Term Expires
Chaplain Rev. Hugh Matlack 1 year 12.31.10
Administrator Richard W. Stewart 1 year 12.31.10
Municipal Clerk Ellen Horak 3-year* 10.21.11
Local Registrar Ellen Horak 3-year* 10.21.11
Deputy Municipal Clerk Lynda Knott 1-year 12.31.10
Deputy Registrar Lynda Knott 1-year 12.31.10
Tax Collector Dana Mooney 4-year** 12.31.11
Chief Finance Officer Dana Mooney 4-year** 12.31.12
Assistant Finance Officer Toni Grisaffi 1-year 12.31.10
Compliance Officer (PACO)Richard W. Stewart 1 year 12.31.10
Appointing Officer Richard W. Stewart 1 year 12.31.10
Tax Assessor Maureen Kaman tenure
Certifying Officer Richard W. Stewart 1 year 12.31.10
Assessment Searcher Ellen Horak 1 year 12.31.10
Assistant Treasurer Richard W. Stewart 1 year 12.31.10
Sewer Treasurer Dana Mooney 1 year 12.31.10
Water Treasurer Dana Mooney 1 year 12.31.10
Water/Sewer Cashier Margaret Driscoll 1 year 12.31.10
Deputy Water/Sewer Clerk Toni Grisaffi 1 year 12.31.10
Tax Cashier Margaret Driscoll 1 year 12.31.10
Overseer of the Poor Jeanne Schwartz 1 year 12.31.10
Housing Officer Thomas Pershouse 1 year 12.31.10
Building Inspector Thomas Pershouse 1 year 12.31.10
Code Enforcement Officer Arlene Fisher 1-year 12.31.10
Zoning Officer Arlene Fisher 1-year 12.31.10
Municipal Housing Liaison Arlene Fisher 1-year 12.31.10
Water Operator William Storms 1 year 12.31.10
Sewer Operator William Storms 1 year 12.31.10
Court Administrator Lorraine Lupo 1-year 12.31.10
Deputy Court Admin. Carol Oleszek 1 year 12.31.10
Deputy Violations Clerk vacant 1 year 12.31.10
Police Chaplain Rev. Hugh Matlack 1 year 12.31.10
Fire Chief Michael P. Donahue, Sr. 1 year 12.31.10
Police DetectiveOfficer Christopher Bork1 year 12.31.10
Special Police Officers:vacant Class I 1 year 12.31.10
Kurt Redling, Class II1 year 12.31.10
Matron Rebecca Duenski 1 year 12.31.10
Matron Virginia Citarella 1 year 12.31.10
Police Secretary Virginia Citarella 1 year 12.31.10
Crossing Guards Rebecca Duenski 1 year 12.31.10
Barbara Crawford 1 year 12.31.10
Barbara Bawkins 1 year 12.31.10
Adrienne Hade 1 year 12.31.10
Sharon Muller 1 year 12.31.10
Crossing Guard, Alternate Martha Ellis 1 year 12.31.10
* 3-year appointment. Appointed 10.21.08. Registrar duties run
concurrently with the Municipal Clerk’s appointment.
** 4-year appointment. Appointed 07.14.08
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointments herein for the year 2010.
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 003-10 Resolution Approving the Mayor’s Appointments of Borough Professionals with Council Concurrence
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council that they do hereby concur with the Mayor's appointments of the Borough Professionals for the year 2010 as follows.
Title Name Term Term Expires
Borough Attorney Richard Stein 1 year 12-31-10
Borough Prosecutor Richard Stein 1 year 12-31-10
Alternate Prosecutor Victor R. Jusino1 year 12-31-10
Public Defender Daniel A. Colfax1 year 12-31-10
Borough Engineer Eric Keller 1 year 12-31-10
Borough Planner Scarlett Doyle 1 year 12-31-10
Borough Auditor Nisivoccia & Company 1 year 12-31-10
Bond Counsel Robert Beinfield 1 year 12-31-10
Labor Counsel Robert Merryman 1 year 12-31-10
Conflict Counsel Mark Hontz 1 year 12-31-10
Dr. of Psych Testing Matthew Guller, MD 1 year 12-31-10
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointments herein for the year 2010.
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 004-10 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL COMMITTEES WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council that they do hereby concur with the Mayor's appointments to the Council Committees for the year 2010 as follows.
Committee Chair Member
Finance/Administration James Benson George Graham
Public Safety Rosemarie Maio Staci Santucci
Community Development George Graham Michael Vance
Infrastructure Michael Vance Brian Murphy
Technology Staci Santucci James Benson
Boards/Commissions Brian Murphy Rosemarie Maio
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, hat they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointments herein for the year 2010.
On motion by Councilwoman Santucci, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 005-10 RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL, AUDITING, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICAL SERVICES
PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of legal, auditing, engineering and physician services in 2010; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5 specifically exempts professional services from provisions of public bidding as provided in the Local Public Contracts Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey as follows:
1. Richard Stein, of the Law firm Laddey, Clark & Ryan, is hereby retained as Attorney and Prosecutor for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Richard Stein will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
2. Victor R. Jusino, of the Law firm Laddey, Clark & Ryan is hereby retained as Alternate Prosecutor for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Victor R. Jusino will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
3. Robert Beinfield, of the Law firm Hawkins, Delafield and Wood, is hereby appointed Bond Counsel for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Mr. Beinfield will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
4. Daniel A. Colfax, of the Law offices of Daniel A. Colfax, is hereby retained as Public Defender for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Daniel A Colfax will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
5. Mark J. Hontz, of the Law firm Hollander, Hontz, Weaver, Hinkes & Pasculli, is hereby retained as the Conflict Counsel for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Mark J. Hontz will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
6. Robert Merryman, of the Law firm Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, is hereby retained as Labor Counsel for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Robert Merryman will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
7. Raymond Sarinelli and Raymond Nisivoccia, of the Accountant firm Nisivoccia & Company, are hereby retained as Auditors for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Mr. Sarinelli and Mr. Nisivoccia will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
8. Eric Keller, of the Engineering firm Omland Engineering, is hereby appointed as Borough Engineer and Consultant Engineer for the Water and Sewer Utility for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Eric Keller will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough;
9. Dr. Matthew Guller, of the Institute for Forensic Psychology, is hereby retained to provide psychological testing as may be required for employment with the Borough of Stanhope;
10. Scarlett Doyle, of the Engineering firm John Cilo, Jr., Associates, Inc. is hereby appointed as Borough Planner for the Borough of Stanhope with the understanding that Scarlett Doyle will be primarily responsible for the work done for the Borough.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution is contingent upon the receipt of a fully executed professional services contract detailing the scope of services and established fees for said professional services; and.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution is contingent upon the receipt of a completed C.271 Political Disclosure Form pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.4 et seq., commonly known as the Pay-to-Play Law;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution is contingent upon the aforementioned professionals being members in good standing in their respective professions;
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
CONSENT AGENDA – RESOLUTIONS 006-10 THROUGH 023-10
Mr. Stein read the consent agenda resolutions by title.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by voice vote, the following resolutions 006 through 023 were adopted as a consent agenda.
Resolution 006-10 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES
FOR THE 2010 CALENDAR YEAR
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the following banks are hereby designated depositories for the Borough of Stanhope for 2010:
• Bank of America, N.A.
• Capital One, N.A.
• HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
• JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
• Lakeland Bank
• New Jersey Cash Management Fund
• PNC Bank, N.A.
• Skylands Community Bank
• Somerset Hills Bank
• Sovereign Bank
• State of New Jersey Asset and Rebate Management Program
• TD Banknorth, N.A.
• Union Center National Bank
• Valley National Bank
• Wachovia Bank, N.A.
CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE
BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, NEW JERSEY
I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This Cash Management Plan (the “Plan”) is prepared pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:5-14 in order to set forth the basis for the deposits (“Deposits”) and investment (“Permitted Investments”) of certain Public funds of the Borough of Stanhope (the Borough) pending the use of such funds for the intended purposes. The Plan is intended to assure that all public funds identified herein are deposited in interest bearing Deposits or otherwise invested in Permitted Investments hereinafter referred to. The intent of the Plan is to provide that the decisions made with regard to the Deposits and the Permitted Investments will be done to insure the safety, the liquidity (regarding its availability for the intended purposes), and the maximum investment return within such limits. The Plan is intended to insure that any Deposit or Permitted Investment matures within the time period that approximates the prospective need for the funds deposited or invested so that there is not a risk to the market value of such Deposits or Permitted Investments. All investments shall be made on a competitive basis insofar as practicable.
II. IDENTIFICATION OF FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS TO BE COVERED BY THE PLAN
A. The Plan is intended to cover the deposit and/or investment of the following funds and accounts of the Borough:
• Current Fund
• Water Operating Fund
• Sewer Operating Fund
• Capital Fund
• Water Capital Fund
• Sewer Capital Fund
• POAA Funds
• Animal Trust Fund
• Developer’s Escrow Trust
• Other Escrow Trust
• Public Defender Trust Fund
• Other Trust Fund
• Recycle Trust Fund
• SUI Trust Fund
• Public Assistance Trust Fund I
• POAA
• Payroll Trust Fund
• Any other accounts within the Borough’s name and any of its agencies
III. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE DEPOSITS AND INVESTMENTS UNDER THE PLAN
The Chief Financial Officer of the Borough the “Designated Official” is hereby authorized and directed to deposit and/or invest the funds referred to in the Plan and shall thereafter be relieved of any liability for loss of such moneys due to insolvency or closing of any depository designated by, or the
decrease in value of any investment authorized, by the Cash Management Plan. Prior to making any such Deposits or any Permitted Investments, such official of the Borough is directed to supply to all depositories or any other parties with whom the Deposits or Permitted Investments are made a written copy of this Plan which shall be acknowledged in writing by such parties and a copy of such acknowledgment kept on file with such official.
IV. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITORIES.
The following banks and financial institutions are hereby designated as official depositories for the Deposit of all public funds referred to in the Plan, including any certificates of Deposit which are not otherwise invested in Permitted Investments as provided for in this Plan:
• Bank of America, N.A.
• Capital One Bank, N.A.
• HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
• JP Morgan Chase Bank. N.A.
• Lakeland Bank
• New Jersey Cash Management Fund
• PNC Bank, N.A.
• Skylands Community Bank
• Somerset Hills Bank
• Sovereign Bank
• State of New Jersey Asset and Rebate Management Program
• TD Banknorth, N.A.
• Union Center National Bank
• Valley National Bank
• Wachovia Bank, N.A.
All such depositories shall acknowledge in writing receipt of this Plan by sending a copy of such acknowledgment to the Designated Official referred to in Section III above.
V. DESIGNATION OF BROKERAGE FIRMS AND DEALERS WITH WHOM THE DESIGNATED OFFICIALS MAY DEAL
The following brokerage firms and/or dealers and other institutions are hereby designated as firms with whom the Designated Official of the Borough referred to in this Plan may deal for purposes of buying and selling securities identified in this Plan as Permitted Investments or otherwise providing for Deposits. All such brokerage firms and/or dealers shall acknowledge in writing receipt of this Plan by sending a copy of such acknowledgment to the Designated Official referred to in Section III above.
• PFM Asset Management LLC
VI. AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS
A. Except as otherwise specifically provided for herein, the Designated Official is hereby authorized to invest the public funds covered by this Plan, to the extent not otherwise held in Deposits, in the following Permitted Investments:
(1) Bonds or other obligations of the United States of America or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America;
(2) Government money market mutual funds;
(3) Any obligation that a federal agency or federal instrumentality has issued in accordance with an act of Congress, which security has a maturity date not greater than 397 days from the date of purchase, provided that such obligation bears a fixed rate of interest not dependent on any index or other external factor;
(4) Bonds or other obligations of the Local Unit or bonds or other obligations of school districts of which the Local Unit is a part or within which the school district is located;
(5) Bonds or other obligations, having a maturity date not more than 397 days from the date of purchase, approved by the Division of Investment of the Department of the Treasury for investment by Local Units;
(6) Local government investment pools;
(7) Deposits with the State of New Jersey Cash Management Fund established pursuant to section 1 of P.L. 1977, c.281 (C.52:18A-90.4); or
(8) Agreements for the repurchase of fully collateralized securities if:
(a) the underlying securities are permitted investments pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) of this subsection a;
(b) the custody of collateral is transferred to a third party;
(c) the maturity of the agreement is not more than 30 days;
VI. AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS (Continued)
(d) the underlying securities are purchased through a public depository as defined in section 1 of P.L. 1970, c.236 (C.17:9-41); and
(e) a master repurchase agreement providing for the custody and security of collateral is executed.
B. Any investments not purchased and redeemed directly from the issuer, government money market mutual fund, local government investment pool, or the State of New Jersey Cash Management Fund, shall be purchased and redeemed through the use of a national or State bank located within this State or other financial intermediary through a broker-dealer which, at the time of purchase or redemption, has been registered continuously for a period of at least two years pursuant to section 9 of P.L. 1997, c.93 (C.49:3-56) and has at least $25 million in capital stock (or equivalent capitalization if not a corporation), surplus reserves for contingencies and undivided profits, or through a securities dealer who makes primary markets in U.S. Government securities and reports daily to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York its position in and borrowing on such U.S. Government securities.
For purposes of the above language, the terms “government money market mutual fund” and “local government investment pool” shall have the following definitions:
Government Money Market Mutual Fund. An investment company or investment trust:
(a) which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the “Investment Company Act of 1940,” 15 U.S.C. sec. 80a-1 et seq., and operated in accordance with 17 C.F.R. sec. 270.2a-7.
(b) the portfolio of which is limited to U.S. Government securities that meet the definition of any eligible security pursuant to 17 C.F.R. sec.270.2a-7 and repurchase agreements that are collateralized by such U.S. Government securities; in which direct investment may be made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section and
(c) which has:
(i) attained the highest ranking or the highest letter and numerical rating of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; or
(ii) retained an investment advisor registered or exempt from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the “Investment Advisors Act of 1940”, 5 U.S.C. sec.80b-1 et seq., with experience investing in U.S. Government securities for at least the most recent past 60 months and with assets under management in excess of $500 million.
(d) which does not permit investments in instruments that: are subject to high price volatility with changing market conditions; cannot reasonably be expected, at the time of interest rate adjustment, to have a market value that approximates their par value; or utilize an index that does not support a stable net asset value.
VI. AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS (Continued)
Local Government Investment Pool. An investment pool:
(a) which is managed in accordance with 17 C.F.R. sec. 270.2a-7;
(b) which is rated in the highest category by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization;
(c) which is limited to U.S. Government securities that meet the definition of an eligible security pursuant to 17 C.F.R. sec. 270.2a-7 and repurchase agreements that are collateralized by such U.S. Government securities. Same as Money Market;
(d) which is in compliance with rules adopted pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L. 1968, c.410 (c.52:14B-1 et seq.) by the Local Finance Board of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, which rules shall provide for disclosure and reporting requirements, and other provisions deemed necessary by the board to provide for the safety, liquidity and yield of the investments;
(e) which does not permit investments in instruments that: are subject to high price volatility with changing market conditions; cannot reasonably be expected, at the time of interest rate adjustment, to have a market value that approximates their par value; or utilize an index that does not support a stable net asset value; and
(f) which purchases and redeems investments directly from the issuer, government money market mutual fund, or the State of New Jersey Cash Management Fund, or through the use of a national or State bank located within this State, or through a broker-dealer which, at the time of purchase or redemption, has been registered continuously for a period of at least two years pursuant to section 9 of P.L. 1967 c.9 (C.49:3-56) and has at least $25 million in capital stock (or equivalent capitalization if not a corporation), surplus reserves for contingencies and undivided profits, or through a securities dealer who makes primary markets in U.S. Government securities and reports daily to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York its position in and borrowing on such U.S. Government securities.
Any official involved in the designation of depositories or in the authorization for investments as permitted pursuant to section 8 of P.L. 1977, c.396 (C.40A:5-15.1), or any combination of the preceding, or the selection of an entity seeking to sell an investment to the local unit who has a material business or personal relationship with that organization shall disclose that relationship to the governing body of the local unit and to the Local Finance Board or a county or municipal ethics board, as appropriate.
VII. SAFEKEEPING CUSTODY PAYMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF PLAN
To the extent that any Deposit or Permitted Investment involves a document or security which is not physically held by the Borough, then such instrument or security shall be covered by a custodial agreement with an independent third party, which shall be a bank or financial institution in the State of New Jersey. Such institution shall provide for the designation of such investments in the name of the Borough of Stanhope to assure that there is no unauthorized use of the funds or the Permitted Investments or Deposits. Purchase of any Permitted Investments that involve securities shall be executed by a “delivery versus payment” method to insure that such Permitted Investments are either received by the Borough or by a third party custodian prior to or upon the release of the Borough’s funds.
To assure that all parties with whom the Borough deals either by way of Deposits or Permitted Investments are aware of the authority and the limits set forth in this Plan, all such parties shall be supplied with a copy of this Plan in writing and all such parties shall acknowledge the receipt of that Plan in writing, a copy of which shall be on file with the Designated Official.
VIII. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
On the first day of each month during which this Plan is in effect, the Designated Official(s) referred to in Section III hereof shall supply to the governing body of the Borough a written report of any Deposits or Permitted Investments made pursuant to this Plan, which shall include, at a minimum, the following information:
A. The name of any institution holding funds of the Borough as Deposit or Permitted Investment.
B. The amount of securities or Deposits purchased or sold during the immediately preceding month.
C. The class or type of securities purchased or Deposits made.
D. The book value of such Deposits or Permitted Investments.
E. The earned income on such Deposits or Permitted Investments.
F. The fees incurred to undertake such Deposits or Permitted Investments.
G. The market value of all Deposits or Permitted Investments as of the end of the immediately preceding month.
H. All other information which may be deemed reasonable from time to time by the governing body of the Borough.
IX. TERM OF PLAN
This Plan shall be in effect from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Attached to this Plan is a resolution of the governing body of the Borough approving this Plan for such period of time. The Plan may be amended from time to time. To the extent that any amendment is adopted by the Borough, the Designated Official is directed to supply copies of the amendments to all of the parties who otherwise have received the copy of the originally approved Plan, which amendment shall be acknowledged in writing in the same manner as the original Plan was so acknowledged.
Resolution 007-10 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS FOR THE 2010 CALENDAR YEAR
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that The New Jersey Herald is hereby designated the official newspaper of the Borough of Stanhope for Calendar Year 2010; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The New Jersey Herald and The Daily Record are hereby designated to receive all Notices of meetings of the Mayor and Council for the Calendar Year 2010 as required by the Open Public Meetings Act.
Resolution 008-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE DESIGNATING MEETING DATES FOR THE 2010 CALENDAR YEAR
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et. seq., the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope hereby announces that it shall hold its scheduled Work Session, Agenda, and Regular Business Meetings in 2010 at the Municipal Building, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey at the dates listed below. All meetings shall convene at 8:00 p.m., except for the Business Meetings, which will convene at 7:00 p.m. and shall be reserved for executive session matters from which the public shall be excluded. The public portion of the meetings shall commence at 8:00 p.m. Formal action may be taken at all Work Session, Agenda and Business meetings.
Work Session/Agenda Meetings Regular Business Meetings
January 12 January 26
February 9 February 23
March 9 March 23
April 13 April 27
May 11 May 25
June 8 June 22
July 13 July 27
August 10 August 24
September 14 September 28
October 12 October 26
November 9 November 23
December 7 December 14
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Annual Reorganization Meeting shall be held on January 1, 2011, 12:00 noon, at the Musconetcong American Legion, Route 183, Stanhope, NJ.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all meetings shall be opened to the public and public participation will be entertained at all meetings but limited to five minutes for each speaker to provide the Governing Body sufficient time to complete its work.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the newspapers to which all Notices required by the Open Public Meetings Act shall be published in The New Jersey Herald and The Daily Record.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the all meeting notices shall be posted on the bulletin board in the hallway of the Municipal Building.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any person requesting a public body to mail to them copies of any regular, special, or rescheduled meeting schedule shall be charged the sum of $1.00 for each and every Notice to be so mailed. No Notice shall be mailed to said person unless prepayment of the aforementioned charge has been received. Not withstanding the foregoing, any Notice requested by the news media shall be mailed, or electronically sent to such has news media free of charge.
Resolution 009-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE 2010 TEMPORARY BUDGET
WHEREAS, NJSA 40A:4-19, the Local Budget Act, provides that where any contracts, commitments or payments are to be made prior to the final adoption of the 2010 budget, temporary appropriations be made for the purposes and amounts required in the manner and time therein provided; and
WHEREAS, the date of this resolution is within the first thirty days of 2010; and
WHEREAS, the total appropriations in the 2009 Budget, less appropriations for capital improvement fund, debt service and relief of the poor (public assistance) are as follows:
Current Fund $ 4,725,899.51
Water Utility 479,367.00
Sewer Utility 1,072,898.00
WHEREAS, 26.25 percent of the total appropriations in the 2009 Budget, less appropriations for capital improvement fund, debt service and relief of the poor (public assistance) in the said 2009 Budget is as follows:
Current Fund $ 1,240,547.74
Water Utility 125,833.79
Sewer Utility 281,635.57
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, that the above temporary appropriations be made.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be placed on file with the records of the Borough’s Chief Financial Officer.
Resolution 010-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING INTEREST RATES FOR DELINQUENT WATER AND SEWER CHARGES
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the rate of 8% be charged on all delinquent sewer and water charges less than $1,500.00 and 18% on all delinquent sewer and water charges in excess of $1,500.00, received after the due date.
Resolution 011-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING INTEREST RATES FOR
DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 permits the Governing Body of each municipality to fix the rate of interest to be charged for nonpayment of taxes or assessments subject to any abatement or discount for the late payment of taxes as provided by law; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope as follows:
Property taxes shall be due and payable quarterly on February 1st, May 1st, August 1st and November 1st of each year, with a ten-day grace period. If the last day of the ten-day grace period falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be the final date to pay property tax without interest charges. After such dates, if property taxes become delinquent, interest will be charged as set forth below and will revert back to the due date on any quarterly installment of taxes.
The rate of interest for delinquent property taxes is fixed at 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of delinquency and 18% per annum on any amount of taxes in excess of $1,500.00.
This resolution shall be published in its entirety once in an Official Newspaper of the Borough of Stanhope.
A certified copy of this resolution shall be provided by the Borough Clerk to the Tax Collector, Utility Billing Clerk, Borough Attorney and the Borough Auditor for the Borough of Stanhope.
Resolution 012-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL CERTAIN TAX PAYMENTS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Tax Collector be and is hereby authorized to cancel any over or under payment in the amount of Ten Dollars ($10.00) or less for the tax year 2010.
Resolution 013-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO INVEST IDLE FUNDS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Chief Financial Officer and/or Treasurer be authorized to invest idle funds of the Borough of Stanhope in investment instruments so specified in New Jersey State Law of any bank or trust company having its place of business in the State of New Jersey and organized under the laws of any State in the United States, or the State of New Jersey Cash Management Fund in 2010.
Resolution 014-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MUNICIPAL FEES FOR 2010
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the fees as listed below be and are hereby established for 2010:
Water/Sewer/Tax Certification $ 15.00
Zoning Ordinance Book $ 25.00
Environmental Resource Inventory Book $ 25.00
Code Book of the Borough and Code Book updates at cost
Street Map $ 0.75
Master Plan $ 25.00
Certified List of Property Owners $ 10.00
Tax Sale Redemption Certificate $ 10.00
Duplicate Tax Sale Certificate $ 100.00
Duplicate Tax Bill $ 5.00
Duplicate Tax Bill – Subsequent $ .05 per page
Copy of Tax/Water/Sewer Records $ .05 per page
Official Tax Search $ 10.00
Tax Search Continuation per year $ 2.00
Unofficial Tax Search $ .05 per page
Municipal Assessment Search $ 10.00
Assessment Search Continuation per year $ 2.00
Tax Map Page Duplicate at cost
Annual Dog Licensing, neutered/spayed $ 10.00
Annual Dog Licensing, Not neutered/spayed $ 13.00
Cat Licensing, neutered/spayed $ 10.00
Dog/Cat Licensing Late Fee imposed after April 30 $ 5.00/month
Death Certificate (Certified Copy) $ 5.00
Birth Certificate (Certified Copy $ 5.00
Marriage Certificate (Certified Copy) $ 5.00
Check Returned for Insufficient Funds $ 20.00
Registration – Public Utility (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-12.1 $ 10.00
Mental Health Records Search $ 15.00
Notary Public, nonresidents per statute
Copies of Government Documents $ 0.05 per page or
actual cost
(special charges/fees per statute
delivery/postage fees additional)
Resolution 015-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING DPW FEES FOR THE 2010 CALENDAR YEAR
WHEREAS, from time to time private individuals and/or businesses must be charged for services provided by the Stanhope Department of Public Works due to an emergency situation, vandalism, accident, neglect or other situations requiring the services of the Department; and
WHEREAS, said charges must be based upon the DPW Operator’s hourly salary rate and an established rate for the various pieces of equipment utilized by the Department of Public Works in such instances;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey, that charges for said services provided by the Stanhope Department of Public Works shall be as follows for the year 2010:
EQUIPMENT
Backhoe/loader $50.00 per hour
Vac-All/Sweeper $50.00 per hour
Sewer jet truck $50.00 per hour
5-yard dump truck $40.00 per hour
2-yard dump truck $25.00 per hour
Compressor $25.00 per hour
Generator $10.00 per hour
Mud pump $10.00 per hour
Concrete Cutter $150.00 per hour including the Operator
MANPOWER
DPW Operator’s Hourly Salary Rate times 1.35
Resolution 016-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PETTY CASH FUNDS FOR THE 2010 CALENDAR YEAR
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the following petty cash funds be re-established for 2010:
Chief Financial Officer $200.00
Resolution 017-10 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AMBULANCE AND FIRE SERVICE AGENCIES FOR THE 2010 CALENDAR YEAR
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Stanhope-Netcong American Legion Ambulance Squad is hereby designated the Borough’s agency provider of ambulance and first aid services for 2010; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stanhope Hose Company No. 1 is hereby designated the Borough’s agency provider for Emergency Fire Response services for 2010.
Resolution 018-10 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING WARD SHERRER, WILLIAM STORMS, JR., AND JAMES BOYLE SUBCONTRACTORS FOR SNOW PLOWING/TEMPORARY LABORER SERVICES
WHEREAS, the Stanhope Department of Public Works desires to hire temporary Snow Plowing/Temporary Laborer operators to provide Borough Snow Plowing/Temporary Laborer relief assistance should the need arise; and
WHEREAS, Ward Sherrer, William Storms, Jr., and James Boyle are available and able to provide such services; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Borough that said individuals be retained for future Snow Plowing/Temporary Laborer call outs should the need arise.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that Ward Sherrer, William Storms Jr., and James Boyle be retained as standby snow plow operators/temporary laborers at the hourly rate of $12.00 per hour for the 2010 Calendar Year.
Resolution 019-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE BOROUGH’S HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR 2010
WHEREAS, Chapter 32, Section 12 of the Code of the Borough of Stanhope establishes the Holiday schedule for Borough employees; and
WHEREAS, normal business operations, except for necessary services, are suspended and Borough offices are closed on said list of Holidays established;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, in accordance with the Code of the Borough of Stanhope, the following dates be and are hereby determined to be the Borough Holiday schedule for the year 2010:
New Years Day: Friday, January 1
Martin Luther King Day: Monday, January 18
President’s Day: Monday, February 15
Good Friday Friday, April 2
Memorial Day Monday, May 31
Independence Day Monday, July 5
Labor Day Monday, September 6
Columbus Day Monday, October 11
Veterans Day Thursday, November 11
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25
Day after Thanksgiving Friday November 26
Christmas Eve observed Thursday, December 23
Christmas Day observed Friday, December 24
New Years Day observed Friday, December 31
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this Resolution shall be posted in the Municipal Building and copies made available to Borough personnel.
Resolution 020-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH’S TAX ASSESSOR AND BOROUGH ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT THE BOROUGH BEFORE THE SUSSEX COUNTY BOARD OF TAXATION AND NEW JERSEY TAX COURT
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Municipal Tax Assessor and Municipal Attorney be and are hereby authorized to defend before the Sussex County Board of Taxation and Tax Court of the State of New Jersey all contested appeals and to initiate municipal appeals to correct the Borough of Stanhope’s tax list including but not limited to rollback complaints, added and omitted assessment complaints, and such other appeals as are necessary to correct the assessments for the Borough of Stanhope;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Municipal Tax Assessor and Municipal Attorney be and are hereby designated as the agents of the Borough of Stanhope for the purpose of signing settlements of the foregoing matters by stipulation.
Resolution 021-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE BOROUGH WITH ANY PERSON OR ENTITY UTILIZING BOROUGH OWNED LANDS OR BUILDINGS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is a member of the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund which approved a standard form of hold harmless to be used by the member municipalities; and
WHEREAS,, this standardized hold harmless must be executed by any person, entity, organization, or corporation wishing to use, rent, or otherwise temporarily occupy any land and/or structure owned by the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS,, the process of executing this hold harmless would be greatly hampered if the Borough Council had to authorize the execution of each separate hold harmless agreement and instead the Borough Administrator should be authorized to execute those agreements on behalf of the Borough of Stanhope.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Borough all hold harmless agreements made necessary by the use of Borough owned land and/or structures by any person, entity, organization, or corporation.
Resolution 022-10 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR, DEPARTMENT HEADS, AND TAX ASSESSOR AS DEPUTY CUSTODIANS OF PUBLIC RECORDS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough Administrator, all Department Heads, and the Tax Assessor be designated as Deputy Custodians of Public Records to assist the Custodian of Records in the performance of duties related to P.L. 2001, c404, commonly referred to as the Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
Resolution 023-10 RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN EXECUTIVE SAFETY COMMITTEE AS REQUIRED BY THE MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is a member of the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund requires the establishment of an Executive Safety Committee; and
WHEREAS, members of the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund participate in safety programs primarily designed to teach employees to perform in a safe and efficient manner;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the following employees are hereby authorized to serve on the Executive Safety Committee:
Richard W. Stewart, Administrator JIF Commissioner
Dana Mooney, CFO Alternate JIF Commissioner
[end of consent agenda]
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Santucci – yes Councilman Vance – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Benson - yes
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuncken offered the following Resolution which was read by title:
Resolution 024-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE TO SUBMIT AN
APPLICATION FOR A RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT
FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2009
WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L.1987, c.102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grant may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent and the spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and to expand existing programs; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has promulgated recycling regulations to Implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and
WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, including but not limited to, making and keeping accurate, verifiable records of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and
WHEREAS, a Resolution authorizing this municipality to apply for such tonnage grants for calendar year 2009 will memorialize the commitment of this municipality to recycling and to indicate the assent of the Borough of Stanhope to the efforts undertaken by the municipality and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations; and
WHEREAS, such a resolution should designate the individual authorized to ensure the application is properly completed and timely filed;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough of Stanhope hereby endorses the submission of the recycling tonnage grant application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates the Borough Administrator to ensure that the application is properly filed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the monies received from the recycling tonnage grant be deposited in a dedicated Recycling Trust Fund to be used solely for the purposes of recycling.
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Santucci – yes Councilman Vance – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Benson – yes
APPOINTMENTS
Resolution 025-10 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
Mayor’s appointments to the Board of Health with Council concurrence as follows:
Monique McNeilly, 3 year term, term to expire 12.31.12
Barbara Utz, 3 year term, term to expire 12.31.12
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointments herein named to the Stanhope Board of Health.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 026-10 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
TO THE SHADE TREE COMMISSION WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
Mayor’s appointments to the Shade Tree Commission as follows:
Barbara Utz, 5 year term to expire 12-31-14
Virgil A. Colligan, 5 year term to expire 12-31-14
Paul E. White, to fill un-expired term to expire 12-31-13
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointments herein named to the Stanhope Shade Tree Commission.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 027-10 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS TO THE LAND USE BOARD
Mayor’s appointments to the Land Use Board as follows:
Class II: Thomas Pershouse – 1 year term to expire 12-31-10
Class IV: John Maguire– 4 year term to expire 12-31-13
Class IV: Joseph Torelli – 4 year term to expire 12-31-13
Alt. #1: Michael Depew, 2 year term to expire 12-31-11
On motion by Councilwoman Santucci, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 028-10 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Mayor’s appointments to the Environmental Commission are as follows:
John Rogalo, Chairman, 1-year term to expire 12-31-10
John Rogalo, 3-year term to expire 12-31-12
Nicole Member, 3-year term to expire 12-31-12
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 029-10 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS
TO THE LAKE MUSCONETCONG REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
Mayor’s appointments to the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board as follows:
Rosemarie Maio, to fill un-expired 4 year term to 12-31-10
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment herein named to the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board.
On motion by Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 030-10 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF THE BOROUGH’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE 208 WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
Mayor's appointment of James Benson as the Borough representative to the 208 Water Quality Committee for 2010 with Council Concurrence.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor's appointment of the herein named Borough representative to the 208 Water Quality Committee for a one-year term to expire on December 31, 2010.
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 031-10 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF THE BOROUGH REPRESENTATIVE TO SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COUNCIL WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
Mayor’s appointment of George Graham as the Borough representative to the Solid Waste Advisory Council for 2010 with Council concurrence.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment herein named Borough representative to the Solid Waste Advisory Council for a one-year term to expire on December 31, 2010.
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilwoman Maio and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 032-10 ELECTION OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LAND USE BOARD
On nomination by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Benson, Councilman Graham was nominated Council representative to the Stanhope Land Use Board.
On motion by Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote, the nominations were closed.
By the following roll call vote, Councilman George Graham was elected Council Representative to the Land Use Board for 2010:
Roll Call:
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Santucci – yes Councilman Vance – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Benson - yes
OATHS OF OFFICE
Oaths of Office - Mayor Kuncken invited Fire Chief Michael Donahue, Sr. and other officers for the Stanhope Hose Company No. 1 to step forward to be sworn in. Mr. Stein administered the oath of office to the officers of the Stanhope Hose Company No. 1. Mayor Kuncken invited all appointees to Boards and Commissions who were present to come forward and have their oaths of office administered by Borough Attorney Richard Stein.
Mayor’s Highlights of 2009
It is a tradition at the Re-organization Meeting to take a few minutes to re-cap the year that has ended and take at least a peak into the new year.
A few years ago we started making a priority list at the beginning of the year and then periodically going back to the list to see how we were doing. We have found that helpful in keeping us on task. When we looked at the list towards the end of the year we had done pretty well.
We continued to keep our infrastructure strong by completing the rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer line on Musconetcong Avenue and using an oil and stone application we were able to stabilize several streets. We did a rehabilitation of Well number 5 and installed generators at the Brooklyn Road Water Tower and the Port Morris Pump Station.
I think the infrastructure project of which we are most proud of is the Phase II Main Street Reconstruction Project which was accomplished with the help of a DOT Grant. The project encompassed sidewalks, paving, crosswalks and streetscape which included decorative lighting, banners and trees.
We anxiously watch and waited on a snowy December Saturday as first the poles went up, then the globes and as a surprise the Administrator had a few banners hung. I commented to Ro Maio that we acted like we were waiting for a baby to be born. Now if we can just get JCP&L to turn the lights on and we would really be happy!
We received an ANJEC Grant to do an Open Space and Recreation Plan. That plan is completed and has been adopted by the Land Use Board.
Thanks to the efforts of the Shade Tree Commission under the leadership of Janice Hunts, we are now a Tree City.
The Habitat for Humanity house nears completion and will satisfy our Round 2 COAH obligation for new construction.
Our Borough website has been revamped and is up and running. As cost saving measures we have changed our telephone service to Cablevision and we have applied for an Energy Audit Grant.
Recognizing the potential impact the drop in real estate market could have on tax collection, we made the decision to do a reassessment. That has been completed.
We have taken advantage of grant money made available by the Highlands Council to prepare documents such as our Housing Element and an updated ERI (Environmental Resource Inventory) which we would have otherwise had to pay for ourselves. We continue to explore our options with the Highlands.
We were very happy that we were able to prepare a 2009 Municipal budget that had no tax increase. It could not have come at a better time.
Before moving on to 2010 I would like to recognize and personally thank Mike DePew for his service on the governing body. He is a true gentleman and a man who loves this town.
So, here we are on the first day of 2010 – a new decade. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
We have a $200,000 DOT grant for High Street and Plane Street Reconstruction. Plans for a new water tower will be moving to the next phase and we are committed to stabilizing the pipe at the canal so water can once again flow thru it.
2010 is a census year and it is very important that everyone in Stanhope be counted.
The big challenge we face early in 2010 is the preparation of the budget. The increases in health care and pension costs as well as utilities will have a big impact on our financial picture. Everyone is watching and waiting to see what cuts will be made in Trenton especially regarding state aid. We will examine all costs in an effort to offset these expenses and the potential loss of revenue.
I would like to thank the governing body, our professionals and all of our employees for their efforts on behalf of our community.
We are blessed with many selfless volunteers from the Fire Department and Ambulance Squad to all who serve on Boards and Commissions – a great big Thank You! Happy New Year to all!
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Kuncken opened the meeting to the public and invited anyone who wishes to come forward to do so.
Mitchell Elliott thanked his family and neighbors for helping his family while he is away serving our country.
Jeannie Schwartz, 14 Lawrence Avenue, thanked all who made her job as overseer of the poor and generously gave to make the holidays brighter for others.
Mayor of Byram, James Oscovitch, wished Stanhope Borough a wonderful 2010.
Mayor of Netcong, Joseph Nametko, congratulated the new and returning councilmen and expressed his desire to work with Stanhope in 2010.
There being no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Kuncken closed this portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Santucci and unanimously carried by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Approved:
Lynda Knott
Deputy Borough Clerk
For Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk