Contact:
Borough Clerk Ellen Horak 973-347-0159 ext 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stanhope, NJ - May 5, 2010
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND
AGENDA MEETING
March 9, 2010
8:00 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 NJ Herald and the Daily Record on January 4, 2010 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:
Councilman Murphy - present Councilman Graham – present
Councilwoman Santucci – present Councilman Vance - present
Councilwoman Maio – present Councilman Benson – present
Mayor Kuncken – present
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Main Street Reconstruction Phase II
Engineer Keller reported the contractor is working on completing the punch list items.
Water Storage/Infrastructure Improvements
Engineer Keller reported he met with the Water System Committee this evening to discuss plans for the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust. A representative from the NJEIT will be present during the Closed Session of the Regular Business Meeting on March 23, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss financing options. Engineer Keller prepared a report discussing the needs and improvements necessary to address the upper water system infrastructure. Engineer Keller suggested the governing body review the report and discuss questions/concerns with Councilmen Benson and Vance who sit on that committee and are well versed in the matter.
Highlands Conformance Analysis
Engineer Keller reported he submitted the Environmental Resource Inventory Report to the Highlands Council. Mr. Keller also submitted to the governing body a report necessary to complete the initial planning grant. Mr. Keller noted the CFO submitted invoices for Modules 1 and 2 and the bills were accepted and scheduled for payment. Mr. Keller is working with Planner David Troast on Modular 3. Councilman Murphy questioned the funds availability under the new leadership in Trenton. Councilman Graham said there are no additional funds, but, the funds committed to the municipalities will be released as scheduled.
High Street/Plane Street Reconstruction/Water Main Replacement
Engineer Keller reported the preliminary plans have been completed and he has scheduled a meeting with the Infrastructure Committee (Councilman Vance, Councilman Murphy and the Administrator) on March 12, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Stewart reported there will be a JIF elected officials training seminar held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2010 in Hopatcong for any official unable to attend during the League Convention. The Administrator will attend this session, but will notify the council members who have not yet attended of future sessions available to them.
Administrator Stewart reported he and OEM Coordinator Wayne Anthony are continuing to work on the Stanhope portion of the County OEM Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Plan will be a long term project and the Administrator will update the governing body with particulars along the way.
Administrator Stewart reported receiving a call from Cindy Mongrella, sister of fallen soldier Sgt. Garrett Mongrella, asking if the Borough would consider placing a “topper sign” on Dell Road to honor her brother. The topper sign would not change the name of the street. The governing body agreed it would be a nice way to honor Sgt. Mongrella and told the Administrator to proceed with ordering the topper sign. Administrator Stewart will make arrangements to have the street topper sign installed for Memorial Day.
Administrator Stewart reported the Department of Transportation has begun to dismantle the old bus shelters on Route 183. Councilman Murphy mentioned during the pre-clean up walk for Salmon Park Forester Ron Farr identified hazardous trees overhanging the bus shelter and he will send a letter to the DOT with a copy to the Borough making the hazard known. Administrator Stewart noted he did send a letter to the Church last year making them aware the trees were on their property. Councilwoman Maio asked that a follow up letter be sent because the shelters will be new and could be damaged by the overhanging trees. Councilman Vance agreed especially because the Church has a new pastor who probably has no knowledge of the situation. Administrator Stewart said he will send another letter to the Church.
Councilman Vance asked the Administrator for an update on the a Shared Service roster he gave him in January. Administrator Stewart said he is in contract with the County on a regular basis and unfortunately Shared Services Coordinator Keith Armstrong has been out on a medical leave.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Josi Dasilva/Water Sewer Charges
Mr. Dasilva wrote the governing body stating he is living in California. When he left Stanhope he asked the Water Department to shut off water to his home. He is questioning why he is still receiving a water bill. Mayor Kuncken stated the flat charges are for the infrastructure that allows water to be brought into our homes. Mr. Dasilva is being charged the flat fee only. There is no charge for usage. It has been the governing body’s position to not grant waivers of the flat fee except under extraordinary circumstances. Mayor Kuncken asked the Clerk to respond to Mr. Dasilva in writing and explain the charges on his bill.
Borough Auditor Raymond Sarinelli’s mother passed away and after a brief discussion the governing body decided to send a plant to Mr. Sarinelli’s home. Mayor Kuncken asked the Clerk to send the plant on behalf of the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Kuncken noted the Installation Dinner for the Fire Department was held on March 6, 2010. Mayor Kuncken reported the Fire Department applied for a grant through the Forest Fire Service and presented the Mayor with a check for $5,500.34 at the dinner. The Mayor said the CFO will deposit the check as unanticipated revenue, a gesture from the Fire Department to pay back the Borough for protective gear purchased on their behalf.
Mayor Kuncken said she attended the Stanhope Senior Club meeting and spoke to the members about possibly sharing senior busing with a neighboring community. The Senior Club members will discuss their needs and get back to Mayor Kuncken with their “wish list”. Mayor Kuncken also noted the seniors are a target group for the 2010 Census. Mayor Kuncken and Councilman Graham will attend the March Senior Club meeting and provide the members with census materials in an attempt to get 100 percent census compliance from our residents.
Mayor Kuncken asked all governing body members to review the Trails and Greenway Plan and make note of suggestions to the Plan. After the governing body discusses the Trails and Greenway Plan it will be sent to the Land Use Board to adopt as a part of the Master Plan.
Mayor Kuncken reported there is a request from an employee for a closed session discussion. The Clerk has had a preliminary meeting with the employee. The governing body has agreed to set aside time in the Closed Session portion of the March 23, 2010 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuncken offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 071-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2008-01, representing 2007 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10301, Lot 6.02, known as 164 Brooklyn Road, assessed to Richard J Stanley, Jr., and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: Robert Rothman
411 Grand Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2008-01 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 51,450.40
Premium Paid by Lienholder 7,100.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 58,550.40
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilwoman Maio and unanimously carried by the following 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
Resolution 072-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2006-07U, representing 2005 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0146, known as 8146 Ashland Court, assessed to Anthony & William Verderber, and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: Park Finance, LLC
P.O. Box 109
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2006-07U and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 20,089.42
Premium Paid by Lienholder 100.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 20,089.42
Total From Tax Premium Account $ 100.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Benson and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 073-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2009-16, representing 2008 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11604, Lot 17, known as 33 Dell Road, assessed to Tina Markferding, and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: U.S. Bank-Cust/SASS Muni V Dtr
2 Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite #1950
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2009-16 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 1,541.39
Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 1,541.39
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 074-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE GRANTING APPROVAL TO THE AMERICAN LEGION, MUSCONETCONG POST 278 TO CONDUCT A PARADE ON MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 31, 2010
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope received a request from the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 to conduct their annual Memorial Day Parade through the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, said parade is scheduled for Monday, May 31, 2010 to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the College Road School in Netcong and end at the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 on Route 183 in Stanhope.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, hereby grants approval to the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 to hold a parade on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010 to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the College Road School in Netcong and end at the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 on Route 183 in Stanhope.
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 075-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2010 ANJEC SMART GROWTH PLANNING GRANT
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope recognized the need to have an updated Environmental Resource Inventory; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission of the Borough of Stanhope is in the process of updating the Borough’s Environmental Resource Inventory which includes preparation of updated maps; and
WHEREAS, the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (“ANJEC”) provides matching grant funding up to $20,000 to municipalities for local plans, studies or document reviews that will lead to more sustainable use of natural resources or help to establish the land use patterns envisioned in the State Plan; and
WHEREAS, the update of maps for the Borough’s Environmental Resource Inventory is a suitable project under this ANJEC grant program; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope have reviewed the requirements of the ANJEC grant application and have determined that it is in the interest of the Borough and its residents, to make such grant application;
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope agree to commit up to $2,500 of Borough monies and an additional contribution of $2,500.00 in in-kind services for a maximum grant contribution by the Borough totaling $5,000, which amount shall be matched by the 2010 ANJEC Smart Growth Planning Grant in the amount of $5,000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, hereby authorizes the submission of a 2010 ANJEC Smart Growth Planning Grant application to assist in the funding of the preparation of updated maps for the Borough’s Environmental Resource Inventory.
On motion by Councilwoman Santucci, seconded by Councilwoman Maio and unanimously carried by the following 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
Payment of Bills
Resolution 076-10 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 March 9, 2010 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.
On motion by Councilman Benson, 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 Murphy – yes Councilman Benson – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for March 23, 2010 were approved.
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 Schindlar, Main Street, stated she likes the decorative lights on Main Street but finds the intensity offensive. Mayor Kuncken noted several other Main Street residents were also in attendance to speak to the governing body about the new lighting. Mayor Kuncken asked Borough Engineer Eric Keller to respond to the resident’s concerns. Mr. Keller reported different steps have been taken to lower the intensity of the streetlights. After speaking with the manufacturer the Borough has burned the lights during the day to lessen the brightness of the lights and the brightness will continue to lessen. Secondly, shields have been installed on the house side of many of the lights to lessen the brightness to resident’s homes. Ms. Schindlar asked how long until the brightness dims enough so as not to disturb the residents. Mayor Kuncken stated that steps were taken to reduce the brightness; however the installation of the shields is not enough to solve the problem. The governing body recognizes there is a serious issue and they are continuing to explore options to solve the problem. Ms. Schindlar presented photographs showing the brightness of the lights in her home. The governing body discussed options available. One option discussed was to install lower wattage bulbs in the residential areas. The manufacturer will ship a 100 watt light to test. Mayor Kuncken noted the Administrator already has one of the lower wattage bulbs. Mayor Kuncken polled the Council on whether to install the lower wattage bulb they have as a test and install the one ordered by the Engineer as soon as it is received.
Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham – yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Benson – yes
Mayor Kuncken asked the Administrator to have the lower wattage bulb installed immediately and install the one on order as soon as it is received. If the test works, they will purchase the rest of the needed bulbs. It was agreed that they will change the bulb of the farthest light on Main Street. It was also agreed that a timer will be set to shut off the decorative lighting.
Mr. Rohlfs, 100 Main Street stated he is a lighting contractor and metal haloed lamps are not used in residential areas. He recommends using a sodium vapor lamp which gives a softer yellow light. Councilwoman Maio noted the governing body chose the white lights because it is a true color light. Other municipalities that use the white lights are: Newton, Sparta and Wharton.
Mayor Kuncken said the lights will also be put on a time to shut off all decorative lights at 10:00 p.m. Mayor Kuncken also directed the Engineer to research the price, availability and lead time of the yellow sodium vapor lights should the lower wattage bulbs not solve the issue.
Peggy Spooner, 87 Main Street, mentioned the old pole lights are above the trees and in the summer she can not see them from her bedroom. The new decorative lights are shorter and under the tree limbs. Mayor Kuncken restated the lights will be on a timer and be shut off at 10:00 p.m.
Councilwoman Maio asked the Engineer to get pricing on the decorative metal top for the light bulbs. The tops may diffuse the light further.
Peggy Findley, 88 Main Street asked the cost to burn the lights for the 100 hours. The Administrator replied $90.00 for all for a month’s worth of daytime burning. Ms. Findley also asked about the progress of refilling the Morris Canal with water. Mayor Kuncken replied the governing body is still gathering information. Councilwoman Maio added they have not been able to address some issues because of the weather.
Mayor Kuncken thanked the residents for their comments and patience with the lighting issues. Mayor Kuncken added the Borough made an investment in the project and they fully intend on making the investment worthwhile.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Kuncken closed the public portion of the meeting.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
There were no additional matters for discussion.
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:
3 Contract - Kelly Act
- SCMUA
- Shared Court
2 Potential Litigation – Escrow Matter
- Main Street Project
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 Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Benson, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 9:10 P.M.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 9:55 P.M. with all present except Councilman Graham.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
Approved:
Lynda Knott
Deputy Borough Clerk
For Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk