FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stanhope, NJ - May 27, 2010
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
March 23, 2010
6:30 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.
Furthermore, notice of the early Closed Session was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on March 10, 2010 and was 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
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 Personnel
6 Contracts – Water Tower- NJ Environmental Ifrastructure
- Affordable Housing Loan
- Main Street Lighting
- Main Street Penalty Fees
- Radio Communication
- Lighting Consultant
1 Litigation – Dimitriou Property
1 Potential Litigation – Bender Subdivision
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 6:30 P.M.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 7:55 P.M. with all present as before. Mayor Kuncken called a five minute recess and reconvened the Open Session at 8:00 p.m.
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Kuncken invited all those present to stand in a salute to colors.
PRESENTATION – Salmon Park Clean Up
Janice Hunts, Chairman of Shade Tree Commission and member Environmental Commission, and Owen Newson, member of the Environmental Commission reported on the upcoming clean up of Salmon Memorial Park. Mrs. Hunts reported there was a pre-clean up day walk on Sunday, March 7, 2010 with Commission members, Councilman Murphy and Consulting Forester Ron Farr. The clean-up is being coordinated to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and will be held on April 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. On the pre-clean up tour Forester Farr marked trees with orange ribbons to be removed and native trees with pink ribbons that will remain. Mayor Kuncken responded the public must be protected when the trees are removed and asked if the removal could take place prior to the clean-up. DPW Superintendent Bill Storms said all the trees marked for removal could be taken care of by the DPW employees. Ms. Hunts noted the tree trunks of the trees removed will be cut up and line the path of the trails and the branches would be chipped and put on the floor of the trails. Councilwoman Santucci said she does not believe the DEP allows chips to be put along the trails. Engineer Keller will check with DEP to see if chips are allowed on a trail in a regulated riparian zone. Mayor Kuncken asked who would be running the chipper. Administrator Stewart replied two designated DPW workers. Councilman Murphy added the volunteers would only be using rakes, clippers and similar tools. In closing Ms. Hunts mentioned that a certificate of appreciation should be prepared for the volunteers as a thank you. Councilwoman Maio volunteered to prepare the certificates. In closing Ms. Hunts noted that Arbor Day is Friday, April 30th and the Shade Tree Commission will be planting two flowering Dog Wood Trees on the slope in Salmon Memorial Park.
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.
Janet Gibbons, 10 Delaware Avenue, spoke as Vice President of the Stanhope Board of Health. Ms. Gibbons wanted to ask the Mayor and Council some general questions regarding the Borough’s feral cat situation. Ms. Gibbons said a committee was formed to discuss options. Ms. Gibbons asked the governing body if they would be willing to financially back a feral cat program from the animal trust or other source. The second question for the Mayor and Council is whether or not the governing body would be in favor of designating public land for feeding stations which feed and also house feral cats. Mayor Kuncken responded that this portion of the meeting is for citizens to speak and the Board of Health will be put on a future agenda and given the necessary time for a presentation and discussion of the feral cat problem. Ms. Gibbons thanked the governing body for their time. Mayor Kuncken told Ms. Gibbons to speak with the Clerk to be added to the agenda.
Brendan Fahey, 102 Stonegate Lane, Stanhope, said he would like to correct the record regarding the Kelly Act negotiations. Mr. Fahey stated the Borough professionals handled the negotiations from January through May 2009. In May Mr. Benson took over the process and the first meeting was held in August 2009 with the professional’s figures replaced with incorrect figures. Mayor Kuncken interjected that negotiations regarding the Kelly Act are considered contract negotiations and are discussed in closed session. The governing body has not discussed the contract negotiation particulars in a public forum. When the contract terms are agreed to the contract becomes a matter of public record. Mr. Fahey said he is responding to the minutes of a January meeting. Mr. Benson asked to respond to Mr. Fahey because his remarks were directed toward him. Mr. Benson said the figures came from many sources including the DPW and CFO and any spreadsheet was prepared by him. Mr. Benson said there was no response from the condominium associations providing specific costs. Mr. Benson agrees the Borough owes the condo associations money but, he wants to make sure it is a fair agreement resulting from a fair formula. Mr. Fahey asked to respond to Mr. Benson. Mayor Kuncken noted this is not a debate but the citizens to be heard section of the agenda. Mayor Kuncken said the end result of the Kelly Act formula calls for the lower amount to be paid to condo associations. Mayor Kuncken also noted she agreed with Mr. Benson that the particulars were not divulged, but it is apparent that the cumulative bill presented by Highpoint is the greater amount. Mr. Fahey added he was in attendance at one meeting and he did meet with Borough professionals to negotiate fairly. Mayor Kuncken replied that each party had the opportunity to make points and correct any incorrect information previously reported.
Seeing no one else 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:
February 9, 2010 Work Session/Agenda Meeting & Closed Session
February 16, 2010 Special Budget Meeting
February 23, 2010 Regular Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilman Graham seconded by Councilman Vance and carried by unanimous voice vote, minutes, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Santucci, and unanimously carried by voice vote the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Stewart reported he investigated a sign topper in recognition of Sgt. Mongrella who lost his life in Desert Storm. Mr. Stewart also investigated a memorial sign that is larger and provides more information. Mayor Kuncken said the family specifically requested a sign topper for Dell Road. Mayor Kuncken added the American Legion has a monument which calls out Sgt. Mongrella’s rank and particulars of his service.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Santucci and carried by unanimous voice vote, Council Committee Reports were waived.
Public Safety – Councilmen Maio/Santucci
Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management
Finance & Administration – Councilmen Benson/Graham
Tax Assessment, Tax Collection, Water & Sewer Cashier, Treasurer, Health & Other Insurance, Personnel-
Community Development – Councilmen Graham/Vance
Zoning, Construction Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization-.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilmen Vance/Murphy
Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds
Information Technology – Councilwoman Santucci/Benson
Acquisition of Hardware & Software, Technical Equipment Services, Telecommunication, Cable Television Franchise-
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Murphyi/Maio
Board of Health, Regional Planning Board, Environmental Commission, Musconetcong Sewerage Authority, Sanitation & Recycling, Recreation Commission, Shade Tree Commission, Land Use Board –
Main Street Streetscape - Councilwoman Maio/ /Vance –
COUNCIL BUSINESS
Trails and Greenway Plan
Mayor Kuncken noted all members of the governing body received the Trails and Greenway Plan and asked that by the Work Session any corrections or suggestions be raised so the Plan could be sent to the Land Use Board to be adopted as part of the Master Plan.
Waterloo Road Bridge Replacement
Mayor Kuncken commented that a public Information Session was held on Monday, March 15th. The session was attended by the majority of the governing body and the public. The project is ready to begin its design phase and the engineers have asked the governing body to pass a resolution in support of the plan presented at the meeting. A sample resolution is tentatively part of the agenda, but has not been reviewed by the governing body or Borough Attorney Stein and Mayor Kuncken will pull the resolution until all have had the opportunity to review and discuss.
Morris Canal
Councilman Graham advised the public that progress is being made on the project. The TVing is complete and the governing body will review the tape at 7:00 p.m. on April 13, 2010. The Borough Administrator and Borough Engineer will review the tape at an earlier time so the Borough Engineer can give his analysis to the governing body as they look at the tape.
Oppose S-82 and A-437: “Time of Decision Rule”
Borough Attorney Stein explained the Time of Decision Rule. The law in New Jersey has been that a developer is bound by the law in effect at the time their application is approved. If a municipality decided their land use law is not what is really wanted in a municipality they have the right to adopt new ordinances and the developers must abide by the new ordinance. If the Time of Decision Rule is passed the developer is only bound by the laws on the books at the time the application is filed.
Light Post Banners
Councilwoman Maio received updated pricing for the new banners with a patriotic/flag motif. Councilwoman Maio said she requested prices from three companies and the company who supplied the snowman banners came in the lowest cost of $684 including imprint. Councilwoman Maio noted the Chamber of Commerce and American Legion have offered to contribute funds for the banners. Councilwoman Maio asked the governing body to choose which banner they would prefer and will be asking the contributors as well. There is a three week delivery. The governing body would like to have the banners up in time for Memorial Day.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinances for Introduction [ Public Hearing April 27, 2010]
Mayor Kuncken offered the following ordinance for introduction and adoption:
Ordinance #2010-01 CALENDAR YEAR 2010 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)
WHEREAS, The Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S. 40A: 4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 2.5% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and,
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
WHEREAS, The Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope in the County of Sussex finds it advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2010 budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and,
WHEREAS, The Borough Council hereby determines that a 3.5 % increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $32,245.25 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and,
WHEREAS, The Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, By the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, that, in the CY 2010 budget year, the final appropriations of the Borough of Stanhope shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14, be increased by 3.5 %, amounting to $112,858.38, and that the CY 2010 municipal budget for the Borough of Stanhope be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, That any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and,
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, That a certified copy of this ordinance as introduced be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within 5 days of introduction; and,
BE IT FINALLY ORDAINED, That a certified copy of this ordinance upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Graham, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above ordinance was adopted.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Benson – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Graham, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Borough Clerk to post the ordinance, and authorized publication of same. The Mayor and Council further ordered that April 27, 2010 shall be fixed for the date of public hearing and final adoption of the above referenced ordinance.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuncken offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 077-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF 2009 PROPERTY TAXES
WHEREAS, both the former homeowners’ bank and the current homeowners’ title agency attorney have made payment of Fourth Quarter 2009 taxes, creating an overpayment of taxes on this property; and
WHEREAS, the attorneys for both the former homeowner and the current homeowner agree that the overpayment should be refunded to the former homeowner;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the former homeowner in the designated amount representing an overpayment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Block Lot Qual Name & Address Tax Year Amount
1501 2 C0358 Eileen Bobo 2009 $1,475.00
c/o Juliana Atinaja, Attorney
257 Valley Road
Clifton, New Jersey 07013
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by the following voice 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 078-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF 2009 PROPERTY TAXES
WHEREAS, both the property owners’ bank and the property owners made payment of First & Second Quarter 2009 taxes, creating an overpayment on this property for the 2009 tax year; and
WHEREAS, the property owners’ bank will continue to pay the property taxes for this property in 2010, and therefore the overpayment cannot be applied to future taxes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the property owners in the designated amount representing an overpayment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Block Lot Name & Address Tax Year Amount
11208 4 Jacek & Maria Kaczynski 2009 $ 10,206.91
11 Main Street
Stanhope, New Jersey 07874
On motion by Councilman Benson, seconded by Councilman Graham and unanimously carried by the following voice 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 079-10 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY IN A SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope wish to apply for a project under the Safe and Secure Communities Program; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope have reviewed the application and have approved said request; and
WHEREAS, the project is a joint effort between the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Borough of Stanhope for the purpose described in the application;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that:
As a matter of pubic policy the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope wishes to participate to the fullest extent possible with the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The Attorney General of New Jersey will receive funds on behalf of the applicant.
The Division of Criminal Justice shall be responsible for the receipt and review of the applications for said funds.
The Division of Criminal Justice shall initiate allocations to the applicant as authorized by law.
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Vance 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 080-10 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CLICK IT OR TICKET
SAFETY BELT MOBILIZATION FOR MAY 24 THROUGH JUNE 6, 2010
WHEREAS, there were 586 motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey in 2009; and
WHEREAS, a large percentage of the motor vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a safety belt; and
WHEREAS, use of a safety belt remains the most effective way to avoid death or serious injury in a motor vehicle crash; and
WHEREAS, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 135,000 lives were saved by safety belt usage nationally between 1975 and 2000; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey will participate in the nationwide Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization from May 24 through June 6, 2010 in an effort to raise awareness and increase seat belt usage through a combination of enforcement and education; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety has set a goal of increasing the seat belt usage rate in the state from the current level of 92.67% to 100%; and
WHEREAS, a further increase in seat belt usage in New Jersey will save lives on our roadways;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope declares its support for the Click It or Ticket seat belt mobilization both locally and nationally from May 24 through June 6, 2010 and pledges to increase awareness of the mobilization and the benefits of seat belt use.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Maio and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 081-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PLACEMENT OF A TOPPER SIGN ON DELL ROAD TO
HONOR MARINE SGT. GARRETT ADAM MONGRELLA
WHEREAS, Marine Sgt. Garrett Adam Mongrella, a resident of the Borough of Stanhope, proudly and heroically served our country in the United States Marine Corp.; and
WHEREAS, in the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and woman of the Armed Forces serve our country in an honorable and vital profession;
WHEREAS, on January 29, 1991, Sgt. Mongrella was killed in the line of duty in the Battle of Khasji in Saudi Arabia; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope recognize the dedication and admire the courage of Sgt. Mongrella in defending our nation; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope wish to honor the memory of Sgt. Mongrella with the placement of a street topper over the Dell Road street sign;
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 placement of a topper sign over the Dell Road street sign in the name of Marine Sgt. Garrett Adam Mongrella honoring his dedication and service to our country.
On motion by Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted
Resolution 082-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO TRANSFER MONIES
WHEREAS, various 2009 bills have been presented for payment this year, which bills were not covered by order number and/or recorded at the time of transfers between the 2009 Budget Appropriations in the last two months of 2009; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-59 provides that all unexpended balances carried forward after the close of the year are available, until lapsed at the close of the succeeding year, to meet specific claims, commitments or contracts incurred during the preceding fiscal year, and allows transfers to be made from unexpended balances which are expected to be insufficient during the first three months of the succeeding year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope that transfers be made in the amount of $ 17,512.00 in Current Fund between the 2009 Budget Appropriation Reserves as follows:
CURRENT FUND From: To:
Group Health Benefits $ 8,000.00
Dental Benefits $ 9,512.00
Recreation – O/E $ 512.00
Condo Services - Highpoint $ 12,000.00
Condo Services - Stonegate $ 5,000.00
Total: $ 17,512.00 $ 17,512.00
On motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Benson 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 083-10 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. 2006-08U, representing 2005 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0310, known as 16310 Dell Place, assessed to Sandra Ploskonka & Gayle Garner, 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 #2006-08U and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 4,302.68
Premium Paid by Lienholder 300.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 4,602.68
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 Graham, seconded by Councilwoman Maio and unanimously carried by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted
Resolution 084-10 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE MORRIS COUNTY DIVISION OF ENGINEERING’S RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE FOR
REPLACING THE WATERLOO ROAD BRIDGE OVER THE MUSCONETCONG RIVER BETWEEN STANHOPE BOROUGH, SUSSEX COUNTY, AND MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP AND NETCONG BOROUGH, MORRIS COUNTY
The above resolution was tabled.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 085-10 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 February 23, 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 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
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Stein had nothing to report.
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.
Janice Hunts, 17 Reeves Avenue, Stanhope, reported on the ERI ANJEC Grant and would like to meet again with the governing body committee, Mayor Kuncken, Councilwoman Maio and Councilman Graham. Mayor Kuncken asked Mrs. Hunts to choose a few dates and they would determine the best date for all.
Peggy Findley, 88 Main Street, asked for an update on the possibility of senior busing with Byram. Mayor Kuncken replied she was waiting for the seniors to give her their “wish list” i.e. doctor’s appointments, Shop-Rite, etc. so Mayor Kuncken would be able to sit down with the Manager of Byram and see what could be worked out.
Seeing no one else from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Kuncken closed the public portion of the meeting.
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 Contracts - Main Street Lighting
- Main Street Penalty Fees
- Lighting Consultant
1 Litigation – Dimitriou Property
1 Potential Litigation – Bender Subdivision
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 Graham, seconded by Councilman Vance, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 9:05 P.M.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 10:00 P.M. with all present as before.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Approved:
Lynda Knott
Deputy Clerk