Contact:
Borough Clerk Ellen Horak 973-347-0159 ext 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stanhope, NJ - July 28, 2010
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND
AGENDA MEETING
June 1, 2010
7:00 P.M.
MAYOR'S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 4, 2010 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
Furthermore, notice of the Early Closed Session was forwarded to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on May 27, 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 date, time 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 - Administrator
1 Contract – Lenape Valley Municipal Alliance
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 Councilwoman Maio, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:01 P.M.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 7:50 P.M. with all present as before. Mayor Kuncken called a ten minute recess and reconvened the Open Session at 8:00 p.m.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Water Storage/Infrastructure Improvements
Engineer Keller reported the design contract needs to be amended and he is looking to the governing body for guidance on the final plan. Mr. Keller said Sparta Road has been pulled from the plan to be completed this summer. Mr. Keller asked if Route 206 would be added. Mayor Kuncken noted that the Route 206 portion of the project is more expensive than Sparta Road deletion.
Councilman Benson said he received a call from Lee Purcell who is willing to attend a meeting and discuss in detail the fees and process of funding from NJEIT. Councilman Benson added he felt Auditor Ray Sarinelli seemed cautious and wary of the NJEIT funding and perhaps he would also attend the same meeting to have his questions answered. Councilman Vance said he is in favor of inviting Lee Purcell.
Councilwoman Maio asked to see a complete rundown on the project and the scope of work. Engineer Keller said the planning report lists all of the work to be done including the new line for wells 3 and 4. Mr. Keller added the planning report does not include the late addition of Route 206. Mayor Kuncken asked when Mr. Keller would be available to present the entire project to the governing body. After a brief discussion it was decided that the presentation would be at the June 22, 2010 meeting. If Mr. keller is not available it will be at the July 13th meeting.
Mr. Keller reported the Sparta Road project’s field work is complete; he is working on the base map and the design plan and bid documents will be complete by early July.
High Street/Plane Street Reconstruction
Mr. Keller reported the Request for Bid was advertised in the Sunday Herald with a bid opening scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 17, 2010. The governing body could then award the contract at the June 22nd meeting. Mr. Keller said they could have the pre-construction meeting in early July and begin the project toward the end of July. The project runs for two months (August and September) and there will be no cold weather paving.
Main Street Reconstruction Phase II
Mr. Keller said he was waiting for a reply from Zuccaro and Son on the final punch list items that need to be completed. Mr. Keller reported he requested the contractor to repair the brick fascia on the building at 62-64 Main Street because the owner claimed it was damaged during the construction.
Morris Canal
Mr. Keller reported he coordinated with the Administrator on work efforts to create a wider and more open channel within the Canal, as well as stabilization of the side slopes. The canal is now filled with water and the intent is to flush out floating weeds and debris. When complete the water will be regulated at the sleuce gate at the basketball court.
The CFO, through Clean Communities, is looking at trash receptacles for Salmon Park.
Citizen Issues
Mr. Keller reported he and the Administrator met with Superintendent Maurella last month regarding the drainage channel off of New Street and they are still waiting for her feedback.
Councilman Vance asked Mr. Keller for the status of the pond behind the Post Office. The Administrator responded the pond will be cleaned up and then filled with water. Councilman Vance asked when the clean up will begin. Administrator Stewart said he will check with Superintendent Storms as to an exact time, but it will be as soon as possible. Councilwoman Maio asked if the clean up would be complete within two weeks. The Administrator replied affirmatively.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Stewart reported that on June 2, 2010 he and OEM Coordinator Wayne Anthony will meet with consultants from James Lee Witt Associates at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Discussion will be the Borough’s “critical assets”, i.e. wells, sewer pump station, Borough Hall, Fire Department etc. The assets will be incorporated into the County’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan for future FEMA funding.
Administrator Stewart said the “Topper Sign” in remembrance of Sgt. Garrett Mongrella was installed on Friday, May 28th on Dell Road. Administrator Stewart noted he is waiting to hear the Garrett family’s availability to set a date for the official unveiling. Mayor Kuncken reported the American Legion members would like to attend and be involved in the ceremony.
The Administrator updated the governing body on the Energy Grant by reporting he received three of five replies to the Request for Proposal’s. Two of the three contractors have declined to participate. The Administrator forwarded the RFP to the Borough Attorney for his review.
Administrator Stewart reported that the New Jersey State Department of Transportation has delivered the electric message sign that advertises the Stanhope Spring Festival.
Administrator Stewart said he will be attending the required harassment training seminar for Administrators/Managers on Thursday, June 3rd sponsored by the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund. The seminar will be held in Mount Olive at 3:00 p.m.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Main Street Lighting
Councilwoman Maio noted the decorative lights on Main Street with 70 watt bulbs are better but not yet acceptable to the residents living on Main Street. Councilwoman Maio would like to see the lights put back on the timer to go off at 10:00 p.m. Councilman Vance felt the timer method is only a temporary resolution and said he would like to see the residents in the area invited to an informal meeting and hear their feedback and ideas to a permanent solution. Councilman Vance said Engineer Keller and Mr. Zamengo, a retired J C P & L electrical engineer and light designer who has volunteered his services to the Borough, should be a part of that discussion. Mayor Kuncken said perhaps two or three representatives of the public would work better than a large group. Mayor Kuncken likes the concept and feels that having the public represented by their peers and being an integral part of the solution would help the situation. Mayor Kuncken noted Kathy Schindelar and Peggy Spooner have spoken on behalf of the residents and they may be interested in serving as their representative in the discussions.
Councilman Benson agreed that a discussion with representatives of the residents on Main Street would be helpful particularly with dialogue from the electrical engineer. Councilwoman Maio asked that, in the interim, the lights be turned off at 10:00 p.m. Mayor Kuncken polled the Council on whether or not to temporarily turn the lights off at 10:00 p.m.
Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Benson – yes
The Administrator will contact the electrical engineer (Mr. Zamengo) and coordinate a meeting date. May Kuncken asked that Kathy Schindelar be the point person for the residents.
OLD BUSINESS
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE 2010 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Resolution 110-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE ADOPTING THE 2010 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, that the budget herein before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations, and authorization of the amount of $3,067,983.79 for municipal purposes.
On motion by Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Mayor Kuncken reported there is a 1.25% increase over 2009, which equates to an average home valued at $231,400.00 paying an additional $25.00 this year. Councilman Graham also noted an article in the Sunday Herald reporting the flow control/solid waste fees would be going up from $79.00 to $109.00. Councilman Graham said the governing body already built that increase into the 2010 Budget with additional funds for legal counsel if needed.
Roll Call: Councilwoman Santucci - yes Councilman Graham - yes
Councilwoman Maio – yes Councilman Vance - yes
Councilman Murphy – yes Councilman Benson – yes
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Kuncken offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 117-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE FIXING THE 2010 SALARIES OF BOROUGH EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS, the Borough Council adopted Ordinance # 2010-01 on May 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope desires to set the specific salaries for full-time and part-time non-contract Borough employees for the year 2010,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following salaries are retroactive to January 1, 2010:
Diana Kuncken Mayor $ 3,013.00
James Benson Council Member 2,739.00
George Graham Council Member 2,739.00
Rosemarie Maio Council Member 2,739.00
Brian Murphy Council Member 2,739.00
Staci Santucci Council Member 2,739.00
Mike Vance Council Member 2,739.00
Richard Stewart Administrator 106,090.00
Ellen Horak Borough Clerk 53,560.00
Lynda Knott Deputy Borough Clerk 32,399.00 Ellen Horak Registrar 3,276.00
Lynda Knott Deputy Registrar 1,592.00
Dana Mooney Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector 88,047.00
Margaret Driscoll Utility Collector/AP 49,893.00 Toni Grisaffi Clerk/Typist 32,340.00
Maureen Kaman Tax Assessor 23,482.00
Ward Sherrer Custodian 6,960.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Steven Pittigher Chief of Police 98,988.00
Sergeant As per contract
Sergeant’s Stipend As per contract
Detective’s Stipend As per contract
Patrolman As per contract
Virginia Citarella Clerk Typist- Police Dept 30,679.00
Rebecca Duenskie Matron $19.81 per hour
Various Special Officer 19.20 per hour
Various Crossing Guard 13.44 per hour
MUNICIPAL COURT
Lorraine Lupo Court Administrator 41,157.00
Carol Oleszek Deputy Court Administrator $80.00 per session
Carol Oleszek Deputy Violations Clerk 17.00 per hour
John Mulhern Magistrate 13,642.00
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
William Storms, Jr. Superintendent 76,382.00
William Storms, Jr. Water Operator 5,854.00
William Storms, Jr. Sewer Operator 5,854.00
William Storms, Jr. Water T-1 License 3,500.00
Public Works Repairer As per contract
Laborer As per contract
Various Part-time Laborer$12.00 to $12.78 per hour
CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT
Thomas Pershouse Construction Official 20,619.00
Joseph Olivo Fire Subcode Official 3,111.00
Joseph Olivo Plumbing Subcode Official 3,576.00
Robert Moentenich Electrical Inspector 9,005.00
Arlene Fisher Zoning Officer 9,715.00
Arlene Fisher Code Enforcement Officer 10,112.00
Arlene Fisher Municipal Housing Liaison 38.00 per hour
Laura Martin Clerical - Construction 12.86 per hour
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Ellen Horak Land Use Secretary 8,400.00
Monique McNeilly Board of Health Secretary 3,966.00
Secretary to: Shade Tree 25.00 per month*
Environmental Commission 25.00 per month*
Recreation Commission 25.00 per month*
Various Seasonal Recreation Staff 7.25 per hour Seasonal Recreation Director 15.91 per hour
*submission of monthly minutes required.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Administrator is authorized to set the salary level according to the salary amounts in Ordinance # 2010-01 for the temporary part-time positions of police matron, crossing guards, general part-time, DPW part-time and seasonal employees.
On motion by Councilman Graham, seconded by Councilwoman Santucci, 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
Resolution 118-10 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE ACTIVATING PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE
1919-33-006-005 HELD BY JMK HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC
WHEREAS, the Governing Body heretofore approved a person to person transfer of Plenary Retail Consumption License 1919-33-006-005, previously issued to Cultural Archives Services, LLC to JMK Hospitality Group, LLC; and
WHEREAS, the transferred license was inactive at the time of the person to person transfer; and
WHEREAS, JMK Hospitality Group, LLC has provided all required information to allow the Plenary Retail Consumption License to be activated;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that Plenary Retail Consumption License 1919-33-006-005 be and the same is hereby activated as of June 1, 2010; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to take all necessary steps to activate said Plenary Retail Consumption License.
On motion by Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried unanimously by voice vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 119-10 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 May 11, 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 Graham, seconded by Councilman Benson, 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 June 22, 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.
Joseph Larceri, 11 Crestview Drive, asked the governing body to waive the $220.00 construction permit fee he paid to have his roof re-shingled. Mr. Larceri feels the fee is very excessive. Mayor Kuncken asked the Administrator if procedures were followed and the Administrator answered affirmatively. Mayor Kuncken responded the Fee Ordinance was adopted by the governing body and that the governing body can not waive the fee for one resident without doing the same for all. Councilman Murphy asked when the fees were last updated. Councilman Graham replied two years ago and the fees were revisited last year. Councilman Murphy told Mr. Larceri his complaint was noted by the governing body but there is nothing the governing body can do to change the fee at this time.
Kathryn Schindelar, 83 Main Street, said she is in favor of the residents meeting with Mr. Keller and Mr. Zamengo regarding the decorative lights on Main Street. Ms. Schindelar also feels turning the lights off at 10:00 p.m. is a good short term solution.
Mr. Lee, owner of thirty-seven (37) undeveloped acres next to Lenape Valley High School, asked the governing body what the future holds for his property because it is in the Highlands Planning Area. Engineer Keller said Mr. Lee’s property is in the protection zone of the planning area. Councilman Vance asked what that means to Mr. Lee. Mr. Keller replied the development is limited to low density and septic systems because the Highlands Regional Master Plan does not advocate extending sewer systems. Councilman Graham noted the DEP did not want the sewer service area increased. Councilman Graham noted that Borough properties excluded from the sewer service area were put in as objections in every presentation made to the DEP and Highlands Regional Master Plan. Councilman Benson said the DEP has not responded to the 208 water quality. Engineer Keller said all sewer services area discussions for communities within the Highlands Region are on hold pending the resolution of the individual towns to either opt-in or opt-out of the Highlands Regional Master Plan. The Build-Out report that Mr. Lee mentioned was completed in Module 2 and is the basis for COAH’s numbers, if the Borough chooses to opt-into the Highlands Regional Master Plan, which is 29 units and outside the sewer service area is one (1) house for every eighty-eight (88) acres. Engineer Keller noted the Highlands Regional Master Plan is very political and any discussions are pure speculation.
Mayor Kuncken reported the governing body has not made a decision regarding the Highlands and has only shown intent to go through the process and examine what the Highlands Regional Master Plan has to offer. Mayor Kuncken continued that there are too many changes in Trenton with a new governor and regime. The governing body is waiting and watching what decisions the new state government will make. Mayor Kuncken told Mr. Lee they have not forgotten his property and in fact would like to extend the sewer lines and would like to see development of his property. Mayor Kuncken thanked Mr. Lee for attending the meeting.
Councilwoman Maio asked Mr. Lee if he had a vision for his property. Mr. Lee said he had contacted builders with his plan for a multi-family project incorporating regular units, senior units and affordable units, but, the builders passed on the contract until these questions could be answered. Mr. Lee said he would like to see the property developed.
Peggy Findley, 88 Main Street, asked if the decorative light meeting was a public meeting and if she could attend if only just to observe. Mayor Kuncken said it was not a public meeting, but a small meeting with three (3) public members and (3) three governing body members (Councilman Vance, Councilwoman Maio and herself). Mayor Kuncken said Ms. Findley would be welcome as a public member.
Seeing no one further 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:
1 Contract – Kelly Act
1 Potential Litigation – Small Business
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 Benson, seconded by Councilman Vance, and carried by unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 8:55 P.M.
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 9:28 P.M. with all present except Councilman Graham.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Maio, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 P.M.
Approved: 7/27;10 Lynda Knott
Deputy Borough Clerk
For Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk