MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND
AGENDA MEETING
September 11, 2018
7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Maio invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
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 3, 2018 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:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
Mayor Maio called for a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the September 11th attack.
Mayor Maio noted the presence of Jackie Espinoza, regional representative from JCP&L and asked her to come forward to answer any questions about the resolution on tonight’s agenda. Mayor Maio asked Council for any questions or concerns about the program. Councilwoman Kuncken commented that anything JCP&L is doing to cut down on the number and length of outages is welcomed. Ms. Espinoza stated she has not received any pushback to the program from any municipality. The program has not yet been implemented and they are asking for towns’ approval because the BPU has to approve the program. There is a process that must be followed and they ae trying to move it along. This is a four-year plan aimed at enhancing the reliability of its distribution system against severe weather and reducing the frequency and duration of outages. JCP&L would like to begin in January. They want to accelerate the program to get it done in 4 years. It will be tiered work with increases in small increments. The program will make a very big difference for the positive. Councilman Thornton asked about updates for 2018 in relation to hurricanes, noting in particular, the hurricane presently on its way to the south. Ms. Espinoza responded they are preparing for the current storm. They have set up two staging sites in New Jersey. Mayor Maio thanked Ms. Espinoza for her attendance.
Mayor Maio noted, on a sad note, there was a fatality on Route 206 involving 2 Stanhope residents. The resident driving the motor vehicle was killed and the other resident, who was driving the Tree King truck was not injured.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Leary Foundation – Administrator McNeilly reported the Fire Chief and Millennium have completed the grant letter to the Foundation and it will be submitted prior to the September 14th deadline.
Land Sale – Administrator McNeilly reported the Borough received a request from the owner of 5 Kynor Avenue to purchase a joining lot owned by the Borough. Administrator McNeilly has reached out to the Borough Attorney for her review and opinion of Mr. Stein’s prior opinion regarding the sale attempt a few years back. About three years ago the Borough adopted an ordinance to sell certain lots off Kynor and Leo. The lot in question had a $25,000 minimum bid on it. Administrator McNeilly stated he is still gathering additional information from the property owner on his intent,
9/11 Memorial – Administrator McNeilly reported the DPW spruced up the memorial with flowers and removed the large bushes that were over grown and storm damaged. Administrator McNeilly suggested that thought be given in the near future to freshen up the overall memorial area.
NJDOT Local Aid – Administrator McNeilly reported the Infrastructure Committee met this morning and after much discussion with the Engineer and DPW Superintendent, the recommendation for the 2019 Local Aid Grant is for Dell Road resurfacing. Administrator McNeilly stated the traffic count is very high, the road surface is coming up and will quickly get worse. The road has a good surface and only needs to be resurfaced. Administrator McNeilly added that a third of the Borough’s population uses that road and it is the only ingress and egress for Highpoint Condominium. Council agreed that this project should be submitted for the Local Aid Grant. The cost estimate is attached to the Administrator’s Report. The cost for milling and resurfacing will be about $122,000 – $123,000 which is within our usual request and receipt when we do receive a Local Aid Grant. If the Borough is not awarded the grant, this project will be set aside.
2019 Capital Road Project – Administrator McNeilly reported that during the Infrastructure Committee meeting the following roads were discussed: 1st) Young Drive/Maryann Terrace; 2nd) Highland Avenue/Baker/Upper Central. The Young Drive road project would consist of doing saddles only on the water line which will be done by the DPW and about 2,200 feet of curb line (18-20 linear feet) to replace, put drainage back on the road and then mill and pave. The projected cost is about $186,000 with engineering cost of about $34,000 for a total of $220,000 to do the job which will put a new surface on a road that has not been paved properly in 50 years. Mayor Maio noted this project has been put aside because adding water lines makes it a $1 Million Dollar project. So far, there has been no problem with the water line. When Maple Terrace was done, they resurfaced the road but did not do the water lines. Mayor Maio expressed her opinion that it is not fair to the residents living there to have a road in that poor of a condition. Councilman Romano asked why the concern with the water line. Administrator McNeilly responded the water line is asbestos concrete pipe, which is okay as long as you do not touch it. Administrator McNeilly stated there is no problem with the pipe; any fail will be with the connection and the saddles will solve the connection problems. Administrator McNeilly also stated that if using the DPW, we do not need to wait for school to get out. This project will finish off that neighborhood, especially if they are successful with the grant to pave Dell Road. Administrator McNeilly stated the Highland/Baker/Central project requires a section of water pipe from Brooklyn Road to Highland Avenue. We do not need to go out into Brooklyn Road. Highland needs to be looped up to Sparta Road for water pressure and water quantity. Administrator McNeilly stated this will be a reclamation project; we cannot curb or drain it. Administrator McNeilly suggested this project for the year 2020 as the next big project. Further capital project discussion will be held at the October meeting. Engineering and DPW capital requests have been submitted. The Superintendent requested a vehicle replacement for the DPW pick-up truck.
Public Health Issue – A concern was raised at the last Council meeting regarding rats. The Sussex County Health Department inspected the site and submitted a report. The site inspection revealed several harborage areas and bird feces on foliage and stagnate water in bird baths. The homeowner acknowledges the bird feeders must be removed.
2019 Budget – The CFO is preparing the budget books. Discussion on capital project will continue at the next meeting. The Tax Assessor and Auditor will again attend the December meeting.
WORK SESSION
Tie A Ribbon Campaign – The Borough will again participate in the Tie A Ribbon Campaign during the month of October. Ribbons will be delivered at the end of September. Members of the Council will meet at Borough Hall at 9:30 a.m. on September 28th to tie the ribbons throughout the Borough.
TAP Grant – NJDOT has finally contacted the Borough Engineer. The wetlands permit is still a holdup and they have no time limit on that.
Energy Co-op – Mayor Maio stated the new program will go into effect in March 2019. Residents will be back with JCP&L from October through February. There is an estimated 10% savings with the new rate they received. Letters will be sent to the residents with the Mayor’s signature. The letter indicates that over the course of the current program, residents in all the municipalities involved have saved $800,000 of which our residents saved $148,000.
Sussex County Fair Display – Mayor Maio stated Ellen Horak and Linda Chirip will be recognized at tomorrow night’s Freeholder meeting for their municipal display at the County Fair. They were first runner up to the Best in Show. Mayor Maio offered congratulations to the Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
Zoning Map – Mayor Maio stated she spoke to Eric Keller about redoing the Borough’s zoning map, which is very outdated. Mr. Keller can update the map at a cost of $2,5000, or he can create a new base map. The current map does not include many of the developments and the starting edges are not accurate. Mr. Keller informed her the cost would be an amount not to exceed $5,000 to create a new base map and it would take about four weeks to complete. Council agreed a new base map should be created and asked the Administrator to confirm money is available to have it done.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Maio offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 139-18 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION FROM MEINEKE CAR CARE CENTER FOR WORK PERFORMED ON POLICE VEHICLE
WHEREAS, one of the Stanhope Borough police vehicles had an issue with its exhaust system and solicited the services of Meineke Car Care Center, 1365 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey to repair same;
WHEREAS, Meineke Car Care Center repaired the exhaust system and despite a request by the Borough Police Chief to pay the bill, they would like to donate their services for the repair.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Stanhope authorizes acceptance of this donation by Meineke Car Care Center in the amount of $52.50.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
CONSENT AGENDA (All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Borough Council and were enacted by one motion of the Borough Council with no separate discussion.)
Resolution 140-18 DECLARING BOROUGH OF STANHOPE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE JCP&L RELIABILITY PLUS
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope recognizes that reliable electric service plays a crucial role in the daily lives of Borough residents; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope recognizes that reliable electric service also is critical to the local businesses within our community, and drives commerce in our Borough and across the region; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope supports efforts to enhance our energy infrastructure to continue to provide families and businesses the reliable source of energy they need; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope supports efforts to enhance the reliability and resiliency of the electric distribution system against severe weather and reduce the number of customers affected by outages and shorten the duration of outages; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope has been informed that Jersey Central Power and Light Company’s (JCP&L) Reliability Plus includes approximately $400 million in targeted investments above and beyond its regular annual investments to enhance JCP&L’s service reliability and resiliency; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope has been informed that the JCP&L plan includes nearly 4,000 enhancements that will help the reliability and resiliency of overhead and underground distribution lines, as well as new equipment to reduce the number of customers affected by outages and shorten the duration of outages; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope has been informed that the JCP&L plan also outlines additional vegetation management to reduce the potential for tree damage, which is the primary cause of outages during severe storms in JCP&L’s service area.
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope has been informed that JCP&L expects the plan’s economic benefit to customers and businesses from enhanced reliability and resiliency will be $1.9 billion over the estimated life of the equipment installed through the program; and
WHEREAS the Borough of Stanhope has been informed that JCP&L estimates the initial increase on the monthly bill for an average residential customer would be about 25 cents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope hereby finds and declares:
That JCP&L’s Reliability Plus will benefit residents and businesses in the Borough of Stanhope and throughout Sussex County by making JCP&L’s electric distribution system during storm and non-storm events more resistant to outages and enabling the system to recover more quickly when outages do occur and increase the distribution system’s resiliency, operational flexibility, safety and security.
JCP&L’s Reliability Plus should be approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Resolution 141-18 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2017-003, representing property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10703, Lot 17, known as 5 Crestview Dr, assessed to Patrick & Lynne Jamiolkoski (now MTGLQ Investors, LP), 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: Stuart Lasher
P.O. Box 83
Milltown, NJ 08850
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2017-003 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 2,687.18
Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,100.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 2,687.18
Total From Tax Premium Account 1,100.00
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 Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 142-18 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 September 11, 2018 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 Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for September 25, 2018 were approved.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio 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 – Personnel
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 Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:40 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:00 P.M. with all present.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Approved:
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk