MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING MINUTES
July 8, 2025 7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Wronko 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 8, 2025, 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 10:00 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. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this Meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilwoman Riccardi – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wachterhauser – present
Councilman Simpson – present
Councilman Zampino – present
Mayor Wronko – present
Recreation Committee (Miss Stanhope) – Mayor Wronko stated the Recreation Committee is here this evening to present awards for Miss Stanhope. Sydney Bookspan, Recreation Committee Chairperson, stated awards are being presented this evening for Teen Miss Stanhope and Miss Stanhope. Ms. Bookspan announced that this year’s Miss Teen Stanhope is Melia Gomez. This year’s Miss Stanhope is Samantha Krauklis. Samantha and Melia were presented with sashes, tiaras and a monetary award. Samantha will be representing Stanhope Borough at the Queen of the Sussex County Fair Event in August. All those present congratulated the young women and wished Samantha luck at the fair. Ms. Bookspan invited Samantha and Melia to attend this Saturday’s Family Fun Day which will be held at Musconetcong Park from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
Girl Scouts – Mayor Wronko stated the Girl Scouts are here this evening to make a presentation to the governing body. The Girl Scout Leader stated the troop consists of 16 girls, however, some of them are away and could not attend this evening. One of the scouts stated they are here this evening to present a proposal to have animal waste receptacles placed around the community. The troop has been working on this project for several months in order to receive the Girl Scout Bronze Award. This presentation fulfills one of the requirements. The scouts are here tonight to present their research and hopefully obtain approval and support for this project. There are 16 girls in the troop, and they have been working together since kindergarten. They like helping other people and the community by making cards for senior citizens in nursing homes, collecting food for local food banks and collecting items for the local shelter, marching in parades and participating in vendor fairs. The scouts have also helped the school community by donating backpacks with supplies and cleaning the courtyard. A second scout stated there are three awards for the girls to earn during their lifetime. They are the Bronze Award, Silver Award and Gold Award. Each award takes a very long time to earn and requires a lot of hours researching and figuring out ways in which they can improve the community. For the Bronze Award, the troop has chosen a project that will have a lasting impact on the community. As they walked and hiked in the town, they noticed a lot of garbage and animal waste. Some animal waste was not bagged and some that was bagged was dropped along the path. This brought attention to the girls about the dangers of pollution and the impact that this waste has on our health and our town’s appearance. As a result, their purpose tonight is to receive approval to install animal waste receptacles throughout the town. A third scout stated there are many negative impacts with animal waste and garbage not disposed of properly. The most obvious one is littering. It is not only illegal, but it is bad to look at. The town does not look pretty and well-kept if there is loose garbage all around and it also looks gross to see dog waste along the streets. This has been seen around the school and on the path leading to the high school. There are no containers for people to dispose of this, or they choose not to bag it because there are no supplies available. Unbagged dog poop poses significant dangers to human health, the environment and even to other animals. It can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness in humans, contaminate water sources and disrupt ecosystems. In order to solve this ongoing problem, the scouts are proposing that animal waste receptacles be installed in the area around their school. They are also providing education to community members about the health risks associated with dog waste and how it impacts the environment. The scouts believe people will care more about having a clean environment if waste receptacles are more easily accessible. Residents should have access to dog waste bags and receptacles to keep their community clean during their dog walks. The scouts researched to find the best solutions and looked to see what other towns are doing. The simplest and quickest way is to provide waste receptacles with bags constantly available. There are several companies which can provide the receptacles and all that would be required is to dig a small hole with concrete to hold them up. Some of the girls’ dads have been unknowingly volunteered for this task. The scouts asked the governing body to please consider their proposal and to allow them to install the receptacles. The girls have worked hard to raise the funds to install the receptacles which will be donated to their school and the community. They have raised funds by selling cookies, attending vendor fairs and events. The scouts stated they sincerely hope the governing body has enjoyed their presentation and will support their request to install receptacles within the community. The girls thanked the governing body for their time and consideration and stated they are happy to answer any questions.
Mayor Wronko asked the scouts if they have raised enough funds to purchase the receptacles. The Girl Scout Leader stated they do not have enough money to fund all of the receptacles. They have funds to fully fund two in addition to what they are donating to the school. The scouts were not sure how many would be approved and whether or not there would be a budget available to assist with the purchases. The girls can do additional fundraising to get support from the local community to help fund additional receptacles. Mayor Wronko asked where the scouts would like to place the receptacles. One of the scouts stated they would like to install them along the path from their school to the high school and along Main Street. Mayor Wronko stated he is of the opinion this is a good idea, but some additional information will be needed to make a decision. The number of receptacles needs to be determined and the cost of the items. Councilman Riccardi agreed and stated the future maintenance of the receptacles would need to be determined. One of the scouts stated the troop thought maybe when trash is picked up through the town that the receptacles could be emptied too. Mayor Wronko stated the garbage company does not empty the receptacles, but other options can be researched. Mayor Wronko thanked the girl scout troop for their presentation and stated that they did a great job. A few more details need to be determined in order for the governing body to be able to take action on the scout’s plan. The scout leader asked if the girls could email someone on the governing body in order to answer any additional questions. Mayor Wronko replied emailing would be fine. Councilman Riccardi stated this is a great first step and he thanked the scouts. Mayor Wronko stated this is a great project. Councilman Zampino asked the girls if they know the cost of a single unit. One of the scouts replied that the receptacles cost between $150.00 to $300.00 each. Mayor Wronko thanked all the girl scouts and stated the governing body looks forward to working with them to help them obtain their Bronze Award.
Speed Limit on Route 183 & Route 206 – Councilman Thornton stated in last months correspondence there were results with regard to the Borough’s efforts to reduce the speed limit on Route 183 and Route 206. Unfortunately, the State of NJ is again denying the request. They are of the opinion 40mph is appropriate and they are going to put up new signs. Yet they will not lower the speed limit by 5mph as they have done for our neighbors to the north and to the south. Councilman Thornton stated he has requested copies of the report that these findings are being based on. Mayor Wronko thanked Councilman Thornton for following up on this issue.
CFO Position – Councilman Riccardi asked if there is any update available on the search for a permanent CFO. Mayor Wronko stated the Administrator has been trying to find someone but has not had any success. There is no update at this time. Mayor Wronko stated the last time he spoke with the Administrator there were no candidates for the position and the Borough may have to come up with an alternate plan. This will be discussed at a future meeting when the Administrator is present.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on July 22, 2025]
Mayor Wronko offered the following ordinance for introduction and first reading which was read by title.
Ordinance 2025-16 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY FIXING THE SALARY AND WAGES FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey as follows:
SECTION 1. That the Annual salary, wage and compensation to be paid to Borough employees to not exceed the below stated maximums:
Mayor $ 3,013.00
Borough Council Member 2,739.00
Administrator As per contract
Borough Clerk 88,000.00
Registrar 6,000.00
Deputy Borough Clerk 52,000.00
Deputy Registrar 3,300.00
Website Content Manager 5,300.00
Receptionist 6,250.00
Chief Financial Officer 107,000.00
Tax Collector 30,000.00
Utility Collector/Asst to Tax Collector 54,000.00
Finance/Tax Clerk 26,000.00
Tax Assessor 31,000.00
Custodian 11,000.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police As per contract
Sergeant As per contract
Sergeant’s Stipend As per contract
Detective’s Stipend As per contract
Patrolman As per contract
Clerk Typist – Police Dept. 49,000.00
Police Matron $25.00 to $30.00 per hour
Police Matron – Call-out $50.00 per call-out
Special Officer $24.00 to $27.00 per hour
Crossing Guard $17.00 to $20.00 per hour
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
D.P.W. Superintendent $ 105,000.00
Water Operator 7,600.00
Sewer Operator 7,600.00
Water T-1 License Stipend 3,500.00
Public Works Repairer As per contract
Laborer As per contract
Part-time Laborer $13.00 to $17.00 per hour
Seasonal Help $16.00 to $18.00 per hour
CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT
Construction Official 32,000.00
Construction Secretary 24,000.00
Fire Subcode Official 3,200.00
Plumbing Subcode Official 3,700.00
Code Enforcement/Housing Officer/Zoning Officer 32,000.00
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Land Use Secretary $ 13,500.00
Board of Health Secretary 6,500.00
Secretary to:
Shade Tree $25.00 per month*
Environmental Commission $25.00 per month*
Recreation Commission $25.00 per month*
*submission of monthly minutes required.
SECTION 2. Salaries and wages for all Borough employees and officials shall be paid in bi-weekly installments as nearly equal as possible.
SECTION 3. Unless otherwise provided herein, remuneration for all employees shall be retroactive to January 1st of each year.
SECTION 4. The salaries and wages herein established shall be in lieu of any and all fees to which the respective incumbents of said offices might otherwise be entitled by statute or ordinance; which fees shall immediately upon collection thereof be paid over to the Treasurer for use of the Borough except as otherwise provided herein.
SECTION 5. The Borough shall pay medical insurance premiums in accordance with State law, collective bargaining agreements and the Borough’s elected participation in any State health benefit program for all eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
SECTION 6. The terms and conditions of all collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the Borough and any bargaining unit representing Borough employees are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. All Ordinances and Resolutions, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 8. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final adoption and publication as required by law.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Zampino – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Simpson, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Wronko offered the following resolutions which were read by title.
Resolution 130-25 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, at the Municipal Tax Sale held on October 30, 2024, a lien was sold on Block 11501 Lot 2 Qualifier C0073, also known as 573 Dell Place, for 2023 delinquent sewer and water charges; and
WHEREAS, this lien which is known as Tax Sale Certificate #24-00017 was sold to Bala Partners, LLC at 0% interest and a Premium of $600.00; and
WHEREAS, Cotality, mortgagee, has effected a redemption of certificate #24-00017 in the amount of $1,686.10; and
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that the reimbursement is now required to be made for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
Redemption Amount: Outside Lien #24-00017 and Interest $1,686.10
Premium Paid by Lienholder 600.00
Total From Current Fund: $1,686.10
Total From Tax Premium Account 600.00
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that the Governing Body acknowledges that Bala Partners, LLC is entitled to the redemption in the amount of $2,286.10; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Financial Officer be authorized to issue a check in the total amount of $2,286.10 for the total redemption of certificate #24-00017 payable to Bala Partners, LLC, PO Box 303, Pottersville, NJ 07979; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer and the Borough Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Councilwoman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Zampino – yes
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 131-25 Resolution of the Mayor and Council Approving The Mayor’s Appointment of Patrick Lynch, as Alternate #1 to the Land Use Board with Council Concurrence
Mayor’s appointment to the Land Use Board with Council concurrence as follows:
Patrick Lynch, as Alternate #1, for an unexpired 2-year term, with said term to expire
December 31, 2026.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of Patrick Lynch as Alternate #1, to the Land Use Board for an unexpired 2-year term, with said term to expire December 31, 2026.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 132-25 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 July 8, 2025, 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 Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Zampino – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for July 22, 2025, were approved.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Wronko 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 Wronko closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk