MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
April 14, 2020
7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Zdichocki 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, 2020 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
Furthermore, notice of the change in the meeting to an electronic meeting via Zoom was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on April 3, 2020 and was placed on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
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:
Councilman Cipollini – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
Mayor Zdichocki asked for a moment of silence for the victims of COVID-19.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator McNeilly noted during this meeting discussion is to be relative to the present emergency and he asked a number of department heads and professionals to report anything relevant in their area.
Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, provided a project update. Mr. Keller said they continue to work remotely on all activities and all 2020 capital projects are underway and in design. Mr. Keller spoke to Lakeside Construction about the speed humps for Musconetcong Avenue and he was informed they are waiting for warm weather. This is considered an essential project and they can move forward with it. Mr. Keller added that all the Borough’s capital projects are considered essential. Mr. Keller reported that, with respect to the Sparta Road TAP Grant, they are waiting for the DOT’s feedback on the plans submitted, which he expects to have later this week. Administrator McNeilly asked Mr. Keller, and Borough Attorney Ursula Leo, to comment on the bidding process in light of the present emergency situation. Mr. Keller stated there are two projects that need to go out for public bidding, which are the Brooklyn Road and Baker Place water main replacement project, which will be ready for bid by the end of this month. The reclamation project will be ready, but must follow the water project. The speed humps and ADA ramps on Dell Road do not require they go out for public bidding. The Borough will use their QPA and packets will be sent to a few contractors. Ms. Leo said, with respect to the Borough’s public bidding, she does not see anything that would delay them. Ms. Leo stated that municipality ordered work are exempt from not being able to go out to bid as long as the work is municipal, state or federal ordered. Mr. Keller stated he will be ready for authorization to go out to bid at the May meeting.
Derek Kuncken, Captain of the Ambulance Squad provided an update on the activities of the ambulance squad. Captain Kuncken stated in order to put things into perspective, during the first quarter of the year the squad saw a 30% increase in their call volume, as compared to 2019. From the onset of COVID-19 the volume has slowed to an average pace. The first potential case the squad encountered was on March 14th. Since then there have been 48 calls with 33 of those calls having symptoms that could be classified as suspicion for COVID-19 and those patients were treated as such. There are some concerns with regard to this virus. PPE has become a term familiar to most everyone. Health care officials are fairly low stocked on PPE equipment. Currently on every call, the crew members are using an N95 mask and gloves. However, patient’s with COVID-19 like symptoms require the crew to wear a full set and as such they are burning through it like wildfire. When this outbreak began a large order for PPE was placed with their supplier but it is still backordered and has not been received yet. Through our OEM in Morris County, who is also our OEM in Stanhope, and the very generous members of our respective communities, the squad has received donations which include masks, painters suits and gloves. The squad extends their thanks to the community for the support they are receiving. At this time the squad is stocked with PPE except for protective gowns and cleaning wipes. The volume has not slowed but the call on each call has doubled, if not tripled due to our decontamination procedures using the UV light, wiping down and treatment by the local hospitals. When this started the squad recognized the need for an increase in the decontamination procedures. The squad purchased a fogger and drove to East Rutherford to obtain a hospital grade virucide to be used with the fogger. The fogger is used once a week or after every patient that has exhibits COVID like symptoms. The squad is functioning with reduced man power for several reasons. One being the age restrictions. Anyone under the age of 18 and those over age 65 are considered high risk by the CDC and it was recommended that they do not ride on the ambulance. One member is quarantined due to exposure. Some restrictions by our members employers prevent them from being able to ride. As an organization of volunteers, fear is a big impact on manpower at times. That being said, the squad does remain at an adequate level to be able to handle our responsibilities. There are many concerns with regard to funding due to added expenses for COVID-19. The squad does not bill and they are volunteers. The annual fund raisers will be highly affected from the Corona Virus. The question remains as to whether or not the fund raisers will be held and if so, how well will they do when so many people have financial struggles at this time. The squad has transported 33 patients with COVID-19 symptoms. The squads biggest fear is that they do not know the results of the testing. No reports are provided back to the squad with regard to the testing. The squad does not know how many people have tested positive for COVID-19 or which ones are positive. The members of the squad are dealing with a very large every time they get on and off the truck. However, with all this information and risk the members of the ambulance squad continue to volunteer to step onto the truck and assist in any way they can during this uncharted time. Captain Kuncken apologized for the length of his report but he and the members of the squad felt it was vital to share this information with the council and members of the community listening to this meeting.
Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent provided an update on the DPW activities including the water and sewer systems. With respect to water and sewer, everything is running normal. The new controls for the water system have been completed. Monitoring can be done remotely when necessary. The department is running on a three-man team every other week. The current project is doing hot asphalt to fill the potholes and they continue to work on the catch basin repairs. During the month of May, they will have brush and leaf pick-up, which is normally done for one week, but this year will be done over a two-week period due to the manpower issue. Hydrant flushing is still scheduled for May. One crew will work nights and the other crew will work during the day. The department is well stocked with personal protective equipment and they continue to clean Borough Hall, the trucks and the shop every day.
Administrator McNeilly reported he spoke with Chief Pittigher and was informed that arrangements have been made with Byram’s Police Department to provide coverage if needed. The police are closely monitoring and enforcing the Executive Orders from the Governor’s office and from the Attorney General’s office.
WORK SESSION
Mayor Zdichocki reported, as of today, there are 12 positive cases of COVID-19 in Stanhope. There have been no deaths in the Borough from the virus. To date there have been 536 positive cases in Sussex County and 30 deaths in the county. Mayor Zdichocki stated a testing site has been opened at Morris County Community College and they are accepting Sussex County residents. More information can be found on the Sussex County website.
OLD BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF THE 2020 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Resolution 078-20 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING READING OF THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET BY TITLE
WHEREAS, N.J.S.40A:4-8 provides that the budget may be ready by title only at the time of the public hearing if a resolution is passed by not less than a majority of the full Governing Body, provided that at least one (1) week prior to the date of public hearing a complete copy of the approved budget, as advertised, has been posted in the Municipal Building and copies have been made available by the Clerk to persons requesting them; and
WHEREAS, these conditions have been met;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the 2020 Municipal Budget shall be read by title at this Public Hearing for same.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 079-20 Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope Adopting the 2020 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 $4,963,847.63 for municipal purposes.
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on the 2020 Municipal Budget. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting. There was no motion/second or roll call vote.
Resolution 080-20 RESOLUTION TO AMEND INTRODUCED BUDGET
WHEREAS, the local budget for the year 2020 was approved on the 10th day of March, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the public hearing on said budget has been held as advertised; and
WHEREAS, it is desired to amend said approved budget;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of the Borough of Stanhope of the County of Sussex that the following amendments to the approved budget of 2020 made:
Record Vote:
AYES
Cipollini
Kuncken
Riccardi
Romano
Thornton
Wronko
| From | To | ||||
| REVENUE | |||||
| 1. Surplus Anticipated | 830,000.00 | 827,592.00 | |||
| 3. Miscellaneous Revenues – Section B: State Aid Without Offsetting Appropriations | |||||
| Garden State Trust | 4,439.00 | 6,847.00 | |||
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that three certified copies of this resolution be filed forthwith in the office of the Director of Local Government Services for certification of the local municipal budget so amended.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 081-20 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE ADOPTING THE 2020 AMENDED MUNICIPAL BUDGET
BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, that the amended 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 $4,963,847.63 for municipal purposes.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2020-05 CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $20,550.00 FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS OR PURPOSES AUTHORIZED TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY
BE IT ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1. The several improvements described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are hereby respectively authorized as general improvements to be made or acquired by the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey. For the said several improvements or purposes stated in said Section 3, there are hereby appropriated the respective sums of money therein stated as the appropriations made for said improvements or purposes, said sums being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefore and amounting in the aggregate to $20,550.00, which has heretofore been set aside for the improvement or purpose stated in Section 3 and now available therefore by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Borough for capital improvement purposes.
Section 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes and to meet the part of said $20,550.00 appropriations, the Borough will use $17,450.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund, $1,550.00 from Water Capital Outlay, and $1,550.00 from Sewer Capital Outlay, as described in Section 3.
Section 3. The improvements hereby authorized and the several purposes for the allocation of which said obligations are to be spent, the appropriation made for an estimated cost of each such purpose, and the estimated maximum amount of funds to be spent for each such purpose, are respectively as follows:
General Capital Improvement Fund:
General Capital share of cost of Tilt deck equipment trailer, and full
funding for battery driven 18” PPV fans and scene lighting for Fire Department and Repeater for Police Department…………………..……$17,450.00
Water Operating Budget – Capital Outlay
Water Capital Outlay – share of cost of Tilt deck equipment trailer………$1,550.00
Sewer Operating Budget – Capital Outlay
Sewer Capital Outlay – share of cost of Tilt deck equipment trailer………$1,550.00
All the aforestated improvements or purposes where applicable, are in accordance with specifications on file in the office of the Borough Clerk, which specifications are hereby approved.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:
- The said purposes described in Section 3 of this capital ordinance are capital expenses and are each a property or improvement that the Borough may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specifically assessed on property specially benefited thereby.
- The average period of usefulness of said purposes within the limitations of said Local bond Law and taking into consideration the respective amounts of the said obligations authorized for the several purposes, according to the reasonable life thereof computed by this capital ordinance, is five (5) years.
Section 5. This capital ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after the publication thereof after final adoption.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinance for Introduction and First Reading which were read by title.
Ordinance for Introduction and First Readings [Public Hearing on May 12, 2020]
Ordinance 2020-06 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 and officials in 2020 be as follows:
Mayor $ 3,013.00
Borough Council Member 2,739.00
Administrator As Per Contract
Borough Clerk 65,343.00
Deputy Borough Clerk 38,807.00
Registrar 4,475.00
Deputy Registrar 2,425.00
Website Content Manager 3,931.00
Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector 107,412.00
Utility Collector/Asst to Tax Collector 40,709.00
Accounts Payable 24,706.00
Tax Assessor 21,358.00
Custodian 8,400.00
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. 37,023.00
Police Matron $23.91 per hour
Police Matron – Call-out $50.00 per call-out
Special Officer $22,76 per hour
Crossing Guard $16.22 per hour
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
D.P.W. Superintendent $ 77,987.00
Water Operator 5,695.00
Sewer Operator 5,695.00
Water T-1 License Stipend 3,500.00
Public Works Repairer As per contract
Laborer As per contract
Part-time Laborer $12.00 to $13.71 per hour
Seasonal Help $14.92 per hour
CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT
Construction Official 24,885.00
Fire Subcode Official 3,174.00
Plumbing Subcode Official 3,649.00
Zoning Officer 11,724.00
Code Enforcement Officer 12,204.00
Municipal Housing Stipend 2,016.00
Clerical –Construction 8,984.00
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Land Use Secretary $ 10,138.00
Board of Health Secretary 4,788.00
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 Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Cipollini and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title.
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 082-20 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF VEHICLE SANITATION AND DISINFECTION FOR FOUR POLICE VEHICLES
WHEREAS, ServPro Inc., a company that specializes in clean ups, including hazardous fluids, graciously sanitized and disinfected four patrol vehicles for the Stanhope Borough Police Department; and
WHEREAS, ServPro, Inc. is waiving the fee of $100.00 per vehicle as a donation to the Stanhope Borough Police Department;
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-5 and N.J.S.A. 40A:5-29 authorizes the acceptance of bequests, legacies and gifts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of Stanhope authorizes acceptance of the donation of vehicle sanitation and disinfection by ServPro, Inc. in the total amount of $400.00.
Resolution 083-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING WAIVING LATE FEES FOR ANIMAL LICENSES
WHEREAS, Stanhope Borough Code Section 79-4.A requires any person within the Borough who owns an animal that has reached licensing age to annually, on or before the 30th day of April, obtain a license and an official metal registration tag for each animal; and
WHEREAS, Stanhope Borough Code Section 79-7 provides for a late fee for animal license applications made after April 30, currently set at $5.00 per Code Section 82-2.D(3); and
WHEREAS, the Borough’s rabies clinic is regularly scheduled to take place in April of each year, including this year, prior to the Borough requirement that all pets be licensed by April 30th; and
WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Borough rabies clinic has been postponed, and the municipal offices have been closed to the public; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council desires to extend the time for licensing of pets in the Borough, and to waive late fees until May 30, 2020, to allow time for the Borough rabies clinic, and allow time for residents to properly license their pets.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that it authorizes extending the time for licensing of animals (Borough Code Section 79-4.A) and staying late fees (Borough Code Section 79-7) until May 30, 2020.
Resolution 084-20 Resolution Authorizing Stanhope Borough To Apply For Safe and Secure Communities Grant Application 20-1919
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has a municipal Police Department that participates in the Federal Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the Police Department has received application documents from the NJ Division of Criminal Justice of the Department of Law and Public Safety; and
WHEREAS, the Borough wishes to apply for funding of $30,000 with a match of $112,144.00 for an approximate project total cost of $142,144.00 for a project under the Federal Safe & Secure Communities Grant Program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that:
- The Borough of Stanhope is hereby authorized to apply for a 2020 Safe and Secure Communities Grant for the period of January 16, 2020 through January 15, 2021; and
- The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to complete and submit a grant application form on behalf of the Borough of Stanhope; and
- The Borough shall pay fringe benefits and costs in excess of the grant award.
Resolution 085-20 Resolution To Approve A Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption of Taxes for 100% Disabled Veteran
WHEREAS, the homeowner was approved to receive the property tax exemption of a totally disabled veteran on January 24, 2020 and is therefore exempt from property taxes from that date forward; and
WHEREAS, the last payment made in the amount of $1,530.82 for property taxes on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0145 was made on January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the homeowner had an estimated total property tax liability due of $6,123.26 for 2020; and
WHEREAS, the pro-rated estimated tax due for 23 days at the 2019 tax rate is $391.21, and the difference between estimated tax due less the amount paid is $1,139.61. Once the 2020 tax rate is struck, a further adjustment will be made to reflect the under or over payment status.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that the claim for tax exemption on the dwelling named below be granted to the homeowner as of January 24, 2020.
Homeowner Information:
Block Lot Qual Name & Address Tax Year Amount
11501 2 C0145 James & Donna Naso 2020 $1,139.61
8145 Ashland Court
Stanhope, New Jersey 07874
Resolution 086-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PLACE-TO-PLACE
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER – EXTENSION OF PREMISES
WHEREAS, an application has been filed for a place-to-place transfer of Plenary Retail Consumption License 1919-33-006-006, for the purpose of expanding the premises under the license wherein the sale, service and storage of alcoholic beverages are authorized; and
Whereas, the submitted application form is complete in all respects, the transfer fees have been paid, and the license has been properly renewed for the current license term;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, hereby approve, effective March 24, 2020, the expansion of the aforesaid Plenary Retail Consumption Licensed premises located at 45 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey to place under license the area delineated in the application form and the sketch of the licensed premises attached thereto.
Resolution 087-20 RESOLUTION TO REFUND OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES FOR 100% DISABLED VETERAN
WHEREAS, the homeowner was approved to receive the property tax exemption of a totally disabled veteran as of the date of application, November 27, 2018, and is therefore exempt from property taxes from that date forward; and
WHEREAS, in 2019 the homeowners’ bank made payments toward the first and second quarters of 2019; and
WHEREAS, the total liability for 2019 was $0.00; and
WHEREAS, the two payments made by the homeowners’ bank created an overpayment of $4,894.92 in taxes on this property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the homeowner in the designated amount representing an over payment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Block Lot Name & Address Tax Year Amount
10105 15 Angel & Rosa Torres 2019 $4,894.92
59 Sparta Road
Stanhope, NJ 07874
On motion by Councilman Wronko seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes*
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
* Councilman Thornton abstained from Resolution 086-20.
Mayor Zdichocki thanked ServPro for donating their services of sanitation and disinfection of our police vehicles.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 088-20 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 April 14, 2020 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:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for April 28, 2020 were approved.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki 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 Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
Council Discussion
Mayor Zdichocki noted this is the first time the Governing Body has conducted a meeting in this type of format and she thanked Administrator McNeilly for coordinating the meeting.
Councilman Cipollini thanked the Mayor and Council for the flower arrangement delivered to his home for the death of his Dad. It was a bright spot in a difficult time. Mayor Zdichocki offered her condolences to Councilman Cipollini on the passing of his father.
Councilwoman Kuncken thanked the Borough’s first responders for the great job they are doing for the residents. Councilwoman Kuncken noted that the first responders are putting themselves at risk for the safety of our residents. We are a great community and we stick together. We will make it through this.
Mayor Zdichocki thanked the residents who are making masks, delivering food and helping those in need. She also thanked the emergency services and everyone that is essential including our office staff for the great job they are doing.
Councilwoman Kuncken thanked Mayor Zdichocki for the amount of information she has been sharing with the Governing Body and the hard work she has been doing during this time.
Administrator McNeilly noted the Borough Auditor and CFO are participating in this meeting and said the Governing Body will need their guidance over the course of the year due to the financial impact this emergency situation will have on the Borough. Dana Mooney, CFO stated there is a note coming due next month. She has heard the MEL had been buying some notes and the Morris County JIF might possibly purchase the Borough’s note if we have trouble with the bank. Ms. Mooney stated the number of bidders has gone down and the interest rates have gone up.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 P.M.
Approved:
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk