MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
April 9, 2019
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 9, 2019 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 Kuncken – present
Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Maio invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, to come forward to present his report.
Sparta Road – Mr. Keller stated he gave a package of paperwork to Administrator McNeilly. The specifications, plans and all of the forms required to be submitted by the Borough have been sent to the DOT. Mr. Keller will contact the DOT representative to follow up on what the next step will be. A resolution will have to be prepared for the next council meeting to award the work with the caveat that it will be done in conjunction with the TAP Grant. This will be awarded to the co-op for a specific number of tons at a specified price along with the number of yards for the milling and the work will be coordinated with the TAP Grant. The conduits and the curb work will be done under the TAP Grant and must be completed before the road work can be done. The road can be milled first but it cannot be left milled for months. The road will be milled, paved and center line striping will be done through the co-op with the Local Aid Grant. Administrator McNeilly asked if the resolution will be for the purchase order with Tilcon based upon Morris County Co-op pricing. Mr. Keller confirmed this. Administrator McNeilly asked Mr. Keller to provide the information necessary for the Borough Attorney to draft the resolution. Mr. Keller stated Denville Line Painting will do the striping of the road. When the center line is painted it will look off center due to the bike lanes. Mayor Maio asked if everything the Borough had to do for the Sparta Road Project is done. Mr. Keller stated all the paperwork has been submitted for review and we are waiting for the comments. After the DOT signs off on it, the paperwork has to be submitted to the Federal Highway for approval. There is an additional requirement by DOT after Federal Highway has signed off on the project. Mr. Keller stated he has the wetlands permit for the trail which has been approved. Mayor Maio asked if the lighting portion of the project can be put out to bid first. Mr. Keller stated due to the fact this is funded by a federal grant, the entire contract has to be bid together. Mayor Maio asked when all of the paperwork was submitted and what the anticipated date of approval is. Mr. Keller stated everything was submitted on March 29th. At the February meeting Mr. Keller had estimated a construction start to begin in October. The Local Aid Representative indicated to Mr. Keller the preliminary timeframe for the paperwork to be sent to Federal Highway would be by mid-April. Federal Highway can take anywhere from two weeks to two months for the project. This could mean the authorization would be granted by mid to late May. Then an agreement between the Borough and the DOT has to be completed, which is predicted to be ready by mid-July. Advertising would be done in mid-July and has to be done for a minimum of three weeks. Mayor Maio stated she does not want to be told in October that the project cannot proceed due to weather. The project has to be done this year. Mr. Keller stated he does understand and the critical work is being done by DOT. Mayor Maio stated constant follow-up is required to get the project underway as soon as possible.
Port Morris Pump Station – Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated the bid opening for the Port Morris Pump Station is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00pm. Approximately eight to nine bid packets have been purchased. Mr. Keller stated he began receiving emails and phone calls last Wednesday regarding questions on the bid packet. Mr. Keller stated local public contracts law prohibits him from answering any questions. Administrator McNeilly stated when the engineer informs the contractors of the state statute then they call and harass the municipal office because they think one of us will answer their questions. This happens for every bid. Information cannot be provided because this would be an unfair advantage. Mr. Keller stated the bid opening will be held tomorrow.
Musconetcong Avenue – Mr. Keller stated he has provided Administrator McNeilly with the plans for the handicap ramps and sidewalk replacement along with a list of bidders. One name has been removed from the list. The project has to go through the QPA in Sparta. When the work is scheduled we will coordinate with Tilcon for the paving of the road.
Grafe’s Sinkhole – Mr. Keller stated he gave Mr. Costa until March 15th to respond regarding the sinkhole located at Mr. Grafe’s property. Mr. Keller stated the 15th has come and gone and he is done trying to contact Mr. Costa. Mr. Keller has spoken with Administrator McNeilly and retainage is left in the contract which should be sufficient to cover the repair. The work will be done by the DPW. Mr. Keller stated Bowman Consulting will be there to determine what the issue is. The DPW hours will be kept track of and this will all be covered by the retainer. Mayor Maio asked if the plan has been cleared by the Borough Attorney. Administrator McNeilly stated this is standard practice. Mr. Keller stated the contract states the owner has the right to undertake remedial work. Administrator McNeilly stated he will contact the Borough Attorney. Mr. Keller stated the substantial completion of the project was done over a year ago.
Plaster Mill – Mr. Keller stated he has begun to look through all of the documents with regard to the Plaster Mill. This is the first time he has seen the nomination form and the photographs of what the Plaster Mill used to be. It is sad to see what it was. After the fire there were still interior partitions intact. Administrator McNeilly stated there was a second fire that caused more damage. Administrator McNeilly stated in addition to the report he provided to Mr. Keller, he took pictures in the exact same spots as those that were taken in 1976 for comparison. Given the age of the application, the request falls under one specific part of the requirement which is not as stringent as the post 1980 applications. Mr. Keller stated in the last thirteen years parts have continued to fall down. Mr. Keller stated it will take approximately two weeks to prepare the application. Administrator McNeilly stated the goal is to have the Plaster Mill decertified. Once decertified a course of action can be taken on what can be done with the area based on the funds available.
American Legion Crosswalk – Mr. Keller stated Administrator McNeilly sent him the JCP&L information. The site and the opportunities available have been reviewed. There is an existing street light by the American Legion driveway. The light, a 100 watt high pressure sodium, does not provide much light. There is a pole located on the other side of the road between the crosswalk and the bus shelter which is a Bell Telephone pole. There is no light on the pole. If a light is installed on that pole, electric would have to be run to that pole. The catalog provided by JCP&L does not provide the color temperature of the LED lighting. Mr. Keller stated he is of the opinion the LED lighting would be on the white side and would become a distraction. In order to keep the orangey glow of the high pressure sodium light, the recommendation to maintain consistency with the existing lighting along the roadway is to install a 250 watt high pressure sodium light to be mounted at 35 feet. This would provide a minimum of approximately 2.2 foot candles in the vicinity of the crosswalk. Councilwoman Kuncken asked how far the light will be cast. Mr. Keller stated the arms are 8 feet long and the road is approximately 46 feet wide. Councilwoman Zdichocki asked if the strength of the light could be increased if necessary. Mr. Keller stated there is a 400 watt light but he is concerned that would be like stadium lighting. The 150 watt bulb has light and dark spots. The 250 watt provides a more uniform light. The existing 100 watt light could be replaced with a 250 watt bulb. JCP&L would then increase the amount of the monthly bill. Mayor Maio stated in Florida crosswalks are striped differently. Prior to getting to the crosswalk, hash bars are painted and wording is painted “PED XING” prior to getting to the crosswalk. Mr. Keller stated that is not a Federal Highway Standard. Administrator McNeilly stated only COBRA lighting is permitted on roadways. The Governing Body agreed to change out the existing light bulb and asked Mr. Keller to obtain a quote for placing a new light at the bus shelter. Councilman Thornton asked how many residential properties are located in the area. It was determined there is one residence and a few upstairs apartments. Councilman Thornton stated keeping uniformity may not be the best answer. Making the area different by increasing the lighting will make the crosswalk stand out as different. There have been two fatalities within the past year and a half and this must be continually emphasized as opposed to what is standard and what the State will accept. We are trying to save our resident’s lives and make them safer. Mr. Keller understands that and is of the opinion the 250 watt bulb will increase the level of illumination and will make pedestrians visible when they are crossing the road but the light will not be distracting to the drivers. Much discussion took place regarding the lighting and the crosswalk. Administrator McNeilly stated the designs are very important. Once a determination is made for something workable, the intention is to press down on them to make a permanent change. The length of the crosswalk is too wide for a 40mph road. A rescue island in the center would be a great solution but would be an issue for plowing. Mayor Maio stated the request should include a request for better striping and a reduction in the speed limit. Councilman Riccardi asked Mr. Keller if the existing light bulb could be changed out to a 400 watt if running the electric to the other pole is cost prohibitive. Mr. Keller stated the existing pole is further away from the crosswalk. Software can be run to see what the difference would be. The 400 watt bulb may be too bright underneath. Administrator McNeilly stated going too far from what is normal could cause an issue that cannot be anticipated at this time. The best plan is to balance the light on both sides. Mayor Maio stated the Borough’s requests will be submitted and if the requests are denied, the Borough will make public what was requested and which entities have refused to honor those requests. Mr. Keller stated the arm on the existing light will be removed and a new arm will be installed higher up on the pole.
Young Drive and Maryann Terrace – Mr. Keller stated the Borough got a jump start on the Young Drive and Maryann Terrace project. Resolutions are still needed to approve the contracts, the stormwater project and the repaving of the driveway by the Post Office and the parking lot. All of the curbing has been marked out on Young Drive and Maryann Terrace. The budget was based on an estimate of slightly over 2,200 feet. The actual amount is 2,340 linear feet of curb replacement. On sections of Young Drive there are areas where you cannot tell curbing existed. All of the curbing will not be replaced. The project will be done in the same manner as what was done on Oak Drive. The purpose is to have a functional curb system which the plows will not hit, the curbing will define the edge of the road and they will control stormwater. After the curbing is complete the road will be milled and resurfaced.
Stormwater – Mr. Keller stated the stormwater detention basins project was delayed and will be scheduled for late April along with the Operations Manual.
Salmon Park – Mr. Keller stated the Borough’s access at Salmon Park for milling and overlay is on hold until all of the curb work is complete.
Dell Road – Mr. Keller stated $141,000 was requested for the Dell Road project. The Borough has received notification that $109,000 has been granted.
Fire Department Bucket Drop Plan – Mr. Keller stated Administrator McNeilly provided him with the former Bucket Drop Traffic Control Plan. The plan has been reviewed and a new updated version has been prepared. Mr. Keller provided copies of the new plan to the Governing Body. The prior plan consisted of a three foot wide area. Mr. Keller stated in his opinion three feet is not an adequate width to stand in. The new plan has been increased to four feet wide and the taper has been extended. An additional “Prepare To Stop” sign has been added. Mr. Keller does not believe the Fire Department will have to run back further up on Brooklyn Road. This plan extends 200 feet instead of 175 feet and the taper is 100 feet instead of 75 feet. Administrator McNeilly stated the resolution will state the Governing Body’s acceptance of the Traffic Engineer’s Plan, the Fire Department’s utilization of the plan and utilizing the safety gear. It will direct the Police Chief to sign the NJDOT Charitable Organization Plan and then to supervise, as needed, the conformance of the Traffic Engineer’s Plan. The application has to be submitted to the NJDOT and the Freeholders have requirements as well. Administrator McNeilly stated the resolution will be prepared for the April 23rd agenda. Mr. Keller stated additional full size copies of the plan are available if needed.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
CR 602/Grove Road Crosswalk – Administrator McNeilly stated the County is reviewing the requested change in the agreement. Administrator McNeilly stated a change has been requested to the crosswalk structure and he is working on this in conjunction with Eric Keller, Borough Engineer. Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, is also involved in the project. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if signage needs to be discussed. Administrator McNeilly stated the signage will be installed as per the manual.
Annual Review of Water/Sewer Connection Fees – Administrator McNeilly stated, as per State Statute, the Borough must annually review the water and sewer connection fees. Dana Mooney, CFO and Ray Sarinelli, Borough Auditor, are working on the review and a Public Hearing will be held at the June 11th meeting.
Clean Up Day – Administrator McNeilly stated Dana Mooney, CFO, has confirmed that the shred truck will be at the DPW yard on April 27th from 9:00am to noon. Green Vision will accept electronics. The flyer and notifications are being prepared. Councilman Riccardi stated on Clean Up Day Bell’s Mansion will be hosting the gathering of the participants after the event. The Governing Body stated it was very nice of Bell’s Mansion to host the gathering.
COAH Ordinance – Administrator McNeilly stated the COAH ordinance takes the requirements from the court order and adjusts the zoning. Administrator McNeilly stated the next step is to ask the Land Use Board to review the ordinance and to provide comment if necessary. When that step is complete, the ordinance can be introduced for first reading. Administrator McNeilly asked the Governing Body for approval to proceed.
COAH Housing Project Connection Fee – Administrator McNeilly stated Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, has provided an ordinance for review, The ordinance will provide a 50% reduction in water/sewer connection fees for certain affordable housing projects. The reduction would be for non-profit entities. Mayor Maio stated for example a Habitat for Humanity residence would receive the reduction but a developer building a development that would include affordable housing would not receive the reduction. Administrator McNeilly stated the ordinance will be prepared for introduction at the April 23rd meeting.
Short Term Rental – Administrator McNeilly stated a little over a year ago a discussion took place regarding amending the ordinance to prohibit short term rentals of any residential properties for less than thirty days. A bed and breakfast business cannot rent for more than thirty days. Administrator McNeilly stated the amended ordinance will be placed on the April 23rd agenda.
Fire Department Bucket Drop – Administrator McNeilly stated the resolution for the Fire Department’s Bucket Drop Fundraiser has been prepared. When the dates are finalized the resolution will be placed on the agenda for approval.
Elected Officials Training – Administrator McNeilly stated Wayne Dietz, Risk Management, will be attending the Mayor and Council Meeting of April 23rd at 5:45pm to provide the Elected Officials Annual Training.
Engineering – Administrator McNeilly stated resolutions are required for the design and inspections for these projects: Young Drive and Maryann Terrace; Stormwater Management Manuals and Plan; Salmon Park Parking and Driveway Access Paving.
WORK SESSION
TAP Grant – Mayor Maio stated the TAP Grant discussion took place during the Engineer’s Report. No further discussion is required at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinance for Introduction and First Reading which was read by title.
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on April 23, 2019]
Ordinance 2019-06 CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $7,700.00 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 $7,700.00, 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 $7,700.00 appropriations, the Borough will use $5,200.00 from the General Capital Improvement Fund, $1,250.00 from Water Capital Outlay, and $1,250.00 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 portable computer tablets and related
equipment, and full funding for outdoor furniture as well as any related
hardware for Borough parks……………………………………..……………$5,200.00
Water Operating Budget – Capital Outlay
Water Capital Outlay – share of cost of portable computer tablets and
related equipment………………………………………………………………$1,250.00
Sewer Operating Budget – Capital Outlay
Sewer Capital Outlay – share of cost of portable computer tablets and
related equipment………………………………………………………………$1,250.00
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 Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
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 077-19 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CLICK IT OR TICKET HTS MOBILIZATION FOR MAY 20, 2019 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2019
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 State of New Jersey will participate in the nationwide Click It or Ticket 2019 HTS Mobilization from May 20, 2019 through June 2, 2019 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 by 1% to 95.5% through a targeted two-week seat belt enforcement campaign; 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 2019 HTS Mobilization both locally and nationally from May 20, 2019 through June 2, 2019 and pledges to increase awareness of the mobilization and the benefits of seat belt use.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope authorizes the filing of an application for a grant of $5,500.00 for the Click It or Ticket 2019 HTS Mobilization.
Resolution 078-19 RESOLUTION WAIVING WATER/SEWER FEE
WHEREAS, Peter Smith, the owner of the property located at 125 Main Street in Stanhope Borough (the “Property”), had his house on the Property severely damaged due to a fire on November 19, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith has continued to receive bills in the amount of $224.00 per quarter for sewer and $186.00 per quarter for water for the Property, as set forth in Section 82-2.J(1)(a) and 82.2.P(1)(a); and
WHEREAS, since November 19, 2018, the Property has not been occupied by the homeowner and has not used any water and sewer; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith has requested a waiver of water and sewer fees via correspondence to the Mayor dated March 18, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council has considered Mr. Smith’s request and has determined that he should be responsible for all water and sewer fees up through the end of the 4th quarter of 2018, but should be exempt from paying water and sewer fees after the 4th quarter of 2018 through the time a certificate of occupancy is obtained for the Property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mr. Smith shall be relieved from the payment of water and sewer fees in the amount of $410.00 per quarter from the end of the 4th quarter of 2018 through the time a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained for the Property.
Resolution 079-19 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE GRANTING APPROVAL TO THE AMERICAN LEGION, MUSCONETCONG POST 278 TO CONDUCT A PARADE ON MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope received a request from the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 to conduct their annual Memorial Day Parade through the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, said parade is scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2019 to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the College Road School in Netcong and end at the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 on Route 183 in Stanhope.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, hereby grants approval to the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 to hold a parade on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2019 to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the College Road School in Netcong and end at the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 on Route 183 in Stanhope.
Resolution 080-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE
WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-007 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11004, Lot 2, located at 5 Ridge Road, assessed to Townsend, Ruth Estate at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,
WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on April 1, 2019 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-007 for cancellation.
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 Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki 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 081-19 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 9, 2019 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 April 23, 2019 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.
Ray Cipollini, 11 Towpath Lane, a board member of the NJ Bike and Walk Coalition, asked Mr. Keller, Borough Engineer, if his organization could be kept apprised of the applications to the State. The Bike and Walk Coalition within its purview can put pressure on certain departments within the State for the purposes of pedestrian and bike safety. Mr. Cipollini is of the opinion the crosswalk project falls into that realm. Mayor Maio suggested rather than work in coordination with the Borough perhaps Mr. Cipollini could ask his organization to submit a letter of support for the project to the Engineer.
Edward Franco, 19 Young Drive, stated he would like to express his displeasure on the curbing project to be done on Young Drive. Mr. Franco is not in favor of the piecemealing of concrete curbing to be done and he has spoken with Administrator McNeilly. Mr. Franco stated James Terrace and Dell Road have beautiful Belgian block curbing and Young Drive and Maryann Terrace should have the same. Mr. Franco stated he works throughout Morris County and has seen piecemealing of curbing and it is ok but it is not Belgian block. Mayor Maio stated the Borough has applied for aid three times over the past several years for projects concerning Young Drive and unfortunately the requests have been denied each time. The State has determined there is not enough traffic on Young Drive to justify giving the Borough funding to fix the road. The Borough does not have the funding to do the full job which was done on James Terrace and other areas. The Governing Body made the determination that the road surface has to be repaired but this cannot be done without repairing the curbing. The curbs protect the surface of the road to prevent water from getting under the road. Concrete curbing does that as well as or sometimes better than Belgian block. Mr. Franco stated the concrete curbing is effective but does not provide the same curb appeal for the homes. Mr. Franco asked if the Borough could wait a few years until the funding is available for Belgian block. Mayor Maio stated the Borough cannot wait to resurface the road. The concrete curbing that was done on Oak Drive looks very nice. The Borough is not in the habit of providing poor workmanship. The Borough cannot afford Belgian block for Young Drive but the roadway is going to be repaired because it is the responsibility of the Borough to do so. Mr. Franco thanked the Governing Body. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Franco for attending tonight’s meeting.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, asked if something could be done to improve the appearance of the Enrite Gas Station. The windows need to be washed and the building needs to be painted. Mayor Maio stated it is private property and dirty windows do not violate any Borough ordinance. Mrs. Hoyt asked if there is an ordinance to prohibit the number of vehicles and trailers on a property. Mayor Maio stated as long as all the vehicles are properly registered with plates there is no restriction.
Alan Bookspan, 10 Towpath Lane, Stanhope Fire Chief, stated he understands the bucket drop plans were approved; the Fire Department needs to provide the dates for the fund raiser and the resolution will then be prepared for adoption. Administrator McNeilly stated the resolution will be on for consideration at the April 23rd meeting. A copy of the plans can be provided now. When the resolution is adopted, a sealed copy will be sent to the Fire Department and one will be sent to the Police Chief. Chief Bookspan stated he is concerned because the process of applications for this can take several months. The Fire Department would like to conduct the fund raiser in July and time is running short. Administrator McNeilly stated it took three weeks for the copy of the previous plan to arrive at the Borough. That delay did not help the situation. The process cannot be done any quicker than two weeks from now. Mayor Maio asked Chief Bookspan to provide the dates in order for the resolution to be placed on the next agenda. Chief Bookspan thanked the Governing Body.
William Poisseroux, 10 Hillside Avenue, stated Port Morris Street is located at the side of his house. Years ago the road used to be a “V” to the center, because the County dumps their water onto Port Morris. Mr. Poisseroux stated he was told when the road was redesigned that the “V” would stay. The road has been changed and now he has to put sand bags across one of his driveways every time it rains hard. The water goes into the driveway. There are three or four feet between the house and the edge of the road and the dirt is constantly wet from the amount of water they are pushing into his yard. Mr. Poisseroux stated he has been back and forth with the Borough and the Engineer and the situation is getting worse. The dirt is washing out and the road is sinking next to his house again. Mayor Maio stated the berms are going to be repaired. Administrator McNeilly stated as soon as the tank goes back on the berms will be replaced along the edge of the property. Mr. Poisseroux stated every time it rains the dirt is being washed down the hill from where the pipe drops into the road and all along the back portion of the property. The driveway has sunk approximately five to six inches. Administrator McNeilly stated he and the Borough Engineer will take another look at the area tomorrow.
Seeing no one further 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 Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 8:05 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:08 P.M. with all present.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk