MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES of August 23, 2016 7:00 P.M.
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PROCLAMATION
Mayor Maio read the proclamation to recognize Nicholas DaSilva for surviving his battle with cancer and declaring the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Stanhope Borough.
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 6, 2016 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 11:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place within ten (10) days of this meeting. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilman Depew – present, Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – present, Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present, Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed this public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Maio read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
July 12, 2016 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
July 26, 2016 Regular Business Meeting
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Depew and carried by voice vote the above listed minutes were approved. Councilman Romano abstained from the minutes of July 26, 2016.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department report consists of various calls for the month. The majority of the calls are motor vehicle stops. The combined total for all activities was 284.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated for the month of June the Ambulance Squad reported 17 calls in Stanhope, 28 calls in Netcong and 2 stand-bys for a total of 47 calls. There was one out of town call to Roxbury. The total number of patients was 35. The squad made 23 trips to the hospital for a total of 573 miles travelled. The hours volunteered totaled 287 hours and 2 minutes. There was one assist from the Netcong Fire Department and one assist from the Stanhope Fire Department.
Councilwoman Kuncken reported for the month of June the Fire Department answered 12 calls, had 4 mutual aid calls, 1 assist for EMS, 6 drills and 23 total activities. The volunteer hours totaled 292.75.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated a meeting was held this morning regarding the Employee Handbook. The review for any necessary changes is approximately three quarters of way done. It is anticipated this should be completed by the end of the month.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for July totaled $52,007.61. The year to date water collection total is $340,050.72. The sewer collections for the month of July totaled $68,219.74. The year to date sewer collection total is $479,750.05.
Mayor Maio stated the connection fees appear to be higher than usual. Administrator McNeilly stated the increase is due to Dennis Walker’s connection to the system.
Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki/Councilman Thornton
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated there were 59 Zoning Permits. In May there were 8 letters of complaints/violations sent, 1 for the month of June and 3 for the month of July for a total of 12.
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated a Clean Communities meeting was held this morning which she attended along with Mayor Maio, Administrator McNeilly and Councilman Thornton and the Clean Communities Co-coordinator, Dana Mooney. Discussion was held regarding mini-grants. A minimum of six people from the non-profit organization must attend the clean-up for the entire time period in order to qualify for the mini-grant of $200. Volunteers are always welcome to participate in the clean-up. New guidelines are being developed for the Clean Communities program. There were four non-profit groups; the Girl Scouts, the Nick Wihlborg Foundation, the Lenape Valley Go Green Club and the Lake Musconetcong Community Association, all of whom participated in the last Clean-Up Day and each group received $200. There were many additional volunteers, including members of the Governing Body, who donated their time on Clean-up Day.
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated another Clean Communities meeting will be held in two months. The committee is looking for new ways to provide information regarding Clean Communities to the public. New trash and recycling receptacles need to be purchased for Lakeside Park.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilwoman Zdichocki
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated the Sagamore Road cul-de-sac has been milled and paved by Tilcon. The DPW has begun working on the drainage issue on Lawrence Avenue.
Information Technology – Councilmen Depew/Romano
Councilman Depew had no report.
Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Thistleton/Councilman Depew
Councilwoman Thistleton stated Camp Lenape has ended. There were 30 children from Stanhope who attended camp for a total of 86 weeks. There has been a decline in attendance of approximately 20% from last year.
Councilwoman Thistleton stated the Recreation Commission will be placing a flyer in with the water bill advertising the upcoming events. The Sands Casino Bus Trip will be held on October 15th, the Halloween Parade will be held on October 29th and pictures with Santa and the Tree Lighting will be held on December 4th.
Councilwoman Thistleton stated the Board of Health will be meeting next month.
Animal Control – Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to provide an update on the Animal Control billing. Administrator McNeilly stated there have been several personnel changes in Hopatcong Borough. Stanhope’s billing was coming through with 3 hour minimum callouts. Administrator McNeilly stated a $600-$700 credit is being applied to the Borough’s account. This information has been provided to the Board of Health Secretary.
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
Councilwoman Kuncken reported the Fire Department for the month of July responded to 13 calls. They had a total of 205.75 hours, 5 mutual aid calls, 1 call to assist the Ambulance Squad and 5 drills including the fund drive. The number of man hours totaled 334.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
DPW (Lakeside Park) – Administrator McNeilly stated the improvements to Lakeside Park have begun. One minor change will be made to replace the rope fence with a 30-36” high parking lot demarcation rope and post. The requests to remove the light pole from the center of the park and the unused light at the edge of the parking area have been submitted to JCP&L. Administrator McNeilly stated the lighting at the water’s edge belongs to the Borough and will be removed eventually. The light fixtures are not functional and the Borough will not be promoting ice skating. Mayor Maio stated the State Park will not authorize ice skating at the park.
Borough Hall Air Quality Test – Administrator McNeilly provided the members of the Governing Body with a follow up memo and a copy of the Air Quality Report for their review.
Main Street Lights – Administrator McNeilly stated the light fixture to replace the damaged fixture in front of the Stanhope House has been ordered. The fixture will be installed as quickly as possible.
OPEIU Local 32 – Administrator McNeilly stated the committee must be formed to begin the union negotiations.
Fire Department Request – Administrator McNeilly stated the Fire Department has submitted a request for the following:
- An ordinance requiring property owners, adjacent to a fire hydrant, to be required to keep the hydrant clear of snow.
- An ordinance to cover false alarms for private residences, as well as businesses.
- An ordinance to cover the department’s annual bucket drop.
Administrator McNeilly suggested the Public Safety Committee meet with the Fire Department to discuss these issues.
FEMA – Administrator McNeilly stated he met with a closeout specialist from FEMA on Tuesday. FEMA still owes the Borough approximately $40,000 from Hurricane Sandy. The Borough’s project is considered a large claim due to the dollar amount. The Borough had approximately $50,000 in run generator time. FEMA requires these funds to be held until final closeout meetings are held. The Borough must provide payroll justifications and materials which were expended. Administrator McNeilly stated he will work with Dana Mooney, CFO, and Maria Mascuch, Payroll Clerk, to gather the required information. The information will be submitted to FEMA and the hope is for the funds to be released to the Borough before the end of this year.
TAP Grant – Administrator McNeilly stated the NJ Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Transportation Administration, has a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) for 2016. This is similar to the past grant for scenic byways. Administrator McNeilly suggested a committee meet with Katherine, from Millennium Strategies, to review the goals which were set at the beginning of the year. Some of the items applicable to this grant are alternative transportation and pedestrian recreation. This would include bike lanes, bike racks and design and construction of trails. Mayor Maio stated this would be beneficial for the area commonly known as Trestle Park. Mayor Maio stated this issue should be handled by the Community Development Committee.
Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough has to inform Millennium Strategies by September 16th of our intent to submit an application. The information for the application has to be submitted to Millennium Strategies by October 14th. The application submission deadline is November 10th. Mayor Maio stated she would like a meeting to be scheduled next week with Millennium Strategies and the Community Development Committee. Administrator McNeilly will contact Katherine. Mayor Maio stated she is available on Monday and Wednesday. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated she is not available on Monday but she is available on Wednesday morning.
Electronic Recycling – Administrator McNeilly stated the electronic recycling vendor responsible for collecting the Borough’s e-waste did not notify us that they would no longer be collecting the e-waste. The Borough continued to collect the electronics for recycling but we were able to have the vendor pick up what we had collected. Bill Storms, DPW Superintendent, spoke with Rene at SCMUA in an attempt to find a new vendor. Rene informed Mr. Storms that the Borough is not allowed to collect e-waste without being contracted with a vendor. The Borough is not a storage facility and we are not licensed. A complete stop of the collecting of e-waste has been put in place. Administrator McNeilly is considering this to be a temporary problem and he has been contacting other Administrator’s to find out how they are handling this issue. Netcong Borough is using a program through the Good Will. Administrator McNeilly stated Rene has informed us that not only are we responsible for collecting the e-waste but we must ensure that is properly recycled. Administrator McNeilly contacted Rene to ask if the program through the Good Will is acceptable and she has stated the program is acceptable. Administrator McNeilly has contacted Good Will and he is waiting for information. There is a possibility Good Will may not be willing to provide this service to the Borough because we are in Sussex County. If that is the case, residents will be directed to SCMUA for e-waste disposal. SCMUA collects e-waste continuously but there is a charge associated with bringing it to their facility. The revenue collected offsets the cost of the free e-waste days sponsored by SCMUA twice a year.
Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough was collecting the e-waste and storing it inside the garage at the DPW yard. Approximately twice a year the vendor, Vintage Tech, was contacted to pick up the e-waste. Councilwoman Zdichocki asked if the Borough could sponsor an e-waste day, similar to shredding day, for the residents. Administrator McNeilly stated he will continue to search for a solution to this problem in order to prevent the illegal disposal of electronics. Councilman Thornton stated he had provided some information to Bill Storms. Administrator McNeilly stated Mr. Storms did indicate he received the information. Administrator McNeilly is of the opinion Mr. Storms was not successful with the information provided.
Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly if the transfer station in Mount Olive accepts electronic waste. Administrator McNeilly is of the opinion no recycling is done at that facility. The possibility may exist for the Borough to contract to have the electronic waste hauled away in the same manner done by the County. Mayor Maio stated in that case the residents would incur a charge for the disposal of the e-waste. The Borough cannot cover the cost for a service which will be used by a limited number of residents.
Fire Department Ordinance Requests – Mayor Maio asked Mr. Stein for information regarding a bucket drop ordinance for the Fire Department. A sample resolution from the Township of Hardyston was provided with the Fire Department request. Administrator McNeilly stated during the approval process for this year’s bucket drop the representative from the State, who signs off on the bucket drop requests, had stated that an ordinance signed by the Borough’s Police Chief was required. The Fire Department has been conducting a bucket drop for the past three years and this was not a requirement in the past. The Police Chief would not sign off on anything without approval from the Governing Body.
Mr. Stein stated bucket drops used to be specifically prohibited by Title 39. Fire Departments would conduct bucket drops anyway. The statute was changed to provide a procedure where they could be authorized. Mr. Stein stated we have followed the statutory procedure. Mr. Stein stated he has never seen an ordinance for a bucket drop. Administrator McNeilly stated his concern is the bucket drop is for the Fire House, not the Borough of Stanhope. Mr. Stein stated he was made aware there was an issue with the bucket drop when the Police Chief contacted him and explained that the Fire Chief was asking him to sign off on the paperwork. Mr. Stein explained to the Police Chief that the bucket drop was not a municipal function and the Borough was not the applicant. Administrator McNeilly stated he had informed the Fire Department to have the State representative provide documentation showing this is a requirement. The paperwork never materialized.
Mr. Stein stated he is of the opinion only a resolution from the Mayor and Council is required but he will look into the issue. Administrator McNeilly stated the sample ordinance states a resolution is also required from the County. Mr. Stein stated if a county road is being utilized, approval is required from the County.
Mr. Stein stated there is a relatively new statute which allows a municipality to require a property owner to keep the fire hydrant cleared. Mayor Maio stated the Borough has fire hydrants located on empty lots.
Administrator McNeilly stated he appreciates receiving the requests from the Fire Department in August which allows plenty of time for discussion.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Main Street Light Fixture – Mayor Maio stated the Main Street Light fixture has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it is received.
Shared Court (Hopatcong) – Mayor Maio stated the Mayor of Hopatcong contacted her a week ago to remind her that the existing five year Shared Court agreement is expiring at the end of the month. The contract is going to self-renew and Hopatcong will send the Borough a new proposal for the next five years with the same 2% increase per year. That arrangement has saved the Borough money and saved the Borough from having to renovate the Council Chambers, which would be necessary in order to comply with the State requirements to hold court. The past estimate to bring the building into compliance was approximately $200,000. Mayor Maio stated as soon as the agreement is received it will be forwarded to Mr. Stein for review.
Lakeview Estates Block Party Request – Mayor Maio stated Lakeview Estates has submitted their annual request for approval to conduct a block party/road closure. This is the 17th year Lakeview Estates is holding their block party. There has never been a problem. The road is closed off in front of a few of the homes and can be opened if an emergency occurs.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, approval was granted for Lakeview Estates to conduct their annual Block Party with the road closure.
Mayor Maio asked the Borough Clerk to inform Lakeview Estates their request has been granted.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption which was read by title:
Ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2016-09
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, SUSSEX COUNTY,
NEW JERSEY AMENDING ORDINANCE 2016-06 FINALLY ADOPTED ON JULY 26, 2016 CONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF THE VILLAGE BUSINESS ZONE
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope Land Use Board heretofore undertook a Master Plan Re-Examination pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-89; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope has accepted the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Master Plan Re-Examination Report; and
WHEREAS, said Master Plan Re-Examination Report recommended the expansion of the Village Business zone; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2016, the Borough finally adopted Ordinance 2016-06 to include additional properties in the Village Business Zone; and
WHEREAS, the recommendations set forth in the Master Plan Re-Examination inadvertently omitted Block 11301, Lots 5, 6 and 7, which were intended to be included in the expanded Village Business Zone;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that Ordinance 2016-06 be amended to read as follows:
SECTION 1. The following properties are hereby re-zoned from the Historic Village Residential (HVR) zone to the Village Business (VB) zone:
- Block 11206, Lots 1 through 5
- Block 11301, Lots 5, 6 and 7
- Block 11303, Lots 1 and 2
- Block 11302, Lots 1 through 8
- Block 11304, Lots 18 through 31
SECTION 2. The Borough Zoning Map established in Section 100-51 “District Boundaries Established” of the Land Development Ordinance of the Borough of Stanhope is hereby revised to incorporate the property zone changes set forth in Section 1 of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall take effective upon passage and publication as required by law.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Thornton, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Mayor Maio opened this portion of the meeting to the public for discussion on this item only.
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed this portion of the meeting.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Borough Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinances for Introduction which were read by title:
Ordinances for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on September 13, 2016]
Ordinance 2016-10
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, SUSSEX COUNTY,
NEW JERSEY ESTABLISHING AN ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has been engaged in a process to establish a competitive market place through deregulation and restructuring the electric utility market and natural gas market; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a government aggregator and an energy aggregation program to purchase electric generation service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:3-93.1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 14:4-6.1 et seq. will increase competition for the provision of electric power to residential users, thereby increasing the likelihood of lower electric rates for these users without causing any interruption in service; and
WHEREAS, under the aggregation process the residential ratepayers may likely receive a direct reduction in their electric bills; and
WHEREAS, the realization of energy costs savings is in the interests of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope hereby finds that it is in the best interests of residential ratepayers for the Borough to create the opportunity for them to enter into an aggregation agreement in order to seek substantial savings on electric rates; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope in the County of Sussex and the State of New Jersey, as follows:
- The Borough of Stanhope publicly declares its intent to become an aggregator of electric power on behalf of its residential users of electricity pursuant to the Government Energy Act of 2003, N.J.S.A. 48:3-91.3 to -98, and implementing regulations.
- The Borough of Stanhope will utilize approved vendor Concord Engineering’s dba Concord Energy Services Reverse Energy Auction Platform pursuant to the NJ E-PROCUREMENT Pilot program (P.L. 2001, c.30) under the NJ Department of Community Affairs. The Reverse Energy auction will seek bids from licensed and appropriate third party suppliers. If such winning bid is selected and agreement executed, individual residential consumers would retain the option not to participate and to choose any alternatives they desire.
- The Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute any documents necessary to carry out the purpose of the Ordinance.
- All ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
- If any portion of this ordinance shall be deemed invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall survive in full force and effect.
- This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Borough Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
Ordinance 2016-11
CAPITAL ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $39,900.00 OF CAPITAL FUND BALANCE FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR ORD. 2016-04 – MAIN STREET LIGHTING, AS 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 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 $39,900.00, 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 $39,900.00 appropriations, the Borough will use $39,900.00 from General Capital Fund Balance, 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:
Supplemental Funding for Ord. 2016-04 – Main Street Lighting $39,900.00
$39,900.00 General Capital Fund Balance
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 which 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 Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Mayor Maio stated the original bids received for the Main Street Lighting were higher than the capital funds allocated. This ordinance will provide the supplemental funds. Mr. Stein stated the ordinance must be adopted, published and ten (10) days after publication the bid can be awarded.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Borough Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Maio offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 131-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF REIMBURSEMENT
AGREEMENTS WITH HIGHPOINT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the Highpoint Condominium Association is located in the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the Qualified Community Act, N.J.S.A. 40:67-23.2, the Highpoint Condominium Association is entitled to receive certain services from the Borough or to receive compensation for said services in lieu of the Borough providing same; and
WHEREAS, the Borough has elected to reimburse the condominium association for street lighting, leaf removal and snow plowing for the internal roadways in the condominium; and
WHEREAS, the Borough has also elected to reimburse the Highpoint Condominium Association for the collection and disposal of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, the Borough and the Highpoint Condominium Association have agreed on formulas for the calculation of reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, the Borough has prepared a reimbursement agreement for the calendar year 2015 for street lighting, leaf removal and snow plowing for the internal roadways in the condominium;
WHEREAS, the Borough has also prepared a reimbursement agreement for the calendar year 2016 for the collection and disposal of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, said reimbursement agreements have been offered to the Highpoint Condominium Association and have been signed by the Association and returned to the Borough;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Mayor and Clerk be and the same are hereby authorized to execute a reimbursement agreement with the Highpoint Condominium Association for street lighting, leaf removal and snow plowing for the internal roadways in the condominium for the calendar year 2015; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Mayor and Clerk be and the same are hereby authorized to execute a reimbursement agreement with the Highpoint Condominium Association for the calendar year 2016 for collection and disposal of solid waste.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 132-16
RESOLUTION TO CANCEL GENERAL CAPITAL RESERVE BALANCE
WHEREAS, certain General Capital Reserve balances remain dedicated to projects now completed and/or cancelled; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies that it is necessary to formally cancel said balances so that the unexpended balances may be returned to Capital Surplus;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the following unexpended and dedicated balances of General Capital Reserves be canceled:
Reserve for Canal Rehabilitation $39,900.00
To be canceled to Capital Fund Balance $39,900.00
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Depew and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 133-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES
WHEREAS, Stanhope Mtn. Association made the first and second quarter 2016 tax payment in the amount of $175.77 on their property located at US Highway 206; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, the billboard being assessed on this property was damaged and removed before October 1, 2015 and should not have been assessed or taxed; and
WHEREAS, Stanhope Mtn. Association has requested that a refund of their payment be made;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the homeowner listed below in the designated amount representing a refund of property taxes:
Block/Lot/Qual Name & Address Amount
11701/11/B01 Stanhope Mountain Association $175.77
9755 North 80th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
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 Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Mayor’s Acceptance of Resignation
Resolution 134-16
MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF William Storms
WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of William Storms’s resignation as Department of Public Works Superintendent for the Borough of Stanhope, effective May 30, 2017.
Mayor Maio stated Mr. Storms has submitted his paperwork for retirement and his resignation is effective May 30, 2017.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and carried by unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 135-16
Resolution Approving The Mayor’s Appointment Of Alexander J. Wrobleski, As A Member Of The Stanhope Fire Department
Mayor’s appointment of Alexander J. Wrobleski, as a member to the Stanhope Fire Department.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of Alexander J. Wrobleski, as a Member of the Stanhope Fire Department effective immediately.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Depew and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 136-16
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 August 23, 2016 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 Depew – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Stein stated he had no report this evening.
Councilman Depew asked for an update on the bungalow located on Route 206. Mr. Stein stated he is waiting for the Zoning Officer to return to work. The title search has been completed.
CITIZENS 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.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak
Borough Clerk