MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
August 27, 2024 7:00 P.M.
Click Here To View/Print PDF Version of Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Wronko invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 10, 2024 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
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Simpson – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wachterhauser – present
Mayor Wronko – present
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Wronko opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Wronko closed the public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Wronko read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
July 9, 2024 Work Session and Agenda Meeting & Closed Session
July 23, 2024 Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and carried by a majority voice vote, the minutes for July were approved. Councilman Romano abstained from the minutes for July 23, 2024.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwoman Kuncken/Councilman Riccardi
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department, for the month of July, reported there were 9 calls answered, 1 mutual aid call, 5 drills,1 department meeting and 1 officers meeting. They also conducted the annual bucket drop and the total number of volunteer hours was 362.75.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Marshal, for the month of July, reported there were no responses or complaints. There were seven inspections done during the month.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department, for the month of July, reported 199 motor vehicle stops, and they had a total of 366 calls for the month.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad, for the month of June, reported there were 23 calls in Stanhope, 21 calls in Netcong, 1 stand-by, 1 call to Hopatcong and 1 call to Roxbury for a total of 47 calls. The squad made 18 trips to the hospital, travelled 533 miles and had a total of 222 hours and 37 minutes of volunteer hours. The Ambulance Squad, for the month of May, reported 21 calls in Stanhope, 32 calls in Netcong, 2 stand-bys, 1 call to Mt. Arlington, 2 calls to Hopatcong and 3 calls to Mt. Olive for a total of 61 calls. They made 33 trips to the hospital, travelled 1,113 miles and had a total of 296 hours and 55 minutes of volunteer hours.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilman Thornton
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections, for the month of July, totaled $283,834.54. The year-to-date collection totals $6,871,862.34. The first quarter percentage rate was 98%, second quarter was 97% and third quarter is currently 7.5%.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections, for the month of July, totaled $52,795.18 and the year-to-date collection is $373,242.72. The sewer collections, for the month of July, totaled $67,706.71 and the year-to-date total is $470,366.85. The rate increase is not yet noticeable in the figures. That will take some time.
Councilman Romano reminded the governing body to turn in last year’s budget books to the CFO for the new books to be prepared.
Community Development – Councilman Wachterhauser/Simpson
Councilman Wachterhauser stated the Home & School Association (HSA) is finalizing plans to hold the Fall Festival at a location within Stanhope however, they will not be holding the event on Main Street. Mayor Wronko stated he also heard the location is being changed and he is sure the event is going to be successful.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Romano
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
No report was given.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Wachterhauser
Councilman Riccardi stated he met with two vendors who demonstrated their software products used to track resident issue correspondence. Councilman Riccardi stated he emailed the information to Mayor Wronko, Administrator McNeilly and Councilman Thornton for review. Discussion with the governing body will take place at a future date.
Councilman Riccardi stated he is continuing to work with the Administrator on the integration for cybersecurity with a new vendor.
Mayor Wronko thanked Councilman Riccardi for working on these issues. Mayor Wronko stated he reviewed the email and one of the vendors looks very favorable and has reasonable pricing.
Boards/Commissions – Simpson/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Simpson stated he had no report for August. Councilman Simpson reminded everyone of the board and commission meeting dates for September.
Councilman Riccardi stated the Environmental Commission did not meet in August due to a lack of quorum.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Wronko invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, forward to give his report.
NJ Natural Gas – Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated the gas lines have been completed for Elm Street and Gove Road. A deadline was given and if the gas lines have not been installed by now, they are not going to be permitted.
Elm Street & Grove Road Local Aid Project – Mr. Keller stated the Portofino Builders who are the contractors responsible for the ADA ramps, sidewalks and curb replacement for Elm Street and Grove Road completed the work within a week. The contractor did nice work and did what they said they were going to do. The cost was more than anticipated. However, the project is still below the overall Local Aid Grant amount. Riverview, the contractor for the paving, were contracted through the co-op and they were very accommodating. They were not able to do their work until the ADA work was complete and there were some delays due to weather. The roads were milled on Friday, August 16th and the roads were paved on Thursday, August 22nd. Everything looks good and seems to be in good shape. Denville Line Painting will be here to paint on Thursday. All the work will be completed prior to school opening due to having good contractors. Councilwoman Kuncken stated those roads had been in such bad condition. Mr. Keller stated this area was the very first local aid project he had done when he became the Borough Engineer. That project was done in 2007 and in his opinion, it should have lasted longer than it did.
Sunset Avenue / Ridge Road / Overhill Road Water Main Replacement – Mr. Keller stated the Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road, Overhill Road Water Main Replacement Project is moving along. Trenches will be repaired this week. Mr. Keller stated he drove through the area and the condition was unacceptable. He sent an email stating no more water mains are to be installed until the trenches are completed. The main on Sunset Avenue and Overhill Road, from Sunset Avenue out to Brooklyn Road is in service. They have been replacing the services. Approximately a dozen were completed as of Friday. Ridge Road, from Sunset Avenue to Overhill Road, and the stub on Mountainview was pressure tested on Monday. The bacteriological test was conducted yesterday. The results should be available by Thursday and then those services can begin to be installed. Then the only stretch of water main replacement left will be on Ridge Road, from Overhill Road to the circle. The hydrant has already been installed at the circle because that is where the temporary water supply is coming from. The inspections resulted in only six homes having something other than copper lines. Therefore, only six (6) services need to be replaced from the curb stop to the house. The original estimate was twenty-nine (29). The amount of rock which has been encountered has slowed down the construction. There was a rock on Mountainview which had to be hammered out. There was no way to go around. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the project is moving a lot slower than originally anticipated. Councilwoman Kuncken stated people on Maple Terrace have been complaining about water running down and it clogs the catch basin, but she has tried to explain this is a big project, and it is temporary. Mr. Keller stated, once the project is completed, the residents will have much better water pressure and water quality. However, as soon as the water project is complete, the gas company will begin their work and next year they will have a brand-new road. The project is a few weeks behind, but they are making up time due to the fact they have a different crew working on the services and another crew doing the water main.
Stormwater Management – Mr. Keller stated he received an email from the NJDEP stating the Borough’s Stormwater Management Ordinance must be updated again. Last year, the NJDEP changed the rules. The change has not affected the Borough because none of the applications we have are major developments. If there was a major residential development, they are subject to the new rules for residential site improvement standards. Three years ago, the NJDEP adopted the green infrastructure rules requiring more basins and smaller basins. The Borough’s plan was updated at that time. This new rule from last year is a climate resiliency regulation which requires developers to look at rainfall of today and for increased precipitation values for the year 2100. Three years ago, when the plan was updated, the Borough used the State’s regulations to update the ordinance.
Gas Line Installation – Mayor Wronko asked when Main Street will have gas lines installed. Mr. Keller stated the Local Aid Project for next year is Main Street. Councilman Wachterhauser stated he is of the opinion that Main Street and the downtown area is scheduled to be completed prior to the gas company shutting down for the winter.
Sunset / Ridge / Overhill Water Main Project – Councilman Riccardi asked Mr. Keller if any of the residents have been switched over to the new system or will everyone be switched over only after the work is complete. Mr. Keller stated at least twelve (12) residences are back on the new system. The temporary lines will not be removed until the entire project has been completed which should be by the end of September. Councilman Riccardi asked if the residents are aware that they are connected to the new system and not still on the temporary line which is still in front of their homes. Mr. Keller stated the temporary lines to those homes have been disconnected.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Planner William Hamilton) – Mayor Wronko stated Mr. Hamilton was unable to attend this evening’s meeting. Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated Mr. Hamilton had contacted Laura Schwaegger, who has worked with the Affordable Housing Program and is familiar with the regulations and different programs. A meeting is scheduled for next Thursday. Mr. Hamilton will be attending the Mayor and Council meeting in the future. Mr. Keller stated Ms. Schwaegger is a great resource for advising on the best way to utilize the funds the Borough has available in the affordable housing trust fund. SCARC has been approached by other municipalities to utilize funding for those other communities.
Mayor Wronko offered the following ordinance for Introduction and First Reading which was read by title.
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading {Public Hearing on September 10, 2024}
Ordinance 2024-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE BY DELETING CHAPTER 44 “RECREATION COMMISSIONERS, BOARD OF” IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REPLACING IT WITH NEW CHAPTER 44 ENTITLED “RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE” AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 45, “CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS”
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope have determined that a recreation advisory committee is more desirable than a recreation commission within the Borough; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope desire to clarify required background checks for all Borough employees and volunteers involved with minors and all youth program participants using Borough property; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope have determined that Chapter 44 of the Borough Code entitled “Recreation Commissioners, Board of” should be repealed in its entirety and replaced with a new Chapter 44 entitled “Recreation Advisory Committee” and a new Chapter 45, “Criminal History Background Checks” should be adopted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey, as follows:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 44 entitled “Recreation Commissioners, Board of” of the Code of the Borough of Stanhope, is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced by a new Chapter 44 entitled “Recreation Advisory Committee” to read as follows:
Chapter 44. Recreation Advisory Committee
§ 44-1 Establishment
There is hereby established in the Borough a Recreation Advisory Committee, which shall have the duties and powers hereinafter set forth, the members of which shall be appointed by the Mayor in accordance with the provisions of this section with the advice and consent of the Borough Council.
§ 44-2 Membership Terms
Recreation Advisory Committee shall be composed of citizens of the Borough and shall be appointed annually by the Mayor. The Mayor shall also appoint one member to serve as the Chairperson of this Advisory Committee. Vacancies, which occur during the year, shall be filled for the unexpired term only. The members shall receive no compensation for their services. The number of members of this advisory committee shall be determined by the Mayor. Two members of the Borough Council shall be appointed annually by the Mayor to serve as representatives of the Governing Body to the Recreation Advisory Committee but shall have no vote, unless such person also is formally appointed as a member of the Recreation Advisory Committee.
§ 44-3 Relation to the Borough
A. The Mayor and Council shall cooperate with the Recreation Advisory Committee to coordinate recreational activities in the Borough in order to plan a balanced recreational program for the citizens of the Borough and in order to provide the maximum use of recreational facilities in the Borough.
B. The Mayor and Council may, by resolution, place public places, playgrounds and recreational places under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Advisory Committee for scheduling activities, use or for such purposes as may be specified in any such resolution. The Borough shall continue to be responsible for the care, custody, policing, equipping and maintenance of any such public places, playgrounds and recreational places, which may be placed under the jurisdiction of such Recreation Advisory Committee unless such responsibilities, or any of them, shall be specifically assigned in any such resolution.
C. The Recreation Advisory Committee herein established shall not be, and shall not be deemed to be, a recreation commission pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:12-1 et seq., but such Recreation Committee shall have only those powers and duties as may be set forth herein, or as may be more particularly provided by resolution of the Mayor and Council; provided, however, that in no event shall the Recreation Advisory Committee have, or be given, any powers or duties which would not be permitted to a recreation commission established under N.J.S.A. 40:12-1 et seq.
D. There shall be no appropriation of public funds made to the Recreation Advisory Committee, or for the use of the Recreation Advisory Committee, except that public funds may be appropriated and used by the Mayor and Council for the following purposes connected with such Recreation Advisory Committee.
1. For the care, custody, policing, equipping and maintenance of public places, playgrounds and recreational places as provided in Subsection B above.
2. For the establishment and enactment of programs to be sponsored by the Recreation Advisory Committee. Such programs shall have received the approval and authorization of the Mayor and Council. Any programs which require funding by the Borough, shall be submitted in writing to the Mayor and Council, with an estimated budget request amount. No programs shall be considered authorized by the Mayor and Council without the provision of the funding of such programs in the Borough’s annual budget.
3. The Borough shall obtain liability insurance coverage, covering the approved activities of the Recreation Advisory Committee, and protecting the Borough, the Recreation Advisory Committee, and the individual members of the Recreation Committee, in the same manner and to the same extent as would be done were a recreation commission created pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:12-1 et seq.
4. The Borough may provide and pay for surety bonds covering the members of the Recreation Advisory Committee in the handling of such funds as the Committee may receive from fees, gifts, donations or other sources. The Recreation Advisory Committee members responsible for the collection of such money shall be required by Statute to turn such funds over to the Borough Chief Financial Officer within 48 hours of receipt.
E. Neither the Recreation Advisory Committee nor any member or members thereof shall have any power or right, express or implied, to bind or obligate the Borough or the Mayor and Council, directly or indirectly.
§44-4 Recreation Advisory Committee Funds.
A. The Recreation Committee shall incur no financial obligations and shall expend no monies without the authorization of the Mayor and Council by duly adopted resolution.
B. All requests for purchases must be approved and signed by the Chairperson of the Recreation Advisory Committee and/or the Recreation Advisory Subcommittee Chair and received the certification of the Borough’s Chief Financial Officer and/or Treasurer prior to the Mayor and Council incurring such debt.
C. The Recreation Advisory Committee shall collect no fees from the public for participation in activities without the authorization of the Mayor and Council by duly adopted resolution.
§44-5 Organization of Recreation Advisory Committee.
A. The Recreation Advisory Committee shall establish programs and projects for the year and submit same to the Mayor and Council for approval.
B. The Recreation Advisory Committee shall submit an annual request for a budget amount to the Borough’s Finance Committee upon the request of the Borough’s Chief Financial Officer. Such requests shall outline the programs anticipated and the projected cost of each program.
SECTION 2.
A new Chapter 45, Criminal History Background Checks should be adopted as follows:
Chapter 45. Criminal History Background Checks
§45-1 Authority to Request Background Check; Cost.
A. The Borough Administrator, Borough Clerk and Chief of Police are hereby authorized to request a criminal history background check of any person, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:48-1.4, for any official governmental purpose, including, but not limited to, employment, licensing, volunteers involved with minors, volunteer fire and rescue applicants and the procurement of services. The person submitting to a criminal history record background check shall submit to being fingerprinted in accordance with applicable state and federal law, rules and regulations. The Borough Administrator, Borough Clerk and Chief of Police are authorized to exchange fingerprint data with and receive criminal history record information from the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Any person who has submitted to a criminal background check, upon request, shall be able to receive the results of the check.
B. The municipality, in its discretion, may charge any person submitting to a criminal background check the actual cost paid to outside agencies for obtaining the criminal history.
§45-2 Disqualification from service for certain crimes and offenses.
A. A person may be disqualified from serving as an employee or volunteer of a Borough-sponsored program involving minors or any Borough organization if that person’s criminal history background check reveals a record of conviction for any of the following crimes and offenses:
1. In New Jersey, any crime or disorderly person’s offense:
a. Involving danger to the person, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 2C:14-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 et seq.
b. Against the family, children or incompetents, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:33-1 et seq.
c. Involving theft as set forth in Chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.
d. Involving any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog as set forth in Chapter 35 of Title 35 of the New Jersey Statutes except paragraph (A) of subsection a. of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.
2. In any other state or jurisdiction, conduct which, if committed in New Jersey, would constitute any of the crimes or disorderly person offense described.
B. If this criminal history background check may disqualify an employee or volunteer for any purpose, such person shall be provided an opportunity to challenge the accuracy of the information contained. The person shall be afforded a reasonable period of time to correct this record and provide an accurate record. Failure to do so within a reasonable period shall result in disqualification.
C. Appeal process. The Business Administrator shall be designated as the person for any appeal that is brought forth by any applicant for employment or volunteer position. The person shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of the notice of disqualification to petition the Administrator for a review.
D. No person shall be disqualified from serving as an employee or volunteer on a basis of conviction disclosed in a criminal history background check if the person has affirmatively demonstrated to the Administrator clear and convincing evidence of the person’s rehabilitation. The Administrator can consider the following factors:
1. The nature and responsibility of the position which the convicted person would hold;
2. The nature and seriousness of the offense;
3. The circumstances under which the offense occurred;
4. The date of the offense;
5. The age of the person when the offense was committed;
6. Whether the offense was an isolated or repeated incident;
7. Any social conditions which may have contributed to the offense; and
8. Including, but not limited to, any evidence of rehabilitation, including good conduct, counseling or psychiatric treatment received
E. Prior to any youth club or organization receiving a permit to use a Borough owned property, the club or organization must complete an affidavit on a form approved by the Borough Attorney certifying that all coaches, assistant coaches and adults who are in positions of authority or control of youth participants under the age of 18 have completed and passed a background check within the last four years, meaning that the individual has not been convicted of any of the disqualifying offenses set forth in N.J.S.A. 15A:3A-3. The affidavit shall also state that the affiant is not aware of any relevant convictions subsequent to the background check.
SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application of this Ordinance to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. REPEALER
All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions that are inconsistent or in opposition to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed in their entirety.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton– absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, 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.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Wronko offered the following resolutions which were read by title.
Resolution 150-24 RESOLUTION TO AMEND BUDGET TO INCLUDE DRUNK DRIVING ENFORCEMENT FUND GRANT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and
WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for an equal amount, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has received a total of $6,655.98 from the Division of Motor Vehicles for the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund Grant, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2024 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $6,655.98 as a revenue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2024 in the sum of $6,655.98, which will be available as a revenue from:
Miscellaneous Revenues
Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated with Prior Written
Consent of the Director of Local Government Services – Public
And Private Revenues Offset with Appropriations: Drunk Driving Enforcement Grant, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$6,655.98
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
- Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
Drunk Driving Enforcement Grant, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer submit one copy of the Chapter 159 certification form to the Director of Local Government Services.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton– absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Resolution 151-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH STONEGATE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the Stonegate 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 Stonegate 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 Stonegate Condominium Association for the collection and disposal of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, the Borough and the Stonegate Condominium Association have agreed on formulas for the calculation of reimbursement; and
WHEREAS, the Borough has prepared a reimbursement agreement for the calendar year 2023 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 2024 for the collection and disposal of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, said reimbursement agreements have been offered to the Stonegate 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 Stonegate Condominium Association for street lighting, leaf removal and snow plowing for the internal roadways in the condominium for the calendar year 2023; 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 Stonegate Condominium Association for the calendar year 2024 for collection and disposal of solid waste.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton– absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Resolution 152-24 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 2023 for street lighting, leaf removal and snow plowing for the internal roadways in the condominium; and
WHEREAS, the Borough has also prepared a reimbursement agreement for the calendar year 2024, 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 2023; 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 2024 for collection and disposal of solid waste.
On motion by Councilman Simpson, seconded by Councilman Wachterhauser and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton– absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Resolution 153-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ADDENDUM PROPOSAL BY BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE SUNSET/RIDGE WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope was in need of replacement of the existing 4-inch water mains with 8-inch water mains, the replacement of water services from the new main into the houses, new fire hydrants, and associated pavement/landscape restoration on Sunset Avenue and Ridge Road, and a water main extension along West Street; and
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group prepared a work plan, including a budget, for the water system improvements, which was accepted by the USEPA; and
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group has now prepared an Addendum Proposal for Professional Engineering Services for additional construction observation services on said project, requesting an increase to the budget of Task IV of the existing contract for said services; and
WHEREAS, the current hourly budget is $33,700.00 and Bowman has requested an additional $16,000.00 in hourly budget, bringing the total task amount to $49,700.00, due to the contractor encountering a fair amount of rock during the construction that needs to be recorded as the pay item is on a cubic yard basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough is hereby authorized to increase the hourly budget for additional construction observation services to $49,700.00
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
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton– absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Resolution 154-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR PORTOFINO BUILDERS, LLC FOR THE GROVE ROAD AND ELM STREET LOCAL AID SIDEWALK AND ADA RAMP IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, a contract was entered into for professional construction services for improvements to Grove Road and Elm Street Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Improvements Local Aid Project between the Borough of Stanhope and Portofino Builders for an original contract price of $59,675.00, via the adoption of Resolution 126-24 on June 25, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Portofino Builders, LLC has submitted Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $9,575.00, which resulted from the need to replace additional segments of concrete sidewalk and lengths of granite block curb ramps that were reconstructed; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer, Eric Keller, via correspondence dated August 20, 2024, approved of the extra work cost with Portofino Builders, LLC for a change order increase of $9,575.00, for a total contract amount of $69,250.00
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has approved of Portofino’s increased work and costs due to the unforeseen increase in amount of concrete sidewalk and granite block curb replacement; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there are available funds to award Change Order No. 1; and
WHEREAS, the total project cost increased by 16%, still below the engineer project estimate of $59,657.00, and has been approved as necessary by the Borough engineer;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, authorizes Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $9,575.00 for the Grove Road and Elm Street Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Improvements Local Aid Project., increasing the overall contract cost to $69,250.00
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton– absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
CONSENT AGENDA (All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Borough Council and were enacted by one motion of the Borough Council with no separate discussion.)
Resolution 155-24 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE GRANTING PERMISSION TO LENAPE VALLEY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2024, BY D & M FIREWORKS LLC
WHEREAS, Lenape Valley Regional High School (hereinafter “LVRHS”) has scheduled a fireworks display on September 27, 2024 to be conducted by D & M Fireworks LLC; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of New Jersey Statutes, specifically N.J.S.A. 21:3-3 and -4, the approval of the Governing Body is necessary as a prerequisite of such display; and
WHEREAS, LVRHS has complied with all of the requirements as set forth in the statute; and
WHEREAS, David Albitz of D & M Fireworks LLC, Bally, Pennsylvania, is to operate said display and is found to be a competent operator; and
WHEREAS, the fireworks display has been approved by the Sheriff’s Office of Sussex County, Office of the Fire Marshal and Fire Coordinators; and
WHEREAS, a copy of this resolution shall be provided to the Borough Police Chief and Borough Fire Chief for their review; and
WHEREAS, an application in writing has been filed setting forth the details of such display;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, grant permission to LVRHS to conduct the aforesaid public display of fireworks performed by D & M Fireworks LLC on September 27, 2024, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 21:3-5, subject to review and comment of the Borough Police and Fire Chiefs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 21:3-6 of the revised statutes, a copy of the application, of the permit and of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Bureau of Explosives of the Department of Labor of the State of New Jersey.
Resolution 156-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2023-005 representing 2022 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10603, Lot 2 known as 20 Kingsland Ave, assessed to Wustefeld, George F, and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: NJSL 301, LLC
650 E Palisade Ave
Suite 2 #258
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2023-005 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 5,093.31
Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 5,093.31
Total From Tax Premium Account 0.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Mayor Wronko stated he went with the Fire Department, and they inspected the area where the fireworks will take place to see where the fire trucks will need to be positioned. The Netcong and Byram Fire Departments will be on site as well to ensure that there are enough resources in case they are needed.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 157-24 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 27, 2024 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
ATTORNEY REPORT
Attorney Ursula Leo stated she had no report this evening.
Mayor Wronko opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Wronko closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk