MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
December 19, 2019 6:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Council President Zdichocki invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 9, 2019 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
Furthermore, notice of the meeting date and time change was forwarded to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on December 17, 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 – absent
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – absent
PRESENTATION
Council President Zdichocki announced that this meeting is the last official meeting for Councilwoman Thistleton, who did not seek re-election. Council President Zdichocki spoke of Councilwoman Thistleton’s years of service to the Borough. Councilwoman Thistleton has served on the Council since April 26, 2011 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy and thereafter elected to office. She has served on the Council for the past 8 years. Doreen was appointed to the Board of Health in 2003. She has served on the Board of Health until present and she recently agreed to serve another term on the Board of Health. She serves as the Chair of the Boards and Commissions and was instrumental in establishing Family Fun Day for the Borough’s 100th Anniversary with the Recreation Commission, making it a great success then and every year since. She was also beneficial in coordinating the Miss Stanhope Scholarship Program. Council President Zdichocki asked all present to join her in honoring Councilwoman Thistleton for her dedication and years of commitment and service to the Borough of Stanhope. Council President Zdichocki presented Councilwoman Thistleton with gift as a token of the Governing Body’s appreciation of her service. Council President Zdichocki called for a short recess to offer best wishes to Councilwoman Thistleton and enjoy some refreshments. The meeting resumed at 6:15 PM.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Council President Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, asked that a large pothole on Canfield Avenue be filled in. Councilman Riccardi said he also noticed the large pothole and was going to bring it to the Administrator’s attention tonight. Administrator McNeilly will have the DPW take care of the pothole.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Council President Zdichocki closed this public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Council President Zdichocki read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
November 12, 2019 Work Session/Agenda Meeting & Closed Session
November 25, 2019 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
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
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Council Committee Reports were waived. Councilwoman Kuncken asked to give a brief report under Public Safety.
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken reported that the total number of calls for the Ambulance Squad for the month of October was 84. There were 27 calls in Stanhope, 48 calls in Netcong, 4 stand-by calls and 5 out-of-town calls. Councilwoman Kuncken commented that this is one of the biggest months for the number of calls that she has ever seen.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Municipal Liens – Administrator McNeilly noted a previous discussion on certain municipal liens that can be foreclosed on. He is going to have the Environmental JIF office inspect the properties to make sure it is not something they do not want to touch. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow and he is looking forward to hearing their response about the peapod. Administrator McNeilly said they will have an answer from the Environmental JIF office with recommendations on closing out some of them
Scanning Project – Administrator McNeilly reported they sent out another five boxes of construction records this past week and brought in another five boxes from storage. The have very little left in storage and after that has been sorted through and sent, everything from construction would have left this building with the exception of the records for the schools, which are rather large and not usually requested under OPRA. Those boxes will be marked and set aside. The plan on where to go once construction is completed would be to the zoning department records.
Sussex-Warren Energy Co-op – Administrator McNeilly noted he sent an email to the Governing Body relating to the notification that the Sussex-Warren Energy Co-op is looking for a renewal. They have an opportunity to lower the current rate beginning June 1st and extending the period at the lower rate to November 30, 2021. Our current rate is $0.0886/kWh and goes through December 31, 2020. The new rate is $0.0869/kWh with an end date of November 30, 2021. Fredon Township is the lead agency of the SWAEC and has given approval for them to move forward at the new reduced rate, but the SWAEC wants to make sure the municipality wants to continue participating in the program. Administrator McNeilly said the current JCP&L rate is $0.09124k/Wh, which is currently higher than the rate the Borough pays. Administrator McNeilly said the verbiage stating if the basic service rate fell below the Co-op’s, they would meet it or abandon the program is no longer in the contract. That language was only included in the first contract. If the Borough locks in to the new rate, that will remain the rate until November 30, 2021. Administrator McNeilly noted there was a period of time this year when the basic service rate fell below our rate. JCP&L’s basic service rate went back up to almost 10 cents shortly thereafter. Administrator McNeilly said the initial program had the specific clause that if we were at 8 cents and it fell to 7 cents, the Co-op had to go down to 7 cents or the program goes away. That clause has been removed from all contracts and if you lock in, that is your rate until the end of the period. Administrator McNeilly asked if the Governing Body wants to stay with the program, and lock in, or leave the program. The following is the results of a straw poll Council President Zdichocki took on if Council wanted to continue with the program: Councilman Romano – yes; Councilwoman Thistleton – yes; Councilwoman Kuncken – yes; Councilman Riccardi – yes.
Councilwoman Kuncken asked Administrator McNeilly about the Musconetcong speed humps. Administrator McNeilly responded he and the Borough Engineer discussed the speed humps while it was recently snowing and agreed they will have to revisit it in the Spring.
Councilwoman Kuncken noted discussion at the last meeting about equipment to be given to Netcong and she asked Administrator McNeilly if he found out the scrap value of the equipment. Administrator McNeilly responded he spoke with the DPW Superintendent who called three places to get an idea of what they are paying for mixed steel. The amount came in at 19 cents per pound. The equipment weighs 468 pounds which makes it worth about $89. Council agreed to give the equipment to Netcong. Administrator McNeilly will have an authorizing resolution placed on the January Work Session agenda.
Councilman Riccardi asked, because there are no speed humps on Musconetcong Avenue, that signage be put up to let people know to drive slow on that road. Administrator McNeilly said they cannot put anything in the road because of the plow, but he will look into some type of sign. Councilwoman Kuncken suggested a one-time Nixle be sent alerting the residents.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
2020 Municipal Budget – Administrator McNeilly recommended discussion on the budget be carried to the January Work Session meeting. Council agreed to carry the budget discussion to the January 14, 2020 meeting.
Reorganization Meeting – Council President Zdichocki noted the reorganization meeting packets were distributed to Council for review. There were no changes made to the reorganization documents.
TAP Grant – Council President Zdichocki stated no further discussion is necessary on the TAP Grant at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Council President Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
CONSENT AGENDA (All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Borough Council and were enacted by one motion of the Borough Council with no separate discussion.)
Resolution 174-19 RESOLUTION TO REFUND OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES
FOR 100% DISABLED VETERAN
WHEREAS, the homeowner was approved to receive the property tax exemption of a totally disabled veteran as of the date of application, July 8, 2019, and is therefore exempt from property taxes from that date forward; and
WHEREAS, the total amount due in 2019 was $9,677.50, less the Veteran’s deduction of $250.00 for a net liability of $9,427.50; and
WHEREAS, the total liability is now pro-rated for 187 days from January 1, 2019 to July 7, 2019, or a total payable of $4,897.06; and
WHEREAS, the property owner has in good faith paid the four quarters of 2019 property taxes in the amount of $9,427.50, creating an overpayment of $4,530.44 in taxes on this property; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the homeowner in the designated amount representing an over payment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Block Lot Name & Address Tax Year Amount
11605 5 Michael & Valerie McFarland 2019 $4,530.44
9 Maryann Terrace
Stanhope, New Jersey 07874
Resolution 175-19 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A TAXICAB LICENSE TO STAR LIMO SERVICE LLC
WHEREAS, Chapter 126 of the Stanhope Code of Ordinances requires that anyone operating a taxicab service within the Borough must obtain a license for same; and
WHEREAS, Star Limo Service LLC, operating at 122 Route 183, Stanhope have applied to the Borough Clerk for a taxicab license and have complied with all the provisions of Chapter 126; and
WHEREAS, the following vehicle is to be operated by Nelson Zuniga and Denise Zuniga within the Borough of Stanhope:
Vehicle #1 – 2000 Honda Odyssey Wagon, VIN # 2HKRL1862YH607545; and
WHEREAS, the Municipal Clerk and the Zoning Officer have reviewed said application and recommend approval; and
WHEREAS, said approval is contingent upon receipt by the Borough Clerk of proof of required insurance and payment of all fees;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to issue, for the year 2020, said taxicab license to operate expiring at midnight December 31, 2020.
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:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Mayor’s Acceptance of Resignations
Resolution 176-19 RESOLUTION OF MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF COUNCILWOMAN ZDICHOCKI FROM HER POSITION AS BOROUGH COUNCILWOMAN WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
WHEREAS, Patricia Zdichocki was heretofore elected to the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2019, Councilwoman Zdichocki submitted to the Borough Clerk a written resignation of her Council position effective January 7, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of Councilwoman Zdichocki’s resignation from the position of Borough Councilwoman effective January 7, 2020.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above resolution was adopted.
Resolution 177-19 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF RAYMOND CIPOLLINI FROM THE STANHOPE LAND USE BOARD 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 Raymond Cipollini’s resignation as an appointed member on the Land Use Board, effective December 31, 2019.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and carried by unanimous voice vote, the above resolution was adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 178-19 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 December 17, 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 – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
ATTORNEY REPORT
There was no attorney report.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Council President Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, commented on how beautiful the holiday lights are in the Borough.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Council President Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
Council President Zdichocki wished all present a happy holiday and safe new year. She noted the Borough’s Reorganization Meeting will be held on January 7, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 P.M.
Approved:
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk