MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
February 26, 2019
6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

SALUTE TO COLORS

Mayor Maio invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.

MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975

Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 9, 2019 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.

Furthermore, notice of the meeting time change was sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on February 22, 2019 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.

In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 10:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.

ROLL CALL

Council Members:

Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present

Mayor Maio – present

DISCUSSION

2019 Municipal Budget – Mayor Maio stated Dana Mooney, CFO, is attending tonight’s meeting to discuss the 2019 Municipal Budget.

Administrator McNeilly began with questions to be answered from the previous budget discussion.

4-c Tax Collection – Line 526 Training & Education decreased by half. Half the program will take place in 2019 the other half will take place in 2020. Line 528 Tax Sale Costs Administrator McNeilly stated Ms. Mooney was instructed to double the budget amount in the event that an online sale is to be conducted to cover the advertising costs.

5-a Legal Services and Engineering – This page has been updated to reflect the requested changes for decreases in Litigation, Labor Attorney and Borough Engineer.

8-a-1 Road Maintenance – Line 030 Signs has been decreased from $3,500 to $3,000.

8-a-2 Road Maintenance – Line 081 Professional Training has been decreased to $1,500 now that the Certified Public Works Manager Course has been completed.

8-c Bldg & Grounds – Line 034 Generator Maintenance has been decreased from $1,600 to $700. The correction has also been made on the Road Department’s generator as well. The figures match what the contract was called out for by the vendor and for the recommended repairs.

9-b Vehicle Maintenance – Line 526 Police 2016 Ford Utility had an increased cost as a result of body damage repair for the front right door in the amount of $1,462.

Ms. Mooney explained a correction to the overall total has been corrected on page 9-b and 9-b-1 which was due to a software error.

12-b Stormwater Management – Ms. Mooney stated there is a Stormwater Management Plan which will be done by the Borough Engineer. The Operations and Maintenance Manual cost is $7,850. There are four quarterly inspections required at $1,475 each. All four inspections may not be done this year due to the fact the plan has not been implemented to date. Ms. Mooney suggested Clean Communities funds, which has appropriated reserves, be used to cover the cost of the plan plus two inspections. This reduces the amount of the general budget to $7,375. Mayor Maio stated this will not be a recurring cost. The manuals are a one-time expense. Administrator McNeilly stated in the future the Borough staff may be able to be certified to do the inspections. Inspections have to be done four times a year and after a specific amount of rainfall.

13-b Note Interest – Ms. Mooney explained there is a note due in May. The Borough plans to go to permanent funding in October. When the note is renewed in May, it will be for five months. This means more interest will be due in October. The Bond Attorney suggested the budget be calculated using a 3% interest rate which should be more than necessary. Any excess funds not used will be cancelled at the end of the year and will move to surplus.

Mayor Maio stated the initial budget sheets totaled approximately $4,903,000. Ms. Mooney stated the new total is $4,866,922.32. This is a reduction of approximately $27,000.

W-2 Water Utility – Line 021 Supplies has been decreased from $15,000 to $10,000. Line 025 Contracted Services covers services such as Call Before You Dig and Leak Detection Services for town wide system checks. This does not occur every year. The Superintendent anticipates this will have to be done every two to three years. The system check was done in 2018 due to issues on Brooklyn Road and other parts of town. The system check is done to determine there is no loss of water with regard to the Borough’s allocation permit. Mayor Maio stated the Borough is going to continue videotaping the sewer lines and asked if the cost is covered in the budget. Administrator McNeilly stated the costs are covered under the sewer budget. Line 026 Tree Trimming encompasses the areas of Wells 3 and 4, Well 2 and Well 5. The line item has been decreased from $8,000 to $5,000. A new line item for $2,500 has been requested for the sewer side to provide a line item for costs incurred for tree trimming within the sewer right of ways and around the sewer pump stations. This makes a $500 decrease across the utilities.

W-3 Water Utility – Line 031 Electricity the 10% increase is due to the usage and kilowatt cost plus the unknown cost of the upcoming SEM auction, which will determine the rate for the kilowatts.

W-4 Water Utility – Line 042 Generator Maintenance/Repairs the total budgeted is $3,816 which includes the contracted amount for Well #3 and #5 and the water tower and the recommended repairs by the vendor.

W-3 Water Utility – Line 035 Heating Fuel Well #2 has a heating oil cost because it is heated with heating oil. Wells 3, 4 and 5 are heated by electric.

W-4 Water Utility – Line 071 Engineering Services the budget of $5,000 is to cover costs for engineering services for the Water Quality Reports, particularly for the Delaware River Basin Commission, Water Allocation Permits, and occasionally non-project related issues which occur during operations for the coming year. Line 081 Prof. Training/Education will be decreased from $2,000 to $1,500 for the cost of one person to attend water and sewer school. The sewer budget will also have a budget of $1,500 to provide training for one person to attend water and sewer school. Next year, and the year after, each line item will be budgeted for $1,000 each for the next section of training classes.

S-2 Sewer Utility – Line 021 Departmental Supplies the DPW Superintendent has requested that $2,000 be removed from this line item reducing it to $7,000 and add the $2,000 to Line 030 Facility Repairs and Maintenance which increases this line item from $5,000 to $7,000. Facility Repairs and Maintenance was over budget last year by $1,000. Administrator McNeilly stated the line items which would handle the I&I Studies would include Lines 021, 026 and 030. Line 035 Fuel for Generators is a legacy item which has been corrected. The $500 has been reduced to $0. Line 033 Tree Trimming has been added with a budget of $2,500 to provide tree trimming at the pump stations and right of ways.

Ms. Mooney stated she will prepare updated budget pages as well as the revenues. Surplus was generated in both water and sewer. They did very well this year. The movement of the $5.00 has worked well.

Section 2 Revenues – Ms. Mooney stated the Borough had a good year. The Borough did not create a lot of surplus but an extra $10,000 was turned over. The sick/vacation line item had to be replenished due to a retirement and some other issues last year. The Borough surplus is ahead $10,000 over last year. Page 3 under Summary of Revenues shows the total budget amount for 2019, with all the corrections and updates, is $4,866,922.32. The Reserve for Uncollected has remained the same. The extra $10,000 in surplus has been used. Tax Collection did well this year. There was a small increase despite all the municipal liens. The delinquent tax amount is $180,000 which is the same as last year. The anticipated fees and permits in the Zoning Department have been increased by $10,000 making the total $20,000. This is a conservative estimate. The rule is that you cannot claim more than what was collected the year before. Last year the amount collected was $32,550.35. The funds from four grants have been included in the budget. Using the $710,000 reserve fund collected, we would see a .25% increase in the overall municipal budget, which is not a lot. The actual levy is an increase of $18,431. This would be a levy increase of .54% and a municipal increase of 0.63 points. The average resident would see an increase of $12.93.

Mayor Maio stated there are still items to be addressed and these figures are not final. There are projects to discuss further and salaries have not been settled. Mayor Maio stated the Administrator and CFO have done a fine job this year. Budget discussions will take place again in two weeks. Administrator McNeilly stated he has discussed the timeline with Ms. Mooney. The final discussion can take place on March 12^th, introduction on March 26^th and the second reading on April 23^rd. Mayor Maio stated the next meeting will be held at 6:00PM on March 12^th. In the interim, Mayor Maio asked the Finance Committee to meet and finalize salaries. Discussions should be started tonight with regard to the pending projects. Mayor Maio asked Ms. Mooney to be prepared to do the bonding as early as possible. Ms. Mooney stated she has bonded extra funds in preparation. Ms. Mooney will speak with Ray Sarinelli, Borough Auditor, to provide him with the timeline and Bob Beinfeld, Bond Attorney, has been informed. Mr. Sarinelli has to prepare the official statement which is one of the larger projects. Ms. Mooney stated there are a small amount of funds left for a capital project.

Ms. Mooney stated she has sent out emails regarding the fixed assets program. When the estimates are received the information will be forwarded to the Finance Committee. Mayor Maio stated the program has been included in the budget. The auditors recommend listing any item worth $5,000 or more. The budget has to be sent to the State this year for approval.

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.

Mayor Maio stated due to the early start of the meeting, Citizens to be Heard will be open to the public later in the meeting if the need arises.

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:

January 8, 2019 Reorganization Meeting
January 22, 2019 Business Meeting & Closed Session

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.

CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)

On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS

On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Council Committee Reports were waived and will be carried to the March 12^th meeting.

Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton

(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)

Councilwoman Kuncken stated a meeting was held with the representatives of the Fire Department last Thursday. Engine #2, the pumper which is being replaced, has an issue with the valve. The truck can no longer draft water from the lake. The Fire Department inquired about the cost of the repair. The Fire Department was told to obtain an estimate. The Fire Department would like to request approval to conduct a bucket drop. Last year the fund raiser could not be held due to issues with conducting the bucket drop on the State Highway and exposure on the part of the Borough. The Fire Department had a fifty percent drop in donations. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Chief was asked to contact the Administrator with the request for the bucket drop, which he did via email. Administrator McNeilly has responded back to the Fire Chief and the Administrator has contacted the Police Chief. The issue will be brought before the Governing Body once all the information is gathered. Mayor Maio stated two years ago a determination was made for the bucket drop to take place on the side road due to the fact the Chief of Police was going to be required to sign off and assume the responsibility for their safety. The Chief of Police and the Borough Attorney had issues with that requirement. These issues will have to be resolved. The location where the Fire Department wants to be located is at the traffic light at the intersection of Brooklyn Road and Route 183. Administrator McNeilly stated the Chief of Police has requested a new copy of the application to make sure there are no changes. The Chief of Police’s concerns will be compiled and that information will be forwarded to the Borough Attorney to provide her concerns. The Borough’s Risk Management representative will also provide input. The Governing Body will then be given the information in order to make a determination. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department is hoping to hold the bucket drop on the July 4^th weekend.

Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department will be taking a different approach for the annual installation dinner. The event will take place in house and be on a smaller scale.

Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken

Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki/Councilman Thornton

(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)

Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilwoman Zdichocki

(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)

Information Technology – Councilmen Riccardi/Romano

Councilman Riccardi stated he, Mayor Maio, Administrator McNeilly, Councilwoman Kuncken and Dana Mooney, CFO, attended a demonstration in Wharton Borough last week regarding Municipay. Municipay is an online bill pay program. All the Borough’s questions were answered at the presentation. The information will be shared with the Governing Body.

Councilman Riccardi stated the document scanning project is continuing on schedule. The Administrator and office staff are doing their due diligence to remove the unnecessary documents from the outgoing boxes. This is helping to keep the project on schedule and on budget.

Councilman Riccardi stated future discussions will be held regarding Google Suite and how to use it to the Borough’s advantage.

Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Thistleton/Councilman Riccardi

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Mayor Maio invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, to come forward to give his report. Mr. Keller greeted the Mayor and Council and apologized for not being able to attend the reorganization meeting this year. Mr. Keller distributed copies of his report and gave the following overview.

Port Morris Pump Station – Mr. Keller stated the plans and specifications for the Port Morris Pump Station are in final QA review. The Treatment Works Approval (TWA) will be filed for the permitting portion as soon as an appointment is scheduled with DEP which will save twenty days on the review process. This is a municipal project and a replacement project. It is anticipated the approval will be granted in less than 60 days. While the review is taking place, the Borough can advertise and move forward. Mr. Keller stated he will meet with Administrator McNeilly and Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent, next week to review the plans and work out the details. Administrator McNeilly stated a resolution is required in order to go out to bid. Mayor Maio asked if the resolution could be approved at this meeting. Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated she will prepare a resolution for adoption at the conclusion of Mr. Keller’s report. Mr. Keller stated the start of the project should begin late May or early June. The project should not take longer than 60 days. There may be some lead time in order to obtain the equipment. The project will definitely be done this year. Mr. Keller stated due to the fact we do not have any records on what currently exists, plans are being made for various options with regard to the electrical components. The age and condition of the existing components are unknown. Mr. Keller stated when the bids are received and if the cost is too high, those items will be taken out of the project. The generator is functionable but it is not really large enough to handle both pumps at the same time. Part of the control system will be set up to make sure the system is not overloaded if it is running on the generator. There is an option to replace the generator depending on the cost. Mayor Maio asked if the generator would be a saleable item if it is replaced. Administrator McNeilly stated the generator could be moved to another location such as the DPW garage which currently has a propane generator.

Musconetcong Avenue – Mr. Keller stated four sets of plans have been given to Administrator McNeilly which were sent out to bid last year. Bids were received but did not get through the QPA process. The QPA process in now in place. Once a schedule is in place for the sidewalk and curb ramp replacements, the milling and paving will be scheduled.

Crosswalk at Brooklyn Road and Crestview Drive – Mr. Keller stated a letter was received from a resident with regard to improvements to the existing crosswalk at the intersection of Brooklyn Road and Crestview Drive. Administrator McNeilly contacted the County; due to the fact Brooklyn Road is a County road. The County Engineer responded and stated they are willing to partner with the Borough to install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon. The Borough had applied for a grant for a beacon but the grant was denied. The Borough’s participation would be in the form of funding. The County would design, install and maintain the beacon. Administrator McNeilly stated when the Borough applied for the Safe Routes To School Grant, the County did support the grant request and they had agreed to maintain the equipment. The County does not want any structure on their roads that they are not maintaining from a liability standpoint. The County has stated the cost would not exceed $10,000. Mayor Maio stated the critical crossings are located at Crestview Drive and Grove Road. There is also a crossing at Maple Terrace which now has a crossing guard. Mayor Maio stated, in her opinion, if the County is willing to assist with the crosswalk improvement, the Borough should agree to do so. In the future, the other crosswalk will have to be addressed as well. Mayor Maio stated this item needs to be plugged into the budget. Councilman Riccardi asked if the grant was still available. Mayor Maio stated it is not a grant the Borough is likely to receive due to the fact most of the roads are offline in a sense. Much discussion took place regarding the various crosswalks. The Governing Body agreed to move forward with the installation of the flashing beacon at the Crestview Drive intersection. Administrator McNeilly stated the resident’s letter was sent to Mr. Keller. Mr. Keller and Administrator McNeilly will formulate a response to the resident. Administrator McNeilly will contact the County Engineer to determine what the Borough needs to provide to move forward.

Route 183 Crosswalk at the American Legion – Mr. Keller provided a preliminary sketch for the crosswalk located at the American Legion. This crosswalk would require NJDOT approval. The shoulders are ten feet wide with travel lanes of twelve feet wide. On the American Legion side there is a bus pull out. No bus pull out lane was put in on the shopping center side of the road. Mr. Keller stated a center refuge area could be installed. The road is fairly wide. With all the driveways in that location it can cause a conflict for pedestrians if someone pulls into the shoulder to go around a car that is turning. Lighting in the area is also a concern. Mr. Keller suggested speaking with JCP&L to determine if fixtures could be added to improve the visibility. The lighting would not require NJDOT approval. There are no residential properties in the area which would be impacted by additional lighting. Mayor Maio asked if the “island” would be a raised area and would the NJDOT have an issue with a raised area for snow plowing. Mr. Keller stated it is intended to be raised for better protection for the pedestrians. The NJDOT would have an issue with the island being raised. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough does not own the road but in order to get the conversation started these are some of the ideas to discuss. More signage and more activated signage are needed. The reality is that this road is very wide and it is a mid-street pedestrian crossing area in a 40mph speed zone. Discussion took place regarding the use of flashing lights. Administrator McNeilly asked the Governing Body what they would like the Borough Engineer to proceed with. Mayor Maio stated she has spoken with the Senator who has agreed to back the Borough’s proposal for the area. Mr. Keller stated these suggestions are not typical of what NJDOT does but due to the width of the road it does not mean it cannot be done. Mr. Keller stated the pedestrian volume does not warrant a traffic light at the location. The Governing Body asked Mr. Keller to prepare various options to present to the NJDOT. Mr. Keller stated the raised island is the best option but other options are to use striping or a flat island similar to what was installed at High Street. Mayor Maio stated a request to reduce the speed limit should be made. Councilman Thornton asked how long it would take for JCP&L to install lighting. The Governing Body agreed that JCP&L should be contacted as soon as possible.

Young Drive/Maryann Terrace – Mr. Keller stated, once the weather permits, the curb sections to be replaced will be marked and then a work order will be submitted to MCCPC for the curb construction. The DPW has ordered the materials for the water service connection repairs and will schedule this work based on the weather conditions. Mr. Keller stated he will coordinate with Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent, the curb work and water taps. The milling and paving will be scheduled. Then the striping will be done and the speed humps reinstalled. Necessary street signs will also be installed.

Stormwater – Mr. Keller stated the Operations and Maintenance Manual is a requirement of DEP. Mayor Maio stated it has been reviewed and has been included in the budget. Administrator McNeilly asked Mr. Keller if the DPW can be trained to perform the inspections in the future. Mr. Keller stated the DPW can be trained to do the inspections. The inspections have to be done quarterly and after every two inch rainfall.

Route 183/206 Sidewalk – Mr. Keller stated he sent a strongly worded email to Your Way regarding the Route 183/206 sidewalk project last week. Your Way has been given a deadline of March 15^th to provide a remedial action plan. The Borough is holding retainage which will be used if necessary. The company did good work but it needs to be finished out.

Sparta Road Local Aid – Mr. Keller stated he received a call from Mr. Millen today. Mr. Keller has been trying to get in contact with Mr. Millen for months. Apparently Mr. Millen was out on paternity leave at the end of last year and no one took over his responsibilities or informed Mr. Keller that he was not in the office. The two year period for the Borough’s Local Aid Grant for Sparta Road expires in June of this year. The Borough needs to award it through the co-op, like we do for all co-op projects, to do the work. The document will state the work will start at a set point within the overall Sparta Road Project, because the work has to fit in with the TAP Grant. Mr. Keller stated he was told once the contract is awarded and the contract schedule is set; it does not matter if the work is done a year from now. If the project is not completed in 2019 and goes into 2020 with different pricing, the Borough could adjust or amend the award to reflect the new pricing. It would be more akin to a change order within the contract. Mayor Maio stated the project needs to be completed in 2019. Mr. Keller stated he and his staff and Administrator McNeilly are doing everything they can to get through the process. Documents were submitted months ago which are still being reviewed. Mr. Keller stated, based on the conversation he had with Mr. Millen today, everything requested is going to be packaged and delivered to him by March 15^th.

Sparta Road TAP – Mr. Keller outlined the process. The NJDOT is still reviewing the document Administrator McNeilly gave them to establish the eligibility for a federal project. The NJDOT will then put the package together and send it to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Federal Highway Administration can take up to two weeks or two months according to Mr. Millen to review the documents and affirm everything is in order. At the end of that process FHWA issues an authorization for the funding of the federal project and ensures all the documents are compliant. Mr. Keller stated he was told by Mr. Millen that the NJDOT would be ready to submit their package to FHWA by mid-April. The authorization from FHWA should be available by mid-May or early June. After FHWA signs off, the Borough and NJDOT have to initiate an agreement for the project. This should occur in June or early July. The bid advertisement has to be posted for a minimum of 3 weeks; our typical process for a project of this size would be about a month. The bid opening would then take place in mid-August. The bid award will depend on whether or not there is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirement. This is an equal opportunity component to contracts. If so, NJDOT must review all DBE submittals prior to award and if they are deficient, the project must be rebid. Mayor Maio stated this project has to move forward and be completed this year. The project has been hanging for two years. Mayor Maio stated if necessary the state legislators and the congressional representatives will have to be involved. Mr. Keller stated based on the timeline handed down by Mr. Millen, the Borough’s Local Aid Representative, construction should begin in October 2019 or later. Mr. Keller stated the package will be submitted and at that point the legislative contingency could be contacted.

RESOLUTION

Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, offered the following resolution which was read in its entirety.

Resolution 064-19 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR THE PORT MORRIS PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that improvements are necessary to the Port Morris Pump Station; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has prepared construction documents related to the Port Morris Pump Station Improvements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey hereby authorize the advertisement for the receipt of bids for the Port Morris Pump Station Improvements.

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Keller for attending this evenings meeting.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Highlands Commission – Administrator McNeilly stated on January 29^th, he and Mayor Maio met with the Highland Council Representatives: Lisa Plevin, Executive Director; Judith Thornton, Principal Planner and James Humphries, Director of Planning and Science. The meeting was held with regard to a new application to enter into Highland Planning Conformance. If the application was made, the Commission would fully fund the Borough’s efforts for the Borough Planner to review the issue to determine if it is in the Borough’s best interest to entertain conformance. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough had prepared the application to a certain point ten years ago along with numerous other municipalities and then backed out. Mayor Maio stated the concern was that if the Borough moved forward, the Highlands Commission was going to review all of the Borough ordinances and they were going to change them to what they wanted. The Governing Body did not feel that was in the best interest of the Borough and we stepped away. Apparently, things have changed since then and they are asking us to take a second look and to have the Borough Planner involved. They have assured us that if we decide to go forward and then decide to back out, we would be permitted to do so. There are certain advantages in allowing us to do this. There is grant money to cover the cost of the Planner. Administrator McNeilly stated the Planner would do a side by side on the positive or negative impacts of any potential growth or redevelopment the Borough may have. Mayor Maio stated this would bring the Borough into town center status with the Highlands Council which is different than the existing town center. Administrator McNeilly stated since the Borough is a planning area and not a preservation area, this would permit us to move in and out as needed. Mr. Keller stated he has worked with the Highlands on the development side. One of his concerns is that their core purpose is water conservation. Even if a town is in conformance, they are pushing for water use and conservation management plans. They will give you a grant to have their consultant put it together. The Borough would not be able to pick their own consultant because their consultants know what they want. Mayor Maio stated there is the possibility of some development in the future and in her opinion she would not entertain this option until the development was underway and done. Mr. Keller stated the development down along the river is less concerning. While it is along the river and it has its own environmental issues, it is fully developed and something will go there which is less intense than the commercial industrial use that currently exists. The area out by the high school is a completely different issue. The Highlands Council will look at that area and recommend that it not be touched. Mayor Maio stated if that area is developed it will generate enough in taxes to pick up our current budget in total. Administrator McNeilly stated what the document does for a planning community, it gives you the chance to see where you sit and they will fully fund it because we are not a preservation community. Mr. Keller stated the other distinction between planning and preservation is if you are in a preservation area, development in your community, like most of Mt. Olive, is governed by State Regulation 7:38 which basically states you cannot do much of anything. In the planning area, the Highlands Council, which is an advisory body, is trying to get you to comply through your own ordinances to comply with the regional master plan. It does not introduce State Regulation 7:38 development rules. The Borough would be subject to its own zoning criteria. Mayor Maio stated the Highlands would rewrite those for us. Mr. Keller confirmed this and stated the Highlands then retains the right, for those communities, to review an approval and if they feel the rules were not followed they will rescind the approval. Mr. Keller stated the likelihood of that happening is slim. However, the Highlands will get involved when a wastewater management plan amendment is needed. The Borough has gotten stuck twice with water use and conservation management plans. Mayor Maio stated the point of the matter is that the Highlands Council has come back to us and we have given them the courtesy of a meeting. Mayor Maio stated she does not see the Borough moving forward at this point because she does not want to jeopardize the potential for development. Councilwoman Kuncken agreed. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Keller for his input.

Municipal iPads – Administrator McNeilly stated the potential costs associated with outfitting the Mayor and Council with iPads for paperless meetings would cost approximately $5,000 including covers and keyboards. Google Suite already provides the document storage and sharing capability.

Board of Health – Administrator McNeilly stated the Board of Health has submitted a memo regarding the definition of a school. The Board of Health licensing fee for health inspections is $50.00. Schools and non-profit groups are exempt from paying the fee. The schools within the Borough are Lenape Valley Regional High School, Valley Road School and the Linden Avenue School. There is a daycare in the Borough that considers itself to be a school but it is a for profit entity. The ordinance needs to be amended to read any non-profit school and any non-profit organization. The amended ordinance could be prepared for the March 26^th meeting. There were no objections.

Stanhope-Netcong Emergency Water Connection – Administrator McNeilly stated the Emergency Water Connection agreement is on tonight’s agenda. Administrator McNeilly asked if there are any questions. Administrator McNeilly stated, for the benefit of those who may not know, the emergency water connection allows for Netcong Borough to provide Stanhope with water in an emergency and Stanhope Borough can provide water to Netcong Borough if need be. The connection is located back by Furnace Street behind Isolatek. It is a connection that has not been opened in many many years. There are two hydrants, one belongs to Netcong Borough and one belongs to Stanhope Borough.

Zoning Updates – Administrator McNeilly stated zoning changes need to be made concerning short term rentals and changes in the Industrial and Village Age Restricted Zones. The zoning map will be updated again.

Construction Office Additional Hours Update – Administrator McNeilly stated a memo has been received from the Construction Secretary requesting to continue the extra Construction Department hours as needed. Administrator McNeilly stated he would like this program to continue. The hours are needed for the rentals and OPRA’s. There were no objections to continue with the additional hours.

Capital 2019 – Administrator McNeilly stated if Ordinances 2019-01, 2019-02 and 2019-03 are adopted this evening, capital funding will be available by the last week in March. The Department Heads will be notified.

Sidewalks and Hydrants – Administrator McNeilly stated inclement weather is predicted for tomorrow through Thursday morning. Administrator McNeilly stated he has spoken with the Police Chief regarding the 12 hour rule for snow removal from the sidewalks and hydrants. Administrator McNeilly will speak with the Code Enforcement Official tomorrow regarding the same. Proactive messaging will go out through Nixle tomorrow. Warnings and summons will be issued for non-compliance.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Nancy Hoyt (33 Lawrence Avenue) – Mrs. Hoyt stated the street light on Brooklyn Road near Canfield Street does not provide enough lighting. Mrs. Hoyt would like the light located at Canfield Street. Administrator McNeilly stated the lights can only be placed where there is a pole. Mayor Maio stated JCP&L should be contacted to inquire about the possibility of having a light at Canfield Street.

Elena Castellana (33 Brooklyn Road) – Ms. Castellana stated she would like to have the speed limit on Brooklyn Road changed. The section from above Maple Terrace to the traffic light at Route 183 is a 40mph zone and includes a crosswalk. There are other roads in the area which are larger with sidewalks and shoulders which have lower speed limits. Mayor Maio stated those are municipal roads. Ms. Castellana stated she is aware of the fact Brooklyn Road is a County road and asked if the Council would support the change if she pursues the issue with the County. Mayor Maio stated her personal advice to Ms. Castellana would be to get a petition started. The Council would be in support of the change. Ms. Castellana stated she is happy to hear about the crosswalks.

Robert Anderson (77 Brooklyn Road) – Mr. Anderson stated he sent a letter to everyone on the Governing Body regarding the crosswalk at Brooklyn Road and Crestview Drive and asked for an update. Administrator McNeilly stated the crosswalk was discussed earlier in the meeting. Mr. Anderson apologized for arriving late. He thought the meeting started at 7:30. Mayor Maio stated the County is willing to install and maintain the flashing beacon if the Borough signs an agreement to fund the equipment. Mayor Maio stated the Borough is going to work toward having the beacon installed. Mr. Anderson stated he has some contacts that may be of assistance at the NJ Traffic Safety Organization and AAA. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Anderson and stated the County has agreed to the installation and as such there should not be any issues as long as the Borough provides the funds. Councilman Thornton asked Administrator McNeilly to explain what will be installed at the crosswalk. Administrator McNeilly stated an activated crosswalk, similar to what exists in Netcong, will be installed and maintained by the County. The Governing Body will make the final decision on the financing and then the agreement will be put in place to move forward with the project. Mr. Anderson stated he appreciates this very much and thanked the Governing Body.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

Deborah Arce – Request for Waiver of Water/Sewer Charges (7 Musconetcong Ave) – Administrator McNeilly stated the residence on Musconetcong Avenue burned down almost a year ago. The property has not been rebuilt and relief from the water/sewer charges has been requested. The Borough Ordinance Chapter 116 states there is a line item for service for a sewer line to an unimproved lot at a cost of $230.00 annually. Mayor Maio asked if there was an outstanding bill due prior to the fire. Administrator McNeilly stated he does not have that information. The request asks to have $410.00 waived which covers two billing quarters. Much discussion took place regarding the fire and how previous fires have been dealt with. This situation is different because rebuilding is not taking place at this time. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to determine if there was a payment due at the time of the fire. If there was a payment due prior to the fire, then that past due amount plus the $230.00 per year would have to be paid. If there is no past due amount, only the $230.00 per year will be charged going forward. Councilwoman Kuncken stated this arrangement is the best solution for the property. Removing the connection would not be advisable. Mr. Keller stated the hookup connection would not be removed. State law was amended last year to give credit for prior use. There was a house there previously and as such the connection fee was paid for in the past. A single family house does not lose the right to the hookup connection. Administrator McNeilly will have the resolution prepared for the next meeting.

Rosa Taddei – Request for Refund of Interest on Water/Sewer Bill – Administrator McNeilly stated this issue has been discussed and a resolution for the refund will be prepared for the next scheduled meeting.

Robert Anderson – Request for Flashing Beacon (Brooklyn Road & Crestview/Grove Road) – Mayor Maio stated this request was discussed earlier in the meeting. No further discussion required.

Google Suite and Online Payments – Administrator McNeilly stated Google Suite is available now to everyone that has a Stanhope.gov email. We are only using about 5% of what the program can provide. If the Governing Body makes the decision to go paperless, the various sections available in Google Suite would be utilized such as the drive section, meetings, calendar, presentations etc. to share information. This would involve the capital purchase of iPads. The Middlesex County Educational Co-op provides access to the Apple Education pricing. The cost is approximately $5,000 with keyboards. This is a budgetary item to be discussed.

Mayor Maio stated online payments were reported on by Councilman Riccardi earlier in tonight’s meeting. Administrator McNeilly stated a meeting was held in Wharton regarding the online payment system. The service fee for the use of credit cards would be a 2.65% convenience fee or $1.50 if paying by electronic check. The CFO is comfortable with the way the program works. Administrator McNeilly stated there was a concern about a back charge if any issues occurred with the use of the credit card. It can be backed out easily if necessary without affecting the Borough’s side. There is a swipe machine for the credit cards which could be placed at the front desk and a thermal printed receipt would be printed. The resident would use the account number provided on their tax bill and water and sewer bill. Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated she has assisted other municipalities with this program and provided a word of caution. There is a banking agreement they typically require and Ms. Leo stated she has had huge problems with them to the extent that it has ruined the deal. It depends on the institution. Ms. Leo stated when the paperwork is received; Municipay and the banking documents will be reviewed as well as any third party. Councilwoman Kuncken stated this was a concern years ago and the reason the Borough did not move forward with the program. Administrator McNeilly stated this agreement would involve Municipay and Lakeland Bank. Ms. Leo stated she has not worked with Lakeland Bank before. Mayor Maio stated before the Borough moves forward Ms. Leo must be comfortable with the arrangement. Administrator McNeilly stated once the budget portion is finalized, the CFO can provide the information to Ms. Leo on how the bank account will be created with Lakeland Bank. The Municipay agreement will be obtained and forwarded to Ms. Leo for review.

James McNeilly Scholarship (Stanhope School) – Mayor Maio stated a request has been made for the Borough to provide the funds for the James McNeilly Scholarship which has been done for many years. Mayor Maio stated the school has suggested once the winner of the scholarship is selected, the winner can contact the Borough and the check would be provided at that time. Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body members if they were in agreement. Councilman Romano – yes, Councilwoman Thistleton – yes, Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes, Councilman Riccardi – yes, Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes Mayor Maio asked the Borough Clerk to contact the school and inform them that the Borough will provide the scholarship under these terms.

Path to Progress Resolution – Mayor Maio stated this is a program Senator Oroho has been promoting across the State. It is a financial plan for the future. The information is available online. Mayor Maio is of the opinion the plan should be supported. It is a fiscally conservative map which indicates the need for looking at things differently and changing the way items like the pension plans operate. The resolution is on the agenda this evening for adoption.

Ordinance Requiring Posted Address Numbers – Mayor Maio stated a question was raised by the public regarding whether or not an ordinance exists regarding posted address numbers. The Borough does have an ordinance in place, Chapter 66. If this is becoming a problem the Code Enforcement Official will have to be involved to enforce compliance. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department and Ambulance Squad must be able to locate the proper address. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to send a memo to the Code Enforcement Official. Administrator McNeilly stated he is of the opinion this would have to be handled in the same manner as the sidewalks and hydrants.

Bonding – Mayor Maio stated short term bonds are done every year for capital. The Borough Accountant and the Bond Attorney have been consulted and it has been determined that the Borough should take all the projects that are going to be done, determine their cost and go out for a long term bond. Administrator McNeilly stated everything needs to be pulled together beginning in May in order to roll out by the August – October timeframe. Mayor Maio stated the capital projects have been identified and dollar amounts have been determined for most of them. Administrator McNeilly stated the bonding will provide a stable interest rate.

Construction Department – Extra 2 Hours Review (Secretary) – Mayor Maio stated every six months a review is done to determine if the extra hours are needed in the future. The extra hours are used to process OPRA requests and stay current with permits. This system has been working well and the hours are used only as needed.

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, approval was granted to continue to provide the extra two hours per week for the Construction Secretary as needed.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

TAP Grant – Mayor Maio stated the TAP Grant was discussed earlier in the meeting and no further discussion is needed at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE

Mayor Maio offered the following ordinances for Public Hearing and Final Adoption which were read by title.

Ordinances for Public Hearing and Final Adoption

Click Here to View Ordinances 2019-01, 2019-02 and 2019-03

(2019-01)On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.

Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.

(2019-02) On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.

Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.

(2019-03) On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.

Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.

RESOLUTIONS

Mayor Maio offered the following resolutions which were read by title:

Resolution 047-19 RESOLUTION TO CANCEL GENERAL & WATER CAPITAL BALANCES

WHEREAS, certain Capital Improvement appropriation 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 either Capital Improvement Fund or Surplus or Reserves, and unused debt authorizations and grant receivables may be canceled;

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 and Water Capital Appropriations be canceled:

General Capital Amount Cancelled

Ord. # Project Description Funded Unfunded

2015-06 Landscaping DPW Yard $ 4,457.40

2015-10 Maple Terrace Road Project $25,601.67

2015-14 Improvements to Various Roads $ 4,204.44

To be canceled to Capital Improvement Fund: $ 4,457.40

To cancel debt authorized: $29,806.11

Water Capital Amount Cancelled

Ord. # Project Description Funded Unfunded

2012-19 Preliminary Eng’g – Phase I Water Impr $ 966.70

2014-07 Maple/Mountain Terrace Water Mains $ 5,423.90

2015-13 Lloyd, Lawrence, Reeve Water Improve $ 1,135.35

To be canceled to Reserve for Water Connection Fees: $ 966.70

To cancel debt authorized: $ 5,423.90

To be canceled to Fund Balance: $ 1,135.35

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

Resolution 048-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION RESERVE TRANSFER FOR THE YEAR 2018

WHEREAS, various 2018 bills have been presented for payment this year, which bills were not covered by order number and/or recorded at the time of transfers between the 2018 Budget Appropriations in the last two months of 2018; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-59 provides that all unexpended balances carried forward after the close of the year are available, until lapsed at the close of the succeeding year, to meet specific claims, commitments or contracts incurred during the preceding fiscal year, and allows transfers to be made from unexpended balances which are expected to be insufficient during the first three months of the succeeding year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope that transfers be made in the amount of $236.00 in Current Fund between the 2018 Budget Appropriation Reserves as follows:

CURRENT FUND		From:	To:
Tax Collection – O/E		$ 236.00

	Finance – O/E		$ 236.00
		$ 236.00	$ 236.00

On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

Resolution 049-19 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement and Release Concerning the Mid-American Salt Litigation

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is involved in litigation filed in the United States District Court of New Jersey by Mid-American Salt, LLC (“Mid-American”) entitled Mid-American Salt, LLC v. Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, et al., Docket No. 2:17-cv-04262 (SDW/LSW), which matter is now pending by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, No. 18-2112, concerning an agreement to purchase roadway rock salt during the winter of 2016-17; and

WHEREAS, since the filing of the litigation, the parties have worked to address and amicably resolve the claims asserted in the litigation, and now desire to enter into a Settlement Agreement and Release to resolve this pending litigation; and

WHEREAS, settlement of the litigation presents an opportunity for the Borough to resolve the matter pending between parties, will result in significant cost savings and other benefits to the Borough, will provide certainty regarding the outcome of claims asserted, and serves the interest of the public; and

WHEREAS, without admitting liability or fault in the litigation, the Borough of Stanhope desires to settle the litigation by making a payment of $10,000.00, in full satisfaction of the claim, and execution of a Settlement Agreement and Release.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey as follows:

The Mayor and/or Borough Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to sign a Settlement Agreement and Release on behalf of the Borough, a copy of which is on file in the Borough Clerk’s Office.
The Mayor, Administrator, Clerk, Borough Attorney, and other appropriate officers, employees and professionals, are hereby authorized and directed to prepare, revise and execute any and all documents and undertake any and all acts necessary to effectuate the settlement.

On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

Resolution 050-19 RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE BOROUGH OF NETCONG FOR AN EMERGENCY WATER INTERCONNECTION

WHEREAS, there presently exists an emergency water interconnection between the municipal water systems of the Borough of Stanhope and the Borough of Netcong; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope and the Borough of Netcong have previously entered into an Emergency Water Interconnection Agreement governing the use of the emergency water interconnection between the two municipalities; and

WHEREAS, said Agreement has now expired; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope and the Borough of Netcong wish to enter into a new Emergency Water Interconnection Agreement, setting forth the terms and conditions upon which they intend to utilize the interconnection; and

WHEREAS, shared services are both authorized and encouraged by the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1, et seq., the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Borough of Stanhope to enter into the Shared Services Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Shared Services Agreement – Emergency Water Interconnection Agreement between the Borough of Netcong and the Borough of Stanhope be and the same is hereby approved; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute said Agreement on behalf of the Borough of Stanhope.

On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

Resolution 051-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION RESERVE TRANSFER FOR THE YEAR 2018

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope that transfers be made in the amount of $88.00 in Current Fund between the 2018 Budget Appropriation Reserves as follows:

CURRENT FUND		From:	To:
Police – O/E		$ 88.00

	Vehicle – Police Dept		$ 88.00
		$ 88.00	$ 88.00

On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, 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 – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – 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 052-19 Resolution in Support of Path to Progress Recommendations Made by
New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup

WHEREAS, New Jersey faces a daunting fiscal crisis; and

WHEREAS, for two decades, while county and municipal governments made the proper pension payments, New Jersey governors from both parties severely underfunded the pension system for teachers and State government workers while promising taxpayers that increased pension funding cost was being properly addressed and affordable; and

WHEREAS, while local government pension systems are funded at the national average, the State’s unfunded liability for pensions and retiree health benefits now tops $150 billion – four times the size of the State budget; and

WHEREAS, actuaries project the State will have to increase its pension contribution from $3.2 billion in this year’s budget to $6.7 billion to reach the Actuarially Required Contribution (ARC) by FY 2023; and

WHEREAS, health care costs continue to rise, and New Jersey and its local governments cannot sustain the unparalleled platinum-level benefits that they provide to their employees; and

WHEREAS, municipalities cannot address other major cost drivers, such as career-end sick leave payouts in excess of $100,000, without relief from State government; and

WHEREAS, the State must bring pension and health care costs under control before they crowd out all other important spending needs, such as reinvestment in NJ Transit, making higher education more affordable and properly funding state aid to school districts to hold down property taxes.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of Stanhope expresses its support for the recommendations of the Path to Progress report issued by the New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup, and we hope that state legislature seriously considers the discussion and proposals stated in the Path to Progress and listed at http://pathtoprogressnj.org/proposals/; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon residents of the Borough of Stanhope, the County of Sussex, and the State of New Jersey to write to their legislators showing their support of the proposals in the Path to Progress; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be distributed to Governor Phil Murphy, 24^th District Legislators Senator Steven V. Oroho, Assemblyman Parker Space, Assemblyman Harold J. Wirths, Senate President Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, Senator Paul Sarlo, Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor-Marin, Senator Tony Bucco, Senator Troy Singleton, Senator Dawn Addiego, the New Jersey Association of Counties, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and all Sussex County Municipalities.

Resolution 053-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAXES PAID IN ERROR

WHEREAS, CoreLogic tax service made fourth quarter 2018 tax payments for (5) properties in the total amount of $8,968.86 for the properties listed below; and

WHEREAS, at the tax sale held October 16, 2018 these (5) properties had 2017 delinquent utility charges, were not sold at the sale, and therefore became municipal liens; and

WHEREAS, municipal liens can only be redeemed for the full amount due; and

WHEREAS, the payment received in November was for 4^th quarter taxes only, and did not include the base lien and fees associated with the municipal lien.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to CoreLogic in the amount designated below representing a refund of property taxes:

Block Lot Name & Address Amount

10901 20 Taylor, Thomas A $1,352.71

11010 8 Miranda, Ray A $1,462.92

11204 1 Fahey, Richard E $2,000.47

11301 15 Rachael, Harry T & Michele M $1,612.65

11603 27 Flynn, Robert & Margaret $2,540.11

Total of Refund: $8,968.86

Resolution 054-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE

WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-031 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11701, Lot 13.18, C209A, located at 2009A Stonegate Ln, assessed to Susan E Reed at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,

WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on January 31, 2019 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-031 for cancellation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 055-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE

WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-013 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11102, Lot 13, located at 33 Linden Ave, assessed to Jonathan Kumetz & Alison Zotynia at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,

WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on January 31, 2019 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-013 for cancellation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 056-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE

WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-015 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11204, Lot 1, located at 10 Plane View St, assessed to Richard E Fahey at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,

WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on February 1, 2019 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-015 for cancellation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 057-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE

WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-011 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11010, Lot 8, located at 10 Ridge Rd, assessed to Ray A Miranda at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,

WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on February 5, 2019 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-011 for cancellation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 058-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE

WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-017 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11301, Lot 15, located at 14 Bedford Ave, assessed to Harry T & Michele M Rachel at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,

WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on February 5, 2019 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-017 for cancellation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 059-19 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. 2016-016, representing 2015 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0014, known as 114 Alpine Court, assessed to Estate of Mark J Donnelly, 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: John Lami

307 West Shore Trail

Sparta, New Jersey 07871

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2016-016 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 36,968.38

Premium Paid by Lienholder 16,000.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 36,968.38

Total From Tax Premium Account 16,000.00

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.

Resolution 060-19 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. 2018-023, representing property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0315, known as 16315 Dell Pl, assessed to Laura A. Rodek, 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: Stuart Lasher

P.O. Box 83

Milltown, NJ 08850

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2018-023 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 1,883.70

Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 1,883.70

Total From Tax Premium Account 0.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 061-19 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. 2018-014, representing property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11201, Lot 10, known as 4007 Waterloo Road, assessed to James N & Tracy A Capko, 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: Stuart Lasher

P.O. Box 83

Milltown, NJ 08850

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2018-014 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 1,571.47

Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 1,571.47

Total From Tax Premium Account 0.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

Resolution 062-19 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. 2018-010, representing property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11008, Lot 4, known as 8 Maple Terr, assessed to Brian Lattari, 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: Stuart Lasher

P.O. Box 83

Milltown, NJ 08850

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2018-010 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 2,834.98

Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 2,834.98

Total From Tax Premium Account 0.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.

On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Resolution 063-19 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 February 26, 2019 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

ATTORNEY REPORT

Attorney Ursula Leo stated she had no report.

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.

Nancy Hoyt, Mrs. Hoyt asked where Crestview Street is located. Mayor Maio stated Crestview is across from Grove Road. Mrs. Hoyt stated the shrubs at the corner of Grove Road are obstructing the view for anyone trying to pull out at that intersection in a car. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to inform Code Enforcement regarding the obstructed view at the corner of Grove Road and Brooklyn Road.

Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.

Councilman Riccardi stated he would like to take a moment to recognize Vernon Councilman Dan Kadish who passed away yesterday. Councilman Kadish was very passionate about helping residents of Vernon Township and Sussex County.

CLOSED SESSION

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter-specified subject matter(s).

2. The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:

2 – Personnel
1 – Contract Negotiation

3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter(s) will be made public at the conclusion of each individual specified subject matter.

4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.

The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 8:33 P.M.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:53 P.M. with all present.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

Zoning & Code Enforcement Offical Compensation Time – On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, compensation time was granted to Arlene Fisher, Zoning and Code Enforcement Official.

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes

ADJOURNMENT

On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Approved:

Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk

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Borough of Stanhope