MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
February 8, 2022
6:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor 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 5, 2022 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
Furthermore, notice of the change in the meeting time was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on January 28, 2022 and was placed on the official bulletin board in the Municipal Building and on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
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
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Vance – present (arrived at 6:55pm)
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
2022 BUDGET DISCUSSION
Administrator McNeilly stated at this point, the expenditures have all been reviewed and all the changes, requests, deletions and corrections have been updated. Dana Mooney, CFO, stated new budget pages have been provided to the governing body. The copy of the contract with MSI for accounting software and networking has been provided.
4-a-2 Finance – The wording has been corrected. The CFO title is listed as opposed to using a personal name.
4-c Tax Collector – Line 10514524 Seminars & Conferences has been reduced to one (1) conference for the Tax Collector. A new backup page, 4-c-2, has been provided.
6 Insurance – Insurance rates were received from JIF. Ms. Mooney stated she reviewed all of the health insurance due to the fact there are some new employees. One of the employees will be on a waiver. The State requires this to be budgeted separately. It cannot be included with the health benefits. There are occasions where this waiver status can change during the year.
7-a-2 Police Department – The radios have been moved from the budget and have been placed in the capital budget. Administrator McNeilly stated at a previous meeting it was decided that only one (1) person will attend seminars. The Sargent will not attend. This same decision was made for the finance department as well. Only one attendee shall be budgeted. Ms. Mooney will check to see that the change is made. Administrator McNeilly stated classes for CEU’s will be covered but not additional seminars or conferences.
8-a-1 Road Maintenance – Line 10529026 Tree Trim & Removal has been increased to $12,000.
9-c Board of Health – Line 10534061 Animal Control Services: Cont/Permit/Lic has been increased to $6,500. Ms. Mooney stated most municipalities budget the entire animal control officer costs directly from the animal trust. They do not put it in their budget. However, a certain amount of money needs to be turned back over to the current fund every year. This is due to the fact only a certain amount of money can be made. If the animal control officer was paid from the trust, the rates would have to be raised because the turnover would not cover it. Councilman Romano stated it is his understanding there will be $9,000 in the trust at the end of the year. The Board of Health was concerned about how charges incurred by stray animals would be covered but these costs can be covered through the animal trust.
12-a PERS & PFRS – Ms. Mooney stated the PERS and PFRS figures were previously estimated. The actual figures have been obtained and it turns out the estimate was very close.
12-a-3 PERS & PFRS – Ms. Mooney provided this page which outlines the funds for PERS & PFRS.
13 Grant Expenditures – Line 10700021 Safe & Secure Communities Program – Ms. Mooney stated funds are always being utilized from the year before. The Police Chief received the notice and Ms. Mooney was copied on it, stating the program was being lowered to $16,200. Last year, we still had $30,000. This year is when the deduction is in place. These funds are used for the Police Department salaries. Ms. Mooney stated a little extra has been moved over to salaries because of this deduction. Administrator McNeilly stated a high-level officer has been replaced with an entry level officer which will soften this cost for a little while. Administrator McNeilly stated the grant was originally put in place to enable an additional officer to be hired. Back in the 1990’s when the grant was first provided, it did cover that cost. Now, not only does it not cover the cost, it is being cut in half.
13 Total Expenditure Budget – Ms. Mooney stated the increase for this budget is 0.9%. Administrator McNeilly adamantly stated this is a tentative figure. Ms. Mooney stated this is extremely preliminary. She worked remotely with the Auditors in January to complete the Annual Financial Statement. Ray Sarinelli, Borough Auditor, had his first look at where things are this morning. Ms. Mooney stated she spoke with Mr. Sarinelli this morning and there is good news. The surplus is up more than it has ever been before. The Borough had an unbelievable tax collection year despite the pandemic. The surplus is up approximately $210,000. Funds were put into the reserve for sick and vacation time which needed to be replenished and into the reserve for storms. Ms. Mooney recommends the increase for the storms fund because the number of storms seems to be increasing and after each significant storm, the Borough Engineer has to inspect the catch basins. Last year, the funding ran out due to the number of storms. The Engineer also performs quarterly inspections. The reserve for storms can be used to cover these costs, as well as items like salt and tree removal. The surplus at this time totals $2,124,000 which is higher than it has been in quite some time. The water funds are up which is surprising because the Borough could not collect interest on water due to State regulations. Administrator McNeilly asked Ms. Mooney if she knows what the loss of revenue is due to the fact interest has not been permitted to be collected. Ms. Mooney stated even in 2019 the Borough did not take in what was anticipated. We anticipated approximately $8,000 in interest and collected $6,700. Some years the collection has been higher than the anticipated amount. Ms. Mooney stated the interest collection for water stopped in October of 2020 and has continued to date. The tax collection rate was 99% in 2020. Revenues were received for water/sewer connection fees which offset the anticipated interest. Ms. Mooney explained the activity in the accounts for last year. The water account had a positive balance this past year due to the connection fees.
Ms. Mooney stated the sewer account recouped a lot. The Borough Auditor is of the opinion the water and sewer rates can stay as they are. No changes need to be made. The sewer connection fees collected totaled $212,729. The Borough Auditor has recommended taking $197,800, which is the deposit the Borough received from Byram Township and the subsequent payment received for the sale. Ms. Mooney stated the Borough Auditor explained to her, that just like what is done with the current fund for the sale of municipal assets, the funds can be placed in there and it sits on the general ledger. Administrator McNeilly stated the funds can only be used for sewer utility costs. Currently, there is debt on the sewer utility. Ms. Mooney stated she has not as yet provided the governing body with the water and sewer budgets. They are still being worked on.
Current Fund Budget – Administrator McNeilly asked what the total was for the funds remaining from the 2020 budget. Ms. Mooney stated, at the end of 2020, approximately $578,000 was upspoken for. The total unutilized was $492,000 which will roll back in. At the end of 2019, the amount of $222,000 was cancelled. Administrator McNeilly stated the $222,000 is the usual amount each year. In 2020, the amount of $262,000 was the remaining amount from the 2019 budget. The amount cancelled is always from the prior year. Administrator McNeilly stated the remainder from 2020 is approximately $270,000 higher than usual. The extra funds provide for a moment in time to fund certain specific things. These are the type of items the CFO and the Borough Auditor have been discussing, such as adding funds to the sick and vacation time etc. Ms. Mooney stated it is predicted that in the next two to three years there will be an increase in the number of tax appeals on the commercial properties. Administrator McNeilly stated the recommendation from the CFO and Borough Auditor is to make sure the reserve fund has a sufficient amount of money in it. If the property owners win the tax appeal, the Borough pays it back. Additional funds can also be put toward debt service which might be getting close to the ten-year mark. Ms. Mooney stated page 3 of the Current Fund Budget Revenues 2022 has remained relatively the same as last year. This has been reviewed with the Borough Auditor. The amount of surplus used has been increased by $18,000. Delinquents were down to $191,000 last year. The budget amount for 2022 is $5,065,113.82. The reserve fund collected has remained at the same amount. The synopsis for 2021 states the surplus amount started out at $1,713,085.41. The total amount used was $832,000. The amount regenerated was $1,242,915.00. At this point the budget itself says it is at an increase of -2.77%. This is a negative because the American Rescue Plan grant money had to be included, which was a large amount, and it skews everything. The budget is not really decreasing. The actual budget has a .9% increase. Administrator McNeilly reminded the governing body this is still a living a document, it is not finalized. The Municipal Levy has an increase of $64,212. The budget increase of $144,516.67 is what should be focused on. Ms. Mooney stated the figures on this page do not match the figures in the budget book due to the various grants which show up differently throughout the year. The municipal increase is .022 and the levy increase, which the governing body tries to keep under 2% each year, is at 1.79%. The average household this year is at $193,464 which will see a $41.04 increase in their taxes as of this time. Ms. Mooney stated the note principal is at $400,000 and she recommends increasing the surplus and this amount as well to offset the debt service. Administrator McNeilly stated $18,000 of non-recurring revenue is being used.
Capital Program – Ms. Mooney stated she has not spoken with the Borough Engineer to confirm that all the engineering costs have been accounted for in the Capital Budget to date. The Capital Budget includes the police department radio upgrades, the quote for two additional portable speed signs and an estimate of $85,000 plus 5% for the cost of a new leaf trailer. The infrastructure items listed have been discussed during multiple meetings with the Borough Engineer since October. They are the resurfacing of Valley Road and Delaware Avenue which will include milling and paving, some driveway replacement, curb and sidewalk replacement as needed, striping, signage and castings for the catch basins. The Engineer’s estimate is $283,768.94. The Borough received a grant in the amount of $181,200. The Borough’s portion of the project is $128,000 plus 5% for a total of $153,600. This project has to be completed this year. All the materials needed for the water connections on Valley Road and Delaware Avenue are already paid for and are in house. Administrator McNeilly stated the other two projects, Elizabeth Avenue resurface and Lenape Drive and Woods Avenue resurfacing are subject for discussion. Information was previously provided at an infrastructure meeting and at two engineer report meetings between November and now. These are Borough costs as there are no grants for these projects. The Elizabeth Avenue project is $95,500 plus 5% and the Lenape Drive and Woods Avenue project cost is $118,500 plus 5%. Administrator McNeilly stated the last project is for the Shade Tree Commission trees which total $9,000 plus $500. The total amount to be bonded for all these projects would be $444,173. Lenape Drive and Woods Avenue could wait until next year. Mayor Zdichocki stated holding off may be beneficial if gas lines are going to be run. Councilman Thornton stated he was informed that there is a freezing issue with a section of Elizabeth Avenue. Administrator McNeilly stated he will look into the issue. The grant awarded this year, for next year, is for Spencer Street and Sagamore Road. Administrator McNeilly stated now that the crisis road projects have been completed it is time to keep the existing roads from getting to a crisis level. The governing body agreed to remove the Lenape Drive and Woods Avenue project from the 2022 budget.
Water System Upgrades/Replacements – Administrator McNeilly stated the replacement of the water saddles on the water main for Valley Road and Delaware Avenue will be done by the Stanhope DPW. The Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road, Overhill Road and Mountain View Road water main replacement has an estimate of $613,000, without blacktop. This will have trench repair only. This neighborhood has 4-inch undersized water mains and no access to fire hydrants. The existing water mains would be replaced with 8-inch mains. This will be a smaller version of what was done for Lloyd Avenue, Lawrence Avenue and Reeves Avenue. The areas of Roberts Place, Overhill Road and Spring Lane all had new blacktop put down due to the fact it was determined the 4-inch mains in those areas are adequate. The resurfacing of the road could be budgeted for the following year. It is best to wait and let everything settle before resurfacing. In previous discussions, it was suggested to use the American Recovery Act funds of $234,000 to offset these costs. Administrator McNeilly stated he and Mayor Zdichocki have spoken with Congresswoman Sherrill who has stated there will be Congressional Direct Spending available. The Borough has requested $250,000 from that program to add to the $234,000. The Borough received notice that our request moved from the Congresswoman’s desk to the House of Representatives Subcommittee, which then moved it to the Senate Subcommittee. At that point, Senator Booker’s office asked us to provide the actual cost of the entire project. Administrator McNeilly replied back by email stating the estimate was $700,000 which included the cost of the blacktop. Mayor Zdichocki stated she spoke with representatives today and they are postponing their budget until March 1st but they are very certain that the Borough’s project will be included and will pass with the budget. Administrator McNeilly stated he has spoken with Ed Farmer from Millennium Strategies, who previously worked in the congressional office, and he is of the opinion this will be passed. The project is listed under the environmental protection section which is sacred ground. The project has ended up being sponsored by Senator Menendez. If the figure holds, it will be $677,000. When and if the Borough will receive the funding is still unknown at this time. Unfortunately, there is a construction window that has to be followed and the project will have to go out to bid. All of that would need to have taken place by September 1st if paving is to be completed. If the funding is awarded, the $234,000 can be put toward a different project. Administrator McNeilly stated at this time there are no suggestions for other projects.
Ms. Mooney stated the Borough Auditor has informed her that the Borough can put a temporary capital budget in place now, prior to the formal budget being approved, if there are projects which need to get underway. Administrator McNeilly stated if the funding becomes available by May, the saddles on Valley Road and Delaware Avenue should be completed by that time which would allow the Borough Engineer to contact the co-op immediately for milling and paving. The catch basins on Elizabeth Avenue will also be completed and will then be ready for milling and paving. The water project is the area of concern. Capital not being available until July 1st is not the right time to be doing a project. Ms. Mooney stated the smaller projects, which are self-funded, can move forward as those funds are available. Administrator McNeilly stated those projects include the radios, the speed signs and the trees. Administrator McNeilly stated Lenape Drive and Woods Avenue will be removed from this year’s budget. There is no sewer capital this year.
Administrator McNeilly stated the Business Meeting in February and the Work Session/Agenda Meeting in March will be the last two meetings to work on the budget. The target date for the budget introduction would then be March 22nd with the public hearing and final adoption to take place on April 26th. Councilwoman Kuncken asked what information still needs to be provided. Ms. Mooney stated the water and sewer budgets. The governing body needs to determine the debt service amount but that figure will not affect the budget if the surplus is being used. Ms. Mooney suggested at a minimum the amount should be $400,000, more would be better. Ms. Mooney will prepare an analysis. Administrator McNeilly stated salaries need to be finalized as well. Everything needs to be in place so the transition, from when Ms. Mooney retires and her replacement is hired, will go smoothly. Administrator McNeilly asked Ms. Mooney to attend the next Mayor and Council meeting in two weeks. The Mayor and Council thanked Ms. Mooney for attending this evenings meeting.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Surplus Equipment Sale – Mayor Zdichocki asked if any of the surplus equipment has been sold. Administrator McNeilly stated a few items were sold and the Borough has collected approximately $900.00. There is also the opportunity to sell more sewer.
2021 Condo Services – Administrator McNeilly stated the raw data has been received from the DPW Superintendent and the 2021 reimbursement report will be prepared. This will then be sent to the Borough Attorney for review and then to the condo association attorneys. There have been no increases in the solid waste or recycling agreements therefore, the resolutions should remain the same as last time.
Water Project – Administrator McNeilly stated the water project for Sunset Lane, Ridge Road, Overhill Road and Mountain View Road has some preliminary costs from the resident Engineer. Administrator McNeilly asked if the governing body would like to have the project, not only bid out for construction, but should the project be RFP’d for engineering. Councilwoman Kuncken stated when the big water project was undertaken, the governing body realized it was not the run of the mill type of project and an engineer with experience was needed. Councilwoman Kuncken is of the opinion an engineer should be hired to oversee the project. The governing body agreed. Administrator McNeilly stated this project will have a surface water system for the duration of the project. The existing trench will have to be utilized. This system was used on Sparta Road from Lenape Drive North to Smith Street which worked well. Administrator McNeilly will work with the Borough Attorney to prepare an RFP. A comparison can be done with the Borough Engineer’s estimate and outside agencies. This is a small neighborhood and it will have some challenges.
Street Excavation Ordinance – Administrator McNeilly stated the Street Excavation Ordinance will be on the February 22nd agenda for the first reading.
Hopatcong Shared Court and Hopatcong Animal Control Resolutions – Administrator McNeilly stated the resolutions for the Shared Court with Hopatcong Borough and the Animal Control Services will be on the February 22nd agenda.
Budget – Administrator McNeilly stated the target date for the 2022 Budget Introduction is March 22nd. The second reading and public hearing for the budget will be April 26th.
February 22nd Meeting – Administrator McNeilly stated there will be two closed session items on February 22nd. One for real property and one for personnel. This will be a late closed session. Mayor Zdichocki asked the Clerk to advertise a 6:00pm start time to discuss the budget for the February 22nd meeting with the closed session at the end of the meeting.
Lawrence Avenue Road Issue – Councilman Riccardi asked who is responsible for the chunk of road which is missing on Lawrence Avenue. Administrator McNeilly stated there was a sewer blockage and the pipe separated. The area will be paved in the spring. At this time, it has just been filled in. Councilman Riccardi asked if more material can be brought in. Some of it has washed away. Administrator McNeilly stated he will follow up with the DPW Superintendent.
WORK SESSION
Cannabis Ordinance
Mayor Zdichocki stated the governing body had agreed to readdress the cannabis ordinance once more information has been received. More information has been provided. Mayor Zdichocki asked if anyone on the governing body had any comments. Councilman Wronko stated guidelines have been provided for the towns but the State still has not rolled out the licensing. Mayor Zdichocki stated there are six people who have applied for licensing in Sussex County. The State seems to be leaving rules up to the municipalities. Councilman Romano stated at this time he is of the opinion the Borough should not change their decision. Mayor Zdichocki stated people will be traveling through the Borough to get to other municipalities which have approved the use. Mayor Zdichocki is of the opinion the Borough should permit the use and would therefore be able to set the guidelines. Councilman Vance stated he is still a hard no. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she is still opposed. The statistics supposedly state that 70% of the people in the Borough voted for this but that is 70% of the voters, not 70% of the population in the Borough. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she voted to decriminalize the use of marijuana but she did not realize that could mean that a retail business could be established within the Borough of Stanhope and she wonders how many other voters thought the same. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she does not see any? benefit to permitting the use in the Borough. Councilman Wronko stated he is of the opinion additional funding could help the Borough and perhaps a survey of the residents should be conducted. Councilman Vance stated an option would be to have a town-wide meeting. Councilman Thornton stated for as often as the issue has been in the newspaper, he has not had any residents approach him regarding the issue and he does not see a benefit for the Borough. There was one person from Denville who attended our meeting to ask if we approved. Councilwoman Kuncken stated residents are not prohibited from purchasing marijuana, having it in their homes or from having it delivered to their homes. Mayor Zdichocki stated two businesses have contacted the Borough to inquire if the use was going to be permitted. Councilman Thornton stated those people should attend a meeting and present their case. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough has very few locations which could meet the requirements for a retail business with regard to access, security and parking. Mayor Zdichocki stated the subject will be tabled for now.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title.
Resolution 044-22 Resolution Authorizing Compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183 requires the governing body of each municipality and county to certify that their local unit’s hiring practices comply with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s “Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., (April 25, 2012) before submitting its approved annual budget to the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; and
WHEREAS, the members of the governing body have familiarized themselves with the contents of the above-referenced enforcement guidance and with their local unit’s hiring practices as they pertain to the consideration of an individual’s criminal history, as evidenced by the group affidavit form of the governing body attached hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Borough of Stanhope hereby states that it has complied with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5, as amended by P.L. 2017, c.183, by certifying that the local unit’s hiring practices comply with the above-referenced enforcement guidance and hereby directs the Clerk to cause to be maintained and available for inspection a certified copy of this resolution and the required affidavit to show evidence of said compliance.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – 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 054-22 AUTHORIZE SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SUSSEX COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE PROVISION OF CERTIFIED RECYCLING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO CERTIFY AND SUBMIT THE 2021 RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT TO NJDEP
WHEREAS, New Jersey’s Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) requires that reports or other recycling-related documents be signed/certified by a Certified Recycling Professional (CRP); and
WHEREAS, the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act (N.J.S.A 40A:65-1, et, seq.) (hereinafter, “the Act”) provides that local units of government may enter into a contract to provide or receive any service that either local unit participating in the Agreement is empowered to provide or receive within its own jurisdiction, including services incidental to the primary purposes of any of the participating units (N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4); and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope will prepare the 2021 Recycling Tonnage Report; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has requested the services of the SCMUA in the form of the District Recycling Coordinator as a Certified Recycling Professional to certify and submit the required 2020 Borough of Stanhope Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP by April 30, 2022; and
WHEREAS, SCMUA has the qualified staff to certify the Recycling Tonnage Report prepared by the Borough of Stanhope and electronically submit it to NJDEP on behalf of the Borough of Stanhope under the terms and conditions set for in the Shared Services Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, and the State of New Jersey as follows:
- The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the Shared Services Agreement with SCMUA, for the provision of a Certified Recycling Professional Services to certify and submit the 2021 Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Resolution 055-22 RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, RELATED TO A PEDESTRIAN WARNING BEACON SYSTEMS AT: INTERSECTION OF CR602 AND MAPLE TERRACE, AND +/- 156 FEET SOUTH OF LLOYD AVENUE
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope and the County of Sussex have decided to work collectively towards the enhancement of pedestrian safety; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope and the County of Sussex have determined that it would be mutually beneficial to enter into a Shared Services Agreement, related to a Pedestrian Warning Beacon System for the crossing of County Route 602, a.k.a. Brooklyn-Stanhope Road, along +/- milepost 0.37and and a crossing located at +/- 156 South of Lloyd Avenue, along +/- milepost 1.24; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope desires to enter into a Shared Services Agreement with the County of Sussex for the installation and maintenance of the Pedestrian Warning Beacon Systems; and
WHEREAS, the parties have the authority to enter into a contract for the joint provision of the services pursuant to N.J.S.A 40A:65-1, et seq.
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 Borough Administrator are hereby authorized to execute this Shared Services Agreement between the Borough of Stanhope and the County of Sussex, New Jersey.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution shall be forwarded to Gregory V. Poff II, Administrator, County of Sussex, and to the Division of Local Government Services and Department of Community Affairs.
Resolution 056-22 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE GRANTING APPROVAL TO THE AMERICAN LEGION, MUSCONETCONG POST 278 TO CONDUCT A PARADE ON MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2022
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope received a request from the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 to conduct their annual Memorial Day Parade through the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, said parade is scheduled for Monday, May 30, 2022 to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the College Road School in Netcong and end at the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 on Route 183 in Stanhope.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, hereby grants approval to the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 to hold a parade on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2022 to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the College Road School in Netcong and end at the American Legion, Musconetcong Post 278 on Route 183 in Stanhope.
Resolution 057-22 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE
WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-019 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0083, located at 583 Dell Place, assessed to Michael J Jones at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,
WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on February 2, 2022 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 #2018-019 for cancellation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
Resolution 058-22 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A TAXICAB LICENSE TO STANHOPE LIMO 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, Stanhope Limo LLC, operating at 249 Route 206, Stanhope has applied to the Borough Clerk for a taxicab license and has complied with all the provisions of Chapter 126; and
WHEREAS, the following vehicle is to be operated by Jorge Ardon within the Borough of Stanhope:
Vehicle #1 – 2005 Honda, Odyssey VIN # 5FNRL38685B102759; 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 2022, said taxicab license to operate expiring at midnight December 31, 2022.
Resolution 059-22 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. 2020-001, representing 2019 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10615, Lot 2, known as 3 Coursen St, assessed to Gorth, Daniel & Richard H Gorth, 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: Pro Cap 8, LLC.
US Bank Cust for Pro Cap 8
50 South 16th St, Suite 2050
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2020-001 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 4,669.47
Premium Paid by Lienholder 200.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 4,669.47
Total From Tax Premium Account 200.00
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 060-22 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. 2020-015, representing property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2, C0171, known as 10171 Dell Pl, assessed to Mitchell Kriegsfeld, 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: M & P Retirement Plan
P.O. Box 2051
Morristown, NJ 07962-2051
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2020-015 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 6,102.59
Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,500.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 6,102.59
Total From Tax Premium Account 1,500.00
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 Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 061-22 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 8, 2022 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
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for February 22, 2022 were approved.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki 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 Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
Approved: Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk