MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND
AGENDA MEETING
January 10, 2017
7:00 P.M.

Click Here To View/Print 1-10-17 WS Agenda Minutes

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 4, 2017 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.

In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 11:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place within ten (10) days of this meeting. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.

ROLL CALL

Council Members:

Councilman Depew – present
Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – absent

Mayor Maio – present

Moment of Silence – Mayor Maio extended the Governing Body’s condolences and prayers to the family of Dominick Cecere, a young man, who died yesterday in a tragic accident. Mayor Maio asked for a moment of silence and prayers.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

NJDOT Local Aid Grant Application – Mayor Maio invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, to come forward to give his report. Mr. Keller stated the Local Aid Application is due February 3^rd and must be submitted through the Department of Transportation SAGE process. The Borough has not been successful in obtaining grants over the past few years through this program. Mr. Keller stated more funds are available now and he is hopeful that with the right project the Borough will be able to obtain a grant. The last grant the Borough received was for James Street. Mr. Keller stated prior to the December meeting he provided the Administrator with a preliminary report. Many of the streets important to the Borough lead to the school but they have not been chosen to receive the grants because they do not have a great amount of traffic. Last year Oak Drive was submitted for consideration and it was not chosen. Some of the streets need water main replacements to be completed prior to improving the roads; Young Drive, Maryann Terrace, Roberts Place, Lakeview Terrace and the Ridge Road and Overhill Road neighborhood.

Sparta Road has been considered in the past. Sparta Road was patched when the water main replacements were done. A TAP Grant application has been submitted for streetscape improvements and lighting. An application has also been submitted for the crosswalks, through the Safe Routes to School Program. Mr. Keller stated Sparta Road, due to the fact it effectively acts as a County road connecting Brooklyn Road to where is becomes Route 605 at the Byram Township line, is a very heavily traveled road, the pavement is coming apart and it has been a long time since work was done. This section of Sparta Road is just over 3,000 feet from the K-07 Bridge to Brooklyn Road. The stormwater requirements mandate the inlet heads be replaced with eco castings. The sanitary rims would be replaced and wraps would be installed to keep the infiltration from getting in along the tops. ADA compliant ramps would be required. The current ramps do not have detectable warnings. The project cost estimate is $305,000. The Borough would request between 75% – 90% of the contract amount. The State requires a local match and for this project the match would be 10%. The Municipal Aid request limit is $350,000.

Mr. Keller stated another project under consideration is Musconetcong Avenue. This project would include the area from Route 183, past Lake Street, Hill Road, past the park and around to where the curbing ends. This is where the prior project was done 18-20 years ago. The length of road is approximately 3,200 feet and the road is narrower. This project would also include the drainage, sanitary and sidewalk improvements which would complete this neighborhood. The cost estimate is $250,000. The Borough would have a 10% match and the grant request would be for $225,000 which is 90%. The volumes are lower but this is a link to the train station in Netcong and the park. This year’s budget will include McKinley Street and Linden Avenue which would complete this area. Mr. Keller is of the opinion this option would be rated highly by NJDOT due to the location and connections. However, it does not have the volume that Sparta Road has.

Administrator McNeilly stated Sparta Road is an excellent candidate for this grant. If this project is submitted this year and it is successful, then Musconetcong Avenue should be submitted the following year. Much discussion took place regarding the benefits of having improvements done to Sparta Road. Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body if there were any objections to move forward with the Sparta Road project as the grant submission. There were no objections. Mr. Keller stated he will gather the information necessary for the grant submission. Mayor Maio stated Millennium Strategies needs to be involved as well. Administrator McNeilly stated a resolution will be prepared for the January 24^th meeting.

Water System Improvements – Mr. Keller stated, as a result of discussions with Administrator McNeilly and Mayor Maio, he was asked to combine and provide an estimate for the primary water main replacement projects which remain in order to upgrade the existing water main distribution system. These projects include the replacement of the remaining four inch water mains and the replacement of transit mains in Pennington Woods. These have been identified in prior capital budget reviews but have not been summarized in a single package which could be considered for a future NJEIT program. Roberts/Lakeview and Sunset/Ridge are the two remaining areas which have four inch mains. The NJDEP has stated several times over the past few years that these lines need to be replaced. Mayor Maio stated the agreement with the developer for Baker Place has not been upheld and the responsibility is going to fall back to the Borough. Mr. Keller stated there was a gate valve installed outside of the roadway when the water main work was done on Brooklyn Road which will provide for the work to be done at Baker Place without having to go out into Brooklyn Road. Mr. Keller stated Young Drive and Maryann Terrace are additional areas the Borough has been discussing for several years. The combined estimate of the four projects with contingencies amounts to approximately $1,400,000. Mayor Maio stated she feels strongly that the Borough should go back to the infrastructure trust. The previous water project, which was approximately three years ago, was successful and it was done without any financial burden to the tax payers. Mayor Maio stated in her opinion the Borough should consider obtaining another low cost loan and work with the utilities, as was done in the past. This water project is beyond the scope of what the Borough can do through the capital budget. Administrator McNeilly stated this would require working closely with Mr. Sarinelli, Borough Auditor, and Mr. Beinfield, Bond Attorney. This project would remove the final pieces of the aged system. Mayor Maio stated the Borough would be done with the water infrastructure projects for the next 70 years at least. This is a definite benefit to the residents. Mayor Maio stated this issue will not be put into a committee. The last project was discussed with the full council at all times and worked well. Mayor Maio stated discussion will need to take place with Mr. Sarinelli, Mr. Beinfield and Mr. Purcell, even though he is retired. Administrator McNeilly stated if the project is over a million dollars a bond rating is required, at a cost to the Borough, unless the project can be trimmed down. Administrator McNeilly stated NJEIT informed the Borough, after the last project was completed, they would be happy to work with us again in the future.

Main Street Lighting – Mr. Keller stated the Main Street Lighting project reached completion on December 19^th. The twelve week order time turned out to take only a month. Mayor Maio stated the contractors were great. They worked in freezing cold weather and rain to install the lights. Administrator McNeilly stated site remediation will be required when the weather permits. Mr. Keller stated the contractor is aware of this and a bond is in place.

Route 183/206 Sidewalk Project – Mr. Keller stated he spoke with the Local Aid Office last week and they indicated they will extend the grant funding for this project. This request for a grant extension will be filed by Local Aid once the Borough has bid the project and is ready to award the contract. Mr. Keller stated the Borough has obtained temporary construction easements with the three affected property owners. The easements will be filed once the project gets closer to an award date. The plans have been refiled with the NJDOT to address various changes that were requested by the department. A project information meeting will be scheduled with the affected property owners to discuss the various improvements along their properties. Mayor Maio asked when the public meeting will be scheduled. Mr. Keller stated once the final comments are received from the Local Aid Office the public meeting can be scheduled. The comments should be received this week. Mayor Maio asked when the Borough can go to bid. Mr. Keller stated as far as Local Aid is concerned, the Borough can go to bid as soon as they sign off on the project and we have the permits. When everything is in place and the low bidder has been determined, Local Aid will go to Trenton with the package for approval. The Borough cannot award the contract until Local Aid gives their approval. Administrator McNeilly stated the Clerk’s Office will have to be instructed when to file the temporary construction easements. Administrator McNeilly stated Mr. Stein advised waiting to file the easements until it is certain the project is approved. Mayor Maio stated the project needs to move forward now that Local Aid has stated the funding is going to be available. Administrator McNeilly stated at this time NJDOT is the only limiting factor. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to continue to monitor this project.

Route 206 Access Level Classification – Mr. Keller stated an email was received stating the speed study is still scheduled to be done this month. The study will then have to be analyzed which will not occur until February.

Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Keller for attending this evening’s meeting.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Energy Aggregation – Administrator McNeilly stated the residents of the Borough have received the paperwork outlining the Sussex Warren Co-op. The Deputy Clerk is doing a great job of fielding phone calls and the information is on the Borough website. The community outreach meeting will be conducted by Concord Energy on Thursday, January 26^th, at 2:00PM and 5:30PM. Residents on a budget have also received the paperwork and are eligible to participate in this program. Mayor Maio stated residents labeled by JCP&L as “all electric homes with on-peak and off-peak usage” did not receive paperwork.

Fire Department Bucket Drop – Administrator McNeilly stated Mr. Stein has sent information regarding the Fire Department bucket drop. Changes to the ordinance will be required in order to move forward. Administrator McNeilly asked the Governing Body to review the information for discussion at the end of the month. The Governing Body and the Police Chief will have to make a determination. Mayor Maio stated the other option is to ask the Fire Department to move the bucket drop from the State road to a Borough road. Moving the bucket drop to a Borough road would allow the Fire Department to conduct the event just as they have in the past. Administrator McNeilly stated it appears the State is trying to make the municipalities responsible. The bucket drops are benefiting the non-profit portion of the Fire Department, not the municipality. In the event that something goes wrong, the Fire Department does carry insurance. The State wants a government entity between the Fire Department and the State. Administrator McNeilly stated he checked with JIF to see if there was a best practice statement. The JIF would only cover the workmen’s compensation portion. Mayor Maio stated the Police Chief’s position, which is not positive, must also be taken into consideration. Administrator McNeilly stated it may be beneficial to have the Police Chief attend a meeting to discuss the issue. The paperwork states the Police Chief is responsible for monitoring the safety of the bucket drop at all times. Mayor Maio asked if an officer would have to be stationed on site. This issue needs to be reviewed as soon as possible in order to let the Fire Department know the decision. The bucket drop is held in July.

WORK SESSION

2017 Municipal Budget – Mayor Maio stated due to the absence of three members of the Council, this topic is not going to be discussed this evening. The budget preparation is ahead of schedule. There are only one or two items left for discussion along with the capital budget. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to ask the CFO to distribute the capital budget documents as soon as possible. The budget discussion will be placed on the next meeting agenda. Mayor Maio asked the Borough Clerk to change the meeting start time to 6:00 P.M. and advertise the change.

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTIONS

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

Resolution 032-17
SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION WITH

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope wishes to apply for funding of approximately $30,000 with a match of $103,616 for an approximate project total cost of $133,616 for a project under the State of New Jersey Safe and Secure Communities Program; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope have reviewed the accompanying application and have approved said request; and

WHEREAS, the project is a joint effort between the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Borough of Stanhope for the purpose described in the application;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that:

As a matter of public policy Stanhope Borough wishes to participate to the fullest extent possible with the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The Attorney General of New Jersey will receive funds on behalf of the applicant.
The Division of Criminal Justice shall be responsible for the receipt and review of the applications for said funds.
The Division of Criminal Justice shall initiate allocations to each applicant as authorized by law.

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:

Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton –yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – absent

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 033-17
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE RA-624

WHEREAS the following Raffle Application with required fees has been submitted for Mayor and Council approval;

Raffle # Applicant Date Type of Game

RA-624 American Legion Post #278 8/13/2016 Instant Raffle

Musconetcong through

8/15/2017

and;

WHEREAS said Raffle Application has been provided to the Mayor, Council and Police Department for their review;

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

The appropriate officials are hereby authorized to execute the findings and determination for the above application and shall forward same to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) for review.
That the above license shall be issued pending LGCCC approval, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13.1 et seq.

Resolution 034-17
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. 2016-003, representing 2015 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10903, Lot 12, known as 6 Hickory Drive, assessed to Federal National Mortgage Assoc, 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: US Bank Cust for Actlien Holding Inc.

50 South 16^th Street, Suite 2050

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2016-003 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 1,420.54

Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 1,420.54

Total From Tax Premium Account 0.00

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.

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

Resolution 035-17
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. 2015-004, representing 2014 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10607, Lot 1, known as 14 Lakeview Terrace, assessed to Dorette C Flood, 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: US Bank Cust for Pro Cap 4 & CRDTRS

50 South 16^th St, Suite 2050

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2015-004 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 1,244.10

Premium Paid by Lienholder 900.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 1,244.10

Total From Tax Premium Account 900.00

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

Resolution 036-17
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. 2014-035, representing 2013 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11701, Lot 7 known as 265 US Highway 206, assessed to Salvatore Corvino, 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: Ridgeback Ventures LLC

P.O. Box 503

Mount Freedom, NJ 07970

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2014-035 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 4,912.17

Premium Paid by Lienholder 500.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 4,912.17

Total From Tax Premium Account 500.00

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

Resolution 037-17
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. 2016-008, representing 2015 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11103, Lot 22, known as 25A + 25B State Route 183, assessed to Carmine J Todaro, 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: US Bank Cust for BV001 Trust & Creditors

50 S. 16^th Street, Suite 1950

Philadelphia, PA 19102-2513

Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2016-008 and

Interest to Date of Meeting $ 10,173.53

Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,300.00

Total From Current Fund: $ 10,173.53

Total From Tax Premium Account 1,300.00

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

Resolution 038-17
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JANUARY 2017 AS
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s public schools serve approximately 1.4 million children from pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade; and

WHEREAS, the direction of public education in New Jersey is charted locally by individual school boards, whose 5,000 members serve as advocates for public education as they work with administrators, teachers, parents and local residents; and

WHEREAS, Boards of Education provide accountability to the public, they communicate the needs of the school district to the community, and they convey to school administrators the public’s expectations for the school district; and

WHEREAS, School Board members receive no remuneration for their services; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope are justly proud of the academic, athletic and social achievements of the students in our community; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey School Boards Association has declared January 2017 to be School Board Recognition Month, a time when all residents can acknowledge the contributions made by our local school board members;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby commend the service of the Lenape Valley Regional High School Board of Education and its members to our community and its children;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope recognizes January 2017 as SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH in the Borough of Stanhope, and urges all citizens to join in recognizing the dedication of local school board members, past and present, as we work together to advance educational opportunities for our children.

Resolution 039-17
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JANUARY 2017 AS
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s public schools serve approximately 1.4 million children from pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade; and

WHEREAS, School Board members receive no remuneration for their services; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope are justly proud of the academic, athletic and social achievements of the students in our community; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby commend the service of the Stanhope Public School District Board of Education and its members to our community and its children;

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

Roll Call:

Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – absent

Mayor’s Acceptance of Resignation

Resolution 040-17
MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF PATRICIA ZDICHOCKI FROM THE STANHOPE RECREATION COMMISSION WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of Patricia Zdichocki’s resignation as an appointed member on the Recreation Commission, effective January 4, 2017.

On motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Resolution 041-17
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 January 10, 2017 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.

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

Roll Call:

Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – absent

AGENDA ITEMS

All items listed on the Agenda for January 24, 2017 were approved.

CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD

Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.

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

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:

1 – Contract Union Negotiations

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 Councilman Depew, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.

The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:30 P.M.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 7:42P.M. with all present.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 P.M.

Approved:
Linda Chirip,
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk

MAYOR AND COUNCIL WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING January 10, 2017 7:00 P.M.

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Borough of Stanhope

MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND
AGENDA MEETING
January 10, 2017
7:00 P.M.