MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
January 23, 2018
6:00 P.M.
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PROCLAMATION
Mayor Maio read the proclamation commemorating Stanhope Borough School Choice Week.
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 3, 2018 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 January 16, 2018 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:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Mayor Maio – present
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 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 6:02 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 6:50 P.M. with all present.
ELECTION OF TEMPORARY COUNCIL MEMBER
Mayor Maio stated the Democratic Committee submitted the names of three individuals for consideration to fill the temporary council member position. The names submitted are as follows: Anthony J. Riccardi, Lindsay Campbell and Ruth Najemian. Mayor Maio opened nominations for the temporary council member position.
On motion by Councilman Romano and seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, Anthony Riccardi was nominated for the temporary council member position. On motion by Councilman Romano and seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken nominations were closed. Anthony Riccardi was unanimously elected as temporary council member as per the following roll call vote.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
OATH OF OFFICE
Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, administered the Oath of Office to Anthony J. Riccardi as Councilman for Stanhope Borough. The Mayor and Council congratulated Councilman Riccardi as he took his seat at the dais.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
2018 Municipal Budget – Mayor Maio stated at the last meeting discussion ended with Section 6. Section 7 will be held for future discussion.
Administrator McNeilly provided updated information for the following sections:
4-a Financial Salaries – Administrator McNeilly stated the current figures have been put in place by the CFO as place holders.
4-a Payroll Companies – Administrator McNeilly read the reply from the CFO with regard to whether or not quotes have been obtained from other payroll companies. “I have not done so lately since I have a lot of experience with other companies and this one is the most reliable and accurate. They specialize in municipalities and schools, so they understand our pension laws and other practices particular to government.” Administrator McNeilly stated the CFO will obtain quotes if the Governing Body desires to do so. If a change in the company is to be made, the change should not take place until 2019. The Governing Body asked that the CFO obtain quotes to review payroll services for 2019.
4-b Computer Svcs: New Equipment – Administrator McNeilly stated line 10514025 includes replacement computer equipment this year for the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and one of the Finance Office computers. Also included is a software update for the Department of Public Works Water Department.
5-a Borough Planner – Administrator McNeilly stated line 10516523 has been reduced from $8,000 to $4,000.
6-a Health Insurance – Administrator McNeilly stated the CFO has informed him the Health Insurance figures have not been finalized.
5-a Legal COAH – Administrator McNeilly stated he spoke with the Borough Attorney with regard to the COAH issue being settled and asked what funds might be required. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough Attorney informed him she does not anticipate additional substantial legal costs. The Governing Body asked that $1,000 remain for line 10515524 COAH and $5,000 be moved to line 10515523 Litigation.
4-d Tax Assessment – Administrator McNeilly stated he spoke with the Tax Assessor regarding line 10515099 Tax Map Updates. The Tax Assessor provided the following response: “I update tax maps as needed. I collect deed of easements, subdivisions, mergers, etc. and once I have a hand full of changes to be made, I send those to our map engineer for updating. Over the past few years, I have only had one deed of easement. I do not like to spend the money for updates and map copies for only one change. If something more substantial arises I will send those changes out at the end of the calendar year.”
New Budget Discussion:
8-a Road Maintenance – Mayor Maio stated the final budget for 2017 was $87,700. The budget amount requested for 2018 is $88,375. The only change in this budget is due to line 10529081 Training. Administrator McNeilly stated the training is for the Acting Superintendent for the Certified Public Works Managers Course which will take place over two and a half years. Administrator McNeilly stated the Acting Superintendent is taking a conservative approach to the budget and will stick with the existing budget until he has a better feel for what changes may need to be made.
8-b Solid Waste – Administrator McNeilly stated these figures are locked in by contract. This is the last of the five year contract. Administrator McNeilly stated he will work with the Borough Attorney to ensure the paperwork is prepared for bid by late spring/early summer.
8-c Buildings & Grounds – No changes.
9-a Shade Tree – No changes.
9-b Vehicle Maintenance – This budget will be discussed when end of year figures are available.
9-c Board of Health – No changes. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly for an update on the Animal Control Contract. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough is on a month to month arrangement for Animal Control Services.
10-a Recreation – Mayor Maio stated the budget indicates a minimal increase. Summer camp arrangements have not been determined to date. No changes at this time. This budget will be reviewed once summer camp plans have been finalized.
10-b Celebration of Public Events – No changes made.
10-c Environmental / 10-d Electricity / 11-a Petroleum Products & Condo Services – These budgets will be reviewed after end of year expenditures for 2017 are finalized.
11-c Municipal Court – No changes. This is a contracted amount.
Borough Hall Renovation – Mayor Maio invited Ken Fox, Fox Architectural Design, to come forward to discuss plans for the renovation of the municipal building. Mayor Maio stated there is a resolution on the agenda this evening to retain Fox Architectural Design to provide plans for a possible renovation to the Municipal Building. The Governing Body has been discussing a renovation of the building on and off for many years. Mr. Fox was involved in providing some of the past design options. Mayor Maio informed Mr. Fox that the Governing Body is not looking for an elaborate design. Mr. Fox stated he runs his firm by designing efficiently, without extras and many times he will provide alternative options. Mayor Maio stated there are areas of the building which need to be ADA compliant and there are areas to be redesigned for efficiency. The current building was built in the 1960’s and does not meet the needs and requirements for today’s standards. The renovation of the Council Chambers was done in-house and worked out well. The Police Department renovation, while not the full renovation required, also went well. The Governing Body is hopeful that the next phase will complete what is needed. Mr. Fox stated he looks forward to working with the Governing Body. His firm is located in Succasunna and he has a strong staff. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated the Borough had received a quote from Mr. Fox in 2016 when the project was last discussed. Councilwoman Zdichocki asked Mr. Fox why the costs for the schematic diagram have increased. Mr. Fox stated the price quote has increased due to higher engineering costs and bidding costs. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Fox for attending this evenings meeting.
Capital Budget – Councilman Thornton stated Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, met with the Infrastructure Committee and all capital projects were discussed. Mayor Maio stated the project to remove the hill on Maple Terrace was not discussed at that meeting but has been added to the list. Administrator McNeilly stated he spoke with Mr. Keller regarding the Maple Terrace Profile Modification Project which was initially projected to cost $189,000. The figure did not take into account the lowering of the water line which is an additional $30,000. Mayor Maio stated many of these projects date back several years. The Finance Committee has had a discussion with the Borough Auditor with regard to long term bonding which could potentially provide a savings to the Borough. The list needs to be reviewed to determine which projects should be done in 2018 and then the overall picture for future projects would be discussed with the Accountant and Bond Counsel.
General Capital:
The Liberty Recording System would replace the current meeting recording system. The system has malfunctioned on several occasions. The system would be replaced with a laptop. The maintenance costs are divided between the Mayor and Council and the Land Use Board.
Fire Department – The Fire Department has requested five sets of Firedex Turnout Gear and a replacement fire truck. Mayor Maio stated the Finance Committee has met with the Fire Department on several occasions. The fire truck is close to or has exceeded the 30 year mark. The original estimate for the truck has been scaled back without taking away any safety issues. Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body to review the information to address any questions at the next meeting. Grants are not available for the fire truck replacement.
Police Department – Two computer workstations have been requested; one for the Sergeant and one for the Detective. The quote of $2,400 provided is through the co-op. A request has also been made for replacement firearms. Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body to review the information to address any questions at the next meeting.
Rescue Squad – Communication Upgrade at the Tower. Byram Township has moved from Sparta Township as their dispatch center to the Sussex County dispatch center. In so doing, they have taken one of the towers which Stanhope has been using. The upgrade will improve reliability and it will remove some of the tie lines. Administrator McNeilly stated the cost of $35,000 is an estimate. The actual figure has not been finalized. The Rescue Squad has requested a refurbishment for the 2003 ambulance. The costs will be shared equally between the Borough of Stanhope and the Borough of Netcong. Mayor Maio stated, once approved, the agreement needs to be developed. This is a high priority.
Public Works Department – The requested mason dump F-550 plow/sander truck would be utilized across three areas; snow, water and sewer. The co-op cost is $78,000 and $26,000 of that cost is budgeted to Public Works. Administrator McNeilly stated the request to replace the 8 foot fluorescent DPW garage lights with LED lights will improve visibility, reduce electricity and improve safety. Councilman Thornton asked if there is an issue with the brine truck’s rear axle. Administrator McNeilly stated the 1994 brine truck has completely rotted away. The brining equipment has been moved to another existing truck.
Infrastructure Repair/Maintenance – Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough Engineer will be present for the February 13th meeting to discuss these projects. Administrator McNeilly suggested the Governing Body review the list and drive through the areas prior to the meeting scheduled for February 13th. The Pedestrian Crossing Flashers would be installed by the American Legion, the Enrite Gas Station, Maple Terrace and Brooklyn Road, Crestview Drive and Lloyd Avenue. These are essentially school crossing areas.
Buildings & Grounds Repair/Maintenance – This project list includes a possible pavilion at Musconetcong Park near the lake, the upgrade/expansion of the Municipal Building and trails for Trestle Park.
Water Capital Requests:
Water Utility Equipment – This list includes 1/3 cost share for the Mason Dump F-550 Plow/Sander truck and a 50% share for the cost of the remaining composite water meters required to complete the Borough. The cost is 450 meters @ $120 each for a total of $27,000.
Water Utility Upgrade/Replacement – The four water main projects listed are as follows: Roberts Place & Lakeview Terrace, Central Avenue/Walton Street & Baker Place, Young Drive & Maryann Terrace, and Sunset Avenue/Ridge Road & Overhill Road. Administrator McNeilly briefly described the issues at each location.
Water Utility Enhancements – The water main loop enhancement for Highland Avenue was called out in the 2009 water study. Highland Avenue does not have a water quality loop. The loop would go from the end of Highland, what would have been the Hoer Project, through Borough property and end at Sparta Road across from Smith Street. The second water main connection listed is for the area of Delaware Avenue, Hickory Drive, Ridge Road, East Drive and ultimately to Oak Drive.
Mayor Maio stated the total for all the Water Capital Requests is $1,775,100. The Borough could apply for funding through the Infrastructure Trust. The trust provided funding for a prior water project which went very well and was the right decision for the water system, the taxpayers and the future. This is, in effect, the finishing of the water project.
Sewer Capital Requests:
Sewer Utility Equipment Capital – This list includes 1/3 cost share for the Mason Dump F-550 Plow/Sander truck and a 50% share for the cost of the remaining composite water meters required to complete the Borough.
Sewer Utility Upgrades/Replacement – Administrator McNeilly stated the Port Morris Pump Station currently captures the sewer flow from Lenape Woods down through Lloyd Avenue, Lawrence Avenue, Reeve Avenue, a portion of Spring Lane, Coursen Street, Central Avenue and Hill Road and it turned 40 years old this year. This needs to be placed on the status board for replacement. The Borough Engineer estimates the cost to be $603,500. Operational changes would be made to make it more consistent with the other pump station located at Musconetcong Park. A pump station must have a force main attached to it which pushes the contents under pressure so that it can move downhill. The force main from Port Morris all the way to Hill Road is 1800 feet and it is 40 years old. There was a 60 foot section that failed back in 2008 or 2009 which was replaced. The line is 6 inches in diameter and it is pressurized. The line cannot be accessed with a camera due to the pressurization. A problem cannot be detected until it breaks. The sewer upgrade coincides with the reclamation and resurfacing for Musconetcong Avenue and Walton Street. The sewer capital requests total $1,310,000.
Mayor Maio stated there is a lot to consider. Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, will be attending the meeting on February 13th. Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body to review the information and visit the project sites under consideration. Councilwoman Kuncken stated during the Finance Committee meeting the Auditor explained the long term bonding is an involved process which could take 6-8 months. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated it is a savings benefit to the Borough to combine several projects together for funding.
Budget Meeting – Mayor Maio scheduled a Special Budget Meeting on Tuesday, January 30th at 7:00PM.
Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board (LMRPB) – Mayor Maio stated she has been informed by the LMRPB that the final 2017 budget total was $40,744. Several towns fund the LMRPB: Byram Township, Stanhope Borough, Roxbury Township, Netcong Borough, Morris County and Sussex County and the State of NJ. The assessment is based on the amount of shoreline. Stanhope Borough has 32.7% which is the largest portion of the Lake Musconetcong shoreline. The Borough’s assessment last year was $13,320.02. The LMRPB budget this year is $58,680. This is an increase of $20,000. The increase is due to additional insurance for the hydrorake, additional maintenance costs for the hydrorake and additional dumping costs. The budget which was put through includes $16,000 as a contribution from the State. This brings the local budget down to $42,800 which is roughly $2,000 more than last year. The Borough’s assessment for 2018 is estimated to be $13,956, plus an additional $720 for chemical costs for the treatment of the area in front of the parks. Mayor Maio stated she is concerned the State contribution may not be received. Administrator McNeilly asked if the State has been asked to contribute in the past. Mayor Maio stated contributions have been requested in the past for specific purposes such as covering the cost of the weed harvester. In the past the State has lent the harvester to the LMRPB as an in-kind contribution instead of providing actual funds. Mayor Maio stated the final budget has not been approved by the board. Mayor Maio is of the opinion if the funding is not received by the State, certain activities will have to be curtailed. Administrator McNeilly stated once the budget is approved, the LMRPB cannot ask for more funding.
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.
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:
December 12, 2017 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved. Councilman Thornton and Councilman Riccardi abstained from the minutes of December 12, 2017.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department for the month of December answered 9 calls, had a total of 82.5 man hours, 2 mutual aid calls, 3 drills, 1 training session and 2 false alarms. Administrator McNeilly stated the number of false alarms are recorded and the information is reported to code enforcement if the problem persists, as per ordinance.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department report states 266 calls for the month.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad for the month of November responded to 20 calls in Stanhope, 37 in Netcong, and 2 standbys for a total of 59 calls. There were 3 out of town calls; 2 in Hopatcong and 1 in Mt. Olive. They treated 52 patients and made 45 trips to the hospital. There was 1 assist from the Stanhope Fire Department. Volunteer hours totaled 278 hours and 50 minutes. They travelled 1,028 miles.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad for the month of December responded to 17 calls in Stanhope, 28 in Netcong, and 3 standbys for a total of 48 calls. There was 1 out of town call to Mt. Olive. The total number of calls was 49. They treated 39 patients and made 33 trips to the hospital. There were no assists. Volunteer hours totaled 214 hours and 55 minutes. They travelled 895 miles.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the year-end figures for the Ambulance Squad are as follows: 264 calls in Stanhope, 387 calls in Netcong and 23 standbys for a total of 674 calls. The out of town calls consisted of 11 to Byram, 30 to Hopatcong, 1 to Roxbury, and 5 to Mt. Olive for a total of 47 out of town calls. The total number of calls for the year was 721. The squad treated 562 patients and made 456 trips to the hospital for a total of 12,597 miles travelled. Volunteer hours totaled 3,708 hours 24 mins. The Netcong Fire Department provided 8 assists and the Stanhope Fire Department provided 6 assists for the year.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated for the month of December the month-to-date taxes are $329,610.87. The taxes year-to-date total is $12,262,196.39. This total includes pre-paid taxes in the amount of $219,065.84 as compared to $39,808.10 pre-paid taxes for the prior year. The percentages for fourth quarter are good at 97% and all of the prior year delinquents have been collected.
Councilman Romano stated for the month of December the water collection was $105,602.67 and the year-to-date collection is $632,701.51. The sewer collection for the month was $149,770.20 and the year-to-date collection is $902,422.48.
Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki/Councilman Thornton
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated there were 9 zoning permit applications for the months of November and December. There were 16 violations issued. The Fire Department notified the Zoning/Code Enforcement Official regarding three businesses which experienced false fire alarms. Notices were sent to those three businesses. As of December 31st, a total of $28,250 has been collected for the vacant/abandoned property registrations.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilwoman Zdichocki
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated there was a water main break on Young Drive on Saturday night. The Department of Public Works worked until 4:00am and service was fully restored. The Mayor and Council asked Administrator McNeilly to commend the DPW for their hard work and a job well done.
Information Technology – Councilmen Riccardi/Romano
Mayor Maio stated Councilman Riccardi will now be chairing the Information Technology Committee. Mayor Maio asked Councilman Riccardi to meet with Administrator McNeilly to go over the responsibilities.
Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Thistleton/Councilman Riccardi
Mayor Maio stated Councilwoman Thistleton has scheduled a meeting with Netcong Borough to discuss the potential for a combined summer camp program for this year.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
No report given.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
TAP Grant (Sparta Road) – Administrator McNeilly stated a meeting will be scheduled with the NJDOT representative to review the questionnaire and the policies and procedures regarding the TAP Grant.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 039-18 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MILLENNIUM STRATEGIES
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of the services of a grant consulting firm with knowledge of all aspects of the availability of applications for state and federal grants that may be available to the Borough of Stanhope on a competitive basis to assist the Borough in identifying and applying for such grants; and
WHEREAS, the services of a grant consultant constitute extraordinary unspecifiable services pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(ii); and
WHEREAS, Millennium Strategies, LLC has the necessary experience and qualified staff to provide grant consulting services to the Borough on an ongoing basis; and
WHEREAS, Millennium Strategies, LLC has made a written proposal to the Borough of Stanhope to provide grant consultation services; and
WHEREAS, the proposed agreement between the Borough and Millennium Strategies, LLC provides for a retainer of $1,250 per month, which amount is not in excess of the Borough’s bid threshold; and
WHEREAS, said agreement with Millennium Strategies, LLC is terminable at will by the Borough.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough does hereby award a contract for extraordinary unspecifiable services to Millennium Strategies, LLC, a copy of which agreement is attached hereto;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Borough.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 040-18 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF NON-FAIR AND OPEN CONTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE FOR THE YEAR 2018
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has a need for professional services for the year 2018 of Borough Attorney, Borough Labor Attorney, Bond Attorney, Borough Engineer, Borough Planner, Borough Auditor and Conflict Counsel; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has determined and certified in writing that the value of the position of each of the agreements will exceed $17,500.00; and
WHEREAS, the anticipated term of each contract is one year; and
WHEREAS, Laddey, Clark & Ryan, LLP has submitted a proposal to provide legal services as Borough Attorney for the year 2018; and
WHEREAS, Robert J. Merryman, Esq. of the firm Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy has submitted a proposal to provide legal services as Borough Labor Attorney for the year 2018; and
WHEREAS, Robert Beinfield, Esq. of the firm Hawkins, Delafield and Wood has submitted a proposal to provide legal services as Borough Bond Attorney for the year 2018; and
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting has submitted a proposal indicating that it will provide engineering services as Municipal Engineer and Municipal Planner for the Borough of Stanhope for the year 2018; and
WHEREAS, Nisivoccia & Company, LLP has submitted a proposal indicating that it will provide auditing services as Municipal Auditor for the Borough of Stanhope for the year 2018; and
WHEREAS, Robert Morgenstern, Esq. has submitted a proposal indicating that he will provide legal services to the Borough as Conflict Counsel for the year 2018; and
WHEREAS, each of the aforesaid professionals has completed and submitted a Business Entity Disclosure Certification certifying that they have not made any reportable contributions to a political or candidate committee in the Borough of Stanhope in the previous one year and that the contract will prohibit said professional from making any reportable contribution through the term of the contract; and
WHEREAS, each of the aforesaid professionals has completed and submitted a Political Contribution Disclosure Form; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough of Stanhope has certified the availability of funds for these contracts pursuant to NJAC 5:30-5.4;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Mayor and Clerk be and the same are hereby authorized to execute individual agreements with each Borough Professional named herein above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Business Disclosure Entity Certification and the Determination of Value be placed on file with this resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of the above contract shall be published by the Borough in accordance with the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law.
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 – absent
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 041-18 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES OF FOX ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR THE ADDITION AND RENOVATION OF THE STANHOPE BOROUGH MUNICIPAL BUILDING
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has determined to undertake an addition and renovation to the Municipal Building; and
WHEREAS, the Borough hereto retains the services of Fox Architectural Design, Kenneth J. Fox, AIA, to prepare plans and specifications for an addition to the front and rear of the Borough Municipal Building; and
WHEREAS, an appropriate agreement for said services has been prepared for execution by both parties; and
WHEREAS, architectural services are a professional service as defined by the Local Public Contracts Law and is, therefore, exempt from public bidding requirements in accordance with N.J.A.C. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i) and the candidate complies with all requirements for appointment without public hearing under N.J.S.A. 19:44A-1 et seq.;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope that it hereby authorizes the Mayor and Borough Clerk to execute an agreement, in duplicate, with Kenneth J. Fox, AIA, to permit him to perform the architectural services for the Borough of Stanhope for an estimated cost of $30,000.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a fully executed copy of the agreement and a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Kenneth J. Fox, AIA, and kept on file in the Borough Clerk’s office for public viewing; and.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be published once in the official newspaper of the Borough; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Borough Committee of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough of Stanhope shall publically bid for the above listed options for the Municipal Building, with bids to be received on a date to be determined by the Borough.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 042-18 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. 2014-010, representing 2013 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11001, Lot 21, known as 10 East Drive, assessed to Thomas J & Kathryn Caggiano, 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 BV Trst 2015-1
50 S. 16th Street, Suite 2050
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2513
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2014-010 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 48,862.45
Premium Paid by Lienholder 31,300.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 48,862.45
Total From Tax Premium Account 31,300.00
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 Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 043-18 Resolution Approving The Mayor’s Appointment of the Borough’s Representative to the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority with Council Concurrence
Mayor’s appointment of James Benson as the Borough representative to the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority with Council Concurrence.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of James Benson as the Borough’s representative to the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority for a 5-year term effective February 1, 2018;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk be and is hereby directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to the New Jersey Secretary of State together with a voucher for the filing fees.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Maio stated Mr. Benson extends his regrets for being unable to attend this evenings meeting. Mr. Benson will take the oath of office in February.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 044-18 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 23, 2018 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 – absent
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
No report given.
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.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
Approved: Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk