MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
July 13, 2021, 7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
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 13, 2021 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 location was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on June 9, 2021 and was placed on the official bulletin board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 10:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this Meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Vance – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
American Rescue Plan – Administrator McNeilly stated Stanhope’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Fund is $324,755.69. The Borough has received the initial payment of $173,000.00. The second payment will be received in 2022. The FEMA grants and other plans being in order enabled the CFO to be able to file quickly and easily. There are other towns still preparing to file. The plan needs to be finalized in order to utilize the funds and adopt a resolution before the end of the year to designate how the funds will be used. The Borough did not have a loss of revenue. The 2020 tax collection rate was actually higher than it was in 2019. The funds could be utilized for the last mile of water pipe for Overhill Road, Ridge Road, Sunset Avenue and Mountainview Road. These funds would not cover the project entirely. A congressional earmark grant was submitted for Stanhope through Senator Booker’s office and Congresswoman Sherrill. Mayor Zdichocki stated the first hurdle has been passed and looks promising. The application is among the top 10. This grant funding, along with the American Rescue Plan funds, would cover the water project in its entirety. Administrator McNeilly stated the 4-inch mains in this area have been in the ground for over 70 years which means at this point they are functioning more like 2-inch mains or less. Once the water mains are replaced, the area can be paved. The congressional request is for $250,000 and it is for work that fits the requirements of replacing the aging water system. This will improve the water quality and the fire protection system. Mayor Zdichocki stated she and the Borough Engineer, Administrator and the grant writers spent a great deal of time preparing this project. Fortunately, some of the information was already in place because the Borough has been planning to do this project for quite some time. Administrator McNeilly stated they were looking for towns who were ready and had a plan in place. Administrator McNeilly stated having the senate side in place was also beneficial and was done at the suggestion of Millennium Strategies. The grant amount will not be more than $250,000 and that is what Stanhope has requested. Other towns have requested much larger amounts. The next project to prepare and have ready would be the renovation of the municipal building. If another round of funding becomes available, the municipal building project should be ready to submit with drawings and estimates. Mayor Zdichocki stated Congresswoman Sherrill has stated there are going to be other opportunities and the Borough needs to be ready. Administrator McNeilly asked if the governing body agreed the funds from the American Rescue Plan should be used for the water project. There are no sewer issues in the area but the water pressure is an issue as noted by the color coding of the fire hydrants in this area. Councilman Vance asked what the costs are for the water piping and paving. Administrator McNeilly replied that the estimate in 2019 was approximately $600,000. There will be some out of pocket expenses. The funds would be bonded and nothing has been bonded for water since 2014. A bond lasts for 20 years. Administrator McNeilly described the type of work that was done previously when funds were last bonded. The new piping will have a lifespan of 80-100 years.
Administrator McNeilly stated the neighboring towns will receive these amounts from the American Rescue Plan: Byram Township $779,177.91; Hopatcong Borough $1,393,522.16; and Netcong Borough $307,565.06.
Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase 2 – Administrator McNeilly stated Muhammed from GPI, the construction management company, is prepared to issue the Notice to Proceed so that Salmon Brothers can begin construction for the Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase 2 project. The target date is July 19th. The pre-construction meeting, which was held at Stanhope School went very well. The meeting was attended by Eric Keller, Borough Engineer; Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent; the electrical contractor; GPI and Administrator McNeilly. As a result of the meeting, the electrical box at the school will be moved away from where children would be present.
Baker Place Water Main – Administrator McNeilly stated to date 4 bid packages have been sent out for the Baker Place Water Main Project and one is waiting to be picked up. The bid opening is scheduled for August 3rd at 2:00pm here, in person, at Borough Hall.
Highland Avenue / Baker Place Paving – Administrator McNeilly stated engineering is in the process of finalizing the bid documents to go out to bid for reclamation and resurfacing of Highland Avenue, North Central Avenue and Baker Place. The notice to bidders will be published with the bid opening scheduled for late August. The project will be awarded at the September 14th meeting.
Tax Bills – Administrator McNeilly stated the State of NJ was slow in certifying our tax rate. The CFO/Tax Collector anticipates the tax rate will be received by Wednesday, July 14th. The targeted mail out date is Friday, July 23rd. A resolution will be on the July 27th agenda to extend the no penalty date if necessary. Fortunately, estimates did not have to be done this year.
Budget 2022 – Administrator McNeilly stated the CFO is preparing a memo to the department heads regarding the budget and capital requests for 2022. The memo should be sent out by July 23rd. Responses are due back by September 30, 2021.
Musconetcong Avenue Road Closure – Administrator McNeilly stated the Recreation Commission is sponsoring Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 17th. A request has been made to close the section of Musconetcong Avenue by the park for the event. The governing body approved the road closure.
Fire Department Drill Kelly Place Road Closure – Administrator McNeilly stated the fire department will be conducting a drill at 7 Kelly Place on August 29th from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Nixle messages will be sent out and the traffic will be directed by the Fire Police. Residents will be able to get in and out of their homes. The Netcong Borough Fire Department will be participating in the drill. The house at 7 Kelly Place is slated for demolition and will be removed shortly after the drill. Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body if there were any oppositions to closing the road. There were no objections to the road closure.
Question – Councilman Riccardi asked Administrator McNeilly if there are any pandemic expenditures still outstanding for reimbursement. Administrator McNeilly stated the only item of concern was the extension of time off for the employees who were off to receive their vaccine or for days out from the reaction to the vaccine. If that happened, it would be a recoverable expense but that has not happened. This extension ends September 30th.
WORK SESSION
Shade Tree Ordinance – Administrator McNeilly stated earlier today he provided the Mayor and Council with a proposal from the Shade Tree Commission requesting an update be made to the existing ordinance. Councilman Wronko stated the request states the tree inventory is challenged and he asked if this is tracked with data points or is this just a theory. Rosemarie Maio, Shade Tree Commission Chair, present in the audience, stated there have been natural disasters, wind storms, emerald ash borer, tree of heaven (which takes everything down) and three major developments were clear cut over the past 25 years. The Borough has not replaced any trees and the existing ones are aging which is of great concern. Councilman Wronko asked if there is a plan to plant more trees. Ms. Maio stated there is no plan in place. The hazardous tree inventory will be done next year and this will give the commission a better idea of the tree situation. The last hazardous tree inventory was done in 2005. Councilman Riccardi stated the requested change to the ordinance is to permit one tree to be removed in a 12-month period and asked if this specifies healthy trees or is it for any trees. Ms. Maio stated the homeowner would be permitted to take down 1 tree for any reason. Councilman Riccardi stated the limit would not prevent a resident from removing trees if there is something wrong with them. Ms. Maio confirmed this and stated the limit is being requested because homeowners are taking down trees one at time but more trees in a year than they should. The permit is required for trees which have a circumference of 12 ½ inches, which is a diameter of 4 inches.
Mayor Zdichocki stated she would like the Shade Tree Commission to provide saplings to the residents next year for planting. Ms. Maio stated the Rutgers Extension provided trees to the municipalities years ago. Paula Zeliff-Murphy, Secretary of the Shade Tree Commission, present in the audience, stated there is a program that provides saplings but in order to receive them the Borough would have to hold an event for the distribution and the requirements state you have to track who receives the trees. Mayor Zdichocki stated she will ask Dana Mooney, Clean Communities Co-Ordinator to watch for tree programs. Councilman Riccardi stated he can check with Hopatcong Borough because they participate in a sapling program every year. Councilwoman Kuncken stated two years ago she contacted Ms. Zeliff-Murphy because she had a tree that had to be taken down. At the time, Ms. Zeliff-Murphy suggested the other trees be checked for the emerald ash borer. The trees were not infected. Councilwoman Kuncken stated this year she had a tree that had to come down due to the ash borer. The bark fell right off the tree and she was told the branches would have fallen next followed by the entire tree falling.
Administrator McNeilly stated on the municipal side the tree removal budget was increased for the last three years getting ready for this moment. Tree removal in the general, water and sewer budgets will be exhausted by September this year. There are an extensive number of trees on Borough property which need to be taken down. Ridge Road is in awful condition. A formal procedure has to be established to determine who owns what trees. A determination is easy when a sidewalk and curbing exist. Telephone poles are also helpful if any exist nearby. If the tree is in front of the telephone pole it is possible the tree could be in the right of way. Ms. Maio stated the residents are told that just because they think a tree is on Borough property, that is not necessarily true. Administrator McNeilly stated the tree across from Borough Hall will most likely cost $15,000 to take down. The homeowner has been told by a tree service that it is a Borough tree. Administrator McNeilly stated he has spoken with the homeowner and has asked her to locate a copy of her survey. The tree is going to require special equipment in order to remove it. The 90-degree corner on Ridge Road has several Ash Trees which do belong to the Borough. Tree King, the contractor in the co-op this year, has been busy but they will be scheduled to do work in the Borough. There are two trees on Linden Avenue which have to come down. They are pulling the sidewalk apart. This will also require traffic control. Tree King will also be tub grinding the leaves at the DPW yard. The DPW will have to be responsible for clearing the trail at the school for the upcoming project to be done. The cost of clearing the path is not covered by the grant. There are trees at Wells 3 and 4 which are going to fall down and trees behind the deli. Ms. Maio stated there are some trees at the park which also have to be removed. Ms. Zeliff-Murphy stated when homeowners receive permission to take down trees she always asks them to consider planting shrubs or another tree in its place. Ms. Zeliff-Murphy stated she has a white oak tree that she has been caring for which will need to planted somewhere within the Borough. Ms. Maio suggested it could be planted in Salmon Park. Administrator McNeilly stated three of the street scape trees have to be replaced. The trees are located at the Barber Shop, one at the Stanhope House on High Street side and one near Kula Yoga. Administrator McNeilly stated it would be nice if the same methodology could be used to place trees along Dell Road in a similar manner as those on Main Street. The street scape trees have thrived and have roots that grow straight down. Administrator McNeilly stated this is a solid ordinance and it is a good idea. The enforcement piece is an issue and only so much can be done with the resources available. Ms. Maio stated most people are willing to work with the Shade Tree Commission and have been amenable to replanting. Ms. Zeliff-Murphy stated the notices which go out with the water bills help to inform the public. Ms. Maio stated amending the ordinance is important and a step forward. Administrator McNeilly stated it has been a very long time since the tree ordinance was amended. The ordinance was adopted in 1973. It was amended in 1978, 1985 and 1998. The changes will be sent to the Borough Attorney for review and an ordinance will be prepared for introduction.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinances for public hearing and final adoption which were read by title.
Ordinances for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2021-12 AN ORDINANCE ADDING A NEW SECTION 100-52.1, ENTITLED “CANNABIS” TO CHAPTER 100, “LAND DEVELOPMENT”, PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF ANY CLASS OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE
WHEREAS, in 2020, New Jersey voters approved Public Question No. 1, which amended the New Jersey Constitution to allow for the legalization of a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis” for adults at least 21 years of age; and
WHEREAS, on February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed into law P.L. 2021, c. 16, known as the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act” (the “Act”), which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older, and establishes a comprehensive regulatory and licensing scheme for commercial recreational (adult use) cannabis operations, use and possession; and
WHEREAS, the Act establishes six marketplace classes of licensed businesses, including:
- Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator license, for facilities involved in growing and cultivating cannabis;
- Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer license, for facilities involved in the manufacturing, preparation, and packaging of cannabis items;
- Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler license, for facilities involved in obtaining and selling cannabis items for later resale by other licensees;
- Class 4 Cannabis Distributer license, for businesses involved in transporting cannabis plants in bulk from on licensed cultivator to another licensed cultivator, or cannabis items in bulk from any type of licensed cannabis business to another;
- Class 5 Cannabis Retailer license for locations at which cannabis items and related supplies are sold to consumers; and
- Class 6 Cannabis Delivery license, for businesses providing courier services for consumer purchases that are fulfilled by a licensed cannabis retailer in order to make deliveries of the purchases items to a consumer, and which service would include the ability of a consumer to make a purchase directly through the cannabis delivery service which would be presented by the delivery service for fulfillment by a retailer and then delivered to a consumer.
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes municipalities by ordinance to adopt regulations governing the number of cannabis establishments (defined in Section 3 of the Act as “a cannabis cultivator, a cannabis manufacturer, a cannabis wholesaler, or a cannabis retailer”), cannabis distributors or cannabis delivery services allowed to operate within their boundaries, as well as the location manner and times operation of such establishments, distributors or delivery services, and establishing civil penalties for the violation of any such regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes municipalities by ordinance to prohibit the operation of any one or more classes of cannabis establishments, distributors, or delivery services anywhere in the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the Act also stipulates that any municipal regulation or prohibition must be adopted within 180 days of the effective date of the Act (i.e., by August 22, 2021); and
WHEREAS, the failure to do so shall mean that for a period of five years thereafter, the growing, cultivating, manufacturing, selling and reselling of cannabis and cannabis items shall be permitted uses in all industrial zones, and the retail selling of cannabis items to consumers shall be a conditional use in all commercial and retail zones; and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the initial and any subsequent five-year period following a failure to enact local regulations or prohibitions, the municipality shall again have 180 days to adopt an ordinance regulating or prohibiting cannabis businesses, but any such ordinance would be prospective only and would not apply to any cannabis business already operating within the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council has determined that, due to present uncertainties regarding the potential future impacts that allowing one or more classes of cannabis business might have on New Jersey municipalities in general, and in the Borough of Stanhope, in particular, it is at this time necessary and appropriate, and in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the Borough’s residents and members of the public who visit, travel, or conduct business in the Borough of Stanhope, to amend the Borough’s zoning regulations to prohibit all manner of marijuana-related land use and development within the geographic boundaries of the Borough; and
WHEREAS, officials from two prominent non-profit organizations that have been established for the purpose of advising New Jersey municipalities on legal matters such as have been presented by the Act (those organizations being the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys) have strongly urged that, due to the complexity and novelty of the Act; the many areas of municipal law that are or may be implicated in decisions as to whether or to what extent cannabis or medical cannabis should be permitted for land use purposes or otherwise regulated in any particular municipality; and the relatively short duration in which the Act would allow such decisions to be made before imposing an automatic authorization of such uses in specified zoning districts subject to unspecified conditions, the most prudent course of action for all municipalities, whether or not generally in favor of cannabis or medical cannabis land development and uses, would be to prohibit all such uses within the Act’s 180-day period in order to ensure sufficient time to carefully review all aspects of the Act and its impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council desires to add a new Section 100-52.1 to Chapter 100, Land Development, prohibiting all cannabis establishments, cannabis distributors or cannabis delivery services, except for the delivery of cannabis items and related supplied by a delivery service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey, that this Ordinance shall be adopted as part of the Stanhope Borough Code as follows:
SECTION 1
A new Section 100- 52.1, “Cannabis”, is adopted as follows:
Pursuant to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (P.L. 2021, c. 16), all classes of cannabis licenses, including but not limited to, all cannabis establishments, cannabis distributors and/or cannabis delivery services are hereby prohibited from operating anywhere in the Borough of Stanhope, except for the delivery of cannabis items and related supplies by a delivery service.
SECTION 2 – SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application of this Ordinance to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3 – REPEALER
All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions that are inconsistent or in opposition to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed in their entirety.
SECTION 4 – NOTICE
The Borough Clerk is directed to give notice at least ten days prior to the hearing on the adoption of this Ordinance to the County Planning Board and to all others entitled pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-15. The Borough Clerk is further directed to refer this Ordinance to the Borough Land Use Board, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-64. Upon the adoption of this Ordinance, after public hearing, the Borough Clerk is further directed to publish notice of the passage and to file a copy of this Ordinance, as finally adopted, with the Sussex County Planning Board, as required by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-16.
SECTION 5 – EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication and filing with the Sussex County Planning Board, and as otherwise provided for by law.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Wronko and carried by a majority of the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body for any comments.
Councilman Riccardi stated he would like to reiterate his position that barring all classifications of cannabis businesses within the Borough is short sighted and will hinder any potential business opportunities within Stanhope. By adopting this ordinance, Councilman Riccardi is of the opinion the Council is telling entrepreneurs and the residents that it does not matter that it is legal or that 71% of Stanhope voters said yes to this legalization. The main argument in favor of this ordinance is that there is not enough guidance from the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC). From this night on Councilman Riccardi stated he will continue to review all the information provided by the CRC and hopes that the governing body will reevaluate the ordinance once pertinent information becomes available. Councilman Riccardi stated the CRC does hold monthly public meetings. There was a meeting today and the next one will be held on August 3rd. The meetings are available on Zoom and there is time for public comment. The meeting information can be found on the website: NJ.gov/cannabis.
Mayor Zdichocki stated she forwarded a copy of a cannabis presentation which was sent to her to the council members. Mayor Zdichocki asked everyone to please take the time to review it.
Councilman Thornton stated he would like to follow up on Councilman Riccardi’s comments and stated in review of the May 25th meeting, Councilman Thornton is of the opinion that everyone on the council stated they want to revisit this at a future time. This ordinance is being adopted because they are uncomfortable with the timeline and lack of guidelines provided by the State.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the governing body did agree to continue reviewing the issue. Councilwoman Kuncken asked for any new information to be shared with the council and she is open to reviewing it. If things change, the governing body can change their decision but more guidance is needed.
Mayor Zdichocki stated Councilman Riccardi has stated there has been additional information made available for review. More information, like the presentation Mayor Zdichocki forwarded, will continue to become available.
Councilman Wronko stated Newton adopted an ordinance to permit cannabis and they are operating on the same unknowns that Stanhope is. The Town of Newton used their ordinance to be creative and set stipulations to include restrictions such as businesses have to be a certain distance from schools etc. Councilman Wronko stated Stanhope could have done the same. Councilman Wronko stated, to Councilman Riccardi’s point, it is important to keep an eye out for new information to be reviewed and in addition, ordinances from other towns should be reviewed which could provide regulations for Stanhope to include in an ordinance.
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – no
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – no
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Wronko, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Deputy Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
Ordinance 2021-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY AMENDING ORDINANCE 2021-08 FIXING THE SALARY AND WAGES FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey, as follows:
SECTION 1. The annual salary, wage and compensation to be paid to Borough Employees and Officials as contained in Section 1 of Ordinance 2021-08 is hereby amended to add the following position and following salary:
Code Enforcement/Housing Officer/Zoning Officer………$25,000.00
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final adoption and publication as required by law.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Vance and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Deputy Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
NEW BUSINESS
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 142-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR THE STANHOPE PEDESTRIAN LOOP PHASE 2 PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope requires construction services for the Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase 2 Project (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2021, Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. submitted a proposal for limited professional construction services related to the Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase 2 Project in the total amount not to exceed $10,000.00; and
WHEREAS, there exists a need for Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. to address shop drawings, submittals, Requests for Information (RFI), any clarifications on the design based upon field conditions and to attend construction meetings for this Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. is hereby appointed to provide limited professional construction services regarding the Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase 2 Project in the total amount not to exceed $10,000.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the award of this bid is subject to certification of the availability of funds by the Chief Financial Officer.
Resolution 143-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BOROUGH OF STANHOPE TO ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE BOROUGH’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SFY-21 BODY-WORN CAMERA GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey, Department of Law & Safety, Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has received funds from the SFY21 Budget to administer the Body-Worn Camera Grant Program (BWC Grant Program), which has been designed to provide eligible law enforcement agencies with state funding to aid in the purchase of body-worn cameras, ancillary equipment and storage; and
WHEREAS, the SFY-21 Body-Worn Camera Grant Program requires an application to the State of New Jersey, Office of the Attorney General, in which the Borough was authorized to apply for and execute the grant application as per Resolution 081-21; and
WHEREAS, on June 29, 2021, an Award Contract was granted by the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General in a total amount of $18,342.00 under Award No. 21-BWC-421 for the Award Period of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Award Contract must be adopted by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough is authorized to accept the grant in the amount of $18,342.00 for the SFY-21 Body-Worn Camera Grant Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor or other appropriate Borough Official be and the same is hereby authorized to sign the Award Contract to purchase the body-worn cameras, ancillary equipment and storage with the award amount of $18,342.00; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor or other appropriate Borough Official be and the same is hereby authorized to sign the Certification to certify that the Borough meets all requirements and will comply with all provisions of the SFY-21 Body-Worn Camera Grant Program.
Resolution 144-21 RESOLUTION GRANTING WATER AND SEWER ALLOCATION TO APPLICANT, COREY KIRK, FOR ONE LOT LOCATED ON LINDEN AVENUE, IDENTIFIED ON THE TAX MAP OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AS BLOCK 11304, LOT 6
WHEREAS, Corey Kirk has filed an application with appropriate fees for water and sewer allocation to service a one-family residential property at 30 Linden Avenue, Block 11304, Lot 6; and
WHEREAS, the Borough’s checklist and Ordinance Sections 100-34C(4) and 100-35D all require a certification from the Mayor and Council that adequate water supply and sewerage capacity exist to service the proposed development; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to comply with the Ordinance requirements to certify the availability of water and sewer for the single-family dwelling;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the application submitted by Corey Kirk for water and sewer allocation be and is hereby granted as follows:
Water Allocation: 300 gpd Sewer Allocation: 300 gpd
Resolution 145-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR FURNACE STREET, KELLY PLACE AND WATERLOO ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, said project consists of roadway improvements to Furnace Street, Kelly Place and Waterloo Road; and
WHEREAS, the scope and extent of the work requires that the work be publicly bid pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has prepared Bid Specifications in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law for work to be completed, including the required Notice to Bidders.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough is hereby authorized to advertise for bids for Furnace Street, Kelly Place and Waterloo Road Improvements in accordance with the prepared Bid Specifications.
Resolution 146-21 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. 2020-013, representing 2019 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11303, Lot 7, known as 15 New St, assessed to US Bank Trust, NA, 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 #2020-013 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 3,724.54
Premium Paid by Lienholder 800.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 3,724.54
Total From Tax Premium Account 800.00
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 Wronko, seconded by Councilman Riccardi 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 147-21 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 July 13, 2021 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.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the bill for the Police Department body cameras is on the bills list and the cost is $11,000 and change, which was very close to the Police Chief’s estimate of $12,000. The cameras have been received and the officers are wearing them. This bill will be reimbursed through the grant.
Councilman Romano stated an invoice for the Fire Department rescue equipment has not been received to date.
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 July 27, 2021 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 Vance and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk