MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
June 11, 2019
7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Maio invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 9, 2019 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 10:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this Meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
Mayor’s Acknowledgement
Mayor Maio stated she would like to acknowledge the good job done by the DPW, Ambulance Squad, Fire Department, Police Department and Emergency Management during the recent tornado incident. The Borough was very fortunate that there were no serious injuries despite the property damage that occurred. Our people handled themselves in a very professional way and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to pass her thanks on to the various departments.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Commercial Solid Waste Reimbursement – Administrator McNeilly stated the Commercial Solid Waste Reimbursement Program has been in place since 2011 and is included in the budget as well. The resolution to reauthorize the program needs to be approved annually. The resolution will reflect the current solid waste rate. Going forward the resolution will be added to the reorganization agenda in January. Administrator McNeilly stated the budget has contained a line item for the reimbursement every year since 2011. No requests for reimbursement have been made until now. The resolution will be prepared for the next scheduled meeting.
Route 183 Crosswalk – Administrator McNeilly stated the JCP&L representative contacted him and stated the higher wattage light bulb has been installed near the American Legion. JCP&L hopes to have the light on the opposite side of the street installed soon.
Cybersecurity Training – Administrator McNeilly stated the Cybersecurity Training is continuing. Reminders are being sent to those individuals who have not completed the training.
Long Term Bonding – Administrator McNeilly stated he has been in contact with the Borough Auditor, CFO and the Bond Counsel regarding the Long Term Bonding. Bob Beinfield, Bond Counsel, has offered a tentative timeline as follows:
Mid July – Determine ordinance amounts and principal amortization schedule
August 6 or 27 – Adoption of bond sale resolutions
Mid/Late August – Submit materials to rating agency
September 19 – Rating release, post POS, publish notice of sale locally and in The Bond Buyer
October 3 – Bond Sale
October 18 – Closing
October 21 – BANS mature and are paid
Mayor Maio asked the Clerk to add a review for all of the items to be included in the bond onto the next agenda.
Musconetcong Avenue ADA Work – Administrator McNeilly stated two price quotes have been received for the ADA work for Musconetcong Avenue. One more quote must be received and then the QPA can give the Borough the go ahead to place the order.
Plaster Mill – Administrator McNeilly stated Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, has completed the narrative regarding the Plaster Mill. The paperwork can now be sent to the State for review to have the Plaster Mill decertified. Administrator McNeilly asked the Governing Body to review the information and contact him if there are any issues.
Young Drive/Maryann Terrace – Administrator McNeilly stated the water saddle work is ongoing. The recent weather and the location of the water main are adding challenges to the project. After the storm, the DPW had to switch over to brush collection for the week. The DPW is working extended hours to complete as many saddles as possible. The saddles are approximately 25% complete. When the work begins on Young Drive, the work should proceed at a faster pace due to the fact there will be two across from each other. Administrator McNeilly stated the weather and the amount of rock has been an issue. This has not been an easy trench dig. Administrator McNeilly is confident the saddles will be completed in July and then the curb work can begin.
48 Brooklyn Road – Administrator McNeilly stated the Code Enforcement Officer has been actively addressing the issues at 48 Brooklyn Road. As of today, the second driveway has been blocked off and the car for sale and the box truck have been removed. Additional effort on the possible encroachment of Borough property is ongoing. The owners have been instructed to provide a survey of their property. The Code Enforcement Officer is working methodically with this issue in the event the matter ends up in court. This property is going to be a highly intensive staff monitoring property.
Engineering Update – Administrator McNeilly stated Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, will be attending the June 25th meeting to provide an update on various projects.
iPads – Administrator McNeilly stated Dana Mooney, CFO, was ordering the iPads today along with the necessary covers. Once the iPads are received, the Technology Committee will discuss the methodology for utilizing them.
May 28th Tornado – Administrator McNeilly asked the Governing Body for their input on how they felt notifications were received during the recent tornado. Mayor Maio stated she is pleased with the manner in which the Borough employees and volunteer organizations handled themselves. This was not something they had experience with. Our people reacted and responded quickly and with professionalism. Administrator McNeilly stated the tornado event occurred on May 28th at 8:30pm while the Mayor and Council meeting was in session. The Emergency Response Teams acted immediately and the Department of Public Works was on duty by 9:15pm already clearing roads. The DPW worked straight through for nearly 18 hours. Recycling was picked up on Wednesday in the midst of all this. The water and sewer functioned properly. Access was provided to as many roads as possible where there was no danger with electric wires lying in the road. A main electric line fell right outside of the high school which liquefied the road causing a section of the road to have to be replaced. All the things which are within the realm and control of the Borough were taken care of. The only item out of Borough control is the electric. The JCP&L map that night indicated there were 9,100 customers without service all the way to Monmouth County. The majority of the issues, approximately 99%, were located in Stanhope Borough, Byram Township, Hopatcong Borough and Netcong Borough. The actual weather conditions were mild. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated she spoke with many residents on Sparta Road and Woods Avenue and they are all appreciative of how the DPW provided assistance and the cleanup was quick and easy. Councilwoman Kuncken stated it was a good decision on Administrator McNeilly’s part to have the DPW collect brush on that Saturday. Administrator McNeilly stated the DPW worked four hours on Saturday collecting brush and barely made a dent in the quantity. On Monday the water project was pushed aside and brush collection was done on Monday and Tuesday. The work needed to be complete so the water project could resume on Wednesday. Good response was received by alerting the residents about the brush collection through Nixle, the Borough website, social media and through calls received at Borough Hall. There were only one or two residents that did not get the message. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the Borough needs to look into different methods to send out information. Councilwoman Kuncken stated as a Council Member she felt she was receiving adequate messages. Administrator McNeilly stated he changed the method of notifying the Council this time in an effort to update the information periodically so that they would be able to inform any residents that may have contacted them. The public needs to know things like: do I have water; are the sewers working; can a police car and emergency get through the roads and will garbage collection take place. Information provided by JCP&L was passed along. The estimator on JCP&L’s website is not useful. Much discussion took place regarding the loss of power issues. Councilwoman Kuncken stated all of the people who spoke with the newscasters provided useful information. Administrator McNeilly stated he will speak with Wayne Anthony, Office of Emergency Management, and the Chief of Police to review what was done and if anything was missed. Councilwoman Kuncken stated in speaking with Mr. Anthony, that the drones were a problem. The electrical wires were being worked on and the drones were flying right over their heads. Administrator McNeilly stated he was unable to send a Nixle based on a specific zone. Most people did not sign up through their computer. Councilman Thornton asked if the water tower was inspected after the event. Administrator McNeilly stated the water tower was outside of the area affected and it did not receive a specific inspection. Mayor Maio stated the wells and generators all functioned. Administrator McNeilly stated the transfer switch at the Port Morris Pump Station was lost. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Borough was fortunate that the lightning strike that hit the Presbyterian Church steeple did not cause a fire. Administrator McNeilly stated the bell is still located in the steeple and if that had been hit it could have fallen through the building.
New Police Officer – Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly for the status of hiring the new police officer. Administrator McNeilly stated he will speak with the Police Chief. Ellen Horak, Borough Clerk, stated the Chief of Police stated to her that he will have a resolution to appoint a new officer at the July Work Session Meeting.
WORK SESSION
TAP Grant – Mayor Maio stated she spoke with Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, and he has stated to the best of his knowledge everything required by the Borough has been done and we are waiting for the final approval. Once approval is received the work can begin with the lighting on the path.
Pot Hole Repairs – Councilwoman Zdichocki asked Administrator McNeilly if the pot holes on Sparta Road are scheduled to be repaired. Administrator McNeilly stated the DPW was out on Friday repairing pot holes. They also had to repair a compromised catch basin. Weather permitting they will be back out one day this week to make more repairs.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinance for Introduction and First Reading which was read by title.
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on June 25, 2019]
Ordinance 2019-12 AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE SECTION 82-2.H AND SECTIONS 108-3, 108-4 AND 108-5 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, REGARDING THE PROCESSING AND COST OF PEDDLING AND SOLICITING LICENSES
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope’s Peddling and Solicitation Ordinance and License Fees, specifically Section 108-4 and Section 82-2.H of the Borough Code, have been challenged regarding the time for processing applications and required fees; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have considered the Borough Code and have determined that revisions are appropriate to the existing Peddling and Soliciting Ordinance and License Fees.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 82-2.H shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
H. Peddling and Soliciting, Chapter 108
- License Fee $50.00
SECTION 2. Section 108-3 shall be revised by deletion of the first paragraph in its entirety and replaced as follows:
108-3 Application for License
All applicants shall file with the Borough Clerk a sworn written application, in duplicate, on a form to be furnished by said Clerk, which shall give the following information:
A. …..
SECTION 3. Section 108-4.A shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
- The Borough Clerk shall process and make a determination as to whether a license shall be issued or denied, within seven (7) business days of submission of a complete application. The Clerk shall confer with the Chief of Police, who shall investigate the applicant’s business and moral character, for the protection of the public welfare.
SECTION 4. Section 108-5 shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
The fee for a peddling and soliciting license shall be as provided for in Chapter 82, “Fees”, for every yearly license. All yearly licenses shall expire at the end of the calendar year in which they are issued.
SECTION 5. All other provisions of Chapters 82 and 108 not amended by this Ordinance, shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. 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 7. 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 8. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 102-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING use OF TILCON NEW YORK, INC. & DENVILLE LINE PAINTING, INC. AS SET FORTH IN THE MORRIS COUNTY co-op PUBLIC BIDS FOR SPARTA ROAD milling, paving AND LIMITED STRIPING NJDOT LOCAL AID PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of roadway milling, paving and limited striping for Sparta Road (“Sparta Road Project”);
WHEREAS, the Borough applied for and received a Local Aid Grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer’s estimate for milling, paving and limited striping on Sparta Road is $199,568.55; and
WHEREAS, the Borough is a member of the Morris County Co-Op which has already publicly bid milling, paving and striping services for the year 2019 and has awarded contracts therefore for the various services needed; and
WHEREAS, the Borough may utilize the Co-Op bid price as a member of the Co-Op without the need for further public bidding; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has recommended the use of the Co-Op bids for the various construction items for the Sparta Road Local Aid Project; and
WHEREAS, the Borough awards the milling and resurfacing to Tilcon New York, Inc. for District #2 at $2.95 per square yard for milling 0” – 2” in a total amount of $47,347.50; and for HMA 12.5M64 at $73.85 per ton in a total amount of $149,546.25 (see attached bid tabulation); and
WHEREAS, the Borough awards the limited striping to Denville Line Painting, Inc, for traffic striping on roadways, 4” wide using “Epoxy” at $0.30 per linear foot in a total of $2,262.00; and striping, 4” wide, long life thermoplastic at $0.86 per linear foot in a total amount of $412.80 (see attached bid tabulation);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that the Borough shall utilize Tilcon New York, Inc. for milling and paving; and Denville Line Painting, Inc. for striping for the Sparta Road Local Aid Project at the 2019 Morris County Co-Op awarded bid prices and quantities as set forth in the attached bid tabulation.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 103-19 RESOLUTION APPROVING SUBMISSION OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
WHEREAS, all municipalities operating under the Local Fiscal Affairs Law must prepare and submit a Corrective Action Plan as part of their annual audit process, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has by Resolution accepted the 2018 audit as prepared and presented by the Borough Auditors, and
WHEREAS, Dana Mooney, the Chief Financial Officer for the Borough of Stanhope has prepared a Corrective Action Plan to address the findings and recommendations for the 2018 audit and presented copies of same to the Mayor, Council, and Administrator,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, that the Corrective Action Plan, attached hereto and made a part hereof, be approved for submission to the Division of Local Government Services.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
CONSENT AGENDA (All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Borough Council and were enacted by one motion of the Borough Council with no separate discussion.)
Resolution 104-19 RESOLUTION – EXEMPT FIREMAN CERTIFICATE BRIAN J. WHITEHEAD
WHEREAS, the Chief of the Stanhope Borough Fire Department has certified that Brian J. Whitehead, a member of the Stanhope Fire Department, has served the required number of years as an active fireman and is entitled to a certificate of exemption pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-59; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-59 require the Certificate to be duly executed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality in which the fireman serves, as well as by the Clerk of said municipality; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope wishes to duly authorize the issuance of the Certificate of Exemption to Brian J. Whitehead;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Clerk be in the same are hereby authorized and directed to duly execute a Certificate of Exemption for Fireman Brian J. Whitehead; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough Clerk shall duly file the Certificate of Exemption with the Sussex County Clerk, the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association, the Stanhope Borough Fire Department and Fireman Brian J. Whitehead.
Resolution 105-19 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2017-001, representing 2016 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10602, Lot 3, known as 5 Highland Ave, assessed to Margaret & Sharen Kazaren, 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 16th Street, Suite 2050
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2017-001 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 25,709.25
Premium Paid by Lienholder 7,700.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 25,709.25
Total From Tax Premium Account 7,700.00
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 Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 106-19 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS
WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has approved payment upon certification from the Borough Department Heads that the goods and/or services have been rendered to the Borough;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the current bills list, dated June 11, 2019 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for June 25, 2019 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.
Chris Villani, 28 Young Drive, stated the residents of Young Drive and Maryann Terrace would like the Belgian Block curbing installed on their streets like what was done on James Street. Mr. Villani stated they pay a lot in taxes and they want to know why they are not getting the same treatment. Mr. Villani stated in front of his house the curbing is crumbled. Mayor Maio stated the curbing for Young Drive and Maryann Terrace is not being replaced with Belgian Block strictly due to economics. The Borough has put off the repair of Young Drive and Maryann Terrace for approximately ten years. Local Aid has been applied for several times and it has been denied by the State every time. The project is incredibly expensive due to the length of the roadway. The function of curb is to keep the water in the street. As long as there is curbing to serve that function that is what has to be used to save the roadway. Mr. Villani stated there will be partial new curbing and partial existing curbing from 1960 will remain. Mr. Villani stated he understands economics but if the job is going to be done it should be done right and if $100,000 is coming in for the project he is of the opinion the Borough should wait to do the work. Mayor Maio stated no funding is being received for this project. The Borough is responsible for the cost of the work and if the project is delayed any longer there is a concern that the road will collapse. Administrator McNeilly stated the road will be milled and paved. Mr. Villani asked what is being done differently on Young Drive and Maryann Terrace as compared to the work which was done on James Street. Administrator McNeilly stated the James Street project received NJDOT funding. The project consisted of water mains, underground surface drains were installed because there was a water issue on the hill, and the top was recontoured to remove the ponding. There was extensive work done that was covered by the NJDOT grant. The project for Young Drive has been delayed for many years and has not risen to the level of funding. The Borough has taken an interim step in order to bring a proper blacktop surface to the roadway. The road is very long and wide. Mayor Maio stated she appreciates what Mr. Villani is saying but the road needs to be repaired and the Borough has a limit on the amount of money that can be spent on a project at any given time. The Young Drive project has been delayed a lot longer than we wanted it to be. The Borough is doing what it can at this time and the road will be suitable and safe. Administrator McNeilly stated the same situation occurred on East Drive and Oak Drive near the school. There were three attempts to obtain DOT grants, to no avail. The curbing was replaced in sections and the surface was milled and paved. Mr. Villani stated the residents have heard, from someone who was marking out the street, that money is not being spent properly for their street. Administrator McNeilly stated the place to obtain the most accurate information is from his office or during a Mayor and Council meeting. This project is very straightforward. The curbs will be repaired, water saddles to the curb box to the water shut offs will be all brand new and the surface will be milled and paved. Mr. Villani asked if the milling will eliminate the problem that exists in the winter when the road gets worse when the water freezes underneath. Administrator McNeilly stated the surface is being made solid. All the trenches are being filled back in with a proper base and will have time to settle. The trenches will be dug out again and six inches of blacktop will be placed down below to provide a solid surface when the milling is done. If while milling a soft spot is encountered, it will be repaired before the paving is done.
Don Drake, 2 Summit Street, stated he is aware paving will be done behind the deli and that it is going to stop at the end of the apartment building where the hairdresser is located. Mr. Drake stated this was discussed during capital discussions last fall and he asked why the paving will end there. The road continues on to the basketball court, there are two residences in that area and there is a mailbox located there that has to be on a public road. The Borough installed speed bumps behind the Firehouse because people were speeding through the area to get to and from the basketball court. To completely pave the area would only add a couple hundred feet more. Administrator McNeilly stated the funding is not available. The project was designed to pave the parking lot and the driveway approach along the backside of the Post Office. Councilwoman Zdichocki asked if the Borough installed the speed bumps and if that is a road all the way through. Administrator McNeilly stated he does not know the answer to that question. Mr. Drake stated the Fire Chief was told by the previous Administrator that the firemen could not park near the Firehouse building because it is a road. Administrator McNeilly stated the discussion relative to the remnants of Canal Street have a long standing history. Much discussion took place regarding the area. Mayor Maio stated the questions will have to be addressed by the Borough Engineer. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated if the area is considered a road and the Borough installed the speed bumps, then a discussion needs to take place. Administrator McNeilly stated there are times when half a road is paved. If at a future time the Borough chooses to continue the blacktop through this area it can be done. Mayor Maio stated a search was done in the past by the Borough Attorney which cost the Borough time, energy and money and the results were inconclusive. Councilman Thornton asked Administrator McNeilly to ask the Borough Engineer to provide a cost estimate to blacktop the area in question. Administrator McNeilly stated he will speak to the Engineer. Mr. Drake stated he is aware the paving is not included in this year’s budget and asked if it could be considered for next year. Mayor Maio replied that will depend on the Engineer’s findings. Mayor Maio stated the paving of streets is done on the basis of need and the assessment of the condition of the roadway which is done every year. If that section is deemed to be part of the roadway and it is within the scope of the really bad roads in the Borough, then it will get done. Mr. Drake thanked the Governing Body.
Eric Frueholz, 26 Young Drive, asked why the Borough is hiring an additional police officer outside of public safety if the Borough is broke and there is no money to get things done. Mayor Maio stated the Borough is replacing a police officer who retired, not adding one, and the Borough is not broke. Mr. Frueholz stated money is not available to repair roads. Mayor Maio stated the Borough does not have money to expand in any area without increasing taxes beyond the point that the Governing Body feels is prudent to do so. Mr. Frueholz asked why James Street was granted the money to fix the road and did it have anything to do with the length of the road. Administrator McNeilly stated the State of NJ has criteria for determining how grant funds are awarded. The State provided the funding for James Street.
Chris Katterman, 17 Young Drive, stated currently on Young Drive there are at least five properties of concern with regard to health and habitability issues. Mr. Katterman asked what procedures can be used to address the problems and contact the owners. There is a home which has been a construction site for the past six years. Any time work starts at that location it causes an influx of rodents to the neighboring properties. Mr. Katterman stated the home across from his has two holes in the roof and there is video evidence of raccoons entering the premises. There is another home with three non-related people renting a house. There is another house up the street and they have nine cars and there are issues with the home next door to his. Mr. Katterman stated “We are paying so much in taxes and these houses look like hell.” Administrator McNeilly stated there is nothing that can be done with the rental home and the Borough does not have a limit on the number of cars permitted. The residence with the hole in the roof can be addressed by the Code Enforcement Official. With regard to the active construction site, once construction permits are issued for a property there is no set time requirement. Mr. Katterman stated he is aware that there are a few homes which will be going into foreclosure and he asked how these properties can be managed proactively before the lawns get overgrown. Administrator McNeilly stated there was a home on Young Drive which was empty for eleven years. That type of situation is a resource drain on our offices. The situation is better now than it was back then. It is a constant struggle to locate the mortgage companies responsible for the properties and the companies responsible for maintenance constantly change. The Borough had more than thirty properties to track which has been reduced down to a handful now. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough likes to be informed of vacant properties as soon as possible in order to turn off the water. Administrator McNeilly asked the residents to inform him when they know of an abandoned property and he will notify the Code Enforcement Official and she will begin work on the properties right away.
Edward Franco, 19 Young Drive, thanked the Governing Body for contacting the DPW and the “water main whisperer”, as Councilwoman Kuncken referred to him. Mr. Franco appreciates the efforts which were made to resolve the problem on Young Drive. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Franco for bringing this to their attention.
Mayor Maio stated the Governing Body is aware that the residents have frustrations and questions. The best way to obtain information is to contact the Administrator or a member of the Governing Body. The people out on the street are not informed and sometimes have their own agenda. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough discourages the DPW staff from speaking because they often only have information with regard to a small piece of the project. Administrator McNeilly stated if the residents have any questions or concerns they should contact him.
Seeing no one further 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:
2 – Personnel
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 Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:55 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:40 P.M. with all present.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent – On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, 65.5 hours of Compensation Time was granted to Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 P.M.
Approved: Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk