June 11, 2024 Work Session & Agenda Meeting Minutes

MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING MINUTES
June 11, 2024 7:00 P.M.

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CALL TO ORDER

SALUTE TO COLORS

Mayor Wronko 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 10, 2024 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 Simpson – present
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wachterhauser – present

Mayor Wronko – present

Mayor Wronko revised the Agenda and moved Resolution 118-24 to this portion of the meeting.

Resolution 118-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT TO JORDAN L. ANDERSON TO THE STANHOPE BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope desires to hire a full-time Police Officer to serve within the Stanhope Borough Police Department; and

WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has recommended the appointment of Jordan L. Anderson to the full-time position of Police Officer, effective July 8, 2024;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough Administrator be and the same is hereby authorized to extend an offer of employment to Jordan L. Anderson as a Police Officer for the Borough of Stanhope, effective July 8, 2024.

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

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes

Ellen Horak, Municipal Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Anderson. The governing body congratulated and welcomed Ms. Anderson.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

FY2025 Local Aid Grant (New Street) – Administrator McNeilly reported the Borough Engineer is preparing the background paperwork for the grant. Vanessa at Millennium is collecting the information and will finalize the Borough’s submission. There will be a resolution for consideration at the June 25^th meeting.

2024 Congressionally Directed Spending Grant – Administrator McNeilly noted the “big check” that arrived for this grant (the Water Tower Project). Administrator McNeilly reported they are still on standby awaiting correspondence from HUD regarding their process.

2025 Congressional Directed Spending Request (Stanhope Municipal Complex) – Administrator McNeilly reported he received an email from Congressman Kean’s office that this project, although a note worthy project, is not part of the 15-project group that the Congressman gets to recommend to committee for consideration. Administrator McNeilly stated they still have hope through Senator Booker, who moved the Borough’s project through his process to the next step.

NJ Natural Gas – Administrator McNeilly reported the gas line installation of the mains is ongoing. They will be moving on to Highland Avenue/Baker/North Central as well as Spring Street/Coursen Street/Port Morris. The Infrastructure Committee and NJ Natural Gas will be meeting later this month.

Lead-Based Paint Inspections – Administrator McNeilly noted they spoke about this before and the time is now to move forward. The new law requires municipalities to perform or hire a certified lead evaluation contractor to perform periodic inspections of single rentals every three years or when there is a turnover when there is no valid lead safe certification. The Borough’s part-time construction department is too small to handle this process. Many towns in Sussex County have contracted with LEW Environmental to perform the required inspections. Administrator McNeilly reported he is waiting a proposal from LEW Environmental. The Borough must have something in place by the end of July.

Ridge/Sunset/Overhill/Mountain View – Administrator McNeilly reported the contractor completed the installation of the temporary water service. The DPW Superintendent performed all the needed water testing and the system is cleared for use. On June 7^th the DPW and the contractor began going door-to-door to inspect house water service and make the connection to the temporary system. As of today, they have completed 24 out of 30 house connections. The DPW has discovered 7 services that are not copper which will require replacement.

COAH Funds – Administrator McNeilly reminded the governing body that the Borough Planner, Bill Hamilton, will be attending the June 25^th meeting to discuss options for the Borough’s COAH plan.

Councilman Thornton noted, as per a meeting with the gas company in November, they are supposed to have multiple teams in the area and he questioned if they do. Administrator McNeilly responded they do have multiple teams. Currently, they have one crew at Highland and Baker and another crew at Spring, Coursen and Hill. There are multiple crews throughout the areas.

WORK SESSION

Spring Lane Block Party Request –Mayor Wronko noted the governing body received a request from residents on Spring Lane to hold a block party. The governing body has approved block parties in the past. There were no objections to allowing the residents of Spring Lane to hold a block party.

Lenape Valley Regional High School 50^th Anniversary – Mayor Wronko informed Council that this year is the high school’s 50^th anniversary and they will be doing a couple of events. In mid-September, they are looking to do a 5K race starting at the high school and going through Stanhope and they asked him to reach out to the police department. Mayor Wronko spoke to the Administrator who suggested also reaching out to Netcong and Byram. They have not fully defined the route, but the intent is to start and finish at the high school. Mayor Wronko will get more information as it becomes available and relay it to Council. They are also looking to do fireworks after the homecoming game at the end of September. They will shoot the fireworks off from the field. They are aware that they need a permit. Councilman Thornton suggested the residents in the area be made aware of the fireworks prior to the night. Another event planned is an alumni prom. More information on all the events will follow.

2024 Congressional Grant – Mayor Wronko noted the $3,300,000 check the Borough received and he recognized and thanked the Administrator, Borough Staff, DPW, Borough Engineer, Council and former Mayor Zdichocki for their efforts in securing this grant for the water tower. The water tower will help improve the Borough’s infrastructure.

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTIONS

Mayor Wronko offered the following resolutions which were read by title.

Resolution 117-24 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A 2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO MD 4WD REG CAB WORK TRUCK THROUGH THE MORRIS COUNTY COOPERATIVE PRICING COUNCIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,700.00

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of a new 4WD mason dump truck for the use by the Stanhope Borough Department of Public Works; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope’s Supervisor of Public Works recommends the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado MD 4WD Reg Cab Work Truck through the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 52:34-6.2(b)(3) permits the Borough of Stanhope to purchase a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado MD 4WD Reg Cab Work Truck using a national cooperative pricing system that utilizes a competitive proposal process awarding contracts; and

WHEREAS, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council is a nationally recognized and accepted cooperative purchasing contracting unit that utilizes competitive proposal processes; and

WHEREAS, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, through Pellegrino Auto Group, has submitted a quote for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado MD 4WD Reg Cab Work Truck for $109,700.00; and

WHEREAS, the use of Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council results in cost savings to the Borough; and

WHEREAS, the CFO has certified that the maximum dollar amount of the contract shall not exceed $109,700.00 and that funds are currently available for the purpose of awarding the contract.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope authorizes the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado MD 4WD Reg Cab Work Truck, through Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, in the amount of $109,700.00.

This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes

Resolution 119-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH AN APPROVED STATE CONTRACT VENDOR PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12(a)

WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12(a) and N.J.A.C. 5:34-7.29(c) may, by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program for any State contract entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury; and

WHEREAS, the Borough has the need to purchase eight (8) Body Worn Cameras for Borough police officers, including accessories, video system and installation; and

WHEREAS, the Borough has determined the purchase of the cameras are best obtained utilizing a State contract; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to purchase eight (8) Body Worn Cameras for Borough police officers, including accessories, video system and installation through Lenslock, Inc. for a total amount of $61,655.00; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified the availability of funds for the purchase of the cameras.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Chief of Police be and the same is hereby authorized to purchase the eight (8) cameras from Lenslock, Inc. for a total amount of $61,655.00, as stated above.

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

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes

Resolution 120-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH AN APPROVED STATE CONTRACT VENDOR PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12(a)

WHEREAS, the Borough has the need to purchase six (6) two-way radios, including accessories for the Police Department; and

WHEREAS, the Borough has determined the purchase of the two-way radios are best obtained utilizing a State contract; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to purchase six (6) two-way radios, including accessories for the Police Department through Atlantic Communications, for a total amount of $9,573.42; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified the availability of funds for the purchase of the two-way radios.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Chief of Police be and the same is hereby authorized to purchase six (6) two-way radios, including accessories through Atlantic Communications for the Police Department, for a total amount of $9,573.42, as stated above.

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

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes

Resolution 121-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH AN APPROVED STATE CONTRACT VENDOR PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12(a)

WHEREAS, the Borough has the need to purchase three (3) computers to be installed and used in police vehicles, including accessories, along with the removal of old computers; and

WHEREAS, the Borough has determined the purchase of the computers are best obtained utilizing a State contract; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to purchase three (3) computers to be installed and used in police vehicles, including accessories, along with the removal of old computers, through Gold Type Business Machines, Inc., for a total amount of $26,534.18; and

WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified the availability of funds for the purchase of the computers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Chief of Police be and the same is hereby authorized to purchase three (3) computers to be installed and used in police vehicles, including its accessories, along with the removal of old computers through Gold Type Business Machines, Inc., for a total amount of $26,534.18, as stated above.

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

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Resolution 122-24 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, 2024 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.

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

Roll Call:

Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Simpson – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes

AGENDA ITEMS

All items listed on the Agenda for June 25, 2024 were approved.

CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD

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

Scott Stevens thanked the governing body for taking the time to listen to him regarding the issue with the property behind where he lives. He wants the governing body to know that he and his neighbors appreciate it. Mr. Stevens said he attended last night’s Land Use Board meeting and heard that it is up to the Board engineer and the applicant can do anything they want so long as it meets the engineer’s requisite and the deed restriction. Mr. Stevens informed the governing body that the citizens on Musconetcong Avenue are not happy and are upset. Mr. Stevens said he sees a different thing on the paper (deed restriction) than the Board’s engineer and attorney and he disagrees with their interpretation. Mr. Stevens voiced his opinion that the way the process on the hearing went about is not right. He was not represented until he came here and had to ask for it. When he brought up the lack of notice, he was told your hands are tied because it is the law. Mr. Stevens asked what is the purpose of having an elected body if the decisions go to people who were not elected. Mr. Stevens said he does not feel the engineer has shown them any concern or respect. He should represent all residents and take care of and show consideration when they make that type of decision. Mr. Stevens expressed his displeasure with how the process went. Mayor Wronko responded the governing body does care about all the residents and said after Mr. Stevens first approached them, he followed up with the Administrator and asked to be kept updated. Mayor Wronko said the professionals on the Board know the laws better than they do so they defer to them. They do care what goes on, but they do have to trust the feedback they receive from the professionals on the Land Use Board. Councilwoman Kuncken noted the engineer spoke at the Mayor and Council meeting and she got no sense of disrespect when he was speaking about this issue and she questioned why Mr. Stevens thought he was being disrespectful and did not care. Councilwoman Kuncken said she understands that Mr. Stevens is not happy with the Board’s interpretation, but they are the professionals.

Nancy Stevens said there is a situation on Musconetcong Avenue and she does not know what happened. Musconetcong Avenue has become more like Brooklyn Mt. Road with the amount of traffic and speeding vehicles. There are also extremely loud cars travelling the road. Councilman Romano noted the gas line installation has a lot of diversions of traffic. Administrator McNeilly agreed speeding is a problem on all roads throughout the Borough and most are residents. Administrator McNeilly will rotate the speed sign to that area.

Bill Eaves, approached the governing body as their appointee to the PAC. There is a vote coming up next month regarding a waste management facility in Andover. Although it does not affect the Borough, he has to vote on it and wanted to inform the governing body prior to his vote. The area is walking distance to a Christmas tree farm. Mr. Eaves expressed his opinion that there are some people who will make an issue of this which is why he has brought it to the governing body’s attention. Andover Township has adopted the resolution, but it has to go through PAC before it goes to the DEP. This is just for sewer and they will abandon their existing field. Since it is only sewer, the governing body had no issues. Administrator McNeilly stated they would have a concern if they were trucking. Mr. Eaves will email the packet to the governing body for review and any concerns will be brought to his attention.

Roe Maio, spoke to the governing body as their appointee to the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board. The Lake Board has been approached to take on a project they have never done before which is the euthanasian of geese. Apparently, the Borough of Netcong has been doing this for some time because they feel they have a significant problem with geese in their parks and were spending a lot of money having their DPW clean up the parks. Ms. Maio expressed her opinion that this is not a Stanhope problem. If the Board agrees to take this on, it will be included in their budget and each town will have to pay their percentage. Ms. Maio said she feels this is a Netcong problem, not a Stanhope problem and she intends to vote no unless Council thinks differently. Council agreed with Ms. Maio that this is not a problem in Stanhope and she should vote no.

Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Wronko 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 exists;

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

The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:

1 – Contract Negotiation

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.
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 7:40 P.M.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:00 P.M. with all present.

ADJOURNMENT

On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Simpson and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

Approved:
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk

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