MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
June 23, 2020
7:00 P.M.
Click Here To View/Print PDF Version of Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Zdichocki 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 8, 2020 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
Furthermore, notice of the change in the meeting to an electronic meeting via Zoom was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on June 12, 2020 and was placed on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
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:
Councilman Cipollini – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Zdichocki read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
May 1, 2020 Special Meeting
May 12, 2020 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
May 26, 2020 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilman Cipollini, seconded by Councilman Wronko and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwoman Kuncken/CouncilmanThornton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department for the month of March reported 7 calls, 2 drills, 1 training and 1 meeting for a total of 151 hours. For the month of April, the Fire Department reported 6 calls and 1 mutual aid call for a total of 70 man hours. There were no meetings scheduled due to COVID-19. For the month of May, the Fire Department reported 3 calls and 1 special detail for a total of 25.25 man hours.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Sussex County Fire Marshal has no inspection report due to COVID-19.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for May reported a total of 141 total calls. There were 11 motor vehicle stops which is a considerable decrease due to the reduced number of drivers due to COVID-19.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad for the month of April reported a total of 42 calls; 13 calls in Stanhope, 26 in Netcong and 3 out of town calls to Hopatcong. There was a total of 28 patients. The hours volunteered totaled 134 hours and 3 minutes.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated the tax collection for May totaled $1,977,829.62. The year to date total is $5,836,303.48. The first quarter tax collection percentage is 97%. The second quarter is 92%. Mayor Zdichocki asked how these percentages compare to last year. Councilman Romano stated last year’s percentages were at 96% and 94%. The Borough is on track.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for the month of May were $13,577.35 as compared to last year’s figure of $12,706.93 in May of 2019. The year to date collected is $218,670.25. The report for the May 2019 sewer collection figure seems to have a duplication error. The sewer amount collected for May is $17,897.15. Collections are on track.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Councilman Wronko stated the Fire Department will be conducting their annual Bucket Drop Fund Raiser from July 2nd through July 5th. Councilman Wronko asked everyone to support the fund raiser.
Councilman Wronko stated the Governor has stated that indoor dining can begin for restaurants on July 2nd. Slowly things are going back to normal. Casinos, waterparks and amusement parks are also on the list.
Councilman Wronko stated another Food Drive is scheduled for July 18th at the Valley Road School. Donations and pick up will be held on the same day. Donations are appreciated and anyone in need should plan to stop by that day.
Councilman Wronko stated he met with the Stanhope Chamber of Commerce and Stanhope Day has been postponed. The Pig Roast is still on and the Garage Sale Day has been rescheduled for October 10th. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the owner of Shakey Jakes will be working out a plan for the pig roast.
Mayor Zdichocki thanked the council members for their help with the last food drive and distribution. Donations are needed again for the upcoming food drive. Items such as dog food and cat food are also needed. Mayor Zdichocki stated if there is anyone who is unable to get to the food drive and needs assistance, arrangements can be made to make sure the people in need are able to receive the food.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Wronko
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated Tilcon paved Roberts Place, Lakeview Terrace and Central Avenue. Baker Place and Highland Avenue are on hold until the water project is complete. The speed bumps have been installed on Musconetcong Avenue.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Cipollini
Councilman Riccardi stated the Municipay program was implemented earlier this year. During the second quarter 56 accounts were paid totaling $120,117.80. There were 191 utility bills paid through the system totaling $51,980.52. Residents are making use of the program especially since they cannot enter the municipal building at this time.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated this is good news. Mayor Zdichocki asked if there has been any feedback from the residents. Councilman Riccardi replied he has spoken with residents who did not know that paying online was available. More advertisement is needed. Administrator McNeilly stated the estimated tax bills will be mailed shortly and the CFO has a flyer which will be placed in the mailing. The majority of electronic payments are being done by electronic check, not by credit card, due to the convenience fee cost.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Cipollini/Councilman Romano
Councilman Cipollini reported that unfortunately Family Fun Day has been cancelled for this year. It is too difficult to try and reschedule events for later in the year. Mayor Zdichocki stated next year’s Family Fun Day will be twice as good.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Finance – Administrator McNeilly stated a few weeks ago a report was presented to the governing body regarding the Borough’s tax collections. The current state of tax collection payments is close to 97%. Administrator McNeilly stated he spoke with the Water/Sewer Cashier and although there is a fluctuation in the way the numbers look at the moment, there is approximately a week and a half left before the due date for the water/sewer bills and it appears that the collections will be at or ahead for receivables. The next issue will be how the estimated 3rd quarter tax bills are received. At the moment collections look good.
Borough Hall Improvements – Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough Hall improvements are ongoing. Construction will take place this week while there are less people in the office and next week markings will be done as well. The DPW have been working on the parks and the catch basins. On Monday, the DPW was part of the project for the paving of Roberts Place, Lakeview Terrace and Central Avenue working on the sewer manhole rings and traffic detail. It was a hot day for putting down asphalt and it took much longer than expected. Well #3, which is one of two wells that runs on standby during emergencies, had some issues. The motor and pumps had to be replaced. The DPW has been very busy. The office employees have also been busy. The residents are utilizing the drop box, emails are being answered, stickers for white good collection are being processed and regular mail is all being taken care of.
Mayor Zdichocki asked if the work at the well is complete. Administrator McNeilly replied the work is done.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Tap Grant – Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated he had a lengthy conversation with the Local Aid Representative today regarding the final piece of the process. The Local Aid Representative is updating the specifications and he will provide those to the Borough. The Borough is in the final stages. The Federal funding authorization process will be done in August of this year. Once the Federal Highway and the NJDOT approval are obtained the Borough can go out to bid. Work will be able to being in the Spring of 2021. Mr. Keller stated the administrative side has been redone at least three times due to retirements and a change in Mayor.
Musconetcong Avenue, Central Avenue & Roberts Place – Mr. Keller stated the striping of the center lane on Musconetcong Avenue will be done tomorrow. The speed bumps striping will be done next week. Some striping will also be done on Central Avenue and Roberts Place.
Dell Road – Mr. Keller stated the quotes for the ADA ramps are out for Dell Road. They are due by the end of day next Tuesday.
Brooklyn Road & Baker Place – Mr. Keller stated the bid opening for Brooklyn Road and Baker Place is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th, at 2:30PM. This will most likely take place outside. Mr. Keller stated the resolution to support the road closure on Brooklyn Road is on the agenda tonight. After the governing body approves the resolution it will be sent to the Freeholders for approval. The contract can then be awarded at the Mayor and Council’s July 14th meeting.
Highland Avenue, Baker Place & North Central Avenue – Mr. Keller stated the road reclamation bid for Highland Avenue, Baker Place and North Central Avenue will be going out in early July.
Bridge – Administrator McNeilly stated he and Mayor Zdichocki visited the site of what is referred to as the “Orange Bridge” and will now be the “New Bridge” to see a sample of the stonework. The stonework is a requirement of the State historical agency. The contract engineer provided a close up tour of the bring and informed the Administrator and the Mayor that the bridge is on schedule to be completed by Labor Day. The base structure on the Stanhope side is nearly complete. Next week the Mt. Olive and Netcong areas should be complete. The rest of the work is being done offsite. The bridge will be brought in on a tractor trailer. The historic work is being done in Sparta at a restoration shop. Mayor Zdichocki stated the project may actually be done two months ahead of the original schedule. Administrator McNeilly stated the new bridge will be a welcome improvement which will allow access to Wells 3 and 4. A mason dump truck could not travel over the previous bridge.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Eagle Scout Project – Administrator McNeilly stated Zoe Rizzo sent a proposal letter regarding her Eagle Scout project. Administrator McNeilly asked for feedback from the governing body. Prior Eagle Scout projects have been done within the Borough. Councilwoman Kuncken stated Zoe’s project suggests installing a sharing library at three locations within the Borough. Currently there is a sharing library located at the Linden Avenue School. Councilwoman Kuncken stated sharing libraries have become popular and she does not have any objections to the project. Administrator McNeilly stated locating the sharing libraries at the parks is acceptable but in his opinion Borough Hall is not a good location. Councilwoman Kuncken agreed the parks are a better idea as that is where families visit. Mayor Zdichocki agreed Borough Hall would not be a good location but the other two options are acceptable. Mayor Zdichocki stated the Borough will gladly help Zoe. Councilman Cipollini asked who will maintain and monitor the book drops. Councilwoman Kuncken stated this will have to be discussed with Zoe. Administrator McNeilly stated the book drop at Linden Avenue School is well maintained and the structure looks like a schoolhouse. It is important to have a sturdy structure. Administrator McNeilly asked if the governing body is in favor of granting the request. The Eagle Scout Project packet contains approximately 30 pages and Administrator McNeilly will need to sign the approval. Discussion took place as to how long the book drops would be monitored and maintained. Councilman Romano stated it is not expected that Zoe would continue to do this in perpetuity. Administrator McNeilly stated if the book drops become a problem, they would have to be removed. Mayor Zdichocki stated a list of questions can be submitted to Zoe or we can ask her to attend a Mayor and Council meeting. Administrator McNeilly stated this needs to be done as soon as possible. He did not envision there being any specific questions, or he would have asked her to call in to tonight’s meeting. Mayor Zdichocki asked Administrator McNeilly to ask Zoe about the maintenance issue. Administrator McNeilly stated Zoe is a high school student and may be going off to college. The Borough’s expectation of maintenance should be to assume none and hope for some. Administrator McNeilly stated as an Eagle Scout who did his project in town, the intent is to maintain the project, but life will go on. The structure needs to be built solid, located in a good location for use and if it suffers from any deterioration or vandalism it will have to be removed. Mayor Zdichocki stated she wishes Zoe luck with her project and she is happy Zoe is giving back to the community. The Governing Body agreed to the sharing library project. Administrator McNeilly will inform Zoe of the approval given to move forward.
Spring Lane – Councilman Cipollini stated a letter was received from a resident on Spring Lane requesting the installation of speed bumps. Mayor Zdichocki stated she spoke with Administrator McNeilly regarding the request. Residents living in the area need to be more responsible when driving. Every neighborhood would like to have speed bumps but that just is not possible. The majority of the drivers are most likely Stanhope residents. Administrator McNeilly stated the street is not a cut through. Spring Lane is a short, tight road. Accessing Spring Lane would only avoid one speed bump on Musconetcong Avenue. The speed that a car is traveling is very much a perception when you are watching it go by. The 25mph speed limit, which is allowed on all streets, can seem fast. This particular area is not being travelled by transient drivers. The areas of Musconetcong Avenue, New Street, High Street and Dell Road are highly travelled streets. The issue can be submitted to the Borough Engineer for review but it does not have heavy traffic and it is not a cut through street. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Engineer has stated in the past that the criteria for the installation of speed bumps for areas such as Spring Lane do not meet the criteria. Administrator McNeilly stated he will speak with the Borough Engineer to obtain his response and reply back to the resident accordingly. Councilman Cipollini stated he wants to make sure an answer is given to the resident that made the request. Councilman Romano and Councilman Cipollini stated they both live in the area and have not noticed an issue with Spring Lane. Mayor Zdichocki stated all correspondence received is addressed immediately and an answer is always provided. Administrator McNeilly stated he will also let the Police Chief know about the resident’s concern. If residents notice a specific speeding issue, they should try to determine if the occurrence is at a specific time of day or day of the week so it can be addressed with targeted enforcement. Councilman Riccardi asked if there are signs posted such as “Children At Play” on Spring Lane. Administrator McNeilly stated he will check into the signage.
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinance for public hearing and final adoption which was read by title.
Ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2020-07 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN ACCCORDANCE WITH THE NEW JERSEY LOCAL LANDS AND BUILDINGS LAW, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1, ET SEQ.
WHEREAS, the Stanhope Borough Mayor and Council desires to accept the donation of real property within the Borough located at Valley Road, designated as Block 10801, Lot 3 on the Stanhope Borough Tax Map for public purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Local Lands and Buildings Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1, et seq., authorizes the acquisition of real property for public purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Stanhope Borough Mayor and Council, that the Borough is hereby authorized to acquire the vacant lot known as Block 10801, Lot 3 on the Stanhope Borough Tax Map from the donors, M.W. Flint, Jr. and A.M. Zalewski.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are authorized to sign the acquisition documents in order to complete the acceptance of the donation, upon the approval of the form of such documents by the Borough Attorney. Title being conveyed shall be by Bargain and Sale Deed with covenants against Grantor’s Act in a form acceptable to the Borough Attorney.
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.
Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions inconsistent or in opposition to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed in their entirety.
Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately; however, it shall be void in the event the parties do not execute a formal purchase contract.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Wronko 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.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 107-20 RESOLUTION APPROVING EMERGENCY WELL REPAIRS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope became aware of a total pump failure at Well No. 3 and the pump needed to be pulled from the well casing and replaced; and
WHEREAS, DPS Pump Service, LLC, the Borough’s usual vendor, was directed to make the emergency repairs to the Well No. 3; and
WHEREAS, it was necessary to have this repair done immediately, as Well No. 3 is the second largest production well and one of the two wells that is capable of operating under a power outage; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6 provides for the awarding of contracts without public advertising for bids and bidding above the bid threshold without the need to seek competitive quotations, when an emergency affecting the public health, safety or welfare requires the immediate delivery of goods or the performance of services; and
WHEREAS, emergency repairs to Well No. 3 totaled $8,088.50 in work performed by DPS Pump Service, LLC, which is in addition to the $15,992.00 already spent for well emergencies within the previous 12 months, and now is $6,580.50 above the $17,500 bid threshold, requiring this resolution;
WHEREAS, the emergent condition of the well was properly reported by the DPW Supervisor to the Borough Administrator in accordance with Borough practices and the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6 and N.J.A.C. 5:34-6.1.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, State of New Jersey, that it does hereby concur in the payment to DPS Pump Service, LLC for emergency repairs to Well No. 3 in the amount of $8,088.50.
On motion by Councilman Cipollini, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 108-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER #2 TO PORT MORRIS PUMP STATION REPLACEMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope awarded a contract to Rapid Pump & Meter Service Company, Inc. in the base bid amount of $498,590.00 for the Port Morris Pump Station Replacement Project, Contract ST19-01, via Resolution #085-19; and
WHEREAS, Change Order No. 1 reduced the original contracted amount by $13,200.00 and was authorized via Resolution #033-20 on January 14, 2020, reducing the amount of the purchase order to $485,390.00; and
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2020, the Borough Engineer recommended a second change order to the Governing Body in the amount of a $27,300.03, to increase the revised purchase order from $485,390.00 to $512,690.03; and
WHEREAS, Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $27,300.03 has been prepared by the Borough Engineer to authorize the increase to the revised purchase order; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body must approve the change order to authorize payment to the contractor with Change Order No. 2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council that the Borough does hereby authorize the issuance of a second change order to Rapid Pump & Meter Service Company, Inc. in an addition of $27,300.03 for a total amount of $512,690.03.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 109-20 RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY BY PLANET NETWORKS, INC. FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLING
WHEREAS, Planet Networks Inc. (“Planet Networks”) is a provider of telecommunications services that is authorized by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to provide local exchange and interexchange telecommunications services throughout New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Planet Networks has petitioned the municipality for consent to use the public rights-of-way to place its telecommunication facilities aerially on existing and new utility poles and/or in underground conduit; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission has held that that “an effective prohibition [under the Telecommunications Act of 1996] occurs where a state or local legal requirement materially inhibits a provider’s ability to engage in any of a variety of activities related to its provision of a covered service … not only by rendering a service provider unable to provide an existing service in a new geographic area or by restricting the entry of a new provider in providing service in a particular area, but also by materially inhibiting the introduction of new services or the improvement of existing services.” Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order, WT Docket No. 17-79; WC Docket No. 17-84, FCC-18-133A1, at para. 36, p. 15-16; and
WHEREAS, Planet Networks has or will enter into agreements with the utility companies for the use of their poles; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 48:3-19 provides that “[t]he consent of the municipality shall be obtained for the use by a person of the poles of ‘-another person unless each person has a lawful right to maintain poles in such street, highway or other public place;” and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 27:16-6 provides, in part that “[t]he board of chosen freeholders shall not grant an easement, right of way, or use in, under or over, any portion of a county road in a municipality, unless the governing body of the municipality … shall consent thereto;” and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 46:17-8 provides that “[a]ny telegraph or telephone company organized under the laws of this or any other State, or of the United States may erect, construct and maintain the necessary poles, wires, conduits, and other fixtures for its lines, in, upon, along, over or under any public street, road or highway, upon first obtaining the consent in writing of the owner of the soil to the erection of such poles, and through, across or under any of the waters within this State and upon, through or over any other land, subject to the right of the owners thereof to full compensation for the same.”
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:30A-124(a) provides that a municipality may not impose any fees, taxes, levies or assessments in the nature of a local franchise, right of way, or gross receipts fee, tax, levy or assessment against telecommunications companies but that a municipality may impose reasonable fees for actual services made by any municipal agency; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the municipality and its citizens to grant consent to Planet Networks for tis expanding fiber optic network.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the governing body does hereby grant non-exclusive permission and authority to Planet Networks, Inc. to install fiber optic cables and related facilities on existing utility poles within the public right-of-way within the Borough of Stanhope and to install new utility poles, upon the following terms and conditions:
- Planet Networks shall adhere to all applicable federal, State, and local laws in connection with its use of the public right-of-way.
- Planet Networks shall obtain any applicable permits in connection with the installation of its facilities.
- All new utility poles located in the public right-of-way shall be subject to Borough engineer approval prior to construction, and shall be similar in appearance, size and height to the closest existing utility poles.
- Planet Networks shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the municipality, its officials, agents, and employees, from and against any claim of liability, damages or loss resulting in bodily injury or property damage arising out of Planet Network’s use of the public right-of-way, except to the extent such loss, injury or property damage resulting from the acts or omissions of the municipality.
- Planet Networks shall procure and maintain, at its cost and expense, commercial general liability insurance with limits not less than $1,000,000 for injury to or death of one or more persons in any one occurrence and $500,000 for damage or destruction to property in any one occurrence and shall include the municipality as an additional insured on said insurance policy.
- Planet Networks shall provide an escrow of $600.00 and reimburse the Borough of Stanhope for the actual costs of any services rendered but the Borough and/or its professionals in connection with the granting of this consent and use of the public rights-of-way.
- Planet Networks shall be responsible for the repair of any damage to pavement or any structure arising from its construction, installation or maintenance of its facilities.
- Notwithstanding any provision contained herein, neither the municipality nor Planet Networks shall be liable to the other for consequential, incidental, exemplary, or punitive damages on account of any activity pursuant to this consent.
- The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and the Clerk to attest to any other documents necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – 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 110-20 RESOLUTION ENDORSING ROAD CLOSURE AND DETOUR PLAN FOR COUNTY ROUTE 602 TO THE SUSSEX COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of making repairs and rehabilitation to its municipal water system including the water service connections located within Sussex County Route 602 (Brooklyn-Stanhope Road); and
WHEREAS, the Borough retained the services of consulting engineer Eric Keller, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd, for purposes of designing and supervising the water system improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Borough’s Consulting Engineer has prepared a Road Closure and Detour Plan for County Route 602 which has been submitted to the County Engineering & Planning Department for its review and approval; and
WHEREAS, the Borough wishes to formally endorse the Road Closure and Detour Plan to the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders so that the Freeholder Board may approve same;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough does hereby formally endorse to the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders the Road Closure and Detour Plan for Sussex County Route 602, as prepared by the Borough’s Consulting Engineers, Eric Keller, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
Resolution 111-20 RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF SPARTA FOR THE PROVISION OF QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT SERVICES
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of Qualified Purchasing Agent (“QPA”) services; and
WHEREAS, the Township of Sparta can provide QPA services, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-9;
WHEREAS, the QPA services are exempt from bidding requirements per N.J.S.A. 40A:11-3, et. seq.; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope desires to enter into an agreement with the Township of Sparta for QPA services, effective July 1st, 2020 through June 30th, 2021, as set forth in the Agreement.
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 Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute the Agreement between the Borough of Stanhope and the Township of Sparta for the QPA services of Grant Rome; and
2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Resolution 112-20 RESOLUTION TO REFUND OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES
WHEREAS, both the new property owner and the former property owner’s bank made payment of the 2nd Quarter 2020 property taxes, creating an overpayment of taxes on this property; and
WHEREAS, the new owner has requested a refund of the overpayment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the property owner named below in the designated amount representing an overpayment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Block Lot Qual Name & Address Tax Year Amount
11701 13.18 C0702 John M. Gauweiler, Jr. 2020 $1,408.18
702 Stonegate Lane
Stanhope, New Jersey 07874
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Cipollini and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 113-20 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 23, 2020 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:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
CITIZENS 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.
Councilman Riccardi stated it appeared that Gil Moscatello was trying to respond but the connection was not being made. Administrator McNeilly confirmed the microphone was open for the public to respond and there were no technical issues on the Borough’s side. Administrator McNeilly stated, for Mr. Moscatello’s benefit, that if he was in fact trying to speak and having technical difficulties he should email his comments or call in.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter-specified subject matter(s).
2. The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 – 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 Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:50 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:07 P.M. with all present.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and carried by a majority roll call vote, a six-month unpaid leave of absence was granted to Officer Montella. Officer Montella is responsible for all paid benefits.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – abstain
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Administrator McNeilly stated a letter will be forwarded to Officer Montella from the Borough Attorney.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Cipollini, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Approved: Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk