MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
June 25, 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
Ordinances Rescheduled – Mayor Maio stated due to the fact that the occupant capacity for the meeting room has been exceeded, the two ordinances, which most of the attendees are here to discuss, will be rescheduled for August 27th. The meeting will be advertised in the newspaper, a notice will be placed on the website and a sign will be posted on the door. The meeting will be held at the American Legion.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2019-10 Re-Zoning Block 11802, Lots 1 and 2 from Planned Industrial/Commercial District to High Density Residential District will be rescheduled for August 27th.
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 Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2019-11 Amending Chapter 100 Adopting COAH Regulations will be rescheduled for August 27th.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Mayor Maio stated Ordinances 2019-10 and 2019-11 will not be discussed this evening.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Michael Assenza, 1 Highland Avenue, stated in his opinion Ordinance 2019-09 is extremely discriminatory against those people who use their homes as secondary income for business purposes to rent to corporations. Mr. Assenza stated he can see the necessity if the Borough is receiving complaints regarding residents going in and out during a 30 day period. However, there are corporate people who are looking for a room to rent for three days or a week and they do not want to be in a hotel. Mr. Assenza stated he believes the Borough is denying the opportunity for property owners to make extra income. Some corporations will pay $1,200 per week for a rental. Mr. Assenza asked the Governing Body to explain the origin of the need for the ordinance. Mayor Maio stated the purpose of the ordinance is to prohibit Airbnb’s throughout the Borough. The Governing Body is of the opinion that people should utilize a hotel. Mr. Assenza asked if the ordinance could be structured differently to permit the use for corporate use. Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated the intent is to prohibit occupancy whether by an individual or by corporate, because that would be very hard to determine, once you get to the thirty day threshold. Mayor Maio stated they can utilize the bed and breakfast in the Borough. Councilman Thornton stated the Borough has one of the top bed and breakfasts in the state and the cost is less. Councilman Thornton stated he is of the opinion there is not a demand for the service Mr. Assenza has described. Mr. Assenza stated the opportunity does exist and he thanked the Governing Body for their time. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Assenza for coming forward.
Rich Perry, 43 Sparta Road, stated Netcong recently installed lighted crosswalks and asked if the Borough has plans to do the same. Mayor Maio stated the Borough has an agreement being finalized with Sussex County to install a similar crosswalk on Brooklyn Road this year. The Borough will be paying $10,000 for the crosswalk. The Borough expects to install an additional crosswalk next year. The State of NJ has informed the Borough that they will not install a lighted crosswalk on Main Street because it is too close to the one in Netcong. There is another crosswalk being installed on Sparta Road in conjunction with a current project. Mr. Perry asked about the crosswalk at the American Legion. Mayor Maio stated that is a State road. The Borough has been able to have a brighter light installed on the American Legion side of the road and a new light has been installed on the opposite side of the crosswalk. The Borough Engineer is working on other possibilities. Mayor Maio stated the Borough has not given up on the State. Mr. Perry asked about the crosswalk on Sparta Road by the baseball field. Mayor Maio stated a crosswalk is going to be installed at the Little League Field.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed this public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Maio read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
May 14, 2019 Work Session and Agenda Meeting
May 28, 2019 Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the County Fire Inspection report indicates five inspections were done in May.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department reported a total of 290 motor vehicle stops and a total of 491 incidents/calls for the month of May.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections for the month of May are $815,499.28. The year to date tax collection total is $5,859,631.11. The percentage of collection for the first quarter taxes is 96.9% and 94.5% for the second quarter.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for the month of May total $12,708.93. The year to date total is $280,898.36. The sewer collections for May total $16,671.30. The year to date total is $255,265.79.
Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki/Councilman Thornton
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated there were 8 zoning applications for the month of May. There was one new Vacant Property Registration. The total amount of Vacant Property Registration fees collected to date is $72,250. There are 8 violations and complaints currently being addressed.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilwoman Zdichocki
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton had no report.
Information Technology – Councilmen Riccardi/Romano
Councilman Riccardi had no report.
Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Thistleton/Councilman Riccardi
Councilwoman Thistleton stated the Miss Stanhope Contest was held at the Whistling Swan. Faith Jenkins will be representing Stanhope Borough at the Sussex County Fair in August. There were two contestants and both young women are to be commended for their accomplishments.
Councilwoman Thistleton stated Family Fun Day will be held on July 13th at Musconetcong Park.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Maio invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, to come forward to present his report.
2020 Local Aid Project – Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated the 2020 Local Aid Project applications are due mid-July. They have changed up the dates. Mr. Keller stated he and Administrator McNeilly have discussed submitting an application for Kelly Place, Waterloo Road and Furnace Street due to the fact the Borough has had some limited success with some of the other streets. These roads were redone approximately 16 years ago but the pavement is suffering the impact of the traffic on those streets. The roads need to be milled and resurfaced, there are some inlets which need repair along with some sidewalk and curb repairs along the roadway. The estimate, including contingencies, is for $142,000. We are working with the grant writers to prepare the application. A resolution from the Governing Body will be required authorizing the submittal of the Local Aid Application. Mr. Keller asked the Governing Body if they were in agreement to proceed with the application for these streets. Councilwoman Kuncken asked for clarification for Waterloo Road. Mr. Keller stated the work would be done up to the bridge on the Borough’s side. Mayor Maio stated when potential projects were discussed in the past, the cost estimate for Kelly Place and Furnace Street was $98,800 but it did not include Waterloo Road. Mr. Keller stated Waterloo Road has been added and the figures from the County Co-op have increased. In addition, because this project would be done next year or the year after, the current co-op prices have been increased by 5%. Mayor Maio asked if any other roads were considered. Mr. Keller stated the other roads on the list have either been submitted before or were not accepted. Mayor Maio stated discussions have been held regarding Ridge Road, Overhill Road and Sunset Avenue which is school traffic. Mr. Keller stated that area requires water main work. That neighborhood has four inch mains which need to be upgraded before road reconstruction can be done. Councilman Riccardi asked if anything can be done from an engineering standpoint to keep the roads in the Kelly Place area from deteriorating due to the increased traffic. Mr. Keller stated fifteen years between resurfacing is not a bad life cycle. This was a milling and overlay project and therefore the road was not inspected for other issues. The pavement in certain areas could be reinforced. One of the areas of damage is where Kelly Place makes the hard 90 degree turn. Mr. Keller stated he can examine the roads and see if there are other areas which could be reinforcced. This would increase the cost of the work and the grant request. Mayor Maio stated to Mr. Keller that he can take a look at the cost and asked him to inform the Infrastructure Committee of the findings. Mr. Keller stated the application has to be submitted by July 19th. The resolution would have to be adopted at the first Mayor and Council meeting in July. Mr. Keller stated he and Administrator McNeilly can meet with the Infrastructure Committee but this has to move quickly. Councilwoman Zdichocki asked Mr. Keller if there were other projects that could be considered for the grant. Mr. Keller stated the Borough has the five year capital program and some are already in progress. Some of the other projects require water main replacements which the NJDOT will not pay for. Due to past experience with NJDOT, Mr. Keller is of the opinion the other areas would not receive the grant. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the Borough should move ahead with paving Waterloo Road if the bridge is going to be worked on. There is concern that the pavement will be torn up during the bridge construction. Mayor Maio stated she heard that Morris County will be going out to bid within the month for the bridge project. Mayor Maio stated she will ask Administrator McNeilly to obtain information this week regarding the bridge construction. An Infrastructure Committee meeting was scheduled for July 8th at 9:00am. Mayor Maio asked Mr. Keller to continue to prepare the project for the grant submission and if necessary the plan can be altered or pulled. Mr. Keller stated if the grant is received the Borough will have 18 months for the project.
Crosswalk Route 183 (American Legion) – Mr. Keller stated Jackie Espinoza, JCP&L Representative, sent an email stating the existing light fixture on the American Legion side has been replaced with a 250watt light. Ms. Espinoza stated the new arm and fixture on the opposite side of the road may be installed sometime this week. The new light should significantly enhance the light levels at this crossing. Mr. Keller stated he has asked Ms. Espinoza to inform him when the new fixture will be installed.
Port Morris Pump Station – Mr. Keller stated a pre-construction meeting was held with Rapid Pump regarding the project for the Port Morris Pump Station. The meeting was attended by Mr. Keller and his inspector, Administrator McNeilly, Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent and representatives from Rapid Pump. Rapid Pump has proposed a modification to the Borough’s design to a different pump system which Mr. Titsworth is supportive of. Mr. Keller stated he is waiting for exact numbers but it is estimated this modification will save the Borough approximately $13,000 on the contract. In the long run this will also provide a savings on maintenance. Mr. Keller stated the plan was originally designed with the same type of pump system which is already there. The pumps under consideration are submersible pumps where the sewage pump would sit within the wet well instead of in an outside area. This will not delay the project. Rapid Pump has already issued a purchase order to Reiner Pumps so they can get the design and provide the Borough with cut sheets for review. The project is moving along and the savings, while not as great as expected, are still keeping savings and keeping the Borough under budget.
Musconetcong Avenue – Mr. Keller stated he contacted the four contractors which were contacted last October for the Musconetcong Avenue project. One contractor is too busy and one has been unresponsive. Mr. Keller sent bids out to two other contractors, one of which he received back yesterday. Another bid is due to be submitted on Friday. The budget now is slightly over but still within range of what the project is worth. This is a Local Aid Project and it has two phases; the curb ramps and then the milling and paving. This has to be submitted to the Borough’s QPA for approval. Mr. Keller stated he will coordinate this with Administrator McNeilly at the beginning of next week.
Young Drive and Maryann Terrace – Mr. Keller stated the service which is connected to each residence has copper pipe which runs to the house and he showed the Governing Body a sample of what a new connection looks like and a sample of one that has been replaced which was most likely in the ground for the last fifty years. The new connection is very sturdy and solid and will last at least fifty years. The weather has continued to impact the progress of the project. Mr. Keller stated he spoke with the DPW Superintendent this morning. They are getting some additional equipment to work more efficiently. The work should be completed by the end of July. Mr. Keller will reach out to the co-op next week to determine the timing. After July 4th the County Co-op will be contacted to schedule the curb repairs. Maryann Terrace is nearly complete and as they progress down Young Drive the curb work can begin on Maryann Terrace. When the curb work is complete the milling and paving will be scheduled.
Stormwater – Mr. Keller stated all but two of the basins have been inspected. Spencer Street was overgrown and Mr. Keller stated he does not know if it has been cleared yet due to the weather. The upper basin on Towpath Lane was also overgrown. Mr. Keller stated, depending on the schedule, his inspector may just clear the outlet area himself for the inspection.
TAP Grant Sparta Avenue – Mr. Keller stated he was contacted yesterday by the Bureau of Environmental Program Resources. They are handling the environmental review which is required for all federally funded projects. Last week, as required, they sent the documents to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). SHPO has thirty days in which to comment. Mr. Keller does not expect SHPO to have any issues with the project but the project cannot progress until a response from SHPO is received. When the State has completed their portion, they must send it to Federal Highway. Federal Highway has to authorize it to move forward to the grant process. The Borough and the NJDOT will then negotiate an agreement to move forward. There is paperwork which continues to be required.
Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Keller for attending this evenings meeting.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Review of Long-Term Bonding Items – Mayor Maio stated discussion will not take place at this time due to the absence of the Borough Administrator. Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body and Mr. Keller to review the list of items on the five year plan and make note of any additions. This topic will be added to the next work session meeting.
TAP Grant – Mayor Maio stated Mr. Keller covered the TAP Grant during his report and no further discussion is needed at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption which was read by title.
Ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2019-09 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AMENDING SECTION 100-3, DEFINITIONS, AND SECTION 100-195, USE OF PROPERTY, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE
WHEREAS, short term rental of dwelling for periods of less than thirty (30) days in the Borough would be detrimental to issues including noise, overcrowding and parking within the residential neighborhoods of the Borough and may seek to convert residential dwelling units into illegal day-facto hotels, motels, boarding houses and commercial enterprises in violation of the Borough’s zoning and other codes as well as State statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Borough wishes to deter rental of residential dwelling units for less than 30 days within the Borough by regulating such as an illegal use within the Borough; and
WHEREAS, the Borough adopts this ordinance in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community at large by prohibiting short term rentals of less than 30 days for residential properties within the Borough.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey, as follows:
SECTION 1. – DEFINITIONS
Section 100-3, Definitions, shall be amended as follows:
Gainful employment or occupation, exclusive of retail sale of goods or merchandise not produced on the premises, conducted within a dwelling, which shall constitute either entirely or partially the means of livelihood of a person living in said dwelling, such as but not limited to a physician, surgeon, dentist, lawyer, bookkeeper, accountant, auditor, architect, engineer, seamstress, artist, tutor, broker, mail-order service or member of a design profession or computer operator. Home occupation shall not include any lodgers, boarders or roomers.
LODGER, BOARDER OR ROOMER
A person other than a member of a family occupying a part of any dwelling unit who, for consideration, is furnished living accommodations in such dwelling unit.
SECTION 2 – USE OF PROPERTY
A new sub-section 100-195.D shall be adopted as follows:
D. No person shall rent, lease, solicit, advertise for, offer, permit, allow or fail to discontinue use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period for thirty (30) days or less. Nothing shall prevent lawful occupancy of a dwelling unit for a rental period of more than thirty (30) days.
SECTION 3 – NOTICE
The Municipal 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. Upon the adoption of this Ordinance, after public hearing, the Municipal 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 4 – 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 5 – 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 6: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
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.
NOTE: Ordinance 2019-10 and Ordinance 2019-11were pulled from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. The Final Adoption and Public Hearing will be rescheduled.
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
Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney stated she has spoken with the Clerk and the Police Chief and she requested the Ordinance 2091-12 be adjourned. A further revision is necessary which will contain significant changes and will require re-advertising.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adjourned.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Maio offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 107-19 RESOLUTION TO AMEND BUDGET TO INCLUDE 2019 CLEAN COMMUNITIES GRANT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and
WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for an equal amount, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has received a total of $8,286.30 from the NJ Solid Waste Administration for the 2019 Clean Communities Grant, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2019 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $8,286.30 as a revenue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2019 in the sum of $8,286.30, which will be available as a revenue from:
Miscellaneous Revenues
Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated with Prior Written
Consent of the Director of Local Government Services – Public
And Private Revenues Offset with Appropriations: 2019 Clean Communities Grants, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$8,286.30
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
- Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
2019 Clean Communities Grant, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer shall submit one copy of the Chapter 159 certification form to the Director of Local Government Services.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Riccardi 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
Mayor Maio stated, for the public’s benefit, this resolution is for a Clean Communities grant. The amount of $8,286.30 has been received by the Borough.
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 108-19 RESOLUTION COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES SOLID WASTE REIMBURSEMENT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has established a system for the collection and disposal of solid waste for residential properties throughout the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope also collects and disposes of solid waste from commercial establishments which utilize ordinary trash cans for curbside pickup; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope reimburses both the Stonegate Condominium Association and the Highpoint Condominium Association for the collection and disposal of solid waste, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:67-23.3; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:66-1(b) provides that a governing body may, in its sole discretion, choose to reimburse property owners who do not receive the municipal service, but such reimbursement shall not exceed the cost that would be incurred by the Borough in providing the collection or disposal service directly; and
WHEREAS, the Borough currently pays $14.29 per month per household for the collection and disposal of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, the Borough wishes to reimburse those property owners who do not receive solid waste service from the Borough at the rate currently paid by the Borough per household.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope as follows:
1. The Borough of Stanhope shall reimburse those properties not currently receiving municipal solid waste service from the Borough at the same rate that the Borough pays for the collection and disposal of solid waste from individual households.
2. Any property owner wishing to be reimbursed by the Borough shall comply with all requirements of the CFO in processing requests for reimbursement including, but not limited to, executing vouchers and W-9 forms.
3. The Borough shall pay reimbursement twice per year in January and July. Prior to issuing payment, each property owner shall submit written proof to the Borough of their past six months’ private solid waste service, including the invoice therefore.
Resolution 109-19 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES TO LICENSE HOLDERS IN THE BOROUGH
WHEREAS, the liquor license renewal applications submitted are complete in all respects, the renewal fees have been paid, Tax Clearance Certificates received, the licenses have been reviewed, and the premises inspected;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the statutory requirements thereto having been fulfilled, the applications for renewal of liquor licenses be granted and the Borough Clerk be authorized to complete, sign and deliver said licenses on behalf of the Mayor and Council to the below named applicants, said licenses being renewed for the period July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 in the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, New Jersey:
Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses:
1919-33-001-002 Karlbar Inc., t/a Black Forest Inn, 249 Route 206
1919-33-002-010 CKJ Corporation, Inc., t/a Shakey Jake’s, 134 Route 183
1919-33-004-008 Kacz MJ Corp., t/a Bell’s Mansion, 11 Main Street
1919-33-005-009 Sammy’s Italian Food, t/a Sal’s Pizza, 81 Route 183
1919-33-006-006 JMK Hospitality Group, LLC t/a The Stanhope House, 45 Main Street
Plenary Retail Distribution License:
1919-44-003-011 Stanhope Liquor Inc., 141 Route 183
Club Licenses:
1919-31-008-001 Musconetcong Post #278, American Legion, 119 Route 183
1919-31-009-001 Stanhope Hose Co. No. 1, 26 Main Street
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton 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 110-19 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 25, 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
ATTORNEY REPORT
Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, had no report.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Kenneth Foberg, 19 Kelly Place, stated the Borough needs to do something about the truck traffic before the road is paved. Fifty five foot trucks come through the area constantly and in his opinion paving without addressing the truck issue would be a waste of money. The trucks travel through the area very fast. Mr. Foberg stated this is a residential area. There is a sign that reads no trucks over 4 tons and he asked what this means. Mayor Maio stated her understanding is that the 4 ton limit does not restrict trucks which are making deliveries in the Borough. Mr. Foberg stated some of the trucks come through his driveway as a turning point. Mayor Maio stated the Governing Body appreciates what Mr. Foberg is saying and this issue has been discussed in the past and it is currently a court matter. The matter is also scheduled to be heard before the Land Use Board next month. Mr. Foberg thanked the Governing Body.
Brenda LaConti, 10 Dell Road, stated there is an easement located behind her home and less than a year ago someone from the Borough was contacted because the grate was sinking. Someone came out and made a repair at that time. However, the water comes through the easement and right through her house. Ms. LaConti stated her home is sinking because her home was built approximately ten years after the other homes were built in the development. Ms. LaConti stated she takes care of the easement but she is of the opinion the Borough is supposed to take care of the easement. Ms. LaConti stated no one ever comes to check the easement. Ms. LaConti asked if the sidewalks on Dell Road are going to be replaced. The sidewalks are hazardous and people have fallen. Mayor Maio stated the sidewalks are the responsibility of the homeowner. Ms. LaConti stated she has the longest sidewalk on Dell Road. Mayor Maio stated she will inform the Administrator about the easement issue. Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated the easement is a stormwater issue not a water main. There is a stream which runs down from Sagamore Road. Mr. Keller stated the easement has been looked at in the past and this is the first time he is hearing there is an issue again. Ms. LaConti stated less than a year ago her husband fell and someone from the Borough came out right away to do something with it. Mr. Keller stated the Administrator brings him out to these areas when an issue requires more than what the DPW can repair. Mr. Keller stated it has been four or five years since he has been out there. Mayor Maio stated the Administrator will be informed and the easement will be inspected. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the water comes through Ms. LaConti’s house. Ms. LaConti stated the water does not come into the house. Ms. LaConti asked who is responsible for the easement. Councilwoman Kuncken stated there is an easement behind her property and she is responsible for cutting the grass. Mayor Maio stated the responsibility for easements varies. Mayor Maio stated the issue will be pursued and an answer will be provided to Ms. LaConti.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, stated a few months ago she brought to the attention of the governing body that not all the businesses and residences have house numbers. Mrs. Hoyt asked if anything has been done regarding the issue. Mayor Maio stated residents are being notified. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department and the Ambulance Squad have the information regarding proper numbering posted in the Borough calendar.
Bill Toland, 4 Furnace Street, asked if Kelly Place is going to be widened. Mayor Maio stated there are no plans to widen the road. Mr. Toland asked what will be done with the water runoff which runs through the driveway at the turn in the road and runs across his backyard and goes into his basement. Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated he will look into the issue.
Steve Kinney, 19 Musconetcong Avenue, asked if Musconetcong Avenue is going to be paved and if so, will the speed bumps be reinstalled. Mayor Maio confirmed this. Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated the new speed bumps will be designed appropriately for the speed limit of the road.
Brenda LaConti asked if the missing speed bumps from Dell Road are going to be replaced. Mayor Maio stated Dell Road is slated to be done next year and the speed bumps will be replaced at that time.
Michael Assenza, 1 Highland Avenue, asked if speed bumps could be installed on Kelly Place and Furnace Road to slow down the traffic. Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated the installation of speed bumps is governed by State Law Title 39 Traffic Regulations and is determined by the volume of the traffic on the roadway. Mr. Keller stated he was the Engineer when the speed bumps were installed on James Street, Dell Road and Young Drive. A traffic study was conducted to confirm the speed bumps were being placed in accordance with State Law. In order to install speed bumps on Kelly Place, Furnace Street or Waterloo Road, traffic counts would have to be conducted to justify that. Mayor Maio stated at this point there has been no concern for doing this. Mr. Keller stated if the road exceeds a certain amount of traffic, speed bumps cannot be installed. Roads such as Brooklyn Road and Sparta Road cannot have speed bumps.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
Approved: Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk