(NOTE: The meeting scheduled for March 14, 2023 was cancelled due to inclement weather.)
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
March 28, 2023, 7:00 P.M.
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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 4, 2023 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and 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:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
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, State of New Jersey, as follows:
- The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter(s).
- The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 – Attorney-Client
3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter(s) will be made public at the conclusion of each individual specified subject matter.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:02 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 7:09 P.M. with all present.
Mayor Zdichocki amended the agenda and moved the presentation by Suite Green Collective further ahead on the agenda.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Zdichocki read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
February 14, 2023 Work Session/Agenda Meeting & Closed Session
February 28, 2023 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, 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 – Councilwoman Kuncken/Councilman Vance
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department for the month of January reported there were 6 calls, 1 mutual aid call, 3 drills and 1 meeting for a total of 146.25 volunteer hours. For the month of February there were 12 calls, 3 mutual aid calls, 3 drills and 1 meeting for a total of 147.0 volunteer hours.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Marshal for the month of February completed two inspections with no violations and responded to one structure fire at Dell Place. The investigation revealed the fire was caused by careless smoking.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for the month of February reported a total of 451 calls. The majority of the calls were motor vehicle stops which totaled 284.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilman Thornton
Councilman Romano stated the taxes collected for the month of February totaled $2,287,884.48. The year to date figure for taxes collected totals $3,070,153.62. The collection rate for the first quarter taxes is 94.97% which is almost exactly what it was last year.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for the month of February totaled $20,797.09 and the year to date figure is $50,051.20. The sewer collections for the month of February totaled $28,045.56 and the year to date figure is $62,669.22.
Councilman Romano stated the Finance Committee met yesterday with the CFO who is recommending that we change our payroll provider and that we eliminate paper checks. Upon the recommendation of the CFO, the Finance Committee agrees and is recommending this change to the Council. Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body for any questions. Administrator McNeilly stated there would be no paper checks or paper stubs. Everything would be direct deposit. Mayor Zdichocki stated changing providers would actually provide a savings to the Borough.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
Councilman Wronko stated for the month of February 14 construction permits were issued and the total amount of fees collected was $5,318.00.
Councilman Wronko remined everyone that the Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 1st at 12:00pm at Musconetcong Park. The event is also being advertised on social media.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Romano
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated he had no report this evening.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Wronko
Councilman Riccardi stated the Information Technology Committee met on March 1st. The cyber security items from the DLGS Best Practices for 2022 were reviewed. Administrator McNeilly has been asked to provide the governing body with the Incident Response Plan for review. The document outlines the plan of action in the event that the Borough is compromised, hacked, infected with malware or anything like that. The committee would like the governing body to become familiar with the plan and if there are any questions, please let them know. Councilman Riccardi stated the committee also discussed other IT security items, from different agencies, such as; MEL, JIF, to find any possible requirements which the Borough needs to implement to fine tune the protocol. This brought the committee to the discussion regarding who would implement the practices. At this time our current staff, mostly the Administrator and Deputy Clerk, are not prepared to take on these tasks and they may not have the expertise to do so. With this in mind, the Administrator has been asked to gather data on possible options regarding outside assistance whether that be an outside vendor, in-house employee or a shared service with another municipality. Mayor Zdichocki stated the Technology meeting was very productive.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Vance/Councilwoman Kuncken
Mayor Zdichocki stated the Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday at noon with a rain date of Sunday at 1:00pm. The Recreation Committee will be sponsoring Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 15th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Musconetcong Park. The rain date will be July 16th. If anyone would like to volunteer at either event, the help will be appreciated. The flyers have been mailed out for the Townwide Garage Sale which will be held on Saturday, June 10th.
Councilman Romano stated the Free Rabies Clinic will be held on Friday, April 21st, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Stanhope Fire House.
PRESENTATION
Suite Green Collective, LLC (Cannabis Retail Facility) – Mayor Zdichocki invited the representatives from Suite Green Collective to come forward to give their presentation regarding their cannabis retail business.
Shea Douglas introduced herself and her business partner Chris Page. Their Operational Strategist, Chris Mayle, was participating remotely. Ms. Douglas stated she, and the other representatives from Suite Green Collective, are here this evening to introduce themselves and explain what they envision as a cannabis dispensary and how it would operate. Their hope is that by the end of this discussion, Stanhope would be so inclined to permit recreational cannabis and that Suite Green Collective could be the first dispensary in Stanhope. Ms. Douglas stated her professional career has been spent over two decades in the tech/telecommunications industry. She is also an award-winning sales professional from a Fortune 100 telecommunications company. Ms. Douglas is also an advocate for mental health and worked with a mental health company during the early time of the COVID pandemic. Ms. Page thanked the governing body for their time this evening and stated she has 25 years of experience in the beauty wellness industry. Ms. Page is a licensed skincare professional, a pro makeup artist, owner of a bridal makeup company, a real estate investor and most importantly a care giver for her mother. Ms. Douglas stated that Mr. Mayle has over ten years in cannabis operations and was the first to provide an integrated medical cannabis operation in Connecticut and he has opened several dispensaries around the country. Mr. Mayle is also familiar with the cultivating of cannabis. He has been successful with his business and has obtained $20 million in revenue and $11 million EBITDA in just 5 years. Mr. Mayle stated over a decade ago he grew his business from nothing to a very nice business and then sold it to a large multi-state operator. He has known and worked with Ms. Douglas for many years and it is her dream to own her own business and he is here to support her in that process.
Ms. Page stated she had no prior experiences with cannabis however, she is the caregiver for her mother who has an autoimmune disease which affects her lungs for over the past twenty years. During this time Ms. Page stated she has always looked for holistic options to care for her mother’s pain, nausea, anxiety and lack of sleep. In researching, watching documentaries and learning more about the plant, it is not just about getting high. That is not the reason she or Ms. Douglas are in this business. The CBD helped her mother a great deal. Then her mother obtained her cannabis card and tried some THC products for the nausea. Ms. Page wants to help other people and erase the negative connotation which seems to go along with cannabis. Ms. Douglas stated she too suffers with an autoimmune disorder which attacks her skin. Ms. Page was her esthetician and witnessed the damage which was done to her skin. Ms. Douglas stated she was on several harsh and expensive drugs for many years. Someone suggested she try CBD and she did research and flew out to California to learn about the process and the CBD has become part of her daily wellness regiment and it has helped ever since. There is a lot of money to be made in this business but for Ms. Douglas and Ms. Page that is not the reason behind their plan, it is more than that.
Ms. Douglas stated the mission of Suite Green Collective is to create a welcoming environment that promotes cannabis safety, education, diversity, inclusion, women-empowerment, social responsibility and giving back to the community that they serve. This will be done by providing high-quality cannabis through safe dispensing, transparency, programs which help to promote inclusion and diversity, and with a focus on serving under represented groups and communities. Suite Green Collective is a Certified Minority Women Owned Business Enterprise by the State of New Jersey and they are approved for a Standard Class 5 Retailer License by the NJ CRC. The target goal is to launch by 4th quarter of 2023. Ms. Page stated she and Ms. Douglas have been working on this business for the past four years. In 2019, the Suite Green Label CBD wellness brand was formed and the e-commerce sight was created to sell various products such as tea, oil drops etc. In 2020, they decided to work toward their dream of opening a dispensary by learning more about the business. At this time, they also placed their products for sale in a retail store. Their research determined that they wanted to stay in the northern/metro New Jersey area. In March of 2022, they applied for a Class 5 Retail Conditional Standard License and in October 2022 it was approved. Their products were placed in a second store in Newark. Ms. Page stated they are very proud of the products which they have created and they have learned a great deal about marketing, packaging, and CBD products. CBD has many benefits and it does not cause a high.
Ms. Douglas stated they have chosen Stanhope because it is the gateway to Sussex County and it is a quaint community, rich in history dating back to the 1900’s. It has a charming small town feel and is easily accessible to Route 80. The Stanhope residents voted in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis by 72%. Stanhope’s median age group is 42 years of age which is their generation. Both women stated they have visited this area in the past, Wild West City and Waterloo Village, and commented on how beautiful the area is. There are economic benefits to having a dispensary in town. The five-year projection starts in 2024 with an estimate of $8 million dollars in revenue for the dispensary and it increases $2 million dollars each year after that. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has established a Local Cannabis Transfer Tax of up to 2% on sales of recreational cannabis, or cannabis items which the municipality can charge. This revenue, collected by the municipality, can be used to fund various programs within the community. In 2027, the projected revenue for the dispensary is $16 million dollars. Two percent of that would be upwards of $300,000 which would be paid to Stanhope. Those funds could be used for programs to promote women owned businesses, non-traditional regulated industries, construction, cultivating, warehousing, manufacturing, mentorship programs, scholarship programs, town infrastructure improvements, or any type of program specific to Stanhope.
Rosemarie Maio, present in the audience, asked where the median age data of 42, which was referenced, came from. She asked if the data was zip code based or Stanhope based. Ms. Douglas stated the data was collected from the US Census. Ms. Maio stated there is a difference between using the zip code or the town itself. If done by zip code, this would include a great deal of Byram Township and parts of Hopatcong Borough. Ms. Maio stated she is of the opinion that the median age of Stanhope residents is higher than 42 and the two areas referenced, Waterloo Village and Wild West City, are actually in Byram Township. Councilman Riccardi asked if any locations in town are under consideration. Ms. Douglas stated there are a few options on Route 183. Councilman Riccardi asked how they envision the esthetic of the shop to be. He has seen shops in different states and they are all different. Some have a coffee shop appearance while others look like an Apple store. Ms. Page replied the look would be somewhat elegant with clean lines and greenery. Mayor Zdichocki asked how the projected revenue figures were determined. Ms. Douglas stated the calculations were made using figures from an already established dispensary. Ms. Page stated, Mr. Mayle, has insight into this type of data from his prior experiences opening other dispensaries. Councilman Riccardi asked what safety measures would be implemented for the safety of their customers. Ms. Douglas stated they are in the process of developing their Standard Operating Procedures which will include this information which will be presented to the commission. It is required that they have a certain number of cameras with cloud backup. There are regulatory requirements for escorting under age people out of the building immediately. There will be many security measures in place. Mayor Zdichocki asked if the representatives are aware of any break-ins or robberies at any other dispensaries. Mr. Mayle stated he knows of one which occurred in Connecticut. It is believed that was the case of an inside job due to the nature of how they accessed the safe room through the roof. This was the only crime which occurred in Connecticut in the seven-year period that the program has existed. Councilman Riccardi asked what their education program would look like. Ms. Douglas stated they would explain the various products, how the cannabinoids work and the importance of not driving while taking them. Ms. Page stated they plan to educate everyone on how much to use at a time etc. Councilman Riccardi asked if there is a plan to have a consumption lounge along with the retail use which is part of the Class 5 license. Ms. Douglas stated at this time the focus is on the retail shop but they may look into options for expanding in the future. The lounge would require a separate license. Ms. Maio stated in the presentation it was stated that 72% of the population voted to approve the use. However, that is 72% of the people who voted and when extrapolated against the entire population, it is just over 50%. Seeing no further questions, Ms. Douglas and Ms. Page thanked the governing body for allowing them to make their presentation this evening. The governing body thanked them for their time. Ms. Douglas asked if there is any type of timeline for the Borough to move forward. Mayor Zdichocki stated there is no timeline at this point. Suite Green Collective has been the first to make a presentation. The Borough has been contacted by other entities who would like to discuss this business option as well. The governing body will have discussions and may vote again in the future to determine if the business use will be approved.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
FY2024 Congressional Directed Spending– Administrator McNeilly stated the water tower project plan was submitted to both US Senators and Congressman Kean for the FY2024 Congressional Directed Spending Grant. The project is for a 300,000-gallon water tower to enhance water storage capacity, as well as water pressure and fire safety. The grant request is for $3.3 million dollars. Administrator McNeilly stated he has received confirmation that the request has been received. A decision will not be forthcoming until some time next March.
Joint Court Andover Township – Administrator McNeilly stated there is a resolution on tonight’s agenda for adoption with regard to entering into a shared service agreement with the Joint Court of Andover Township. Administrator McNeilly asked the governing body members if they had any last-minute questions. There were no questions.
Hopatcong LEAP Grant – Administrator McNeilly stated Hopatcong Borough has requested support of their $250,000 LEAP Grant request from NJDCA. This grant is for the shared service of animal control and animal sheltering. The resolution is on tonight’s agenda.
Easter Egg Hunt April 1st (Rain Date April 2nd) – Administrator McNeilly stated the Recreation Commission is asking for permission to close Musconetcong Avenue at the park for the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt. The Department of Public Works will once again set out the road barriers on the Friday before the event. The governing body approved the road closure on Musconetcong Avenue for the Easter Egg Hunt.
Sussex Warren Energy Co-op – Administrator McNeilly stated the Sussex Warren Energy Co-op will be looking into holding an energy auction in late spring as a result of the recent BSG rate increase at the state auction. This was a sizable increase which will allow the Co-op to go out to bid for an energy auction. The auction will probably take place sometime in the spring.
Fire Department FCC Radio License – Administrator McNeilly stated the Fire Department’s FCC radio license was renewed last week. The new license is for 2023-2033. Copies of the license have been provided to the Fire Department.
Crosswalk Study – Administrator McNeilly stated the crosswalk study work group met yesterday to go over the final details of the plan. Police Chief Pittigher and Engineer Eric Keller will be attending the Mayor and Council meeting scheduled for April 11th to make the preliminary presentation. This is preliminary due to the fact the governing body still has to include their final comments, input and final approval. Once that is completed, the final copy will be presented to the schools for placement on their website and the Borough’s website.
NJ Natural Gas – Administrator McNeilly stated that NJ Natural Gas has notified the Borough that the installation of the gas lines is moving onto the next phase, which will be Sparta Road to Lakeside Boulevard. Local access will be maintained. Public information will be provided later this week. Brooklyn Road from Sparta Road to Route 183 will be open. Arrangements have been made to keep access open for the homes and businesses in this location. When the pipe has to transition Canfield Avenue, steel plates will be available. Lloyd Avenue will become a two-way street at the entrance to Brooklyn Road with a Police Officer present. Councilman Riccardi asked if the daycare has been made aware of the arrangements. Administrator McNeilly confirmed the daycare has been contacted. There were some issues with garbage and recycling and Blue Diamond has been great about working out the issues with us. They are positioning their truck on the other side prior to the 8:30 closure. This next section will be under construction until the end of the summer. Mayor Zdichocki asked if connections are being constructed to the side roads as yet. Administrator McNeilly stated they are still working on the main lines. However, “T’s” have been installed on Hill Road and Maple Terrace. Once the main line is completed, it has to be scrubbed, cleaned, purged and pressurized. Then the line will be filled with gas. The side laterals will be installed at that time. Administrator McNeilly stated he has asked for a copy of the residential letter, but he has not received that to date. The residential hook ups will not be done for quite some time. Mayor Zdichocki stated the gas company repaired the trench that they dug but they did not fix the area where the pipe was dragged on the pavement and it was torn up. Administrator McNeilly stated the road opening permit will not be closed out until all the repairs are made. Councilman Thornton asked if the neighborhood where the gas lines will be run next can be notified as soon as possible. Administrator McNeilly stated access will not be prohibited for the residents, mail delivery, garbage or recycling. There is a hesitancy to send out information which is not the Borough’s project. Stanhope School had an issue because they put information in print and then the gas company decided to do the opposite. Administrator McNeilly stated it is best for him to receive the information by email and then send out a Nixle and post the information on the website. Councilman Thornton stated he is of the opinion that sending out more information as soon as possible will eliminate frustration and phone calls.
Councilman Riccardi asked Administrator McNeilly about the two items he emailed him about, one being if he questioned when the Welcome to Stanhope sign would be ready. Administrator McNeilly responded he has not done that yet. Councilman Riccardi asked if the replacement parts have been received for the street lamps on Sparta Road. Administrator McNeilly stated the light poles are tentatively scheduled to be installed on Thursday.
Councilman Thornton asked Administrator McNeilly if the Borough will be sponsoring an E-waste day in the spring. Administrator McNeilly stated he will follow up on the E-waste collection and shredding schedule. Councilman Riccardi stated the Clean Up Day will be held on Sunday, April 23rd. The shredding day usually takes place the day before, which would be Saturday, April 22nd.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
James McNeilly Scholarship (Stanhope School) – Mayor Zdichocki stated the Stanhope School would like to know if the Borough will continue to sponsor the James McNeilly Scholarship. The governing body unanimously agreed to sponsor the scholarship.
Gerard Simone Request (Block 10314, Lots 2 & 4 – Kynor Avenue) – Administrator McNeilly stated as you turn onto Kynor Avenue the lot is the first on the right-hand side and the second lot sits right behind it and goes up to Leo Avenue. The homeowner who lives on the corner of Leo Avenue has expressed interest in purchasing the two lots. Administrator McNeilly stated he has pulled the ordinance from 2016/2017 for review by the Borough Attorney. The lots are undersized which would make them available to go to the neighboring property owners by auction. There are two or three neighboring property owners. Mayor Zdichocki stated because the lots are undersized, only the neighboring property owners would have the opportunity to purchase the lots.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 110 – Properties, Vacant and Abandoned – Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated she has amended the Vacant and Abandoned Property Ordinance. Some of the definitions have been revised and the fees have been increased. Laws have been passed with specific requirements for foreclosure properties. The Borough must be notified and there are penalties and fees. These changes are all being made according to State Statute.
OLD BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF THE 2023 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Resolution 077-23 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING READING OF THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET BY TITLE
WHEREAS, N.J.S.40A:4-8 provides that the budget may be ready by title only at the time of the public hearing if a resolution is passed by not less than a majority of the full Governing Body, provided that at least one (1) week prior to the date of public hearing a complete copy of the approved budget, as advertised, has been posted in the Municipal Building and copies have been made available by the Clerk to persons requesting them; and
WHEREAS, these conditions have been met;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the 2023 Municipal Budget shall be read by title at this Public Hearing for same.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 078-23 Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope Adopting the 2023 Municipal Budget
BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, that the budget herein before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations, and authorization of the amount of $5,378,319.07 for municipal purposes.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this resolution only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Ray Sarinelli, Borough Auditor, stated the governing body is doing great work. The Mayor and Council thanked him and Angelica Sabatini, CFO, for their assistance in preparing the budget.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinance for Introduction and First Reading which was read by title.
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on April 11, 2023]
Ordinance 2023-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY FIXING THE SALARY AND WAGES FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey as follows:
SECTION 1. That the Annual salary, wage and compensation to be paid to Borough employees to not exceed the below stated maximums:
Mayor $ 3,013.00
Borough Council Member 2,739.00
Administrator As per contract
Borough Clerk 78,000.00
Registrar 5,000.00
Deputy Borough Clerk 46,000.00
Deputy Registrar 3,000.00
Website Content Manager 5,000.00
Receptionist 5,500.00
Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector/Qualified Purchasing Agent 107,000.00
Utility Collector/Asst to Tax Collector 48,000.00
Finance/Tax Clerk 26,000.00
Tax Assessor 26,000.00
Custodian 9,900.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police As per contract
Sergeant As per contract
Sergeant’s Stipend As per contract
Detective’s Stipend As per contract
Patrolman As per contract
Clerk Typist – Police Dept. 44,000.00
Police Matron $25.00 to $30.00 per hour
Police Matron – Call-out $50.00 per call-out
Special Officer $24.00 to $27.00 per hour
Crossing Guard $17.00 to $20.00 per hour
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
D.P.W. Superintendent $ 92,000.00
Water Operator 6,800.00
Sewer Operator 6,800.00
Water T-1 License Stipend 3,500.00
Public Works Repairer As per contract
Laborer As per contract
Part-time Laborer $13.00 to $17.00 per hour
Seasonal Help $16.00 to $18.00 per hour
CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT
Construction Official 30,000.00
Construction Secretary 17,000.00
Fire Subcode Official 3,200.00
Plumbing Subcode Official 3,700.00
Code Enforcement/Housing Officer/Zoning Officer 29,000.00
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Land Use Secretary $ 12,000.00
Board of Health Secretary 5,700.00
Secretary to:
Shade Tree $25.00 per month*
Environmental Commission $25.00 per month*
Recreation Commission $25.00 per month*
*submission of monthly minutes required.
SECTION 2. Salaries and wages for all Borough employees and officials shall be paid in bi-weekly installments as nearly equal as possible.
SECTION 3. Unless otherwise provided herein, remuneration for all employees shall be retroactive to January 1st of each year.
SECTION 4. The salaries and wages herein established shall be in lieu of any and all fees to which the respective incumbents of said offices might otherwise be entitled by statute or ordinance; which fees shall immediately upon collection thereof be paid over to the Treasurer for use of the Borough except as otherwise provided herein.
SECTION 5. The Borough shall pay medical insurance premiums in accordance with State law, collective bargaining agreements and the Borough’s elected participation in any State health benefit program for all eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
SECTION 6. The terms and conditions of all collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the Borough and any bargaining unit representing Borough employees are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. All Ordinances and Resolutions, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 8. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final adoption and publication as required by law.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Wronko, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 079-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $3,095,000 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex (the “Borough”), entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the acquisition of new and additional equipment for use by the water utility of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $140,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $140,000 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on July 9, 2013 (#2013-11), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $13,500 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 2. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $91,000, and authorizing the issuance of $86,450 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on July 9, 2013 (#2013-12), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $10,525 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 3. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of the water supply and distribution system (Maple Terrace/Mountain Terrace) in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $104,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $104,000 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on April 8, 2014 (#2014-07), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $11,647 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 4. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of Maple Terrace/Mountain Terrace in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $245,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $233,000 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on April 8, 2014 (#2014-08), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $35,145 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 5. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of the water supply and distribution system (James Street) in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $256,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $256,000 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on June 24, 2014 (#2014-11), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $70,871.97 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 6. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of James Street in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $392,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $133,300 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on June 24, 2014 (#2014-12), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $19,996 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 7. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $465,000, and authorizing the issuance of $191,955 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on August 12, 2014 (#2014 13) bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $48,103 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 8. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $35,000, and authorizing the issuance of $35,000 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the water supply and distribution system of the Borough”, finally adopted on August 12, 2014 (#2014 14) bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $13,760 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 9. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of the water supply and distribution system in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $114,002.59 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $38,100 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on August 26, 2014 (#2014 18) bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $17,700 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 10. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $271,750, and authorizing the issuance of $258,150 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on April 28, 2015 (#2015 10) bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $82,243.28 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 11. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $128,000, and authorizing the issuance of $128,000 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the water supply and distribution system of the Borough”, finally adopted on April 28, 2015 (#2015 08) bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $82,870 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 12. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of various roads in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $120,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $114,000 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on July 28, 2015 (#2015-14), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $40,676 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 13. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $338,034, and authorizing the issuance of $305,200 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on April 26, 2016 (#2016-04), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $115,741 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 14. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $170,000 and authorizing the issuance of $161,500 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 9, 2017 (#2017-03), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $34,544.54 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 15. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of Sparta Road and various trails in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $1,905,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $90,000 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on March 27, 2018 (#2018-03), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $47,179 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 16. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $1,622,850, and authorizing the issuance of $1,328,740 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 8, 2018 (#2018-09), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $793,282 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 17. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $688,525, and authorizing the issuance of $658,525 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the sanitary sewerage system of the Borough”, finally adopted on May 8, 2018 (#2018-10), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $370,412 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 18. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $54,850, and authorizing the issuance of $54,850 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the water supply and distribution system of the Borough”, finally adopted on May 8, 2018 (#2018-11), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $44,350 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 19. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $431,800, and authorizing the issuance of $409,900 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on February 19, 2019 (#2019-01), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $236,325.22 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 20. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $82,000, and authorizing the issuance of $82,000 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the water supply and distribution system of the Borough”, finally adopted on February 19, 2019 (#2019-02), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $65,500 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 21. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $38,000, and authorizing the issuance of $38,000 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the sanitary sewerage system of the Borough”, finally adopted on February 19, 2019 (#2019-03), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $17,922 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 22. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the acquisition of new and additional vehicular equipment for use by the sewer utility of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $28,400 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $28,400 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on January 28, 2020 (#2020-01), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $19,666 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 23. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $461,300, and authorizing the issuance of $334,625 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on January 28, 2020 (#2020-02), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $285,888 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 24. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $236,400 and authorizing the issuance of $236,400 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, for the water supply and distribution system of the Borough”, finally adopted on January 28, 2020 (#2020-03), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $221,439.98 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 25. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the acquisition of new and additional equipment for the Department of Public Works of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $27,810 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $26,420 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on April 27, 2021 (#2021-07), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $23,778 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 26. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of various roads in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $294,000 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $42,750 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on May 25, 2021 (#2021-11), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $38,475 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 27. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance appropriating $521,325, and authorizing the issuance of $323,120 bonds or notes of the Borough, for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey”, finally adopted on May 10, 2022 (#2022-05), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $323,098.96 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 28. Pursuant to a bond ordinance of the Borough entitled: “Bond ordinance providing for the improvement of the water supply and distribution system in and by the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $687,540 therefor and authorizing the issuance of $10,540 bonds or notes of the Borough for financing such appropriation”, finally adopted on May 10, 2022 (#2022-06), bond anticipation notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $10,361.05 shall be issued for the purpose of temporarily financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of said bond ordinance, including (to any extent necessary) the renewal of any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued therefor.
Section 29. All bond anticipation notes (the “notes”) issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the treasurer, the chief financial officer or the acting chief financial officer of the Borough (the “Chief Financial Officer”), provided that no note shall mature later than one year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer and shall be signed and sealed by officials and officers of the Borough in any manner permitted by N.J.S.A. §40A:2-25. The Chief Financial Officer shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued hereunder, and the Chief Financial Officer’s signature upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. §40A:2-8. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes at not less than par from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body of the Borough at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes hereunder is made. Such report must include the principal amount, interest rate and maturities of the notes sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.
Section 30. Any note issued pursuant to this resolution shall be a general obligation of the Borough, and the Borough’s faith and credit are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the notes and, unless otherwise paid or payment provided for, an amount sufficient for such payment shall be inserted in the budget and a tax sufficient to provide for the payment thereof shall be levied and collected.
Section 31. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to do all other matters necessary, useful, convenient or desirable to accomplish the delivery of the notes to the purchasers thereof as promptly as possible, including (i) the preparation, execution and dissemination of a Preliminary Official Statement and Final Official Statement with respect to the notes, (ii) preparation, distribution and publication, if necessary, of a Notice of Sale with respect to the notes, (iii) execution of a Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, with respect to the notes in accordance with Rule 15c2 12 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and (iv) execution of an arbitrage and use of proceeds certificate certifying that, among other things, the Borough, to the extent it is empowered and allowed under applicable law, will do and perform all acts and things necessary or desirable to assure that interest paid on the notes is not included in gross income under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Section 32. All action heretofore taken by Borough officials and professionals with regard to the sale and award of the notes is hereby ratified, confirmed, adopted and approved.
Section 33. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 080-23 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PARTICIPATION IN BOROUGH OF HOPATCONG LEAP IMPLEMENTATION GRANT
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey has appropriated $10 million for Shared Services and School District Consolidation Study and Implementation Grants to assist local units with the study, development, and implementation of new shared and regional services; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) is tasked with administering these grant funds through the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP); and
WHEREAS, LEAP Implementation Grants exist to support costs associated with shared service implementation to ensure that meaningful, efficiency generating initiatives are not hindered by short term transitional expenses; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Hopatcong, Borough of Stanhope, Borough of Netcong, Borough of Mount Arlington, Borough of Wharton, Township of Byram, Township of Sparta, and Township of Andover propose to enter into a shared services agreement, but face certain expenses associated with implementation that present a burden to the local units; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this shared services agreement is to implement shared services for Animal Control and Shelter, which will benefit the residents of all participating local units; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Hopatcong has agreed to be the lead agency in this program and will submit the application to DLGS on behalf of all participating units; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope, that the Borough of Stanhope does hereby join with the Borough of Hopatcong in applying for a LEAP Implementation Grant in the amount of $200,000.00 to support implementation of this shared service.
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 Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 081-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE BANCORP BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, FOR A POLICE VEHICLE
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of a replacement police vehicle for its police department; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope heretofore joined Cranford Police Cooperative Purchasing Services Co-Op (“CPCPS”) with the Cranford Township Police Department as the Lead Agency; and
WHEREAS, CPCPS heretofore publicly bid for Police Interceptor SUV vehicles and awarded Contract No. 47-CPCPS, Item No. 2 to Municipal Leasing Consultants, LLC for a lease of the police vehicles; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Co-op bid, the Borough is not required to separately bid for the lease purchase of the police vehicles pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified the availability of funds to enter into the Master Lease Agreement with the Bancorp Bank, National Association;
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 execute the Master Lease Agreement with The Bancorp Bank, National Association, on behalf of the Borough for a 2023 Ford Explorer Police 4D Utility AWD, for the price of $54,931.80.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Zdichocki asked if the Police Department is only leasing one car due to the fact another car is not available. Administrator McNeilly confirmed the Police Department is continuing to search for an additional vehicle. Mayor Zdichocki asked if the lease can be extended on the existing vehicle. Administrator McNeilly stated he is of the opinion that the vehicles now belong to the Borough.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 082-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE borough council OF THE borough of STANHOPE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT TO JOIN THE ANDOVER JOINT MUNICIPAL COURT
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope (“Stanhope”) is required to provide a municipal court for the adjudication of offenses within the jurisdiction of such a court, and is also permitted to join with other municipalities in the creation of a Joint Municipal Court; and
WHEREAS, currently the Borough of Hopatcong (“Hopatcong”) and Stanhope have a shared municipal court arrangement; and
WHEREAS, Hopatcong and Stanhope have expressed a desire to dissolve their current shared municipal court arrangement; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1(b), the Andover Joint Municipal Court was established in October 2014; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq., the municipalities are empowered to enter into Shared Services Agreements; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the Borough to join in the established Andover Joint Municipal Court; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that Mayor Patricia Zdichocki and Borough Clerk Ellen Horak are hereby authorized to execute a Shared Services Agreement with Andover Township and Hopatcong to join the Andover Joint Municipal Court; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilman Wronko 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 Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Mayor Zdichocki stated Stanhope has had a shared service with the Borough of Hopatcong for court services for several years. Hopatcong has made the decision to eliminate their municipal court and they are entering a shared service agreement with Andover Township as well. Mayor Zdichocki stated in the future there may be just one court run by the County for all the Sussex County Municipalities. Administrator McNeilly stated he has spoken with the County Administrator regarding this rumor and it is not something that is being planned for in the near future. The agreement with Andover Township will result in a savings for Stanhope Borough financially. Currently, the cost for court services with Hopatcong costs $125,000, which has served our community very well for the past eleven years. The shared service saved the Borough approximately $400,000 in renovation costs which would have been required, at a minimum, in order to have court in Stanhope. Andover Township’s cost to us through the new shared agreement will be for five years at a cost of $75,000 for the first year with a possible increase each additional year which is capped at two percent. The cost for court services are now back to what they were prior to 2017. Municipal Court is very different today as compared to what it was three years ago. Court is held online unless it is necessary to be held in person. No one is being held in jail anymore and no one is out on bond. All of this has reduced the court costs. The Borough will now be realizing a cost savings of approximately $40,000. Councilman Thornton asked what the start date will be for the service with Andover. Administrator McNeilly stated the hope is for the agreement to begin on July 1st but the vicinage will make that determination.
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 083-23 AUTHORIZE SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SUSSEX COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY FOR THE PROVISION OF CERTIFIED RECYCLING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO CERTIFY AND SUBMIT THE 2022 RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT TO NJDEP
WHEREAS, New Jersey’s Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) requires that reports or other recycling-related documents be signed/certified by a Certified Recycling Professional (CRP); and
WHEREAS, the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act (N.J.S.A 40A:65-1, et, seq.) (hereinafter, “the Act”) provides that local units of government may enter into a contract to provide or receive any service that either local unit participating in the Agreement is empowered to provide or receive within its own jurisdiction, including services incidental to the primary purposes of any of the participating units (N.J.S.A. 40A:65-4); and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope will prepare the 2022 Recycling Tonnage Report; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has requested the services of the SCMUA in the form of the District Recycling Coordinator as a Certified Recycling Professional to certify and submit the required 2022 Borough of Stanhope Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP by April 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, SCMUA has the qualified staff to certify the Recycling Tonnage Report prepared by the Borough of Stanhope and electronically submit it to NJDEP on behalf of the Borough of Stanhope under the terms and conditions set for in the Shared Services Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, and the State of New Jersey as follows:
- The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the Shared Services Agreement with SCMUA, for the provision of a Certified Recycling Professional Services to certify and submit the 2022 Recycling Tonnage Report to NJDEP.
- This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Resolution 084-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE IN CLAIMANT SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-16 requires that the Governing Body of any local unit shall no pay out its monies unless
- The person claiming or receiving payment first presents a detailed bill of items or demand, specifying particularly how the bill or demand is made up (the invoice), with the certification of the party claiming payment that the bill or demand is correct (the Claimant Certification).
- The payment carries a written or electronic certification of some officer or duly designated employee of the local unit having knowledge of the facts that the goods have been received by, or the services rendered to, the local unit (certification of the user department).
WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:30-9A.6(c), N.J.A.C. 5:31-4.1, and Local Finance Notice 2018-13 gives local units discretion to not require claimant certification by enacting a standard policy by resolution for vendors or claimants who do not provide such certification as part of its normal course of business; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has in place internal accounting controls and has determined same to be sufficient to avoid errors and fraud in the processing of claims for payment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey hereby establishes a policy requiring the claimant signature under the following circumstances only:
- Advances or reimbursement of employee expenses, and
- Services provided exclusively and entirely by an individual (e.g. sole proprietors).
- The local unit shall have the discretion to require claimant certification as it deems necessary and appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this policy will be applied in a non-arbitrary fashion and will be affirmatively communicated to vendors.
Resolution 085-23 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2022-009 representing 2021 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11501, Lot 2 Qual C0300 known as 16300 Dell Pl, assessed to Mark Martini, and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: Trystone Capital Assets, LLC
PO Box 1030
Brick, NJ 08723
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2022-009 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 332.48
Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,800.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 332.48
Total From Tax Premium Account 1,800.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilman Wronko seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 086-23 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 March 28, 2023 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 Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
ATTORNEY REPORT
Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated the ordinance for joint court will need to be updated. Andover Township approved the shared service with Stanhope today. The amended ordinance will be prepared for the next scheduled meeting.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, asked if in the future the Borough will have to move from Andover Township for court services. Administrator McNeilly stated the current contract with Andover is for five years. At the end of that contract, the governing body would make a decision to contract with Andover again or perhaps a town with a better offer. Mrs. Hoyt stated Stanhope is already located so far away from the rest of Sussex County and she is concerned if a County system is implemented it would be located too far away. Administrator McNeilly stated at this time the court options are limited to Andover Township, Sparta Township, Frankford Township, Vernon Township, and possibly others further out in the County. A County court system would benefit the State Police and would most likely be positioned out in the Frankford area, which would be far from Stanhope. Councilman Wronko did point out that one of the benefits is that for most court cases they can be held virtually instead of in-person.
Mrs. Hoyt asked if Brooklyn Road is going to be open next week. Administrator McNeilly stated there will still be some issues as the gas company runs lines past Lloyd Avenue and Canfield Street.
Seeing no one further 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 existing;
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 public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter(s)
- The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 – Contract (45 Main Street)
3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter(s) will be made public at the conclusion of each individual specified subject matter.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 8:18 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:47 P.M. with all present.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 P.M.
Approved: Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk