MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
May 11, 2021
7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
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 13, 2021 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:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Zdichocki invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, forward to give his report.
Paving Dell Road, Plane Lane & East Drive (upper) – Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated dates have been confirmed with Schifano Construction, through the co-op, for the paving of Dell Road, Plane Lane and East Drive (upper). Work will begin at Dell Road on Wednesday, May 19th. Paving will be done on May 20th. If the work is not completed for all three streets by then, they will continue to work on Friday, May 21st. Dell Road will be completed in one day. Mr. Keller stated he has spoken with the Police Chief regarding traffic control for the area between Young Drive and Route 183 and at the traffic signal. The paving will allow for only one lane of traffic to be open. The Police Officers will be present for both the milling and paving operations. The DPW will be blocking off the remainder of the road and they will be handling the traffic control coming out of the Highpoint Condominiums. All of the traffic will be directed to Maryann Terrace and Young Drive and then out to Route 183 in both directions. Plane Lane and East Drive (upper) will be paved after Dell Road is completed.
Speed Tables on Dell Road & Speed Humps on Young Drive – Mr. Keller stated he has contacted Riverview Paving, the contractor for the installation of the speed tables on Dell Road and the speed humps on Young Drive. A schedule has not been provided to date. Mr. Keller stated he advised Riverview Paving that the work can be done anytime from May 24th on because the paving work will be completed. Once Riverview Paving has provided their schedule, Mr. Keller will contact Denville Line Painting to arrange for the striping of the two roads.
Baker Place Water Main Improvements – Mr. Keller stated the Baker Place water main improvement construction documents have been completed. Almost exactly a year ago, the governing body adopted a resolution for the bid advertisement of Brooklyn Road and Baker Place. Mr. Keller stated if we can still operate on that resolution, we are ready to go out to bid on that project. Once the water main is replaced on Baker Place, from Highland Avenue to Brooklyn Road, then the reclamation project can move forward. This was designed last year and is also ready to go. The water main improvements were not able to be awarded and therefore the reclamation project has not been authorized for bid yet. Mr. Keller stated he will be guided by the governing body as to how they wish to proceed with Baker Place.
Kelly Place, Waterloo Road & Furnace Street – Mr. Keller stated the Kelly Place, Waterloo Road and Furnace Street design project is approximately half done. The surveys have been completed. The drainage improvements are being worked on now through the curve on Kelly Place. Mr. Keller anticipates finishing the plans to the preliminary stage by next week and then they will be sent with specifications to Local Aid for review. Mr. Keller stated he will meet with the Administrator and the DPW Superintendent to review the plans. It is anticipated that this project will go out to bid in late June. This is will be contingent on DOT’s approval.
NJDOT (Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase II) – Mr. Keller stated after a month from the time of the reconsideration hearing for the Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase II project, he and Administrator McNeilly received the decision letter today from the DOT. The decision, as expected, is that Tony’s Concrete has been rejected. Tony’s Concrete did not comply with the DBE requirement and they did not make a good faith effort to do so. The eight-page letter did state that Salmon Brothers, the only other bidder, did have a qualified DBE listing. Mr. Keller contacted the DOT and asked what the next step is and how quickly can this be done in order for the Borough to award the contract. Mr. Keller is of the opinion that DOT will not give their approval by the end of the month. Due to the terms of the agreement and the terms for the funding, the contract cannot be awarded until the DOT gives their approval. Councilman Riccardi asked Mr. Keller what the cost difference was in the bids for the Stanhope Pedestrian Loop Phase II project. Mr. Keller stated the difference was approximately $80,000. Mr. Keller stated Tony’s Construction was at approximately $617,000 and Salmon Brothers was at $697,000. The cost is still well under the funding awarded which was $943,000. There is plenty of funding available.
2022 Local Aid Grant – Mr. Keller stated he is working with Millennium Strategies on the 2022 Local Aid Grant application for the milling and resurfacing of Sagamore Road from Linden Avenue to Spencer Street and Spencer Street from Sagamore Road to Valley Road. This project will be tied into the one that was granted last year for Valley Road and Delaware Avenue.
Mayor Zdichocki thanked Mr. Keller for attending tonight’s meeting.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Furnace Pond Park – Administrator McNeilly stated the DPW cleaned up some downed trees and brush in the canal. There is a continuing issue with the boards being removed at the spillway causing the canal to dry out. The DPW is monitoring and they will continue to reinstall as needed. The Superintendent at Hopatcong State Park is no longer available, so their involvement is less and less in this area.
Lakeside Park – Administrator McNeilly stated this past weekend the Environmental Commission started to do the planting at Lakeside Park. Administrator McNeilly stated he sent photographs, provided by Councilman Riccardi, to the governing body on Google Drive. Councilman Riccardi stated the approved plants where put in place on Sunday morning. The plants which will not grow as tall were placed closer to the road and the plants which will provide more coverage were planted near the lake side. They have been planted in clusters as deemed appropriate. Councilman Riccardi asked if anyone has any comments or concerns about the placement to let the Environmental Commission know. Some of the plants were not available when initially picked up. Therefore, there are still some plants to be planted. Councilman Riccardi stated the plantings consist of winterberry, arrowwood viburnum, black haw viburnum and the northern bayberry so far. Administrator McNeilly stated the hemp rope installed at the park was a good idea at the time to use a natural product. Unfortunately, where the rope meets with the slot in the rail, the area is prone to wicking of water which rotted the rope quickly. The rope will be replaced with something more durable.
Lakeside Park (Part 2) – Administrator McNeilly stated the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board is hosting its annual Jr. Fishing Contest on June 13th from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Lakeside Park. Nixle messages and social media postings will be made by the local municipalities to promote the event.
911 Survivor Tree – Administrator McNeilly stated the Fire Department is scheduled to pick up the 911 Survivor Tree at 9:45am in Queens, NY on Friday, May 14th. The tree will be picked up by the Stanhope fire truck and Hopatcong will also be picking up their tree with their fire truck. They will spend some time at the school upon their arrival. It is anticipated that the planting of the tree will take place between 1:30pm – 2:00pm at Musconetcong Park. The DPW Superintendent has marked off the area where the tree will be planted. The Shade Tree Commission has approved the placement. Councilwoman Kuncken asked Administrator McNeilly to advise the Fire Department that they need to return to the Borough as soon as possible. Administrator McNeilly stated the Fire Department is aware and they will call him to advise what their arrival time will be. The program is being run by the children at the school in New York so they cannot just take the tree and leave right away. The Fire Department representative will also send Administrator McNeilly a picture of the tree so that the hole for the tree can be ready ahead of time. Mayor Zdichocki asked Administrator McNeilly to send a memo to the Boards and Commissions advising them about the 911 tree and ask if they would like to take part in the planting. Administrator McNeilly stated there was no plan made for any type of ceremony to take place on Friday. It was his understanding that a ceremony was going to be planned to take place in September. Prior to that time the area with the pavers and benches will be spruced up.
Fire Department/Ambulance Squad Agreement – Administrator McNeilly stated the Fire Department and the Ambulance Squad are both scheduled to attend the May 25th Mayor and Council meeting to sign the agreement.
Budget Timeline – Administrator McNeilly stated there is a small amount of bonded capital money which will become available May 20th.
WORK SESSION
Recreational Cannabis Law – Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body if they had any input with regard to the Recreational Cannabis Law. Councilman Romano stated, as he did last month, that most of the Borough’s neighbors are going for a total ban. Councilman Romano stated he does not necessarily support that but what he does not like about the current situation is that the municipality has to put all their cards on the table but the State is not. Councilman Romano is of the opinion the Borough should take a measured approach. It is easier to go from a heavily restrictive role to a less restrictive role than it is to go from less restrictive to a more restrictive role.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCES
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinances for introduction which were read by title.
Ordinances for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on May 25, 2021]
Ordinance 2021-09 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AMENDING CHAPTER 133 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, SCHEDULE XVII OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, TO RESTRICT RIGHT TURNS BY TRACTOR TRAILERS AT CERTAIN INTERSECTIONS
WHEREAS, the Borough Council determined that the Code of the Borough of Stanhope needs to be amended to include restrictions to prohibit right turns by tractor trailers at certain intersections in the Borough; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has recommended, per N.J.S.A. 39:4-124, that right turns by tractor trailers be prohibited at certain intersections, with appropriate placement of signage; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council has decided that right turns at the intersections of Main Street North and McKinley Street shall be prohibited.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey as follows:
SECTION 1.
Schedule XVII, Prohibited Turns at Intersections, shall be amended to include
| Name of Street | Direction of Travel | Prohibited Turn | At Intersection of |
| Main Street (North) | North | All tractor trailer trucks are prohibited from making right turns | Route 183 (MP 1.54) |
| McKinley Street | East | All tractor trailer trucks are prohibited from making right turns | Brooklyn Road (CR 602) |
SECTION 2 – 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 3 – 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 4: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
Ordinance 2021-10 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY AMENDING ORDINANCE 2021-08 FIXING THE SALARY AND WAGES FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey, as follows:
SECTION 1. The annual salary, wage and compensation to the paid to Borough Employees and Officials as contained in Section 1 of Ordinance 2021-08 is hereby amended to allow for the compensation of a temporary Zoning Secretary:
Temporary Zoning Secretary $40.00/hr.
SECTION 2 – 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 3 – 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 4: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
Ordinance 2021-11 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
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY (not less than two‑thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS:
- The improvement described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by The Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey. For the said improvement or purpose stated in said Section 3, there is hereby appropriated the sum of $294,000, said sum being inclusive of all appropriations heretofore made therefor and including the sum of $2,250 as the down payment for said improvement or purpose required by law and now available therefor by virtue of provision in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Borough for down payment or for capital improvement purposes and including the sum of $249,000 received or expected to be received by the Borough from the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a grant-in-aid of financing said improvement.
- For the financing of said improvement or purpose and to meet the part of said $294,000 appropriation not provided for by application hereunder of said down payment and grant, negotiable bonds of the Borough are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $42,750 pursuant to the Local Bond Law of New Jersey. In anticipation of the issuance of said bonds and to temporarily finance said improvement or purpose, negotiable notes of the Borough in a principal amount not exceeding $42,750 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
- The improvement hereby authorized and purpose for the financing of which said obligations are to be issued is the reconstruction and resurfacing of various roads in and by the Borough including Kelly Place, Waterloo Road and Furnace Street, to provide roadway pavements at least equal in useful life or durability to a roadway pavement of Class B construction (as such term is used or referred to in Section 40A:2-22 of said Local Bond Law), including the reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, drainage improvements and milling thereof, together with all the aforesaid all paving, structures, appurtenances, engineering, surveys, equipment, work and materials necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved.
- The estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for said purpose is $42,750.
- The estimated cost of said purpose is $294,000, the excess thereof over the said estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued therefor being the amount of the said $2,250 down payment for said purpose and the said $249,000 grant-in-aid from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
- The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:
- The said purpose described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance is not a current expense and is a property or improvement which the Borough may lawfully acquire or make as a general improvement, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefitted thereby.
- The period of usefulness of said purpose within the limitations of said Local Bond Law, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the said bonds authorized by this bond ordinance, is ten (10) years.
- The supplemental debt statement required by said Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been filed in the office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey, and such statement shows that the gross debt of the Borough as defined in said Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds and notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $42,750, and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
- An aggregate amount not exceeding $45,000 for interest on said obligations, costs of issuing said obligations and other items of expense listed in and permitted under section 40A:2-20 of said Local Bond Law may be included as part of the cost of said improvement and is included in the foregoing estimate thereof.
- The funds from time to time received by the Borough on account of the grant referred to in Section 1 of this bond ordinance shall be used for financing the improvement or purpose described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance by application thereof either to direct payment of the costs of said improvement or purpose, or to payment or reduction of the authorization of the obligations of the Borough authorized by this bond ordinance. Any such funds so received may, and all such funds so received which are not required for direct payment of such costs shall, be held and applied by the Borough as funds applicable only to the payment of obligations of the Borough authorized by this bond ordinance.
- All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by 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. The Chief Financial Officer shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, 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 from time to time at public or private sale at not loss than par and to deliver them to the purchasers thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price plus accrued interest from their dates to the dates of delivery thereof. 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 pursuant to this bond ordinance 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.
- The full faith and credit of the Borough are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Borough, and the Borough shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the Borough for the payment of said obligations and interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.
- The capital budget or temporary capital budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget or temporary capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Borough Clerk and are available for public inspection.
- This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by said Local Bond Law.
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, 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
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title.
Resolution 103-21 RESOLUTION TO CANCEL GENERAL & WATER CAPITAL BALANCES
WHEREAS, certain Capital Improvement appropriation balances remain dedicated to projects now completed and/or cancelled; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Officer certifies that it is necessary to formally cancel said balances so that the unexpended balances may be returned to either Capital Improvement Fund or Surplus or Reserves, and unused debt authorizations and grant receivables may be canceled;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the following unexpended and dedicated balances of General and Water Capital Appropriations be canceled:
General Capital Amount Cancelled
Ord. # Project Description Funded Unfunded
2016-04 Various Improvements $43,217.97
To cancel debt authorized: $43,217.97
Water Capital Amount Cancelled
Ord. # Project Description Funded Unfunded
2015-08 Purchase Backhoe $ 5,567.52
To cancel debt authorized: $ 5,567.52
Sewer Capital Amount Cancelled
Ord. # Project Description Funded Unfunded
2015-09 Purchase Backhoe $ 5,966.62
2018-10 Port Morris Pump Station $16,542.97
To cancel debt authorized: $16,542.97
To be canceled to Fund Balance: $ 5,966.62
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 104-21 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE EXTENDING THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) into law; and
WHEREAS, effective April 1, 2020, the FRRCA required all private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees and all state and local public employers, regardless of size, to provide employees with enhanced sick leave through two new laws, namely, the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLEA”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”); and
WHEREAS, the FFCRA’s paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave requirements created by the EFMLEA and EPSLA originally was effective as of April 1, 2020 and expired on December 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave through the FFCRA may now voluntarily be provided by employers until September 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the FFCRA provides up to two (2) weeks (up to 80 hours) of emergency paid sick leave (EPSLA) at the employee’s regular rate of pay, where the employee is unable to work because the employee is quarantined (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis; or up to two weeks (up to 80 hours) of paid sick leave at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay when the employee is unable to work because of a bona fide need to care for an individual subject to quarantine (pursuant to Federal, State, or local government order or advice of a health care provider), or to care for a child (under 18 years of age) whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19, and/or the employee is experiencing a substantially similar condition, up to specified daily and aggregate maximum payments, from April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the FFCRA provides up to two weeks of unpaid leave, followed by up to ten (10) weeks of paid emergency family and medical leave (EFMLEA) at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate of pay where an employee, who has been employed for at least 30 calendar days, is unable to work due to a bona fide need for leave to care for a child whose school or child care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19, up to a maximum of $200.00 per day and $12,100 in the aggregate, total, from April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, voluntary extension of the FFCRA does not increase the paid leave permitted, which is maxed out at two weeks for EPSLA and ten weeks for EFMLEA; and
WHEREAS, although paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave is only required from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, expansion of the leave is permitted, if voluntarily agreed to by the Borough employer, through September 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that it is in the best interests of the Borough of Stanhope to allow for voluntary expansion of FFCRA for qualifying employees of the Borough of Stanhope to be eligible to continue to receive paid leave under the EFMLEA and EPSLA, retroactive to January 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, all qualifying employees of the Borough of Stanhope are eligible for such paid leave under the EFMLEA and ESPLA, from April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, with limitations as set forth above and as provided by law.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey that all employees of the Borough who are eligible for paid leave under the EPSLA and EFMLEA will be provided with such leave on a voluntary basis by the Borough in accordance with the FFCRA, as set forth above and as provided by law, until September 30, 2021.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Zdichocki stated the resolution states the employee will receive full compensation of work lost after two weeks and asked Administrator McNeilly if this is correct. Administrator McNeilly confirmed that is correct and stated this basically continues what was the initial part of the act from March of 2020 through December 31st. Mayor Zdichocki stated she was of the opinion this would fall under workmen’s compensation. Administrator McNeilly stated certain public employees, police only, are under workmen’s compensation which protects them at 100%. The Borough will be able to cover the lost time through the Cares Act during the second reimbursement period. Under the current circumstances, if a Police Officer tests positive, there is a presumption that it was work related. The other employees do not have a similar benefit. This resolution will cover all employees. This resolution will take the coverage to September 30th. If after September 30th an employee decides to get vaccinated or did not get vaccinated and tests positive for COVID, that employee will have to use their own sick time.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Mayor’s Acceptance of Resignation
Resolution 105-21 MAYOR’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF ANN DE JONGH FROM THE STANHOPE Recreation Commission WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s acceptance of Ann de Jongh’s resignation as an appointed member on the Recreation Commission, effective immediately.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 106-21 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS DIXON AS PROVISIONAL CODE ENFORCEMENT/HOUSING OFFICER/ZONING OFFICER WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has a need for a Provisional Code Enforcement/Housing Officer/Zoning Officer; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of Stanhope has appointed Thomas Dixon as Provisional Code Enforcement /Housing Officer /Zoning Officer with Council concurrence.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of Thomas Dixon as Provisional Code Enforcement /Housing Officer /Zoning Officer, subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. The provisional appointment is to be effective as of June 1st, 2021.
2. Mr. Dixon will be paid at a prorated annual salary of $25,000.00.
3. Working hours to be a total of 12 hours per week on the following days and times: Monday 9:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday 1:30pm to 5:30pm and Thursday 9:00am to 1:00pm. Monday hours may be adjusted for Court attendance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mr. Dixon’s employment is subject to the usual terms and conditions as set forth in the Borough of Stanhope Personnel Policy Manual, as well as New Jersey Court Rules and Civil Service Law.
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 107-21 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 May 11, 2021 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.
Mayor Zdichocki stated there is a bill for weather service which the Borough has been paying totaling $1,600 for the year. There has been discussion in the past about trying to reduce bills. Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body for their opinions on whether or not they feel this is necessary expense. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she is of the opinion the service should continue. Councilman Thornton stated he does not know how much damage there would be to have this service as opposed to what was used previously based on his conversations with the DPW Superintendent. Councilman Thornton is in favor of discontinuing the service. Councilman Wronko asked what the service provides. Administrator McNeilly stated WeatherWorks is located in Hacktettstown, not New York, and they provide county and municipality specific weather information. The service can provide weather information for planning events. The Borough has direct contact to the meteorologist. If a paving job is being scheduled, or concrete work needs to be scheduled, we have direct access to obtain weather conditions. Daily reports are received along with updates and emergency notifications with regard to weather. Administrator McNeilly stated there seems to be some confusion because Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent, has informed him that he does find this service helpful. Councilman Thornton stated his point is that he seems to recall that two years ago some of the town sponsored events were cancelled; such as Stanhope Day and Family Fun Day, because of the incorrect forecast that was provided by them. Administrator McNeilly stated that is not correct. The events were cancelled by other people for other reasons. Councilman Thornton is of the opinion the service is not more accurate than what was used previously. Mayor Zdichocki stated she agrees with Councilman Thornton and she is of the opinion $1,600 could be used somewhere else. Mayor Zdichocki stated in her opinion the Borough could rely on information provided by Channel 12. Councilman Romano stated he is neither here nor there on the subject but if the system is working for the DPW he would refer to the professionals. Councilman Riccardi stated he agrees with Councilman Romano. If the system is not providing adequate service for the DPW and other entities, Councilman Riccardi would like to hear that from them. Mayor Zdichocki stated the topic will be tabled pending further discussion. Administrator McNeilly stated this item was approved for the 2021 budget and it has been acted upon. This is why there is a purchase order for the service. Any action taken would be a discussion for the 2022 budget. Mayor Zdichocki stated the subject has been brought up and it will be reviewed for the 2022 budget. Administrator McNeilly asked if the governing body would like a memo from the DPW Superintendent regarding his views. Councilman Romano replied that would be a good idea. Councilman Thornton stated he would like specific details regarding when the information provided was helpful.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – absent
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for May 25, 2021 were approved.
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.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk