MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
May 24, 2016
7:00 P.M.
Click Here To View/Print PDF of 05-24-16 Regular Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Maio invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 6, 2016 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 11:00 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 within ten (10) days of this meeting. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilman Depew – present
Councilwoman Thistleton – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Maio read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
April 12, 2016 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
April 26, 2016 Regular Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilman Thornton and carried by voice vote the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by voice vote the Council Committee Reports were waived. Mayor Maio stated any issues to be discussed can be brought up during Council Discussion.
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki/Councilman Thornton
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilwoman Zdichocki
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Information Technology – Councilmen Depew/Romano
Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Thistleton/Councilman Depew
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
DPW – Administrator McNeilly stated the parade route is getting careful attention, trimming, planting and sweeping. Code Enforcement has sent out letters to property owners with uncut grass.
Website/Email – Administrator McNeilly stated the new email system will be changed over tonight from E-Government to Google Apps for Government. The staff will be trained on the system Wednesday morning. The website development is at approximately 30%. The Technology Committee is scheduled to meet with the developer on Thursday.
Engineering – Administrator McNeilly stated Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, will be attending the June 14th meeting to provide updates on the active projects; Road Resurfacing, Main Street Crosswalk, Main Street Lighting and Route 183/Route 206 Sidewalk Project. Mr. Keller has contacted NJDOT regarding the grant and he has submitted a request for a six month extension due to the problems associated with obtaining the easements. Mayor Maio stated she is of the opinion the Borough has already past the six month time period. October of last year was the deadline date.
County Fire Marshal – Administrator McNeilly stated he contacted the new Fire Marshal, Virgil Rome, regarding missing reports. The Fire Marshal apologized and has provided the past reports and will provide a monthly report going forward.
Safe Routes to School (Activated Crosswalk Project) – Administrator McNeilly stated the school is working on the Safe Routes to School program and the Superintendent has been excellent. A resolution should be prepared for approval at the June 14th Mayor and Council meeting. Administrator McNeilly stated Katherine from Millennium Strategies has been speaking with a representative from the State. Two of the crossings may have to be removed from the grant application because approvals will not be provided in time. Mr. Keller is preparing the project costs for the crosswalks. The crosswalks on the county roads would require approval from the Freeholders. The next Freeholder meetings are scheduled for June 8th and the 22nd. If successful, the certified resolution will be available for inclusion into the packet which is due to the State on June 27th.
Councilman Romano stated he was of the opinion the Borough was looking into this issue for implementation next year. Administrator McNeilly stated the goal is to attempt to apply this year but if it is not done in time at least the base information will be in place. Mayor Maio asked if the school has figures on the number of children who actually walk to school. Administrator McNeilly stated the figures are not compiled yet.
Mayor Maio asked if the Borough resolution has been prepared. Administrator McNeilly stated the resolution needs to be finalized. The resolution must state that the Borough will own and maintain all of the crosswalks. Administrator McNeilly stated he would like the Freeholder resolution to be generic enough stating they support the concept and then the memorandum of understanding can be written once the grant is received.
Construction Department Hours – Administrator McNeilly stated the Construction Department hours need to be changed to where the Borough envisioned the hours to be at inception. The hours for the week will total 10 (2 hours per day) and will be broken down as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30AM-10:30AM and Wednesday 4:00PM-6:00PM. During these hours the Construction Secretary will be available to answer questions and issue permits. Residents and contractors can drop off applications or pick up blank packets anytime throughout the day. Currently the Construction Secretary is available 35 hours/week which was never the intent. Administrator McNeilly stated the blank permits will be placed on the wall and will include all the subcode forms. Mayor Maio is concerned this is not the best way to serve the public. Administrator McNeilly stated the same procedure will be used as it was years ago when the Construction Secretary was not in the building full time. Mr. Stein suggested an additional line be added to the posting stating “Blank construction permit applications can be picked up all day, during regular business hours.” The change will pose some challenges but the new hours will be posted and notifications will be sent stating the new hours. Administrator McNeilly stated the applications will be on the wall to prevent disruption to the Deputy Clerk and Clerk.
Administrator McNeilly stated in 2012 when the current system was put in place the Construction Department was not very busy. That is no longer the case. The Construction Department has become very active. The hours must be set by resolution which can be prepared for the June 14th Mayor and Council meeting.
Air Sampling – Administrator McNeilly stated the purchase order has been signed and the vendor will be at Borough Hall on May 31st to test the air quality. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to inform the employees.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Ryan Simpson Eagle Scout Project Proposal – Mayor Maio stated she and Administrator McNeilly met with Ryan Simpson who has prepared a proposal for his Eagle Scout Project. The proposed project will involve work to be done in the park such as power washing and re-staining the benches, building two new benches, re-setting the stones at the 911 memorial and planting bushes and flowers. Mayor Maio stated the Borough has an event scheduled in July which will be held at Musconetcong Park and the work should be completed by then.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by voice vote, authorization was granted to Ryan Simpson to work on Borough property in order to revitalize Musconetcong Park as his Eagle Scout Project.
Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki stated the Community Development Committee met to discuss the issue of signs being placed throughout the Borough by various individuals. The committee determined the signs should all be removed by June 30th. The signs will be removed by the Police Department, Zoning Official and the DPW. The electronic message board will be available for use by the community groups who wish to advertise their event. This plan to implement the use of the electronic sign will be tested for a six month period and then it will be reviewed.
Mayor Maio stated in order for another Borough sign to be placed at the North end of Main Street and Route 183 it would require the DPW to redesign the area. The Borough does not have funding available at this time to install a sign. The Governing Body would also have to speak with the Stanhope Chamber of Commerce. The Stanhope Chamber of Commerce sold the individual business signs which are located at the other end of Main Street.
Administrator McNeilly stated if the Borough is going to move forward with enforcing the sign ordinance it needs to be all inclusive with no exceptions. The Governing Body is going to have to stand behind this decision. Mayor Maio agreed with Administrator McNeilly and stated this decision must be made knowing that the needs of the community are being met. Mayor Maio stated property owners can put signs on their own property and the electronic sign will be made available but this may inhibit their fund raisers. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated private citizens can put signs on their property but they will have to take them down when the event is over. Mr. Stein stated the Borough will have to be careful with allowing signs on private property. People cannot place signs to advertise their own services.
Administrator McNeilly stated the problem the Borough had at the end of Main Street has worked out without being monitored. Administrator McNeilly suggested the same plan be followed for the other end of Main Street. Councilman Romano asked if the banner will be used to advertise the Spring Festival. Mayor Maio stated the banner is not being used this year. Permission to hang the banner across Route 183 is obtained from the State at a cost of $150.
Mayor Maio stated any organization that benefits Stanhope residents will be able to request the use of the electronic message board. Mayor Maio stated perhaps in the future a section of Borough owned property could be used to post signs. Administrator McNeilly stated the electronic sign is an emergency message board and it is not designed as an event board. Councilman Thornton stated that is the reason for the six month trial period.
Mayor Maio polled the Council Members and asked if they are in favor of enforcing the sign ordinance. The results are as follows:
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Depew – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, authorization was given to Administrator McNeilly to direct Borough personnel to remove any unapproved signs within any public right of way as of June 30, 2016.
Summer Camp – Councilwoman Zdichocki stated summer camp in-person registration will be held on June 15th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
Domestic Violence Response Team SOP – Mayor Maio stated the Police Chief has provided the draft SOP for the Domestic Violence Response Team. The Public Safety Committee met with Chief Pittigher and there are a few items on the State level that are still pending. The SOP will not be finalized until the Chief has the required clearance. Chief Pittigher is going to have this cleared through Hopatcong for dispatch purposes. DASI and the Prosecutor’s Office have already been contacted.
Memo – Mayor Maio stated a memo was received from the Clerk and the CFO. Mayor Maio has asked Finance and Administration to review the memo which will be discussed at a future time.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Maio offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 091-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLIC BIDDING FOR DECORATIVE
LIGHTING – PHASE II – MAIN STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has determined to undertake the installation of Phase II Decorative Street Lighting on Main Street; and
WHEREAS, the scope and extent of the work requires that the work be publically bid pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has prepared bid plans and specifications for bidding pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law for the proposed work; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body wishes to proceed with the proposed Phase II Decorative Lighting for Main Street as designed by the Borough Engineer;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough shall publically bid for the Phase II Decorative Lighting for Main Street with bids to be received on a date to be determined by the Borough.
On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 092-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLIC BIDDING FOR MAIN STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS RECONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has determined to undertake the reconstruction of Pedestrian Crosswalks on Main Street; and
WHEREAS, the scope and extent of the work requires that the work be publically bid pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has prepared bid plans and specifications for bidding pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law for the proposed work; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body wishes to proceed with the proposed reconstruction of Pedestrian Crosswalks on Main Street as designed by the Borough Engineer;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough shall publically bid for the reconstruction of Pedestrian Crosswalks on Main Street with bids to be received on a date to be determined by the Borough.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 093-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLIC BIDDING FOR PAVEMENT
RECLAMATION OF SPRING LANE AND LAKE STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has determined to undertake the Pavement Reclamation of Spring Lane and Lake Street; and
WHEREAS, the scope and extent of the work requires that the work be publically bid pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Engineer has prepared bid plans and specifications for bidding pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law for the proposed work; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body wishes to proceed with the proposed Pavement Reclamation of Spring Lane and Lake Street as designed by the Borough Engineer;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough shall publically bid for the Pavement Reclamation of Spring Lane and Lake Street with bids to be received on a date to be determined by the Borough.
On motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 094-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE TO ENTER INTO A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX FOR ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SERVICES AS SET FORTH IN THE NEW JERSEY STATE UNIFORM FIRE CODE REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope and the County of Sussex heretofore entered into a Shared Services Agreement pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq. wherein the County of Sussex provided Certified Fire Marshall services to the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, said Shared Services Agreement expires as of June 30, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the County of Sussex has offered a renewal Shared Services Agreement to the Borough of Stanhope for Fire Marshall services for the period effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the proposed form of the Shared Services Agreement has been reviewed and approved by the Borough Attorney; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body is of the opinion that it is in the best interest of the Borough of Stanhope to enter into the Shared Services Agreement with the County of Sussex; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope and the County of Sussex have the full authority to enter into the proposed Shared Services Agreement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 et seq.;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the attached Shared Services Agreement between the Borough of Stanhope and the County of Sussex; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified true copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Clerk of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
On motion by Councilwoman Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Maio stated this is a renewal of the Borough’s existing agreement.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 095-16
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR DESIGN OF DECORATIVE LIGHTING PHASE II – MAIN STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is seeking to undertake the installation of phase II decorative street lighting on Main Street.
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group has submitted a Proposal to prepare bid documents, project administration and construction observation of the Main Street project, which proposal is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, the Borough desires to retain Bowman Consulting Group for said services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey as follows:
- That the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute a contract on the Borough’s behalf with Bowman Consulting Group, 54 Horsehill Road Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 to prepare bid documents, project administration and construction observation of the decorative street light phase II project on Main Street.
- This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a “professional service” in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) of the Local Public Contracts Law.
- Award of this contract is contingent upon the certification as to the availability of funds by the Chief Financial Officer.
- The term of service shall be from the date of acceptance of the Professional Services Agreement until its completion, in full accord with the terms and conditions thereof. The total fee for this service shall not exceed $21,500.00
- Notice of this action shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.
On motion by Councilwoman Thistleton, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 096-16
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR DESIGN OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS RECONSTRUCTION – MAIN STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is seeking to undertake the reconstruction of deteriorated pedestrian crosswalk on Main Street.
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group has submitted a Proposal to prepare bid documents, project administration and construction observation of the Main Street project, which proposal is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, the Borough desires to retain Bowman Consulting Group for said services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey as follows:
- That the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute a contract on the Borough’s behalf with Bowman Consulting Group, 54 Horsehill Road Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 to prepare bid documents, project administration and construction observation of the crosswalk reconstruction on Main Street.
- This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a “professional service” in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) of the Local Public Contracts Law.
- Award of this contract is contingent upon the certification as to the availability of funds by the Chief Financial Officer.
- The term of service shall be from the date of acceptance of the Professional Services Agreement until its completion, in full accord with the terms and conditions thereof. The total fee for this service shall not exceed $14,500.00
- Notice of this action shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.
On motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 097-16
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP, LTD.
FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR DESIGN OF PAVEMENT RECLAMATION OF SPRING LANE AND LAKE STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is seeking to undertake pavement reclamation of Spring Lane and Lake Street.
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group has submitted a Proposal to prepare bid documents, project administration and construction observation of the Spring Lane and Lake Street project, which proposal is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, the Borough desires to retain Bowman Consulting Group for said services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey as follows:
- That the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute a contract on the Borough’s behalf with Bowman Consulting Group, 54 Horsehill Road Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 to prepare bid documents, project administration and construction observation of the pavement reclamation of Spring Lane and Lake Street.
- This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a “professional service” in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) of the Local Public Contracts Law.
- Award of this contract is contingent upon the certification as to the availability of funds by the Chief Financial Officer.
- The term of service shall be from the date of acceptance of the Professional Services Agreement until its completion, in full accord with the terms and conditions thereof. The total fee for this service shall not exceed $5,700.00
- Notice of this action shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.
On motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 098-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH
MUNICIPAL LEASING CONSULTANTS, LLC FOR TWO POLICE VEHICLES
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is in need of replacement police vehicles 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 publically 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 Lease Purchase Agreement;
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 Government Obligation Contract (Lease) with Municipal Leasing Consultants, LLC on behalf of the Borough for two 2016 Police Interceptor SUVs.
On motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly for the amount of the lease. Mr. Stein stated there are two parts to this process. The Borough went out to bid for the financing and adopted the resolution to authorize the financing. This resolution pertains to the actual vehicles. In the past one agreement was done through Ford Motor Credit. This time the financing and the leasing are being done separately.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
CONSENT AGENDA (All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Borough Council and were enacted by one motion of the Borough Council with no separate discussion.)
Resolution 099-16
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SUSSEX COUNTY C.L.E.A.R PROGRAM COMMUNITY LAW ENFORCEMENT ADDICTION RECOVERY
WHEREAS, it is well-established that drug use and addiction is a major problem that impacts all of us on multiple levels; individuals, families and communities bear the many ill- effects that it has on our safety, health and the economy; and
WHEREAS, the alarming reality of the heroin/opiate epidemic, in particular, has created an urgent need to work together to reverse these trends; and
WHEREAS, one in three people are affected by substance use disorders, no matter their occupation, income level, race or community status; and
WHEREAS, in 2015 there were 25 overdose deaths in Sussex County due to heroin, prescription medications and illicit substances, as well as 44 overdoses where Narcan was used to revive a person; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that for any anti-drug program to be effective, strong enforcement must be supported by an effort to reduce the demand for illegal substances and this is best accomplished through continued prevention education along with improved access to treatment and recovery support;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that we do hereby resolve our community’s support of the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. — Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery program, whose mission it is to form a collaborative network of professionals in our community who will facilitate medical intervention, improved access to treatment and recovery support for those struggling with drug addiction who seek assistance, without fear of arrest or prosecution, in order to make a positive difference in the quality of life for individuals, families and our entire community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Stanhope Borough Council urges other Sussex County Municipalities to similarly adopt resolutions in support of the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R Program and for individuals to visit www.clearnro2ram.org to learn more and join in support of this important community program.
Resolution 100-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REFUND OF BUILDING PERMIT FEE
WHEREAS, Able Sanitary Construction Services had obtained building Permit #20160077 for 17 Reeve Avenue (Hunts), and
WHEREAS, the permit for this construction was for an oil tank removal, but upon excavation by contractor, it was discovered it was a septic tank; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Pershouse, Construction Official, has authorized the refund of $80.00 paid for this permit on April 28, 2016;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the contractor listed below in the designated amount representing a refund of permit # 200160077
CONTRACTOR Information:
Amount
Able Sanitary Construction Services $80.00
229 Main Street
Andover, NJ 07821
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Depew and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 101-16
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 24, 2016 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 Zdichocki and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – yes
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – absent
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
ATTORNEY REPORT
COAH Developer Fee Ordinance – Mr. Stein stated the COAH Developer Fee Ordinance needs to be revised due to the fact the law has changed. A residence which has to be demolished and rebuilt due to fire, hurricane, etc. the owner will not have to pay the COAH fee if it is owner occupied. Mayor Maio asked Mr. Stein if a home that was destroyed by a fire is purchased by a new owner, would the new owner have to pay the fee. Mr. Stein stated the new owner would be required to pay the COAH fee.
Master Plan Report – Mr. Stein stated he has reviewed the Master Plan Report provided by the Land Use Board. There is a recommendation to rezone the north end of Main Street to expand the Village Business District. There are some additional technical changes which will also require review by the Governing Body. Mayor Maio asked the Deputy Clerk to add the Master Plan to the next work session meeting agenda for council discussion.
Sidewalk Project – Mr. Stein stated with regard to the sidewalk project, under the NJ Condemnation Law it can take quite some time to complete the process. One property owner has refused and another has not responded. Mr. Stein outlined all the steps required for a temporary construction easement and stated a six month extension may not be enough time. There are costs involved with the process which could result in a few thousand dollars in legal fees and appraisal fees. The Borough does not know if the grant money will be provided by the State and there is a chance that this project may not move forward.
Mayor Maio asked Mr. Stein if the property owners have to be informed if the Borough files for condemnation. Mayor Maio asked if it would be beneficial to inform the property owners that they are holding up an approved NJDOT project. Mr. Stein replied the Borough could inform the owners but it is not required.
Councilwoman Zdichocki asked if the Borough could go around those properties and not install the sidewalk in that area. Mr. Stein stated if the contractor is not provided with the room required to do the work, they can charge the Borough extra. New Jersey law requires all the easements must be in place before the Borough can go out to bid. Administrator McNeilly stated doing so would direct people into the road which would be a hazard and an insurance issue.
Administrator McNeilly stated if a letter is sent to the public relations entity for the public property stating they are holding up an approved DOT project, they will not like the negative publicity. There is still the same issue with the other property owner who has not responded.
Administrator McNeilly stated Mr. Grafe’s main concern was who would be responsible for clearing the sidewalk in the winter. Mayor Maio stated if the conditions are bad the sidewalk can be closed which would also be done for the other businesses in that area.
Mr. Stein stated he will work with Administrator McNeilly in order to prepare the letters to send to the two property owners. Councilman Thornton stated it is important to find out the status of the grant with the State. Administrator McNeilly stated no expenses will be incurred at this time. Mr. Keller should have a response soon.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter-specified subject matter(s).
2. The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 – Land Acquisition/Contract Negotiation
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 Thornton, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 7:58 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:09 P.M. with all present.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, Administrator McNeilly was authorized to speak with Mr. Knolmayer on behalf of the Borough and Mr. Stein was asked to prepare an ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilman Depew, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk