MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING MINUTES
May 9, 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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – present
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
WORK SESSION
Resolution in Support of Continued Enjoyment of the State’s Waters (Env. Commission) – Mayor Zdichocki noted the Environmental Commission sent a resolution supporting the continued enjoyment of the State’s water supply. The Environmental Commission is asking the Borough’s support of the continued enjoyment of the State’s water for drinking and recreation by adopting the resolution. The governing body was in favor of adopting the resolution and directed the Clerk to put it on the next meeting agenda.
ELECTION OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LAND USE BOARD
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and carried by the following roll call vote Councilman Thornton was elected Council Representative to the Land Use Board for the remainder of 2023:
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption which was read by title.
Ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2023-08 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF
STANHOPE TO AMEND CHAPTER 32, “PERSONNEL POLICIES AND STANDARDS” OF THE BOROUGH CODE, WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW ARTICLE VII, “MANDATORY DIRECT DEPOSIT”
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 52:14-15f authorizes local governments to mandate direct deposit for municipal employees; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has recommended that the Governing Body of the Borough adopt such mandatory direct deposit for employees.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that:
Section 1. Chapter 32 of the Borough Code, entitled “Personnel Policies and Standards” is hereby amended with the addition of Article VII, “Mandatory Direct Deposit” as follows:
Article VII Mandatory Direct Deposit
§32-31. Direct deposit required
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-15f, employees and elected officials of the Borough of Stanhope shall be required to receive their pay through direct deposit at a bank institution of their choice.
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 Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments on this ordinance only. Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
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.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinances for Introduction and First Reading which were read by title.
Ordinances for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearings on May 23, 2023]
Ordinance 2023-09 ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS ROADS IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AND APPROPRIATING $287,000 THEREFOR CONSTITUTING PROCEEDS OF A GRANT FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The improvement described in Section 2 of this ordinance is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by The Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey, and there is hereby appropriated therefor the sum of $287,000 constituting moneys received or expected to be received by the Borough from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as a grant-in-aid of financing said improvement.
Section 2. The improvement hereby authorized and the purpose for the financing of which the appropriation is made as provided in Section 1 of this ordinance is the improvement and reclamation of various roads in and by the Borough including Ridge Road, Overhill Road, Mountainview Road and West Street, 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 .
Section 3. 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.
Section 4. The ordinance of the Borough adopted on November 9, 2021 (#2021-15) and entitled: “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 $173,017.12 therefor constituting proceeds of a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is hereby repealed. Any moneys expended and obligations incurred pursuant to appropriation made by said ordinance shall be accounted and deemed to have been expended or incurred pursuant to this ordinance
Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect after publication after final passage as provided by law.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Thornton, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
Ordinance 2023-10 BOND ORDINANCE MAKING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF $160,000 FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN AND BY THE BOROUGH HERETOFORE AUTHORIZED TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $152,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH FOR FINANCING SUCH SUPPLEMENTAL 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:
Section 1. The improvement described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance has heretofore been and is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by The Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey, by the bond ordinance (the “Prior Ordinance”) of the Borough adopted on May 10, 2022, 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”. The cost of the improvement described in Section 3(a) of this bond ordinance, estimated in May, 2022, at $687,540 is now estimated at $847,540. By the Prior Ordinance there has been appropriated to payment of the cost of said improvement the sum of $687,540. It is now necessary for the Borough to raise the additional sum of $160,000 to meet the remainder of said $847,540 estimated cost of said improvement (including for purposes of applicable United States Treasury regulations reimbursing expenditures hereafter made for said improvement or purpose) not provided by the appropriation therefor made by the Prior Ordinance.
Section 2. For the said improvement or purpose stated in Section 3(a) of this bond ordinance, and in addition to the sum of $687,540 heretofore appropriated therefor by the Prior Ordinance, there is hereby appropriated the further sum of $160,000 including the sum of $8,000 as a down payment for said improvement or purpose required by law and now available therefor. Said additional appropriation of $160,000 shall be financed and met from the said down payment and the proceeds of negotiable bonds of the Borough which are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $152,000 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 $152,000 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
Section 3. (a) The improvement authorized by Section 3(a) of the Prior Ordinance and by this bond ordinance and purpose for the financing of which said obligations are to be issued is the improvement of the water supply and distribution system in and by the Borough, including by the installation and rehabilitation of water mains in and along various roads, including also the pavement reclamation of Sunset Avenue, together with all the aforesaid all paving, site work, structures, appurtenances, engineering, surveys, equipment, work and materials necessary therefore 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 heretofore and hereby approved.
(b) The estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for said purpose is $162,540 inclusive of the $10,540 principal amount of bonds or notes of the Borough heretofore authorized for said improvement or purpose pursuant to the Prior Ordinance.
(c) The estimated cost of said purpose is $847,540 inclusive of the sum of $687,540 heretofore appropriated for said improvement by the Prior Ordinance.
Section 4. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:
(a) 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 benefited thereby.
(b) 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 forty (40) years.
(c) 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, while the net debt of the Borough determined as provided in said Local Bond Law is not increased by this bond ordinance, 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 $160,000, and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.
(d) An aggregate amount not exceeding $25,000 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 additional cost of said improvement and has been included in the foregoing $160,000 additional estimated cost thereof.
(e) This bond ordinance authorizes obligations of the Borough solely for purposes described in paragraph (h) of section 40A:2-7 of said Local Bond Law, and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance are to be issued for a purpose which is self-liquidating within the meaning and limitations of section 40A:2-45 of said Local Bond Law and are deductible, pursuant to paragraph of (c) of section 40A:2-44 of said Local Bond Law, from the gross debt of the Borough.
Section 5. All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the chief financial officer, acting chief financial officer or treasurer 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. 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 less 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.
Section 6. 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, unless paid from revenues of the water supply and distribution system of the Borough, 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.
Section 7. 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.
Section 8. 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 Thornton, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
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 106-23 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR MILLING, RESURFACING AND CURB REPAIRS AT SAGAMORE ROAD & SPENCER STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is seeking to perform milling, resurfacing and curb repairs to Sagamore Road and Spencer Street through a NJDOT Local Aid Grant; and
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group has submitted a Proposal dated April 4, 2023, to develop construction documents and provide construction administration and construction observation services for this project; and
WHEREAS, the Borough desires to retain Bowman Consulting Group for said services, as set forth in the April 4, 2023 proposal: construction documents for a fee of $7,150; construction administration for a fee of $4,650; and construction observation at the standard hourly basis, for approximately $8,000.
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 for the milling, resurfacing and curb repairs to Sagamore Road and Spencer Street, as set forth in the April 4, 2023 proposal, and to follow NJDOT approvals and procedures.
- 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 $20,800.00
- Notice of this action shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.
On motion by Councilman 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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 107-23 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BOWMAN CONSULTING GROUP FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR MILLING RESURFACING AND CURB REPAIRS AT LENAPE DRIVE/WOODS AVENUE AND LEPONT STREET
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is seeking to perform milling, resurfacing and curb repairs to Lenape Drive/Woods Avenue and Lepont Street; and
WHEREAS, Bowman Consulting Group has submitted a Proposal, dated April 4, 2023, to develop construction documents and provide construction administration and construction observation services for this project; and
WHEREAS, the Borough desires to retain Bowman Consulting Group for said services, as set forth in the April 4, 2023 proposal: construction documents for a fee of $5,650; construction administration for a fee of $2,850; and construction observation at the standard hourly basis, for approximately $6,000.
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 for the milling, resurfacing and curb repairs to Lenape Drive/Woods Avenue and Lepont Street, as set forth in the April 4, 2023 proposal.
- 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 $15,500.00
- Notice of this action shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, 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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser asked if this is the same firm who oversaw the Valley Road project. Councilwoman Kuncken responded that Bowman Consulting Group is the Borough’s Engineer. Councilman Wachterhauser said he hopes they do not have the same issues as they have on Valley Road, for which he has received complaints from the residents. Councilwoman Kuncken said the Borough Engineer is aware of the issues the they are being addressed. The Borough is withholding money to cover the damages. Councilwoman Kuncken said she spoke to the Administrator about the status of the contractor redoing the curb grass areas because it is now the growing season for grass. Mayor Zdichocki said any resident who has a concern should contact the Administrator so it can be addressed.
Resolution 108-23 RESOLUTION TO AMEND BUDGET TO INCLUDE STORMWATER ASSISTANCE GRANT
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 provides that the Director of the Division of Local Government Services may approve the insertion of any special item of revenue in the budget of any county or municipality when such item shall have been made available by law and the amount thereof was not determined at the time of the adoption of the budget, and
WHEREAS, said Director may also approve the insertion of an item of appropriation for an equal amount, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope has received a total of $25,000.00 from the State of NJ for the Water Resources Planning Management- Stormwater Assistance Grant, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2023 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $25,000.00 as a revenue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby request the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of $25,000.00, which will be available as a revenue from:
Miscellaneous Revenues
Special Items of General Revenue Anticipated with Prior Written
Consent of the Director of Local Government Services – Public And Private Revenues Offset with Appropriations: Stormwater Assistance Grant
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$25,000.00
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
- Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
Stormwater Assistance Grant, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer submit one copy of the Chapter 159 certification form to the Director of Local Government Services.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, 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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 109-23 AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF REVISED STANDARD
OPERATING PROCEDURES-RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE STANHOPE BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 37 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE
WHEREAS, all police departments are required to have adopted written rules and regulations under a Standard Operating Procedure manual; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Borough of Stanhope pursuant to Section 12 of Chapter 37 of the Borough Code has heretofore adopted and has incorporated by reference into the Borough Code said Police Department Rules and Regulations under Standard Operating Procedures; and
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Attorney General has issued a Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy, revised as of February 2023, with the goal of deterring illegal drug use, including unregulated marijuana, by law enforcement officers.
WHEREAS, the Police Department has revised its Standard Operating Procedures-Rules and Regulations in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy, a copy of which is on file with the Borough Clerk and Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has recommended to the Governing Body the adoption of the new Standard Operating Procedures-Rules and Regulations; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that pursuant to Section 37-12 of the Borough Code, the Stanhope Police Department Standard Operating Procedures-Rules and Regulations, dated April 24, 2023, be and the same is hereby adopted and shall be in immediate effect.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Resolution 110-23 AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH GOOGLE WORKSPACE FOR CREATING A SERVER AND EMAIL STORAGE FOR THE STANHOPE BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the Stanhope Borough Police Department regularly has a need for additional e-mail storage and to create a server for the Department; and
WHEREAS, Google Workspace has created an offer for a Google Workspace account to store police records for ten (10) users in the Police Department for the term of three (3) years at $135.00 per month ($13.50 per person).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Mayor and Council authorize the expenditure of $13.50 per account for ten (10) users for three (3) years to create a Stanhope Borough Police Department Google Workspace account to store police records.
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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 111-23 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR CURBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope heretofore advertised for the receipt of sealed competitive bids for the curbside collection and disposal of recyclable materials; and
WHEREAS, the Borough accepted sealed competitive bids on May 4, 2023 for curbside collection and disposal of recyclable materials; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope received one (1) sealed competitive bid from Blue Diamond Disposal, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Attorney has reviewed the bid for compliance with the Local Public Contracts Law, NJDEP regulations and the Borough’s bidding requirements; and
WHEREAS, Blue Diamond Disposal, Inc. is the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the Borough’s request for bids on May 4, 2023;
WHEREAS, the Township Chief Financial Officer has certified as to the availability of funds;.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough does hereby award a bid to Blue Diamond Disposal Inc. in an amount not to exceed $915,000.00 for a five (5) year contract for curbside collection and disposal of recycling materials, commencing on June 1, 2023 and ending on May 31, 2028.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, 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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 112-23 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE
COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE
AND BULKY ITEMS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope heretofore advertised for the receipt of sealed competitive bids for the collection and disposal of solid waste and bulky items; and
WHEREAS, the Borough accepted sealed competitive bids on May 4, 2023 for collection and disposal of solid waste and bulky items; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope received one (1) sealed competitive bids from Blue Diamond Disposal, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the Borough Attorney has reviewed the bids for compliance with the Local Public Contracts Law, NJDEP regulations and the Borough’s bidding requirements; and
WHEREAS, Blue Diamond Disposal, Inc. is the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the Borough’s request for bids on May 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Township Chief Financial Officer has certified as to the availability of funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough does hereby award a bid to Blue Diamond Disposal, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,335,000.00 for a five (5) year contract for the collection and disposal of solid waste and bulky items, commencing on June 1, 2023 and ending on May 31, 2028.
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 – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 113-23 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 May 9, 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 Wronko, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for May 23, 2023 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.
Nancy Hoyt asked if the Borough got a good deal on the new contracts for garbage and recycling. Mayor Zdichocki responded the Borough got a better deal than they thought they would. They have sufficient funds budgeted for this year because it is only a half a year, but they will need to find money in the next couple of years. Councilwoman Kuncken noted the one change is that pick-up will start at 5:00 a.m. The residents will be notified of the change in the pick-up time, which will include a notice on the website and a Nixle alert will be sent. Councilman Thornton stated they may need to increase the Nixle alerts permitted since there are a number of things going on that need to be communicated to the residents.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
DISCUSSION
Christian Outreach Project – Mayor Zdichocki spoke about the Christian Outreach Project (“COP”), which is an organization of volunteers who do repairs at no cost to the homeowner; however, the homeowner must meet certain requirements. They provide free home repairs for people in the area who do not have the means to pay. The youth and adults from churches volunteer to do the work. Mayor Zdichocki said that years ago there was discussion about having the boy scouts help residents with repairs. Mayor Zdichocki said the COP supports local churches, and she noted there are eight area churches. Some of the repairs they have done are interior and exterior house painting, wheelchair ramp construction, porch and step repair, insulation and weatherization installation, gutter replacement, window replacement, masonry repair, handrail installation, roof repair and replacement, tiling and sheet rocking. Mayor Zdichocki stated she would like the information on the COP posted. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the information was reviewed by the Borough Attorney. Mayor Zdichocki responded that she has not spoken to the Borough Attorney about the COP because it has nothing to do with the Borough. Councilwoman Kuncken expressed concern with the posting, noting they had similar discussions in the past and it was agreed then that as soon as it comes from the Borough, it means it is sanctioned by the Borough. Mayor Zdichocki stated she wants this information in the Minutes and she will check with the Borough Attorney and let her know she announced this at a meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
Approved:
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk