MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
November 23, 2021
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 13, 2021 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
Furthermore, notice of the change in the meeting location was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on June 9, 2021 and was placed on the official bulletin board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 10:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.
ROLL CALL
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Vance – present
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – absent
Mayor Zdichocki – present
PRESENTATION
Mayor Zdichocki invited Ryan Jiorle from the Musconetcong Watershed Association to come forward to give his presentation.
Mr. Jiorle stated he is here this evening to provide the governing body with education regarding stormwater management. Kyle Richter has provided this training in the past but, he has moved on to the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. Mr. Jiorle stated there are some new stormwater management rules which have taken effect over the past year. This annual training earns points for the Borough toward the required point system. The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) is a non-profit organization which focuses on the Musconetcong River and the surrounding communities. The MWA protects the health of the river and the scenic and recreational cultural character of the area. In 2006, the MWA achieved the title of National Wild and Scenic status which makes this part of the National Park System. In 2020, they received the National Water Trail status. The MWA does a great deal of water quality monitoring with the help of volunteers. They monitor for harmful algal blooms, road salt and microbial source tracking which appears to be caused by aging failed septic systems. The MWA work on dam removals, restorations and riparian buffers to stabilize river banks and prevent erosion. The MWA also works with recreation and outreach. The Musconetcong River has a great deal of history which includes the Morris Canal and the Lenape Indians. Education programs are provided and there is an outdoor summer camp for children. Work is done with individual municipalities, regional groups, on the national level and there is collaboration with any projects in or near the river to promote restoration and recreational activities. It is important to manage stormwater because as the water runs it picks up pollutants which can be bad for the river or lakes. Stormwater costs from large storms can add up with hidden costs such as extra police details and emergency responses. With proper stormwater management some of these issues can be abated. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, which every community must have, enables municipalities to comply with the state and federal stormwater rules. The NJ permits will be expiring at the end 2022 and the DEP may be releasing some new language for the 2023 permits in the coming months.
Mr. Jiorle stated there have been changes to the NJ Stormwater Rules such as engineering calculations which can now receive credit for infiltration of captured stormwater; added total suspended solids (TSS) removal requirement for motor vehicle surfaces; and no more TSS removal requirement for other impervious surfaces (roofs and sidewalks). The biggest change is that new public and private major developments must use green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Green infrastructure is a stormwater management measure that manages stormwater close to its source by infiltration into subsoil; filtration by vegetation or soil; or storing runoff for reuse. The state is attempting to mimic natural systems as much as possible. Stormwater needs to be managed where it is, get it into the ground and filter it. It is much cheaper to manage the input than it is to deal with the effects of the output and it can look much nicer as well. Mr. Jiorle described all the various options for green infrastructure. There are some websites available with additional information and Mr. Jiorle stated he can provide copies of his PowerPoint presentation to anyone interested.
Mr. Jiorle stated the points, which the Borough is required to obtain, are a mandate from the State of NJ. Twelve points are required annually. The activities which make up the points are a way to help the community learn about what is going on with stormwater. Tools are available through the MWA for general public outreach. The MWA hosts an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador each year who serves the Upper Delaware region of NJ which includes Stanhope. This is a free resource for the communities to utilize. A river clean-up is done every April that volunteers can participate in. These are opportunities to learn about stormwater. If a stream monitoring program is established, you will learn what is going on in your stream. You may learn more about harmful algal blooms in the lake. You may learn from a volunteer sampling that this has never extended into November before. So even though this is required, it is a diverse and helpful way to teach people about what is going on and, in some cases, to also measure what is going on.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated, with climate change and the intensity of the storms which we have experienced over the past few years, this is adding to the stormwater management. The Ash Borer has arrived in Stanhope and the number of trees which are being taken down, because they have to, is significant. Councilwoman Kuncken asked how the loss of trees should be handled because this takes away the ability to absorb the stormwater. Mr. Jiorle stated there are grants available for riparian restoration for properties along the river and the lake. The MWA is starting a new project called Push Back the Lawn which will work with private and public land owners to widen the buffer along the waterways. Trees need to be replanted and nurseries are beginning to stock more native trees. The MWA can be contacted by the municipality or by residents who would like suggestions on what type of trees to plant in a specific area.
Councilman Vance asked why the points are required. Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, present in the audience replied it is a state requirement. Mr. Keller stated he is required to file an annual report by May 1st and in that report, he has to indicate that the requirements have been met for the Tier A permit. It is a requirement under the stormwater rules and relates to the Federal Clean Water Act. Mayor Zdichocki stated the Shade Tree Commission conducts a fall seminar and the residents are invited to attend. Councilman Riccardi, who is also a member of the Environmental Commission, stated the commission has talked about doing water sampling within the Borough. Mr. Jiorle stated training is available through the MWA for water quality testing. Mr. Keller stated the Borough has to obtain points in three of the five categories to ensure community support.
Mr. Jiorle stated there are two types of pollutants, point source versus non-point source. Point source is when you can identify who or what is causing the pollutants. Stormwater is non-point source pollution. It comes from a bunch of different places and there is no way to determine who is responsible. Education is the best way to get people to be aware that certain behaviors have a specific impact. This is not an issue that can be solved by creating an ordinance.
Mayor Zdichocki asked what the process is for cleaning areas near the river. Do forms have to be filled out. Mr. Keller stated the best thing to do is to keep track of what is done and keep him informed so that he can fill out the reports annually. Mr. Keller stated he is not only the Borough Engineer but, he is also the Stormwater Coordinator. The more information which can be documented, the better it is for the Borough. When the Shade Tree Commission and the Environmental Commission work on projects that should all be documented. Mr. Keller stated eventually all of the stormwater in the Borough ends up in the lake or the river. Until the gas station was built, all the detention basins have been located on the Borough’s property and are maintained by the DPW. They are inspected regularly. The gas station will be responsible for maintaining their detention basin. Mr. Jiorle stated the MWA can assist the Borough in keeping track and documenting the points during the year.
Mayor Zdichocki and the Council thanked Mr. Jiorle for attending this evenings meeting. Mr. Jiorle thanked the governing body for being an attentive engaged audience. Mr. Jiorle stated he will forward information from tonight’s presentation to the Administrator.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Nancy Hoyt, 33 Lawrence Avenue, asked if every resident contacts Borough Hall when taking down trees. Mayor Zdichocki stated a shade tree permit is required when taking down two or more trees over a certain size.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Zdichocki read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
October 12, 2021 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
October 26, 2021 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by a majority voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved. Councilman Riccardi and Councilman Thornton abstained from the minutes of October 12, 2021.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwoman Kuncken/CouncilmanThornton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department for the month of October responded to 12 calls, 2 mutual aid calls and 1 call to assist the EMS. The department had 3 drills, 2 training sessions and 1 meeting for a total of 701 hours for the month.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for the month of October had 63 motor vehicle stops and a total of 207 calls for the month. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she is pleased to announce that police candidate Christina Dimitriou graduated from the Police Academy yesterday and she is now Officer Dimitriou. Officer Dimitriou’s field training began today. We look forward to a successful training period for her and welcome her aboard.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad for the month of August responded to 20 calls in Stanhope, 35 calls in Netcong and 4 stand-bys for a total of 59 calls. There were 7 out of town calls; 2 Frankford; 1 Byram; 3 Hopatcong and 1 Mt. Olive. The squad treated 40 patients. They made 25 trips to the hospital. They had 188 hours and 13 minutes of hour volunteered. There was 1 assist for the Netcong Fire Department and 1 assist for the Stanhope Fire Department. The reports are delayed due to the fact the reports are based on the people who respond to the call. Those individuals have to complete their reports prior to the final monthly report being compiled. Councilwoman Kuncken stated for the month of July the Ambulance Squad responded to 16 calls in Stanhope, 24 calls in Netcong and 2 stand-bys for a total of 42 calls. There were 7 out of town calls; 2 Byram; 5 Hopatcong. They treated 35 patients and made 29 trips to the hospital. They had a total of 161 hours and 46 minutes of volunteer hours and 1 assist to the Netcong Fire Department.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated a Public Safety Committee meeting was held several weeks ago at the request of the Police Chief. The Administrator also attended the meeting. There is an opportunity for an alternate route for hiring a police officer. The Borough is a Civil Service town. The Police Chief provided information about the process. Councilwoman Kuncken stated this does not mean the Borough is looking to abandon the Civil Service. This is just an alternative in case the Borough needed to, or wanted to, to take advantage of it. The committee asked the Police Chief to have this information reviewed by the Borough Attorney. The Borough is not looking to hire a police officer at this point in time. This would be something to put in place for the future. The Chief was also asked to find out if a resolution would be required at this time or if that is something that would take place in the future if the need arises. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she received an email from the Police Chief last week. The Chief contacted Borough Attorney Ursula Leo who recommends putting a resolution in place now in case the Borough ever wants to take advantage of this procedure. It does not mean that the Borough would be required to do so. The Chief is leaving that decision up to the governing body. The Chief did suggest if a resolution is to be adopted that doing so at the reorganization meeting would be beneficial. This would make the resolution valid for the entire year and then it could be renewed each year. The program enables individuals to go to the Police Academy on their own and pay their own way. Once they graduate, they are police officers but they just do not have jobs. Councilwoman Kuncken stated if the governing body would like more detailed information, she can ask the Police Chief to attend the December 14th meeting to discuss the issue. Mayor Zdichocki stated the program saves the towns funding and time. Currently, the town funds a candidate to attend the police academy and then it takes several months before that person begins work as an officer. The individual who graduates on their own from the academy has two years to find a job as an officer. After that time, if not employed, they would have to go back to the academy and start over. The governing body asked Councilwoman Kuncken to ask the Police Chief to attend the December 14th meeting to discuss this issue further.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the tax collection percentage for the first quarter was 98.692%. The second quarter was 98.323%. The third quarter was 97.175% and the fourth quarter is at 72.177% to date. The fourth quarter taxes are still being collected. Overall, the year to date tax collection rate is at 91.461%.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the year to date water collection is at $544,975.59. The year to date collection for the sewer is at $694,433.22.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
Mayor Zdichocki stated the annual Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 4th, at 5:30pm at Borough Hall.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Wronko
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated he spoke with the DPW Superintendent today for an update on the leaf collection. Leaf collection is about a week behind schedule due to manpower shortages and the paving projects going on within the Borough. The Superintendent expects to have Zones 2 and 3 caught up next week. The leaves will all get picked up. Councilman Thornton stated the DPW did a very nice job decorating the downtown area.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Vance
Councilman Riccardi stated he has no report this evening.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Vance/Councilman Romano
Councilman Vance stated minutes from the various boards and commissions have been received. Councilman Vance stated he will speak with the Administrator regarding not only the tree lighting, but other events which are coming up which need to be placed on the website. Mayor Zdichocki stated the boards and commissions must first submit the dates for the upcoming events for next year. That information has just been received and is on the agenda this evening for council discussion. The website will be updated with next years calendar once approved.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mayor Zdichocki read the Administrator’s Report due to his absence from tonight’s meeting.
Fire Marshal – Mayor Zdichocki read that the Administrator received an email from the County Fire Marshal, Virgil Rome, which states that the waived inspection fees for Borough Hall and the DPW Yard will have to be paid going forward. The fee works out to be approximately $400.00 per year. The CFO has added this figure to the budget. This change was brought on by the State of New Jersey, not the County Fire Marshal.
Stanhope/Byram Sewer Transfer – Mayor Zdichocki read that Byram Township has generated and signed the purchase order for the Stanhope/Byram Sewer Transfer. The check is forth coming. The Musconetcong Sewerage Authority has the transfer resolution listed on the meeting agenda which is taking place this evening.
New Speed Signs – Mayor Zdichocki read that the new speed signs have been received. The signs are currently installed on the iron bridge and Dell Road. The signs will remain in place for two weeks and then the data will be collected and the batteries will be changed over. There is a third sign which is currently on loan which is being utilized. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she travels the iron bridge frequently and she is of the opinion this is a very good spot for the speed sign. Mayor Zdichocki stated the signs can be moved anywhere within the Borough. The data collected will determine areas that may need more of a police presence.
Sussex County Trails Grant – Mayor Zdichocki read that the Environmental Commission wants to apply for a small grant for the restoration of the trail at Valley Road. The application needs a supporting resolution which can be prepared for the December 14th Mayor and Council Meeting. The backup information was provided.
NJ Natural Gas Update – Mayor Zdichocki stated she attended a meeting with NJ Natural Gas along with Administrator McNeilly, DPW Superintendent Jason Titsworth and Borough Engineer Eric Keller. Mayor Zdichocki asked Mr. Keller to report on this topic.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Zdichocki invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, forward to give his report.
NJ Natural Gas Update – Mr. Keller stated NJ Natural Gas is working on the expansion of their service area. They have approval to install a gas main along Route 183, from Netcong, along Brooklyn Road into Hopatcong, and north on Route 183 to Continental Drive via Route 206. Mayor Zdichocki stated the governing body was provided a copy of the map. Mr. Keller stated he would like to have a copy of the map forwarded to him. This is a two-year project which is currently in design and permitting. The tentative start date is October 2022. NJ Natural Gas has also met with Byram Township to discuss extending the gas main up Route 206 into Byram. NJ Natural Gas is looking to determine the number of properties interested in utilizing natural gas within the Borough. NJ Natural Gas did bring up, for consideration by the council, the road restoration requirements and road opening permits. Mr. Keller stated the Borough’s street ordinance is thin. The governing body may choose to tighten up the requirements in preparation for this work. Traditionally, the Borough has been very flexible. The Borough does not have a lot of utilities. The utilities we do have are Borough owned, sanitary water and sewer. Mr. Keller stated he provided the Administrator with a graphic which indicates all the roads which have been paved since 2019. The gas company is state regulated through the BPU. If the Borough does not have requirements in place the gas company would have to be permitted to do what they want. Mr. Keller stated the gas company will install the gas main but they will not install a stub at every property. Only the property owners who sign on for a gas line would have a connection stub installed. Mayor Zdichocki stated this will be an opt in process for the property owners. The cost for a property owner to connect their home to the gas main would be approximately $8,000 to $15,000. The gas line mains will be run to the condominiums. There are still more questions to be answered and future meetings will take place.
School Crossing Guard Study – Mr. Keller stated the Police Chief has reminded him again that the school crossing guard study needs to be done. The study has to be conducted by an engineer. The study will state how many children there are, the traffic volume, what the gaps are in the roadway, is it safe, is a crossing guard needed and where are crossing guards needed. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she will speak to the Police Chief regarding this issue.
Environmental Commission Grant – Mr. Keller stated he has provided the grant writers with the information required from his office for the grant submission.
Sparta Road TAP Grant Project – Mr. Keller stated the light poles on Sparta Road have been partially installed. They will be completed by early next week. Currently, the light poles are being installed along the trails and it is anticipated that they will be completed by this Friday. To date, there is no change for the shipping of the fixtures. This includes the banner arms and outlets. The high school trail has been paved and the plantings have been installed along Sparta Road. The retaining walls need to be finished. We are waiting for the delivery of the two variable speed signs and poles and the bollards. The bike lane will be striped on December 1st.
Sparta Road Local Aid Grant Project – Mr. Keller stated the milling of Sparta Road was completed last Tuesday and the resurfacing was completed today with a total of 1,937 tons of asphalt installed. This is 13 tons above the estimate. The overage is due to the fact that the paving was done further north than originally planned. The paving went up to the guide rails starting at the bridge. The centerline striping and stop bars will be installed next Monday.
Baker Place Water Main Replacement Project – Mr. Keller stated the Baker Place water main replacement project is complete. There is a pending change order which totals an increase of 14 percent above the awarded contract amount. The resident’s fence claim has been submitted to the contractor’s insurance company (Selective Insurance) and we are awaiting their decision.
Baker Place/Highland Avenue/North Central Avenue Resurfacing Project – Mr. Keller stated the partial milling of Baker Place, Highland Avenue and North Central Avenue was completed last Wednesday. The resurfacing was completed today with a total of 425 tons of asphalt installed. This is 35 tons below the estimate. Berms were installed to keep as much water as possible from running down the driveways. If there are any issues, they will be addressed. This completes this project. The project will come in below the engineer’s estimate of $40,000.
Kelly Place, Waterloo Road & Furnace Street Project – Mr. Keller stated Reivax has completed the reconstruction of inlets and the resetting of the new casting on all the existing storm structures. We have coordinated with the contractor and they will be back onsite next week to install the new storms structures and pipe. Following that, they will do the curb replacement and install the ADA ramps. The weather will continue to be monitored to determine when the milling and resurfacing activities can proceed when the project reaches that point. Councilwoman Kuncken asked when a decision will be made to determine if the window for paving is no longer viable for this year. Mr. Keller stated he does not have an answer to that question at this time.
Mayor Zdichocki thanked Mr. Keller for his work on these projects. He did a great job. Not everyone has been pleased but there is no way to please everyone. Mr. Keller stated it is a disruption, but for those residents who drove up and down Highland for years over the many bumps, they should be pleased now. Councilman Riccardi asked when the street signs will be installed. Mr. Keller stated he will look into that issue. Mr. Keller thanked Councilman Riccardi for mentioning this. Mr. Keller stated his firm was not responsible for the inspection portion of this project but he speaks with Jeff Salmon regularly. Councilman Thornton asked when the fixtures for the light poles are due. Mr. Keller stated the fixtures are supposed to ship on December 7th and it will take a few days to be delivered. Mr. Keller stated the manufacturing representative is on vacation but he will follow up on the schedule. The fixtures are American made but there are still delays with trucking. Councilman Thornton asked if the resident who had damage to his property has been informed that the claim has been submitted to the insurance company. Mr. Keller confirmed the resident was notified last Thursday. Mr. Keller has received a claim number which has been forwarded to the Administrator as well. Mr. Keller has asked the contractor’s insurance agent to keep him informed.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
2022 Municipal Calendar – Mayor Zdichocki stated the governing body received the draft copy of the 2022 municipal calendar for review. Mayor Zdichocki asked for any comments or concerns. Mayor Zdichocki stated there will be changes this coming year with the Recreation Commission and hopefully the dates on the calendar will be followed. Ellen Horak, Borough Clerk, asked if the calendar has approval to go to print. The governing body approved the calendar and stated it is ready to print.
Office Staff Holiday Party (December 17, 2021) – Mayor Zdichocki stated the office staff party will be held on December 17, 2021. The luncheon is for the office staff and the governing body.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, approval was granted to close the office at 2:00pm on December 17, 2021 for the office staff holiday party.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title.
Resolution 200-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE BAKER PLACE WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS, a contract was entered into with Regal Utility Services for the Baker Place Water Main Replacement Project for an original contract price of $88,558.55, by the adoption of Resolution No. 152-21 on August 10, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Regal Utility Services has now submitted Change Order No. 1 for costs of additional pavement restoration, a water service repair, down time waiting for additional mark outs and additional test pit excavations to locate existing water mains and services in the amount of $17,638.80; and
WHEREAS, subsequently, there was a reduction in the contract for an 8-in DIP water main item of $5,213.74; and
WHEREAS, as a result, the net increase of Change Order No. 1 would now be $12,425.06; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Financial Officer has certified that there is available and sufficient funding to award Change Order No. 1;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, authorizes Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $12,425.06 for the Baker Place Water Main Replacement Project, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:30-11.3 et seq., and increasing the overall contract cost to $100,983.61.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated it is her understanding that the cost of the change order is within the funding limits. Mr. Keller confirmed this is within the funding limits which were originally established. Mayor Zdichocki stated, for the benefit of the public, that the funding is not coming from the taxpayers. The Borough received a grant for the funding for the Sparta Road project. Mr. Keller stated the funding for the Baker Place project is funded through the water capital fund. Mr. Keller stated the only Borough funding for the Sparta Road project was the $13,000 to install the hydrant. A hydrant was needed on the school property so that the fire department would not have to drag hose across Sparta Road if there is ever a need. The milling and paving came from another grant source and it will also be covered in full by that grant. The Local Aid Grant which has been open since 2017 will finally be closed.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – absent
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 201-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of a lien prior to issuance of the Tax Sale Certificate, representing 2020 property taxes and/or utility charges, on Block 11701 Lot 13.18 C0814, known as 814 Stonegate Ln, assessed to Coppla, Harold & Patricia, and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: Pro Cap 8, LLC.
US Bank Cust for Pro Cap 8
2500 McClellan Ave, Suite 200
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Redemption Amount: Tax Lien sold 11/4/21 and
Redeemed 11/10/21 $ 565.28
Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,500.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 565.28
Total From Tax Premium Account 1,500.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
Resolution 202-21 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING MONETARY DONATION TO STANHOPE BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Stanhope residents Francis and Carol Ann Staples have generously donated $100.00 to the Stanhope Borough Police Department; and
WHEREAS, this donation expresses gratitude and kindness to the entire Stanhope Borough Police Department for the work that they do on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, this donation will be forwarded by Chief Pittigher to the Stanhope Police Officers Association.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council accepts the donation on behalf of the Stanhope Borough Police Department and wish to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Francis and Carol Ann Staples for their generous donation to the Police Department.
Resolution 203-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES
WHEREAS, the homeowner refinanced, and both the new bank and the former bank made payment of fourth quarter 2021 property taxes, creating an overpayment on the account; and
WHEREAS, since there is no further 2021 tax liability, the owner has requested a refund of the overpayment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the property owner named below in the designated amount representing an overpayment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Property Location: 8 Plane St
Block Lot Qual Name & Address Tax Year Amount
11701 8 Dorfil Almeida 2021 $1,818.95
67 Brooklyn Road
Netcong, New Jersey 07857
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – absent
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 204-21 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 November 23, 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 Councilwoman Kuncken, 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 – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – absent
Councilman Wronko – absent
ATTORNEY REPORT
Attorney Jonathan Frodella stated he had no report this evening.
CITIZENS 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 Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk