MAYOR AND COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AND AGENDA MEETING
October 10, 2017
6:00 P.M.
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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 4, 2017 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
Furthermore, notice of the meeting time change was forwarded to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on October 2, 2017 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 – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Maio invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, to come forward to present his report.
TAP Grant – Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated at the September 12th meeting, the refining of the specifics for the TAP Grant Project began. The project is separated into three components; the Valley Road Walkway, the Lenape Valley Walkway and Sparta Road. The Sparta Road section is comprised of the TAP Grant and a Local Aid Grant for road resurfacing. Mr. Keller stated for budgeting purpose discussions there are still contingencies being carried because he is still working off of concepts and ideas. This project has not been engineered as yet. The grants total $1,005,000. At this time the project, with the contingencies, is estimated to be $1.4 million. Mr. Keller stated he is of the opinion the figure is high and will be worked down. The signage costs and materials are still being reviewed. Mr. Keller provided pictures of various types of signs. The estimate for the sign is ranging from $75,000 – $85,000. A more modest, less expensive sign is an option. Much discussion took place regarding existing signs along Route 206 in the neighboring towns and the costs associated with them. The Governing Body would like the sign to have lighting. Mr. Keller stated the signage could consist of pillars on the side, fixtures on top with a panel between the two and open underneath for plantings.
Mr. Keller stated he saw a speed limit warning sign on his way to Trenton which was on a decorative pole. The pole was similar to the Borough’s light poles. Mr. Keller provided a drawing of the sign on a regular pole which would reduce the cost by approximately $2,000 – $2,300. Administrator McNeilly stated the fence post could be provided in black to match the light poles. Mr. Keller stated the cost from the manufacturer for the basic speed limit warning sign setup is $2,800. Another option is available with a message board panel for an additional cost of $2,000. Mr. Keller is of the opinion the additional panel is not necessary. Administrator McNeilly stated two warning lights will be installed, one by the high school student parking lot and the second from the other direction before Lenape Drive. Mr. Keller stated the cost would be approximately $5,800.
Mayor Maio stated a plan for the path gate across from Delaware Avenue needs to be made and an additional gate is needed for the other end of the path. The gates are necessary to keep ATV’s off the path. Mr. Keller stated he will investigate the options which will restrict access of the ATV’s but will be keyed to provide the DPW and the school with access to the path for plowing.
Mr. Keller asked the Governing Body if they are interested in the installation of a rock bench. This has been included in the plan on the Lenape Valley High School Trail. Mayor Maio stated a determination will be made when the costs have been determined for the project.
Mr. Keller stated the estimate for the crosswalks, based on the field walk and prior discussion, are based on the ladder style. The Little League crosswalk will have the rapid flashing light beacon with a sign on either side. The Borough had submitted an application grant for the crosswalk but did not receive the grant. However, the crosswalk is going to be installed as part of this project. Administrator McNeilly asked if the control cabinet on the Lenape Valley side can be mounted on a pole as opposed to the ground. Mr. Keller stated that is not an option. The estimate for the control box is $20,000. On the high school path there is an easement issue in order to get from the last paper street to the high school. The lights for the Valley Road School will be wired into the building. Administrator McNeilly stated this issue will be discussed with the school administration as soon as the plans are in place. Mr. Keller stated he has reviewed Chapter 133 of the Borough Code regarding parking restrictions for Sparta Road and was unable to locate any ordinances. Administrator McNeilly stated he will review the code. If an ordinance does not exist, the Borough will have to go through the process of establishing an ordinance for no stopping or standing on the one side of the road. Mayor Maio asked Mr. Keller how wide the lanes are on Brooklyn Road. Mr. Keller stated it is a county road and they are probably 12 feet wide but he will check. Mr. Keller stated the bike lanes on Sparta Road may require an ordinance. The Borough Attorney needs to be consulted. Mr. Keller stated he will check Title 39 as well.
Sanitary Study – Mr. Keller stated he has obtained pricing from vendors for the Sanitary Flow Meter Study. One of the companies is very inexpensive but has not been very responsive. The second company is based in the DC area but works throughout the mid-Atlantic and northeast. In order to stay within the bid threshold, the monitoring will be installed for a six week time period. The five manholes to be monitored have been determined. The DPW employees have cleared the easement area by the pump house and another manhole has been uncovered which is located near where the weed harvester is stored. The MSA flow report for August, which includes June and July, shows the numbers are back down to normal even with as wet a summer as we had. Mr. Keller stated the flow meters may not detect any changes if ground water is the reason for the increase and not rainfall. Mayor Maio stated sump pumps may be the cause. The report indicates on August 13th the flow for the Borough was 400,000. The average flow for August is 315,000. May was the last month where the flow was over 400,000. April was 517,000. Mr. Keller stated he is of the opinion the flow meters should not be installed at this time. Everything should be prepared at this time and then schedule the installation for March 2018. Mayor Maio suggested the date of March 12th be used to schedule the installation.
Crosswalks – Mr. Keller stated the crosswalks have been completed. The quantity of the actual installed material was slightly over the estimated amount which resulted in a small cost increase.
Municipal Aid Grant – Mr. Keller stated the Municipal Aid Grant was submitted through Millennium Strategies for Musconetong and Walton Street in the amount of $250,000. The estimate for the work is $259,000.
Sidewalk Project – Mr. Keller stated he met with the contractor today. The contractor has given a commitment of October 24th to have the work completed. There may be some cleanup work to be done after that time. The project has gone longer than we would have liked but everything is being done properly and looks good.
Mayor and Council November Meeting – After much discussion, Mayor Maio asked the Clerk to change the November 21st meeting to November 28th with a 6:00PM start time. Mayor Maio asked Mr. Keller to please attend the November 28th meeting. Mr. Keller agreed to attend.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Lake Musconetcong Draw Down – Administrator McNeilly stated the lowering of Lake Musconetcong will begin on October 25th. The lake will drop two feet by November 1st and will remain at that level until December 15th. The Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board (LMRPB) will be removing the Hydrorake prior to the draw down. Mayor Maio stated the State Park indicated to the LMRPB that the lake draw down might be extended in order for the dam repairs to be made. Mayor Maio asked if the Borough has received any notification. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough has not been notified. Mayor Maio stated she will follow up with Melissa from the State Park. Administrator McNeilly stated he will ask for a status update.
Byram Recreation Director – Administrator McNeilly stated he has been notified that Byram’s Recreation Director will be retiring at the end of 2017. This will affect programs with Stanhope Borough. Administrator McNeilly will follow up on this issue.
13 Delaware Avenue and 5 Ridge Road – Administrator McNeilly stated complaints for 13 Delaware Avenue and 5 Ridge Road have been prepared, signed and posted. The complaints have been recorded with the Clerk’s Office. Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, will cover this issue in her report.
Banners – Administrator McNeilly stated the Community Development Committee met on October 5th. Samples will be provided and then the fall and spring banners will be ordered.
264 Route 206 Schuffenhauer Property – Administrator McNeilly stated the Zoning Official received a complaint regarding someone living in a trailer on this site. The Construction Official has notified the property owner that the construction permits are no longer valid due to the length of time and inactivity. The formal complaint process against the property is going to be sent this week. A demolition hearing will be scheduled.
October 24th Council Meeting – Administrator McNeilly stated the Musconetcong Watershed Association will be presenting the annual Stormwater Education Program at the October 24th meeting.
Hydrant Flushing – Administrator McNeilly stated hydrant flushing will take place from October 16th to October 30th. Nixle messages have been sent out.
Leaf Pickup – Administrator McNeilly stated the DPW began picking up leaves on Route 1 today.
Budget Books – Administrator McNeilly stated the CFO has asked for any previous budget books to be returned.
Maple Terrace (Blind Hill & Hill) – Mayor Maio stated the Governing Body has spoken about the hill and the blind hill on Maple Terrace which leads to Brooklyn Road for several years. Someone has been parking on the hill recently and this is causing an issue. Mayor Maio is of the opinion it is not safe to park on the hill. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she has heard from residents it is dangerous for pedestrians also. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly what can be done. Administrator McNeilly stated the Governing Body can pass a parking restriction ordinance for that area. The ordinance can be done independently or in conjunction with the Sparta Road restriction. Councilwoman Kuncken stated on Elm Street there is an issue when the “crossing man panel” is in the road. The panel needs to be moved, the area is too narrow. Administrator McNeilly stated the panel does not need to be there and he will see that it is moved. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to ask the Borough Attorney to draft the ordinance for the parking restriction. Mayor Maio stated discussion has taken place over the years about removing the hill. There are issues with removing the hill due to the water and sewer lines. Administrator McNeilly will ask the Borough Engineer to provide the specifications required to remove the hill.
WORK SESSION
TAP Grant: Sparta Road Project – Mayor Maio stated this issue was discussed earlier in the meeting and no further discussion is necessary at this time.
Council Emails – Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body if they have activated their emails. The Governing Body members have activated their accounts. There are some issues with access on different devices to be worked out.
Route 206 Property (Construction Official’s Report) – Mayor Maio stated this issue was discussed earlier in the meeting and no further discussion is required at this time.
Fire Marshal: Fire Safety Permits – Mayor Maio stated a letter has been received from the Sussex County Fire Marshal regarding Fire Safety Permits for Borough events. Any event which has an open fire such as a food truck or grill, will have to apply for a permit at a cost of $54 per vendor and an inspection is required. The Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit, charges $35 per vendor for a table at Stanhope Day. This would be an additional charge of $54. If the vendor is not an existing business registered with the County Health Department there would be an additional charge of $50 for that permit. Mayor Maio stated the State charges $42 for a fire inspection. Mayor Maio suggested a letter be sent to the County stating the Borough’s dissatisfaction with the fee and to ask if there are any accommodations which can be made for non-profit organizations. Mayor Maio stated the County Board of Health in the past has charged the Chamber of Commerce for the event instead of each individual vendor. Administrator McNeilly stated the last event was two years ago and it may be that this payment arrangement may no longer be available. Councilwoman Kuncken stated township events are going to disappear. Non-profits and communities will not be able to get vendors to participate. Administrator McNeilly stated the permits and charges would be required by the for profit vendors not for the non-profits. Mayor Maio stated the Board of Health permit is an annual fee. The Fire Permit is charged per event. If the non-profit groups are not able to find vendors willing to participate due to the initial costs, the non-profits will be hurt financially. The Governing Body asked Administrator McNeilly to send a letter to the Fire Marshal asking for a justification of the cost and an event charge as opposed to an individual vendor charge.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Maio offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 154-17 RESOLUTION TO AMEND 2017 BUDGET TO INCLUDE GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE 2017 DRUNK DRIVING ENFORCEMENT 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 $1,609.38 from the Division of Motor Vehicles for the 2017 Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund Grant, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2017 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $1,609.38 as a revenue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2017 in the sum of $1,609.38, 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: 2017 Drunk Driving Enforcement Grant, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$1,609.38
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
- Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
2017 Drunk Driving Enforcement 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 Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 155-17 RESOLUTION TO AMEND 2017 BUDGET TO INCLUDE GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DIVISION OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR THE 2017 CLICK IT OR TICKET GRANT
WHEREAS, N.J.S. 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 $5,500.00 from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety for the 2017 Click It or Ticket Grant, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2017 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $5,500.00 as a revenue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby requests the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2017 in the sum of $5,500.00, 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: 2017 Click It or Ticket Grants, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$5,500.00
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
(A) Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
2017 Click it or Ticket 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 Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 156-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BOROUGH OF STANHOPE TO ENGAGE IN VOLUNTARY FINANCIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM UNDER STATE HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope participates in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program; and
WHEREAS, the State Health Benefits Program has established a Financial Incentive Program (Program) granting financial incentives to subscriber employees who select enrollment into tiered-network medical plans otherwise known as Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s OMNIA Plan or Aetna’s Liberty Plan; and
WHEREAS, the terms of the Program include the following:
A. The Program shall be available to subscriber employees who are first time enrollees in a tiered network medical plan, beginning Plan Year 2018 and continuing for two (2) plan years through December 31, 2019;
B. The Program does not extend to participants enrolled under Chapter 375 PL 2005 (certain over-age adult children) and COBRA;
C. Participation in the Program is entirely voluntary at the option of the Borough;
D. The financial incentive for eligible employees shall be:
– $1,000 for Single Member coverage when changing to a tiered-network plan;
– $1,250 for Member/Spouse coverage when changing to a tiered-network plan;
– $1,250 for Parent/Child coverage when changing to a tiered-network plan
– $2,000 for Family coverage when changing to a tiered-network plan
E. The program incentive amount shall be paid within the first quarter of Plan Year 2018 and is reportable income to the subscriber employees.
F. The incentive shall be forfeited and repaid to the Borough in the event the subscriber employee fails to remain enrolled in the Plan for at least two (2) years, except that if a subscriber employee is made ineligible for health care through layoff, involuntary separation, reduction to part-time status or classification into an eligible position or further in the event the subscriber employee voluntarily retires or changes health plans due to a catastrophic or emergency health need as determined by the Borough after a full year, then the incentive shall be forfeited on a pro-rata basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the Borough shall hereby participate in the Financial Incentive Pilot Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the management and administration of the Financial Incentive Pilot Program shall be solely the responsibility of the Borough.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
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 157-17 RESOLUTION EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS REGARDING THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT AND OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
WHEREAS, the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee took action on Senate Bill Nos. 1045 and 1046, which amend the Open Public Meetings Act and Open Public Records Act, respectively, on June 29, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the Committee released the bills to the full Senate without recommendation because the bills are unnecessary, unpopular with the public, and would result in significant financial and administrative burdens on municipalities; and
WHEREAS, the bills fail to adequately protect taxpayers, municipalities and, especially, municipal clerks from abusive, harassing, and purposefully confrontational individuals who submit voluminous requests for no legitimate reason; and
WHEREAS, the legislation would expand the Open Public Meeting Act to create impractical and burdensome requirements with respect to subcommittees and working groups established by the entire governing body, which would effectively limit the ability of small groups of local officials discussing issues of public concern for the purposes of informing the governing body; and
WHEREAS, under the bills, the responsibilities of municipal clerks, who the Legislature has already loaded with responsibilities beyond the scope of their office, would be stretched even further than current law requires without a single dollar of additional resources provided to, or authorized to be collected by, municipalities; and
WHEREAS, the bills would impose a financial burden on municipalities that would not be offset by a revenue source other than the property tax, making the bills unfunded mandates prohibited by the New Jersey Constitution; and
WHEREAS, some municipalities are more equipped than others to meet the burdens that would be imposed by Senate Bill Nos. 1045 and 1046, however, without assistance of any kind from the States or the courts, every municipality would be on its own to meet the myriad new requirements of the law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that the Legislature is strongly urged to reject Senate Bill Nos. 1045 and 1046 and draft new legislation to modernize OPRA and OPMA while providing municipalities and clerks with the resources to effectuate these changes for the benefit of the public.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be filed with the legislative sponsors of Senate Bill Nos. 1045 and 1046 and Assembly Bill Nos. 2697 and 2699, the Speaker of the General Assembly, the President of the Senate, and the Governor, and all parties are urged to listen to the concerns of local officials and prevent Senate Bill Nos. 1045 and 1046 from becoming law.
Resolution 158-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REFUND OF DUPLICATE PAYMENT OF ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2017, Federal National Mortgage Association paid the Abandoned Property Registration fee of $250.00 for the property located at 15280 Aspen Court, Stanhope, New Jersey, and
WHEREAS, on July 17, 2017, Pemco-Limited paid the same fee for the same property, creating a duplicate payment for this property, and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Officer has certified that the overpayment should be refunded to Pemco-Limited.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the entity listed below in the designated amount representing a refund of a duplicate payment of Abandoned Property Registration Fees.
Payee: Amount
Pemco-Limited $250.00
4600 South Ulster Street, Suite 530
Denver, Colorado 80237
Resolution 159-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF PAYMENT OF CASINO BUS TRIP FEE
WHEREAS, Lorraine Paxton had presented $50.00 to pay for the Fall 2017 Casino Bus Trip on October 21, 2017, and
WHEREAS, due to personal reasons she will be unable to attend the trip.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the resident listed below in the designated amount representing a refund of Fall 2017 Casino Bus Trip fees:
Name & Address Amount
Lorraine Paxton $ 50.00
9 Maple Terrace
Stanhope, New Jersey 07874
Resolution 160-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2016-021, representing 2015 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11701, Lot 13.18, C0172, known as 10172 Dell Place, assessed to Laura A Guancione, 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: US Bank Cust for Actlien Holding Inc.
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2050
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2016-021 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 1,401.85
Premium Paid by Lienholder 200.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 1,401.85
Total From Tax Premium Account 200.00
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 161-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of Tax Title Lien No. 2016-032, representing 2015 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11701, Lot 13.18, C913B, known as 1913B Stonegate Lane, assessed to Jennifer Bloom, 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: US Bank Cust for Actlien Holding Inc.
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2050
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2016-032 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 2,705.81
Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,000.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 2,705.81
Total From Tax Premium Account 1,000.00
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Treasurer be authorized to prepare the necessary check as stated above and to forward same to the lien holder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki and carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 162-17 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 October 10, 2017 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – absent
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Agenda for October 24, 2017 were approved.
CITIZEN’S 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.
Dawn Christian, 3 Bangor Drive, Byram Township, stated she is concerned about property which is going to be developed on Route 206 near Ash Way. Ms. Christian asked if a meeting is scheduled regarding this property. Ten years ago there were issues with the property with tree removal. Mayor Maio stated the application is before the Land Use Board. Ms. Horak, Borough Clerk, stated the applicant is on the Land Use Board agenda for completeness on the October 16th meeting. Mayor Maio stated if Ms. Christian’s property is located within 200 feet of the applicant’s property, she will receive notice of the hearing. Ms. Christian asked if Stanhope Borough confers with Byram Township regarding development and who is responsible for evaluating the safety and environmental concerns. Mayor Maio stated the property for development is located in Stanhope Borough and is under review by Stanhope’s Land Use Board. Administrator McNeilly stated Ms. Christian can attend the Land Use Board meeting to hear the applicant’s presentation, the engineer’s report and there will be a portion of the meeting for public comment and questions.
Shari Spiridilaizzi, owner of 1-3 Kelly Place, stated she recently purchased the property for the warehouse space. Their games are now being sold in Target and larger trucks are coming into the warehouse. Requests have been made to not send oversized trucks but their requests are being ignored. Ms. Spiridilaizzi stated she cannot turn the trucks away because she would then incur fines which would put her out of business. The trucks are not able to make the turn. The neighbors are wonderful but the trucks are running over their curbs. Ms. Spiridilaizzi does not want to cause problems for the neighbors. She would like to do whatever is possible to correct the issue. Ms. Spiridilaizzi asked if the road could be widened. Administrator McNeilly stated there is no right of way left in the area. The property is privately owned. Ms. Spiridilaizzi stated there is a fire hydrant across the road and land owned by the State. The property on Kelly Place was purchased without knowing this was going to be an issue. Administrator McNeilly stated if the bottom road cannot be widened maybe the top of the road could be. When the previous owner went to court many years ago, 1996, the use of the top loading dock was given strict restrictions. The bottom loading docks are allowed to be accessed with the 53 foot trailers. The court only spoke to the trailer size, not the tractor size. The tractor sizes of the sleeper cabs have increased considerably over the past few years. Mayor Maio stated the land owned by the State is referred to as sacred ground. The Borough of Stanhope is not permitted to do anything with the land. Administrator McNeilly stated the function of the 1924 ruling for the State property requires you must be 150 feet from the edge of the works. The Plane Street Pump Station is in the back parking lot, there is culvert and all the stones are in the woods. Several years ago New Street, an existing road, was redone. The Borough was not permitted to install footings for the Belgian Block curbing in the area where the “sacred stones” are under the ground. Mayor Maio asked if Ms. Spiridilaizzi has spoken with a traffic engineer. Ms. Spiridilaizzi stated she has not spoken with a traffic engineer. She wanted to speak with the Council first. Mayor Maio stated the Governing Body is happy to have the new business in town. Ms. Spiridilaizzi stated they are doing a lot of work and it is going to look great. She has asked for the deliveries to be split and for the larger trucks not to be sent but unfortunately the requests are not being followed. Councilman Thornton asked if the trucks could be offloaded at their other facility and then transported to the warehouse. Ms. Spiridilaizzi stated the other facility has no space for accommodating trucks. Ms. Spiridilaizzi stated she wants to solve the problem. The neighbor’s property is being run over and within a few days of the damage she sends a crew to fix the landscaping, but this is not an answer to the problem. Administrator McNeilly suggested Ms. Spiridilaizzi speak with a civil engineer focusing on the traffic and lane issue.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk