MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
October 24, 2017
7:00 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.
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 – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Zdichocki – present
Mayor Maio – present
Moment of Silence – Mayor Maio asked everyone to join her in a moment of silence to extend their condolences to the family of Ed Frenenski, Jr. on his untimely passing. Ed was a firefighter for the Stanhope Hose Company. Ed passed away last evening during a fire department drill.
PRESENTATIONS
Musconetcong Watershed Association – Mayor Maio stated Kyle Richter from the Musconetcong Watershed Association is here this evening to present the annual watershed training. Mr. Richter, Watershed Program Coordinator, stated the Musconetcong Watershed Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River and its watershed. The Musconetcong River flows for 42 miles from Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware River and it is fed by many tributaries. It covers 4 counties (Sussex, Morris, Warren and Hunterdon) and 26 municipalities. The Musconetcong River is also part of the National Wild and Scenic River System, which is a special designation. Only a quarter of a percent of all rivers in the country have this designation. The designation comes with extra protections and funding. Every municipality in New Jersey is required to provide public education to its residents with regard to stormwater management. Stanhope Borough has partnered with the Musconetcong Watershed Association to obtain the necessary points required. This is the last task required to meet the ten point requirement. Stanhope is a Tier A municipality. Mr. Richter explained the stormwater requirements and management for the municipality to protect the river and streams. Stormwater runoff does not consist of just water. The chemicals and debris on the ground get carried with the water into the river and streams. Mr. Richter provided the Deputy Clerk with a copy of a Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual and set out copies for anyone interested. Mayor Maio thanked Mr. Richter for attending this evenings meeting.
Stanhope Environmental Commission – Mayor Maio invited the Environmental Commission members to begin their presentation. Chairman John Rogalo, Michael Balogh and Secretary Owen Newson presented their proposal for plantings at Lakeside Park. Chairman Rogalo stated more people are utilizing the park now that there is a table and benches. Chairman Rogalo explained the Environmental Commission would like to plant clusters of native plantings along the fence area of Lakeside Park. The native plants under consideration require little care and will grow well near the water. A slide show of the various plants for consideration was presented and much discussion took place. Mayor Maio stated she has concern regarding any plants which may appear to have edible berries and the plants should not block the view of the lake. Mayor Maio stated she appreciates the work the Environmental Commission has done on this presentation and she asked Chairman Rogalo to provide a list of the plants and a drawing of where the plants would be planted along with a price list. The DPW will also be asked to review the list. Mayor Maio asked Chairman Rogalo to coordinate with the Shade Tree Commission. The Shade Tree Commission is looking for plants to use along the canal. Administrator McNeilly stated the plants need to be low maintenance and should also be planted on the hill behind the gas station. Nancy Hoyt, present in the audience, suggested planting milkweed for the butterflies. Mr. Rogalo stated he is of the opinion Fish, Game & Wildlife will provide milkweed plants free of charge. Administrator McNeilly asked how the canopy over the river is in the section the Borough is responsible for. Chairman Rogalo stated most of the canopy is good. There is some multiflora rose which could be removed. Administrator McNeilly stated the river needs to be kept cool for the fish and the MSA. Mayor Maio thanked the members of the Environmental Commission for attending this evenings meeting.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Kathy & Jim O’Bitz, 19 New Street, stated she is here tonight to follow up with the truck issue regarding 1-3 Kelly Place. Mrs. O’Bitz stated she has been working with Arlene Fisher, Zoning Official, regarding the trucks. Mrs. O’Bitz stated the owners of 1-3 Kelly Place have said there are right of ways which the trucks are driving through. Mrs. O’Bitz stated she was informed by the Governing Body there are no right of ways in their area. Mayor Maio confirmed there are no right of ways. Administrator McNeilly stated the owner of 1-3 Kelly Place attended the last Mayor and Council meeting and was informed that the property line is at the curb line and there are no additional right of ways. Mrs. O’Bitz stated she was instructed to contact the Police Department whenever any property damage occurs. She and the neighbors have been doing this. Mrs. O’Bitz was under the impression those reports would be copied to Arlene Fisher, but they have not been. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly if that is standard procedure. Administrator McNeilly stated this is not standard procedure but in this case arrangements can be made to have copies provided to the Zoning Official. Mrs. O’Bitz stated the resolution for the property has set operating hours and the building has been in use after hours. Administrator McNeilly stated the information should be provided to the Zoning Official. Mr. O’Bitz asked if the Governing Body needs to be informed prior to contacting the Zoning Official. Mayor Maio stated they can contact the Zoning Official directly. Mrs. O’Bitz stated, as she has in the past, they are not looking to impede the business in any way. They are just looking for all entities to be good neighbors.
Carmen Pico, 25 New Street, stated he has an issue with the tractor trailers. There is a sign posted with weight limits of no vehicles over 4 tons. Administrator McNeilly stated the weight limit states except for local deliveries, which is federal law. Mr. Pico stated this is a residential zone and there are times when his driveway is blocked. Mayor Maio stated when the driveway is blocked he should call the police. Mr. Pico asked if the Borough can limit the size of the trucks. Mayor Maio stated this would be a zoning issue and he should contact the Zoning Official. Mr. Pico asked if the Borough has an ordinance for property maintenance. Administrator McNeilly asked if there is a house of particular concern. Mr. Pico stated the house across from Plane Street with tarps on the roof and the other across from the post with the caution tape because the roof is falling down. Mayor Maio stated the Zoning Officer handles the property maintenance issues. Mr. Pico stated he has seen many election signs posted around the Borough and asked if information is available regarding the candidates. Mayor Maio stated the candidates are responsible for providing their own information.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed this public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Maio read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
September 12, 2017 Work Session/Agenda Meeting & Closed Session
September 26, 2017 Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwomen Kuncken/Thistleton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department report for September lists 6 calls, 32 ½ man hours, 2 mutual aid calls and 2 drills.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the County Fire Marshal reported no inspections were conducted during the month of September.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for the month reported a total of 298 calls. The highest number of incidents involved motor vehicles.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the August report for the Ambulance Squad lists 29 calls in Stanhope, 35 calls in Netcong, 1 standby for a total of 65 calls. There were 6 out of town calls; 1 in Byram Township, 3 in Hopatcong Borough, 1 in Roxbury and 1 in Mount Olive. There were 62 patients treated, 48 trips to the hospital for a total of 1,389 miles travelled and they had 301 hours and 31 minutes for the month. There were no assists from either of the Fire Departments.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections for the month of September totaled $139,449.29. The year to date total is $9,024,068.36. The Borough has collected 96.225% of the third quarter taxes versus 95.017% last year. The year to date figure is 73% versus 72% from last year. The Borough is 1% ahead.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for the month of September totaled $77,145.92. The sewer collections for the month of September totaled $110,458.95.
Community Development – Councilwoman Zdichocki/Councilman Thornton
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated there were 9 zoning permit applications this month and 7 violations were issued. The Zoning Official collected $25,250 in registration fees for vacant and abandoned properties.
Councilwoman Zdichocki stated she attended a training session on October 2nd on how to respond, recognize and report bias crimes and incidents. There are approximately 6,000 bias incidents in New Jersey each year. The training class explained the difference between a bias crime and a bias incident. The program also covered the role the community plays in common types of bias and hate crimes and incidents along with instructions on how and to whom such incidents should be report to. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated she has a flyer she would like to post on the bulletin board.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilwoman Zdichocki
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated the hydrant flushing has been completed for the fall season without any incidents or problems.
Information Technology – Councilmen Depew/Romano
No report was given.
Boards/Commissions – Councilwoman Thistleton/Councilman Depew
Councilwoman Thistleton stated the Sands Bus Trip was held this past weekend and everyone had a good time. The Halloween Parade will begin at Church Street at 11:00AM and proceed to the Fire House on Saturday. Councilwoman Zdichocki stated there will be a pet costume contest this year but the pets will not be allowed in the Fire House.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board (LMRPB) – Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough assisted the LMRPB with the removal of the HydroRake and the conveyor system. Once both trailers are registered, the Borough has been asked to move the equipment to the storage area at Wells 3 & 4.
Byram Recreation – Administrator McNeilly stated he attended a joint Administrator’s meeting at Byram Township with Netcong’s Administrator as well. The discussion regarded the retirement of Byram’s Recreation Director, the possible replacement and the potential impact on the shared programs. Byram is considering scaling back the position. The impact to the summer program is unknown at this time. Mayor Maio stated by January 10th or 15th the Borough needs to know what Byram intends to do regarding the position. Stanhope will need to determine how summer camp is going to be handled. A Camp Manager may have to be hired. Administrator McNeilly stated Stanhope has had a very large turnout for the summer camp program. Mayor Maio asked the Deputy Clerk to set a reminder to discuss this issue at the first meeting in January after the reorganization meeting.
13 Delaware Avenue and 5 Ridge Road – Administrator McNeilly stated complaint hearings have been held for 13 Delaware Avenue and 5 Ridge Road. The Borough Attorney is preparing the next level of documents.
Stanhope School (TAP Grant) – Administrator McNeilly stated he and Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, met with the Superintendent and Business Administrator of Stanhope School to review the path lighting and associated work involved. Possible connection points were also reviewed. The Stanhope School has provided Mr. Keller’s office with shop drawings.
264 Route 206 (Schuffenhauer Property) – Administrator McNeilly stated the hearing date for the property located at 264 Route 206 is scheduled for October 25th at 5:30PM. The Borough Attorney will be present for the hearing.
Tax Sale – Administrator McNeilly stated the tax sale was held this morning and was successful. All the liens were purchased. The total amount of the tax sale was $24,000.
Hydrant Flushing – Administrator McNeilly stated the fall hydrant flushing has been completed.
Tree Lighting (Part 1) – Administrator McNeilly stated his notes from 2016 indicate a discussion should be held with the Police Department regarding the tree lighting. Administrator McNeilly stated he needs to know the time, locations and number of officers required. Mayor Maio stated the key issue is the time from when the tree is lit to the time the attendees arrive at the church. Councilwoman Kuncken stated last year there were a lot of people walking in the street and cars were everywhere. Councilwoman Zdichocki suggested closing the street during the tree lighting. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to discuss the issue with the Police Chief.
Tree Lighting (Part 2) – Administrator McNeilly stated he sent a reminder email to the Chairperson of the Recreation Commission regarding the Red Light/Green Light Program. All members and/or event volunteers need to be screened through the Red Light/Green Light Program prior to the day of any events.
Budget Books – Administrator McNeilly stated the budget books may be ready by tomorrow.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Stanhope School Veteran’s Day Invitation (November 8th) – Mayor Maio asked the Governing Body to let the Clerk’s Office know if they plan on attending the Veteran’s Day Program at the Stanhope School.
TAP Grant (Sparta Road) – Administrator McNeilly stated the survey’s for all three locations will be completed in order for the designs to be done for the TAP Grant Project. Mr. Keller will have his proposal for the preliminary design prepared for the November 28th meeting. Administrator McNeilly stated the light sample will be delivered for review. In order to accept the funding from the TAP Grant, a training session is required. Administrator McNeilly will be attending the training at Rutgers.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption which was read by title:
Ordinance for Public Hearing and Final Adoption
Ordinance 2017-08 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY AMENDING ORDINANCE 2017-02 FIXING THE SALARY AND WAGES FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS
BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey, as follows:
SECTION 1. The annual salary, wage and compensation to the paid to Borough Employees and Officials as contained in Section 1 of Ordinance 2017-02 is hereby amended to add the following position and following salary:
Acting DPW Superintendent: $66,000.00
SECTION 2. The annual salary, wage and compensation to the paid to Borough Employees and Officials as contained in Section 1 of Ordinance 2017-02 is hereby amended to the following amounts per annum:
Water System Operator: $5,250.00
Sewer System Operator: $5,250.00
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final adoption and publication as required by law.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Deputy Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE
Mayor Maio offered the following ordinance for Introduction which was read by title:
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on November 28, 2017]
Ordinance 2017-09 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY AMENDING SECTION 79-13.1 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE TO PROVIDE FOR FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN OWNERS OF PET ANIMALS
WHEREAS, the Borough Council has reviewed Chapter 79 of the Code of the Borough of Stanhope, which is titled “Dogs and Other Animals,” and has determined that revisions to Section 79-13.1 are necessary;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, Sussex County, New Jersey as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 79-13.1 of the Borough Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
The owner of any dog or cat which is impounded and/or destroyed pursuant to this Chapter shall pay all expenses incurred in connection with such action to the Borough of Stanhope upon redemption of such animal. The fees for initial impoundment, an additional daily maintenance fee, veterinary fees, euthanasia fees, and disposal fees shall be charged as provided in Chapter 82, Fees, or at the rate charged by any entity or individual providing such service to the Borough, if such rates are not otherwise set forth in Section 82-2.
SECTION 2 – SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application of this Ordinance to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3 – REPEALER
All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions that are inconsistent or in opposition to the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed in their entirety.
SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and publication in accordance with law.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Mayor Maio stated this issue was discussed at the last Mayor and Council meeting and the Board of Health meeting.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Thistleton, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Deputy Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 163-17 A RESOLUTION BY THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE IN SUPPORT OF THE NJDOT ISSUING A TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER TO REPEAL NO STOPPING OR STANDING ALONG ROUTE US 206 ALONG THE EASTERLY SIDE BETWEEN POINTS 80 FEET SOUTH OF AND 50 FEET NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF MAIN STREET
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Traffic Engineering (BTE) and Brian McNeilly, Stanhope Borough Administrator, met to evaluate the need to revise the speed limit along Route US 206; and
WHEREAS, during the investigation, a search of the NJDOT Traffic Regulation files revealed a currently approved “No Stopping or Standing” zone along Route US 206 northbound (easterly side) “between points 80 feet south of and 50 feet north of the intersection of Main Street” within the Borough per Reg. No. RP-65-45 approved on November 30, 1965; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that Route NJ 183 was once identified as Route US 206 prior to a realignment around 1973 and no longer intersects with Main Street as indicated above; and
WHEREAS, the “No Stopping or Standing Zone” has been reestablished along Route NJ183 at the southern most intersection of Main Street (CR 601), pursuant to Regulation No. RP-83-21, approved on November 21, 1983; and
WHEREAS, in order to legally remove this “No Stopping or Standing” zone regulation, the NJDOT is required to promulgate a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO); and
WHEREAS, correspondence from the New Jersey Department of Transportation dated September 14, 2017 requested a Resolution of Support from the Governing Body of the Borough to initiate the Traffic Regulation Order; and
WHEREAS, The Borough wishes to support this Traffic Regulation Order to remove this “No Stopping or Standing” zone.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope formally support a Traffic Regulation Order be promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to the repeal the following:
In The Borough of Stanhope
No Stopping or Standing:
Along Route US 206:
Along the easterly (northbound) side:
Between points 80 feet south of and 50 feet north of the intersection of Main Street.
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor Maio stated this is a housekeeping issue for the State from the time before Route 80 was built.
Resolution 164-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE MORRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is a member of the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund; and
WHEREAS, said renewed membership terminates as of December 31, 2017 unless earlier renewed by agreement between the Municipality and the Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Municipality desires to renew said membership;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved as follows:
1. The Borough of Stanhope agrees to renew its membership in the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund and to be subject to the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, coverages, and operating procedures thereof as presently existing or as modified from time to time by lawful act of the Fund.
2. The Mayor and Clerk shall be and hereby are authorized to execute the agreement to renew membership annexed hereto and made a part hereof and to deliver same to the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund evidencing the Municipality’s intention to renew its membership.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Resolution 165-17 RESOLUTION AMENDING 2017 BUDGET TO INCLUDE 2017 BODY ARMOR GRANT OF $1,223.11
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 $1,223.11 from the Division of Criminal Justice for the 2017 Body Armor Grant, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2017 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $1,223.11 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 2017 in the sum of $1,223.11, 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 Body Armor Grant, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of…………………………$1,223.11
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
- Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
2017 Body Armor 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 Zdichocki, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Depew – absent
Councilwoman Thistleton – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 166-17 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF DPW LABORER RICKIE CRAWN JR. WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
Mayor’s appointment of Rickie Crawn Jr. as DPW Laborer with Council concurrence.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Stanhope that they do hereby concur with the Mayor’s appointment of Rickie Crawn Jr. as DPW Laborer effective October 24th, 2017 with a start date of October 30th, 2017 at the annual salary of $36,000 to be pro-rated in CY2017, and in accordance with the provisions of the current DPW Collective Bargaining Unit’s contract.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said appointment and offer of employment shall be subject to the candidate passing a pre-employment physical examination, drug testing, criminal background check and licensing verification, where appropriate.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 167-17 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 24, 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 – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Zdichocki – yes
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated there is one matter to be discussed in Executive Session.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Maio opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Don Drake, Summit Avenue, stated the resolution regarding Main Street does not specify which end of Main Street. Administrator McNeilly stated the wording used was taken exactly as the State code describes it.
Anthony Riccardi, 4 Lawrence Avenue, stated at the last meeting there was discussion regarding the increase in the cost of fire inspections from the county. Mr. Riccardi asked if the letter was sent. Administrator McNeilly stated the letter was sent to the county but no reply has been received to date. Mr. Riccardi stated the Environmental Commission has requested an easement for a trail behind the Lutheran Church. Mr. Riccardi asked if any progress has been made. Administrator McNeilly stated he has obtained contact information.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Maio closed the public portion of the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231 P.L. 1975 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, New Jersey as follows:
1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter-specified subject matter(s).
2. The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 – Contract
1 – Property Issue
3. It is anticipated at this time that the above stated subject matter(s) will be made public at the conclusion of each individual specified subject matter.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Zdichocki, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 8:11 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:19 P.M. with all present.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Ambulance Squad/Dispatch – Administrator McNeilly stated there was a meeting held approximately a week ago to discuss how the squad was going to get their signal from Sparta and/or from the County. The squad representatives left the meeting with a list of things to do. The tower needs to be looked at and budgetary numbers need to be determined. Lakeland gave assurance that they will not dismantle anything until a satisfactory solution is put in place. Administrator McNeilly stated he sent an email informing the squad the tower is available anytime for inspection and to please provide the date and time. The squad was also informed that the budgetary numbers need to be provided as soon as possible. Administrator McNeilly stated they are investigating placing all the antennas on the backside of the water tower. Councilwoman Kuncken stated there are multiple facets to the communication issue. Administrator McNeilly stated the problem has been identified and the squad now needs to provide the solution and provide the Borough with the information. Mayor Maio asked if the issue has been discussed with Sparta Dispatch. Administrator McNeilly confirmed they have spoken with Sparta. If a line of site from the backside of the water tower to the triple crown tower can be established, the CAD site could be removed completely. The Borough may even be able to get communications back to our Public Works Department. Public Works has not had communications since the Borough left Hopatcong. If a direct link microwave can be made from tower to tower, we could eliminate the tie lines, which currently cost the Borough approximately $300 per month. Councilwoman Kuncken stated she has spoken with Alan Bookspan regarding the urgency of providing the necessary information. Mayor Maio stated the Borough is going to be responsible for the costs and the estimates need to be provided as soon as possible. Mayor Maio asked Administrator McNeilly to obtain the costs for discussion at the next scheduled meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk