MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
October 24, 2023 7:00 P.M.
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Zdichocki invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 4, 2023 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 10:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this Meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Wachterhauser – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
PUBLIC AUCTION
Attorney Ursula Leo stated public notice has been provided. The first property, per ordinance 2023-12, which is up for public auction is as follows:
1. Block 10314, Lot 2: Leo Avenue, Stanhope, NJ Attorney Leo stated the opening bid is set at $70,000. Attorney Leo instructed anyone wanting to bid on the property to raise their hand once the bidding is opened and to raise their hands if they want to exceed that amount. Mayor Zdichocki opened the bidding starting at $70,000 for Block 10314, Lot 2, Leo Avenue. Seeing no one wishing to bid, the bidding was closed.
Attorney Leo stated the next parcels up for auction, as per ordinance 2023-13, are open only to adjoining property owners. Administrator McNeilly confirmed there are adjoining property owners present in the audience. Attorney Leo stated the minimum bid is $5,000 for the following parcels:
2. Block 10807, Lot 12: Elm Street, Stanhope, NJ Mayor Zdichocki opened the bidding, starting at $5,000, for block 10807, Lot 12, Elm Street. One member of the audience raised her hand. Mayor Zdichocki asked for any additional bidders. Seeing none, Mayor Zdichocki asked for the bidder’s name for the record, Donna Wien. Attorney Leo confirmed that Ms. Wien is an adjoining property owner and asked her to speak with the Administrator after the meeting. There are specific requirements to be followed and documents to sign.
3. Block 10314, Lot 4: Kynor Avenue, Stanhope, NJ Mayor Zdichocki opened the bidding, starting at $5,000, for block 10314, Lot 4, Kynor Avenue. The first bid was for $5,000. The second bid was for $5,500. The next bid was for $6,000 then $7,000, then $7,500, then $8,000, then $8,500 and the final bid was $9,000. Seeing no one wishing to bid further, Mayor Zdichocki closed the bidding. Attorney Leo asked for the bidder’s name for the record, Alan Singh. Attorney Leo confirmed that Mr. Singh is an adjoining property owner and asked him to speak with the Administrator after the meeting. There are specific requirements to be followed and documents to sign.
Mayor Zdichocki stated that concluded the public auction for this evening.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one 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:
September 12, 2023 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
September 26, 2023 Business Meeting & Closed Session
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by voice vote, the minutes for September were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwoman Kuncken/Councilman Wachterhauser
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department, for the month of September, reported 8 calls answered and 5 mutual aid calls. There were 4 drills, 1 meeting and 7 special details for a total of 220.5-man hours volunteered.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the County Fire Marshal, for the month of September, received one complaint which came from the Police Department. The complaint is with regard to the storage of flammable liquids at 10 Furnace Street. The issue is still in the process of being resolved. There were no responses for fires during the month. There were two inspections with no violations.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for the month of September had 64 motor vehicle stops and a total of 242 calls for the month. The Police Chief has informed Councilwoman Kuncken that the E-ticket system is up and running. The Chief will share the E-ticket information with the Zoning Official as soon as the Officers have some more experience with it.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad, for the month of August, reported 60 total calls; 28 in Stanhope, 24 in Netcong and 3 stand-bys. There were 5 out of town calls; 1 to Byram, 1 to Hopatcong and 3 to Roxbury. They made 33 trips to the hospital and travelled 1,093 miles for a total of 283 hours and 42 minutes of hours volunteered. For the month of September, the Ambulance Squad reported a total of 62 calls; 23 in Stanhope, 27 in Netcong and 5 stand-bys. There were 7 out of town calls; 1 to Morristown, 2 to Hopatcong and 4 to Roxbury. They made 24 trips to the hospital and travelled 798 miles. They had 357 hours and 13 minutes of hours volunteered. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the annual Silent Auction Fund Raiser for the squad will take place on November 18th at the Fire House. The tickets are $20 which includes dinner, beer, wine and soda. Any one wishing to purchase tickets can contact Councilwoman Kuncken.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilman Thornton
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections for the month of August totaled $2,436,278.01. The year to date total is $9,712,383.46. The percentage of taxes collected for the third quarter is at 96%. This percentage is slightly ahead of last year’s percentage. The total amount of delinquents is nearly the same as last year.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for the month of August totaled $16,098.24. The year to date total is $410,346.80. The grand total of water and sewer collections for the month were $38,868.43. The grand total of water and sewer collections year to date are $906,710.62.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
Councilman Wronko stated, for the month of August, the Construction Department issued 36 permits. The fees collected totaled $6,912.00.
Councilman Wronko stated the Halloween Parade will take place this Saturday, October 28th.
Councilman Wronko stated leaf collection is ongoing. Residents should check to see what zone they are in and place the leaves curbside accordingly.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Romano
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated he is happy to report he has spoken with the DPW Superintendent over the weekend regarding the resident’s issue on Dell Road. The rock has been removed and the cement has been poured to repair the sidewalk.
Councilman Thornton stated, with regard to leaf collection, he has been informed that once again, the leaf collector is having to be pieced together. The DPW Superintendent has reached out to the supplier for an updated quote for a new machine. Funds have been allocated. The goal is to have new equipment before the end of the season.
Councilman Thornton stated the DPW Superintendent has received everything required from the Borough Engineer regarding the reinforcement repairs needed for the salt shed. We are still within the OSHA guidelines for the repairs to be completed in time.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Wronko
Councilman Riccardi stated an Information Technology meeting will be scheduled in the near future to discuss budgeting for a new information technology company. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough is going to contract with a new technology support provider beginning January 1st and this will be placed in the temporary budget for 2024. Administrator McNeilly asked Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, if a resolution can be adopted at the December meeting or if it would have to wait until the January meeting. The temporary budget will not be approved until the January meeting. Attorney Leo stated she will check on the requirements and will let Administrator McNeilly know. Administrator McNeilly stated the award of contract would have to be made at the December 12th meeting or at the Reorganization Meeting in January.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Wachterhauser/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Wachterhauser stated minutes were received from the following: Environmental Commission for their August 10th meeting, Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board August 16th meeting and the Shade Tree Commission’s August 1st meeting. The minutes will be posted online. Minutes were not received from the Board of Health or Recreation Commission. The Land Use Board meeting for October was cancelled.
Councilman Wachterhauser stated an email was forwarded to the governing body from the Solid Waste Advisory Council Representative, Bill Eaves, regarding an issue pertaining to Sparta. Mr. Eaves addressed the issue and Councilman Wachterhauser thanked Mr. Eaves for his services.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated he is pleased to report that all the paving projects for the year have been completed without too many issues and no phone calls. There are some pieces of curbing that were broken either by the paver or the roller and the DPW Superintendent is aware of those and they will be repaired. The tonnage of the asphalt which was put down was less than projected. As soon as the fuel and asphalt price adjustments are determined, the numbers will be finalized. The figures should be under the budgeted amounts.
Sunset Avenue/Ridge Road/Overhill Road Water Main Replacement – Mr. Keller stated the Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road and Overhill Road water main replacement project construction documents have been finalized and are ready for bid. Administrator McNeilly will explain during his report about the next steps in the federal grant program. The bid notice was sent to the Borough Clerk today. It has been signed off on by the EPA. The work will not take place until next year. Mr. Keller stated he wants to give the bidders the greatest opportunity to bid. The bid opening date is set for December 19, 2023. This will be after the December Mayor and Council meeting but this is not a critical issue.
Salt Storage Building – Mr. Keller stated he has provided a repair sketch detailing the necessary remedial actions to restore the structural integrity of the roof trusses. Mr. Keller stated he spoke with Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent, yesterday and he has all the required materials. Mr. Titsworth will be doing the work and he has been in contact with POSHA. A time extension has been granted for the repair. The only issue discovered during POSHA’s inspection were the trusses. Everything else was clean.
Mayor Zdichocki stated residents are pleased with the work that was done but there were some complaints. The workers left trash on the lawns and some of the rings were left behind. Administrator McNeilly asked Mr. Keller if he could take a ride through the area. Mr. Keller stated he will speak with the DPW Superintendent. The rings belong to the Borough. They were purchased approximately 15 years ago. Councilman Wachterhauser stated unfortunately the County was doing work at the same time and they ran over hours. Administrator McNeilly stated the milling for the Borough streets was scheduled for October 12th and paved October 19th. The County milling and paving, which had been scheduled since January, was not supposed to be done until October 17th and 18th. The County started their work a week early. Mr. Keller stated that posed a problem for the DPW Superintendent because he then had to get the manholes set up. Administrator McNeilly stated the County road gets paved every 10-12 years and for years the manhole rings have been the wrong height. The manholes are the responsibility of the Borough. This year Jason Titsworth, DPW Superintendent, set up a zone within the County work zone and he and the DPW employees worked night crew to correct the manholes. Mr. Keller stated the DPW did a great job on getting the manholes done. Councilman Thornton stated the County moved through quickly but he asked if the County was made aware of the Borough’s displeasure with the fact no notification was provided. Administrator McNeilly stated no one there is going to listen. Councilman Wachterhauser asked how the roads will be repaired once NJ Natural Gas installs the gas lines. Administrator McNeilly stated the road openings will be wider than a trench. Trenches are dangerous for motorcycles. But the opening will not be as wide as an entire lane.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Retail Cannabis – Administrator McNeilly stated the cannabis issue has been deferred to a non-binding referendum for the 2024 election process. In the interim, another request has been received from a company that wants to make a presentation to the governing body. The company name is Budd City New Jersey, LLC and they have been approved for a Class V Retail Sales license. Administrator McNeilly asked the governing body if they would like the presentation to be scheduled or if they would like him to inform the company the Borough is planning to have a referendum in 2024. Much discussion took place regarding the timing of the referendum and the fact that nothing will move forward until the first quarter of 2025. The governing body asked Administrator McNeilly to inform the company about the timetable and if they are still interested, a presentation can be scheduled in the future.
Sunset Avenue/Ridge Road/Overhill Road Water Main Replacement – Administrator McNeilly stated the next portion of the Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road and Overhill Road Water Main Replacement project is a meeting that will take place with the government accountability office. With these types of projects, there are a certain amount that statistically receive site visits and the others have an online interview. A list of questions has been sent to the Borough which Administrator McNeilly and Mr. Keller will discuss prior to the meeting.
Crosswalk at the American Legion – Administrator McNeilly stated approximately a year and a half ago an inquiry was made regarding the crosswalk located at the American Legion. Sadly, in the past, there was a fatality that occurred at this location. The speed limit on the road should have prevented a crosswalk from being installed there. There is a bus stop in that location as well. There is a list of locations, statewide, that NJDOT has an engineering firm now looking at the location, much in the way the Borough did, to try and make it a safer intersection. Mr. Keller is involved and has provided some scoping numbers relative to our assets located underground at that location. A site visit meeting is going to be held at this location. This will be an engineering and asset meeting. However, Administrator McNeilly stated he informed NJDOT that this is an important issue for the governing body and that they should have the opportunity to attend as well. When the date and time are provided, the governing body will be informed.
Playground Equipment – Administrator McNeilly stated the playground equipment is still on schedule and the Borough should be notified sometime in November. The DPW will prepare the site and the contractor will then install the equipment. The ground freezing will not be an issue. The contractor has stated they can install equipment throughout the winter.
Old Sparta Road LLC Property – Administrator McNeilly stated the property known as Old Sparta Road LLC has received some interest from Ryan Homes. Ryan Homes is requesting a technical review.
Crosswalk Lights – Councilwoman Kuncken asked for an update on the two crosswalk lights which have been budgeted to be installed by the County at Maple Terrace and Lawrence Avenue. Administrator McNeilly stated the lights have been installed.
Sparta Road Lamp Post – Councilman Riccardi asked for an update of the installation of the Sparta Road lamp post which is being replaced. Administrator McNeilly stated the light post was installed last week. The only part still needed are the bars. An extra lamp post was ordered this time and is in storage.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Councilman Wronko and Councilman Thornton recused themselves for the Redevelopment discussion.
Redevelopment (Planner William Hamilton) – William Hamilton, Borough Planner, stated he is here this evening to discuss the Stanhope House and the redevelopment plan which had been prepared and submitted to the governing body. This is slightly less than a one-acre lot located on the corner of High Street and Main Street, in the Village District Zone. Mr. Hamilton stated he was authorized by the Council to do this redevelopment plan due to the fact it was determined that a study was necessary. Mr. Hamilton is here this evening to give a brief overview of the plan. The plan, as proposed, will allow for multi-family residential, as well as retail uses on the site. This will bring in additional residents and stores to the downtown village area. This will allow for the revitalization of the site and will be a catalyst for improvements within the Village Business Zone of the Borough.
Mr. Hamilton stated there are a number of goals outlined in the report as follows: to stimulate economic investment in the site; to promote development of the downtown area; to improve the physical appearance; to provide a range of housing opportunities; to promote and maintain the downtown business community; to enhance pedestrian experience through streetscape improvements; to improve traffic circulation; and to improve stormwater management. To reach these goals, general criteria have been established in the redevelopment plan where certain items have been outlined; such as permitted accessory uses; building controls such as minimum and maximum building height, front yard, side yard and rear yards; impervious coverage; and parking standards. Many of these items are required for any redevelopment such as; stormwater management; landscape and buffering to both the adjacent roads of Main Street and High Street, as well as to the residents in the rear; lighting; signage; streetscape; sustainability and bike parking. Architectural design standards have also been included. When a perspective redeveloper comes in to redevelop the site, there will be guidelines in terms of what the Borough is looking for and the architectural features which would be in keeping with the character and community vision of the downtown area.
Mr. Hamilton stated the redevelopment plan, as proposed, will change the underlying zoning and will provide a vision for revitalization and improvement of the site. The implementation of the plan will support the new, as well as the existing retail within the downtown while creating a unique environment which promotes a mixed-use pedestrian friendly and walkability environment.
Mr. Hamilton stated that is the overview of the plan and he asked if the governing body had any questions. Councilman Wachterhauser asked if the 1.7 spaces per unit is a standard or is it specific to this area. Mr. Hamilton stated he discussed this with the Mr. Keller, Borough Engineer, and the RSIS design standards for a development of this type has a greater standard of 1.8 spaces for a one-bedroom unit, 2 spaces for a two-bedroom unit, but at the same time there are certain factors to be taken into consideration. There is a recent study by Rutgers that shows, in these types of developments, the parking requirement is quite a bit less than the RSIS standards. Mr. Hamilton stated therefore, it was determined the 1.7 spaces is adequate. If a developer comes in and has a traffic expert with information in terms of what they believe to be appropriate for the site, we would be open to listening them. Mayor Zdichocki asked about street parking. Mr. Hamilton stated street parking is not considered as part of the application. Councilman Riccardi stated laundromats are listed in the report as both a permitted and a prohibited use. Mr. Hamilton stated he will check the zoning and make the correction. Councilman Wachterhauser stated he is in favor of the redevelopment for the site but he is concerned about parking which is already an issue in the downtown area and the development should not impact parking for the people already living in the area. Discussion took place regarding recent developments in Netcong and the insufficient amount of parking availability they have encountered. Administrator McNeilly stated if more parking area is required, that may reduce the size of the building and that may decrease the viability and could reduce the chance of the project ever happening. Discussion took place regarding parking on Main Street and the off-street parking issues during the winter months. Administrator McNeilly stated there will also be an electric vehicle charging space required.
Administrator McNeilly asked what the next step is for the redevelopment project. Attorney Ursula Leo stated the governing body would need to adopt the plan. An ordinance would be drafted for review and comment by the Land Use Board and the governing body. The ordinance would not be placed on the agenda until 2024 due to the publication requirements. After that, the developer would come before the governing body for approval and then to the Land Use Board for approval.
Tom Pershouse Request (Overtime Work Project) – Administrator McNeilly stated the Construction Official has requested additional hours for the Construction Department Clerk and one additional employee to process the rental inspections and other required documents. The governing body has approved a similar request in the past.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the Construction Official’s request for additional hours for the Construction Department Clerk and an additional employee to process the rental inspections and other required documents.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
November 14, 2023 Mayor & Council Meeting – Mayor Zdichocki stated the November 14th Mayor and Council Meeting will be cancelled due to lack of a quorum. Several members of the governing body will be attending the NJ League of Municipalities Convention.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following resolutions which were read by title:
Resolution 167-23 RESOLUTION TO AMEND BUDGET TO INCLUDE SAFE & SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
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 $4,050.00 from the State of NJ for the Safe & Security Communities Program, and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope now wishes to amend its 2023 budget to include the additional grant funds approved of $4,050.00 as a revenue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Borough of Stanhope does hereby request the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to approve the insertion of an item of revenue in the budget of the year 2023 in the sum of $4,050.00, 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: Safe & Security Communities Program
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a like sum of………………………$4,050.00
be and the same is hereby appropriated under the caption of:
General Appropriations
- Public and Private Programs Offset by Revenues:
Safe & Security Communities Program, 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 Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 168-23 AWARD OF CONTRACT TO KEY TECH LABORATORIES FOR BITUMINOUS CONCRETE CORE SAMPLING AND TESTING OF SAGAMORE ROAD AND SPENCER STREET ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is seeking to perform bituminous concrete core sampling and testing of Sagamore Road and Spencer Street through a NJDOT Local Aid Grant; and
WHEREAS, Key Tech Laboratories has submitted a Proposal dated October 19, 2023, to perform random sampling calculations and sample mark out in field, supply drilling unit and labor to obtain samples of finished pavement and filing and compacting sample holes with patch materials; and
WHEREAS, the Borough desires to retain Key Tech Laboratories for said services, as set forth in the October 19, 2023 proposal, for five samples of finished pavement to be tested for bulk specific gravity, maximum theoretical gravity, void analysis and thickness measurements for a fee of $2,010.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey as follows:
- That the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized to execute a contract on the Borough’s behalf with Key Tech Laboratories, 210 Maple Place, P.O. Box 48, Keyport, New Jersey 07735 to perform bituminous concrete core sampling and testing of Sagamore Road and Spencer Street, as set forth in the October 19, 2023 proposal, and to follow NJDOT approvals and procedures.
- This contract is awarded without competitive bidding as a “professional service” in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a) of the Local Public Contracts Law.
- Award of this contract is contingent upon the certification as to the availability of funds by the Chief Financial Officer.
- The term of service shall be from the date of acceptance of the Professional Services Agreement until its completion, in full accord with the terms and conditions thereof. The total fee for this service shall not exceed $2,010.00
- Notice of this action shall be published in the New Jersey Herald within ten (10) days of the passage thereof.
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Resolution 169-23 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. 2021-002 representing 2020 property taxes and/or utility charges on Block 10610, Lot 14 known as 124 Brooklyn Rd, assessed to Jill Anderson, 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: Trystone Capital Assets, LLC
PO Box 1030
Brick, NJ 08723
Redemption Amount: Tax Title Lien #2021-002 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 2,778.55
Premium Paid by Lienholder 1,000.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 2,778.55
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 Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 170-23 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, 2023 with a start date of November 13th, 2023 at the annual salary of $48,314.00 to be pro-rated in CY2023, 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.
Mayor Zdichocki stated Rickie Crawn was previously employed with the Stanhope DPW. Mr. Crawn was a very good employee with good standards. Councilwoman Kuncken stated we are happy to have him back. Administrator McNeilly stated Rickie Crawn’s previous employment was adopted on October 24, 2017.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 171-23 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS
WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has approved payment upon certification from the Borough Department Heads that the goods and/or services have been rendered to the Borough;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the current bills list, dated October 24, 2023 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Wachterhauser – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
ATTORNEY REPORT
Ursula Leo, Borough Attorney, stated there are two topics for discussion, one for Closed Session. Attorney Leo stated there will be an ordinance prepared for consideration in early 2024 with regard to dumpsters located in the public right of ways and the permitting of dumpsters.
CITIZEN’S TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Rosemarie Maio asked for some clarification on the function of the Sagamore Road and Spencer Street core testing. What is the testing for and why is it being done. Mr. Keller stated the core testing is a requirement of Local Aid. The asphalt has to be tested to make sure it was compacted sufficiently and that there is not a significant amount of air voids. This is done for all Local Aid Projects. Key Tech is the quickest, reliable and least expensive company that provides this testing.
Alan Singh stated the repaving which was done on Leo Avenue is great however, the level of the pavement has been raised three to four inches. Now the water runs down the street directly into his property. Administrator McNeilly stated the project was done by Hopatcong not Stanhope. Administrator McNeilly stated he will speak with the DPW regarding the issue. A berm could be placed across the top of the driveway. Mr. Singh stated he may apply for a permit to install a drain just before his driveway. Administrator McNeilly stated Stanhope Borough only owns the first 100 feet of roadway on Leo Avenue. Hopatcong Borough planned to pave the road and asked if they could pave to the end. This was a benefit to Stanhope so we agreed. Mr. Singh stated he’s not complaining about the road which is now very nice. Mr. Singh stated he is concerned that a berm will cause his cars to bottom out so he will work toward installing a drain.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki 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 exists;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, as follows:
- The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter(s).
- The general nature of the subject matter(s) to be discussed is as follows:
1 – Attorney-Client
- 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.
- This resolution shall take effect immediately.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
The Mayor and Council went into Closed Session at 8:00 P.M.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Mayor and Council reconvened the public meeting at 8:10 P.M. with all present.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk