MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
October 26, 2021
7:00 P.M
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CALL TO ORDER
SALUTE TO COLORS
Mayor Zdichocki invited all those present to stand in a salute to the colors.
MAYOR’S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Meeting was included in the Annual Meeting Notice sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on January 13, 2021 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building and on the official website of the Borough of Stanhope.
Furthermore, notice of the change in the meeting location was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on June 9, 2021 and was placed on the official bulletin board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 10:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to date, time and place. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Vance – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Mayor Zdichocki read aloud the list of minutes being presented for approval:
September 14, 2021 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
September 28, 2021 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwoman Kuncken/CouncilmanThornton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department for the month of September responded to 6 calls. There were no mutual aid calls. There were 3 drills, 1 meeting and 3 special details. The total number of man hours volunteered totaled 160.25 hours.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Sussex County Fire Marshal for the month of September did not respond to any fire related incidents and no complaints were received. There was one inspection done at Suite Allure Studio on Main Street, which is a barber and beauty shop, and there were no violations.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for the month of September had 109 motor vehicle stops. The total calls for the month were 241.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated she sold 87 tickets for this year’s pig roast. More tickets could have been sold but there was no more space on the patio. The Fire Department and the Ambulance Squad each received a check from the Stanhope Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $943.00. This year’s pig roast was very successful. The Chamber of Commerce has decided to sponsor the pig roast again next year in the month of September. Councilwoman Kuncken extended her thanks to everyone that attended.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections for the month of September totaled $133,257.10. The year to date collection is $9,407,574.08. This collection rate is slightly ahead of last years. The third quarter collection was 96.427% and the overall tax collection to date is at 73.534%. This is also slightly ahead of last year.
Councilman Romano stated the water collection for the month of September totaled $124,785.99. The year to date total is $510,897.66. The sewer collection for the month of September is $165,407.36. The year to date total is $652,131.26.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
Councilman Wronko stated the Trunk or Treat event which was held on October 15th went well. The school and the Recreation Commission worked together to sponsor the event, which was well attended.
Councilman Wronko stated as a reminder that leaf collection will be taking place and the leaves should not be placed in the road.
Councilman Wronko stated early voting is available this week until October 31st at the library.
Councilman Wronko stated the Valley Road School will be having their Veteran’s Day Program on November 3rd. Councilman Wronko stated he has attended this program in the past. This is a nice program and all veterans are welcome.
Mayor Zdichocki stated the Trunk or Treat was a nice evening for everyone. The weather was good. The parents decorated their cars and the children all had great costumes.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Vance
Councilman Riccardi stated Altice will begin construction soon to install cabinets on Musconetcong Avenue. Administrator McNeilly stated there will be two or three cabinets installed along the road which will provide fiber connections.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Vance/Councilman Romano
Councilman Vance stated the Land Use Board had a very short meeting last week because two applicants cancelled. At that meeting John Maguire, Chairman, stated he will not be requesting to be reappointed for a new term.
Councilman Vance stated the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board sold the hydrorake for $215,000. The LMRPB will use $100,000 for chemical treatment of the lake and $115,000 will be put aside to use for repairs of the harvester.
Councilman Vance stated the Shade Tree Commission has submitted several months of meeting minutes.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Wronko
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated he attended a Municipal Infrastructure meeting this afternoon with the Borough Engineer, Administrator McNeilly, Mayor Zdichocki and Councilman Wronko to discuss potential projects for 2022. The first project discussed was the roadwork for Valley Road and Delaware Avenue. The Local Aid Grant amount is $181,200 and the Borough would have to provide $100,000 in funding. Another option would be for the milling and resurfacing of Lenape Drive, Woods Avenue, Lepont Street and Elizabeth Avenue. If a choice must be made between them, the Borough Engineer and the committee recommends Elizabeth Avenue, which is in desperate need of repair. The DPW Superintendent, who was present at the infrastructure meeting, indicated the Department of Public Works needs a new F350 Pick Up Truck for 2022. There is a backorder request for the hydrant caps. The water meters were originally scheduled to be updated last January but the COVID pandemic put that project on hold.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mayor Zdichocki invited Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, forward to give his report.
Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, stated he has updated the spreadsheet which was discussed earlier today.
Sparta Road TAP Grant – Mr. Keller stated the Sparta Road TAP Grant Project is moving along. The conduit has been installed along Sparta Road and the junction boxes and light pole foundations were completed last week. The conduit, grounding and wiring has been completed along the trails. The services are scheduled to be installed this week. Today work was not done due to the weather conditions. Approved submittals for the variable speed limit signs are in place. The signs will be permanently installed on poles. One will be operated electronically and one will be operated by solar because it is at the north end of the road just before the high school coming from Hopatcong. The sidewalk work and paving of the high school trail will be done this week, weather permitting, or early next week. The landscaping is scheduled for next week. The nursery was able to find the Eastern Redbuds so a substitution is no longer needed. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the area at Elm Street, where the trail is accessed, will be repaired. Administrator McNeilly confirmed the entire area will be restored. The contractor is working with Sign Art on the entry sign. Mr. Keller stated he has a meeting scheduled with the co-op paver, Schifano, tomorrow to discuss the paving for Sparta Road, Highland Avenue, Baker Place and North Central Avenue, which should be completed by the second week in November. Mr. Keller stated he received an update today regarding the delivery of the light poles and fixtures. Supply chain disruptions have continued to be an issue. The light poles for the trails have shipped and should arrive in the next few days. The fixtures and the arm brackets, along with the poles for Sparta Road, as of today, are scheduled to ship on December 7th. This is still within the time limits of the contract. Mr. Keller stated fortunately he built in many extra weeks which run until the end of January. Mr. Keller will send an email two weeks from now to ask for any updates.
Baker Place Water Main Replacement – Mr. Keller stated the four new services for the Baker Place Water Main Replacement Project have been installed at 1 and 3 Baker Place and 6 and 8 Highland Avenue. Mr. Keller stated he spoke with the resident at 3 Baker Place today and she is very happy with the new service. She has not noticed a difference in the water pressure but is happy none the less. The tie-ins will be done tomorrow between the new main and the existing six inch main on Highland Avenue. The trenches will then be backfilled. The repair paving will be done and then the final trench paving will be done on Thursday. The north end of Baker Place which was torn up by the equipment going back and forth will be completely repaved. The asphalt will be removed and replaced so that the base will be ready when Schifano is scheduled to pave the road. Administrator McNeilly stated the paving will be done on Baker Place from Brooklyn Road to the woods, Highland Avenue from the corner of Baker Place all the way to the end of Highland Avenue and the piece on North Central which goes up to the woods. Mr. Keller stated he has been in contact with Schifano since September and they have been very responsive. Nothing could be scheduled until the contractors, Salmon Brothers and Regal, were done working in the road. A schedule will be determined tomorrow and then Denville Line Painting will be contacted. Denville Line Painting will be working under the Local Aid Grant portion of the project. They will paint the center lines on Sparta Road, the little pieces on each leg of Lenape Drive and the stop bars on Lenape Drive. Administrator McNeilly stated there will be a paved surface on Sparta Road before the TAP project is complete. In co-ordination with the Borough Engineer, GPI and Salmon Brothers, once the all clear is given and the road is paved, only rubber tire machines will be used on the road. Administrator McNeilly stated the rest of the project which includes the shoulders, bike lanes and warning striping on the far end of Sparta Road is part of the TAP Grant. The road will look unfinished until that portion of the project is complete. Mr. Keller stated these plans have been worked on for many years to get to this point. The path to the high school has deteriorated overtime and Salmon Brothers will place more asphalt where necessary. Originally, the plan called for a two-inch overlay. As the conduit was being installed, the trail was being prepared as well. The funding the Borough received from the TAP Grant was over $943,000.00. The contract came in at $697,000.00. The extra costs are being covered by the grant and everything receives approval prior to moving forward. Administrator McNeilly stated the trail will be paved after school has started and before it ends. Mr. Keller stated there will not be any issues with walking on the trail once the surface is down. This will be coordinated with the school. Mr. Keller stated the path entrance at Elm Street will have removable bollards and the gate will be removed. The bollards lock in place but they can be removed to allow vehicle access. Administrator McNeilly stated ATV access has to be prevented.
Kelly Place, Waterloo Road & Furnace Street Project – Mr. Keller stated the next capital project is Kelly Place, Waterloo Road and Furnace Street. A pre-construction meeting was held on October 18th. The Borough awarded the contract to Reivax Construction on September 28th and the NJDOT issued their concurrence. The contract, performance bond, insurance certificate and other associated paperwork was received today and will be reviewed by the Borough Attorney. Upon approval, Mr. Keller will issue a notice to proceed. Mr. Keller stated the contractor is ready to proceed and he is waiting for submittals on the inlets. The contractor is of the opinion the project will take approximately thirty days. The DPW Superintendent has suggested staging equipment at the well house. The contractor may choose to contact one of the commercial businesses located in that area to stage equipment. Administrator McNeilly stated the weather could pose an issue for this project. Mr. Keller stated the drainage will be installed and the trench repair will have to be completed prior to paving. Jonathan Frodella, Borough Attorney, stated he reviewed the bond today and there is no issue with it. However, there is an issue with the insurance.
Capital Budget 2022 – Mr. Keller stated a meeting was held today with the Infrastructure Committee to discuss the capital budget for 2022. The roadway projects are covered. The water system upgrades for the Valley Road and Delaware Avenue water saddles will be done by the DPW when the Superintendent has manpower and availability. This work has to be done before the road can be resurfaced. The last big project is for the area of town which still has four-inch water mains at Sunset Lane, Ridge Road, Overhill Road and Mountain View Road. Earlier this year, when Congresswoman Sherrill stated there may be funding available for this type of work, the Borough updated the budget for this project. In the past, this project has been submitted three or four times. This information has been forwarded to Congresswoman Sherrill. The amount for the project is $515,000 with soft costs at $40,000 for a total of $555,000. The Borough has Cares Act Funding of $234,000 which can be used for this project. The initial request was for a quarter of a million but there may be an opportunity for more. Once the water mains are replaced and the temporary patches are done on the trenches so they are serviceable, the plan is to come back and do a road reclamation. The road reclamation preliminary cost estimate is a quarter of a million dollars. This would include Ridge Road from the circle (which was already repaved), to Sunset Lane, from Sunset Lane to Maple Terrace to the dead end, from Maple Terrace to Brooklyn Road, and then Mountain View Road. Administrator McNeilly stated if the funding comes through the water project will take place next year. The road reclamation portion would then be budgeted for the following year. Administrator McNeilly stated the infrastructure grants are pending from Washington, DC at this time. Mayor Zdichocki stated the Borough was contacted by Senator Booker and he requested to know the full amount of the project. Therefore, instead of submitting the request for $250,000, the request was made for the full amount. Administrator McNeilly stated if the Borough receives the full amount, then the $234,000 can be allocated to something else. The hope is to have a better answer within the next two months.
Local Aid Grant – Mr. Keller stated the Local Aid Grant was submitted in June and he hopes to receive a reply in the next month or so.
7th Heaven Gas Station/Convenience Store (Pleasant Market) – Mr. Keller stated he will be conducting an inspection tomorrow. Any final property maintenance issues will be turned over to the Construction Official, Tom Pershouse, to handle. The large majority of the work has been completed, particularly the safety items consisting of the guide rail and the fence at the detention basin. The leader drains have been rerouted. The Construction Official still has other issues such as the fuel pumps which are being replaced. The gas station is open for business.
Speed Humps & Tables – Councilman Vance stated at the last meeting a discussion took place regarding the speed humps and the estimated cost for a traffic study would be between $5,000 and $10,000. Councilman Vance asked Mr. Keller if the Borough is required to conduct a traffic study in order to install some type of traffic speed calming device. Mr. Keller replied he would not say required but anytime something is designed which is controlling the activity of motorists, there should be justification for it from an engineering perspective. Unfortunately, we live in a litigious society and all it takes is for someone to hit a speed hump and go off the road and then inquire as to why it was installed there. Mr. Keller stated he is not sure if it is a requirement, but it is good practice in his industry to have a basis because he has to approve it. Councilman Vance asked if the new speed limit monitoring sign, which records traffic data, would qualify as a traffic study. Mr. Keller stated it would provide a basis for speeds and volumes. There would still have to be an engineering study to determine the placement of the speed humps. The data collected by the sign would have to cover at least a 24-hour period, but preferably a week of data which would then be analyzed. One thing which is a legal issue, is Title 39 Motor Vehicle Regulations, which states speed humps cannot be installed on roads which have more than 3,000 vehicles per day.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated she was of the understanding that the speed radar signs would be put in place for awhile to see what the resulting data indicates. No promises should be made regarding speed humps or speed tables. Councilman Vance stated that is not what he was implying. Administrator McNeilly stated to know that there is a cost to the study is important. This is the time of the year when decisions have to be made for next year. The Engineer’s study for the crosswalks, which need to be done, will also have to be discussed.
Baker Place Project – Mr. Keller recapped the timeline for paving Baker Place and Highland Avenue. Councilman Riccardi asked Mr. Keller to update the Administrator after his meeting with Schifano tomorrow. Councilman Riccardi asked the Administrator to provide any updates to the Mayor and Council.
Speed Signs – Administrator McNeilly stated he has retrieved data from the speed signs. Councilman Vance stated he has noticed people slowing down as soon as they see the sign. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough will be purchasing the software which accompanies the units. Tomorrow Administrator McNeilly will view a tutorial to understand the system better. If there is significant data to create a report, Administrator McNeilly will share this with the governing body.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Employee Handbook – Administrator McNeilly stated Anne Mulhern of Laddey Clark & Ryan has completed the draft revision of the Borough’s Employee Handbook. A copy will be forwarded electronically to the governing body for their review. The review can be discussed during the work session as needed. A resolution will be placed on the November 9th agenda to accept the changes. The NJMEL must have the approved resolution by mid-November.
2021 Best Practices Checklist – Administrator McNeilly stated copies of the 2021 Best Practices Checklist have been provided to the governing body for council discussion this evening.
2021 Storm Water Training – Administrator McNeilly stated Ryan Jiorle, Musconetcong Watershed Association’s Community Engagement Coordinator, will be attending the November 23rd Mayor and Council meeting to provide the annual training. Administrator McNeilly stated he and Councilman Romano have a conflict with the date due to an MSA meeting.
Altice/Cablevision – Administrator McNeilly stated he received an email informing him that Altice wants to begin construction on the communication cabinets which will be installed on Musconetcong Avenue. A meeting with the DPW, Police Department and the Administrator has been requested. Administrator McNeilly will keep the governing body informed.
Tax Sale 2021 – Administrator McNeilly stated the 2021 Tax Sale is scheduled for November 4th. The list is quite small this year.
Telephone System – Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough Hall telephone system has been repaired again. The faulty part has to do with the auto attend and voicemail system. A part has been ordered and a slight disruption will take place when it is installed. The voicemail messages will have to be re-recorded. The CFO has requested a new system price quote for discussion during budget planning.
Speed Sign – Administrator McNeilly stated the speed signs were discussed earlier. The signs have been ordered and should arrive in the next few weeks. Extra brackets and batteries were also ordered. The “Slow School Speed Limit 15mph” sign for Delaware Avenue has been ordered. The speed sign will be placed on Delaware Avenue when it arrives. The sign post will also be used to hold the speed sign when they arrive. In the meantime, the “Drug Free School Zone” sign will be utilized, but the location of this sign is not ideal for the purpose of the speed sign.
Clean Up Day/Trail Maintenance Day – Administrator McNeilly stated he received an email from the Environmental Commission requesting a Clean Up Day to be held on November 7th. The date is on the Borough calendar. The Environmental Commission has requested a Nixle message be sent out. Administrator McNeilly forwarded the required request form. The Environmental Commission has requested assistance from the DPW, either prior to or on the day of the event. The DPW is in the middle of leaf collection and they are not available to assist at this time. Administrator McNeilly stated he can provide the Environmental Commission with the nylon survey tape and anything they want moved could be taped and then the DPW can go through and pick up after leaf season has ended. Councilman Riccardi stated this event is actually Trail Maintenance Day to clean up the trails located behind the post office.
American Legion Veteran’s Day Service – Mayor Zdichocki stated she received notice that the American Legion will be holding a Veteran’s Day Service at noon on Sunday, November 7th. All are invited to attend.
Budget 2022 – Administrator McNeilly stated budget discussion is scheduled for November 9th and 23rd. The Borough Auditor and the Tax Assessor will attend the December 14th meeting to give their presentations.
Election Polling Location – Mayor Zdichocki stated there was some confusion regarding the polling location for the upcoming election. Early voting can be done at the Louise Childs Library. Voting on election day, November 2nd, will take place at the American Legion for all districts. Administrator McNeilly explained that the County made an error on the sample ballots for District #1. The County is sending a letter to all District #1 voters to clarify the location. The Borough Clerk stated all Districts have been voting at the American Legion for the past two years. This is not a new procedure. Much discussion took place regarding social media. When Nixle messages are sent, that message is automatically forwarded to the Facebook page. Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body to use caution when answering questions from the residents. If they are not sure of the answer, they should direct the residents to contact Borough Hall.
Employee Handbook – Councilman Romano asked Administrator McNeilly to highlight the changes to the handbook which should be reviewed by the governing body. Administrator McNeilly stated he will do so.
ATV Issue – Councilman Vance asked Administrator McNeilly if he had the opportunity to speak with the Police Chief regarding the issue with the ATV’s being ridden at the end of Musconetcong Avenue. Administrator McNeilly replied that he has spoken with the Police Chief and, just like people speeding through the Borough, the police have to witness the issue to act on it. The police will monitor the area.
Towpath Driveway Skirt – Councilman Vance asked Administrator McNeilly if the driveway on Towpath will have the skirt repaired. Administrator McNeilly replied that blacktop will be patched at the skirt. Councilman Vance asked Administrator McNeilly to notify him when the work has been completed.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Veteran’s Day Program at the Valley Road School – Mayor Zdichocki stated the Veteran’s Day Program at the Valley Road School will be held on November 3rd.
Hudson Farms Charity Hike – Mayor Zdichocki extended her thanks to all the residents who participated in the Hudson Farms Charity Hike. Funds were raised for Lenape Valley. The event was attended overall by approximately 1,000 people. The food pantry and the food service collected a large amount of supplies.
Shade Tree Commission Request (notice in water/sewer billing) – Mayor Zdichocki stated the Shade Tree Commission is requesting permission to place a flyer in with the November water/sewer bill mailing. Administrator McNeilly stated approximately nine pages can be added before the weight of the envelope becomes an issue.
Mayor Zdichocki stated she would also like to place a flyer in the water/sewer billing asking for volunteers to join the various boards and commissions, as well as the fire department and ambulance squad.
Mayor Zdichocki took a straw poll of the governing body for approval to place the Shade Tree Commission flyer in the water/sewer bill mailing and the volunteer flyer for the boards and commissions along with the fire department and ambulance squad. The results are as follows:
Councilman Romano – yes, Councilman Riccardi – yes, Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes, Councilman Vance – yes, Councilman Wronko – yes. Approval was granted.
Best Practice Checklist – Administrator McNeilly stated currently the score for the Best Practice Checklist is at 20.5. Any score over 15 will not have any state aid withheld. Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body for any questions. Seeing none, Mayor Zdichocki took a straw poll of the governing body to approve the Best Practice Checklist. The results are as follows: Councilman Wronko – yes, Councilman Vance – yes, Councilman Thornton – yes, Councilwoman Kuncken – yes, Councilman Riccardi – yes, Councilman Romano – yes. The governing body approved the Best Practice Checklist as presented.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE
Mayor Zdichocki offered the following ordinance for introduction which was read by title.
Ordinance for Introduction and First Reading [Public Hearing on November 9, 2021]
Ordinance 2021-15 ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AND APPROPRIATING $173,017.12 THEREFOR CONSTITUTING PROCEEDS OF A GRANT FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, AS FOLLOWS:
The improvement described in Section 2 of this ordinance is hereby authorized as a general improvement to be made or acquired by The Borough of Stanhope, New Jersey, and there is hereby appropriated therefor the sum of $173,017.12 constituting moneys received or expected to be received by the Borough from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as a grant-in-aid of financing said improvement.
The improvement hereby authorized and the purpose for the financing of which the appropriation is made as provided in Section 1 of this ordinance is the improvement of the water supply and distribution system in and by the Borough, including the installation of new water mains where needed and desirable and all infrastructure improvements necessary therefor or incidental thereto, together with all structures, equipment, site work, studies, plans, work, materials and other expenses necessary therefor or incidental thereto, all as shown on and in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file or to be filed in the office of the Borough Clerk and hereby approved.
The capital budget or temporary capital budget of the Borough is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and the resolutions promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing all detail of the amended capital budget or temporary capital budget and capital program as approved by the Director, Division of Local Government Services, are on file with the Borough Clerk and are available for public inspection.
This ordinance shall take effect after publication after final passage as provided by law.
On motion by Councilman Vance, seconded by Councilman Romano and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing ordinance was introduced.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Vance, and unanimously carried by voice vote, the Mayor and Council instructed the Clerk to post the ordinance and authorized publication of same.
RESOLUTIONS
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 185-21 MAYOR’S DECLARATION OF LAND USE BOARD VACANCY WITH COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
WHEREAS, James Benson was heretofore appointed to Seat #8 as a Class IV member of the Land Use Board of the Borough of Stanhope; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has been advised by the Chairman of the Land Use Board that James Benson has not attended the previous four consecutive meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Land Use Board has informed the Mayor that all four absences have been unexcused absences; and
WHEREAS, James Benson has not submitted a written resignation to the Land Use Board or to the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has declared the Land Use Board seat of James Benson vacant since he has failed to attend four consecutive regular meetings of the Land Use Board;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Governing Body does hereby concur in the Mayor’s Declaration of Vacancy of the seat of James Benson on the Stanhope Borough Land Use Board.
Resolution 186-21 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A TAXICAB LICENSE TO STAR LIMO SERVICE LLC
WHEREAS, Chapter 126 of the Stanhope Code of Ordinances requires that anyone operating a taxicab service within the Borough must obtain a license for same; and
WHEREAS, Star Limo Service LLC, operating at 122 Route 183, Stanhope has applied to the Borough Clerk for a taxicab license and has complied with all the provisions of Chapter 126; and
WHEREAS, the following vehicle is to be operated by Nelson Zuniga and Jossel Zuniga Carcamo within the Borough of Stanhope:
Vehicle #2 – 2005 Honda Odyssey EX, VIN # 5FNRL38725B131392; and
WHEREAS, the Municipal Clerk and the Zoning Officer have reviewed said application and recommend approval; and
WHEREAS, said approval is contingent upon receipt by the Borough Clerk of proof of required insurance and payment of all fees;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to issue, for the year 2021, said taxicab license to operate expiring at midnight December 31, 2021.
Resolution 187-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF TAXES
WHEREAS, the property valuation of this property for 2021 was reduced from the valuation in 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Final 2020/Preliminary 2021 tax bills were set and mailed prior to the reduction; and
WHEREAS, the owner made payment of the first and second quarter 2021 estimated property taxes, which exceeded the total final amount due for 2021, resulting in an overpayment of $1,028.43; and
WHEREAS, since there is no further 2021 tax liability, the owner has requested a refund of the overpayment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that a warrant be drawn to the property owner named below in the designated amount representing an overpayment of taxes, as follows:
Homeowner Information:
Property Location: 8 Plane St
Block Lot Qual Name & Address Tax Year Amount
11205 1 Juntos Holdings, LLC 2021 $1,028.43
125 Main St
Netcong, New Jersey 07857
Resolution 188-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE
WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2020-008 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2019 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11103, Lot 24.06, located at Hill Road, assessed to Smith, Wayne B at a tax sale held on October 21, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on October 14, 2021 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2020-008 for cancellation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Borough Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector.
Resolution 189-21 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF MUNICIPAL CERTIFICATE OF SALE
WHEREAS, Certificate of Sale #2018-016 was issued to Stanhope Borough, 77 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey 07874 for delinquent 2017 taxes and/or utility charges on Block 11207, Lot 14, located at 83 Main St, assessed to 83 Main Street Rev Tst at a tax sale held on October 16, 2018; and,
WHEREAS, the certificate was redeemed on October 8, 2021 by paying the full amount of the delinquency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Stanhope are hereby authorized to endorse Certificate of Sale #2018-016 for cancellation.
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 Wronko, seconded by Councilman Riccardi and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
Mayor’s Appointment
Resolution 190-21 Mayor’s Appointment of Najib Iftikhar As A Member of the Land Use Board
Mayor’s appointment to the Land Use Board as follows:
Najib Iftikhar, as a Class IV member to fill an unexpired term, with said term to expire 12/31/2023.
Resolution 191-21 Mayor’s Appointment of Glenn Kurtz, as Alternate #1 to the Land Use Board
Mayor’s appointment to the Land Use Board as follows:
Glenn Kurtz, as Alternate #1, for an unexpired 2-year term, with said term to expire
December 31, 2022.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 192-21 RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLS
WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has certified that funds are available in the proper account; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Finance Officer has approved payment upon certification from the Borough Department Heads that the goods and/or services have been rendered to the Borough;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the current bills list, dated October 26, 2021 and on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief Finance Officer and approved by the Chief Finance Officer for payment, be paid.
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilwoman Kuncken and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote the foregoing resolution was duly adopted.
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – yes
Councilman Vance – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilman Wronko – yes
ATTORNEY REPORT
Attorney Jonathan Frodella stated he had no report this evening.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Zdichocki opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker.
Seeing no one from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Riccardi, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk