MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
October 27, 2020
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 8, 2020 and was placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
Furthermore, notice of the change in the meeting location was sent to the New Jersey Herald and Daily Record on July 22, 2020 and was placed 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:
Councilman Cipollini – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – absent
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 8, 2020 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
September 22, 2020 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilman Thornton, seconded by Councilman Romano and carried by voice vote, the above listed minutes were approved.
CORRESPONDENCE (List Attached)
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Thornton and unanimously carried by voice vote, the list of correspondence was accepted and ordered placed on file.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Safety – Councilwoman Kuncken/CouncilmanThornton
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department report indicates there were 7 calls for the month of September. There were 2 mutual aid calls, 5 drills, 1 meeting and 3 special details with a total number of man hours of 170.75.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Sussex County Fire Inspector inspected the following businesses during the month of September: A-1 Auto Repair, Enrite Gas Station, Peterson & Sons Tree Service, Linden Avenue School, Valley Road School, Delta Gas and Stanhope Liquors. Both of the schools failed their initial inspections but they were re-inspected before the end of the month and the issues were cleared.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department for the month of September had 103 motor vehicle stops and the overall total number of calls for the month was 219.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Ambulance Squad report for the month of July indicates 35 calls. Stanhope had 12 calls and Netcong had 23. There were 7 out of town calls to Hopatcong. There was a total of 25 patients. The squad had 103 hours and 2 minutes of hours volunteered and they made 19 trips to the hospital.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections for the month of September totaled $113,765.74. The collections year to date total $9,130,429.70. The collection rate for the third quarter taxes is at 96% which is very good news. Last years third quarter collection rate was 95%.
Councilman Romano stated the water collections for the month of September totaled $117,973.40. The year to date total is $524,921.76. The sewer collections for the month of September totaled $141,825.45. The year to date total is $650,238.91.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
(Zoning, Construction, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization)
Councilman Wronko stated on October 27th the two foot draw down of Lake Musconetcong will begin and the refilling will take place beginning March 1st.
Councilman Wronko stated on October 29th the small businesses in town need to file if they are interested in applying for the small business grant which is available.
Councilman Wronko stated Halloween is coming up on Saturday. The Borough website has Halloween Guidelines posted.
Councilman Wronko stated the Sussex County MUA is having a household hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, November 7th, at their facility on Route 94 in Lafayette.
Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the businesses are aware that the grants are available? Councilman Wronko stated the information was provided by email from the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Wronko stated he did speak briefly with Administrator McNeilly regarding how to notify businesses in the Borough. Mayor Zdichocki stated she has also spoken with Administrator McNeilly regarding this issue. Mayor Zdichocki stated perhaps a list of Stanhope businesses could be sent to the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce for inclusion onto their mailing list. Administrator McNeilly stated that is a great idea however, the Borough does not have a business contact list. The Borough has commercial addresses in the tax system. This is one of the reasons why it is important to have a functioning local Chamber of Commerce. The commercial list would not specifically list the business located at a particular property. Often times the buildings are owned by someone else and rented out to the business. It is really important for the business owners to be actively involved on their own within the community. Mayor Zdichocki stated the Stanhope Chamber of Commerce has tried to get more businesses involved. Mayor Zdichocki would like to find a way to contact the businesses. Administrator McNeilly suggested the Community Development Committee could meet to try and formulate a plan to contact the businesses which would work effectively within the confines of the abilities the Borough has. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the Fire Department would have a list. Don Drake, member of the Fire Department, present in the audience, stated the NJ Department of Economic Administration, Phase 3 Grant, extended the deadline to submit an application to November 2nd. Businesses had to pre-register by today. Councilman Cipollini stated home based businesses would be hard to locate because they are not located in commercial buildings. Mayor Zdichocki suggested sending out a Nixle message or an announcement asking businesses to provide their information to be placed on a list. This would at least start the process. A Community Development Committee meeting should be scheduled to discuss various options. Councilman Wronko stated the information could be compiled into a document in the meantime, similar to what was done with the election information and then the document could be posted or sent out. This may not reach all the businesses but others would see it and perhaps forward it on. Administrator McNeilly discussed the importance of having the information provided as a single document for use in distributing electronically or for distribution. Councilwoman Kuncken asked Councilman Wronko if he could contact the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce to see if they have a document containing the information. Councilman Wronko replied he could do that but having the contact information for the businesses is necessary. Administrator McNeilly stated, now that the budget is going to be discussed, it may be a good time to consider reactivating the Economic Development Commission. The commission has not been active in over twenty years and it could be a helping hand for the business community.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Wronko
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated the DPW Superintendent has reported all the water samples have been completed for the month. All the state water reports have been completed and sent. The monthly sewer station inspections have been done. The hydrant flushing is complete. The water system is in great shape. The supply is safe and nothing is wrong with the supply. The crack sealer was used on upper and lower Maple Terrace, Oak Drive, Valley Road, Ridge Circle, West Drive and Lower East Drive.
Councilman Romano noted during discussion at last month’s meeting it was suggested that they update the Borough’s 5-year plan and he asked the status. Councilman Thornton replied he and Administrator McNeilly have been exchanging dates and he will schedule a meeting once a date is confirmed.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Cipollini
Councilman Cipollini presented Councilman Riccardi’s report in his absence. Councilman Cipollini stated there are three projects being worked on. The first is the scanning program. Documents are ready for pick up. The Administrator and the Construction Secretary are continuing to work on the project. The second project consists of the iPads. The Clerk’s iPad has been set up and it has been issued to the Clerk. The Zoning Official’s iPad was temporarily assigned to the DPW Superintendent for a training class. The third item deals with the microphone system. The system was offered to the school for use during their meetings. Currently the attendees for the school meetings are accessing the meeting online and therefore the microphones are not needed.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Cipollini/Councilman Romano
Councilman Cipollini stated the Board of Health met on September 9th. The Board addressed some non-critical items and distributed three radon kits during the month.
Councilman Cipollini stated the Environmental Commission met on September 10th and Mayor Zdichocki was also in attendance. At the meeting they discussed Furnace Pond Park, Lakeside Park plantings, the Open Space Committee, the Lutheran Church trail easement and the Plaster Mill. The Environmental Commission sponsored Clean Up Day on October 11th.
Councilman Cipollini stated the Land Use Board met on October 19th. Two resolutions were memorialized. One for the dismissal of Juntos Holdings application and the other was to grant a variance application for Leonard Goduto. An extension was granted to Vincenzo Bruzzese through December 13, 2020 due to COVID-19 delays.
Councilman Cipollini stated the Recreation Commission held the Garage Sale on October 10th. Mayor Zdichocki asked why the Recreation Commission reported on the Garage Sale. Councilman Cipollini stated he placed it there in error.
Councilwoman Kuncken asked if an invitation has been extended to the Chairman of the Environmental Commission to attend a Mayor and Council meeting. Administrator McNeilly confirmed this has been done.
Mayor Zdichocki asked if the results of the water tests, which Councilman Thornton reported on earlier, were sent to the residents. Administrator McNeilly stated the annual water quality report is mailed to the residents in May. The water tests which were just completed are part of the quarterly water tests required by the State of NJ.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
2020 Best Practices Checklist – Administrator McNeilly stated the 2020 Best Practices Checklist was uploaded to the DCA. Question #60 was submitted with the requested change to “unfavorable” at the governing body’s request.
Dell Road Milling and Paving – Administrator McNeilly stated the Dell Road milling and paving is on a weather-related delay. A new schedule is anticipated for next week. The delay on Dell Road is delaying the installation of the speed humps on Young Drive.
JCP&L – Administrator McNeilly stated he has spoken to Jose Ortiz who is the Area Representative for Stanhope Borough. Mr. Ortiz is reviewing his schedule and he will get back to Administrator McNeilly regarding his availability to attend a meeting.
CDL Designated Employer Representative – Administrator McNeilly stated he and the DPW Superintendent completed the full day CDL Designated Employer Representative Training. The training is required by both the federal and state for any entity that has CDL drivers. The DPW Superintendent took the course to oversee the CDL drivers in his department. Administrator McNeilly attended the course to oversee the DPW Superintendent who has a CDL license. Once the certifications are received, a resolution will be prepared to appoint the Administrator and the DPW Superintendent as the CDL Designated Employer Representatives.
DPW Leaf Collection – Administrator McNeilly stated the leaf collection is ongoing.
Lake Musconetcong Draw Down – Administrator McNeilly stated the draw down on Lake Musconetcong began today. The lake will be dropped down two feet and will be refilled by March 2021.
Storm Water Training – Administrator McNeilly stated Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, will provide the Storm Water Training for 2020 as part of his Engineer’s Report at the December 15, 2020 Mayor and Council Meeting. Administrator McNeilly stated Mr. Keller has received permission from the State of NJ to provide the training.
Environmental Commission – Administrator McNeilly stated he spoke with Michael Balogh, Chairman of the Environmental Commission and he will be attending the December 15, 2020 Mayor and Council Meeting.
November 24th Mayor & Council Meeting – Administrator McNeilly stated he and Councilman Romano have a conflict for the November 24th Mayor and Council Meeting due to a scheduled MSA meeting. Administrator McNeilly asked if the Mayor and Council November 24th meeting could be changed to a start time of 6:00PM instead of 7:00PM. The governing body and the MSA will both be discussing the budget and this will be the first in person meeting for the MSA since February. Administrator McNeilly stated he and Councilman Romano advocated for the MSA to meet in person and as such they feel they need to be present.
Administrator McNeilly stated there are three remaining Mayor and Council Meetings for the year. The December meeting has typically been attended by the Tax Assessor and the Borough Auditors. Administrator McNeilly suggested having the Tax Assessor attend the November 24th meeting and have the Environmental Commission Chairman, the Borough Engineer and the Borough Auditor attend the December 15th meeting. The Tax Assessor is available for the November 24th meeting.
Mayor Zdichocki asked the governing body for any objections to changing the November 24th meeting to start at 6:00pm. Seeing no objections, the November 24th meeting will begin at 6:00pm.
Administrator McNeilly stated the budget books will be distributed by the middle of next week. Councilman Romano stated he is of the opinion the budget discussions should begin at the November 10th meeting, provided the budget books have been distributed. Councilwoman Kuncken agreed. The governing body made the decision to begin the November 10th meeting at 6:00pm also. The Clerk will advertise the time change. The governing body will address whether or not to change the start time for the December 15th meeting at a later date.
Tax Sale – Administrator McNeilly stated the Tax Sale was held last Wednesday. A formal report has not been received from the Tax Collector. The sale was successful and it was held at the DPW yard to accommodate for a larger crowd. The classic problem occurred where there were several other towns holding their sale at the same time. Only three properties remained unsold. The Borough will be able to close 2019 at 100% except for those three properties. Two buyers attended the sale.
Duct Cleaning for Borough Hall – Administrator McNeilly stated it has been two years since the ducts at Borough Hall were cleaned. The duct cleaning will be scheduled for a Saturday in November when the building is empty.
COVID-19 – Administrator McNeilly stated current events indicate COVID-19 cases are increasing. Constant contact is being maintained with the Borough’s OEM, Wayne Anthony, and with the County. The Borough’s stock supplies, materials and equipment are in good shape. We are continuing to obtain supplies from wherever they become available. Inventory is being maintained. The staff across the board are doing an excellent job. The office staff, DPW and Police are keeping their distance and keeping everything clean. Trucks are not being shared. Administrator McNeilly stated he spoke with the staff last Wednesday regarding COVID. Borough Hall is a tight location for everyone. Everyone has to remain six feet apart, and if that is not possible masks are worn. No one is touching anything that does not belong to them. Everyone is staying in their own areas. Unfortunately, it looks like this is going to last a lot longer than originally thought. Services for the public are all being taken care of. The public has full access to all departments. If an issue occurs that requires a member of the public to meet with any of the staff face to face, arrangements are being made. The public is met out in front of the building or brought inside to the counter. The Borough is still unable to have walk in traffic until the six-foot restriction is removed.
Mayor Zdichocki commended the office staff and stated she has not received one complaint. Only positive feedback has been received. Mayor Zdichocki stated she has officiated wedding ceremonies outside at Borough Hall. Everyone is very happy with the way things are being done.
Environmental Commission – Councilman Thornton stated he was of the understanding that the Environmental Chairperson would be attending the Mayor and Council meeting in November. Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough Engineer is not available for that meeting. Therefore, the Environmental Commission Chairman and the Borough Engineer are being scheduled for the same day. Councilman Thornton stated he was not aware that the Borough Engineer had to be present at the same time when the Environmental Commission is merely stating what they wish to do. Administrator McNeilly stated anything that would affect the area around the pond or the plaster mill should be heard by the Borough Engineer is real time. The Engineer can estimate the costs. Nothing can be done alone by the Environmental Commission in that area. Councilman Thornton stated he was of the opinion the Environmental Commission Chairman was just going to discuss what they commission would like to do. Councilman Thornton stated, as he did at the last meeting, there is no money available to do anything unless grants are received. Mayor Zdichocki stated the Environmental Commission does have some questions regarding grants and they are also looking for information about the walkway behind the church. They have been told by the Borough Engineer that a different type of engineer would have to be hired for that project.
Mayor Zdichocki stated the Environmental Commission has heard her opinions but they now need to have a conversation directly with the Borough Engineer and doing so at the Mayor and Council meeting is the best way to accomplish this. Administrator McNeilly stated this will be the third time the Environmental Commission has presented some of these items and it will be best to have the conversation and put some of the issues to rest. Discussion took place regarding why the meeting with the Environmental Commission needs to take place. The governing body is supportive and appreciates the efforts of the Environmental Commission but at this time funding is not available. Administrator McNeilly stated the plantings do need to be discussed and there is grant money to cover those costs. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the governing body did not agree with some of the plant choices which were presented at the last presentation.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Outdoor Dining Structures/Tents (Constructions Dept.) – Administrator McNeilly stated the Governor has extended the outdoor liquor licenses until the end of March. Some locations in the Borough are taking advantage of this. The Borough provided the Zoning Permits at no cost to the businesses, unlike the State which charged $75.00 for the extended liquor license. The new extension will cost the businesses another $10.00 to the State. The extension is setting up a situation where the outdoor dining will be taking place during the winter. Administrator McNeilly stated the Construction Official has informed him, that as of December 1st, the responsibility for fire and the temporary enclosures transfers from the Fire Marshal to the Construction Official as per the DCA. This will require the following: fire permits for any open flame, such as propane heaters, etc. and tent structures have to be certified to resist snow loads in our zone and be inspected. This may be an impossible, insurmountable hurdle for the business community. The Borough has done their best to accommodate the businesses to help them get through this by quickly expanding the zoning to allow parking lots to become creative restaurant rooms. Public safety is an area where we cannot compromise. Having a structure catch fire or collapse under the weight of ice and snow is unacceptable. Administrator McNeilly stated having a structure in place without inspecting it is like saying it is okay. Councilwoman Kuncken asked if it is within the governing body’s purview to waive the construction permit/inspection fees. Administrator McNeilly confirmed the Borough can waive their fees. However, the fee of $10 being charged by the State cannot be waived. Mayor Zdichocki stated it is a shame the State is charging another fee when they could have just extended the permits. The businesses are hurting enough already. The governing body agreed public safety is of the utmost importance. The information regarding the regulations will be provided to the businesses as soon as possible. The construction department becomes responsible as of December 1st. A resolution to waive the construction permit fees for the temporary structures will be placed on the work session agenda in November.
Correction to Boards and Commissions Report – Councilman Cipollini stated he would like to make a correction to his Boards and Commissions Report. The garage sale was sponsored by the Stanhope Borough Chamber of Commerce, not the Recreation Commission as he reported. Councilman Cipollini stated he wanted to make sure the Chamber of Commerce receives the recognition they deserve.
Noise Ordinance – Administrator McNeilly asked Councilman Cipollini if he wanted to discuss the possibility of a noise ordinance this evening or at the work session in the future. Councilman Cipollini stated he has not had the opportunity to research the subject fully but would like to bring the topic up for discussion in the future due to the fact he has been asked several times as to why the Borough does not have a noise ordinance. Mayor Zdichocki stated approximately ten years ago there was a discussion regarding the possibility of adopting a noise ordinance but it was not received well. There were varying opinions on what was considered noise. Administrator McNeilly stated information from a legal standpoint will be necessary. Attorney Leo stated there is a model state noise ordinance which would be followed. The regulations state 65db with the hours stated at 7:00am to 10pm. In order to enforce a noise ordinance, someone from the Borough would have to be appointed and trained as the Noise Officer and the ordinance adopted. Attorney Leo stated the Borough could adopt an ordinance which is stricter than the state ordinance but a lesser ordinance cannot be adopted. Administrator McNeilly stated noise can be extremely subjective. Enforcement would be an issue. One person could be trained to enforce this but that person is not going to be available 24/7. Mayor Zdichocki stated there are times when noise issues have been a problem and the police have responded to the call and asked the resident to be respectful of the neighbors. There is an ordinance for good order in place already. Administrator McNeilly asked Attorney Leo if a noise nuisance can be determined just by the time of the occurrence. Attorney Leo stated that would be up to the officer’s discretion. Councilman Thornton asked what the enforceability is for a moving target with a noise violation such as cars going down the road. Administrator McNeilly stated the noise officer would have to be sitting with the noise metering gun at just the right time to catch the offense as it happens. Councilman Cipollini will research the issue further and will bring this topic up for discussion in the future.
Repair Shop on Main Street – Councilman Thornton asked for a status update on the situation at the auto repair shop on Main Street. Administrator McNeilly stated the Zoning Officer sent out letters of violation to the property owner and the business owner to abate the situation. The due date for compliance is tomorrow. The violation has not been abated and therefore summons’s will be issued.
Stanhope School (Voting) – Councilman Romano stated he and Mayor Zdichocki have been in contact with Stephanie Dilonno, who is the third-grade teacher at Stanhope School. The students are currently learning about voting. Councilman Romano stated he will be making a presentation to the students this Thursday. He asked Ms. Dilonno to ask the students for some questions they would like to have answered about voting. Councilman Romano stated the students came up with some very good questions. They want to know some of the things the governing body has voted on. They asked why they cannot vote. Councilman Romano stated he did a project with the students. On the ballots there are often questions to be voted on from the legislature or from the municipality. In order to involve the students, a ballot was created and distributed to them so they could vote on a question. Councilman Romano stated he told the students he would take the results of their vote and report them to the governing body at the Mayor and Council meeting for the Council’s opinion and the results would then become part of the record of the meeting. Councilman Romano will then share the minutes, once approved, with the students. The ballot question for the children was as follows: Should the council budget funds in the Recreation Committee’s budget that would allow the committee to provide free ice cream for grammar school age children at next years Summer Family Fun Day? Yes or No? The children voted and the results were sent to Councilman Romano. Councilman Romano stated the council will be shocked by the results. The results are as follows: 19 votes Yes; 10 votes No. Councilman Romano stated he and Ms. Dilonno were pleasantly surprised. Councilman Romano will discuss with the children how ordinances are adopted. How decisions are made and the costs involved. When the minutes of the Council meeting are approved, they will be forwarded to the teacher so that she can show the children they were recognized and their question was dealt with. Councilman Romano thanked the Mayor and Council for supporting his indulgence with this program. Mayor Zdichocki stated this was a great program for the children and she is sorry she was unable to participate due to a family issue. Mayor Zdichocki thanked Councilman Romano for doing this and asked him to let the children and Ms. Dilonno know that we love what they are doing and it is nice they have differing opinions, just like the Mayor and Council.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 153-20 RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND APPROVALS FOR RELIEF FROM BOROUGH ORDINANCES DUE TO LIMITATIONS ON BUSINESS OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
WHEREAS, Borough Resolution 105-20, adopted on June 9, 2020, allowed Temporary Special Use Permits for Relief From Borough Ordinances Due to Limitations of Business Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic, to allow certain outdoor business operations; and
WHEREAS, New Jersey Executive Order 150 permitted outdoor dining, New Jersey State Department of Health Executive Directive 20-014 provided provisions for the outdoor dining, and the Alcohol and Beverage Control Division (“ABC”) established the COVID-19 Expansion of Premises Permit on June 3, 2020, via Special Ruling 2020-10, which permitted expansion of alcoholic beverage sales in outdoor areas; and
WHEREAS, the ABC issued Special Ruling 2020-21 on October 19, 2020, which has allowed for a renewal process for the COVID-19 Expansion Permits through March 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope desires to assist restaurants to extend Temporary Special Use Permits through March 31, 2021.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, in the State of New Jersey, as follows:
- Temporary Special Use Permits shall continue to be available upon proper application to the Township Zoning Officer. The temporary period shall be until March 31, 2021, or longer if extended by the Borough Mayor and Council.
- If such Temporary Special Use Permit has been issued, and provided no changes have been made, such Permit shall be extended through March 31, 2021, or longer if extended by the Borough Mayor and Council.
- All terms or Borough Resolution 105-20 shall remain in effect, including compliance with all applicable Federal, State, County and Borough orders and laws regarding outdoor dining and safety requirements, including social distancing and mask requirements.
On motion by Councilwoman Kuncken, seconded by Councilman Wronko and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
CONSENT AGENDA (All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Borough Council and were enacted by one motion of the Borough Council with no separate discussion.)
Resolution 154-20 “ESTABLISHING STANDARD PROTOCOLS FOR REMOTE PUBLIC MEETINGS HELD BY A LOCAL PUBLIC BODY DURING A GOVERNOR-DECLARED EMERGENCY”
WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local government entities were forced to hold public meetings remotely; and
WHEREAS, newly enacted P.L. 2020, c.34 authorizes the Director of the DCA to issue regulations establishing standard protocols for remote public meetings held by a local public body during a Governor-declared emergency; and
WHEREAS, N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1, et seq. have been adopted as emergency regulations and are proposed for permanent adoption in the October 19, 2020 New Jersey Register; and
WHEREAS, these protocols aim to ensure continuity of government operations and transparency in conducting public business when an emergency requires a governing body meeting to be held remotely, including standard procedures and requirements for public comments and notice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, in the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby adopts the Remote Public Meeting Protocol attached hereto, to be followed by the Borough of Stanhope.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
A copy of this Resolution shall be placed on file with the Clerk of the Borough.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase in this resolution is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution.
Resolution 155-20 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF REDEMPTION MONIES TO OUTSIDE LIEN HOLDER
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector has received payment for the redemption of a lien prior to issuance of the Tax Sale Certificate, representing 2019 property taxes and/or utility charges, on Block 11501 Lot 2 C0235, known as 13235 Dell Pl, assessed to Dasgupta, Shamita, and;
WHEREAS, the Tax Collector certifies that reimbursement is now required to be made to the following lien holder for the required redemption amounts as shown below:
To Lienholder: Pro Cap 8, LLC.
US Bank Cust for Pro Cap 8
2500 McClellan Ave, Suite 200
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
Redemption Amount: Tax Lien sold 10/21/20 and
Interest to Date of Meeting $ 10.25
Premium Paid by Lienholder 0.00
Total From Current Fund: $ 10.25
Total From Tax Premium Account 0.00
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 Wronko, seconded by Councilman Cipollini and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, the foregoing resolutions were duly adopted.
Roll Call:
Councilman Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 156-20 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 27, 2020 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 Cipollini – yes
Councilman Romano – yes
Councilwoman Kuncken – yes
Councilman Thornton – yes
Councilman Riccardi – absent
Councilman Wronko – yes
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Ursula Leo stated she had no report.
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.
Carmen Pico, 25 New Street, stated he spoke with Administrator McNeilly after the last meeting regarding a sinking section of road on New Street near the catch basin/storm drain. Administrator McNeilly stated the section in question is located at the corner of Plane View Street and New Street. Mr. Pico stated his concern is that the road may be sinking. Administrator McNeilly stated the DPW has been busy with hydrant flushing and leaf pickup and they have not looked at the situation as yet. Administrator McNeilly did look at the area and saw there is a gradual depression in the road but the road is not broken open. Mr. Pico stated there was an incident where a man fell through the sidewalk in New York yesterday and he is concerned the road may collapse when a car or truck drives over if the underneath is hollow. Mayor Zdichocki stated safety is a concern and someone will check into the situation.
Seeing no one further from the public wishing to speak, Mayor Zdichocki closed the public portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilman Romano, seconded by Councilman Cipollini, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk