MAYOR AND COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
October 25, 2022
6:00 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 5, 2022 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 meeting time change was sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on October 18, 2022 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
Councilwoman Kuncken – present
Councilman Thornton – present
Councilman Riccardi – present
Councilman Vance – present
Councilman Romano – present
Councilman Wronko – present
Mayor Zdichocki – present
2023 BUDGET DISCUSSION
Administrator McNeilly stated the CFO will be attending the next scheduled Mayor and Council meeting. The budget pages are set up differently this year. Previously, there was a footer on the pages which gave a date stamp, which is not provided. The last column shows 100%. This means the number has not changed from last year. In the past, if the line item went up 2% that is what would show in that column. If the line item decreased, a negative number would have shown in that column. Now, if there is an increase, it will appear as a number in excess of 100%. The reason for the changes is due to the fact someone new is preparing the documents. Items which were entered manually have transitioned to automatic entries, which has changed the layout. There have been changes made to the program itself from last year to this year. Administrator McNeilly stated that MSI was bought out by Edmunds and this may cause changes in the future. The governing body was asked to disregard the salary lines at this time, as these will be determined at the end of the budget discussions.
3-a General Administration – No changes were made. Much discussion took place regarding the fact that the office supply budget was exceeded. This will be looked at throughout the other departments to see if that is a trend. Administrator McNeilly stated even though the supply budget went over budget, the final total amount expended for the overall department has not been exceeded.
3-b Mayor & Council – No changes were made.
3-c Municipal Clerk – Mayor Zdichocki stated she had heard the election costs were going to increase. Ellen Horak, Municipal Clerk, stated a letter was received last year. Last years budget was increased but not all of those budgeted funds were spent. The Borough is going to be reimbursed from the Federal Government. The County has received funding but the amount going to the municipalities has not been determined to date. Line Item 10512027 Election Costs has been budgeted for less than last year. Line Item 10512025 Codification contains the costs for updating the code book at the end of the year, for the previous year. This line is budgeted for less than last year due to the fact there are less ordinances to be codified.
3-c-1 Municipal Clerk OE – No changes were made.
4-a Financial Admin – Line Item 10513021 Finance Office Supplies shows a budget increase of 71.1%. The Tax Collector is requesting to purchase a bill counter/counterfeit detector machine. No changes were made.
4-b Computer Services – The proposed 2023 budget amounts for Line Item 10514021 Software Costs; Line Item 10514022 Hardware Maintenance; Line Item 10514023 Assessor’s Software; and Line Item 10514024 Internet/Website have not been finalized as of this date. Discussion took place regarding the Borough’s Nixle account. Administrator McNeilly stated all Nixle messages are sent out through his office for the municipality. Currently, there are approximately 1,560 residents signed up who receive the text messages. There are approximately 500 people who receive the Nixle emails. Much discussion took place regarding the number of messages which can be sent and if there are other companies which offer a system that would not be so limited. Administrator McNeilly stated he will check to see if there are other options. Switching to a new system would require getting residents to sign up all over again. No changes were made.
4-c Tax Collector – No changes were made.
4-d Tax Assessment – No changes were made. The Tax Assessor will be attending the December 13th meeting.
Tax Collector – Councilwoman Kuncken asked if an adjustment was made to the costs for sending out tax bills. The third quarter adjustment bills will not have to be sent in 2023 due to the elimination of the Homestead Rebate which is being replaced with the ANCHOR program. Administrator McNeilly stated the proposed budget amount for Line Item 10514523 Tax Bill Costs has been decreased from what it was last year.
5-a Legal Services – No changes were made.
5-a Engineering Services – Councilman Vance asked what the final budget amounts were for 2020 and 2021. Administrator McNeilly stated he does not have those figures but he will obtain them from the CFO. Councilman Vance stated the budgeted amounts were $28,000 each year. The 2022 charged amount is only $3,847.50 to date, which is a significant difference. Perhaps Line Item 10516521 Prof Services could be reduced from $15,000. Administrator McNeilly stated there are times when unexpected issues arise which need to be handled by the Engineer such as runoff issues, charging stations, discussions, etc. Some funds need to be available for those situations.
5-b Land Use Board – No changes were made.
5-c Regional Planning Board – The costs this year for the Regional Planning Board are the same as last year. No changes were made.
5-d Construction Official – Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the revenue from the department is still enough to maintain the department. Administrator McNeilly stated it is a struggle to be at the break even point. There are projects which no longer require permits which has caused a reduction in revenue. No changes were made.
5-e Zoning Officer – Councilwoman Kuncken noted the supply budget for Line Item 10520021 Office Supplies has been exceeded for this year. Administrator McNeilly will obtain the reason why the supply budget was exceeded. The governing body also asked for an explanation of the increase for Line Item 10520025 Dues & Subscriptions.
6-a Insurance – Administrator McNeilly stated these figures are not available as yet. The liability and workers comp total should be around 6%. The group health insurance is increasing 21%. The increase is affecting the employees and the municipality. The State should be providing the costs by Labor Day in order for the municipalities and the employees to plan accordingly. Open enrollment began October 1st but the State did not provide the costs of the plans until the week of October 24th. The data for the employees just became available today, October 25th. The employees have been given just a few days to make a decision. Some of the figures should be available in November but the actual numbers will not be available until December.
Councilman Riccardi stated the page 6-a-1 shows the actual expenditures and asked if pages like this could be provided for the other departments.
7-a Police Department – Salaries were not discussed at this time.
7-b Police Department OE – Line Item 10524021 Office Supplies has increased, in part, due to the number of computer disks needed to store the body camera videos. Line Item 10524023 Dues & Membership includes $175 for Sussex Detective’s which is a new addition. Line Item 10524024 Equipment Purchase includes the cost to replace a computer, radio replacement and equipment for the crossing guards. Typically, items under $5,000 are not capital expenses. Computers cannot be placed in capital. Councilman Thornton asked if the Police Manuals listed under Line Item 10524022 is an annual expense. Administrator McNeilly confirmed new manuals must be purchased each year. The Rodgers Group, which provides all the training for the Police Department, has increased their annual fee from $1,500 last year to $2,100 in 2023.
Mayor Zdichocki asked how the Police Department equipment would be affected if the Borough were to contract with the County. Administrator McNeilly stated the current system, through Sparta Dispatch, is ultra-high frequency. The County is all digital. If or when that change is made, all the radios, which includes police, fire and ambulance, would have to be changed to digital. The County does not supply equipment. The current contract ends at the end of 2023. If the change takes place, capital purchases will have to be made at the end of next year for the equipment.
7-c Police Dispatch & 911 Services – No changes were made.
7-d Fire Department – Administrator McNeilly stated he has asked the Fire Department for backup information. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department wants to meet with the Public Safety Committee to review the budget to avoid any communication issues.
Administrator McNeilly read back the list of items he will obtain more information on for the governing body. Councilman Vance asked for the actual expenditures for Line Item 10515523 Legal Services – Litigation for the past years. Councilman Vance is of the opinion if the budgeted amount of $10,000 has not been used over the past few years, perhaps it can be lowered. Councilman Riccardi stated the Administrator has been asked to provide expenditure information for all the line items. Councilwoman Kuncken cautioned that once a line item is eliminated or reduced and then an issue arises, the funds have to be found somewhere else. With something like litigation or engineering, it is impossible to predict what issues may arise during the year. Administrator McNeilly stated the expenditures for litigation over the past few years is most likely going to be zero. The last litigation issue was with American Salt and that ended in 2018. That is an example of how unexpected issues can arise.
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 13, 2022 Work Session/Agenda Meeting
September 27, 2022 Business Meeting
On motion by Councilman Wronko, seconded by Councilman Vance 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/Councilman Vance
(Police, Fire, Ambulance, Court & Violations Bureau, Emergency Management)
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Fire Department for the month of September reported 9 calls, 5 mutual aid calls, 3 drills, 1 meeting, 11 special details and 6 other events for a total of 196-man hours.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Sussex County Fire Department for the month of September reported there were no responses for incidents or complaints. One inspection was done at the American Legion and there were no violations.
Councilwoman Kuncken stated the Police Department reported 119 motor vehicle stops and the total number of calls for the month was 268.
Finance & Administration – Councilman Romano/Councilman Thornton
Councilman Romano stated the tax collections for the month of September totaled $109,576.45. The year to date tax collection is $9,527,314.57. The Borough collection rate percentage is doing well.
Councilman Romano stated the water utility collections for the month of September totaled $115,077.82. The year to date total is $545,206.78. The sewer utility collections totaled $132,639.43. The year to date total is $640,863.63.
Community Development – Councilman Wronko/Councilman Riccardi
Councilman Wronko stated there were seven zoning permits approved during the month of September. The permit fees collected totaled $265.00. There were nine various complaints which were addressed.
Councilman Wronko stated the Construction Department for the month of September collected $6,376.00 in permit fees.
Councilman Wronko stated as a reminder that the Halloween Parade will be held this Saturday, October 29th.
Municipal Infrastructure – Councilman Thornton/Councilman Romano
(Water Distribution, Sewer Collection System, Road Construction & Maintenance, Buildings & Grounds)
Councilman Thornton stated on October 18th he, Councilman Romano, Mayor Zdichocki, Administrator McNeilly, DPW Superintendent Jason Titsworth and Borough Engineer Eric Keller met to discuss capital expenditures and projects. The milling and resurfacing of Sagamore Drive and Spencer Street will be completed in 2023 with Local Aid Grant funding. The Local Aid Grant application for Elm Street and Gove Road has been submitted and a decision has not been received to date. This would be a 2024 project. The water main replacement project for Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road and Overhill Road is scheduled for 2024. At the Infrastructure meeting, the Borough Engineer presented three projects for consideration. Those projects are for the milling, paving and curb replacement for Lenape Drive, Woods Avenue and Lepont Street for a total of $125,100; Crestview Drive for a total of $86,400 and Towpath Lane for a total of $83,000. The committee recommends moving forward with the Lenape Drive, Woods Avenue and Lepont Street with Borough funding based on the rating scale and the deterioration of the streets. Crestview Drive and Towpath Lane would be possible projects for 2024. The DPW Superintendent reported on the F350 pickup truck which was budgeted for 2022. It is unlikely to get the order placed due to the shortage of trucks. For 2023, the plan was to retire the large dump truck and replace it with a new heavy duty non-CDL truck which will now be put on hold and reviewed in the future as a possibility for 2024.
Councilman Thornton stated leaf collection began last week in Zone 2 and leaves are continuing to be collected.
Mayor Zdichocki stated the opportunities to apply for grants for these projects is being researched. Administrator McNeilly stated the next submission for the Local Aid Grant in the Spring will be submitted for the milling and paving of Main Street which would then be a project for 2025.
Councilwoman Kuncken asked if the purchase of the non-CDL truck is being postponed due to supply issues or as not to incur the capital expense at this time. Councilman Thornton replied it is being delayed so as not to incur the capital expense. Councilwoman Kuncken stated, as she understands it, the purchase of the truck was part of a plan regarding employees to be hired. Administrator McNeilly stated the scenario has enough room in it for one year. The existing truck will be functional for this year. The contract for CDL drivers is good for another year. Councilwoman Kuncken asked for the status on the truck the Borough is waiting for. Administrator McNeilly stated the Morris County Co-op went out to bid for vehicles and the bid was rejected for some reason. For the capital lineup going through the years, delaying the non-CDL truck for a year, it does push back other items which would have been slated for replacement. Next year was supposed to be a mason dump and then next was a back hoe. The DPW Superintendent has assured the Administrator that the Borough is in good shape with the existing back hoe. The truck will be moved to 2025 and the back hoe to 2026. The chipper, which is very old at this point, has been rehabilitated and is doing well. A leaf machine was placed in the capital budget last year by the former CFO in the amount of $88,000. Unfortunately, when the time came to order the leaf machine it was discovered that the wrong machine had been budgeted. The $88,000 machine was more of a landscaper’s piece of equipment. The actual machine needed for the DPW costs $140,000. The additional funds need to be added to the $88,000 in the capital budget for this year for the purchase of a leaf machine. Once the error was discovered last year, the DPW rehabilitated the leaf machine to get it through this season.
Mayor Zdichocki stated there are vehicles stored at the DPW yard which are going up for bid online. Administrator McNeilly stated there will be a second round of vehicles listed next month.
Information Technology – Councilman Riccardi/Councilman Wronko
Councilman Riccardi stated he had no report.
Boards/Commissions – Councilman Vance/Councilwoman Kuncken
Councilman Vance stated Clean Up Day is scheduled for November 6th at Valley Road School from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
Councilman Vance stated that he noticed the Environmental Commission, in the minutes of their Old Business section, indicates they voted to remove Furnace Pond Trails/DEP Approval from the agenda. Councilman Riccardi stated the item was removed due to the fact the Borough Engineer had provided a proposal. Unless a grant becomes available, there is no reason to move forward at this time. Administrator McNeilly stated the grant writers have been made aware to watch specifically for a grant.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Eric Keller, Borough Engineer, came forward to give his report.
Valley Road & Delaware Avenue Local Aid Project – Mr. Keller stated a pre-construction meeting with FDM Construction was held on Thursday, October 13th. Various documents, as specified by the Borough Attorney’s review, have not been received to date. The contractor indicated they were mailed out last week. The contractor has stated the start date will be November 9th. This is a week later than what was stated by the contractor two weeks ago. Mr. Keller stated he has asked the contractor not to delay the project any further. The notice to proceed was set for last Monday, October 17th. The paperwork was supposed to have been submitted by Friday, October 14th and it was not received.
Sparta Road TAP Grant – Mr. Keller stated he is still coordinating the punch list items with Salmon Brothers for the Sparta Road TAP Grant project. The striping and the replacement of the Borough sign need to be completed. There have been delays due to weather. Mr. Keller stated he has expressed to the contractor that he is unhappy with the lack of responsiveness. When Sign Art was last contacted on August 31st, the timeline was to be a few weeks out which has long since passed. Mr. Keller stated he has let Sign Art know that the governing body is not pleased with the existing sign and the delay in correcting the problem. The DPW has replaced and/or installed the Eco inserts for the inlets and replaced the inlet grate.
Infrared Pavement Restoration – Mr. Keller stated quotes have been requested from three contractors for the infrared pavement restoration for Dell Road and Sparta Road. Two storm sewer trenches must be treated on Dell Road and on Sparta Road there are a couple of areas to be addressed which were highlighted during the Local Aid inspection. The Morris County Cooperative’s contractor declined to extend the negotiated pricing to the Borough which has required that we seek quotes. Quotes have been solicited from Atlantic InfraRed, Reivax and Black Rock. The quotes are due by Thursday, October 27th at 2:00pm. At this point, the only company Mr. Keller has heard back from is Atlantic InfraRed.
Capital Budget Planning – Mr. Keller stated the Capital Budget Planning was discussed earlier this evening by Councilman Thornton during his Infrastructure Committee report.
Mr. Keller stated he just wanted to clarify that the Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road and Overhill Road work in 2024 is a pavement reclamation project. The water main project will be done next year with federal funding.
Sunset Avenue/Ridge Road/Overhill Road Water Main Replacement – Mr. Keller stated he is continuing with the design services for the Sunset Avenue/Ridge Road/Overhill Road project and he is working with the Borough DPW on the individual service connections. The DPW Superintendent has provided the locations of the meters and service lines for most of the affected homes. Information on approximately ten more homes is needed. The Governing Body will have to determine how the cost to replace the service lines from the curb box to the meters in the residences will be covered. Typically, the construction ends at the curb box and the homeowner is responsible for the service to the house. However, as required by State law, any galvanized and/or lead service lines have to be replaced. The replacement is included within the contract scope, but it will be a separate construction item. A separate line item will be included in the contract to cover the installation of the water services from the mains to the curb box as a unit. Anything from the curb box to the house will be on a linear foot basis. Presumably a better price will be obtained by combining this into one contract. This decision will be up to the governing body.
Administrator McNeilly stated this issue was discussed back in May of this year. The State has now decided that the municipalities have to be involved in private property. This raises the question of how does this get paid for. A homeowner can opt out by signing a release and then that paperwork would be sent to the State. Administrator McNeilly stated however who will pay from curb box to water meter. In other towns, anyone who is on American Water or Suez, they are doing the work directly to the meter because they are building the costs into their fees. In cities such as Kearney, Harrison, Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, they are replacing all of the lines. Outside of those areas, in areas similar to Stanhope, arrangements are set up with a contractor and the homeowner is responsible for the cost to the municipality. Some municipalities are setting up payment programs. The costs can range anywhere between $5,000 to $8,000. The payment program can be set up with a zero percent interest rate. Not all services in town are galvanized, some are copper, which are not required to be changed out. If the town were to cover the costs of replacing the galvanized lines and a neighboring property owner has a copper line that breaks, how does that get handled. As property owners are replacing galvanized lines, the DPW Superintendent is keeping a record of those upgrades. The State is requiring ten percent of the residences to be changed out each year for the next ten years. This particular project will cover the replacement percentage for a few years at once. A methodology of how this will be paid for has to be determined between now and December so that outreach can be done. None of the towns are having the work done by their own department. The reason being there will be a cracked foundation, a dead tree, a rock wall etc. A private company, with insurance, needs to be doing the work. Mayor Zdichocki stated the State should be providing funding. Mr. Keller stated if a homeowner does not respond after being contacted there is a timeframe where it is then considered an opt out of the replacement. Mayor Zdichocki stated homeowners who do opt out and then decide to sell their home would have to disclose this and it could become an issue for the sale of a home.
Stanhope School Crossing Study – Mr. Keller stated the traffic counts and gap data have been received which was collected in September at the five locations. The data is being analyzed. Mr. Keller stated he would like to schedule meetings with both of the schools to determine their needs and concerns. Administrator McNeilly asked Mr. Keller to send him an email so he can arrange the meetings.
Crosswalk Warning Lights – Mayor Zdichocki asked if there has been an update for the status of the crosswalk warning lights. Administrator McNeilly read a response he received from the County on Thursday which stated, to date, the County has updated all the pedestrian signs along CR602, as well as upgrading the CR602 Grove Road beacon to rapid flashing. This unit now has LED lights instead of incandescent. Most of the equipment required for the installation of the two new beacons are in hand but unfortunately, they are still awaiting delivery of the final components. Once they are received, the installations will be programmed as a priority.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Bender Family Request – Administrator McNeilly stated an email was received from Joseph Bender indicating the Bender Family would like to donate a bench for Musconetcong Park in memory of Bruce Bender. Councilwoman Kuncken stated the family is willing to cover the expense. This was discussed further under Council Discussion.
Water System Update – Administrator McNeilly stated the DPW Superintendent, Jason Titsworth, has reported, due to the recent wet weather, the water level in the Borough’s wells has returned to normal levels. Residents continue to do a great job on conservation, as our pumping numbers continue to be lower than normal. The Borough’s MSA numbers this month were historic. The Borough is typically in the 300’s per month. This month they were 150 or 145. Other towns are experiencing this as well. The ground is so dry that no ground water is being pulled from the ground.
NJ Natural Gas – Administrator McNeilly stated the Borough has received several road opening permit requests for the gas main installation. NJ Natural Gas has already begun the gas main installation on Exit 25 leading toward Dell Road on Route 183. Road opening permits have been submitted for the area from the bridge at Isolatek to the top of McKinley Street. This consists of seven different permits. The lines will be run at least 28 feet under the Musconetcong. The directional bore will start at the curve on Furnace Street and the exit point will be at the corner of Flanders Road in front of the office of US Mineral. The DPW has done the mark outs from Dell Road to Acorn Street. There is a lot of activity at the intersection of Dell Road. There are water mains, sewer mains, drainage, and MSA’s force main.
Stormwater Training 2022 – Administrator McNeilly stated Ryan, from the Musconetcong Watershed Association, will be attending the November 22, 2022 meeting at 7:00pm to present the annual training for the governing body.
Budget 2023 Timeline – Administrator McNeilly stated the Tax Assessor and the Borough Auditor will make their presentations at the December 13, 2022 meeting.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION
Joseph Bender Request (Memorial Bench) – Mayor Zdichocki stated Joseph Bender has sent a letter asking to purchase a bench in honor of his brother. It is a very kind gesture and it would be nice for the Borough to have. Administrator McNeilly stated he will let the family know the issue is being discussed and he will ask the DPW Superintendent to do some research on benches which would be appropriate and in keeping with what is already in place. The governing body asked the Administrator to find out what the families’ budget is.
Electronic Waste Day – Councilman Thornton asked if there will be an electronic waste day in conjunction with clean-up day on November 6th. Administrator McNeilly stated the e-waste day and shredding day are done with the clean up on Earth Day. SCMUA does offer a free electronic recycling program four times a year. It is a very efficient system.
NEW BUSINESS
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 171-22 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF ESCROW FOR BLOCK 11208 LOT 2
WHEREAS, Andrew & Shana Walther was required to post an escrow deposit for variance for Block 11208, Lot 2, 1 Main Street; and
WHEREAS, the land use board review is complete; and
WHEREAS, the work is complete and there is no further billing forthcoming; and
WHEREAS, there are unused funds in the amount of $3.53.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope, that the Borough shall refund to the following owner the following amount:
Andrew & Shana Walther $3.53
1 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
Resolution 172-22 RESOLUTION GRANTING WATER ALLOCATION TO APPLICANT, TOM GILMORE, FOR ONE LOT LOCATED ON SPARTA ROAD, IDENTIFIED ON THE TAX MAP OF THE BOROUGH OF STANHOPE AS BLOCK 10105, LOT 12
WHEREAS, Tom Gilmore has filed an application with appropriate fees for water allocation to service a commercial property at 51 Sparta Road, Block 10105, Lot 12; and
WHEREAS, the Borough’s checklist and Ordinance Sections 100-34C(4) and 100-35D all require a certification from the Mayor and Council that an adequate water supply capacity exists to service the proposed development; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council wish to comply with the Ordinance requirements to certify the availability of water for the property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Stanhope that the application submitted by Tom Gilmore for water allocation be and is hereby granted as follows:
Water Allocation: 750 gpd
Resolution 173-22 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SALE OF BOROUGH PROPERTY NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE THROUGH MUNICIBID.COM PUBLIC AUCTION
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope is the owner of certain property which is no longer needed for public use; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-36 authorizes municipalities to sell public property that is no longer needed for public use at a public sale to the highest bidder as surplus property; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Stanhope desires to sell such surplus property in “as is” condition without express or implied warranties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Borough of Stanhope hereby authorizes the sale of Borough property no longer needed for public use; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the public auction shall be conducted through the Municibid.com public online auction pursuant N.J.S.A. 40A:11-36, Local Finance Notice 2008-9 of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sale of surplus property to be sold in “as is” condition without expressed or implied warranties is as follows:
ITEM MINIMUM BID
1981 Ford Sewer Jet 1FDNF60H0BVA027 $600.00
1994 Ford L8000 Dump Truck 1FDYK82E9RVA14740 $400.00
2005 Ford F-350 Pick-up 1FTWF31Y95EB79180 $200.00
2005 Dodge Durango SUV 1D4HB38N75F578960 $200.00
2009 Ford Explorer SUV 1FMEU73E99UA13812 $200.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough of Stanhope reserves the right to accept or reject any bid submitted; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to conduct the Sale, accept the proceeds in cash or certified check from the highest bidder; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the successful bidder(s) shall be required to pay the full amount of the sale and shall be required to make arrangements for the pick-up of sold property from the Borough of Stanhope within 10 business days of the auction; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if no Bids are received for all or a portion of the surplus property herein relevant, the property may be sold at a private sale without further publication but at no less than the estimated Fair Market Value unless the Administrator of the Borough of Stanhope shall recommend that the property be re-offered at Public Sale; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all other Borough officials and employees are hereby authorized and directed to take all action necessary and appropriate to effectuate the terms of this Resolution.
On motion by Councilman Riccardi, seconded by Councilman Wronko 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
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Resolution 174-22 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 25, 2022 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 Wronko 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
Angelo Bolcato, Borough Attorney, 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 Councilwoman Kuncken, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
Approved:
Linda Chirip
Deputy Clerk for
Ellen Horak
Borough Clerk