Sussex public meetings in 2022
42 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners approved several resolutions for public works, health services, and financial administration. Key actions included awarding a contract for seven minibuses and renewing medical benefit agreements for employees and retirees.
- Approved $851,930 contract to Rohrer Enterprises, Inc. for seven minibuses (4-0-1)
- Approved $579,696.34 for DPW radio system upgrades from Atlantic Communications (4-0-1)
- Approved $24,600 for tree work from Midhurst Tree Care (4-0-1)
- Approved $218,260 contract with NJ Dept of Human Services for homelessness services (4-0-1)
- Renewed medical benefit agreements with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ for active employees and retirees (4-0-1)
- Approved agreement with Township of Sparta for replacement of Bridge Q-06 (4-0-1)
- Designated Christina Marks as Clerk Pro Tem through January 31, 2023 (4-0-1)
- Approved various contract extensions for senior transportation, meal delivery, and substance abuse treatment (4-0-1)
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections will review and approve meeting minutes from previous November and December sessions. The body is also scheduled to canvass the results of the December 13, 2022, Stanhope Special School Election.
- Approval of November 30, 2022, General Election meeting minutes
- Approval of December 13, 2022, Special School Election meeting minutes
- Approval of December 20, 2022, Special School Election meeting minutes
- Canvass the results of the December 13, 2022, Stanhope Special School Election
Board of Taxation
The Board will conduct hearings on added/omitted tax appeals for properties in Sandyston, Stillwater, Hardyston, Franklin, Hopatcong, Fredon, Vernon, Lafayette, and Wantage townships, as well as rollback hearings for Sparta Township. Several cases involve stipulations or withdrawals.
- Gauri Realty LLC appeals for 6 properties in Vernon Township (Blocks 98, 85, 68, 48)
- Fredon Township re-classification hearings for two parcels owned by Carladean Kostelnik (Block 1201 Lots 2.01 and 3)
- Sparta Township rollback hearings for 13 QFarm parcels (2019-2022 years)
- Hopatcong Borough stipulation hearings for MRE Development LLC and two other parcels
- Lafayette Township: one stipulation and one withdrawal
The Board approved an extension for the Franklin Borough reassessment through the end of January. A resolution to extend the revaluation in the Borough of Hopatcong was also accepted. The Board conducted several added/omitted and rollback hearings.
- Approved extension for Franklin Borough reassessment until end of January
- Accepted resolution to extend Hopatcong revaluation
- Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes
- Cancelled December 22, 2022 regular meeting
Board of County Commissioners
The Board approved several vehicle purchases for fleet management and renewed medical and prescription benefit contracts for employees and retirees. They also accepted a $75,000 grant for the Overdose Fatality Review Team and approved various professional service agreements.
- Approved $75,000 grant for Overdose Fatality Review Team (Voice vote)
- Approved purchase of one 2023 single axle hook loader for $132,807.00
- Approved purchase of five Ford Super Duty trucks (F-350/F-550) totaling $323,518.20
- Approved purchase of four 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredos for $165,840.00
- Renewed Horizon BCBSNJ medical benefits for active employees ($9,835,355.67) and retirees ($4,379,042.31)
- Renewed Benecard Services prescription benefits for active employees ($2,466,661.44) and retirees ($3,345,926.04)
- Approved $157,897.21 for engineering services for Bridge Q-06 replacement
- Approved shared service agreements for congregate nutrition programs in Franklin, Hopatcong, and Vernon ($27,700 each)
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections is meeting to approve minutes from six prior meetings, authorize two equipment purchases totaling $14,459.83, and discuss activities for the Stanhope Special School Election. A public comment period is also scheduled.
- Approve purchase of workbench tables for election equipment from Grainger for $7,967.33
- Approve purchase of ballot activation cards from Election Systems & Software for $6,962.50
- Facilities improvement update
- Election activities for the Stanhope Special School Election
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections will vote to approve minutes from six General Election meetings held in November 2022. They will also discuss ballots for signature cures related to the Stanhope Special School Election. A public comment period is scheduled for agenda items.
- Approval of General Election meeting minutes from November 1, 8, 10, 16, 18, and 21, 2022
- Ballots for signature cures for the Stanhope Special School Election
Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee
The committee voted to recommend that Commissioners approve the Byram Municipal Chapter of the Wastewater Management Plan. The committee also decided that future meetings will be held virtually unless a special meeting is required.
- Recommended approval of Byram Municipal Chapter Wastewater Management Plan amendment (7-0)
- Appointed Keith Gourlay and Richard Gottemoller to the Reorganization Nominating Committee
- Approved transition to virtual meetings unless a special meeting is needed (7-0)
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections is meeting to approve minutes from several General Election meetings, address ballot curing for the Stanhope Special School Election, and conduct the 2022 General Election audit. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or financial items listed.
- Approval of General Election meeting minutes from November 1, 8, 10, 16, 18, and 21, 2022
- Ballot curing for the Stanhope Special School Election
- 2022 General Election audit
Board of County Commissioners
The Board approved several high-value contracts and grants, including a $5M application for transportation projects and $1.8M for senior services. They also authorized various professional service agreements and purchasing cooperatives for 2023. One resolution regarding the appointment of a Deputy County Administrator was tabled.
- Approved $1.8M grant for social and nutritional services for older persons
- Approved $25,000 contract increase for Code Blue homeless services
- Approved $5,014,293 grant application for the FY 2023 County Aid Annual Transportation Program
- Approved $276,129 contract for professional auditing services (Nisivoccia LLP, CPA)
- Approved $247,170 for on-call engineering services (Harold E. Pellow & Associates, Inc.)
- Approved $79,421 for a compact base loader from Jesco Inc.
- Approved $69,625 for sandblasting and painting at the Historic Sussex County Courthouse
- Tabled resolution to appoint a Deputy County Administrator
Agriculture Development Board
The Board approved the creation of a sub-committee to develop policies for county independent-purchased farms. A commercial farm certification application for KAI-SP Home, LLC was tabled until December. The Board also approved the October 17, 2022 meeting minutes.
- Approved Minutes of October 17, 2022 (4-0)
- Approved formation of sub-committee for independent-purchased farm policies (4-0)
- Tabled Commercial Farm Certification for KAI-SP Home, LLC until December meeting (4-0)
- Authorized Counsel to send a final letter following Executive Session (4-0)
Development Review Committee
The committee reviewed two development proposals and approved one. The application for 915 Cedar Ridge Road was approved, while the proposal for 82 Fountain Square was reviewed.
- Approved project at 915 Cedar Ridge Road (The Nature Conservancy)
- Reviewed proposal to replace building at 82 Fountain Square with 12-unit apartment building
- Reviewed project at 915 Cedar Ridge Road (The Nature Conservancy)
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections will meet to canvass the results of the November 8, 2022 General Election and certify them to the County Clerk. A public comment period is included.
- Motion to canvass the results of the November 8, 2022 General Election to the County Clerk
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections is holding a regular meeting to discuss activities related to the 2022 General Election. The agenda includes roll call, a public comment period, and adjournment.
- Review of 2022 General Election activities
Open Space Committee
The Committee approved amendments to the open space acquisition application to include environmental contamination checklists. Members also agreed to continue holding meetings virtually and formed a subcommittee to expedite the Trails Grant Program.
- Approved Minutes of June 23, 2022 (4-0)
- Decided to keep meetings virtual
- Approved amendments to Open Space Application to include environmental contamination and EPA enforcement disclosures (5-0)
- Formed Trails Grant Program subcommittee consisting of Marie Springer and Bill DeBoer
- Appointed Mike Dolan as alternate
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections is meeting to approve a $7,686.22 payment to Universal Mailing Service for mailing sample ballots for the 2022 General Election. The board will also discuss general election activities and hold a public comment session.
- Motion to approve $7,686.22 bill from Universal Mailing Service for sample ballot mailing
- Discussion of 2022 General Election activities
- Public comment period for agenda items
Board of County Commissioners
The Board approved several health and human services grants and authorized the purchase of six Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. They also approved a $1.5M bridge fund grant application and various public works contracts. Two resolutions were tabled pending further discussion.
- Approved $1.5M grant application for FY 2023 Local Bridges Fund
- Approved purchase of 4 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles for Fleet Management ($124,398.08)
- Approved purchase of 2 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles for Health and Human Services ($65,016.28)
- Approved $120,000 contract with Riverview Paving Inc. for emergency management paving
- Approved $199,965.62 for Tetra Tech Inc. to update Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Approved appointment of Danielle Schappert to Mental Health Board (4-0)
- Approved $53,256 sub-grant for Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention
- Tabled Resolutions K and L pending further discussion
Water Quality Management Policy Advisory Committee
The committee approved a sample letter to be sent to municipalities concerning their representation on the Policy Advisory Committee. Members received updates on a draft WQMP amendment checklist and the formal adoption of a sewer service area expansion for Hudson Farm in Hopatcong Borough. The committee also reviewed a request from Byram Township to amend its wastewater management plan.
- Approved Municipal Outreach letter and directed staff to send it to municipalities (Unanimous)
Board of County Commissioners
The Board approved several high-cost equipment purchases, including a sewer cleaner and fleet vehicles. They also appointed a new member to the Planning Board and designated a Clerk Pro Tem. Various resolutions for road closures and professional service agreements were adopted.
- Approved $572,317 purchase of Vac-Con sewer cleaner (4-0)
- Approved $106,853 purchase of Freightliner truck cab and chassis (4-0)
- Approved $89,656 purchase of two 2023 Dodge Durangos for Sheriff's Office (4-0)
- Approved $96,425.78 for firewall servers and software (4-0)
- Appointed John Dalmas as First Alternate Member to Planning Board (4-0)
- Designated Christina Marks as Clerk Pro Tem through Dec 31, 2022 (4-0)
- Approved $51,900 architectural services agreement with E I Associates (4-0)
- Approved $53,256 revenue insertion for Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention (4-0)
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections will meet to approve minutes, discuss a security alarm installation, review the 2022 General Election ballot signature, and set the calendar for the Stanhope Special School Election on December 13. The board will also vote on allowing electronic poll books and DS200 scanners to process voters from all three Stanhope districts.
- Stanhope Special School Election scheduled for December 13, 2022
- Motion to approve electronic poll books and DS200 scanner for all three Stanhope districts
- Security alarm installation in lower level office
- Audit dates proposed for November 29 or 30
- 2022 General Election ballot signature review
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections is meeting to approve prior minutes and discuss the upcoming November 8 General Election, including ballot signature review and a schedule for processing vote-by-mail and provisional ballots. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions or financial items.
- Security alarm installation in lower level office (old business)
- Election calendar: Nov 8 Election Day, Nov 10 cure processing, Nov 15 ballot review, Nov 24 final certification
- 2022 General Election ballot signature review
Board of Taxation
The Sussex County Board of Taxation will hold a regular meeting to approve prior minutes and discuss two items: a correction of errors for the Township of Vernon and a revaluation for the Borough of Hopatcong. No other substantive business is listed.
- Township of Vernon – Correction of Errors
- Borough of Hopatcong – Revaluation
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Board of Elections is holding a regular meeting to handle routine business, including approving prior meeting minutes and discussing old items such as a county space planning meeting and a vendor invoice discrepancy. New business focuses on preparations for the 2022 General Election audit and a review of ballot signatures. The public may comment on agenda items for up to three minutes.
- Approval of minutes from September 21, 2022 meeting
- Update on County Space Planning meeting scheduled for October 21st at 3pm
- Update on Padded Wagon invoice discrepancy
- General Election Audit preparations
- 2022 General Election ballot signature review
Planning Board
The Sussex County Planning Board is meeting to review site plans and subdivision records. The board will address resolutions for waivers granted to two specific applicants.
- Waiver resolution for Thaddeus Spinks (SCPB 18A/21/22) on County Route 640, Sandyston Township
- Waiver resolution for Benevolent Acupuncture and Wellness Center (SCPB 12A(PSP)22) on County Route 613, Sparta Township
Board of Taxation
The Board of Taxation will meet to certify the 2022 Sussex County Tax Rate Summary and discuss a Main Library proposal for the County Space Plan. The meeting also includes several rollback hearings for property owners across multiple municipalities.
- Certification of 2022 Sussex County Tax Rate Summary
- County Space Plan Main Library Proposal
- Rollback hearings for Branchville Borough (Block 504/Lot 15.01 and 15.02)
- Rollback hearings for Wantage Township (Blocks 11, 32, and 42)
- Denial of Senior Citizen/Disabled Person hearing for Hopatcong Borough (Block 31004/Lot 28)
Planning Board
The Sussex County Planning Board will meet to review site plans and subdivisions from July and August 2022. The board will also consider two specific waiver requests for projects in Sandyston and Sparta townships.
- Waiver request for Thaddeus Spinks (SCPB 18A/21/22) on County Route 640, Sandyston Township
- Waiver request for Benevolent Acupuncture and Wellness Center (SCPB 12A(PSP)22) on County Route 613, Sparta Township
- Review of site plan/subdivision items from July 25 and August 22, 2022
Board of Taxation
The Board of Taxation is meeting to conduct regular business and review tax-related reports. The agenda includes a discussion regarding the Borough of Hopatcong revaluation.
- 2022 Abstract of Ratables
- Table of Aggregates
- Borough of Hopatcong Revaluation
Board of Taxation
The Board of Taxation will review the minutes from the May 3, 2022 meeting and address new business regarding 2022 tax rates.
- Approval of May 3, 2022 minutes
- Discussion of 2022 Tax Rates
Board of Elections
The Board will elect a new Chairperson and consider hiring an Employee C. The agenda also includes updates regarding the primary election and potential equipment damage.
- Election of a new Chairperson
- Hiring of Employee C at a $33,197 base salary
- Approval of minutes from April 19, May 9, and May 17, 2022
- Payment to Universal Mailing Service for $7,307.87 regarding sample ballots
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections is meeting to address primary election activities. The agenda includes a public session for comments regarding agenda items.
- Primary election activities
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections will meet to address primary election activities. The agenda includes a public session for comments regarding agenda items.
- Primary election activities
Board of Elections
The Board is receiving an update from the Administrator regarding preparations for the upcoming primary election. The meeting also includes discussion on Vote-by-Mail signature processing for Cures.
- Update on Primary Election preparations
- Vote-by-Mail signature processing for Cures
Board of Elections
The Board is reviewing preparations for the upcoming primary election, including vote-by-mail signature processing. The agenda includes motions to approve prior meeting minutes and specific payments related to election operations.
- Approval of March 11, 2022, and March 25, 2022, meeting minutes
- $2,130.00 payment to USPS for Business Reply Permit annual fees
- Payment of $1,795 per day per person for Election Systems and Software technicians
- Primary Election preparations update from the Administrator
- Vote-by-Mail signature processing for Cures
Board of Elections
The Board is reviewing preparations for upcoming primary elections. Discussion includes hiring technicians for equipment testing and procedures for processing Vote-by-Mail ballots.
- Hire 2-4 Election Systems and Software technicians at $1,795 per day per person
- Staff removal of certificates from VBM envelopes beginning June 3, 2022
- Vote-by-Mail signature processing for Cures
Board of Elections
The Board is considering motions to approve several moving company quotes for the upcoming primary election. These costs cover the distribution and collection of election equipment on specific routes in June 2022.
- $4,450 quote from Delicato Moving Company for Routes #1 and #3
- $7,200 quote from The Padded Wagon for Routes #2 and #4
- $5,725 quote from Vernay Moving Company to collect and return equipment on June 7, 2022
Board of Taxation
The Board is conducting its annual reorganization and regular meeting. Items include the appointment of board leadership, establishing assessment levels, and addressing 2022 educational stipends and assessment appeals.
- Appointment of President and Vice President
- Resolution to Establish 100% Level of Assessment
- 2022 Educational Stipend
- 2022 Regular Assessment Appeals
Planning Board
The Sussex County Planning Board will meet to review site plans and subdivisions from March and April 2022. The board will also consider a waiver request for a project on County Route 565 in Wantage Township.
- Waiver Request File# 21A(PSP)20/22: Keith Albinson, County Routes 565, Wantage Township
- Review of Site Plan/Subdivision Review from March 21, 2022
- Review of Site Plan/Subdivision Review from April 18, 2022
- Meeting Location Resolution
Board of Elections
The Sussex County Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee is meeting to re-organize its membership. The body will discuss polling location issues, inspections, and ADA compliance.
- Re-organization of committee membership
- Discussion of ADA compliance
- Discussion of polling location issues and inspections
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections is meeting to handle the processing of school election ballots. The meeting includes a period for public comment.
- School election ballot processing
Board of Taxation
The Sussex County Board of Taxation is holding a regular meeting to conduct business. The primary item on the agenda is the 2022 Final Equalization.
- 2022 Final Equalization
Board of Taxation
The Board of Taxation is meeting to review a new assessment appeal form. The agenda also includes discussions on Daniel's Law, Monmouth County, and preliminary equalization.
- New Assessment Appeal Form
- Daniel’s Law
- Monmouth County
- Preliminary Equalization
Planning Board
The Planning Board is meeting to review site plan and subdivision items and consider waiver requests. The board will also determine its meeting schedule for 2022.
- Resolution for waivers: GDS Enterprises, LLC, County Route 565, Wantage Township
- Resolution for waivers: First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, County Routes 521 and 610, Stillwater Township
- Waiver request: Wantage Avenue Holding Co., Inc., County Routes 630 & 519, Branchville Borough
- Approval of 2022 Planning Board meeting dates
- Approval of 2022 Development Review Committee meeting dates
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections is meeting to discuss strategic planning for future elections. Key items include filling a full-time staff vacancy and purchasing voting equipment.
- Motion to submit a job requisition for full-time Employee C
- Motion to submit a purchase order for remaining voting equipment subject to County Commissioner approval