The Wantage Township Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, March 13, 2003, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N.J.

Mayor Parrott called the workshop portion of the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Jeffrey Parrott, Committeemen Richard Sytsema and William DeBoer, Administrator James Doherty, and Township Attorney Richard Clark.

Mayor Parrott announced this meeting is held in compliance with requirements of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and had been properly advertised. He led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute to the flag.

The topic of discussion was the proposed joint purchase of a ladder fire truck with Sussex Borough.

Present representing Sussex Borough were: Mayor Peter Horvath, council members John Stendor and Curt Brennan, CFO Sam Rome, Fire Chief Michael Clark, Assistant Chief Bob Stormes as well as Past Wantage Chief Parker Space.

Mr. Doherty explained a flow chart he had prepared showing different options available in order to achieve the purchase.

Following discussion, it was agreed to pursue a traditional purchase rather than a lease. Sussex Borough would pay for the insurance, handle the maintenance, and hold the title. Wantage would pay 72% of the total cost which was estimated to be approximately $650,000.

It was decided to have the respective municipal attorneys confer and prepare a draft agreement for the governing bodies to consider. Sussex officials indicated they would be willing to have the phrase “serving Sussex and Wantage” painted on the truck.

Mayor Parrott noted that 75% of Sussex Fire Department members live in Wantage and this would be a joint venture to protect all citizens. The departments are manned by volunteers and they should be provided with the best equipment possible.

Mr. Sam Rome indicated that specifications have been prepared and it would take about 10 months to receive delivery of the truck.

There was discussion about the training and experience drivers must have to operate the fire equipment.

Attorney Clark stated he would prepare a bond ordinance which could be acted on in May.

The work session was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Mayor Parrott thanked everyone for attending.

The governing body took a short recess.

The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.

Mayor Parrott stated this meeting is held in compliance with requirements of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. He led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute to the flag.

CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda was presented for consideration. No one asked for any items to be removed for separate action. Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

CORRESPONDENCE:

1) Letter dated 3/11/03 from New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection, informing that the Grant application of the Township of Wantage to fund a siltation chamber at South Shore Drive was not selected for funding in fiscal year 2003.

2) Memorandum dated 3/3/03 from the Sussex County Open Space Committee, informing of Open Space and Recreation Plan Outreach Meeting schedule; Region 7, consisting of Vernon, Wantage and Sussex, would be held at the Wantage Municipal Building at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2003.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the correspondence for filing.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

REPORTS:
Report of the Tax Collector for February 2003.
Reports of the Board of Health, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Municipal Clerk and Construction Office for February 2003.
Report of the Chief Finance Officer for Case Receipts dated March 13, 2003.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the reports for filing.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

APPLICATIONS
Membership Application for the Wantage Fire Department, for Michael Festa of Wykertown Road and for Joseph Marrocco of Northfield Drive.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the applications.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

RESOLUTIONS:

1) Confirming Change Order #1, and authorizing Change Order #2, for work completed on the 2002 improvements to various roads in Lake Neepaulin, amounting to a bottom line adjustment of an additional $2,352.00 for this project.

2) Confirming Change Order #1, and authorizing Change Order #2, for work completed on the 2002 improvements to Walnut Street, amounting to a bottom line reduction of $808.50 for this project.

3) Approval of payment of bills for the meeting of March 13, 2003.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the aforementioned resolutions.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

REPORTS
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1. LOSAP- Mr. Doherty said he is reaching out to another municipality that has implemented LOSAP and will meet with them in April to discuss details of the program. He is going to coordinate the meeting with the Wantage Fire Chief.

2. INFORMATION – SALT IMPACT: Mr. Doherty said concerns have been raised recently about the environmental impact of the amount of salt used for snow removal. He is investigating computerized equipment for DPW vehicles that would determine the amount of road materials necessary based on existing weather conditions.

3. COUNTY SHARED SERVICES SURVEY: A survey form was received from deputy county administrator John Eskilson in an effort to identify areas in which county and municipal government could work more closely together.

4. ORDINANCE: VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS OVER AGE 65- Mr. Doherty said the township’s worker compensation carrier suggested it would be advisable to consider adopting an ordinance requiring any firefighter over age 65 to obtain a doctor’s certificate affirming he/she is physically able to perform the essential functions of a firefighter. HE will obtain a sample ordinance for consideration.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Clark said there is no new litigation and no new statutes that affect the township.
He said his office has been working on routine municipal items.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORT
Mr. Sytsema thanked the Road Department for a job well done during the winter.
Mr. DeBoer added that 1,000 gallons of fuel were used during the February 17 blizzard and it was a costly winter.

Mayor Parrott said the recycling center on Route 565 closed March 1st. He spoke with a representative of Waste Management and was told it costs $30,000 to $40,000 per year to operate. The mayor added Wantage does not have the ability or the funds to keep it open.

Two months ago, the mayor said he nominated Robert Alvino to the Board of Health. Mr. Alvino’s supervisor in Customs called and said he could serve in that position.

The mayor said he would meet with Congressman Garrett tomorrow and would ask about grants and school and federal funding.

OLD BUSINESS

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Thomas Davis and Lisa Drake had approached the governing body about activating an Environmental Commission. Mayor Parrott said he felt it would be a duplication of bureaucratic services and read a list of items for which other governmental groups are responsible.
Mr. Sytsema said the local Board of Health covers many items. He thanked Mr. Davis and Ms. Drake for their input and time but felt that whatever an Environmental Commission would do is already being done.
Mr. Sytsema said he would like to get as much information as possible before making a decision.
The mayor said he would prioritize it and give a decision in two weeks and would be receptive to any more information.

NEW BUSINESS

MINUTES
Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sytsema, to approve the regular meeting minutes for February 6, February 20, February 27 and the executive session minutes of February 27, 2003.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mayor Parrott, to approve the executive session minutes of February 13, 2003.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: Sytsema. Absent: None.

ORDINANCE 2003-05: Index Cap Waiver
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce Ordinance 2003-05, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE INDEX RATE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S. 40A:4-45.14. ” Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Final reading and public hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2003.

MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce the Wantage Township municipal budget for 2003 for $5,371,609.
Mr. Doherty stated this is $230,000 less than the 2002 municipal budget but revenue from state grants and county funds is also less. There would be a two-cent increase in the tax rate but last year there was a two-cent decrease, so this would be the same municipal rate as 2001.

Mayor Parrott gave the figures for the school district tax rates.

Mr. Sytsema thanked Mr. Doherty and the department heads for the hard work they put into preparing the budget.

Mr. Doherty said there was no money received from the state last year for Clean Communities and he did not know about this year so no funds were included.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
A public hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2003.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt a resolution attesting to the eligibility, and accepting the responsibility, of local budget self-examination in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:30-7.2 thru 7.5. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

Frank Galligan of Lake Neepaulin asked about the item on the Consent Agenda referring to siltation chambers. It was explained no funds are available this year for that project.

Tom Davis said he was disappointed about the decision regarding an Environmental Commission. He made some statements about the Master Plan and was urged to attend the public hearing about that on April 7th.

There being no further business to come before the governing body, a motion was duly made, seconded and carried by voice vote to adjourn at 9:07 p.m.
__________________________
Jeffrey Parrott, Mayor
ATTEST:____________________________
James Doherty
Administrator/Municipal Clerk