scene from Wantage Township
Minutes of Wantage Township 2005 Meetings
Mayor and Township Committee
August 11 , 2005

MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, HELD AT THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 888 STATE HIGHWAY 23, WANTAGE, N.J. ON THE DATE OF AUGUST 11, 2005

Mayor Parker Space called the workshop meeting to order, and requested the Clerk to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the governing body were present: Mayor Space, Committee members Parrott, DeBoer. The following members were absent: None.

Mayor Space stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public, and certified by the Clerk."

Mayor Space led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.

Present were members of the Colesville and Beemerville Fire Departments. John Morris, Beemerville (on behalf of the Joint-Truck Committee), addressed the Committee for assistance in purchasing a Custom Extended Medium Four Door Cab, 200 GPM Pump – 1000 Gallon Tanker Pumper.

The Committee and the Fire Department discussed funding options regarding truck specifications received from KME Fire Apparatus in the amount of $313,000. The Fire Department was reminded that the Township has currently funded only $200,000 for the purchase of a vehicle.

Mr. Morris presented an option of co-owning the new vehicle with an approximate 1/3 (Beemerville) and 2/3 (Wantage Township) split. John presented Beemerville’s desire to enter a lease for their share since the first of seven payments would not have to be made until after the vehicle has been placed in service for one year.

Mr. Morris was advised that since The Township recently bonded debt obligations (including ordinances which have funded Wantage Township’s share of the proposed vehicle), the Township cannot go out for bid without the ability to certify availability of the entire $313,000.

After much discussion, it was decided that if Beemerville could procure a loan for the additional $113,000, the process to purchase this vehicle could begin. John will have a representative of KME Fire Apparatus send the truck specifications via e-mail to Mr. Doherty to streamline the bid process once the loan has been finalized.

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

As there was no one who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

There being no other items for consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr.DeBoer moved to adjourn the workshop session. Mr.Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

After a short recess, Mayor Parker Space called the regular meeting to order, and requested the Clerk to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the governing body were present: Mayor Space, Committee members Parrott, DeBoer.
The following members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney Angelo Bolcato

Mayor Space stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public, and certified by the Clerk."

Mayor Space led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Space requested that the members of the Committee Review the Consent Agenda.
There being no Committee member present wishing to comment on the proposed Consent Agenda, Mayor Space requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following correspondence for filing:

  • Letter dated 7/25/05 from Anthony Pannella, on behalf of the High Point Regional High School, informing of a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 from 2–9 pm to conduct a referendum on proposed school facilities renovation/expansion.

Mr.DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

REPORTS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following reports for filing:

  • Tax Collector’s Report for July 2005
  • Registrar’s Report for July 2005
  • Construction Department Report for July 2005
  • Municipal Clerk Report for July 2005
  • Animal Control Report for July 2005

Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-19, to St. Monica’s R.C. Church, for on premise merchandise raffles on 10/7/05. Mr.DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-20, to St. Monica’s R.C. Church, for on premise merchandise raffles on 10/7/05. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr.Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-21, to St. Monica’s R.C. Church, for off premise 50/50 raffle on 10/7/05.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of August 11, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Susan Floyd from employment with the Township of Wantage effective September 2, 2005 Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Todd Longcor from employment with the Township of Wantage effective September 23, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion confirming correction to the employment title of Kevin Kervatt as being Assistant Zoning Officer, Housing Inspector and Fire Inspector. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion approving Change Order #1 to the Reconstruction of Sherman Ridge Road – Section III and Resurfacing of Newman Road – Section I, representing a reduction from the original contract price of $309,489 to an adjusted contract price of $305,914.85, as per recommendations of the Township engineer dated 8/3/05.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion to award a contract for Repair of Ryan Road to Owl Contracting in the amount of $5,900, per recommendation of Township Engineer dated August 8, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty presented a problem Angela Prestipino from the Sussex Queen Diner is experiencing with a substandard septic system at that location. Angela is facing a time-constraint issue regarding the filing of a Statement of Consent from the Governing Body in conjunction with her application to the Department of Environmental Protection. The normal process would be for Ms. Prestipino to meet with Harold Pellow so he could review the application and advise the Governing Body that the application is in compliance for the Mayor’s signature of consent.

Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Statement of Consent for the application of the Sussex Queen Diner pending Mr. Pellow’s review and approval of Ms. Prestipino’s application.

Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty supplied the committee with a proposed letter of Deputy Mayor Jeff Parrott regarding COAH credits for farmland preserved property which Mr. Parrott will address during his Committee Report.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of Nick Frasche’s suggestion to change the wording in Section 8-2.1 to read “International Property Maintenance Code or current edition”. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Township Attorney advises against this proposal.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he, per request of Mr. DeBoer, sent a letter dated July 25, 2005, to a Newton doctor who had expressed an interest in our surplus ambulance. The letter requested a response deadline of August 5 if the doctor were still interested. As Mr. Doherty has received no response, he asked the Committee if the ambulance should be included in the public auction of surplus vehicles via Sparta Township. Mr. DeBoer will advise Mr. Doherty of a fair minimum bid amount within the next few weeks. The Committee agreed to include the ambulance in the public auction at a minimum bid price to be established.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a request by Rachel Manor for a bond reduction on their soil removal operation as well as Harold Pellow’s recommendation against a reduction. The Committee agreed with Mr. Doherty’s request to send a letter to Rachel Manor with Mr. Pellow’s findings.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a request from Mr. Roger Marsh for input regarding whether or not his subdivision bond needed to be renewed on Block 101 Lot 23.01 and 23.05; Harold Pellow responded with a report that the drive across Lot 23.08 should be paved, so the bond can be reduced to the value of this work (reducing bond from $13,725 to $3,125). Marsh informed Mr. Doherty in a telephone conversation that his cost for a bond does not change whether the value is $13K or $3K, and that he does not believe he was obligated to pave the drive for Lot 23.08. Mr. Doherty informed Mr. Marsh of Harold’s position and that if he disagrees, Marsh should return to the Land Use Board to discuss further. The agreed with Mr. Doherty’s request to sent a letter to Marsh confirming Harold’s position and asking for Marsh’s clarification as to whether or not he wishes the bond reduced.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has been in touch with Odgensburg Borough regarding Regional Contribution Agreements (RCA) for COAH and they would still be interested in working with Wantage Township. Mr. Doherty also informed the Committee that recent findings suggest that the value of RCA’s may be set by COAH, making competitive negotiation between towns a moot point.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he had been given proposed Ordinance 2005-21, to implement fee increases for interlocal construction departments. Monday Mr. Doherty will be meeting with Nick Frasche and Vito Gadaleta as Sussex must adopt the same fee schedule adopted by the Township of Wantage.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Township has introduced 21 new ordinances for adoption in 2005. This is the amount the Township normally adopts for a given year and the 2005 A&E budget will not be able to accommodate the costs for very many more ordinance adoptions.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the CT Productions liquor license renewal (formerly Glenbrook Inn) will be absolved by the State by the end of September if it has not yet been renewed. Mr. Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to send one more request of intent via certified mail with a return receipt required.

Mr. Doherty requested an opportunity to review and discuss health benefit coverage for retirees in closed executive session in accordance with the exclusions permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review his memo regarding a proposed action plan for Open Space Preservation. The Committee agreed that a workshop sometime in September with Green Acres, Farmland Preservation, the Township Engineer, and the public should be scheduled. Mr. Doherty’s request for an Open Space Advisory Committee can be discussed at or after the findings of the workshop. The Committee also agreed with Mr. Doherty to hold off on auctions of Township held land as part of the proposed action plan.

Mr. Doherty recommended hiring Amy Heater as Custodial Laborer of DPW for remainder of calendar year 2005.
Mr. Parrott moved to hire Amy Heater as provisional part-time employee in the position of Custodial Laborer of DPW for remainder of calendar year 2005 for ten hours per week at rate of $15.14 per hour.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty recommended hiring Jeanne McBride to the position of Board of Health Secretary (pending appointment by the Wantage Township Board of Health), for the remainder of calendar year 2005, at a rate of $4800 per year pro-rated for the remainder of the year, effective 9/5/05 (in response to resignation of current BOH Secretary Sue Floyd, effective 9/2/05) [Jeanne is currently the Recreation Board Secretary].

Mr. DeBoer moved to hire Jeanne McBride to the position of Board of Health Secretary (pending appointment by the Wantage Township Board of Health), effective 9/8/05, for the remainder of calendar year 2005, at a rate of $4800 per year pro-rated for the remainder of the year.

Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of Mr. Frasche’s request for promotions for Patricia Brown and Rosanne Werner to Technical Assistant. The Committee agreed to start the Civil Service process regarding these promotions as long as there is no request for a salary increase.

Mr. Doherty asked to discuss and review the issue of accumulated sick days for Edward Vander Berg in closed executive session in accordance with the exclusions permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Bolcato give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Bolcato asked to discuss and review pending litigation in closed executive session in accordance with the exclusions permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Space reported that next Thursday representatives of The Department of Interior and the NRCS will be meeting to present programs to address recent concerns regarding silt in Lake Neepaulin.

Mr. Parrott read his letter to Assemblyman Guy Gregg and stated that he has received tremendous response from as far as Hunterdon County. He also asked his fellow Committeemen to endorse this letter in a form of a resolution to be sent to the county and neighboring municipalities.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to endorse Mr. Parrott’s recommendation in Resolution form and forward to the Sussex County Freeholders and our neighboring municipalities.

Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final Ordinance 2005-12, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XVI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE SITE PLAN CHAPTER”.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. As there was no one who wished to come forward Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-16, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XII OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE ZONING CHAPTER”.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance.
A resident asked how many houses per acre in a cluster. Mr. Parrott explained half of the land had to be designated Open Space and there is no stated number of houses per acre. As there was no one else who wished to come forward Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

Mr.DeBoer made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-17, entitled “AN ORDINANCE CREATING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT HOUSING FEES FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY”.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance.
At this time Mr. Doherty asked the Committee if they wished to raise the commercial percentage to 2% as allowable under the COAH guidelines. The Committee agreed to leave commercial and residential percentages at 1%. As there was no one who wished to come forward Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-03, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 15A OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE BEING THE AQUIFER PROTECTION AND WELL TESTING CHAPTER”
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. Mr. Conforth asked that if the reference to approved water supply in section 15A-1.5 also involved a potable water supply, how was it feasible to get adequate pumping equipment to remote construction sites. The resident was informed that his reference to individual well testing is only changed by the two (2) gallon per minute requirement and for a single dwelling, this would not pose a problem. Anne Smulewicz thanked the Committee for protecting the future water supply of neighboring residents. As there was no one else who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-06, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER V OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF “PET SHOP”, with a final hearing date scheduled for September 8, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-18, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTERS XII, XV AND XVI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE SUBDIVISION, LAND USE PROCEDURES AND SITE PLAN CHAPTERS, TO PROVIDE FOR EXPIRATION OF PRELIMINARY MAJOR SUBIDIVISION, VARIANCE AND SITE PLAN APPROVALS”, with a final hearing date scheduled for September 29, 2005.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-19, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XV O[F THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE LAND USE PROCEDURES” with a final hearing date scheduled for September 29, 2005.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-20, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER XXII ENTITLED ‘TAXATION’ ALSO BEING KNOWN AS ‘THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP TAX ABATEMENT AND TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE’ OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”, with a final hearing date scheduled for September 8, 2005. Mr. Parrot seconded the motion. On the question, Mr. Parrott stated that he was the recipient of a tax exemption in previous years, and asked the attorney if he should abstain from voting for that reason. Mr. Bolcato advised that since this issue will involve a policy decision for the Township moving forward, and since Mr. Parrott’s tax exemption application was not now pending before the Township for a decision, there is no conflict of interest and Mr. Parrott may proceed to vote his conscience on this topic. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-21, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI, FEES, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, with a final hearing date scheduled for September 29, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wantage Township governing body’s meeting held on July 21, 2005, Special Meeting, Workshop, Regular Meeting and Executive Session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

A resident asked for clarification that the ordinance introduced tonight puts an expiration date on open land use applications. The Committee informed the resident that there is now a three year limit. Since there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to enter into executive session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

There being no other items for the consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. DeBoer moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk

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