MINUTES OF THE 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 MARCH 17, 2005.

Mayor Parker Space called the 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 Richard Clark

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

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."

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. DeBoer moved to accept the following correspondences for filing:

• Letter dated 3/7/05 from Terry Caruso of the Green Acres Program, offering status update on closing for the purchase of Block 2 Lot 2 (Bassets Bridge Road).
• Letter dated 2/25/05 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, advising results of their investigation have determined that the existing Speed Limit signs in vicinity of the Wantage School are properly installed, and there is no need for any changes (in response to resident request for review of the placement of speed limit signs, made in November 2004).
• Letter dated 2/25/05 from George Papp, on behalf of Sussex Wantage Board of Education, in response to request of governing body for consideration of another community meeting prior to the referendum; explaining board’s position that another community meeting is not needed.
• Letter dated 3/2/05 from the Law Firm representing Rachel Manor Properties, offering input and observations on proposed amendments to the Wantage Township Master Plan

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

REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the following reports for filing:

• Registrar’s Report for February 2005
• Board of Health Report for February 2005
• Construction Department Report for February 2005
• Municipal Clerk’s Report for February 2005
• Tax Collector’s Report for February 2005

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

APPLICATIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the Soil Removal Permit Renewal for Rachel Manor Commercial, LLC for the year 2005. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the following resolutions:

• Payment of Bills for the meeting of March 17, 2005
• Requesting Approval of the Director of Division of Local Government Services to create a Dedication By Rider for acceptance of money as revenue in connection with soil removal operations within the Township of Wantage.
• Awarding Scott Longcor d/b/a Longcor Trucking the contract for delivery of playground mulch for the year 2005, at a cost of $17 per yard, delivered.

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

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty discussed a request from Wantage Township Municipal Judge Craig Dana asking to see if Wantage Township might be inclined to approach Sussex Borough and broach the topic of a possible joint municipal court for Wantage and Sussex Borough. Mr. Parrott stated his belief that there was no financial justification to enter into such an agreement. Mr. DeBoer and Mayor Space affirmed that they also were not interested in entering into a joint municipal court for Wantage Township and Sussex Borough.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the following schedule regarding bid openings:

• Bid Opening for Curbside Bulk Waste will be held on May 12, 2005, with award of contract scheduled for the meeting of May 12, 2005.
• Bid Opening for the Municipal Building Renovation Project is scheduled for April 4, 2005 with award of contract scheduled for April 14, 2005.
• Bid Opening for the New Truck Storage Facility Project is scheduled for April 4, 2005 with award of contract scheduled for April 14, 2005.

Mr. Doherty requested that the Committee inform him when they are ready to act on the Aquifer Protection and Well Testing Ordinance, Donation of Old Ambulance and Sussex County Water Quality PAC Representative.

Mr. Doherty advised that there will be futher review and consideration regarding the Feral Cat Ordinance before any further consideration can be given this matter. He will inform the Committee upon completion of his research.

Mr. Doherty requested that Mr. Clark continue negotiation with Eric Grove, Project Engineer, County of Sussex regarding Improvements to Old Clove Road/ Libertyville Road allocation of project payment.

Mr. Doherty reviewed the recommendations and input from Wantage Township Economic Development Commission regarding the Township Tax Exemption Ordinance. He asked the Committee if they would like to schedule a future workshop to discuss the input of the commission. The governing body agreed that this would be a good idea.


ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Clark reported that the Mainland Tax appeal agreement has not been accepted as of yet, but should be shortly.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott reported that the URS GIS computer program is up and running. Dan Kent and Melissa Caton reported that the program could be more user friendly, and asked that URS be contacted to amend the program so information can be quickly accessed by block and lot.

Mr. Parrott reported that Mr. Papp, representing the Sussex/Wantage Board of Education would like to present the revised school budget.

Mr. Doherty informed that Mr. Papp is tentatively on the agenda for the March 31, 2005 workshop scheduled for 7:00 pm.
Mayor Space informed the Committee that the Mayor’s Conference is to be held on April 12, which will interfere with his ability to attend the Mayor And Committee Meeting schedule for the same day. After review and consideration, the governing body agreed to reschedule the Township’s meeting for April 21, 2005.

OLD BUSINESS – NONE

NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance 2005-08: Conforth Tax Exemption
A motion was made by Mr. Parrott to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-08, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A PARTIAL TAX EXEMPTION AGREEMENT WITH EMIL J. CONFORTH, PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:21-1 et seq. Final Hearing date set for March 31, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion, Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, Parrott, DeBoer Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve the minutes of meetings of the Wantage Township governing body held on January 27, 2005 (Regular and Executive), February 10, 2005, and February 24, 2005. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion, Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, Parrott, DeBoer 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.

Mr. Abrahamsen stepped forward and informed the Committee that he represented Jude and George Maragliano and asked to address the Committee regarding a soil erosion issue that is being experienced by the Maragliano’s. There is property being developed by Joe Maggio and he has been informed that the development project will be coming back before the Land Use Board. He asked that the Board please address the run off issues the Maragliano’s are experiencing before further consideration is given to Mr. Maggio’s application. Mr. Abrahamsen expressed dissatisfaction with follow up from Ms. Kanapinski, Land Use Board Secretary and Mr. Pellow, Land Use Engineer.

In response to the concerns expressed, the members of the governing body asked that Mr. Vander berg conduct an inspection to determine if any unpermitted activity is occurring on the property of concern, and Mr. Doherty took Mr. and Mrs. Maragliano’s cell phone numbers so someone from the Township could contact them directly regarding their concerns.

Mayor Space asked if there were anyone else from the public who would like to address the Committee. No one else came forward.

Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and the governing body returned to the regular order of business.

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

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk