Mayor Parker Space called the workshop session 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 Michael Garafalo.
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. Parrott moved to approve the following correspondence for filing:
- Letter dated May 18, 2005 from Sussex Wantage School Superintendent George Papp, inviting Mayor Space, Mr. Doherty and/or other Wantage representative to participate in District-wide Security Planning committee, first meeting on June 8 at 7:30 pm
REPORTS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following reports for filing:
- Registrar’s Report for April 2005
- Report of audit for Wantage township First Aid Squad for 2003 and 2004
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the payments of bills for the meeting of May 25, 2005
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the Resolution of final approval for Wantage properties included in the 2005/2006 funding round of the Farmland Preservation Program of the State Agriculture Development Committee
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to award a contract for the installation of bullet resistant glass in the court Office Window and Door to Country Glass Shop of Vernon, NJ in the amount of $5,925
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to award a contract for the Rehabilitation of Lott Road Infields to Farmside Landscape and Design of Wantage, NJ in the amount of $17,470
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the minutes of meetings of the Wantage Township governing body held on May 12, 2005, both regular and executive session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty reported that at the request of employees, he is seeking approval to hire two full time and three part time seasonal employees in the DPW. Mr. Doherty gave a breakdown to show that the budget can accommodate these hires.
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to hire two full time and three part time seasonal employees in the DPW.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty requested the Committee advise him if/when they desire action on the following proposed land use amendments: Height requirements for accessory structures; Amending definition of Minor Site Plan; Requiring a qualifying map as part of Residential cluster development Application.
Mr. Doherty requested the Committee review proposed policy clarification regarding expenses at seminars and conventions.
A motion was made by Mr. Parrott to amend the personnel policy to reflect that the Township will pay for employees to attend seminars when appropriate in accordance with the existing policy, but that any costs for spouses or family members attendance shall be borne by the employee, not the Township. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty discussed a letter from Sussex Borough regarding Regional Contribution Agreements for COAH. The Committee agreed that dialogue should continue regarding Regional Contribution Agreements with Sussex Borough. Mr. Parrott would like an informal meeting set up in this regard.
Mr. Doherty advised the Committee that he has mailed out the Road Trust Fund status letters, and suggested amending the existing ordinance to eliminate the option of allowing applicants to pay “at time of deed transfer or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, whichever, occurs first”. Mr. Garofalo supported the proposed change, and at the request of the governing body, he will prepare a revised ordinance in this regard.
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review the press release and position paper of Land Use Board regarding the Master Plan and informed the Committee that the Town Hall Improvement Bids re-scheduled opening is June 6, 2005.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Garofalo reviewed a letter from Harold Pellow, Township Engineer, asking that the governing body revise the Driveway Ordinance to require the first 50 feet of each new driveway be paved. The Committee agreed and Mr. Doherty will introduce the revised ordinance at the next meeting.
Introduction of Ordinance 2005-14: Amendment to Driveway Construction Ordinance
A motion was made by Mr. Parrott to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-14, entitled
“AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DRIVWAY CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. Final Hearing date was set for June 9, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott asked if a booklet has been received with regard to the URS System to be kept on file in the Administrator’s and Land Use office. Mr. Doherty will check on this.
Mr. Parrott advised that he has heard from Mike Garrett regarding a request that he be copied on any information regarding the future Master Plan meetings.
Mr. DeBoer reported that he has received a letter from Sussex-Wantage School District to attend a meeting to discuss the failed referendum. He asked that if the Committee had any suggestions or questions, to let him know so he can bring them to the meeting.
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.
Ms. Smulewicz came forward and spoke regarding press releases being issued by members of the land use board and hired professionals rather than from the Committee members. Mayor Space reminded Ms. Smulewicz that the Committee did in fact make a request that the master plan-amendment be tabled. Mr. Parrott advised Ms. Smulewicz that Mr. Doherty, as Administrator, makes his services available to the Mayor and Committee as well as to the various boards and agencies of the Township. Mr. DeBoer informed Ms. Smulewicz that the Land Use Board has been putting in a great deal of time and effort regarding the Master Plan and feels that the Board is keeping the best interest of the Township of Wantage in mind.
Christine Fiorenzo offered her assistance regarding any help that may be needed regarding meeting COAH requirements. The Committee advised her that help would be appreciated.
A resident came forward asking clarification as to what COAH consists of. Mr. Garofalo and Mr. DeBoer explained the Coalition on Affordable Housing to her.
Mr. Douglas Ricker came forward to discuss COAH. His concern was the threat of legal action if the Township does not meet requirements. Mr. Ricker also offered his assistance in COAH efforts. The Committee thanked him for his offer.
Mr. Ricker also informed the Township that Ogdensburg may be interested in Regional Contribution Agreements.
A resident came forward and asked why the Township has no protection from the Highlands Act. He was advised that none of the land area of Wantage Township is included in the Highlands designation.
A resident came forward and asked about the December COAH deadline. Mr. Parrott advised that the Township could continue work on the COAH requirements independently from the Master Plan.
A resident came forward and asked about spreading the affordable housing throughout the Township rather than building a large development to accommodate all COAH requirements. She was advised that this option is being discussed.
As there were no other residents who wished to come 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. DeBoer moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk