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 SEPTEMBER 8, 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."
Also present were Katherine Little, Mayor, Sussex Borough, and representatives
for High Point Regional High School: Steven Kepnes, Business Administrator/Board
Secretary, Board Members, Edward Vander Berg, Joseph Luna, Scott Mearkle,
Jim Nelson, and Tina Palecek.
Mayor Space led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.
Steven Kepnes, Business Administrator/Board Secretary High Point Regional
High School District offered a presentation regarding the referendum being
held during the Special School Election on September 27, 2005 regarding
the building addition, renovation, auditorium, woodshop, electrical, security/clock
system/intercom and sewer treatment plant.
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. The
Committee thanked Mr. Kepnes and the Board for a thorough and informative
presentation.
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 August 24, 2005 from the Friends of Lake Neepaulin, thanking Mayor Space for his efforts in addressing sediment infiltration into Lake Neepaulin.
- Letter from Judge Bozonelis, Assignment Judge of the Superior Court, offering official approval for the proposed renovations of the Judge’s chambers and court offices of the Wantage Township municipal building improvement project
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
REPORTS
Mr. Parrot moved to approve the following reports for filing:
- Tax Collector’s Report for August 2005
- Registrar’s Report for August 2005
- Construction Department Report for August 2005
- Municipal Clerk Report for August 2005
- Animal Control Report for August 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 RL05-22, to Rotary Club of
Wallkill Valley, for off premise 50/50 raffle on 12/15/05. 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 RL05-23, to Friends of Lake
Neepaulin, for off premise 50/50 raffle on 11/13/05.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to confirm municipal consent for Social Affair Permit
of Heritage and Agriculture Association for fundraiser on behalf of Lusscroft
Farm scheduled for September 24, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain:
None
Mr. Parrott moved to confirm municipal consent for Social Affair Permit
of Colesville Volunteer Fire Department for Wet down scheduled for September
24, 2005. 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 September
8, 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 the promotion of Patricia Brown to
the position of Technical Assistant in the Construction Office, effective
9/01/05, with no change in salary level. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion confirming the promotion of Rosanne Werner to
the position of Technical Assistant in the Construction Office, effective
9/01/05, with no change in salary level. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion offering Preliminary Approval for the FY 2007
funding round of the State Agriculture Development Committee for the Farmland
Preservation program in Wantage Township. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion affirming compliance with the requirements of
the Local Fiscal Affairs Act for the Report of Audit for calendar year
2004. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion awarding the contract to Wantage Excavating
for the project entitled “Drainage Improvement At Courtland Drive”,
as per the recommendation of the Township Engineer. Mr. DeBoer seconded
the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion granting permission for the neighbors and friends
of Roland Melanson to place a commemorative park bench in Woodbourne Park,
in honor and memory of Mr. Melanson, subject to confirmation of permission
from the Wantage Township Recreation Commission. 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 for the project entitled
Reclamation of Wantage School Road – Section I, resulting in a total
price increase of $3,480.82. 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 #2 for the project entitled
Reconstruction of Sherman Ridge Road – Section III and Resurfacing
of Newman Road – Section I, resulting in a total price decrease
of $6,246.32. 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 for the project entitled
Reclamation of Wantage School Road – Section I, resulting in a total
price decrease of $387.36 with Reclamation of Kingston. 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 the Township has encountered with finalizing
the acceptance of Dales Crossing, Marie Court and Adrienne Court as the
developer has not filed the deeds necessary for the Engineer to be able
to determine if the required work on the roads has been done. This came
about when the Developer asked that the bond we are holding on these projects
be refunded. Mr. Bolcato advised that the best course of action would
be to contact the developer’s attorney and if they are no longer
representing this client, the bonding company would be the next logical
contact person.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Mr. Parrott would like to discuss
personnel issues in the Construction Department in closed executive session.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that a previous employee of the DPW
Department would like to be considered for re-employment with the Township.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that we usually hire seasonal help
during the winter months and the employees who worked for us last winter
are no longer available, the Committee consider hiring back Todd Longcor
effective December 1, 2005, as a new employee. The Committee asked Mr.
Doherty to present this option to Mr. Longcor.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the bid opening results of September
8, 2005 for the New Dump Trucks. Two bids were received. H&H Mack
(lowest bidder) failed to provide a Consent of Surety, and Brown Hunterdon
Mack failed to provide a “Business Registration Certificate”
both of which represent fatal flaws in the bidding process.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to reject all bids received on September 8,
2005, and authorizing Mr. Doherty to go out for re-bid on the “New
Dump Trucks” project. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll
call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of an ongoing drainage issue on Snover
Road, with Mr. Frank DeBoer. This neighbor’s catch basins go under
the road and onto his property from 65 Snover Road. Mr. Pellow agrees
that no permits were issued for this project, but there is a new owner
at that location at this time. The new owner complied with the Township’s
request to come onto his property to try to resolve this issue.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a request by LGR Enterprises regarding
developer fees for their COAH obligations for Fieldstone Ridge. A conference
call was made between Glenn Kienz, Wantage Planning Board attorney, the
attorney for LGR, Mike Garofalo and Skip Ferguson. Fieldstone Ridge would
like to have a fee of $24,000.00 memorialized as the amount they will
owe for all COAH obligations on this project. The Committee asked Mr.
Doherty to set up a meeting with Mike Garofalo, Glenn Kienz and one Committee
member to clarify this issue so a decision can be made at our next meeting.
Mr. Doherty discussed recent security issues with the Committee and informed
them that he is looking into a motion sensor light for the outside of
the building near the finance department and for a security camera for
the front of the building. The Committee agreed that this is a good idea.
Mr. Doherty discussed negotiations regarding the proposed budget for the
2006 Interlocal Service Agreement for the Construction Department with
Sussex Borough. The Committee informed Mr. Doherty that they would like
to see the percentage increase of 5% be set higher due to anticipated
increases in health benefit costs, pension obligations, and over all operating
expense increases.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the results of a meeting with Zitone
Construction regarding the future schedule of the municipal improvements.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a meeting he has scheduled for September
18, 2005, on Ryan Road with representatives of the DEP, the Sussex/Wantage
School, Ken Karnas, Clean Communities, and Sussex Borough to implement
a recycling program for the Sussex-Wantage Schools.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he is becoming increasingly concerned
with the possible financial burden and liability facing the Township with
respect to the house relocation project on Libertyville Road. The Committee
agreed, and instructed Mr. Doherty let Ms. Toal know that the Township
and county would be willing to build her a new house, but no longer believe
that the relocation of her current residence is a viable option. Ms. Toal
will be asked to respond by September 20, 2005.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that a work session on September 29,
2005, be held at 6:30 pm. regarding a proposed action plan for Open Space.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he should have an update on the
health insurance plan quotes by the end of the month.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the Green Acres Program action plan
for Phase IV Improvement to Woodbourne Park, and the Recreation Committees
desire to spend the $250,000 in funding on construction of a pavilion
with restrooms, well for irrigation system and an irrigation system for
one of the older fields. The Committee agreed to move forward with this
project.
Mr. Doherty reported that Nick Frasche has informed him of a new state
rule requiring the inspection of any retaining wall over four feet. Mr.
Frasche does not feel the inspectors have the expertise to review these
plans and asked that these plans be forwarded to Mr. Pellow for his review.
This requirement would require an ordinance to be introduced by the Committee.
The Committee asked that the building department require an engineer’s
certification of the owner and have this responsibility put back on the
owner. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he believes the State has
put the responsibility on the Township via the building department. The
Committee agreed to speak with Nick and Ed in this regard before they
decide to introduce a Township Ordinance.
Mr. Doherty presented the Committee with the Report of Audit for 2004
and his recommendations for 2006 to better handle the internal control
issues within the Township. He also asked each Committee member to review
the audit and sign a certification which must be sent to the State within
30 days.
Mr. Doherty reported that he has provided various municipalities with
interlocal agreements for animal control coverage and informed each that
this is the only way our Animal Control Personnel can do work for their
municipality, as our employees cannot freelance in this regard.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of recent requests he has received
for combining the Sussex and Wantage Municipal Court System. The Committee
determined by consensus that there is no interest by them in pursuing
this option at this time.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Bolcato to give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Bolcato informed the Committee that his only item regarding the Toal
House has already been addressed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Space reported that he will be unable to attend the ceremony on
October 2, 2005 for Eagle Scout Jon Panico, but will find someone to take
his place.
Mr. Parrott reported that he had a meeting with Assemblyman Guy Gregg
and Congressman Scott Garrett regarding implementing open space and farmland
preservation options COAH obligations.
Mr. Parrott reported Stephanie Green, with the help of Mayor Space and
Space Farms has collected 10,000 donated toys for victims of Hurricane
Katrina and asked that Mr. Doherty prepare a Mayor’s Proclamation
to present to Stephanie on behalf on the Township thanking her for her
efforts. The Committee agreed and commended Stephanie as well.
Mr. DeBoer reported that he would like the surplus ambulance be taken
off the list for auction and be donated to help in the Hurricane Katrina
relief efforts. The Committee agreed. Mr. DeBoer informed the Committee
of an article in “The Advertiser” thanking the Committee for
all their help.
OLD BUSINESS
The Committee reviewed and discussed a letter from FOLN dated 8/31/05,
requesting installation of speed humps on South Shore Drive. The Committee
agreed to take this under advisement.
The Committee reviewed and discussed a request for consideration of adopting/approving
Developer’s Agreement with Glenwood Homes, per letter from Thomas
Molica dated 9/1/05 and E-mail correspondence from Thomas Collins dated
9/6/05. Mr. Bolcato advised that the developer’s agreement is nearing
approval for the Mayor’s signature.
Since there is a revised bond requirement, the developer has asked that
the Mayor sign the Developer’s Agreement subject to final approval
by the Township’s Engineer and Attorney. The Committee would like
to see the final agreement prior to authorizing the Mayor’s signature.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final reading Ordinance
2005-06, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER V
OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF “PET
SHOP”. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
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 requested a roll call on the ordinance adoption.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain:
None
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final 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”. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
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 for clarification on the purpose of the ordinance. Mr.
Parrott explained the history of the abatement process. 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. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
The Committee was asked to review a letter from the Secretary and Site
Manager of the Sussex County Nutrition Site, requesting assistance from
Wantage Township governing body in locating a permanent site for a nutrition
site for the senior citizens of the Sussex/Wantage area. The Committee
agreed to take this matter under advisement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wantage Township
governing body’s meeting held on August 11, 2005, 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.
Anne Smulewicz informed the Committee that she will be doing a study regarding
the land use board and the Township’s use of professionals. She
also expressed gratitude for the good job the Committee is doing as well
as Administrator, Jim Doherty. Ms. Babcock also expressed her gratitude
and thanked Mr. Doherty for a job well done.
Ms. Babcock expressed concern with the COAH requirements and her confusion
that the Township would entertain lowering any COAH requirements for developers.
The residents were invited to attend the Open Space Planning Session on
September 29, 2005
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to enter into executive session. Mr. Parrott
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor Space declared the meeting
reconvened into regular session. 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