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 30, 2006

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott 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 Parrot, Committee members DeBoer, Space.

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

The Mayor and Committee invited representatives of the Sussex Wantage School District to offer a presentation regarding the proposed 2006-2007 School Budget.

Present for the School District were: Anthony Mistretta, Interim Superintendent; Diane Rose, School Board President, and Gail Gardner, School Board Member.

After the presentation by Mr. Mistretta, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public, for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

Anne Smulewicz, 108 Route 23, asked the Superintendent if this budget indicates there will be another referendum regarding school repairs. Mr. Mistretta advised that they are contacting architects regarding needed repairs and the Board will have to make a decision based upon findings at a later date. Mr. Mistretta also outlined the cost of referendum per Ms. Smulewicz’s request.

Ms. Jane McHugh, 174 Route 284, voiced her concern regarding monies spent on repairs versus monies being spent on reducing class sizes.

Diane Snure, 150 Mt. Salem Rd., asked for further details on fees involved with referendums. Mr. Mistretta offered a response.

Ray Delbury, 65 Lowe Road, voiced his concerns regarding overcrowding in the schools and asked if the tuition coming in for students outside the district cover the costs associated with educating them. Mr. Mistretta explained that the School District is required to run the programs involving sharing services regardless of whether or not students outside the district attend.

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

Mayor Parrott and the Committee thanked Mr. Mistretta for his presentation.

Mayor Parrott invited representatives of High Point Regional School to offer a presentation regarding the proposed 2006-2007 School Budget. Mr. John Hannum, Superintendent, School Board Members Scott Merkel and Robert Shevlin and Business Administrator, Steven Kepnes were present.

Mayor Parrott thanked High Point Regional High School for their presentation and opened the meeting to the public.

Doug Ricker, 91 Beemer Rd., asked for clarification of the polling times, William Gettler, 98 Gemmer Road asked for clarification regarding the impact on the tax rate, and Anne Smulewicz, 108 Route 23 asked if there was another referendum planned. Mr. Hannum advised Mr. Gettler that the figures presented represent the true tax rate based upon available assessed value of all the sending districts. Mr. Hannum further advised that there is no referendum planned.

As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public. There being no other items for consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. DeBoer moved to adjourn the workshop session. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

After a short recess, Mayor Jeffrey Parrott 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 Parrott, Committee members DeBoer, Space. The following members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney Angelo Bolcato.

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

Mayor Parrott asked representative of the Wantage Fire Department and Sussex Fire Department to come forward to discuss issues of interest and concern. Scott Haggerty, Wantage Chief, presented a proposed approach for a recent concern involving availability of a Tanker for use by the Sussex Fire Department within their response area. Sussex will temporarily use the Wantage Tanker through January 31, 2007, which will require changes in dispatching, but not compromise fire coverage. The Committee agreed to Mr. Haggerty’s proposal and, along with the Administrator, thanked him and the members of Beemerville, Colesville and Sussex Fire Departments for working together for the ultimate safety and well being of Wantage Township and its surrounding areas.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Parrott 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 Parrott requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL06-10, for Sussex-Wantage PTO, to conduct an on premise merchandise raffle on May 12, 2006 at High Point High School. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None. Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space Raffle License RL06-11, for Sussex-Wantage PTO, to conduct an on premise 50/50 Raffle on May 12, 2006 at High Point High School. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Extension of 2006 Wantage Township Temporary Budget until the final adoption of the 2006 Municipal Budget.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to approve Budget Appropriation Reserve Transfer totaling $600 from Garbage Removal to Engineering OE; and $6700 from Tax Assessment OE to Finance OE
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to confirm the permanent appointment of Kevin Kervatt to the position of Assistant Zoning Officer of Wantage Township, under Civil Service procedures.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize award of contract to Farmside Landscape & Design of Sussex, NJ for 2006 Field Maintenance Program, in the amount of $11,350, representing lowest competitive quote received as of end of submission date for quotations.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize Refund of $200 to James Wynn for Driveway Permit Application fee on Block 17, Lot 14. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize Refund of $2,186.10 to Nicholas Stefano, representing Developer Fee paid in error on Block 147, Lot 3.03. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize Refund of $500 to Jahn and Cindy Tiger, representing Developer Fee paid in error on Block 133, Lot 19. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty advised the Committee that the State of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage control has received an application from Ventimiglia, LLC at 101 Layton Road for consideration of a state-issued Farm Winery License. Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to let him know of any comments or observations before the State gives consideration to approving this license.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to address B. B. Bajda’s request for payment of unused vacation time. The Committee agreed to direct our attorney to deny Ms. Bajda’s request for payment of unused vacation time.

Mr. Doherty advised the Committee that in following up on a recent meeting in Sussex Borough Hall with representatives of NJDOT about the Route 23 realignment project, he has written a letter to NJDOT requesting courtesy meeting with owners of A&P Shopping Plaza to review impact of the proposal on their location.

Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to contact Mr. Littell’s office regarding future plans for Route 23 and presented the public with further information regarding the Route 23 alignment project.

Mr. Doherty advised the Committee that a Wantage resident previously expressed unhappiness and concern that Wantage DPW pruned branches off several trees fronting her property and although he does not believe that Wantage Township did anything improper, he would like to offer to replace any trees that died as a result of the DPW’s actions. The Committee agreed that if Mr. Doherty can resolve this matter by expending $500 or less he should do so. If not Mr. Doherty will bring this matter back to the Committee.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see a letter from Wantage Township Prosecutor William Haggerty dated 2/24/06, suggesting the Township review its ordinances to consider amendments that would increase fines and penalties as permitted by recent legislation adopted by the NJ State Legislature. The Committee asked Mr. Bolcato to draft an ordinance for introduction at a future meeting.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Bolcato give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Bolcato had nothing new to report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Space, asked a representative from Mr. Pellows office to clarify questions regarding the clearing being performed for the realignment of Sherman Ridge Road.

Mr. Space advised the Committee and public that there will be a hike at High Point Mountain on April 8, 2006.

Mayor Parrott read a statement from Ed Vander Berg, Fire Official regarding the cause and origin of recent fires in the Wantage Township area. Mr. Space and Mr. DeBoer commented on the unfortunate circumstances surrounding these recent events.

Mayor Parrott reported that Union Contracts will be underway and completion of negotiations is planned by September for implementation as of January 1, 2007.

PROCLAMATION
Mayor Parrott read a proclamation for Robert DeMaria who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Mayor Parrott, Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Space congratulated Robert on his fine accomplishment and asked the public to join them in a round of applause.

NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 2006-07
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2006-07, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8-2 OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ENTITLED “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE” with amendment for 2000. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Prior to final roll call, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. William Gettler, 98 Gemmer Rd., brought up numerous concerns he had regarding this ordinance. Mayor Parrott advised that Mr. Nick Frasche, Building Inspector requested the changes in this ordinance, and that Mr. Frasche was on vacation for the next few weeks. Mayor Parrott further explained that he will address his concerns with Mr. Frasche when he returns. As there was no one else who wished to come forward Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-08
Mr. Space moved to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2006-08, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 12, LAND SUBDIVISION, CHAPTER 13, ZONING, CHAPTER 15, LAND USE PROCEDURES AND CHAPTER 16, SITE PLAN AND CREATE CHAPTER 14, STORMWATER CONTROL IN THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, NEW JERSEY”. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. Anne Smulewicz, 108 Route 23, brought up concerns with enforcement of our Stormwater Plan. Mr. Tom Knutelsky from Harold Pellow and Associates, gave a brief overview of Stormwater Management regulations in the State of New Jersey, explaining that these regulations have been promulgated by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The Township is required to enact and enforce the state’s regulations. As there was no one else who wished to come forward Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Ordinance 2006-11
At the request of Mayor Parrott, Mr. Doherty explained that this ordinance was introduced under the assumption that it would save money for taxpayers. Since the introduction, Mr. Doherty and the Committee have heard many residents voice concern over turning Soil Erosion and Sediment Control over to the County. The Committee agreed that if it is uncertain whether this ordinance will save money for taxpayers, the Township should keep local jurisdiction for Soil Erosion in the Township. Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. Steve Parry, 22 Glen Road, Anne Smulewicz, Brenda Caparuscio and Doug Ricker, all expressed appreciation for leaving soil erosion at the local level. As there was no one else from the public wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

Mr. DeBoer moved to defeat Ordinance 2006-11, entitled “AN ORDINANCE REPEALING THE TOWNSHIP’S EXISTING SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL ORDINANCES CONTAINED IN CHAPTER XVII OF THE TOWNSHIP’S GENERAL ORDINANCES AND TRANSFERRING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL TO THE SUSSEX COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8-2 OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ENTITLED “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE”.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Ordinance 2006-10
Mr. Space made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-10, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING WANTAGE TOWNSHIP’S GENERAL ORDINANCES, CHAPTER III “POLICE REGULATIONS” §3-1.1 “MAXIMUM PENALTY”. Final Hearing date scheduled for April 13, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

INTRODUCTION OF WANTAGE 2006 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve the introduction of the 2006 Wantage Municipal Budget, with a public hearing date scheduled for April 27, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Space made a motion to implement the Budget Self Examination authorized by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for the 2006 Wantage Township Municipal Budget, as per the resolution entitled “Resolution – Budget Self Exam”.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

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

Mr. Gettler, asked for the impact the revaluation would have on the tax rate. Mr. Doherty explained what impact the taxes had on his personal residence for comparison purposes. Mr. Gettler revisited the property maintenance ordinance and Mayor Parrott reminded him that he has already agreed to speak with Mr. Frasche upon his return.

Anne Smulewicz and Doug Ricker expressed concern with the revaluation company. They were informed that if they feel their revaluation contains errors, they should contact Melissa Rockwell, Wantage Township Assessor. If they are unhappy with the revaluation number, they must go through the Sussex of County Appeal process which has been extended until May 15, 2006, due to the revaluation.

Ms. Shari Fiore expressed concern with a Peddlers permit she has recently applied for. Ms. Fiore was given her option regarding this permit.

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

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk