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 SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott called the regular meeting to order at 8:00 p.m., 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 Richard Clark

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.

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.

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

Letter dated August 30, 2006 from New Jersey Emergency Management Executive Officer Jerome Hatfield, offering approval for the Wantage Township Emergency Management Plan prepared by Wantage Township Emergency Management Coordinator Joseph Konopinski, offering approval for Recertification of the plan through August 30, 2010.

Letter dated August 24, 2006 from SCMUA, informing of upcoming public hearing to review proposed Phase III expansion/upgrade to Upper Wallkill System, as a means of providing sewer service to the Vernon Town Center.

Public Notice changing first regular meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage in October to October 5, 2006 at 7:00 pm

Public Notice of special meeting to be held by the Mayor and Committee of Wantage Township on October 18, 2006 in Sussex Borough Hall at 8:30 pm

Letter from Wantage Township resident Ken Nelson, expressing interest in assisting with a consolidation study commission

Letter dated August 20, 2006 from resident Suzanne Murrell, expressing concern regarding proposed development on Lower Unionville Road.

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

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

Tax Collector Report for August 2006
Municipal Clerk Report for August 2006
Board of Health Report for August 2006
Registrar’s Report for August 2006
Construction Department Report for August 2006

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

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL06-23, for St. Monica’s Church, to conduct an Off Premise 50/50 Raffle on November 2, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL06-24, for St. Monica’s Church, to conduct an On Premise Merchandise (Tricky Tray) Raffle on November 2, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL06-25, for the Rotary Club of Wallkill Valley, to conduct an Off Premise 50/50 Raffle on December 14, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Space moved to approve payment of bills for the meeting of September 14, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the temporary closure of Sherman Ridge Road from the intersection of Libertyville Road to the intersection with Berry Road; and the closure of Berry Road from the Intersection with Armstrong Road past the intersection with Sherman Ridge Road up to the intersection with County Route 628, on Saturday, September 23, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; authorizing Temporary “No Parking” designation on both sides of Sherman Ridge Road from the intersection of Libertyville Road to the intersection with Berry Road; for Wantage Day traffic safety plans. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve the person-to-person and place-to-place transfer of Liquor License 1924-33-003-003, from Peggy Blackmore to NENEOC Holding Company. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to confirm compliance with the requirements of Law for the 2005 Report of Audit for the Township of Wantage.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize a bond reduction for Rolling Hills Estates (Toll Brothers) to $444,170.40 in accordance with recommendation of Township Engineer dated August 22, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to reject all bids submitted for Proposed Pavilion at Woodbourne Park from the bid opening of August 25, 2006, based on bids submitted being substantially higher than both the Engineer’s estimate and the project budget.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize Farmside Landscape and Design the contract for Field Improvements for Soccer fields 5 & 6 at Woodbourne Park, for a cost of $7,750.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize submission of Chapter 159 Budget Amendment Resolution to accept $11,535 from the Borough of Ogdensburg under terms of Interlocal Services Agreement for Chief Finance Officer services.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to endorse and ratify the actions taken by Administrator Jim Doherty to declare various applicants for building permits to have attained substantial compliance with the requirements of Wantage Township Ordinance 2006-12 as of August 15, 2006, per list dated August 17, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the Chief Finance Officer to reimburse various applicants for Developer Fees collected in error with respect to Wantage Township Ordinance 2005-17, in the amounts shown on Resolution dated September 14, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the five-year contract between Wantage and Minisink Hose Company #1 for first responder fire operations in the northwest sector of Wantage will reach its end on July 1, 2007. As required by the existing contract, the arrangements have been reviewed by the Wantage Township Fire Chief and the Minisink Hose Company #1 Fire Chief one year prior to the termination of the contract, and both Chiefs recommend renewal for the next five year term. Former Chief Parker Space and Former President of the Wantage First Aid Squad Bill DeBoer agreed that the response and cooperation of Minisink Hose Company #1 and the Wantage Fire Department has been excellent.

Mr. Space moved to renew the five-year contract between Wantage Township and Minisink Hose Company #1 from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2012.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Open Space newsletter should be mailed out to public next week.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Open Space Advisory Committee has requested a booth on Wantage Day. At present, no reserved booth/table is being provided on Wantage Day to any group attempting to sway the public’s opinion on any matter of political or public policy.

Notwithstanding the above position, the Wantage Township Open Space Advisory Committee requests permission to have space on Wantage Day for the purpose of promoting the upcoming ballot question regarding the proposed Open Space Tax. The Committee agreed by consensus to allow the Open Space Advisory Committee to reserve a booth/table on Wantage Day since all residents, whether for or against open space tax, were invited to sit on the Advisory Board.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see a letter from attorney of Gloria Li Trenta, retiree, requesting the Township reimburse Ms. Li Trenta the monthly sum of $132.80 which is the amount being deducted monthly from Ms. Li Trenta’s social security check for Medicare. Mr. DeBoer asked that this item be discussed during executive session.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see correspondence received from Friends of Lake Neepaulin about vandalism at the dam. Administrator has alerted the State Police and County Sheriff’s office.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee what was decided regarding action, if any, in response to REBEL’s request for smoke-free municipal parks. The Committee agreed by consensus that there is no need for an ordinance, but would like “Thank You for Not Smoking” signs posted in the park.

Mr. Doherty reminded the Committee that September 23 is Wantage Day.

Mr. Doherty advised the Committee that an ATV/dirt bike noise on Crigger Road has not resolved itself. Kevin Kervatt has advised residents how to proceed with a complaint in municipal court against their neighbor for violating the Township ordinance in this regard.

Mr. Doherty recommended the Township rescind the contract with Owl Contracting for Resurfacing Old Clove Road and abandon this project. Mr. Pellow informs that Owl Contracting understands Township’s reasons and will not contest the action to rescind the contract. We can then use this money to repair the storm drain running under Old Clove Road, while the county pursues its intersection improvement project negotiations at this site.

Mr. Space moved to abandon the Resurfacing of Old Clove Road project previousy awarded to Owl Contracting. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to sign the group affidavit for the 2005 Audit Report.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that a DVD is available from the County Department of Health entitled “Influenza – Facing New Global Challenges.”

Mr. Doherty reported on the following items regarding consolidation of Sussex Borough and Wantage Township. Sussex Borough would like to hold off on further consolidation discussion to see how new state legislation is voted upon. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of consolidation and the length of time involved in a consolidation study and the entire consolidation process.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Clark informed the Committee that there are approximately 10 to 12 new lawsuits regarding tax appeals, which is a low number following a revaluation.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that he received a letter from Bruce & Maria Dolywa, thanking the Wantage Township Road Department for a job well done in removing a tree on Clark Road.

Mayor Parrott requested that the Township reserve funds in the 2007 Municipal Budget for tax appeals.

Mayor Parrott informed the public the Wantage Township Road Department used surplus paving materials to make improvements at the Wantage Schools.

Mayor Parrott informed the public of recent issues regarding misappropriation of funds in other municipalities and school districts and asked M. LaStarza to inform the public what the Township does to insure the same problem could not happen here.

Ms. LaStarza informed the public that in both the Borough of Ogdensburg and the Wallkill Valley School Board, one person was in charge of all finance functions. In Wantage Township, although the C.F.O. has ultimate authority over all finance related transactions, the Township separates the responsibility for cash receipts, cash disbursements and payroll, and bank reconciliations and general ledger input. The tax collection functions and the C.F.O. functions are also separated in Wantage Township.

Ms. LaStarza informed the public that most of these measures have been in place since she and Mr. Doherty began working together in 2004. The Township Administrator and the Township C.F.O. continually review policies and procedures to see that we are meeting all statutory requirements regarding collection and reporting of cash.

Mr. Doherty informed the public that some municipalities cut their staff so slim in an effort to save a few dollars, that an individual could be in the position to defraud the municipality. Wantage Township keeps its staff at a level which promotes cross training. This helps to better serve the public as well as preserve public trust.

Mayor Parrott informed the public that Mr. Doherty routinely keeps the employees aware of changing requirements relative to office procedures such as internal control requirements, non-personal use of Township computers., etc.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Introduction of Ordinance 2006-17: Fee Schedule Amendment
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-17, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. Final hearing date set for September 28, 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Introduction of Ordinance 2006-18: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Fees
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-18, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XVII, ENTITLED “SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL”, AND CHAPTER XXI ENTITLED “FEES” OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. Final hearing date set for September 28, 2006.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Space made a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on August 10, 2006, Regular Meeting and Executive Session. 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.

Tim Russell, 166 Libertyville Road, introduced himself to the Committee and informed them that he will be opening a new business on Route 23 where Giovanni’s was previously located. Mr. Russell stated that he looked forward to working with everyone in the Township and invited them to visit his restaurant when it opens. Mayor Parrott and the Committee welcomed Mr. Russell and wished him well in his new business venture.

Anne Smulewicz, Route 23, thanked the Committee for their help in patching the parking lots at the Wantage Schools.

As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to enter into executive session, as follows:

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P. L. 1975, Chapter 231 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, that the public shall be excluded from discussion of the following matter involving union negotiations and the terms and condition of employment for the Municipal Attorney,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minutes will be kept on file in the municipal clerk’s office, and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes shall be made public.

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

After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor Parrott declared the meeting reconvened into regular session at 10:00 p.m.

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Chief Finance Officer to reimburse Ms. LiTrenta the monthly sum of Medicare Part B, in perpetuity, as requested in a letter dated August 16, 2006 from Ms. Li Trenta’s attorney, Stephen McGee.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Administrator and Chief Finance Officer to restructure the 2007 Municipal Budget to adjust the payment of the Municipal Attorney, Land Use Attorney and Public Defender from the salary and wage line item to the other expense line item. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

As there were 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 at 10:08 p.m.

________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk