MINUTES OF THE 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 JUNE 12, 2007

Mayor William DeBoer 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 DeBoer, Committee member Space. The following member was absent: Jeff Parrott (Mr. Parrott arrived at 8:23 pm)
Also present Township Attorney, Ursula Leo.

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

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

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

• Report of the Tax Collector for the month of May 2007
• Report of the Construction Office for the month of May 2007
• Report of the Registrar of Vital Statistics for the month of May 2007
• Report of the Municipal Clerk for the month of May 2007

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to authorize Payment of Bills for the meeting of June 12, 2007.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to award Contract for Purchase of Ambulance from First Priority Emergency Vehicles of Manchester, NJ in the amount of $134,801.00.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to award Contract for Purchase of DPW Dump Truck from H & H Mack of Rockaway, NJ in the amount of $149,898.00.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to award Contract for Fuel Management System to Petro-Mechanics of Ogdensburg, NJ in the amount of $18,454.00.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to approve request for Block Party between 18–26 Ruth Drive on September 8, 2007. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None.

Mr. Space moved to endorse the New Jersey Skylands Birding and Wildlife Trails project.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to confirm action taken by Administrator to hire Lewis S. Goodfriend & Associates to conduct a Noise Evaluation Report of the current Wantage Township Dog Pound and proposed Expansion project, in the amount of $3,700.00.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the renewal of various liquor licenses of the Township of Wantage for the 2007-08 licensing term.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the combination of certain issues of General Improvement Bonds of Wantage Township into a single issue of Bonds aggregating $1,878,000 in principal amount.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to approve the form and other details of $1,878,000 General Obligation Bonds and providing for their sale.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the release of $2,500 to Beazer Homes for soil erosion permit SH-06-10. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: Parrot.t Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize the release of $2,500 to Beazer Homes for soil erosion permit 2007-01-SH.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the release of $2,500 to Beazer Homes for soil erosion permit 2007-02-SH.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the release of $2,500 to Beazer Homes for driveway permit DW-2007-01.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the release of $2,500 to Beazer Homes for driveway permit DW-2007-03.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the release of $2,500 to Beazer Homes for driveway permit DW-2007-05.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of $1,521.63 to Carl and Jennifer Borino for tax overpayment on Block 43, Lot 7.13.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Mr. Space moved to authorize return of Dog adoption fee to Alyssa Frigerio of Hamburg, NJ in the amount of $35.00.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Doherty to give the Administrator’s report. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the following:

Liquor License Renewals : There are 3 licenses that do not have clearance for consideration of renewal as of June 11, 2007.

Tara Inn license will be held in abeyance while the transfer is being considered (see New Business).
CT Productions (Old Glenbrook Inn) needs to get Tax Clearance Certificate from the NJ Division of Taxation. Mr. Doherty has spoken with their attorney who is attempting to deal with this.
Log Cabin Inn – Mr. Doherty spoke with Mr. Kalina, who informs that sale of his business is imminent, and he cannot renew the license without a tax clearance certificate. Mr. Doherty explained to him that he will not get a transfer approved prior to the renewal deadline, and the transfer will need a tax clearance. Mr. Kalina informed Mr. Doherty that he will not be operating his license after 7/1 when it becomes inactive so it will not matter that he does not get renewal by that date. Mr. Doherty will continue to impress upon him the need to proceed with the renew process regardless of the sale.

Court Attendant Issue : Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he Veterans preference that impacts the current employment arrangements of Amy Heater. The Committee agreed by consensus that Ms. Heater will retain full-time status in her current positions in Animal Control, as Custodian and the DPW department.

Mr. Space moved to hire Steven Danner as a provisional Court Attendant effective July 1, 2007.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

Liberti’s Restaurant : Mr. Vander berg reports that there is continued non-compliance with requirements of the Construction Department. Mr. Doherty is instructing Ed Vander berg to inform the restaurant owner that he/she has until June 27, 2007 to show good faith effort at compliance with outstanding issues of violation, or Mr. Vander berg will present a case at the June 28, 2007 meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage to bring an Order to Show Cause before a judge and compel compliance.

Dog Pound : The bids for the dog pound expansion came in too high. Mr. Charles Schaeffer will contact the contractors too see if these projects can be scaled down. At the minimum, The Township must complete the isolation room according to State requirements. A noise consultant has already been to the pound to conduct studies and measurements. Mr. Doherty should have their report shortly and will report their findings to the Committee when received.

Mr. Space moved to reject all bids received for the Dog Pound Expansion Project.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : Parrott Abstain : None

At this time Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he received a request from Mr. DeGroat, 525 Route 519, to address the Committee this evening. Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public. Mr. DeGroat asked the Committee about his request to have University Lane abandoned and informed the Committee that he wishes to have his property subdivided, both in accordance with a pending sale of a portion of his land. The Committee informed Mr. DeGroat that they will revisit the University Lane abandonment when he receives more detailed information regarding his property sale. Mayor DeBoer directed Mr. DeGroat to contact Stella Salazar, Land Use Secretary, regarding his request for a subdivision.

Mr. Parrott joined the meeting at 8:23 pm.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor DeBoer requested Ms. Leo to give the Attorney’s report.

Ms. Leo informed the Committee that there is nothing new to report at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott informed the Committee that DEP is moving ahead with plans to regulate a 300’ buffer for waterways and encouraged the Committee to adopt a resolution opposing this bill as he feels it will have a negative affect on commercial and residential property values. Mr. Parrott asked that this resolution to be send to the County Freeholders and Lisa Jackson of the DEP. Mr. Doherty will prepare a resolution in this regard.

OLD BUSINESS
Jaret Builders/Joseph Retz: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Mr. Hyche, Attorney for Jaret Builders, Mr. Garofalo and Mr. Kienz have been in contact regarding Jaret Builders request to be exempt from COAH fees. Ms. Leo advised that this matter should be discussed during executive session.

FOLN Loan Application : The Committee discussed the issue of cosigning a loan application for Dam Repairs at Lake Neepaulin. The Committee agreed by consensus that since they do not feel it is fair to access all taxpayers for repayment of this loan should FOLN default on the loan, they are not in a position to sign the loan application agreement without the ability to commit to actually cosigning the loan should it be approved. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the merits of keeping the dam versus having the State ultimately drain the lake. The Committee agreed that FOLN is doing a wonderful job maintaining the beauty of the lake, but still cannot find a way to adequately access individual homeowners who will benefit from the dam repair. The Committee and Administrator suggested that FOLN hold a meeting to ascertain which residents not presently paying dues to FOLN would sign a petition committing to the repayment of the loan to keep Lake Neepaulin. The Committee offered suggestions as well as the availability of the Municipal Building Meeting Room for their efforts.

NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance 2007-09: Potentially Dangerous Dog Fee
Mr. Space made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2007-09, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XXI OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, AMENDING DOG LICENSE FEES FOR WANTAGE TOWNSHIP.” Final Hearing date scheduled for June 28, 2007.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays : None Absent : None Abstain : None

Application For Person To Person Transfer: Tara Inn Liquor License
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that an application has been made for transfer of Liquor License from NENEOC Holding Company LLC to The Tara Inn LLC, in order to resolve a discrepancy from prior transfer. Clarification of the sketch for licensing the outside of premises is needed in order to determine whether or not a valid objection has been raised to this license. Mr. Doherty explained that the Tara Inn submitted a sketch which shows their entire property as areas designated to sell and serve alcohol. The Committee agreed that this area is to broad. Mr. Doherty informed the Tara Inn that if they attended tonight’s meeting with a revised sketch, the Committee would be in a position to approve the transfer. Since there was no one present to represent Tara Inn, a public hearing on this transfer will be scheduled for the June 28, 2007 meeting.

Approval of Minutes
Mr. Space made a motion to approve the regular and executive session minutes of the meeting of the Wantage governing body held on May 24, 2007.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon Roll call:
Ayes : DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays : None Absent : None Abstain : None

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments.

A resident,of Lake Neepaulin asked if the Township is prepared to spray any areas for Gypsy Moths. Mr. Doherty explained that there is nothing in the municipal budget this year, but informed the public that the Township does have information available for the public on suggestions for maintaining their private properties.

Tom Jable, Lake Neepaulin, asked the Commmittee for the status of the silt remediation project. Mr. Doherty informed Mr. Jable that Mr. Pellow did address his concerns a prior meeting, but that project has not been budgeted for this year. Mr. Doherty will look into the status of AMF’s planning board resolution to see if there is any recourse the Township can take regarding Mr. Jable’s contention that the silt was caused by their building project.

There being no one else present wishing to speak, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

Mr. Parrott 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 matters: attorney client privilege, Jaret Builders. 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 : Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays : None Absent : None Abstain : None

After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor DeBoer returned to the regular order of business.

Mayor DeBoer informed Mr. Retz that the Committee does not agree with his request and has authorized the municipal attorney respond.

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

Mayor DeBoer declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk