Mayor Jeff Parrott called the 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 Sytsema, De Boer.

The following members were absent: None.

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

The governing body gave consideration to the status of budget preparation for calendar year 2003.
General discussion took place regarding budget philosophy.
Mayor Parrott informed the members of the governing body that representatives of the local and regional school boards have been invited to attend the February 27 meeting of the Wantage governing body, to discuss the status of school budget preparation for this year.

Township Administrator Jim Doherty reviewed various needs and requests involving salary levels and staffing patterns of the municipal work force for this calendar year.

After reviewing Mr. Doherty’s input, the members of the governing body invited the Chief Finance Officer, Lorraine Card, to join the meeting. General discussion took place regarding workload and anticipated retirements in this office at the end of 2003. The governing body agreed that it would be prudent to begin the search for an individual to replace the retiring personnel, during calendar year 2003. General discussion took place regarding coordination of civil service requirements with the needs of the community for a smooth transition and proper period of training for new personnel.

After meeting with Ms. Card, the members of the governing body invited Tax Assessor Karen Whetstone and Assessor Clerk Typist Melissa Rockwell to join the meeting. General discussion took place regarding the impending retirement of Ms. Whetstone, and the staffing needs of the department. Mr. Doherty stated his recommendation that Ms. Rockwell be promoted to the position of Assessor upon the retirement of Ms. Whetstone effective July 1, 2003; that Ms. Rockwell be changed from a part time employee to a full time employee effective April 1, 2003; and that the Township proceed to advertise a full time position available to replace Ms. Rockwell as the Assessor Clerk Typist. General discussion also took place regarding the workload involved with Added Assessments, Farmland Assessments, and an anticipated Revaluation program within the next two years.

After meeting with Ms. Whetstone and Ms. Rockwell, the members of the governing body invited Tax Collector Marcia Snyder to join the meeting. Ms. Snyder offered a justification for a requested merit increase on behalf of the Assistant Tax Collector, Kim Moore. After general consideration and review, the members of the governing body deemed it appropriate to include funds for a merit increase for Ms. Moore, for further consideration in this year’s budget and salary resolution.

After meeting with Ms. Snyder, the members of the governing body invited Land Use Secretary Joanne Kanapinski to join the meeting. Ms. Kanapinski presented a justification to support her request for additional compensation in 2003, citing increased workload and comparative salary analysis with other like communities.

After general consideration and review, the members of the governing body deemed it appropriate to include funds for a salary increase for Ms. Kanapinski, as well as an increase in working hours, for further consideration in this year’s budget and salary resolution.

There being no other items for the consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. Sytsema moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. De Boer seconded the motion.

Upon roll call,
Ayes: De Boer, Sytsema, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

It was agreed that the next budget work session would be held on January 16, 2003 at 9:00 a.m.
Mayor Parrott declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Clerk