The Wantage Township Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, January 30, 2003, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N.J.
Mayor Parrott called the workshop portion of the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
Present: Mayor Jeffrey Parrott, Committeemen Richard Sytsema and William DeBoer and Administrator James Doherty.

Mayor Parrott announced this meeting is held in compliance with requirements of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and had been properly advertised. He led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute to the flag.

The topic of discussion was the proposed 2003 municipal budget.

Mr. Doherty indicated there should be another budget work session sometime before the governing body’s February 13 meeting.

He said the Sherman Ridge Road improvement project is on schedule and he authorized township engineer Harold Pellow to contact the utility companies to move their poles so that work could progress during the summer. If the Committee wants to change or delay that project, that could be done, he said. There is $42,000 in the Road Trust Fund available to put towards this project.

Mr. Sytsema noted there should be quite a bit of money coming into that fund during the next 1 _ years.

With regard to the Beaver Run Road drainage project, Mr. Doherty said there $14,500 was put into the budget for this in 2001, but it was delayed. Mr. Pellow estimates another $6,000 would have to be added to the capital improvement program to do it.

Mr. Doherty said the Committee should have received input from Joanne Kanapinski regarding her salary, as she would be working three days per week this year.

Workmen’s compensation would be increased by $4,000 for the fire departments.
The Committee should have received a spreadsheet from the Recreation Commission. Last year its budget was $26,750 and this year they propose a budget of $27,000.

Mr. Doherty spoke about personnel staffing and said he is planning on an additional two month’s salary in November and December to replace someone who is leaving.
He continued that the scanning program the township bought last year would need to download a floppy disk of tax rolls for Sussex, Hamburg and Wantage for the assessor’s office at a cost of $300 for each municipality from Vital Computers. He explained how the process works.

Mr. Doherty said he went over projects with the Recreation Commission for Woodbourne Park. Mr. Pellow recommends a fence, foul poles and player’s benches for the Little League field at a cost of $15,000.

Mayor Parrott said Mr. Dunn plans on test pumping the well there to get a gallon per minute reading as there have been various rumors regarding the amount.

Mr. Doherty spoke about the lease agreement for the copier machine at the municipal building which is due to expire in a couple of months. The lease cost would almost double but to purchase a copier outright would cost $8,700. Mayor Parrott recommended a supplier in Newton.

There was discussion about costs of the Land Use Board as opposed to having a separate zoning board and planning board. The mayor said he liked the system of checks and balances provided by two boards.

With regard to the reserve for uncollected taxes, Mr. Doherty said the amount budgeted in 2002 was $1,180,000 while the amount planned for 2003 is $1,392,000.

With regard to group insurance, Mr. Doherty said he is anticipating an eight percent increase. The amount would increase from $433,500 to $520,000 which also reflects an additional person in the finance department and coverage for several retired employees until they reach the age of 65.

He said there is a slight decrease in the streets and roads portion of the budget but a slight increase in animal control so they balance out.
Regarding the building inspector salary and wages, Mr. Doherty said he had budgeted $11,000 for a part-time employee.

Four municipal building workers and two DPW workers will be retiring, he said, and accumulated sick leave will have to be paid.

Payment on bond anticipation notes will be approximately $170,000.

Mr. Doherty explained he would have figures on the budget surplus at the next workshop. He said he anticipated using $950,000 this year.

The workshop meeting was open to the public.

Frank Galligan of the Friends of Lake Neepaulin asked about a path from the lake to Woodbourne Park and Blair Road improvements.

The meeting was closed to the public.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sytsema, to adjourn the workshop portion of the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
There was a 10-minute recess.

The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m.
Attorney Michael Garofalo joined the others on the dais.
Mayor Parrott led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute to the flag.

CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda was presented for consideration. No one asked for any items to be removed for separate action. Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the Consent Agenda, with the addition of a membership application to the Wantage Fire Department, Beemerville Company, for Ty Klimas, 253 Wykertown Road, Branchville.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

CORRESPONDENCE:
1) Letter dated 1/09/03 from Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, acknowledging the Township’s letter of concern regarding the Private Well Testing Act dated September 5, 2002; informing that it is beyond the authority of the Department to extend the implementation date of the Act, as had been requested by Wantage.
2) Memorandum dated 1/6/03 from the Sussex County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, inviting each municipality to name a municipal representative to SWAC for 2003.
3) Memorandum dated 1/6/03 from the Sussex County Water Quality PAC, inviting each municipality to name a municipal representative to Water Quality PAC for 2003.
4) Letter dated 1/22/03 from the Sussex County Agricultural Development Board, inviting a representative of the Wantage governing body to attend a meeting of municipal agricultural representatives that will be held on February 20, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.
5) E-mail confirmation from George Papp, Sussex/Wantage School Administrator, confirming availability for work session on February 27; requesting consideration of starting promptly at 7:00 p.m., so that he can return to his own School Board meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. that same evening.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the correspondence for filing.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

REPORTS:
2002 Annual Debt Statement for the Township of Wantage
Reports of the Tax Collector, Board of Health, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Municipal Clerk and Construction Office for the month of December 2002.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the reports for filing.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

APPLICATIONS:
1) 2003 Junkyard License Renewal for Waste Management
2) 2003 Junkyard License Renewal for Beemerville Auto Wrecking
3) Membership Applications to the Wantage Fire Department, Beemerville Company, for John Kuperus of 29 Dyer Road and Matthew Liptak of 52 Summit Drive.
4) Raffle License RL 03-02, for the Rotary Club of Wallkill Valley, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle on February 22, 2003 at the Glen Brook Inn Restaurant, Route 23, Wantage.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the aforementioned applications.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

RESOLUTIONS:
1) Approval of Budget Appropriation Reserve Transfers from the 2002 municipal budget, totaling $23,826.00.
2) Approval of Payment of Bills dated 1/30/03.
3) Accepting, with regret, the Letter of Retirement from Doris Grunstra, Finance Clerk, effective 12/31/03.
4) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal dog pound facility to Hamburg Borough for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $1365.
5) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal Animal Control Officer to Hamburg Borough for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $3700.
6) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal dog pound facility to Branchville Borough for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $525.
7) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal Animal Control Officer to Montague Township for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $3700.
8) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal dog pound facility to Sandyston Township for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $1365.
9) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal Animal Control Officer to Hampton Township for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $3700.
10) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal Animal Control Officer to Franklin Borough for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $3700.
11) Authorizing the Mayor to renew an interlocal services agreement for Wantage to provide the services of a municipal dog pound facility to Franklin Borough for calendar year 2003 for a fee of $1365.
12) Authorizing the employment of Anthony Piechowski at a rate of $25/hr for up to 16 hours a week, as temporary part-time inspector for the Construction Department, effective 1/1/03.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the aforementioned resolutions.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

REPORTS
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1 A) WASTE MANAGEMENT: Mr. Doherty said there has been a steady flow of calls regarding the recycling facility on Route 565. Residents are being turned away and told the facility will close. He said he spoke with officials at their Lafayette office and was told Waste Management will be closing it but there is no firm date, probably within a month. Mayor Parrott said he was upset the company did not notify the township in writing. Many individuals in the township use that facility. Mr. Doherty said more than 200 residents picked up the hangers for their windshields and the company has submitted an application to renew its license and paid the fee for this year. The mayor asked if the company could leave the dumpsters there and have someone from the DPW lock it at night.

Administrator’s Report

1) LOSAP: Mr. Doherty stated that the governing body last met on October 10, 2002, with representatives of the Wantage Fire Department regarding this issue. At that time, it was agreed by all parties that we would meet again in February 2003. It was decided to meet the morning of February 20th, with Mr. Doherty to contact the fire department and first aid squad to see if they are available.

2) BUDGET PREPARATION: We will be having a budget work session this evening, but Ed Vander Berg requests the opportunity to address the members of the governing body regarding his departmental budget needs, and will not be ready with his presentation tonight. It was decided to schedule another budget work session for February 6th.

3) ANNUAL EDC DONATION: Mr. Doherty said that every year, we give $500 to the
Sussex County Economic Development Partnership and asked if the Committee wishes to continue this contribution? Mr. Sytsema said it is a worthwhile effort and Mr. Doherty indicated he would put it on the next bill list.

4) PROMOTIONS: Back in December of 2002, the Township attempted to clean up a
promotion issue with the NJ Dept. of Personnel, in which several Wantage employees were given promotions locally, but these promotions were never legitimized under civil service because of a lack of proper promotional announcements and paperwork. Unfortunately, one employee who needed to submit his paperwork to the State by December 21, did not submit it until December 22, and the State cannot therefore process his promotion. The township needs to once again authorize a promotional announcement thru Civil Service from the position of Road Repairer to Senior Road Repairer, so that this individual can submit his application in a timely fashion.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to authorize another promotional announcement.

Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

5) BID FOR ANTENNA TOWER ON TOWN HALL PROPERTY: No bids were received on
January 10, 2003, when we held our second bid opening. This represents the second time that we have solicited bids on this project. The first time, the sole bid received was rejected as non-responsive/non-compliant with bid specifications. The second time, no bids were received. The Local Public Contract Law allows under NJSA 40A:11-5(3) that in some situations where two attempts at bids led to situations of no bids received, or rejected, the Township would then have the right to pursue a negotiated contract rather than pursue another public bid. Mr. Garofalo said he would review the statute to see if this situation is applicable here. Mr. Sytsema felt the township should pursue a private contract, as one of the purposes is to put antennae for the fire department and first aid squad on it.

6) INFORMATION: Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to the letter dated 1/23/03 from our municipal attorney, advising of their legal opinion that a uniform fee schedule does exist for the interlocal services arrangement involving the Construction Department, despite indications from Sussex Borough that they may not have taken action to adopt the said uniform fee schedule. He said he has advised the Construction Department to proceed with the assessing of fees in accordance with this legal advice.

7) INFORMATION: Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to his memo regarding
interpretation and implications of “accumulated flex time”.

8) INFORMATION: Tom Davis requested a postponement of his presentation to the
governing body regarding the merits of an Environmental Commission for Wantage Township. Mr. Doherty said he re-scheduled his appearance for the February 27 Committee meeting, at 8:00 p.m. and provided Lisa Drake with a courtesy copy of this information.

9) INFORMATION: Mr. Doherty said he sent Ms. Leslie Toal a copy of the proposed
improvements to the intersection of Old Clove Road and Libertyville Road, as per her request. We will now wait for her response to our suggestion that we meet and discuss the project.

10) Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to the letter dated 12/23/02 from Joe
and Elaine Bore. As you suggested, the Bores wrote a letter directly to the Township requesting consideration of relief from some of the professional fees associated with their application before the Land Use Board, because part of the project involved a land swap with the Township for the benefit of a drainage easement. There is no quick and ready way to calculate what percentage of professional work was done on behalf of the Township vs. the Bores’ LUB application. If the Committee is willing to give consideration to this request, Mr. Doherty suggested that it consider offering to cover the costs of the legal bills incurred to date, with the Bores picking up the costs of the engineering bills, and all subsequent professional fees. This works out roughly to $950 for the Township, based on existing bills that have been paid for legal expenses on this matter, and suggested they might be willing to consider reimbursing/covering up to $1,000 in professional fees for the matter?
Following discussion, Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Garofalo to look over the fees and give a fair amount. Mr. Sytsema said the Township should be prepared to bear half the cost.

11) COVELLO SOIL REMOVAL PERMIT UPDATE: Mr. Doherty said the township received a $100 check from Mr. Covello and was told we would soon be receiving approval from Harold Pellow, the township engineer, to remove up to 10,000 yards of material, but as far as the administrator knew, the township was in litigation. Mr. Garofalo said Mr. Covello’s seven-year permit expired and was told he had to renew it. An agreement was reached that he would submit a streamlined site plan but this has still not been done. He said he made a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and this motion is to be heard next Friday. He added the soil removal ordinance requires the applicant to come back to the Land Use Board for the permit. It was determined that no action would be taken tonight.

12) SPREEN ROAD PROJECT: Mr. Doherty explained the land owner received subdivision approval from the Land Use Board and started road improvements. A neighbor is opposed. The NJDEP inspected and as a result the property owner needs to file an application for a general permit for transition wetlands. He was advised the township needs to be a cosigner on this application.
Mayor Parrott said he had been involved with LOI’s but never had the township be a co-permittee. He said he was not comfortable signing it unless it is verified it is needed by the NJDEP. Mr. Garofalo said he would have an answer quickly.ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Garofalo stated many items he is working on have already been discussed.

OLD BUSINESS

BOARD OF HEALTH: Mayor Parrott nominated Robert Alvino of Deckertown Turnpike, a federal customs agent, to a vacancy on the Board of Health, contingent upon approval from his employer.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion to that effect, seconded by Mr. DeBoer.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

WALKING PATH: Mr. Doherty said an application for a grant for a walking path from Lake Neepaulin to Woodbourne Park was not submitted, as it could be an opportunity for individuals to congregate and cause harm. The Friends of Lake Neepaulin are asking the governing body to reconsider this. Duane Armstrong said the path would come down a steep slope and the Recreation Commission had a problem with that. Mr. Sytsema said children from Lake Neepaulin would be skate boarding down this slope and it would give ATVs a paved road into the park. Mayor Parrott said the topography issue weighs a lot and he would like to look at it and also would like an input letter from the Recreation Commission. This item was tabled.

TRAFFIC CONTROL ORDINANCE: Mr. Doherty said two people asked if the Stop Sign at Brown Road is approved. He said it is easier to designate Sherman Ridge Road as a through street. Mr. Garofalo said three traffic ordinances have all been reviewed by the NJDOT and amended and he would make that a part of it. Mr. Doherty said there is also the question of who has the right of way at the intersection of Sally Hardin and Wolfpit Road. Mr. Pellow put out traffic counters and as a result recommended the embankment be cut back and a yield sign put on Wolfpit Road. Mayor Parrott designated Mr. Sytsema to investigate that intersection. Mr. Doherty said there was a request by a resident to look at the speed limit on File Road. The speed limit is currently 40 m.p.h. and the average speed there is 41 m.p.h., he said. Speed limits on Rockport Road, Sherman Ridge Road and Northfield Drive have all been revised in accordance with the NJDOT. Mr. Doherty asked Mr. Pellow to have the information ready for the February 13 meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
MINUTES
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the minutes for January 2, January 9, January 16 and January 24, 2003.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mayor Parrott, to approve the minutes of the special meeting held December 31, 2002.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: DeBoer. Absent: None.

SALARY ORDINANCE
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-01, entitled “ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2003.”
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Final reading and public hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2003.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Sytsema opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

Lisa Drake of 179 Rose Morrow Road said she wanted an answer to her letter regarding activation of an Environmental Commission. Mayor Parrott said he would decide after he hears Mr. Davis’ presentation on February 27th. Mr. Sytsema said the governing body needs to gather as much information as possible before deciding either way. Mr. DeBoer asked for a copy of the letter.

William Bolella asked for more information and Mr. Sytsema said there is a township ordinance permitting an Environmental Commission but it has not been established.
Regarding Wolfpit Road, Mr. Bolella said traffic volume is low.
Irene Landon of 78 Sherman Ridge Road said she has had a problem with her driveway since the construction at the intersection with Libertyville Road. Mayor Parrott said he would have the Road Department and the township engineer look at it.

Frank Galligan of Lake Neepaulin said there is a lot of bank erosion on Sherman Ridge Road since the construction. Mr. Sytsema said if the bonds have not been released then the contractor is liable.

There being no other persons present who wished to address the governing body, the meeting was closed to the public.

There being no further business to come before the governing body, a motion was duly made, seconded and carried by voice vote to adjourn at 9:08 p.m.

__________________________
Jeffrey Parrott, Mayor
ATTEST:____________________________
James Doherty
Administrator/Municipal Clerk