A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee was called to order at 8 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2003, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J.

Present: Mayor Jeffrey Parrott, Committee members Richard Sytsema and William DeBoer, Administrator Clerk James Doherty and Attorney Angelo Bolcato.

Mayor Parrott announced this meeting is held in compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and has been properly advertised. He led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute to the flag. The mayor also requested a moment of silence in honor of those who perished in the terrorist attacks two years ago today.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Parrott requested that the governing body review the Consent Agenda to ascertain if any item should be removed and considered separately. Mayor Parrott then asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sytsema, to approve the Consent Agenda.

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

CORRESPONDENCE

Letter dated July 28, 2003 from John Eskilson, Deputy County Administrator, requesting involvement of a Wantage representative to SWAC.

Copy of a letter sent by Freeholder Glen Vetrano, regarding an information meeting on the Lusscroft Farm parcel in Wantage Township.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sytsema, to approve the Correspondence for filing.

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

REPORTS

Treasurer’s Report for August 2003
Tax Collector’s Report, Board of Health Report and Registrar’s Report for August 2003.
Registrar’s Marriage License Quarterly Report for 2nd Quarter of 2003
Construction Office Report and Municipal Clerk’s Report for August 2003
Chief Finance Officer’s Corrective Action Report for the Annual Audit of 2002.

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

APPLICATIONS

Membership application in Wantage Fire Department for David Osmer, 70 Mudtown Road.

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

RESOLUTIONS

1) Approving the Bill List for September 11, 2003.

2) Authorizing the Chief Finance Officer to pay Jean Zwirek the value of accumulated sick days and vacation time upon retirement, totaling $22,950.40.

3) Endorsing the action taken by the Tax Collector to extend the grace period for the payment of tax bills from August 15, 2003, to August 18, 2003, as an accommodation to the inconvenience and troubles caused to various taxpayers by the Northeast United States power blackout of August 14, 2003.

4) Commemorating the 2nd Anniversary of the Terrorist Attack of September 11, 2001.

5) Authorizing preliminary approval of the applications proposed for the 2004 Funding Round of the State Agriculture Development Committee for Farmland Preservation.

6) Accepting conveyance of a vacant lot currently on the Township’s In Rem Tax Foreclosure list, in lieu of formal foreclosure proceedings.

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

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

1) Finance Department Personnel: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss the status of personnel in the Finance Department for the remainder of 2003 and for calendar year 2004.

a) Replacing Clerk Typist in Finance Department: Hire Nancy Van Horn
b) Replacing CFO in Finance Department: CFO, not Treasurer.

2) Construction Department Personnel: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss the status of personnel in the Construction Department for calendar year 2004, and negotiations with Hamburg and Sussex for the 2004 Interlocal Services Agreement costs.

a) Confirm hiring of Sue Kubie remainder of 2003.
b) Issue of Assistant Construction Official.
c) Staffing scenario for 2004.
d) Cost distribution of the Interlocal Arrangement for 2004.

3) Contract Negotiations with Union: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss the details of the first round of negotiations with the DPW, held September 9.

4) Public Works Personnel: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss the status of personnel in the Public Works Department for the remainder of 2003 and for calendar year 2004.

5) Senior Preferred Prescription Savings Card: Since the County of Sussex is offering this program to all county residents; there is no need for us to pursue the program locally.

6) Health Benefits Issue: See the letter dated 8/28/03 from Tony Cucinotta, regarding the possibility of changing from a June renewal date to a January renewal date for Horizon BC/BS. Please note the second paragraph, stating that “This would of course involve a cost increase in January in order to accomplish this.” Please keep this option in mind as we review and discuss the best course of action for next year.

7) Proposed Sale of Municipally-owned Property Lots: Several additional lots may wind up in ownership by the Township due to tax foreclosures. The Administrator will continue pursuit of this issue in the next several months.

8) Improvements to Municipal Building: The Administrator asked the governing body to anticipate an October workshop for this subject.

9) Issues tabled from August:

a) Policy for Plowing Cemeteries.

b) Rumble Strips as a traffic calming strategy for public roads in Wantage.

Regarding plowing cemeteries, Mayor Parrott stated that, after looking into the complications of plowing private property and after discussion with the attorney, although it is a noble idea, times have changed and it would be a detriment to do so.

Committee members Sytsema and DeBoer agreed with the mayor’s assessment of the situation.
Mayor Parrott added that trucks are larger now and could damage cemetery roads. He indicated he would send a letter to the gentleman who requested this service.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Bolcato said there is no new litigation. There were many memos regarding agenda items.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORT

Mayor Parrott read information regarding 1975 United States legislation for handicapped children.

The mayor also indicated he received a letter regarding COAH.

Regarding an appointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, the mayor said he thought Doug Ricker was the township’s representative.

Mayor Parrott referred to a New York Times article dated August 14, 2003, regarding urban sprawl.

With regard to the request from Tony Cucinotta, the administrator indicated he hoped to hear from Frank Covelli about North Jersey HIF.

OLD BUSINESS

BONDING
The Administrator stated the township auditor looked at the outstanding debt and if Wantage decided to do permanent bonding, over the next ten years, the first payment would be $272,000 and by the year 2013, it would be $192,000. The benefits are that now Wantage turns over temporary notes yearly because the interest rate is low but it is unlikely to remain that low.

Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to provide past budget figures which the Administrator indicated he would do.

NEW BUSINESS

1) MINUTES
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the minutes of August 14, August 18 and August 25, 2003. Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

2) PRIVATE ROADS
Mr. Doherty said John Parascando of the Lake Windsor Property Owners Association asked the Township Committee to reconsider and pave their private roads. Mr. Doherty stated he told him that it could not be done because there are more than 20 private roads in the township. The mayor added that when the roads at Lake Neepaulin were paved, there was a road assessment program for each property owner there.

3) HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mr. Doherty said the Sussex-Wantage Historical Society would like to use the municipal building meeting room for a monthly meeting. They have no insurance. He suggested the group could use the room for the remainder of this year and then they might have funds to afford an insurance policy.

There was discussion with a representative of that group about the goals of the organization. Following this discussion, Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to allow the Sussex-Wantage Historical Society to use the meeting room monthly for the remainder of this year.

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

4) RADON
The Administrator stated Wantage Township is in a high radon risk area and is eligible for reimbursement of radon testing kits up to $1,000. The governing body indicated he could proceed with obtaining them.

5) ORDINANCE 2003-11
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2003-11, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $10,500 FOR REFURBISHMENT OF FIRE TRUCK.”

The meeting was open to the public. There were no questions or comments. The meeting was closed to the public.

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

6) ORDINANCE 2003-12
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2003-12 entitled, “ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER V, SECTION 5-3 ENTITLED PET SHOPS AND POUNDS”.

The meeting was open to the public. There were no questions or comments. The meeting was closed to the public.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

7) ORDINANCE 2003-13

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2003-13 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN LANDS IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE TO BE SOLD AT PRIVATE SALE IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 40A: 12-13(b)(1).

The meeting was open to the public.

Ms. Kubicka asked if the property had a common address. Mayor Parrott said it is the old Demchak property on Bassetts Bridge Road. The property is being sold to the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge and the dilapidated buildings there would be demolished.

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

8) ORDINANCE 2003-14
Mr. Bolcato asked that action on this Ordinance be tabled until the end of New Business, as Mr. Dobbs wanted to be present. Ordinance 2003-14

9) REVIEW OF PENDING ORDINANCES

a) Driveway Standards.
Mr. Doherty stated there was a meeting with various township officials. It was decided the best course would be to amend the existing driveway construction ordinance to put the burden on the applicant’s engineer instead of the township engineer.

Mr. Sytsema asked the amount of the fee and whether driveways are required to be paved.

Mayor Parrott said his main concern is safety. He questioned the six percent grade and asked how that number was determined.

b) Fee Schedule Cross Referencing Amendment
Mr. Doherty explained the necessity for this Ordinance Amendment.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-15 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE TO DELETE CROSS REFERENCES TO CHAPTER XXI, SECTION 21-1 ET SEQ., THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP FEES CHAPTER.”

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

Final hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2003.

c) Stop Intersections in Lake Neepaulin Community
Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sytsema, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-16 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STOP INTERSECTIONS ON VARIOUS STREETS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE.”

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

Final hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2003.

d) No Parking on Born Road
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-17 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON BORN ROAD.”

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

Final hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2003.

10) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS
There was general discussion of a letter from the township attorney regarding Kuperus. Mr. Doherty explained tax overpayments date back to 1999, but the township is obliged to go back only to 2000. It is a small amount of money, he said, and the tax collector recommends going back to 1999. Mr. Bolcato noted it is rare to have a double assessment that does not get detected for such a long time.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sytsema, to refund the overpayments back to 1999.

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

11) ORDINANCE 2003-14
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2003-14 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE VACATING A PORTION OF QUARRY ROAD.”

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

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.
Paul Lech, 964 Route 23, asked if there are any zoning ordinances remaining to be implemented with regard to the Master Plan.
Mayor Parrott said the only part of the Master Plan implemented had to do with lot sizes.
Jo Smith, 5 South Shore Drive, asked for, and received, a copy of the ordinance passed tonight listing stop signs to be erected at Lake Neepaulin intersections.
Ms. Kubicka asked about changes in COAH.
There being no one else who asked to address the governing body, the meeting was closed to the public.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to enter executive session, to discuss personnel and negotiations.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

The executive session began at 9:30p.m. and ended at 10:30 p.m.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to come out of executive session.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to hire Sue Kubie for 15 hours per week at a rate of $11 per hour.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to hire Michelle LaStarza at a salary of $40,000 per year to begin January 1, 2004.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to authorize the Administrator to proceed with a promotional announcement through Civil Service for an Assistant Construction Official.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.Township Committee Meeting

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to hire Nancy Van Horn as Finance Officer beginning September 15, 2003, at a salary of $29,000.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mayor Parrott, to hire Larry Caton for the DPW effective October 15, 2003, at the same salary as the last employee hired in that department.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, Parrott. Nays: DeBoer. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

There being no further business to come before the governing body, Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adjourn. A voice vote was unanimously in favor.

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