A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee was called to order at 8 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 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. ago today.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty reported on matters involving Construction Department Personnel. Mr. Doherty explained that if the Township fills the position of Assistant Construction Official through Civil Service, there must be a salary attached to the position, and the position opening must be handled by either a promotion or a job vacancy announcement. Mr. Doherty explained the details involved in each option. Mr. Doherty also explained that if the title does not have a salary attached, then it is not under the purview of Civil Service. This poses two considerations: first, there is no job security provided for the position if it is not done through Civil Service, which would suggest the wisdom of having the Township attorney prepare a contract to spell out the expectations and obligations of both the Township and the Employee for this position. Second, there currently exists no position of Assistant Construction Official in Wantage, so the Township would need to create the position by ordinance before appointing some one to that position.

Mayor Parrott expressed support for an interoffice promotion, based on his belief that the individuals who would apply would be excellent for what the township needs them to do. Mr. Sytsema said he is looking at the easiest way to get where the township needs to be. Mr. Doherty said he spoke with Civil Service officials this morning and they were comfortable with a part-time position, Job One and Job Two.

Following further discussion, Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer to proceed with an in-house personnel promotion in the Construction Office for an Assistant Construction Official for a salary between $1,000 and $3,000. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Mayor Parrott added that he appreciated Mr. Doherty’s efforts on this matter.

2004 Cost distribution of the Construction Interlocal arrangement:
Mr. Doherty said he met with Hamburg Boro officials and explained the formula used to establish the 2004 cost burden breakdown within the Construction Interlocal. The representatives from Hamburg indicated their understanding of the explanation, and said they would bring the information back to their governing body as a whole for consideration. They did, however, make a request to know what the Township of Wantage would charge solely for Uniform Construction Code service within the interlocal (if they were willing to handle the costs of Zoning, Housing, and Fire Prevention on their own). Mr. Doherty indicated to the Hamburg representatives he would attempt to come up with such a figure. In his efforts to do so, Mr. Doherty has reached the conclusion that the interlocal arrangement is at a point of an “all or nothing” proposition in terms of cost justification for all three towns. Any reduction in cost or service to one town would result in either unacceptable cost increases to the remaining towns, or else reduction in service level below an acceptable level.

Mayor Parrott said he agrees that it would be all or nothing. General consensus was expressed in support of this position.

Public Works Personnel: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss a request for Leave of Absence in the Public Works Department. The determination in this matter will have an affect on the course of action for other employee personnel actions.

Construction Office Staff Personnel: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss possible promotions/changes in title.

DPW/Animal Control Personnel: The Administrator requested an executive session to discuss possible changes in title.

Concern of Resident on Sherman Ridge Road: Mayor Parrott said he would read aloud correspondence from Ms. Dawn Bartholomew, a copy of which is included for the official record.

Permanent Bonding Option: Mr. Doherty directed the governing body’s attention to his report dated September 22, 2003. After general discussion, Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to authorize the administrator to contact McManimon and Scotland to obtain a cost for their services as Bond Counsel. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Proposed Newsletter: Mr. Doherty presented a draft of the proposed newsletter. He said he hoped to mail it next week. He asked if there are any requests for changes or additions to let him know.

Change in Voting District: Mr. Doherty stated the polling place for Voting District #2 has been changed to the new Wantage Library effective for the General Election of 2003.

Issues Tabled from August: Mr. Doherty reminded the governing body regarding the issue of Rumble Strips as a traffic calming strategy for public roads. No discussion took place on this issue at this time.

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 aloud a letter from Ms. Dawn Bartholomew regarding her driveway on Sherman Ridge Road and drainage problems that exist there. The mayor said township engineer Harold Pellow sent a letter and the Township addressed the problem immediately. Service was excellent. He directed Mr. Doherty to send Ms. Bartholomew a copy of Mr. Pellow’s letter and inform her that her letter was read into the record of the meeting and that we are looking into rectifying the situation.

Mayor Parrott said he received a letter dated September 19, 2003 from the Friends of Lake Neepaulin thanking him for donating a handicapped parking sign.

Mayor Parrott said a letter was received from the Sussex-Wantage School District informing that some large repairs are needed and they intend to present a referendum next year. The first Open House community meeting is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Wantage School gym.

Mayor Parrott announced Boy Scout Troop 97 would honor a new Eagle Scout, Travis Schilling on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Sussex Elks Lodge. He asked Mr. Doherty to send a letter of congratulations on behalf of the Township Committee and to have a plaque prepared to present to the honoree.

Mayor Parrott stated Douglas Ricker has agreed to be the Wantage Township representative to SWAC. Mr. Doherty is to send him a letter of congratulations.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to enter executive session to discuss personnel.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
The executive session lasted for 35 minutes.
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.

NEW BUSINESS
MINUTES
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session of September 11, 2003. Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 2003-18: DRIVEWAY STANDARDS
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-18 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DRIVEWAY STANDARDS IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE.” Final hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2003. Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

ORDINANCE 2003-15: FEE SCHEDULE
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt on final 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.”
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.

ORDINANCE 2003-16: STOP INTERSECTIONS IN THE LAKE NEEPAULIN COMMUNITY
Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. There being no one present wishing to address the governing body on this matter, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public.
Mr. Doherty advised this ordinance could not be finalized until NJDOT approval was received.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to table Ordinance 2003-16 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STOP INTERSECTIONS ON VARIOUS STREETS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE” until approval is received from the N. J. Dept. of Transportation.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

ORDINANCE 2003-17: NO PARKING ON BORN ROAD.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to adopt on final reading Ordinance 2003-17 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON BORN ROAD.”
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.

LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSER
Mr. Doherty explained the transfer being sought for License 1924-33-002-001 for the Log Cabin Inn. He stated the State Police informed him that most of the background check is completed. He recommended approval of the transfer to the owner of the Pluckemin Inn who has been there 20 years without any problems. Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the license transfer as recommended by the administrator. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

RAFFLE LICENSES
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the raffle licenses as recommended by the administrator, as follows:

A) RL 03-23, to the American Legion Post #213, to hold an off premise 50/50 on December 20, 2003
B) RL 03-24, to the Rotary Club of Wallkill Valley, to conduct an on premise 50/50 on November 8, 2003
C) RL 03-25, to the Sussex Women’s Club, to conduct an on premise 50-/50 on November 11, 2003
D) RL 03-26, to the Sussex Women’s Club, to conduct an on premise merchandise raffle on November 22, 2003

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

__________________________

Jeffrey Parrott, Mayor

ATTEST:____________________________
James Doherty
Administrator/Municipal Clerk