A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee was called to order at 8 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2003, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J.

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

Deputy Mayor DeBoer 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.

CONSENT AGENDA

Administrator Doherty presented the Consent Agenda for approval.
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Parrott.

CORRESPONDENCES

Letter dated November 13, 2003, from the N. J. Dept. of Transportation Manager, District 1, informing that the Township’s application for State Aid to improve Pidgeon Hill Road was not included in the current round of funds available from the Transportation Trust Fund.

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

REPORTS

Reports of the Construction Department, Tax Collector, Finance Department, Board of Health and Registrar for the month of October 2003.

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

APPLICATIONS

Bingo Application BA04-01 for the Beemerville Volunteer Fire Department to conduct bingo on various dates during calendar year 2004.

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

RESOLUTIONS

1) Resolution authorizing Transfer of Funds within the 2003 Wantage Municipal Budget.

2) Payment of Bills for the meeting of November 13, 2003.

3) Authorizing Salary Resolution #5 for 2003, reflecting addition of new DPW employee.

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

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Request of Jerry & Melissa Wildrick: The Wildricks have paid their taxes as of November 12, 2003. There is no longer a need to consider granting an installment payment plan for this matter.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Clark stated he had contacted the Wildricks and explained the options available to them. There is no new litigation.

Mr. Clark said he would be attending the League of Municipalities convention next week. Mr. Doherty indicated that he and Mayor Parrott would also be there.

The attorney recommended that newly elected officials be invited to participate in any executive sessions that may occur during the remainder of the year.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORT

Mr. Sytsema asked about the salary vs. overtime payment plan proposed by the federal government.

Mr. Doherty said he asked the DPW what they would consider fair. He said he thinks the county is working on a policy. It has already been agreed part-time seasonal employees would be hired to assist in plowing snow this winter. He said he would come up with a policy for the governing body’s consideration.

Mr. DeBoer congratulated Parker Space on his election to the Township Committee and said he is looking forward to working with him. Mr. DeBoer said he was also encouraged by the community support for the LOSAP program at the polls and hoped it would enable the fire department and first aid squad to attract more members. He noted that LOSAP is less expensive than hiring paid employees.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive sessions of October 30, 2003.

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

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2003-19
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-19, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN LANDS AND PREMISES IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE TO BE SOLD AT PRIVATE SALE IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(b)(5).

Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Parrott.
Final hearing date was set for December 11, 2003.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2003-20
Mr. Sytsema made a motion, seconded by Mr. DeBoer, to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2003-20. entitled, “BOND ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,908,500 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,586,575 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY TO PROVIDE FOR VARIOUS GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED AND SUPERSEDING NUMEROUS BOND ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP.

Upon roll call, Ayes: Sytsema, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Parrott.
Final hearing date was set for December 11, 2003.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Deputy Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments regarding the good and welfare of the community.

Joan Smith of 5 South Shore Drive, Lake Neepaulin, said the lake community had a patrol during Oct. 30th and 31st. The township curfew began at 10 p.m. She asked that consideration be given to changing that time to 9 p.m. for ensuing years.
Mr. Clark said he would check to see how the ordinance could be changed.

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

__________________________

William DeBoer, Deputy Mayor


ATTEST:____________________________
James Doherty
Administrator/Municipal Clerk