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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR
AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE HELD AUGUST 12, 2004
A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee
was called to order Thursday, August 12, 2004, at the Wantage Municipal
Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J.
The workshop portion of the meeting was called to order at 7 p.m.
Present: Mayor William DeBoer, Committee members Jeffrey Parrott
and Parker Space and Administrator / Clerk James Doherty.
Mayor DeBoer announced this meeting is held in compliance with the
New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and has been properly advertised.
He invited those in attendance to join in the pledge of allegiance
and salute to the flag.
The first topic of discussion was the proposed purchase of a fire
vehicle for the Colesville company. Ben Langevin and Joseph Konopinski
were present to represent the fire department. Mr. Konopinski gave
details of the work done to reduce the cost but noted prices have
increased in the meantime. These measures included reducing the
amount of gallons per minute from 1,500 to 1,000, eliminating aluminum
wheels and reducing the generator size. This vehicle would replace
a 1980 truck.
Committeeman Parrott said he would like something in writing regarding
what the fire department recommends and why.
Mr. Doherty suggested a fire district could be created if Sussex
would be asking for assistance from Wantage for purchasing vehicles.
Mr. Konopinski said everyone in the fire department does not agree
on the precise bid specifications but they are close to ready.
Committeeman Space said the department definitely needs a replacement
vehicle. Tankers are dangerous vehicles, he said, and was not sure
about the wisdom of buying one with a six-man cab. He did note that
speed is 90% of the reason for a rollover.
Mr. Konopinski said the truck would also be a first line pumper
holding 2,500 gallons of water. It would have a tandem axle.
Mr. Doherty stated the budget ceiling for purchasing a new fire
department truck is $420,000.
The second topic of discussion at the workshop was concerns about
speeding vehicles in the Lake Neepaulin community with representatives
of FOLN.
Tom Jabel of FOLN said they are looking for a permanent solution,
as Old Clove Road is a high pedestrian area. After discussing different
alternatives, including speed bumps, Mayor DeBoer said residents
should write down the license plate number of the vehicle and sign
a complaint.
Committeeman Parrott said they would again ask school authorities
to make announcements regarding this.
Mr. Jabel then brought up the subject of the Lake Neepaulin dam
that he said is classified as a significant hazard dam. There is
bond money from the state available to do the repairs. FOLN, he
noted, raised $50,000 to buy the lake, the beach and pay engineers.
One option is to make the spillway larger which he estimated would
cost close to $500,000.
The mayor said his request would be taken into consideration.
PUBLIC PORTION
Diane Snure asked why a resident with two acres could not keep
three chickens on his property. Mr. Doherty said that from time
to time zoning officials look at the keeping of animals as a zoning
violation. Mr. Parrott felt there were some additional items involved.
The governing body took a short recess.
The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 8:10
p.m.
Present: Mayor William DeBoer, Committee members Jeffrey Parrott
and Parker Space, Administrator/ Clerk James Doherty and Attorney
Michael Garofalo.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor De Boer requested that the governing body Review The Consent
Agenda.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve the
Consent Agenda.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE REPORTS
Board of Health, Registrar, Construction Department, Tax Collector
and Municipal Clerk’s Report for July 2004.
Municipal Court Annual Report - Review of Operations
Affidavit of Tax Bill Mailing, from the Tax Collector
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve the
Reports for filing.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
APPLICATIONS
Raffle Application RL04-12,
Beemerville Fire Department, to conduct an off premise merchandise
raffle on December 13, 2004
Raffle Application RL04-13,
Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct instant
raffle ticket drawings for twelve-month period commencing 9/1/04
Raffle Application RL04-14,
Wantage Township First Aid Squad, to conduct an on premise merchandise
raffle on October 8, 2004
Raffle Application RL04-15,
Wantage Township First Aid Squad, to conduct an on premise 50/50
raffle on October 8, 2004
Raffle Application RL04-16,
Sussex Women’s Club, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle
on September 25, 2004, 10 am – 1 pm
Raffle Application RL04-17,
Sussex Women’s Club, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle
on September 25, 2004, 1 pm – 4 pm
Raffle Application RL04-18,
St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church, to conduct an on premise
merchandise raffle on October 1, 2004 (Tricky Trays)
Raffle Application RL04-19,
St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church, to conduct an on premise
merchandise raffle on October 1, 2004 (Tricky Tray Specials)
Raffle Application RL04-20,
St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church, to conduct an off premise
50/50 raffle on October 1, 2004
Raffle Application RL04-21,
American Legion Post 213, to conduct an off premise 50/50 raffle
on December 18, 2004
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve aforesaid
Applications.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
RESOLUTIONS
- Authorizing payment of bills for the meeting of August 12,
2004.
- Confirming notification to NJ Department of Personnel –
promotion of Roseanne Werner to Senior Clerk Typist, effective
9/1/04.
- Confirming notification to NJ Department of Personnel –
promotion of Patricia Brown to Senior Clerk Typist, effective
9/1/04.
- Confirming notification to NJ Department of Personnel –
promotion of David Stewart to Assistant Animal Control Officer/Senior
Road Repairer, effective 8/1/04.
- Confirming notification to NJ Department of Personnel –
promotion of Mark Little to Assistant Supervisor, Roads, effective
8/1/04.
- Approving Change Order #1 on project entitled Proposed Resurfacing
Various Streets, reducing total contract amount from $183,094.14
to $179,440.46.
- Authorizing reduction in Bond Amount for LUB application
by LGR Enterprises, Eagle Ridge at Wantage, reducing amount
of bond to $45,984.00, per recommendation of Township Engineer
dated 7/26/04.
- Endorsing extension of grace period for payment of tax bills
to August 27, 2004
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve
the aforesaid Resolutions.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
- Bear Sightings at Woodbourne Park:
Mr. Doherty said he had been told bears are following walkers
but are not aggressive. Mr. Space asked if people are informed
how to handle bears. Mr. Doherty said they could post signs
at the park and give public information. Mr. Parrott said the
Fish and Wildlife Service advised him to get an air horn to
scare them.
- Update – Bids for Revaluation
Firms:
The re-bid opening is set for August 27, 2004.
- Zoning Regulations – Horses:
Mr. Frasche and Mr. Kervatt recommend revising the zoning ordinance
to allow for horses for recreational use with 2.5 acres being
needed for the first horse. Mr. Parrott said he had not heard
of anyone complaining. Mayor DeBoer said there should be more
research done. Mr. Doherty said he would tell the zoning officials
that unless they hear directly from the public, it is a non-issue.
- Promotion of Ed Vanderberg:
Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to his memo dated 7/16
regarding this matter.
- Megan’s Law – Request for
Information:
Mr. Doherty referred the governing body his e-mail memo dated
7/30 regarding this matter.
- Tax Rate Comparison 2003 – 2004
Mr. Doherty provided this comparison at the request of Mayor
DeBoer.
- Business Registration of Public Contractors:
Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to an e-mail memo he
received from the N. J. Dept. of Community Affairs.
- Request for Consideration of an Easement,
Block 64, Lot 45.
The property is located on Union Road in Lake Neepaulin. The
septic system needs to be rehabilitated but it would encroach
on an existing right-of-way. Joseph Mayers spoke for engineer
Ken Wentink and said the lot is very steep and there is no other
location to put the septic system. It would be contingent on
a $200 escrow deposit by the homeowner to cover engineer review
costs by Harold Pellow. Mayor DeBoer authorized Mr. Garofalo
to contact Mr. Pellow.
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mayor DeBoer, to proceed
as soon as possible on this matter.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Abstain: Parrott Absent: None.
- Update Report – Improvements
to Public Buildings
Mr. Doherty said he would meet with the architect and engineer
next week. Plans include HVAC items, renovations to the garage,
court and tax offices and a new storage building outside.
- Request for Inspection – Release
of Performance Guarantee – Dobbs
Following discussion, Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by
Mr. Space, to release the performance guarantee for this project.
A voice vote was unanimously in favor.
- Award of Contract – Skid Steer
Loader
Mr. Doherty provided a memo dated 7/30 on this topic. Following
review of this memo and discussion by the governing body, Mr.
Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to award the bid
to Bobcat of North Jersey West of Flanders, N. J. as it meets
or exceeds all specifications. A voice vote was unanimously
in favor.
- Update Report – Sale of Block
2, Lot 2
Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to a letter dated August
10, 2004 from the Fish and Wildlife Service regarding their
agreement to purchase this 19.592-acre tract. They notified
Wantage N. J. Green Acres would now purchase the tract directly
for the same price and it would be conveyed to the Fish and
Wildlife Service at a later time. The governing body agreed
to this proposal.
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to introduce
Ordinance 2004-15 to that effect and final hearing is set for
September 9, 2004.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Garofalo asked for an executive session to discuss pending
litigation.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Space reported the system provided with a government grant
was installed in the firehouse and looks professional.
Mr. Parrott said he wants a joint meeting with the schools boards
and Sussex Borough regarding the school budget and clear issues
with the proposed referendums. He also said he went to the meeting
regarding Lusscroft Farms and it was very well attended.
Mayor DeBoer said the clothes bins by Dow Tire on Route 23 have
become garbage bins.
NEW BUSINESS
- Request for Consideration of Ordinance
2004-11
The Wantage Land Use Board recommends introduction of the following
ordinance:
“AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII OF THE REVISED GENERAL
ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE ZONING CHAPTER”,
for the purpose of changing all references from “R-1”
zone to “RE-5” zone; to revise the official zoning
map of the Township; and to include provisions for addressing
the fair share housing obligation of the Township under COAH.
If introduced, the final hearing date will be set for September
30, 2004.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to introduce
the aforementioned ordinance. A voice vote was unanimously in
favor.
- Request for Introduction of Ordinance
2004-14
The Wantage Land Use Board recommends introduction of the following
ordinance:
“AN ORDINANCE CREATING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FEES FOR
LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE,
COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY”. If introduced,
the final hearing date will be set for September 30, 2004.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to introduce
the aforementioned ordinance. A
voice vote was unanimously in favor.
- Request for Introduction of Noise Ordinance
Residents Gene and Nancy Osias requested the governing body
consider adoption of a noise ordinance similar to the one currently
in Vernon Township. Mr. Parrott said he felt such an ordinance
would be too intrusive and difficult to enforce. Mr. Garofalo
said he looked at the Vernon ordinance and felt it was too vague.
Mr. Doherty was asked to send the Osiases a letter informing
them of the Committee’s decision.
- Final Adoption: Ordinance 2004-12
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to adopt on
final reading, Ordinance 2004-12, entitled “AN ORDINANCE
TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP
OF WANTAGE, PARTICULARLY THE ZONING ORDINANCE.”
The meeting was open to the public.
Diane Schnurr asked what the change was. Mr. Garofalo stated
it would no longer be a zoning violation to keep goats near
a road.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
- Final Adoption: Ordinance 2004-13
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to adopt on
final reading, Ordinance 2004-13, entitled “AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER XXI, FEES, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”
The meeting was open to the public.
It was explained that the purpose of the ordinance was to add
a statement that a copy of the Master Plan requires a fee of
$30.00.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
- Outdoor show license application: 2004
Sussex Air Show
Mr. Doherty requested the governing body give consideration
for a conditional approval of the 2004 outdoor show license
for the Sussex Air Show, contingent upon final endorsement from
all review agents prior to the date of the show.
Mr. Space made a motion to that effect, seconded by Mr. Parrott.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
- Approval of Minutes: July 8, 2004
Mr. Space made a motion to approve the July 8, 2004 minutes,
seconded by Mr. Parrott.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions
or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.
There were no questions or comments. Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting
to the public.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to enter executive
session to discuss pending litigation. A voice vote was unanimously
in favor.
The executive session lasted approximately 10 minutes. Following
that, Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to come
out of executive session. A voice vote was unanimously in favor.
There being no further business to come before the governing body,
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to adjourn. A
voice vote was unanimously in favor.
________________________________
William DeBoer, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
James Doherty
Administrator / Clerk
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