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MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE HELD MARCH
11, 2004
A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee
was called to order Thursday, March 11, 2004, at the Wantage Municipal
Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J.
The workshop portion of the meeting began 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 led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute
to the flag.
The purpose of the workshop was to hear a presentation by a group
working to preserve Lusscroft Farms formerly the Rutgers/4-H site.
Donna Traylor with the County Planning Dept. introduced the committee
working on this effort.
They include Kevin Gray of the N. J. Division of Parks and Forestry;
Susan Gerber, president of the Heritage Agriculture Association
and Kevin Mitchell, a Wantage resident.
Ms. Traylor gave some history of the property that totals 1,051
acres. It was operated as a dairy research facility until 1970 when
it became a 4-H Camp. In 2002, it was transferred to the NJDEP under
the administration of High Point State Park.
There are many buildings on the site and it has the potential for
environmental or agricultural education.
Mr. Gray said there are three alternatives for the site: an agricultural
living history farm, headquarters of a new state park or take no
action.
Following receipt of more information and discussion, Mr. Parrott
said he did not want to see that property come to the same end as
the Kuser Mansion at High Point State Park. He said he is 100 per
cent in favor of preserving the site. He asked if there would be
a definite commitment from the state to have adequate funds to preserve
the buildings.
Mr. Space compared the results of private enterprise to state-owned
endeavors.
Ms. Gerber described the funding aspect of the project.
Mr. Mitchell asked the governing body to let state officials know
how they feel as the group still has not received permission to
move forward.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to have a Resolution
prepared to send to the NJDEP with copies to legislators. The plan
could be released as drafted with further language to be done by
Mr. Doherty. A voice vote was unanimously in favor.
There was a short recess.
The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 8 p.m.
Present: Mayor William DeBoer, Committee members Jeffrey Parrott
and Parker Space, Administrator Clerk James Doherty and Attorney
Richard Clark.
Mayor DeBoer announced this meeting is held in compliance with the
New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and has been properly advertised.
CONSENT AGENDA
Administrator Doherty presented the Consent
Agenda for approval.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve the
Consent Agenda as presented.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
REPORTS
The reports of the Board of Health, Registrar, Construction
Department, Tax Collector and Municipal Clerk for February 2004
were presented.
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.
RESOLUTIONS
1) Authorizing transfer of 2003 budget appropriation reserves
totaling $13,300, as per resolution dated March 11, 2004.
2) Authorizing the extension of the 2004 Temporary Budget for
the Township of Wantage from March
31, 2004 to April 8, 2004, representing the anticipated adoption
date for the 2004 Municipal Budget of
Wantage Township.
3) Authorizing the CFO to increase the Finance Department Petty
Cash Fund from $50.00 to $100.00
upon approval by the Director of the Division of Local Government
Services.
4) Authorizing award of contract for Printing Services, 2004-05
Municipal Calendar to Intergraphics of
Franklin, NJ in the amount of $3,460.00 for 4,000 calendars.
5) Authorizing award of contract for Copying Services for 2004
Municipal Newsletters to Intergraphics of
Franklin, NJ in the amount of $318.00 for 4,000 newsletters.
6) Authorizing award of contract for Delivery of Infield Clay
Mix to Windsor Soil Company of
Clarksburg, NJ in the amount of $25.41 per ton.
7) Authorizing award of contract for Recreation Field Maintenance
Program in 2004, to Farmside
Landscape and Design of Wantage, NJ in the amount of $9,800.00.
8) Authorizing award of contract for Purchase of Soccer Goals
to Sporting Essentials of Secaucus, NJ in
the amount of $2,067.25 per set.
9) Authorizing Tony Piechowski to serve in the capacity of Acting
Building Subcode Official for the
Township of Wantage in the absence of Nick Frasche from the position
of Building Subcode Official of
Wantage, for calendar year 2004 (no salary adjustment involved).
10) Authorizing Mayor DeBoer to sign the collective bargaining
agreement with Local 911, International
Union of Production, Clerical and Public Employees, representing
the Wantage DPW for the years
2004-2006.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve the
Resolutions.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Driveway Access Permit Waiver Request for Block 32, Lot 6.05
Richard Honig, attorney for the property owner, explained
the speed limits allowed for Mount Salem Road and presented
a map showing locations of houses within 1,320 feet of the proposed
driveway location. Mr. Parrott and Bernard Caffrey, surveyor
for the property owner, reviewed the maps and determined the
lot has existed since the 1970s. There was discussion about
who had the jurisdiction to grant the waiver. It was decided
that Attorney Clark would call Township Engineer Pellow to discuss
the situation.
3. Crown Builders Inspections
While the principals were present, Mr. Doherty said that the
township building inspector was injured some years ago while
doing an inspection on the property. He was advised to recuse
himself from inspecting on that property as he has filed a lawsuit
against the builder. Inspectors in other municipalities are
too busy to take over that work, so Mr. Doherty asked permission
to petition the N. J. Dept. of Community Affairs to handle these
inspections.
2. Parking in Private Parking Lots
Mr. Doherty said he received a request from the Edward Mainardi,
owner of Wantage Plaza regarding cars parked on the property
with “For Sale” signs on them. Mr. Mainardi said
he could not find any statute allowing removal of those cars
from his property. Mayor DeBoer stated there are cars parked
there with broken windows and flat tires. Following discussion,
it was determined the situation was a form of trespass and Mr.
Mainardi should be urged to put warning signs on the vehicles
that they will be towed if they are not removed by a certain
date.
4. Requests for Service
a. Cautionary Speed Limit Signs of 25 mph on Moore Road.
It was decided that signs could not be put up randomly without
a traffic analysis.
b. Reduction of Speed Limit on Central School Road to 35 mph.
The speed limit is currently 40 mph. It was decided to ask the
State Police to patrol the road.
c. Requests for Determination whether there is an unnamed public
road in various locations of the Township.
It was determined the township would take no action to research
the requests of private citizens when the records of the Township
do not clearly establish that a public road exists. The Committee
members agreed with the input of the Township Attorney that
the cost and work of such research can and should be done by
the private individual rather than at the expense of the taxpayers.d.
Sight distance problem at the intersection of File, Brink and
Deckertown roads.
Following discussion of this problem, it was determined Mr.
Doherty would report back to the governing body on the cost
to raise Brink Road.
5. LOSAP Interlocal Agreement Resolution.
Mr. Doherty presented this Resolution for action by the governing
body. The costs would be split 72/28% with Sussex Borough. As
Mayor DeBoer, as a member of the First Aid Squad, and Mr. Space,
as a member of the Fire Department, would both benefit from
adoption of this measure, it was determined that the Doctrine
of Necessity would be enabled for voting on this resolution.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to adopt this
resolution.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Clark stated litigation has been initiated against the Land
Use Board appealing a decision it made. The township was also
named in the suit but that charge will be dropped.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER’S REPORTS
Mr. Parrott said an agreement was reached with the union representing
the Road Department and it represents substantial savings. He
said he heard the school tax levies were received but not in writing.
Bond rates are holding steady.
Mr. Doherty said he met with the municipal auditor today and interest
rates are going down. They recommend the township wait a little
longer until the end of May or beginning of June before having
a bond sale.
Mayor DeBoer thanked Mr. Parrott and Mr. Doherty for their efforts
with the contract negotiations with the Road Department.
OLD BUSINESS
Rachel Manor Soil Removal License Application
Attorney William McGovern III represented Rachel Manor. He
said site plan approval was received from the Land Use Board
subject to many conditions. There have been private negotiations
with the neighboring owners, Max and Ann Smulewicz, and the
applicant would keep the Land Use Board notified if there were
any changes.
Land Use Board member Arthur Jacobs said the two parties have
mutually agreed to take the hill down as it is in the public
interest. A request for a $50,000 bond for encroachment on the
buffer zone to repair the damage is not needed now, he said.
Mr. McGovern said this was informally agreed between the parties
and this would be put into writing for all parties to sign.
He asked the Township Committee to grant the license so Rachel
Manor can start work next week. All the Smulewicz’s rights
would be preserved. Nothing would happen to the area around
their property until the agreement is signed. Some soil would
be removed along the property line. Rachel Manor would have
to come back to the Land Use Board if there is soil removal
from the Smulewicz lot.
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to grant a
soil removal permit to Rachel Manor according to the conditions
imposed by the Land Use Board.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance 2004-07
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to introduce
on first reading, Ordinance 2004-07, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE
TO AMEND CHAPTER XVI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE SITE PLAN CHAPTER.”
Public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for April 29,
2004. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
Introduction of Ordinance 2004-08
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to introduce
on first reading, Ordinance 2004-08, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE
DESIGNATING SHERMAN RIDGE ROAD AS A THROUGH STREET”.
Public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for April 8,
2004. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
Introduction of 2004 Municipal Budget
Mr. Doherty read the Resolution pertaining to the Budget that
will appear in the March 28, 2004, edition of the New Jersey
Herald newspaper.
Total appropriations are $5,735,186 which is $323,278.25 more
than 2003. This is a 5.97% increase, he said. There would be
an increase in the local rate of 1.2 cents. On a house valued
at $250,000, the rate would rise $30. This does not include
school or county taxes.
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to approve
the Resolution introducing the 2004 Municipal Budget for Wantage
Township. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
Results of Private Sale: Municipally Owned Property No Longer
Needed
Mr. Doherty said there was a sale of 17 properties on March
8, 2004, which consisted of undersized lots at Lake Neepaulin.
These are not able to be built upon, as they do not meet zoning
requirements. The lots were offered to adjoining property owners
but only four lots received bids.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to authorize
Attorney Clark to contact the property owners to finalize the
sales. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None.
Abstain: None. Absent: None.
MINUTES
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to approve
the special and executive session minutes of February 26, 2004.
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.
Douglas Ricker of Beemer Road complained there are lights on a
building near McCoys Corner that shine directly onto the highway
and are distracting to drivers. Mr. Doherty indicated the property
owner would be advised.
Mr. Ricker said he has been to SWAC meetings and Clean Community
grants have been returned to their full amounts.
Mr. Ricker said he also serves on the county Economic Partnership
committee. He invited the mayor to a breakfast the group is holding
in May, noting they are looking for ideas to help Wantage more.
Diane Schnure of Mount Salem Road asked some questions about the
municipal budget. She also mentioned the dog pound sign needs
to be fixed.
There being no others present wishing to address the governing
body at this time, the meeting was closed to the public.
Mayor DeBoer thanked Mr. Jacobs for his efforts and thanked Mrs.
Smulewicz for being cooperative. He noted there will be a school
board Candidates Night at the Sussex Middle School on March 31st
at 7 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to enter executive
session to discuss negotiations.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
The executive session began at 9:55 p.m. and lasted ten minutes.
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott to come out of
executive session.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
There being no further business to come before the governing body,
Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to adjourn at
10:05 p.m.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain:
None. Absent: None.
Mayor DeBoer declared this meeting to be adjourned.
________________________________
William DeBoer, Mayor
ATTEST:__________________________________
James Doherty
Administrator Clerk
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