September 9 Meeting of the Wantage Township Mayor & Committee

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE HELD SEPTEMBER 09, 2004

A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee was called to order Thursday, September 9, 2004, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J. 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 Richard Clark.

There was continuation of a discussion that had taken place during the workshop session of the meeting about the possible purchase of a new fire truck. It was noted there would be a price increase of 2 _% effective October 15th.

Joseph Konopinski said four members of the Truck Committee were in favor of the proposed custom made vehicle and three were opposed.
Committeeman Parrott restated earlier comments that he would not vote on anything until he had something in writing to look at.

Committeeman Space said that one of the biggest things needed in the Colesville area was water. He said he felt they could obtain a truck for a lot less money than the one being proposed, such as a Mack or International. He felt the price was high for a truck just to carry water.

Following some discussion, attorney Clark advised that Mr. Space could not vote on the issue, as he is a member of the fire department and that would be considered a conflict.

Mayor DeBoer made a motion to authorize the process to move forward and go out for bid on a custom made truck.

Mr. Parrott said he wants to talk to members of the Truck Committee as he did not have enough information and he wants to read the specifications.

Administrator Doherty recommended the Committee authorize the advertisement for bids which would give Mr. Parrott time to talk to the Truck Committee members and review the specifications. When the time comes, he could vote against a bid, but recommended the mayor’s motion be seconded and approved to allow the process to move forward.

Mr. Parrott said he felt that was an excellent suggestion and seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: Space. Absent: None.

 

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.

CORRESPONDENCE

Letter dated August 17, 2004 from Christopher Yeager, Principal of the Wantage School, offering thanks and appreciation to the Wantage Public Works Department for providing assistance in repairs to the driveways and parking lots at the Wantage School.
Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to approve the Correspondence for filing.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

REPORTS

Board of Health, Registrar’s, Construction Department, Tax Collector’s, and Municipal Clerk’s Report for August 2004

Copy of the Filed Incorporation Papers of the Wantage Township Exempt Firemen’s Association, Inc, and the Application To Join the NJ State Exempt Firemen’s Association for Wantage Township

Copies of the Certificates of Exemption for Wantage Township Firefighters currently recorded in the Sussex County Clerk’s Office

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 RL04-22,
Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct an on premise merchandise on October 8, 2004

Raffle Application RL04-23,
Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle on October 8, 2004

Raffle Application RL04-24,
Wantage Township First Aid Squad, to conduct an off premise 50/50 raffle on November 22, 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

    1. Authorizing payment of bills for the meeting of September 9, 2004.
    2. Amending 2004 Salary Resolution to reflect promotion of Mark Little to position of Assistant Supervisor, Roads
    3. Accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Anthony Piechowski from employment with the Township of Wantage effective September 17, 2004
    4. Authorizing Discharge of Mortgage under the Wantage Township Rehabilitation Mortgage Program, for Block 54, Lot 8.02 in the amount of $19,285
    5. Authorizing the Chief Finance Officer to withhold such sums of money as may be requested by Wantage employees who choose to enroll in a voluntary savings program through payroll deductions, as administered by Trans World Assurance Company
    6. Approving Temporary Traffic Control regulations for September 25, 2004.
    7. Offering Preliminary Approval for the 2005/2006 funding round of the State Agriculture Development Committee’s applications involving property in Wantage Township, totaling 481 aces of proposed farmland preservation.
    8. Approving the request of Boy Scout Troop 97 to conduct a Car Wash at the municipal building on September 18, 2004, 9 am – 2 pm
    9. Approving the request of Boy Scout Troop 97 to conduct Annual Tire Turn In Program at the municipal building on October 23, 2004, 9 am – Noon
    10. Authorizing release of various escrow accounts of the Land Use Board, as requested by the Secretary to the Wantage Land Use Board in a memo dated 9/9/04

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

    1. Edward VanderBerg:
      Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to confirm the change in employment terms for Mr. VanderBerg as discussed in executive session. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

      1) Interpretation of Call Out – DPW Contract.
      Mr. Doherty said there was a difference of opinion regarding this matter. It was agreed that if contacted by phone by the State Police or municipal official, personnel would be paid on the basis of one-half hour if they work up to 15 minutes and paid one hour if they work one-half hour. This would replace the previous arrangement of being paid three hours at time and one-half each time they were called out.
      Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to amend the union contract to reflect that agreement. A voice vote was unanimously in favor.
    2. Developer’s Agreement – ABD Wantage
      This matter refers to a project at Lowe Road and Libertyville Road. Mr. Doherty said the attorney is preparing the developer’s agreement.
    3. Work Session 9/30
      A joint meeting is scheduled with the Boards of Education and Sussex Borough regarding the status of capital improvement/ infrastructure improvement plans for the school systems.
    4. Work Session 10/7
      A joint meeting is scheduled with the Recreation Commission and township engineer Harold Pellow regarding the next phase of development for Woodbourne Park.
    5. Work Session 10/28
      A joint meeting is scheduled with the Board of Health and County Health Department including clarification of the County Health Department’s role in enforcement of health concerns in Wantage Township.
    6. Sparta Request: Use of Pound on Temporary Basis for Cats
      Mr. Doherty referred the governing body to a proposed interlocal services agreement. Sparta Township would use the services of the pound for one month for no more than five cats at any one time.
    7. Update – Sale of Block 2 Lot 2
      Mr. Doherty reported about the tract of land on Bassett’s Bridge Road containing 17 acres. A proposed contract was received from Green Acres but some items are different than the original agreement with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Mr. Parrott asked if the township could be reimbursed for legal fees. Mr. Clark said it is his experience that Green Acres would not do that.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Clark said there is the sale of the aforementioned property to address.
He noted there is a requirement that any vendor in the township must have a registration certificate. It they do not, the township may not accept any bid from that vendor. This ruling is effective Sept. 1st.
Regarding the Kinney matter, Mr. Clark said a mediator has been proposed and this should be heard this month.
Mr. Clark advised there are tax appeals that he would be working on with the tax assessor.


TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS

Mr. Parrott reported about the well survey, stating it is expected to be completed by December 15th. Results will be on the computer for public access. The Land Use Board would be able to determine well yield and depth in a particular area. In addition, he stated the road crew did blacktop repair work at the Wantage School.

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Adoption of Ordinance 2004-11
    Certain minor changes were made to the ordinance that was introduced at the last meeting.

    Land Use Board Chairman James Smith and consultant David Troast were present to address any questions the governing body might have regarding this.

    They said it addresses Wantage’s affordable housing obligation. For every eight housing units constructed, there must be one affordable housing unit. For every 25 jobs created, one affordable housing unit is needed. There was a dialogue with Mr. Clark regarding the requirements.

    Mr. Doherty asked about the circumstance of an approved subdivision that has not yet been built. Mr. Troast said they are looking at trying to fit that in somehow. Mr. Smith added there are approximately 200 units approved but not developed yet.
    The meeting was open to the public.

    Edward VanderBerg asked about the assessed valuation determined by the Land Use Board.

    The meeting was closed to the public.

    Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space to adopt Ordinance 2004-11 entitled, “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.

    Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
  2. Adoption of Ordinance 2004-14
    Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to adopt Ordinance 2004-14, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE CREATING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FEES FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY”.

    The meeting was open to the public. There were no questions or comments. The meeting was closed to the public.
    Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
  3. Adoption of Ordinance 2004-15
    Mr. Space made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parrott, to adopt Ordinance 2004-15, 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. 30A:12-13 (b)(1).”

    The meeting was open to the public. There were no questions or comments. The meeting was closed to the public.
    Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
  4. Award of Contract: Revaluation Services
    Mr. Doherty reported bids were opened August 27, 2004. The low bidder was Certified Valuations of Randolph, N. J. at a price of $418,660. The tax assessor has reviewed and approved the bid and it has been given to the township attorney to review for format.

    Mr. Clark said his office reviewed it and the bid is in order.
    Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Space, to award the contract for revaluation of the township to Certified Valuations of Randolph, N. J. at the price of $418,660.

    Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
  5. Minutes
    Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the August 12, 2004 regular and executive session minutes, seconded by Mr. Space.
    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.

Mr. Smith said the Land Use Board subcommittee is working on several ordinances. In particular, they are attempting to address the size and number of billboards in the township.

Tax assessor Melissa Rockwell stated that, according to a recent law, billboards could now be assessed.

There being no one else present who wished to address the governing body, the meeting was closed to the public.

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