MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE HELD SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

A regularly scheduled meeting of the Wantage Township Committee was called to order on September 30, 2004, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J.

The Work session began at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Mayor William DeBoer, Committee members Jeffrey Parrott and Parker Space, Administrator/ Clerk James Doherty.

Mayor DeBoer stated “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, PL 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly advertised and certified by the Clerk”.
Mayor DeBoer led those present in a salute to the American Flag.

Mayor DeBoer recognized George Papp, Superintendent of the Sussex-Wantage Schools, and three members of the High Point Regional High School Board of Education, identified as Joseph Luna, James Nelson, and Tina Palecek.

Mayor DeBoer thanked these individuals for attending, and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to keep open the lines of communication between the school boards and the governing body. Mayor DeBoer indicated that representatives of the Sussex Borough governing body had been invited to attend this evening, but that it appeared that no one from that governing body was present at this time.

At Mayor DeBoer’s suggestion, Mr. Papp offered an overview of accomplishments of the Sussex Wantage school system from the previous school year, and goals being pursued for the current school year. Mr. Papp also offered congratulations on behalf of the Board of Education for a very successful Wantage Anniversary Festival this past Saturday.

At Mr. Parrott’s request, all school representatives addressed questions involving security measures at the schools for protection of the children, the impact of state legislation involving the handling of school budget surpluses, and efforts to address infrastructure improvement needs.

Mr. Parrott suggested for consideration, the possibility of regionalizing the 8th grades of all sending districts to the high school, as a possibility for coordinating and minimizing the cost impact of infrastructure improvements and additions at both the elementary school and high school levels.

General response from the school representatives present indicated an openness and willingness to look at any possibilities presented, however Mr. Papp suggested that the issue of “home rule” would likely pose an impediment to progress on that particular suggestion from Mr. Parrott, particularly in the case of Lafayette Township.

Mr. Parrott, Mr. Space, and Mayor DeBoer all expressed their desire to see referenda by the school systems coordinated for the sake of protecting the best interests of both the students and the taxpayers. Mr. Parrott observed that no one’s best interests would be served by having a race to see which school system could get a referendum before the public first.

All representatives of the schools expressed a willingness to communicate and coordinate efforts for infrastructure needs and referenda. Mr. Papp, however, stated that there were several emergent needs at the Sussex Wantage school system which might require their attention in a more expedited schedule than that being pursued at the high school.

Mr. Parrott explained that the Wantage governing body understands the autonomy of both school boards in making decisions regarding the school systems, and that the desire of the Wantage governing body was not to intrude in any way on that autonomy, but rather to act as advocates on behalf of the general public and taxpayers to promote discussion and coordination of needs between the elementary school and the high school levels.

Mayor DeBoer expressed a desire to see greater efforts made in negotiations with teachers, particularly where the costs of health benefits were concerned.

The representatives of the school systems present agreed with the Mayor’s observations. Mr. Papp indicated that this represents a very difficult issue to negotiate with the teachers’ union.

At this time, Mayor DeBoer opened the work session to the members of the general public for any questions or comments with respect to the issues being discussed.

Jim Doherty inquired regarding whether any efforts were being pursued at the state level, to coordinate and centralize efforts at negotiations on behalf of the school administrations and boards of education. Mr. Doherty commented that the NJEA enjoys considerable negotiating advantage because they are one centralized, unified union representing all teachers of the state of New Jersey, and that the school boards might get further in their negotiation efforts if steps were taken to centralize management throughout the state in the same way.

Mr. Papp suggested that the impact of union power involves numbers, and that there are considerably more teachers than boards of education throughout the state.

There being no further questions at this time, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public and the governing body returned to the regular order of business.

There being no further items for discussion, Mayor DeBoer declared the work session to be adjourned, and the governing body took a five minute recess before beginning the business portion of the meeting.

The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor William DeBoer, Committee members Jeffrey Parrott and Parker Space, Administrator/ Clerk James Doherty and Attorney Michael Garofalo.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor DeBoer stated that there was no consent agenda for this evening’s meeting.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Doherty indicated that the Sussex County Office of County Planning reminds the governing body that Wantage Should Have a Cross Acceptance Committee. General discussion took place regarding possible members for this committee. No action was taken at this time.

Mr. Doherty reported on the need of the County Office of Engineer to declare a Single Lane Closure and posting of 5-ton weight limit on Bridge X-39, Sally Harden Road, approximately _ mile west of intersection of Route 284 and Sally Harden Road.

Mr. Doherty reviewed concerns made by Mr. Loughery of Beaver Run Road expresses concern regarding drainage issue. The members of the governing body agreed with Mr. Doherty’s recommendation to revisit this concern as part of 2005 budget planning.

Mr. Doherty reported that concerns involving the Bicsak Soil Removal Operation are on-going, and that issues of compliance are being monitored by the Twp. Engineer Harold Pellow. If necessary, a Stop Work Order will be implemented.

Mayor DeBoer expressed concern with soil erosion and sediment control measures on other soil removal operations along Route 23, as well.

Mr. Doherty discussed a vacancy on the Board of Recreation Commissioners caused by nonattendance at meetings by Michael Johnson. After reviewing Mr. Doherty’s proposed letter to Mr. Johnson, the governing body agreed by consensus to declare Mr. Johnson’s seat vacant, and to have Mr. Doherty send the proposed letter to Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Doherty discussed a vacancy on the Land Use Board caused by nonattendance at meetings by Steve Coleman. After reviewing Mr. Doherty’s proposed letter to Mr. Coleman, the governing body agreed by consensus to declare Mr. Coleman’s seat vacant, and to have Mr. Doherty send the proposed letter to Mr. Coleman.

Mr. Doherty mentioned for future reference that the state statute governing attendance by Board members at Board meetings does provide an opportunity for a Board member to pro-actively request an excused absence, which would preserve the individual’s membership on the board. Mr. Doherty stated that Ms. Sue Vanden Heuval recently made such a request to the Board of Recreation Commissioners, who granted Sue a six month leave of absence from the board as an excused absence.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Garofalo initiated a discussion regarding details of a proposed developer’s agreement with ABD Wantage.

Mr. Parrott disclosed that he had previous business dealings with the owners of the property involved in this issue, and for that reason he would recuse himself from deliberations in the matter.

After general review and input from the remaining members of the governing body and Mr. Doherty, Mr. Garofalo stated that he had sufficient direction now to complete the proposed agreement.

Mr. Garofalo offered an update regarding the status of the Kinney litigation, informing that both parties have agreed to mediation. The members of the governing body offered their consensus for Mr. Garofalo to proceed with the power of settlement via mediation in this matter. Mr. Garofalo also suggested that the Fire Chief coordinate representatives from both firehouses of the Wantage Fire Department, who would be granted power of settlement via mediation on behalf of their respective incorporated fire companies.

Mr. Garofalo reported that the expressed concerns of the governing body, with respect to the contract between the Township and the State of New Jersey for the State’s purchase of Block 2, Lot 2, have been addressed, and that the State will be sending out a new, clean contract agreement for signature in the near future.

Mr. Garofalo also reported that the Mainardi tax appeal matter has been settled.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS

Mr. Space reported a drainage concern involving the property of Woody’s Liquor Store and a neighbor.

After general discussion, the members of the governing body requested that the matter be given to Mr. Frasche in the construction department to determine if there is anything that the Township can do to address the concerns raised.

Mr. Space also stated his compliments to all persons involved in the Wantage Anniversary Festival, and stated in particular how impressed he was with the Wantage community’s civic spirit because after the festival at the park, there was virtually no litter that needed to be cleaned up. Mr. Doherty stated that he, too, had observed this, and that the Wantage public should be proud of itself for that.

Mr. Parrott reported on the distribution of “White Supremacy” literature in Wantage, which was investigated at his request, on behalf of concerned Wantage residents. The matter was reported to State Police and to FBI. The bottom line is that individuals are not violating any laws by distributing this material. Mr. Parrott stated his belief that material, which spreads fear and prejudice among our residents, is not appropriate, and that diligent review would continue to make sure that these individuals violate no laws of our land.

Mr. Parrott also expressed his thanks to Mr. Doherty and the Anniversary Planning Committee for a job well done.

Mayor DeBoer also offered thanks to Mr. Doherty for his efforts with the celebration, and mentioned that many members of the community were wondering if some “Wantage Day” celebration could be planned annually.

Mr. Doherty stated that it could be done, but that there would be a budgetary impact. Mayor DeBoer stated it would be worthwhile to review this further in our budget planning meetings.

NEW BUSINESS

Strategic Growth Presentation
Mr. Art Fetzer, Representative of the Sussex County Strategic Growth Committee, offered a presentation to the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage and then presented the document entitled “Sussex County – Draft Strategic Growth Plan”. Mr. Fetzer encouraged the Wantage Township officials to review the plan and offer input.
Mayor DeBoer thanked Mr. Fetzer for his comments.

Award Of Contract – Lott Road Park Paving
Mr. Parrott moved, in accordance with the recommendation of the Municipal Engineer, to award a contract to Lentini Paving Contractors of Augusta, NJ, who submitted the lowest responsive, responsible quotation for Phase II Paving of the circular drive in the Municipal Park located off Lott Road/Born Road, in the amount of $15,235.00. Mr. Space seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Approval of Raffle Applications
Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL04-25, for the Rotary Club of Wallkill Valley, to hold an off premise 50/50 raffle on December 16, 2004. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL04-26, for the Sussex Women’s Club, to hold an on premise 50/50 raffle on November 9, 2004. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL04-27, for the Sussex Women’s Club, to hold a tricky tray raffle on November 9, 2004. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, Space, DeBoer. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

Approval of Minutes
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on September 9, 2004, both regular and executive session. Mr. Space seconded the motion. 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 being no one 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. 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