MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, HELD AT THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING,
888 STATE HIGHWAY 23, WANTAGE, N.J. ON THE DATE OF AUGUST 11, 2005
Mayor Parker Space called the workshop meeting to order, and requested
the Clerk to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the
governing body were present: Mayor Space, Committee members Parrott, DeBoer.
The following members were absent: None.
Mayor Space stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with
the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter
231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public, and certified
by the Clerk."
Mayor Space led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.
Present were members of the Colesville and Beemerville Fire Departments.
John Morris, Beemerville (on behalf of the Joint-Truck Committee), addressed
the Committee for assistance in purchasing a Custom Extended Medium Four
Door Cab, 200 GPM Pump – 1000 Gallon Tanker Pumper.
The Committee and the Fire Department discussed funding options regarding
truck specifications received from KME Fire Apparatus in the amount of
$313,000. The Fire Department was reminded that the Township has currently
funded only $200,000 for the purchase of a vehicle.
Mr. Morris presented an option of co-owning the new vehicle with an approximate
1/3 (Beemerville) and 2/3 (Wantage Township) split. John presented Beemerville’s
desire to enter a lease for their share since the first of seven payments
would not have to be made until after the vehicle has been placed in service
for one year.
Mr. Morris was advised that since The Township recently bonded debt obligations
(including ordinances which have funded Wantage Township’s share
of the proposed vehicle), the Township cannot go out for bid without the
ability to certify availability of the entire $313,000.
After much discussion, it was decided that if Beemerville could procure
a loan for the additional $113,000, the process to purchase this vehicle
could begin. John will have a representative of KME Fire Apparatus send
the truck specifications via e-mail to Mr. Doherty to streamline the bid
process once the loan has been finalized.
Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions
or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.
As there was no one who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the
meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.
There being no other items for consideration of the governing body at
this time, Mr.DeBoer moved to adjourn the workshop session. Mr.Parrott
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
After a short recess, Mayor Parker Space called the regular meeting to
order, and requested the Clerk to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following
members of the governing body were present: Mayor Space, Committee members
Parrott, DeBoer.
The following members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney
Angelo Bolcato
Mayor Space stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with
the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws 1975, Chapter
231. It has been properly noticed and posted to the public, and certified
by the Clerk."
Mayor Space led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Space requested that the members of the Committee Review the Consent
Agenda.
There being no Committee member present wishing to comment on the proposed
Consent Agenda, Mayor Space requested approval of the Consent Agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following correspondence for filing:
- Letter dated 7/25/05 from Anthony Pannella, on behalf of the High Point Regional High School, informing of a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 from 2–9 pm to conduct a referendum on proposed school facilities renovation/expansion.
Mr.DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
REPORTS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following reports for filing:
- Tax Collector’s Report for July 2005
- Registrar’s Report for July 2005
- Construction Department Report for July 2005
- Municipal Clerk Report for July 2005
- Animal Control Report for July 2005
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
APPLICATIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-19, to St. Monica’s
R.C. Church, for on premise merchandise raffles on 10/7/05. Mr.DeBoer
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-20, to St. Monica’s
R.C. Church, for on premise merchandise raffles on 10/7/05. Mr. DeBoer
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr.Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-21, to St. Monica’s
R.C. Church, for off premise 50/50 raffle on 10/7/05.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of August
11, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion accepting, with regrets, the resignation of
Susan Floyd from employment with the Township of Wantage effective September
2, 2005 Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott,
DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion accepting, with regrets, the resignation of
Todd Longcor from employment with the Township of Wantage effective September
23, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott,
DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion confirming correction to the employment title
of Kevin Kervatt as being Assistant Zoning Officer, Housing Inspector
and Fire Inspector. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes:
Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion approving Change Order #1 to the Reconstruction
of Sherman Ridge Road – Section III and Resurfacing of Newman Road
– Section I, representing a reduction from the original contract
price of $309,489 to an adjusted contract price of $305,914.85, as per
recommendations of the Township engineer dated 8/3/05.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion to award a contract for Repair of Ryan Road
to Owl Contracting in the amount of $5,900, per recommendation of Township
Engineer dated August 8, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty presented a problem Angela Prestipino from the Sussex Queen
Diner is experiencing with a substandard septic system at that location.
Angela is facing a time-constraint issue regarding the filing of a Statement
of Consent from the Governing Body in conjunction with her application
to the Department of Environmental Protection. The normal process would
be for Ms. Prestipino to meet with Harold Pellow so he could review the
application and advise the Governing Body that the application is in compliance
for the Mayor’s signature of consent.
Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Statement of
Consent for the application of the Sussex Queen Diner pending Mr. Pellow’s
review and approval of Ms. Prestipino’s application.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty supplied the committee with a proposed letter of Deputy Mayor
Jeff Parrott regarding COAH credits for farmland preserved property which
Mr. Parrott will address during his Committee Report.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of Nick Frasche’s suggestion
to change the wording in Section 8-2.1 to read “International Property
Maintenance Code or current edition”. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee
that the Township Attorney advises against this proposal.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he, per request of Mr. DeBoer,
sent a letter dated July 25, 2005, to a Newton doctor who had expressed
an interest in our surplus ambulance. The letter requested a response
deadline of August 5 if the doctor were still interested. As Mr. Doherty
has received no response, he asked the Committee if the ambulance should
be included in the public auction of surplus vehicles via Sparta Township.
Mr. DeBoer will advise Mr. Doherty of a fair minimum bid amount within
the next few weeks. The Committee agreed to include the ambulance in the
public auction at a minimum bid price to be established.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a request by Rachel Manor for a
bond reduction on their soil removal operation as well as Harold Pellow’s
recommendation against a reduction. The Committee agreed with Mr. Doherty’s
request to send a letter to Rachel Manor with Mr. Pellow’s findings.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a request from Mr. Roger Marsh for
input regarding whether or not his subdivision bond needed to be renewed
on Block 101 Lot 23.01 and 23.05; Harold Pellow responded with a report
that the drive across Lot 23.08 should be paved, so the bond can be reduced
to the value of this work (reducing bond from $13,725 to $3,125). Marsh
informed Mr. Doherty in a telephone conversation that his cost for a bond
does not change whether the value is $13K or $3K, and that he does not
believe he was obligated to pave the drive for Lot 23.08. Mr. Doherty
informed Mr. Marsh of Harold’s position and that if he disagrees,
Marsh should return to the Land Use Board to discuss further. The agreed
with Mr. Doherty’s request to sent a letter to Marsh confirming
Harold’s position and asking for Marsh’s clarification as
to whether or not he wishes the bond reduced.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has been in touch with Odgensburg
Borough regarding Regional Contribution Agreements (RCA) for COAH and
they would still be interested in working with Wantage Township. Mr. Doherty
also informed the Committee that recent findings suggest that the value
of RCA’s may be set by COAH, making competitive negotiation between
towns a moot point.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he had been given proposed Ordinance
2005-21, to implement fee increases for interlocal construction departments.
Monday Mr. Doherty will be meeting with Nick Frasche and Vito Gadaleta
as Sussex must adopt the same fee schedule adopted by the Township of
Wantage.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Township has introduced 21
new ordinances for adoption in 2005. This is the amount the Township normally
adopts for a given year and the 2005 A&E budget will not be able to
accommodate the costs for very many more ordinance adoptions.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the CT Productions liquor license
renewal (formerly Glenbrook Inn) will be absolved by the State by the
end of September if it has not yet been renewed. Mr. Parrott asked Mr.
Doherty to send one more request of intent via certified mail with a return
receipt required.
Mr. Doherty requested an opportunity to review and discuss health benefit
coverage for retirees in closed executive session in accordance with the
exclusions permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act.
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review his memo regarding a proposed
action plan for Open Space Preservation. The Committee agreed that a workshop
sometime in September with Green Acres, Farmland Preservation, the Township
Engineer, and the public should be scheduled. Mr. Doherty’s request
for an Open Space Advisory Committee can be discussed at or after the
findings of the workshop. The Committee also agreed with Mr. Doherty to
hold off on auctions of Township held land as part of the proposed action
plan.
Mr. Doherty recommended hiring Amy Heater as Custodial Laborer of DPW
for remainder of calendar year 2005.
Mr. Parrott moved to hire Amy Heater as provisional part-time employee
in the position of Custodial Laborer of DPW for remainder of calendar
year 2005 for ten hours per week at rate of $15.14 per hour.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty recommended hiring Jeanne McBride to the position of Board
of Health Secretary (pending appointment by the Wantage Township Board
of Health), for the remainder of calendar year 2005, at a rate of $4800
per year pro-rated for the remainder of the year, effective 9/5/05 (in
response to resignation of current BOH Secretary Sue Floyd, effective
9/2/05) [Jeanne is currently the Recreation Board Secretary].
Mr. DeBoer moved to hire Jeanne McBride to the position of Board of Health
Secretary (pending appointment by the Wantage Township Board of Health),
effective 9/8/05, for the remainder of calendar year 2005, at a rate of
$4800 per year pro-rated for the remainder of the year.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of Mr. Frasche’s request for
promotions for Patricia Brown and Rosanne Werner to Technical Assistant.
The Committee agreed to start the Civil Service process regarding these
promotions as long as there is no request for a salary increase.
Mr. Doherty asked to discuss and review the issue of accumulated sick
days for Edward Vander Berg in closed executive session in accordance
with the exclusions permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Bolcato give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Bolcato asked to discuss and review pending litigation in closed executive
session in accordance with the exclusions permitted under the Open Public
Meetings Act.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Space reported that next Thursday representatives of The Department
of Interior and the NRCS will be meeting to present programs to address
recent concerns regarding silt in Lake Neepaulin.
Mr. Parrott read his letter to Assemblyman Guy Gregg and stated that he
has received tremendous response from as far as Hunterdon County. He also
asked his fellow Committeemen to endorse this letter in a form of a resolution
to be sent to the county and neighboring municipalities.
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to endorse Mr. Parrott’s recommendation
in Resolution form and forward to the Sussex County Freeholders and our
neighboring municipalities.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final Ordinance
2005-12, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XVI OF THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE SITE
PLAN CHAPTER”.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public
for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance.
As there was no one who wished to come forward Mayor Space closed the
meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance
2005-16, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XII OF THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE ZONING
CHAPTER”.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public
for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance.
A resident asked how many houses per acre in a cluster. Mr. Parrott explained
half of the land had to be designated Open Space and there is no stated
number of houses per acre. As there was no one else who wished to come
forward Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the
regular order of business.
Mr.DeBoer made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance
2005-17, entitled “AN ORDINANCE CREATING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING FEES FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE,
COUNTY OF SUSSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY”.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public
for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance.
At this time Mr. Doherty asked the Committee if they wished to raise the
commercial percentage to 2% as allowable under the COAH guidelines. The
Committee agreed to leave commercial and residential percentages at 1%.
As there was no one who wished to come forward Mayor Space closed the
meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance
2005-03, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 15A OF
THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE BEING THE AQUIFER
PROTECTION AND WELL TESTING CHAPTER”
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public
for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance.
Mr. Conforth asked that if the reference to approved water supply in section
15A-1.5 also involved a potable water supply, how was it feasible to get
adequate pumping equipment to remote construction sites. The resident
was informed that his reference to individual well testing is only changed
by the two (2) gallon per minute requirement and for a single dwelling,
this would not pose a problem. Anne Smulewicz thanked the Committee for
protecting the future water supply of neighboring residents. As there
was no one else who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting
to the public and returned to the regular order of business.
Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance
2005-06, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER V OF THE REVISED
GENERAL ORDINANCES, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF “PET SHOP”,
with a final hearing date scheduled for September 8, 2005. Mr. DeBoer
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance
2005-18, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTERS XII, XV AND
XVI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING
THE SUBDIVISION, LAND USE PROCEDURES AND SITE PLAN CHAPTERS, TO PROVIDE
FOR EXPIRATION OF PRELIMINARY MAJOR SUBIDIVISION, VARIANCE AND SITE PLAN
APPROVALS”, with a final hearing date scheduled for September 29,
2005.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance
2005-19, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XV O[F THE
REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE LAND
USE PROCEDURES” with a final hearing date scheduled for September
29, 2005.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance
2005-20, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER XXII ENTITLED
‘TAXATION’ ALSO BEING KNOWN AS ‘THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP
TAX ABATEMENT AND TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE’ OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”,
with a final hearing date scheduled for September 8, 2005. Mr. Parrot
seconded the motion. On the question, Mr. Parrott stated that he was the
recipient of a tax exemption in previous years, and asked the attorney
if he should abstain from voting for that reason. Mr. Bolcato advised
that since this issue will involve a policy decision for the Township
moving forward, and since Mr. Parrott’s tax exemption application
was not now pending before the Township for a decision, there is no conflict
of interest and Mr. Parrott may proceed to vote his conscience on this
topic. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent:
None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance
2005-21, Entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI, FEES,
OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, with a final
hearing date scheduled for September 29, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer,
Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wantage Township
governing body’s meeting held on July 21, 2005, Special Meeting,
Workshop, Regular Meeting and Executive Session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the
motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent:
None Abstain: None
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions
or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.
A resident asked for clarification that the ordinance introduced tonight
puts an expiration date on open land use applications. The Committee informed
the resident that there is now a three year limit. Since there was no
one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed
the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to enter into executive session. Mr. DeBoer
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
There being no other items for the consideration of the governing body
at this time, Mr. DeBoer moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Parrott seconded
the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent:
None Abstain: None
________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk