Minutes of the 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 February 10, 2005.

Mayor Parker Space called the 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 Michael Garofalo.

Mayor Space led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.
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."

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 accept the following correspondences for filing:

• Memorandum Dated 2/10/05 from Jim Doherty, reporting on results of Competitive Quotations for Printing Services of Municipal Calendar, Photocopying Services for Newsletters, and Infield Clay delivery for ball fields.
• Invitation received from Guardian Angels Safety Patrol, inviting Wantage Township Mayor and Committee to the Graduation Ceremony of the Sussex Borough Guardian Angels on 2/13/05 at 2 pm in the Sussex Middle School.
• Certification of Extraordinary Unspecifiable Service by James R. Doherty, Administrator, dated 2/10/05, relating to proposed contract with LargeDoc Solutions in the amount of $19,705.
• Memorandum dated 2/8/05 from Sussex County Medical Reserve Corps, informing of an upcoming emergency management exercise to test public health emergency preparedness; seeking medical and community volunteers to participate in the exercise, tentatively scheduled for the month of April, 2005.
• Letter dated January 19, 2005 from The Hampshire Companies, requesting Bond Release and Bond Replacement for improvements being done at the A&P Shopping Plaza.
• Memorandum dated February 9, 2005 from Harold Pellow, Township Engineer, detailing recommendations concerning letter of request from The Hampshire Companies for Bond Release.

Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the following reports for filing:

• Sussex County Soil Conservation District Exempt Municipalities Report for Year 2004
• Tax Collector’s report for January 2005
• Board of Health Report for January 2005
• Construction Department Report for January 2005
• Treasurer’s Report for Calendar year 2004
• Municipal Clerk’s Report for January 2005

Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the following resolutions:

• Transfer of Appropriation Reserves in the amount of $9,836, dated February 10, 2005
• Payment of Bills dated February 10, 2005
• Awarding contract for Printing Services 2005-06 municipal calendar to Intergraphics of Rockaway, NJ, for a price of $3,460 for 4,000 calendars
• Awarding contract for Photcopying Services 2005 municipal newsletters to Intergraphics of Rockaway, NJ, for a price of $318 for each 4,000 newsletters
• Awarding contract for Delivery of Infield Clay to Windsor Soil Company of Clarksburg, NJ, for a price of $29.09 per ton
• Awarding a contract to LargeDoc Solutions to provide data and document management conversion services during calendar year 2005, in the amount of $19,705
• Awarding Professional Services Contract to Charles Schaffer Associates of Newton, NJ, for architectural design and review services on the Improvements to Municipal Complex project during calendar year 2005
• Authorizing the release of Performance Security Bond 929241998 from United Properties, Inc., in the amount of $235,189.90, as per recommendation of the Township Engineer dated 2/9/05
• Authorizing the Township Administrator to inform The Hampshire Companies that Performance Security Bond 929242000 from United Properties, in the amount of $24,120, shall be released upon receipt of a replacement bond in the same amount of money in the name of The Hampshire Companies

Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Jim Doherty contacted Pete O’Biso to see if he would be willing to honor payment of outstanding Road Trust Fund obligations. Mr. O’Biso clarifies the issue and states that he will not be paying the assessment. Upon inquiry, Mr. Garofalo confirmed that the legal costs of pursuing payment of this assessment from the current owners would, in all likelihood, exceed the cost of the assessment to be paid. Mr. Garofalo advised that if the committee chose to waive this obligation, a motion should be made by the Land Use Board to forgive the assessment.

After discussion and review, Mr. DeBoer moved to send a request to the Land Use Board to remove the payment of road trust fund contributions as a condition of approval on this subdivision, but to suggest better safeguards are put in place to assure this scenario is not repeated. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Doherty reported that letters were received dated 2/1/05 from Judge Dana, and 1/27/05 from Superior Court of NJ representative Irene Turner informing that the Township needs to install bullet-proof glass in the Violations bureau window. This project is awaiting input from local contractor on costs and options.

Mr. Doherty reported that the Statewide Insurance Fund has presented Wantage Township with a Plaque of Recognition for Superior Claim Investigation for Worker Compensation Claims Control in 2004, leading to reductions in Worker Compensation claims and reduced insurance costs for the Fund.

Mr. Doherty reported that the Whistleblower Act Notice has been distributed to all employees. Signatures of governing body members and Attorney Mr. Clark were requested at this time.

Mr. Doherty reported that municipal review of requests for acceptance of Mountain View Drive and for Roberts Way are on-going, pending further submittals from the developers.

In response to a request from Mr. DeBoer at a previous meeting, Mr. Doherty reported that there are several options available for the donation of an ambulance the Township is going to retire. A “Product Donation Agreement” with the Gifts In Kind International charity organization can be filled out. As another alternative, Mr. Vander berg indicated that the Rotary Club International would be interested in the ambulance if other options do not work out, as they can donate it to needy people/groups in the Dominican Republic.

Mr. DeBoer stated that he would be investigating options and report back at a future date.

Mr. Doherty presented the names of two individuals who have been endorsed for consideration of appointment by the Wantage Township Board of Recreation Commissioners.

Mayor Space appointed William Hardy of Holland Road, and Greg Williams of Quarry Road, will fill open seats on the Recreation Commission for terms running through 12/31/09.

Mr. Doherty reported that Wantage is entitled to a representative on the Sussex County Water Quality PAC. Suggestions were welcomed, but the PAC meets the same night as the Wantage governing body. No action was taken at this time.

After discussion, it was agreed that Well Ordinance 2005-03 will be tabled for further consideration and review.

Mr. Doherty reported that he is in discussions with Sussex Borough about a possible interlocal agreement with Sussex Borough regarding the municipal court. Under the proposed arrangements, Court sessions would still be held in the respective Municipal Building with the daily work being done in Wantage Township. The discussions are pending cost justification to the Township of Wantage.

Mr. Doherty reported that there is a program possible where the Township can implement a feral cat “trap, neuter, return” program. Mr. Doherty reported that this program may prove more cost effective to the taxpayers than our current program of impounding the cats for seven days and then having them cremated if not adopted. Mr. Doherty presented a possible ordinance for consideration of the governing body which would make it illegal for a Wantage Township resident to feed or care for feral cats unless they register with Wantage as a “Cat Caregiver”. The members of the governing body agreed to review this proposed ordinance for further consideration and dialogue.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s report.
Mr. Garofalo reported that he has nothing to report at this time as he and Mr. Doherty have been addressing legal concerns as they occur. Mr. Doherty, in turn, keeps the Committee informed as issues arise and are dealt with.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer informed the Committee that he attended a meeting of the Sussex Wantage Board of Education regarding the upcoming referendum and feels that forum was not conducive to answering the questions residents may have, in order to make an informed decision. The members of the governing body requested Mr. Doherty to send a letter to the Board of Education, requesting that another evening meeting be held as a public forum opportunity for residents and taxpayers to ask questions about the referendum.

Mr. Parrott followed up on his request regarding the 75th anniversary of the High Point Monument scheduled for September, 2005.

Mayor Space, informed the committee of a resident who he recently spoke with who would be interested in putting together a call list to notify citizens of any future escapes from the Stokes Facility. Mr. Doherty took this information with interest.

OLD BUSINESS – NONE

NEW BUSINESS
Final Hearing of Ordinance 2005-02: Zoning Amendment
A was made by Mr. DeBoer to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-02, 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.

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments regarding this proposed Ordinance.

Thomas Zummo came forward to express his concerns that this ordinance puts unnecessary constriction on the future development of land in the Township. Mr. Zummo was assured that this change is a minor amendment which models other such municipal ordinances where an acreage requirement has been imposed. It was further pointed out that this constraint logistically complies if the acreage requirement has been met. The committee thanked Mr. Zummo for his input.

There being no one else present wishing to address the governing body, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and called for a vote on the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Final Hearing of Ordinance 2005-05: Budget Cap
A motion was made by Mr. Parrott to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-05, entitled “ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40a:4-45.14)”. The motion was seconded by Mr. DeBoer.

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments regarding this proposed Ordinance. There being no one present wishing to address the governing body, Mayor Space closed the meeting and called for a vote on 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.

Two residents came forward to ask if this were the proper forum to request an application with the Land Use Board. They were given the dates and times of the Land Use Meetings as well as the number of Joanne Kanapinski in response to their request.

A group of residents from Clove Hill Manor addressed the committee to inquire about the increase in their water/sewer rates. They were informed that this ordinance was introduced by the Borough of Sussex and that is where they need to get their answers.

There being no one else present wishing to address the governing body, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and the governing body returned to the regular order of business.

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

Mayor Space declared this meeting to be adjourned.
______________________________
James R. Doherty, Clerk