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 24, 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. DeBoer moved to accept the following correspondences for filing:

• Memorandum Dated 2/24/05 from Jim Doherty, reporting on results of Competitive Quotations for Recreation Field Maintenance Program for calendar year 2005.

• Memorandum dated February 23, 2005 from Jim Doherty, reporting resignation of Judy Stickle from employment with the Township of Wantage, effective immediately.
• Letter dated February 16, 2005 from Rachael Nestle, offering thanks to various groups and individuals who came to her aid during a recent automobile accident, including members of the Wantage First Aid Squad and the Wantage Fire Department.

Mr. Parrott 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:

• Registrar’s Report for January 2005

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

APPLICATIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the following applications:

• Raffle License RL05-02, for Beemerville Presbyterian Church, to conduct an on premise merchandise raffle (tricky tray) on May 25, 2005 at the Beemerville Fire House.
• Raffle License RL05-03, for Beemerville Presbyterian Church, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle on May 25, 2005 at the Beemerville Fire House.
• Raffle License RL05-04, for Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct an on premise merchandise raffle on April 1, 2005 at the Beemerville Fire House.
• Raffle License RL05-05, for Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle on April 1, 2005 at the Beemerville Fire House.
• Raffle License RL05-06, for High Point Wildcat Booster Club, to conduct an on premise merchandise raffle (tricky tray) on April 15, 2005 at High Point Regional High School.
• Raffle License RL05-07, for High Point Wildcat Booster Club, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle on April 15, 2005 at High Point Regional High School.

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:

Awarding contract for the 2005 Recreation Field Maintenance Program to Farmside Landscape & Design, in the amount of $10,800

Accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Judy Stickle from employment with the Township of Wantage

Authorizing the Municipal Clerk to waive $4.00 in late fees for dogs owned by Patrick Keane of Philip Terrace (license numbers 1545 and 1546), based on dog licensing deadline compliance discrepancies that may have been caused by untimely delivery of mail

Authorizing the Recycling Coordinator to submit the 2004 Tonnage Report of Recycled Materials to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

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

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty reported that he reviewed the budget proposed for an interlocal arrangement between Wantage Township and Sussex Borough for Court office personnel. He explained that given the overtime which would be required of our current employees, the funds available from Sussex Borough and the need to have an arrangement in place for March would not make this agreement beneficial to Wantage Township at this time. The Committee agreed and Mr. Doherty will inform Sussex Borough that Wantage Township will decline the offer at this point, but would consider the possibility in the future if circumstances were to change.

Mr. Doherty reported that Jeff and Tracy Vander Groef will be invited to a recognition ceremony congratulating Jeff for his selection as a National Winner of the Outstanding Young Farmer award at a later date. Given the unsure forecast for the weather this evening, and the fact that Tracy is expecting, tonight’s recognition has been postponed.

Mr. Doherty received a letter from the Administrator of Mountain View Correctional Facility, informing that they will add his name to the list of contact points within their notification process of their Emergency Response Plan. He will, in turn, develop a list of contact persons who will receive immediate notification once he receives same.

Mr. Doherty asked that he discuss the proposed agreements with County of Sussex for Improvements to Old Clove Road/ Libertyville Road in closed executive session.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the next Newsletter will be mailed in the second week of March, after the School Referendum takes place. Any input on changes or additions from the Committee were requested prior to March 1st.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to let him know if and when they are ready to discuss the following open items from the last meeting: Ambulance Donation, Water Aquifer Testing Ordinance, Sussex County Water Quality PAC, and the Feral Cat Ordinance.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Garofalo requested that he give his report during a closed executive session.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer brought up a request he had received from a spouse of a road department employee regarding plowing of employees’ driveways during storm related call-outs. Mr. Parrott suggested that the employee responsible for plowing the assigned roads of road department personnel be allowed to do a quick swipe of the employee’s driveway since they are unavailable to do it themselves. This matter will be looked into further.

Mr. Parrott referred to an article in the New York Times which addressed the future possibility that municipalities will be required to pay for their State Police coverage. He suggested that Wantage Township put aside some monies through a budget reserve to help defray the costs of raising such amounts in the year if and when this becomes a requirement. Mr. Garofalo will look into a statutory reference which can be included in a dedication by rider resolution.

Mayor Space informed the committee that he and Mr. Doherty attended a meeting of the High Point Regional School Board regarding their proposed improvements to the high school. Preliminary figures suggest that by retiring old debt before issuing new debt should result in a negligible effect on the overall tax rate.

OLD BUSINESS – NONE

NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of 2005 Municipal Budget

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to introduce the 2005 Municipal Budget. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, Parrott, DeBoer Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion to close the meeting to the public and enter into executive session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, Parrott, DeBoer Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor Space called the meeting back to order and the governing body continued with the regular order of business.

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.

Ann Smulewicz addressed the Committee regarding the expenses she incurs in caring for abandoned cats in Wantage Township. Mayor Space asked Mr. Doherty to explain the proposed Feral Cat Ordinance that is under consideration. Ms. Smulewicz suggested that if and when this program is put in place they consider contacting Laurie and Stan Walsh of Sussex to help implement the program.

Ms. Smulewicz then requested to discuss the school budget and her ideas on improvements to the current system they are using. Mr. Doherty informed her that the Committee could not discuss the school budget as they have no jurisdiction over such. She was informed that the proper forum would be to attend the Board of Education meetings and address her Legislator regarding suggested changes to the current process. Again, she asked to speak about School Board issues. Mr. Garofalo informed her that Mr. Doherty was correct and this could not be discussed at the meeting of the Township Committee.

Mayor Space asked if there were anything else she would like to discuss that would be proper in this forum and there was not. No one else came forward.

There being no other items for the consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. Parrott moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mayor Space declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk