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 JULY 21, 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.
The Mayor and Committee and the Wantage Township Economic Development
Commission discussed the Tax Exemption program of Wantage Township.
Present for the Economic Development Commission was Tom Zumo.
Mr. Zumo and the Committee discussed the Highlands Act and how it changed
the development environment of the Township. The major point of discussion
revolved around whether the tax exemption (abatement) ordinance fulfills
the need for which it was originally adopted. The consensus is that businesses
will come to Wantage Township whether or not this ordinance is in place
and it may be time to rescind the ordinance and collect more revenues
for the taxpayers. Mr. Garofalo will be asked to draft an ordinance to
rescind the current tax exemption (abatement) ordinance.
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 Michael Garofalo
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.
REPORTS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following reports for filing:
- Affidavit of Tax Bill Mailing dated 7/18/05 from Tax Collector Marcia Snyder
- Tax Collector’s Report for June 2005
- Registrar’s Report for June 2005
- Construction Department Report for June 2005
- Municipal Clerk Report for June 2005
APPLICATIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle License RL05-17, issued to the Ladies Auxiliary Beemerville Fire Department, for an Instant Raffle authorization from 9/1/05 through 8/31/06
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 RL05-18, issued to the Beemerville Fire Department, for an off premise merchandise raffle on 12/12/05. 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 July 21, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing Mayor Space to write a letter to the Council on Affordable Housing, changing the name of the Wantage Township municipal liaison/housing officer from Christine Textor to James R. Doherty.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing Mayor Space to sign a letter agreement with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, to participate in the State-Local Cooperative Housing Inspection Program for the period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing submission of an application to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for a Sussex County Municipal Alliance Grant for the year 2006 in the amount of $15,939.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion confirming the award of a contract for Construction of New Truck Storage Facility to Zitone Construction & Supply Co., of Montague, NJ in the amount of $318,000. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott made a motion confirming the award of a contract for Renovation of the Wantage Municipal Building to Zitone Construction & Supply Co., of Montague, NJ in the amount of $537,900.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that with an upcoming leave of absence by Ed Vanderberg as he makes use of accumulated time off from work, Nick Frasche has requested that the Township hire a part time Plumbing Inspector and recommended John Wycoff for the position.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to hire John Wycoff of Lafayette, NJ as part time Plumbing Inspector at a rate of $29 per hour, not to exceed 100 hours of employment between July 25, and December 31, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty requested a meeting with Mr. Parrott regarding discussion of the current comp/flex time policy. Mr. Parrott agreed to a future meeting.
Mr. Doherty requested a closed executive session under attorney client privilege and negotiations exclusions to review and discuss the status of the Leslie Toal – Old Clove/Libertyville Improvement Project. Discussion ensued as to whether the new requirements are above and beyond what was originally expected for the relocation of the Toal residence. The Committee advised that Mr. Garofalo and Mr. Doherty will meet to discuss a counteroffer.
Mr. Doherty requested an opportunity to review and discuss health benefits program for retirees with the Committee and Tony Cucinotta during closed executive session in accordance with the exclusions permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act.
Mr. Doherty discussed the request of Robert Van Dyke regarding sewer allocations. Mr. Van Dyke approached Sussex Borough regarding purchasing sewer allocations on Lower Unionville Road. The Committee agreed that with an escrow account in place from Mr. Van Dyke to cover cost which may be incurred for professional fees, this issue can be pursued.
Mr. Doherty recommended that the Committee end the feasibility study regarding the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) Program since we will not be receiving a grant for this project. The Committee agreed to end the TNR feasibility study.
Mr. Doherty recommended that the committee amend the Township’s definition of “Pet Shop” as our Ordinance only applies to dogs and our ordinance should be broadened to include all pets. Mr. Garofalo will prepare said amendment.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that DPW Mechanic will be relocating out of state in the near future. The Township does not yet have an official letter of resignation, but expects one shortly. To make the transition into a new Mechanic smooth, Mr. Doherty requested permission to announce a Position Available notice through Civil Service for a Mechanic, and to hire John Card as a provisional employee in the position of Mechanic while the job announcement process goes through the civil service process. Mr. Parrott will contact Mr. Card regarding his starting salary as the Committee feels that the current salary cannot, in all fairness, be increased above what is currently being paid regardless of Mr. Card’s unquestioned qualifications.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to hire John Card as a provisional employee in the position of DWP Mechanic at $19.19 per hour.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of recent animal control issues including a policy change whereby Animal Control personnel will no longer handle cash. Mr. Doherty referred to a letter dated July 12, 2005 outlining this change. The Committee agreed to the change.
Mr. Doherty also asked the Committee for direction regarding a policy regarding outside employment by full-time animal control personnel.
Mr. Garofalo advised the Committee that he agrees that there should be no use of Wantage Township employees for other towns without the existence of an Interlocal agreement due to liability issues.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to draft a personnel policy which prohibits Wantage Township Animal Control Officers from working for other municipalities without the existence of an Interlocal-service agreement.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty presented a proposed fee schedule amendment provided by Mr. Frasche and a “letter of interpretation from Zoning Officer”. Mr. Garofalo advised that the Application for a Zoning Permit serves the same purpose as the proposed interpretation letter taken at face value and any response for information should be limited to only what is included in a completed zoning permit.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Garofalo give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Garofalo informed the committee that he should be receiving the closing papers for Block 2 Lot 2 from Green Acres next week and would like to remind that the Committee that signatures will have to be procured for these documents upon receipt.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott reported that he is moving forward on finding options regarding COAH low income housing requirements.
OLD BUSINESS
The Committee asked that Well Monitoring/Aquifer Protection Ordinance be introduced tonight with a request that Mr. Garofalo amend the ordinance with a 2 gallon per minute requirement.
Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first 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”, including the 2 gallon per minute amendment. Final hearing set for August 11, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
The Committee denied the recommended amendment to Land Use Ordinance where any wall to be constructed over 3 feet in height require submission of an engineering design.
The Committee recommended amendment to the Road Trust Ordinance, eliminating the option of allowing applicants to pay at time of deed transfer or issuance of certificate of occupancy. Mr. Garofalo will supply the appropriate wording for this ordinance.
The Committee asked Mr. Garofalo to advise on the suggestion of Nick Frasche to amend Property Maintenance Code Chapter 8-2 to read “International Property Maintenance Code or current addition” rather than “BOCA National Property Maintenance Code 1996”.
The committee discussed a suggested amendment that all board approvals expire if conditions of approval are not satisfied by a specific deadline date. Mr. Garofalo advised the Committee that it would be advisable to introduce an ordinance with a three year deadline for conditions of initial approval and a two year deadline for final approval. The Committee asked Mr. Garofalo to draft such an ordinance. Mr. Garofalo will also draft a letter to Mr. Maggio letting him know that the Township is proposing such an ordinance.
The Green Acres program offers a loan of $250,000, which is $80,000 less than the amount needed to complete Woodburne Park, Phase IV Improvements. The Committee asked that the project be scaled back to $250,000.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-09, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ACCEPTING THE STREET KNOWN AS ROBERTS WAY.
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 2005-13, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII 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. 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 2005-15, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE.”
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. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, 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”. Final hearing set for August 11, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first 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”. Final hearing set for August 11, 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 2005-17, 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”. Final hearing set for August 11, 2005.
Mr. Parrott 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 June 30, 2005.
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 why Ordinance 2005-17 applies only to low income housing. It was explained that this ordinance is a direct means to address COAH obligations which specifically address low income housing only. Another resident asked what constitutes low and moderate income. She was informed that these guidelines are set by the State.
Mr. Parrott addressed Mr. VanDyke regarding what the Committee previously decided regarding his request for purchasing sewer allocation.
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. DeBoer made a motion to enter into executive session.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
After meeting in closed executive session, Mr. DeBoer made a motion to return to the regular order of business. Mr. Parrott 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
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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk