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 MAY 12, 2005
Mayor Parker Space called the workshop session 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 Garafalo.
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."
PERSONNEL
Mr. Parrott made a motion to enter into closed executive session to discuss
a matter involving the terms and conditions of employment, and evaluation
of the performance of specific employees employed by the public body.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, Parrott,
DeBoer. Nays: None Absent: None. Abstain: None.
After meeting in closed session, Mayor Space reconvened the meeting in
open session and the governing body continued with the regular order of
business.
SUSSEX COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
Ms. Mary Emilius of the SCEDP addressed the governing body regarding the
purpose and tasks of the SCEDP relative to attraction of new industry
and job creation.
Ms. Emilius spoke regarding the path and pursuits of the Partnership and
their focus on Corporate Campus Development to provide adequate wages
so residents could afford to live and work in Sussex County. The Committee
thanked Ms. Emilius for her presentation.
OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments
with respect to the good and welfare of the community.
As no one came forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public.
As there were no further matters to discuss, Mr. Parrott made a motion
to close the workshop session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll
call, Ayes: Space, Parrott, DeBoer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain:
None.
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 Garafalo.
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."
RESOLUTION OF CONGRATULATIONS
Mayor Space presented a resolution of congratulations to Jeff Vander Groef,
2005 National Outstanding Young Farmer. Mr. Parrott and Mr. DeBoer also
offered their congratulations.
Mr. Vander Groef thanked the Committee and his wife, and said that it
has been an honor representing Wantage Township and the State of New Jersey.
He also thanked his family for their sacrifices to give him and his children
a better life.
Mayor Space presented a resolution of congratulations to Edward Vander
berg, 2005 New Jersey Building Inspector of the Year. Mr. Parrott and
Mr. DeBoer also offered their congratulations. Mr. Vander berg thanked
the Committee.
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:
- Construction Department Report for April 2005
- Tax Collector’s Report for April 2005
- Board of Health Report for April 2005
- Municipal Clerk’s Report.
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve payment of bills for the meeting of May 12, 2005.
Mr.DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr.Parrott moved to approve a resolution of continued support for Picatinny Arsenal.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr. Parrott moved to award a contract for 2005 bulky waste collection to Blue Diamond Disposal Company of Succasunna, NJ in the amount of $198 per ton.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
OLD BUSINESS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS
Final Adoption: Ordinance 2005-10 (Bond Ordinance)
A motion was made by Mr. Parrott to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-10, entitled “BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $668,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $634,600 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF.” Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
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 requested a roll call on the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the minutes of meetings of the Wantage Township governing body held on April 28, 2005, both regular and executive session.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty reported to the Committee that there will be a Totem Pole Dedication Ceremony held on May 24, 2005, at 1:00 pm
Mr. Doherty reported to the Committee that the Town Hall Improvements Bid Opening has been rescheduled for June 6, 2005.
Mr. Doherty reported on the proposed Land Use Ordinance amendments as requested at the last meeting. The Committee will review the response and get back to the Land Use Board.
Mr. Doherty reported to the Committee that Wantage Township has been nominated for an award by the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership. An awards ceremony will be held on May 26, 2006 at 12:00 noon.
Mr. Doherty requested a policy clarification regarding expenses at seminars and conventions be discussed at the next meeting.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Garofalo reported that Wantage Township is not in compliance with the current COAH regulations and feels it should be our top priority to get our paperwork submitted. Mr. Doherty will contact David Troast in this regard.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott reported he has been receiving complaints regarding Woodbourne Park. He asked if we can install “Clean Up After Your Dog” signs in the park and obtain containers with plastic bags to assist in this endeavor.
Mr. DeBoer reported that he has received numerous calls regarding the Master Plan Update. He also advised that the Land Use Board has decided to hold the May 17, 2005 meeting for the purpose of continuing open public discussion. No decisions or votes will take place on May 17.
Mayor Space reported that he attended a meeting with Smart Growth, Department of Agriculture, and Land Use, and there will be a letter drafted to the residents to clarify specifics of the Master Plan Update.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to make a recommendation to the Land Use Board to table the review of the Master Plan which is scheduled to take Place May 17, 2005 at 7:30 pm.
Mayor Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr. Garrett, resident, spoke to the Committee regarding his feelings on a newsletter being drafted regarding the Master Plan Update. His feeling was that the newsletter would be an attempt to promote further development of the Township funded by taxpayer’s monies when not all taxpayers are in favor of further development. The Committee, Attorney and Administrator explained that the newsletter would be for informational purposes only.
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.
Anne Smulewicz, resident, addressed the Committee regarding Wantage Township’s COAH compliance and her concern on the consequences of that non-compliance. Mr. Garafalo informed Ms. Smulewicz that we have until December to complete our application process. There is no reason to believe that we will not meet that deadline.
Diane Snure came forward and asked for further explanation on the COAH requirements. Mr. Parrott and Mr. Vanderberg clarified some of the COAH issues under question and where some of the gaps in compliance originated.
As there was no one else who wished to come forward, 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.
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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk