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 NOVEMBER 3, 2005

Mayor Parker Space called the workship 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 member DeBoer. The following members were absent: Committee member Parrott. Mr. Parrott arrived at 7:10 p.m.

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.

Tony Mistretta, Superintendent, Lisa Gorab of Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer, Bond Counsel, and Mr. Ed Izbicki, Business Administrator of the Sussex Wantage School District were available to offer a presentation to the governing body regarding details of the December 13, 2005 referendum for school improvements within the Sussex Wantage School District. Mr. Mistretta informed the Committee that the District will be splitting the referendum into two tiers, listing the most needed repairs into question number one and other renovations into question number two. Mr. Mistretta informed the Committee that there will be public meetings held on November 16 and November 29, 2005 at 7:00 pm at the Wantage School to go over details of the referendum with the public and an open house on Saturday, December 10, 2005 to visit the school.

General discussion took place among school representatives, members of the governing body, and members of the public with respect to the presentation offered.

John Hannum, Superintendent, Jim Platukis, Principal, Carol LaStarza and Jeff Hull, Assistant Principals of High Point Regional High School, and Trooper Lynn and Trooper Redden of the New Jersey State Police, were available at the Committee’s request to discuss the issue of gang violence in the Township. Also present were members of the Board of Education of the Sussex/Wantage School District. The members of High Point Regional High School and the members of the State Police explained their proactive approach to gang violence and their zero tolerance policy for violence of any kind. Ms. LaStarza informed the public and the Committee of a meeting being held on November 15, 2005 at 7:00 pm in the High School auditorium, with one of the topics being gang violence.

The Committee thanked all for attending. The Committee stated the Governing Body of the Township of Wantage is 100 percent behind a zero tolerance policy regarding any kind of violence within the Township and offered their assistance in any way.

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

Some members of the pubic came forward and gave examples of programs recently held within the Township that were well received as a safe place for teens to meet in a chaperoned environment. Other members came forward for and against the proposed Sussex/Wantage School District referendum.

A resident asked for clarification regarding the dollar value of the improvements in relation to the state grant being provided. Mr. Mistretta offered an explanation in response.

Ms. Jayne McHugh asked Mr. DeBoer to clarify whether or not he was a member of the Sussex Wantage Taxpayers Association, being that he sent a representative of that organization to sit in and represent him during a session of the ad hoc advisory committee for school improvements earlier this year.

Mr. DeBoer stated he was not a member of the Sussex Wantage Taxpayer Association. Mr. DeBoer stated that membership in the Sussex Wantage Taxpayer Association did not play a role in his choice to find some one to attend a meeting of the ad hoc committee on his behalf. Rather, Mr. DeBoer stated that he asked for the assistance of this particular individual because she was aware of the issues being discussed.

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. The Committee again thanked all invited guests for their input this evening.

There being no other items for consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. Parrott moved to adjourn the workshop session. Mr. DeBoer 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:

• Tax Collector’s Report for October 2005
• Registrar’s Report for October 2005
• Construction Department Report for October 2005
• Municipal Clerk Report for October 2005
• Board of Health Report for October 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 RL06-02, to American Legion Post 213, for off premise 50/50 raffle on 1/27/06. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to amend Raffle License RL05-15, for Sussex Women’s Club, changing location of raffle drawing. 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 November 3, 2005.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to approving renewal of Liquor License 1924-33-004-002, CT Productions
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign the 2006 interlocal services agreements with Franklin Borough for Dog Pound facility and Animal Control Services
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing renewal membership in the Statewide Insurance Fund for Worker Compensation coverage and General Liability Package coverage for the years 2006 – 08.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion appointing Bill Nestor of Country Insurance to be the Risk Management Consultant for Wantage Township in the Statewide Insurance Fund
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign the Indemnity and Trust Agreement with Statewide Insurance Fund covering 2006 – 2008.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott made a motion authorizing the transfer of 2005 budget appropriations in the amount of $25,000, dated November 3, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty reported to the Committee that Township planner, David Troast, reports that a definitive housing plan should be ready for submission to the State before the December 20, 2005 deadline. Mr. Doherty reported to the Committee it is going to become extremely important that the Land Use Board and the Governing Body work quickly and in unison to assure that all requires ordinances regarding this housing plan be adopted within the required deadline.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee if there were any questions regarding the amended “Education Assistance and Training Policy” they would like to discuss. The Committee was satisfied with the policy as presented by Mr. Doherty.

Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the Education Assistance and Training Policy for inclusion in the Employee Handbook. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has been working with Frank Covelli, North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund, regarding changing our present medical coverage. Mr. Doherty explained that switching coverage would most likely prove to have some savings benefits over a three year period, but more importantly, changing plans will enable the Township to keep their promise to retirees to give the same coverage they were promised upon retirement. Unfortunately, because of circumstances beyond anyone’s control, Aetna’s plan does not allow the Township to do so. Since the North Jersey fund is self-insured, the Committee has control over what coverage can be provided to whichever employees it requires, including retirees. Mr. Frank Covelli gave a brief presentation and informed the Committee that they can expect all the paperwork in place for a February 1, 2006 transfer.

Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the cancellation of our Aetna Coverage and join the North Jersey Municipal Employee Benefits Fund effective February 1, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer expressed concern that Mr. Cucinotta was not available to make a presentation regarding the present Aetna policy coverage. Mr. Doherty explained that Mr. Cucinotta has already stated that what he is currently providing is the best he and Aetna can do regarding our retirees.

Mr. Doherty requested that the language of original policy for continued health care coverage beyond retirement be changed to reflect 25 years of full time service and require all such employees to enroll in Medicare Part A and B, when they attain the age of 65.

Mr. Parrott made a motion to change the wording of our existing policy regarding continued health care coverage to read:
“Any employee retiring in good standing after 25 years of full time service, and having attained the age of 65, shall have all health benefits paid for by the Township under its group hospitalization plan for the rest of the employees’ natural life, provided however that the said employee, when eligible under the law, must sign up for Part A and part B of Medicare as a condition of remaining on the Township’s health benefits policy. Such employees shall be encouraged to convert and pay for on their own the Group Life Insurance paid on their behalf by the Township.” encouraged to convert and pay for on their own the Group Life Insurance paid on their behalf by the Township.”

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

Mr. Doherty requested a brief executive session to discuss matters involving potential litigation concerning health care coverage of certain retired employees.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Garofalo addressed the Township’s affordable housing obligation and the importance of meeting the December 20, 2005 deadline. Mr. Garofalo will be drafting the required ordinance regarding zoning changes as part of this compliance.

Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee that it should be kept in mind that any ordinances introduced during this calendar year will require adoption within the same calendar year. Mr. Doherty will schedule a special meeting sometime near the end of December to accomplish this.

Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee of recent litigation being brought against some neighboring municipalities by developers in response to their respective COAH obligations.

Mr. Garofalo feels that even though these suits have been brought before the municipalities have been required to submit this phase of compliance, the best way for Wantage Township and those municipalities to be protected from these lawsuits is have their fair share plan and housing element part of their master plan to COAH for their approval.

Mr. Garofalo reported that it is reasonable to expect a similar lawsuit in Wantage Township by the developer who wished to develop a portion of Lower Unionville Road. Mr. Garofalo expressed a desire to report further on this matter in closed executive session, under attorney client privilege.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott reported that he sat in on the COAH meeting and reported that the rationale behind changing the zoning ordinance to require a five acre parcel was done as an attempt to slow the growth within the Township and in turn ease the burden new construction places upon the taxpayers. He also advises that he is still working on Green Acres and Farmland Preservation as a way to meet some of our current COAH obligations.

Mr. DeBoer reported that a developer desires to build 210 units on Lower Unionville Road and does not believe that this plan is right for Wantage Township in addressing our COAH obligations.

Mayor Space expressed concern over a recent article in “The Advertiser” where a statement was made regarding a candidate who will bring truth and pride back to Wantage Township. Mayor Space reported his belief that truth and pride have always been present in Wantage, and remains among Wantage Township’s many positive attributes.

NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-22, entitled “BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3 OF BOND ORDINANCE NUMBERED 2005-10 OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY FINALLY ADOPTED MAY 12, 2005”. Final Hearing date set for December 8, 2005.

Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. 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 October 27, 2005, regular and executive sessions.
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.

Ms. Karen Dispenziere, as a member of the Sussex-Wantage Board of Education, asked for clarification regarding whether the Township would be willing or able to put aside money in their budget for capital improvements to the Sussex/Wantage schools. She was under the impression that this is not something the New Jersey Budget Law allows a municipality to do.

General discussion took place regarding whether or not a municipality is able to utilize funds from the municipal budget for school improvements. Mr. Garofalo answered Ms. Dispenziere’s question by explaining that such action is not permissible under existing law.

Ms. Diane Rose, also of the Sussex/Wantage Board of Education, commented that while a municipality can charge developers for COAH obligations, the school reaps no benefit from these developers although these developments place a greater burden on the school system. Mr. Garofalo stated that the law does allow the municipality to charge for certain developer obligations such as COAH and road trust deposits, but the law does not allow for blanket impact fees to be collected.

Anne Smulewicz said that she disagrees with the comments made in the Advertiser News, and stated her belief that if members of the public who made these comments attended as many public meetings as she has, they would respect this governing body as hard working and diligent.

Mr. David Zukowski took this opportunity to say that he did not make the comments, or approve the comments, made in The Advertiser. Mr. Zukowski stated that the Sussex County Democratic Committee was responsible for the content of his biography quoted in that newspaper.

As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to enter into executive session, as follows:

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P. L. 1975, Chapter 231 permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, that the public shall be excluded from discussion of the following matters: possible litigation involving health care coverage issues regarding covered employees, and attorney-client privilege regarding matters of COAH compliance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minutes will be kept on file in the municipal clerk’s office, and once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes shall be made public.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor Space declared the meeting reconvened into regular session.

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 the meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk