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 OCTOBER 27, 2005
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 Richard Clark.
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
None
ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of an ongoing problem the Township
is encountering with a soil operation on Route 23, directly opposite Neil
Parrott Realty, which runs to Blair Road. The Wantage Township Construction
Department has posted a construction stop work order on this site because
of ongoing instances of non-compliance with the soil ordinance. Mr. Doherty
is going to inform Mr. Bicsak that this project must be brought up to
code by mid December or the Township will call the letter of credit and
use this $40,250 to bring the site up to code.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has a letter dated October
25, 2005 from Mr. Smith, of the Land Use board asking to delete the existing
ML zones and replace them with R-5 zones. This matter will be discussed
at tomorrow’s COAH planning meeting and further explanation and
an ordinance to introduce this change should be on the agenda for the
November 3, meeting.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of an inadvertent error in the Finance
Department which created a situation where a sum of money that should
have been deducted from an employee’s paychecks for pension contributions
was not deducted. The Township has been making correct contributions to
the Pension system throughout the year, so the State is not owed any money.
The employee’s paychecks were supposed to have more money deducted
to cover the employee's contribution to pension, and that has not yet
happened. Now that the error has been discovered, Wantage has to deduct
additional money from the employee’s paychecks to recover the difference.
Unfortunately, it is not a matter of choice. Each employee must, by law,
contribute to their own pension. The Treasurer must, by law, deduct the
correct amount from the employee's paycheck. We will spread out the repayment
schedule to the greatest extent possible, so as to minimize the inconvenience
and hardship on the employee involved.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the Chief
Financial Officer to withhold, through a separate payroll deduction, amounts
equal to those paid on behalf of Township employees until such time as
they have been fully reimbursed to the Township of Wantage. Mr. DeBoer
seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays:
None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review the proposed policy for attendance
at conferences and seminars and give him their input so it can be put
on the agenda for the November 3 meeting.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that when Assistant Construction Official
Nick Frasche reviewed the anticipated costs for the 2005 interlocal arrangement
for Construction, Zoning, Housing and Fire Prevention, he did not include
a $750 expense for the purchase of promotional materials in the Fire Prevention
Bureau that should be charged to Sussex Borough. Nick was under the mistaken
belief that he could bill Sussex Borough directly for this expense, since
Sussex is receiving LEA funds from the State of New Jersey. Mr. Doherty
explained to Nick that all costs associated with the interlocal arrangement
need to be included in the annual fee charged to Sussex Borough, and that
Wantage is not at liberty to add on other charges through separate bills.
While Wantage will absorb the extra $750 cost for this calendar year,
Mr. Doherty informed Sussex Borough that Wantage will need to increase
the amount being charged in 2006 by an additional $750, to properly assess
this expense to Sussex Borough for the 2006 Fire Prevention education
program.
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to endorse the proposed 2006 contract increasing
the amount from $79,500 to $80,250. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon
roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain:
None
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Judge Dana and Prosecutor Haggerty
are giving consideration to changing the first court session of each month
from an evening court to an afternoon court. From the standpoint of building
use, there is no conflict with this proposal. From the standpoint of personnel,
such a move would have an impact on the monthly work schedule and the
compensation arrangements provided to the Court Administrator and Deputy
Court Administrator. The employees involved are reviewing the impact of
this proposed change to determine what they believe would be an equitable
arrangement.
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review results of the Sparta Township
multi-town Auction. The Committee agreed that the proceeds be included
as miscellaneous revenue not anticipated for use in lowering the 2006
tax rate with the exception of the proceeds from the sale of the ambulance,
which be included in next years appropriations for the Wantage First Aid
Squad.
Mr.DeBoer made a motion to approve the sale of municipal assets in the
amount of $6,611.89. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty presented the Committee with a brief overview of information
he has recently obtained regarding the costs and details of the current
Aetna medical insurance coverage vs. participation in the North Jersey
HIF for 2006. Frank Covelli, NJHIF, will attend the November 3, 2005 meeting
to present further details. Mr. Parrott reminded the Committee that insurance
costs will be tied into negotiations with the DPW Union Contract negotiations
to begin next year for the 2007 contract.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr.
Clark informed the Committee that he has nothing to report at this time
other than to remind the Committee that COAH compliance will be taking
up a considerable amount of time towards the end of year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Parrott voiced concerns regarding a Township resident who was recently
involved in a violent attack. Mr. Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to see what
information he could find out about the incident from Dr. Hannum, HPRHS,
since information suggests that the issue may have started at the High
School and escalated into the eventual attack.
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Mr. Mistretta, Wantage Regional
School, will be attending the November 3 workshop to present information
on the school referendum. The Committee asked if Dr. Hannum and the State
Police also attend this workshop to discuss recent reports of gang related
activity in the local school systems.
Mr. Parrott thanked Mr. Doherty for putting together the proposed policy
for attendance at conferences and seminars so quickly so it could be reviewed
in an effort to keep costs to our taxpayers at a minimum.
Mayor Space spoke about a smoke related incident which occurred at the
Middle School during the week. Although there were many conflicting stories,
the Mayor informed the Committee that no real emergency existed, and that
the school was evacuated as a safety precaution.
OLD BUSINESS
Fire Command Vehicle
The Committee discussed the possibility of using a donated 1995 Ford F250
pickup truck, which has been donated from the Saddlebrook Fire Department
as the Fire Department Command Vehicle. Mr. Scott Haggerty, Wantage Township
Fire Chief, asked that the Committee insure and register the vehicle and
he would give up his monthly stipend for mileage. Since John Card, Township
Mechanic, reported that the vehicle is not in need of any major repairs
and minor repairs can be covered by the Fire Department’s existing
budget, the Committee agreed to accept the donated vehicle. Mr. Haggerty
was informed by the Committee that if this vehicle happens to break down,
beyond repair, the Chief will be expected to go back to the mileage stipend
method of reimbursement for use of his personal vehicle as there still
has not been any monies budgeted for a Command Vehicle.
Mr. Parrott made a motion to accept the donation of a Command Vehicle
from Saddlebrook Fire Department and that the title is transferred to
Wantage Township. Mr. Parrott also asked that a formal thank you be sent
to the Saddlebrook Fire Department from the Township Committee. Mr. DeBoer
seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None
NEW BUSINESS
AWARD OF BID – PURCHASE OF FIRE VEHICLE
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the results of the bid opening held
on October 24, 2005. One bid was received from KME in the amount of $316,224.
The project budget is $313,000. This leaves the project $3,224 short.
The CFO has prepared a certificate of availability of funds reflecting
that the additional $3,224 is available from the General Capital Fund
– Reserve for Purchase of Fire Truck, should the Committee choose
to award the contract tonight.
Mr. Parrott informed the Committee that he would like to see the Fire
Department reimburse the Township for the $3,224, since only $200,000
of Township funds were allocated for this vehicle.
Mr. DeBoer spoke in favor of having the Township cover the shortfall.
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to award the contract for purchase of fire vehicle
to KME Fire Apparatus in the amount of $316,224. Mr. Parrott seconded
the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer Nays: None Absent: None
Abstain: Space
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wantage Township
governing body’s meeting held on October 13, 2005, Regular Meeting
and Executive Session. 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 to clarify the M-L Zone and the R-5 designation. Mr.
DeBoer explained that the R-5 designation requires at least five acres
to build. ML Zone refers to an area designated as suitable for affordable
housing development under Mount Laurel.
A resident asked to clarify what happened at the Wantage Middle School
in Sussex. Mayor Space explained the events. At this time other residents
commented that they happened to be passing by the school when the children
were standing outside the building. The resident expressed concern that
had this been a true emergency, the children were much too close to the
building. Mr. Haggerty said there was prior discussion regarding this
concern and he will look into where that stands.
A resident came forward and informed the Committee that he brought his
daughter, who is home schooled, out tonight to get an idea of what goes
on at government meetings. He informed the Committee that he was a Newark
Fireman who recently moved to Wantage. The Committee thanked him and his
daughter for attending. Mayor Space said he would like to see more residents
interested in coming out to see what was going on in the Township.
As there was no one else present who wished to come forward, Mayor Space
closed the meeting to the public.
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