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 SEPTEMBER 29, 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 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.

MAYOR’S PRESENTATION: CIVIC AWARD TO STEPHANIE GREEN
At this time, Mayor Space provided Miss Stephanie Green with the Mayor’s Award for Civic Excellence, in recognition of Stephanie’s recent successful toy donation drive on behalf of the children in the Gulf Coast who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Mayor Space mentioned that Stephanie was able to collect and ship over 10,000 toys to needy children. Mr. Parrott and Mr. DeBoer joined Mayor Space with comments of congratulations for the dedication and selfless spirit shown by Stephanie. Mayor Space concluded by saying that it is spirit such as this that truly defines the greatness of Wantage Township. Mayor Space thanked Stephanie for being such a wonderful ambassador of good will on behalf of the Wantage Township community

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.

APPLICATIONS

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve Raffle License RL05-25, to Sussex Womens Club, for on premise 50/50 raffle on 11/15/05. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve Raffle License RL05-24, to Sussex Womens Club, for on premise merchandise raffle on 11/15/05. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve Raffle License RL05-26, to High Point Football Club, for on premise 50/50 raffle on various dates in October, November, and December. 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 CFO’s Corrective Action Plan for the 2004 Report of Audit
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the project entitled “Reconstruction of Sherman Ridge Road – Section III and Resurfacing of Newman Road – Section I”, as per recommendation of Township Engineer Harold Pellow dated 9/8/05. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to confirm the Civil Service permanent appointment of Dennis Negele as the Municipal Court Attendant for the Township of Wantage. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

REPORTS

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Franklin Sussex Auto Mall wishes to hold a Benefit 5K Run utilizing Compton Road, Clark Road and Cemetery Road, on October 15, 2005 from 10 am – 12:30 pm, to benefit the Red Cross Relief Fund for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Mayor and Committee offered their consensus approval for this request.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Sussex Wantage School District has identified four specific address locations in Lake Neepaulin where basketball hoops are not being removed from streets, and are causing damage and dangerous driving condition for school buses because of narrow streets. The Committee asked Mr. Doherty to send a letter to each location, saying that school has identified basketball hoop in vicinity; please remove it; if Wantage finds it left out on street and not being used, the Township will remove it.

Mr. Doherty asked for an executive session to discuss negotiations and direction under attorney-client privilege in order to ascertain governing body’s position regarding negotiations on an existing affordable housing obligation.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Improvement Project for Libertyville Road and Old Clove Road is no longer being pursued based on unsuccessful efforts to negotiate acceptable terms for the relocation of an existing home. Mr. Garofalo stated that it was his duty to inform the governing body that the option of eminent domain was available for consideration in this situation. Mr. Doherty stated that it is his recommendation the governing body should not pursue the project under eminent domain. Mr. DeBoer moved to accept Mr. Doherty’s recommendation that the project for improvement to the intersection of Old Clove and Libertyville Roads be terminated based on unsuccessful efforts to negotiate a contract for the relocation of the Toal home. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty provided information regarding the Wantage Township Evacuation Plan.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a request for a relocation of historic marker and asked them to refer to a letter from Bill Truran on this matter. By consensus, the members of the governing body agreed with the proposed relocation of this historic marker to the Franklin Mineral Museum, with the condition that the explanatory story on the history of the marker include the original location being in Wantage Township.

Mr. Doherty requested discussion in closed executive session regarding negotiations for appointment of an attorney to represent the Committee on an issue involving developer fees for LGR Enterprises.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the status of the renewal of Liquor License for CT Productions. Mr. Doherty explained that everything is now submitted, but the Township can take no action until the Director of the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules on a petition by the applicant.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that during his recent meeting regarding a recycling program for elementary schools, the governing body was asked to cook for the students/teachers at a BBQ in spring of 2006 if the School district-wide recycling goals are met. The Committee gladly agreed to this request.

Mr. DeBoer moved to hire Todd Longcor as laborer with Wantage Township DPW effective December 1, 2005 at starting salary of $14.50 per hour. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to hire Michael Flood as a part time winter seasonal employee of the DPW, to be used when regular employees are not available for snow plowing due to illness or other excused absence, at a rate of $14.50 during the regular work day and a rate of $21.75 after hours, on weekends or holidays. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty reported on a Proposed Action Plan for Open Space Planning. The Committee agreed to take Mr. Doherty’s comments and observations under consideration.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Lafayette Township and Sparta Township have agreed to enter into interlocal agreements with Wantage Township for animal control coverage when their respective Animal Control Officers are not otherwise available for a response. Mr. Parrott moved to authorize Mayor Space to sign the proposed agreements with Lafayette and Sparta. 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 looked into purchasing a security camera for the Municipal Building. The Committee requested Mr. Doherty to review further options for consideration.

Mr. Doherty reported that Mr. Robert Van Dyke requests permission to submit an escrow payment of $1000 rather than $2500 for negotiations with Sussex Borough for sewer allocation. The members of the governing body agreed by consensus that Mr. Van Dyke would be permitted to submit an initial sum of $1000 escrow for the purpose of initiating a dialogue with Sussex Borough on the issue, and if that initial dialogue proves successful to the point of meriting additional dialogue, then Mr. Van Dyke would submit an additional $1,000 escrow, and maintain that $2,000 level thereafter during the course of the negotiations.

Mr. Doherty requested the governing body clarify the personnel policy of the Township to make specific reference that an employee shall not return to work prior to the date given on a doctor’s note, and that any such unauthorized action will be subject to disciplinary action. The governing body agreed with this suggestion by consensus.

Mr. Doherty presented a proposed resolution to amend the 2005 municipal budget by accepting a payment of $113,000 from Beemerville fire department, which will be used to help pay for the costs of a new fire vehicle. Mr. Parrott moved to adopt Chapter 159 Budget Amendment Resolution accepting $113,000 as a revenue from the Beemerville Fire Department. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty reported that Assemblyman Guy Gregg contacted the Township to inform that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has authorized a grant to the Township of Wantage in the amount of $140,000, to be used for improvements to Blair Road.

Mr. Doherty reported that a relative of Ms. Elfrieda Becker, has informed that Ms. Becker will be 100 years old on October 27th, 2005. Mayor Space directed Mr. Doherty to send a congratulatory message from the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage on the date of Ms. Becker’s birthday.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Space requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee that procedures are being finalized to secure the appropriate formal acceptance of streets located at the Dales Crossing Subdivision.

Mr. Garofalo also reported on the status of the sale of Block 2 Lot 2, Bassets Bridge Road property. Mr. Garofalo informed that the closing for this property is scheduled to take place within the next several days, at which point Mr. Garofalo shall forward the check in the amount of $90,000 to the Township.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer reported that concerns had been expressed regarding speeding vehicles on Bantry Terrace. A general discussion took place regarding procedures which must be followed in order for the Director of the NJ Department of Transportation to endorse a speed limit on a local road.

Mr. DeBoer reported that two residents, Al Breach and Eric Demarest, had given two weeks of their time as Red Cross Volunteers to help the needy people in Mississippi affected by Hurricane Katrina. Mr. DeBoer offered his thanks to these individuals for their service. Mayor Space agreed to send letters to these individuals, thanking them for their civic spirit.

Mr. Parrott requested an opportunity to address the governing body in executive session, regarding a matter of personnel and negotiations involving the Assistant Construction Official.

Mayor Space offered a report on the recent Wetdown celebration of the Fire Department and First Aid Squad, for their new emergency response vehicles.

Mayor Space informed that he would have a conflict in scheduling for the regular meeting scheduled to be held on November 10, 2005. Mayor Space requested permission from the governing body for authorization to change the date of this meeting to November 3, 2005. All members of the governing body agreed to this proposed change.

OLD BUSINESS

The Committee discussed the purchase of the Beemerville Fire Truck. With submittal of $113,000 check from Beemerville Fire Company, Wantage has scheduled a proposed bid opening for 10/24/05.

Developer’s Agreement with Glenwood Homes
Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the Developer’s Agreement with Glenwood Homes.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

NEW BUSINESS

Ordinance 2005-18
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-18, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTERS XII, XV and XVI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE SUBDIVISION, LAND USE PROCEDURES AND SITE PLAN CHAPTERS TO PROVIDE FOR EXPIRATION OF PRELIMINARY MAJOR SUBDIVISION, VARIANCE AND SITE PLAN APPROVALS”. Mr. Parrott 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. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2005-19
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-19, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XV OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, BEING THE LAND USE PROCEDURE CHAPTER”.
Mr. Parrott 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. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2005-21
Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2005-21, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI, FEES, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. 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. 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 September 8, 2005, Regular Meeting and Executive Session. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

HISTORIC SITES OF WANTAGE TOWNSHIP
The Committee reviewed and discussed a letter from Sussex County Planning Director Eric Snyder, regarding county-wide initiative to identify sites of historic significance. By consensus, Mr. Doherty was directed to send a copy of the proposed list of sites to Mr. Fred Space, a long time resident, for his review and comment.

The Committee reviewed and discussed a memo from Sussex County Emergency Management Coordinator Skip Danielson indicates Governor’s Executive Order #50 calls upon each town to name a National Incident Management System Compliance officer; some training appears to be a requirement.

The members of the governing body accepted Mr. Doherty’s offer to volunteer in the capacity of the Wantage Township National Incident Management System Compliance officer.

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.

Mr. Rich Pagano, a resident of Clove Hill Manor, reported on efforts of residents to secure a traffic light at the entrance to Clove Hill Manor on Route 23. Mr. Pagano reported that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has informed that jurisdiction regarding placement of such a light would be in the hands of the governing body. Mr. Pagano stated that he and his fellow neighbors at Clove Hill Manor understood that this request invoves budgetary consideration, but they would appreciate any consideration the governing body could give to their request.

Mr. Doherty informed Mr. Pagano that beyond the issue of “budget”, there also was the issue of “policy”. At the present time, it is not the policy of Wantage Township to provide public street lighting as a public service to the residents. Mr. Doherty informed Mr. Pagano, and the members of the governing body, that it was certainly within the right and power of the Township of Wantage to begin offering this service, but the governing body would need to be sensitive to the “me too” repercussions that such a decision would involve. Mr. Doherty stated that he receives several requests each year from various parts of the Wantage Township community for public street lighting, so the governing body would have to be sensitive to maintaining a policy that will be consistent for all residents, and the potential impact such a policy would have on the tax burden of the community.

After general review and consideration of this issue, Mr. DeBoer offered to contact Mr. John Maione for the purpose of finding out whether or not Mr. Maione, as the developer of the Clove Hill Manor community, might be willing to donate a street light at this location.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Parrott 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 matter(s): Pending contract negotiation, involving the hiring of a law firm for legal advice; Matters falling within the attorney-client privilege, involving negotiations for COAH credits; and a matter involving the terms and conditions of employment of an employee employed by the public body: Assistant Construction Official. 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. DeBoer 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.

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize adjustment of the benefits accrued for Assistant Construction official Nick Frasche, by increasing the number of accrued sick days by seven additional days, as a merit adjustment for Mr. Frasche in the performance of his duties. Mr. DeBoer 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

Mayor Space declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk