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 APRIL 13, 2006

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott 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 Parrott, Committee members DeBoer, Space. The following members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney Richard Clark.

Mayor Parrott 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 Parrott led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.

PROCLAMATION
Mayor Parrott read a proclamation for the Rohel Family for providing wonderful service and promoting the tradition of American values of a family run business. Mayor Parrott, Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Space thanked the Rohel family for their civic involvement and community pride and asked the public to join them in a round of applause.

Mayor Parrott asked Ed Vander Berg, Construction Official, to come forward regarding comments he wished to make regarding the renovations. Mr. Vander Berg thanked the Committee for the much needed space which will better facilitate serving the public. Mr. Vander Berg publicly thanked all the employees for working together to make the transition as smooth as possible. Mayor Parrott informed the public that this renovation has already been funded by taking advantage of low bond rates.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Parrott 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 Parrott requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Space moved to approve for filing letter dated April 7, 2006 from Edward Henry, Refuge Manager for the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, expressing concern regarding proposed development on Lower Unionville Road. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Space moved to renew 2006 Peddler Permit for Mary Makar – Floral Designs.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve Fire Department Membership application for Jeff Krohn.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve raffle application RA06-12, for Beemerville Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct an on premise merchandise raffle on June 2, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve raffle application RA06-13, for Beemerville Ladies Auxiliary, to conduct an on premise 50/50 raffle on June 2, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve raffle application RA06-14, for Friends of Lake Neepaulin, to conduct off premise calendar raffles during the month of July 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve bingo application BA06-16, for Friends of Lake Neepaulin, to conduct Bingo during the month of June, July and August 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

REPORTS
Mr. Space moved to approve the following reports for filing:

• Tax Collector Report for March 2006
• Municipal Clerk Report for March 2006
• Board of Health Report for March 2006
• Registrar’s Report for March 2006
• Construction Department Report for March 2006

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of April 13, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to oppose Proposal To Charge Municipalities For Costs of NJ State Police.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize refund of $500 to Michael J. Cecchini Sr., representing Developer Fee paid in error on Block 150, Lot 7.07. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize refund of $500 to Brink Road Builders, representing Developer Fee paid in error on Block 132, Lot 14.08. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize refund of $500 to LVAJ Inc., representing Developer Fee paid in error on Block 21, Lot 15.02. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize release of Driveway bond for Block 121 Lot 15.17, as per recommendation from Harold Pellow dated 3/30/06. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to confirm permanent appointment of Rosanne Werner to the position of Technical Assistant in the Construction Department, in accordance with NJ Department of Personnel civil service regulations. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his memo dated April 4, 2005, from Statewide Insurance Fund.

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Mayor to sign Resolution Amending Resolution to Join Statewide Insurance Fund. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Stu Baker will come to April 27, 2006 workshop at 7:00 pm to give a formal presentation and details about status of Dog Park project. Dog Park Planning Committee asks permission to use the Township’s Bulk Mailing permit for a town-wide correspondence to promote the project and seek donations, but they would pay for postage and printing. The Committee agreed to allow the Dog Park Planning Committee to use the bulk mailing permit.

Mr. Doherty advised the Committee that it is legitimate to offer an employee a merit award for a job well done, even if that employee is a member of a union.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Clark reported that there are no new items, the tax appeal had been completed and there is no new litigation or legislation to bring to the Committee’s attention. Mayor Parrott asked for short executive session regarding litigation at the end of the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Space reported that the fire department has sufficient coverage on weekends and nights, but wanted to comment on the coverage during the day. During a recent day fire Mr. Space saw that coverage was provided by local business owners and their employees, with fifteen out of seventeen volunteers being local business people helping out the community. Mr. Space thanked them and said that they deserved special recognition as does the first aid squad. Without volunteers we would have pay for these services.

Mr. DeBoer also commented on the ability of the first aid squad to cover calls during the day. Although Wantage First Aid Squad shares mutual aid with Sussex Borough, it appears that Wantage residents are responding to most Sussex calls and he fears if this continues this may put Wantage Township residents at risk. Mayor Parrott informed the public that Mr. DeBoer is a founder and officer of the First Aid Squad and would like him to keep the Committee informed on talks with Sussex Borough regarding coverage.

Mayor Parrott commented on a recent brush fire on Sherman Ridge Road and thanked the volunteers for a great response. He also stated that that the same people appear to volunteer over and over and encouraged the public to get involved. Mayor Parrott congratulated Mr. Space on running for another term. Mayor Parrott stated that Mr. Space is honest, his word is gold and the Township is fortunate to have him run again and wishes him the best of luck.

NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 2006-09
With respect to, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to proposed Ordinance 2006-09, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE BEING THE ZONING CHAPTER.”

Attorney Thomas Mullica, representing the Wantage Ridge Development, asked to address the Committee to request two proposed changes to this ordinance, one to revise the minimum lot width requirement from 75’ to 60’ and the second to change the maximum building height from 40’ to 60’. Mr. Mullica stated that although his clients are very supportive of this ordinance, they felt that the topography and slope of the land calls for these revisions. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the merits of the proposed changes. Sandra Babcock, Pond School Road, voiced her concern about this development providing community space or parks. The owner of Wantage Ridge Development said there are small park areas within the development. Diane Snure, Mt. Salem Rd, asked for clarification on why the Township would consider postponing this ordinance if these developments will help Wantage Township meet COAH requirements. Mr. DeBoer suggested that since this is a Land Use Board issue, it would be appropriate to have the Board review these proposed changes before the Committee would move to adopt. As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

Mr. Space made a motion to refer this ordinance back to the Land Use Board for further consideration at their April 25, 2005, meeting. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call: Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to postpone action on this ordinance until the meeting of April 27, 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call: Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Ordinance 2006-10
Mr. Space made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-10, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING WANTAGE TOWNSHIP’S GENERAL ORDINANCES, CHAPTER III “POLICE REGULATIONS” §3-1.1 “MAXIMUM PENALTY.”2006-09, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE BEING THE ZONING CHAPTER.”
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed Ordinance. As there was no one from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

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

Sandra Babcock, Pond School Road, asked how the Township intends to meet obligations under COAH and where the Township stood with paperwork submittal. Mr. Clark advised the Township met deadlines regarding filing, but pending litigation has put the approval process on hold. Mr. Clark also advised that the Committee should not discuss the litigation.

Mayor Parrott reminded the public that April 18, 2006 is the day to get out and vote in the school elections. As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

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 matter involving pending litigation, 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. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor Parrott 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. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.
Mayor Parrott declared this meeting to be adjourned.

________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk