MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP AND 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 27, 2006

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott called the workshop meeting to order, and requested the Clerk to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the governing body were present: Mayor Parrot, Committee members DeBoer, Space

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.

The Mayor and Committee invited Stuart Baker, Deckertown Turnpike, to give a presentation on the proposed Wantage Township Dog Park. Also present were Dr. Potter and his wife Rosanne. Discussion ensued regarding the need to pave the parking lot. Mayor Parrott informed Mr. Baker that the Township will not plow the lot unless it is paved. Mr. Baker was informed by the Committee that the rules and regulations must be approved by the Recreation Committee and the Township would like a “Memorandum of Understanding” drafted and approved before the park is officially opened.

Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for comments and questions regarding the proposed Wantage Township Dog Park. A resident asked if all dogs will be licensed and vaccinated and was informed that this is one of the requirements for entrance to the park. A resident asked if this would be limited to Wantage Township dog owners only and was informed that it will not. Ms. Galione, 131 Route 628, who arrived after Mr. Baker left, addressed the Committee with concerns regarding the dog park. The Committee took the time to review Mr. Baker’s presentation regarding her concerns. As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public. There being no other items for consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. DeBoer moved to adjourn the workshop session. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Space 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 and attorney client privilege, 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: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

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

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.

PUBLIC HEARING MUNICIPAL BUDGET final adoption, May 11, 2006.

Administrator Jim Doherty offered a presentation regarding the 2006 Wantage Township Municipal Budget, as introduced, and also included the effects of the amendment to be introduced after the public hearing.

Mayor Parrott thanked Mr. Doherty and opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with respect to the proposed municipal budget. Mayor Parrott thanked Earl Snook, Township Auditor, for attending the meeting and for assisting the Township in procuring low-interest, long-term debt. 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.

Mr. Space made a motion to approve a resolution amending the 2006 municipal budget, public hearing scheduled for May 11, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

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 the following correspondence for filing:
Letter dated April 19, 2006 from Barry Worman, County superintendent of Schools, detailing procedures to be followed with regard to reviewing the defeated school budget for the Sussex Wantage School District.

Letter dated April 19, 2006 from Barry Worman, County superintendent of Schools, detailing procedures to be followed with regard to reviewing the defeated school budget for the High Point Regional High School District.

Letter dated April 25, 2006 from William Gettler, expressing his views regarding the defeated school budgets for Sussex Wantage School District and High Point Regional School District.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Space Raffle License RA06-15, for American Legion Post 213, to conduct an off premise 50/50 raffle on June 25, 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 Recycling Tonnage Report for Calendar Year 2005
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to authorize refund of $2384 to Maione, for Building Permit Fee paid in error. 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 $5 to Stevens, for Health Reinspection Fee paid in error 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 $11 to Brandau, for Marriage Certificate Fee paid in error 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 $50 to Mokos, for Certificate of Habitability Fee paid in error . 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 $4 to Billings, for Dog License Fee overpayment. 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 $4 to Santos, for Dog License Fee overpayment
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 $1 to Krum, for Dog License Fee overpayment
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$2 to Viterito, for Dog License Fee overpayment. 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 $1 to Caldwell, for Dog License Fee overpayment. 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$2500 to Parry, for Seeding &Haying Bond Refund. 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 $100 to Maione, for Zoning Permit Fee overpayment. 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 $150 to Toll Land, for Soil Erosion and Sediment control fee paid in error Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to confirm authorization for application for State Aid under the Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program to accept $5,000 grant from the State of New Jersey. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize certification renewal of Ike Hamming for soil removal operation Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize certification renewal of Charles & Audrey Sargent for soil removal operation. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to re-confirm municipal endorsement of TWA Application of Robert Van Dyke on Block 53, Lot 1, to resolve non-conformities with previous application of Mr. Van Dyke to the NJDEP regarding design deficiencies on a septic field. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize NJ HIF to administer our Delta Dental Plan effective June 1, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that The Sussex Wantage School District is a consolidated school district.  With the defeat of the proposed school budget, the Wantage governing body and the Sussex governing body shall meet with the Sussex Wantage Board of Education on May 4, 2006 at 7:00 pm to review the budget and decide what action is called for.

Mr. Doherty further informed the Committee that If budget cuts are going to be made, Wantage and Sussex must adopt identical resolutions.  The resolutions must agree on the amount of money to be cut; the resolutions must identify specific line items that are suggested for cuts, and the resolutions must provide an explanation why making these cuts would not interfere with a thorough and efficient education.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to decide among themselves, the position they believe is a proper response to the defeated school budget.

Mayor Parrott stated that he believes in a solid education system, but the taxpayers have voted the budget down and the Committee and School Board will have to work together to make cuts. Mr. Space stated that he also believes in a good education system and that he will have children in each school next year. Mr. Space feels the Committee and School Board must take a conservative approach to reviewing the budget and make cuts. Mr. DeBoer stated that the taxpayers feel they are overtaxed because of the school system and trust has to be put back into the system. Mr. DeBoer would like to see where the School Board feels the cuts should be made.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Clark had nothing new to report other than what has been discussed at the executive session.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Space had nothing to report.

Mr. DeBoer informed the Committee that he and Mr. Doherty met with Sussex Officials regarding first aid coverage and feels Sussex will start providing more coverage for Sussex Borough rescue squad calls.

Mr. DeBoer also informed the Committee that he received a call from a resident regarding the Township raising septic fees. Mayor Parrott stated that we are increasing the fee to $500 for a new septic and that is in line with what some other townships are charging.

Mayor Parrott expressed concern about the gates to Woodbourne Park being left open after 9:00 since the park was found open around 5:00 am. Mr. Doherty informed the Mayor that some residents have requested keys to early morning walks and we do have a procedure in place to make sure the parks are locked overnight.

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that he had the honor of attending an Eagle Scout Ceremony for Robert DeMaria. Mayor Parrott supported comments made by a Sheriff’s Officer that it is nice to attend a ceremony such as this as it proves that there many good kids in our area.

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS

Ordinance 2006-09: Small Community Villages & Hamlets

This matter was carried over from the meeting of April 13, 2006. The public hearing on this ordinance was held on April 13, 2006. After input by Township Attorney Clark, a motion was made to re-introduce Ordinance 2006-09 regarding lot width and structure height.

Mr. DeBoer made motion to re-introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-09, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE BEING THE ZONING CHAPTER.” Final hearing date May 25, 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ORDINANCE 2006-06: Recreation Commission membership

Mr. Space made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-06, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 2-7 OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, NAMELY THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF RECREATION COMMISSIONERS.”

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on March 30, 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer made motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on April 13, 2006, Regular and Executive Session. Mr. Space seconded the motion. 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.

Ed Scannavino, 47 Brown Road, addressed concerns he had with the petition that was filed by Anne Smulewicz in running for the Sussex/Wantage School Board. Mr. Scannavino was informed by Township Attorney Clark that this is not the forum for such discussion and such matters should be brought directly to the Board of Elections. Mayor Parrott told Mr. Scannavino he would gladly speak with him after the meeting, but this public session was limited to Township Committee Business.

Robert Breen, 60 Lowe Road, asked for clarification regarding Mayor Parrott’s ability to perform appraisals for revaluations. Mayor Parrott informed Mr. Breen that he has not performed any of these appraisals as that would be a conflict of interest.

Mr. Caparuscio asked for clarification of comments made by Land Use Attorney Glenn Kienz at the last Land Use Board. Mr. Caparuscio asked whether or not the Township has met the COAH obligation, and if the Township’s COAH obligation compliance was affected because of residents who opposed a project along Route 23. Mr. Caparuscio was informed that Wantage Township has complied with requirements for filing a proposed Affordable Housing Plan, and that the COAH obligation for building affordable housing units is detailed within that plan.

Anne Smulewicz, Route 23, informed the Committee of her recollection of the comments made by Mr. Kienz.

Mrs. Caparuscio expressed her belief that it would not be acceptable to reduce the School Board budget by cutting text book purchases rather than scaling down extra-curricular activities.

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.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk