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 DECEMBER 14, 2006

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott called the regular meeting to order at 8:00 p.m., 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.

MAYOR’S PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Parrott made a presentation to Dr. Karen Bullock and Mr. Michael Putera for being given the award in the Best Rehabilitation or Adaptive Use Category of the 2006 Sussex County Planning Awards, for their work on the Wantage Veterinary Hospital. The Mayor and Committee applauded the beautiful renovation and recongized their business as a fine asset to Wantage Township. Dr. Bullock and Mr. Putera were wished many years of prosperity.

Mayor Parrott made a presentation to Allen Dunn in recognition of outstanding civic contributions. Mr. Dunn’s latest contribution was the donation of two wells at Woodbourne Park, something the residents of Wantage could enjoy for many years to come. The Mayor and Committee and Administrator thanked him for his many years of service and willingness to help his community while showing the utmost humility.

John Hannum, High Point Regional High School, asked for an opportunity to introduce Greg Youngman, newly appointed Principal, who gave an overview of his background and introduced students Amy Wilson, Lauren Tracy, Allie Kozlowski, and Jane Bonn. The students gave brief presentations regarding programs and goals of students at High Point Regional High School. The Mayor and Committee wished Principal Youngman the best and thanked the students for their presentations.

Mayor Parrott took an opportunity to read a list of Wantage residents presently serving in the military and asked the assembly to stand, face the flag, and take a moment to pray for the health and safety of all those listed who proudly serve our Country. Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to post the list prepared by Sharon Rome and asked the students present if they would be interested in gathering the same information for their communities. The Mayor and Committee stated that they were extremely proud that 17 of our 20 enlisted young men and women are serving in the Middle East, and wished them all a safe return home. Mayor Parrott also apologized for any names which may have been missed.

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.

REPORTS

Mr. Space moved to approve the following reports for filing:
• Tax Collector Report for November 2006
• Board of Health Report for November 2006
• Registrar’s Report for November 2006
• Clerk’s Report for November 2006
• Construction Department Report for November 2006
• Township Engineer’s Report for Calendar Year 2006
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

LICENSES

Mr. Space moved to approve Raffle License RL07-02, to Sussex Women’s Club, to hold an off premise 50/50 raffle on May 3, 2007 at the Elks Club.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Space moved to approve Appropriation Transfer Resolution dated December 14, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of December 14, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to endorse recommendation of Administrator to hire Amy Heater as Court Attendant #2 effective 1/1/07, for an annual compensation of $3,000. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to renew Junkyard License for Beemerville Auto Wreckers for 2007. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to accept with regrets, the E-mail letter dated 11/30/06 from Nick Frasche, announcing his retirement from employment with Wantage Township effective 12/31/07. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to award a contract for a Well Pump Test at Wantage Woodbourne Park – Phase IV, to Samuel Stothoff Co. as the lowest bidder from a bid opening held on 12/1/06, in the amount of $10,990, as per recommendation of Township Engineer Harold Pellow. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of various tax overpayments totaling $29,205.21, as shown on resolution dated December 14, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of a Driveway Bond in the amount of $2,000 to Nick Stefano, for Block 147, Lot 3.03. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of a Driveway Application and Review Fee in the amount of $200, to Ferguson Funeral Home, for Block 14, Lot 15.01. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Wantage Dog Pound: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that there was yet another article regarding untrue and unfair allegations against the Wantage Township Dog Pound. Mr. Doherty distributed a press release which he asked for comments on before being released tomorrow.

Full Time Employment For 2007: Mr. DeBoer moved to hire Stella Salazar as full-time Land Use Secretary effective January 1, 2007. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Parrott

Merit Award Recommendation by Nick Frasche: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Nick Frasche has requested consideration of a merit increase for an employee in his department and asked them to see Mr. Frasche’s recommendation. The Committee agreed that merit increases should be based primarily on their impact to the taxpayers. The Committee agreed that this employee is a good employee, but the actions specific to Mr. Frasche’s request mirror the willingness of all our departments to work as a team and adjust their schedules and workload when necessary. The Committee agreed by consensus to deny Mr. Frasche’s request.

Fire Department Negotiations: Mr .Doherty informed the Committee that a 75/25 split remains his recommendation regarding an equitable percentage for cost share on Fire Department capital purchases and replacements, but whatever is negotiated in 2007 will, of course, prevail.

Wantage Dog Park: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the facility is complete, and ready for public use. The Committee agreed by consensus to approve the Rules for Use of the Wantage Dog Park, but asked for a determining measurement for “small dogs”.

Dog Census: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that 2007 will be the next time the Bi-annual Dog Canvass needs to be done. The Committee agreed with Mr. Doherty’s recommendation that two part time seasonal employees be hired for $800.00 each to conduct the census.

Use of Eminent Domain in Open Space Acquisitions: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that this topic will be covered in the Attorney’s Report this evening.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Clark suggested a short executive session regarding personnel and litigation. Mr. Clark informed the Committee of a recent supreme-court ruling which allows a municipality to condemn land under eminent domain for open space acquisitions even after final subdivision has been approved. Mr. Clark explained that this is different than the use of eminent domain cases where the land was used for economic development and turned over to private hands. Mr. Clark explained that this is an important case in support of open space initiatives.

Mr. Clark also informed the Committee of the importance of the building department and the assessor working closely together to insure all added and omitted taxes are assessed in a timely fashion, and cited a recent case where the municipality lost the added and omitted revenues since too much time elapsed between the completion of a home and the assessment.

A brief discussion took place regarding assessing land at the proper rate for the proper use. Mayor Parrott requested the Administrator to set up a meeting between Mayor Parrott, Mr. Doherty and Tax Assessor Melissa Rockwell to make sure that all of the suggestions being given for maximizing tax revenue are in fact being implemented by the Assessor.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Space stated that the new fire truck should be received next week and asked for heating fuel prices through the Township’s cooperative pricing arrangement. Since the Township budgets a line item which includes reimbursement of heating fuel, Mr. Space asked if the Fire Departments could be included in this reduced price. Mr. Clark informed the Committee that there should be no problem with the Township extending the co-op price to the fire department.

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that in addition to discussing the correct assessment issues previously raised above, he will meet with the Tax Assessor and Administrator to discuss a recent issue involving State Line Oil and proper assessment of their oil tanks as well as the proper assessment for cell towers.

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that Governor Corzine is requesting that if the results of a ballot question regarding merging of municipalities is “no”, state aid revenues to the municipalities involved may be cut or eliminated.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Introduction of Ordinance 2006-20: Open Space Trust Fund

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-20, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE AN OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE.” Final Hearing set for December 28, 2006
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Resolution: Dedication By Rider For Open Space Trust Fund

Mr. Space made a motion to adopt a resolution entitled “A Resolution Seeking Authorization from the Division of Local Government Services for a Dedication by Rider for the Creation of a Municipal Open Space Trust Fund.”
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. 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 Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on November 30, 2006.
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.

Michael Cecchini, 24 Mountainview Drive, informed the Committee of an issue he recently experienced regarding property assessment. Mr. Cecchini feels that although the Tax Assessor would have to perform more inspections, the Township would benefit from the additional revenues received by taxing completed homes which have not yet received a certificate of occupancy.

Heather Cecchini, 24 Mountainview Drive, stated that she is presently taking business courses at college and found this evening’s discussions very informative regarding how those courses apply to “real life” situations.

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

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss matters under attorney client privilege involving current litigation with CJS Investments, and to discuss matters of personnel involving the Mayor and the Municipal Attorney, under attorney client privilege. 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 to be reconvened in regular open session, and the governing body resumed the normal order of business.

There being no further matters before the governing body for their consideration at this time, Mr. Space moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mayor Parrott declared this meeting to be adjourned at 9:57 p.m.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk