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 FEBRUARY 9, 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 Parrott, Committee members DeBoer, Space. The following members were absent: None.

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 discussed the Construction Department’s budget request for 2006 as well as the status of the DCA Inspection, chain of command, part time inspectors, fee collections, and Property Code Maintenance Amendment. Ed Vander berg and Nick Frasche reviewed their departmental needs with the governing body at this time.

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

As there was no one who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

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, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

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 Space, DeBoer. The following members were absent: None.
Also present: Township Attorney Richard Clark arrived at 8:16 pm.

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.

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 January 2006
• Municipal Clerk Report for January 2006
• Construction Department Report for January 2006
• Registrar Report for January 2006
• Board of Health Report for January 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 RL 2006-06 to Beemerville Presbyterian Church, to conduct an On Premise Merchandise Raffle on May 24, 2006, at Beemerville Fire House. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve RL 2006-07 to Beemerville Presbyterian Church, to conduct an On Premise 50/50 Raffle on May 24, 2006, at Beemerville Fire House. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve RL 2006-08 to High Point Wildcat Booster Club, to conduct an On Premise Merchandise Raffle on April 7, 2006 at High Point Regional High School
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve RL 2006-09 to High Point Wildcat Booster Club, to conduct an On Premise 50/50 Raffle on April 7, 2006 at High Point Regional High School. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Budget Appropriation Reserve Transfer Resolution dated 2/9/06
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the Payment of Bills for the meeting of 2/9/06
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to establish the mileage reimbursement at 45 cents per mile for calendar year 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 Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract renewal with Lafayette for Wantage Township to provide Dog Pound services for 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 Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract with Lafayette for Wantage Township to provide animal control coverage during the absence of the Lafayette ACO during calendar year 2006
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to award contract for Municipal Building Security System to Jan-Mar Alarm Co., of Hamburg, NJ, in the amount of $20,240.00 (CFO certification of availability of funds is on file in the municipal clerk’s office)
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to award contract for Printing Services for the Wantage Township Newsletters, to Minisink Press of Newton, NJ, in the amount of $310.00 per newsletter.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to award the contract for Printing Services for the Wantage Township Municipal Calendar, to Minisink Press of Newton, NJ, in the amount of $3,350.00.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINSTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty advised the Committee of the following open item from previous meetings: Bruning Letter regarding the calculation of Developer Fees. Mr. Clark advised that he will have a letter ready for the next meeting. Mr. Doherty asked if our current calculation method of using equalized value was defensible. Mr. Clark stated that it is defensible, as the preferred method uses homeowner warranty.

Mr. Doherty advised the Committee of the dates the Union Representative is available for negotiations. Mayor Parrott advised that Thursday would be best for him.

Mr. Space moved to authorize the increase in hours for Amy Heater as a part time custodian of the Public Works Department at salary of $15.67 per hour, increasing from a 10 hour work week to a 15 hour work week, effective February 13, 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 hire of part time electrical inspector Christopher Venezia and part time plumbing Inspector John Wyckoff at an hourly rate of $30.00 effective February 13, 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 Wantage Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) recommends that the governing body include a question on the 2006 General Election Ballot regarding the creation of a local open space tax levy for Wantage Township. The Committee agreed that if the public is interested in the tax they will vote yes, and if not they will vote no. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that we have until August 25 to get the question to the County. The Committee agreed to put the question on the ballot.

Mr. Doherty advised the Committee the OSAC has made a request for funding for the preparation of an Open Space Plan. The Committee agreed to put $2,000.00 in the 2006 budget to start the plan. Mr. Clark advised the Committee that Stillwater Township partnered with Morris Conservancy to help write their Open Space plan and also applied for a grant monies for this project. Mayor Parrott suggested that the OSAC have a booth at the upcoming Wantage Day for public donations.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Freeholder Glenn Vetrano spoke at the OSAC meeting, and asked that his request be brought to the governing body for consideration of support for establishing a Commercial Kitchen at the Lusscroft property. The county can secure a $50,000 grant, but needs to get a $50,000 match. Freeholders have committed $15,000. The Committee agreed that we will publicize the concept, but could not subsidize with any funding.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Stu Baker is working with Recreation Commission; believes funding will be covered through fund raising, so no need for budget request. All that is needed is land to be dedicated to the use.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Ms. Diane Maier of Lott Road telephoned on 2/2/06 wishing to make known her unhappiness with litter on public roads. Ms. Maier expresses desire to have Township clean up litter on public roads regularly. The Committee agreed with Mr. Doherty that we could set a precedent by choosing one road for litter patrol. As usual, if the Road Department passes litter on their normal route, they will pick it up, but it is impossible to patrol 120 miles of road for litter.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that members of the Recreation Commission respectfully request the governing body to amend the existing Wantage Ordinance that creates the Board of alternate member. At the moment, Greg Williams is on leave, serving in the U.S. military in Iraq. The Recreation Commission is already one person short and they would like to have the ability to have an alternate member available to them. Mr. Clark distributed an amended Ordinance for the Committee’s review.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Donna Traylor has asked for support to create a mechanism at the Municipal level to sever a lot under farm land preservation. Mr. Clark advised the committee that there is no justification for this request as this would require a change in the Land Use Laws at the State level or a change in the Right to Farm Law. There is nothing in the statute giving a governing body the authority to do so.

Mr. Pellow, Township Engineer, was available for his first quarterly meeting with the Committee and reviewed several municipal projects and where they stood. Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Pellow for a build out calculation assuming we changed our development requirement to seven acres rather than five. Mr. Pellow will do the calculation and get back to the Committee.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Clark reported that there is no new litigation. Mr. Clark distributed guidance for Mr. DeBoer regarding how to appropriately word application questions for volunteer responders.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Parrott announced that the school district will give a tentative budget presentation explaining Senate Bill 1701 on February 23, 2006 and urged the public to attend.
Mayor Parrott read a proclamation in appreciation for Alan Terwilliger and Robert Coates for their fine public spirit and civic dedication and offered the Committee’s congratulations for being selected to receive the DAR Historic Preservation Award for their project to re-create the Wantage Totem Pole.

OLD BUSINESS:
None

NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 2006-02
Mr. Space moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-02, entitled “AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY FOR THE YEAR 2006.” 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 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: Space, DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-03
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-03, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER II OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. Mr. Space 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 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: Space, DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-04
Mr. Space moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-04, entitled “CY2006 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (NJSA 40a:4-45.14)”. 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 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: Space, DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-05
Mr. Space moved to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2006-05, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ACCEPTING THE STREETS KNOWN AS MARIE COURT, DALE’S CROSSING, AND ADRIENNE COURT.” Final Hearing set for February 23, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-06
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt on first 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: Final Hearing date set for February 23, 2006.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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.

Christine Fiorenzo, 4 DeWitt Road, spoke regarding the problems she encountered when she signed two grandparents up for Medicare Plan D. She offered to have a meeting for Seniors now that she had been through the process. Mayor Parrott, informed Ms. Fiorenzo that the Assistant Clerk can get her in touch with the Wantage Senior Citizen Groups. Their meetings usually consist of 30 to 40 people. The Committee thanked her wanting to provide a service to the Seniors.

Doug Ricker addressed the Committee regarding his opinion regarding issues involving Mt Laurel zoning, farmland preservation exemptions, the Highlands issue, and 7-acre zoning. Mr. Ricker indicated he did not support the concept of 7-Acre zoning.

Ed Caporuscio, Lake Neepaulin asked what would happen if the Dog Park were not maintained. Mayor Parrott and Mr. Doherty told him that Wantage Township would not be giving up the land, and it would revert back to the Township or other use if the dog park did not work out.

A resident asked why the revaluation company is still taking pictures and knocking on doors in February. Mayor Parrott and Mr. Doherty informed the public of the reasons for the delay in the revaluation project.

Anne Smulewicz, 108 Route 23, expressed concerns regarding the Rachel Manor Property, and expressed a desire to have the public address Mr. Pellow in the future. Ms. Smulewicz also believes the Dog Park is a good idea because people value their pets like children.

Michael Rainer 118 Moore Road, addressed the Committee and asked why new developers were not encouraged to build new schools, nursing homes and the like. Mayor Parrott explained that a Senate Bill regarding impact fees has been in the works for over three years and still has not been passed. Mr. Rainer suggested the use of County Prisoners for road clean up. Mr. Doherty advised him that he has already contacted the County in this regard, but their priorities lie on County Roads first.

There being no other items for the consideration of the governing body 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: NoneMayor Parrott declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk