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 JANUARY 5, 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 Space, DeBoer.
The following members were absent: None.
Township Attorney Richard Clark joined the Committee at 8:10 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.

CORRESPONDENCE
Mr.DeBoer moved to approve the following reports for filing:

• Letter dated January 4, 2006 from Township Attorney Michael Garofalo to Pitney Bowes, explaining justification for terminating lease agreement for postage meter and scale.
• Letter dated December 18, 2005 from William Gettler, suggesting an update to information regarding open space and farmland preservation.

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the Transfer of Budget Appropriation Reserve Transfers, totaling $10,726, dated January 5, 2006
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the of Bills for January 5, 2006
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the Executive Session minutes for March 9, 1995; April 27, 1995; January 30, 1997; February 13, 1997; February 27, 1997; March 27, 1997; and April 10, 1997 as public records.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the renewal of Kennel License for Roger/Ellen Titus, d/b/a High Pocket Hounds, Route 23, Wantage. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the refund of 2005 tax overpayment on Block 117, Lot 5.02.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract renewal with Sussex Borough for Wantage Township to provide animal control services in Sussex Borough for 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract renewal with Sussex Borough for Wantage Township to provide dog pound services in Sussex Borough for 2006.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract renewal with Sussex Borough for Wantage Township to provide construction, zoning, code enforcement and fire prevention services in Sussex Borough for 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to refer to their Budget Preparation Packet, consisting of a general budget overview of proposed spending for 2006, which is then broken down into a salary analysis, a health benefit cost analysis, and a capital projects analysis.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review the Salaries analysis for 2006 (indicating a 3.5% increase policy which allows non-union employees the same increase as the union contract) and informed the Committee that the only addition to the materials presented would be a request by the Custodian for additional hours, because of the additional office space and additional restroom being created by the municipal building improvement project.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the following budget work session schedule:
The first budget work session is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. At that time the following is scheduled to be reviewed: the Recreation Commission budget request; Debt Service; and proposed capital projects for the year. At this time, the only possible additions to the proposed capital plan would involve some additional money to coordinate the necessary transition costs for telephone, computer, electric, security alarms, etc., that were not included in the original construction costs, but need to get done.

On January 19 at 9 am the following will be reviewed: Fire Department and First Aid Squad budget requests, the Land Use Board and Ed Vander berg regarding his request concerning the policy dealing with health benefits upon retirement.

On January 26 at 7 pm, review the status of the budget to date and revisit any items that came up for additional review at earlier budget work sessions.

On February 9, at 7:00 pm, Construction Department budget request. Depending on status after that, we may be in a position to introduce the budget at the regular meeting that same evening.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review a grievance submitted, as well as his response, involving a member of the DPW. Under DPW contract, the union or employee has ten days to bring this to Step 3. If they do, Mr. Doherty will let the Committee know. Since the governing body would be called upon to adjudicate the issue if it is brought to step 3, Mr. Doherty recommended that the matter not be discussed tonight.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that negotiations are on going for possible use of Wantage Twp Chief Finance Officer on a part time basis in Ogdensburg for the months January through March, 2006. This would be more of a courtesy to another municipality in a situation of need, rather than a contract where Wantage Township would see any substantial profit.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that negotiations are on going for possible agreement in which Wantage Township would provide animal control and dog pound services to Newton in 2006. Mr. Doherty will keep the Committee informed of the progress of negotiations.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that follow-up to Mr. Bruning’s inquiry regarding the calculation of developer fees will be forthcoming from the attorney in the near future.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of an employee request for consideration of extension of vacation days not taken due to increased workload. Employee cannot be present this evening, but requests the discussion take place in closed executive session.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review correspondence from Construction Department and Twp. Engineer regarding Soil Erosion and Sediment control; Driveway Permit Applications.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to review a letter dated 12/21/05 from Council on Affordable Housing, regarding CJS Investments Inc. vs. Township of Wantage regarding a COAH Application.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark give the Attorney’s Report.
Mr. Clark informed the Committee that the Mainland tax appeal is complete and there was a valid adjustment to the assessment.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
None (covered in reorganization meeting)

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance 2006-01: Speed Limit on Armstrong Road
Mr. Space moved to introduce on first reading Ordinance 2006-01, entitled “AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS FOR ARMSTRONG ROAD.” Final Hearing date set for January 26, 2006. 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 Wantage Township governing body’s meeting held on December 8, 2005, Regular Meeting. 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.

Anne Smulewicz expressed concern regarding sediment and soil erosion control near her property. Mayor Parrott informed Ms. Smulewicz that the Township is planning on increasing the escrows and requesting additional on site inspections at this location.

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

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 the terms and conditions of employment of an employee employed by the public body: Land Use Secretary. 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.

Mr. Space moved to authorize adjustment of the benefits accrued for Land Use Secretary, by increasing the number of vacations by 15 days. These days were previously deducted as a result of the Land Use Secretary’s inability to take the days due to increased workload.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, 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. 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