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 MARCH 9, 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 Angelo Bolcato

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 February 2006
• Municipal Clerk Report for February 2006
• Board of Health Report for February 2006
• Registrar’s Report for February 2006
• Construction Department Report for February 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 Appropriation Reserve Transfer Resolution dated March 9, 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 March 9, 2006.
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 letter of retirement from Joanne Kanapinski, from the position of Land Use Board Secretary, effective 12/31/07. Mayor Parrott requested a letter be drafted thanking Joanne for her years of service. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to accept letter of resignation from Christopher Venezia from the position of Electrical Inspector with regrets. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve the hiring of James Heston to the position of Electrical Inspector at a rate of $30.00 per hour. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve extension of the interlocal services agreement with Ogdensburg to provide services of an Assistant Treasurer through 6/30/06. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve refund of $8.00 to BB Bajda for overpayment on dog licenses.
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 report via e-mail dated 3/7/06 regarding the feasibility study for privatizing park maintenance. The Committee asked Mr. Doherty to set up a meeting with the Road Supervisor and the road department employees responsible for field maintenance to try to come up with a plan to more efficiently keep park maintenance in the road department and decided this will be more beneficial to the taxpayers than privatizing park maintenance at this time.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his report via e-mail dated 3/1/06, reflecting details of efforts by Congressman Garrett to assist the Township of Wantage in securing federal funding for open space preservation efforts.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to advise on his report via e-mail dated 2/28/06, requesting clarification of policy for paid holiday benefit as it relates to part time employees. The Committee agreed that holiday benefits only apply to full-time employees and part-time employees will only be paid for hours worked.

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve a change in the personnel policy to reflect that holiday benefits are only applicable to full-time employees. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty asked Mayor Parrott to consider Ms. Christine Fiorenzo of 4 DeWitt Road for appointment to the Recreation Commission.

Mayor Parrott announced his appointment of Ms. Christine Fiorenzo of 4 DeWitt Road to the Board of Recreation Commissioners, for a term expiring December 31, 2010.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his e-mail dated 2/16/06, recommending the Township of Wantage relinquish local jurisdiction for review and approval of soil erosion and sediment control applications in Wantage Township. The Committee agreed to turn over soil erosion and sediment control to the Sussex County Soil Conservation District.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Bolcato give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Bolcato had nothing new to report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer reported that some members of the public were unhappy with the ability to schedule revaluation hearings. Mr. Doherty asked that anyone with a specific problem scheduling an appointment be referred to him for resolution.

Mayor Parrott reported that residents of Courtland Drive never their preliminary valuation letters. The revaluation company advised the Mayor that 50% of the residents have come in for revaluation hearings.

Mayor Parrott received a letter from Charlene Burse regarding Assistant Animal Control Officer, John Abate, who did an excellent job and was very pleased with his demeanor and professionalism. Mr. Doherty will draft a letter to John in this regard.

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that Governor’s budget indicates school funding will remain flat. Mayor Parrott gave Mr. Doherty a list of three organizations involved in Open Space projects. Mayor Parrott thanked Municipal Attorney Michael Garofalo for representing The Township at a luncheon recognizing the efforts put forth for recreating the Totem Pole.

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 2006-07
Mr. Space made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-07, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8-2 OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ENTITLED “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE”. Final Hearing set for March 30, 2006
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-08
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-08, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 12, LAND SUBDIVISION, CHAPTER 13, ZONING, CHAPTER 15, LAND USE PROCEDURES AND CHAPTER 16, SITE PLAN AND CREATE CHATPER 14, STORMWATER CONTROL IN THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, NEW JERSEY”. Final Hearing set for March 30, 2006. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ordinance 2006-09
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to 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 set for April 13, 2006.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to approve Non-binding Referendum Resolution for a Local Open Space Tax.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of the Wantage governing body held on February 23, 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.

Anne Smulewicz, 108 Route 23, commented on soil erosion and sediment control and agreed that it should be turned over to the County. Ms. Smulewicz also gave her thoughts on the stormwater management program.

Patty Badrow, 83 Brown Road, and Mrs. Badrow, 43 Layton, Road, informed the Committee of her unfavorable experience regarding many errors in her preliminary revaluation figures. Mayor Parrott explained her options should she remain unhappy with the final outcome.

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: None

Mayor Parrott declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk