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 MAY 11, 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 Michael Garofalo

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 correspondence for filing:

• E-mail correspondence from Wantage Township resident Greg Williams, a member of the Wantage Township Board of Recreation Commissioners, who is currently serving our county on active duty in the Middle East as a member of the Seabees, the Naval Construction Force of the United States Navy. Mr. Williams says that he hopes to be back in Wantage in time for the July 2006 meeting of the Recreation Commission. As a sign of pride in his home town, Mr. Williams made arrangements with his superiors, and an American flag was flown for an entire day with military honors over Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the Township of Wantage.
• Letter dated Spring 2006 from Barbara Young, on behalf of the Friends of the Sussex-Wantage Library, seeking input and assistance in organizing a Wantage Township display or early historical records to highlight community heritage.

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

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

• Tax Collector Report for April 2006
• Municipal Clerk Report for April 2006
• Board of Health Report for April 2006
• Registrar’s Report for April 2006
• Construction Department Report for April 2006

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to approve payment of bills for the meeting of May 11, 2006.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize change in Personnel Policy of Wantage Township to clarify the definition of Incidental Expenses for conventions. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize refund of$500 to Art Peereboom, representing developer fee paid in error on Block 103, Lot 3 & 4. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize refund of $2,000 to M.R. Construction, representing release of driveway bond for Block 151, Lot 15.17. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve hiring Robert K. Rogers Jr. of Branchville, NJ to the position of Electrical Inspector, at a salary of $30.00 per hour, effective May 15, 2006; approving Amendment #1 to 2006 Salary Resolution to incorporate that salary. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Doherty invited Mr. Pellow to provide an update on his activities as Township Engineer. Mr. Pellow gave an update on Blair Road, Sherman Ridge Road, Old Clove Road, Woodbourne Park and Beaver Run Road Drainage. Mr. Pellow also gave an update on the capital road plan. Mayor Parrott asked how the increases in oil prices affect these projects. Mr. Pellow advised that asphalt has increased $10.00 per ton since last year. Mayor Parrott thanked Harold for coming to the meeting to keep the Committee and the public informed.

At this time Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions the public may have of Mr. Pellow. Anne Smulewicz expressed concern regarding soil removal operations behind her property. Mr. Pellow explained that Rachel Manor’s soil erosion permit was not renewed and he has requested a plan for future operations. Mr. Pellow will contact the developer regarding stabilization of this property.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see Mr. Pellow’s letter requesting that the County be contacted to include the Route 23 corridor when they update their county Wastewater Management Plan by September 2006. Mr. Pellow will write a letter to Eric Snyder, County Planner, in this regard.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the DPW is in possession of a 14 year old Tampo rubber-tired roller, current value $9,500, established by G&H Service of Newton. The Town of Wallkill, NY, has expressed a need for this item of equipment and is willing to pay Wantage Township $9,500 for the item. DPW Supervisor Bob Wagner recommends selling the equipment and realizing $9,500 in revenue for Wantage Township, rather than hold on to the equipment which is not being used here in Wantage Township.

Mr. DeBoer made motion to sell our Tampo roller to the Town of Wallkill, NY for $9,500.00
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Space Farms has submitted their 2006 renewal application for soil removal permit.
Mayor Parrott moved to approve the 2006 renewal application of Space Farms for certification of a pre-existing soil removal operation on Block 160, Lot 2, comprising of 2 acres.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Space

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Janet Tarrant, owner of Fireman Dan’s Sports Lounge, requests municipal endorsement of a work order with JCP&L for the location of a security light to be put up on her Route 23 property, shining into her parking lot, on the left side of her property. Ms. Tarrants claims that this is necessary for the protection of the property and her customers. The Committee felt that this request would create a nuisance to surrounding neighbors and denied her request and asked Mr. Doherty to send a letter regarding their decision.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his e-mail correspondence of May 10, 2006 and Mr. Garofalo’s input as well regarding the implementation of a noise ordinance. The Committee agreed that it should be left to the residents to unite to bring documented issues to the Township.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see a request of Ms. Lisa Drake, asking if the township is able to require local permit or registration of persons seeking to hydro-frak their wells. Mr. Garofalo stated that there is a state statute regarding notification policies which she can use as a remedy to her problem. The Committee agreed with this decision and asked Mr. Doherty to inform Ms. Drake to follow up with the State.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has asked Mr. Garofalo to contact the attorney for the developer of Armstrong Estates to work out remaining issues regarding the acceptance of roads and release of bonds. Mr. Garofalo will be working with Mr. Pellow in this regard.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that High Point State Park will be hosting a public wine and cheese tasting event on their property on Neilson Road on September 23, 2006. For the sake of safety and event parking coordination, the superintendent of HPSP requests permission to close off Neilson Road from CR 519 to Degroat Road from 8 am – 6 pm on that date. Local resident access for people who live on or are visiting people who live on Neilson Road would be maintained. The committee agreed by consensus to allow the road closure.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see a letter undated from Casey Sytsema on behalf of the Old Clove Church, requesting reimbursement of $203 Building Permit fee for roof replacement on the Church. The Township has no policy established to exempt the payment of building permit fees by non-profit organizations, religious organizations, etc., but Mr. Sytsema requested the courtesy of having his request presented to the governing body. The Committee agreed to waive this fee as it is part of our Community heritage.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to waive the $203 building permit fee to Old Clove Church for the roof project and the $70 building permit fee from 2003 for the flooring project. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has been unable to resolve on-going issues involving the licensing of dogs and co-ownership of dogs, and asked the Committee to see his e-mails on these matters.

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that residents on Summit Drive report on-going traffic safety concerns being created by the owner of home on Valley View Drive, who parks on a public street at the top of a hill, creating a blind spot that has led to numerous near-miss head on collisions and requests the Committee take action. Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to send a courtesy request to surrounding residents of the area in question, asking for off-street parking for safety reasons only.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Garofalo reported that tax appeals regarding the revaluation will commence next month. Mr. Garofalo reported that there are approximately 13 citizen appeals and 30 assessor appeals.
Mr. Garofalo, Mayor Parrott, Mr. Space, Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Doherty commended Melissa Rockwell, Tax Assessor and her staff for these low numbers attributing it to her willingness and professionalism in dealing with the residents regarding their revaluation concerns.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to put drought information on our web-site and include a section in our next newsletter asking residents to conserve water.

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that he has been in contact with “Trust for Public Land” and the Wildlife Preserve regarding the acquisition of approximately 50 acres on Lower Unionville Road. Mayor Parrott also wanted to publicly thank Congressman Garrett for his assistance in this endeavor. Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Pellow to be available for density figures regarding this property. Mr. Doug Ricker, 91 Beemer Road, gave his comments regarding his feelings on the inaccurate density figures associated with the Mt. Laurel areas.

Mayor Parrott informed the Committee that construction to replace the bridge on Possum Glen Road will begin in the near future.

Mayor Parrott wished to publicly make some corrections regarding the School Board Meeting which took place on May 4, 2006: There are currently 31 Abbott Districts throughout New Jersey and not the 40-44 mentioned at that meeting. Ms. Anne Smulewicz, School Board Member, was quoting numbers according to the information she had available prior to the meeting. Mayor Parrott has since supplied Anne and other School Board members with the correct figures regarding the school’s surplus and the money which was returned to the taxpayers according to Executive Order 1701. The surplus amount was affected by subsequent audit findings regarding debt service, bond payments, an error in applying budget line items, and purchases not budgeted, which reduced the School’s surplus to only $175,386. Mayor Parrott supplied copies to be attached as part of the minutes.

Mayor Parrott requested runners for the new carpeting where the budget allows, in an effort to preserve our recent building improvements.

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
Public Hearing: Amendment To 2006 Municipal Budget
Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments regarding a proposed amendment to the Approved 2006 Municipal Budget of Wantage Township, involving acceptance of a grant from the State of New Jersey for the 2006 Clean Communities program totaling $22,487.00, and reducing the Reserve for Uncollected Taxes by an amount of $153,303.00. As there was no one from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public.

Mr. Space made a motion to memorialize the Township of Wantage Resolution entitled “Amendment to 2006 Budget” dated April 27, 2006, advertised on May 8, 2006, and public hearing held on May 11, 2006. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adopt the Township of Wantage 2006 Municipal Budget.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see a letter dated April 28, 2006 from CJS Investments, requesting a desire to appear before the governing body in regard to their efforts to seek an amendment to the Sussex County Wastewater Management Plan.

Mr. Garofalo explained that the applicant has withdrawn their request for a hearing tonight, and will follow up with another request in the future.

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, Route 23, asked for clarification on the appeal process regarding the revaluation. Mayor Parrott advised Anne that she has until May 15th to file an appeal with the Sussex County Board of Taxation in Newton (they also require a check), Jim Doherty, Administrator and Melissa Rockwell, Tax Assessor check to Sussex County Board of taxation.

Doug Ricker, 91 Beemer Road, asked for clarification who files assessor’s appeals involving errors in the revaluation figures. Mayor Parrott informed Mr. Ricker that Mrs. Rockwell, Tax Assessor, will file the appeal with County and no payment is necessary from Mr. Ricker. Mr.
Ricker also voiced his concerns regarding the water situation on Rose Morrow Road, and asked Mr. Doherty to ask the Board of Health to allow him some time at their next meeting.

Ed Caporuscio, Wantage resident, asked for clarification regarding the builders’ remedy lawsuit currently in process which is holding up our Round III COAH approval. Mr. Garofalo felt it important for the public to know that there was nothing the Committee could have done to prevent this lawsuit. This suit was filed hours before the Land Use met to approve the Round III documentation required by the State of New Jersey.

There being no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the open public session.

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 at 9:22 p.m.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk