MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE BOROUGH OF SUSSEX, AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE SUSSEX WANTAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, HELD AT WANTAGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 888 ROUTE 23, WANTAGE, NEW JERSEY ON MAY 4, 2006.

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on behalf of Wantage Township, and requested Wantage Township Clerk James Doherty to call the roll.

Upon roll call, the following members of the Wantage Township governing body were present: Mayor Parrott, Committee members William DeBoer, Parker 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 Katherine Little called the meeting to order on behalf of Sussex Borough, and requested Sussex Borough Clerk Vito Gadaleta to call the roll.

Upon roll call, the following members of the Sussex Borough governing body were present: Mayor Little, Council members John Stendor, Charles Fronheiser and Jonathan Rose. The following members were absent: Council members Frank Dykstra, James Ezzo and John Pierce. Mayor Little offered the Open Public Meetings Act statement on behalf of Sussex Borough.

President Art Jacobs called the meeting to order on behalf of the Sussex Wantage Board of Education, and requested Board Secretary Edward Izbicki to call the roll.

Upon roll call, the following Board members were present: Jacobs, Ryan Poust, Susan Boyle, Diane Snure, Ann Smulewicz, Thomas Card, Raymond Delbury, Theresa Higgins. The following Board members were absent: Carla Henckel.

Mayor Parrott led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.

Mayor Parrott announced that, based on the large number of people present in the audience representing the general public, there was not sufficient area in the meeting room of the Wantage Township municipal building to carry on with this meeting while serving the best interests of the community.

Mayor Parrott proposed to temporarily adjourn this meeting until 7:30 p.m., for the purpose of relocating the meeting to the Auditorium of the Wantage School on Route 23. By consensus all members of the Wantage Township governing body, the Sussex Borough governing body, and the Sussex Wantage Board of Education concurred with this suggestion.

Mayor Parrott declared this meeting to be postponed in temporary adjournment until 7:30 p.m. on this same date at the Wantage School on Route 23.

At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Parrott reconvened the Adjourned joint meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, the governing body of the Borough of Sussex, and the Board of Education for the Sussex Wantage school district, held at The Wantage School, Route 23, Wantage, New Jersey on May 4, 2006.

REVIEW OF SCHOOL BUDGET

All elected officials present conducted a review of the proposed budget for the Sussex Wantage School system which was defeated at the polls on April 18, 2006.

School Superintendent Tony Mistretta offered a presentation on the school budget, and suggested that if adjustments to the budget tax levy must be made, after informal meetings with various municipal officials of the three governing bodies, he would recommend the following:

School-sponsored Co/Extra-Curricular Activities – Instruction – Salaries: Removing or reducing selected intramural after-school activities from the school budget would realize a reduction of $10,000. The programs reduced or eliminated may be reconsidered as user-supported town-level recreation programs within the Sussex and Wantage communities if parents and children express a desire for said programs.

Budgeted Fund Balance: increase by $50,000, based on representation of Sussex Wantage Board of Education Administration that this line item may be increased through readjustment of spending plan for purchase of new textbooks

Undistributed Expenditures – Student Transportation Services – Miscellaneous Purchased Services – Transportation: Reducing the cost of transportation for class trips will realize a reduction of between $10,000 - $20,000. Mr. Mistretta suggested cuts in the amount of $10,000.

Mr. Mistretta stated that this would provide a total of $70,000 reduction in the Local Tax Levy.

Mayor Parrott invited the Sussex Borough governing body to express their opinion and/or ask questions regarding the proposed tax levy adjustment presented by Mr. Mistretta.

Mayor Little stated that when the Sussex Borough governing body met on Monday evening, she was satisfied with a budget cut of $100,000. However, the members of the Borough Council had thought otherwise.

Mr. Stendor inquired if there were any programs that could be cut without harming education. Mr. Mistretta responded that a case could be made with reference to the extra-curricular sports programs but other than that, in his opinion, the answer was “no.”

Mr. Fronheiser inquired if the Board of Education planned on pursuing another referendum. Mr. Mistretta stated that he did not know whether or not the Board would do so, as the subject has not yet been formally addressed by the new Board.

Mr. Rose stated that several members of the Board of Education were also members of the Sussex Wantage Taxpayers Association, and that a number of people from this organization took the position that repairs to the schools could be made from the existing school budget rather than through the tax burden incurred by a referendum approval. Mr. Rose asked if there were any plans to address school repairs using the 2006-07 operating budget of the Sussex Wantage School system. Mr. Mistretta responded that there are no funds identified for such use and therefore, to the best of his knowledge, the answer would be “no.”

Mayor Parrott invited the members of the Wantage Township governing body to express their opinion and/or ask questions regarding the proposed tax levy adjustment presented by Mr. Mistretta.

Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Space both stated that while the elected officials had an obligation to respond to the outcome of the election, they had no desire to harm the education process. Both gentlemen indicated they would be willing to accept the proposal to reduce the tax levy by $70,000.

Mayor Parrot offered a position statement in support of his belief that it was appropriate to accept Mr. Mistretta’s proposal. Mayor Parrott reviewed the student population figures for the school district; reviewed the negative impact on the school’s surplus that resulted from S-1701; pointed out that 91.7% of the school budget involves fixed costs; reviewed the impact of the state’s funding formula as it relates to the excessive amount of funds provided to Abbott districts; reviewed the long term negative impact on the taxpayers when the State of New Jersey keeps its state aid figures “flat” rather than adjusted each year for inflation and cost of living. Mayor Parrott pointed out that, state-wide, only 15% of registered voters chose to participate in the school election process. Mayor Parrott stated that the best response the public can give to these negative factors is to participate in the election process by exercising the right to vote.

Mayor Parrott stated his belief that the combined impact of two defeated referendums of the Sussex Wantage School District, plus one defeated referendum of the High School District, plus a Revaluation program taking place in Wantage Township all added up to an electorate who voted “No” on the school budget based on their fear and uncertainty with regard to the tax burden. Mayor Parrott likened the situation to a “Perfect Storm” which led to the inevitable defeat of the school budget. Mayor Parrott stated that the governing bodies now have an obligation to respond to the expressed desires of the voters.

Mayor Parrott requested a consensus vote from the Sussex Borough governing body regarding Mr. Mistretta’s proposal. Mayor Little expressed her support in favor of the proposal. The remaining members of the Sussex Borough Council expressed consensus against the proposal.

Mayor Parrott requested a consensus vote from the Wantage Township governing body regarding Mr. Mistretta’s proposal. All members of the Wantage Township governing body expressed their consensus support in favor of the proposed reduction.

After brief discussion, it was agreed that the governing bodies would open the meeting to the public at this time so that the members of the public present may offer their views on the proposal being considered, which would best assist the governing bodies in their efforts to make an informed decision in the best interests of the community.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions or comments.

A Wantage Township resident from 2 Northfield Drive stated a desire to see no budget cuts made.

Kathy Compa, 6 Joseph Drive in Wantage, thanked Mayor Parrott for his statements, and expressed disappointment in Board of Education members who did not support the school budget in the election.

William Gettler, 98 Gemmer Road in Wantage, expressed his belief that several of Mayor Parrott’s statistics were inaccurate. Mr. Gettler expressed a position in support of additional cuts to the school budget.

Debbie Disanza, 2 Lillian Court in Wantage, spoke in support of the proposed school budget.

Kevin Fenlon, 21 Bridle Way in Wantage, expressed his agreement with Mayor Parrott’s comments, especially with regard to the negative impact of the State of New Jersey’s Abbott district funding formulas. Mr. Fenlon observed that the voters of Sussex Borough supported the proposed budget, and for that reason he was surprised that the Sussex Borough Council was not supporting the budget.

Debbie Olsyn, 50 Sally Harden Road in Wantage, expressed her concern regarding the impact of defeated school budgets on property values. Ms. Olsyn stated her belief that changes needed to be made at the state level of government regarding the school budget process.

Robert Heiden, 32 Old Clove Road in Wantage Township, presented a petition to the elected officials present, expressing concern with elected officials on the local and federal level of government; expressing belief that misrepresentations and statements have been made by members of the Sussex Wantage Taxpayers Association; and expressing an intention to exercise their voting rights to hold candidates personally and politically accountable, based on their position regarding the education process. Mr. Heiden stated his belief that a failure to uphold the constitution may lead to legal consequences for elected officials.

Mayor Parrott thanked Mr. Heiden for submitting the petition, and stated that as far as being held “personally and politically accountable”, Mayor Parrott was comfortable being held accountable for every single vote he makes, and every position he takes, as an elected official.

Karen Dispenziere, 13 Joseph Drive in Wantage, thanked Mayor Parrott for his explanation regarding Surplus as it relates to the school budget process. Ms. Dispenziere expressed her disappointment with comments and positions of members of the Sussex Wantage Taxpayers Association, various Board of Education members, and Congressman Scott Garrett.

Kristin Sabo, 21 Roberts Way in Wantage, expressed her support for only a $1 budget reduction.

William Janos, 24 Cherry Tree Lane in Wantage, suggested that every one embrace Mayor Parrott’s suggestion of a fresh start, but to do by making no budget cuts at this time.

Terri Coursen, resident of Sussex Borough, expressed disappointment in the elected Council members of Sussex Borough.

Lisa Frisbie, 76 Hickory Road in Wantage, thanked the members of the Wantage Township governing body and expressed a hope that cuts to the budget would be minimal.

A Sussex Borough resident expressed disagreement with the reported position of the Sussex Borough governing body to seek a one million dollar cut in the school budget. The resident expressed support for no cuts to be made.

Bob Maikis, 35 Southfield Drive in Wantage, expressed disappointment that the Board of Education was not prepared to produce greater tax savings to the taxpayers, stating his belief that several new members of the Board had campaigned on that promise.

Holly Romahn, 100 South Shore Drive in Wantage, expressed a belief that the elected officials must make their decision based on “children first.”

Diane Rose, 24 Newman Road, expressed disappointment with the actions and comments of various members of the Sussex Wantage Board of Education.

Mayor Parrott thanked the members of the public for their comments. At this time, the elected representatives present continued their review of the school budget.

Mayor Little stated that the Sussex Borough Council has reconsidered its position, and now desires to support a budget cut of one dollar.

Mayor Parrott stated that Wantage Township could not support such a proposal, as that would not be a proper response for the voters who cared enough to come out and vote on election day, and voted to defeat the proposed budget. Mayor Parrott repeated the position of Wantage Township in support of the proposed reduction of $70,000, and asked the Sussex governing body to embrace that proposal.

General discussion took place among the elected representatives present. Discussion also took place regarding whether or not the elected representatives present should enter into closed executive session. After general review and consideration, it was agreed not to do so.

Mayor Little stated that, upon further review and consideration, the members of the Sussex Borough Council now support the proposed $70,000 budget reduction.

On behalf of Wantage Township, Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adopt the following resolution, entitled “RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE CERTIFYING THE TAX LEVY FOR THE SUSSEX WANTAGE REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET FOR THE 2006-07 YEAR”:

WHEREAS, the original Tax Levy on the ballot for the base budget of the Sussex Wantage Regional School District on April 18, 2006 was $13,239,324; and

WHEREAS, the Amount of Reduction to the Tax Levy for the Base Budget is proposed to be $70,000, and

WHEREAS, said reduction would establish the amount of tax levy being certified by the municipal government for the base budget as $13,169,324, and

WHEREAS, the specific line item adjustments and supporting reasons for each appropriation reduction and/or revenue increase is as follows:

School-sponsored Co/Extra-Curricular Activities – Instruction – Salaries: Removing or reducing selected intramural after-school activities from the school budget will realize a reduction of $10,000. The programs reduced or eliminated may be reconsidered as user-supported town-level recreation programs within the Sussex and Wantage communities if parents and children express a desire for said programs.

Budgeted Fund Balance: increase by $50,000, based on representation of Sussex Wantage Board of Education Administration that this line item may be increased through readjustment of spending plan for purchase of new textbooks

Undistributed Expenditures – Student Transportation Services – Miscellaneous Purchased Services – Transportation: Reducing the cost of transportation for class trips will realize a reduction of $10,000,

And

WHEREAS, the revised budget is sufficient to provide a thorough and efficient education,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Township Committee of the Township of Wantage does hereby enact the above-established tax levy.

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

On behalf of Sussex Borough, Mr. Stendor made a motion to adopt the following resolution, entitled “RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF SUSSEX CERTIFYING THE TAX LEVY FOR THE SUSSEX WANTAGE REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET FOR THE 2006-07 YEAR”:

WHEREAS, the original Tax Levy on the ballot for the base budget of the Sussex Wantage Regional School District on April 18, 2006 was $13,239,324; and

WHEREAS, the Amount of Reduction to the Tax Levy for the Base Budget is proposed to be $70,000, and

WHEREAS, said reduction would establish the amount of tax levy being certified by the municipal government for the base budget as $13,169,324, and

WHEREAS, the specific line item adjustments and supporting reasons for each appropriation reduction and/or revenue increase is as follows:

School-sponsored Co/Extra-Curricular Activities – Instruction – Salaries: Removing or reducing selected intramural after-school activities from the school budget will realize a reduction of $10,000. The programs reduced or eliminated may be reconsidered as user-supported town-level recreation programs within the Sussex and Wantage communities if parents and children express a desire for said programs.

Budgeted Fund Balance: increase by $50,000, based on representation of Sussex Wantage Board of Education Administration that this line item may be increased through readjustment of spending plan for purchase of new textbooks

Undistributed Expenditures – Student Transportation Services – Miscellaneous Purchased Services – Transportation: Reducing the cost of transportation for class trips will realize a reduction of $10,000,

and
WHEREAS, the revised budget is sufficient to provide a thorough and efficient education,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Sussex does hereby enact the above-established tax levy.

Mr. Rose seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Fronheiser, Rose, Stendor Nays: None Absent: Ezzo, Dykstra, Pierce Abstain: None

On behalf of the Sussex Wantage Board of Education, Mr. Jacobs offered a motion adopting a resolution formally accepting the proposed tax levy reduction of $70,000 jointly proposed by the governing bodies of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough.
Mr. Poust seconded the motion.

Upon roll call, Ayes: Jacobs, Poust, Boyle, Snure, Smulewicz, Card, Delbury. Nays: Higgins Absent: Henckel Abstain: None

There being no other items for the consideration at this time, Mayor Parrott declared this meeting to be adjourned on behalf of Wantage Township.

Mayor Little declared this meeting to be adjourned on behalf of Sussex Borough.

Mr. Jacobs declared this meeting to be adjourned on behalf of the Sussex Wantage Board of Education.

________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk
Township of Wantage