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 NOVEMBER 2, 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 Richard Clark

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 September 2006
• Municipal Clerk Report for September 2006
• Registrar’s Report for September 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 payment of bills for the meeting of November 2, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to endorse and confirm action taken by Township Administrator to renew heating and air conditioning maintenance contract with Automated Building Control, in the total amount of $5,560 covering a 14 month period commencing November 1, 2006 and running through 12/31/07.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to accept the project entitled “Improvements to Wantage School Road – Section II, as per recommendation of Township Engineer dated 10/31/06.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

PROCLAMATION

Mr. Space moved to file a proclamation applauding Chris Card for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Mayor Parrott recommends John Card be given a Merit Award for his hard work and dedication in the role of DPW Mechanic in calendar year 2006. John has saved Wantage Township tens of thousands of dollars through in-house mechanical repairs and maintenance schedules. Mr. Doherty further informed the Committee that this award is not an adjustment in base salary, but is rather a one-time recognition of a “job well done” on behalf of the community; and that our municipal attorney has previously advised that such an action is allowable under the DPW union contract, as well as local and state law.

Mayor Parrott, Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Space agreed that Mr. Card is a hard worker and constantly strives to save the taxpayers money. The Committee unanimously agreed that John is an asset to the Township and they are proud to have him on board.
Mr. DeBoer moved to approve a $1,000 merit award to John Card.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Wantage Fire Chief Scott Haggerty and Sussex Fire Chief Bob Stormes have been invited to discuss the status of negotiations involving long term agreements for firematic response and vehicle/equipment needs. In accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, P. L. 1975, Chapter 231, this discussion will take place in closed executive session since it deals with contract negotiations in which the public body is a party.

Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see the letter dated November 1, 2006 from attorney William Baker, submitting request on behalf of Rachel Manor for a resolution endorsing Plan Amendment for Wastewater Management Plan. Mr. Clark advised that Mr. Baker will not attend this meeting, and therefore, this matter will be revisited at a later date, upon renewed request by Mr. Baker.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor Parrott requested Mr. Clark to give the Attorney’s Report. Mr. Clark advised that the remaining state tax appeals resulting from the revaluation will not be heard until next year and that there is no new litigation.

ENGINEER’S QUARTERLY REPORT

Mr. Pellow gave the quarterly engineer’s report regarding the status of capital projects within Wantage Township as outlined on his November 2, 2006 report. Mr. Pellow also informed the Committee that there have been 54 driveway applications in 2006, to-date.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mayor Parrott thanked Mr. Space for recommending Mr. Card for the Mechanic’s position.
Mayor Parrott asked Mr. Doherty to prepare a proclamation for presentation at our November 30, 2006 meeting, thanking Alan Dunn for donating the well to the Woodbourne Park Improvement and for Mr. Dunn’s many years of unselfish service within Wantage Township.

OLD BUSINESS - None

NEW BUSINESS

Introduction of Ordinance 2006-19: Accepting Dunn Place
Mr.DeBoer made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2006-19, entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ACCEPTING THE STREET KNOWN AS DUNN PLACE.” Final Hearing set for November 30, 2006.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Space made a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on October 26 2006, Regular and Executive Sessions.
Mr. DeBoer 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.

John Maione, Maione Homes and Mike Cebula, Rachel Manor addressed the Committee with a suggested strategy for obtaining a Wastewater Management System along the Route 23 Corridor. General discussion took place regarding the merits of petitioning for cross acceptance without utilizing the concept of “transfer of development rights”, and whether the State of New Jersey would be open to such a process. Mr. Doherty reminded the Committee and the public that the County does endorse our master plan, and that the County is charged with upholding the State’s requirements regarding wastewater management and cannot endorse a plan they know the DEP will not approve. After general discussion, Mr. Clark suggested the proper procedure for following such a suggestion would be for these individuals to request the Land Use Board to give consideration to the matter.

As there was no one else from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public at 8:39 p.m.

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(s): Contract negotiations in which the public body is a party. 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: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

After meeting in closed executive session, Mayor Parrott declared the meeting reconvened into regular session.

As there were no further 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 9:47 p.m.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk