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 SEPTEMBER 28, 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. Space moved to approve the following correspondence for filing:

• E-mail Correspondence dated September 27, 2006 from Joseph Coscia, offering his resignation from the Wantage Township Board of Recreation Commissioners.
• Letter received September 22, 2006 from Electrical Inspector Robert K. Rogers Jr. offering his resignation from employment with Wantage Township effective September 26, 2006.
• E-mail Correspondence dated September 18, 2006 from Jim Doherty, confirming invitation for representatives of High Point High School and Sussex Wantage Boards of Education to be present for work session with Wantage Township at 7 pm on October 5, 2006.
• Letter dated September 22, 2006 from Carol McGarva, inviting Mayor Parrott to attend Eagle Scout ceremony for Zach Loughrey on November 5, 2006.
• Mayor’s Proclamation dated September 23, 2006, honoring Greg Williams for his patriotism and service to our country.
• Notice of Intent to Renew Aeronautical Facility License for Sussex Airport, dated September 22, 2006, from the NJ Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, Bureau of Inspection and Aircraft Operations

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

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

• CFO Corrective Action Report for 2005 Audit Report
• “Woodbourne 5K Fun Run” Report of Revenues and Expenses

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space move to accept, with regrets, the resignation of Joseph Coscia from the Board of Recreation Commissioners effective September 28, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space move to accept, with regrets, the resignation of Robert K. Rogers Jr. from employment with the Township of Wantage, effective September 26, 2006.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space move to authorize the Chief Finance Officer to reimburse $10.00 to Anthony Nocelli, for payment in error of an Alarm Registration Fee.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space move to authorize the Chief Finance Officer to reimburse $1,207.41 to Grinnell Enterprises, for release of security for soil removal operation.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space move to authorize the Chief Finance Officer to reimburse $46.00 to Mr. Nagy at 7 Courtland Drive, for overpayment of a Building Permit Fee.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
CJS Investments: Mr. Doherty reported that the attorneys for CJS Investments previously requested an audience before the governing body this evening, but subsequently informed Mr. Garofalo that they would not be coming this evening.

Costs for Construction Interlocal 2007: Mr. Doherty reported that, in accordance with the requirements of the Township’s interlocal services agreement with Sussex Boro, Wantage Township must provide Sussex with a cost share figure for the coming year’s interlocal agreement by October 1, 2006. Mr. Doherty recommended that the fair share cost of Sussex in this arrangement would be $85,000 for 2007. Mr. Doherty reported that Sussex was charged $79,500 in 2006, so the new charge would be almost a 7% increase in cost to Sussex from last year. Mr. Doherty shared an analysis from Mr. Nick Frasche indicating that the “Sussex Workload” is requiring anywhere from 17 – 19% of departmental resources. The cost share for 2007 is requesting Sussex pay 16% of departmental costs.

Mr. Doherty requested the governing body to review and endorse the report so he may forward the cost quote to Sussex Borough. The governing body expressed unanimous consensus with this proposed cost share for 2007 Interlocal Construction agreement.

Special meeting with Land Use Board: Mr. Doherty reported that the Land Use Board suggests holding a special meeting to review proposed strategies in response to the State’s position on Route 23 corridor development, for Friday, October 6, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. All members of the governing body confirmed their availability for this proposed special meeting. Mr. Doherty stated that he would advertise it in accordance with the requirements of law.

Update on Fire Department Long Range Vehicle Needs Review: Mr. Doherty reported that Wantage Fire Department and Sussex Fire Department have met and discussed options, but that he was not sure if Wantage First Aid Squad had been included in discussions to date.
Mr. DeBoer indicated that the Wantage First Aid Squad feels that the Fire Departments ought to meet and decide their positions prior to involving discussion with the First Aid Squad.

Mr. Doherty suggested that it would be prudent for all parties to remain involved in discussions, even at this point, in order to keep the lines of communication open.

Report of Proposed Improvements to Municipal Grounds: Mr. Doherty reviewed a proposed plan to change the lock at the gate on near side of First Aid Squad building, to facilitate access to the rear of the municipal building. The members of the governing body expressed consensus with this plan of action.

Mr. Doherty also presented a proposal for creating an extension of the rear driveway from the DPW parking lot to the front First Aid Squad lot. Upon review of this proposal, Mr. DeBoer informed that the First Aid Squad may wish to pursue a building extension for the First Aid Building at some point in the near future. Mr. Doherty agreed to review possible options with the Township Engineer and DPW Supervisor that would not interfere with this proposed future expansion.

Route 23 Traffic Corridor: Mr. Doherty reported that representatives of New Jersey Department of Transportation have agreed, at the request of Senator Littell, to meet with Wantage Township officials and discuss future possible needs of Route 23. Mayor Parrott, Engineer Harold Pellow and Administrator Jim Doherty will meet on October 12 at 11 am in Wantage Town Hall, with representatives of NJDOT.

Suggestion for County Police Force: Mr. Doherty informed that he had received a letter dated 9/26/06 from Paul W. Dittmar, suggesting creation of a county-wide police department to serve communities which currently do not have a local police department. Mr. Doherty offered this letter to the governing body without comment or input, as a courtesy communication from a member of the general public.

Bicsak Soil Removal Operation: Mr. Doherty reviewed a letter from Harold Pellow, Twp Engineer, regarding this topic. Mr. Pellow suggests that a meeting be held with the owner, the owner’s attorney, the owner’s engineer, and company to regrade the site, said meeting to be held on October 10 at 10 am.

Mr. Doherty stated that there has been an on-going and recurrent tendency of the owner of this site to take action which is not in compliance with the requirements of the Township’s soil removal ordinance. Mr. Doherty stated that the Township has continually and repeatedly met with the owner as a courtesy, to provide deadline dates by which compliance would be achieved. Mr. Doherty stated his belief that, rather than use these courtesy meetings as an opportunity to become compliant, the owner has instead taken advantage of the Township’s courtesy by continuing, and increasing, the magnitude of the violations. Mr. Doherty stated his belief that there is no reason for any further extensions or courtesy considerations in this matter, and that this should be the final meeting to discuss compliance with the Township’s ordinance, after which legal action should be taken by the Township if compliance is not achieved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. DeBoer indicated that he would be out of Town during the week of November 9, 2006, and asked if the governing body would be inclined to reschedule the first meeting in November to the date of November 2, which would afford Mr. DeBoer the opportunity to be present for the meeting. Mayor Parrott and Mr. Space agreed by consensus with this request. Mr. Doherty stated that he would advertise the change in meeting date in compliance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act.

Mr. DeBoer reported that the Land Use Board has denied the application of CJS Investments for development of the tract of land on Lower Unionville Road.

Mayor Parrott expressed his thanks for all those who worked to make Wantage Day 2006 such a resounding success. Mr. DeBoer and Mr. Space echoed the Mayor’s sentiments in this regard, and agreed to send letters of thanks to Sue Vanden Heuval and the Board of Recreation Commissioners for a job well done.

Mayor Parrott informed that the budget of the Federal government for staffing the wildlife refuge is being reduced, to the point that it is unlikely that Mr. Ed Henry shall remain stationed at the Wallkill River Wildlife Refuge.

All members of the governing body agreed to send letters from the Township, to Congressman Garrett, Senator Littell, and Assembly representatives McHose and Gregg, expressing support for Mr. Henry and support for continued funding for staffing of the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge.

Mayor Parrott informed the public that negotiations were on-going with the Wantage Township DPW, and a signed contract for the next three years is expected to be finalized in the next several days.

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
Final Adoption of Ordinance 2006-17: Fee Schedule Amendment
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-17, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. Mr. Space seconded the motion.

Prior to final roll call, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments regarding the proposed ordinance.

Ms. Shevlin, Pine Ridge Road, on behalf of the Friends of Lake Neepaulin, expressed concern with the increase in fees for games of chance.

Mr. Doherty explained that the New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission had increased their state-level fees recently, and this local ordinance reflected that state-level change.

There being no one else present wishing to address the governing body at this time, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and requested a roll call vote.
Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Final Adoption of Ordinance 2006-18: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Fees
Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2006-18, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XVII, ENTITLED “SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL”, AND CHAPTER XXI ENTITLED “FEES” OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”.
Mr. Space seconded the motion.
Prior to final roll call, Mayor Parrott opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments regarding the proposed ordinance.

There being no one present wishing to address the governing body at this time, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and requested a roll call vote. 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 September 14, 2006, and the minutes of the Special meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on September 18, 2006. 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. As there was no one from the public who wished to speak, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public.

As there were 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 at 8:55 p.m.

________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk
Township of Wantage