MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP 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 JANUARY 19, 2006

Mayor Jeffrey Parrott called the workshop 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.

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.

The Mayor and Committee discussed the First Aid Squad 2006 budget request. Present were Bill and Ruth Haynes of the Wantage First Aid Squad. The Committee thanked the Haynes’ for a thorough presentation and stated that they were happy to see their new line item, Reserve for Building Maintenance.

The Mayor and Committee discussed the Fire Department 2006 budget request. Present were Scott Haggerty, Chief and Leo Kinney, Deputy Chief. The Fire Department gave a brief summary of their request. The Committee was in agreement that with the rising cost of fuel, their request seemed reasonable.

The Mayor and Committee discussed the Emergency Management 2006 budget request with Ed Vander Berg. Ed discussed the future need for an Emergency Response Vehicle which will be needed to replace the current vehicle being used.

The Mayor and Committee discussed, at Mr. Vander Bergs’ request, the policy change regarding paid health benefits upon retirement. Mr. Vander Berg said that by changing the wording to 25 years of full time service, he felt that he was being singled out as he is the only employee left who began as a part time employee.

Mr. Doherty explained that Wantage Township does not provide health care coverage to part time employees. The change to the policy was to clarify the intention of the policy from the beginning and he was in no way singled out.

Mr. Vander Berg thanked the Committee for listening.

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 who wished to come forward, Mayor Parrott closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business.

There being no other items for consideration of the governing body at this time, Mr. DeBoer moved to adjourn the workshop session. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk