MINUTES OF THE 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 AUGUST 22, 2007

Mayor William DeBoer called the special meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage to order, and named Michelle La Starza to be the Clerk Pro Tem for this meeting. Mayor DeBoer requested the Clerk Pro Tem to call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the governing body were present: Mayor DeBoer, Committee members Parrott and Space. The following member was absent: None.
Also present: Township Attorney Michael Garofalo.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to award a contract to Salmon Brothers, Inc., of Netcong, NJ for the Proposed Reconstruction of Blair Road Section III, in the amount of $374,705.25.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to refund permit fees for Block 45, Lot 21 (Sussex Borough) to Brink Road Builders in the amount of $550.00. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Parrott

Review of Sign Ordinance
General discussion took place regarding the existing sign ordinance, specifically the “one sign limit” in the commercial zones. Jim Smith, Chairman of the Wantage Land Use Board, gave an overview of a proposed ordinance amendment. Mr. Parrott asked that the Committee be allowed to review the ordinance for possible revisions and the item be placed on the agenda for the September 13, 2007 meeting.

The Committee agreed by consensus that Mr. Doherty draft a letter to all business owners located along Route 23 advising that violations to the sign ordinance will be enforced by the zoning officer. Mayor DeBoer asked Mr. Kervatt, Zoning Officer, to send a final warning letter to a local business he is presently having a problem with, regarding an illegal sign located along Route 23.

Review of Wantage Township Status as Exempt Municipality
General discussion took place regarding Wantage Township’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance and the possibility of rescinding that ordinance and turning the authority over to the Sussex County Soil Conservation District. Mr. Vander berg, Wantage Township Construction Official, asked that the proper timeframe be used rather than just rescind the ordinance since there are open applications Harold Pellow’s office will have to complete which cannot be enforced if the ordinance is rescinded today. The Committee agreed by consensus to turn over Soil Erosion and Sediment control to the Sussex County Soil Conservation District with an effective date that will allow all existing applications to be completed at the September 13, 2007 meeting.

Plan Endorsement and Pre-petition process
General discussion took place regarding the State of New Jersey process for Plan endorsement and Pre-petition and Wantage Township’s strategy for pursuing the same.

Mr. Space moved to have Mr. Doherty schedule a plan endorsement and pre-petition process meeting with the Office of Smart Growth as well as a meeting to discuss the Wantage Village (McCoy’s Corner) application.

Mayor DeBoer asked that he be included in these meetings.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments.

There being no one from the public wishing to address the Committee, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

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

Mayor DeBoer declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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Michelle La Starza, Clerk Pro Tem