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 DECEMBER 27, 2007

Mayor William DeBoer called the Regular meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage to order, and requested the Clerk 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.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor DeBoer 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 DeBoer requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of December 27, 2007.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize Transfer of Budget Appropriations in the amount of $70,700 as per Budget Transfer Resolution dated December 27, 2007.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the renewal of 2008 Junkyard License for Beemerville Auto Wrecking. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the renewal of 2008 Junkyard License for Charles & Annette Meissner. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the renewal of 2008 Kennel License for Roger & Ellen Titus, 1167 Route 23. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize refund of $3,421.40 to Sophie Soder representing State Tax Appeal refund from 2006 taxes on Block 33 Lot3.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize refund of 2007 tax overpayment through cancellation to Sophie Soder on Block 33 Lot 3, as per recommendation of Tax Assessor.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize cancellation of budget appropriation line items to Surplus, totaling $71,522.93. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the following refund of various driveway bonds to Toll Brothers:
    Block 21 Lot 34.05 DW-06-15 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.40 2007-DW-03 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.27 2007-DW-06 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.19 2007-DW-10 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.21 2007-DW-11 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.09 2007-DW-12 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.08 2007-DW-13 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.24 2007-DW-15 2,500.00
    Block 21 Lot 34.11 2007-DW-16 2,500.00
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of $5,900.00.08 to Lien Times LLC, for a refund of tax sale premium associated with Block 156 Lot 6.23.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of $1,100.00 to Jessie Wolosky, for a refund of tax sale premium associated with Block 98 Lot 6.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of $500.00 to Albert Tatka for release of the balance of a security deposit on a retaining wall project, associated with Block 42.03 Lot 12.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to authorize the refund of $4,290.00 to Kathryn Herkert for release of the balance of a performance deposit on PB-02-2005, associated with Block 158 Lot 1.05.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Doherty to give the Administrator’s report.

Land Use Board -Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he has met with Jim Smith to address coverage during the Land Use Secretary’s absence. Mr. Doherty will prepare the agenda for Land Use Board’s reorganization meeting and first meeting for 2008 and attend the meetings if necessary. Mr. Doherty indicated that the updated sign ordinance should be ready for introduction the beginning of 2008, however, there are some legal comments made by Mr. Mainardi which Mr. Garofalo will have to address. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that special attention will have to be given to signs which will have a fee attached. Mr. Doherty will be reaching out to other municipalities and asked Mr. Garofalo for any information he may have regarding fees.

Blair Road – Mr. Doherty directed the Committee to correspondence received from Salmon Brothers regarding a problem encountered during the Blair Road Resurfacing Project and asked for a brief executive session regarding this matter.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Garofalo give the Attorney’s report. Mr. Garofalo indicated that the Council on Affordable Housing has drafted third round rules which will affect all municipalities. For new construction, one COAH unit for eight new homes has become one for four; for commercial properties, one unit for each 24 new jobs is now one unit for each 16 new jobs. Payment for fractional units will be based upon a price of 180,000 per unit, resulting in ¼ of an obligation of $45,000 for each single unit of new construction.

Municipalities will have to adopt the figure $45,000 consistently with respect to growth share. Regional Contribution Units will now be set at $80,000. The use of age restricted units to meet COAH obligations have been cut in half. The original proposed 52,000 units statewide has been raised to 115,000.

Mr. Garofalo further explained the public hearings on these rules are set for early 2008; and there will most likely be another lawsuit from various parties, challenging these requirements. Mr. Garofalo indicated that Wantage Township will have to amend and resubmit its third round plan to include these amendments when and if promulgated, and these rules will be retroactive back to January 1, 2004. Mr. Doherty asked that some thought be given to how the differences in what has been collected and what will be required will be made up. Mr. Parrott suggested that an ordinance be adopted using the new figures to minimize any future shortfall.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor DeBoer offered comments to say farewell to Jeff Parrott, who will be leaving the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage and beginning his first term as a Sussex County Freeholder in 2008. Mayor DeBoer stated that during his five years on the Committee Jeff has done an outstanding job, wished him all the best and looks forward to him doing as fine a job for the entire County of Sussex as he has done for the residents of Wantage Township. Mayor DeBoer also informed Clara Nuss that he is looking forward to her stepping up to Committeeperson in January.

OLD BUSINESS – None

NEW BUSINESS - None

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Parrott made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular and Executive session minutes of the meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage held on November 29, 2007. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon Roll call: Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Space made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 13, 2007. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon Roll call: Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: Parrott

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

Clara Nuss, Beemer Road asked if the Mayors’ can get together to fight what COAH is suggesting. Mr. Doherty explained that the League of Municipalities is the association municipalities use since the Executive Branch (Mayor) cannot fight the Judicial Branch (Court system), and, therefore, towns have determined to use the League of Municipalities as their advocate in these instances.

A representative of Friends of Lake Neepaulin was advised that the Ordinance process is already under way for January, 2008, but should contact Mr. Doherty to set up a meeting to figure costs associated with the special assessment after January first.

Being no one else from the public wishing to address the Committee, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

Mr. Parrott asked for a moment to address the public and those present on the dais to thank each personally for their service during his six year appointment. Mr. Parrott stated that acting as Committeeman and Mayor was very enjoyable and rewarding experience, but at the same time can be difficult when your character is attacked with no reason or justification. Mr. Parrott thanked Mr. Garofalo for his legal excellence and experience; Mr. Space for his integrity and participation in his community; Mayor DeBoer for his heart and pride in the residents; Ms. LaStarza as Recording Secretary and Finance Officer; Ms. Rockwell as Tax Assessor; and Mr. Doherty for his excellent direction and knowledge in enabling the Committee to make informed decisions. Mr. Parrott further addressed each individual regarding their true willingness to do what is best for all residents of Wantage Township, regardless of the popularity of their decision. Mr. Parrott explained that together, this Committee has accomplished more in six years than other Committees have been able to accomplish in 20. Mr. Parrott attributed this success to the Committee and Administrator’s ability to agree to disagree without personal or hidden agendas. Each decision was based upon what would be best for the Township as a whole and never just for one individual or group of individuals. Mr. Parrott commented on some of the internal political conflict found in other governing bodies, and is thankful that this Committee has never demonstrated those traits regardless of the issue at hand. Mr. Parrott gave his sincere thanks to all present, including the public for coming out over the years. Mr. Parrott wished Clara Nuss luck in her new position, reminded her that during the learning curve as a new elected official, it is better to say that you do not know and defer to one of Wantage Township’s many knowledgeable professionals to gain insight, rather than to make a rash or uninformed comment; and that “it is not how you start the race that matters, but how you finish.”

Mr. Parrott was thanked with a warm round of applause and an individual and very sincere “Thank You” from each person present.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Space 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: “Possible litigation, Blair Road Reconstruction Project”. 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. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

After meeting in closed executive session, the members of the governing body returned to open session and continued with the regular order of business.

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

Mayor DeBoer declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk