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 FEBRUARY 22, 2007

Mayor William DeBoer called the Work Session 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 member Space. The following member was absent: Parrott

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.

Mayor DeBoer invited Barbara Davis of Morris Land Conservancy and various members of the Wantage Township Open Space Committee to discuss the possibility of entering into a contract with Morris Land Conservancy for the creation of an Open Space Plan for Wantage Township.

Ms. Davis, Vice President of Programs, spoke of two funding programs presently available to municipalities. One program is project specific, involving an effort to acquire land from a particular property owner for open space preservation; the State of New Jersey Green Trust Program may partially fund such an acquisition. If that property owner decides not to go through with the sale, that funding from Green Acres is lost. The other option is a planning incentive program, which requires the municipality to identify specific areas within their community which are deemed important for conservation and preservation, and funding is available to acquire any of those properties.

Either plan requires an Open Space Plan as part of the Master Plan. ANJEC presently offers a grant match to help municipalities recover some of the costs associated with preparation of their Open Space Plan.

General discussion took place between the Mayor, Committee, Administrator, Land Use Chairman Jim Smith, Open Space Advisory Committee Members Tom Davis and Ken Nelson and Township Engineer Harold Pellow, regarding the specific needs Wantage Township would like addressed if Morris Land Conservancy were contracted to prepare Wantage Township’s Open Space Plan. Ms. Davis pointed out that one of the benefits of having the Morris Land Conservancy prepare an Open Space Plan is that they have the expertise and staff available to perform surveys of local residents and Township professionals to find out exactly what is important to all residents of Wantage Township. The Conservancy also receives grants themselves, which can be funneled down to the municipalities it serves. Ken Nelson and Harold Pellow vouched for the fine reputation of the Morris Land Conservancy.

Ms. Davis asked that she be informed of the Committee’s inclinations by March 9, 2007 so she can help the Township prepare the ANJEC Grant Application which is due on March 30, 2007. Mayor DeBoer stated that he would like an opportunity to discuss this proposal with the Open Space Advisory Board at their February 26, 2007 meeting.

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

A resident asked Ms. Davis if the Morris Land Conservancy can assist Lake Neepaulin with the repairs to the dam. The resident was informed that this property project would not be a candidate for open space funding.

As there was no one else who wished to come forward, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

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 member Space. The following member was absent: Parrott. Also present: Township Attorney Michael Garofalo.

Mayor DeBoer invited Brownie Troop 936 to lead the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.

Brownie Troop 936 recited the Girl Scout Creed which was followed by applause for a job well done. The Mayor, Committee and public offered their praise and thanks to the young ladies for attending tonight’s meeting.

PROCLAMATION
Mayor DeBoer read a proclamation honoring the 95th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

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.

APPLICATIONS

Mr. Space moved to approve the applications:

Raffle Application RA 07-09, for the High Point Wildcat Booster Club, to hold an on premise merchandise raffle on 4/20/07 at High Point High School

Raffle Application RA 07-10, for the High Point Wildcat Booster Club, to hold an on premise 50/50 raffle on 4/20/07 at High Point High School.

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Space moved to approve Payment of Bill to Geri Stella in the amount of $153.00, for services as Recreation Winter Fitness Program Coordinator.
Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to award 2007 Contract for Newsletter Printing services to Goffco Industries, of Butler, NJ, who submitted the lowest responsible quote in the amount of $295.00 per 4,000 newsletters. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to award 2007 Contract for Calendar Printing services to Intergraphics of Rockaway, NJ, who submitted the lowest responsible quote in the amount of $3,295 for 4,000 calendars. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

Mr. Space moved to endorse the Mailboxes and Snow Plowing Policy of the Township of Wantage. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

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

Suggested Cat Mandatory Rabies Ordinance: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the Board of Health does not endorse such an action, and the Committee agreed.

Request of Sussex Recreation: With the permission of Mayor DeBoer, Mr. Doherty invited Ms. Teri Coursen of Sussex Recreation to address the governing body, who had asked for an opportunity to address the governing body this evening. Ms. Coursen explained that improvements are needed to the Brookside Park recreation field and the Sussex Borough Council has not endorsed her request for funding. Ms. Coursen asked if Wantage would be willing to partially fund the improvements to the lighting which is estimated to cost approximately $94,000. Mr. Space and Mayor DeBoer explained that Wantage Township is not in a financial position to accommodate her request. Mayor DeBoer informed her that if the field does need to be closed, Wantage Township will do whatever it can to accommodate Sussex Borough’s teams on the Wantage Township fields. Mr. Doherty suggested some low interest funding options for the project.

Sussex Construction Interlocal: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that as of this date in February, no request for a meeting has been received from Sussex Borough.

Proposed Fire Vehicle Replacement Funding Plan: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that although no formal meeting has been scheduled since the meeting of 1/25/07, he received information today that Sussex Borough Clerk Vito Gadeleta and Sussex Borough attorney Michael Hanifan will be the liaisons for discussion regarding the proposed fire vehicle replacement funding plan on behalf of Sussex Borough, and will meet directly with Mr. Doherty, who will work with Mr. Garofalo on further negotiations.

SHARE application for First Aid Squad: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he is pursuing a 2% loan for the Wantage First Aid Squad’s proposed building expansion project. Mr. DeBoer informed Mr. Doherty that the C.F.O. is on vacation and will be back shortly to provide several submittals Mr. Doherty will need to complete the NJDCA application.

Cove Lake Siltation Project: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Mr. Pellow sent the paperwork requested at the last meeting, and the project totals $25,600.00. Mr. Doherty further informed the Committee that if they wish to have this project included in the 2007 Municipal Budget he would need to know as soon as possible.

Sussex/Wantage 2007-2008 School Budget Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Ed Izbicki will be present at the March 29, 2007 work shop at 7:00 pm to present the Sussex/Wantage 2007-2008 proposed school budget. Mr. Doherty has also invited High Point Regional High School to attend at 7:30, but has not heard back from them as of this date.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s report.

Mr. Garofalo presented the Committee with a Developer’s Agreement for Mountainview Manor. Mr. Garofalo stated that the agreement has been prepared by the attorney for Mountainview Manor, reviewed by Harold Pellow, Glen Kienz and himself. Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee the agreement is ready to be signed. Mayor DeBoer asked that this be put on the agenda for action at the meeting of March 8, 2007.

Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee that on Friday, February 9, 2007, Wantage Township was successful in the first offensive regarding the CJS lawsuit to develop Lower Unionville Road. Now that the matter has been decided in court, the information Mr. Garofalo is presenting does not necessitate discussion in executive session. Mr. Garofalo explained that this case was a builder’s remedy suit where CJS alleged that Wantage Township closes its doors to low income and affordable housing. The judge ruled against CJS.

CJS has requested an audience with the Township Committee at their March 29, 2007 meeting to ask the Township Committee to endorse an amendment to the County Wastewater Management Plan to construct a water treatment plant at their site. Wantage Township need only endorse the proposed amendment to the County Wastewater Management Plan. This is not an approval, the County must then endorse the change and forward to the DEP, but only the DEP can approve the plan. Mr. Garofalo stated that it will be necessary to discuss the endorsement during a future executive session. Mr. Garofalo further stated that there are no future appearances scheduled regarding the CJS litigation at this time.

The Mayor and Committee thanked Mr. Garofalo for a job well done.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mayor DeBoer informed the Committee that he received a petition from residents of Clove Hill Manor regarding dog barking complaints, but would like to continue this discussion under “Old Business”.

OLD BUSINESS

Dog Pound Expansion Project - Mr. Doherty gave a brief status report on the plans received from the architect for the dog pound expansion project which includes an isolation room for sick animals as well as an additional 5 dog runs. Mr. Doherty explained that the expansion project is necessary in order to bring Wantage Township into compliance with State Regulations, and reminded the Committee that the Township receives revenue from the interlocal service agreements for animal control and dog pound services.

Mayor DeBoer acknowledged a petition from residents at Clove Hill Manor, in which concerns regarding noise from barking dogs were cited. Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that Mrs. Gengaro, Clove Hill Manor resident, has requested an audience before the Committee at the meeting of March 8, 2007.

Mr. Doherty stated that the governing body should give due consideration to the concerns and suggestions of these residents, but must also take into account the best interests of the entire community when this matter is given further consideration on March 8th.

Mr. Doherty reminded the governing body that if the interlocal service contracts were decreased or if Wantage Township itself looked for outside contractors to provide animal control and dog pound services, the volume of animal control service required in Wantage Township would lead to greater cost burden for all Wantage Township taxpayers compared to current operations. Mr. Space agreed that while the concerns of the Clove Hill Manor residents will be heard, the cost to the entire community must also be addressed. Mr. DeBoer suggested that Mr. Maione may wish to plant some trees or bushes as a sound barrier.

NEW BUSINESS

Final Hearing: Ordinance 2007-05: Zoning Amendment RE-5 Zone
Mr. Space moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2007-05, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XIII ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE”. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion.

Prior to final roll call, Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with regard to this proposed Ordinance. There being no one present wishing to address the governing body on this matter, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public and requested a roll call vote. Upon Roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

Final Hearing: Ordinance 2007-06: Neilson Road Thru Street
Mr. Space moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2007-06, entitled “AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING NEILSON ROAD AS A THROUGH STREET”. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion.

Prior to final roll call, Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments with regard to this proposed Ordinance.

A resident asked what the implications of this action would be. Mr. Doherty explained that stop signs will be placed at the intersection of Neilson Road and all intersecting roads.

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

Introduction of Ordinance 2007-07: Dog License Fee Amendment
Mr. Space made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2007-07, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER XXI OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, INCREASING DOG LICENSE FEES FOR WANTAGE TOWNSHIP”. Final Hearing date was set for March 8, 2007. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon Roll call:
Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

Status Update Report: 2007 Wantage Township Municipal Budget

Mr. Doherty explained that the overall spending plan for 2007 will be lower than in 2006. In addition, various long range capital needs will be paid through bonding rather than expecting the 2007 taxpayers to pay for the entire cost at one time. Mr. Doherty reported that the timing of completion of the 2006 revaluation led to a reduction in added assessments at the end last year, which in turn had an impact on the Township’s surplus. Mr. Doherty further explained that this was not unique to Wantage Township, as the same impact was felt in several other municipalities who undertook Revaluations last year, and it will likely take a few years to build surplus back to where it was prior to the revaluation. To offset the reduction in available surplus for managing the tax burden, the Township is anticipating greater revenues in some areas, and relying on an available dedicated surplus for snow plowing funds that allows the Township to reduce its 2007 budget costs in this area. Mr. Doherty stated that the Budget Introduction will be scheduled for March 8, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Space made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular and Executive Session for the meeting of the Wantage governing body held on February 8, 2007. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon Roll call: Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: Parrott Abstain: None

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments.
There being no one present wishing to speak, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

There being no other items for consideration at this time, Mr. Space moved to adjourn the meeting. Mayor DeBoer 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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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk