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 8, 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 members Parrott, Space. The following members were absent: None.

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 representatives of the Friends of Lake Neepaulin (FOLN) to address the governing body regarding rehabilitation work on the Lake Neepaulin Dam.

Tom Jable introduced members Ms. Steinbacher, Ms. Alvarado and Mr. and Mrs. Bore. Mr. Jable asked for the Committee’s help regarding rehabilitation of the Lake Neepaulin Dam. After a lengthy discussion regarding ways in which the Committee could assist FOLN with projected costs of up to $700,000, the Committee agreed that the best alternative at this point would be to assist FOLN to bring their plight to the attention of all residents.

Mr. Doherty and the entire Committee agreed that FOLN’s 125 members have done a wonderful job rehabilitating the surrounding areas of the lake and maintaining the purity and beauty of Lake Neepaulin.

Mr. Jable asked about a cost study to repair the storm drain on Cove Lane that was performed by Harold Pellow, Township Engineer, a few years ago. Mr. Jable was informed that Mr. Pellow would be joining the Committee at our regular meeting this evening and this topic will be discussed at that time.

The Mayor thanked all present for attending and reiterated that they will help in any way to get their message out to all residents via the next newsletter or by forwarding concerns to Senator Little, Assemblyman Garrett and Assemblywoman McHose.

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

A resident of Lake Neepaulin voiced his concerns regarding the effect draining Lake Neepaulin would have over the entire Township. Mr. Doherty explained that if the ultimate decision of the NJDEP is to remove the dam, the matter would then become a town-wide issue which would be addressed in a comprehensive forum of residents and taxpayers, to determine the best course of action that will preserve the well being of the Wantage community.

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 members Parrott, Space. The following members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney Michael Garofalo.

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

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 asked the Committee’s permission to digress from the regular order of business to deal with Old Business first. The Committee agreed by consensus.

OLD BUSINESS

Wastewater Management in the Route 23 Corridor

General discussion took place regarding the possibility of designating certain properties along Route 23 as sewer service areas. At this time Mr. Parrott recused himself from the meeting and left the podium.

Mr. Pellow made a brief presentation outlining which areas would be included in this proposed wastewater management area along the Route 23 corridor that includes various Rachel Manor Properties, Maione Properties, the A&P, and the Quick Check, since the DEP requested only individual projects be identified for their approval.

The Committee, Mr. Doherty, Mr. Garofalo and representatives of Rachel Manor and Maione Properties were given the opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns regarding this proposed plan which will be faxed to the Sussex County Planning Department this evening to be approved for inclusion in their plan, to be submitted to the NJDEP.

Mr. Space moved to approve the following:

RESOLUTION ENDORSING A PLAN AMENDENT TO THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SUSSEX COUNTY WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN: Rachel Manor Properties, LLC

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requires that proposed wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities and wastewater treatment service areas and related subjects be in conformance with an approved Water Quality Management (WQM) plan; and

WHEREAS, The Wantage Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) prepared by the County of Sussex has been approved by the NJDEP as an amendment to the Sussex County Water Quality Management Plan in May 2000, and last revised August 2001; and

WHEREAS, Rachel Manor Properties, LLC is the owner of approximately 32 Acres, (Block 11, Lots 7 and 6.02) located in Wantage Township commercial zone on Route 23 near Cemetery Road; and

WHEREAS, Rachel Manor Properties, LLC has obtained use variance approval from the Township Planning Board for a planned mixed use development which will include 72 residential units and approximately 16,000 square feet of commercial retail space; and

WHEREAS, the proposed development will generate 19,945 GPD of total wastewater flow, as calculated using NJDEP formula, which will be treated onsite by a water reclamation facility and the treated effluent will be discharged to groundwater via disposal beds and

WHEREAS, the projected total wastewater flow volume of 19,945 gallons per day is above the NJDEP threshold of 2,000 gallons per day, and thus Rachel Manor must obtain a NJPDES Discharge to Groundwater permit, and to obtain such permit the discharge to groundwater must be consistent with the Wantage Township WMP; and

WHEREAS, the existing Wantage Township WMP requires a Plan Amendment in order to Permit the wastewater discharge for the proposed mixed use development and to provide that Block 11, Lots 7 and 6.02 on the tax map of Wantage Township be changed and designed to an “on-site groundwater discharge” area; and

WHEREAS, the Wantage Township Committee has determined that the proposed discharge for the mixed use development project is appropriate for this parcel of land within the municipality; and

WHEREAS, the project’s mixed commercial/residential use and the proposed WMP planning area re-designation for on-site groundwater discharge are both entirely consistent with the Township’s contemplated future planning for the Route 23 Corridor area in which the subject property is located.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Wantage on this 8th day of February, 2007 as follows:

• The Wantage Township hereby endorses a proposed Plan Amendment to the Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) as follows:

• To permit the discharge for the proposed development project; and
• To provide for “on-site groundwater discharge” area designation for Block 11, Lots 7 and 6.02.

This endorsement shall be submitted to the Sussex County Policy Advisory Committee, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, NJDEP and all other interested parties.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer,Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty noted for the record that Mr. Parrott has recused himself and left the podium.

Mr. Space moved to approve the following:
RESOLUTION ENDORSING A PLAN AMENDENT TO THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SUSSEX COUNTY WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN: Various properties
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr. Doherty noted for the record that Mr. Parrott has recused himself and left the podium.

Mr. Space moved to approve a resolution ENDORSING A PLAN AMENDENT TO THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SUSSEX COUNTY WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN - Mountainview Manor at Wantage, Inc.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr. Doherty noted for the record that Mr. Parrott has recused himself and left the podium.

At this time, Mr. Parrott returned to the Meeting and assumed his Committeeman’s chair.

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.

REPORTS

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

• Board of Health Report for January 2007
• Clerk’s Report for January 2007
• Construction Department Report for January 2007
• Registrar’s Report for January 2007
• Tax Collector Report for January 2007

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

APPLICATIONS

Mr. Space moved to approve the applications:

• Raffle Application RA 07-05, for the Beemerville Presbyterian Church, to hold an on premise merchandise raffle on 5/21/07 at Beemerville Firehouse.

• Raffle Application RA 07-06, for the Beemerville Presbyterian Church, to hold an on premise 50/50 raffle on 5/21/07 at Beemerville Firehouse.

• Raffle Application RA 07-07, for the Beemerville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, to hold an on premise merchandise raffle on 4/13/07 at Beemerville Firehouse.

• Raffle Application RA 07-08, for the Beemerville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, to hold an on premise 50/50 raffle on 4/13/07 at Beemerville Firehouse.

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

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Space moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of February 8, 2007.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize $250.00 tax refund to William & Deanne Cronin for Block 53.07 Lot 2. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize $923.94 tax refund to Jeffrey & Patricia Kuchta for Block 26 Lot 3.02.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize $1,243.23 tax refund to First American Title for Block 154 Lot 9.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize $803.01 Tax refund to Robert Dianuzzo Jr. for Block 66 Lot 9.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize temporary emergency No Parking Regulations from 6 am to 10 pm on May 19, 2007, on Berry Road, portions of Armstrong Road, and portions of Sherman Ridge Road as explained in the resolution dated February 8, 2007.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to authorize release of various Developer Escrow Accounts, as per recommendations made by the Land Use Board secretary dated 1/23/07, totaling $14,290.07.
Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Space moved to approve 2007 Salary Resolution, as follows:
RESOLUTION REGARDING SALARIES AND WAGES OF EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2007

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, that the salaries and wages for the Township officers, employees, positions and persons so named for the year 2007, retroactive to January 1, 2007 unless otherwise indicated below, shall be as follows:

DEPARTMENT & POSITION SALARY

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

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

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

Cell Phone Usage Policy:
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee if they were ready to approve this proposed resolution. The Committee agreed that the resolution should include personal cell phones for all full and part-time employees. Mr. Garofalo stated that volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical technicians fall under the scope of part-time employees.
Mr. Parrott moved to approve the Cell Phone Usage Policy with the addition of personal cell phones for all full and part-time employees.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Stateline Oil Tanks :
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of an issue that was brought up at prior meeting regarding State Line Oil Tanks. The tank is in close proximity to the border of New York State, contains one transfer area for Frederick Fuel Company, and does go across the state border with the fuel oil tank squarely in Wantage. The Wantage Township Tax Assessor confirms that this line item is being added to the assessments of Wantage Township.
Mr. Parrott publicly thanked Dennis Negele, Wantage Township Constable, who brought this matter to the Township’s attention.

Noise from Bars and Pubs:
Mr. Doherty asked the Committee for direction regarding noise complaints when resident requests for Bar owners to lower noise levels are ignored. Mr. Doherty reminded the Committee that the Township has the power to address this issue through zoning and occupancy ordinances which state that live entertainment and use of DJ’s are not allowed uses in Wantage Township. The Committee agreed by consensus that Mr. Doherty should send a letter to all bar and pub owners letting them know that the ordinance will be enforced if requests to lower noise levels continue are not honored.

Request of Employee for a Promotion:
Mr. Doherty addressed a request of an employee for a promotion. After a brief discussion regarding Wantage’s promotion requirements and civil service title hierarchy, the Committee agreed by consensus to deny this request.

Amendment to DPW Contract for Animal Control:
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the DPW suggests an amendment to address new work schedule in animal control to deal with equitable compensation among the Assistant ACOs.

Mr. Space moved to authorize approve an amendment to the Salary Resolution to identify the changes to the Animal Control Annual Stipend. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Dog License Fees:
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of a new statute that enables municipalities to increase dog license fees. The Committee agreed by consensus to raise neutered and non-neutered dog licenses to $10 and $14, respectively, effective January 1, 2008.

Clarification of Policy for Adopting Animals at the Pound:
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee of the need to clarify the details of the “first come, first served” policy. The Committee agreed by consensus to increase and post the policy for a two-hour waiting period.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

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

Mr. Garofalo asked for a brief executive session to discuss pending litigation.

Mr. Garolfalo informed the Committee that effective Sunday, February 20th, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor must choose to either perform both wedding ceremonies and civil union ceremonies, or else make a personal decision to refrain from conducting any ceremonies, as it will become illegal in the State of New Jersey to refuse to conduct civil service unions if marriage ceremonies are performed.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Pellow to give the Engineer’s Report.

Mr. Pellow informed the Committee that Blair Road III, the final phase, will be completed in the summer of 2007. Mr. Doherty asked Mr. Pellow to ensure that the closing of Blair Road does not interfere with the work proposed NJDOT improvements to Route 23/94 intersection in Hamburg. Mr. Pellow assured Mr. Doherty that this will not occur.

Mr. Pellow outlined other projects scheduled for 2007 which include the following: Reclamation of one mile of Central School Road; drainage improvements to Baldwin Drive; Woodbourne Park Pavilion - State Contracts will be utilized for material, and bids will be advertised in March for installation of the irrigation system and connection of water and sewer; road improvements to Baldwin Drive, Courtland Drive, Colleen Drive, Fawn Estates Drive and North Shore Drive in Lake Neepaulin.

Mayor DeBoer advised Mr. Pellow of FOLN”s request for information regarding the Cove Lane Drainage project. Mr. Pellow informed the Mayor that this an older project somewhere in the range of $19,000, and he would send the information to Mr. Doherty in time for the next Committee meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Space informed the Committee of a request from Bob Longcor regarding a possible easement on Black Dirt Road which may facilitate his maintaining approximately 80 gravestones located there. Mr. Pellow will obtain a copy of the map and Mr. Space will ask Mr. Longcor to contact Mr. Pellow directly.

Mr. Parrott informed the Committee that recent articles suggest the New Jersey Pension Fund, previously thought to be $20 billion in debt, is now thought to be $78 billion in debt, according to an audit performed by Governor Corzine’s Administration. Mr. Parrott further informed the Committee that this is important to Wantage Township as he feels this deficit will most likely be dealt with by reducing state aid to schools and municipalities, thus placing the burden on all New Jersey residents to make up the difference in property taxes.

Mayor. DeBoer voiced concern regarding the interpretation of the definition of a vicious dog and the meaning of “potentially dangerous”. Mr. Garofalo assured the Mayor and Committee that Municipal Court Judges are well versed in this area, and their ruling regarding interpretation will prevail.

Wastewater Management in the Route 23 Corridor

At this time, Mayor DeBoer asked the Committee’s permission to digress from the regular order of business to address Mr. John Maione of Mountaiview Manor and his attorney Mr. Wolf, who recently joined the meeting. At this time Mr. Parrott recused himself and left the podium.

Mr. Maione reported that the County of Sussex received the resolutions for Wantage Township’s Wastewater Management Plan at their Planning Board Meeting this evening, and thanked the governing body for their actions. Mr. Maione requested several small amendments to the wording of the resolutions adopted, in order to guard against the possibility of technicalities creating issues with the NJDEP. Upon review, Mr. Garofalo advised the governing body that the proposed adjustments were within the scope of their jurisdiction, and that if they chose to amend the previous resolutions adopted earlier this evening, the amended resolutions would supersede and replace the previous resolutions.

Mr. Space moved to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION ENDORSING A PLAN AMENDENT TO THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SUSSEX COUNTY WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN: Mountainview Manor at Wantage, Inc.

WHEREAS, The Wantage Township Committee desires to provide for the orderly development of wastewater facilities within the municipality; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requires that proposed wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities and wastewater treatment service areas and related subjects be in conformance with an approved Water Quality Management (WQM) plan; and

WHEREAS, The Wantage Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) prepared by the County of Sussex has been approved by the NJDEP as an amendment to the Sussex County Water Quality Management Plan in May 2000, and last revised August 2001; and

WHEREAS, Mountainview Manor at Wantage, Inc. is the owner of Block 4 Lot 1.01, located in Wantage Township commercial zone on Route 23; and

WHEREAS, Mountainview Manor at Wantage, Inc has obtained approval from the Township Planning Board for the construction of senior age-restricted housing units; and

WHEREAS, the proposed development will generate 19,700 GPD of total wastewater flow, as calculated using NJDEP formula, which will be treated onsite by a water reclamation facility and the treated effluent will be discharged to groundwater via disposal beds and

WHEREAS, the projected total wastewater flow volume of 19,700 gallons per day is above the NJDEP threshold of 2,000 gallons per day, and thus Mountainview Manor at Wantage, Inc must obtain a NJPDES Discharge to Groundwater permit, and to obtain such permit the discharge to groundwater must be consistent with the Wantage Township WMP; and

WHEREAS, the existing Wantage Township WMP requires a Plan Amendment in order to Permit the wastewater discharge for the proposed development and to provide that Block 4, Lot 1.01 on the tax map of Wantage Township be changed and designed to an “on-site groundwater discharge” area; and

WHEREAS, the Wantage Township Committee has determined that the proposed discharge for the development project is appropriate for this parcel of land within the municipality; and

WHEREAS, the project’s use and the proposed WMP planning area re-designation for on-site groundwater discharge are both entirely consistent with the Township’s contemplated future planning for the Route 23 Corridor area in which the subject property is located.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Wantage on this 8th day of February, 2007 as follows:

• The Wantage Township hereby endorses a proposed Plan Amendment to the Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) as follows:

• To permit the discharge for the proposed development project; and
• To provide for “on-site groundwater discharge” area designation for Block 4 Lot 1.01

2. This endorsement shall be submitted to the Sussex County Policy Advisory Committee, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, NJDEP and all other interested parties.

Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr. Doherty noted for the record that Mr. Parrott has recused himself and left the podium.

Mr. Space moved to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION ENDORSING A PLAN AMENDENT TO THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND SUSSEX COUNTY WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

WHEREAS, The Wantage Township Committee desires to provide for the orderly development of wastewater facilities within the municipality; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requires that proposed wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities and wastewater treatment service areas and related subjects be in conformance with an approved Water Quality Management (WQM) plan; and

WHEREAS, The Wantage Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) prepared by the County of Sussex has been approved by the NJDEP as an amendment to the Sussex County Water Quality Management Plan in May 2000, and last revised August 2001; and

WHEREAS, Block 4 Lot 1.03, Block 3 Lot 1.04, Block 4 Lot 1.05, Block 4 Lot 1.06, Block 4 Lot 1.07, Block 4 Lot 1.08, Block 4 Lot 4, Block 6 Lot 1, Block 6 Lot 2, Part of Block 6 Lot 3.01, Block 7 Lot 12, Block 7 Lot 13.01, Block 7 Lot 13.02, Block 11 Lot 6.01, and Block 11 Lot 8 are properties located in Wantage Township commercial zone on Route 23; and

WHEREAS, the above property lots have been identified by the Wantage Township Engineer and the Wantage Township Land Use Board as property locations that need to be included in the sewer service areas of Wantage Township, to accommodate development which will require onsite treatment by a water reclamation facility with the treated effluent will be discharged to groundwater via disposal beds and

WHEREAS, the Wantage Township Committee has determined that the proposed inclusion of these property lots within the sewer service area is appropriate within the municipality; and

WHEREAS, inclusion of these property lots within the sewer service area is entirely consistent with the Township’s contemplated future planning for the Route 23 Corridor area in which the subject properties are located.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Wantage on this 8th day of February, 2007 as follows:

• Wantage Township hereby endorses a proposed Plan Amendment to the Township Wastewater Management Plan (WMP) to provide for “on-site groundwater discharge” area designation for Block 4 Lot 1.03, Block 4 Lot 1.04, Block 4 Lot 1.05, Block 4 Lot 1.06, block 4 Lot 1.07, Block 4 Lot 1.08, Block 4 Lot 4, Block 6 Lot 1, Block 6 Lot 2, Part of Block 6 Lot 3.01, Block 7 Lot 12, Block 7 Lot 13.01, Block 7 Lot 13.02, Block 11 Lot 6.01, and Block 11 Lot 8

2. This endorsement shall be submitted to the Sussex County Policy Advisory Committee, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, NJDEP and all other interested parties.

Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: None Absent: None . Abstain: None
Mr. Doherty noted for the record that Mr. Parrott has recused himself and left the podium.

At this time, Mr. Parrott returned to the meeting and assumed his Committeeman’s seat.

NEW BUSINESS

Final Hearing - Ordinance 2007-03: Capital Improvement Fund

Mr. Space moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2007-03, entitled “ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $221,050 FOR PURCHASE OF DPW EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS TO VARIOUS ROADS.” Mr. Parrott 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: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Final Hearing Ordinance 2007-04: Animal Control Amendment

Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2007-04, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND OF CHAPTER V OF THE GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE ENTITLED “LICENSING OF DOGS”. Mr. Space 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: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Introduction of Ordinance 2007-06: Neilson Road a Through Street

Mr. Space moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2007-06, entitled “AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING NIELSON ROAD AS A THROUGH STREET.” Final Hearing set for February 22, 2007. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon Roll call,
Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Adoption of Resolution Establishing Wantage Open Space Tax For 2007

Mr. Space moved to adopt a resolution entitled “A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE 2007 RATE FOR THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND TAX” at the maximum rate of .02 cents, as follows:

WHEREAS, with the adoption of Ordinance 2006-20, the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage created an open space trust fund and concurrent funding source by the dedication of a specific tax to fund this open space trust, and

WHEREAS, the funding source for the Wantage Township Open Space Trust Fund is a separate Township tax line item at an annual rate not to exceed Two cents ($0.02) per one hundred ($100) dollars of ratables for each and every taxable property located within the Township, and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance 2006-20, the rate shall be set every year by the Township Committee, by resolution, during the existence of the Township Open Space Trust Fund, no later than the meeting at which the Township budget shall be introduced, and

WHEREAS, the 2007 Wantage Township Open Space Advisory Committee has recommended that the 2007 rate be established at Two cents ($0.02) per one hundred ($100) dollars of ratables for each and every taxable property located within the Township,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, that the 2007 rate for the Wantage Township Open Space Tax be and it is hereby established at Two cents ($0.02) per one hundred ($100) dollars of ratables for each and every taxable property located within the Township.

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

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Parrott moved to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of the Wantage governing body held on the Executive Session for the meeting of the Wantage governing body held on December 28, 2006, and the minutes of January 25, 2007
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon Roll call, Ayes: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. 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 and the governing body returned to the regular order of business.

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 matters: pending litigation: CJS. 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, Mayor DeBoer reconvened the meeting in open session and the governing body continued with the regular order of business.

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: Parrott, DeBoer, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mayor DeBoer declared this meeting to be adjourned.

________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk