Mayor William DeBoer called the regular meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., 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.

BUDGET PRESENTATION

Mr. Doherty outlined 2006 budget expenditures and the proposed 2007 budget, which included a 4% salary increase based upon the recently negotiated salary adjustments under the DPW union contract.

Mr. Doherty reviewed the salary budget as well as the specific reasons for increases and decreases in the other expense line items.

Mr. Parrott moved to increase the work hours for Custodian/Laborer Amy Heater to full time status effective February 1, 2007, with duties to include custodian for all municipal buildings, and Court Attendant #2 for the Municipal Court. The motion was seconded by Mr. Space.

On the question, Mr. Parrott stated that Ms. Heater could be sent to animal control certification school, which would provide another certified individual for the animal control function, while also providing a regular custodian presence at the Dog Pound.

Mr. Doherty stated that Ms. Heater’s work duties could also include performing an annual dog census, which would alleviate the need to hire two part time seasonal employees to do that work in the summer.

Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Discussion ensued regarding DPW supervisor Bob Wagner’s request for an additional public works department laborer due to the number of roads the township has taken over and the increased workload of the department.

The Committee instructed Mr. Doherty to leave the proposed increase in the budget, but perform an analysis of whether or not it would be more cost effective to contract out snow plowing of certain sections within the Township rather than hiring an additional employee.

Mr. Parrott supplied Mr. Doherty and the Committee with recent legislation dealing with the appeal process and asked that an additional $10,000 to $15,000 be placed in the budget for possible tax appeals, reserving the unused balance for future appeals.

Mr. Doherty then asked the Committee to review the capital budget which necessitates canceling various reserves in order to fund some of the projects planned for 2007.

Mr. Parrott moved to adopt the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Space:

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:2- et seq. deals with state regulation of for all operations in the Capital fund, and
WHEREAS, there are currently capital reserve balances in the capital fund general ledger which will be used to fund other capital projects anticipated for the year 2007,
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing body of the Township of Wantage, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that the following capital reserves be cancelled to capital fund balance in the amount of $161,057.10:

Reserve for Preliminary Expenses - Blair Road	$ 15,000.00
Reserve for Preliminary Expenses - Sewer Study	$ 14,554.63
Reserve for Lake Neepaulin Roads	$15,015.00
Reserve for Public Property	$ 39,204.11
Reserve for Road Equipment	$ 1,960.73
Reserve for Various Roads	$21,000.48
Reserve for Drainage Improvements	$ 35,747.19
Reserve for Office Equipment	$ 4,574.96
Reserve for Ambulance	$14,000.00
	$161,057.10

Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Discussion ensued regarding the cost versus benefits of including the replacement of ambulances for the Wantage First Aid Squad in the proposed long-range capital plan with Sussex Borough for an emergency vehicle replacement program. Mr. Doherty will provide an analysis of the various action options possible.

At this time Bill and Ruth Haynes presented the Committee with the First Aid Squad budget request. The Committee thanked them for a fine presentation, and agreed to budget the amount of their request.

Mayor DeBoer 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 from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor DeBoer closed the Open Public Session.

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 at 11:30 p.m.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk