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 MARCH 29, 2007

Mayor William DeBoer called the workshop session 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 members were absent: None.

Mayor DeBoer informed the public that Sussex/Wantage School Board and High Point Regional School Board are in attendance at the meeting tonight to give presentations for their 2007-2008 school year budgets.

Mr. Doherty asked if there were any quorums present. Sussex/Wantage School Board and High Point Regional High School said there were not.

Interim Superintendent Raymond Nazarro and School Board Administrator Edward Izbicki presented the Mayor and Committee with the proposed School District Budget for the Sussex Wantage School District.

The Mayor and Committee thanked Mr. Nazarro, Mr. Izbicki, as well as the members of the School Board present for attending and for their diligence in keeping costs of capital improvement projects within prior and future budget appropriations.

Steven Kepnes, School Board Administrator presented the Mayor and Committee with the proposed School District Budget for the High Point Regional High School.

The Mayor and Committee thanked Mr. Kepnes, Superintendent John Hannum, and School Board members present for attending, and for their cooperation with recent issues during the past year; and encouraged the public to vote at the School Board elections on April 17, 2007 from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

At this time Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public. Since there was no one from the public who wished to come forward, the Mayor closed the meeting to the public.

At this time a short recess was held and the Mayor and Committee met with representatives of Minisink Hose Company #1 of Unionville Fire Department who offered a brief inspection of their newest fire fighting vehicle. Minisink Hose Company serves as First Response Fire Company for the northeastern sector of Wantage Township.

Mayor William DeBoer called the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage to order at 8:15 pm, 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 members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney Michael Garofalo.

Mayor DeBoer requested permission to move to Old Business to give CJS an opportunity to address the members of the Governing Body regarding sewer service area designation and informed the public that this discussion will not be opened to the public until its conclusion.

OLD BUSINESS

Mayor DeBoer requested Harold Pellow, Township Engineer; David Troast, Township Planner, and Jim Smith, Land Use Board Chairman to come forward so any of their responses could be heard for the record.

Present for CJS were Dennis Collins, attorney for CJS Investments and Mr. Stuart Challoner, Supervising Engineer on the CJS Investment project. CJS also provided a court stenographer to record a transcript of this meeting.

Mr. Collins presented a request of CJS Investments for Wantage Township to amend its Township Wastewater Management Plan and take all steps necessary in order to include sewer service approvals for a site on Lower Unionville Road which CJS Investments desires to develop.

Discussion took place regarding this request. Township Engineer Harold Pellow, Township Planner David Troast, and Land Use Chairman Jim Smith offered input and observations regarding this request. General consensus expressed by these individuals was that the request being made was not consistent with the vision or goals of the municipality, the county, or the State of New Jersey.

Mr. Garofalo requested Mr. Collins to offer a clarification of details regarding the exact request for action being made by his client. Mr. Collins stated that his client wanted the same considerations given to other developers who have appeared before the municipality.

After discussion on this matter, Mayor DeBoer requested direction from Mr. Garofalo regarding how to proceed with making a decision on the request presented. Mr. Garofalo suggested that a motion be offered “in the positive”, so that a yes vote would indicate a desire to grant the request, while a no vote would indicate a desire to deny the request. Mayor DeBoer requested Township Administrator Jim Doherty to propose wording of a motion for consideration, which Mr. Doherty did.

Mr. Parrott moved to approve the request of CJS Investments for the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage to commence a multi-year endeavor to amend its Township Wastewater Management Plan; to present evidence and a case to the Sussex County 208 Policy Advisory Committee for an amendment to the Sussex County Wastewater Management Plan; to petition the Sussex County Freeholders to amend their Smart Growth Plan; to petition the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to include the site of CJS Investments in the Statewide wastewater management vision; and to petition the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth to include this site as a Center Designation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Space.

On the question, general discussion took place regarding the proper interpretation of the motion. Administrator Clerk Jim Doherty confirmed for the members of the governing body that the motion and the second have been offered for the purpose of bringing this issue forward for a decision, and when the roll call vote is taken, a “yes” vote would grant the request of CJS, while a “No” vote would deny the request. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: None Nays: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Absent: None Abstain: None

Mayor DeBoer declared this motion to be defeated. Mr. Collins informed the governing body that he appreciates their respect, is sorry for the outcome, but it is always a pleasure meeting with this Committee. The Mayor and Committee thanked Mr. Collins and Mr. Challoner for attending and stated that they must do what they feel is in the best interest of Wantage. The Committee requested a copy of the transcript of tonight’s meeting.

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.

Mr. Parrott moved to approve Land Use Board Attorney Report of all Variance Applications for calendar year 2006 for filing. Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

APPLICATIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle License Application RA07-11 to American Legion Post 213, for On Premise 50/50 raffle to be held on June 24, 2007

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

RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Parrott moved to authorizing transfer of 2006 budget appropriation reserves in the amount of $4,200 from Buildings and Grounds to Liability Insurance O/E.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to awarding the contract for 2007 Recreation Field Maintenance Program for the Wantage Township Recreation Commission, to Farmside Landscape & Design in the amount of $12,135.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to approve Person to Person and Place to Place Transfer of Liquor License 1924-33-007-002 to Presti Liquor LLC.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to name John Abate to be the Provisional Animal Control Officer of Wantage Township, effective immediately, at an annual salary of $37,400.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to approve a request to construct a portion of a private septic system within the public right of way of South Shore Drive.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to support Renewal of the Garden State Preservation Trust program.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to support the County of Sussex application for a PARIS Grant to assist county and municipal governments in records management, preservation and storage efforts.
Mr. Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

PROCLAMATION

Mayor DeBoer offered a Proclamation Naming April to be Autism Awareness Month, as follows:

WHEREAS, autism is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting the social, learning and behavioral skills of those affected by it, and

WHEREAS, autism was once thought to be a relatively rare disorder, affecting only one in 10,000 people, and

WHEREAS, as more and more health professionals become proficient in diagnosing autism, more children are being diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, resulting in rates as high as one in 150 children, and

WHEREAS, while there is no cure for autism, it is well-documented that if individuals with autism receive treatment early in their lives, it often is possible for those individuals to lead significantly improved lives, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC), and Autism Speaks is spearheading an awareness effort in order to educate parents, professionals and the general public about autism and its effects,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, William DeBoer, Mayor of the Township of Wantage, do hereby proclaim April as AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH in the Township of Wantage, and I urge all residents to become better educated on the subject of autistic spectrum disorders.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Doherty to give the Administrator’s report. Mr. Doherty informed the Mayor and Committee of the following:

Lusscroft Farm Project:
Mr. Brian Hennessey, on behalf of Lusscroft Farm revitalization project, requests an opportunity to meet with Mr. Doherty and Mr. Parrott to discuss their vision for preserving and revitalizing the Lusscroft Farm site.

NJDOT State Route 23 Planning Strategy meeting:
Following up from previous meeting with representatives from NJDOT, Ms. Celine Rubin of NJDOT Planning Division would like to meet with Mr. Doherty, Harold Pellow, David Troast, Mayor DeBoer and a representative of Land Use Board to review input and suggestions they have to offer regarding long range planning for traffic management on Route 23. Looking at a meeting date during the daytime May 22 or May 24 time frame.

Plan Endorsement:
The Committee authorized Mr. Doherty, Mr. Troast, Jim Smith, Glenn Kienz and Mayor DeBoer to pursue a Pre-petition Plan Endorsement Meeting at Office of Smart Growth.

Assessor's Presentation:
Melissa Rockwell, Township Tax Assessor, informed the Committee that she has completed a project which involved revaluing each unit in Clove Hill Manor since a problem came to her attention where most units were valued equally. Most units will go down in assessed value and suggested the change be made in 2008. Mr. Parrott commended Ms. Rockwell for her due diligence.

Mayor DeBoer asked if there were any other problems resulting from the revaluation and Ms. Rockwell explained that although the Township had some issues with the appraisal company, most of those problems were data entry errors which were easily corrected. The values used have maintained their value at over 100%, so overall, it was a very successful revaluation.

Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee that he and Ms. Rockwell broke new ground in tax law when Ms. Rockwell would not back down on a property she felt was receiving farm-land assessment when part of the property was not being farmed. The Committee thanked Ms. Rockwell for her dedication and unwillingness to compromise on an area she felt was being incorrectly assessed, as this decision will result in additional revenue to the Township.

Woodbourne Park Improvements:
Costs for the proposed Pavilion are too high, above budget. The Recreation Commission and Harold Pellow are working on revising the proposed improvement plan to include a new soccer field, basketball court, additional parking, well utilities, and if money is available, a shade canopy for Woodbourne Park rather than a Pavilion and Concession Stand/Restrooms.

Youth In Government Program:
Mr. Doherty will give a presentation at an 8th Grade Assembly on April 27; selected students will “shadow” town hall employees on May 8, and The Committee will hold the annual mock meeting with students sitting as members of the governing bodies at the work session on May 10.

Donation of Historical Record:
Judge Craig Dana offered a letter dated March 12, 2007, informing of donation of historic Official Court Register of Wantage Township Court for time period 1842 – 1847. Judge seeks resolution of appreciation, and input on where to store the document.

Mr. Space moved to prepare a letter of appreciation to Judge Dana and Larry and Eileen Brink. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

SECTV Franchise Renewal Process:
Wantage Township may choose to participate in the franchise renewal process for SECTV. Participating is an option, not a requirement. The Township’s role is to review and offer input, not make the decision regarding whether or not the Franchise will be renewed. The Committee agreed by consensus not to participate in the renewal process.

Dog Pound Noise Controls:
Mr. & Ms. Gengaro from Clove Hill Manor have requested consideration of the governing body to utilize a Noise Control expert for review of the Township’s proposed plan of acoustic tiles in the dog pound and tree buffer to see how successful such a strategy would be.

Disciplinary Action:
As Administrative officer under Civil Service, Mr. Doherty has taken disciplinary action toward two employees. Both have accepted the discipline imposed, so the matter goes to their personnel files as closed. Mr. DeBoer requested a brief executive session to discuss this matter.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

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

Mr. Garofalo had nothing new to report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Committee had nothing new to report.

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Minutes

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

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

Residents of Judge Beach Road, August Lane and surrounding areas thanked the Committee for denying CJS’s request.

Mr. Garofalo gave a brief outline of the circumstances surrounding the litigation case which are now of public record for a resident asking for additional background.

Willard DeGroat, University Lane, asked the Committee if it were possible to vacate a portion of a road. Mr. Garofalo informed the Committee that they can do so as long as there is sufficient access for existing residences.

There being no one else present wishing to come forward, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

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 matters affecting the employment of specific employees of the Township. 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. Space moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Parrott 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