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 NOVEMBER 8, 2007

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

PRESENTATION TO STEVEN BOYD

Mr. Parrott moved to approve a resolution honoring Steven Boyd for acts of heroism.

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

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. Parrott moved to approve Raffle Application RA07-27 to Heritage & Agriculture Association Inc., to conduct an On Premise Merchandise Raffle on December 1 and December 2, 2007, at 50 Neilson Road. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to approve Raffle Application RA07-28 to Heritage & Agriculture Association Inc., to conduct an On Premise 50/50 Raffle on December 1 and December 2, 2007, at 50 Neilson Road. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

REPORTS

Mr. Parrott moved to approve the following reports for filing:

Report of the Tax Collector for the month of October 2007

Report of the Construction Office for the month of October 2007

Report of the Board of Health for the month of October 2007

Report of the Registrar of Vital Statistics for the month of October 2007

Report of the Municipal Clerk for the month of October 2007

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

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Parrott moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of November 8, 2007.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to approve the Corrective Action Plan of the Chief Finance Officer with respect to the 2006 Report of Audit, effective October 25, 2007.

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

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Parrott moved to grant permission for the Wallkill River Watershed Management Group to work with a local Cub Scout Pack to label storm drains on Morgan Drive and Marc Drive using a “No Dumping, Drains To River” Stencil.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize Transfer of Budget Appropriations as per Budget Transfer Resolution in the amount of $36,090.00 dated November 8, 2007.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize efund of seeding hand haying bond 2007-DW-14 to Kelly Smolen in the amount of $2,000. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of tax sale premium on Block 33 Lot 11.03, for certificate 07-05, in the amount of $9,100.00 to R. Rothman.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 152 Lot 7.05, in the amount of $1,680.52 to John J. Van Dyke.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 10 Lot 2.02, in the amount of $3,340.76 to Green Point Tax Department.

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

Mr. Parott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 21.01 Lot 11, in the amount of $995.94 to Toll Land XVI, LP. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 148 Lot 1, in the amount of $659.24 to Gary P. Sumner. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 15 Lot 7.01, in the amount of $1,974.73 to Vic & Tracy Ison.

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

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 21 Lot 41, in the amount of $806.11 to Jose & Theresa Ramos. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 161 Lot 5.02, in the amount of $908.02 to Angelo & Patricia Aprile.

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

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of a tax overpayment on Block 91 Lot 5, in the amount of $789.64 to Richard Cantaluppi. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of seeding hand haying bond 2007-SH-10 to John Vandergoot in the amount of $2,500. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of seeding hand haying bond 2007-SH-07 to Crothers Construction in the amount of $2,500. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of seeding hand haying bonds to Toll Brothers, as follows:

SH-06-11 in the amount of $2,500.00 for Block 21.01, Lot 10

SH-06-12 in the amount of $2,500.00 for Block 21.01, Lot 9

2007-SH-05 in the amount of $2,500.00 for Block 21, Lot 34.27

2007-SH-14 in the amount of $2,500.00 for Block 21, Lot 34.09

2007-SH-15 in the amount of $2,500.00 for Block 21, Lot 34.08

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

Mr. Parrott moved to authorize refund of escrow funds associated with Land Use Board application 2006-L-16, in the amount or $444.00, to Mainland Sussex Company.

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

ENGINEERS REPORT

Mr. Harold Pellow, Township Engineer, informed the Committee of the following capital projects: Blair Road should be completed by December 1, 2007. Central School Reclamation; and paving on Baldwin, Fawn, Courtland, North Shore, Estates and Colleen Drives have all been completed. Woodbourne Park has been completed. Central School Road culvert will be done in June, 2008, once the schools have been closed and should take approximately 30 days to complete. Spreen Road drainage should be complete next week and will be reclaimed and stoned next year.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

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

Snow Plowing Bid: Mr. Doherty reported that one bid was received from Wantage Excavating. This contractor would be responsible for plowing Estates, Colleen. Southfield, Northfield, Eastfield, Matthew and Joseph Drives.

Mr. Parrott moved to award a contract for snow plowing services at $112.50 per hour to Wantage Excavating. Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: None

Open Space Negotiations: Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his E-mail Report dated November 5, 2007 regarding “Open Space Negotiations”. Mr. Doherty requested an Executive Session to discuss details and recommendations.

COAH Strategy: Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his E-mail Report dated November 5, 2007 regarding “COAH Units – Strategy” and David Troast’s letter dated October 27, 2007 referencing “Wantage Township Affordable Housing”. Mr. Doherty requested an Executive Session to discuss details and recommendations, to discuss details of negotiations for proposal presented by a Non-profit Organization named SEED, and to obtain legal advice under attorney-client privilege concerning the recommendations presented by Mr. Troast.

Plan Endorsement Citizen Advisory Committee: Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see the attached proposed “Resolution To Create The Plan Endorsement Citizens’ Advisory Committee.”

Mr. Parrott moved to appoint Parker Space, Jim Smith, Diane Snure, Bob Kohle and Maggie Kolicko to serve on the Plan Endorsement Citizen Advisory Committee.

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

Lake Neepaulin Dam Meeting: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that a meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on November 12, 2007. This meeting will give the public an opportunity to express their concerns to the Committee.

Mr. Doherty reminded the governing body that when the governing body tabled the issue of Outdoor Furnace regulations for future consideration, the meeting date of November 29, 2007 was named as the next meeting when consideration would be given on this topic. To date, Mr. Doherty has received no new information, input or regulations from any quarter on this issue. Ed Vander berg has been invited to this meeting and has confirmed that he will attend, so there may be value in listening to his input. If no new input or data is submitted by the November 29 meeting, Mr. Doherty suggests the governing body further table the issue until March of 2008, to see if any further direction or guidance develops at the State level.

Assessor Request For Executive Session: Wantage Tax Assessor Melissa Rockwell has requested a discussion in Executive Session under Negotiations and Pending Litigation to discuss the status of the tax appeal with Mr. Mainardi under Mainland Sussex.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor DeBoer requested Mr. Garofalo to give the Attorney’s report. Mr. Garofalo indicated that he had nothing new to report in public session.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Parrott offered praise to both Mr. Bob Heiden and Ms. Clara Nuss for running a clean campaign and congratulated Clara Nuss on her victory in the recent campaign for Township Committee.

Mayor DeBoer thanked Mr. Heiden for getting involved and congratulated Clara Nuss on her victory.

Mayor DeBoer indicated that he has received a letter from Jean Jaeger regarding signs at the dog park. Mayor DeBoer requested the recreation department to come up with some regulations regarding either the number of signs or the placement of such signs. Mr. Parrott suggested that the signs be placed on the back of the new pavilion, once it is constructed.

OLD BUSINESS - None

NEW BUSINESS

Final Adoption of Ordinance 2007-17: No Parking Hankins Road

Mr. Parrott moved to adopt on final hearing, Ordinance 2007-17, entitled “AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING NO PARKING ON HANKINS ROAD”.

Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion.

Prior to final roll call vote, Mayor DeBoer opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments they may have regarding this proposed Ordinance. As there was no one from the public who wished to come forward, Mayor DeBoer closed the meeting to the public.

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

Introduction of Ordinance 2007-18: United Telephone Consent Ordinance

Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2007-18, entitled “AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF UNITED TELEPHONE COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS TO USE THE VARIOUS PUBLIC ROADS, STREETS OR HIGHWAYS IN THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, FOR ITS LOCAL AND THROUGH LINES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AND PRESCRIBING THE CONDITIONS THEREOF”. Final Hearing Date is set for December 13, 2007.

Mayor DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Parrott Nays: None Absent: Space Abstain: 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 October 25, 2007 and the minutes of the Special Meeting held October 29, 2007.

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

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

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

Joy Steinbacher, 24 Hudson Avenue, asked how much time they would have at the November 12, 2007 meeting to present their case. Mayor DeBoer and Mr. Doherty assured her that the meeting will continue as long as necessary. Mr. Doherty informed Ms. Steinbacher that if an ordinance were introduced to go ahead with a special assessment, it would take approximately 50 days for completion and Mr. Garofalo indicated that the ordinance must be adopted prior to signing of loan. Mr. Doherty informed Ms. Steinbacher that it would be unrealistic to expect official action any earlier than January of February of 2008.

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

Mr. Parrott 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: Open Space negotiations, COAH Strategy and the Mainland Sussex Tax Appeal under attorney client privilege, negotiations and pending litigation. 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.

Mayor DeBoer 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 regular session.

Mr. Parrott made a motion to enter into a contract for the administration of affordable rental housing units to Knoll Properties, 39 Trapasso Drive in Sparta, NJ.

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

Mr. Parrott made a motion to enter into a contract for the administration of affordable sale housing units to the Housing Partnership,2 East Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ.

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

Mr. Parrott made a motion into enter into a contract for the administration of affordable sale housing units to the Housing Partnership, 2 East Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ.

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

Ordinance 2007-19 Municipal Housing Liaison

Mr. Parrott moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2007-19, entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE POSITION OF MUNICIPAL HOUSING LIAISON FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE FAIR HOUSING ACT.”. Final Hearing Date is set for November 29, 2007.

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

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

Mayor DeBoer declared this meeting to be adjourned.

_________________________________

James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk