April 3, 2008

Mayor Parker Space 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 Space, Committee members DeBoer and Nuss. The following members were absent: None. Also present: Township Attorney Michael Garofalo.

Mayor Space 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 Space invited all present to join in the Salute To The Flag.

Discussion With School Representatives

Dr. Edward Izbicki, Superintendent of Schools for the Sussex-Wantage Consolidated School District, offered a presentation involving budget details and staffing adjustments in the proposed 2008-09 School Budget. Dr. Izbicki stated that negotiations with the teacher’s union were on going, and that the total tax levy for the proposed budget remains the same as it was for the 2007-08 budget. Dr. Izbicki reported that the impact on an average homeowner in Wantage Township, using the assessed value of $320,745, would be a decrease of $64.

Board of Education President Art Jacobs reported that adjustments are being made to the roof at the Middle School, which will adjust the ice shield and address future leaking concerns. This adjustment will be done at the expense of the contractor rather than taxpayers. Mr. Jacobs also reported that a recent leak at the Wantage School has been isolated as being caused by an attic vent which is angled in such a way as to promote rainwater entering. That vent shall be reconfigured, which should alleviate the leaking concerns at that school. Mr. Jacobs also reported on going steps to address basic maintenance issues at the school, citing an example of toilets that backed up when unknown students stuffed too much toilet paper into the toilets.

Mr. DeBoer asked if it were possible to provide any projections for next year’s school budget outlook.

Dr. Izbicki stated that he cannot offer guarantees for next year’s budget, but offered assurances that the Board would continue to promote policies and strategies designed to minimize costs.

Mr. DeBoer inquired if the schools were seeing any appreciable impact because of the increase in fuel costs.

Dr. Izbicki stated that this was a factor, but the impact has been offset because of the savings that continue to be realized by the School’s shared service agreement with the Township for utilizing the Public Works Fuel Depot in the rear of the Wantage Township municipal complex. Dr. Izbicki reported the school system is also investigating the possible installation of heating control systems in all buildings that may help offset increased fuel costs.

Mayor Space thanked Dr. Izbicki and Mr. Jacobs for their input, and requested representatives of the High Point Regional High School system to address the governing body with details of their proposed budget.

Superintendent John Hannum offered introductory comments by highlighting a number of accomplishments in the areas of academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. Dr. Hannum expressed pride in the accomplishments of the High School.

High Point Regional High School Business Administrator Steve Kepnes offered a Power Point presentation with details of the proposed High School Budget for the 2008-09 School year. Mr. Kepnes reported that the tax impact would be relatively flat, with an expected decrease of one dollar for every hundred thousand dollars of assessed value.

Mr. Doherty asked if the figures being presented were based on a calendar year or fiscal year.

Mr. Kepnes answered that they were presented based on a fiscal year budget.

Mr. Kepnes continued with his presentation of details regarding the proposed high school budget.

Mayor Space thanked Mr. Kepnes for his presentation, and opened the meeting to the public, asking if members of the public had any questions regarding the presentations offered this evening.

Mr. Bill Gettler, Gemmer Road, expressed a desire for the High School representatives to present their budget information based on a calendar year rather than school year, to facilitate the public’s ability to understand the impact of the proposed budget on their tax bill.

Mr. Kepnes suggested that this issue comes down to a matter of philosophy, and that the Board of Education members had given consideration to such a suggestion, but concluded that the most accurate presentation of the budget figures would involve the fiscal year presentation.

General discussion ensued among Mr. Kepnes, Mr. Gettler, and Board of Education President Edward Vander berg, regarding the merits of a calendar year presentation versus a school year presentation.

Mayor Space thanked Mr. Gettler for his comments.

There being no one else wishing to address the governing body at this time, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and the governing body returned to the regular order of business.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Space requested that the members of the governing body review the Consent Agenda. There being no Committee member present wishing to comment on the proposed Consent Agenda, Mayor Space requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the following Correspondences, for filing:

• Letter dated March 28, 2008 from Sussex Wantage Little League, inviting Mayor Space to attend the Grand Opening Day Parade for SWLL on April 19, 2008.
• Letter dated March 25, 2008 from NJ Rides Against Aids organization, informing of their annual bicycle Ride from High Point to Cape May on the weekend of September 26, 2008
• Letter dated March 19, 2008 from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, informing that they are suspending field activities for proposed Northeast Passage Project (being a proposed new West-to-East underground natural gas pipeline between Ohio and New York). Current market conditions suggest that this project will be pursued as an endeavor for the 2012-2013 timeframe

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

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the following Reports, for filing:

• Construction Department Report for March 2008
• Municipal Clerk Report for March 2008
• Registrar Report for March 2008
• Board of Health Report for March 2008
• Tax Collector Report for March 2008

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

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the following Applications:

• Application to Amend Raffle License RL08-06, awarded to the Sussex Woman’s club, changing the location of the drawing on May 7, 2008 to be the Sussex/Wantage Library on CR 639
• Raffle License RL08-17, for High Point Wildcat Booster Club to conduct on premise 50/50 on May 10, 2008 at Beemerville Firehouse
• Raffle License RL08-18, for Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary to conduct on premise merchandise raffle on June 6, 2008 at Beemerville Firehouse
• Raffle License RL08-19, for Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary to conduct on premise 50/50 raffle on June 6, 2008 at Beemerville Firehouse
• Application to Renew Soil Removal Certification for Block 44 Lot 25.01, Shotco
• Application to Renew Soil Removal Certification for Block 136 Lot 5, Lois Wright
• Application to Renew Soil Removal Certification for Block 2 Lot 18.01, Hamming
• Application to Renew Soil Removal Certification for Block 121 Lot 18.01, Sargent
• Application to Renew Kennel License for Block 143 Lot 5B, Ghysels
• Application to Renew Mechanical Amusement Device License for Pleasant Acres Campground

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

Ms. Nuss moved to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of April 3, 2008.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ms. Nuss moved to approve professional services resolution in the amount of $3,000 for Swift Real Estate Solutions to provide fair market value appraisal on easements to be located on Blair Road in Wantage Township. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ms. Nuss moved to approve Change Order #1 to the contract with Schifano Construction Corp. for the 2007 project named “Resurfacing Various Streets, reducing total cost of the project by $12,953. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ms. Nuss moved to approve additional seven days of sick leave for Cheryl Fredericks in accordance with Wantage Township Policy dealing with Extended Sick Leave entitlement, Section V-3 of the Wantage Township Employee Handbook.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Ms. Nuss moved to confirm part time temporary employment of Arlene De La Osa in the Municipal Court, providing coverage at court sessions during the combined recent absence of the existing Deputy Court Administrator and Court Violations Clerk.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

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

Water Drainage Concern on Route 23

Mr. Doherty informed the governing body that, as reported at the previous meeting, Wantage Township Engineer Harold Pellow has worked out a plan of action for addressing the water drainage problem on Route 23. Havens, Maione, New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the County of Sussex are combining to provide a drainage improvement project for that area of the State Highway, which should be under way in the coming week.

Havens Site Plan

Mr. Doherty reported that Havens filed an application for Preliminary Major Site Plan of their site on Route 23 with the Land Use Board.

Shared Services

Mr. Doherty reported that meetings have taken place with Sussex Borough, Montague Township, and Sussex Wantage School officials, to review possible shared service agreements. Progress is on going. I hope to have completed a feasibility study with Sussex and Montague’s Clerks regarding if any cost savings can be realized through sharing court systems, and public works departments, by the meeting of April 24.

Consolidation

Mr. Doherty reported that Sussex Borough has adopted a resolution to authorize a study of consolidation of municipalities, and will be naming five citizens to a consolidation study commission. Montague has not yet taken formal action regarding pursuing a consolidation study. Mr. Doherty reported that, at a minimum, there will be a question on the November ballot in Wantage to decide whether or not to proceed with a Sussex-Wantage Consolidation study. If Montague takes action before September 4, then there will be a Sussex-Wantage-Montague question on the November ballot for Wantage voters.

Mr. DeBoer, Ms. Nuss and Mayor Space discussed with Mr. Doherty regarding the potential implications of including Montague on the ballot question. By general consensus, the members of the governing body expressed concern that the Wantage Township public might vote “no” on a 3-town study because of concerns with how complex a 3-town study would become. The members of the governing body weighed the possibility of proceeding with a two-town study between Wantage and Sussex.

Mr. Doherty suggested that he raise this issue with representatives of Montague next week during a shared services meeting and see if Montague has made any decisions regarding their position on the study of consolidation. The members of the governing body expressed agreement with this suggestion.

NJDOT Proposal for Realignment of Route 23

Mr. Doherty reported that, given state budget constraints, NJDOT proposes to revise its previous plans for Route 23 Realignment. Mr. Doherty invited the governing body and members of the public to review the new proposed plan in his office in the coming week, and offer any input they may wish the State to receive concerning the revised plan.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Garofalo had no new information to report at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mayor Space offered a written Mayor’s Statement in opposition to the proposed closure of High Point State Park, as follows:

MAYOR’S STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF HIGH POINT STATE PARK

There is desperation, and then again, there is arrogance.

The current State Administration in Trenton proposes to pay for the State’s financial mismanagement by withholding money that belongs to the taxpayers of New Jersey for property tax relief.

This is an act of desperation.

As Mayor, I cannot endorse that proposal. It does nothing to relieve the state’s tax burden. It only serves as a lame effort by Trenton to shift the blame, hoping that the public will focus its anger on local governments instead of on Trenton.

Now, we are faced with the proposed closure of High Point State Park.

This goes beyond desperation. It is nothing short of arrogance.

If the State of New Jersey had not taken a pension holiday during the 1990’s, we would not be facing a pension nightmare today.

If the State of New Jersey had not recklessly built up its debt beyond the ability to manage it, - If they had only lived under the same budget rules that they imposed on local towns these past several decades, - they would not be facing their budget crisis today.

So what is their solution? Punish the businessman. Punish the public. Push the cost burden away from Trenton, where the problem was created, and make the little guy pay for the State’s incompetence. Punish the Veterans. They propose to close High Point State Park.

I urge the legislators of the State of New Jersey to reject this course of action.

I urge NJDEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson to reconsider her plan to close High Point State Park.

And, perhaps most importantly, I say to Governor Jon Corzine: If the State of New Jersey cannot manage its own State Park system – if you cannot provide the public service that you were elected to provide – then put aside the arrogance, and just give us ownership of High Point State Park.

If you can’t do it, let us show you how it’s supposed to be done. Use it or lose it.
________________________________________________
F. Parker Space, Mayor of Wantage Township

Mayor Space stated that the negative impact of closing High Point State Park would be dramatic on a large number of businesses that rely on the tourists who come to the Park each year, and urged all residents to make known their displeasure with this proposed course of action by the State of New Jersey.

Ms. Nuss and Mr. DeBoer agreed with Mayor Space’s comments.

In response to an inquiry by Ms. Nuss regarding the status of the proposed Veterans Memorial project being undertaken by the Recreation Commission, Mayor Space recognized Mr. Greg Williams and Ms. Christine Feoranzo, members of the Recreation Commission, who offered a status update report. Mr. Williams indicated that the location of the memorial is still being reviewed by the Recreation Commission, regarding whether it would be best to place it at the Lott Road facility or Woodbourne Park.

Returning to the issue of the proposed closure of High Point State Park, Ms. Nuss offered a motion to adopt the following resolution:

WANTAGE TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION
OPPOSING THE CLOSURE OF HIGH POINT STATE PARK

WHEREAS, over 17 million visitors use New Jersey parks and forests each year for camping, swimming, hiking, boating, and other recreational activities and

WHEREAS, High Point State Park is one of the most beautiful and most important links in the New Jersey State Park system, representing a vital resource in the State of New Jersey, and

WHEREAS, there are numerous business enterprises in Northwest New Jersey that rely heavily, or exclusively, on the commerce generated by tourists who visit High Point State Park each year, and

WHEREAS, High Point State Park is the location of High Point Monument, a beautiful and necessary historic landmark dedicated to the memory of our Veterans of the Armed Forces, and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is giving consideration to the full closure of High Point State Park in response to budget pressures of the New Jersey State Government, and

WHEREAS, The Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage consider it to be a travesty that High Point State Park, representing a successful and popular venue of tourism and economic stimulus, would be closed because of the decades-long inability of New Jersey State Government to operate within the same spending caps and fiscal responsibility that they impose on local governments, and

WHEREAS, the closure of High Point State Park will eliminate the ability of the general public to give honor due to our Veterans, by closing off the High Point Monument, and

WHEREAS, the closure of High Point State Park would lead to extensive and widespread business failures in Northwest New Jersey, serving to further exacerbate the Economic Recession currently in effect, as well as increasing the loss of tax revenue by increased tax appeals created by loss of property valuation,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage does hereby oppose the closure of High Point State Park, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage respectfully points out to Governor Jon Corzine, NJDEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson, and the entire State Legislature that the solution to the fiscal problems of Trenton must not be sought by pursuing budget cuts that will cause the economic collapse of Northwest New Jersey.

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

Traffic Light Agreement – Route 23 and CR 565 Intersection

Mr. Doherty explained that this traffic signal was approved as part of the Land Use Board’s approval of the Quick Chek site plan and relocation of Clark Road. Mr. Doherty reported that the Applicant will pay for installation of traffic light. By signing this agreement, the Township agrees to replace lane and pavement markings on Clark Road, and maintain the existing pavement schedule of public roads for Clark Road.

Ms. Nuss asked for details regarding the proposed road realignment. Mayor Space responded.

Mr. DeBoer asked for further details on the costs involved, seeking confirmation that the costs are being borne by the developer.

Mr. Doherty explained that the costs of signs and lane markings would be paid from the Township Road Trust Fund, which is collected from developers for these very expenses, and also confirmed his understanding that the road realignment would be a developer expense.

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Traffic Signal agreement with the State of New Jersey and the County of Sussex.
Ms. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

NEW BUSINESS

Introduction of Ordinance 2008-03: Salary

Mr. Doherty reported that this proposed Ordinance would include the salary for the newly-hired Building Subcode Official, as well as recognizing a salary paid on a temporary basis to Ms. Arlene De la Osa, who filled in as office help for the Court system while the Deputy Court Clerk and Violations Clerk were both unavailable at the same time due to medical reasons.

Ms. Nuss moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2008-03, entitled “ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES OF OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, COUNTY OF SUSSEX AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, FOR THE YEAR 2008” The Final Hearing date was set for May 8, 2008. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Introduction of Ordinance 2008-05: Fees

Mr. Doherty reported that this proposed Ordinance would increase the cost of a bulky waste sticker from $25 to $30 for those who wish to participate in the annual bulky waste collection program, and also establish a $15 fee for burial permits in accordance with a NJ Health Department requirement so that the costs of the electronic death recording system of the State can be financed.

Mr. DeBoer moved to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2008-05, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER XXI, FEES, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE.” The Final Hearing date was set for April 24, 2008. Ms. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Introduction of 2008 Wantage Township Municipal Budget

Mr. Doherty reported that the proposed 2008 municipal budget represented a 3.1 cent tax increase per hundred dollars of assessed valuation. Mr. Doherty reported that the spending plan was established during the budget work sessions earlier this year, while the revenues have adjusted as state aid figures have become known and the annual financial statement has been completed. Mr. Doherty stated his understanding, based on budget work sessions, that it is the intention of the governing body to set the local open space tax at 0.5 cents for this year, but that would involve a separate action at a later date. This evening, a motion to approve the introduction of the 2008 Municipal Budget was before the governing body for consideration.

Ms. Nuss inquired if State Aid figures were known at this point.

Mr. Doherty stated that they were included in the budget.

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve on first reading, the statement of revenues and appropriations for the Township of Wantage which shall constitute the Municipal budget for the year 2008, with a Public Hearing date set for April 24, 2008. Ms. Nuss seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Approval of Minutes

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the Regular and Executive session meeting minutes of the Wantage governing body held on March 20, 2008. Ms. Nuss seconded the motion.
Upon roll call,
Ayes : DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

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

Mr. Bill Gettler offered an “aside comment” that Gemmer Road was named in honor of a Veteran of World War II.

Mr. Gettler stated that the newspaper had reported a plan by the Speaker of the Assembly for the New Jersey Legislature, proposing a budget measurement strategy. Mr. Gettler expressed the opinion that the budget as introduced by the Wantage Township governing body is too high. Mr. Gettler stated that he has questions on various issues, including property maintenance fees, which have not been addressed. Mr. Gettler expressed the opinion that there should be no local open space tax this year, and suggested vacating the local open space tax ordinance.

Mr. Gettler stated that the Forum Homes site being given consideration for open space preservation is actually greater than 88 acres, and wondered what would happen to the remaining 57 acres of the site.

Mr. Gettler stated that the document which was produced by the Township to explain the benefits of purchasing the Forum Homes site for open space preservation was a lie. Mr. Gettler took issue with the calculations of tax savings presented in that document, suggesting that items such as rollback taxes, and interest on bonds, need to be taken into account. Mr. Gettler stated his belief that the tax revenue to be realized by the development of 26 new homes would offset the tax burden.

General discussion took place regarding Mr. Gettler’s observations.

Mr. Garofalo suggested that Mr. Gettler had taken out of context the comments which had been offered by the Speaker of the Assembly in the newspaper article, and suggested that it would better serve advancing the discussion if Mr. Gettler presents the appropriate context for the conversation rather than simply lifting a quote from a newspaper.

Mr. Art Jacobs reviewed some of the details of the Forum Homes site, and disagreed with Mr. Gettler’s suggestion that taxes paid by the new property owners would offset the cost of the development. Mr. Jacobs spoke in favor of the preservation of this site.

A resident expressed concern about the topic of Revaluation’s impact on the study of consolidation of Wantage and Sussex, inquiring if the fact that Sussex has not yet conducted a Revaluation would be taken into account during the consolidation study.

Mr. Doherty stated that this would be an important part of the study, and agreed that, historically, tax impact is a common obstacle to consolidation.

The resident asked if the consolidation study would need to wait until the Revaluation in Sussex is completed. The resident asked if the public would see the results of the potential impact on their taxes once the study was completed.

Mr. Doherty stated his understanding that the study would be able to proceed, and that the tax impact would be a vital part of the study’s conclusions, but that the study would take into account all factors involved, and then leave it to the public for review and approval.

Craig Coykendall, Ann Marie Lane, suggested Mayor Space should apply the four minute rule for public comments uniformly for all residents, as it appeared the rule was being applied for Mr. Gettler but not for others.

Mr. Coykendall requested details of the proposed realignment of Clark Road and the impact on Cemetery Road.

Mayor Space addressed this inquiry.

Mr. Coykendall stated that he had reviewed the budget, and expressed concern with snow removal cost increases. Mr. Coykendall stated that he did not see any grits on his road, and wondered if the Township was using a straight salt application.

Mayor Space explained that the mixture varies depending on weather conditions, and that the greater occurrence of ice storms this past winter would have led to a greater use of salt and less use of grits during those storm responses.

Mr. Doherty agreed with Mayor Space’s comments, stating that the Township is just as concerned with the cost increase as the public, but the cost is a factor which cannot be avoided.

Mr. Tom Davis expressed concern regarding Mr. Gettler’s comments about the local open space tax. Mr. Davis stated that he found it disturbing that this is the second meeting he has attended in which Mr. Gettler has stated his belief there is a lie involved, and asked if some one could put this to rest.

Mr. Doherty stated that for the past twelve years, any time Mr. Gettler has asked the Township a question, when the Township answers, Mr. Gettler says the Township officials are liars, incompetents, and criminals. Mr. Doherty stated that as a general rule, the Township officials respect Mr. Gettler’s input and his right to his opinions, but Mr. Gettler is not entitled to his own personal public hearings on proposed ordinances, budgets and policies. Mr. Doherty stated the Township will certainly address Mr. Gettler’s questions and concerns when the rest of the public has the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments during the appropriate public hearings, but that it becomes a waste of time and resources to try to address Mr. Gettler’s never-ending vendettas. Mr. Doherty suggested if Mr. Gettler is so passionate that he is correct in believing the Township is breaking the law, then Mr. Gettler should contact the County Prosecutor’s office and request an investigation against the Township, or go to Superior Court and file a complaint against the Township. Mr. Doherty urged Mr. Gettler to give the Township its day in court, and to prove that these allegations are a fraud. Mr. Doherty suggested that otherwise, the constant allegations and responses, in terms of the back-and-forth between members of the public and the governing body, amount to nothing more than entertainment, which was beneath the dignity of the Township and its public.

Mr. Davis reiterated his belief that references to lies is harmful, and stated his belief that no lying is involved. Mr. Davis stated that he hoped this could be addressed in a simple manner. Mr. Davis expressed his belief that the comments about lying seems like slander to him.

Mayor Space stated that a simple response does not work because of Mr. Gettler’s on going and never ending witch hunt for the past twelve years, searching for wrongdoings that are just not there. Mayor Space stated that everything the governing body does is in the open, with no hidden agendas.

A resident stated that she has moved to Wantage Township from Bergen County and is very happy here in Wantage, saying she feels blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. The resident thanked Mayor Space and the governing body for expressing opposition to the proposed closure of High Point State Park.

Mayor Space thanked this resident for her comments, and again urged citizens to contact the Governor’s office to express their opposition to this.

Mr. DeBoer stated that the governing body is happy to see residents come to Wantage Township from other counties, and are very welcome. Mr. DeBoer thanked this resident for her compliments. Mr. DeBoer stated that there are people who do not feel the same, but the road to Wantage runs both ways.

Mr. Jacobs spoke in opposition to the proposed closure of High Point State Park.

Ann Smulewicz expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions in Wantage Township. Ms. Smulewicz expressed support for Mr. Gettler’s input, and stated her belief that Mr. Gettler has been treated rudely. Ms. Smulewicz thanked Mr. Gettler for being a good Wantage citizen. Ms. Smulewicz stated that she has attended budget workshops, and expressed the opinion that it is wrong to have hired a full time new employee in the Construction Department given the current economic conditions. Ms. Smulewicz stated her belief that the members of the governing body are not listening to the public. Ms. Smulewicz commented on the proposed school budget, and then stated her belief that “the road goes both ways” for public officials, too. Ms. Smulewicz expressed her belief that she has been deceived.

Mayor Space stated that Mr. DeBoer’s comment about the road going both ways was intended for those people who do not like the Schools, do not like the school boards, do not like the governing body, and do not like anything at all about the Township, stating if that is the case, then why stay here?

Mr. DeBoer stated that one reason taxes are so high in Wantage Township is because of those people who do not pay their tax bills.

Ms. Smulewicz stated that this was because taxes are too high.

Mr. DeBoer stated that he has lived in Wantage Township since 1985, and started coming to Township meetings in 1991. Mr. DeBoer stated that ever since Mr. Gettler has been coming to Township meetings, he has had a problem with every single Township official who sits at the dais. Mr. DeBoer stated Mr. Gettler has never, ever, not had a problem, and that Mr. Gettler’s habit of talking for long periods of time, expressing his views, was what led to Mr. DeBoer suggesting a 4 minute time limit on public comments because Mr. Gettler was speaking for 20 minutes. Mr. DeBoer said he came to the meetings to find out what was going on in town, and instead all he heard was Mr. Gettler. Mr. DeBoer wondered if Mr. Gettler’s absence from meeting attendance in recent years was connected with Mr. Parrott’s presence on the governing body during those years.

Mr. Gettler stated this was not the case.

Ms. Nuss responded to Ms. Smulewicz’s comments regarding the new employee for the Construction Department. Ms. Nuss stated that, at first, she felt the same way as Ms. Smulewicz, but then after thoroughly investigating details of workload, staffing standards, and revenue impact, after listening to both sides and considering all factors, Ms. Nuss reached the conclusion that hiring a full time employee was the right thing to do even though the economy was down.

Mr. DeBoer stated that he and Mayor Space also had thoroughly investigated this matter before making a decision.

Mayor Space said decisions such as this need to be made based on what is best for the entire town. Mayor Space stated that people are entitled to their own agendas and can accuse the governing body of things, but that he has nothing to hide.

General review and discussion of the decision to hire a full time employee continued between Ms. Smulewicz and Ms. Nuss.

Mr. Gettler expressed his belief that his positions are correct. Mr. Gettler offered the current True-to-Assessed ratio of property valuation in Sussex Borough. Mr. Gettler reiterated his concern about High Point Regional High School using a school year-based analysis of their budget. Mr. Gettler stated his position that purchasing the Forum Homes site would not allow active recreation to take place on that site.

Mr. Bob Heiden stated that he and other residents who ask questions come to public meetings not for the purpose of giving officials a hard time, but because they have a desire to see the Township handle things in a more cost effective manner and move into the future. Mr. Heiden expressed the belief that people do like to live in Wantage Township, and he does not think it is right to be rude to senior citizens or people who want to change things. Mr. Heiden stated that people such as Ann Smulewicz, Mr. Gettler and he are people looking for the best community possible and that saying the “road goes both ways” is insulting to people, and mean spirited. Mr. Heiden stated the Township should take a new direction by being civil.

Mr. Garofalo agreed with Mr. Heiden’s comments. Mr. Garofalo stated that he has the luxury of not being an elected official or a decision-maker, but he is a Wantage Township resident. Mr. Garofalo stated his belief that Mr. Heiden and Mr. Gettler both present themselves well, but would like not to have Mr. Gettler say that some one is a liar, because Mr. Gettler presents himself well enough without having to stoop to that. Mr. Garofalo stated he agreed with Mr. Heiden’s comment that mutual respect would benefit all.

Ms. Nuss stated that she welcomed every one’s input.

Mr. Garofalo suggested that if residents such as Mr. Davis found Mr. Gettler’s comments objectionable, then the residents themselves might offer comments in response rather than waiting for the governing body to do so. Mr. Garofalo suggested that this often represents a very effective means of promoting public dialogue.

Mr. Davis stated that when he can, he would certainly offer his input. Mr. Davis reiterated his displeasure with Mr. Gettler’s tendency for accusing people of lying.

Mr. Garofalo agreed that such comments certainly do not advance the dialogue. Mr. Garofalo stated that as an attorney, he would defend Mr. Gettler’s rights under free speech, but as a resident, he would much prefer that Mr. Gettler not use the word “liar”, as it is not productive. Mr. Garofalo stated his belief that the three members of the governing body and Mr. Doherty do not lie, and are not liars.

A resident reiterated her happiness to be living in Wantage, and requested that Mr. Gettler apply his efforts to keeping High Point State Park open.

Christine Feoranzo stated that she is the local Chairperson of the Northwest Chapter of the Sierra Club, and urged members of the public to participate in a protest rally on April 23 at the State House in Trenton, as well as other press conferences to be scheduled, in support of keeping High Point State Park open.

General discussion regarding the impact of the closure of High Point State Park continued at this time.

Mr. Davis stated that while these proposals represent the Governor’s position, the State legislature still has to take action in their regard.

There being no other persons interested in addressing the governing body at this time, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and the governing body returned to the regular order of business.

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

Mayor Space declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk