February 7, 2008

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 7, 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 member was absent: None.

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 led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Space 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 Space requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

• Tax Collector’s Report for January 2008
• Board of Health Report for January 2008
• Registrar Report for January 2008
• Construction Department Report for January 2008
• Municipal Clerk Report for January 2008

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

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve Appropriation Reserve Transfer Resolution dated February 7, 2008 totaling $14,700. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve Creation of a Municipal Records Management Committee for Wantage Township. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize refund of Haying and Seeding Bonds to Toll Brothers as follows:

Block 21     Lot 34.19     2007-SH-11     $2,500.00
Block 21     Lot 34.24     2007-SH-17     $2,500.00
Block 21     Lot 34.11     2007-SH-18     $2,500.00
Block 21     Lot 34.21     2007-SH-13     $2,500.00

MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION:

Mayor Space read the following proclamation honoring the Patriots’ Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America:

WHEREAS, the success of Scouting for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, and Venturing depends on our community organizations; and
WHEREAS, there are 505 churches and synagogues, schools and parent- teacher associations, service and fraternal clubs, and other community organizations that have been chartered in our area by the Boy Scouts of America to use the Scouting program; and
WHEREAS, the volunteer leaders selected by these chartered organizations are performing an outstanding service for 18,871 boys and young men and women; and
WHEREAS, the Patriots’ Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America and its corps of dedicated volunteer leaders are providing necessary support to the leaders in the 6,236 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Explorer Posts, and Venture Crews;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Parker Space, Mayor of the Township of Wantage, proclaim the week of February 2-9, 2008, as Scouting Anniversary Week and urge our citizens to join with me in expressing appreciation to the community organizations and their volunteer Scouting leaders for bringing this values-based program to our young people.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Open Space Committee Recommendation: Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that the OSAC members desire the governing body to take a strong position in favor of the proposed boundaries expansion of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the continued staffing of a Refuge Manager at the Wallkill River Refuge facilities. Mrs. Nuss would like to see the draft before taking any action.

Resident Question Regarding Added Assessments: Mr. Doherty asked the Committee to see his response to Mr. Gettler’s inquiry regarding “Growth Money”. Mr. Doherty explained that any added taxes go to surplus and are used as anticipated revenue to reduce taxes.

Mr. Doherty asked for a brief executive session regarding negotiations for the purchase of open space land.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS - None.

OLD BUSINESS - None.

NEW BUSINESS

Re-Introduction of Ordinance 2008-01: Budget Cap

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adopt on first reading, Ordinance 2008-01, entitled “CY 2008 ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)”. Final hearing date set for February 28, 2008. Mayor Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Space Nays: Nuss Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Nuss made a motion to approve the regular and Executive session meeting minutes of all meetings of the Wantage governing body held on January 17, 2008, January 24, 2008, and January 31, 2008. Mr. DeBoer 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.

There being no one from the public wishing to address the Committee, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. DeBoer 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 matter: “Negotiations – Open Space Acquisition”. 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.

After meeting in closed executive session, the members of the governing body returned to open session and continued with 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.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk