JANUARY 17, 2008

MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP  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 JANUARY 17, 2008

Mayor Parker Space called the workshop meeting 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, Nuss 

The following members were 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.

Mr. Doherty gave an overview of the proposed 2008 Municipal Budget, emphasizing that initial calculations require a higher municipal tax increase than is usually necessary to meet obligations.

Mr. Doherty explained that the recent storms have depleted the township’s reserve for snow removal and where the Township previously budgeted $80,000 for the total snow budget, the Public Works Department used that and $225,000 in reserves during 2007.  That alone will necessitate putting considerable money in the 2008 budget for snow removal alone. 

Mr. Doherty also explained that revenues for 2007 came in lower than expected due to the general downturn in the economy.  Tax collections, interest on investments and construction fees came in well under what was expected.  Mr. Doherty explained that the Township cannot anticipate more revenues in the 2008 budget than it was able to collect in 2007. 

Mr. Doherty further explained that there are certain sections of the budget where items cannot be reduced as they are governed by existing contracts and statutory requirements.  The Committee then concentrated on review of those discretionary budget items they felt would minimize the municipal tax increase.

Mr. Bob Wagner, Road Supervisor, explained that there are no plowing trucks on schedule to be replaced this year, but would like to purchase an additional pick-up to replace one which is costing the Township excess monies to keep in service.  Mr. Doherty explained that the Township has previously bonded funds available to purchase this pick up truck.

Melissa Rockwell, Tax Assessor, requested a brief executive session to discuss her request for a salary increase.

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: Personnel and Negotiations involving the terms and conditions of a specific employee, namely the Tax Assessor.  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.  Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None  Abstain: None.

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

Mr. Ed Vander Berg, Construction Official, met with the Committee to discuss the Construction Department budget.  Mr. Vander Berg was informed that his salaries and wages line item will not allow for an overlap in employees once the new full time employee is hired. The budget, as presented, will only allow for part-time salaries to be paid until the full-time replacement is hired.

Mr. Doherty then suggested line items which could be eliminated or reduced, and the cost savings associated with each item.  The Committee agreed to eliminate some recreation programs and professional dues for individual associations, reduce contribution to Senior Citizens, accrued sick leave and eliminate all capital programs with the exception of capital improvement which is necessary to fund any bond ordinance which may be introduced in 2008.

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time, for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

Ann Smulewicz, Route 23, Wantage, informed the Committee that if the Miss Wantage Program was cut, there would be no representation at the Queen of the Fair Contest.  The Committee agreed to keep that program in the budget.  Ms. Smulewicz expressed her satisfaction that the Committee is looking to minimize the tax increase.

As there was no one else who wished to come forward, Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public and returned to the regular order of business. 

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

________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk