JANUARY 24, 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 24, 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 amended draft of the 2008 Municipal Budget. Mr. Doherty explained the salaries and wages and operating expenses were reduced approximately $20,000 each; capital expenditures reduced approximately $170,000, and that without the increase necessary in the snow removal budget, the proposed spending plan would represent a 3.1% overall spending increase. Mr. Doherty explained that this draft of the 2008 municipal budget would represent a $150 increase for the average property owner on the local portion of the tax bill.

Leo Kinney, Fire Chief, and Charlie Rokosny, Assistant Fire Chief, met with the Committee to discuss the fire department budget. Mr. Doherty informed Mr. Kinney that the $15,000 capital line item for fire equipment has been eliminated from the budget. A brief discussion took place regarding how the purchase of the Chief’s vehicle impacted the 2007 budget request made by the fire department and that affect on leaving 2008 budget the same. Mr. Doherty informed Mr. Kinney that he will have to get back to him to give him those specifics. Mrs. Nuss asked why Sussex Fire Department contribution was more than that given to Wantage. The Committee agreed by consensus to lower Sussex Fire Department’s annual contribution to $45,000.

Mr. DeBoer informed the Committee that Ruth and Bill Haynes are unable to attend today’s meeting due to a household emergency, but are in agreement to receive the same contribution in 2008 as was budgeted in 2007.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Nuss 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 employment of specific employees within the Assessor Department”. 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. DeBoer 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.

Mrs. Nuss made a motion to transfer Kim Moore from the Tax Assessment Department to the Construction Department with no change in rate of pay effective Monday, January 28, 2008.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mrs. Nuss made a motion to transfer Kristy Lockburner from the Construction Department to the Tax Assessment Department with no change in rate of pay effective Monday, January 28, 2008.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to increase Melissa Rockwell’s salary $5,000 effective January 1, 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to decrease Coleen Ragnetti’s hours from 18 hours per week to 14 hours per week effective February 2, 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None

Budget discussion ensued regarding the bond ordinance proposed for 2008. Mrs. Nuss expressed concern with the cost of the fencing and asked if that could be put off for another year. Mr. Doherty explained that is possible but suggested that it would not be desirable from an operational perspective, as no savings is realized to the 2008 taxpayers by doing this, and it would only delay a necessary project and drive up the costs by postponing it.

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

As there was no one from the public 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

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James R. Doherty, Administrator Clerk