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Minutes of Wantage Township Mayor & Committee
January 3, 2008

MINUTES FOR THE ORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, HELD AT THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 888 STATE HIGHWAY ROUTE 23, WANTAGE, N.J., ON JANUARY 3, 2008

Administrator Clerk Jim Doherty called the meeting to order.

OATH OF OFFICE

Mr. Doherty read the "Statement Of Determination" of the Board of County Canvassers, for the Election held on November 6, 2007.

Mr. Doherty administered the Oath of Office to Committeewoman-elect Clara Nuss for a three-year term as Committee Member of the Township of Wantage.

ROLL CALL OF TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR THE YEAR 2008

Upon roll call, Present: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Absent: None

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT: MAYOR FOR THE YEAR 2008

Mr. Doherty opened the floor for Committee nominations to the positionof Mayor for 2008.

Mrs. Nuss moved to name Parker Space as Mayor for the year 2008. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

Mr. Space assumed the Mayor’s chair at this time.

OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT COMPLIANCE

Mayor Spacestated, "Thismeetingis beingheldin compliancewith the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Laws of 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly advertised and certified by the Clerk".

FLAG SALUTE

Mayor Spaceled all persons present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT: DEPUTY MAYOR FOR THE YEAR 2008

Mayor Space opened the floor for nominations to the position of Deputy Mayor for 2008.

Mrs. Nuss moved to name Bill DeBoer to the position of Deputy Mayor for the year 2008. Mayor Space seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

LAND USE BOARD

Mayor Space announced his appointments to the Land Use Board, as follows:
Bill Gaechter Class I Member for a term running through 12/31/08
Ed Vander berg Class II member for a term running thru 12/31/08
Larry Bono Class IV member for a term running thru 12/31/11
Angelo Cillaroto Alternate #3 for a term running thru 12/31/09
Joanne Kanapinski Alternate #4 for a term running thru 12/31/09

Mayor Space opened the floor to the Committee, for the Class III appointment to the Land Use Board, for a one-year term running through 12/31/08.

Mayor Space moved to appoint Bill DeBoer to the Class III seat on the Land Use Board for the year 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

BOARD OF HEALTH

Mayor Space announced his nomination for membership to the Board of Health, as follows:
          Susan Floyd, Regular member, for a term running thru 12/31/12

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Mayor Space announced his nominations to the 2008 Emergency Management Committee:
Emergency Management Coordinator Joseph Konopinski thru 12/31/09
Deputy Coordinator #1 Ed Vander Berg thru 12/31/08
Deputy Coordinator #2 Art Labaseur thru 12/31/08
F.A.S., EMC member Mike Puskas thru 12/31/08
F.A.S., EMC Alternate Allen Breach thru 12/31/08
Damage Assessment Bill Nestor thru 12/31/08
Fire Chief, EMC member Leo Kinney thru 12/31/08
Facilities, EMC Member Bob Crum thru 12/31/08
Communications, EMC Member Bill Gebhard thru 12/31/08
DPW Supt., EMC Member Bob Wagner 12/31/08
Sanitarian, EMC Member Mike Plaza 12/31/08
Finance/Resource Mgt., EMC Member Michelle LaStarza 12/31/08
Resource Management Earl Snook thru 12/31/08
Mayor, EMC Member Parker Space thru 12/31/08
Public Information Officer Jim Doherty thru 12/31/08
Media New Jersey Herald thru 12/31/08
Evacuation Leroy Little thru 12/31/08
Operations, EMC Member Donald R. Slate thru 12/31/08
Operations, EMC Member John Du Pont thru 12/31/08

Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the Mayor’s nominations to the Board of Health and Emergency Management Committee, and appoint the individuals named above. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Space offered his nominations for professional appointments of the Township in 2008 as follows:
Township Public Defender James P. Sloan thru 12/31/08
Township Judge Craig Dana confirming the 1st year of a 3-year appointment thru 12/31/10
Township Attorney Michael Garofalo thru 12/31/08
Township Bond Counsel Edward McManimon thru 12/31/08
Township Auditor Thomas Ferry thru 12/31/08
Township Architect Charles Schaffer thru 12/31/08
Township Prosecutor William Haggerty thru 12/31/08
Township Engineer Harold Pellow confirming the 2nd year of a 3-year appointment thru 12/31/09

Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the Mayor’s nominations for professional appointments to the individuals named above. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS: TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT

Mayor Space presented his nominations for appointment to thevarious positions of Township Government for the year 2008, as follows:

Officer Designated to Certify
Approval of Subdivision of Land James R. Doherty for calendar year 2008
Recycling Coordinator James R. Doherty for calendar year 2008
Principal Public Works Manager James R. Doherty for calendar year 2008
Assessment Search Officer James R. Doherty for calendar year 2008
Municipal CFO Michelle LaStarza 4 year appointment thru 12/31/11
PERS/PFRS Certifying Agent Michelle LaStarza for calendar year 2008
Tax Search Officer Marcia Snyder for calendar year 2008
Acting Violations Clerk Marcia Snyder for calendar year 2008
Animal Control Officer John Abate for calendar year 2008
Risk Management Consultant William Nestor for calendar year 2008
Health & Dental Benefits Consultant Frank Covelli for calendar year 2008
Mayor’s Representative to SWAC Douglas Ricker Jr. for calendar year 2008
Municipal Affordable Housing Liaison David Troast for calendar year 2008
Acting Building Subcode Official Edward Vander Berg Through 4/01/08
Acting Zoning Official Kevin Kervatt Through 4/01/08

Mr. DeBoer moved to accept the Mayor’s nominations and appoint the individuals named above. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Mayor Space presented his nominations for appointment to theOpen Space Advisory Committee for the year 2008 as follows:

Mr. Mike Garrett, 98 Pond School Road
Mr. Scott Sargent, 50 Dyer Road
Mr. Rudy Solar, 152 Mount Salem Road
Mr. Thomas P. Davis, 63 Walnut Street
Ms. Diane Snure, 150 Mt. Salem Road
Mr. Ken Nelson, 2 Volcanic Hill Road
Mr. Douglas Ricker Jr., Beemer Road
Mrs. Nuss moved to accept the Mayor’s nominations and appoint the individuals named above. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

RECOGNITION OF LINE OFFICERS

At this time, Mayor Space recognized the 2008 Line Officers present, representing the Wantage Fire Department and Wantage First Aid Squad.

Mr. Doherty administered the Oath of Office to the Line Officers present for the Fire Department:
Charlie Rokosny, Wantage Deputy Chief; John Cannici, Colesville Assist. Chief; Don Slate, 1st Lieutenant; Justin Vander Groef, Beemerville 1st Lieutenant; John DuPont. Officers present for the Wantage First Aid Squad: Michael Puskas, Captain; Robert Kohle, 1st Lieutenant; Cesar Santana, 2nd Lieutenant; Cathy Toth, Training Officer; Allen Breach, President; Bill Haynes, Vice President; Joyce Breach, Treasurer; Krina Hemsworth, Secretary and William DeBoer, Engineer.

The members of the governing body and the audience joined with Mayor Space in a round of applause for the efforts and accomplishments of Wantage Township’s emergency responders.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Space requestedthat the Committee review the Consent Agenda. There being no one present wishing an item on the consent agendatobe discussed and considered separately, the governing body approved the consent agenda as follows.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RESOLUTION
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES resolution as per the following:
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5 et. seq. Allows for a municipality to award a contract without public advertising for bids and bidding thereof under certain circumstances, and
WHEREAS, the Township has a need for assistance during the course of this calendar year involving various professional services, and
WHEREAS, the services being solicited are essential to the security of the community, and
WHEREAS, the contract award for these services complies with requirements set forth by N.J.S.A.19:44A-20.4 et seq., as shown on the attached Pay to Play Compliance Statement; and
WHEREAS, the governing body of the Township of Wantage is of the opinion that the circumstances for professional service contractual arrangements, as required by NJSA 40A:11-5(1) are satisfied in this situation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the following contracts be and they are hereby approved without the need for public advertisement of bids and bidding thereof:
Awarded to: Michael Garofalo, of the law firm Laddey Clark & Ryan of Sparta, NJ
Services: Township Attorney
Duration: calendar year of 2008
Amount: Varies based on service per fee schedule attached to contract

Awarded to: Edward McManimon, of the law firm McManimon & Scotland of Newark, NJ
Services: Township Bond Counsel.
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: Varies based on service per fee schedule attached to contract

Awarded to: Harold E. Pellow of the Firm of Harold E. Pellow and Associates, of Augusta, N.J.
Services: Township Engineer.
Duration: calendar year of 2008 thru 2009.
Amount: Varies based on service per fee schedule attached to contract

Awarded to: Thomas Ferry, of the Accounting & Auditing firm
Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva of Newton, N.J.
Services: Township Auditor.
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: Varies based on service per fee schedule attached to contract

Awarded to: William Haggerty, of the law firm Dolan & Dolan of Newton, N.J.
Services: Township Prosecutor.
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: Varies based on service per fee schedule attached to contract

Awarded to: Frank Covelli, of Professional Insurance Associates, Inc. of Carlstadt, N.J.
Services: Health and Dental Benefits Consultant
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: Commission based on service agreement with North Jersey HIF

Awarded to: William Nestor, of Country Insurance Associates of Wantage, N.J.
Services: Risk Management Consultant
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: Commission based on service contract with Statewide Insurance Fund

Awarded to: Charles Schaffer of Charles Schaffer Associates of Newton, N.J.
Services: Architect Consultant
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: Varies based on service per fee schedule attached to contract

Awarded to: James Sloan, Esq., of Allamuchy, N.J.
Services: Public Defender
Duration: calendar year of 2008.
Amount: $3000 stipend

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5, the Township Clerk is hereby directed to post a copy of this resolution on the bulletin board of the Township Hall, and publish a brief public notice stating the nature, duration, service and amount of the contracts herein awarded, and stating that said contract and this resolution are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Municipal Clerk.
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

TEMPORARY BUDGET
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt the 2008 local temporary budget for the Township of Wantage, as follows:
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-1 et seq. deals with state regulation of local budget matters and these regulations require a temporary budget be adopted covering the first quarter of the fiscal year, and
WHEREAS, the total appropriations exclusive of capital improvements, debt service, deferred charges and reserve for uncollected taxes amounted to $4,063,087 in the 2007 municipal budget,
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the governing body of the Township of Wantage, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that the 2008 temporary budget be adopted in the amount of $338,591 per month until such time as the 2008 budget is finally adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the governing body of the Township of Wantage, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that the 2008 temporary Water/Sewer budget be adopted in the amount of $1,166 per month until such time as the 2008 budget is finally adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the governing body of the Township of Wantage, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey that the 2008 temporary Open Space budget be adopted in the amount of $23,787 per month until such time as the 2008 budget is finally adopted.

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

RATES OF INTEREST
Mr. DeBoer moved to establish the rate of interest to be charged for non-payment of taxes and utilities,asper the following resolution:

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 permits the governing body of each municipality to fix the rate of interest to be charged for non-payment of taxes or assessments subject to any abatement or discount for the late payment of taxes as provided by law; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 54:4-67 has been amended to permit the fixing of said rate of 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of the delinquency and 18% per annum on any amount in excess of $1,500.00, and allows an additional penalty of 6% to be collected against a delinquency in excess of $10,000.00 on properties that fail to pay the delinquency prior to the end of the calendar year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, as follows:

  1. The Tax Collector is hereby authorized and directed to charge 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of taxes becoming delinquent after due date and 18% per annum on any amount of taxes in excess of $1,500.00, becoming delinquent after the due date, and if the total amount due on December 31, is in excess of $10,000.00, an additional penalty of 6% shall be charged against the delinquency.
  2. There will be a ten (10) day grace period for quarterly tax payments. However, any payments not paid within the ten day grace period will be charged interest from the due date.
  3. The Tax Collector is hereby authorized to proceed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-123, “Receiver of Rents and Income from Real Property in the Municipality for Collection and Satisfaction of Delinquent Taxes”, as provided by statute, for collection of delinquent taxes.
  4. The Township Clerk shall provide a certified copy of this resolution to the Tax Collector, Township Attorney, and Township Auditor for the Township of Wantage.

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

OVERPAYMENT/UNDERPAYMENT OF TAXES
Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the Tax Collector be and she is hereby authorized to cancel of record any overpaymentor underpaymentof taxes and/or utilitiesin theamount of $10.00 or less forthe calendaryear 2008,in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A 40A:5-17.1.

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

CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN
Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt the Cash Management Plan of the Township of Wantage for 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES
Mr. DeBoer moved to designate banks as the Official Depositories for Township fundsin 2008, as per the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the following Banks be and they are hereby designated as depositories for the funds of the Township of Wantage for the calendar year 2008: New Jersey Cash Management Fund, Chase Bank, Sussex Bank, Lakeland State Bank, Commerce Bank; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Finance Officer of the Township of Wantage be and she is hereby authorized to invest and reinvest the Township’s Funds in the above-designated official depositories, in accordance with the statutory duties of the office of Chief Finance Officer and the Municipal Ordinances governing said duties.
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

MEETING DATES

Mr. DeBoer moved to establish the MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE SCHEDULE OF 2008 MEETINGS AND FIRST 2009 REGULAR MEETING, as follows:

LOCATION: Wantage Township Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, New Jersey 07461
Work Sessions are held, when needed, on the dates and times shown. The Work Session, when held, consists of discussion of matters before the Township Committee without any action being taken.

DATE TYPE OF MEETING TIME
January 3, 2008 Organization Meeting
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m
immediately thereafter
January 10, 2008 Budget Work Session 9:00 a.m
January 17, 2008 Budget Work Session 9:00 a.m
January 31, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
February 7, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
February 28, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
March 13, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
March 27, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
April 10, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
April 24, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
May 8, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
May 29, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
June 12, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
June 26, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
July 10, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
August 14, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
September 11, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
September 25, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
October 9, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
October 30, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
November 13, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
December 11, 2008 Work Session / Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m / 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Organization Meeting
Regular Meeting
7:00 p.m
immediately following Organization Meeting

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

OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT COMPLIANCE

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve a resolution of compliance with the Provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act for 2008, as per the following resolution

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage desire to continue to keep the public informed of its activities and comply with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq.,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
The Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, hereby announce that they shall hold their regular 2008 meetings and the 2009 Organization Meeting at the Municipal Building, 888 State Highway Route 23, in the Township of Wantage at the dates and times set forth on the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof.

The newspapers, to which all notices required by the aforesaid Act are to be sent, shall be the New Jersey Herald, and the Newark Star Ledger.

The public place at which all notices shall be posted shall be the bulletin board situated in the Wantage Municipal Building.

Any person requesting copies of any regular meeting schedule or revision and any advance written notice of any regular, special or rescheduled meeting, in accordance with the aforesaid act, shall be charged in accordance with the existing fee schedule of the Township of Wantage for each and every notice to be so mailed. No notice shall be mailed to any person unless prepayment of the aforesaid annual charge has been received. The Clerk, upon request for notice of regular and special meeting shall estimate the number of special meetings to be called, based on the previous year, and require of person(s) seeking notice, to deposit the appropriate sum with the Clerk. If said sum be expended at the rate set forth, applicants will be requested by the Township Clerk to deposit a reasonable sum for additional notices. No refunds will be made of unexpended amounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notices requested by the news media shall be mailed to the news media, free of charge.

The rules of procedure by which this body operates are hereby amended to provide that at the commencement of every meeting, the presiding person shall announce publicly, and shall cause to be entered in the Minutes, a statement to the effect that adequate notice of the meeting has been provided, specifying the time, place and manner in which such notice was provided; or, if adequate notice was not provided, the nature of the urgency and importance of the matter to be discussed and the substantial harm to the public interest likely to result in the event of a delay; that the meeting will be limited to discussion of such matter of urgency and importance; the time, place and manner in which notice of the meeting was provided; and either that the need for such a meeting could not reasonably have been foreseen at the time when adequate notice could have been provided and specifying the reason why such could not have been foreseen or alternately that such need could have reasonably been foreseen at a time when adequate notice could have been provided, that such notice was not provided and the reason therefore.

The Clerk shall forthwith post a copy of this resolution and schedule included herewith upon the bulletin board of the Municipal Building and transmits copies thereof to the newspapers designated herein.

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

OFFICIAL SIGNATORIES

Mr. DeBoer moved to establish the official signatories authorized indviduals for withdrawal of funds from Township Depositories, as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the following Township Officials are hereby designated as those authorized to sign checks and warrants for the withdrawal of funds from the official depositories of the Township of Wantage for the year 2008: Mayor Parker Space (and/or Deputy Mayor Bill DeBoer); Administrator Clerk James Doherty; Chief Finance Officer Michelle La Starza
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION P.A.C.O.

Mr. DeBoer moved to name James R. Doherty as the Public Agency Compliance Officer for Affirmative Action, as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, in accordance with P.L. 1975 C. 127 (N.J.A.C. 17:27), does hereby designate the Public Agency Compliance Officer of the Township of Wantage in Sussex County, New Jersey for the year 2008, to be: James R. Doherty, Township Administrator Clerk, 888 State Highway Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07930, Tel: (973) 875-7192, Fax: (973) 875-0801
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None


OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS

Mr. DeBoer moved to designate the New Jersey Herald, the New Jersey Sunday Herald, and the Newark Star Ledger as official newspapers of the Township of Wantageforthe year 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

DEFENSE AGAINST TAX APPEALS Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Township Attorney and the Township Tax Assessor to defend the Township of Wantage against all tax appeals filed during calendar year 2008, as per the following resolution
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex, New Jersey, that the Township Attorney Michael Garofalo, and the Township Tax Assessor Melissa Rockwell, be and they are hereby officially authorized to represent the Township of Wantage for Tax Appeals filed for 2008, for the purpose of correcting the Township of Wantage Tax List including but not limited to rollback complaints, added and omitted assessment complaints, and such other appeals as are necessary to correct the assessment for the Township of Wantage,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Attorney and the Township Tax Assessor be and they are hereby designated as the agents of the Township of Wantage for the purpose of entering into and signing settlements of the foregoing matters by stipulation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Attorney and the Township Tax Assessor shall be compensated for their services in the defense and representation of the Township, with respect to Tax Appeals filed for 2008, in accordance with the existing employment contract on file for the Township Attorney and Township Tax Assessor, respectively, in effect for calendar year 2008.
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

ESTABLISHING LEGAL HOLIDAYS FOR 2008

Mr. DeBoer moved to establish Legal Holidays to be observed within the Township of Wantage for calendar year 2008, as per the following resolution
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township Of Wantage, that the following dates shall be recognized as official Township Holidays for calendar year 2008, during which municipal offices shall be closed to the public in recognition of the said Holidays:
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 New Year’s Day
Monday, January 21, 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, February 18, 2008 President’s Day
Friday, March 21, 2008 Good Friday
Monday, May 26, 2008 Memorial Day
Friday, July 4, 2008 Independence Day
Monday, September 1, 2008 Labor Day
Monday, October 13, 2008 Columbus Day
Thursday, November 27, 2008 Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 28, 2008: Day after Thanksgiving
Thursday, December 25, 2008 Christmas Day
Friday, December 26, 2008 Day after Christmas

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

INSURANCE BONDS FOR 2008

Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the Insurance Bonds for various municipal officials and the Blanket Bond covering all Bondable officials for calendar year 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

PURCHASING AUTHORITY OF THE ADMINISTRATOR CLERK

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Administrator Clerk to have discretionary spending authority of up to $5,000 on any given purchase or project during calendar year 2008, with any proposed expenditure above this amount being brought to the governing body for authorization prior to the issuance of a purchase order. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

STATEWIDE INSURANCE FUND REPRESENTATIVE FOR 2008

Mr. DeBoer moved to confirm the Administrator Clerk as the Wantage Township Commissioner for the Statewide Insurance Fund for calendar year 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

SAFETY/LOSS PREVENTION REPRESENTATIVE FOR 2008

Mr. DeBoer moved to confirm the Administrator Clerk as the Wantage Township Safety & Loss Prevention Representative for the Statewide Insurance Fund for calendar year 2008.
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO PAY BILLS BETWEEN MEETINGS

Mr. DeBoer moved to authorize the Treasurer to pay bills involving statutory requirements and contractual obligations, as of their due dates, rather than waiting until the next available regularly scheduled meeting, as per the following resolution:

WHEREAS, all claims of payment by the Township Of Wantage, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, are required to be first submitted to the Township Committee for consideration before payment is made, and
WHEREAS, due to the nature of certain claims, and timing of the particular meeting involved, certain claims should be paid when presented which are statutory and regular in nature, rather than held for the next meeting of the Township Committee due to the nature of said bills,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township Of Wantage, as follows:

  1. The Township Of Wantage does hereby approve of the payment between meetings of the following enumerated claims for payment, when the same are presented to the Township Committee and Chief Finance Officer of the Township Of Wantage:
  2. a. Township of Wantage payroll accounts and payroll agency accounts
    b. Sussex/Wantage Regional Board of Education
    c. High Point Regional High School
    d. Sussex County Treasurer (County Taxes only)
    e. Banks for investment purposes, interfund transfers, and/or debt service payment
    f. Township Attorney (normal retainer)
    g. Township Auditor (normal retainer)
    h. Land Use Board Attorney (normal retainer)
    i. Township Prosecutor (normal retainer)
    j. Telephone Utility Companies (normal monthly billings)
    k. Health Benefits premiums and Dental Insurance premiums
    l. Life Insurance premiums
    m. U.S. Postmaster and/or Sussex/Wantage Postmaster
    n. Electric Utility Companies (normal monthly billings)
    o. Petty Cash
    p. Insurance Advisors and Premiums
    q. Reissue of checks after a stop payment has been enforced
    r. Sussex County – Permit Fees and Application Fees
    s. 10% Bid Bond Returns
    t. Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority bills
    u. State of New Jersey - Application Fees, Permit Fees, NJDEP License Fees,
        State v. Surcharges
    v. Payments to Contractors of Capital Projects subject to Prompt Payment of
        Construction Contracts Legislation, P.L.2006, c.96
  3. That the Chief Finance Officer be and she is hereby authorized and directed to prepare the proper vouchers for payment of the above recited accounts when the same is properly presented to her for payment, and that thereafter said clam shall be listed on the List of Bills to be approved by the Township Committee.
  4. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Chief Finance Officer and to the Township Auditor of the Township Of Wantage.
Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

EMERGENCY 911 COORDINATOR FOR 2008

Mr. DeBoer moved to appoint Joseph Konopinski as the Emergency 911 Coordinator for 2008. Mrs. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: None

MAYOR'S STATEMENT

Mayor Space addressedthe Committeeand thepublicwithremarksconcerning priorities and goals for the Township of Wantage in 2008. Mayor Space indicated that the Committee is comprised of local business people who all want the same thing and spend each dollar of taxpayer’s money as we would spend their own. Mayor Space reminded the public they he and the Committee are always available to answer questions and urged the public come to the Committee. Mayor Space stated that he is proud to serve his second term as Mayor and thanked his wife for her help and support.

COMMITTEE COMMENTS

Mr. DeBoer indicated that he looks forward to working with Clara Nuss as he feels she has the best interest of the taxpayers of Wantage at heart. Mr. DeBoer stated that last year, while the Township controlled spending, the reduction in revenues resulted in a tax increase. Budget hearings are coming up and the Committee will do their best to keep taxes manageable. Mayor DeBoer thanked the volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders for their continued efforts and his wife for the many hours she spends alone while he attends meetings.

Mr. Nuss thanked her family for their hard work during the election and thanked the voters for the opportunity to serve.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mayor Spaceopened the meeting to the public, for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community.

Al Shpiruk, 898 Greenville Road, congratulated Mayor Space and the entire governing body for their efforts on behalf of the residents.

There being no one else present wishing to address the governing body at this time, Mayor Space thanked the public for attending the meeting and closed the meeting to the public.

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

Mayor Space declared this meeting to be adjourned and requested a short recess before beginning the regular meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

James R. Doherty,
Administrator Clerk



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