MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL 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 JULY 24, 2008

Mayor Parker Space called the special 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.

Mr. Doherty explained that in order to facilitate the ability of the Consolidation Study Commission to meet their reporting deadline of May 9, 2009, it is appropriate for Wantage Township to consider the adoption of a special emergency authorization in the amount of $46,000 to temporarily cover the costs associated with the Commission.

Mr. Doherty further explained that the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs, assures Wantage Township that the Township may expect the entire amount of $46,000 to be reimbursed by the State of New Jersey in the form of a grant, and at the time of grant receipt, this special emergency will be cancelled. This special emergency is a statutory vehicle which allows a municipality to spend an amount in the year it becomes necessary, but allows that municipality five years to raise that expenditure in succeeding municipal budgets. Since Wantage Township has a full-time finance department, the Commission asked Wantage Township to include this amount in their budget for ease in statutory oversight.

Mr. Doherty stated that rather than hold up the Commission from hiring a Secretary, publishing required public notices and hiring a consultant, this special emergency allows the Commission to sign contracts for future expenditures and pay invoices until such time as the grant monies have been received. Mr. Doherty further stated that if the entire amount of the budget is not received from the State of New Jersey, both Wantage Township and Sussex Borough have agreed to terminate the study so no cost is passed on to either municipality’s taxpayers.

Mr. DeBoer explained that the Wantage Township Committee agreed to the study as it is always beneficial to see if there are any potential savings to the taxpayers of Wantage Township, and stressed that all findings will be available to the taxpayers of the Township so they can make an informed decision should a consolidation go before the voters.

Mrs. Nuss expressed her concerns that Wantage Township and the Consolidation Study Commission bring to the State’s attention the shortfalls of the Consolidation Act. She cited her belief that if the Commission membership must be appointed on a 50/50 basis, the costs associated with the study should also be on a 50/50 basis rather than based upon the percentages of total assessed value. She feels both should be based upon the same criteria and asked that any other concerns with the process be communicated to the State as they are encountered.

Mr. Earl Snook, Consolidation Study Commission Chairman, expressed that the entire commission is in agreement that the expectation that Wantage Township or Sussex Borough incur costs for this study should result in termination of the Commission.

Adoption of Ordinance 2008-08:
Emergency Appropriation For Consolidation Study Commission

At this time, Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public regarding comments and concerns regarding Ordinance 2008-08.

Mr. William Gettler, Gemmer Road, expressed his unhappiness with meetings being held during daytime hours, his perceptions regarding compliance with the Consolidation Act, and questioned if a proper statutory reference was cited in the proposed ordinance.

As there was no one else from the public who wished to comment on this proposed ordinance,
Mayor Space closed the meeting to the public.

A brief recess was held while Mr. Doherty checked the Statute.

Mr. Doherty stated that N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(f) was incorrectly cited in the ordinance, and the correct citation should be N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(g). Mr. Doherty advised that he contacted Michael Garofalo, Township Attorney. Mr. Garofalo informed Mr. Doherty that this was a minor and immaterial error which does not affect the validity of the adoption of this ordinance.

Mrs. Nuss made a motion to adopt on final reading, Ordinance 2008-08, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR THE AUTHORIZED EXPENSES OF A CONSOLIDATION COMMISSION ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CONSOLIDATION ACT” with amendment from N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(f) to N. J. S. A. 40A:4-53(g). Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Resolution: Endorsing and Approving the Proposed Budget of the Consolidation Study Commission of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE JOINT CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMISSION OF WANTAGE TOWNSHIP AND SUSSEX BOROUGH

WHEREAS, the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of the Township of Wantage and the Borough of Sussex has received the approval of the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey to conduct a study pursuant to the Municipal Consolidation Act, N.J.S.A. 40:43-66.35 et seq., and pursuant to the Local Option Municipal Consolidation Statute, N.J.S.A. 40A:65-25 et seq., and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2008, the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of the Township of Wantage and the Borough of Sussex submitted a proposed budget for its activities in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:43-66.53(a), as follows:

WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-53(g) and N.J.S.A. 40:43-66.53(f), Wantage Township has taken action to adopt an ordinance authorizing special emergency appropriations for the purpose of authorized expenses of a Consolidation Commission, and

WHEREAS, it is the understanding of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Sussex, and the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough that a Grant from the State of New Jersey shall cover the entire extent of funds required by the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of the Township of Wantage and the Borough of Sussex, and

WHEREAS, in the interest of facilitating ease of administration, auditing and procurement, it is the desire of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Sussex, and the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough to operate the budget of the Joint Consolidation Study Commission through the municipal budget and purchasing procedures of Wantage Township,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of Wantage, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, that the proposed Budget of the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough be and it is hereby approved, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Finance Officer of Wantage Township be and she is hereby authorized to process the legitimate expense requests of the Joint Consolidation Study Commission of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough, as presented by the Secretary of the Consolidation Study Commission utilizing the existing purchasing procedures of Wantage Township.

Mrs. 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.

Craig Coykendall, Estates Drive, asked if there was any further information regarding tonight’s meeting with PSE&G. Mr. Doherty stated that this cannot be discussed as it was not part of the advertisement for this special meeting, but he would be glad to address his question once the meeting has been adjourned.

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