MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE, HELD AT THE BEEMERVILLE FIREHOUSE, WANTAGE, N.J. ON THE DATE OF JULY 24, 2008 AT 7:00 P.M.

Mayor Parker Space called the meeting of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage to order.  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.  Also present Township Attorney, Michael Garofalo.

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.

Mayor Space expressed his thanks to the Beemerville Fire Department members for providing the Beemerville Firehouse for this meeting location, and for all that they do on behalf of the community.  Mayor Space pointed out the Fire exits for the benefit of the large number of people present for this evening’s meeting.  Mayor Space also indicated that refreshments were available at the Concession window, courtesy of the Beemerville Ladies Fire Auxiliary.

Mayor Space stated that the purpose of this meeting was to hold a workshop with PSE&G to discuss their proposed power line expansion project.

Mr. George Sous, PSE&G, thanked the Mayor and Committee members for the opportunity to offer this presentation to the Wantage Township community.  Mr. Sous introduced John Ribardo, Project Engineer, who offered a presentation of the proposed power line expansion project of PSE&G.

Mr. Ribardo offered background history about PSE&G, stating that PSE&G serves 75% of NJ residents in 300 communities, with 2600 square miles of service territory.  Mr. Ribardo stated that all NJ utilities are part of PJM Interconnection, comprising 51 million people in 13 states.  PJM coordinates operation of the grid, including substations.  PJM plans regional improvement projects.  Based on their research, public demand for electricity is expected to increase by 2013 beyond current capabilities in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which could cause brownouts and blackouts.

Mr. Ribardo stated that PJM has determined the need for an expansion project involving new power lines and towers running from Pennsylvania to Roseland, NJ.  PPL Electric, out of Allentown, will build the Pennsylvania portion of the expansion project, and PSE&G will build the New Jersey portion of the project.  The Pennsylvania project is approximately 130 miles, the New Jersey project about 45-50 miles.  The cost of $650 million will be shared by all 13 states being served.

PSE&G and PPL have contracted with Lewis Berger to conduct a route investigation study.  Three alternative routes have been identified.  Mr. Ribardo said that the project will attempt to make use of existing Right of way as much as possible.  Route A would require additional right of way acquisition.  Mr. Ribardo stated that PSE&G desires to minimize impact on existing homeowners, and the environment.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the time line to complete the study was by end of July.  Permitting applications would commence in August, including NJDEP and local municipalities.  The project time line anticipates construction beginning in 2009, with new line in service by 2012.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the benefits of this project would be to meet increased demand, avoid overloading, brownouts and blackouts, and improve regional power grid.  Mr. Ribardo stated that the Project website was: www.reliabilityproject.pseg.com, which is updated periodically, and PSE&G also sends out news releases and holds community outreach meetings, such as this meeting.

Mr. Ribardo stated that PSE&G will respond to e-mails, and forms are available at the PSE&G information table this evening.  Mr. Ribardo stated that PSE&G will respond as quickly as possible.

Mayor Space stated that at this point, the members of the governing body who have questions will be given an opportunity to speak, after which the meeting will be opened to those Wantage Township property owners who are directly affected by the proposed Route A power line.  After all those individuals have had an opportunity to speak, the meeting will be open to any other Wantage Township residents and property owners who have questions, and then finally the meeting will be opened to any one else who wishes to speak or ask questions.

Mayor Space asked what the probability is of Route A being chosen.

Mr. Ribardo stated that they cannot answer that right now.  The Route study will be completed next week.  Route A is not a prime choice in NJ, but the Pennsylvania selection and the New Jersey selection must meet.

Mayor Space inquired regarding details of the eminent domain process.

David Richter, Esq., attorney for PSE&G, addressed that question, explaining that certified appraisers would be used to determine impact on property value, and then negotiation would take place to compensate property owners for impact.  Impact is case-sensitive, and some times could involve compensating for entire property value, other times for a portion of the property.

Mr. Garofalo, Wantage Township Attorney, asked what would happen if negotiations could not be agreed upon.

Mr. Richter stated that property owners could get their own appraisal, then negotiations would take place, and then ultimately if no resolution is reached, PSE&G could file for condemnation in state or federal court as a final option.

Mayor Space  asked what benefit this project would bring to Wantage Township.

Glen Catenacci, of the system reliability group planning department for PSE&G, explained that there would be indirect benefit to JCP&L and Sussex Rural Electric Co-op for the opportunity of increased power because of the improvements to the regional grid and power lines from this project.

Mayor Space invited Deputy Mayor Bill DeBoer to offer any questions.

Mr. DeBoer inquired regarding any health risks that these power lines would pose, running through people’s back yards.

Mr. Greg Olson, EMF expert of PSE&G, stated that after 30 years research, no conclusive evidence has been documented of health concerns.  Mr. Olson stated that World Health Organization research studies, and biological studies, show no evidence of adverse health hazards from electromagnetic frequency generated by these power lines.

Mr. DeBoer asked Mr. Olson, if he and his family were living under these power lines, would he feel comfortable with the health of his family being safe.

Mr. Olson stated “absolutely”.

Mr. Richard Crouch, PSE&G representative, stated that he lives under 230 kilovolt and 500 kilovolt power lines in Hillsborough, New Jersey, has lived there for four years with no adverse health affects, and plans to live there much longer.  Mr. Crouch stated that he has experienced no adverse impact on property values because of the power lines.

Mr. DeBoer stated that he would allow Ms. Nuss to offer questions at this time, so that the public may then have an opportunity to ask questions on this matter.

Committeewoman Clara Nuss asked if PSE&G had conducted any economic impact studies or environmental impact studies.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the economic and environmental impacts would be addressed by Berger in the Route study report, which will be posted on the PSE&G website.

Ms. Nuss inquired if PSE&G would keep the town abreast of questions and answers.

Mr. Ribardo stated:  “yes”

Ms. Nuss asked if the town would be informed when a route is selected.

Mr. Ribardo stated that there would be a press release, plus a letter would be sent to every property owner impacted by the route selected.

Ms. Nuss suggested that people in the public are looking for maps to review regarding details of proposed Route A.

Members of the public inquired how they would know if their Wantage Township property is directly impacted by Proposed Route A.

Wantage Township Administrator Jim Doherty stated that the Township had the Public Works Department hand deliver letters in an attempt to alert those property owners who would have Route A travel through their property.  While it was possible that some property owners were not included, the Township did their best to identify and send a letter to as many property owners directly affected as possible based on the maps that were provided by PSE&G, and asked neighbors to contact neighbors.  So, those who did receive a letter from the Township would be the first to speak this evening. 

Mayor Space requested Mr. Doherty to assist any members of the public who needed to locate a particular street or section of the map, by displaying the PSE&G detailed maps of proposed Route A at a table in the front hallway entrance to the meeting room, and any one who wished to review these maps could do so while the meeting was being conducted.

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time.

Stuart Baker, Wantage property owner, stated that he attended the Montville meeting, at which PSE&G made it clear that if local town officials did not provide local permits, PSE&G would go to the State to obtain them.  Mr. Baker asked for confirmation that this information is accurate.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the process of running lines and towers over existing rights of way in Montville would be different from running new towers and lines over virgin land along proposed Route A.  However, the process  does fall under federal government jurisdiction, so PSE&G will apply to obtain State, county or local permits, and if permits are not provided in a year, an appeal process is available at the federal level to obtain the permits.

Mr. Baker asked what the general distance would be between towers?

Richard Crouch, PSE&G representative, stated that the typical distance between stands was 1000 – 1400 feet depending on topography.

Mr. Baker asked what the impact would be if a power line bisects property.  Can property owner access entire property, travel under lines?

Mr. Crouch:  yes.

Mr. Baker stated his understanding that New Jersey law prohibits compensation to any New Jersey property owner not directly impacted by the right of way, and asked if that was true.

Mr. Richter stated that this was not true, that the question of compensation would be determined by the appraiser report.

Gary Sargent, Wantage property owner, stated that his family owns 200 acres on Dyer Road.  Mr. Sargent expressed dissatisfaction with not being informed by PSE&G regarding this proposal; expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal because of the negative impact on the farm, and on property value.  Mr. Sargent informed that his family farm has been worked since the 1800’s.  With the proposed Line running across the front of his parents’ house, their beautiful view would be gone.  Mr. Sargent expressed extreme opposition to proposed Route A.  Mr. Sargent expressed concern that his property value would become “zero”.

Scott Sargent asked if lines could go underground.

Mr. Ribardo responded that, at 500 KV, it is not possible to go underground.  Technology does not exist for that level of power to be run successfully underground.  Finding problems with underground cable is too difficult and not workable. 

Scott Sargent expressed his complete opposition to proposed route A.

Gary Sargent’s neighbor, who owns approximately 16 acres, expressed opposition to the proposed line across his lot and a tower proposed for the corner of his property.  The resident disagreed with PSEG representations about impact on property values and health.

A resident of Coykendall Road, who owns 10 acre property, opposes proposed line going across his front lawn, and inquired regarding how big the right of way would be.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the right of way would be 200 feet.

General discussion ensued regarding the ability to use property, impact on farm assessment, and real estate value if a power line is placed on the property.

Maureen Collerd, File Road, expressed concern with the taking of property, and towers, expressing a desire to know specific details regarding where towers would be located on route A.  Ms. Collerd stated that this would have a devastating impact on retirees’ investment plans, because of adverse property values.  Ms. Collred expressed a desire for greater information than what is being offered this evening.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the location of towers was not yet decided, as that would be part of the design process.  Mr. Ribardo stated that PSE&G would do everything possible to avoid taking of homes, and they must select a route before deciding where towers will go.

Tom Zummo, Wantage property owner, expressed concern with the impact these power lines would have on properties going into farmland preservation, impacting open preserved lands.

Mr. Ribardo stated that compensation would be made through appraisal value report, and that such compensation has occurred previously involving farmland preserved property.

Dan Graham, Morgan Drive, expressed his total opposition to proposed Route A.  Mr. Graham asked what maps were used when Route A was laid out, wondering if homes were present when the route was laid out.

A representative from Louis Berger explained that the aerial photography was generated in 2002.  Attempts were made to make note of new housing developments since 2002.

Mr. Graham stated that PSE&G claims they try to make use of existing right of way, but that no section of proposed Route A makes use of any exsting right of way within the Township.

The representative from Louis Berger stated that they considered using existing right of way, but none could support 500 KV power level needs.

Mr. Ribardo confirmed that no existing Rights of way in Wantage Township are wide enough to support the 200 foot right of way needed.

Mr. Graham stated that 85% of Route A goes through existing wetlands.

Mr. Ribardo stated PSE&G would review the route with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and obtain necessary permits.

Mr. Graham asked how deep tower foundations were.

Mr. Ribardo stated that a lattice type structure could be 8 – 15 feet, while a monopole could be 25 – 40 feet, depending on soil conditions and geological data.

Mr. Graham expressed concern that blasting would affect wells.

Mr. Ribardo stated that protection of aquifer would be factored in as a part of the route study.

Mr. Graham asked for clarification:  if the power line comes through a property, is it 200 feet from center of line that is needed?

Mr. Ribardo stated that building can happen right up to edge of the right of way.  If some one wanted to build a home on the edge of the right of way, they could do so.  Mr. Ribardo stated they would have to be 100 feet from the center of the right of way.

Irene Doran, Morgan Drive, stated her belief that with lines going directly across a house, there can be no adequate compensation.  Ms. Doran asked if any of the PSE&G representatives have actually taken a ride through this proposed route.

The PSE&G representatives stated that they had not.

Ms. Doran stated that PSE&G cannot compare Wantage Township to Hillsborough.

A member of the public asked, how much of the 200 foot right of way would be cleared if the property owner has farmland?

Mr. Richter stated that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has adopted vegetation standards for removal of growth in a right of way, which requires clearing all trees underneath wires to the edge of the right of way.

A member of the public asked if a Farmer was involved in woodland management, would there be compensation?

PSEG representatives responded:  yes.

A Resident asked:  will PSE&G own the land or have a right of way easement?

PSE&G Answer:  It varies.  PSE&G owns 25% of the land they utilize.

A resident from Pidgeon Hill Road expressed concern that the power lines would be less than a mile from the High School, and asked if PSE&G reps understood the consequences and impact of power lines on a young child with epilepsy.  The Resident also expressed anger at the proposal which would take land that has been in her husband’s family for 3 generations.  The Resident expressed her total opposition to Route A.

David Dedrick, 27 Estates Drive, expressed his belief that this was a perfect example of Big Business negatively impacting residents.  Mr. Dedrick expressed opposition to proposed route A based on concern with negative impact on property values and resale ability.  Mr. Dedrick reported that realtors say property value  may drop up to 40% because of power lines.  Mr. Dedrick asked if PSEG will step up to plate and cover that lost value.

PSEG:  a certified appraiser will ascertain level of compensation.

Mr. Dedrick expressed belief that a house with power lines on the property is worthless, and expressed the belief that health impact does exist.  Mr. Dedrick expressed support for Route B rather than Route A.

Meredith MacDonald, Morgan Drive, stated that the proposed Route A would go across a corner of her property.  Ms. MacDonald asked when was proposed Route A first proposed.

PSE&G representative responded that all route options were developed about same time, generally around April or May of this year.

Mr. Ribardo stated that there was a February contract with Louis Berger followed by aerial photography, which was then followed by field investigations in the March – April time frame.

Ms. MacDonald stated that it was now one week before the decision being made, and it was disappointing and unacceptable that PSE&G could not, at this point, address most of the questions being asked.  Ms. MacDonald stated her belief that PSE&G must have the information available at this point, but was simply refusing to release it.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the Route report would not be completed by the end of July.  Information workshops are on going process.  More detail will be available after a route is selected.

Ms. MacDonald asked how is it cheaper to come thru new route versus using existing paths.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the actual cost would not be known until the report is issued.

Mike Mendiburu, property owner who owns a farm bordered by Haggerty Road and Pidgeon Hill Road Farm, expressed pride in the public turnout opposing Route A at this meeting.  Mr. Mendiburu informed the representatives of PSE&G that the residents of Wantage Township maintain a strong sense of heritage.  This sense of heritage cannot be seen in engineering reports, but it is here and it is strong.  Mr. Mendiburu stated that all Public Utilities combined do not have enough stock to replace heritage.  Property values are important but the blood, sweat and tears of generations of property owners is even more important.  Mr. Mendiburu stated his total opposition to proposed Route A.

Brenda Rauch, 24 Estates Drive, expressed concern with the impact on property value.  Ms. Rauch stated that when she moved to Wantage Township there were no power lines.  Now, she may have one in her back yard.  Ms. Rauch asked about impact of power lines on Sussex Airport, on small plane pilots and the parachuting club.

Mr. Ribardo stated:  if Route A is selected, permits and coordination with airport would need to be handled.

Ms. Rauch expressed opposition to Route A, and asked why not use a route that goes through a State Park instead of through private residences?

Mr. Ribardo stated that the State of New Jersey has different ideas about where power lines should go, in that regard.

Walt Sullivan, Lafayette, offered various concerns regarding the PSEG presentation, and expressed belief that a decision on the preferred route has already been made.

Patty Brink, Joseph Drive, asked if power line goes over a house, will PSE&G condemn the house and take it away?

PSEG representatives responded that the route may be flexible regarding the exact location of the line, and compensation will depend on the appraiser report.

Ms. Brink asked how long it would be until affected property owners are told that their homes will be taken from them?

Mr. Ribardo stated:  If route A chosen, the next step is design, and then notification to property owners. 

Ms. Brink requested a more definitive answer in terms of a real time frame.

Linda Englehardt, PSEG representative, explained the property acquisition process.  Ms. Englehardt estimated that, typically, appraised values would be known within six months.

Ms. Brink expressed dissatisfaction with PSE&G answers, and stated her total opposition to proposed Route A.

Linda Vickery, physician, 39 Coykendall Road, stated that as a homeowner, she is amazed that PSE&G would make a decision without having all information available.  As a physician and mother, she pointed out that there is a problem when the representatives from PSE&G can claim there are no health problems related to power lines, but cannot answer a question about the impact of power lines on epilepsy.  Ms. Vickery expressed concern with the possible impact of brain cancer on children from power lines.  Ms. Vickery requested the representatives from PSE&G offer citations of current references to support position.

Mr. Olson expressed that there exist World Health Organization studies and other world wide studies by independent medical and scientific groups, which are not funded by or affiliated with utility companies.  Biological studies, cellular studies, have never found a direct linkage between Electromagnetic frequencies and cellular changes that would manifest in a negative manner.  Epidemiological studies are subject to error and bias.

Ms. Vickery reminded the PSE&G representatives of Love Canal.

A Resident stated that she chose to buy a house which was not in the vicinity of a power line, and paid extra money to do so.  She wanted a better life for her children, and after three years of living here, if these lines go up, it will affect property value and quality of life.  Expressing concern that children might climb towers, she urged PSE&G not to choose Route A.

A member of public, whose farm is on the Lafayette-Wantage Border, stated that the proposed line is being built over their son’s house, which will directly impact a young family.  The member of the public stated that he understands the need for electricity and power line sources, with 3 proposals, but asked if PSE&G has an idea at this time of which proposal will be chosen.

Mr. Ribardo repeated that no preferred route had been selected at this time, and the preference will come out in the route report.  Mr. Ribardo acknowledge that the most impact to residents would be on Route A.  From “New Jersey Only” point of view, Route A is not a preferred route.  However, the route in New Jersey must link with the route in Pennsylvania, so every one must wait for the Route report to find out the preferred route for the entire project.

A member of the public asked if public opinion has any impact on which route will be chosen?

Mr. Ribardo stated:  yes.

The resident asked:  What percentage of impact?

Mr. Ribardo could not place a number on the percentage of impact.

The resident expressed his belief that PSEG should provide a percentage of impact that public input has on the decision-making process.

Mr. John McCarren, 65 Deckertown Turnpike, asked if Pennsylvania would determine the final decision of Route selection.

Mr. Ribardo stated:  No, it will be a joint decision.

Mr. McCarren stated that proposed Route A travels through High Point State Park, along an existing natural gas line.  Mr. McCarren suggested gas and electricity do not mix, citing the explosions that happened in Edison.

PSEG stated that it is not preferred, but sharing existing right of way with natural gas lines is common.  PSE&G stated that by the time a power line hits the ground, the line will be de-energized.  Relaying would be taken out in microseconds.  PSE&G representatives stated that the incident in Edison happened because a natural gas pipeline was damaged, but now the technology of robotics is used to monitor the safety of those lines.

Mr. McCarren asked regarding the types of towers used.

PSEG reviewed options available for towers.

Mr. McGarren stated that the towers would negatively affect view, and opposed the Route A proposal. 

Mayor Space asked that the members of the public try to avoid repeating comments which have already been made, or questions which have already been asked, and to stay within a 4 minute time frame so that every one will have an opportunity to speak.

Joe Adamo, Morgan Drive, stated that the power line would travel through his property.  Mr. Adamo stated that the time line for action seems aggressive, and wondered if it was realistic. 

Mr. Ribardo agreed that the time line for action was  very aggressive, and he believes it is realistic.

Mr. Adamo pointed out that with the extent of wetlands disturbance and impact on endangered species, regulatory agencies will tie up approval of Route A for a long time, and PSE&G should factor that into the time line deadlines as a major reason not to choose Route A.  Mr. Adamo asked for details of the construction impact on the community.

Mr. Ribardo stated that construction typically is done in the right of way, but if that is not completely possible, PSE&G will acquire additional right of way for construction purposes.  Some construction may be done by helicopter, or by crane.

Mr. Adamo:  with regard to maintenance of system – how extensive and disruptive?

Mr. Ribardo:  much is done by helicopter.

Mr. Crouch:  system inspection and repairs are done annually.

Mr. Adamo asked if there would be any switching stations.

Mr. Ribardo:  yes, there would be an intermediate station in Jefferson.

Mr. Adamo asked about the size of the station.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the Route A&B intermediate station needs approximately six acres for breakers. The Route C switching station would be in Long Valley.

Dorothea Adamo stated that the proposed power line appears to be within 200 feet of her house, and asked if they would only be compensated for property, not for loss of home value?

Mr. Ribardo stated it depends on the professional appraiser.

Ms. Adamo stated that endangered barn owl was present on her property.

Mr. Ribardo agreed that permits would be needed from State, and the impact on endangered species would be taken into consideration by the route selection study report.

A member of public from Andover asked for greater detail regarding use of helicopters, and asked for details of where route originates.

PSEG responded:  the plan will be laid out when construction plan is designed after a route is selected.  Alternatives are available if local town does not want helicopters.  Options and alternatives can be considered.

The Andover resident revisited the concept of underground wire.
PSEG addressed shortcomings with underground inspection and maintenance.

The Andover resident asked for details about the creation of the route maps.

PSEG responded.

Maria Kucinski, Joseph Drive, presented the wetlands map of Wantage Township, which shows that between 80 – 90% of route A violates wetlands protection.  Ms. Kucinski pointed out that two thirds of threatened and endangered species in New Jersey reside in wetlands.  Ms. Kucinski stated that it would be unethical for PSE&G to authorize this project along Route A.  Bog turtles are evident, and other endangered species such as the Barn Owl have been cited.  Ms. Kucinski stated that it would be impossible for PSE&G to comply with federal and state requirements for handling wetlands disturbance along Route A, and constructing towers would have a devastating permanent impact on wetlands the environment.  For the above reasons, Ms. Kucinski expressed her complete opposition to proposed Route A.

Mr. Ribardo agreed with Ms. Kucinski’s observations, but pointed out that wetlands are present on Route A, B and C.  Route report will determine final impact analysis, taking this and all other factors into account.

Ed Tucker, Card Road, expressed appreciation for the high quality of life in Wantage Township.  Mr. Tucker expressed the opinion that the biggest mistake PSEG made was in choosing Louis Berger.  Mr. Tucker stated that PSE&G should have chosen Route D along Route 80.  Mr. Tucker expressed a belief that the need for more power does not relate to the grid being inadequate, but to poor maintenance of distribution lines.  Mr. tucker suggested other alternative options available are not being considered.  Mr. tucker suggested research on health impact shows as much data that there could be adverse impacts as that there is no adverse impact.

Mr. Ribardo:  the route report will address Route 80 and the Courtland crossing.

George Frizzell, Wantage Township, suggested lines could be built on existing right of way, expressed concern if using Route A would be cheaper.  Mr. Frizzell asked if cost comparative studies are done?

Mr. Ribardo estimated the approximate cost of the lines will be $1 billion.  Results will be in route report.

Mr. Frizzell:  is Route A cheapest?

Mr. Ribardo stated that he did not know.

A resident asked what medical expert has analyzed the data to allow a conclusion that no health hazards existed.  Who evaluated the information, compiled the data?

Mr. Ribardo stated that PSE&G relied on World Health Organization studies.  Many researchers were involved in those studies.  No specific medical expert was used by PSE&G to compile or analyze the data.

Dorothy Wortche, Wantage Township resident, stated that her daughter attends High Pont Regional High school, has a nerological disorder, and believes that a tower will affect her daughter and other students.  Ms. Wortche expressed concern for the cumulative impact of 36 towers.

PSE&G reiterated their position that no evidence exists of negative health impacts.

A property owner from Haggerty Road stated his belief that it seems like a decision already has been made, and expressed his opposition to Route A.   The resident asked if costs were known.

Mr. Ribardo:  detailed estimates will be calculated when the construction plan is undertaken after a route is chosen.

The resident asked:  What about impact on adjacent properties.

Mr. Ribardo stated that he cannot detail specific impacts on particular properties, they must rely on appraisers evaluation.  Mr. Ribardo once again acknowledged that Virgin route versus Existing route could be different in terms of the value on adjacent property owners.

Resident:  how many PSEG representatives are residents of Sussex or Wantage?

PSEG:  None

Shawn Henry, Morgan Drive, stated that the route does not directly cross his property, but is concerned with impact on property value and compensation for his property.

PSEG:  formal notification will be made to all property owners within 200 feet of the power line along the chosen route.

Mr. Henry:  who hires appraisers?

PSEG:  PSEG

Mr. Henry:  can we hire our own appraisers?

PSEG representatives responded “yes”, and then reviewed the appraisal process.

Mr. Henry expressed a desire to see a list of property owners from other projects which were previously impacted, to see the level of compensation they received.  Mr. Henry stated that high winds in this area of Wantage Township will require deep digging, and probably lead to blasting, which will impact well water.

Mr. Ribardo stated that PSE&G will do their best to limit blasting, but construction process will be part of design process after a route is selected.

Michael Rainer, Moore Road, stated that he is concerned with the affect on property values, disagree with the proposed condemnation of land, and inquired regarding incinerators, and transmission fees.

PSE&G stated that incinerators are not an option because they do not generate sufficient power levels.  PSE&G representatives stated they are not familiar with transmission fees, but believe it is about 2-3 dollars annual impact per residential customer over a regional basis of 13 states.

Judy Coomes, 25 Estates Drive, asked if the individual from PSE&G who lives next to power lines purchased his house when lines were already present.

PS&G representative said yes.

Ms. Coomes quoted an expert from Environmental Defense Fund who said these lines would keep New Jersey from lowering carbon emissions.

Mr. Ribardo stated that he did not know why that expert said that.  Mr. Ribardo reviewed the blend of power sources being utilized to produce electric power:  coal burning, solar, wind, etc.

Ms. Coomes said she called Sussex Rural Electric, and their reaction was PSE&G has no service in Wantage Township, and wondered if PSE&G is trying to poach SREC customers?

PSE&G stated that they are not permitted to poach customers.  The Board of Public Utilities regulates the territory of companies for their customers.

Ms. Coomes stated that a conversation she had with a representative from BPU did not say that.

PSEG reiterated their position.

Ms. Coomes:  have studies been done in area with high mineral content?  Ms. comers stated that she called the New Jersey Association, and they are interested in this  meeting.  Ms. Coomes suggested they are interested because the power lines will, indeed have a financial impact on property values.

Bill Gettler, asked why PSE&G does not avoid the need for any power lines by building generating facilities in Essex County.

PSE&G stated that this option is not feasible.  They could put generation facilities within New Jersey, but that option would provide considerable objections as well.  Studies indicate this is the best option for addressing electric needs.  There is insufficient land in Roseland to create generating facilities.

A member of public expressed unhappiness and disappointment with the lack of caring and consideration by PSE&G representatives regarding the impact of these lines on the community.

Roger DeGroat, Route 519 asked for details of the direction of electric flow.

PSE&G: generally from west to east direction but possible to flow in both directions.

Sandy Billowitz, Route 519, and Mr. DeGroat engaged the representatives from PSE&G in a general discussion of alternative routes.  Ms. Billowitz and Mr. DeGroat indicated a belief that the best and most likely route would come from New York State.  PSE&G representatives stated that the New York line was an entirely separate project and jurisdiction and had no bearing on the route to be selected for addressing the needs being considered.

Christine Feoranzo engaged the representatives of PSE&G in a discussion regarding EMF levels from cell phone compared to 500 KW lines.

PSE&G stated that there were different frequencies, different electromagnetic spectrum, and a person cannot equate the fields and characteristics between cell phones and power lines.  PSE&G suggested it was an apples and oranges comparison.

Ms. Feoranzo disagreed, mentioning reports that have come out recently indicating concerns with cell phone impact on brain cancer.

PSE&G expressed the belief that this report was written by one researcher from Pittsburgh jumping the gun on study results, and that the report involved his own personal opinion, not shared by his professional peers.

Who will pay property taxes on easements?

General discussion took place regarding cutbacks from the available budget for maintenance of existing power lines, and whether they exceeded federal or state requirements.

A property owner from Route 519, asked about the lack of medical proof of problems, and suggested the impact of stress from a situation will lead to medical problems.  The resident suggested PSE&G should have more answers to questions being posed.

PSEG:  impact must be analyzed in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Resident:  what security measures will be taken around towers?

PSEG:  anti-climbing devices exist but are themselves problematic.  Best option is education.

Resident expressed concern with safety.  Does PSEG as a corporation offer security monitoring?

PSEG:  only on a maintenance schedule, or if security alerts increase, patrols will increase.

The Resident suggested this will be an on-going concern in a rural area and should be a factor in PSE&G choosing not to use Route A.

Dan Graham asked for a clarification of when PSE&G contracted with Louis Berger?
PSE&G:  April.

Dan Graham asked the Township to explain the impact of the project on tax values based on the recent Revaluation program?  Would there be a need for an adjusted assessment if the lines are chosen for Route A?

Township Attorney Mike Garofalo stated it would be more likely that affected homeowners would seek a tax appeal.  Wantage Township would not oppose the appeal, but more than likely the Township would not conduct another reassessment.

Mr. Graham expressed concern about impact on tax burden if Route A is chosen.

Marie Springer, on behalf of the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge, expressed opposition to Route A.  Ms. Springer asked what the population of Roseland is.

Mr. Ribardo stated he is not sure what the populations of individual towns are; the project is for entire region’s population.

Ms. Springer:  has part of study been to build another electric plant in area of need?

Mr. Ribardo stated that this option does not meet needs, would be too small.  PJM has not chosen a generation fix, they have chosen a transmission fix to deal with the overloaded circuits and increased demand.

Ms. Springer engaged the representatives of PSE&G in a discussion of details regarding justification for eminent domain.

Maryann Luberto, Coykendall Road expressed a history of bad experience with PSE&G from her previous residential property.

A resident from Coykendall Road asked for details regarding how the location of Route A was decided, in terms of whose property was being affected.

PSE&G:  Aerial map used by Berger, overlaid onto map with lot lines.

The Resident expressed dissatisfaction with maps that were used since they did not specify block and lot numbers on the maps.

Mr. Ribardo stated that the maps do have lot boundaries shown on them but not block/lot numbers.

Mayor Space announced that the open session has been going on for several hours now, and it is time to bring the meeting back into the hands of the governing body.  Mayor Space stated that the representatives from PSE&G would remain after the meeting was over in case any one did not have an opportunity to ask their question.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adopt a resolution of adamant opposition to the Proposed Route A of the PSE&G Power line project.  Ms. Nuss seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space.  Nays: None.  Absent: None. Abstain:None.

There being no other items for consideration at this time, Mr. DeBoer moved to adjourn the meeting.  Ms. Nuss seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, Ayes:  DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None.     Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mayor Space thanked all members of the public for coming out this evening to express their views and concerns, and thanked the members of the Beemerville Fire Department for their assistance in hosting tonight’s meeting.

Mayor Space declared this meeting to be adjourned.

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James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk