Mayor Parker Space called the work session 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. 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.

Review of Qualification: Consolidation Study Commission Candidates

Each candidate was asked to address several questions regarding their strongest attributes, understanding and expertise of the components of the study to be undertaken, additional aspects of the study that are important to be considered, and their availability to accomplish the goals of the commission.

Douglas Ricker, E. Greg Kresge, Jim Kozlowski, Art Jacobs, Carolyn Gerdes, Earl Snook, Craig Coykendall, Robert Maikis, Thomas Davis, and Sharon Hosking addressed the members of the governing body with details to support the strength of their respective candidacy.

Mr. DeBoer addressed all candidates and stated that he would hope that the candidates do not presently have strong opinions for or against consolidation so the study can be conducted with an open mind. The ultimate decision will go before all Wantage residents in the form of a vote.

Mr. Doherty explained that at the joint meeting on June 17, 2008, the governing body will inform the candidates which five have been chosen. The first meeting of the consolidation commission will have to be held before July 2, 2008. This is when the commission will decide when their meetings will be held and prepare their budget which should consist of approximately $40,000 of state funding. The study should be forwarded to the state by May 1, 2009. The state will reply within two months with any changes they feel may be warranted. The final study should be completed by August 2009 so if necessary,. It will be possible to have the question for consolidation on the November 2009 ballot. Mr. Garofalo informed the candidates that this commission will be required to follow all aspects of the open public meetings act as well as all OPRA rules and regulations.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION

Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community. As there was no one who wished to address the Committee, Mr. DeBoer made a motion to adjourn the work session. Ms. Nuss seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mayor Space adjourned the workshop meeting and called a five minute recess.

Mayor Parker Space called the regular 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. 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.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Space requested that the members of the Committee Review the Consent Agenda. There being no Committee member present wishing to comment on the proposed Consent Agenda, Mayor Space requested approval of the Consent Agenda.

CORRESPONDENCE

Ms. Nuss made a motion to approve for filing, the “Public Notice of Change in meeting date of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage from June 26, 2008 to June 30, 2008 at 8:00 p.m”. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

REPORTS

Ms. Nuss made a motion to approve the following reports for filing.

• Construction Department Report for May 2008
• Municipal Clerk Report for May 2008
• Registrar Report for May 2008
• Board of Health Report for May 2008
• Tax Collector Report for May 2008

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

APPLICATIONS

Ms. Nuss made a motion to approve Raffle License RL08-20, for Wantage Dog Park Association, to conduct an off premise 50/50 raffle on August 30, 2008. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to approve Raffle License RL08-21, for Wantage Dog Park Association, to conduct an off premise merchandise raffle on August 30, 2008. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

RESOLUTIONS

Ms. Nuss made a motion to approve Payment of Bills for the meeting of June 12, 2008. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to award contract for Restoration of Soccer field #3 at Woodbourne Veterans Park, to Farmside Landscape & Design for the price of $4,800. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to confirm the approval of Van Decker Soil Removal License for calendar year 2008, for Block 21 Lots 8, 9, 36, 37 & 38. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call,
Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to designate Zoning Office as appropriate municipal agency for accepting permits and enforcing provisions of law relating to the use and placement of Donation Clothing Bins. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to approve fund raising car wash for High Point Hawks Cheerleading Program on June 21 from 10 am to 2 pm at Wantage Township Municipal complex. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to authorize refund of funds for Application L-7-2007 to Mader Development Co., in the amount of $110.62 on Block 87 Lot 36. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss made a motion to authorize submission of application for Sussex County Municipal Alliance Grant for calendar year 2009 in the amount of $3,376.00. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Mayor Space requested Mr. Doherty present the Administrator’s report.

Consolidation Study Update:
Mr. Doherty informed the Committee that he attended the Local Finance Board meeting yesterday in Trenton. The Local Finance Board approved the application of Wantage Township and Sussex Borough for a Consolidation Plan.

Estimated Tax Bills:
Mr. Doherty informed the committee that because of the delay in the State Budget, the County is not able to finalize the tax rate. In turn, towns are not able to send out official tax bills to the taxpayers because we do not have an official tax rate struck yet by the county. Therefore, in order to avoid a cash flow crisis in July, it becomes necessary for the governing body to authorize the Tax Collector to send out estimated tax bills. See the proposed resolution, which will need consideration of adoption this evening.