March 13, 2008

MINUTES OF THE 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 MARCH 13, 2008

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 Representative Ursula Leo.

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 invited all present to join 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.

Communications

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the following communication for filing:

• Letter dated March 1, 2008 from Sandra Williams of North Shore Drive, expressing opposition to paying for costs to repair Lake Neepaulin Dam

Reports

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the following reports for filing:

• Board of Health Report for February 2008
• Construction Department Report for February 2008
• Tax Collector Report for February 2008
• Registrar’s Report for February 2008
• Clerk’s Report for February 2008

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

Applications

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the following reports for filing:

• Membership Application in Wantage Township Fire Department for Amy Cook of Central School Road
• Raffle License RL08-12 to Friends of Lake Neepaulin, Inc., for an Off premise Calendar Raffle during the months of July, August and September 2008
• Bingo License BL08-13 to Friends of Lake Neepaulin, Inc., to conduct Bingo games on various dates during July and August 2008
• Raffle License RL08-14 to High Point Wildcat Booster Club, for Off premise 50/50 Raffle May 29, 2008
• Raffle License RL08-15 to High Point Wildcat Booster Club, for On premise Merchandise Raffle on April 4, 2008
• Raffle License RL08-16 to High Point Wildcat Booster Club, for On premise 50/50 Raffle April 4, 2008

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

Resolutions

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the Payment of Bills for the meeting of March 13, 2008
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss moved to accept, with regrets, the resignation of Michelle LaStarza from the position of Recording Secretary. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the employment contract with the Tax Assessor
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss moved to approve reimbursement of $9,800 to Plymouth Park Tax Services for refund of a tax sale premium associated with Block 40 Lot 2.03.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss moved to approve reimbursement of $935.58 to William Varcadipane for refund of a 2007 State Tax Appeal associated with Block 125.01 Lot 6.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss moved to approve reimbursement of $100 to Crusader Servicing Corp. for refund of a tax sale premium associated with Block 3 Lot 2.07.
Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion. Upon roll call, Ayes: DeBoer, Nuss, Space. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ms. Nuss moved to approve reimbursement of $1,396.71 to the Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church for release of Escrow Funds associated with Application L-12-2004 on Block 165 Lot 28.01. 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 to give the Administrator’s report.

Governor’s Proposed Budget Plan

Mr. Doherty reported that he attended the meeting in Trenton this morning, held for the benefit of municipalities with populations greater than 10,000 to review details of the Governor’s proposed FY 2008-09 Budget. Mr. Doherty offered an overview of the issues discussed at that meeting. Mr. Doherty stated that the NJ League of Municipalities has prepared a sample resolution which municipalities of New Jersey may adopt opposing the Governor’s proposed budget. Mr. Doherty presented this draft resolution for the consideration of the governing body, inviting them to take action on it during their Committee Reports if such is their desire.

Proposed Newsletter

Mr. Doherty offered a draft newsletter for the review of the governing body, and asked them to consider any changes they might like to see before it is mailed to the public. Mr. Doherty suggested that the newsletter be mailed shortly after the budget is introduced.

Request For Release Of Executive Session Minutes

Mr. Doherty reported that, in accordance with the existing policy of the Township, the Administrator and the Attorney have reviewed the details of the executive sessions held during the previous calendar year, as well as all executive sessions held to date in the current year, and submits their list for consideration by the governing body as a public record.

Ms. Nuss moved to approve the recommendation of the Administrator and Attorney, to release the following executive session minutes as open records:

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

Proposed Letter of Congratulations to HPRHS Winter Sports Teams

Mr. Doherty reported that he has drafted a proposed letter to the Athletic Director at High Point Regional High School, offering congratulations of the Wantage Township governing body to all sports teams and athletes at HPRHS for their efforts and accomplishments. Upon review, the members of the governing body agreed to sign the letter and send it.

Status of Negotiations for Open Space Acquisition

Mr. Doherty requested an executive session to discuss status of negotiations with the owner of the Forum Homes Subdivision.

School Budget Review

Mr. Doherty reported that Representatives of High Point Regional High School Administration and Sussex Wantage School system shall attend the April 10, 2008 work session at 7:00 p.m. to offer a courtesy presentation and review of the proposed 2008-09 School budgets.

Public Purchasing Agent Bill

Mr. Doherty reported that the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association offers a suggested Resolution to oppose the proposed bill that would create a mandatory local position for a Qualified Purchasing Agent. Mr. Doherty stated that if the governing body wishes to adopt such a resolution, they may take action in that regard during their Committee reports.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Mayor Space requested Mr. Harold Pellow to give the Quarterly Engineer’s report. Mr. Pellow updated the governing body on anticipated projects for this year, including the repair of the culvert on Central School Road and completion of the Blair Road project.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mayor Space requested Ms. Leo to give the Attorney’s report. Ms. Leo stated that she had nothing new to report for the consideration of the governing body at this meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt the following Resolution:

WANTAGE TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE FAILURE OF THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED STATE BUDGET FOR THE 2008-2009 FISCAL YEAR TO TREAT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AS OUR PRIORITY

WHEREAS, on February 26, 2008, in Trenton, Governor Jon S. Corzine presented his FY 2009 Budget proposal to a Joint Session of the State Legislature, which proposal now goes to the Legislature, which must pass a balanced budget by the start of the State’s next Fiscal Year, which begins on July 1; and

WHEREAS, the proposal, which represents what the Governor called “many unpleasant choices,” calls for the elimination of two Departments of State Government (the Departments of Agriculture and Personnel) and the State Commerce Commission, and asks all other Departments to absorb funding cuts, and further calls for sacrifice in a number of other areas, including direct property tax relief, hospital aid, higher education assistance and Medicaid, with the inordinately deep cuts in municipal property tax relief funding; and

WHEREAS, one year after the historic Special Session for Property Tax Reform, which purportedly eliminated the need for a Citizens’ Convention, our property taxpayers will once again be asked for patience, and they will be asked to shoulder more than their fair share of the funding burden; and

WHEREAS, local officials have done so much with so little for so long, that State Budget-makers now believe some can do everything with absolutely nothing; and

WHEREAS, municipal property tax relief will be slashed by $189.6 million; and

WHEREAS, for municipalities with a population of less than 5,000, there will be no CMPTRA funding this year; for municipalities with a population total between 5,000 and 10,000, this relief will be limited to one-half of the amount received in the State’s 2006-2007 budget; and the $32.6 million distributed according to the CMPTRA formula, which municipalities received last year as 2008 Municipal Property Tax Assistance, is gone; and

WHEREAS, all municipalities will receive level Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief funding, despite State Law that ‘requires’ annual inflationary adjustments of this (and CMPTRA) funding; and

WHEREAS, last year, municipal efficiency was promoted to the tune of $34.8 million, but in this proposal, this funding has been eliminated; and

WHEREAS, last year’s $32 million in Municipal Homeland Security Funding is gone, Special Municipal Aid funding is cut from $153 million to $145.4 – a loss of $7.6 million, Extraordinary Aid funding is reduced by $1.7 million – from $34 million to $32.3 million, and the $8 million Regional Efficiency Aid Program will not be funded; and

WHEREAS, beyond these cuts, certain municipalities served by the State Police will be asked to contribute $20 million to the State’s General Fund, and Homestead Rebates for Homeowners will be cut by $257 million, and for Renters by $124 million; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage calls on its elected representatives in Trenton, Senator Steve Oroho and Assembly members Gary Chiusano and Alison Littell McHose to work with their colleagues in the Legislature and with the Governor to take affirmative action to restore program funding sufficient to honor state statutes and their stated commitment to the cause of property tax relief in all New Jersey municipalities; and be it further

RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Jon S. Corzine, Acting State Treasurer R. David Rousseau, Senate President Richard J. Codey, Senate Minority Leader Thomas H. Kean, Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, the Chairs and Members of the Senate and Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committees, our own Senator Steve Oroho and Assembly members Gary Chiusano and Alison Littell McHose and to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

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

Mr. DeBoer moved to adopt the following Resolution:

WANTAGE TOWNSHIP RESOLUTION OPPOSING S 770 AND A 1645 MANDATING THE REORGANIZATION OF THE WANTAGE TOWNSHIP PURCHASING FUNCTION AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT IN ALL MUNICIPALITIES

WHEREAS Wantage Township strongly supports the employment of the best purchasing practices to not only ensure compliance with the numerous state statutes governing public procurement but also to obtain the most favorable pricing for required services and products; and

WHEREAS Wantage Township encourages its employees to obtain and maintain certifications relating to their area of expertise and provides funds to allow these employees to maintain currency with best practice procedures and changes in regulations; and

WHEREAS the Legislature has before it a bill endorsed by the Purchasing Officials and no other statewide local government organization that would significantly impact on the operation of the purchasing function in Wantage Township by requiring the reorganization of the purchasing function into a separate office not under the direct supervision of the Municipal Administrator and

WHEREAS Wantage Township takes exception to this proposed unfunded state mandate; and

WHEREAS S770 and A 1645 will not reduce the cost of the municipal operation nor lead to better purchasing activities; rather these unfunded mandates will in all probability lead to higher personnel costs in the future given the mandates contained in the legislation.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WANTAGE IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX, that

1. The Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage opposes S 770 and its companion bill A 1645 as an unfunded state mandate which will have no impact on the capability of the Township of Wantage to properly manage its purchasing activities and in all probability will lead to future cost increases due to the regulations governing the qualifications and appointment of a Wantage Township purchasing agent.
2. Copies of this resolution be forwarded to Senator Steve Oroho, State Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, Assemblyman Gary Chiusano and Governor Jon Corzine.

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

OLD BUSINESS

Policy for Closure of Municipal Building during Inclement Weather

Mr. Doherty stated that as directed, he informed the office staff employees that the governing body is giving consideration to changing the prior existing policy for closing Town Hall during winter storm events. Several employees wrote a letter explaining why they believed it would be better to retain the existing policy.

The members of the governing body reviewed the letter from the employees and gave consideration to the issue.

Mr. DeBoer moved to establish the policy that if the Governor declares a State of Emergency because of adverse weather conditions, then Wantage Town Hall shall be closed. Absent such a declaration of emergency, Town Hall shall be open during regular office hours Monday through Friday, regardless of the weather conditions.

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

NEW BUSINESS

CONSOLIDATION AND SHARED SERVICES

Mr. Doherty reported that Sussex Borough has sent a letter to Wantage Township, suggesting a formal study be undertaken to review the possible benefits of consolidating the two towns of Wantage and Sussex into a new, single municipality.

Mr. Doherty stated that upon receiving this letter, Mayor Space authorized him to reach out to Montague to see if they would be interested in participating in a three town study on this topic.

Mr. Doherty offered a presentation regarding the likely impact of the Governor’s proposed 2008-09 State Budget on municipal finances through reduced state aid, and offered details regarding how the consolidation process would move forward if authorized.

The members of the Mayor and Committee of the Township of Wantage expressed consensus that pursuing such a study would be in the best interests of the community, as a fact-finding mission to determine whether or not consolidation would provide taxpayer relief.

Mayor Space offered the floor to Sussex Mayor Christian Parrott, who confirmed that the Sussex Borough governing body considered it a prudent step to consider the feasibility of consolidation and determine whether or not such a step would produce financial benefit to the taxpayers.

Mayor Space offered the floor to Montague Mayor Joseph Barbagallo, who stated that Montague would certainly be in favor of conducting a study to find ways to reduce taxes.

At this time, Ms. Nuss moved to authorize the Wantage Township Administrator to organize a meeting with the Mayors and Clerks of Wantage, Sussex and Montague, to meet with the Sussex County Shared Services Coordinator, a representative of the NJ Department of Community Affairs, and a representative of the Governor’s office, so that the process of consolidation may be discussed and explained in greater detail, and the inevitable questions regarding the state’s role in this matter can be addressed. Simultaneously, Ms. Nuss moved to authorize the Wantage Township Administrator to approach representatives of Sussex Borough and, if they are interested, Montague, to have a separate meeting for studying the pros and cons of additional shared service arrangements, including but not limited to the possibility of merging public works departments, and merging court systems – again, to study whether or not there is a benefit. Ms. Nuss further moved to authorize the Administrator to include the Sussex Wantage School system and the High Point Regional High School system in these shared service discussions, to see if there is an opportunity for greater shared services with those government entities as well.

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

Approval of Minutes

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to approve the regular and Executive session meeting minutes of the Wantage governing body held on February 28, 2008.
Ms. 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.

Anne Smulewicz expressed support for the concept of a consolidation study, while expressing the need to consider over all cost effectiveness. 

Leslie Coolong expressed support for the concept of a consolidation study, but asked for further details regarding the impact of Montague on the process.

Mayor Space and Mr. DeBoer stated that these details would need to be addressed by conducting the study.

Ms. Coolong inquired if the State of New Jersey would provide funds to pay for the cost of the study.

Mr. Doherty stated that it was his understanding there would be state funds available for this purpose.  Mr. Doherty also offered a summary of the various optional forms of government in the State of New Jersey that are available for the creation of a new municipality through consolidation, and explained several options the study commission would have regarding how to handle the issue of education costs and school districts.

Mr. Bob Heiden inquired regarding how the consolidation issue would affect the issue of police protection.

Mr. Doherty explained that this remains to be seen by conducting the study, and the attorney was reviewing state statutes regarding the issue of mandated police coverage requirements.

A member of the public inquired if Wantage Township would be exempt from the need to pay for State Police costs because of the extensive amount of state land in the Township.

Mayor Space stated that this would definitely be addressed by the study.

Mr. Douglas Ricker suggested the need to be extremely careful with the analysis involving school district impact in a consolidation study.

Mr. Tom Davis expressed support for the concept of a consolidation study.

Mr. Bill Gettler expressed the opinion that results of studies can sometimes be influenced by the party who is paying for the study to be done.  Mr. Gettler also expressed concerns with the details of the minutes of the February 28 meeting of the Wantage governing body, as well as providing observations regarding the impact of tax appeals, and raised questions regarding various elements of the proposed municipal budget.

Ms. Margaret Kolicko offered the opinion that including both Sussex and Montague in a consolidation study with Wantage would involve a large issue to handle.

Ms. Kolicko asked which property owners have been contacted to ask them for consideration of open space preservation.  Mr. Doherty responded.  Ms. Kolicko suggested that it might be prudent to contact the property owners of the site on Lower Unionville Road rather than the Developers who wish to develop it.  The governing body thanked Ms. Kolicko for her suggestion and promised to give it due consideration.

Mr. Heiden expressed disappointment that the governing body declines to address the issue of health benefits being provided to elected officials in Wantage Township, and inquired regarding whether it would be possible to reduce the costs of health benefits premiums in Wantage Township to be more in keeping with other communities of Sussex County.

Mr. Doherty explained the restrictions on doing so because of negotiated contracts with the DPW union, and offered his thoughts on the likely impact of such an effort with respect to union representation for white collar workers.

Mr. Ricker stated that the Wantage Township governing body reduced health benefit costs during his term of office on the governing body.

Marie Springer expressed concern that the proposed Open Space plan for Wantage Township should properly reflect the details of the proposed Expansion of the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge Plan, and suggested that an overlay map be prepared in that regard.

Mr. Szwak stated that this suggestion could certainly be reviewed and considered.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. DeBoer 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: “Negotiations – Open Space Acquisition”. 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.

After meeting in closed executive session, the members of the governing body returned to open session and continued with the regular order of business.

Mr. DeBoer made a motion to authorize Mr. Doherty to proceed with the Negotiations for Purchase of the Forum Homes site as per the details presented in executive session.

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

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.

_________________________________
James R. Doherty, Administrator/Clerk