January 6, 2026 Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Commmittee

Mayor VanderGroef called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and requested that the Clerk call the roll. Upon roll call, the following members of the governing body were present: Committeeman Ron Bassani, Deputy Mayor Justin Dudzinski, Mayor Justin VanderGroef. Also, present: Attorney Glenn Kienz, Township Clerk Melissa Morales, and Administrator Michael Restel.

Mayor VanderGroef stated, “This meeting is being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Act, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231. It has been properly noticed and certified by the Clerk.”

Consent Agenda

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve Resolution #17-2026 through #19-2026.
Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Reports

Administrator/Clerk's Report

• Mr. Restel wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Attorney Report

• Congratulated Mayor VanderGroef and Mr. Bassani and wished all a Happy New Year.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef offered no report.

Deputy Mayor's Report

• Mr. Dudzinski congratulated Mayor VanderGroef and Mr. Bassani and would like to revisit any hanging items from last year.

Committeeman's Report

• Mr. Bassani congratulated Mr. VanderGroef.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Regular Meeting on December 18, 2025.
Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Emergency Meeting on December 31, 2025. (absent Mayor Bassani)
Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ordinances

Ordinance #01-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion is in order to introduce Ordinance 01-2026, an Ordinance to exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation limits and to Establish a Cap Bank.

Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Ordinance #02-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion is in order to introduce Ordinance 02-2026, an Ordinance establishing salary and wage ranges of officials and employees of the Township of Wantage

Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Open Public Session

Kathy Gorman, Fernwood Rd., asked if the committee had a meeting with the Acme shopping center owners. Mr. Bassani stated that they did not have a discussion with Acme.

Jon Morris, Armstrong Rd., congratulated Mayor VanderGroef and Mr. Bassani and wished them all the best.

Adjournment

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. All were in favor.
Meeting adjourned 7:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, Township Clerk