January 22, 2026 Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Commmittee

Mayor VanderGroef called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Louis Karp, 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 #20-2026 through #45-2026 with the removal of PO #21784 for Bassani Equipment, LLC in the amount of $120.45.

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.

A Motion is in order to approve PO# 21784 for Bassani Power Equipment LLC in the amount of $120.45.
Mr. Dudzinski made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and seconded by Mr. Bassani. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: Bassani.

A motion is in order to approve Resolution #46-2026, to apply for a grant from the NJ DCS for approximately $100,000 for constructing Papakating baseball field #2.

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 attended the Statewide Insurance Fund meeting. There was a lunch and learn held at the Town Hall on 1/21, Mr. Bassani will discuss further.
• Mr. Restel attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting on 1/21, at that meeting there was discussion of Provident Bank customers being scammed 2-3/week, there was a discussion on the utility rate freeze issues by the Governor’s office and there was also a discussion advising residents to contact NJ211 for any needs they may have.

Attorney Report

• Mr. Kienz offered no report.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef read into record information regarding the Thanksgiving Eve, Mudtown Road dog incident.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated there was a Special Meeting held on January 16, to appoint certain members to the Land Use Board.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated that they are aware of the upcoming snowstorm and DPW is ready. DPW Supervisor Mark Little ensued discussion.

Deputy Mayor's Report

• Mr. Dudzinski asked if there was an end date for the Habitat for Humanity house.
• Mr. Dudzinski asked for a fleet update.

Committeeman's Report

• Mr. Bassani congratulated the elected Land Use Board members.
• Mr. Bassani stated he attended the Lunch and Learn at the Town Hall on January 22. The presentation was given by Center of Prevention.
• Mr. Bassani stated to Mr. Little “Do your best” regarding the upcoming storm.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Re-Org Meeting and Regular Meeting on January 6, 2026.
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 Special Meeting on January 16, 2026.
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 adopt 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.

Mayor VanderGroef opening the meeting to the public.

Kathy Gorman, Fernwood Rd., voiced her concerns.

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 adopt 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.

Mayor VanderGroef opening the meeting to the public. There was no public comments.

Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Open Public Session

Kathy Gorman, Fernwood Rd., stated she noticed on the tax records, her cell phone is listed on there. Mrs. Gorman stated the road department has been doing an excellent job.

Victoria Gill, Courtright Rd., held a brief discussion regarding 88 acres of vacant land.

Open Space Committee, Kathy Gorman, Victoria Gill, Allison Orsi, held a presentation regarding the County Trails Grant Program.

Executive Session

A motion is for the Mayor and Committee of Wantage Township to enter into Executive Session to discuss the following items:

1. Shared Service
2. Real property

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 8:49 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, Township Clerk