February 12, 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: Deputy Mayor Justin Dudzinski Mayor Justin VanderGroef. Also, present: Attorney Glenn Kienz, Township Clerk Melissa Morales, and Administrator Michael Restel.

Absent: Committeeman Ron Bassani

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.”

Discussion

Alison Kopsco, J. Caldwell & Associates, LLC, will discuss Ordinance amendment requirements. Discussion postponed to a Special Meeting on February 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Consent Agenda

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve Resolution #48-2026 through #50-2026 with the removal of PO #21888 for C&E Tires in the amount of $440.00

Mr. Dudzinski made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and seconded by Mr. VanderGroef.
Upon Roll Call:
Ayes: Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: Bassani. Abstain: None.

Reports

Administrator/Clerk's Report

• Mr. Restel stated there was a water leak in Townhall and he is working with the insurance company to submit a claim.
• Mr. Restel stated the DPW did a great job handling the snow storm.
• On 1/28, Mr. Restel attended the Sussex County Opioid meeting.
• On 1/30, Mr. Restel attended the meet and greet meeting in Newton and deferred the meeting details to the Mayor.
• On 2/3, there was a bond note sale and Mr. Restel attended a trails grant meeting via Zoom.
• On 2/6, Mr. Restel attended two subcommittee meetings.
• Mr. Restel acknowledged ACO Monastra on her assistance with the fire at O.S.C.A.R.

Attorney Report

• Mr. Kienz offered no report.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef stated Mr. Bassani’s absence is due to a medical emergency and he wishes him well.
• Mayor VanderGroef recognized ACO Monastra on her assistance at the O.S.C.A.R fire.
• Mayor VanderGroef commended the DPW on keeping up with the snowstorm.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the salt situation is not good as it is a state shortage.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated there will be a budget meeting held on 2/18.
• Mayor VanderGroef attended the Newton Meet and Greet. The meeting was very informative.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the water leak at Townhall is in the process of working with the insurance company.
• Mayor VanderGroef attended the trails grant webinar.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the LRIG Grant and the AARP Grant have been submitted.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the incident on Mudtown Road has been adjourned to a further court date.
• Mayor VanderGroef met with BarnLight Studios; they are looking for a property to film in Wantage.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated there was a billboard on Route 23 with profanity. Mr. Restel called the company immediately, who came out and took care of it.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated he attended two funerals.

Deputy Mayor's Report

• Mr. Dudzinski asked for a fleet status update.
• Mr. Dudzinski held a brief discussion on overnight parking on snow covered roads.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Regular Meeting on January 22, 2026.
Mr. Dudzinski made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. VanderGroef.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: Bassani. Abstain: None.

Ordinances

Ordinance #03-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion is in order to introduce Ordinance 03-2026, an Ordinance amending the revised general ordinances of the Township of Wantage Chapter XXI of the Municipal code of the Township of Wantage entitled fees by amending section 21-10 to adjust the fees contained therein.

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

Ordinance #04-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion is in order to introduce Ordinance 04-2026, an Ordinance amending the revised general Ordinances of the Township of Wantage, Chapter 13 Zoning, Section 13-25.2 permits and Chapter 140 Land Use and Development Regulations, Section 140-128.

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

Open Public Session

Kathy Gorman, Fernwood Rd. Mrs. Gorman requested to looking into the filming ordinance Wantage has.

Mary Turk, Estate Dr. Mrs. Turk asked what was going into the old Acme.

Adjournment

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to adjourn.
Mr. Dudzinski made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. VanderGroef.
All were in favor.
Meeting Adjourned 8:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, Township Clerk