March 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: Committeeman Ron Bassani, Deputy Mayor Justin Dudzinski, Mayor Justin VanderGroef. Also present: Township Clerk Melissa Morales, Administrator Michael Restel, and Attorney Glenn Kienz.

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 #67-2026 through #69-2026 with the removal of PO #22006 for C&E Tires in the amount of $400.00 and PO #21973 for Bassani Power & Equipment in the amount of $812.83.
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.

Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve PO#22006 for C&E Tires in the amount of $400.00 and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: VanderGroef.

Mr. Dudzinski made a motion to approve PO#21973 for Bassani Power & Equipment $812.83 and seconded by Mayor VanderGroef.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: Bassani.

Reports

Administrator/Clerk's Report

• Mr. Restel stated the supporting documentation for the 2026 budget has been submitted.
• Mr. Restel attended the Commerce dinner last week.
• Mr. Restel has a meeting for the 250th Celebration on 3/27 with the State Police and OEM to go over the parade route.
• Mr. Restel attended the health insurance meeting today.
• Mr. Restel stated the auditors were here on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Attorney Report

• Mr. Kienz gave a brief update on the When Pigs Fly case.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef stated the Easter Egg hunt is Saturday 3/28 at Woodbourne Park.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the Resolutions for the parade were passed at the last meeting.
• Mayor VanderGroef thanked Mrs. Morales, Mr. Restel, ACO Monastra and everyone else who assisted with the abandoned dog case. A brief update was given on the case.
• Mayor VanderGroef would like to move forward with the Short-Term rental ordinance.
• Mayor VanderGroef asked Mr. Restel to have the Zoning Officer enforce the canvas signs/banners throughout the Township.

Deputy Mayor's Report

• Mr. Dudzinski requested he would like to move forward putting together an ordinance on short-term rentals.

Committeeman's Report

• Mr. Bassani attended the 250th celebration meeting as well as the Commerce Meeting.
• Mr. Bassani touched briefly on the When Pigs Fly case.
• Mr. Bassani held a brief discussion on affordable housing.
• Mr. Bassani thanked the DPW for putting the pickleball nets up today. He recommended better locks for the gates.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Meeting on March 12, 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 #09-2026

Mayor VanderGroef made a motion to adopt Ordinance 09-2026 an Ordinance amending the revised general ordinances of the Township of Wantage, Chapter 13, Zoning, §13-4D.

Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Mayor VanderGroef opened the meeting to the public.

Attorney Ken Porro thanked the Mayor and Committee for passing this ordinance.

Jimmy Prassas, Mt. Pleasant Ave, stated he looks forward to working with the Township.

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

Open Public Session

Kathy Gorman, Fernwood Rd., held a discussion on the abandoned dog case.

Mary Caffarelli, asked where the location of McCoy’s corner is. Ms. Caffarelli asked what construction is going on in Lake Neepaulin.

Executive Session

Mr. Bassani made a motion for the Mayor and Committee of Wantage Township to enter into Executive Session to discuss the following items:

1. Pending litigations
2. Attorney/Client privileges (added by attorney)

and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
Mr. Bassani made a motion to come out of Executive Session 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 Attorney Kienz to move forward with applying for the appeal in the When Pigs Fly case.
Mr. Bassani made a motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

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 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, Township Clerk