April 9, 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 #70-2026 through #71-2026 with the removal of #22026 for Bassani Power & Equipment in the amount of $150.12.
Mr. Dudzinski made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and seconded by Mr. Bassani.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Mr. Dudzinski made a motion to approve PO#22026 for Bassani Power & Equipment in the amount of $150.12and seconded by Mayor VanderGroef. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: Bassani.

Resolutions

Resolution #72-2026

Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve Resolution #72-2026 to amend Municipal Budget for the Year 2026 and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.

Mr. Restel deferred to Auditor John Mooney, to discuss the amendment to the 2026 Budget.

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

Resolution #73-2026

Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve Resolution #73-2026 a Resolution authorizing the submission of a 2026 Sussex County Trails Grant application for the Papakating Park and Woodbourne Park Trail Project and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski..

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

Resolution #74-2026 — 2026 Municipal Budget

Mr. Bassani made a motion is in order to adopt Resolution #74-2026, the 2026 Wantage Township Municipal Budget, and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.

Mr. Restel and Mrs. Kannaley gave an overview of the 2026 Municipal Budget.

Mayor VanderGroef opened the meeting to the public. There was no public comment.

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

Reports

Administrator Report

• Mr. Restel stated the Girls Scouts built and delivered a food pantry that will be put in the front foyer. They will be attending the May 14^th meeting to discuss their project.
• Mr. Restel stated he attended the 250th Celebration meeting.
• Mr. Restel stated he received letters of approval from NJDOT and NJSP regarding traffic control for the 250th celebration parade. Mr. Restel will be attending a meeting on April 22^nd to discuss further.

Attorney Report

• Mr. Kienz had a phone call with Mr. Restel today and gave a brief update on the When Pigs Fly case.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef asked the status of the signage around town. He is aware the Zoning Officer, Andy, drove around and noticed several violations. Mayor VanderGroef wants to look into a temporary sign ordinance.

Deputy Mayor's Report

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

Committeeman's Report

• Mr. Bassani attended the 250th celebration meeting as well. Mr. Bassani gave kudos to Mr. Restel on his efforts in putting together and running the meetings.
• Mr. Bassani thanked Animal Control Officer Monastra for her hard work on the abandoned dog case and thanked everyone for their donations. Mrs. Morales added, three dogs have been adopted out.

Mayor VanderGroef

Mayor VanderGroef added he would like to have a formal agreement with the football league paying their portion of the electric bill at Woodbourne Park.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Meeting on March 26, 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 #10-2026

Mayor VanderGroef made a motion to introduce Ordinance 10-2026 Establish a Permanently Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption in the Township of Wantage.

Mr. Bassani made a Motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.
Mr. Restel gave a brief discussion on the Ordinance.
Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Open Public Session

Jeff Siipola, High Point Youth Lacrosse. Mr. Siipola thanked the Mayor and Committee for their support. Mr. Siipola thanked DPW laborer, Roger, for his hard work lining the fields. Mr. Siipola presented the Committee a check in the amount of $250.00 to be used for the painting of the fields. Mr. Siipola added lacrosse will be paying the electric bill for March through May.

Logan Siipola, Mr. Siipola’s son and lacrosse player, thanked the Mayor and Committee.

Connor Yaworsky, Haggerty Rd., asked if minors are allowed to ride on the parade floats.

Cody Yaworsky, Haggerty Rd., would like to donate shipping containers to Brookside Park in place of the trailers that were recently vandalized.

Norma Brand, Courtland Dr. Ms. Brand held a brief discussion on the Open Space resolution. Ms. Brand asked if there was a “no rooster ordinance”

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 7:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, Township Clerk