May 14, 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: Administrator Michael Restel and Attorney Glenn Kienz. Absent: Township Clerk Melissa Morales.

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.”

Presentation

Mayor VanderGroef read the Award of Recognition to the Vernon Girls Scouts, Hattie Bergh and Taylor Devery

Consent Agenda

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve Resolutions #77-2026 through #90-2026. 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.

Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve PO#22083 for C&E Tires in the amount of $591.04 and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: VanderGroef.

Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve Resolution #91-2026, a resolution urging the New Jersey State Legislature and Governor to repeal the gas tax escalator and restore accountability to fuel tax increases and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Reports

Administrator Report

• Mr. Restel attended the Unionville Rd Bridge pre-con meeting. Construction is scheduled for Fall of 2026 through December 1st.
• Mr. Restel met with the SCCC President.
• Mr. Restel met with Mr. Bassani regarding the Master Plan. There is a Special Meeting on May 28th at 6pm for the public to attend regarding the Master Plan.
• Mr. Restel attended the 250th Celebration meeting.
• Mr. Restel attended the NJ Civil Service meeting via zoom today at 10am.

Attorney Report

• Mr. Kienz offered no report.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef attended the NJSP and Sheriff’s quarterly meeting.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the bid opening for the Papakating Field #2 projects took place on May 13th.
• Mayor VanderGroef met with the septic company at Woodbourne Park.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated there are survey issues at the softball field # 2.
• Mayor VanderGroef attended the 250th meeting as well as the mayor’s meeting.
• Mayor VanderGroef held a brief discussion regarding the Habitat for Humanity house on Route 565.

Deputy Mayor's Report

• Mr. Dudzinski stated there is a short-term rental meeting scheduled for next week.

Committeeman's Report

• Mr. Bassani met with the pickleball court contractors regarding repairs that need to be done.
• Mr. Bassani stated the basketball courts in Woodbourne have been paved.
• Mr. Bassani discussed the farmland preservation letter he received.
• Mr. Bassani attended and spoke at the Andover Meeting regarding the data centers.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Meeting on April 23, 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 #11-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to adoptOrdinance 11-2026 appropriating the sum of $300,000 for various roadway improvements.

Mr. Bassani made a motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski

Mayor VanderGroef opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments.

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

Ordinance #12-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to adopt Ordinance 12-2026 appropriating the sum of $72,000 for various Capital Improvements in the Township of Wantage.

Mr. Bassani made a motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski

Mayor VanderGroef opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments.

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

Ordinance #13-2026

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to introduce Ordinance 13-2026, an ordinance to amend and supplement the provisions of Chapter 5 “Licensing of Dog” §5-2.7 “Late Fees” in the Township of Wantage.

Mr. Bassani made a motion and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski

Mayor VanderGroef opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments.

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

Open Public Session

Kathy Gorman: Mrs. Gorman asked what the summons success rate is on the ordinances. Mrs. Gorman held a brief discussion on the data center issues in Andover.

Lynn Panico: Ms. Panico voiced her concerns about warehouses in the area.

Sharon Smith: Ms. Smith held a brief discussion about the temporary signage and if there is anything she needs for the Airport Diner.

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 8:43 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Michael Restel, Administrator