May 28, 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 Township Clerk Melissa Morales. Absent: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.”

Discussion

Fire Chief Hunter Space gave updates on the Fire Department

Consent Agenda

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve Resolutions #92-2026 through #94-2026. 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. Dudzinski made a motion to approve PO#22128 for Bassani Power Equipment in the amount of $395.15 and seconded by Mayor VanderGroef. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: VanderGroef, Dudzinski. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: Bassani.

Mr. Bassani made a motion to approve Resolution #95-2026, a resolution awarding contract for Wantage Township for proposed construction of Little League Field and Parking Lot at Papakating Park and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Reports

Administrator Report

• Mr. Restel stated we received a safety grant for the CB radios in the amount of $3,300.00.
• Mr. Restel stated the septic at Woodbourne Park is about 90% done.
• Mr. Restel will be attending the Sussex County Chamber meeting on Monday.
• Mr. Restel stated the DOT permit for the parade is 99.99% done. The next meeting for the 250th Celebration is on June 9th at Sussex Borough.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor VanderGroef attended several Memorial Day services and thanked Farmside for the landscaping at Woodbourne Park.
• Mayor VanderGroef attended the mayor’s breakfast, which included information on data centers.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated Viersma did a great job with the basketball courts at Woodbourne Park.
• Mayor VanderGroef stated the asbestos treatment on the house on Berry Road has been completed and the bill is on the bills list.
• Mayor VanderGroef spoke briefly about the dog incident that occurred and thanked ACO Melanie Monastra for her hard work.

Deputy Mayor's Report

• Mr. Dudzinski attended the short-term meeting last week.

Committeeman's Report

• Mr. Bassani thanked DPW for putting up the netting on both sides of the pickleball court.
• Mr. Bassani stated there has been damage done to the courts and would like to see cameras installed. The amount to fix the damage will be $6,600.00.
• Mr. Bassani attended the Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
• Mr. Bassani stated he would like to get Wantage Township signs put up entering the Township.
• Mr. Bassani attended the plant exchange was well run and attended.
• Mr. Bassani asked if the old basketball hoops from Woodbourne Park would fit at the courts at Lake Neepaulin.

Motion

Mr. Bassani made a motion to move forward with the repairs at the pickleball court in the amount of $6,600.00 and seconded by Mr. Dudzinski. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Bassani, Dudzinski, VanderGroef. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Mayor VanderGroef requested a motion to approve the minutes of the Mayor and Committee Meeting on May 14, 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 #13-2026

Mr. Bassani made a motion to adopt 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.

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 #14-2026

Mr. Bassani made a motion to introduce Ordinance 14-2026, an ordinance appropriating the sum of $49,500.00 for the Fire Department gear and equipment updates and was seconded by Mr. Dudzinski.

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

Open Public Session

Kathy Gorman: Mrs. Gorman asked Mr. Restel if he had any updates on the County Open Space grant.

Emily Bittner: Ms. Bittner stated she would like to volunteer some of her time at the Animal Shelter.

Warren Wisse: Mr. Wisse mentioned Wantage Day is June 16th. Mr. Wisse stated to visit the Elks Lodge for Father’s Day and the 250th Celebration is July 18th.

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. Personnel

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.

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 8:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, RMC, Township Clerk