May 28, 2026 Minutes
Special Meeting of the Mayor and Commmittee

Mayor VanderGroef called the meeting to order at 6:00 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

Mayor VanderGroef held a brief discussion on Master plan and opened comments/concerns to the public.

Open Public Session

Lynn Panico: Ms. Panico voiced her concerns about large data centers, warehouses, and last-mile warehouses. Ms. Panico suggested an ordinance not allowing large data centers, warehouses, and last-mile warehouses.
Ms. Panico added and asked if there was someone that could come and educate the public on data centers.

Emily Bittner: Ms. Bittner voiced her opinions and strongly suggested the Mayor and Committee not hire J. Caldwell and Associates to work on the Master Plan.

Paul Stern: Mr. Stern asked, where is the Master Plan is available. Mr. Restel stated at Town Hall.
Mr. Stern asked if the Township has a consultant.
Mr. Stern added if the Township must go out for bid for a consult.

Norma Brand: Ms. Brand asked how ordinances are fitted into the Master Plan. Mr. Restel stated they are intertwined.
Ms. Brand requested a no rooster ordinance.

Kathy Gorman: Mrs. Gorman referred to Chapter 13-12.1 and voiced her concerns on the items listed and asked that items A-J be tightened up and item K be eliminated.
Mrs. Gorman added that the Mayor and Committee should consider introducing an ordinance not passing data centers in Wantage.

Holly Sytsema: Ms. Sytsema read into the record the agriculture scenic byway resolution passed Sussex County.

Debbie Olsen: Ms. Olsen voiced her concerns over the water supply at the data centers and advised the Township should stay away.

Debra Jenkins: Ms. Jenkins asked if the mayor would be able to bring back some information when he goes to visit the data center site.

Mrs. Sutton: Mrs. Sutton asked how long it will take for completion of the Master Plan.

Gene Provost: Mr. Provost asked to look into the current data centers versus the new data center coming into the areas.
Mr. Provost asked if the informal meetings are public meetings.

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 7:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Melissa Morales, RMC, Township Clerk