Township of Wantage

The meeting addressed several items under the Consent Agenda, including the approval of the June 2016 Bill List, filing of various departmental reports for June 2016, authorization for tax sale certificate refunds, and the award of multiple contracts. Key discussions during reports involved reserving June 11, 2017, for the next Gran Fondo event, commending an Animal Control Officer, and seeking clarification on the Lake Neepaulin aeration fountain placement, which was directed to obtain an electrician's estimate. The Administrator reported the resignation of the Court Clerk, a stop work order on road projects due to funding issues, and the completion of the annual audit. The Committee discussed the proposed gas tax increase, with the Mayor authorized to draft a resolution opposing it after receiving more information. The Mayor also requested investigation into alternative property maintenance resolution methods, confirmed financing for road work in the Rolling Hills subdivision, and discussed next steps regarding a ShopRite project, including the necessity of a PILOT program. The committee also authorized contracting the former Court Clerk for evening court sessions as needed.

The meeting included the approval of a consent agenda, which covered the approval of previous meeting minutes and the authorization for the sale of surplus equipment, including vehicles and site equipment, via online auction. An exception was made for a specific vendor's bill list item which was approved separately. Reports highlighted the success of the Annual 5K event, details about upcoming events such as the Veterans Memorial Car, Truck and Bike Show and the Tire Turn-In Day, and an update on ongoing discussions regarding the Wantage First Aid Squad issues. New business focused on making an offer of employment for the Administrator position. The committee adopted Ordinance #2016-09 on final reading, which establishes standards for the registration and maintenance of vacant and abandoned residential properties. Additionally, the first reading of Ordinance #2106-10 regarding speed limits on Quarry Road was approved, and the sealing of cracks at Woodbourne Park was authorized. During the open public session, residents raised concerns regarding noise and business operations in a residential area (Lake Windsor) and the need for golf carts for the upcoming Car Show. The committee also approved the immediate replacement of a cracked slide at Woodbourne Park.

Key discussions during the meeting included setting vendor fees for the upcoming Wantage Day on June 18th, noting that fees would be waived for non-profit and civic organizations. The Commission noted the success of the recent Easter egg hunt held on March 19th. A motion was passed to approve the 'Welcome Home Vets Fund of New Jersey Inc.' as a recipient for donations for the 2016 Veteran Memorial Car and Bike Show, pending contact with the American Legion Post 213. Additionally, the Commission approved a partnership with the Boys Scout Club pack 153 to host a fishing derby at Lake Neepaulin, which also includes volunteer efforts for lake cleanup.

The meeting included the reading and presentation of several reports from April 2016, including County Health Department reports, Registrar reports, and Secretary reports. Specific activities detailed in the reports included reviews of food inspections, septic inspections, well line and seal checks, safe water sampling, solid waste reports, and a kennel inspection. Correspondence received included public health information regarding food recalls from the Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services. There were no discussions of reports, correspondence, old business, new business, or open public session topics.

The meeting addressed the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included resolutions for various actions. These actions involved approving the October 2016 Bill List (with one exception), authorizing tax appeal refunds to McKirdy & Rislin PA for a specific property, approving a refund for a land use application, and approving a change order reflecting a reduced contract amount for road milling and paving. Additionally, approval was granted to transfer a liquor license and to approve a previously excluded purchase order. Committee reports highlighted updates on the new fire truck delivery, the arrival of new Jaws of Life apparatus, and ongoing operational challenges for the Wantage First Aid Squad, including collaboration with Sussex Boro and the use of volunteer firefighters. The public session included inquiries regarding the Fire Department members permanently driving for the First Aid Squad, and an announcement regarding the start date of the new township administrator on November 1, 2016.