February 14, 2005

March 14, 2005

A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque was held on Monday, March 14, 2005, at 8:00 P.M. in the Wanaque Municipal Building.

The Mayor called the meeting to order.

On roll call, the following Council Members responded: Balunis, Mahler, O’Connell, Pasquariello, Pettet, Theoharous. The Mayor declared a quorum. The Borough Attorney Anthony Fiorello and the Borough Engineer Michael Cristaldi were present.

The Mayor read the following Sunshine Statement: This is a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council and adequate notice thereof has been given by advertising the dates, time and place of the Regular meetings in the Suburban Trends and the Herald News newspapers and was e-mailed to these papers on January 3, 2005, and a notice thereof has been posted on January 3, 2005 on the bulletin board in the Wanaque Municipal Building, 579 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, New Jersey and a copy thereof has been on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

PROCLAMATION:

Girl Scout Week – March 6, 2005:

The Mayor read the following Proclamation and presented it to the Girl Scouts.

WHEREAS, Saturday, March 12, 2005, marks the 93^rd anniversary of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., founded by Juliette Gordon Low, March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, throughout the 93 year history, Girl Scouting has inspired millions of girls and women with the highest ideals of character, conduct, and patriotism; and

WHEREAS, each day through anti-violence projects, Girl Scouting ensures that girls at risk of living lives of crime are instead being given safe and productive paths for growing up; and

WHEREAS, through Girl Scout programs, girls learn of their importance in the world, and their duty to the world around them; and,

WHEREAS, Girl Scouting is playing an active role in increasing the fitness of today’s children across the country through a national sports and fitness initiative; and,

WHEREAS, more than three and a half million current Girl Scout members nationwide celebrate 93 years of an American tradition with more than 50 million women who are former Girl Scouts and now commit themselves to help today’s girls;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Warren Hagstrom, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the Borough of Wanaque, do hereby proclaim March 12, 2005, the 93^rd anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

Honoring William Van Wilpe:

WHEREAS, rarely does a man of humility walk through a community without its townspeople knowing of the bravery and dedication he has shown to his fellow man, risking his own life to save others; and

WHEREAS, the actions of William Van Wilpe a lifelong resident of Wanaque, on August 3, 1945 shows the courage, determination and dedication of a man who put the lives of others before his own; and

WHEREAS, on August 3, 1945, the USS Bassett, serving in the waters off of the Philippines, responded to the site where the USS Indianapolis had been destroyed four days earlier, finding men who had been in the water for that entire time, water logged and soaked with oil; and

WHEREAS, William Van Wilpe, seeing men struggling to get into smaller boats, jumped into shark infested waters, pulling men to safety and gathering men together, waiting for the next small boat to arrive; and

WHEREAS, with his strength, courage and determination, William Van Wilpe saved many lives that day, giving hope to men who were in despair for those four long days; and

WHEREAS, after sixty years, William Van Wilpe is being properly honored by the United States Government in being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest non-combat lifesaving medal and the non-combat version of the Bronze Star.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Warren Hagstrom, Mayor of the Borough of Wanaque, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim Saturday, April 2, 2005 as "William Van Wilpe Day" in the Borough of Wanaque in honor of a man who answered the call of duty, and went beyond it to save the lives of the men of the USS Indianapolis; and

Furthermore, I direct that a copy of this proclamation be inscribed in the official minutes of the Governing Body of the Borough of Wanaque, to forever record the heroism of William Van Wilpe.

Dated: April 2, 2005

MINUTES:

Regular Meeting of February 14, 2005.

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and O’Connell moved a motion to approve the aforementioned Minutes.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

ORDINANCES:

Public Hearing of Ord. #5-0-05:

Re: Ordinance to exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to

establish a Cap bank

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Theoharous moved a motion that Ordinance #5-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK.

This Ordinance has been duly advertised in accordance with the statutes; a copy was posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, a copy was available for the public to read in the Clerk's office; and copies are available for the public present here this evening.

The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.

Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell asked what the Ordinance is about.

The Borough Administrator explained the Ordinance allows an additional percent and if it is not used it can be banked into the 2006 Budget.

The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.

Councilmen Balunis and Pasquariello moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Public Hearing of Ord. #6-0-05:

Re: Amend Chapter 116B, Section 3 “Dogs”

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Theoharous moved a motion that Ordinance #6-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, TO AMEND CHAPTER 116B, “DOGS” SECTION 3 WITH REGARDS TO THE REMOVAL OF ANIMAL FECES.

The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.

No one came forward.

The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.

Councilmen Mahler and Theoharous moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, TO AMEND CHAPTER 116B, “DOGS” SECTION 3 WITH REGARDS TO THE REMOVAL OF ANIMAL FECES pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Public Hearing of Ord. #7-0-05:

Re: Repeal Chapter 50 entitled “Animals” and replace it with a new Chapter 50

entitled “Animals – Feeding of Wildlife”

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Theoharous moved a motion that Ordinance #7-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 50, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” TO REPEAL THE ENTIRE CHAPTER AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW CHAPTER 50 ENTITLED “ANIMALS – FEEDING OF WILDLIFE”.

The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.

Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell asked if the Ordinance includes bird feeders?

The Borough Administrator said only on publicly owned land.

Sandy Lawson asked if they can have bird feeders in the park?

The Borough Administrator said there is no feeding of wildlife.

The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.

Councilmen Mahler and Theoharous moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, CHAPTER 50, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” TO REPEAL THE ENTIRE CHAPTER AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW CHAPTER 50 ENTITLED “ANIMALS – FEEDING OF WILDLIFE” pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Public Hearing of Ord. #8-0-05:

Re: Create and Establish Chapter 113 entitled “Yard Waste”

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved a motion that Ordinance #8-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH CHAPTER 113 ENTITLED “YARD WASTE”.

The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.

No one came forward.

The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.

Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH CHAPTER 113 ENTITLED “YARD WASTE” pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Public Hearing of Ord. #9-0-05:

Re: Establish Articles 2 and 3 in Chapter 95 entitled “Stormwater Management”

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved a motion that Ordinance #9-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of final reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, TO ESTABLISH ARTICLES 2 AND 3 IN CHAPTER 95, ENTITLED “STORMWATER MANAGEMENT” IN THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE.

The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.

No one came forward.

The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.

Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, TO ESTABLISH ARTICLES 2 AND 3 IN CHAPTER 95, ENTITLED “STORMWATER MANAGEMENT” IN THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE pass final reading and that said Ordinance be adopted as an Ordinance of the Borough of Wanaque; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be and she is hereby directed to cause said Ordinance to be published in the manner prescribed by law.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Introduction of Ord. #10-0-05:

Re: Amend Chapter 114, Zoning to establish RD 4 Zone

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Mahler moved that Ordinance #10-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of first reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN

ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND DESIGNATING THE COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE TO ACT AS THE REDEVELOPMENT ENTITY FOR THE ADULT HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITHIN THE FOURTH AVENUE ADULT HOUSING RENEWAL AREA AND ESTABLISHING THE FOURTH AVENUE ADULT HOUSING ZONING DISTRICT (AAH-2) AS SECTION 114-7.1 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Mahler moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE

ESTABLISHINGNCE ESTABLISHING A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND DESIGNATING THE COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE TO ACT AS THE REDEVELOPMENT ENTITY FOR THE ADULT HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITHIN THE FOURTH AVENUE ADULT HOUSING RENEWAL AREA AND ESTABLISHING THE FOURTH AVENUE ADULT HOUSING ZONING DISTRICT (AAH-2) AS SECTION 114-7.1 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE pass first reading, and that said Ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a Meeting of the Borough Council to be held on the 18th day of April 2005, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Wanaque at 8:00 P.M., and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said Ordinance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk be instructed to publish in the manner provided by law a copy of said Ordinance, together with introduction thereof and notice when same will be considered for final passage and adoption.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Introduction of Ord. #11-0-05:

Re: Authorize Sale of Property

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen O’Connell and Balunis moved that Ordinance #11-0-05 be taken from the table and read by the Clerk, by title only, for consideration of first reading.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

The Clerk took from the table and read by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES OWNED BY THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, PASSAIC COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AND NOT REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13 ET SEQ.

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and O’Connell moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES OWNED BY THE BOROUGH OF WANAQUE, PASSAIC COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, AND NOT REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13 ET SEQ. pass first reading, and that said Ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a Meeting of the Borough Council to be held on the 18th day of April 2005, at the Municipal Building in the Borough of Wanaque at 8:00 P.M., and that at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said Ordinance; and

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION:

The Mayor opened the Public Discussion.

Lori Bull, 14 Prospect Street, Wanaque spoke about Resolution #51-0-05 and suggested it consider income tax also. Asked about Resolution #52-0-05 and the status of the bridges on Prospect Street.

The Borough Administrator explained Resolution #52-0-05 and the status of the bridges.

Lori Bull spoke about potholes on New Street and Prospect Street are bad will they be out fixing the potholes soon?

The Administrator said they will be out soon.

Sandy Lawson, 28 Haskell Avenue, Haskell asked about Resolutions #53-0-05 and #55-0-05.

The Borough Administrator said they both are being held.

The Mayor closed the Public Discussion.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Two (2) Applications for Raffle Licenses:

Re: Saint Francis of Assisi Church – RA:624 and RA:625

Two (2) Applications for Peddlers and Solicitors Licenses:

Re: Schwan’s Sales, 60 Stickle Pond Road, Newton, New Jersey

Resolution #47-0-05:

Re: Refund of Tax overpayments on various properties in the amount of $2,183.46

WHEREAS, there exists tax overpayments on the properties listed herein

BLOCK LOT AMOUNT

103.02 7 1205.00

206 70.01 978.46

WHEREAS, the property owners have requested a refund of said overpayments

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer shall refund the amount of $2183.46 as per the certification of the Tax Collector.

Resolution #48-0-05:

Re: Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate #040079 for Block 464, Lot 38.01 in the

amount of $12,174.87

WHEREAS, a Tax Sale was held for 2004 delinquent Municipal charges on May 25, 2004, and

WHEREAS, Crusader Servicing Corporation was the successful bidder for Block 464 Lot 38.01 for which Tax Sale Certificate #040092 was assigned, and

WHEREAS, the property owner has redeemed said certificate of which funds have been deposited into the Current Account.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer shall refund to the lien holder the amount of $12,174.87 as per the certification of the Tax Collector.

Resolution #49-0-05:

Re: Redemption of Tax Sale Certificate #040082T for Block 405, Lot 11 in the

amount of $1,457.76

WHEREAS, a Tax Sale was held for 2004 delinquent Municipal charges on May 25, 2004, and

WHEREAS, Edward Galbierczyk was the successful bidder for Block 405 Lot 11 for which Tax Sale Certificate #040082 was assigned, and

WHEREAS, the property owner has redeemed said certificate of which funds have been deposited into the Current Account.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer shall refund to the lien holder the amount of $1,457.76 as per the certification of the Tax Collector.

Payment to State of New Jersey, Division of Pensions and Benefits:

Re: Public Employees’ Retirement System in the amount of $15,099.80

Payment to State of New Jersey, Division of Pensions and Benefits:

Re: Police and Firemen’s Retirement System in the amount of $88,812.40

Budgetary Transfers:

Resolution #50-0-05:

Re: Appointment of Nurse Assistant, Part-Time

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and O’Connell moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that Marisa DeLuca, 203 Snake Den Road, Wanaque, New Jersey 07465 be and she is hereby appointed as a Nurse Assistant Part-Time at a salary of $23.77 per hour effective immediately.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #51-0-05:

Re: Support of Immediate and Comprehensive Property Tax Reform

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Theoharous and O’Connell moved that,

WHEREAS, New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the United States; and

WHEREAS, property taxes have increased by 6.2 percent statewide in the past year alone with many towns experiencing increases of 10 or more percent; and

WHEREAS, the total property tax levy in New Jersey has increased by 33 percent in the past five years; and

WHEREAS, the State government has provided only marginal amounts of State aid in the past three years, and may be providing no increase in State aid this year; and

WHEREAS, the ever-increasing property tax burden is making it difficult for families to afford living in our communities and is particularly troublesome for seniors living on fixed incomes; and

WHEREAS, all of these factors have made it legitimate to call the current situation a property tax crisis; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Legislature to address problems of this magnitude; and

WHEREAS, a constitutional convention to provide property tax relief should be considered as a last resort because it will have no impact on providing relief to property taxpayers for at least three years; and

WHEREAS, a constitutional convention will be effective only if delegates are allowed to consider revenue and spending options;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we urge the New Jersey State Legislature to adopt ACR-218, a resolution sponsored by assemblymen Steve Corodemus and Sean Kean, that calls on the Legislature to, within seven days of enactment, convene for a special session to consider ways to implement property tax relief and reform; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if a constitutional convention is to be the only alternative offered by the Legislature, then it must be able to consider ways to reduce government spending as proposed by A-3712 and ACR-216 sponsored by Assemblymen Kevin O’Toole and A-2839 sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Baroni.

A certified copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce and all state legislators representing our legislative district.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #52-0-05:

Re: Resolution Calling for Full and Fair Funding in the TEA-21 Reauthorization

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved that,

WHEREAS, New Jersey continues to rank dead last in the amount of federal tax dollars that are returned to their state of origin, and for every dollar that New Jersey citizens send to Washington, only 65 cents worth of federal services come back; and

WHEREAS, this injustice has long been a problem, through when our economy was strong, we were better able to bear it; but now, the economic situation has intensified this problem for our State and its Municipalities; and

WHEREAS, investments in our infrastructure, which would help to revitalize our economy, have been indefinitely deferred; crucial positions, which could be filled from the ranks of our unemployed, are left vacant; and essential property tax relief funding from State government remains flat; and

WHEREAS, as a result, our historic and unequaled over-dependence on regressive property taxes grows more and more severe; and

WHEREAS, one priority of Congress, as it fashions the shape of TEA-21 reauthorization, should be to alleviate traffic congestion that is costing millions of dollars in lost productivity in many of the nation’s urban regions; and

WHEREAS, even though local governments own and operate about 75 percent of the nation’s 4-million-mile highway and roadway network, about 300,000 bridges and 90 percent of the nation’s mass transit systems; yet when it comes time to make crucial transportation decisions, local officials have control of only 6 cents of every tax dollar in federal transportation spending; while State departments of transportation have nearly complete autonomy over transportation spending decisions; and

WHEREAS, in New Jersey, Municipal government maintains 25,382 miles of New Jersey’s total 36,175 miles, 70% of our State’s roads;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Borough of Wanaque calls on Congress to support full and fair funding for TEA-21 reauthorization; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we do ask our delegation to work toward giving local officials direct access to and flexibility in the use of federal dollars commensurate with their responsibilities to police and maintain roads, bridges, transit facilities and transit equipment ; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Borough of Wanaque recognizes the national imperative for a predictable long term transportation reauthorization, which is adequately funded for the mobility and safety needs of the people, and supports the funding level of $318 billion over six years as set forth by the Senate in S.1072 during the 108^th Congress; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that authentic copies of this resolution be forwarded to the New Jersey League of Municipalities, Congressman Scott Garrett, Senators Corzine and Lautenberg, and the Governor of the State of New Jersey.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #53-0-05:

Re: Property Sale

Held.

Resolution #54-0-05:

Re: Bus Shelter Agreement

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved that,

WHEREAS, NJ Transit has funds for the purchase of bus shelters throughout the State of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the governing body of a municipality is New Jersey or the Board of Chosen Freeholders of a county may apply to the New Jersey Transit Corporation for the purchase and installation of bus shelters at legally designated bus stops; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Wanaque, in the interest of promoting public transportation, conservation of energy, traffic safety, and for the convenience of the public, endorses the concept of providing bus shelters within its jurisdiction.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the application is hereby made by the Borough of Wanaque to the New Jersey Transit Corporation for the purchase and installation of 2 bus shelter(s) as set forth in Exhibit A, made a part hereof.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement or agreements with NJ Transit to arrange for the purchase and installation of the shelters.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #55-0-05:

Re: Amend Deferred Compensation Plan

Held.

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen O’Connell and Pasquariello moved a motion to approve the aforementioned Consent Agenda.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

REGULAR REPORTS - PROFESSIONAL REPORTS:

1. Clerk's Receipts ‑ NONE.

2. Police Department Report - NONE.

3. Tax Collector's Report for March 2005 ‑ NONE.

4. Municipal Court Report for February 2005 ‑ $6,515.00.

5. Welfare Report for March 2005 - NONE.

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Mahler moved that reports be received and filed; and that all monies be turned over to the Treasurer.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

___________________________

Warren Hagstrom

Mayor

Engineer:

The Borough Engineer said I have no report.

Attorney:

The Borough Attorney concurred with the Borough Administrators sentiments on the Gallo tract as a significant acquisition. There are one hundred fifty acres set aside by the Borough for acquisition for open space and preservation.

Administrator:

The Borough Administrator reported on meeting with the County regarding the Ringwood Avenue construction to work out some items. They are going to start construction around April 1^st. The north end will be done first in one stage from Jenkins Avenue to Orchard Street and the west side first will be done. Ringwood Avenue will be closed four to five weeks and then they will flip to the northbound side for two to three weeks and then they will go down Park Avenue to Crescente Lane finish early June to get the job done. Stop and Shop began work in the old Foodtown. They are going to do work which will take about six months and they hope to open in the fall. The hotel is still a go. They will be back before the Planning Board in March for some wire problems. The Budget is being worked on and we’re getting the financial numbers for that. The State closed on the Gallo tract on Townsend Road and that is part of Norvin Green State Forest. Passaic County put in $200,000.00 to close the deal between the State and the property owner.

COMMUNICATIONS: None.

NEW BUSINESS:

April Meeting Date:

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved a motion to reschedule the April 11^th Work and Regular Meetings to April 18^th at 7:00 P.M. for the Work Meeting and 8:00 P.M. for the Regular Meeting.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Application for Soil Removal Permit:

Re: Benjamin Thompson, 113 Doty Road, Haskell

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Balunis moved a motion to approve the aforementioned application.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Closed Session:

Re: Litigation/Negotiation/Personnel

Held to the end of the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Appointment of Ethics Committee Member:

Remove from the agenda.

Letter from Lowenstein Sandler:

Re: Ordinance #7-0-04

Held.

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution #56-0-05:

Re: Grant Application – Safe Streets to Schools

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen O’Connell and Mahler moved a motion to approve the aforementioned grant application.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #57-0-05:

Re: Grant Application – FY2006 Municipal Aid – D.O.T.

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen O’Connell and Mahler moved a motion to approve the aforementioned grant application.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #58-0-05:

Re: Accepting Planning Board recommendation on Redevelopment designation

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and O’Connell moved that,

WHEREAS, by resolution adopted on 1/12/04, the Borough Council of the Borough of Wanaque authorized and directed the Planning Board of the Borough of Wanaque to undertake a preliminary investigation to determine whether Lots 36 and 38 in Block 432 should be declared an area in need of redevelopment pursuant to the Local Redevelopment Housing law (N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-l et seq.); and

WHEREAS, following two consecutive publications of a notice of a public hearing of the Planning Board and the mailing thereof by certified mail, return receipt requested to each of the owners of the aforesaid properties, and the filing in the office of the Borough Clerk a map showing the boundaries of the proposed area in need of redevelopment and the location of the various properties including therein, together with the resolution setting forth the basis for such investigation, a public hearing thereon was held by the Planning Board; and

WHEREAS, at said hearing the Planning Board heard and considered the testimony and preliminary redevelopment investigation report of Kauker, Gregory, & Kauker, P.P. a planning consultant; and

WHEREAS, following such hearing, the Planning Board voted on October 21, 2004 to recommend the designation of Lots 36 and 38 in Block 432 as shown on the Tax Map of the Borough of Wanaque as included within an area in need of redevelopment; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Council has considered the recommendations of the Planning Board and the preliminary redevelopment investigation report prepared by Michael Kauker, P.P.;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council hereby declares and determines that Lots 36, 38 in Block 432 as shown on the Tap Map of the Borough of Wanaque is an area in need of redevelopment to be known as the Fourth Avenue Adult Housing Renewal Area for the reasons more particularly set forth in the preliminary redevelopment investigation report prepared by Michael Kauker, P.P., and the October 21, 2004 resolution of the Planning Board.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #59-0-05:

Re: Appoint Open Space Committee Members

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Balunis moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that the following individuals be and are hereby appointed to the Open Space and Recreation Committee, effective April 1, 2005 for a term of three (3) years:

Barbara Thorsen

Gregory Gavazzi

Wayne Rumsey

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #60-0-05:

Re: Celebrate New Jersey Month – June 2005

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen O’Connell and Mahler moved that,

WHEREAS, since earliest times, New Jersey’s shore line, Pine Barrens, mountains and valleys have been recognized as places of great beauty, rich in natural resources and an abundance of plant and animal species, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey was the “cockpit of the American Revolution,” having more encampments, skirmishes, headquarters, and impact on the civilian population than any other state, with Washington and his army fighting back and forth across the state for four long years, involving almost every village and hamlet in the state, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s illustrious history and citizens have changed the nation and the world, including such “firsts and bests” as the first state to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights, the first railroad charter in the U.S., the nation’s first seaside resort, the first baseball game, and the first college football game, and

WHEREAS, life saving health care innovations were invented in New Jersey including ether, penicillin, early chemotherapy, cortisone, streptomycin and anti-hypertensive drugs, and

WHEREAS, such life enhancing developments were invented in New Jersey as the first sound motion picture, the first live TV transmission, the first long-distance direct dialing, the first touch-tone dialing, the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable, the first high-definition digital TV, the first bar code, the first production of safe, practical air conditioners of large spaces, the first electric light, first phonograph, the first canned, condensed soups, the first mass produced, quick-frozen vegetables, the first canned beer, the first glass company, the first cloverleaf traffic intersection, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s illustrious citizens include such greats as Thomas Edison, Frank Sinatra, President Woodrow Wilson, Bruce Springsteen, Alice Paul, Charles Lindbergh, Meryl Streep, Paul Robeson, Susan Sarandon, and Jackie Robinson, and

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s strength is its highly educated work force, its diversity and the resilience, ingenuity, creativity, and generosity of its citizens, and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Wanaque is known for its Reservoir, its State Forest, and its warmth of community;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of Wanaque that we declare June, 2005 as New Jersey’s first annual CELEBRATE NEW JERSEY! month and direct all Borough agencies and authorities to participate in showcasing all that makes our Borough a great place to live and work.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

Resolution #61-0-05:

Re: Purchase of Vehicles (State Contract)

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen O’Connell and Mahler moved that,

BE IT RESOLVED that a contract be awarded to Winner Ford of Cherry Hill, 250 Haddonfield – Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034 under New Jersey State Contract #A45069 for one (1) 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Car, at the State bid price of $20,870.13; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a contract for the purchase of one (1) 2005 Chevrolet Impala be awarded to Warnock Motor Sales, 175 Route 10, P.O. Box 524, East Hanover, N.J. 07936 under NJ State Contract #52987 at a price of $14,260; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer has certified that funds are available in budget account 5-CU-142-261.

FINANCE REPORT:

Councilman Mahler said your Finance Committee respectfully reports that they have examined and approved the following and recommend that warrants be issued for their payment when the funds of the Borough of Wanaque are sufficient to meet them.

Vouchers:

CURRENT 2004 $ 80,790.10

CURRENT 2005 268,929.34

CURRENT PRE-PAID 1,341,106.27

WATER OPERATING 2004 2,086.06

WATER OPERATING 2005 21,144.20

WATER OPERATING PRE-PAID 11,205.93

GENERAL CAPITAL 7,871.91

ESCROW BOOKKEEPER 7,605.62

DOG DEDICATED 1,323.80

MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE 13,869.45

OTHER TRUST 125.00

RECREATION TRUST FUND 404.34

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE __ 7,157.75__

TOTAL VOUCHERS $1,763,619.77

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the resolution adopted and forthwith approved it.

APPROVED: March 14, 2005

___________________________

Warren Hagstrom

Mayor

Payrolls:

Councilmen Mahler and Balunis moved a resolution approving the following payrolls:

Payroll #3 p/e 02/11/05 $157,848.44

Payroll #4 p/e 02/25/05 173,799.87

Payroll #5 p/e 03/11/05 _ 163,176.59_

Payroll Total $494,824.90

GRAND TOTAL $2,258,444.67

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the resolution adopted and forthwith approved it.

APPROVED: March 14, 2005

_______________________________

Warren Hagstrom

Mayor

NEW BUSINESS:

Closed Session:

Re: Litigation/Negotiation/Personnel

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Balunis and Mahler moved that,

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1) permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, This public Body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Wanaque, County of Passaic, State of New Jersey, as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of action upon the hereinafter specified subject matter.

2. The general nature of the subject matter to be discussed is as follows:

1) Litigation.

3. The Mayor and Council shall release and disclose to the general public the

discussion and actions taken on the subject matter of the above mentioned closed session when the reasons for discussing and acting on the matter in closed session no longer exist, but no later than one month of the Mayor and Council arriving at a final decision on the specified subject matter.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried.

RECONVENEMENT:

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Balunis moved a motion to reconvene.

On roll call, all were present.

ADJOURNMENT:

On entertainment of the Mayor, Councilmen Pasquariello and Balunis moved a motion to adjourn the meeting.

On roll call, all voted yes, and the Mayor declared the motion carried; meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

__________________________

Katherine J. Falone, RMC, CMC

Municipal Clerk