MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD

COUNCIL MEETING

January 27, 2009 7:30 P.M.

The Medford Township Council Meeting of the above date was convened by Mayor Brown, followed by the salute to the flag and reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement.

COUNCIL ROLL CALL

Mr. Joseph J. Lynn, Jr. Present

Mr. Christopher Myers Present (by telecommunication)

Mrs. Mary Ann O’Brien Present

Deputy Mayor Robert Martin Present

Mayor David J. Brown, Jr. Present

PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

Michael Achey, Township Manager

Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

Charles Walton, Township Engineer’s Office

MINUTES

Public Session Minutes and Executive Session Minutes – January 13, 2009

Deputy Mayor Martin moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of January 13, 2009. The motion was seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.

Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Myers, aye, Mrs. O’Brien, aye, Deputy Mayor Martin, aye, and Mayor Brown, aye.

MANAGER’S REPORT

1. American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Mike Cashen and Terry Merlino, volunteers for the American Cancer Society, were present to thank the township for its support in the “Relay for Life” which is held at Freedom Park each year. They related that this event raises the most money of any event held in Burlington County for the American Cancer Society. It also raises the second largest amount of money in the state. A kick-off event will be held at the Memorial Center on January 28, 2009

2. Bill List

Mr. Achey presented the bill list for payment.

Mr. Achey had previously entertained and answered questions with regard to the payment of the bills. There being no further questions, the bill list was approved for payment as presented.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

NONE

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

NONE

PUBLIC

William Lowe and Robert Manoil of the Burlington County Council of the “Boy Scouts of America” were present to extend thanks to all those who helped with the “Ten Commandment Walk” held at the local churches in Medford. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Mayor Brown and other township officials who supported this successful event.

Kent Pipes, President of Affordable Homes, presented an update of the status on the renovations to the Singer House. He stated that $65,000 had been spent on architectural details and more funding is being researched before the project can move forward. Mayor Brown agreed to look into the issue and get back to Mr. Pipes.

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

ORDINANCE 2009-3 “AMENDING SECTION 412 I (2) A of the “PI PLANNED INDUSTRIAL” DISTRICT WITHIN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD TO SET THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS LOCATED WITHIN CEMETERIES AND SECTION 203, “DEFINITIONS”

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of February 24, 2009 for public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Martin.

Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Myers, aye,

Mrs. O’Brien, aye, Deputy Mayor Martin, aye, and Mayor Brown, aye.

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

ORDINANCE 2009-1 “AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE PROPERTY AT BLOCK 1901, LOT 7.01”

Deputy Mayor Martin moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.

Mayor Brown opened the meeting to the public.

Many residents were present to show their support and appreciation to the township for the purchase of the Friend’s Meeting House which will be used as a “Cultural Arts Center”.

Anthony Femiano, 95 Christopher Mill Road, Chairman of the Cultural Arts Commission, thanked Council for their support of the arts in Medford. He stated that with the purchase of this building, the arts can now move to another level.

Jim Wallace, explained how the art center will best serve the people of Medford. Mission and vision statements have been written. These statements provide that the center will create an environment in which the arts will be strengthened and flourish in Medford.

Janet Jackson Gould, 121 North Lakeside Drive, President of the “Friends of Cultural Arts” expressed her thanks, and stated that there has been a committee established to help raise funds to support the arts. She feels this center will help to educate the citizens in the arts and also to create an interest in tourism in the village.

Joyce Harris, 8 Golf View Drive, stated that the arts are the foundation of intellectual culture, and she feels that the center will provide a place for visual art exhibits, poetry readings and other venues which will help bring knowledge to the children in the community.

Kathy Clark, a local merchant, thanked Council for this venture. Ms. Clark feels this center will be a positive influence to the businesses in the village.

Deputy Mayor Martin expressed that this center is long overdue for Medford.

Mr. Lynn said he enjoyed the passion of the residents who spoke, and he is thrilled to be a part of the acquisition and the things it will bring to the township.

Mayor Brown said this is a vision for many years to come.

Deputy Mayor Martin moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.

Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Myers, aye, Mrs. O’Brien, aye, Deputy Mayor Martin, aye, and Mayor Brown, aye.

Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Myers, aye, Mrs. O’Brien, aye, Deputy Mayor Martin, aye, and Mayor Brown, aye.

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 52-2009 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FREEDOM PARK PATH LIGHTING”

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Martin.