TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD

COUNCIL MEETING

February 10, 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

            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

            Christopher Noll, Township Engineer

            Stephen Addezio, Director of Public Safety

            Anthony Canale, Police Chief

            Katherine Burger, CFO

           

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session Minutes and Executive Session Minutes – January 27, 2009

 

            Mr. Myers moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of January 27, 2009.  The motion was 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.

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

1.    Proclamation Honoring Welcome Home Committee

 

      This proclamation is being held to a future meeting.

 

2.    Presentation by Fire Division – Overview of accomplishments in 2008 and                     projection for 2009.

 

      Public Safety Director, Stephen Addezio introduced Chief James Steel of the Fire Division.  Chief Steel gave a detailed report and slide presentation on the accomplishments of the Fire Division during the year 2008 and their goals for 2009.

 

      Included in the presentation was a report on LOSAP, “Length of Service Award Program”, which benefits the volunteer members of the Fire and EMS Divisions. This incentive, along with others, helps to maintain the current volunteer staff and to encourage new member participation.

 

      Chief Steel expressed his thanks to Council, Police Chief Canale, Stephen Addezio and Michael Achey for their continued support in providing for the needs of the department.  Because of this support, Medford has valuable and sophisticated safety equipment which is not available in many of the surrounding towns.  Chief Steel reviewed the improvements which are to be made to Union Fire Hall in the near future.

 

      Mayor and Council thanked the members of the Fire Departments and Emergency Services for their dedicated service to the community.  Mayor Brown said that Council will continue to support the services of these departments.

 

3.  Swearing - in of Fire and EMS Officers

 

     Stephen Addezio praised the members of the Public Safety Department and stated that it is a demanding service which requires a high degree of expertise.  He stated that the members are dedicated and believe in service to the community of Medford.

 

      Mayor Brown issued the Oath of Office to the members of the Fire Departments and the Emergency Management Services.

 

      Recess   

 

      Council took a brief recess to allow time to honor the Fire and Emergency Management members.

 

The meeting was resumed at 8:30 P.M.

 

4.  Safety Committee Awards

 

      Mr. Achey advised Council that Medford Township was recognized by the JIF Insurance Fund for their safety procedures.  He commended Kathy Burger, Safety Coordinator for the township, whose work in the area of safety made it possible to receive these rewards.  Medford received a Gold Qualifier Award of $2275 and an additional $3500 in optional safety funds. This was received by the Police, EMS, Fire, Public Works and Recreation Departments for their operational plan for the 4th of July celebration. This award also provides for a lunch to be held for all employees.

     

5.    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

 

            Mr. Noll gave an update of the Route 70 and Hartford Road improvement project.

 

            Mr. Myers questioned why project this has to be submitted to the Pinelands.

 

            Mr. Noll advised him that a portion of it is in the Pinelands.       

 

            Mr. Myers would like the attorney to review this, as he feels this Pinelands application will hold up the progress on a much need improvement.                     

 

            Mr. Noll said the Department of Transportation has reviewed the plans, and they have made a proposal which would improve the project even further.

 

            John Zimm, Department of Transportation, expressed the recommendations made by the Department of Transportation which include continuing the widening of the highway westbound on Route 70 to Evesboro-Medford Road.  This improvement would allow for more capacity at the intersection.  The financial aspect of the project still is being considered.

 

            Mr. Lynn questioned if this would include a left turn lane, and he was advised that this is included in the plan.

 

            Mr. Myers expressed his concern with the amount of time this project has taken and would like a more aggressive approach, so that the project can be completed sooner.  He doesn’t like to see bureaucracy hold up the progress for this length of time on such a dangerous intersection.

 

            Mr. Noll said he would continue with the process, and if the improvements recommended by the DOT are approved, it would be Council’s decision whether to wait and have these recommendations incorporated into the project.

 

            Deputy Mayor Martin feels it is important to improve this intersection as soon as possible.

   

            The request by the school district not to have the construction done during the school year will be considered.

 

            Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, will be willing as a school bus driver to put up with the inconvenience of construction, if the intersection can be improved and a left hand lane added.

 

            Council would like to see the construction begin in the fall.

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            NONE

 

            PUBLIC

 

            Theresa Lettman, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, expressed her concern regarding the contract the township has with Mount Construction.  She stated there has been development on the site of Bob Meyer Park, without an application to Pinelands, and also diversion of a portion of the parkland for a use other than parkland.  She is concerned that the contract will be renewed again without some of the issues which she has concerns about being resolved first. 

 

            Mr. Achey assured her that he has responded to all letters from the Pinelands regarding this matter.

 

            David Wasson, Medford Lakes, stated that Medford Lakes and Medford have always maintained a good relationship. He would like Council to consider the views of the Medford Lakes residents who oppose the Medford Police Department handling the needs of the Medford Lakes Police Department. He stated that he has no fault with the Medford Police Department, but has concerns with the Medford Lakes Council.

 

            Mr. Myers does not want Medford Lakes to lay off employees, and as stated by the law, to then have Medford required to come to their aid.      

             

            Mayor Brown reiterated that the Medford Council was approached by the Medford Lakes Council to look into this proposal.

 

            Mike Powers, Medford Lakes, expressed that he felt if the Medford Lakes residents were willing to pay the extra tax dollars to maintain their police force, than their Council should allow that to happen.

 

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            ORDINANCE 2009-4 “AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT           ORDINANCE TO ADD ADDITIONAL CHECKLISTS, TO RE-ESTABLISH            THE ZONING PERMIT PROCESS AND TO MAKE OTHER TECHNICAL            CHANGES INCLUDING AMENDMENTS TO THE FEE STRUCTURE”              

            Mr. Myers moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of March 10, 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 2009-2 “AMENDING §71-22 OF THE CODE OF THE       TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD ENTITLED “FEES AND LICENSES”

 

            Deputy Mayor Martin moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Lynn.

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

             Mr. Myers 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 64 -2009 “APPROVING 2008 APPROPRIATION RESERVE TRANSFERS”

           

Mr. Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            RESOLUTION 65-2009 “AMENDING 2009 TEMPORARY BUDGET”

           

 Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Myers.

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            RESOLUTION 66 -2009 “APPROVING REQUEST FOR FINAL RELEASE OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE, HIGHBRIDGE PHASE II, SECTION III,

PBC-1275F3”

           

Mr. Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            RESOLUTION 67 -2009 “AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PUBLIC SAFETY UNIFORMS “THIS AND THAT UNIFORMS, LLC’

           

 Mrs. O’Brien moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Martin.

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            RESOLUTION 68-2009 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES WITH ZONING BOARD”

           

 Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            RESOLUTION 69 -2009 “APPROVING VOLUNTEER MEMBERS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED FOR CREDIT UNDER THE LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM (LOSAP) FOR THE YEAR 2008”

           

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

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

           

            RESOLUTION 70-2009 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR UTILITY BILLING SERVICES”

           

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

 

            Mayor Brown opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mr. Myers inquired why this is being done,

 

            Mr. Achey stated that this is being done, since the outsourcing of the EMS billing has been so successful.

 

            The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

COMMUNICATION

 

            NONE

                                               

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

 

 

            PUBLIC

           

            1.  Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, stated she is not concerned with the four lanes at the Hartford Road intersection, but really wants to see that the left turn arrows are in place.

 

            Mr. Lynn moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Myers. 

 

            The motion to close the public portion of meeting was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

 

            Mayor Brown advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss property acquisition and potential litigation. 

 

            Resolution 71-2009 “Authorizing Executive Session”

 

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

 

            The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:09 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            Mayor Brown provided that action may or may not be taken.

 

            RECONVENING OF MEETING

 

            Mayor Brown reconvened the meeting at 9:35 P.M.

 

            He reported property acquisition and potential litigation issues had been discussed in Executive Session, and that no action had taken place.

 

            ADJOURNMENT

 

            There being no further business, Mr. Lynn moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:38 P.M., seconded by Deputy Mayor Martin with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for: February 24, 2009