COUNCIL MEETING
February 14, 2006
7:30 P.M.
The Medford Township Meeting of the above date was convened
by Mayor Post, followed by the salute to the flag and
reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement.
COUNCIL ROLL CALL
Mr. David Brown Present
Mr. Christopher Myers Present
Mr. Walter Urban Present
Deputy Mayor Scott Rudder Present
Mayor Lisa A. Post Present
PROFESSIONALS PRESENT
Michael Achey, Acting Township Manager
John Crafchun, Consultant
Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor
Douglas Heinold, Esquire
Christopher Noll, Township Engineer
MINUTES
Public Session Minutes - January 24, 2006
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved for approval of the Public Session minutes of January 24, 2006. The motion was seconded by Mr. Myers.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mr. Myers, abstain, Mr. Urban, aye, Deputy Mayor Rudder, aye, and Mayor Post, aye.
MANAGER'S REPORT
Proclamation for Retiring Police Chief Edwin Wood
Mayor Post presented a proclamation to Retiring Police Chief Wood. Chief Wood was the Chief of Police for three years and had worked for the Police Department for thirty years. Mayor Post acknowledged the Chief's outstanding qualities of integrity, professionalism and enthusiasm during his tenure with the department. Best wishes were extended by family, friends and fellow officers.
Swearing in of Chief of Police
Former Chief Wood introduced James S. Kehoe as the newly appointed Chief of Police. Chief Kehoe started with the Medford Police Department in December of 1982 and has worked in different capacities since then. He is credited with many achievements and is admired by all those who know him. Township Attorney, Richard Hunt swore the new Chief into his position. Chief Kehoe was accompanied by his wife Sue, his three daughters, Chelsea, Megan and Jamie and other family members who were present for the ceremony. The team of young girls, whom he coaches, was present in uniform and appeared very proud that their coach is now the new Chief of Police for Medford.
Chief Kehoe thanked the people for their support and stated he is surrounded by good people and good officers. He complimented the Police Department on the quality and professionalism of the officers and assured the Medford residents that they are in good hands.
Request to Amend Certain Recreation Fees
Mr. Achey asked Council for an increase in the recreation
fees to help offset the mandated increase in the minimum
wage for employees. Council agreed to these increases.
Councilman Myers recognized Mr. Achey for a "job well done" during the recent snow storm, both with clearing the roadways and seeing that the power was restored to the residents in a timely manner.
Mr. Achey commended the Public Works crew on their response to clearing the roadways. He also thanked the Police Department and Lieutenant Black for their assistance in rectifying the power outage with the power company.
Mayor Post acknowledged the police and emergency workers
who assisted in a motor vehicle accident on Skeet Road
on Christmas Eve.
ENGINEER'S REPORT
1. Mr. Noll stated a contract is being rewarded for the sanitary sewer lining system for Tavistock Drive and Indian Springs Lane.
2. Mr. Noll also advised Council of two traffic signals to be installed. Both of these traffic signals have resolutions on tonight's agenda. Installation is expected in 2007.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT
Mr. Hunt explained Resolution 60-2006 which amends the time of decision rule which currently allows municipalities to change the zoning regulations during the pendency of an application for development. The Mayor and Council oppose amending the time of decision rule.
PUBLIC
1. Marlene Lieber, 2 LaRue Lane, would like resolutions
explained rather than just read by title. Mrs. Lieber
also stated that the residents chose a Council-Manager
form of government under the Faulkner Act. She stated
she is extremely disappointed that by creating the position
of Director of Public Safety this undermines the position
of the township manager. She finds this to be a violation
of the Faulkner form of government.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
NONE
ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 2006-1"AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ESTABLISHING MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SALARIES AND WAGES FOR OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD"
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Post opened the meeting to the public.
PUBLIC
Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, questioned if this ordinance includes the salary for the position of Public Safety Director. She questioned the salary for the manager, who, she stated, will now have less authority.
Mr. Crafchun acknowledged that the ordinance had to be amended to separate the salary for Public Safety Director and the Chief of Police positions. There are two other positions which also have been added to the salary ordinance.
Council is in possession of the amended copy.
Tracey Hessinger, inquired about the salaries for the different positions. She feels the salaries are too high. She noted that once the positions are divided the responsibilities should be less demanding for each position.
Mr. Myers stated that with the work load carried by the
individuals involved,
he feels we are getting a bargain at the current salaries.
Mayor Post stated that the primary concern is that of the public safety and welfare of the residents.
Mr. Myers moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Deputy Mayor Rudder.
Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mr. Myers, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, Deputy Mayor Rudder, aye, and Mayor Post, aye.
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved to amend the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Myers. The ordinance will be re-advertised and scheduled for a public hearing on February 28, 2006.
Roll call vote to amend as follows: Mr. Brown, aye,
Mr. Myers, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, Deputy Mayor Rudder, aye,
and Mayor Post, aye.
ORDINANCE 2006-2"AMENDING ARTICLE XII, SECTION 5-78
OF CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD ENTITLED "DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC SAFETY"
Mr. Myers moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mr. Heinold, Township Attorney's office, outlined to Council some minor amendments to the ordinance. Since the changes are immaterial, the ordinance can be heard at this time.
Mayor Post opened the meeting to the public.
Kevin Rhoades, 1358 Stokes Road, gave a lengthy discussion of the reasons for his opposition to creating a position of Director of Public Safety. He stated he favors a position for Director of Emergency Management. Mr. Rhoades is upset with the lack of a Mission Statement which would provide a solid foundation for the different organization. He also questioned whether the training programs are adequate. He feels there is a move in a positive direction, but disagrees with the organization to be created and would like further study before passing the ordinance.
Mr. Myers advised that the subcommittee looked at many reports and interviewed people from all areas. This includes volunteers, former employees and people in current positions. The opinion of the people interviewed was taken into consideration prior to the drafting of the ordinance. Mr. Myers felt it prudent to work with the volunteer fire chiefs for a couple of years to see how this plan works out. He outlined the administrative duties the Public Safety Director will have which include, but are not limited to: seeking grants, extensive paperwork, OSHA responsibilities and other programs. The position of Public Safety Director would relieve people in other positions of these responsibilities so they will be able to more easily concentrate on their departmental duties.
Mr. Rhoades would like access to the of the Public Safety Advisory Board meetings.
Mayor Post responded that this has been looked into, and the Public Safety Advisory meetings will be advertised.
Mr. Urban stated our people and volunteers are the best
of the best, and he will stand behind them.
Mr. Myers agreed that a Mission Statement is a valid recommendation
to be considered.
Mr. Brown stated his concern that the Police Chief gets burned out with too much responsibility, and the creation of a Public Safety Director will help out in this area.
John Kubit, 1 Ashley Court, President of Taunton Fire Department advised that all tests and the guidelines are followed each year as required by law. He stated, with all the record keeping and paperwork, the job is too big for one person. There are three distinct organizations and each organization has a different focus. He feels this ordinance is a step in the right direction and should move forward.
Jim Scott, 36 Cranberry Court, Chief of EMS, expressed his thanks to Council for this ordinance. He appreciates the manner in which the needs of the volunteers were investigated and considered.
Ray Parker, 1378 Stokes Road, on behalf of volunteers of Union and Taunton Fire Companies appreciates that the volunteers concerns were listened to and addressed. He outlined the hours spent by the volunteers in education. He advised that their dedicated service saves tax dollars for the residents.
Mr. Myers moved to close the public hearing, seconded
by Deputy Mayor Rudder.
Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows:
Mr. Brown, aye, Mr. Myers, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, Deputy
Mayor Rudder, aye, and Mayor Post, aye.
Deputy Mayor Rudder and Mayor Post thanked all who were involved in the drafting of this ordinance.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye,
Mr. Myers, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, Deputy Mayor Rudder, aye,
and Mayor Post, aye.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 59-2006 "Changing Operating Status of
Freedom Park Skatepark to an Unsupervised Facility"
Mr. Brown moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Urban.
Mayor Post 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 60-2006 "Resolution Opposing S-457,
Amending the Time of Decision Rule"
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved for approval of the resolution,
seconded by Mr. Myers.
Mayor Post 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 61-2006 "Authorizing Award of Bid for
Sanitary Sewer System Lining Phase 1, Tavistock Drive
and Indian Springs Lane"
Mr. Urban moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Deputy Mayor Rudder.
Mayor Post 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 62-2006 "Authorizing Agreement between
County and Township for Traffic Signal, Stokes & Tuckerton
Roads"
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved for approval of the resolution,
seconded by Mr. Myers.
Mayor Post 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 63-2006 "Approving Appropriation Transfers"
Mr. Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Post 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 64-2006 "Resolution Authorizing the
Medford Township to Apply for Funding Under the 2006 Healthy
Community Development Grant Program"
Mr. Brown moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Urban.
Mayor Post 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 65-2006 "Authorizing Execution of Agreement
for "The Moving Wall"
Mayor Post moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Brown
Mayor Post opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Post stated that Medford is the only stop for the Moving Wall in New Jersey. A ceremony will be held in Freedom Park from June 14th through June 19th for everyone to witness this moving tribute to the Vietnam Veterans.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
RESOLUTION 66-2006 "Authorizing Agreement between
County and Township for Traffic Signal, Medford-Mt.Holly
Road & Wilkins Station Road"
Mr. Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Post 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 67-2006 "Authorizing Request for Final
Release of Maintenance Guarantee, Sheffield Court, PBC-1328"
Mr. Urban moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Post 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 68-2006 "Authorizing Request for Performance
Guarantee Reduction No. 1, Jersey Pools, SPR-5564"
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved for approval of the resolution,
seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Post 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 70-2006 "Amending Temporary Budget"
Mr. Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded
by Mr. Brown.
Mr. Crafchun advised that line items were readjusted so the temporary budget is being amended.
Mayor Post 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.
COMMUNICATION
Mayor Post advised Council of a refresher course for
Municipal Officials to be held on March 30.
OLD BUSINESS
NONE
NEW BUSINESS
1. EMS Application - Barbara Ball
2. EMS Application - Christopher Ball
3. EMS Application - Richard Lewis
4. EMS Application - Logan Fairchild
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved for approval of the applications for EMS, seconded by Mr. Urban.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
5. Application for Raffle License - Medford Lakes Education Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Brown moved for approval of the applications for the Raffle License, seconded by Mr. Urban.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
PUBLIC
Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, questioned why the Executive
Sessions are closed to the public. She stated there were
sixteen executive sessions last year and felt if items
were in public forum the public would be better informed.
Mayor Post told Mrs. Palmer that certain issues need
to be discussed in Executive Session.
Deputy Mayor Rudder moved to close the public portion
of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Brown.
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 Post advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss litigation issues.
Resolution 69-2006 "Authorizing Executive Session"
Mr. Urban moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Myers
The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:25 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
Mayor Post provided that action may or may not be taken in Executive Session.
RECONVENING OF MEETING
Mayor Post reconvened the meeting at 9:43 P.M.
She reported litigation issues had been discussed in Executive Session and that no action had taken place.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mr. Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:45 P.M., seconded by Mr. Myers with all members in agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce F. Frenia, RMC
Township Clerk
Next meeting scheduled for: February 28, 2006