MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

February 23, 2010

  

The Medford Township Council Meeting of the above date was convened by

Mayor Martin, followed by the salute to the flag and reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement.

           

COUNCIL ROLL CALL

 

            Mr. David J. Brown                                                      Present

            Mrs. Victoria Fay                                                         Present

Mr. Joseph J. Lynn, Jr.                                                 Present

            Deputy Mayor Myers                                                   Absent

            Mayor Robert Martin                                                   Present

           

            PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

 

            Michael Achey, Township Manager

            Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

            George Morris, Solicitor

            Christopher Noll, Township Engineer

                                   

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session and Executive Minutes – February 9th, 2010

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the Public Session Minutes of February 9th, 2010.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            Report on JIF Breakfast

 

Mr. Achey commented on the Burlco JIF Safety Breakfast held on February 4, 2010.  The Township achieved GOLD out of the qualifier, bronze, silver and gold levels and was entitled to $2,275 in award money.

 

Mr. Achey also advised council that the Township received a “Certificate of Achievment” for the loss ratio average from 2006-2008 beating the JIF”s 3 year loss ratio average of 87.3% along with receiving 3 honorable mention certificates for Recreation, Fire and Police departments.

 

Mr. Achey let Council know thanks to Mrs. Kathy Burger, Safety Coordinator that we achieve these goals due to her hard work.  All Council present thanked Mrs. Burger.

 

FEMA

 

Mr. Achey mentioned that Mrs. Burger met with FEMA to discuss the February 2005-2006 snow storm and that there was going to be a kick off meeting for the 2009 storm on February 24th, 2010 where we hope to recoup some of the money that was paid out for the storm.

 

            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. Mrs. Fay recused herself from P.O. 10-00296 and Mr. Lynn recused himself from P.O. 09-02543.

 

Mrs. Fay approved bill list seconded by Mr. Brown.

 

            ENGINEER’S REPORT

 

            Mr. Noll advised Council in reference to Resolutions 65-2010 thru 69-2010 are for NJEIT & Treatment Works. 

 

            Mr. Noll advised that construction is scheduled for 2011 and applications are due at the state on March 1st, 2010.

           

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            Mr. Hunt advised Council in reference to Ordinance 2010-4, which he had talked to Mrs. Fay and Mr. Lynn and the language in sub paragraph A should also state pre-existing members should receive a copy of the Ethics Codes with updates. 

 

            Mr. Hunt advised Council on the Post Retirement Health Benefits ordinance for second reading tonight that some people may have some questions and Mrs. Burger will give a short synopsis prior to the approval.

 

            PUBLIC

 

            None

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            Ordinance 2010-3 “AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD CHAPTER 109 THEREOF, ENTITLED “PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS” SCHEDULE OF FEES”

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of March 23rd, 2010 for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.

 

            Roll call vote for approval as follows:  Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.

           

Ordinance 2010-4 “AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE TO REQUIRE ETHICS TRAINING FOR ALL ELECTED AND APPOINTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS” (to include additional Language per Solicitors Report)

 

            Mrs. Fay moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of March 23rd, 2010 for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.

 

            Roll call vote for approval as follows:  Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.

 

Ordinance 2010-5 “ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP CODE BY REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 136 ENTITLED “TOWING OF VEHICLES”

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of March 23rd, 2010 for public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Fay.

 

            Roll call vote for approval as follows:  Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.

 

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

ORDINANCE 2010-1 “AUTHORIZING POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS TO TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEES PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40 A:10-22 ET SEQ”

 

            Mr. Brown moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Lynn.

 

            Mayor Martin opened the meeting to the public.

 

            Mrs. Katherine Burger, CFO gave a short synopsis of this ordinance to the public.

 

            Mr. Charles Deal, 5 Cobbler Court, Mr. Venti, 115 Park Court East, Mr. Randy Pace, 46 Woodthrush Trail and Mr. Chris Buoni, 20 Woodthrush Trail all commented on this ordinance.

 

             Mr. Brown moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.

 

            Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.

           

            Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.

           

RESOLUTIONS

 

Resolution 61-2010 “Authorizing Adjustment of 2010 Property Tax Block: 2401, Lot:1”

           

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

 

            Mayor Martin 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 62-2010 “Approving Request for Final Release of maintenance guarantee post office water main extension project esl-120wa”

 

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

 

            Mayor Martin 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 63-2010 “calling on the state of new jersey to enact legislation to benefit all 100% disabled veterans”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 64-2010 “authorizing execution of authorization for aerial mosquito control”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 65-2010 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A TREATMENT WORKS APPROVAL APPLICATION AND RELATED DOCUMENTS FOR THE SLUDGE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS BLOCK 303, LOT 2.02:

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 66-2010 “confirming that qualified firm has been retained by the applicant for bond counsel services”

 

Mrs. Fay moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Brown.

 

         Mayor Martin 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 67-2010 “confirming that qualified firm has been retained by the applicant for engineering sErvices”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 68-2010 “confirming that qualified firm has been retained by the applicant for legal services”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 69-2010 “authorizing application for a loan from the new jersey environmental infrastructure financing program and confirming that the township engineer is authorized to act as an authorized representative of medford township”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 70-2010 “MEMORIALIZING MOTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF EMERGENCY CONTRACT”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 71-2010 “approving 2009 appropriation reserve transfers”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.

 

         Mr. Deal and Mr. Pace both asked for an explanation of the transfer.

 

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

 

Resolution 72-2010 “Amend 2010 Temporary Budget”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.

        

         Mr. Deal, 5 Cobbler Court questioned about the Deferred School Tax.

 

         Mr. Randy Pace, 46 Woodthrust Trail, asked about the budget being posted on the web site before the meetings.

 

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

 

Resolution 73-2010 “approving volunteer members who have qualified for credit under the length of service award program (“LOSAP”) for year 2009”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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, with Mrs. Fay abstaining from the vote.

 

 

Resolution 74-2010 “Memorializing Motion Authorizing Award of Emergency Contract”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.

 

         Mr. Randy Pace, 46 Woodthrust Trail questioned what this was for.

 

         Mr. Achey advised him it was for two water main breaks one on Haynes Creek Lane and one on Bretshire Court.

 

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

 

Resolution 75-2010 “appointments to the background check appEALS board”

 

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

 

         Mayor Martin 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 76-2010 “appointing special counsel to represent the township of medford”

 

Mr. Brown moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Fay.

 

         Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.

 

         Mr. Pace asked what this was for.

 

         Mr. Hunt advised for labor negotiations for the police.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

            Mr. Lynn remarked about the great job on the last two go a rounds snow removal.  Mr. Lynn wanted to thank all employees out there performing the work.

 

            Mr. Lynn asked if a lot of trees had come down in the last storm and what is the homeowner’s responsibility or the townships.

 

            Mr. Achey advised that the responsibility is where the tree originated from.

           

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            One day liquor license for St Mary of the Lakes PTA were approved by Mr. Lynn seconded by Mr. Brown with all member in agreement.  Mrs. Fay recused herself from this approval.

 

            New Volunteers for Taunton Fire Company (Station 252) – Nicholas Brown and Glenn Whelan, Jr. were approved by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Fay with all members in agreement.

           

            PUBLIC

           

            Mr. Tom Whittle, 1 Chairville Road, had concerns in regards to the Towing Ordinance.

 

            Mr. Hunt explained that no action is taken at first reading and there is time to make comments and suggestions.

 

            Mr. Whittle wanted someone to explain the ordinance to him.

 

            Mr. Morris explained that the tower is still on 2 week list but if they do not have heavy duty tow capabilities than one will be called in.

 

            Mr. Whittle also had concerns over the ten million dollar insurance requirement.

 

            Mr. John Venti, 115 Park Court, East, felt the insurance was too high also.

           

            Mr. Michael Saduski, 4 Bear Head Road, thinks we are moving in the right direction with the Towing Ordinance.  He also has concerns with the insurance and also made remarks on page 13, Items 1, 15 and Page 18.

 

            Mr. Keith Smith, 3 Heath Grist Court, also concerned with the Towing Ordinance.

 

Mr. Buoni, 20 Woodthrush Trail, wanted to thank Mrs. Fay for recusing her self from issues and returning the check.

 

            EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

 

            Mayor Martin advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Potential Litigation.

 

Resolution 77-2010 “Authorizing Executive Session”

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Fay.

 

            The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:52 PM was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            Mayor Martin provided that action will not be taken in Executive Session.

           

ADJOURNMENT

 

            There being no further business, Mr. Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:25 P.M. seconded by Mrs. Fay with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Katherine E. Burger

Township Clerk/CFO

 

Next meeting scheduled for: March 9th, 2010