MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

April 8, 2008  7:30 P.M.

  

The Medford Township Council Meeting of the above date was convened by Mayor Myers, 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. Robert Martin                                                        Present

            Mrs. Mary Ann O’Brien                                               Present

            Deputy Mayor David Brown                                         Present

            Mayor Christopher Myers                                            Present

 

            PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

 

            Michael Achey, Township Manager

            Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

            Christopher Noll, Township Engineer

           

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session and Executive Session Minutes of March 25, 2008

 

            Deputy Mayor Brown moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of March 25, 2008.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Martin.

 

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

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

1.   Announcement of Change of Command in Police Department

 

      Director of Public Safety, Steven Addezio was pleased to announce the selection of Captain Anthony Canale to replace retiring Police Chief James Kehoe.  Chief Kehoe will be retiring on June 30, 2008.  Mr. Addezio listed all the accomplishments and credentials of Captain Canale.  Mr. Addezio stated that Captain Canale has been a law enforcement officer for twenty-eight years, is a lifelong resident of Medford and a very qualified candidate who has worked his way up through the ranks of the Police Department.       

 

     

 

      Mayor Myers thanked Mr. Addezio and Township Manager Michael Achey for the prompt response in selecting a new Chief.  Mayor Myers extended his congratulations to Captain Canale.  He stated he believes that Captain Canale will follows in the tradition of the previous Police Chiefs and the great Police Department they direct.

 

2.  Resolution 101-2008 Adopting 2008 Budget    

 

      Mr. Achey has requested that Resolution 101-2008 for adoption of the 2008 Budget have the Public Hearing tonight, but that adoption of the budget be tabled to a later date.  Since the State of New Jersey has not determined the amount of funding to be received by the township, the budget process cannot be completed.

 

3.  Mass Honoring Police Officers

 

      Mr. Achey advised Council of a “Blue Mass” to be held at St. Mary of the Lakes Church on May 4, 2008 to honor all Police Officers, Fire Officials and the EMS.  

 

3.  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

 

            1.  Application for Sidewalk Grant

 

            Mr. Noll stated Resolution 93-2008 authorizes application for a grant for sidewalk improvements along Chairville Road from Branin to Branch Street.  This sidewalk would connect the Chairville School property to the village.  

           

            2.  Sewer Line

 

            Mr. Noll said a sewer line to the upstream pumping station is being relined and should be completed in about a month.

 

            3.  Water Main

 

            Near Route 541, the New Jersey American Water Company is installing a water main down Brace Road, west on Church Road to Hartford Road.

 

            Mayor Myers questioned if the Police were present at this site and Mr. Noll responded in the affirmative.

 

            4.  Ingerman Project

 

            At Medford Crossing South, the Ingerman Group is beginning the construction of   water, sewer and other infrastructure projects.                                     

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            Mr. Hunt has requested that Ordinance 2008-13 be carried to the next meeting so some minor issues of the EMS can be streamlined.

 

            Council was in agreement to carry.

 

            Mayor Myers requested Mr. Hunt to look at the ordinances to see if there are any that can be streamlined and made more user friendly.  The Mayor is particularly interested in those ordinances that pertain to businesses in the township.  Mr. Hunt agreed to look into this suggestion.

 

            PUBLIC

 

            Matthew Bell, 10 Nelson Drive, expressed his concern regarding some developments at the Arrowhead Tennis Club at 6 Nelson Drive.  He is questioning  whether the proper permits have been applied for from the various agencies for this project.  Mr. Bell stated that approximately one acre of trees had been cleared from the site.  Mr. Bell has consulted with the Pinelands, and it appears that there could be an issue with the Pinelands as well as one regarding the wetlands.

 

            Mr. Noll has spoken with the owner and a stop work order was issued and the work has stopped. 

 

            Mayor Myers advised Mr. Bell to contact the township manager, if he has concerns that have not been addressed.  These issues can then be referred to the township engineer.

 

            Mr. Bell stated that the owner has made positive improvements to the property, such as painting and signage.  He is pleased with these improvements and wants to see the club remain a viable business.

 

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            ORDINANCE 2008-15 “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 Brown moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of May 13, 2008, for public hearing, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.

 

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

 

            ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

ORDINANCE 2008-12 “CALENDAR YEAR 2008 MODEL ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14)”

 

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

 

            Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

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

 

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

           

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

           

            ORDINANCE 2008-13 “AMENDING CHAPTER 75 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD ENTITLED “FIRE PREVENTION”,  AND CHAPTER 71 ENTITLED “FEES AND LICENSES”

 

            Mr. Martin moved to carry the ordinance for further review, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTIONS

 

            RESOLUTION 92-2008 “APPROVING REQUEST FOR FINAL RELEASE OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE, DAVID HERMAN (STOKES ROAD LLC)

SPR-5558”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 93-2008 “AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR STATE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUNDS UNDER THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS PROGRAM FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO CHAIRVILLE ROAD FROM BRANCH STREET TO BRANIN ROAD”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mayor Myers commended Mr. Addezio and Mr. Noll for obtaining various grants for the Township.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTION 94-2008 “APPROVING REQUEST FOR FINAL RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE, EAGLE AUTO BODY, SPR-5528F”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 95-2008 “AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 96-2008 “GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, O.E.M. AND THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY AND FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION”  (Wildlife Mitigation Assistance)

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 97-2008 “ENDORSING FINDINGS OF PLANNING BOARD ATTORNEY”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 98-2008 “AUTHORIZING PERSON TO PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE FROM “H & K INVESTMENT HOLDINGS L.L.C.” T/A BRADDOCK’S TAVERN, TO “TBR, L.L.C.”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 99-2008 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WITH MEDFORD TOWNSHIP SUPERIOR OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION”

 

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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 100-2008 “A RESOLUTION TO READ THE MEDFORD TOWNSHIP 2008 YEAR MUNICIPAL BUDGET BY TITLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.S.A. 40A:4-8”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers advised that the Public Hearing for the budget will be held tonight. The budget will not be adopted until further notice from the State on the amount of funds which will be received by the township.

 

            Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            Charles Deal, 5 Cobbler Court, discussed the problems the State of New Jersey is having with the budget, and he feels the budget problems start on the local level.  Mr. Deal has reviewed the budget and expressed his concern regarding the amount of overtime being paid to the police and public safety department employees.

 

            Mayor Myers stated that the township has taken an aggressive look at the budget and the attempt to hold expenses.  Several areas of savings include the new process of mulching leaves and the use of Shared Services. The township is being compensated by Medford Lakes for the EMS services provided to them.  Mayor Myers said that public safety is an important issue and one area in which he will not compromise.  He stated the residents of Medford are fortunate to have such quick response from the EMS and police department during emergencies.

 

            Mr. Deal expressed concerns with the pension plan in New Jersey.  He was assured by Mr. Addezio that overtime received by employees does not apply to their pensions.  He said strict attention is paid to the usage of sick time and any abuses that may occur in that area.  Mr. Addezio said that regular use of sick time in Medford is minimal.

           

            Mayor Myers reiterated that funding to the Abbott School Districts is the main driver of high taxes in New Jersey.  He stated that this forces a financial burden on the rest of the districts in the state whose aid has been drastically cut.

 

            Deputy Mayor Brown stated that he and Mr. Martin worked hard on the budget to keep it as cost effective as possible.

 

            Mr. Nehilla, Township Auditor, said he hopes to hear from the state sometime in May about the funds to be received.

           

            The motion to read the budget by title only was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            RESOLUTION 101-2008 “APPROVING THE 2008 BUDGET”

           

 Mr. Martin moved to table the resolution for approval of the budget until further word from the State, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTION 102-2008 “APPROVING 2008 EMERGENCY TEMPORARY BUDGET”

           

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

 

            Mayor Myers 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

 

            NONE

           

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

1.   (3) Raffle Permit Applications - Southampton Township Recreation Association,

May 17th, 2008 at Flying W., Fostertown Road, Medford, NJ

 

Deputy Mayor Brown moved for approval of the raffle permits listed above, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien with all members in agreement.

 

2.   Raffle Permit – Women’s Club of Medford, June 5, 2008 at Tarantalla’s Restaurant

 

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the raffle permit listed above, seconded by Mr. Martin with all members in agreement.

 

            PUBLIC

           

            NONE

             

            Mr. Martin moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien. 

 

            The motion to close the public portion of meeting at 8:15 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

 

            Mayor Myers advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss legal issues and potential litigation. 

 

            RESOLUTION  103-2008 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION”

 

            Land Acquisition

            Medford Village East

            Potential Litigation

 

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the amended resolution to add potential litigation, seconded by Mr. Martin.

 

            The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:15 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

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

 

            RECONVENING OF MEETING

 

            Mayor Myers reconvened the meeting at 9:20 P.M.

 

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

 

           

           

            ADJOURNMENT

 

            There being no further business, Deputy Mayor Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:22 P.M., seconded by Mr. Martin with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for: April 22, 2008