MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

May 8, 2007  7:30 P.M.

           

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

           

COUNCIL ROLL CALL

 

            Mr. David Brown                                                         Present

            Mrs. Lisa Post                                                              Present

            Mr. Walter Urban                                                         Present

            Deputy Mayor Christopher Myers                                Absent

            Mayor Scott Rudder                                                     Present

 

            PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

 

            Michael Achey, Township Manager

            Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

            Christopher Noll, Township Engineer

  

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session and Executive Session Minutes  – April 24, 2007

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of April 24, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Urban.

 

            Roll call vote for approval as follows:  Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

1.  Mayor Rudder read a proclamation setting aside the week of May 13 thru May 19, 2007 as “National Nursing Home Week”.  This proclamation recognizes the many contributions made by the citizens who now reside in our nursing homes.

 

            ENGINEER’S REPORT

 

            1.  Mr. Noll advised that the slurry seal project in Jackson Woods will be completed by May 9, 2007.  

 

            2.  He stated that the project at the fields in Bende Park will also be completed by the end of the week.

 

            3.  Mr. Noll gave an update to Council on the repairs done to the infrastructure in Medford over the past weeks.  These repairs were necessary due to the damage sustained during the recent heavy rains.  Pipes and culverts which were in need of attention have been repaired, as well as some streets that needed to be overlaid.  Some projects are still underway.   Mr. Noll received notification from the Birchwood Lakes Colony Club indicating that the water level in the lakes will begin being raised on May 15th.

 

            4.  Mr. Noll presented a sketch and explanation of the changes to be made to add left hand turning lanes to the Hartford Road and Route 70 intersection.  After all permits are in place, Mr. Noll is hopeful the project will go to bid in December.  He estimates the completion of the project to take no longer than two months.   

 

            Mrs. Post requested that the project be done during the summer months so as not to interfere with the school bus traffic.  

 

            Currently this intersection is considered a failed intersection, and while these changes will improve the intersection, it will still need further corrections to be done by the state at a future date.            

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            NONE

 

            PUBLIC

 

            NONE

             

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            ORDINANCE 2007-14 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE REPAIR,                                                                                             RECONSTRUCTION AND/OR RESTORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP SANITARY SEWER  SYSTEM DAMAGED BY FLOODS”

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of June 26, 2007 for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Urban.

 

            Roll call vote for approval as follows:   Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            ORDINANCE 2007-15 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE REPAIR,                                                                                             RECONSTRUCTION AND/OR RESTORATION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY DAMAGED BY FLOODS”

 

            Mr. Urban moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of June 26, 2007 for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Brown.

 

            Roll call vote for approval as follows:   Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

            ORDINANCE 2007-7 “AMENDING §71-22 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD ENTITLED:  FEES AND LICENSES”

 

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

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

 

            Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows:         Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            ORDINANCE 2007-9 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE COMPLETION OF VARIOUS UTILITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $3,478,658 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $3,456,267; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mrs. Post moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Urban.

 

            Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows:         Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

                                                             

            ORDINANCE 2007-10 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE COMPLETION OF VARIOUS UTILITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ACQUISITION OF VARIOUS PIECES OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT IN AND FOR  THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $2,592,715 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $2,344,329; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE  FOREGOING”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

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

 

            Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows:         Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            ORDINANCE 2007-11 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING  VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $2,245,000 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $2,245,000; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE  FOREGOING”

                       

            Mrs. Post moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr.Urban.

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mrs. Post moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Urban.

 

            Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows:         Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

            Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Mr. Urban, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

 

            RESOLUTIONS

 

            RESOLUTION 99-2007 “PLACING HLOPAK (Block 6602, Lot 1), BUNNING (Block 302, Lot 22), and SKUBICK MC COLGAN (Block 302, Lot 39.03) PROPERTIES ON MEDFORD TOWNSHIP’S OPEN SPACE PLAN AND ROSELLI FARM ON MEDFORD TOWNSHIP’S FARMLAND PRESERVATION PLAN”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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 100-2007 “APPROVING REDUCTION TO PURCHASE ORDER FOR PIERCE LADDER TRUCK AND PUMPER”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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 101-2007 “RESOLUTION AWARDING SALE OF BLOCK 715, LOT 8”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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 102-2007 “REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR ATHLETIC FIELD TURF MANAGEMENT SERVICES”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mr. Urban inquired whether this would have an impact on opening of the fields.

 

            Mr. Achey responded that it would not.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTION 103-2007 “AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY LOCAL FINANCE BOARD PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:2-7(a) AND N.J.S.A.40A:2-11(c)”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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 104-2007 “2007-2008 LENAPE REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TAX LEVY REDUCTION CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mrs. Post stated that the proposed reduction would be $350,000.

 

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

 

 

 

 

            RESOLUTION 105-2007 “APPROVE 2007 EMERGENCY TEMPORARY BUDGET”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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 106-2007 “EMERGENCY TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION”

           

 Mr. Urban moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Post.

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mayor Rudder advised that this appropriation is for emergency flood repairs.

 

            Mr. Urban questioned whether there had been any feedback from FEMA.

 

            Mr. Achey advised him that a meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.  Mr. Achey also stated that over two million dollars is still owed by FEMA for damages from the previous flood.

 

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

 

            COMMUNICATION

 

            Mayor Rudder stated that he and Mr. Achey had a meeting with the Birchwood Colony Club members regarding the recent flood issues, and there was a positive reaction regarding the mitigation of these issues.

                                   

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            1.  Raffle Permit – Shawnee Corner Club- August 23, 2007

 

              Mr. Brown moved to accept the raffle permit for the Shawnee Corner Club, seconded by Mrs. Post with all members present in agreement.

           

            PUBLIC

           

            NONE

 

            Mr. Brown moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Urban. 

 

            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 Rudder advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss legal issues. 

 

            Resolution 107-2007 “Authorizing Executive Session”

 

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

 

            The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 7:55 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

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

 

            RECONVENING OF MEETING

 

            Mayor Rudder reconvened the meeting at 8:28 P.M.

 

            He reported legal issues had been discussed in Executive Session and that no action had taken place.  The following two resolutions were discussed and will now be acted upon during the public portion of tonight’s meeting.

 

            RESOLUTION 108-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT FOR EXTENSION OF WATER LINE”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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 109-2007 “AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO COMMODITY-DEMAND REGIONAL WATER SALES AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG NEW JERSEY-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, INC., AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder 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.

 

            ADJOURNMENT

 

            There being no further business, Mayor Rudder moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:34 P.M., seconded by Mr. Brown with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for:  May 22, 2007