MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

June 12, 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                                                         Absent

            Deputy Mayor Christopher Myers                                Absent

            Mayor Scott Rudder                                                     Present

 

            PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

 

            Michael Achey, Township Manager

            Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

            Charles Walton, Engineer’s Office

  

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session and Executive Session Minutes  – May 22, 2007

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of May 22, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Post.

 

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

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            1. Gypsy Moth Program

 

            Mr. Achey reported on the gypsy moth problem which is affecting the whole state this year.  The gypsy moth program started in 1985.  Medford didn’t qualify for the spraying program in 2004 & 2005.  Mr. Achey explained that an aerial search is done to see the extent of the defoliation of the trees.  Once it has been determined the areas that have suffered severe defoliation, the state sends a ground crew to count the number of egg masses.  They determine, by the number of egg masses within a 40 acre block, if that area is qualified to be sprayed.  Numerous areas of Medford were affected this year, and some of these areas received two aerial sprayings.  If surrounding municipalities have chosen not to spray, then this

 

makes the infestation difficult to control.  The township has to pay its fair share cost per acre for the areas which received aerial spraying.  This program is totally under the control of the state.

 

            The Department of Environmental Protection forbade the use of dimilin and resorted to using B/T,  Bailus thuringiensis, which appears to be less effective but more environmentally friendly.  Sevin and dimilin can be used by homeowners, if sprayed from the ground.  Medford Township had a meeting in April to explain this to the residents, but there were few residents who attended.  

 

            2. County Wide Interface Fire Exercise

 

Mr. Achey announced that Medford is hosting the county wide urban interface fire exercise.  This is a training exercise and is a joint venture with the Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Fire Service and various local Fire Departments.

 

3. Mr. Achey announced that the unveiling of the permanent monument at the Viet Nam Wall in Freedom Park will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M.

 

4.  Bill List

 

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

 

            NONE

                       

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            NONE

 

            PUBLIC

 

            Elaine Pinchuk, 22 Olde Mill Run, expressed her concern with the traffic situation at the WAWA at Taunton and Tuckerton Roads.  She feels this is a serious situation that should be handled pro-actively due to the numerous accidents that have occurred at that site.  She had spoken to the Police Department, but was advised that this is a county road.  She requests that the township put pressure on the county to look into this dangerous intersection.

 

            Mayor Rudder has agreed to have the Public Safety Director, Steven Addezio look into the situation.

 

            Mrs. Pinchuk also has some concerns with the Hartford Road and Route 70 intersection and the traffic back-ups at the light.  She stated that she sometimes has to wait through four or five light changes to get through the intersection.

 

            Mrs. Post and Mr. Achey advised her of the plans which are almost completed which will add left turn lanes to this intersection, thus helping to alleviate the congestion.  Mrs. Post told her that Medford is the first municipality in New Jersey to spend township funds on a state road.  Since there is a twenty year waiting list with the state for road project like this, Medford has agreed to move forward to help rectify the problem.

 

            Gypsy Moth Problems

 

            1.  Robert Shomo, 566 McKendimen Road, stated his extreme displeasure due to the gypsy moth infestation and the devastation that they have caused to his property. He questioned how the different areas were chosen to be sprayed.   He stated that he would have liked to have been made aware of his options for controlling the gypsy moth before the damage became this extensive.

 

            Mr. Achey advised him that there was a public hearing held by the township on the gypsy moth issue, but very few residents attended .

 

            Mayor Rudder stressed that the chemical used for the spraying was ineffective.  Medford is reaching out to other communities, contractors and the state to see what can be done to prevent this in the future. 

 

            2.  Dean Jablon, 569 McKendimen Road, also stated he has had extensive damage to his property, and wished he had known of the option to have spraying done on his own.

           

            Mayor Rudder advised these residents that all measures will be taken to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.  Petitions will be distributed to send to the Department of Environmental Protection to petition for an aerial spray that is more effective than B/T.  Efforts will also be made to work with surrounding township for a more effective program. Residents will be supplied with information on what steps they can take on their own such as ground spraying and taping the trees.

 

            Recreational Issues

 

            3.  Charles Markelwith, 40 Christopher Mill Road, spoke on behalf of some concerned parents regarding problems with some of the officials and coaches of MYAA and their method of choosing the teams.  He feels the children are being damaged by these actions and has requested a committee to oversee this situation.

 

 

 

 

 

            4.  Andrew Paetow, 35 Woodthrush Trail, would like to see more governing over the program.  He stated the programs are for the benefit of the children, and he feels they are the ones whose emotions are getting hurt. 

 

            5.  Brant Charles, 83 Tallowood Drive, stated the trend is going away from developing and teaching the children.  He feels too much emphasis and stress is put on winning championships.  He wants to see the young children have fun, and learn to enjoy and love the sport.

 

            Mr. Charles feels there are no guidelines to be followed, and no one to turn to if there is a problem with an official.

 

            Councilman Brown spoke of his twenty-three years on the Recreation Board and the dedication of many people who have been on the Board.

 

            Mayor Rudder agreed to meet for a discussion about some of the problems with  the sport’s program after tonight’s meeting is adjourned.

 

            6.  Eric Freeland, 1 Strafford Court, and Stephen and Sue Verso, 4 New Kent Court, in Headwater Village also expressed concerns regarding gypsy moth.  Mr. Freeland stated he had his property sprayed privately at a considerable expense. 

 

            Mr. Achey said Headwater Village had been sprayed for gypsy moth.

 

            Mr. Verso wanted to know how it could be proven that Headwater was sprayed and what can be done for next year.

 

            Mr. Achey said the man in the fire tower saw the spraying take place.  Mr. Achey said the effect of the spraying was spotty.

 

            Mayor Rudder explained that the state program wasn’t successful due to the chemical used.  A campaign will be instigated to prevent this from happening again. A petition will be distributed for signatures and support is needed from the residents.            Information will also be sent to all homeowners.

 

            7.  Sue Henna, Shawnee Country, questioned if anything can be done for the caterpillars once they become moths and before they lay eggs. 

 

            Mr. Achey said there are traps to be put on the ground, but these are hard to find.

 

            8.  Raymond Reeve, 15 Tin House Road, said that the gypsy moth issue is a state wide problem, and he suggested putting the issue on the agenda during the League of Municipalities.

 

 

 

A two minute break was held at this time. (8:45 P.M.)

 

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

ORDINANCE 2007-16 “ORDINANCE REVISING AMENDED SMART GROWTH REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ADOPTING AS A SUBSTITUTE THE “2007 ROUTE 70 SMART GROWTH REDEVELOPMENT PLAN “FOR MEDFORD CROSSING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT”

           

            Mrs. Post moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of July 24, 2007, for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Brown.

 

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

 

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

            NONE

 

            RESOLUTIONS

 

            RESOLUTION 118A-2007 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CHEMICAL C & G”

           

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 119-2007 “AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR STATE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUNDS UNDER THE MNUNICIPAL AID PROGRAM FOR LOCAL BIKEWAYS PROGRAM FOR A BIKE PATH AND BRIDGE ALONG JACKSON ROAD”

           

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 120-2007 “AMENDING RESOLUTION 113-2006 AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE MEDFORD TOWNSHIP LAND PRESERVATION TRUST FUND FOR THE HISTORIC DR. JAMES STILL PARCEL”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            Mayor Rudder thanked Mrs. Post for spearheading this effort.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTION 121-2007 “APPROVING RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES 2007-2008”

           

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 122-2007 “APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #1 FINAL, FOR 2006 ROAD PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT’

 

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 123-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT”

 

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.

 

            Mr. Matt Riley conveyed his thanks to Council for awarding the Affordable Housing agreement to MEND, and stated they will work closely with the staff on this project.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTION 124-2007 “APPROVE 2007 EMERGENCY TEMPORARY BUDGET”

 

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 125-2007 “AMENDING CONTRACT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR RICHARD J. NOCELLA, ESQUIRE”

 

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.

 

            COMMUNICATION

 

            Mrs. Post reminded the public and Council of the dedication of the Moving Wall Monument to be held Thursday in Freedom Park.  Mrs. Post stated it is a very moving memorial.

 

 

 

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            Mayor Rudder stated the English Setter Club of America is celebrating its 100th Year Anniversary on Saturday.

           

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            Union Fire Company (Station 251)

 

            1.  Volunteer Firefighter – Kyle Smith

 

            Mrs. Post moved to accept the above application for volunteer firefighter, seconded by Mr. Brown with all Council in agreement.

 

            One Day Social Affair Permit for June 23, 2007

 

            2.  The English Setter Club of America

           

            Mr. Brown moved to accept the above application for Social Affair Permit, seconded by Mrs. Post with all Council in agreement.

 

            PUBLIC

                       

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

 

            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 litigation and legal issues. 

 

            Resolution 126-2007 “Authorizing Executive Session”

 

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

 

            The motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:00 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 9:17 P.M.

 

            He reported legal 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 9:19 P.M., seconded by Mrs. Post with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for: June 26, 2007