MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

June 26, 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                                Present

            Mayor Scott Rudder                                                     Present

 

            PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

 

            Michael Achey, Township Manager

            Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

            Christopher Noll, Township Engineer

           

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session and Executive Minutes – June 12, 2007

 

            Mrs. Post moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of June 12, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Brown.

 

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

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

            Relay for Life

 

      1.   Mr. Achey commented on the successful “Relay for Life” that was hosted at Freedom Park.  Close to $280,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society.

The committee would like to host the relay at Freedom Park in future years.

 

            Mayor Rudder complimented Mrs. Lisa Post, Mike Achey, George Snyder and their staff for all the assistance they gave to make this relay such a great success.

 

 

 

 

            Delineating Public Parking Areas

 

            Mr. Achey discussed delineating public parking areas in the township by signage and arrows.  This was suggested by the Rutgers’s Study Team.

 

            Mrs. Post doesn’t object to changing signage, but she stated her concern with the numerous signs in the village.  She questioned whether several signs could be grouped together so fewer poles would be necessary.

 

            Mr. Achey agreed to look into her suggestion.

 

            Mr. Urban asked how the threat of ticks at this time of year could be addressed with the public.  He questioned what pro-active measures could be taken to reduce this risk.

 

            Mr. Achey advised him that the athletic fields have been treated by spraying, but the passive recreational areas have not been treated.  Mr. Achey said that if a lot of ticks are found to be in these areas, then this will have to be addressed.  The township will reach out to Evesham Township to help coordinate an effort if that should be necessary.

 

            A notice will be put on the WEB to advise residents to be on the look-out for ticks.

 

2.    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

 

            NONE

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            NONE

 

            PUBLIC

 

            Marilyn Charles, 83 Tallowood Drive, expressed her concern regarding the MYAA and its leadership.  She stated that she went to the Recreational Advisory Board, but didn’t receive any satisfaction.  She would like an over-site committee established.  

           

            Councilman Brown noted that he is working with the solicitor and a meeting has been scheduled for July 5th at Cranberry Hall at 4:00 P.M. to further review the issues.

 

            Mr. Myers stated that Council does not have the legal authority over private groups, but could enter into a discussion with them.  Mr. Hunt, Township Attorney, confirmed that the Council does not have the authority to have an over-site committee to critique coaching decisions and other issues.  Mr. Hunt stated that the Recreation Department and MYAA are currently working on a Sportsmanship Policy which might have some application in this area.

           

            Mrs. Post stated she has gone through the MYAA program and has not always agreed with all the issues, but her child has grown through these decisions. Mrs. Post said that a child should never be held responsible for what may be happening with the administration.

 

            Mayor Rudder suggested meeting later in the evening and discussing these issues a little further.  He was of the opinion that these issues had been resolved after the last meeting and expressed that there may be a lack of communication.

 

            Brant Charles, 83 Tallowood Drive, stated that the problem is not about the coaches, but that there is no accountability with the MYAA and the Board of Commissioners.  He feels this is affecting the children who are in the program.

 

            Mr. Myers felt if a number of parents were unhappy, they should all go to a MYAA Board meeting and ask to have things corrected. 

 

            Mrs. Post said a child should never be negatively affected and held responsible for these issues.

 

            Joe Haimerl, 4 Everett Drive, said that he had sent two e-mail complaints to the MYAA vice-president, but had received no response.

                                     

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            ORDINANCE 2007-17 “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD AMENDING SECTION 604 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS STRUCTURES FOR THE DISABLED”             

 

            Mr. Myers moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of

July 24, 2007, for public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Post.

 

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

 

            Mayor Rudder commended Mr. Achey for his quick response to a complaint regarding the construction of a ramp for a disabled resident.

 

            ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

ORDINANCE 2007-14 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE REPAIR, RECONSTRUCTION AND/OR RESTORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM DAMAGED BY FLOODS IN TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATIONG THE SUM OF $500,000 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 $500,000; 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. Brown.

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

             Mr. Myers 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, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

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

           

ORDINANCE 2007-15 “BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE REPAIR, RECONSTRUCTION AND/OR RESTORATION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY DAMAGED BY FLOODS IN TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATIONG THE SUM OF $4,200,000 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 $4,200,000; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING”

 

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

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

 

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

           

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

           

            RESOLUTIONS

 

            RESOLUTION 117A-2007 “TO AMEND THE 2007 BUDGET”

           

 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 118-2007 “TO ADOPT THE 2007 BUDGET”

           

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mayor Rudder announced that there was no increase in the municipal tax rate for 2007.

 

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

 

            RESOLUTION 127-2007 “RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF UP TO $2,245,000 OF BONDS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD CONSISTING OF THE TOWNSHIP’S GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007A, AND THE TOWNSHIP’S GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007B; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE LOAN AGREEMENTS TO BE EXECUTED BY THE TOWNSHIP AND EACH OF THE NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN ESCROW AGREEMENT, ALL PURSUANT TO THE 2007 NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST FINANCING PROGRAM; AND DETERMINING CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH”

           

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

 

            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 128-2007 “RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, IN THE COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF SPECIAL EMERGENCY NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $280,000; MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS TO EFFECT AND MAINTAIN THE EXEMPTION OF INTEREST ON SAID NOTES FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION; AND AUTHORIZING SUCH FURTHER ACTIONS AND MAKING SUCH DETERMINATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO EFFECTUATE THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE NOTES”

           

 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 129-2007 “EXTENDING GRACE PERIOD FOR PAYMENT OF THIRD QUARTER 2007 TAXES”

           

 Mr. Myers 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 130-2007 “RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS FOR TURF MANAGEMENT SERVICES”

           

 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 131-2007 “RESOLUTION FOR RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE BURLINGTON COUNTY MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND”

           

 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 132-2007 “AUTHORIZING STATE CONTRACT PURCHASES”

           

 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 133-2007 “RESOLUTION REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A DEDICATED TRUST BY RIDER FOR “HOUSING GROWTH SHARE”, PURSUANT TO N.J.A.C. 5:94-1, ET SEQ”

           

 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.

 

            COMMUNICATION

 

            Mrs. Post complimented the Medford staff and all the volunteers for their hard work in making the “Relay for Life” such a successful event.  A great time was had by all who were involved.

 

            Mr. Brown advised Council that he and Mr. Achey are working on a plan for Gypsy Moth control and are looking into the best methods of dealing with this issue. Mr. Brown is inviting Council and the public for their input.  He hopes to meet with different governmental agencies which may have information to share with the public on what can be done to handle this problem in the future. 

 

            An informational news letter on gypsy moth was sent to the township residents, and hopefully that news letter answered some of the questions and concerns of the residents regarding the gypsy moth situation.  

           

            Mr. Urban thanked the residents who came before Council tonight with their concerns. 

 

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            TAUNTON FIRE COMPANY (STATION 252)

 

            1.  Josue Bovit – Volunteer Firefighter

 

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

and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            PUBLIC

 

            Lora Webster, advised Council of a rash she had gotten from her contact with the gypsy moth and wanted to inform the public of this concern.

           

            Mr. Myers 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.

 

            RECESS        

 

            Mayor Rudder called for a fifteen minute recess to meet with residents to discuss the issues of the MYAA.

                       

            EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

 

            Mayor Rudder advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss litigation and land acquisition. 

 

            Resolution 134-2007 “Authorizing Executive Session”

 

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

 

            The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:35 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 9:12 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, Mrs. Post moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:14 P.M., seconded by Mr. Urban with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for: July 24, 2007