COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 12, 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 Present
Mayor Robert Martin Present
PROFESSIONALS PRESENT
Stephen
Addezio,
Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor
Christopher Noll, Township Engineer
MINUTES
Public
Session and Executive Minutes - September 28, 2010
Mr. Brown moved for approval of the Public Session Minutes and Executive Session of September 28, 2010. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn.
The motion was affirmatively approved by all Council present.
MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Addezio presented the bill list for payment.
Mr. Addezio 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.
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for approval the bill list, seconded by Mr. Brown.
The motion was affirmatively approved by all Council present.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mr. Noll commented Resolution 222-2010 is required state paperwork for the
upgrade of a sewer section on
Mr. Noll stated Resolution 224-2010
is to award a contract for the
Deputy Mayor Myers asked when the project is anticipated to start?
Mr. Noll stated probably in November. He also stated there will be signs posted and the schools will be notified.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
Mr. Hunt stated Resolution 223-2010 authorizes a PPA for Medford Solar Project Phase II. Mr. Hunt explained this phase offers power at a reduced rate, a fifteen year agreement with an estimated savings of $1,300,000 over the term of the
agreement. Provides power at a cost of eight cents per kilowatt hour versus the
thirteen cents charged by PSE & G.
Mr. Hunt mentioned the recent decision of the Appellate Division on October 8, 2010 with regards to the Third Round COAH Rules. The town challenged this as other towns did to the fair growth methodology and was pleased to tell Council the Appellate Division ruled in the town’s favor.
PUBLIC
Laura Saunders, 178 Taunton Boulevard, wished to speak briefly and respectfully in regards to the sewer and water rate increases.
Ms. Saunders asked Deputy Mayor Myers about the Reserve Ordinance.
Deputy Mayor Myers stated it is being worked on. Deputy Mayor Myers
commented that currently when there is a sewer issue and the roads are affected the money comes out of our general fund and that is no longer going to occur. The funds will be pulled out of the reserve.
Ms. Saunders stated she had spoken to many on Council, and was able to express her clear intention was to protect the funds collected.
Mrs. Fay commented that she would support Deputy Mayor Myers on the proposed ordinance. Mrs. Fay suggested to Mr. Hunt that maybe Council could have input on the ordinance from Ms. Saunders.
Randy Pace, 46 Woodthrush Trail,
stated he no longer has confidence in the ability of this governing body to
represent the best interest of
Mr. Pace commented that Council conducted a public meeting on August 24, 2010 in which a number of ordinance and resolutions were presented to the public for notification, comment and Council approval. Council then adjourned to Executive session; came out of this session and four resolutions were passed after the Executive Session that are all of public interest. What was it about these resolutions that this Council did not want the public to know or hear
public opinion. According to the Open Public Meetings Act disclosure of the purpose of Executive Session should include more than contract negotiations. The whole purpose behind an open public meeting is so that the people sitting in this room not behind that counter, that bench, have the opportunity to ask questions about what it is exactly that we are doing. He stated he found this inexcusable.
Mr. Pace read from the Township Solicitor’s contract, paragraph one I. Asked Mr. Hunt if it is normal and/or legal for a township to enter into a lease agreement
with a private party and agree to pay the taxes for that property while being used by another private organization.
Mr. Hunt commented on the allegation made by Mr. Pace of the Open Public
Meetings Act. There was a resolution on the agenda which specified discussion
topics. At the time of going into Executive Session it was indicated that action may or may not be taken. Know one from the public was directed that they had to leave and would not be able to attend the public session if action was taken. Council was in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Mr. Hunt stated that he assumes Mr.
Pace is speaking about the BCT lease with his second question. The lease was researched by Doug Heinold, who
was at the firm of Parker McCay at the time, and it is legal to do a lease that
way. This was not done without
deliberate research. Mr. Hunt stated
that
Mr. Pace asked Mr. Hunt, then your response is yes; that it is legal to pay the taxes on that building.
Mr. Hunt replied that the BCT lease is a legal lease.
Mr. Pace commented on the Open Public Meetings Act. He stated the disclosure of the purpose of Executive Session should include more than the statement contract litigation. Mr. Pace stated he had a copy of the Executive Session Minutes and Agenda for August 24, 2010. He stated know where were these resolutions listed. He also stated, if you are going to pass a resolution, include all the items on the agenda and don’t wait until everyone leaves to pass the resolutions.
Mr. Hunt stated that the minutes of that meeting were adopted promptly thereafter.
Mr. Pace asked Mr. Hunt if it is a
violation of
Mr. Hunt stated he is not going to get involved in hypothetical discussions because he does not have an email.
Mr. Pace then asked if it is a violation to award a professional contract without public bid.
Chris Buoni, 20 Woodthrush Trail East, handed Council a letter and asked to have one signed to confirm receipt of same. The letter concerned some inaccuracies of the approved minutes of the August 24th meeting. He asked that the minutes be corrected immediately to reflect what he stated about fraud. Mr. Buoni stated his belief was that there was a distinct possibility that he was being bated into making a statement that could be used against him in a strategic lawsuit against public participation or a slap lawsuit.
Mr. Hunt commented that the meeting minutes were reviewed and approved by Council. Mr. Hunt commented, the allegation that the Clerk and her office would get involved in tailoring the minutes for a strategic lawsuit and not sure what Mr. Buoni is talking about and that this is an outrageous allegation. Stated the Clerk’s Office does the minutes to the best of their ability and in good faith. Everything on the recording does not have to be in the minutes.
Mr. Buoni was not accusing Parker McCay of fraud but simply questioning some of the billing received. Questioning if the Township is being billed twice for routine questions under the retainer and then subsequently being billed under other bills.
Mr. Buoni asked why the Township did not bid the health insurance and again did not discuss in public.
Mr. Buoni also brought up the
renewal of the
Deputy Mayor Myers commented that on July 31, 2010 Council went into Executive Session, stated action may or may not be taken and then Council came out and passed resolutions.
Mr. Buoni commented that as his lawsuit indicates on May 11th, Council went into Executive Session, made no mention of appointing special counsel due to a conflict of interest for Parker McCay, came out of Executive Session and passed a resolution to appoint special counsel.
Mr. Hunt interjected and stated to Council that Mr. Buoni continues to argue his frivolous lawsuit which was in accordance with the Open Publics Meeting Act. He also commented that he didn’t think Council has to entertain bating accusations and attempted legal argument from Mr. Buoni.
Mr. Buoni commented what a shame it would be if a lawsuit with the prestige and the size of Parker McCay were to lose to a pro se attorney. This would probably indicate to the public the extent of transgression that took place and the obvious nature that the rules have not been followed the way that they should be. Mr. Buoni said he is not looking for vengeance or to hurt anyone. All we as citizens are looking for is to know that our government is doing things the right way.
Mrs. Fay asked Mr. Hunt for clarification, before Council goes into an Executive Session. She knows that Mayor Martin said the public is welcome to come back after an Executive Session to hear if there are any resolutions Council may or may not be passing. She suggested maybe in the future, unless it is attorney client privilege, if Council could let the public know if it is insurance or trash instead of what is written on the resolution such as litigation or negotiation.
Mr. Hunt explained that is why the statement is made that action may or may not be taken.
Mr. Buoni understands that we did reach an agreement with the Burlington County Courts because the Township was sued by Mr. Paff, the head of the Libertarian Party because the Township was not providing adequate public information about what was going on in these Executive Sessions. Mr. Buoni then stated that we agreed per order of the court to describe better detail of what was going on in these sessions. Mr. Buoni asked if this was true. Mr. Hunt was unable to give a response to the question as Mr. Buoni, Mr. Hunt, and Deputy Mayor Myers were all speaking.
Christine Balentine, 5 LaRue Lane, stated that every meeting MVEA Litigation is
on the agenda for Executive Session. She asked if there is still litigation.
Mr. Hunt responded that litigation is still pending and relates to the Medford Crossing Project. The Township has designated a redeveloper and updates are still received. The Township is out of the bankruptcy. The litigation is with Mr. Samost entities, the Township and the Planning Board.
Mrs. Balentine read in an article that if Medford Crossing is built the Township
will realize one hundred and forty four COAH credits.
Mr. Hunt commented that there is a commercial, residential and non residential
component of this project.
Marlene Lieber, 2 LaRue Lane, stated it seems that the public should have more input from the people in town before the decisions are presented. She gave an example of the dispatchers and trash. Mrs. Lieber asked where the discussion has been on the Township going to private trash collection. She doesn’t feel that decisions like this can be made without having open meetings and should not be decided in Executive Session.
Mrs. Lieber stated she feels Medford Crossing is going to be a net drain on the Township. She also commented that one and a half children per home is what the State figures at $14,000 to educate a child, the Township is never going to get that back in taxes, and who knows if the commercial is ever going to be built.
Mrs. Fay made a comment that this goes back to the resolutions in Executive Session and asked how Council makes the public aware of the resolutions.
Mr. Hunt commented that the trash issue was never presented for any type of resolution that would be on the agenda. The Council makes decisions at the recommendation of the Manager and staff that do not necessarily get to the situation where a resolution is pending. It is Council’s job to make the decisions of these recommendations. As for the trash, the decision was made to not go forward with this and the door was left open and that was discussed with the Manager and staff.
Mrs. Fay commented that she spoke with Mr. Addezio a few days ago and unfortunately she would have liked to have done more research. She will be meeting with the company and will be researching further and will report back to Mr. Addezio and Council.
Mr. Hunt responded that he was asked about public input into a matter that had not gotten to a point where any formal action had been proposed. There are a lot of decisions that are made before any type of action is proposed or decision not to take action and that is part of the hard job of being on Council.
Deputy Mayor Myers commented that he is a numbers guy and the numbers as
presented did not save us money and this did not get to a resolution.
Deputy Mayor Myers also commented in reference to Medford Crossings that he does not want to see anything built there but because of the redevelopment zone the Township is actually going to make money. It is going to be a net gain in terms of a payment in form of a payment in lieu of taxes.
Mr. Hunt explained that the redevelopment allows the town to get far more revenue then it could under normal taxes. If there is a preliminary agreement with a redeveloper that would be here for approval of a resolution and the details would be explained.
Deputy Mayor Myers wanted to make sure that Mrs. Lieber and the people here understand that this has been going on for about twenty years. It was an inappropriate lawsuit, an inappropriate use of the approval that was forced by the court in Deputy Mayor Myers opinion and by using this redevelopment zone the town is going to make additional money from a bad situation that was caused twenty years ago. By the redevelopment plan we’re able to get out of the situation, get a developer in there that will actually make money for the town, and have a much better plan than the one proposed by Mr. Samost.
Mr. Hunt commented that Deputy Mayor Myers description was accurate. If any action is taken it would be taken by Council in a public meeting. He also explained specifics could not be discussed because the Township is not at the point to have a memorandum of understanding before Council.
Laurence Dellolio,
Mayor Martin stopped Mr. Dellolio stating that this was an agenda item and he could ask his questions at that time.
Dennis Kildea, 14 Stonehenge Drive, was here before and asked Council to review the “Pay to Play”Ethics Ordinance of Cherry Hill.
Mrs. Fay stated she did go online and get the ordinance but has not had a chance to research it has she has been researching a multitude of other items. She asked if Mr. Kildea could give her a little time she will review and discuss with him.
Mr. Kildea agreed and asked if anyone else on Council was able to review.
Mr. Hunt stated the ordinance was looked at and he memo was done on September 20th to Council that Governor Christie is on record that he is going to propose legislation for ethics. Council wants to see what the Governor does. Also stated if there is a state law it will supersede any local law.
Mr. Kildea stated there currently is a state law that is not very good and he will wait another thirty days. He also stated that it doesn’t hurt for this Township to take the initiative to pass their own.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
NONE
ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE
2010-29 “AMENDING ORDINANCE 2014-14; VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODE OF THE
Mr. Lynn moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting to the public.
There was no public comment.
Deputy Mayor Myers moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn,
aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
ORDINANCE
2010-30 “AMENDING § 5-79 OF THE CODE OF THE
Mr. Brown moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting to the public.
Chief Canale read a statement that is attached at the end of these minutes.
Fred Knouse, 239 Church Road, stated that with everything he has read, seen and heard he found it difficult to believe Council is about to do this. He commented that the rank and file have given concessions in an attempt to keep things status quo.
Mr. Knouse also stated that in reading the Courier Post there are places to cut; the Chief doesn’t need another raise, has a car to drive, has another job, and the Township purchased a warehouse for millions that really wasn’t worth millions of dollars.
Deputy Mayor Myers asked Mr. Knouse what warehouse.
Mr. Knouse
stated on
Deputy Mayor Myers stated the analysis was done and we saved money from the amount of building that was refurbished. The building was refurbished and put up to standards for fire codes and standards and did for less than commercial prospective.
As an outsider, Mr. Knouse stated what we are saving and what we are giving up don’t equate.
Kim Cochran, Medford Township Communications Officer, there has been a lot of discussion about how much the Township will save by cutting this service. The paper has reported $600,000, the dispatchers have been told $300,000 and they figure the savings will be $400,000.
Ms. Cochran stated there has been almost a zero tax increase in the past several years and the tax burden has come mostly from the county, schools both local and regional. The decision to not raise taxes has left the Township in a terrible predicament. Expenses are up, revenue is down and services have declined as was evident with the December snowstorm, leaf and brush removal. She stated that outsourcing clearly fell short of our residents expectations and the dispatchers took the brunt of those complaints.
Contractors do not have the same element of ownership, pride and or sense of responsibility that the employees have.
Ms. Cochran
stated when the resolution was tabled because Council indicated that more research that she invited Council to
come to the dispatch center and meet with her.
She is aware of one Council member visiting local dispatch in the last
month. She hoped that Mrs. Fay related
the experience of the delay from Central Fire Desk when one of
Mrs. Fay said she was there.
Ms. Cochran stated the Kimble Consolidation Study was performed in 2009 on Burlington County Central Communications to see if they could effectively absorb the six police agencies that were still performing their own dispatch. Ms. Cochran suggested Council to read certain pages (4, 6, and 16-22) of the study. She then stated if Council hasn’t not read them for themselves then a decision should not be made tonight. Ms. Cochran quoted a portion of page sixteen and page eighteen of the study. It was then stated items that Medford Dispatchers do that Central does not.
She has six pages of nearly a dozen
serious mistakes that only two of
Ms. Cochran commented that the Mayor campaigned on their backs several years ago and read from his campaign literature. She hopes that the Council will do more fact finding before you make a decision.
Nancy
Myer, 12 Holly Drive, stated that she is a forty three year resident.
Mrs. Myers commented that last winter the brush sat from February to July and is willing to put up with the brush, but not willing to do without dispatch.
She would like to think that she will have immediate response to a call for help. Mrs. Myer commented that she hopes that Council reconsiders and keeps the dispatchers.
Deputy Mayor Myers clarified that the
Charles
Duffy, 66 Cooper Tomlinson Road, expressed concern over
Mayor
Martin and Deputy Mayor Myers stated that
Randy Pace, 46 Woodthrush Trail, stated it certainly does come down to a six million dollar deficit and crunching the numbers and the need to save money. He asked that Council tell the public what the savings will be.
Deputy Mayor Myers gave number of $575,084.48 in savings.
Mr. Pace asked if you dial 9-1-1 from his home where does the call go.
Deputy
Mayor Myers and Mayor Martin stated the call would come into
Mr. Pace
encouraged the gentleman who asked about the firehouse on
Deputy Mayor Myers stated he was reading right from the memo.
Terri Palmer, 30Allen Avenue, asked who was going to greet her if she needs someone when she walks in the doors of Police Station.
Mr. Addezio stated the Township plans to fill the position with other job description positions.
Ms. Allen asked Mr. Addezio why doesn’t he fill the position. She also asked if Mr. Addezio if he was asking for a raise.
Mr. Addezio stated that he returned his raise.
Ms. Palmer asked why doesn’t Mr. Addezio retire, take the pension he is collecting and the money you are making now and then there is a savings. She commented that there are people out there willing to do the job and for less money. She stated the Board of Education has big positions making too much money. She stated she is not up here to make friends and everyone can hate her she doesn’t care. She then remarked that this town is not your playground that she lives here, that it is her money and she is tired of people wasting it. Ms. Palmer also commented that she need the dispatchers and thinks she should have a say and doesn’t think Council should be making this decision.
Mary Scout, 7 Stonycroft Court, has lived here since she was nine years old, was here a month ago and stated she is a CPA and interested in the numbers.
Ms. Scout discussed the cost of having employees still man the center and this fact reduces the savings. Stated this is not just about savings but safety of the residents.
Ms. Scout quoted from the materials Mayor Martin sent around when he was campaigning. She stated when she was done speaking she would give letters signed by residents from twelve different sections of town and from two businesses in favor of keeping the Medford Dispatchers.
Ms. Scout stated commented on paying the special officers ten dollars per hour and what the cost would be.
She stated commented that maybe hiring a full time lawyer is cheaper than hiring a law firm. She appreciated Council’s concern for her taxes and that they have not been raised in several years.
Ms. Scout also stated to Council if you can't decide on what is best for the residents than let the people decide.
Chief
Canale provided numbers for calls the Medford Police have responded to over the
last year.
Chris
Buoni, 20 Woodthrush Trail, stated two speakers ago mentioned the decision
not to engage in centralizing our waste disposal. The
Mayor Martin said he did not say that the gentleman who owns the trash company made the statement.
Mr. Buoni commented that there is a blatant mismanagement of the budget and that has led to a six million four hundred thousand dollar deficit.
Mr. Buoni commented that there are other ways to save money. Other things than laying off personnel. The Township has a law firm that bills us at a very high rate and politically connected. He commented that the Township pays a great deal of money in professional fees to Alaimo, ERI and Parker McCay. Mr. Buoni stated a number paid to these firms and asked Council to confirm the number.
Deputy Mayor Myers responded that he would have to look at the bills.
Mr. Buoni stated he would love to look at the bills but had to sue the Township in order to see them.
Deputy Mayor Myers responded to Mr. Buoni that he thought he was suing the Township for something else.
Mr. Buoni commented that he added a second count and that Council should talk to their lawyers and the lawsuit is going to be a problem for the Township.
Mr. Hunt advised that Council is not here to discuss the lawsuit.
Mr. Buoni started to discuss the governor and the DRPA.
Deputy Mayor Myers disputed the Township being in a budget crisis. He stated there is a plan in place to close the budget that includes solar and dispatch.
Mr. Buoni questioned the expenses incurred by the Township regarding the solar project. He again stated that he can not see the legal bills without significant redactions.
Mr. Hunt advised Council that they were getting involved in an area were Mr. Buoni has a pro se lawsuit against the Township and the subject at hand is the elimination of dispatch.
Mr. Buoni then asked Council if the Township has retained special counsel just to review OPRA requests.
Mayor Martin advised that the question had nothing to do with the ordinance.
Mike
Taggart, Medford Township Communications Officer, stated he is a former
resident of
Mr. Taggart
stated that
Mr. Taggart stated
Mr. Taggart commented "Please save our jobs".
William Dovi, 25 Fawn Hollow Court, stated he doesn't think Council understands what this dispatch does.
He stated that Central Communications has gone down in the past and this dispatch has picked up the slack.
He stated that dispatch got the Township through the 2004 flood and warned other towns that the flood was coming.
Mr. Dovi explained he was in the military in the communication field and it is a vital service.
He implored Township to keep dispatch and that there are other revenue opportunites.
John Van
Sandt, Pleasant Mill Court, stated this was his first time at a Council
meeting. He had heard a lot and thought
he would come out and see what is going on.
Mr. Van Sandt stated that he is an analyst and would like to make a few observations if Council didn't mind and he commented on his observations.
Dennis
Kildea, 14 Stonehenge Drive, stated he moved here twenty years ago and came
here because
Mr. Kildea stated there are other ways to save $600,000. Asked Council to cut services not people.
Rick Woodhull, 103 Medford Mount Holly Road, stated he is a retired Lieutenant of the Medford Police Department.
Mr. Woodhull stated that he started his career as a dispatcher and knows both sides of the microphone.
He feels that County Central Communications does a good job with the resources provided to them.
Mr. Woodhull stated that Ms. Cochran and Chief Canale spoke of ownership; for this town, people and officers. He stated you will not get that from people who do not work or reside in the town.
Mr. Woodhull then stated if his best friend Steve McGarvey were alive today he would stand up here and say that there are certain things that Medford Township provides that are absolutely worst than the cost no matter what the pain. Mr. Woodhull thinks that Medford Dispatch is worth the cost.
Earl Stahl, 25 Fostertown Road, commented that he has been sitting through these meetings for several months and Council should let the people vote. He hasn't heard anyone come up to the microphone and say get rid of dispatch.
Lois Botti, 100 Pine Boulevard, stated she would be more than willing to pay more taxes to keep this vital service.
Also commented that she was sent a mailing with newspaper articles and what we pay for legal services in comparison to other towns. She asked that the overhead and other expenses of this town be looked at before this vital service.
Tracy
Hessinger, 13 Jennings Road, stated she was not born in
Ms. Hessinger stated that she cuts coupons for the grocery store, but is not willing to cut coupons for her children's safety.
She made a statement asking to keep our dispatch services.
Sandy Chase, 67 Georgia Trail, stated she is a thirty five year resident and has taught in the Medford Schools. Mrs. Chase then stated to Council that she gave them one of her sons as a police officer and asked them to please protect him.
Betsy Bergen, 3 Stonycroft Court, commented she was not in agreement with this decision. Ms. Bergen stated she was a twenty eight year resident and that her parents used to reside here. She told a story of her father calling for assistance for her mother. Ms. Bergen stated that she is not a wealthy woman but would gladly write a check tonight for her portion.
Terri
Palmer, 30 Allen Avenue, stated she had to correct that EMS is Central but
the first guys to the scene are the
Mrs. Fay thanked Ms. Palmer and commented you know I read everything.
Mary Scout, 7 Stonycroft Court, had not given the letters she previously spoke to Council about and wanted to do so.
Deputy Mayor Myers moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, Mayor Martin, aye.
Mrs. Fay stated this is a tuff decision and that she has spoken to a lot of people in the audience. She also stated she has to do her research.
Mrs. Fay
commented that she recently toured
Mrs. Fay also stated that she had the
opportunity to go to
Mrs. Fay stated she has conflicting reports on the $600,000 savings.
Mrs. Fay stated she asked when she was first on Council if this item could be put out for referendum.
She commented that she wants to be able to find other ways.
Mrs. Fay expressed that there needs to be a plan.
Mrs. Fay then asked, what would you do if you were facing a six million dollar deficit?
Deputy Mayor Myers thanked everyone for coming out. He stated that this decision has not been taken lightly and has been looked at for a while.
Deputy Mayor Myers stated he was here during the flood and saw the dispatch operations. He also stated he knows the importance of communications.
He stated that the technology capabilities of Central and that having Township dispatch is a duplicate service.
Deputy Mayor Myers stated the County does have a backup plan.
Deputy Mayor Myers commented that Council is looking at costs across the board and believes the Township can make the move to Central safely.
Mrs. Fay asked what town is used in the backup plan.
Mr. Matlack
responded that Central will utilize their mobile unit. Also, the County has a backup in
Mayor Martin asked about places having the same locations.
Mr. Lynn stated he appreciated everyone's comments and for coming out tonight. He also apologized for missing the last meeting that this topic was discussed and comments were made.
Mr. Lynn
commented he had toured
Mr. Lynn stated he wanted to get some more information and he went to Central Dispatch last Thursday.
Mr. Lynn mentioned that sixty five percent of calls are coming in are coming via cell phones and the percentage is expected to rise.
Mr. Lynn
asked Chief Canale if
Chief
Canale responded that
Mr. Lynn
stated he reached out to a Councilperson in another town with similar landscape
to
Mr. Lynn commented he was aware of four openings at Central and wanted to see the Township Dispatchers assisted to be there if that is the route Council chooses.
Mr. Matlack confirmed there are four vacancies at Central.
Mr. Brown stated he has been on Council for six years and this is the toughest decision.
Mr. Brown stated safety is number one and a price tag cannot be put on safety.
Mr. Brown went to Central Communications today.
Mr. Brown commented that he was familiar with the Township's dispatch and it is fantastic.
Mr. Brown seconded Councilman Lynn's opinion that the Township has good people and would like to see them considered at Central.
Mayor Martin stated to the dispatchers that Council recognizes and cares about them. He stated he has seen them in operation and was in the OEM during the snowstorm.
Mayor Martin toured Central and stayed there for the day. He commented it is not the same service but comparable service.
Mayor Martin stated in 2007 he did run his campaign on dispatch. Next he made a statement that it is now 2010 and things are different.
Mayor Martin expressed that people call him and say they don't want their taxes to go up one penny.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, abstain, Mr. Lynn, aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
Several people exited the meeting room which caused a lapse in time.
ORDINANCE
2010-31 "AMENDING CHAPTER 140 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE ENTITLED: VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC LOWERING THE SPEED LIMIT
ON A PORTION OF
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting to the public.
Janet Jackson Gould, 121 North Lakeside Drive East, thanked the Council for listening to the residents.
Deputy Mayor Myers moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Roll call vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
Deputy Mayor Myers commented that he was glad our own people can look at speed limits.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Fay, aye, Mr. Lynn, aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye and Mayor Martin, aye.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 208-2010 “AUTHORIZING
LAYOFF OF DISPATCHERS OF THE
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mrs. Fay asked for clarification.
Mr. Lynn commented that this resolution allows the dispatchers to be put on the RICE List.
Mr. Hunt responded that Liz Garcia of his office stated that a certified copy of this resolution will allow placement on the list.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present with the exception of Mrs. Fay who abstained.
Resolution 219-2010 “amending the
township of Medford 2010 year municipal budget by the insertion of a special
item of revenue and appropriation from the "state of new
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Martin asked how much the grant was for.
Mrs. Burger responded $4,442.35.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
Resolution 220-2010 “appointing dave brown mayor for the purpose of solemnizing a marriage”
Mrs. Fay moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Martin and Deputy Mayor Myers are not available this day so the Resolution
allows Mr. Brown to perform marriage.
The motion
for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all
Council present.
Resolution 221-2010 “approving request for final release of maintenance guarantee creekside housing spr-5598”
Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers.
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 222-2010 “authorizing
execution of a treatment works approval application for the
Deputy Mayor Myers 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 223-2010 “authorizing
award of power purchase agreement
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Fay.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.
Earl
Stahl,
Deputy Mayor Myers commented this is part of Phase II with an estimated savings of $1,400,000 over the life of the agreement.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
Resolution 224-2010 “authorizing
award of
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Brown.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting for public comments.
Mr. Noll commented that the Township has $440,000 in grant money and $100,000
in developer money for this project.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
COMMUNICATION
Mr. Lynn commented that the Apple Festival held on October 9th was a fantastic event and well attended.
Mayor Martin attended Fire Prevention Night on October 8th and it was also well attended.
Mayor Martin also offered congratulations to Chief Thorn on his promotion to Fire Chief.
OLD BUSINESS
NONE
NEW BUSINESS
New Volunteer Fire - Union Fire Company (251) Richard Palmer-Shover
The motion to approve was made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Deputy Mayor Myers with all Council in agreement.
PUBLIC
NONE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MEETING
Mayor Martin advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Litigation-Medford Village East and Personnel
Resolution
225-2010 “Authorizing Executive Session”
Deputy Mayor Myers moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Brown.
The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 10:10 PM was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
Mayor Martin provided that action may or may not be taken in Executive Session.
ADJOURNMENT
The doors were opened to the public. There being no further business, Deputy Mayor
Myers moved that the meeting be adjourned at 10:30 PM seconded by Mrs. Fay with
all members in agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine E. Burger
Township Clerk
Next meeting scheduled for: October 26, 2010