MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

October 23, 2007  7:30 P.M.

           

            The Medford Township Meeting of the above date was convened by Deputy Mayor Myers, 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                                                     Absent

 

            PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

 

            Michael Achey, Township Manager

            Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

            William Kirchner, Township Engineer’ Office

  

            MINUTES

 

            Public Session Minutes  –  October 9, 2007

 

            Mr. Brown moved for approval of the Public Session minutes of October 9, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Post.

 

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

 

            MANAGER’S REPORT

 

1.   Letters Recognizing Employees

 

      Mr. Achey advised that letters of appreciation for had been received for:

 

      Debbie Hasson and Roz Bosserdet of the Construction Department

      and John Horn of the Public Works Department.

 

       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

 

            Mr. Kirchner gave an update on the progress of the sewer plant upgrades.  There are six phases to this project.

 

            The first phase is now out to bid.  Loan approval from the state for Phase II has been received and plans are being prepared.  Chemical trials will be conducted shortly for Phase III and then the plans which are due to the state in March can be drawn.

 

            Mr. Urban requested the engineer’s office to provide a schematic of the plans for the improvement to Hartford Road.

 

            Mr. Kirchner agreed to provide this schematic.

                                   

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            NONE

 

            Announcement

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers announced that the next Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 12, 2007.  There will be no meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2007.

 

            PUBLIC

 

            NONE

 

             ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            ORDINANCE 2007-27 “ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY CANCELING CERTAIN FUNDED APPROPRIATION BALANCES HERETOFORE PROVIDED FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS AND REAPPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDED APPROPRIATION BALANCES FOR OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS”                  

 

            Mr. Urban moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of  November 27, 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 Deputy Mayor Myers, aye.

           

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

ORDINANCE 2007-24 “ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY CANCELING CERTAIN FUNDED APPROPRIATION BALANCES HERETOFORE PROVIDED FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS AND REAPPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDED APPROPRIATION BALANCES FOR OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS”

 

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

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

             Mr. Urban 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 Deputy Mayor Myers, aye.

           

            Mrs. Post advised that the funds will be utilized to buy scanners, finger printing equipment and computer equipment for the police department.

 

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

           

ORDINANCE 2007-25“AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, SECTION 203, DEFINITIONS, SECTION 412 ENTITLED “PI PLANNED INDUSTRIAL” AND SECTION 602 CONDTIONAL USES TO ALLOW CEMETERIES AS A CONDITIONAL USE IN THE PI ZONING DISTRICT”

 

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

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

             Mr. Urban 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 Deputy Mayor Myers, aye.

           

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

 

ORDINANCE 2007-26 “AMENDING CHAPTER 140 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE ENTITLED: VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC, LOWERING THE SPEED LIMIT ON A PORTION OF BRANIN ROAD”

 

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

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

             Mr. Urban 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 Deputy Mayor Myers, aye.

           

            Mr. Urban advised that rumble strips will be added along with signage lowering the speed limit.

 

            Mr. Addezio, Public Safety Director, stated that studies have been done on this portion of Branin Road. All appropriate means to improve the safety of the road for motorists are being considered.  Signage, reminding motorists of the sharp curves in the road, is already in place.

 

            Mr. Achey advised that this is the 1st Phase of the improvements to Branin Road.  Piping of the ditches to create safer shoulders will also be part of the overall plan.

                       

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

 

            RESOLUTIONS

 

            RESOLUTION 169-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ADDENDUM TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES THIRD PARTY BILLING CONTRACT”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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 170-2007 “RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY CONFIRMING THE DETAILS OF THE SALE OF THE TOWNSHIP’S GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007A, AND GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007B, TO THE NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST AND THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PURSUANT TO THE 2007 NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE TRUST FINANCING PROGRAM”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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 171-2007 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR JOHN DEERE MODEL 1600 WING MOWER”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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 172-2007 “AMENDING THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD 2007 YEAR MUNICIPAL BUDGET BY THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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 173-2007 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT 2007 SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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 174-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF DEED OF EASEMENT FROM THE MEDFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION TO THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD (BLOCK 909, LOTS 2, 4 AND 5)”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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 175-2007 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR UTILITY MAINTENANCE GARAGE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT”

 

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

 

            Deputy 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 176-2007 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM”

           

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

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

 

            Mr. Urban asked for an overview of the leaf collection for this year.

 

            Mr. Achey stated that the leaf collection has a short window of time for pick up and the schedule has been hard to adhere to with the stormwater regulations required.  This contract will help maintain the required schedule and the service to the residents will be improved.

 

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

 

COMMUNICATION

 

            Gypsy Moth Meeting

 

            Mr. Brown announced that approximately thirty residents were present for a meeting regarding the gypsy moth problem.  The township is being pro active in setting up committees to help fight this problem.

                                               

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            1.  One Day Social Affair Permit – USMC Reserve – Toys for Tots

 

            Mrs. Post moved to award the social affair permit, seconded by Mr. Urban with all members in agreement. 

 

            Mrs. Post announced that the event will be held at Union Fire Hall on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at which time toys will be collected.

 

            2.  Union Fire Company (Station 251) Volunteer – Nicholas DiNicolantonio

 

            Mr. Urban moved to accept the application for the volunteer fire fighter, seconded by Mr. Brown with all members in agreement. 

 

            PUBLIC

           

            1. Mr. Bill Stauts, 12 Maine Trail, President of the Medford Business Association inquired about the status of revisions to the ordinance which requires background checks on individuals who work for vendors in food services held in the township.  The paperwork required is cumbersome for the vendors.

 

            Mr. Achey stated the ordinance requires a background check for the safety of the children. 

 

            Mr. Stauts said that occasionally, due to circumstances, the workers are changed at the last minute.

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers questioned whether the restaurant owner could be held responsible for the workers.

 

            Mr. Addezio advised that the ordinance is very restrictive as it now stands. Mr. Hunt agreed to look into the current ordinance to try to make it more user friendly.  Mr. Hunt will make a draft of possible changes to the ordinance to be ready for introduction in January 2008.

 

            Mrs. Post suggested checking into similar ordinances used in other townships. 

 

            2.  Tracy Hessinger, 13 Jennings Road, stated her concern about the closing of the Skate Park due to incidents of vandalism.  She expressed how much her son and his friends enjoy the park. She said it is a shame to lose its use to the skaters, and feels the damage is being done by bikers during the nighttime hours.  Ms. Hessinger commended the police department on their surveillance of the park.  She suggested a nominal fee be charged to Medford residents for the use of the park.

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers stated he has a memo on this issue and it is being looked into at this time.  He would like to get it resolved by the end of the week.

 

            Mrs. Post said there are numerous boards broken which will have to be repaired before it can be reopened.  Mr. Achey stated that for safety considerations, the park will remain closed until repairs can be made.

 

            3.  Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, agreed with Tracy Hessinger about the skate park being a necessary place for the teenagers.  She expressed her concern that no fields are available for the teenagers to play unorganized sports in Medford.  She would like something available where teens could have a game of football without it being an organized MYAA event.  

 

            Freedom Park was suggested as a place to play, but Mrs. Palmer feels there is a problem because of both the dogs and the small children.

 

            Mr. Brown agreed to check with Beth Richmond of the Recreation Department to see what fields are available.

 

            Mrs. Post 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

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss legal issues. 

 

            Resolution 177-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION”

 

            Litigation:  Medford Village East

                               Land Acquisition

                               Caplan Litigation           

 

Mrs. Post moved for approval to adjourn to Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Urban. 

 

            The motion for approval at 8:08 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers provided that action may or may not be taken in Executive Session.

 

            RECONVENING OF MEETING

 

            Deputy Mayor Myers reconvened the meeting at 9:02 P.M.

 

            He reported legal issues had been discussed in Executive Session and that no action had taken place.

 

            RESOLUTION 178-2007 “AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT RESOLVING LITIGATION”

           

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

 

            Deputy 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.

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            There being no further business, Mr. Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:07 P.M., seconded by Mr. Urban with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for: MONDAY, November 12, 2007