MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

December 11, 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 Minutes and Executive Session Minutes –  November 27, 2007

 

            Mrs. Post moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session Minutes of November 27, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Myers.

 

            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

 

            1.  Presentations to Councilwoman Lisa Post and Councilman Walter Urban

 

                 Fire Chief James Steele presented a plaque to Councilwoman Lisa Post in recognition of her dedicated service to Medford Township and the fire division.

 

                  Councilman Walter Urban was also presented a plaque for his contribution to the township and the fire division.

 

                 Fire Chief James Wood expressed his thanks and his belief that the contributions of Mrs. Post and Mr. Urban had a direct impact on the quality of life to the residents of  Medford.

 

            Mayor Rudder presented plaques from the residents of the township to Councilwoman Post and Councilman Urban. 

 

            Mayor Rudder gave credit to Councilwoman Post for her efforts in bringing the Vietnam Wall to Medford and with the construction of the permanent Vietnam Wall.  Mrs. Post was also instrumental in the 911 Dedication Ceremony held at Freedom Park, assisting with the creation of the Public Safety Department and many other endeavors.  

             

            Mayor Ruder thanked Councilman Urban for his service to Medford Township and its residents.  Mr. Urban had been involved in setting up the 911 Dedication Ceremony, the HAPPY Program, establishment of the Senior Center and assisting the victims of the flood.

 

            Mayor Rudder expressed his thanks and stated that Medford is a better place because of their leadership.

 

            Councilwoman Post and Councilman Urban both expressed their thanks and stated that it had been an honor to have served as part of a great team. 

           

            2.  Hardship Sewer Permit – 127 Old Marlton Pike 

 

                Mr. Achey advised Council that this application meets the criteria for a hardship sewer permit.  A resolution is on the agenda to award this permit.

 

      3.    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. Noll had three issues to report.

 

            1.  Bids are going out and a contract will be awarded in January for the sanitary                              sewer main.

 

            2.  The contract for tertiary filters is being awarded at tonight’s meeting.

 

            3.  Resolution 202-2007 on tonight’s agenda is requesting an extension from the                             Department of Transportation for the contract for Hartford Road.                                

 

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

 

            NONE

 

            PUBLIC

 

            NONE

             

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

 

            NONE

           

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

ORDINANCE 2007-29 “AMENDING CHAPTER 5-80 GOVERNING “DIVISION OF FIRE”

 

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            There were no public comments.

 

            Mr. 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. 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 2007-32 “AMENDING SECTION 409 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD TO PERMIT AFFORDABLE AGE-RESTRICTED AND DISABLED HOUSING IN THE PPE ZONE NORTH OF UNION STREET BETWEEN MAIN STREET AND JONES ROAD”

 

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

 

            Mayor Rudder opened the meeting to the public.

 

            PUBLIC

 

            1.  David DeMeo, 1 Pine Road, stated his objection to the proposed zoning change.  He feels to put residential zoning next to the commercial zone is inappropriate.  Mr. DeMeo would like to have the ordinance tabled for further consideration.

 

            2.  Tony Tolerico, Owner of Medford Ford, stated he is not opposed to Senior housing, but would like it somewhere in a residential zone.  He said the property is land locked and with a school next door, he would also like to have the ordinance tabled for further consideration.  He questioned if this is part of the Master Plan.

 

            3.  Msgr. Dubell, St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, expressed his concern regarding the noise created by the students on the St. Mary’s playground and the close proximity of the playground to the Senior Housing.  He also expressed concern about drainage issues on the school property.

 

            4.  Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, mentioned drainage issues on Cherry Street and is concerned that this project could create a bigger drainage problem there.

 

            Mr. Dennis Funaro, Director of Planning responded to the concerns.  He said this is not a new project, but is part of the Master Plan and endorsed by Council.  All the hearings have been duly noticed as required by law.  Mr. Funaro said there are other areas along Route 70 in the commercial zone which back to a residential zone.  Mr. Funaro said there will be buffers of trees to screen the lights and noise.  Medford owns the land and would like to see it developed and he feels this project would have the least impact on the area.  An access would be made available from Jones Road.

 

            Mr. Funaro displayed drawings of the proposed plan.  He stated that any site plan issues would be open to public comment when they come before the Planning Board.

 

            Mr. Myers questioned if the drainage basins could be fenced due to the close proximity to the school.

 

            Mr. Noll said that is possible. 

 

            Mayor Rudder made the request that the ordinance be tabled until January for further consideration and review by the professionals. 

 

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

           

            Mr. Urban recused himself from the vote due to a conflict.

 

            Mr. Brown moved to table the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Myers.

 

            Roll call vote to table as follows: Mr. Brown, aye, Mrs. Post, aye, Deputy Mayor Myers, aye, and Mayor Rudder, aye.

           

 

 

 

ORDINANCE 2007-33 “AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD TO REQUIRE THAT MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS PURCHASE PINELAND DEVELOPMENT CREDITS FOR A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF UNITS”

 

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

 

            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 2007-34 “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.

 

            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.

           

            RESOLUTIONS

 

            RESOLUTION 196 -2007 “APPOINTING APPRAISER FOR STATE COURT TAX APPEAL”

           

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 197 -2007 “AUTHORIZING SALE OF HARDSHIP SEWER CONNECTION PERMIT, 127 OLD MARLTON PIKE (BLOCK 903.01, LOT 18)”

           

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 198 -2007 “SUPPORTING APPLICATION TO OBTAIN FUNDS FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FOR THE SINGER HOUSE”

           

Mr. Urban 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 199 -2007 “AUTHORIZING FOUNDATION TITLE TO PERFORM TITLE SERVICES FOR ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY BLOCK 905, LOTS 3.03 & 5 AND BLOCK 907.01, LOT 11, MARTER FARM”

           

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.

 

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

 

 

 

            RESOLUTION 200-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF DEED TO CONSOLIDATE AND BLANKET EASEMENT (BLOCK 203, LOTS 7.03 AND 7.04)”

           

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 201-2007 “AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR TERTIARY FILTER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MEDFORD TOWNSHIP SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITY”

           

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.

 

            Mrs. Post recused herself from the vote due to personal reasons.

           

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

           

            RESOLUTION 202-2007 “AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF TIME FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT”

           

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 203-2007 “APPROVING 2007 APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS”

           

Mr. Myers 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

 

            NONE

                                               

            OLD BUSINESS

 

            NONE

 

            NEW BUSINESS

 

            MEDFORD EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (STATION 258) –

            Joseph Ilvento

           

            Mr. Urban moved to accept the applicant for the Emergency Medical Services, seconded by Mr. Brown and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

           

            PUBLIC

           

            Terry Palmer, Allen Avenue, inquired when the Hartford Road turn lanes would be added.

 

            Mr. Noll advised her that they would be added this summer.

             

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

 

            The motion to close the public portion of the meeting was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

 

            RESOLUTION 205-2007  “AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION”

 

            Litigation:  Medford Village East

                               Property Acquisition

                               Personnel

                               Potential Litigation

 

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

 

            The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:18 P.M. was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

 

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

 

            RECONVENING OF MEETING

 

            Mayor Rudder reconvened the meeting at 8:58 P.M.

 

            He reported litigation, property acquisition and personnel issues had been discussed in Executive Session and that no action had taken place.

 

            RESOLUTION 206-2007 “APPOINTING ASSESSMENT COMMISSIONERS FOR BIRCHWOOD LAKE COLONY CLUB SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 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.

 

            ADJOURNMENT

 

            There being no further business, Mrs. Post moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:01 P.M., seconded by Mr. Urban with all members in agreement.

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                               

 

Joyce F. Frenia, RMC

Township Clerk

 

Next meeting scheduled for: Reorganization Meeting January 8, 2008