COUNCIL MEETING
December 5, 2011
The Medford Township Council Meeting of the above date was convened by
Mr. Martin followed by the salute to the flag and reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement.
COUNCIL ROLL CALL
Mr. Dominic Grosso Present
Mr. James Pace Present
Mayor Martin Present
PROFESSIONALS PRESENT
Mr. Christopher Schultz, Township Manager
Mr. George Morris, Township Solicitor
Mr. Christopher Noll, Township Engineer
MANAGER’S REPORT
Mrs. Burger administered the oath of office to Mr. Pace with Mrs. Pace and his son by his side.
Due to the resignation of Mayor Myers, Mr. Grosso moved for Mr. Martin to be appointed Mayor, seconded by Mr. Pace. The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
Mr. Schultz read a proclamation for
Matthew Campbell “NJ’s Administrator of the year for
Mr. Schultz 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.
Mr. Pace approved the bill list, seconded by Mr. Grosso.
Mr. Schultz requested Resolution 225-2011 be tabled while the Chief of Police researches another municipality who has expressed an interest in purchasing some of the weapons.
Mr. Schultz recognized Deputy Clerk Mary Lou Bergh for passing the Registered Municipal Clerk’s Exam and achieving certification as same.
Mr. Pace commented on the work performed within the Clerk’s Office.
Mayor Martin, Mr. Grosso and Mr.
Pace commented on the passing of Judge John Almeida who was a
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mr. Noll stated Ordinance 2011-15 is on the agenda for second reading. This ordinance was required by Pinelands. The ordinance went to the Planning Board after first reading and was found to be consistent with the Master Plan.
Mr. Noll stated a change order for
Mr. Noll stated there are several bond releases on the agenda.
Mayor Martin asked when the
Mr. Noll stated a letter was
received from
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
No Report
PUBLIC
Terri Palmer, Allen Avenue, asked if Mr. Myers will be receiving any pension
benefits.
Mr. Schultz stated pension is a state issue and not a local issue.
Marlene Lieber, 2 LaRue Lane, commented that she was happy the town was moving forward and congratulated Mr. Pace.
Mrs. Lieber also commented that the Council should not appoint someone to replace the Mayor’s seat.
Mr. Schultz commented on the vacancy law.
Chris Buoni, 20 Woodthrush Trail, asked that this Council hold off with replacing Mr. Myers Council seat until the new Council takes office.
Mr. Grosso moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Pace. The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
ORDINANCES FOR
INTRODUCTION
Ordinance 2011-18 “An Ordinance of
the Township of Medford, in the County of Burlington, New Jersey, Providing for
Various Capital Improvements and Related Expenses in and for the Township,
Appropriating $1,110,015 Therefor, and Authorizing the Issuance of $854,514 in
General Improvement Bonds or Notes of the Township to Finance the Same
Mr. Grosso moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of December 19, 2011 for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Pace.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, aye and Mayor Martin, aye.
Ordinance 2011-19 “An Ordinance of the
Township of Medford, in the County of Burlington, New Jersey Providing for
Various Utility Improvements and Related Expenses in and for the Township
Appropriating $1,925,000 therefor, and Authorizing the Issuance of $1,925,000
in General Improvement Bonds or Notes of the Township to Finance the Same”
Mr. Pace moved for approval of the ordinance, advertisement and set date of December 19, 2011 for public hearing, seconded by Mr. Grosso.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, aye and Mayor Martin, aye.
ORDINANCES FOR
PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 2011-15 “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, COUNTY OF BURLINGTON AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY”
Mr. Grosso moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Pace.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting to the public.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Grosso moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Pace
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows:
Mr. Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr.
Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
ORDINANCE 2011-16 “AUTHORIZING
RENEWAL OF LEASE OF
Mr. Pace moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Grosso.
Mayor Martin opened the meeting to the public.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Grosso moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Pace
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows:
Mr. Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr.
Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, aye, and Mayor Martin, aye.
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS
1.
Resolution 222-2011 “Authorizing Partial Cancellation
of 2011 Property Tax for Block: 6402
2.
Resolution 223-2011 “Resolution Authorizing Submission
of an Application to the
3.
Resolution 224-2011 “Approving Change Order Number1,
Final American Asphalt Company, Inc. Ark Road Milling & Overlay Project”
4.
Resolution 225-2011 “Authorizing Police Division
to Trade in Surplus Weaponry to Lawman Supply Company”
Mr. Grosso moved to
table this resolution, seconded by Mr. Pace.
The motion to table was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted
upon by all Council present.
5.
Resolution
226-2011 “Authorizing Agreement Between County and Township for
6.
Resolution
227-2011 “Approving Request for Final Release of Performance Guarantee 127 Old
Marlton Pike Sewer Extension ESL-130”
7.
Resolution
228-2011 “Approving Request for Final Release of Performance Guarantee Haines
Corporate Park SPR-5490”
8.
Resolution
229-2011 “Approving Request for Performance Guarantee Reduction No. 1
Wildflowers at
9.
Resolution
230-2011 “Approving Request for Final Release of
10.
Resolution
231-2011 “Approving 2011 Appropriation Transfers”
11.
Resolution
232-2011 “Resolution Approving FFY 2012 Emergency Management Agency Assistance
Program Funding Application”
Mr.
Grosso moved for approval of all the resolutions with the exception of
Resolution 225-2011(tabled), seconded by Mr. Pace.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
COMMUNICATION
. None
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE
2011-17 “AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF LEASE OF PROPERTY AT
Mr. Pace,
Mr. Urban, Mr. Buoni, Ms. Portocalis, Mr. Schultz and the three candidates for
Medford Council met to discuss the property at
Mr. Pace
stated he realizes the
Joe Maggelet, Main Street, addressed Council and stated as a landlord he was getting $1,500 for rent and is now getting $900. Mr. Maggelet suggested taking this into consideration when Council talks with the landlord. Mr. Maggelet commented that the MAC is wonderful and does not want to see it go away.
Mr. Pace discussed seeing if other organizations beside the Township could subsidize the MAC.
Janet Jackson Gould, 121 N. Lakeside Drive East, thanked everyone for meeting with the Arts Committee. Ms. Gould stated Mr. Pace and Mr. Buoni were present at the MAC during the Dickens Festival.
The ordinance is being held for further discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
Three names were submitted by the Medford Township Republican Committee to fill the vacant seat of David Brown, Jr.
The three candidates were Jeff Beenstock, Jack Hartwig and Chuck Watson. Each candidate gave a short statement about themselves and why they wanted to be on Council.
Mr. Martin asked Mr. Beenstock about ability to attend Council meetings.
Mr. Beenstock stated he would not have put his name in as a candidate if he did not plan to attend the Council meetings.
Mr. Pace asked Mr. Hartwig why he threw his name in the ring.
Mr. Hartwig stated he would like to use his ability and the success he has had in his career. Mr. Hartwig stated he feels he has the ability.
Mr. Martin asked Mr. Hartwig about his commitment and attendance at meetings.
Mr. Hartwig stated he has the time and willingness to do what it takes.
Mr. Grosso asked Mr. Watson about communications.
Mr. Watson stated he has been coming to the Council meetings for three years. Mr. Watson suggested updating the Township website and communicating with the public.
Mr. Pace asked Mr. Watson about Medford Crossing.
Mr. Watson stated the town should go back to the original approvals and let the property owner and developer pay for the development.
Mr. Martin asked Mr. Watson about time commitment and attendance at meetings.
Mr. Watson stated he has the time.
Mr. Grosso stated to Mr. Beenstock that he received a couple of emails today in reference to Mr. Beenstock’s involvement and his firm’s involvement with Mr. Samost. Mr. Grosso asked Mr. Beenstock to explain to the audience and to Council what that means.
Mr. Beenstock stated he got involved with the Blue Ribbon Committee because of his role as President of the Medford Chase Homeowner’s Association and because of where he lives.
Mr. Beenstock stated a former
partner in his law firm represented Mr. Samost.
Mr. Beenstock stated he had nothing to do with representation. Mr. Beenstock stated he is his own person and
is not affected by anyone else. Mr.
Beenstock also stated he is going to do what is best for
Bob Meyer, Medford resident,
commented that all three candidates are qualified. Mr. Meyer stated he had worked with Mr.
Beenstock on the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Mr. Meyer stated Mr. Beenstock has no allegiance to anyone and has a
concern for
Chuck Deal, 5 Cobler Court, congratulated Mr. Pace.
Mr. Deal stated
he feels
Mr. Deal asked
if a decision is not made by Council then would a decision go back to
Mr. Grosso
stated Council has until December 15, 2011 to make a decision and if not then it
the decision would go to the
Hank Owen, 4 Austen Court, spoke on behalf of Jeff Beenstock. Mr. Owen stated they are residents together in Medford Chase. Mr. Owen stated Mr. Beenstock took over the presidency of the Homeowner’s Association upon the passing of the past president.
Mr. Owen stated he and Mr. Beenstock worked together on the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Mr. Owen commented that the town is
fractured and needs collaboration and has seen this ability in Mr.
Beenstock. Mr. Owen stated that
Frank Czekay, 305 Tavistock Drive, congratulated Mr. Pace. Mr. Czekay stated he wanted to follow up on Mr. Grosso’s question for Mr. Beenstock about his firm’s involvement with Mr. Samost. Mr. Czekay stated he is an attorney as well. Mr. Czekay commented that it is his view, that Mr. Beenstock’s firm’s involvement with Mr. Samost should have been disclosed and should have been disclosed at the time of Mr. Beenstock’s appointment to the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Czekay also stated that Mr. Beenstock should not have made that call on his own and this speaks to Mr. Beenstock’s judgement. Mr. Czekay stated it was a judgment to be made by the people who appointed Mr. Beenstock and not for Mr. Beenstock to make himself.
Michael Etter, 15 Elderberry Drive, stated he also was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee(BRC). Dr. Etter stated he knows the integrity of Mr. Beenstock and commented, ask anyone BRC member or any Township staff that was involved.
Dr. Etter stated there are three excellent candidates.
Dr. Etter stated at the time of Mr. Samost’s involvement with Mr. Beenstock’s firm, Mr. Beenstock was not a partner.
Barbara Casey.
Ms. Casey stated Mr. Beenstock was an associate when the attorney in his firm represented Mr. Samost.
Ms. Casey commented the town needs young persons to serve.
Ms. Casey stated Mr. Beenstock has young children in the school system.
Ms. Casey stated there is integrity, desire and willingness in Mr. Beenstock and hopes Council considers him.
Mr. Buoni stated he has had conversations with Mr. Beenstock.
Mr. Buoni stated Mr. Beenstock has a long history with Mr. Lucien.
Mr. Buoni stated he would work with Mr. Beenstock if he were appointed to Council.
Mr. Buoni commented that he has doubt and a lot of skepticism to behind the scenes.
Mr. Buoni stated not a lot of questions asked of the candidates.
Harvey Dinerman, 47 Woodthrush Trail, stated he finds this process interesting. Mr. Dinerman asked what is the procedure for filling a vacancy and what vote is needed.
Mr.Grosso stated two out of three votes are needed.
Mr. Morris stated a majority vote of the sitting members.
Ron
Conklin, 11 Chaucer Lane, stated he is the President of Brookside
Homeowner’s Association and has worked with Mr. Beenstock. Mr.Conklin stated Mr. Beenstock put together
an email chain for communication between
Peggy Malice, Cove Lane, stated she had not met any of the candidates, but feels Mr. Hartwig would be the best candidate due to the money problem in this town.
Chris Balentine, LaRue Lane, commented she thinks the Township needs someone who has the time to devote to Council. Mrs. Balentine also stated the town needs a candidate with diversity.
Eric Kildea, stated he was speaking on behalf of his father, Dennis Kildea. Mr. Kildea served on the Blue Ribbon Committee with Mr. Beenstock. Mr. Kildea endorses Mr. Beenstock for Council.
Chris DeSana, 3 Great Bridge Court, asked if the Township has a trained CPA or someone with an accounting degree. Mr. DeSana stated Mr. Hartwig should be considered for his accounting knowledge.
Joe Maggelet, 42 and 38 South Main Street, stated all candidates are fine.
Mr. Maggelet commented he has not heard any discussion of the village or commercial ratables. Mr. Maggelet asked what are the candidates suggesting for improvement of commercial ratables. Mr. Maggelet stated commercial ratables are the key to the finances.
Lisa Zagler, 125 Tuckerton Road, spoke on behalf of Mr. Watson.
Hank Owen,
Mike Reilly, 5 Corkery Lane, commented on someone mentioning this community is fractured. Mr. Reilly commented the town is fractured because there has been a Republican Committee in charge for years. Mr. Reilly stated he has been involved in the community for forty one years.
John Martin, 11 E. Centennial Drive, stated he has been in Human Resources for forty years and there needs to be cohesiveness.
Brian Radwell, 5 Liberty Place, stated he was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Radwell explained the reason for the BRC and members were asked to serve. Mr. Radwell stated the old Council asked the members of the BRC to stop reviewing the 2010 plan for Medford Crossing North and South and asked them to come up with a plan. Mr. Radwell stated he thought of stepping down from the BRC. Mr. Radwell stated he decided against stepping down, because doing so could have allowed Council to have more input. Mr. Radwell stated Mr. Beenstock was part of the BRC to decide what would be built. Mr. Radwell stated the town continue to battle Samost and needs Mr. Beenstock’s experience of real estate law. Mr. Radwell stated the town also needs CPA experience and another seat opened today.
Mr. Radwell does not want to see Mr. Beenstock turn away for being unjustly attacked.
Sean Fricke, 37 Tolkien Passage, stated he served on the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Fricke stated Mr. Beenstock is a strong leader and President for the Medford Chase Homeowner’s Association.
Mr. Fricke stated we need to start going forward and let go of the past.
John Blanco, 3 Marlowe Circle, stated a resident of Medford Chase. Mr. Blanco stated Mr. Buoni and Mr. Pace have been talking about openness. Mr. Beenstock did this for the residents of Medford Chase.
Mayor Martin closed the public discussion.
Mr. Pace spoke of when he sought to
seek a seat on Council. Mr. Pace stated
it is and executive position that he takes very seriously. Mr. Pace stated he wants to hear all the
facts and make a decision that is in the best interest of
Mr. Grosso stated, well said to Mr. Pace. Mr. Grosso stated he could only speak on his tenure of eight years on Council.
Mr. Grosso stated he remembers when residents did not want Medford Chase to be built and now there are some qualified candidates coming out of this development.
Mr. Grosso spoke of the Manager’s role in the Township and the Council’s role.
Mr. Grosso spoke of the process for filling a vacancy. Mr. Grosso stated he went through the same process as the three candidates.
Mr. Grosso stated he knows Mr. Hartwig from his MYAA days.
Mr. Grosso commented on the conflict of interest with Mr. Beenstock and doesn’t know why this didn’t come up when he was serving on the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Grosso commented that the mud slinging has to stop and the town has to move forward.
Mr. Grosso stated he went to a meeting of the BRC to see if members were objective.
Mr. Grosso stated the Council needs diversity and a qualified person.
Mr. Grosso stated Mayor Martin was instrumental in opening the process up to the public and was on the fence about this and now feels good with the process.
Mr. Grosso stated he met with each candidate one on one.
Mayor Martin thanked all three candidates for coming out to the meeting.
Mr. Grosso motioned for Mr. Beenstock to fill the vacant seat on Council, seconded by Mayor Martin.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr.
Grosso, aye, Mr. Pace, nay, and Mayor Martin, aye.
Mr. Beenstock was sworn in by George Morris.
Mr. Beenstock then took a seat on the dais with the other Council members.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MEETING
Mayor Martin
advised that the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Contract
Negotiations – Fire Union, Land Acquisition, Personnel and Attorney Client
Privilege.
Resolution 233-2011 “Authorizing
Executive Session”
Mr. Pace moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Grosso.
The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:55 PM was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
Mayor Martin provided that action will not be taken in Executive Session.
RECONVENING OF MEETING
Mayor Martin reconvened the meeting at 10:50 P.M. No action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mr. Pace moved that the meeting be adjourned at 10:56 P.M. seconded by Mr. Grosso with all members in agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine E. Burger
Township Clerk/CFO
Next meeting scheduled for: December 19, 2011