MEDFORD TOWNSHIP

COUNCIL MEETING

September 19, 2011

The Medford Township Council Meeting of the above date was convened by

Deputy Mayor Sander followed by the salute to the flag and reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement.

COUNCIL ROLL CALL

Mr. David J. Brown Present

Mr. Dominic Grosso Present

Mr. Robert Martin Present

Deputy Mayor Sander Present

Mayor Myers Absent

PROFESSIONALS PRESENT

Mr. Christopher Schultz, Township Manager

Mr. Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor

Mr. Christopher Noll, Township Engineer

MANAGER’S REPORT

Mr. Schultz had previously entertained and answered questions with regard to the payment of the bills. There being no further questions, Mr. Martin motioned to approve the bill list, seconded by Mr. Grosso; the bill list was approved for payment as presented.

Mr. Schultz announced a shared service with Medford Lakes for tax collection services. Mr. Schultz stated there should be significant savings. Mr. Schultz also stated the two towns use the same software and payments would eventually be able to be made in either town. Mr. Schultz stated this service is an expanded value to the residents.

Mr. Grosso advised and recommended that internal controls be in place for payments made in another town.

Mr. Schultz stated the Zoning Officer was laid off as part of the Public Works layoffs. Mr. Schultz stated he is discussing the possibilities of a shared service with Lumberton Township. Lumberton Township’s Zoning Officer can do review and enforcement. Medford Township is currently paying an engineering firm for review services.

Mr. Schultz stated he was asking for the public’s help with signs. Mr. Schultz stated signs are prohibited from being put on telephone poles. Mr. Schultz asked if anyone sees signs being placed on telephone poles to please call the Township. Mr. Schultz stated he received some calls about political signs that are already out. Mr. Schultz stated political signs are allowed out thirty days prior to the election.

Deputy Mayor Sander commented that there are some shared service resolutions on the agenda this evening.

Mr. Schultz stated yes.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Mr. Noll stated Lt. Switick attended a preconstruction meeting for a county project at Church Road, Wilkins Station Road and New Freedom Road Intersection. The project is expected to start soon. Mr. Noll stated there will be detours and the intersection could be shut down for a day or two.

Deputy Mayor Sander asked what improvements are being made to the intersection.

Mr. Noll stated that Church Road will be smoothed out and the railroad crossing will be removed and New Freedom Road and Wilkins Station Road will now be coming into Church Road at ninety degree angles with stop sign controls.

Mr. Noll stated that there are two resolutions on the agenda for Municipal Aid Grant Applications. One application is for the Jackson Road Bikeway and the other for Dixontown Road from Stokes Road to the Medford Lakes line.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

Mr. Hunt asked that the Executive Session Resolution be amended to include contract negotiations and potential litigation.

Mr. Grosso motioned to amend the resolution as requested, seconded by Mr. Martin. The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

PUBLIC

Andrew Beuschel, 12 Liberty Place, stated he came to the meeting to find out what is going on with the Medford Crossing Development.

Mr. Beuschel commented that he feels the Mayor should be present at the meeting.

Deputy Mayor Sander stated the Township is not going back to the MOU.

Mr. Beuschel asked what is going on since the last meeting with the Blue Ribbon

Committee(BRC).

Deputy Mayor Sander stated the deal is still being negotiated. The Deputy Mayor also stated the Township is requiring if the Township goes forward that the deal be close to the BRC recommendations. Deputy Mayor Sander stated the Council is hoping to do something that is beneficial to the town and if it is then they will not do anything.

Mr. Beuschel commented that members of the BRC have told him there are problems.

Mr. Beuschel asked Council if they have looked at the tools provided by the BRC and tried to apply them or look at any alternatives.

Deputy Mayor Sander stated Council is looking at alternatives such as, decreased bonding, location of apartments and contributions to schools.

Mr. Beuschel asked if the project would be done in phases or would it be a full blown construction site.

Deputy Mayor Sander responded with phases.

Mr. Hunt cautioned Council on the discussion because of negotiations.

Mr. Grosso stated Council is using the BRC recommendations as a guide and is not looking to put this town in any jeopardy.

Mr. Beuschel raised concern over construction stopping and that is how the site would remain.

Mr. Beuschel asked Council to keep their eyes and ears open for a better deal that could be out there.

Deputy Mayor Sander asked Mr. Beuschel if he knows something to please bring it forward.

Christine Balentine, 5 LaRue Lane, asked what plan is the Township looking at and stated she has seen so many plans for this project.

Mrs. Balentine also asked Council when they want to do this deal, is anyone pushing you and do you want to do this before you leave office.

Mrs. Balentine asked Council to wait until the new council members come in with a fresh set of eyes.

Mrs. Balentine asked if any action would be taken in Executive Session.

Deputy Mayor Sander stated no.

George Youngkin, 13 Regent Court, asked when the Council is going to try and finish up with the redevelopment agreement.

Mr. Youngkin commented there are four members sitting on Council and three won’t be there.

Mr. Youngkin stated he thinks the education numbers are low. Mr. Youngkin stated Medford does not receive a lot of aid for special education and thinks the township is going to see an increase in this need because of the units being added.

Randy Pace, 46 Woodthrush Trail, had questions on some of the resolutions.

Mr. Pace asked what was the estimated cost with regards to Resolution 191-2011.

Mr. Noll stated $5,000.

Mr. Pace asked the cost associated with the request for Resolution 192-2011.

Mr. Schultz stated it is part of the county tax bill and this is more a protocol item.

Mr. Pace asked in regards to Resolution 193-2011 what the Township’s portion will be.

Mr. Noll stated the Township usually budgets twenty percent.

Mr. Schultz stated he takes the position to apply for the grant so as to not miss the deadline, but it does not mean the Township has to act on the grant.

Mr. Pace asked what is the harm in delaying the project.

Mr. Noll responded that the road is falling apart.

Mr. Pace stated there are a lot more roads.

Mr. Noll stated the other roads might not meet the criteria.

Mr. Pace stated Resolution 194-2011 is a grant for a bikeway and if this is for an application deadline he understands. Mr. Pace stated he does not understand the need for such a short amount of bikeway.

Mr. Pace asked about Resolution 196-2011 and the need for a financial advisor. Mr. Pace stated the Township does have Bond Counsel.

Mr. Schultz commented the need for a financial advisor is for a refunding issue.

Mr. Pace asked if there was a copy of Resolution 198-2011 available at the meeting. Mr. Pace was directed to the red file containing all of the resolutions listed on the agenda. .

Mr. Pace asked about the email approval from the State.

Mr. Hunt stated it was received on August 17, 2011.

Mr. Pace asked if any additional items were posed on the Township by the DEP.

Mr. Pace asked about the 2010 Audit Exit Conference.

Mr. Schultz stated the Exit Conference did occur and the plan is to acknowledge receipt of the 2010 Audit at the next Council Meeting. The audit will then be posted on the Township Website.

Mr. Pace requested copies of the SAS114 and SAS115 letters. Mr. Pace stated he was prepared to pursue other action and that Council has the ability to give these letters out.

Mr. Pace asked why the Township is doing this project. Mr. Pace then stated it relates directly to Mr. Hunt’s billing for the first seven months of this year to the tune of $97,000.

Mr. Pace stated stop negotiations and there is a financial crisis in Medford.

Chris DeSana, 3 Great Bridge Court, asked if the budget was not happening this evening because of the cell tower sale.

Mr. Schultz stated the budget will not happen until the sale is done and the process has to be done by September 30, 2011.

Mr. DeSana commented that the two members of Council who were not elected by the people should recuse themselves from any vote until the council members elected by the people are here.

Mr. DeSana asked if less COAH units could be built at Medford Crossing.

Mr. Hunt stated no that there has to be a minimum of seventy two units and sixty have already been built.

Chris Buoni, 20 Woodthrush Trail East stated he missed a majority of the meeting and wanted to address the Medford Crossing Project.

Mr. Buoni stated he has been listening to comments made by the Mayor and others and it appears the Township is going to move forward.

Mr. Buoni discussed real estate speculation and advised to learn from others such as Collingswood. Mr. Buoni stated it is an insane agreement and is not sure who is leading this and why.

Mr. Buoni commented this body has been rejected by the voters and if you go through with it, it will be stopped.

Deputy Mayor Sander stated Collingswood guaranteed the loans.

Mr. Brown stated there is a long way to go and there is no deal.

Mr. Buoni stated the Township did a Memorandum of Understanding.

Mr. Buoni stated not one dime of tax payers dollars should go into this deal.

Mr. Grosso asked if Mr. Buoni was here for the Blue Ribbon Committee. Mr. Grosso stated he loves this town and would not jeopardize this town. Mr. Grosso stated he went to a few meeting of the BRC and went to see if the members would act independently. Mr. Grosso stated he is looking at several plans and is looking at all options. Mr. Grosso stated the schools are the bulk of the tax bill and the Township only gets eleven dollars of every one hundred.

Terri Palmer, Allen Avenue gave an example of what is being asked of Medford with the Medford Crossing Project. Example is that she wants to start a business and the business costs fifteen million dollars and asked if the Township could put in five million dollars. Ms. Palmer stated she does not want any of her money going to this project.

Ms. Palmer stated she thinks the number of students is way off. Ms. Palmer stated there are a lot of out of district kids in “The Heights”.

Ms. Palmer stated if you don’t have to do it, don’t do it, and there is no need to rush into anything.

Deputy Mayor Sander stated Ms. Palmer’s sentiment is understood. Deputy Mayor Sander stated when negotiating you don’t want to show your hand and it could be a disadvantage.

Ms. Palmer asked why the builder needs tax payer money.

Mr. Grosso asked Ms. Palmer if the Township did not have to put any money in, you would be okay with the project.

Ms. Palmer responded that she accepts that something is going on this property. Ms. Palmer stated she is okay as long as it goes with Medford and doesn’t cost her money. The project needs to be done with taste. Ms. Palmer stated she saw the plans when Freeman Cohen was going to do the project and it was tasteful.

Mike Panarella, 49 Georgia Trail, complimented the Township on the 9/11 Ceremony.

Deputy Mayor Sander thanked Representative Runyon for presenting a flag that flew over the Capital.

Mr. Panarella stated his son has been involved in the Special Needs Camp in Medford. Mr. Panarella stated he has heard that the camp might be outsourced and stated this upsets him. Mr. Panarella stated he also heard that Director Portocalis did not submit for aid for the last two years which had been previously received to save three thousand dollars. Mr. Panarella commented that he hopes this is not true and that know one here is a part of this. Mr. Panarella stated he know everyone here and all are good people.

Andrew Beuschel, 12 Liberty Place, stated he would write the check for $3,000 for the camp.

Mr. Beuschel stated he was shown plans when he purchased here and said okay six years ago. Mr. Beuschel stated it is not acceptable now. Mr. Beuschel stated as taxpayers and voters we should be able to have a say and the builder should be paying for the project himself. Mr. Beuschel stated that Samost is not the right thing and the Township should buy the property and hold for five years and sell to another developer.

Chris DeSana, 3 Great Bridge Court, asked if the Township is going to get money back from FEMA for the brush removal.

Mr. Schultz stated there is a process and Burlington County was named.

Mr. Grosso moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Martin with all members present in agreement.

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION

None

ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

None

Deputy Mayor Sander stated if there were no objections, he would ask that the Manager read all the titles of the resolutions and take one motion. If there are any questions they will be taken before the vote.

CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 191-2011 “Authorizing Execution of Shared Services Agreement with the County of Burlington Intersection Improvement Project”
2. Resolution 192-2011 “Authorizing Execution of Shared Services Agreement with the County of Burlington for Central Communications System”
3. Resolution 193-2011 “Authorizing Submission of a Grant Application and Execute A Grant Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for Roadway Improvements to Dixontown Road from Stokes Road to the Medford Lakes Borough Line”
4. Resolution 194-2011 “Authorizing Submission of a Grant Application and Execute A Grant Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for Trust Funds Under the Local Bikeway Program for the Jackson Road Bikeway Project from Birchwood Lake to Robin Hood Drive”
5. Resolution 195-2011 “Waiving Interest On Tax Payments”
6. Resolution 196-2011 “Appointing Financial Advisor”
7. Resolution 197-2011 “Approve 2011 Emergency Temporary Budget”
8. Resolution 198-2011 “Amending the Power Purchase Agreement with Solarworks, NJ, LLC”

Mr. Brown moved for approval of all the resolutions, seconded by Mr. Grosso.

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

COMMUNICATION

Mr. Brown seconded Mr. Panarella’s comments on the 9/11 ceremony. Mr. Brown stated the “Taste of Medford” event was on Saturday. Deputy Mayor Sander stated there was a car show at Flying W were he was a judge. There will be a 10K run this weekend and a portion of Main Street will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m..

OLD BUSINESS

NONE

NEW BUSINESS

Solicitation for Roadway Permit – Medford –Vincentown Rotary Club – Union & Bank Street–Saturday October 22nd and Saturday, October 29, 2011

9:00 AM -5:00 PM

Raffle Permit - RL-89 – St. Mary’s of the Lakes – December 9, 2011

Medford Emergency Medical Services (Station 258) – Daniel Margulis (Junior Member)

New Volunteer: Fire – Union Fire Company (Station 251) – Lizabeth Valencia and Alfred “Jack” Hecht (firefighters)

Taunton Fire Company (Station 252) – Greg Koellner (was a Junior Member)

Mr. Martin moved for approval of all new business, seconded by Mr. Grosso.

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING

Deputy Mayor Sander advised the purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss Litigation –Medford Village East, Contract Negotiation and Potential Litigation.

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

Deputy Mayor Sander asked Mr. Hunt about action.

Mr. Hunt stated he does not anticipate any action.

Resolution 199-2011 “Authorizing Executive Session”

Mr. Martin moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Grosso.

The motion for approval to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:10 PM was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.

RECONVENING OF MEETING

Deputy Mayor Sander reconvened the meeting at 10:59 PM.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Martin moved that the meeting be adjourned at

10:59 PM seconded by Mr. Grosso with all members in agreement.

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine E. Burger

CFO/ Township Clerk

Next meeting scheduled for: October 3, 2011