COUNCIL MEETING
The Medford Township Council Meeting of the above date was convened by Mayor Myers, followed by the salute to the flag and reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Statement.
COUNCIL ROLL CALL
Mr. Joseph J. Lynn, Jr. Present
Mr. Robert Martin Present
Mrs. Mary Ann O’Brien Present
Deputy Mayor David Brown Present
Mayor Christopher Myers Present
PROFESSIONALS PRESENT
Michael Achey, Township Manager
Richard Hunt, Township Solicitor
Christopher Noll, Township Engineer
MINUTES
Public
Session and Executive Session Minutes –
Mr. Martin
moved for approval of the Public Session and Executive Session minutes of
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien, aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Mayor Myers briefed the residents regarding the proactive steps being taken by the township to help reduce energy costs. The Mayor also gave credit to the Board of Education for being pro-active and energy efficient. He stated that the sewer treatment plant project will have solar power, realizing a savings of approximately $10,000 yearly to the township and the tax payers. The Mayor outlined a three part initiative to reduce power costs. These are:
1. To obtain grants and private partnerships to encourage the use of solar power.
2. To encourage energy efficient procedures for new construction of building over 5000
square feet.
3. To install solar panels on township property to collect energy, and to sell the power
back to the power companies.
These initiatives will increase revenue and help reduce taxes.
The Mayor
will hold a Press Conference and have a Press Release on this issue on
MANAGER’S REPORT
1. Proclamation – Grant Given by Wal-Mart, Marlton Store
The presentation of this proclamation is being tabled because the recipient is unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
2. Proclamation – Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
Mayor Myers read the proclamation which proclaims June as “Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month”.
3. Proclamation –
Mayor Myers and Council called the Shawnee Swim Team members to the podium to present the proclamation honoring their team for reaching the state finals. The swim team members achieved many personal bests and were congratulated for their accomplishments.
4. Senior Advisory Annual Report
Councilwoman Mary Ann O’Brien is liaison to the Senior Citizen Advisory Board. She stated she is impressed with the hard work and dedication of the group.
Sue Roggio, Chairperson of the Senior Advisory Board, gave the annual report to Council on the status of the Senior Advisory Board and the activities of the Seniors. Ms. Roggio thanked Councilwoman O’Brien for her assistance. She then introduced the other members of the Board.
Ms. Roggio outlined some of the changes and programs which took place during the 2007-2008 year. She stated the first phase of the construction of Cranberry Hall has been completed. The second phase for the construction of a kitchen will be accomplished with a $72,000 grant. Several other accomplishments during the year were:
1. Installation of a sound system
2. Establishment of Bridge & Pinochle groups
3. Establishment of a Knitting group
4. Establishment of an Investment group
5. Establishment of an Arthritis exercise group
6. Establishment of a Creative writing group
Many trips have been added as well as a Diner’s Club.
Ms.
Roggio thanked the township and Manager
Since the membership is continually growing, the committee is asking for a feasibility study to look into possible additions to Cranberry Hall. Another area of interest would be to establish a form of public transportation. The addition of outdoor activities, such as a horseshoe pit and shuffleboard courts, are also being requested for the property surrounding Cranberry Hall.
Ms.
Roggio thanked
Councilman Martin stated his approval of the initiative being introduced to have the seniors come together with the youth.
Deputy Mayor Brown said the Board is doing an excellent job, and he favors a feasibility study for expansion of the building.
5. 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 outlined several resolutions which are being heard tonight.
Resolution 119-2008 is a change order for the sewer rehabilitation project.
Resolution 120-2008 and 121-2008 are regarding applications to the State Transportation Trust Fund for Municipal Aid Programs.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
NONE
PUBLIC
Ray McCarty, 149 Taunton Road, expressed that he was pleased with the report by the Senior Advisory Board.
William
Stauts, 12 Maine Trail, Trustee of the Historic Society at Kirby’s Mill,
stated his concern regarding the canoe trail parking near Kirby’s Mill. He said the people have to walk across
Mr. Addezio said it is a County road and the request for a blinking light had been denied. The addition of signage will be explored.
Frank Roggio, stated there are no physical activities for the Seniors in town, and he is in favor of a horseshoe pit and similar outdoor activities.
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION
NONE
ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 2008-16 “AMENDING
SECTION 611 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE
Mrs. O’Brien moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Martin moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
ORDINANCE 2008-17 “AMENDING
CHAPTER 113 OF THE CODE OF THE
Mr. Lynn moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.
PUBLIC
William Stauts, 12 Maine Trail, President of the Business Association thanked Council for adopting this ordinance.
Janet Jackson Gould, 121 North Lakeside Drive East, also expressed her thanks to Council and Mr. Stauts who initiated this change to the permitting process for special events.
Mr. Martin moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
ORDINANCE 2008-18 “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 $4,890,026 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $4,503,026 IN GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE THE SAME.”
Mr. Martin moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Martin moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
ORDINANCE 2008-19 “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 $569,000 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $569,000 IN GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE THE SAME.”
Deputy Mayor Brown moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Martin moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mrs. O’Brien.
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
Roll call vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien, aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
ORDINANCE 2008-20 “AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFORD, IN THE COUNTY OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY, PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND RELATED EXPENSES FOR PHASE II OF THE SEWER PLANT UPGRADE PROJECT IN AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP, APPROPRIATING $7,051,172 THEREFOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $7,051,172 IN GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE THE SAME.”
Mrs. O’Brien moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting to the public.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Martin moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Roll call
vote to close the public portion as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 101-2008 “Approving the 2008 Budget.”
Deputy Mayor Brown moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Martin.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Achey advised that the state has reported the aid to be received by the township, so the budget is now able to be adopted. Spending has been curtailed resulting in a decrease in the taxes for this year.
Roll call
vote for approval as follows: Mr. Lynn, aye, Mr. Martin, aye, Mrs. O’Brien,
aye, Deputy Mayor Brown, aye, and Mayor Myers, aye.
RESOLUTION 119-2008 “Approving Change Order Number 1, 2007 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Phase II & III.”
Mr. Martin moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
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 120-2008 “Authorizing Submission of Application for State Transportation Trust Funds Under the Municipal Aid Program for the Jackson Road Bikeway Project from Birchwood Lake to Robin Hood Drive.”
Mrs. O’Brien moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Martin stated that he feels the creation of the bikeways is a great project to bring the neighborhoods together.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
RESOLUTION 121-2008 “Authorizing Submission of Applications for State Transportation Trust Funds Under the Municipal Aid Program for Roadway Improvements to Ark Road from Church Road (County Route 616) to the Medford Township Line.”
Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Martin.
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
122-2008 “Resolution to Form and Join the
Mrs. O’Brien moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Achey explained that this resolution gives the township the right to join in a feasibility study on the cost of health insurance for the employees. Many members of JIF are to be included in the study to see if it will be more cost effective than the current plans.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
RESOLUTION
123-2008 “Authorizing
Mr. Martin moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Deputy Mayor Brown.
Mayor Myers opened the meeting for public comments.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Achey stated that a hardship sewer permit for this property is necessary due to it being an undersized lot.
The motion for approval was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
COMMUNICATION
NONE
OLD BUSINESS
NONE
NEW BUSINESS
NONE
PUBLIC
There was no public comment
.
Mr. Martin moved to close the public portion of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
The motion to close the public portion of meeting was duly made, seconded and affirmatively voted upon by all Council present.
ADJOURNMENT
There being
no further business Deputy Mayor Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce F. Frenia, RMC
Township Clerk
Next meeting
scheduled for: