ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes

July 7August 4, 2005 – 7:30 P.M.

Attendees: Jim Shuster, Chair

Ramona Pontelandolfo, Vice Chair

Fred Laning, Primary MemberErik Cagle, Primary Member

Tom Hayes, Primary Member

Dennis Stuempfle, Alternate No. 1

Bob Ternay, Alternate No. 2 (Late)

Marlene Urban, Business Representative

Linda DuBois, Township Committee Representative

Carrie Mullin, Secretary

Excused: Fred Laning, Primary Member

Maxine Hargus, Township Committee Representative

Absent: Erik Cagle, Primary Member

Dennis Stuempfle, Alternate No. 1Second Township Committee Representative

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:368 P.M. andfollowed by the flag salute, roll call , and reading of read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act (Sunshine Law) as follows:

“Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building Lobby on January 29, 2005, by communicating to the newspapers, Today’s Sunbeam and Elmer Times, on January 29, 2005 and by filing with the clerk of Pittsgrove Township on January 29, 2005.”

The flag salute and roll call followed. .

The Chairman designated Dennis StuempfleMarlene Urban to serve as a primary member in place of Fred LaningErik Cagle as per the committee by-laws. He also welcomed Linda DuBois to the EDC as a Township Committee Representative.

MINUTES:

During the review of the minutes, Dennis Stuempfle noted that the word “eminent” was spelled incorrectly. Erik CagleTom Hayes made a motion to accept the minutes with the aforementioned amendmentsas written. Dennis StuempfleRamona Pontelandolfo seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Landis Avenue Redevelopment

a. Feedback from the June 28^thJuly 26^th Township Committee Meeting

Jim Shuster stated that he had attended the June 28^th meeting and reported that . Dduring the meeting, he noted that the Environmental Commission had enlisted the help of Dennis Miranda of GoNative! Environmental Consulting to reinforce the environmental issues with the proposed redevelopment initiative. The points expressed by Mr. Miranda at the meeting echoed previousThe memo regarding subcommittee membership was received by the Township Committee. No further action was taken by the Township Committee regarding Landis Avenue Redevelopment. Jim Shuster will follow up with Mayor Voros regarding the status of the subcommittee.

The committee discussed making a proposal to the Township Committee to form a redevelopment subcommittee without the declaration of the proposed redevelopment zone. The committee members were in agreement that the formation of a subcommittee happen as soon as possible as it would allow for quicker turnaround if the redevelopment area is declared.

The committee members had questions regarding who will be the redevelopment authority on any such plan. Jim Shuster shared that he believes that there will be three main parties involved in the process:

o Township Committee – Responsible for all approvals

o Planning Board – Responsible for the actual redevelopment plan

o EDC – Responsible for chairing the proposed redevelopment subcommittee

concerns voiced by the Environmental Commission

Tom Hayes made a motion to draft a memo to the Township Committee strongly recommending the formation of a redevelopment subcommittee to prepare for the potential selection of a planner. Fred Laning seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor.

Chairman, Herb Wegner. It was obvious to Jim that Mr. Miranda appeared to behad been misinformed and . Mayor Voros shared the correct information throughout Mr. Miranda’s presentation. T indicating that the Township hasd already done, or will be doing, some most of the things that he Mr. Miranda had mentioned while considering the proposed redevelopment initiative. Jim stated that tThe Township Committee documented receipt of the recommendation for the proposed redevelopment area from the Planning Board, but that no further action would be taken until more is known about the implications of Fast Track. The Township Committee had expressed an interest in creating a subcommittee to focus on this initiative should it be approved.The Secretary will draft the memo and will forward to the Chairman for review prior to submittal. The Secretary will forward the final memo to the Township Clerk, requesting that the memo be send via e-mail to all Township Committee members prior to their August meeting.

b. Fast Track Legislation

Jim Shuster suggested that the EDC send a memo to the EC formally requesting their input on the proposed redevelopment initiative. He felt that it will be essential to have input from the EC regarding environmental concerns in the area and that the EDC could gain knowledge from their expertise. Tom Hayes was concerned that the memo may be misinterpreted and that it would need to be carefully worded. Jim noted that the redevelopment process will be long and that the EDC needs to be prepared with knowledge from various angles. The Fast Track legislation was delayed on an order by the Governor. The timeframe for the delay is indefinite. The committee discussed that the formation of the subcommittee will allow for continued movement on the Landis Ave redevelopment initiative while the Township Committee waits to see what will become of Fast Track.

c. Environmental Commission Memo

The Secretary confirmed that the memo regarding requested feedback and input from the Environmental Commission was sent. No response had been received as yet.

2. Vineland Foods

Dennis Stuempfle made a motion to have the Secretary draft a memo to the EC that would be forwarded to the EDC members via e-mail for their review and feedback, allowing the Chairman to make the final decision about the content before it is forwarded to the EC. Tom Hayes seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor.Jim Shuster reviewed the Vineland Foods proposal for the benefit of Linda DuBois and Fred Laning prior to giving any updates. Marlene Urban shared that she had a recent meeting with one of the owners of Vineland Foods and understands that they are pondering their next move. Vineland Foods has indicated that the City of Philadelphia is giving them a lot of incentives to stay there, including eight-year 100% tax abatement, and that they have not decided whether to move forward with their plans for Pittsgrove.

Jim Shuster spoke with Ed Dietz and discovered that there is no movement on reactivating the railroad system (as desired by Vineland Foods), but that Ed would be working with Vineland Foods to process their Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP) application. Jim also spoke with Jim Waddington and was told that the sub-zone can be extended to Pittsgrove. Jim Shuster will work with Jim Waddington to facilitate a meeting between Vineland Foods and Mr. Krebs regarding this initiative.

Vineland Foods has also relayed some concerns regarding the Route 56 bridge repair project. They inquired about the start date for the project as they will need to re-route their trucks. Jim Shuster asked the committee if they can help gather this information. Linda DuBois volunteered to see what she could find out. Jim asked the committee to continue to cultivate the relationship with Vineland Foods as all of their land is within the proposed redevelopment zone and they are the kind of business that the EDC wants to attract to the township.

3. R.V. Marine / Bargain Store Update

Ramona Pontelandolfo shared that the Zoning Officer indicated that the requirement for a site plan for the Bargain Store was waived by the Planning Board and that no further action could be taken. Bob Ternay added that the amendment was passed by the Planning Board and that the Bargain Store will be able to operate as usual.

4. Township Calendar

The calendar subcommittee met in July and discussed potential changes to the 2006 calendar. The calendar will include an updated business directory as well as pictures of township landmarks. Marlene Urban confirmed that The Bank will once again sponsor the project and that the Director of Marketing is interested in coming to a meeting to share her ideas for the calendar. The subcommittee is looking to mail out the calendar during the week after Thanksgiving.

Linda DuBois reiterated the need to accurately update the business directory and recommended a press release to notify residents that the calendars will be forthcoming. Jim Shuster will draft the press release, making sure to recognize The Bank for their support.

5. Farmer’s Market

Jim Shuster confirmed that he will be talking with local farmers in late August regarding a Pittsgrove Farmer’s Market. Linda DuBois was unsure how interested the farmers would be in the idea, as they often have to hire additional staff just to cover the farmer’s market. Linda recommended that Jim contact local retail farmers including Fox’s, Walker’s and Weaver’s. Jim confirmed that he will be contacting these establishments and will have an update for the September meeting.

The committee discussed the key points that need to be covered in this memo, to includeing the following:

·Discuss that Township Committee has not moved to designate a redevelopment area, awaiting the results of Fast Track legislation;

·Township Committee has expressed a desire to form a redevelopment subcommittee to draft a redevelopment plan guidelines should it be approved;

·In anticipation of that, the EDC is soliciting input/feedback relative to the environmentally sensitive areas and how to enhance and protect the areas while maintaining its their integrity in an effort to better educate the EDC members on the topic;

·As in the past, the EDC is seeking input from the EC;.

·Request for a formal written response with any ideas, suggestions or recommended resources relative to these areas;

·Emphasize that the EDC would like to continue to have an open dialogue in the future with the EC.

The Secretary will draft the memo to include these points and forward to the members for review as per the aforementioned motion.

a.Memo to Township Committee re: Subcommittee

Jim Shuster stated that tThe memo to the Township Committee regarding the potential selection of members for the Redevelopment Subcommittee had beenwas sent. The memo is slated expected to be reviewed at their July meeting.

a.Fast Track Legislation Update

Jim ShusterT shared that there has been no activity regarding Fast Track legislation as yet. He Tnoted that the McGreevey imposed deadline has justhas passed without resolution.an d that heM hoped to know more may be known by the August meeting.

1.Vineland Foods Update

Jim Shuster shared that he has been attemptingattempted to contact get feedback from Ed Dietz at the state level, and Jim Waddington to get feedback at the state and at the county levels regarding the proposed development by Vineland Foods, but had not received any. Tom Hayes suggested to Jim to havehaving the Mayor contact Jim Waddington to reemphasize that Pittsgrove is in favor of this initiative in an effort to jumpstart the process. Jim will follow-up with Mayor Voros regarding this.

Ramona Pontelandolfo asked about the water usage implications of the proposed development. Jim Shuster responded stating that he believed there would not be an issuewere no adverse implications. Bob Ternay indicated that the Planning Board would have a technical review while considering this project and that the company would likely have to dig a large well.

Marlene Urban shared that she is continuing to work with Vineland Foods regarding their financial needs and is anxious to have an update on the progress. Jim Shuster will send an e-mail updates to to the committee members with an update on any activity over during the next month.

1.Fall Farmer’s Market

Ramona Pontelandolfo shared an article with the committee regarding the farmers markets in Vineland, Bridgeton and Millville. She indicated that tTheirse farmer’s markets do not begin until June 18^th and sothat Pittsgrove Day may be too early to host a farmer’s market in the township. She also sharedmentioned that the senior population in Cumberland County had been given $20 vouchers to be spent only at the farmer’s markets and she believed that this was a nice idea that could be incorporated used in Pittsgrove. Ramona felt that it would be too hard to pull together an event for the fall and thought it best to do more research before moving forward.

Jim Shuster indicated that the EDC needs to might want to learn more from the farmers themselves about what thehelp farmers they need. Tom Hayes shared mentioned that when the EDC addressed that question before, then EDC Township Representative Linda DuBois, whose family are farmers, the EDC had been directed the committee to the Salem County Agriculture Board in the past, but that there haveit has been difficult ies in getting a response. Tom reiterated that the EDC needs to find out what local farmers need in terms of local business support. Jim suggested that the EDC members talk to local farmers about their needs and what they would think about a farmer’s market. The committee debated over whether it would be best to send a letter, a survey, or invite local farmers to a future meeting. The committee ultimately decided tthat the best form of communication would be informal conversations. Jim Shuster will make personal contact with local farmers in late August. This discussion will be tabled until the September EDC meeting.

1.Attendance Letter Response

Jim Shuster shared reported that at the June 28^th Township Committee meeting, Ken Martin hasd been removed as EDC Township Committee Representative for the EDC. He indicated that Linda DuBois willis expected to most likely be his replacement, but that the EDC has not received any formal communication regarding on this as yet.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Communications

a. Jim Shuster received an e-mail from Fred Laning indicating that he would not be able to make attend this meeting. Fred stated that he would contact Jim to discuss his possible resignation from the committee. Jim will follow-up with Fred prior to the August meeting.discussed his recent communication with the Franzwas (owners of R.V. Marine) that they were unable to afford the old ‘Positive TV’ property. They are now interested in the feed mill property.

b. Jim Shuster shared that he recently spoke with the owners of Animal Oasis and they are again interested in Pittsgrove as a location for their business. They are searching for a property with a home and several acres with a home and are currently looking at two properties along Willow Grove Road. Bob Ternay suggested that the owners will want to ensure that properties are zoned correctly before proceeding.

c. Jim Shuster shared that he has been communicatingdiscussed his communications with the Franzwas, owners of Franzwa’s RV Marine in Millville, regarding their desire to move their business to commercial property interest in Pittsgrove. He shared with the committee that Tthey had been previously trying tried to purchase the property on Landis Avenue where D&D Bargains the bargain store now resides. but While making sure they could satisfy zoning requirements before buying, D&D Bargains purchased the property. theyThe Franzwa’s have since considered other properties including are now looking possibly at the land where the old ‘Positive TV’ property, but it was sold at auction to someone else once resided. Jim asked the committee if there was anything that can be done to help them, especially since they are Pittsgrove residents and the bargain store is has continually been in violation of zoning regulations. Jim asked if there were fines that could be imposed to encourage compliance. Ramona Pontelandolfo volunteered to contact the Zoning Board Officialregarding any recourse that should be taken against the bargain store because they are not following regulations. Bob Ternay volunteered to discuss the issue with the Planning Board. Jim Shuster will talk with the Township Committee to see what can be done.Jim Shuster received a message from Steve Bermann of Prudential Fox & Roach Realty. Mr. Bermann works with potential business owners to find suitable locations for their businesses. He stated an interest in Pittsgrove and would like to hear what the Township would like to see as part of its economic development. Mr. Bermann indicated an interest in attending an upcoming EDC meeting and Jim suggested that the committee give him some time at the September meeting. The committee was in agreement and Jim will contact Mr. Bermann to confirm his attendance.

d. Jim Shu