PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2005
The Pittsgrove Township Committee met in the Meeting Room on February 8, 2005, Mayor Peter I. Voros presided. Committee member Jeffrey T. Ridgway, Sr. was present. Committee members Linda A. DuBois and Kenneth P. Martin arrived later as noted. Committeewoman Maxine C. Hargus was absent.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/ROLL CALL
Mayor Voros opened the meeting with a salute to the flag and reading of the Open Public Meetings Act.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Public Hearing was held pertaining to the application to the State of New Jersey for a Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant. The purpose of the Public Hearing was to discuss the details of the Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant regarding open space acquisitions through the Green Acres Program and to achieve open space preservation goals of the township, in accordance with the Township’s Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Herbert Wegner, Environmental Commission Chairman offered opening comments. He informed the public that the Environmental Commission was formed ten months ago. He spoke about efforts being made by the commission and the benefits of preserving farmland, forests and open spaces in the township. Mr. Wegner advised that prior public meetings were held to discuss goals of the Open Space and Recreation Plan and to receive comments from the public. He informed the public that this measure will make the township eligible to receive funding from Green Acres and that the Environmental Commission has lots of ideas. (Committeewoman DuBois arrived.)
Mayor Voros commented that these efforts are being made to keep taxes down and preserve our quality of life and our township’s natural resources. (Committeeman Martin arrived.)
Dennis Miranda, Go Native! commented that he was present two years ago relative to the creation of the Open Space Trust that provides a stable source of funds. He commented about the Environmental Resource Inventory and Open Space Plan and how preserved areas will be enjoyed by future generations. Mr. Miranda informed the public that this will enable the township to apply for funding of up to $500,000 per year. One-third of the municipalities in NJ have trust funds. The plan will enable a better position for funding.
Diane McCarthy, Pittsgrove Township, asked if certain areas were targeted. Mr. Wegner responded by referring to a color-coded map on the wall and informed Ms. McCarthy and other members of the public what each color represented. He advised that large tracts of forested areas and upland wetlands adjoining waterways would be targeted. Ms. McCarthy then asked if the procedure would be outlined this evening. Mr. Wegner responded that an application has to be completed. Interested parties may contact him regarding information and/or assistance with the procedure.
Andy Buzby, Chairman of the Salem County Board of Agriculture, inquired about the components to acquire property. Mr. Miranda responded a.) if people want to sell, b.) appraisal and c.) if the township wants to buy. There is negotiation. Mr. Buzby then inquired about preserving agricultural and environmentally sensitive areas. He was informed that the focal point was to preserve open space.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Martin and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-33 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A PLANNING INCENTIVE LAND ACQUISTION GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
A Public Hearing was held on an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING PROPERTY TAX AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE AND T & T MANAGEMENT, LLC FOR BLOCK 103, LOT 4”. There being no comments from the public, said hearing was closed on a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Martin, the aforementioned ORDINANCE NO. 1-2005 was adopted on second reading for final passage.
Vote: All in favor
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Martin, the minutes of the January 25, 2005 Regular Meeting and Executive Session were approved as submitted.
Vote: All in favor
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway, the following Departmental Report and Other (Minutes) were approved as submitted.
Vote: All in favor
Departmental Report - Tax Collector (01/05)
Other (Minutes) - Salem Co. Dept. Emergency Services (01/05)
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway, the Raffle License Application submitted by the PTA of Immaculate Conception Regional School for an Off-Premises Draw Raffle (50/50 Cash) to be held at the Centerton Country Club on April 29, 2005 was approved as submitted.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Martin, the 2005 Amusement License Renewal Application submitted by Fox’s Custard & Ice Cream Parlor was approved as recommended by the Housing/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer.
Vote: All in favor
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION & PERSONNEL (Hargus/Voros)
On a motion by Martin and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-34 2005 MUNICIPAL SAFETY CONTRACT GLOUCESTER, SALEM, CUMERLAND COUNTIES MUNICIPAL JOINT INSURANCE FUND was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & PUBLIC RELATIONS (DuBois/Hargus)
No business.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Martin/Hargus)
No business.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, FIRE & LIGHTING (DuBois/Ridgway)
Committeewoman DuBois mentioned that Emergency Management meets next week.
FINANCE (Martin/Voros)
On a motion by Martin and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-35 TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATION RESERVES was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Martin, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-36 PAYMENT OF BILLS was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
INTERLOCAL & SHARED SERVICES (DuBois)
Committeewoman DuBois commented that the Salem County Office on Aging is going to utilize a computer transportation schedule program for the Salem County Specialized Transportation Program.
ORDINANCE REVIEW & LEGISLATIVE (Hargus/Ridgway)
No business.
RECREATION & OPEN SPACE (Ridgway/DuBois)
No business.
ROADS & TOWNSHIP FACILITIES MAINTENANCE (Ridgway/Voros)
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the Road Opening Request submitted by South Jersey Gas for 49 Wallace Street was approved as recommended by the Township Engineer.
Vote: All in favor
Committeeman Ridgway acknowledged the receipt of the correspondence from the Salem County Engineer’s Office regarding the reconstruction of Almond Road. The matter was tabled.
SHADE TREE (Martin)
No business.
CORRESPONDENCE
Committeewoman DuBois commented that the Township will host the Salem County Association of Local Government Dinner in March. She was authorized to check into the arrangements and proceed with planning the affair.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Marcelline Eachus, Pittsgrove Township, asked if the Township Committee received her settlement offer regarding the state tax appeal. Mayor Voros advised her that the protocol relative to her inquiry is first the Department Head, then the Township Administrator and then the Township Committee. Mrs. Eachus responded that her inquiry of the Township Committee was based on the fact that a letter to her from Andrea Rhea, Esquire stated that her offer would be conveyed to the Township Committee. She informed the Township Committee that she could not deal directly with the Tax Assessor because she threatened and intimidated her. Mayor Voros responded that she must be misinterpreting the situation and reiterated the protocol for department matters.
Herbert Wegner, Pittsgrove Township, Chairman of the Environmental Commission and Agricultural Committee, thanked the Township Committee for its continued support regarding the submission of the Planning Incentive Grant and efforts regarding farmland preservation and open space. He recognized the following Environmental Commission members who were in attendance: Robert Widdfield, David Hunt, Kevin Garrison and Barry and Dolores Glogou. Mr. Wegner invited interested members of the audience to come forth and take a closer look at the large maps on the wall referred to during the public hearing held earlier. In turn, Mayor Voros thanked Herbert Wegner and the many volunteers who work so well together to achieve the goals set forth for the township. Mr. Wegner also informed the Township Committee that he has been in touch with Peter Galetto regarding the railroad property and that a Green Acres application is being submitted to acquire the same.
There being no further comments from the public, a motion was made by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway to close the audience participation segment.
Vote: All in favor
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway.
Vote: All in favor
Constance S. Garton
Township Clerk
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