PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 28, 2005

 

 

 

         The Pittsgrove Township Committee met in the Meeting Room on June 28, 2005, Mayor Peter I. Voros presided. Committee members present were Jeffrey T. Ridgway, Sr., Linda A. DuBois, Maxine C. Hargus and Kenneth P. Martin.

 

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.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the minutes of the May 24, 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 Reports and Other (Minutes) were accepted as submitted.

Vote:  All in favor

 

Departmental Reports - Construction Code Official                              (05/05)

                               Housing/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer              (05/05)

                                 Court Administrator                                           (05/05)

                              Tax Collector                                                      (05/05)

          Other (Minutes) - Economic Development Committee                     (04/05)

                                       Planning Board                                 (03/16/05 & 05/03/05)

                                       Recreation Advisory Committee                           (05/05)

                                       Salem Co. Dept. of Emergency Services               (05/05)

 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, the Raffle License Applications submitted by the Schalick Track Booster Club for on-premise draw raffles (50/50 Cash) to be held during the 2005/2006 track season at the Schalick High School athletic field and an off-premise draw raffle (Prize) to be held April 30, 2006 at the Schalick High School were approved.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the Raffle License Applications submitted by the Bridgeton Kiwanis Club for an on-premise draw raffle (50/05 Cash) and an on-premise draw raffle (Chinese Auction) to be held September 10, 2005 at the Centerton Country Club were approved.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-105 PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE (Brad’s Red Tavern, Inc. to Brad’s Red I, LLC) was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-106 AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF 2005-2006 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES (Brad’s Red I, LLC, Caddy’s Pub & Grill, Inc., Centerton Inn, Inc., Garden State Lodge #1534 IBPOEOFW, Running Deer Golf Association & Literary Club, Inc.) was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         Herbert Wegner, Chairman, Pittsgrove Environmental Commission / Agricultural Advisory Committee, introduced Dennis Miranda of GoNative! Mr. Miranda was present to discuss the proposed redevelopment of Landis Avenue.  He commented about the Preliminary Investigation and Needs Assessment prepared by the Waetzman Planning Group.  Mr. Miranda cautioned the Township Committee about inconsistencies with public policy laws established for Pittsgrove Township.  He stated that while the old mill and asphalt properties are perfect examples for redevelopment, the overall area proposed for redevelopment is predominantly farm/agricultural use.  He advised that the Environmental Commission should be asked for its input relative to this initiative.  Mayor Voros informed Mr. Miranda that a group of individuals will be appointed to further consider the matter.  Mr. Miranda stated that the assessment conflicts with goals of the Pittsgrove Master Plan in spirit.  Mayor Voros also commented that the Fast Track legislation is being taken into account.  Mr. Miranda did agree that there is funding advantages to a redevelopment designation and also informed the Township Committee that the Department of Environmental Protection or Redevelopment Authority will have jurisdiction versus that of the local Planning Board.  He also stated that ordinances are not consistent with the landscape.  Mr. Miranda suggested that a Mainstreet Scape be considered in the hub of town versus what is currently being proposed.  Committeewoman Hargus assured that the Township Committee will go slow in its consideration of the matter.  Mayor Voros commented that the existing railway and proximity to Route 55 are factors relative to the proposed area and that agricultural based businesses and those that would support the South Jersey Regional Hospital are examples of the types of businesses desired.  He agreed that there is a lot of homework to be done and thanked Mr. Miranda for his attendance.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

 

         ADMINISTRATION & PERSONNEL (Hargus/Voros)

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-107 APPOINTING A TAX ASSESSOR FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE (Lisa J. Perella) was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-108 APPOINTING MEMBERS TO RENT CONTROL BOARD was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Martin, Barbara Laury was hired as an Administrative Assistant as recommended by the Standing Committee.

Vote:  All in favor

        

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & PUBLIC RELATIONS (DuBois/Hargus)

 

Committeewoman Hargus thanked the following persons for volunteering to assemble the 2005 Summer Newsletters for mailing:  Heather and Mark VanCulin, Ron, Nelseine, Lydia Hall, Vicki Baker, Chris Olauson, David Olsen, Gail and Libby Cassidy, Amber Wright, Heather Panetta, Katie Urso, Josh Joyce, Charlie Joyce, Dan Fox, Tom Kammerdiener, Mayor Peter Voros and Gary Hargus.

 

         ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Martin/Hargus)

 

         The Township Committee acknowledged receipt of the resolution from the Planning Board recommending that the proposed Landis Avenue redevelopment area be designated as an “area in need of redevelopment” pursuant to NJSA 40A:12A-1, et seq. Committeewoman Hargus and Mayor Voros thanked the Planning Board for its  recommendation.

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, FIRE & LIGHTING (DuBois/Ridgway)

 

Committeewoman DuBois advised that no meeting was held in June.

 

         FINANCE (Martin/Voros)

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Martin, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-109 PAYMENT OF BILLS was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-110 REQUSTING APPROVAL OF ITEMS OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATION NJSA 40A:4-87 (Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Program) was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

         INTERLOCAL & SHARED SERVICES (DuBois)

 

         Mayor Voros thanked David Mulford, Township Administrator, for getting the Specialized Transportation Program back up and running smoothly.  Mr. Mulford also accredited Committeewoman DuBois with the program’s status.

 

         ORDINANCE REVIEW & LEGISLATIVE (Hargus/Ridgway)

 

         The Township Committee acknowledged the receipt of ordinance recommendations regarding the Editorial Analysis of the Pittsgrove Township Code and felt that more time is needed for its review.

 

         The Township Solicitor was authorized to prepare an ordinance, taking into account the Enforcement Officer’s recommendations, to amend Section 60-82.D (“Signs”) of the Land Use Development Ordinance pursuant to NJSA 40:55D-26 as recommended by the Planning Board.

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, the Township Solicitor was authorized to prepare an ordinance to repeal Section 60-61 (“Existing Lots”) from the Land Use Development Ordinance as recommended by the Planning Board.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         RECREATION & OPEN SPACE (Ridgway/DuBois)

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Martin, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-111 APPOINTING MEMBERS TO RECREATION ADVIOSRY COMMITTEE was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-112 STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GREEN ACRES was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the following park requests were approved as recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee.

Vote:  All in favor

 

Pittsgrove Midget Football                      Green Branch Park                       Football Fields     

                                                                (Practices/Games/Camp)                 2005 Season

 

Jeanette Smith                                     Deer Pen Park                  July 9, 2005

                                                                     (Birthday Party)                       (1:00 - 4:00 p.m.)

 

Dawn Hoban                                       Deer Pen Park                   July 16, 2005

                                                                       (Birthday Party)                       (1:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

 

Ian Hughes                                                   Deer Pen Park                    August 6, 2005

(Prime Timers Philadelphia)                  (Picnic)                                     (Noon - 7:00 p.m.)                                 


Cynthia Cadle                                      Green Branch Park                         August 13, 2005

                                                               (Birthday Party)                       (1:00 p.m. - Dusk)

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Martin, $800.00 is to be forwarded to the Pittsgrove Wrestling Association to help offset the costs of using school facilities as recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         ROADS & TOWNSHIP FACILITIES MAINTENANCE (Ridgway/Voros)

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Hargus, the Lease Agreement between the Township of Pittsgrove and the Pittsgrove Township Board of Education for space at the Pittsgrove Township Municipal Garage was approved.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the correspondence from South Jersey Gas requesting 2006 street information relative to road reconstruction and/or paving projects is to be forwarded to the Public Works Manager for response.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         Committeewoman Hargus advised that a concern has arisen regarding truck traffic on Lawrence Corner Road.  The Township Clerk was asked to convey this concern to the New Jersey State Police.

 

         SHADE TREE (Martin)

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Ridgway, the By-laws and Enabling Ordinance as proposed by the Shade Tree Advisory Committee are to be forwarded to the Township Solicitor for review and comment.  The proposed Membership List was approved and will become effective in conjunction with adoption of the aforementioned documents.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         Mayor Voros appointed Committeewoman Hargus to the Shade Tree Standing Committee.  Hargus will replace Committeeman Martin who is not available to participate in this capacity.

 

         Mayor Voros also appointed Committeewoman DuBois to the Economic Development Standing Committee.  DuBois will replace Committeeman Martin who is also not available to participate in this capacity.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

         Mayor Voros announced that Alyssa Hars, a student from Schalick High School, received a $1000 Comcast Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship.

 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

 

         Mike Laury, City of Millville, thanked the Township Committee for hiring his wife, Barbara, for the position of Administrative Assistant.  Mr. Laury also cautioned the Township Committee about redevelopment.

 

         Valerie Nagy, Pittsgrove Township, wanted to know what is being changed regarding existing lots.  Committeewoman Hargus responded that Section 60-61 has been proposed for repeal from the Land Use and Development Ordinance.  This will subject all existing lots to all current requirements.  Currently the section permits preexisting lot area and lot width nonconformities to continue without variance relief under certain circumstances despite the July 23, 2002 adoption of Ordinance No. 3 -2002.  

 

         Cheryl Chambers, Pittsgrove Township, wanted to know what the Tax Assessor has on her mind about non-lake front values in Palatine Lake Village. Mayor Voros informed Mrs. Chambers of the proper protocol when requesting information from a department. 

 

         There being no further comments from the public, a motion was made by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois to close the audience participation segment.

Vote:  All in favor

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

         On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-113 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss contract negotiations, acquisition of real property and anticipated litigation was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

 

Minutes of the Executive Session will be made available for public review with respect to matters involving litigation after said litigation has been resolved and all periods of appeal have expired and with respect to other matters within (90) days.

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by DuBois, the meeting was reopened to the public.

Vote:  All in favor

 

         On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Martin, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-114

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE IN THE COUNTY OF SALEM AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO FILE SUIT AGAINST GULF INSURANCE COMPANY PURSUANT TO MAINTENANCE BOND NO. BE0941599 was approved as read.

Vote:  All in favor

ADJOURNMENT

 

         There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Hargus and seconded by DuBois.

Vote:  All in favor

 

 

 

Constance S. Garton

Township Clerk

 

 

 

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