PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 22, 2005
The Pittsgrove Township Committee met in the Meeting Room on March 22, 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 DuBois and seconded by Hargus, the minutes of the February 22, 2005 Executive Session and March 8, 2005 Regular Meeting were approved as submitted.
Vote: All in favor
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Hargus, the following Departmental Reports and Other (Minutes) were approved as submitted.
Vote: All in favor
Departmental Reports - Housing/Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer (02/05)
Tax Collector (02/05)
Court Administrator (02/05)
Other (Minutes) - Salem Co. Department Of Emergency Services (02/05)
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, the 2005 Junkyard License Application (renewal) for Ronald Williams t/a Neal Williams Used Trucks & Parts 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 Hargus and seconded by Martin, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-66 APPOINTING A CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & PUBLIC RELATIONS (DuBois/Hargus)
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-67 RECOGNIZING THE 2005 ARTHUR P. SCHALICK HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM was approved as read and a copy was presented to Coach Collins.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Hargus, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-68 RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING BOYS BASKETBALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ARTHUR P. SCHALICK HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PAUL GAUSE was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Martin/Hargus)
No business.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, FIRE & LIGHTING (DuBois/Ridgway)
Committeewoman DuBois advised that the last meeting was not held due to the attendance by our team at forest fire training.
FINANCE (Martin/Voros)
On a motion by Martin and seconded by Hargus, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-69 TRANSFER FOR 2004 BUDGET APPROPRIATION RESERVE was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
INTERLOCAL & SHARED SERVICES (DuBois)
Committeewoman DuBois announced that the Salem County Specialized Transportation Program is in need of additional drivers possessing Commercial Driver’s Licenses and that the Transportation Coordinator has taken a leave of absence.
ORDINANCE REVIEW & LEGISLATIVE (Hargus/Ridgway)
On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Martin, an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 40-4.C OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE, NEW JERSEY ENTITLED ‘KENNELS, PET SHOPS AND SHELTERS’” was approved on first reading. The second reading and public hearing will be held April 12, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 989 Centerton Road, Pittsgrove, NJ afterwhich the ordinance will be considered for final passage.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Martin, an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 48A TO THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE, NEW JERSEY ENTITLED ‘GRAFFITI’” was approved on first reading. The second reading and public hearing will be held April 12, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 989 Centerton Road, Pittsgrove, NJ afterwhich the ordinance will be considered for final passage.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Hargus and seconded by DuBois, an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 60-82 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE, NEW JERSEY ENTITLED ‘SIGNS’” was approved on first reading. The proposed ordinance will be sent to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Hargus and seconded by Ridgway, an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER A120 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PITTSGROVE, NEW JERSEY ENTITLED ‘FEES’” was approved on first reading. The second reading and public hearing will be held April 12, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 989 Centerton Road, Pittsgrove, NJ afterwhich the ordinance will be considered for final passage.
Vote: All in favor
RECREATION & OPEN SPACE (Ridgway/DuBois)
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the request from the SJ Women’s Soccer Association to use the soccer fields at Green Branch Park from May 25, 2005 to August 3, 2005 was approved as recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, the request from the GC Yankees 18AA Baseball Team to use the baseball fields at Green Branch Park from April 2005 to November 2005 (Sunday’s only) was approved as recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Hargus, the request from the Elmer United Methodist Church to use Deer Pen Park for an Easter Egg Hunt on March 26, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. was approved as recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by DuBois, restricting the sale of food to only “non-profit” groups on Pittsgrove Day was approved as recommended by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Hargus, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-70 IN SUPPORT OF THE DELAWARE BAYSHORE BIRDING AND WILDLIFE TRAILS PROJECT was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
Committeewoman Hargus commented that a great job was done by those involved with the Easter Egg Hunt held March 19, 2005. An estimated 700 kids participated.
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 27 Primrose Drive was approved as recommended by the Township Engineer.
Vote: All in favor
SHADE TREE (Martin)
No business.
CORRESPONDENCE
No comment.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Diane Banks, Pittsgrove Township, stated that she is very concerned about the use of properties. She had a portion of her farm property for sale, but the prospective buyer decided not to buy due to the expansion of the redevelopment plan which is also keeping three senior citizens from the sale.
Mayor Voros responded that the Redevelopment Area is in the planning stage and that nothing is going to happen until the people of Pittsgrove speak on it. A public hearing will be held by the Planning Board on April 20, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Schalick High School.
James Shuster, Chairman - Economic Development Committee, was asked by the Mayor to inform those in attendance about the matter. Mr. Shuster stated that the Economic Development Committee was asked by the Township Committee to come up with an Economic Development Plan. A major initiative is to promote business growth along Landis Avenue. The redevelopment initiative will provide the township with control and additional benefits such as telling a developer what type of development is desired, terms, in what area, etc. It will bring in ratables faster. The goal is to keep our rural setting. The area is already zoned commercial/business. Business development is desired, not housing. The first step was for the Planner to conduct an assessment to see if the area meets the state criteria for a redevelopment area. He reiterated that a public hearing will be held on April 20, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arthur P. Schalick High School. The current land use is farmland/agricultural and zoned commercial.
Mrs. Banks commented that much of the land in that area is agricultural. Her property is in the middle of a huge piece of farmland.
Mr. Shuster clarified that 90% of the area is zoned business and commercial and that there may be confusion regarding the current land use. Agriculture is an approved use in such zones.
Mrs. Banks asked what if homes are in the way.
Committeemen Martin and Ridgway responded that a developer would have to buy homes, they cannot just take them from you.
Mayor Voros encouraged those in attendance to attend the upcoming public hearing.
Committeeman Martin emphasized that the matter is in the planning stage.
Mr. Shuster stated that the Township is not in the land grab business and a developer would have to pay fair market value or more. This would entice developer’s to come in on their own, but only develop in ways the township wants it developed. The township is not trying to take land or dictate to landowners. There would be no pressure to sell.
Mayor Voros commented that there is no intention to declare a blight area. This is usually done relative to funding eligibility. Our purpose is to entice business ratables to help ease the tax burden.
Committeewoman Hargus commented that there is no water and sewer system in that area so only businesses able to use private well and septic or on-site systems are allowed.
Mark Jones, Pittsgrove Township, stated he is concerned about the long term picture. He just moved back home from the Phoenixville / King of Prussia area and wants to know what is being proposed i.e. who is doing what, what’s it going to look like, and if this is being done because of the racetrack. He doesn’t know if it’s going to work.
Committeewoman Hargus responded that businesses should be aesthetically pleasing and that the racetrack has nothing to do with it.
Mr. Jones commented that when he lived in Phoenixville, the Exton area blew up. He doesn’t want to see development come into the area and in two years close and mess up Pittsgrove. He likes where he lives and described our rural characteristics. He stated that Pittsgrove reminds him of Harrison Township which does not allow certain business to come in.
Committeewoman DuBois responded that that is why Pittsgrove has its various committees - agricultural, environmental, shade tree, etc. to plan for the future. We recognize the need for businesses, but not businesses that change the way we like it here.
Larry Mercier, Pittsgrove Township, presented the Township Committee with a copy of the letter that was distributed to residents along Landis Avenue.
Committeeman Martin refers to the letter and stated that the Township did not send it out. He stated that the township is not taking anything over by eminent domain.
Mayor Voros informed those in attendance that the township is foreclosing on Norma Mills, Inc. (formerly Us Grain & Feed) and several other properties.
Mr. Mercier asked about the foreclosure process and what the township intends to do with these properties.
The Township Solicitor responded that procedures have to be followed and the process will take 6-9 months. The Township Committee will make a determination as to its options upon possession of the property. The properties can be auctioned.
Mr. Mercier wanted to know about the upcoming new bridge project on Landis Avenue and when that would occur.
Mayor Voros responded that the project will begin in 2006. He also advised that a turning lane is proposed and a traffic light at the intersection of Gershal Avenue and Almond Road.
Mrs. Banks asked if any thought has been given to turning the old feed mill into a senior high rise.
Mr. Shuster responded that the township is interested to know what the residents want, what the possibilities are and is open minded about this. Consideration will be given to the possibilities upon possession.
Marcelline Eachus, Pittsgrove Township, referred to the matter of reassessment regarding some businesses that are not being assessed as such. She stated that this should be looked into if the township is looking to broaden its tax base with business ratables. Some businesses are paying their fair share, some are not. She asked if this had been remedied and again suggested that the Township Committee have the Tax Assessor check into it.
The Mayor responded, very well.
Valerie Nagy, Pittsgrove Township, commented that she thinks assurances given by the township are good; that is what people want to hear. Even though assurances are given, however, there is language in the plan that states that property can be taken over by eminent domain and can be purchased for less than fair market value. It gives the township the power to do that and that would be her concern. An alternative would be to let the area develop naturally.
Mayor Voros commented that everyone’s concerns can be addressed at the public hearing mentioned previously.
Mr. Shuster commented that rumors are being circulated and that there is much speculation about the matter that is not accurate, especially eminent domain. The concept is not solely based in eminent domain, that’s a misnomer. The township’s intentions can be written into the plan.
Tom Hayes, Pittsgrove Township and member of the Economic Development Committee, commented about the tasks of the Economic Development Committee and stated that two years ago there was an informal discussion about what could be done to lessen the tax burden. This feat is being taken on and a way to do that is to encourage commercial development along Landis Avenue. To him, the property being foreclosed on is an embarrassment, an eyesore to the Township. The motivation behind the redevelopment is to benefit all residents of the Township. There is no intention whatsoever to harm anyone. Mr. Hayes stated that he would not want his property to be subject to eminent domain and he would prevent that from happening to anyone else. That is not the intention. Taxes are going up. There is no hidden agenda. He stated that he is speaking the truth and he expects to be held to it.
Mary Stenberger, Pittsgrove Township asked if there is no intention of eminent domain why is it contained throughout the letter that was distributed. If the Township did not send out the flyers, who did? She asked about the other properties being foreclosed on.
Mayor Voros responded that there is misinformation about the matter. There is nothing wrong with informing others. These meetings are open to the public and township officials are accessible. He advised Mrs. Stenberger that she could obtain information about the properties being foreclosed on from the Township Clerk’s office.
Committeeman Martin stated that when the township forecloses on a property, it’s the last thing we want to do. The township would rather have the tax revenue. Municipal property does not generate tax revenue.
Herbert Wegner, Chairman - Environmental Commission / Agricultural Advisory Committee, commented that he has put lots of letters in the newspaper regarding the importance of preserving land. He informed those in attendance that the Open Space Plan was prepared by the Morris Land Conservancy and was recently adopted as part of the township’s Master Plan. He referred to and explained the Open Space Plan Maps displayed on the west wall of the Meeting Room/Court Room. He advised that the township has a significant amount of wetlands and upland forests. He also advised that 17,000 acres of forest and farms are not preserved and are vulnerable to development and that about 10,000 acres have been preserved as the result of state and farmland acquisitions. Mr. Wegner alerted the Township Committee about forthcoming recommendations regarding cluster development. He announced that the Environmental Commission meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building and that the Pittsgrove Historical Society meets the third Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
Mrs. Stenberg asked Mr. Wegner if he is encouraging farmland preservation along Landis Avenue. Mr. Wegner responded that he encourages everyone to preserve land and he pointed out some areas now being preserved. He made those in attendance aware that he was available to answer any questions and had preservation applications in his possession.
Mr. Shuster announced that the Economic Development Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Their next meeting will be held April 7, 2005. He encouraged those interested to attend.
Committeewoman Hargus, Vice President of the Pittsgrove Historical Society commented that the Pittsgrove Township Historical Society will host a reception honoring Pittsgrove’s longest residing residents. The reception will be held at the Norma Fire House on April 10, 2005 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
There being no further comments from the public, a motion was made by Hargus and seconded by DuBois to close the audience participation segment.
Vote: All in favor
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Hargus and seconded by DuBois, RESOLUTION NO. 2005-71 AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss contract negotiations, attorney-client privilege and potential 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 Ridgway, the meeting was reopened to the public.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by DuBois and seconded by Ridgway, Resolution No. 2005-72 INFORMING THE COURT OF AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT FEE ORDINANCE was approved as read.
Vote: All in favor
On a motion by Hargus and seconded by DuBois, participation in Orchids Across America for Administrative Professionals National Secretaries Week (April 25-29, 2005) was approved and will be paid for by members of the Township Committee.
Vote: All in favor
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Hargus and seconded by Martin.
Vote: All in favor
Constance S. Garton
Township Clerk
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