Gail Catania

The agenda for this meeting covered the convening of the meeting and a statement regarding public meetings. Key organizational items included the swearing in of Council-Elect members, the nomination and election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2026, and the administration of the Oath of Office for both positions. The agenda also listed numerous resolutions for approval under a Consent Agenda, such as approving the 2026 Temporary Budget, designating official newspapers, establishing interest rates for delinquent taxes, and adopting the 2026 Cash Management Plan. Other items included public comments, communications, scheduling matters, reports from the Manager and Clerk, and a separate Consent Agenda for various appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee, and Green Team Advisory Committee. Discussions were also scheduled for Board/Commission Candidate Interviews and specific property matters.

This document details Medford Township's Amended 2025 Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, serving as a roadmap to address affordable housing obligations from 2025 to 2035. The plan focuses on meeting both the 'Present Need' for rehabilitation of existing low- and moderate-income homes and the 'Prospective Need' for new affordable housing units. Key strategies include implementing compliance options such as inclusionary zoning and development fees, and identifying specific sites for inclusionary development to generate new affordable units and bonus credits. The overall vision is to provide access to affordable housing in accordance with the Fair Housing Act, while preserving the Township's character and density.

The committee discussed Sustainable NJ re-certification, Green Team activities including support for recycling at Oktoberfest, and various grant applications and projects such as the ACE Grant, NJDCA Local Rec Improvement Grant, and AC Electric Environmental Stewardship Grant Application. They also covered the Trex Bench project, revisions to the Tree Ordinance, the Adopt A Drain Program, and the Sustainable Medford Facebook Page. Other topics included pedestrian and cycling assistance, open space acquisition, flood resiliency, green product education, and utility line tree cutting. New business included discussion on Sustainable Jersey Grant Applications and the Hartford Crossing Educational Trail. The township received a large grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety, and an Eagle Scout project to develop wooden signs at the dog park was mentioned.

The committee discussed Sustainable NJ recertification, Green Team activities including a recycling program for Octoberfest and a Repair Cafe. Grant applications and projects were reviewed, including the ACE Grant, NJDCA Local Rec Improvement Grant, and AC Electric Environmental Stewardship Grant Application. The Safe Streets for All project and new field lighting for Hartford Crossing Park were also discussed. The Trex Bench project status, revised Tree Ordinance, and Adopt A Drain Program were monitored. New business included communication strategies for the Green Team and a presentation on municipal composting programs, with a potential pilot program in Medford. Planning and Zoning considerations were also addressed.

The municipal budget includes revenues from various sources such as surplus, miscellaneous revenues, delinquent taxes, state aid, uniform construction code fees, shared service agreements, public and private revenues, and other special items. Appropriations are allocated for general government functions, public safety, public works, and other expenses. The budget also accounts for insurance, health benefits, and debt service. The calculation of the levy cap and the allocation of group insurance costs are detailed.