Joseph Bruno

The Ordinance Committee meeting addressed the first reading of several ordinances, including Chapter 69-21 regarding police division compensation, land sale, Chapter 230 concerning Pedlers and Solicitors and the no knock registry, Chapter 37 regarding intermunicipal fire services assistance, Chapter 39 Fire Department, and a salary ordinance. The most detailed discussion involved Chapter 243, which addresses rent leveling. The committee reviewed a settlement agreement with developers to repeal the existing ordinance and adopt the state law capping rent increases at 3.5% starting in March 2026, following litigation over the township's prior 2% cap ordinance. The committee also discussed a request from a local business selling ball pythons needing municipal acknowledgment for state license renewal, noting that this activity is regulated by the state and county, not the municipality. An update was provided on a resolution to investigate amending an element plan regarding resident concerns about potential center development.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and acknowledgment of sign language interpreters, noting compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and live streaming information. A presentation was given for a Certificate of Recognition to Amanda Peacock for earning the title of Miss Gloucester County 2026, recognizing her advocacy efforts against distracted driving. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Resolution R78-2026, which authorizes the planning board to conduct further research regarding amendments to the HEXA project redevelopment plan, specifically concerning the possibility of permitting a data center. This followed public opposition to a prior application for warehousing/distribution facilities. The council discussed potential safeguards related to water usage (e.g., cool water loop systems), energy consumption, and generator use (noise buffers). Correspondence included the approval of a used motor vehicle dealer certificate for Grace Autos LLC. Public comment included a formal objection to the release of the performance bond for the builder Hobnian related to unfinished construction, paving, lighting, sidewalks, and retention pond issues at the Greens residents association development.

The meeting commenced with the necessary organizational actions, including the nomination and election of the Chairperson, Sherrie Kennedy, and the Vice Chairperson, Debra Valcourt-Sherman. Discussions during the reports section focused on logistics for the upcoming rabies clinic scheduled for January 24, 2026, including requirements for pet owners. The board also discussed a local reptile establishment; the County determined the facility was well-maintained, and the Township is reviewing its ordinances regarding reptiles due to new State mandates. Furthermore, a member requested assistance locating vaccination records for a dog, which the Clerk's Office agreed to check.

The council meeting included a resolution (R39-2026) authorizing entry into a closed executive session for discussions protected by attorney-client privilege, which was subsequently approved and executed for approximately 30 minutes. Upon returning to the regular session, the discussion focused heavily on the recommendation regarding the release of performance guarantees for the Sterling Glenn stormwater basin (Resolution R70-2026). Residents expressed strong opposition to releasing the guarantee, citing that the basin's drain time performance does not meet requirements year-round, referencing failed infiltration tests in March 2025, and noting the lack of maintenance logs from the developer. Furthermore, residents highlighted unresolved stormwater ponding issues at specific addresses (208 and 212 Huntley Lane) due to settlement outside the main basin footprint. The township engineer clarified that the ponding issues, stemming from settlement in common areas, are technically outside the scope of the performance guarantee being considered, despite residents arguing the settlement prevents proper flow into the basin. The residents strongly requested that the release of the performance guarantee be postponed until these basin and drainage issues are resolved.

This special meeting included the memorialization of Resolution #59-2025 regarding Robert McGeehan II, which approved a side and rear yard request. The session was noted to be recorded via audio and video and broadcast live on the Township's YouTube channel, with a strict cutoff time for new business.