Township of Pemberton

The meeting included a Closed Session to authorize action regarding potential litigation. Public comment covered various community concerns, including development, water supply for new construction, issues related to warehouse traffic on Birmingham Road, and public safety matters. Key resolutions approved actions such as recognizing the public service dedication of Harry Scull, authorizing various routine refunds and agreements, approving a Green Acres Program application concerning the Rail Trail, funding for Drunk Driving Enforcement, a contract extension for Animal Control services (following discussion on in-house staffing), purchasing new police equipment including a Live Scan System and three Ford Interceptors, approving budget amendments for various grants and funds, purchasing fire department equipment (Ladder repair services, thermal imaging cameras), authorizing a lease for pothole repair, and purchasing a new pickup truck. The Council also addressed several budgetary resolutions, including one that died for lack of motion concerning purchases from O'Brien & Sons, Inc. Ordinance 28-2023, accepting temporary construction access and permanent pedestrian easements, was adopted using grant funding. Ordinance 29-2023 regarding mandatory water connection fees and rate increases was introduced with amendments to postpone the rate increase. Ordinances 30-2023 (creating a Captain position in the Police Department) and 31-2023 (establishing fees for Type 13 Bulky Waste collection) were also introduced for future public hearings. New Business included tabling a Police Department hardware purchase until August. In reports, the Business Administrator updated the Council on the newly adopted K-9 Zeus, significant increases in police call volumes, secured funding for Sewer Division improvements, and the status of two reports by Mr. Remsa concerning warehouse zoning, with consensus reached to pursue a dual track of drafting an ordinance while awaiting the Planning Board's recommendations. The Mayor reported on road milling/overlay projects, issues with lifeguard coverage at beaches, and safety improvements.

The special meeting included council comments where one member addressed a request for his resignation and highlighted his accomplishments. Public comments covered various topics, including upcoming BMIA events, concerns about outsourced tax sales being dominated by foreign companies, potential insurance liabilities for the Mayor, and requests to remove properties from the tax sale list, notably Sycamore Hall. Residents also questioned specific resolutions related to a vacuum truck, comp time/flex time, the hiring of a Business Administrator, and Christmas tree lighting plans. Other key discussion points included the Main Pool contract, a Microsoft Office purchase, OPRA requests concerning construction records, and updates on the Acme property demolition. Resolutions considered involved awarding contracts for water pump repairs, purchasing meters, authorizing liens for property maintenance code violations, and transferring rights for a well related to a redevelopment agreement. The introduction of ordinances included one for various water utility improvements which generated considerable debate regarding mandatory water hookups, and another amending the Spruce Boulevard/Junction Road Redevelopment Plan concerning townhouses. New business involved approving purchases for well meters, mower parts, Microsoft Office licenses, additional police vehicle lights, and a replacement warmer for the Senior Center, as well as approving a Special Use Permit for a Boy Scout troop fundraiser. The meeting concluded with the approval of the Bill List.

The Planning Board addressed several key applications and procedural items. Regular business included PB-02-24, a Minor Subdivision for Rockefeller involving the splitting of a lot to separate the historic Lippincott house onto its own parcel, which required a "c" variance related to setback requirements due to the existing structure's location. The Board discussed preservation and maintenance obligations for the house and ultimately approved the application with conditions, including investigating sewer and water tie-ins. Application PB-01-24, a Minor Subdivision with a "c" variance for Marlin Water and Construction Inc., was also addressed. This required lot depth variances due to lot shape, and the Board approved the application with a condition that the existing dwelling be centered on the lot. Further discussion involved Equity Enterprised Inc.'s major subdivision for 575 age-restricted dwelling units, focusing on traffic concerns, stormwater management, emergency access road design, and cell service coverage, with the meeting continued to a later date. The meeting concluded with the approval of the minutes from the March 7, 2024 session.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments regarding an "I Voted" sticker, the status of the Presidential Lakes Firehouse and Recreation Center, and inquiries about scheduling fees for Civic Associations. The Council addressed proposed Ordinances 25-2018 (regarding yard waste) and 268-2018 (Closed Session, which was not adopted). The Council approved several resolutions, primarily authorizing cancellations of property taxes for Veteran's Property Tax Exemptions and assignments of Tax Sale Certificates. New Business covered purchases over $2,000, including traffic striping, police uniforms, Live Scan System maintenance, and EMT training. Crucially, the Council adopted Ordinance 23-2018, approving the Redevelopment Plan for Rowan College at Burlington County, following objections raised regarding litigation status and concerns about permitted uses; and adopted Ordinance 24-2018, approving the Redevelopment Plan for the former Corrections and Work Release Center, incorporating an amendment regarding pre-existing governmental uses and addressing concerns about including a Juvenile Detention Center use. Ordinance 25-2018, amending Chapter 182-31 regarding 'No Parking,' was also adopted after extensive resident input concerning parking violations near a business operating as an outpatient treatment facility, which was noted to require a use variance. The meeting concluded with reports on the Pemberton Township Municipal Utilities Authority status, Electronic Funds Transfer Regulations evaluation, and the Best Practices Questionnaire review, followed by approval of the Bill List and various department reports.

The meeting included reorganization proceedings where Gaye Burton was appointed Council President for 2021, following the administration of oaths to newly elected Council Members. During public comments, residents raised concerns regarding barking dogs, code enforcement effectiveness, and significant potholes in the Lake Valley Acres easement, leading to a detailed explanation that the Township requires access easements from homeowners to legally conduct repairs on the privately owned alleyways, where sewer pipes were installed by the original developer. Key resolutions passed during the reorganization segment included adopting temporary municipal budgets for 2021 for the general fund and utility funds, establishing the Cash Management Plan, and making numerous annual appointments for various roles such as Municipal Improvement Search Officer, Tax Search Officer, and members of the Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund. Regular business resolutions involved appointing the Tax Collector and Municipal Court Administrator, with discussion regarding the selection process for the latter. New business included approving bus services for senior trips. Reports from the Mayor and Business Administrator highlighted planned infrastructure projects such as the West End Park development, police building addition planning, aggressive work in the Sewer Division, road programs, and ongoing hiring efforts for the Police Department.