Township of Shamong

The board addressed a resolution regarding a conditional use approval for cottage food sales of sourdough bread within a residential dwelling. Additionally, the board discussed the distribution of the March/April edition of the New Jersey Digital Planner Magazine.

The key discussion point for the meeting involved the New Business item concerning the Oak View Rent Increase application, which was deemed complete by the screening committee. The expert explained the verification process and calculations. A motion was passed to accept the application for a 2.9% CPI increase along with a tax increase of $4.30 per unit per month, effective August 1, 2025. The board also waived the reading of previous minutes.

The meeting agenda included several items for discussion and possible official action, such as a BURLCO JIF Fund Commissioner report and the review of the 2025 annual Tax Collector's Report. Other discussions involved an employee education request for the Office of Emergency Management Coordinator to attend a conference, a Southern Regional Trails Feasibility Report, and various permit requests from organizations like the Knights of Columbus and the Indian Mills Historical Society. Resolutions covered establishing a petty cash fund, canceling property taxes for a disabled veteran, and amending an ABC license renewal. A significant portion involved authorizing the termination of shared service agreements with multiple townships for Tax Assessor services, and authorizing new shared services agreements with Burlington County for snow removal. The agenda also included a separate Board of Health meeting covering dog licenses, rabies clinic details, and vector-borne surveillance reports.

The agenda includes a proclamation recognizing the Indian Mills Boy Scouts Troop 47 for their Day of Service. Key discussion and action items involve the approval of the 2025 LOSAP, approval for Burlington County Aerial Mosquito Control for 2026, discussion on the 2026 Emergency Services/Tabernacle Rescue Squad, and review of the BURLCO JIF Fund Commissioner report. Further items include Jersey Strong Coastal Coalition requests, approval of Environmental Resolutions for NJDOT FY2026 Municipal Aid Grant (Atsion Road Phase IV), an update on the Pierce Pumper Fire Truck, appointments, and an employee educational seminar request. The committee will also address Non-Profit Budget Requests for 2026 and approve several annual contracts for services including well water testing, portable restrooms, irrigation parts/service, and cemetery lawncare. Resolutions pertain to applying for a FY2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant and changes related to the Atsion Road Phase III Project. Two ordinances are scheduled for second reading and public hearing concerning the 2026 municipal budget appropriation limits and the 2026 salary ordinance. The meeting will conclude with the approval of a bill list totaling $2,606,696.84 and various department reports.

The meeting commenced with a Proclamation honoring Rob Yetter and Members of the Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company for heroic action. Following an executive session concerning contract negotiation and personnel matters, the Committee voted to rescind the prior termination of the agreement with Tabernacle Rescue Squad (TRS) for Emergency Management Services, establishing new conditions for the continuation of service, including retaining ownership of ambulances purchased with Shamong funds. Public comment included discussions on EMS service next steps, township ordinances, and the forthcoming 2026 budget. Key actions included the approval of the 2025 RFP/RFQ sub-committee appointments, the selection of GovPilot as the new software provider, approval for the placement of an additional storage container at Dingletown, and approval of a resolution supporting the NJ Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Program application. The Committee awarded the bid for the Atsion Road -- Phase III Project and introduced an ordinance for the re-adoption of tax abatements. The attached Bill List totaling $1,821,162.15 was also approved.