Township of Upper Deerfield

The Township Committee meeting focused on several resolutions and reports. Key actions included the approval of a resolution to submit the 2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant. The committee also adopted resolutions authorizing the Tax Collector to adjust taxes for a Wartime Service-Connected 100% Disability case, a resolution concerning a Tax Payment to be Refunded, and a resolution clarifying the Fire Subcode Official Appointment for Teresa Warburton. Furthermore, the committee approved a resolution for the payment of bills totaling $115,468.97. The Administrator's Report noted that the temporary budget includes the purchase of a new roll-off truck and that the lead inspection deadline has been extended to January 15, 2026. Public comment included an update on forthcoming changes to e-waste.

The meeting addressed agenda items including the deferral of the Patels' Highway 77 Motel revised site plan application to the December 8, 2025 meeting due to necessary revisions and the hiring of an independent architect by the Township. A resolution was memorialized regarding this deferral. The Board also granted minor subdivision approval (Application No.: P-9-2025) for Dennis & Michael Casper for property at Block 1102, Lots 9 & 9.01, provided specific conditions regarding fees, compliance with representations, agency approvals, plan revisions, deed descriptions, and recording deadlines are met. The Board discussed a concept for previously approved applicants seeking application extensions, and the public comment period included a holiday greeting.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the public meeting announcement and emergency exit instructions, followed by the invocation and flag salute. A significant portion of the meeting involved presentations of appreciation plaques and dedications for Township Solicitor Rocco Tedesco (for 13 years of service, including dedicating the "Rocco J. Tedesco Illuminated Hallway") and Mayor John Daddario (for 18 years of service, including dedicating the "John Daddario Major Boys Field"). Key resolutions approved included purchasing rock salt through a cooperative price contract, approving Change Order #1 for Marvitz, charging 2025 budget line items to both the General Capital Account and the Utility Capital Account, cancelling certain outstanding checks for the Cumberland Regional Municipal Court and its Bail Account, approving a 2025 Budget Transfer, and authorizing the payment of bills totaling $336,974.71. Committee comments addressed the ongoing progress of the Upper Deerfield Pre-School construction, the success and savings associated with the Salem/Cumberland Regional Court shared services model, and ongoing issues with illegal dumping at the Convenience Center by nonresidents. The Administrator's report covered the request for a Raffle and 50/50 license from the Bridgeton Rotary, the publication of a Utility Technician job listing, the near completion of a water main line installation, and the due date for the Recreation Grant. The Solicitor reported on ongoing research for a long-term financial agreement with Cumberland Logistics and noted that the affordable housing agreement was unlikely to be finalized within the current year.

The meeting included a public comment session where a resident inquired about data centers, which the committee noted were not currently under consideration. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed for a Bond Ordinance providing for the purchase of an ambulance and equipment, which was later approved and adopted. A resolution was passed awarding a contract to New Jersey Emergency Vehicles (NJEX) for the purchase of a 2027 Ford F-550 Ambulance. The committee also approved a resolution for the payment of bills totaling $1,308,325.51. Committee comments included updates on a high school bond referendum discussion and a warning about circulating phone scams. The Administrator noted preparations for closing out the year and starting the 2026 temporary budget. The Engineer sought approval for a change order to perform four test pits. The Solicitor reported on discussions with a potential developer for a senior affordable housing project, ongoing challenges to the Township's Round 4 affordable housing plan by Holly View, a request from the Attorney General to postpone foreclosure measures regarding Deerfield Organics due to environmental issues, and the preparation of a financial agreement for Cumberland Logistics' proposed development.

The meeting included several key actions taken by resolution. The Committee approved a resolution supporting a request to the New Jersey Department of Transportation to investigate safety upgrades for school crossings at State Highway 77 and cost sharing for potential traffic devices. Resolutions were also passed appointing temporary part-time construction clerical employees and inspectors, granting final approval for the Mehaffey Farm 1 Application to Sell Development Easement, and authorizing the payment of bills totaling $2,215,111.38. Committee comments covered the completion of school construction concrete work, congratulations to newly elected officials, a museum anniversary event, and information regarding illegal trash dumping fines. The Administrator's report mentioned shared services for the Tax Assessor, the sale of Carlls Corner Shopping Center, and upcoming site plan presentations. The Engineer reported on recent paving and upcoming bids for water and sewer lines. The Solicitor reported receiving a Deed of Covenants and noted items for closed session concerning Affordable Housing litigation and contracts for S&M 77 LLC.