PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 8, 2017
At 7:30pm The Pittsgrove Township Committee was called to order by Dr. Fiore J. Copare, Mayor.
It was advertised in the Daily Journal on January 7, 2017, in accordance with Public Law 1975,
Chapter 231. The flag salute was led by Mayor Copare.
ROLL CALL Present: Craver, Hickson, Ridgway, Spinelli, Copare
Absent:
Solicitor Carr and Municipal Clerk Marlor were also in attendance.
PRESENTATION: EDMUNDS AND ASSOCIATES
Jeffrey Stout, Marketing Director for Edmunds and Associates reviewed the presentation packet
that was distributed to all the Committee members and gave a brief overview of products including
items such as payroll services, module for tax payments on line, and permits and code enforcement
package. He asked for questions.
Committeeman Ridgway asked if they would handle pension reporting? Mr. Stout reiterated that
once they were up and running with these new services they could handle the pension reporting
and match the services provided by Casa.
Committeewoman Spinelli asked for clarification regarding the time keeping piece.
Mr. Stout clarified that every employee (and he chose Clerk Marlor as an example) is responsible
for entering their own information. Ms. Marlor’s hours would be set at the beginning for the entire
year. If there was a change with her weekly schedule system, as it is not a clock in/clock out
system, she be entering those changes herself. There would; however, still be departmental
approval prior to receiving a check. You’d still need a time clock if you want to have actuals for
each attendance clock in /clock out hour.
Discussion ensued and upon conclusion Mr. Stout thanked the Committee.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – January 25,2017
On a motion by Craver and seconded by Spinelli, the minutes from January 25, 2017 were
approved as submitted.
Vote: All in favor
APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL TAX COLLECTOR REPORT
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Hickson, the annual Tax Collector’s report was
approved as submitted.
2
Vote: All in favor
APPROVAL OF FACILITY USE REQUESTS
On a motion by Craver and seconded by Ridgeway, the (5) facility use requests as
submitted and reviewed were approved.
Vote: All in favor
APPROVAL – RAC - EASTER EGG EVENT
On a motion by Craver and seconded by Spinelli, the Easter Egg Event was approved with
the adjustment from $3,000.00 to $2,000.00
Vote: All in favor, except Ridgway who abstained
Discussion ensued that they would like to reconsider the event schedule for the RAC 2017 event
dates. This was tabled at the last meeting and the proposal was revised and clarified.
On a motion by Spinelli and seconded by Ridgway the RAC list of 2017 event dates was
approved as submitted
Vote: All in favor
TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR’S REPORT
Solicitor John G. Carr reviewed his report synopsis that was submitted for distribution and review
by the Township Committee. The contents of the report included:
Hollywood v. Walker: As you are aware, the Walker Farm/Hollywood matter is ongoing. I
have given you information as to the status. This started as a lawsuit against the Township, County
and Walker Farm (and others) by Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood. By the time Mike left, the suit had
been administratively held while all remedies available under the Right to Farm Act were to be
pursued. There is a hearing scheduled in Trenton on February 14, 2017 and Mike had committed
to appear. Both sides of the dispute are Township residents and therefore the Township would
have interest only in seeking to preserve the interests of all Township property owners. In this
light, I did meet with Eileen Kull of the NJDEP, Bureau of Water Compliance and Enforcement,
reviewed photographic evidence and video footage which she had on this matter and discussed
this matter. She recommended that the Township cover itself by requesting, by way of facilitation
of the Township Storm Water Management Plan, that the County prioritize the flooding situation
at Porchtown and Harris Roads situate in Pittsgrove Township. I have produced a form of letter
such as she is recommending for your review. With agreement from the Committee, I can forward.
At this time, it is not my intention to appear to give testimony at the upcoming meeting in Trenton
however I have been asked to do so by the resident. I have no personal knowledge and as I had
indicated to you previously, I did ask Mike if he was willing to provide testimony on that day and
he indicated he was not. I stand ready to discuss this if anyone has any thoughts on the matter. In
the meantime, I would look for an indication that no one objects to the form of letter which I would
propose to send to the County.
3
To be clear, Mrs. Hollywood approached me indicating that Mike had agreed to testify on her
behalf. I did reach out to her attorney and await his reply call however I have nothing to testify
about and as I have already alerted you, the call with Mike indicated that he had no interest in
continuing on an hourly basis to assist in this matter.
Sanitary Landfill: I have been in contact with Mimi and Steve Nardelli of Fralinger Engineering
in the matter of the Notice of Violation dated 12-2-2016 which I attach. Mr. Nardelli points out
that that the complaint is about a condition which has existed since the closure of the landfill many,
many years ago. Mr. Nardelli is working on the application in order to facilitate the closure of the
Notice of Violation however he did indicate that I most likely will have to reach out to Ms.
Summers again of the DEP for purposes of seeking an additional extension in order to provide a
corrective action plan.
Attendance Policy: I have produced the form of Attendance Policy by way of Ordinance which
was discussed in the 2016 year. You are given some limited discretion to make the terms of the
policy more strict than the State default provision. This for purposes of discussion and possible
action.
Grain Mill Site: I did have a short conversation with Lou Joyce (Planner and Economic
Development for Salem County) relating to the site and its potentials. Lou expressed his thought
that the Township may well have to “bite the bullet” and complete the cleanup prior to it being
marketable in the current climate. He also indicated he would take the extra step of being sure to
take that unique site into account when speaking on potential economic development for Salem
County. I think this is key given the site’s proximity to some strong economic development taking
place in Cumberland County.
Pittsgrove COAH Requirements: Under the Mt. Laurel doctrine, many Townships in the State
have been embroiled in litigation. Pittsgrove Township took the extra step of seeking to keep its
plan in compliance and seek certification which was most recently acted on in the 2016 year.
Thereafter, Pittsgrove Township acted on its Spending Plan which makes up a part of its
Affordable Housing Plan. This needs to be presented to the Court in order to adequately defend
the Certification benefiting the Township and protecting it from builders remedy suits. Based on
the most recent Supreme Court action indicating in its 6-0 decision, that GAP period calculations
must be met (that period of time between 1999 and 2015 where those wishing to comply with State
law awaited direction) it seems that the affordable housing advocates are now emboldened. As
such, I took the step of forwarding to Jeff Surenian’s firm (our affordable housing counsel) the
Spending Plan approved in 2016 for purposes of updating Court approval of the Spending Plan
and thus further protecting Pittsgrove Township.
Food Sales at Recreation Facilities: At the last meeting, I was asked to reach out to Township
Insurance Risk Manager for purposes of confirming that coverage existed for liabilities related to
food sales. A copy of my e-mail is annexed.
Solicitor Carr asked if there were any questions?
4
Committeeman Craver asked if the reference to the Garrison landfill was, in fact, the property
behind the convenience center at Porchtown and Garden.
Solicitor Carr stated he thought that was the location but he would confirm with the DEP. Solicitor
Carr Concluded his report.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Copare moved on to Committee reports. Mayor Copare called on each committee member
as follows:
Committeewoman Spinelli stated that she attended the Recreation Advisory Committee meeting
on the evening of 2/6/2017. She asked that Kevin Yeagle and Dave Heyle, members of the
Committee, who are in attendance, speak to the Committee with an updated report from the
meeting,
Kevin Yeagle, stated that the RAC Committee was looking to improve attendance at Pittsgrove
Day between 5-9pm. They are suggesting that food trucks be allowed between 5-9 pm.
Dave Heyel, 291 Lawrence Corner Road, of Pittsgrove and the Chairman of RAC spoke to the
overall list of events. He clarified that the Food Festival is anticipated to be a food truck festival
with a beer garden. It is their hope to look into a third-party marketing vendor to run the event. He
noted they would like to have one of these marketing companies make a presentation to the
Township Committee at an upcoming meeting. He shared they will have proper police coverage
and will have thought about snow fencing for parking and the possible use of wristbands for
entrance. He thanked the Committee for listening and stated he hoped they would support such an
event. He also asked that they reconsider allowing RAC members to have individual email address
through the Pittsgrovetownship.com address. Discussion ensued and a motion was made at the
conclusion of the discussion.
On a motion by Craver and seconded by Spinelli, Committeeman Craver asked that the
Township allow any committee member from any of the Pittsgrove Township committees be given
an email address, if requested.
Vote: All in favor
Committeewoman Spinelli continued her report. She asked Clerk Marlor to give an update
regarding the new website. Clerk Marlor explained they were in transition from old to new and
were in the final review of the new pages. She stated the link to the new site would be shared with
the Committee this weekend for review and comments before going live sometime before the end
of the month. Committeewoman thanked the Clerk and concluded her report.
Committeeman Craver stated that the Planning Board meeting on 2/7/2017 was cancelled and he
noted the Ag Advisory reorganization meeting has been rescheduled and is on the calendar for
next week. He concluded his report.
5
Committeeman Hickson stated he too had attended the RAC meeting on the 6th. He noted that there
is an upcoming negotiation meeting in February. He concluded his report.
Committeeman Ridgway stated that the Annual Financial Statement was filed today. He also noted
that in review of the 2015 Audit he believed there could be an issue with the Bond anticipation
notes and their scheduled useful life. He asked if he could speak to the Bond Council regarding
the issue. The Mayor stated that he certainly could speak to Council and either John Carr or Clerk
Marlor could provide the contact information. He concluded his report.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Copare announced that the Municipal Building would be closed for the upcoming
President’s Day holiday on February 20, 2017. He shared that the Municipality is hosting a free
rabies clinic on Saturday February 11th at the Public works garage from 9am-3pm. Mayor Copare
stated he had attended the MAPSA meeting on 2/6/2017 and wanted to report that Elmer and
Pittsgrove are merging their MAPSA groups. He concluded his report.
PUBLIC SESSION - AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Mayor Copare announced that anyone wishing to speak should please stand, approach the
microphone, state their name and the municipality in which you live for the record, and in five (5)
minutes or less briefly state your comments to the Township Committee.
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Spinelli, the meeting was opened to the Public.
Vote: All in favor
Tom Hayes, Pittsgrove, NJ, stated that he was in attendance at the monthly County OEM meeting
and would like to present certificates of completion to Committeeman Hickson and Committeeman
Ridgway for the FEMA ICS402 class.
Mayor Copare seeing no one else wishing to speak asked for a motion to close the Public Session.
On a motion by Ridgway and seconded by Hickson, the meeting was closed to the Public.
Vote: All in favor
RESOLUTIONS/CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Copare stated that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine
in nature, and having been reviewed by the Township Committee, will be enacted by one motion.
Any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of any Committee Member
and if so removed, will be treated as a separate matter. Any items requiring expenditure are
supported by a Certification of Availability of Funds.
54-2017 Payment of Bills – (manual bill list attached)
55-2017 Amended Appointments to Environmental Commission
6
56-2017 Approval to Accept a Small Cities CDBG 2017 Grant Award and Execute a Grant
Agreement with the Department of Community Affairs for the Demolition of the
Grain Mill Phase II
57-2017 Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Pittsgrove/Elmer Municipal
Alliance entered into Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:65-1 Fiscal Grant Cycle July 2014-
June 2019
Mayor Copare asked if anyone wished to pull any resolution or have any questions.
Committeeman Craver motioned and Committeewoman Spinelli seconded to vote by
Consent Agenda on Resolutions 54-2017 through 57-2017
Roll Call: Craver - yes, Hickson – yes, Ridgway -yes, Spinelli –yes, Copare – yes; motion carried
Committeeman Craver motioned and Committeewoman Spinelli seconded to adopt by
Consent Agenda on Resolutions 54-2017 through 57-2017
Roll Call: Craver - yes, Hickson – yes, Ridgway -yes, Spinelli –yes, Copare – yes; motion carried
ORDINANCES
01-2017 An Ordinance Approving Property Tax Agreement Between the Township of
Pittsgrove and Mark I. Fisher of B & B Poultry for Block 2402, Lots 24 and 25
Introduction/No Public Input/Published in The Daily Journal 2/11/2017
2nd Reading/Public Hearing/Final Adoption 2/22/2017
Mayor Copare announced there is no public input on 01-2017 “An Ordinance Approving Property
Tax Agreement Between the Township of Pittsgrove and Mark I. Fisher of B & B Poultry for
Block 2402, Lots 24 and 25”; and the Introduction summary will be published in the Daily Journal
02/11/2017 and 2nd reading, public hearing and final adoption will be considered on 02/22/2017.
Since Introduction full copies of Ordinance 01-2017 are presently posted on the Township website,
on the bulletin board at the Township building, and are available at no cost in the office of the
Municipal Clerk between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Committeeman Craver motioned and Committeeman Ridgway seconded to Introduce
Ordinance 01-2017
Roll Call: Craver - yes, Hickson – yes, Ridgway -yes, Spinelli –yes, Copare – yes; motion carried
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Copare asked if there was any old business. No response and he moved on.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Copare asked if there was any new business. No response and he moved on.
7
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussions, a motion was made by Committeewoman Spinelli and
seconded by Committeeman Hickson to adjourn the meeting at 8:34pm.
Vote: All in favor
Respectfully submitted,
Marie M. Marlor, RMC
Municipal Clerk
