Pine Barrens Tribune June 10, 2023-June 16, 2023

Page 1

Woodland Issues Apology for Gypsy Moth Spraying Notification Mishap and Also Relays State ‘Apology’

Township and AG Department

Maintain Different Positions About Who’s at Fault for Glitch With State Citing Missed Call

WOODLAND—The Township of Woodland has issued a public apology to its residents, and has also relayed one purportedly given to the municipality by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), after the local citizenry was not provided with promised advance notification of the specific date and time for gypsy moth spraying in town last month until it was too late for them to take any action.

The lack of notification to residents happened despite previous assurances from officials that they would be notified in advance of any spraying for planning purposes.

It wasn’t until locals reportedly observed an airplane in the sky that they learned of the May 17 morning spraying operation by the NJDA for gypsy moths, an insect now referred to by the state as Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD).

In the aftermath of the apparent mishap, there was some finger pointing and discrepancies about what exactly happened.

MEDFORD—Despite a “high potential for property, structural damage” resulting from the “very early morning” June 3 Flatiron Wildfire that

developed in the “Wildland Urban Interface” of Medford Township, near Jackson Road, with first responding firefighters “quickly realizing the fire was spreading rapidly toward the structures,” any potential for disaster was adverted,

New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) and township officials announced during a mid-morning press conference.

“Through coordination between the

During the early afternoon hours of May 17, the township put out a Nixle, or emergency notification to residents, writing, “The twp. regrets to inform our residents that spraying did occur this a.m.” It was added in the message that the “NJ Department of Agriculture did

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SHAMONG—An “issue has been arising with our pickleball courts,” according to Shamong Mayor Michael Di Croce, in that “I guess it is so popular, people want to get on there.”

In order to settle it, according to Township Administrator and Clerk Susan Onorato, officials are looking at potentially a couple of different possibilities: among them designate two courts for residential-use only, or to charge in some capacity to help regulate usage.

At Shamong’s Dingletown Recreation Complex, Onorato said, there are currently six pickleball courts.

“Typically, leagues are coming in from different towns,” she reported to the Shamong Township Committee on May 2.

The township, she noted, is unable to turn away people from other towns because Green Acres funding was used to establish the courts, which came with a requirement that any funded recreation projects be open to the public, no matter where an individual resides.

Right now, she revealed, officials are deliberating “if we charge the leagues” and “if we charge our residents.”

“Can we charge our residents less than the league?” asked Di Croce, with Onorato responding, “Yes.”

While the Shamong mayor acknowledged charging for pickleball court access is “something we are looking at,” he maintained “our bent is – and if I could speak collectively for the board – we don’t want to charge our residents anything else.”

“We all pay enough in taxes,” he declared.

“At the same time, I believe, personally, that the residents should have first dibs on the courts. So, we are going to massage this and see if we can work something out so there are always courts available for the residents, or perhaps we can make it so the residents can make a reservation as well.”

But even with providing for reservations, Di Croce said, “that can get overly restrictive as well.”

“Say you get some free time and you want to go over and play, but you can’t because you didn’t have a reservation,” said the Shamong mayor of how reservations can restrict someone’s use of the court.

Seneca High School gym teacher, Robert Colombo, previously led an effort to expand the number of pickleball courts in Shamong.

Pickleball, Colombo said in a previous interview with this newspaper, has been growing in popularity among New Jerseyans for the last 10 years, and is often described as “one of the fastest growing sports in America.”

Colombo, a 2001 Shawnee High School graduate, and a Shamong resident who teaches the game to his high school students and spends time outside of school traveling to several surrounding communities to teach the game, once told Shamong officials about how local players are traveling quite a distance to play, and sometimes are even denied access because of the high demand for court time.

When contacted for this story on June 5, Colombo, who pointed out he “did help get pickleball started in our community,” recounted “it is extremely popular, and the courts are getting a lot of use.”

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GIFTS FOR GRADS

3 BONDING ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR DAD

Although you can buy your dad a beautiful or thoughtful gift, sometimes spending quality time together is the best present of all. Here are five bonding activities to do with your dad on this special day.

1. Go to the Movies

Whether your dad loves comedies, heart-pounding action films or psychological thrillers, there are plenty of good flicks to watch on Father’s Day. Reserve seats at a nearby movie theatre and splurge on popcorn and drinks to complete the day.

2. Get Out in Nature

Enjoy the great outdoors with dad by hitting a local hiking or biking trail. Pack a picnic lunch with his favourite goodies to make the most of the day.

3. Play board games

Check out a board game café with your dad for the evening. You can play an unlimited number of games and enjoy a good meal. Get ready to strategize your way to a win.

You don’t have to spend much money to have loads of fun!

DIPLOMA DISPLAY IDEAS

Graduation day is one of the proudest moments in students’ academic careers. Diplomas are symbolic of hours spent honing skills and working on assignments and, ultimately, success in the classroom. High school diplomas represent an opportunity to go on to higher learning or a trade, while college degrees indicate young people are ready to begin their professional lives.

Many graduates are excited about the prospect of receiving their diplomas. Once in hand, the document can be put on display. The following are some unique ways to showcase diplomas at home or at work.

• Framing

• Create a Shadow Box

• Create a Photo Wall

• Make a Work of Art

• Place It Under Glass

A school diploma is worthy of recognition. There are various creative ways to display these documents that reflect the hard work and success of their recipients.

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5 UNIQUE FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

Father’s Day is fast approaching! Have you bought your gift? Does your dad insist he doesn’t need anything at all? Finding a unique or useful present for the dad that seemingly has everything can be challenging. Here are a handful of unique ideas to inspire you.

1. Smart Home Gadgets

Connected technology is the perfect gift for the geeky dad. For example, a smart doorbell, thermostat or a set of smart LED bulbs are something he typically wouldn’t buy for himself but would be grateful to own.

2. Reading Accessories

If your dad is a bookworm but already has shelves full of reading material, get him some fun accessories to improve his reading experience. For example, a set of stylish bookends, a clip-on book light, a bathtub caddy book stand, a page anchor or “lazy reading glasses” will allow your dad to dive into a great read. If your dad listens to audiobooks, get him a nice pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

3. Outdoor Equipment

If you have an outdoorsy dad, consider getting him something he can use while enjoying nature. For instance, a pair of binoculars, a fancy multi-tool, an insulated camping chair or a soft-sided beer cooler make great gifts.

4. Cooking Utensils

Does your dad love to cook or grill? Help him elevate his food game with a unique gift. A digital meat thermometer, barbecue tool set, handheld food torch or salt block are gifts that are sure to please. You could also buy him a subscription to a monthly meat or spice box.

10

LITTLE

THINGS DADS DO THAT MEAN A LOT

Your dad probably helped shape the person you are today. In honor of Father’s Day, here are ten little things that your dad may have done for your growing up that have stuck with you for a lifetime.

1. Read you bedtime stories

2. Played dress up

3. Left encouraging messages in your lunchbox

4. Supported your interests by going to your concerts, recitals and sports meets

5. Built a couch fort in your living room

6. Taught you how to ride a bike, fish or play catch

7. Initiated a dance party

8. Gave you spending money

9. Prepare a family meal together

10. Said “yes” to something that’s usually off-limits, like dessert before supper

This Father’s Day, return the favor and make your dad feel special, noticed, cared for and loved. Spend quality time together or buy him a unique gift.

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GIFTS FOR NEW GRADS ABOUT TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE

The day a student graduates from college is a momentous occasion. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that more than two million students earned bachelor’s degrees at the conclusion of the 201920 school year, the most recent year such information was available.

As another graduation season rounds into form, millions more hardworking college students are about to receive their degrees. Commencement will be a big moment for those students and it will also prove a proud moment for their families, who will want to reward graduates with a gift commensurate with this significant accomplishment. As graduates prepare to trade in campus life for the professional arena, well-wishers can consider these graduation gift ideas.

• Attire: Though many businesses have committed to remote or hybrid working in recent years, college graduates will still need something more than hoodies and sweatpants as they enter the professional arena. Professional attire can include anything from suits to business casual clothing. Developing a professional wardrobe can be costly, so gift givers can take new college grads out shopping for attire that can help them make a strong first impression. If distance or timing makes such an excursion impossible, a gift card worth enough money to help grads begin building an impressive professional wardrobe can make for a great gift.

• Tote Bag/Messenger Bag: Traditional briefcases are still around, but many modern professionals now prefer tote bags and messenger bags. Bags with padded pockets that can accommodate 15-inch laptops can be especially useful and help new graduations set a professional tone during interviews and after landing a job.

• Apartment Furnishings: Of course, some newly minted grads will already have a job lined up by the time they stroll across a graduation stage and receive their degrees. In such instances, they might benefit from a little help furnishing their first apartments. Some new kitchenware, a gift card to a furniture store or some gadgets like a new smart TV or home speaker system can help a new place feel like home that much sooner.

• Cooking Lessons: Now that the campus dining hall is in the rearview mirror, new grads will have to prepare their own meals. Some might be doing so for the first time, so some cooking lessons with a local chef or instruction offered at a local restaurant can ensure new grads aren’t spending the bulk of their earnings on takeout or dining out. College graduation is an exciting time in a young person’s life. Loved ones can consider an assortment of gifts to make this period even more special.

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ICONIC TV DADS QUIZ

Do you watch a lot of TV sitcoms? Test your knowledge of these iconic TV dads with this short quiz.

1. What’s the name of Claire and Mitchell’s dad on Modern Family?

a) Phil Dunphy

b) Frank Dunphy

c) Joe Pritchett

d) Jay Pritchett

2. On which TV show is Jack Pearson the father?

a) Our Family

b) This is Us

c) Tight Knit

d) Family First

3. What fictional TV show does Tim the Tool Man Taylor host?

a) Home Improvement

b) Tool Time

c) Dare to DIY

d) Build It

4. What’s the name of the TV show that follows Al Bundy as the quintessential dysfunctional dad?

a) Leave it to Beaver

b) 8 Simple Rules

c) Married with Children

d) The Brady Bunch

5. What’s the name of the widowed father of three girls on Full House?

a) James Tanner

b) Wayne Tanner

c) Ralph Tanner

d) Danny Tanner

6. What’s Homer Simpson’s job at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant?

a) Technical supervisor

b) Maintenance

c) Safety inspector

d) Engineer

7. What’s the name of George Costanza’s father on Seinfeld?

a) Frank

b) Jimmy

c) George

d) Geoff

Page S4 ♦ Dads & Grads WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM Saturday, June 10, 2023
ANSWERS 1. d), 2. b), 3. b), 4. c), 5. d), 6. c), 7. a) ?

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GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS FOR 5 TYPES OF GRAD

Is someone in your life graduating this year? If so, here are some gift ideas.

1. For the Technophile

If your graduate loves gadgets and gizmos of all kinds, you can’t go wrong with a smartwatch. These devices allow users to do everything from receiving texts and emails right away to playing music without having their phone nearby.

Alternatively, wireless earbuds or headphones are sure to keep those that rely on public transit entertained on their way to school or work. And, if they have trouble getting up in the morning, consider gifting them with an alarm clock that uses light as well as sound to help them wake up more easily.

2. For the Fitness Junkie

Swap their old, stinky duffle bag for a luxurious leather model they’ll be proud to carry to and from the gym or anywhere else.

If they prefer to work out on their own, they’re sure to appreciate a new set of weights or running shoes. On the other hand, if they love taking part in group exercise classes, buy them a pass to a local gym, spinning club or yoga studio.

3. For the Traveler

Is your graduate taking a year off to travel the world?

If so, they’re definitely going to need a new travel backpack to carry all their stuff.

A water bottle with a built-in filter will enable them to have access to clean drinking water no matter where they are in the world. And earplugs or noise-canceling headphones will ensure they can get some rest on airplanes and in loud youth hostels.

4. For the Music Lover

Are they passionate about music? A Wi-fi or Bluetooth speaker will let them share their favorite tunes with all their friends.

If they prefer more traditional ways of listening to music, a record player and a selection of their favorite albums is sure to be a hit. Alternatively, consider buying them passes to a music festival happening in your area.

5. For the Academic

For those that are continuing on with their studies, a day planner will help them stay on top of their coursework and schedule.

An insulated travel mug will keep their coffee or tea warm during those late nights at the library. And what student wouldn’t love to receive a brand new laptop to do their work on? Or, give them a break from their studies with a novel or magazine subscription you think they’d enjoy.

If all else fails, most graduates will appreciate a gift card to their local big box or grocery store so they can stock up on essentials.

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GIFT IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

The class of 2023 will soon don their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads.

Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Travel Accessories

Graduates may want to go on a trip before they take the next step in their lives. Quality travel gear is a worthy investment. Select luggage that won’t exceed airport carry-on limits so grads can cut the baggage check lines when they dart away to locales near or far. Carry-on bags also fit easily in bus cargo areas or in the trunks of cars. Pair the gifts with standard or digital luggage tags.

Streaming TV Device

While it’s certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at home, in a dorm room or on vacation.

Secured Credit Card

Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But it can be challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Gift-givers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.

Wireless Earbuds or Headphones

Upgrade grads’ audio with the newest wireless earbuds or headphones. This way they can take them to the gym or use them to listen to shows or music while sharing spaces with others, including college roommates.

Smartphone Wallet Case

Teenagers are seldom without their phones. A smartphone wallet case enables graduates to stash IDs, credit or debit cards and some cash into specially designed pockets built into the phone cases. This keeps all essentials in one spot.

Framed Memorabilia

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, gift-givers can provide special memories of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorates a graduate’s glory days at their alma mater.

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BASS RIVER—The distance between Bass River Township at the extreme southeastern corner of Burlington County and Beverly, a very small city in the same county that is located on the Delaware River across from Bucks County, Pa., is approximately 50 miles and over an hour’s drive – hardly the sort of trip someone would be likely to make for the purpose of voting in an off-year uncontested primary election.

But the mere possibility, however remote, that someone might go to that trouble and expense was enough to have the county Board of Elections prepare special provisional ballots to accommodate any such voters in either party, and to assign a staff member from the Superintendent of Elections Office to the polling place in Beverly for the entire day for the purpose of ensuring that any such provisional ballots were properly handled and filed in that eventuality.

That’s because all Bass River voters who received sample ballots, according to Burlington County Public Information Director David Levinsky, were somehow directed to the wrong address— that of the polling place in Beverly.

“I can confirm there was an error with sample ballots that was limited to Bass River,” Levinsky told the Pine Barrens Tribune , “and that there’s an ongoing investigation of what happened, how it happened, and how this error occurred.”

While declining to speculate on a possible cause, he did acknowledge a connection of sorts between Bass River and Beverly in that the latter community immediately follows the former in an alphabetical listing of county municipalities, which could conceivably offer a clue.

What led to the interview with Levinsky were several inquiries made by this newspaper to the offices of county election officials, starting with the one whose official seal appears on all the ballots, Democratic County Clerk Joanne Schwartz.

“I really cannot discuss this at this point,” Schwartz responded. “It has nothing to do with my department.”

She then advised this reporter to “contact people at the Board of Elections, not me.”

That prompted further calls to several more election officials, including the county Superintendent of Elections, former Republican-turned-Democratic State

Senator Dawn Marie Addiego, for whom a voicemail was left, and Kathy Parker, the board’s principal election clerk, who replied, “I work for the Board of Elections and don’t have any information at this time,” but promised to convey the message to Chairperson Joseph P. Dugan, who she said “will call you back.”

The callback that did come, however, was from Levinsky, who usually responds promptly to all matters involving county business, and who said he would “speak to” Schwartz, whom he thought might not have understood she was speaking to a reporter (although this reporter did identify himself as one, as well as mentioning his affiliation with the Pine Barrens Tribune).

Schwartz’s rival for the county clerk’s job in November’s General Election, it should be noted, is none other than Bass River Township’s Republican mayor, Deborah Buzby-Cope.

In the last few years, several other errors have been made on Burlington County ballots, the latest ones being in April on vote-by-mail ballots sent to residents of eight municipalities, including Medford Township, making it necessary for corrected ones to be sent out to residents of the affected communities. The mistake on the Medford ballots listed two council candidates as Democrats when they should have been identified as members of the Burlington County Regular Republican Organization.

Such blunders have prompted the Burlington County Republican committee to issue a call on its Facebook page for Schwartz to “immediately end her reelection campaign,” alleging that “she has proven time and time again to not be up (to) the job”—a claim also made by Buzby-Cope following reports of the mailin ballot mistakes.

The precautions taken in Beverly to make sure all voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots were not the only ones, however. A robocall also went out to Bass River Township voters on the day of the primary with the following message:

“Attention Bass River Township voters. The primary election sample ballot misidentified your polling location. Your correct location is at the New Gretna Volunteer Fire Company, 5 North Maple Avenue, New Gretna, New Jersey. To confirm this message, press one. To repeat, press two.”

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Purported Issues With Mailing for LeisureTowne Board of Trustees Election Prompts Association to Send Out New Ballots, Disregard Ones Initially Issued Scheduled Date for Swearing-In of Winners, However, Reportedly Kept the Same

control of the LeisureTowne Board of Trustees is up for grabs yet again this year and another hotlycontested election plays out, “bad ballots” and a letter that accompanied them, it was told to the Pine Barrens Tribune both last week and this week by some residents of the community, has reportedly led to concerns with the election process.

However, corrective action is now being taken to address the situation, this newspaper has confirmed.

Kristine Clancy, regional director of Associa Mid Atlantic, which is the homeowners’ association management company that oversees and helps to operate the LeisureTowne Association, has since acknowledged to residents in a robocall and email, according to sources, that an “annual election mailing” had been “mailed out to the community,” as was scheduled for May 31, but that it had since been discovered “the mailing did not include the correct return address envelope.”

“At this time, we request you kindly discard this mailing,” Clancy told residents, according to a transcript of the message posted on Nextdoor, a social media site frequented by LeisureTowne residents. “… We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this time.”

A source, who is a resident of the community, later provided a printout to this newspaper showing that the message was posted to the LeisureTowne website, and thereby, official. The source had to provide a printout to this newspaper because the message was posted to a section of the LeisureTowne website that is currently password protected.

Clancy added in her message to residents that ballot boxes had been temporarily removed, but would be put back out when a new mailing is sent out.

“If you have already voted, your ballot will not be counted and destroyed,” she said of the bad batch of ballots that had gone out. “A new annual election mailing, with an updated color ballot will be forthcoming.”

Another source, also a resident of the community, provided the Pine Barrens Tribune with a copy of one of the original ballots, which is orange, as well as the envelope it came in, the provided return envelope, and the accompanying letter.

It was pointed out to this newspaper that the original ballot and return envelope provided for no voter verification method, such as a signature (according to association rules, only one ballot per household may be submitted).

“On behalf of the LeisureTowne Board of Trustees and Associa Mid Atlantic managing agent, we are more than happy to provide input on this matter,” wrote Clancy in a June 7 email to this newspaper upon a request for comment on this story. “This was an honest mistake by not applying a label to the return envelope, it has been rectified, and the new mailing will comply with the timelines established by Radburn.”

The Radburn Act is a state law that was enacted in 2017, having gotten its name because of protections it provides in response to a dispute involving the Radburn Homeowners’ Association. The law focuses on membership voting rights, elections, and by-law amendments involving HOAs.

Also pointed out to this newspaper is that in addition to listing the seven candidates (Kevin Boyd, Bill Cozzi, Evie Doherty, Kathy Henson, Jack Roberts, Mike Tamn and Aleksandra Zasada) vying for three seats up for grabs on the seven-seat board, the original ballots contain seven “write-in” lines for voters wishing to write in someone for a seat on the board.

“There are three open board positions,” an instruction on the original ballot stated. “Please place a check on the line next to your choice for three candidates.”

In pointing to the issue with there being seven write-in lines, the second source noted there are only three seats up for grabs.

As for the accompanying letter, headlined, “Notice of Annual Membership Meeting and Board of Trustees Election,” containing detailed information on how one can cast their vote, various sources expressed concern to this newspaper that it was signed by Boyd, current secretary of the board.

Cited in their concern is that Boyd is also one of two incumbents seeking re-election this election cycle (the other incumbent is Henson, who serves as the board’s treasurer), and that by Boyd having signed the letter that accompanied the ballot, it essentially served as a free advertisement or plug for him, or provided him with an unfair advantage.

Boyd did not directly respond to this newspaper’s email seeking comment on this story as of press time (with Clancy having responded on the board behalf), and a working phone number for him could not be located by this newspaper.

Doherty, one of the candidates challenging the incumbents, when contacted by this reporter, responded on June 6 that she expressed to Clancy in a phone call that “Kevin had his signature on the instruction document, as secretary to the board,” and with his name also on the ballot, “I told her it may be a conflict of interest.”

Modest Increase in Local Tax Levy Approved for Pemberton Borough With 2023 Budget Reflecting Gain in Ratables, But Dwindling Surplus

PEMBERTON BOROUGH—A modest increase in the local tax levy that has been described as “not looking too bad” has been passed on to Pemberton Borough residents through an approved 2023 municipal budget.

While the budget reflects a recent gain in ratables, which could ultimately aid future municipal budgets, what was not touched upon in a brief budget presentation is that the borough’s surplus is slowly dwindling, as the newly-released budget indicates.

“The tax levy will be $738,480, representing a 1.1 cent tax increase,” advised Borough Auditor Michael D. Cesaro.

He continued that “$10,000 is one penny on the budget,” and therefore “the tax levy that will be approved with this budget will result in an approximate 1.1 cent tax increase.”

Cesaro, however, cautioned that the final tax rate is “subject to change” because “the evaluation of the community is not yet finalized” by the county.

“Right now, we have $100,849,600 worth of value,” he said. “But that is the preliminary value that the county puts out there. They have the ability to modify it. That happened to us last year as well. We ended last year with $100,365,800 worth of value.”

According to the budget document, the 2023 municipal budget, approved by Pemberton Borough Council in late April, has $1,754,000 in total general appropriations.

In December 2021, according to the document, the borough had $217,832 in surplus on hand. At the end of last year, its surplus decreased to $191,634.

The 2023 budget calls for use of $70,000 in surplus to help balance the budget, which would bring it down to $121,634.

But the good news, according to Cesaro, is that “we did have an increase of ratables, so far, of just under $500,000.”

At least four new businesses have recently opened along the borough’s main strip of Hanover Street.

According to Cesaro, the local schools “represent 53 cents of every dollar that we have,” while the municipal budget is “represented by just under 29 cents.” He said the “county makes up the rest with open space and their operations.”

As for a breakdown of the municipal expenses, Cesaro said that when it comes to general operations, “as is the case in most communities we represent, public safety is one of the key infrastructure investments the borough has.”

He said public safety, locally, represents 47.3 percent of the budget, with the borough maintaining the Pemberton Borough Police Department.

Last month, borough council had approved

an increase in the hourly wage for part-time patrol officers, to $18 an hour, effective May 15.

Public Works, Cesaro noted, makes up the second largest portion of the municipal budget, or “14 percent of our budget.”

“We are not too far off from the 2022 final tax rate,” the auditor said. “We are down slightly in our percentage, from 29.2 percent to 28.7 percent. At this point in time, it is not looking too bad.”

Following 5-0 passage of the ordinance (with one councilmember absent due to a family illness), borough council again took up the issue of its municipal animal control officer reappointment.

Previously, a resolution reappointing Animal Control, LLC, as Pemberton Borough’s animal control officer had been “tabled” after Councilwoman Diane Fanucci maintained that issues were reported to the company, but reports continually show “zero” calls made to the municipality.

“Since I have been on council, seated in January, the animal control report is showing zeroes,” said Fanucci in March. “I am just wondering why we keep using this company when they can’t come out and set the traps we have been requesting for months.”

Fanucci, who described an ongoing feral cat issue occurring on her street, maintained that she “always gets told ‘You’re on the list,’” asking, “Where is the list?” and “What kind of list is this?”

As the issue was entertained for a second time, Mayor Harold Griffin, who previously said he didn’t think there was another option available to the borough, pointed out that there is “no change” to the animal control officer, before calling the reappointment resolution appearing for a second time as “routine.”

“Did we research if there was another company?” asked Fanucci, with Borough Administrator and Clerk Kathy Smick responding, “We researched why they weren’t setting traps.”

That led Fanucci to press, “Did we research, actually, another company?”

“No,” the borough clerk answered, prompting Fanucci to ask, “Should we do that before voting on this?”

Griffin replied, “We could, but in the meantime, we won’t have any animal control service.”

Councilman Steven Fenster, who previously declared, “I agree with Diane” and that he is “not in favor of this company” because he has “had issues with them for years,” again joined with Fanucci in opposing the reappointment, asserting, “Fanucci has the same concern that I do.”

But this time, the resolution reappointing the firm passed in a 3-2 vote, with Council President Terry Jerome, as well as Councilpersons Nick Conner and Melissa Tettemer, voting to approve the measure.

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call to apologize for lack of notification.”

A short time later on May 17, a second Nixle message went out to residents: “the twp. does apologize,” adding, “We were supposed to receive 24-hour notice so that we could send out a Nixle.”

During a subsequent Woodland Township Committee meeting on May 24, Woodland Mayor William “Billy” DeGroff, in pointing out that the spraying “happened on 5/17/23,” further declared, “We were not made aware prior to the spraying that morning, and I believe Washington Township was also not made aware.”

“Wading Pines Campground – they weren’t aware, and all the campers were out,” added Woodland Township Administrator and Clerk Maryalice Brown.

The campground is located in neighboring Washington Township, however, but close to the Woodland border.

“I can only answer for Washington Township, but every resident affected by the spraying was notified of the window of spraying,” later replied Washington Deputy Township Clerk Karen Bacon when officials there were asked about the purported incident extending into Washington Township. “Of course, we don’t have the manpower to call every single resident on the exact day of spraying. Washington Township was notified at least the day before or a few hours before. According to the map, supplied by the state, the area where Wading Pines is, was sprayed under the state land. The other side of Route 563 was municipal.”

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the notification to Washington Township was then relayed to the campground, or whether, because it was nearest the state grounds to be sprayed, whether such notification should have come to it directly from the state.

An owner for Wading Pines told this newspaper on June 4 that “I was not notified” and “I didn’t know they sprayed.”

Attempts to further clarify the remarks about the campground with Brown and Burns were unsuccessful as of press time.

But as for what happened in Woodland, DeGroff maintained, “it is nothing on the township.”

“We had no say in it,” he maintained. “They forgot to advise us that there was going to be spraying in the morning. Some people were wondering why an airplane was buzzing around.”

The Pine Barrens Tribune, in attempting to learn more about the mishap and why it happened, contacted Jeff Wolfe, a public information officer for the NJDA.

Initially, in response to the query, he told this newspaper that the agency “would need to know the exact dates and times of when

these reported sprayings took place.”

“It is possible there could have been spraying for another reason by someone else,” he initially theorized.

Substantial swaths of cranberry and blueberry crops exist in both Washington and Woodland townships, with aerial applicators not an uncommon sight in the general area.

But after Wolfe was provided with the May 17 text messages from the township, as well as with a summary of the remarks by Woodland officials, he provided this newspaper with a “breakdown” from the NJDA on the “Lymantria dispar dispar aerial treatments in Woodland Township” on May 17.

It was pointed out by Wolfe that “written notice” is sent to each township that aerial treatments will take place between May 8 and June 8, and that after written notice is given, there is “verbal notification” given to each township 24 hours in advance of the aerial treatments.

“On Tuesday, May 16, a phone call was made to the Woodland Township contact notifying that aerial treatments would be taking place on Wednesday, May 17,” Wolfe continued. “There was no answer, and a voice message was left.”

William Burns, a solicitor for Woodland and its public information officer, as well as Brown, were forwarded that breakdown provided to this newspaper and asked if they had a response to it.

As of press time, this newspaper did not receive a return message.

It was not specified in the NJDA’s response at what time of the day the phone call was made by the NJDA to the Woodland contact.

On April 17, however, residents were told via a Nixle message to “plz be adv’d the twp. offices will be short staffed due to a staff member being out due to a personal matter” and that “if you req. immediate asst, pls email Maryalice Brown.”

A similar message appeared for a several week period on the Woodland website.

Brown, who used to be a regular fixture at Woodland town hall, had her hours reduced during the COVID pandemic.

Then, last year, she was appointed as a township administrator and ultimately township administrator/clerk for Tabernacle Township through a shared services agreement between Woodland and Tabernacle townships.

Brown, at last report, splits her time between the two townships. Over the last several months, some of the other key central figures at Woodland town hall, known to hold the fort down during the time she is away from the municipal building, have been absent, according to sources.

Additionally, Woodland’s municipal building is not open five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. like most other towns, but rather only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

According to Wolfe, it was only after the

LDD treatments took place that the state’s LDD Program supervisor learned that a voice message was left with the Woodland Township contact “and there had been no conversation with that contact on Tuesday, May 16,” or 24 hours in advance of the spraying.

“The LDD supervisor then called the Woodland Township office to let them know that a direct conversation should have taken place,” Wolfe acknowledged. “The employees who make the calls for the 24-hour advance aerial treatment notice were then reminded that a direct conversation needs to take place when notifying townships 24 hours prior to aerial treatments.”

It was previously told to this newspaper that the NJDA, along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), use Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.k.) to combat the LDD moth. B.t.k. is described as a “biological insecticide” that kills the LDD caterpillar “when ingested.”

According to the NJDA’s website, under a toxicology section pertaining to this specific insecticide, it is stated that the insecticide is “among the least toxic insecticides for use in residential areas to control the gypsy moth.”

“Its active ingredient is a bacterium, which occurs naturally in the environment, and B.t.k. has a high specific mode of action in controlling caterpillars and has shown no toxicity to mammals, fish of other wildlife at the recommended field rates,” it continued. “However, those individuals wishing a nearzero exposure to themselves or their children during the spray operation, should stay indoors for at least 10 to 20 minutes, or use an umbrella to intercept the fine spray mist that is outdoors when the aircraft passes.”

During the May 26 Woodland meeting, even without the NJDA’s breakdown or version of events being known by residents, the subject of municipal building hours and availability of the town’s officials were raised by Resident Terry Sheerin, a known township advocate.

“Now, the hours for the building – we have a lot of new people in town, and there are a lot of people here tonight – this is kind of cool compared to what we used to get,” said Sheerin at the Woodland committee’s first in-person regular meeting in almost threeand-a half years, following the pandemic. “Why are we still 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.? Why are we not open five days a week?”

Sheerin reported to the township committee that she had a friend come up to town hall in attempt to pay her taxes recently, “but nobody was there.” She added that it would be a better situation than what currently presents itself if the township, at this point, merely added Fridays, while holding to the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. schedule.

“Because there is a lot of work,” Sheerin added. “She is doing 11 jobs, two days down here and two days down in Tabernacle. That is a lot of work, and it needs to get done.”

for a schedule change.

Sheerin also pointed to a public comment policy of the Woodland committee, maintaining she only gets three minutes to speak during a governing body meeting about a concern, or as she put it, “36 minutes a year.”

“I would ask you once again, Mr. Mayor, whether you would let us have an open door policy to speak with anyone of you three, off the record, by ourselves, to circumvent potential problems or questions,” Sheerin said. “You might be happy, and say this is better than it used to be.”

Sheerin contended that the “previous mayor” provided for “one night a month” at town hall where residents could go see him, and if his schedule didn’t work, he would provide for another time that does.

“That is what we have a monthly meeting for!” retorted DeGroff.

After Sheerin pointed to the three minute limitation on public comment, the mayor said, “you can come up again after everyone else speaks for another three minutes.”

“You don’t want to do that,” initially replied Sheerin. “Then it looks like it is disingenuous.”

But Sheerin ultimately came back up to the microphone.

Burns, at that point, brought up a prior discussion, which prompted Sheerin to reveal she had exchanged “informal” text messaging with Woodland Deputy Mayor Mark Herndon at one time “because he was kind enough to help me as my committeeman because we don’t have an open 24 hour door thing.”

“I think we all try to help people when they contact us,” interjected DeGroff, before maintaining he also contacted Sheerin about the same issue that had been raised to Herndon.

DeGroff further maintained that Sheerin was “actually surprised” that he called her “about a year or two ago.”

“And I appreciated that, and that is why I am saying why can’t we have maybe a quarterly meeting where the community could come in and maybe not be bound by three minutes, and maybe hash a lot of things out,” Sheerin replied.

That led DeGroff to declare, “I personally don’t think we need that,” which led Sheerin to retort, “You get $7,200 a year (per a salary resolution passed May 26) and I get three minutes.”

At the meeting’s conclusion, Woodland Committeewoman Donna Mull pointed out that “I do have an email,” listed on the Woodland website, “if anyone has questions or comments.”

“I’d be glad to help out,” she said.

Herndon added “my number should still be on the website,” adding, “if you ever want to call … “ while DeGroff, who had the final say at the meeting, noted, “I have an email – and if it needs to be addressed, I will address it, and if not, we will address it at the

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However, Colombo said that he is “not aware of any major conflicts in terms of use,” as had been suggested at the latest Shamong committee meeting.

“One nice thing about pickleball is the game is a social game,” the gym teacher said. “People from different towns, backgrounds, and age groups can forge meaningful relationships.”

The courts, he declared, “are quite popular” and “I know our township believed this would be the case.”

“It was their hope that the popularity of pickleball would increase business in the area when they converted the tennis courts,” described Colombo of the previous conversations he had with officials.

When asked whether he believed there should be a charge for court usage, Colombo replied, “I don’t believe individuals should be charged to use the courts.”

“If leagues are for profit, then it might be a good idea for them to pay a small fee that would go towards maintenance of the courts,” he added.

As for reservations, Colombo said, “it might be a good idea, but I’m not sure who would have the time and resources to enforce something like that.”

“Many towns in our area are starting to add courts,” he pointed out. “Very few of them require the players to be from the township to play.”

Colombo, who also teaches health, in addition to physical education, at Seneca, put this newspaper in contact with Stephen Conger, who Colombo described as a “valuable pickleball resource in the area.”

Conger is also identified online as one of three cofounders and owner of the All State Pickleball League, which he later explained to this newspaper has 106 teams and over 1,000 players, and is currently wrapping up its Spring 2023 season.

The teams that comprise the league, he noted, compete at various skill levels and a match consists of women’s doubles, men’s

doubles and mixed doubles. A team, he noted, is required to have three men and three women with a maximum of 12 players on the roster.

“The sport is similar to tennis, except (it uses) a smaller court with paddles instead of racquets, and a wiffle-like type plastic ball instead of a tennis ball,” Conger explained. “Games are usually played as doubles instead of singles, which is common in tennis. USA Pickleball is the National Governing Body of pickleball in the U.S., and by extension, the world. Among many things, USA Pickleball establishes the rules that players use when competing in recreational, league, and/or tournament play.”

Conger, after providing that overview, maintained that he is “not personally, or as a League co-director, aware of any conflicts arising between Shamong residents and teams playing at the Dingletown Complex for pickleball.”

“In South Jersey, there are likely 3,000 plus players who play once a week, and likely over 4,000 players who play pickleball,” he said. “The loose number of courts that exist within South Jersey is less than 50 for public courts. At the moment, there are maybe another 40 or so courts that are private and available for use by members who pay to use the courts.

“In New Jersey, and certainly in the northeast, there exists a huge gap between the number of players picking up a paddle and the courts available to play. This is an issue that the sport is facing and needs to be addressed either through additional public funding or more entry within the private sector or both.”

He noted that for the All State League, “the 1,000 plus players we have registered mostly play on public courts throughout the state.”

“It’s fairly standard for public courts to host a variety of play options,” described Conger to this newspaper. “It’s tough to say leagues, or individuals, should be charged to use public courts because they are public courts and available for the public to use.”

He then put a question to this reporter: “If a township does charge for use of public

courts, will those funds be used to maintain and enhance, if necessary, the courts, or will the funds be used elsewhere?

“I think townships should follow what they do for all other sports (youth and/or adult) within their communities as pickleball is not any different and should not be treated differently,” Conger declared.

As for the prospect of establishing a reservation system, Conger said, “reservations at the moment are mostly a necessity, but even then, it takes away from public court use actually being open to the public.”

“Medford installed four courts, and is using a reservation system,” he noted. “However, the number of courts is simply not enough for the demand for the reservation portion. Paid reservations are used at private courts with players paying the fee knowing they have a court waiting for them, at the specified time and date, and during the winter months. These facilities are generally packed with players of all skill levels. In the summer, players move outside and generally don’t want to pay to play, so they pack public courts that are free and may not have a reservation system.”

Conger further noted that with the sport being somewhat new and so many new players coming in, “townships and facilities seem to have a real challenge as to how to manage courts if they even manage them at all ….”

After pointing out that most courts are built with state and/or county tax dollars, which prevent townships from limiting court access to only its residents, and that “there could even be federal tax dollars included in there, which again would prohibit townships from restricting access,” Conger maintained “if the public courts are purely funded from township money, then I can see where a township would make the decision to restrict access.”

“To me, it all comes down to demand and usage,” Conger asserted. “The All State Pickleball League was formed to bridge the gap between social, recreational play and highly competitive tournament play that is usually a competition in one day.

League play is based on a week to week

match, combining the social aspect of the sport and the competitive side of trying to win each week, but not at the same level as tournament play. I think there is a way to have league play alongside resident usage, which would require communication with local townships and educating the residents and league participants on what the rules and expectations are that exist.”

He added “If it is done beforehand and agreed upon, I firmly believe both the league and resident usage can exist and even supplement each other short and long term.”

Elsewhere in the area, according to Conger, Hainesport has six pickleball courts, Mount Laurel has eight, Cherry Hill has six, Evesham has three, Southampton has around five and Moorestown has three, but he noted, in some instances, the courts “are not dedicated,” or “the courts are there, but painted on tennis courts, etc.”

The pickleball league owner also pointed out that private courts also exist at Arrowhead Tennis Club (in Medford), the Moorestown Tennis Center, and Berlin Tennis Center. That is in addition, he noted, to some that belong to homeowners’ associations.

Officials, maintained Di Croce on May 2, would work to “massage” the possibilities they are entertaining and “come up with something that is common sense – that puts our neighbors first, while (also fair) for the people of Medford who like to come here, and so that they can come here as well.”

Onorato, when asked June 7 to expand on the issue at hand presently, responded, “we have had reports of the courts being used by non-residents.” She then appeared to pull back from the stronger options presented as considerations at the May 2 Shamong committee meeting, instead simply offering an “ask,” for now, of non-residents who come to use Shamong’s courts.

“These courts are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis and we ask nonresidents, which often arrive in larger groups using multiple courts, to provide a minimum of two courts for our resident’s use,” she said.

And Onorato added, “These courts have gained popularity, which is good to see, and money well spent!”

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WILDFIRE

(Continued from Page 1)

Burlington County fire coordinators, our mutual aid partners and volunteer members here in Medford Fire/EMS, we were able to deploy our Wildland Urban Interface Structural Task Force assignment,” said Medford Township Fire Chief Robert Dovi. “We put fire trucks in front of every single driveway, at every single house, and stretched some lines to provide for some structural protection to the back of the houses.”

Meanwhile, according to Tom Gerber, the incident commander for the Flatiron Wildfire and a 40-year section fire warden for the area, state wildland firefighters “engaged the fire in an indirect attack.”

Greg McLaughlin, chief of the NJFFS,

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reported that the blaze first started around 12:04 a.m. on June 3 in the area of Elderberry Drive and Jackson Road. Firefighters, he said, arrived within 20 minutes, but by that point the fire had already consumed about 20 acres and was burning in a southwest direction, being pushed by a light northeast wind.

The NJFFS announced on its social media pages that initially 20 structures were threatened. That number, as the conflagration spread, at one point grew to 40.

“Early this morning, our crews arrived on scene and quickly realized the fire was spreading rapidly towards the structures,” said NJFFS Division Forest Fire Warden Shawn Judy. “At that point in time, because it was a Wildland Urban Interface situation – defined as an area in which the wildland fuels meet the structures within the forest, structural protection was quickly put into place.”

McLaughlin noted that “as the fire was burning towards some homes in the Elderberry Court area,” crews worked “very quickly and very competently” to “get the fire under control in the context they were able to move the fire away from the homes.”

No residences, officials reported just after 10 a.m. on June 3, had been damaged by the wildfire, which grew to 180 acres by midafternoon June 3. It was reported at around 4:30 p.m., by the township, that the NJFFS advised the “Flatiron fire in Medford Township is almost 100 percent contained.”

“Early this morning, we were really lucky,” McLaughlin declared. “This is a highly developed area and there is a lot of interface here, and a lot of people who live here. And there was high potential for property, structural damage.”

There was, however, a resident report of a shed having been damaged, and when asked about it, Gerber described an “outbuilding” or “some type of a gazebo” that was “in

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the forest, away from the homes” that was destroyed in the fire. He contended “nobody was even aware it was back in the forest.” There was another unconfirmed report of a cover for a pool also having been charred by the flames.

Still, despite what is believed to have been a very close call in this Medford neighborhood, described as being in the middle of a “fire-prone forest” that enables “everything to move very quickly” when it comes to a fire and provides the potential for one to “move in a lot of directions within 10 minutes,” according to Gerber, “the residents were actually protected in place and remained in their structures.”

A reporter asked the officials how that was possible, or the residents having been protected in their homes – considering emerging photographs of high-shooting flames behind at least one multi-story home in the neighborhood at the height of the wildfire.

“So, in the case of this fire, it was best to keep them right there,” Gerber responded. “They had very good – what we call –defensible space.”

The technical definition of “defensible space,” according to the NJFFS website, is “the area around the perimeter of wildland structures or developments, which are key points of defense against encroaching wildland fires.”

A handout from the NJFFS encourages Pinelands residents to have at least 100 feet of defensible space around their homes and businesses. The handout also puts the definition of “defensible space” in more layman terms – “the area around a home or structure that is modified in order to protect it from damage by a wildfire” and that is “also needed to provide safe areas for firefighters to work.”

In this particular instance, according to Gerber, given the very good defensible space and the belief that “if we were to go to evacuate, it would have created mass confusion for the fire services to get in to protect the homes,” a decision was made not to call for evacuations.

Instead, “crews quickly accessed the backyards and they gave a lot of space for the New Jersey wildland firefighters to quickly work and conduct backfires and burnout

BALLOTS

(Continued from Page 4)

“I hope they take his name off the next letter,” Doherty told this newspaper.

Clancy, who claimed to be responding on the board’s behalf, when asked by this newspaper about the concerns with the number of writein spaces and Boyd having also signed an enclosed letter that accompanied the ballot, responded, “the new mailing addresses those items too.”

Originally, the ballots were due to the association by June 15, and they were to be counted on June 20.

Clancy, on June 7, reportedly put out a second robocall and email to residents, which was read to this reporter by a third source. It was purportedly told to residents in the call

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operations to actually move the fire away from the structures.”

McLaughlin called that work “very successful.”

According to Gerber, also a Medford resident, the Flatiron Wildfire scorched “an area of forest that has not burned since 1954.”

“So, it has a very dense loading of fuel,” he said. “There are a lot of pine trees that are very dense, or where their spacing is very close together. So, it is a very explosive area of the Pine Barrens. I have been the warden here for 40 years, and it is an area that has always been an area of concern. It has been developed during my career, with now a housing development there – actually, several of them.”

But the lesson that can be learned from this wildfire, according to Judy: “defensible space is certainly key to protecting your structures and the work you do now will certainly prevent the worst-case scenario in case this happens in your area.”

The cause of the fire, which ultimately was 100 percent contained at 210 acres by 6 p.m. June 3, was still under investigation as of press time. There were scattered thunderstorms in the area just before the blaze was reported.

It came on the heels of a more than 5,000acre wildfire that burned through an area near Allen Road in Bass River Township, which ignited in an area that had not been burned in 24 years. As crews were mopping up the Medford wildfire, it was reported by the NJFFS that it had reached 100 percent containment on the afternoon of June 3 with the Bass River inferno.

But that was not before heavy smoke forced the temporary closure of a nearly 30mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway in Burlington and Ocean counties during the morning commute of June 2.

And the Flatiron Wildfire prompted officials on the evening of June 3 to put out a “smoke advisory,” warning the “most severe smoke impacts are expected to the west, south and in the immediate proximity of the Flatiron Wildfire.”

The June 3 Flatiron Wildfire press conference ended with a resident – a woman who pointed out that she thinks the damaged shed might belong to her, making the pronouncement, “I want to thank you all very much.”

“You guys came door-to-door last night, ringing the doorbell,” she asserted. “I want to thank you for the work you did.”

that the new ballots were mailed on June 7, and that residents would have until June 21 to return them. The counting of the ballots was reported to have been moved to June 22.

However, what most concerned one of the sources for this story, is that the association and board could decide to postpone the annual membership meeting, scheduled for June 26, as a result of the issues, and under those hypothetical circumstances, any incumbent facing re-election would potentially have their tenure extended, but not by the election process.

Clancy, in her June 7 communication to residents, reportedly advised there would be “no change” to the June 26 meeting.

“The election date remains the same,” she told this newspaper.

The new ballot due to arrive in LeisureTowne mailboxes, according to the transcript of the second robocall read to this newspaper, is purple.

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SHAMONG—Officials in Shamong Township are looking to limit what has become a “nickel toll” or “quarter toll” of sorts at the intersection of Oakshade and Indian Mills roads, according to Shamong Mayor Michael Di Croce.

Both Di Croce and Township Solicitor Doug Heinold hinted at an ordinance being drafted that would limit what organizations can seek township approval for soliciting contributions at the intersection via coin drops, with there also being an overall limit proposed on just how many coin drops can occur at the intersection each year.

Di Croce noted during a May 2 Shamong committee meeting that there had been two recent coin drop fundraisers at the intersection, one for the Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company and another for the local Knights of Columbus chapter, but now the governing body has received a third request from the Indian Mills Pirette’s Softball Team.

While the two coin drops that did occur “were both very successful,” according to the mayor, he asserted, “we are trying not to make this a quarter toll in town.”

“So, we are going to take a look at this issue and see if we can come up with some reasonable regulations and rules, and maybe just limit it to entities that service Shamong and not allow them for somebody outside town,” Di Croce said.

The request from the Indian Mills Pirette’s Softball Team was then tabled.

Later in the meeting, the possibility of introducing a draft ordinance “amending CHAPTER 147-16, ET SEQ. of the township code to amend provisions governing “charitable contributions at specified intersections” was discussed by the committee and solicitor.

“This is to address the issue of not having a nickel toll at the intersection of Oakshade and Indian Mills roads,” Di Croce declared.

Heinold maintained “my general feeling is there are a few issues that need to be thought about” before the measure is introduced, and then highlighted some of the potential regulations, including that there would be a limit “as to how many events could happen per year.”

“This sort of addresses the issue you talked about – not sort of saturating the residents with constant requests,” the township solicitor said.

Additionally, another potential provision would limit “how often a particular entity might be able to do it,” with the solicitor noting, “we limited it to two per year.”

While the current draft law apparently stops short of an age limit for those soliciting donations, Heinold acknowledged that “there has also been some communication

about whether there should be some sort of age restriction.”

The proposal, however, does currently require any requestor to “provide a statement, to the satisfaction of the township committee, that the funds being raised are for non-profit purposes, in the general interest of the community.”

“I don’t think we need to rush on this, quite frankly,” declared Heinold, adding that he would like to also have John Lyons, the township’s emergency management coordinator, weigh in on the issue. “I don’t think we need to move on this tonight.”

However, Di Croce quipped, “in regard to the nickel toll, I think we have it in mind that we don’t want (the intersection) overused.”

Meanwhile, an ordinance the township committee did introduce at its May 2 meeting is one that would “amend the township’s cannabis overlaying zoning” to include what was described by Heinold as a “portion of V&V Adventure Farm’s lot, directly across from the Mighty Joes’ gas station.”

The township solicitor contended that the lot was “originally included” in the township’s cannabis overlay zoning, but that the Pinelands Commission had initially wanted it to be removed until the relatively-new state cannabis regulations could undergo further review by the agency, with the township having complied with that request.

But now, according to Heinold, “the property owners have expressed interest within last month or so for us to make an effort to move it (the lot) back to cannabis, and now that the rules have come out and Pinelands reviewed them, the property does not need to be rezoned and can be designated for certain cannabis uses, which I think fall in line with what we intended for that area.”

“We are pretty fortunate that they are allowing us to do this on an expedited basis,” Heinold declared. “It is just a rezoning ordinance permitting cannabis as a permitted use, as opposed to going through a whole Pinelands process, where they would have had to do a redesignation of the other underlying zoning.”

He maintained the “sole purpose of this ordinance is to do what we tried to do a year and a half ago: allow property owners to pursue that use if they want to pursue it.”

Shamong Committeeman Chris Zehnder, in response to the pronouncement from Heinold, asserted that the township solicitor did a “nice job in getting this straightened out.”

“I know it was a disappointment to them a couple years ago when that area was excluded, and it is nice to see Pinelands come around, accepting our suggestions,” Zehnnder added. “I don’t see any impact to approving this, or making this change. I think it is good for everybody.”

Saturday, June 10, 2023 AD HOTLINE: (609) 801-2392 or SALES@ PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM WORSHIP GUIDE ♦ Page 9
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