Pine Barrens Tribune April 13, 2024-April 19, 2024

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By Douglas D. M elegari

TEMPORARILY FALLING BACK?

After Pinelands Commission Demands Agency Be Provided with Structural Engineer’s Opinion Tabernacle Town Hall Is ‘Imminent Danger to Public Safety’ or with Town Engineer’s Expertise in Structural Buildings, Committee Reverses Course in Seeking Opinions of 2 Structural Engineers When Committee Previously Voted 3-2 to Raze Building, Majority Declined Bringing in Right Experts, But Now Majority Stirs More Outrage by Turning Down Minority’s Ask for ‘Independent’ Opinion; Land Use Board Attorney Warns Committee Is on Course of Breaking Its ‘Relevant Legal Obligations’

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TABERNACLE—A demand from the Pinelands Commission in an April 8 letter to Tabernacle Solicitor William Burns that Tabernacle Township either produce “a letter from Michael A. Beach, PE, or another qualified New Jersey licensed engineer with structural building expertise confirming the municipal building constitutes an imminent danger to public safety” or “information to our office confirming” Township Engineer Tom Leisse’s “str uctural building qualifications and expertise,” has at least resulted in the Township Committee to reverse course and obtain two structural engineer opinions to demolish historic Tabernacle Town Hall.

That is because Charles M. Horner, director of Regulatory Programs for the commission, appeared to be well aware in drafting the correspondence that the committee, in narrowly voting 3-2 on March 25 to demolish Town Hall, had also declined at the time to secure the services of a qualified structural engineer See FALLING/ Page 7

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One of Two Structural Engineers Retained by Tabernacle Committee Finds Town Hall ‘Potential Threat to Life, Safety and Welfare of Public ‘Virtually Entire Building Would Have to be Taken Apart and Reconstructed,’ He Writes, or ‘Alternately, Building Can be Demolished and Reconstructed’ with Modern Materials

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

TABERNACLE —T he re su lts are in from one of two structural engineer opinions sought by the Taber nacle Township Committee after the governing body was mandated to reverse course in getting an appropriate expert opinion (see separate story), and Structural Engineer Jay B. Rosen, of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania-based SE2 Engineering, LLC, certified that Tabernacle Town Hall is a “potential threat to the life, safety, and welfare of the public.”

“This building is unsafe and should be demolished as soon as possible,” Rosen wrote in an April 10 report and letter addressed to Township Architect Scott England, of Regan Young England Butera (RYEBREAD), correspondence which came one day after Rosen had e nt e r e d t he tow n h a l l, r e p or t e d ly accompanied by Construction Official Tom Boyd, to perform the structural engineering analysis.

The report, with an official professional engineer seal on it, as soon as it came in, was provided to the Pine Barrens Tribune

by Township Solicitor William Burns.

Rosen, in his correspondence, also

wrote that “it is my understanding that the building has been declared unsafe and is scheduled for demolition” and that “I agree with this conclusion and course of action.”

“The building has numerous structural deficiencies that require im mediate action,” he emphasized. “Given its location to Medford Lakes Road and current disrepair, it is a potential threat to the life, safety, and welfare of the public.

This building is unsafe and should be demolished as soon as possible.”

Rosen provided a general overview o f t h e s t r u c t u r e i t s e l f, f r o m h i s observations, before diving into the details of his findings.

He explained that the “building structure consists of wood framing, supported on interior wood beams and columns” and that the “exterior foundation walls are rubble stone.” The roof structure, he noted, “consists of roof rafters that span from the eave to the ridge, supported by a midspan strong back.” There are unconventional wood trusses, he added, that also span the entire attic that “support this strong back or flat member.”

See ENGINEERS/ Page 7

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Woodland Committee Convenes Employment Hearing for DPW Employee Who’s Also Fire/EMS Chief, All as Local Battalion Chief Mounts Primary Bid Viscardi, Who Previously Earned High-Praise from Body, Suddenly Finds Himself Being Accused of ‘Potential Political Activities While on Duty,’ But Denies Charge; Hearing Followed Discussion on Fire Company’s ‘Financial Situation,’ Ask for Audit

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—Shawn Viscardi, chief of the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS Company, who was also hired in the fall as the township’s “number two maintenance man,” had been receiving high-praise from the Woodland Township Committee, Mayor William “Billy” DeGroff and Township Administrator Maryalice Brown during recent governing body sessions for the job that he has been doing, particularly for his efforts in reportedly cleaning up the municipal transfer station.

Viscardi – who DeGroff has been known to go to bat for over the years – had also been giving detailed, monthly reports about the activities of the township Public Works Department at governing body meetings since starting his Public Works position in late September.

But during a March 27 township committee workshop session and ensuing regular meeting, there was a noticeable shift in attitudes on the part of the governing body and its officials, with the workshop session featuring two “discussions,” one labeled “Fire Department – Monthly Report & Financial Situation” on an agenda, and another, “Shawn Viscardi – Employee Review.”

The latter, in fact, which even surprised some residents, was revealed to be a RICE notice or employment hearing on Viscardi pertaining to his Public Works position, in which Viscardi chose to have the hearing held publicly, with his attorney, Nancy Valentino, at his side.

So, what changed in about a months’ time?

Serving as an apparent undercurrent to all of this (though it was not specifically mentioned) is a recent announcement that Christopher Stopero, a battalion chief with Woodland Fire and EMS, is mounting a G OP pr i mar y cha l lenge aga i nst incumbent, longtime Deputy Mayor Mark Herndon, the latter an ally of DeGroff who has earned the backing of the Burlington County Regular Republican Organization.

Township Solicitor William Burns

commenced the employment hearing on Viscardi by maintaining that he doesn’t want to use the terminology “several issues,” but that there has been instead “several communications made public regarding issues related to the Public Works Department.”

The “first,” the solicitor charged, is that there was a “potential violation of the employee manual” in reference to “potential political activities while on duty and working.”

In describing the “second,” Burns contended he doesn’t want to use the word “accusation,” but rather there has been reportedly “some conduct that may arise to a level of insubordination.”

And the final issue at hand, Burns maintained, is that there has allegedly been a “failure to communicate clearly with the governing body.”

Burns, after naming the three items that led to the convening of the employment hearing for Viscardi, said that Viscardi, in his Public Works capacity, faces a charge of “engaging in political activity while on duty.”

“Clearly, the manual prohibits that while on duty,” Burns said.

The solicitor contended that since the report came about, he held a conversation with Viscardi, and that the takeaway from it is that Viscardi “continues to dispute engaging in any political activity while on township time.”

“The committee, from my understanding, does not wish to take any remedial action with respect to that, or engage in it further without any finding, except to simply just remind all employees that they are not to engage in political activities while on duty,” Burns declared. “The committee respects First Amendment rights and freedom of speech issues, including the right to assemble, guaranteed by the New Jersey and federal Constitutions. Employees are free to engage in political activities, so long as they are not on the clock.”

Valentino, upon being asked if she See HEARING/ Page 8

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 3

Engineer Acknowledges Drains That ‘Don’t Go Anywhere’ Were Installed on Hawkins Road in Tabernacle, Ones Creating Safety, Flooding Concerns Resident Excoriates Officials for Having Permitted Project to Carry On, But Official Says It Couldn’t Be Stopped; Four-Way Stop Install Delayed Over Required Study

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

TABERNACLE —Drains installed o n H aw k i n s Ro a d i n Ta b e r n a c l e Township that Township Engineer Tom Leisse acknowledged during a March 25 Tabernacle Township Committee meeting actually “don’t go anywhere” is not only leading to concern about hazardous road conditions there from flooding, but also consternation and questions of why such a project had been conceived and allowed to proceed.

And the township has now received grant funding to repave the road, but a lack of a plan to address the drainage has led to committee concern that any new asphalt will only quickly deteriorate.

In a separate item involving the same road, officials have acknowledged that a prior committee motion to establish a four-way stop intersection at Hawkins and Old Indian Mills roads in an attempt to curb speeding was premature, and that the township first had to undertake a traffic study, wh ich it ulti mately ordered March 25.

Brian Serafine, who lives on Hawkins Road, had raised the drainage and speeding issues at committee sessions late last summer as well as in early fall.

He previously described that workers had torn up the road, between Route 206 and Carranza Road, to put in the storm drains, but that there was no resurfacing afterwards, creating rough road conditions. He also had described instances of flooding since the storm drains were installed.

That flooding has reportedly only been compounded by recent heavy rainfall events.

“I would like to know when this road is going to get paved,” said Serafine in returning March 25 to the committee’s t e mp or a r y qu a r t e r s s et up at t h e Tabernacle Firehouse, which happens to be on Hawkins Road. “I would like to know when the drainage is actually going to work properly on this road because it is a hazard. I am tired of

coming down this road with cones on this road, blockades on the road, and things of that nature.”

Serafine warned it is only a matter of time before “somebody is going to get killed on this road,” asserting of the committee, “it is going to be on your hands.”

“Because nothing is being done in a timely fashion,” Serafine declared.

“When that road was ripped up – we went through this back in the summertime, we were told this improvement was getting taken care of,” Serafine said. “And nothing has been done. These drains are inefficient. The road is still not paved.

You said you were getting grant money.

I don’t know if it is getting secured or has been secured.”

The Hawkins Road resident maintained that he and his neighbors are “not notified about anything going on with this road.”

“I want answers!” Serafine demanded.

“I am a resident here! I pay my taxes! I want to know what is going on! Our road is a disgrace! You bounce all over the road! There is water all over the road! It is ridiculous! You guys made a decision to rip this road apart! And I have to live on it! None of you live on this road other than one gentleman over here, (Chief Financial Officer) Mr. (Rodney) Haines. It is a disgrace! Something needs to be done!”

Serafine further pressed the governing body and its officials to tell him “when is this road is getting paved” and “when is this drainage system is actually going to work.”

“This is not fair to us, as residents, to have a road like this,” Serafine declared.

“It was ripped up and not taken care of properly. You set forth money to rip this road up and never procured (money) to get the road paved. Then we are begging to get grant money to pave this road!

And still, six months later, it is still not repaved! Nothing has been done! We don’t have an answer! Why don’t we have an answer?”

Serafine asked to be told if the grant See DRAINS/ Page 10

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Washington Solicitor Reports Obstacles at Every Turn in Trying to Obtain OK to Use Municipal Surplus to Close School District’s 2023-24 Shortfall Instead of Taxpayers Doing So Through Massive Hike Adopted by NJDOE Committee Responds to Questions of Why It Didn’t Act Sooner During Period of Six Months Last Year When It Could Have Given Funds, Before State Acted; Township Might Have to Provide More Funding After State Slashes Aid Again

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

WASHINGTON—The Township of Washington’s taxpayers remain in a real “pickle” with things remaining “statusquo,” or there reportedly being no real progress to compel a court, as well as the county and state, to allow the municipality to intervene beyond the 11th hour and use some of its surplus monies to offset a $473,871 shortfall that had been observed in the Washington Township School District’s 2023-24 school year budget.

Instead, that shortfall was closed, in part, by a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) decision in late December, as previously reported by this newspaper, to intervene and adopt a delayed Washington Township Board of Education budget that contained a total tax increase of $204,979 (held at that value because of a two-percent cap), which amounts to an increase of $224.14 on the township taxpayer for every $100,000 of assessed value.

And according to Township Solicitor Tom Coleman, if anything, the county and state have put “roadblocks in our way” at “every turn” since the municipality’s filing in March of the suit seeking a “rollback.”

With township taxpayers now having to come up with the money to pay a massive hike in school taxes, a resident who also happens to be the municipal emergency management coordinator, recently asked pointed questions of the committee about why the governing body didn’t intervene sooner, contending that he believes they are responsible for what has happened.

Washington officials have responded that the school board and its budget is separate from township business, and that the township com mittee never received a “formal request” for $473,871, although current Committeeman Daniel James, who was township mayor last year, acknowledges having been asked for different levels of funding prior to the state’s decision, but contended those

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constantly changing figures is what caused him to say “no.”

Current Mayor C. Leigh Gadd, Jr. pointed out the township did grant an earlier request from the district for over $50,000 in funding for the 2023-24 school year.

While the township continues to pursue a rollback for the 2023-24 school year budget, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget calls for another funding cut to the local school district, this one a proposed decrease of 7.7 percent over last year, or $11,365. In response to a resident raising the new funding cut and calling for the governing body to be “more proactive” moving forward, officials vowed to work together with the local school board this time around.

“I would love to come down and tell you we had great success in tax court with the case that we filed, but to say that the State of New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office and the County of Burlington rebuffed our efforts to help the taxpayers is an understatement,” declared Coleman during a March Washington Township Committee meeting. “If anything, they have done everything in their power to put roadblocks in our way.”

According to Coleman, “in 31 years of practice,” he has never seen such a situation with obstacles “at every turn” and an unwillingness to bend.

The case was being transferred to Superior Court Judge Jeanne T. Covert, he contended in March, who he said he hoped would offer a “more equitable remedy.”

During the latest April 2 Washington committee session, however, Coleman declared, “We are still in a status quo situation right now.” And taxes have become due.

Dave Simpson, a resident of Lower Bank who currently serves as township emergency management coordinator, had put a question to the committee during its preceding session: “If we had given them the first amount of money that they had wanted, would we be going through this See SHORTFALL/ Page 10

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Council ‘Concerned About the Facts’ Outlined in 18-Page Draft Report Summarizing Investigation of Pemberton Twp. Administration, Mayor Solicitor, in Making Revelation, Says 38 People Were Interviewed in Probe and Council Will ‘Most Likely’ Be ‘Having Special Meeting to Take Action’

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

PEMBERTON—An investigation of the Pemberton Township Administration, specifically looking into claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior

by GOP Mayor Jack K. Tompkins, and whether there was retaliation when complaints were made to administration, is one that Township Solicitor Andrew “Andy” Bayer on April 3 suggested has now concluded, but its findings summarized in a “draft report,” he added, have left Pemberton Township Council “concerned.”

Tompkins skipped the April 3 council session in which the announcement by Bayer was made. The solicitor said he gave council the “draft report” during an executive session, which came early in the April 3 session.

Upon ex iting the closed session, council and Bayer had initially held off on commenting publicly about what had taken place behind closed doors.

Bayer, in fact, as council took their seats at the dais again, was picked up by a hot mic telling Democratic Council President Paul Detrick, “Wait till someone asks.”

But the asks began rolling in, first from Resident Lionel Lee, who is a member of the Pemberton Township Democrats Club and is also a member of the local school board.

“Will we get any feedback on the investigation of the mayor, because a lot of people are interested?” he asked. “I think it is a cloud hanging over the township that we need to remove, and hopefully we can get some type of closure or clarity on that situation tonight.”

Bayer responded that “in terms of the investigation, I can publicly report the draft report was completed” and “presented to council as a personnel/ employment matter in executive session.”

“The report is 18 pages long, singlespaced,” the solicitor continued. “There were 38 people interviewed. The council is concerned about the facts that were set forth in the report. They will be considering action and most likely having a special meeting to take action.”

As for why council wasn’t taking any immediate action, Bayer asserted, “To be

fair, the report was just provided to them this evening, so clearly, they couldn’t read the entire single-spaced 18-page report in the time we were in executive session.”

But Gaye Burton, a former Democratic councilwoman and council president, who also came very close to winning an 8th Legislative District Senate seat up for grabs last year, but fell just short in her bid and is now running for elected office again this year, this time in hoping to return to the local council, demanded to know whether there will be a special meeting for certain.

“I have a number of questions I would like to ask,” she declared. “I was told we were going to get results today. I have been asking this for a month.”

Detrick responded that he “thinks” the council is going to have a special meeting, with Bayer adding that a special meeting would allow the matter to be discussed “alone” and not have it “tied up with 20 other resolutions and four ordinances and the like.”

“It will be open, and there may be an executive session, but ultimately there will be a public section where action will be taken,” Bayer assured the former councilwoman and current Democratic council candidate.

Bayer’s response led to Burton asking, “When do you think we can have this special meeting?”, causing the solicitor to respond that he would “suggest” having it held within the “next two to three weeks.”

The Pine Barrens Tribune filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request on April 6 seeking the report.

“The report will not be released prior to the special meeting and is still in draft form,” responded Deputy Township Clerk Sunshine Dashiell. “An email will be provided to you advising you on the date for the special meeting. The date has not yet been determined. We can advise it will be no earlier than the 15th of April.”

A township source shared with this newspaper an email received from GOP Councilman Joshua Ward, in response to some questions posed about the investigation, and in that email, Ward assured the individual that “the report will See INVESTIGATION/ Page 13

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LRHSD Tells Tribune It Does Not Plan Cuts to Arts and Music Programming After Students and Graduate Present Fears in Light of Significant Aid Loss Details of Proposed Cost-Saving Measures to Balance Lenape Regional’s Budget, However, Withheld, with Local Union President Describing Staff As ‘Anxious’

By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG—The Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) told the Pine Barrens Tribune this week that “despite another significant and unexpected cut in state aid for next academic year” of $4.69 million, “we do not plan to eliminate music or other arts programs” in the 2024-25 school year budget, which is now at the Executive County Superintendent’s Office for review following preliminary LRHSD Board of Education passage on March 20.

After LRHSD Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm warned in a communication to students and staff that “now with this unprecedented reduction in state aid in one year, this canyon-sized hole demands that we reevaluate our plans and make deeper cuts that will inevitably impact programs and staffing,” several students and graduates of the district’s music and arts programming had attended a March 20 board session concerned that such programs were on the chopping block, and urged that they be kept in place.

A female junior student at the district’s Seneca High School, told the board that “innovation and creation are increasingly valued,” but yet it “often falls victim to funding cuts.” Her research, she contended, found that 88 percent of public schools in New Jersey currently offer at least one art course, while 12 percent do not.

“The decision to cut these programs not only rob students of a well-rounded education, but also jeopardizes the very essence of human expression and cultural enrichment,” declared the pupil in pointing

to arts programming budget cuts in California. “We should pause and reflect on the long-term consequences of this decision.”

The arts, she declared, “are not mere extracurricular activities,” but rather they are the “lifeblood of creativity, critical thinking and cultural enrichment.”

Students, she maintained, by engaging in visual arts, music, theatre, and dance, learn to “express themselves, embrace ambiguity and develop individuality,” and art programs “play a pivotal role in nurturing intelligence, empathy and self-confidence.”

The pupil called on the board to “prioritize the preservation” of such programs, including seeking potential grant opportunities.

A second pupil, a junior at Shawnee High School “here today to speak on behalf of the Shawnee music and arts programs,” told the board, “We all believe it is absolutely imperative to continue to enhance the arts and music programs in our schools, despite the imminent loss of funding for them.”

A heavily involved band participant, the junior contended, “many students see music as an outlet for any anxieties that they may have” as well as it promoting a “sense of belonging in culture,” in addition to it allowing them to develop a “sense of confidence to challenge any hinderances along the way.”

The pupil said he “would argue” that music “is the same as any other academic class, and also serves to improve students in other subject areas,” with him believing the program should be viewed on the same See LOSS/ Page 13

Motorcyclist Killed After Colliding with State Police Vehicle on Rt. 70 SOUTHAMPTON—A motorcyclist was killed when his bike collided with a New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Troop vehicle on Route 70 in Southampton Township on April 9.

A press release issued by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office states that a “prel i m i nar y i nvestigation” found that “an on-duty State Trooper was conducting routine patrol duties on State Route 70 when his marked NJSP vehicle was involved in a collision with a civilian motorcycle on Route 70, near Burrs Mill Road.”

The motorcyclist, identified as only a male, was transported to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:45 p.m., it was noted in the release, while the State Trooper involved in the collision did not sustain significant injuries.

The Attorney General’s Office release concluded that an “investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time,” including the identity of the victim.

An eyewitness photograph taken from the scene depicts the Troop car at angle

that is primarily across one of the lanes of the state highway, with the motorcycle appearing to have struck the Troop vehicle on the driver’s side. There are unconfirmed reports that the operator of the Troop vehicle was making a U-turn at the time.

But when this newspaper asked the Attorney General’s Office for details about the preliminary cause of the crash, and whether the State Trooper was making a U-turn at the time of the crash, as well as asked about the legality of U-turns for law enforcement officers, an unidentified spokesperson wrote back, “Thanks for your email. Additional information will be released later in the investigation.”

The Attorney General’s Office, in the release, contended that under a 2019 law, it has to “conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody” and that same law “requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.”

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 5

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Saturday, April 13, 2024

Medford Council Hears Safety Concerns About Trucks, Speeders on Taunton Boulevard, ‘Unclothed’ Intruder from Group Home Township Said Having Little Legal Ability to Regulate Either Constant Flow of Heavy-Duty-Vehicle Traffic or ‘Trespasses’ of Developmentally Disabled

Closure of Route 532 Due to Town Hall Issue Leads to Consternation, with Questions Raised Over Whether Tabernacle Followed Protocol State Police, Holy Eucharist Catch Grief Over Writing of Tickets to Motorists Cutting Through Church Lot, But Woman Reports Seeing Dangerous Situation

By Bill Bonvie

By Douglas D. M elegari

Staff Writer

MEDFORD—Neighborhood safety concerns dominated the April 2 meeting of the Medford Township Council, at which a trio of Taunton Boulevard residents warned that speeders and a constant flow of heavy truck traffic had turned the county-maintained thoroughfare into what one called an “unsafe environment,” all while two White Birch Trail homeowners c ompl a i n e d ab out a l l eg e d ly p o or supervision of a neighboring group home for developmentally disabled adults, one of whose residents they said had repeatedly invaded their premises.

Both situations elicited responses from township officials at the meeting, who indicated they would see what could be done to address them, although ad m itt i ng t hat t hei r opt ion s were limited by bureaucratic restrictions and jurisdictional considerations.

L e ad i ng the Tau nton Bou levard delegation was James Sh if fer, who presented the council with petitions he said contained some 156 signatures of residents of the otherwise bucolic Lake Pine neighborhood, all of whom concurred that “we are not being represented and this problem is not being taken care of.”

Shiffer noted that when complaints about an “increasing traffic problem” on Taunton Boulevard were first brought to the attention of local officials and police three years ago, the township and Burlington County responded by installing two “dynamic speed signs” on the roadway.

But since then, he contended, the situation has become, if anything, far worse, with “a significant increase in speeding vehicles” having caused the 85-percentile speed” (the rate at or below which 85 percent of vehicles travel) to “creep up” from 37 to 39 mph, and “the presence of heavy-duty construction vehicles barreling down our roadway 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“Nothing has been done to significantly remove heavy-duty construction vehicles from the roadway and enforce the 30-mph speed limit,” he alleged.

W h i l e a c k n ow l e d g i n g t h a t t h e thoroughfare is one maintained by the county and that the New Jersey Department of Transportation is responsible for regulating weight restrictions on trucks, Shiffer not only maintained no action had apparently been taken by either the county or township to alleviate the volume of truck traffic, but that the township has “even made it worse.”

“The mere presence of construction vehicles shakes our homes and our foundations and creates a constant noise level throughout the day, both of which are unbearable and unacceptable,” he charged.“ I think if the township is going to issue a bid to a contractor like Penn Jersey Paving, they ought to tell them to use the highways like Routes 206 and 73,” rather than using Taunton Boulevard.”

As for the speed-limit violations, unlike on Stokes Road, where the presence of businesses slows down traffic, and Hartford Road, where entrances to developments do likewise, he pointed out that “our homes have no natural impediments to speeding.”

“It is a dangerous situation and we’re fed up with it,” Shiffer declared.

Even more emphatic about what they claimed are the hazards to pedestrians along Taunton Boulevard were the two residents who followed Shiffer, JoAnne Powell and Mary Lucas.

“We’ve been here seven-and-a-half years and there is no question in my mind that the traffic has gotten worse in volume, speed and the type of vehicles,” Powell said. “There are a lot of construction vehicles traveling on Taunton Boulevard on a daily basis; I see dump trucks every day. I even see trucks with trailers on the back carrying construction equipment.”

Reg a rd l e s s of wh i c h e nt it y h a s jurisdiction over it, she pointed out “Taunton Boulevard is a road that runs through the middle of our communities,” one crossed by many families on their way to the beach beside the adjacent lake.

“And with the nice weather coming, it poses a hazard to them, especially people with small children (making for) an unsafe environment,” she contended.

According to Powell, “it is also a very residential street where houses are almost on top of the road,” providing an explanation that it is due to its once having been a dirt road that was paved and expanded after those homes had already gone up.

Lucas expounded on those sentiments, complaining that she can’t go out to get her mail at certain times of the day because of the risk of being run over, and often can’t leave her driveway lest she get “rear-ended or T-boned.”

The speed at which vehicles travel there “is just incredible,” Lucas declared.

“Even during the night, I am awakened by the loud noise of trucks speeding down the roadway—not doing 30, but doing 50,” she added.

Noting that she had spent most of her career in state and county government, however, Lucas offered a proposal she said might alleviate the problem without costing any money – to lower the speed limit and put a weight restriction on Taunton Boulevard.

She concluded by asserting, “I think we have a very serious problem, and it is putting everybody at risk,” and that “something really needs to be done,” adding, “I hope you will consider that and take our concerns very seriously.”

Republican Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson, in subsequently responding to those concerns, said he was very familiar with the situation, since “I drive that road almost every day.”

“We’ve looked into many of these things, like banning trucks,” he said, but See COUNCIL/ Page 15

Staff Writer

TA BER NAC LE —T h e c l o s u r e of County Route 532, or Medford Lakes-Taber nacle Road, between Carranza Road and the entranceway to Holy Eucharist Roman Catholic C hu r c h , du e t o wh at h a s b e e n reported as the “imminent danger” of Tabernacle Town Hall collapsing, is causing a lot of consternation, and that is an understatement.

First, the church parking lot having points of egress and ingress that take one around the closed-off area, has resulted in motorists using it as an illegal cut-through.

And when State Troopers showed up to ticket motorists, it caused some residents of the community to take to social media to bash both the church and New Jersey State Police Red Lion Barracks.

Second, detour signage around the area, at least until former mayor Joseph Barton excoriated the governing body during its April 8 meeting, led one to “nowhere” and even contained incorrect messaging. And questions were raised about whether the township followed the county’s road closure procedures.

Third, a local business owner says her sales have “plummeted” since the thoroughfare was closed, with others r e p or t i ng s om e of t he ot he r a r e a businesses are seeing “half” the business that they would normally get, making for demands that the road be opened back up immediately.

Fourth, a township resident says t h at d e s p it e Tab e r n a c l e of fi c i a l s contending the building is in imminent danger of collapsing on March 25, the following day, Superintendent Shaun Banin was reportedly unaware of this fact when questioned why school buses were still being allowed to pass by the area of concern.

A nd fi nal ly, i n the eye s of many residents, Tabernacle Town Hall doesn’t present a threat to the motoring public, and its closure is “ridiculous.”

That is this newspaper’s best way to summarize scores of individuals blasting the decision to close the road to the public, for what has been advertised as at least a four-week closure.

“See where those detour signs lead you,” Barton told the township committee on April 8. “They lead you to nowhere!”

Barton, for example, pointed out there was no detour sign once a motorist got to Route 206.

Additionally, he maintained, as one got to town hall, there was a “sign that says, ‘ramp closed.’”

“Where is the ramp?” he asked, eliciting laughter from the crowd attending the meeting. “There is no ramp there!”

Barton, in pointing out that “he used to do this stuff for a living,” maintained that Burlington County “has a permit process” for closing roads, and it is outlined in a 37-page document, which

he is “very familiar” with.

“You have 24 hours from that call to get an application to the county,” Barton said. “That application requires a traffic control plan, sealed by a traffic control engineer, not what is out there!”

The set-up for the road closure, Barton contended, is “nowhere near compliant” and is instead “very, very confusing.”

After pointing out that such a road closure also requires a traffic interference report, various insurances, as well as the township having a hold-harmless agreement with the county, he asked, “Did you submit an application?”

“You are putting the traveling public at risk, and if there is an accident, it is going to be on you because the lawsuits are going to come back on you for the traffic control plan you did not implement, and it (the closure) is not in compliance with the county’s road closure policy,” declared Barton to thunderous applause from the audience.

Just after 10 a.m. on the following day, April 9, several vehicles and work crews appeared in the Town Hall parking lot, as photographed by a local, and in asking what they were doing, she reported that she was told the activity “had to do with the road closure.”

A s t h at w a s t a k i ng p l a c e , t h i s newspaper asked Burlington County whether Tabernacle Township filed what it was supposed to on its end.

“The road closure was made and deployed by Tabernacle,” responded County Spokesman David Levinsky.

“T h e c ou nt y aut hor i z e d it at t h e tow n sh ip’s re qu e st b e c au s e of t he emergency the municipality declared.

Tabernacle is responsible for all aspects of the closure, including signage.

“My understanding is that the township is now in the process of preparing and submitting a County Road Occupancy Permit for the closure. This is typical in an emergency and is no different than when a utility needs to close a road to make emergency repairs. The utility requests authorization by the county to close the road with its resources and a permit is submitted afterwards.”

At 3:14 p.m. on April 9, Levinsky sent this newspaper an update, “The Road Occupancy Permit was submitted today.”

The road was closed March 27.

William Burns, solicitor and public i n for mation offic er for Tab er nacle Township, when asked if the municipality had an explanation for not following the road closure procedure, disputed that notion, asserting, “It did.”

But when Levinsky’s update was read to him word-for-word, he responded, “That’s not accurate,” further asking, “Who did you get (that) confirmation from?”

When advised that it was Levinsky who made the revelation, Bur ns responded back, “The road was closed as an emergency, wh ich the county See CLOSURE/ Page 12

Saturday, April 13, 2024

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FALLING

(Continued from Page 1) to actually deem the building an imminent hazard, instead reliant on the opinions of Construction Official Tom Boyd, Architect Scott England, and Leisse, and that Leisse, who offered his “professional opinion” that night that the building is in danger of collapse is actually a degreed-chemical engineer, according to his LinkedIn profile page (though he does sign his name to documents as having both a PE [Professional Engineer License] and CME [Certified Municipal Engineer Program credentials], and therefore, is registered with the state as a professional engineer).

“Because the Pinelands Commission has some concerns, we would like to bring in Beach Engineering (who last evaluated town hall in 2021) to evaluate the building, as well as the roads, and provide an independent review of the bui lding,” proclai med GOP Mayor Mark Hartman at the start of an April 8 committee workshop meeting, a session that originally had an agenda listing no further discussion on Town Hall (that is, until that Horner letter came in) and featured residents who were absolutely livid with the governing body for its handling of the matter and considering a demolition of the historic structure.

And the demand of the Pinelands Commission appears to be only one possible hurdle that the township must clear prior to any legal demolition of Town Hall, with a search of the township code book listing three buildings in the township, including “Town Hall, formerly known as the Junior Order of United American Mechanics Hall,” and that are “hereby established as historic sites to be preserved and protected in the Township of Tabernacle.”

That stipulation is part of a chapter i n the code book titled “Histor ic, Archaeological and Cultural Resources,” in which it suggests the Planning Board, also known as the Tabernacle Joint Land Use Board, must first issue a “Certificate of Appropriateness” before any such demolition can proceed.

T h e g ov e r n i n g b o d y, h ow e v e r, appeared to again sidestep the Historic, Archaeological and Cultural Resources provisions again on April 8, by not even discussing it, despite it being brought to their attention by Land Use Board Chairman Raymond C. McCarty, Jr., who read aloud a letter from Land Development Board Solicitor David C. Frank, pointing this all out. (The Land Development Board has also, as was pointed out by McCarty, passed a resolution of its own prior to the April 8 committee session urging a halt to the demolition.)

As McCarty told the governing body he was prepared to call an emergency meeting of the Land Development Board to hear an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, he was cut short by Hartman, claiming his time expired.

Frank, in his letter to the committee, explained “the important role the existing Town Hall has under the township Master Plan” and pointed to the plan’s goals which “calls for efforts to ‘preserve and enhance areas with historic/cultural, scenic, and recreational value.’”

He then delved into the “designation u n d e r Tab e r n a c l e’s du ly a dop t e d ordinances” of the “Town Hall as only one of three buildings established as historic sites to be preserved and protected in the Township of Tabernacle, declaring that “because Town Hall is so designated, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required to be issued by the Land Development Board prior to any demolition.”

“No application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted to or reviewed by the Land Development Board,” said Frank in his letter. “Such an application would include information necessary for a determination as to the means for preservation of the designated cultural resource.”

Frank was even more emphatic further dow n in h is letter, declar ing, “Any demolition of Town Hall prior to issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness would be contrary to Tabernacle's duly adopted ordinances, as well as being in conflict with the stated goals of the Township's Master Plan.”

He added that the township’s ordinances and Master Plan were adopted by the tow nsh ip com m ittee and the Land Development Board, respectively, in “furtherance of important public policies that seek to preserve and protect the history of the community.”

“A rush to demolition of Town Hall without fulfillment of all relevant legal obligations violates both the letter and spirit of the township’s laws,” warned Frank, before noting that the board r e qu e st s t h e t ow n sh ip c om m it t e e “follow the procedure of the township's duly adopted ordinances by preparing and submitting for review by the Land Development Board an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness in accord with the requirements and standards set forth in Tabernacle Ordinance 17-43.”

On March 25, former mayor Rick Franzen, also president of the local Historical Society, had pointed out to the township committee that the township has “not yet filed a permit with the Pinelands C om m i s s ion for d e mol it ion” a nd maintained it is “something you must do.”

“Yes, you do have to submit a permit,” Franzen advised the governing body.

“Some said you might not need a permit if it is declared unsafe. Actually, that is somewhat untrue. You still have to file for a permit, and you have to ask the director to bring about an exception. It still has to go through the process, and it has to go through the full Pinelands Commission.”

Resident and transparency advocate Fran Brooks also advised the governing body on March 25, prior to the vote to raze the Town Hall, that “you need permits.”

But Boyd on that evening, in response, claimed if a building “is in imminent danger to public safety, they would issue it post demolition” with it added that if the situation is “deemed an imminent public safety risk, an application would be put in post-project.”

But apparently, the com m ission became aware of a scheduled demo of Town Hall around or just after April 15 following the township committee’s March 25 vote and intervened. In turn, the township apparently did submit infor mation to the com m ission on See FALLING/ Page 9

ENGINEERS (Continued from Page 2)

His 23 observations from his site visit, include: • “T he r ubble stone fou nd at ion wall was noted to be damp. The cement parging and mortar joints have been removed in numerous areas. Some stones could be easily removed by hand; • T h e r e a r e s e ve r a l c r a c k s a n d damaged foundation areas visible from the outside. This includes vertical cracking, spalling of the stucco coating, and deterioration of the ramp wall; • Several first-floor joists are cracked.

This indicates that the joists have been overloaded to failure; • Several main support beams are cracked. This indicates that the beams have been overloaded to failure. As a result of this observation, temporary support walls have been erected below the joists in the basement area. No foundation was noted below the support wall; • The main beams have several support shims between the masonry pier and the beam. These shims are numerous and excessive; • Ste el suppor ts and ste el b ea m reinforcement were erected in one

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 7 portion of the basement. One steel beam was found to have deflected and rotated. No column footings were noted below the steel columns; • Evidence exists of past ter m ite infestation. This damage was not repaired; • Several wood member to wood member connections are inadequate; • Severe deterioration of one main beam at the exterior wall was found.

The stone is cracked and has shifted, the beam has deflected and is cracked.

The wood has deteriorated; • The stairs from the basement to the first floor are cut stringers stairs. They are structurally inadequate; • The electrical panel is attached to a damp wet foundation wall; • The first floor is visibly not level and pitches significantly; • Movement in the first floor ceiling was noted at the hard ceilings. There are gaps at the junction of the first floor walls to the ceiling. There is cracking visible within the ceiling; • The exterior rear entrance canopy has failed at the rear exterior column; • There are numerous drywall screws used to secure the exterior siding.

See ENGINEERS/ Page 15

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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

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Shawn Viscardi, chief of the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS Company, who was also hired in the fall as the township’s “number two maintenance man,” sits beside Nancy Valentino, a local attorney representing him at a March 27 employment hearing.

HEARING

(Continued from Page 3) would like to make any comments, called what Burns had to say his “commentary.”

“He (Viscardi) vehemently denies any such claim,” she continued. “He would like to know who the accusers are.”

Valentino pointed out that Viscardi has been “in the public sector for a very longtime” and because of that, “he knows better” and “fully understands what his role is.”

“My client has absolutely no issues with the present committee and has no reason to take up a political position at all, with respect to the township, let alone while he is on the clock,” Valentino declared.

Since the accusation was made, according to Valentino, she and Viscardi have had a “discussion of maintaining silence, even when an innocuous question is posed to him when he is on the job.” And now, even if it is simply a question of, “Do you know so-and-so?”, Viscardi has been instructed to state, “‘I can’t speak while on the job.’”

“That is going to be his approach while on the job for Woodland Township, and

while on the job at that transfer station,” Valentino declared.

Viscardi let his attorney do much of the talking, but at one point shot back, “I don’t remember getting an employee handbook,” to which Brown retorted, “You did – you did.”

Valentino ultimately repeated that her client “wants to understand where that accusation came from.”

Burns responded that the “identity of the complainant” beyond that the individual is a “resident of the township” is being withheld as the complainant “specifically requests to remain anonymous for fear or concerns that there would be additional negative treatment” and that is being put “politely.”

But because the individual making the charges against Viscardi “would like to remain anonymous,” Burns said it his “recommendation” to the township committee that charges not be pursued against Viscardi, but rather the governing body just issue a “general reminder” to all employees that they are prohibited from engaging in political activities while on the job.

“Employees are free to do whatever they wish while not working for the township,”

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Burns added.

Later, this newspaper asked Burns what kind of political activity he was referencing during the hearing, and he replied, in part, that there was an accusation of “political campaigning,” and when pressed if it was for the local-level, replied, “Yes.” Then, when this newspaper began to point out that the hearing came after a local event, he shot back, it was simply held “after a complaint.” He also disputed this newspaper’s observation that it was almost a trial of sorts of Viscardi, contending all of this, despite it being an employment hearing, was simply a “reminder” activity for township personnel that they are not to engage in political activities while on the job.

Burns, during the employment hearing, following the political accusation portion of the hearing, then turned to the second matter that was used as a justification for calling the hearing to order, contending that there has been some “communication i s s u e s w it h r e s p e c t t o r e p o r t i ng requirements,” entailing a dispute over who Viscardi actually is to report to while on the job and provide his hours worked.

There has also been some

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“disagreement,” Burns maintained, on whether Viscardi should be required to provide the monthly Public Works reports.

Providing those reports (which, since Viscardi had taken them over, has featured specifics about equipment breakdowns and the status of repairs, as well as equipment maintenance), according to Burns, in collaboration with Brown and DeGroff, “does not appear to be a job duty” assigned to Viscardi.

“Normally, I had done the Public Works report and then when Shawn started with us, he decided to do it, which was great, as he provided the township with a very lengthy, detailed report,” Brown asserted.

“So, that is what we have been doing for the last three to four months. Then, this month, when I requested a fire chief and Public Works report, he said he would no longer be doing a Public Works report.”

DeGroff, in conjunction with Burns, said that the report would be “no longer required” of the chief and to go “back to the old way.”

“Moving forward, Shawn is no longer responsible,” said Burns in setting a verbal agreement in place. “Ms. Brown will handle that.”

(Brown later gave a report for Public Works during the March 27 regular session of the committee, a report which was very short and had far less detail than Viscardi’s prior reports.)

Bu r n s a s s er t e d t hat t he subj e ct “bootstraps nicely to the next segment” of the hearing, and then launched into an explanation that it is “important to realize when an employee works for the township in the capacity of an employee, such as for the Public Works Department, there is a reporting structure and the employees are to work directly with the administrator to ensure that the jobs are being completed in a manner which the administrator believes they should be completed, as well as in the order in which they should be completed.”

“A l o n g t h o s e l i n e s , w h e n t h e administrator asks for hours worked, the responses of, ‘I will discuss my hours later in the week’ is not an appropriate answer,” Burns said. “When asked, ‘When is a report going to be issued,’ it is not simply … ‘I am not doing one.’ I think it is very clear that the administrator is the direct supervisor of all employees of this township.”

In “going forward,” Burns declared, “the chain of command” for a Public Works employee to follow is that individual is to report to the administrator.

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MARCH 25 DEMOLITION VOTE

HARTMAN VOTE CAST: YES

STONE VOTE CAST: YES

SPRAGUE VOTE CAST: NO

FALLING

(Continued from Page 7) April 4 and April 5 “proposing the demolition of the Tabernacle Township Municipal Building.”

And that infor mation caused the tow nsh ip to receive a second letter essentially saying not so fast, this one from Horner.

Horner began that letter by noting the state agency received three things on those two days from the township, including: • An April 4, 2024, email from the Township Construction Official to the Commission identifying the need to take emergency action to demolish the municipal building i n a c c ord a n c e w it h a s p e c i fic provision of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:232.32 [the cited provision addresses building demolition to eliminate an immediate danger to human life]).

• A March 22, 2024, letter to Tabernacle Mayor Mark Hartman from Thomas Leisse, PE, the township engineer, of Pennoni Associates, indicating that the “building is an imminent danger to public health and safety.”

• A “Building Fall Plan” indicating that if the building collapsed, it could fall within the adjacent County Route 532 right-of-way.

“Available information indicates that the municipal building was constructed in the 1870s,” wrote Horner after listing what the commission received, as of his April 8 correspondence. “The proposed demolition of a building 50 years old or older requires completion of an application to the Pinelands Commission.

MOORE VOTE CAST: YES

MCNAUGHTON VOTE CAST: NO

“Your April 5, 2024, email requests author ization from the com m ission to demolish the municipal building i n a c c ord a nc e w it h a n e m e rge nc y provision contained in the commission’s regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:50-4.5). This provision authorizes the commission’s executive director, after consultation with the chairperson of the commission, to take whatever action is minimally necessary to remedy a danger to public safety. Such authorization would allow for the demolition of the municipal building prior to the completion of an application with the commission.

“Based upon our staff’s discussion with township representatives on April 5, 2024, it is our understanding that the soonest building demolition could begin is Monday, April 15, 2024. Included in the submitted information is an October 13, 2021, letter from Michael A. Beach and Associates, a consulting structural engineering firm. This letter provides a structural evaluation of the municipal building. Although this letter identifies significant structural deficiencies, the 2021 letter does not address the potential for the building to collapse.”

And therefore, Horner concluded, “so that the commission can make an immediate and informed decision on this request,” the state agency requests either “a letter from Michael A. Beach, PE or another qualified New Jersey licensed engineer with structural building expertise confir m ing the municipal building constitutes an imminent danger to public safety” or “information to our office confirming Mr. Leisse’s structural building qualifications and expertise.”

A s p r ev iou sly r e p or t e d by t h i s n e w s p ap e r, o n Ma r c h 25, L e i s s e See FALLING/ Page 12

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 9

Page 10 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

SHORTFALL (Continued from Page 4)

battle with the state and county right now?”

During a February session, James acknowledged having been asked by school officials for varying sums of money, initially beginning at $1.2 million. However, whether any of those requests were ever brought to the full committee remains unclear.

Coleman, in response to Simpson, asked him two questions, “When did they come and say they needed $800,000?” and “Was there ever a formal request for that money?”

Simpson, however, recounted the remarks of James from the last meeting, and that is when Coleman questioned whether there had been a “formal request” that was “in writing” to the committee, one that the governing body voted on.

“I have to defer to these guys as to what they would have done,” asserted Coleman, adding that “perhaps” the money was transferred if a formal request had been made.

James ultimately awknowledged “they came to us five times” and “every time they came to us, they were asking for a different amount,” with this newspaper doing an audio air check to triple check that James used the word “‘us’” in his response.

“Our job is to protect the township’s money,” James continued. “It started out as $1.2 million, then it was $1 million, then it was $800,000 and then they could not justify it. That is why I ended up saying ‘no.’”

But Simpson asked James, the current township deputy mayor, “Are you the overall authority or do you have to ask these two (the other two committeemen)?”

“They could have brought it to the whole committee,” said James in apparently referring to the local school board. “But the idea is they weren’t coming at us with the right number. Every time they came to us, it was a different scenario.”

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Simpson responded by asking James, “Why didn’t you ask for something in writing?”, causing James to retort, “Why did they not give us the right numbers?”

“Now look at where we are at,” Simpson snapped. “You are talking about saving the township some money. But, last month at the meeting, did I or did I not hear that you have $4 million in surplus?”

James contended that the township has built a multi-million dollar surplus because “we don’t waste money.”

But Simpson asked, “We need that much money in surplus, instead of giving out $800,000?”

James answered that it took 20 years to build that surplus because “we didn’t spend every penny the state gave us” and “we are not buying this and that.”

“I understand that, but the fact is if they came to you multiple times … someone should have said ‘give me a letter and we will talk about this,’ because right now it sounds to me and everybody else sitting here that we are getting – and you guys too, all screwed because of something that could have been averted six months ago,” Simpson declared.

Coleman interjected that he was “getting the sense” from the “tone of your comments” that “you think this board is responsible,” to which Simpson replied, “I do.”

“Have you had an opportunity to review the correspondence from the NJDOE about the negligent matter in which the school district handled their affairs?” Coleman asked. “Have you ever asked the school district why they dug their heads in the sand and never adopted a budget? Have you ever asked why the commissioner of the NJDOE had to come down here and adopt a budget?”

When Gadd demanded that Simpson “answer the questions,” Simpson replied by asking if the three committee members, which also includes Committeeman Dudley Lewis, did those things.

James maintained he has a folder “this

thick” with all the correspondence, while Gadd once again contended that the school board did not request “any of those numbers,” or $400,000 to $1.2 million in funding, from the township.

“If I am not mistaken, they requested $50,000 and that is what they got,” Gadd said.

But once again, Simpson pointed out that the school board, as James has acknowledged, “went to him,” or James, as the then-mayor. It led Gadd, however, to insist that the school “got what they actually asked for” in obtaining $50,000 in funding.

“You are all trying to push blame on somebody else,” Simpson asserted.

When Gadd answered that assertion by claiming he is “not pushing blame anywhere,” Simpson posed the question he originally asked in a shorter and sweeter format, “Why didn’t we help them six months ago?”

“Because six months ago they wanted $1 million when they didn’t need it,” replied James, to which Simpson quipped, “Right, well we only got $4.6 million!”

The exchange led James to point out to Simpson that if the township gave the school district $1 million each year moving forward, assuming it would have to do that for the next three years as well, “we are going to be broke” and then would have to “go to a municipal tax” (Washington does not have a municipal tax, unlike most other municipalities in the state).

In noting that the exchange was simply turning into a back-and-forth, Simpson ended it with a word of apparent wisdom for the governing body moving forward: “You knew it was happening, so be a little more proactive, alright?”

James, however, responded to that remark as well, maintaining that he was “told” he “was not allowed to get involved with the school board budget” as the school board is a “separate entity” from the township that “budgets their own system.” He also pointed to past instances where the township provided as much as

Saturday, April 13, 2024 $580,000 in funding in certain years to bail out the local school system.

Resident Kathleen Walker, in following Simpson, declared, “We seem to be in a real pickle here,” and said the moment “might be an opportunity for us to see the township committee and school board work together.”

“Unfortunately, I have seen that the governor proposed another cut to Washington Township aid of 7.7 percent,” pointed out Walker of Murphy’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. “We need to be more proactive as we are not going to get out of this jam. …

There must be some way to work together to come up with some proposal to help us out, or otherwise some of that surplus money will be gone at some point.”

Gadd responded by maintaining “we clearly want to work with the school board and work out this problem” and pointed to the township having “filed a legal action at the county court to try to roll back what the state and county said our tax rate is going to be.”

But Walker maintained the committee has to “try to get ahead” of the new funding cut proposed as well. Gadd, in response, vowed “we are going to do everything we can do to make this work for everybody, starting with the legal action,” while James added, “we are going to request of the school board that the committee take an active part since we are financing their finances anyway … all so this doesn’t happen again.”

The committee, in the meantime, passed a “temporary emergency appropriation with respect to the Washington School Budget” of the 2023-24 school year with Coleman explaining the measure “is putting in place, hopefully after we get a favorable outcome, the platform for us to transfer the money to the schools,” a maneuver that would be accounted for in the 2024 budget of the township.

But again, a court must rule in the township’s favor, first, or the county and state must drop its reported opposition to the town.

DRAINS

(Continued from Page 3) money had been awarded for resurfacing, if safety is being addressed, if road signage was being put up and speed bumps put in.

“What are we doing with this road?”

Serafine asked. “Can someone answer me?”

It took more than an hour into the meeting before some of his questions received answers. Leisse ultimately revealed that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) recently awarded a $217,600 grant for resurfacing the road.

In response to the award announcement, Leisse put forth a $30,250 proposal for the committee’s March 25 consideration to allow him and his fir m, Pennoni Associates, “to do the eng ineer ing ser vices,” including perfor ming the surveying, making the design, and putting the project out to bid.

“We don’t have a schedule on it yet,” Leisse said. “But to do the survey, submit it to the NJDOT for their approval, and then put it out to bid, I would say fallish (sic).”

Com mitteeman Samuel “Sam my” Moore asked if the improvement project would address the “water issues.”

See DRAINS/ Page 11

Ponding remains on Hawkins Road despite the presence of a nearby storm drain.

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Saturday, April 13, 2024

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Hawkins Road in Tabernacle Township flooded in the immediate aftermath of heavy rain last week.

DRAINS

(Continued from Page 10) “We are going to try to address it,” Leisse responded. “That (grant) is only for resurfacing. We are going to try to address it with asphalt. This does not include drainage work.”

The NJDOT Municipal Aid Program, the township engineer contended, does not award funding for drainage improvements.

Committeeman Noble McNaughton questioned how one could “do asphalt without drainage” work, and Moore maintained that repaving the road without addressing the drainage is “only going to create a problem.”

“The drainage is because of the fact the drains don’t go anywhere,” declared Leisse in a remark that appeared to take aback members of the public. “We can’t make this do something it is not made for.”

Serafine, who previously made his opinion known on the committee’s public comment time limit, upon hearing the township engineer’s revelation, excoriated officials from his seat, shouting out, “So, you put all these catch basins in on Hawkins Road two years ago and they go absolutely nowhere?”

He continued that they are ones that “don’t work efficiently because they are all set at different elevations that are too low” and it is “already known that they are too low and that the whole road has to be completely re-engineered” to the point “to get the water where it has to go.”

It wasn’t immediately clear why officials submitted for a project to the NJDOT without having the plans account for the needed drainage work, even if the drainage part was to be at the township’s expense.

Mayor Mark Hartman, in response to Serafine, told the resident to let the committee “finish up our session here” and to “please stop” shouting out.

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Deputy Mayor Natalie Stone, however, said she is “concerned about the drainage part of it” as well, and if the scope of the project only entails asphalt, the drainage issues will only “come up again” and the “water problems” will cause “cracks again” in what would be new asphalt.

Moore stated his belief that the township would have to do “another whole study” or otherwise water would “runoff into people’s homes.”

Leisse, for his part, denied having any culpability in the drainage system’s apparent failure, contending the design work and pre-construction meetings with the contract were done by two previous township engineering firms and by the time he and Pennoni were selected for the post the “contract was in place.”

But the current township engineer’s denial of culpability caused Serafine to shout out again, this time declaring, “And no one stopped this – no one stopped it!”

“It was already under contract when we

came in, so there was no way to stop it,” Leisse contended.

It is unclear why the municipal solicitor was not consulted for possible action if there were concerns about the project. In response to Leisse claiming there was no way to stop the project already underway, Serafine shouted out once more, “Your engineer knew it was wrong when they were putting it in!”

“Sir, please stop!” asserted Hartman, prompting Resident Ryan Jeffrey Sherry to snap back, “You swore an oath to protect his and my right to speak!”

McNaughton put a question to the township engineer: “How much would it cost to re-engineer that drainage?” It was one that caused the engineer to become somewhat testy.

“What are we talking about?!” Leisse responded. “These are catch basins, which all they do is collect water and infiltrate it into the ground. I don’t know what anyone is talking about with ‘re-engineering!’”

Moore explained that the intent of what McNaughton is getting at is to have the water perhaps “drain in other areas.”

But Leisse responded that the drains “can’t be made bigger” and while they “can be made lower, all it is going to do is collect more water.”

Leisse asked the committee once more to approve his proposal for the engineering work related to the grant and vowed to conduct a “survey” that he claimed “will catch the information” and, in the meantime, he would look at information on the design of the existing drainage.

The engineering work was ultimately approved in a 5-0 vote.

Leisse had another proposal, however, that he asked for the governing body to approve, one for $8,350, to include “engineering and a traffic study for Hawkins Road.”

Township Administrator Maryalice Brown, in expanding on Leisse’s request, said that it is to study the feasibility of putting a four-way stop at the intersection of Hawkins and Old Indian Mills roads to “try and stop some of the traffic” or slow it down over concerns about speeding, and in recounting that the committee had already approved back in the fall creating a fourway stop intersection there, said, “At the time, we weren’t aware NJDOT was going to require a traffic study.”

“We have since found out that they do,” she said. “…The motion is just to do a traffic study not to exceed $8,350.”

That too unanimously passed.

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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

CLOSURE

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Saturday, April 13, 2024

(Continued from Page 6) acknowledged prior to the closure since it was an emergency.”

He continued that “the full application was to follow.”

“T h e e m e rg e n c y p ro c e du r e wa s fol lowe d, and the fu l l appl ic ation was submitted in due course,” Burns contended. “The county was aware of the intent to close the road as an emergency precaution on March 26 and the road closed on March 27.”

Burns, when asked for what the 37-page protocol states about when a permit is supposed to be submitted, responded, “The 37-page protocol does not address imminent dangers to public health or safety, which is why the road was closed with the acknowledgement of the county, prior to the application.”

Jason Litowitz, during the April 8 Township Committee workshop session, declared, “This township has a major communication problem,” maintaining “a lot of people were surprised by the road closure, myself included.”

Litowitz had written a letter to the township and county questioning why the road was not closed, after “taking” both Construction Official Tom Boyd and Township Engineer Tom Leisse “at their word” that Town Hall is in imminent danger of collapsing, noting “I am not qualified to determine that building is about to collapse.”

See CLOSURE/ Page 16

FALLING

(Continued from Page 9) acknowledged one “who specializes in this type of structural engineering” had not been consulted by the township, and a motion supported by Committeeman Noble McNaughton and William Sprague, Jr., to retain that specialized structural

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A view of the closed portion of County Route 532. engineer was turned down by Hartman and Deputy Mayor Natalie Stone, along with Committeeman Samuel “Sammy” Moore, the latter three who ultimately voted that night to have the building razed.

It was despite England having phoned Beach during the meeting and receiving word he was willing to cut short a trip to Florida to inspect the premises (though Beach, it was indicated that evening,

Tabernacle Township Mayor Mark Hartman pleads with the crowd to stop calling out.

does not have the specialized engineering Leisse referenced).

Leisse, according to a pronouncement from Township Administrator Maryalice Brown at the start of the April 8 committee session, could not make that meeting because of “a prior conflict this evening.”

But Leisse, who kept offering his “professional opinion” during the course of the March 25 session supporting Boyd’s

Photo By Tom Valentino

determination of an imminent danger of collapse, in the days since the March 25 meeting and leading up the April 8 one, was emailed a series of questions by this newspaper about a discovery made in this newspaper’s review of his professional LinkedIn profile page.

On that page, Leisse, who never returned those emails, lists that he has a Bachelor of Science degree in “chemical engineering” from Drexel University. This newspaper sought Leisse’s training in other aspects of engineering and earned professional experience, as well as whether he received additional degrees from the one that he lists on his LinkedIn page.

In 1999, according to his profile, he landed a job at the Biothane Corporation as a “project engineer,” before moving on to Veolia Water Systems in the same capacity. By 2007, he became a manager for Consulting Engineer Services (CES), before landing his current job in 2012, work i ng for Pe n no n i A s s o c i at e s’ Haddon Heights office as an associate vice president.

He does, however, sig n his name to documents as having both a PE [Professional Engineer License] and CME [Certified Municipal Engineer Program credentials], and thus is registered with the state as a professional engineer.

As became apparent with Hartman’s A p r i l 8 a n n o u n c e m e n t , L e i s s e ’s credentials, however, could not satisfy the commission’s April 8 request.

England, on March 25, had stated that he “personally noticed when coming from” Nixon’s General Store that “the See FALLING/ Page 14

Saturday, April 13, 2024

LOSS

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(Continued from Page 5) level as the “main subjects” of academics.

“For instance, when musicians analyze music, we see it as if it contains and perpetuates the qualities of literature – the notes are words, the formalities shape the messages and the dynamics dramatize the actions of the piece like characters in the book,” he said. “When I am playing music with the bands, I am telling a story of a character, or I am resolving a conflict.

Why is this important? Because music teaches you how to learn a new language.

It teaches patience and discipline, and most of all, it teaches you the importance of belonging and agreeing with your peers to contribute to the common good, which are all incredibly important life skills.”

The pupil contended it would be “utterly disturbing” to students across the district “if it is removed,” and took issue with any emphasis being placed on football over music.

Amber Murray, a LRHSD alumni and recent Temple University graduate, who described that she is now a performer and “paid actor already at 23,” recounted that after being part of a cast for a play at the district’s Lenape High School, she knew “it (acting) was something I wanted to continue.”

After having a lead role in Lenape’s 2017 play, “Annie,” it led her to tell her mother, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” After high school, Murray explained she studied at home and abroad, including at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as at the “Birthplace of Shakespeare,” pursuing theatrical arts.

“And I would not have had that if it were not for the arts in high school,” she said emotionally. “It is really a vital place. The arts are just not a performance, it is an art of collaboration – every single rehearsal I have ever been in has been a multitude of minds working together, whether that be the musicians in the pit working together with the original composer of the music, to the conductor, to the violinist in Chair 2, to anybody … .”

She called it a “deprivation” for people who have not had a chance to experience a play, asserting that she “truly implores everybody to keep the arts at our school because they are pivotal to the world around us.”

“T V a nd m e d i a i s pr et t y mu c h something everyone enjoys daily,” Murray said. “Without supporting the arts and music, how many people are going to lose their vital parts of their everyday, whether that be a song on the radio or their favorite soap you catch reruns on after a long day?”

Birnbohm told those who spoke “so wonderfully about the things that you love about our schools to now take those things, put them in an email, and send

INVESTIGATION (Continued from Page 4)

be made public after redactions of names.”

Dashiell, on April 10, sent a more formal letter to this newspaper, denying this newspaper access to the report, claiming it was a draft document and that the investigation is ongoing. This newspaper sought clarification on whether the report will ever be released, and ultimately, Dashiell responded, “I am

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 13

them to the governor!”

The Pine Barrens Tribune, following the meeting, asked the LRHSD if music and arts programming is on the chopping block given the funding cut the district has been advised of by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).

“Since the onset of (revised school funding formula) S2, our goal has been to preserve much of what makes LRHSD a dynamic district that supports each student in achieving success,” the district said in a statement. “Despite another significant and unexpected cut in state aid for next academic year, we do not plan to eliminate music or other arts programs. These programs typically have a student to teacher ratio consistent with our scheduling efficiency model and often fulfill necessary graduation requirements.

Furthermore, involvement in the arts provides extraordinary opportunities for student development. A student proactively advocated for music and arts at a board meeting after learning about cost-saving measures and cuts in other districts in New Jersey and nationwide, not at the Lenape Regional District.”

This newspaper also sought from the d istr ict what sp e c i fic cuts are being proposed, as hinted at by the superintendent, and in response, was told, “At this time, the district cannot provide specific details of the proposed cost-saving measures to ensure a 2024/2025 balanced budget, because the budget is not final until reviewed and approved by the Executive County Superintendent.

According to the budgeting timeline, we expect to present the final budget at the April Board of Education meeting.

“Leading up to that review and approval, we are committed to maintaining our districtwide advocacy of restoring our state aid.”

The Pine Barrens Tribune, last week, repor ted on the activ ities of local legislators to either sponsor, co-sponsor or join pieces of various legislation that would provide restorative aid to LRHSD and some 139 other districts that are proposed to see decreased aid through Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

When asked whether there were any updates, Brian Woods, chief of staff for local 8th District GOP Senator Latham Tiver and Republican Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, Jr., responded, “The only bill that has moved in the last two months is one to allow districts that are losing funding to adopt a budget later, but that just passed the Assembly Education Committee.”

The LRHSD, like other districts, are required to adopt their final budgets by the end of April. But the Legislature has until July to decide on the state budget, and therefore, any separate relief bills

would have to pass by the end of April.

Rich DiCriscio, chief of staff for local 8th District Democratic Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, told this newspaper that one bill is going through “Appropriations tomorrow” and “I suspect it will be added to the board list for a full vote in front of the Assembly on April 15,” but it is not a certainty, and another bill “may be amended” by weeks’ end.

“Assemblywoman Katz’s bill to permit certain school districts losing state school aid to submit budgets after enactment of the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act will also be voted on by the full Assembly next week,” DiCriscio added.

Dr. Megan Jones, president of the Lenape District Education Association, declared it is “essential to acknowledge the impacts these cuts have on our staff – every job lost is a livelihood disrupted.”

“Every day that goes by without members knowing whether their positions may be eliminated causes undue stress on our staff,” she said. “For example, I personally received over 90 emails and numerous texts, and am constantly being stopped in our halls and in the public by members fearful of being cut or having their programs slashed.”

It is just not the “untenured members” of district staff who are “anxious,” Jones described, “but veteran members

with seven to 10 years of service,” and she “implored” the board to maintain “transparency throughout this process” and “inform affected staff about cuts to their positions and school programs as soon as possible,” contending that “time is of the essence” for them to “seek other employment opportunities.”

The local union president urged locals to “continue to take action” by calling their legislators in advocating for “fair and equitable funding.”

“Our students rely not only on a restoration of state aid, but a redesigned funding formula to adequately meet their needs,” Jones declared.

Birnbohm, in responding to Jones (who also said the organization stands ready to work together), thanked the LDEA for expressing it is behind the advocacy efforts, further declaring, “I hope the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) does the same, as I have not seen them at any of the Assembly or Senate hearings yet.”

“If we could have copies of their testimony, that would be great,” the superintendent added. “We could advertise that as well, and I think a united front would be incredible. When I said we are eight-town strong, NJEA is bigger than us and that would be wonderful if they threw their support behind that.”

only responding in regard to your current OPRA request. As stated previously, nothing will be released, in any format, until sometime after the special meeting.

Again, this response is in regard to your current OPRA request. If you would like to submit a new request after the special meeting, we will address that request in the appropriate manner at that time, but again, as of today for this request, I am unable to release any documents to you, as stated in the letter I sent you.”

A couple hours later, Township Clerk Amy

Cosnoski notified the Pine Barrens Tribune that the special meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, at 6 p.m., at the Pemberton Township Municipal Building.

“This meeting is for the purpose of discussion of employee investigation,” the attached notice added. “Council will be going into closed session. Formal action may be taken at the above-noted meeting.”

Ward also, in further responding to questions posed by the source, wrote “under the Faulkner Act, if the mayor resigns, then

the current council president will get the seat” and “if the mayor is removed from office, then it would go to a special election, and we would have a primary election and a general election for that seat.”

While the public awaits a copy of the report, this newspaper has already done extensive reporting on some of the allegations that Tompkins faces, with the mayor previously contending to this newspaper that “I do believe that I act appropriately as an official.”

Photo By Nick Weissmann

Amber Murray, a Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) alumnus and recent Temple University graduate, who described that she is now a performer and “paid actor already at 23,” urges the LRHSD Board of Education to continue funding the arts programing in the district, despite state aid reductions.

Page 14 ♦

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FALLING

(Continued from Page 12) back half of that building looks to me like it is bowing out towards the road even more than it was” with Boyd discussing his observations that a steel beam inside the building appeared deflected. Officials contended that evening that the building was leaning and in danger of collapsing into Medford Lakes-Tabernacle Road.

Tabernacle Resident Ian McDowel, since that session and ensuing road closure, used his surveying equipment to get actual measurements, claiming to have found that Town Hall, on the southeast corner, is 5/16” out of plumb, the middle is 7/16” out of plumb and the southwest corner is “indeed the worst” (apparently being sarcastic) at 7/8” out of plumb, maintaining it is “not bad for 150 year old building.”

McDowel ret u r ne d there on the afternoon of April 8, following a series of heavy rain and high wind events, as well as a 4.8 magnitude Earthquake and 3.8 magnitude aftershock that rattled the region, including Tabernacle.

“12 days later lots of rain and an earthquake…same results!” he wrote on Facebook.

McDowel also attended the April 8 session, telling the governing body he obtained his measurements “after it was said it was See FALLING/ Page 17

Side view of Tabernacle Town Hall facing County Route 532.

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Saturday, April 13, 2024

ENGINEERS

AD HOTLINE: (609) 801-2392 or ADS@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM • Missing shingles were noted.

(Continued from Page 7)

This (is) improper and will result in deterioration of the main wood support wall; • There are numerous gaps visible within the exterior siding; • The stair from the first floor to the second floor is a cut stringer. These members are structurally inadequate; • The second floor is visibly not level and pitches significantly; • The attic roof rafter is spliced. This connection is structurally inadequate; • There are missing battens within the roof; • There is evidence of past and current roof leakage; • The connections of the wood trusses are inadequate and improper; and

COUNCIL

(Continued from Page 6) “the DOT was contacted and said we’re not allowed to ban trucks or put a weight limit on them.”

Wat son, however, s a id he love d an idea that Powell had proposed of putting up another speed limit sign atop a strategically located pole, although he would have to “reach out to my contact at the county” about that.

The mayor also said that while driving on Taunton Boulevard, “I’ve seen police there doing their traffic studies for speeding three or four times this year” as well as stopping trucks.

“So, I know there is enforcement that is there,” Watson declared.

The purported problem involving the group home was aired by two residents of White Birch Trail, John Frank and Gregory Preston, both of whom attested to at least one resident of the home (and possibly more) having gotten out, r unn ing th rough the neighborhood “totally unclothed,” and encroaching

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 15

“Due to the numerous deficiencies noted, it is my professional opinion that (the) building is structurally inadequate, unsafe and potentially a threat to the general public,” Rosen concluded. “It is structurally inadequate for the prior use and requires not only repair for loading, but also for vast deterioration.

Further, the building would also require modification due to the requirement of the current codes.

“It does not conform to present day building codes for loading, lateral loading, egress, ADA access, ADA restrooms, storm water management, etc.”

He noted that “virtually the entire building would have to be taken apart and reconstructed within the confines of the existing structure” and “each condition would have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and repaired with temporary shoring, jacking, removal and replacement.”

Or, “alternately, the building can be demolished and reconstructed,” and the “new building would conform to the present codes and be constructed with modern materials employing modern methods.”

Burns told this newspaper he was still awaiting the analysis of Michael Beach, of Beach Engineering, a second engineer sought to give his take, and would provide it to this newspaper when he received it.

This newspaper did not receive it, however, as of press time.

Bur ns, pr ior to the repor t being received, when asked if the township committee would convene another meeting to discuss any of the reports, responded, “I think it is all dependent on what is in the report and depends on what Mayor (Mark) Hartman would like to do.” He pointed out there is already an application before the Pinelands Commission and the demolition authorization remains active.

“The reports need to be received to determine whether another meeting is needed,” Burns declared.

This newspaper attempted to reach Hartman, but a listed phone number for him was disconnected, as of press time, and Burns said he was not at liberty to give out his number, but would let him know that the newspaper was trying to contact him. He also could not be immediately reached for comment through Facebook messenger and email.

Late in the even ing of Apr i l 10,

the Tabernacle Office of Emergency Management released the report on its social media pages. It instantly drew fury, with former mayor Jack McGinnis, declaring, “What a fu***** joke. Not a single thing can't be addressed and repaired? This report is a fraud.”

Others questioned how dangerous the Town Hall really is considering there are photographs showing some individuals mak ing entr y to Tow n Hall on April 9 appearing to not be wearing any safety gear, such as hard hats. Yet others questioned if Boyd accompanying the experts had in any way influenced the outcome.

Others demanded “pictures” accompany the report.

As this newspaper went to press early on April 11, former Committeewoman Nancy McGinnis commenced a GoFundMe account raising money for an injunction “to save our beautiful Town Hall,” seeking $15,000, donating $500 of her own money, while First Amendment Activist Patrick Duff has called on the township committee to either allow an “independent structural engineer” to inspect the premises or “you are 1,000 percent getting an injunction filed against the township.”

on their properties.

“I have had a number of situations over the years where individuals have gotten out of the home and actually gained access to my home,” Frank maintained, noting that he had first addressed the problem by calling the organization that maintains the group care facility, Friends of Cyrus, to find out how it could happen and what could be done to prevent any recurrence.

But then a similar intrusion occurred more recently, he said, along with the same apparent individual having attempted to enter the home of his neighbor, who has two young daughters.

Pointing out that “we have a number of children who live in our community,” Frank said he finally went to the police last week to determine “why this isn’t being addressed, only to be told that it was being reported to the state Division of Developmental Disabilities” that oversees such facilities.

Preston, the neighbor to whom Frank referred, then came forward to expound on the incident, noting that “before he could gain entry to my home, he was able to get into my vehicle, and had to be physically

taken out by one of the staff members.”

“This individual seems to be the same one who has entered John’s home on two separate occasions previously,” he said, adding that “being good neighbors,” they had never reported the initial episodes to the police, giving the organization a chance to take matters in hand. But he said he had videos of the incidents, in which the individual is shown being “wrestled to the ground by staff.”

According to Preston, however, “the police said there is nothing much we can do from the point of view of filing charges,” which in any event was not something he and Frank particularly wanted to do.

“We just want the situation corrected,” he said, adding that he thought the problem was with the way the group home was being supervised, something he had apparently conveyed to the chief operating officer of the organization.

Watson replied that he would ask Solicitor Timothy Prime “to look into that to see what authority we have,” although he was aware that it is a matter over which the state has ultimate jurisdiction.

“We can look into it, meet with the

police department, talk to the manager and figure out what is going on,” Prime responded. “We are going to look at what they have a right to do, the permit they use, and at who’s in there, make sure the type of person they are taking in is what they are permitted to do by code and (that) they are using the property as it was intended to be used.”

Attempts by the Pine Barrens Tribune to contact Friends of Cyrus for a response to the allegations were unsuccessful as of press time.

In other business, it was reported that approximately 2,000 individuals had signed up for pickleball at the township courts, which opened last May in Freedom Park.

Th is prompted Council man Er ik Rebstock to inquire whether some kind of system to allow Medford residents to have first dibs on use of the courts was in place, only to be reminded by Prime that the courts had been built with state Green Acres funding, which would likely rule out such an arrangement. But local residents, he said, would likely get the chance to use the courts before outsiders “just by default.”

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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

CLOSURE

(Continued from Page 12) He explained why he did that to the committee (and for that matter, the public).

“When I spoke to the Superintendent of Schools, no one had reached out to him telling him that the building was a danger, or the road was going to be closed until he called the township to ask,” Litowitz revealed.

Kim Ware, proprietor of Ware’s Farm Supply on Carranza Road, advised the governing body “that since that road has been closed, my sales have plummeted.”

“You need to open it back up and it is ridiculous,” she asserted. “It literally just makes no sense. Save Town Hall and see you later!”

Resident Danielle Hartman observed the closu re is “re al ly hu r ti ng ou r community” because local businesses are “half full right now.”

She called for the studies of Town Hall (see separate story) to be “expedited.”

“It is clear the community does not want the changes you are making, and you guys work for us, and we don’t want Town Hall torn down, we don’t want this big building built (a new town hall, in which the committee has bonded for $8 million), and we want the road opened again,” the resident declared.

Meanwhile, online, a local reported that when a local farmer was trying to get to the other side of the road closure with a haybale in tow, by using the church parking lot, that individual was pulled over by the state police.

“Committee that closed down (the) local road (is) causing headaches for local farmers,” the person wrote. “This is a farm town and the committee’s action is hurting local farmers. The building is not falling down.”

It caused the first round of flack, with one person replying, “I hope the town

HEARING

(Continued from Page 8) The township solicitor also stated, without specifically citing Viscardi’s name, that “round robin communications” with “individual committeepersons,” or in whatever form that they are taking place, “is not really appropriate and could potentially run afoul of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA).”

Burns, in returning to the hours dispute and claiming he wanted to “hammer” them out, prompted a response from Valentino that the situation at hand is “not a matter of hours my client wants to work” but rather Viscardi was hired to work Tuesdays and Saturdays, but that since the department’s supervisor has been out on medical leave, Viscardi has been asked to take on more hours to assist in his absence, and more clarity is required on what hours he is to work.

Ultimately, it was decided to have Viscardi work three days a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays, and a third day, either Monday or Wednesday, depending on his wife’s work schedule those days, which she gets a month in advance from her job. Brown, at one point, suggested there was some concern

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Saturday, April 13, 2024

committee is paying close attention to controversy and anger they have caused.”

“This whole thing is poorly managed and implemented,” the respondent added.

“If anyone is hurt or killed because they were detoured, there could be a liability issue as well.”

Soon, another post appeared, this one asserting, “Suggested by state police to post (to) warn that church of Holy Eucharist has called them and asked for them to ticket people that drive through their parking lot.

No warnings … I got a ticket. My daughters told me that is what their school buses did last week. Not anymore.”

Samples of comments underneath that thread included, “Church has a chance to show they can do something helpful at zero cost to themselves and with no transactional requirement.”

“Sad that d id not happ en,” the respondent added, while another asserted, “Not very church-like. Oh wait, it kinda is. That outer parking area is used by no one, would have been nice to help the community for this short time.”

The comments became so intense, that it forced Andrea Faley Peregman, business manager at Holy Eucharist, to reply.

“As the business manager at Holy Eucharist, I can say it was never requested to ticket anyone,” she wrote. “This has also been confirmed with the state police. It was asked how we might be able to deter people from cutting through the lot, especially this past weekend with it being Easter as well as during our regular Saturday evening and Sunday morning masses. Of course, there are also insurance concerns.

Again, no one at the church requested that drivers be ticketed should they decide to cut through the lot instead of following the detour. Thank you.”

But then there was another post, “NJSP are writing tickets for people driving through the Holy Eucharist church parking lot… because of the ‘road closure,’”

adding, “Just open the road already…” and yet another, PSA: “The State Police are ticketing people using the church parking lot as a cut through. Safer (no pun intended) to follow the posted detour signs.”

People responded, decrying the writing of tickets, calling the road closure “ridiculous,” while others questioned whet her t here i s a c t u a l ly “prop er signage,” noting they did not observe any signage asking motorists to not cut through the church lot.

One person questioned why the state police simply didn’t post State Troopers at the points of entry to the church instead of turning the situation into a ticketwriting campaign.

By April 6, consternation only ramped up, when a post declared, “There are 4-5 cops sitting in the Holy Eucharist church parking lot writing tickets out if you cut through … they will stop you.”

“I am not sure the township gets a cut of the action here, but I wonder why the crackdown?” one person asked in responding. “Unlikely the NJSP are taking the initiative because they have nothing better to do. Did Holy Eucharist complain, or is this the township’s way of sticking it to the little people who have the nerve to push back? This longtime resident and property taxpayer wants to know.”

Church of the Holy Eucharist, in a statement to the Pine Barrens Tribune, explained, “While we recognize that the closure of Medford Lakes Road presents a challenge for motorists in our community, the use of the Holy Eucharist Parish parking lot as an alternate thoroughfare is not a suitable solution due to significant safety and property concerns.

“Our parishioners’ safety in using the parking lot for its intended purpose is very important to us. They would not be accustomed and should not have to worry about traffic using the lot as a road. The parking lot is not set up or zoned as a

main thoroughfare, nor is the pavement able to support a sustained high volume of traffic. Already, some grassy areas are being torn up because of the high volume of traffic, particularly from large vehicles.

Recently these unsafe conditions forced the temporary shut-down of our St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, depriving many people of access to food that day.

“Holy Eucharist Parish has had no role in the decision to close this road.

We have alerted authorities about what is happening in our parking lot because of the road closure. The parish has not requested that anyone get ticketed by the state police. We are, however, always grateful for the presence of the state police and their efforts to keep parishioners and visitors safe.”

And Carole Pulaski, of Tabernacle, told the Tabernacle committee during its April 8 workshop session that she was in the parking lot of Holy Eucharist on the morning of April 6, when multiple State Troopers ultimately showed up to write tickets.

“I was in the church parking lot from about 7:45 a.m. until about 10 a.m.,” she recounted. “I counted cars from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. that sped through that parking lot and didn’t stop. There were 25. And then a State Trooper came and he would catch someone coming in from Tabernacle-Medford Lakes Road, and then someone would come in from Carranza, pass him by, and he could not do anything, because he was writing someone a ticket. They were all busy.

“We have got to open that road. It is dangerous for people to be in that parking lot! It is dangerous for people to come through. There has got to be something done – someone posted on Facebook, ‘Don’t worry, if you stay to the right, the church will be OK. That is not true. It is not OK to stay to the right! We need to open this road!”

that Viscardi would exceed 32 hours, which could possibly entitle him to benefits.

Still unresolved, however, is who will be tasked with mowing operations in the spring, with officials conceding it would be unlikely for Viscardi to stay below the benefits threshold if that is added to his plate, which would require a fourth day of him working, if he is amenable to doing that.

Prior to the RICE hearing, a discussion was held on the finances of Woodland Fire and EMS. It began by DeGroff making an ask.

“Shawn, is it possible we could get an audit?” the mayor asked. “We haven’t received anything for a while.”

When Viscardi replied that the township “has every financial statement” of the company in its possession, Brown clarified that the mayor is “not talking about” financial statements, but rather a “full audit.”

“I think we talked about having one done every three years,” said DeGroff, to which Viscardi concurred that was the case.

Committeeman Donna Mull, however, in pointing to the financial statements of the volunteer organization, maintained that they “don’t say too much.” The former municipal clerk of Pemberton Borough maintained that the ones provided to her former employer from its local fire agency had detailed the starting balance, ending balance, as well as had copies of checks

and receipts attached.

“It just makes sense,” she declared. “I know I have gotten questions in the past on what the money was spent on. It is not specific.”

Questions involving the finances of Woodland Fire and EMS have been a sore spot with Viscardi and his agency in the past, and allegations surrounding them have led to some past consternation in town. The governing body previously rallied to his defense whenever such accusations were made.

Stopero, in his campaign introduction to residents, had specifically mentioned that he is “honored to serve as a volunteer in the role of battalion chief with Woodland Fire and EMS” and “this role has not only allowed me to contribute to our town’s safety and well-being, but also to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that face us.”

The Republican challenger also wrote that “beyond my service in emergency response,” he has also been involved in the business community as the CEO of Crossroads Realty, based out of Toms River” and that “this dual experience in public service and business has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a balanced perspective on leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community development.”

“As a candidate for the township committee, I am dedicated to preserving

the charm and character of Woodland Township while navigating the path towards sustainable growth and enhanced community services,” he further wrote.

“My pr ior it ie s i nclude i nc re a si ng access to township services, ensuring responsible critical review of shared service agreements, enhancing public safety, supporting and encouraging the growth of local businesses, and fostering a community environment where every family and individual can thrive.”

Brown’s shared service agreement with Tabernacle Township for administrator and clerk services has become a major point of contention in both Tabernacle and Woodland townships.

In responding to what Mull had raised, Viscardi pointed out it was him, 13 years ago, who started “doing financial statements” for the fire and EMS company, and that prior to his coming aboard, “they weren’t getting anything,” or the township committee.

When the workshop session was opened to the public for comment, Thomas Getz, who previously mounted a primary challenge of his own, took issue with “anonymous complaints” being raised during public meetings, declaring, “they should not be entertained by the committee at all.”

See HEARING/ Page 19

Saturday, April 13, 2024

FALLING

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(Continued from Page 14) going to fall into Medford Lakes-Tabernacle Road,” and it is a claim “I find ridiculous.”

“I shot it again after the earthquake, as well as the wind and rain, with a separate instrument,” he said. “I got the same measurements – the same.”

McDowel excoriated Boyd for “seeing things by eye,” before saying of England’s previous remarks, “We had someone else saying they can see movement from Nixon’s parking lot,” which elicited laughter from the crowd.

“What are we talking about here, by ‘eye?’” McDowel asked. “We paid for that?

I am not asking for a payment for what I did, measuring for 30 minutes each time.

There is nothing by ‘eye.’”

He further questioned how one can “stand there and look at a wall and say ‘that is an 1/8” out,” before asserting, “We got to get serious here!”

Boyd responded that in January he provided photographs showing that the steel beam was “out an inch and half and four feet” and the administrator’s office “was out four inches and 12 feet.”

I m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r H a r t m a n ’s announcement to commence the April 8 session that Beach would be brought in to evaluate the building to satisfy the commission’s request, McNaughton declared, “I would feel more comfortable bringing in an independent engineer that has not had this project before and has experience in older buildings.”

Further discussion, however, was only entertained after public comment was over, in which speaker after speaker denounced the demolition plan.

At that time, Burns contended that there was a motion being made by Hartman to appoint Beach Engineering as well as Jay Rosen to go in and review it.”

Details were not provided at the meeting on how Rosen’s name came about, however. But Burns later told this newspaper it was England who recommended Rosen to Hartman.

Stuart Brooks, during the April 8 workshop committee meeting, questioned how Hartman could have already made his announcement with respect to Beach, without having first consulted with the full committee on what it wished to do with the commission’s correspondence.

The Pine Barrens Tribune located a LinkedIn profile page for a Jay Rosen, of SE2 Engineering, based out of Pennsylvania, with his page listing that he earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Drexel in 1991, and in 1995, a doctorate of law from Temple University. Burns also later provided this newspaper with Rosen’s resume confirming these details.

Burns, during the April 8 workshop committee meeting, maintained that Rosen “hasn’t been associated with the project” of Town Hall to date and that he would “do an independent evaluation.”

McNaughton inquired whether both men have any experience with “old buildings,” contending that is “very important,” to which Burns answered that “Beach is definitely a structural engineer” and “Mr. Beach is very involved in Haddonfield with a lot of historical buildings.”

“I still prefer to have an independent engineer, who we haven’t had involved,” said McNaughton to loud applause.

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Moore, in agreeing with Stone, threw up his hands, suggesting one just wants to “throw in this engineer, that engineer.”

It appeared to take Brown aback, who this newspaper observed has increasingly lost some sway in the decision-making process over the last couple of months.

(On March 25, Brown urged for the committee to take two weeks to evaluate a donation offer and potential grant opportunities, but that was also quickly shot down by the majority.)

“What are you all afraid of?” shouted out one person from the audience, of the governing body getting any true, independent opinion.

The responses of Moore and Stone to Brown’s suggestion resulted in loud booing and stunned people exclaiming, “Wow,” with another person shouting, “You don’t listen to the people!”

“How much is it to have a third (engineer come out)?” asked Stone in response, to which Burns answered a Request for Proposals (RFP) would have to be obtained, though that was not Brown’s suggestion.

But Stone’s question raised a new round of community dissent, with some pointing See FALLING/ Page 19

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FALLING

(Continued from Page 17) to the $8 million bond for a new town hall in the works and contending the committee is willing to “spend on a new building.”

“It is our money!” some from the crowd shouted in wanting the true independent opinion. “It is not your money!”

McNaughton’s amendment was shot down

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Some of those in attendance began shouting for Hartman, Stone and Moore to “resign” with one person shouting, “You are going to get a lawsuit!” (Moore later claimed that there are number of people who are on his side, but claimed they are too intimidated to show face at a public meeting.)

The meeting’s decorum deteriorated from there, with Stone rebuking what the public has had to say, literally shouting her points (Burns later claimed it was because people were shouting at her to “Go back to Medford” [she resided in Medford Township before moving to Tabernacle a couple years ago] and kept interrupting her throughout the session), and Hartman repeatedly slamming his gavel (which did little to quiet

HEARING

(Continued from Page 16) DeGroff, however, retorted that he believes that the committee “has a right” to simply “ask” about the accusations presented about Viscardi because “we got a report on it.”

“We wanted to make sure it was not happening and to make sure it doesn’t happen in the future,” DeGroff added. “I get what you are saying. I just want to make sure everybody

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the crowd despite the presence of three uniformed State Troopers, two of which were appearing to flank the committee).

On the day following the April 8 session, photographs emerged of Boyd, now having to observe red yard signs calling for his firing posted throughout town, accompanying two men inside Town Hall.

Burns later told this newspaper that while he was not at town hall on April 9, representatives from both engineering firms went through Town Hall to perform a structural engineering analysis. He maintained that there were “two separate occasions” in which entry was made into the building, and that “Beach and Rosen

reviewed the building separately.”

The results from Jay Rosen’s analysis have now been received, with him concluding, in part, that Town Hall is a “potential threat to the life, safety, and welfare of the public” (see separate story). As of press time, the township awaited the opinion of Beach.

It is unclear when the committee will meet again to consider any of the conclusions, or if it will meet at all before any findings are filed with the commission or any demolition, with the demolition contract not paused or rescinded on April 8. The next committee meeting on the books is scheduled for April 22.

Burns, prior to the report being received, when asked if the township committee would

convene another to discuss any of the reports, responded, “I think it is all dependent on what is in the report and depends on what Mayor (Mark) Hartman would like to do.”

He pointed out there is already an application before the Pinelands Commission and the demolition authorization remains active.

What happens next, he added, depends on the findings of the reports and the direction of Hartman (who this newspaper could not immediately reach for comment).

But for now, locals are having T-shirts made that Tow n Hall sur vived the earthquake (the strongest in New Jersey since 1783 and recorded in the Northeast in more than a decade.)

knows where we are coming from.”

According to the mayor, the “whole purpose” of the hearing on Viscardi’s employment was to “clarify” things “moving forward.”

Robert Ettinger, however, expressed his “shock” to see a “Viscardi review,” as he put it, being listed on the agenda, and decided to come to town hall for it, because he has “not heard a single complaint about Mr. Viscardi.”

(In fact, some of those who sometimes were once critical of the fire/EMS chief have even had favorable things to say at recent

sessions about the job he has done as a DPW employee in maintaining township roads, as well as his cleaning the municipal dump.)

According to Ettinger, since Viscardi has been hired, the dump is now “clean” and he has seen “less commercial traffic going there” with illegal dumping by commercial entities having “stopped.”

“We never questioned job performance,” DeGroff responded. “We are just making sure we are all on the same page and know what to expect moving forward.”

After Ettinger maintained that a name

should be behind any complaint when it comes to a public employee, because their livelihood is on the line, Burns responded, “I think what is important is that the identity of the complainant is known, but (that person is) not willing to come forward to present their name for fear of any interactions moving forward.”

“The committee took it into account,” Burns said. “That is why there is no action, and not any discipline.”

Herndon, while up at the dais on March 27, stayed silent.

Page 20 ♦

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