Pine Barrens Tribune February 4, 2023 - February 11, 2023

‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

Fallout from Votes to Change

Law Firms, Service Providers Permeates Proceedings at Evesham Council Meeting

Township’s Veterans Wall of Honor Is Scheduled for Second Unveiling; Police Department Wins Renewal of ‘Best-in-State’ Accreditation

By Bill B onvie Staff Writer

EVESHAM—From a planned unveiling of a second phase of its Veterans Wall of Honor to the re-accreditation of the Evesham Township Police Department and a request for an additional million-dollar Green Acres grant, the Evesham Township Council covered a lot of territory at its Jan. 25 meeting — but not without considerable fallout over the very public split in the ranks of its allDemocratic membership that occurred at its reorganization meeting earlier in January.

Exactly One Month into His Three-Year Term as Pemberton Twp.’s New Mayor, Tompkins Discusses His Plans to Welcome Retail, Improve Area Business Climate While Also Revealing Priorities That Include Expanding Local Recreation Amenities

By D ouglas D. M elegari

Staff Writer

PEMBERTON—For the first time in more than 16 years, there has been a change in guard for Pemberton Township, with Republican Jack Tompkins having taken the helm of municipal government as of Jan. 1, with his GOP running mates, Dan Dewey and Joshua Ward – the latter pair of newcomers elected to Pemberton Township Council, declaring upon being sworn-in that the township is now going

to be “open for business.”

According to Tompkins, in a Feb. 1 interview with this newspaper that occurred exactly 30 days into his mayoral term, that means his team is looking at eliminating purportedly “cumbersome” and potentially unnecessary “hoops” existing businesses in town currently have to “jump through,” as well as wanting to “see more retail and other businesses come into Pemberton.”

Tompkins, who noted in the interview

that “working every day” in the mayoral post (often times for more than 12 hours a day) “is not a tradition, it is a requirement,” something he said that he was acutely aware of before having run for mayor, also pointed to three of his priorities for his first term, including expanding recreational amenities for township citizens, among them possibly adding a skatepark and pickleball court.

See MAYOR/ Page 7

The references to that rupture in the council’s previously harmonious image over changes made in the township’s legal representation and other outside service providers popped up continuously throughout the proceedings, with some of its members attempting to explain the reasoning behind their votes on the issue and residents using public-comment periods to question what motivated the changes and calling for greater transparency in the political process.

The rift that remained between two factions, consisting of Mayor Jaclyn “Jackie” Veasy and former Deputy Mayor Heather Cooper on one side and the three remaining council members — newly-chosen Deputy Mayor Eddie Freeman III, Patricia Hansen and Ginamarie Espinoza — on the other, was evident from Veasy’s declaration that

See MEETING/ Page 10

Photo By Andrew King

Jack Tompkins delivers remarks after being sworn in Jan. 1 as Pemberton Township’s first new mayor in over 16 years.

Tabernacle Twp.’s Professionals Directed to Perform Traffic Analysis of ‘Very Dangerous’ Intersection After Deadly New Year’s Eve Crash

Almost a Year Following Initial Request for ‘Blinking Stop Sign,’ Committee Votes to Have One Posted, But Delayed Response Draws Resident Criticism

By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

TABERNACLE—A “traffic analysis” of a “very dangerous” intersection in Tabernacle Township has been ordered to happen following a violent three-car collision there on New Year’s Eve day that killed an Atco woman.

Some limited action is also said to be in the works, in the interim, to better forewarn motorists of the current two-way stop intersection.

However, the Tabernacle Township Committee is facing some criticism for not acting sooner to improve the safety of the intersection, especially in light of resident complaints previously heard during some of the governing body’s meetings in 2022, including back on Jan. 24 of last year.

As previously reported by the Pine Barrens Tribune, Stefanie Wilson, 37, of Atco (Waterford Township), who was traveling west on County Route 532 (also known as Medford Lakes – Tabernacle Road) in a Toyota on the early afternoon of Dec. 31, 2022, died, according to New Jersey State Police, when a Kia Optima traveling north on Oakshade Road (maintained by the township) collided with a GMC traveling east on County Route 532, which then crossed the centerline of the county road, and in the process of doing so, struck Wilson’s Toyota, which resulted in the Toyota running off the road and into a tree.

Wilson was killed from the impact of the crash, while one other person was injured.

“We are all aware of the tragedy that happened this past weekend at Oakshade Road and Medford Lakes – Tabernacle Road,” Township Administrator and Clerk Maryalice Brown told disconcerted residents who attended a virtual Jan. 3, 2023, reorganization meeting of the Tabernacle Township Committee. “And after speaking with the mayor (Samuel “Sammy” Moore III), I have directed the township engineer to perform a traffic analysis of the intersection to determine what traffic controls may be deemed necessary, including the possibility of rumble strips, a flashing traffic light or even a permanent traffic light.

“As an immediate response, I am requesting of the committee to authorize me to purchase a flashing stop sign to be placed facing Oakshade Road, at the intersection of Oakshade and Medford Lakes – Tabernacle Road, as we await the analysis results.”

The Tabernacle committee subsequently voted to approve the purchase of a blinking stop sign for the intersection during its reorganization meeting.

However, Joshua Duvall, whose home is “right on the corner,” according to Tabernacle committee meeting minutes, had approached the governing body back on Jan. 24, 2022, almost a full year before the deadly crash, requesting the “township’s assistance” in getting a “blinking stop sign” posted at the intersection “as there had been a number of accidents with vehicles landing in his front yard.”

He repeated his observations during the Jan. 3 Tabernacle committee session, calling the intersection “very dangerous,” maintaining that in his only two years of living on the corner, not only has a car overturned in his front yard, but that “every three months, or every quarter” there is a “significant accident” at the intersection.

And in regard to the Dec. 31, 2022, collision, Duvall called what happened a “horrible tragedy” that is “very unfortunate.”

“The one fatality (involved) a family of four,” said Duvall about the recent deadly

collision. “The car overturned, and children flew out of a car seat – it was horrific. We need lighted stop signs; something has got to happen. It can’t go on like this. It is too dangerous.”

Resident Tim Moran said a tragic accident at the intersection was all too “predictable,” with dangerous conditions there “going on for too long,” noting that when he first moved to the area some 17 years ago, a neighbor at that time had warned him to seek an alternate route to avoid the intersection.

Moran said he actually followed that advice just moments before the deadly crash, having observed several motorists in the area “going too fast.”

“Thank God,” he said of taking the advice, realizing there was a possibility it could have been him who was killed. “… I really hope something happens.”

Moore responded that the Tabernacle committee is “well aware of the unfortunate issue that transpired” and is “really serious” about taking further action.

“We can’t necessarily, as a committee, do the traffic analysis, because we are not the professionals, (and) anything you personally do can impact another intersection, or another street or anything. That is why we are taking this very seriously, and are immediately looking at a traffic analysis so the professionals can tell us the best way to remediate or mitigate the problem that is going on there. We definitely know it has been a hazard, and that there have been several accidents.”

Moore added that the governing body “doesn’t just want to grab at straws and put something up,” and preferred that the “professionals tell the committee” their findings and recommendations from the analysis “since we are not the people who do the studies.”

“I think a flashing stop sign is a good start, because this process is going to take a little bit of time to work,” the Tabernacle mayor declared.

However, during a subsequent Jan. 23, 2023, Tabernacle committee meeting, resident and local transparency advocate Fran Brooks took the governing body to task for “potentially having done nothing for a year to address the matter.”

“Residents should not have to return to public meetings to beg you to act, nor should they have to wait for a serious vehicle accident to get your attention,” Brooks declared. “It is also not enough for you, mayor, to say that the engineer will look into the issue. All of the committee members

BIG GAME Party Planning GUIDE

Saturday, February 4, 2023

A Special Section of

Big Game Party Checklist

So you’re ready to play host — now what?

The teams, mascots and colors change. But certain elements must be in place each year.

You can create fun twists by developing a theme, or find offbeat things to do for those who don’t have someone to pull for. But every one of these annual gatherings has to hit certain marks in order to come off without a hitch.

Here’s a handy checklist for your big game party to make sure you don’t end up forgetting one of these must-have items.

Food

Create a menu that can satisfy a diverse crowd, focusing on so-called “finger foods.” That means things that are easily picked up and eaten without utensils. So chips and dip, sandwiches, slices of pizza and wings. Purchase or make plenty of it, too. Set up a buffetstyle table in a separate area so that fans can fill their plates away from the football action, then place small tables around the TV viewing areas. Have plenty of plates, cups, bowls and cutlery on hand. Save the breakable fine china for another day. Things will inevitably get knocked over. (Speaking of which, keep plenty of paper towels and napkins on hand, too.)

Drinks

Stock up on a wide variety of drinks, including beer, seltzers and wine, but also soda, water, non-alcoholic drinks and caffeinated options since some of

your guests may abstain. Bring in plenty of coolers, small tubs and buckets for the drinks, so they can be strategically placed throughout the house. Bottle openers are also sometimes required, so you’ll need a few. Finally, have lots (and lots) of ice on hand. You’ll have to keep your coolers full, and some guests may want to add ice to their preferred beverages.

Setting Up

Seating is the most important element to plan out, after food and drinks. Count your RSVPs and make sure you have more than enough seats for all of your guests. If you don’t, ask friends to bring folding chairs or lawn furniture to the party. Larger pillows, blankets and throw rugs can also create seating options on the floor. Then head out to a local party store for banners, streamers, fun decor like footballs or football-shaped balloons. Match the colors to the teams who are playing in the big game.

Popular Food Choices

Make your party a hit with lots of delicious choices for guests

When it comes to planning a Super Bowl party, one of the most important considerations is the food. Here are some of the most popular food choices for Super Bowl parties, along with some

tips for making them a success.

Pizza

Pizza is a classic choice for any Super Bowl party. It’s easy to order in large quantities, and there are plenty

of topping options to suit everyone’s tastes. To make sure your pizza is a hit, consider offering a variety of options, including vegetarian and meat-topped pies. You may also want to offer a few specialty pizzas, like buffalo chicken or BBQ pork, for something a little different.

Chips

Chips are another popular choice for Super Bowl parties, and there are countless flavors and brands to choose from. To make sure you have something for everyone, serve a variety of options, including traditional flavors like barbecue and sour cream and onion, as well as more unique options like jalapeno or buffalo chicken.

Deli Sandwiches

Deli sandwiches are another easyto-prepare option that are perfect for feeding a crowd. Consider going to your local deli for a tray of premade sandwiches, or they could give you a selection of meats, cheeses, and toppings, along with a variety of breads and rolls. You may also want to consider offering vegetarian options, such as grilled vegetable or hummus sandwiches.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic Super Bowl party food, and there are countless ways to prepare them. To make sure your wings are a hit, consider serving a variety of sauces, ranging from mild

to spicy. You may also want to offer a few different cooking techniques, like grilled or fried wings.

Burgers

Hamburgers are another classic choice for Super Bowl parties, and they’re easy to prepare in large quantities. Order burgers from your favorite restaurant, or grill up a variety of burger patties, including beef, turkey, and vegetarian options. You‘ll also want to offer a selection of toppings, like lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese, along with a variety of sauces and spreads. Don’t forget the buns.

Brats

Bratwurst, or brats, are another popular choice for Super Bowl parties. These flavorful sausages can be grilled, boiled, or even slow cooked in a crockpot.

Serve a variety of bratwurst flavors, like classic pork, spicy sausage, or even vegetarian options. You may also want to offer a selection of toppings, like sauerkraut, grilled onions and peppers, and mustard.

There are countless food options to choose from when planning a Super Bowl party. By offering a variety of options and flavors, you can make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

about 18-20)

WHOLE TURKEY W/STUFFING $150 (18-20 lb.)

12-14 guests

GRANDMA’S MEATBALLS $40/Dozen

CHICKEN -FRANCAISE/ MARSALA/PICCATA/

SORRENTO GRILLED/HONEY MUSTARD/TERIYAKI/

ALFREDO $150/Half Pan (Pasta or Rice Included)

SHRIMP -SCAMPI/SANTORINI/POMODORO/ PRIMAVERA/FRANCAISE/ALFREDO $150/Half Pan (Pasta or Rice Included)

VEAL -SALTIMBOCCA/FRANCAISE/PICCATA/

SORRENTO/MARSALA/CALOPPINI $150/Half Pan (Pasta or Rice Included)

PASTAAND SAUCE $35/Half Pan

PASTAALFREDO/ALA VODKA $45/Half Pan

Big Game Commercials

Ever wondered how this particular tradition began? It goes back to 1967.

Even during the first Super Bowl, the broadcast was about more than two pro teams competing for a trophy. Marketers quickly understood how important displaying their wares would be for an ever-expanding national (and then international) audience.

Today, plenty of people only watch for the commercials, broadly expanding the viewer base beyond football fanatics. In keeping, brands continue to spend more, and create higher-concept ads, in order to take advantage of the exposure — and create a huge post-game buzz.

The price for these 30-second Super Bowl ads has inevitably risen too, according to tracking details from the American Marketing Association. Here’s what they found:

Early Years

The first Super Bowl pitted the Green Bay Packers against the Kansas City Chiefs and garnered some $42,000 for a commercial. Just three years later, the cost of a 30-second spot had soared to $78,000. Costs passed $100,000 in 1974.

The 1980s

A new decade saw the launch of “event” commercials, as CocaCola unveiled its “Hey Kid, Catch” ad featuring Pittsburgh Steelers

defender “Mean” Joe Greene. Costs for a spot in that year’s Super Bowl reached $220,000. By the very next year, pricing had climbed to $324,000. Apple’s Macintosh commercial set new conceptual standards in 1984. Prices then doubled again in 1988, to $645,000 for a 30-second commercial.

The 1990s-2000s

Michael Jordan’s commercials ruled the airwaves in the ‘90s, including crossover ads with Bugs Bunny. By 2001, when Britney Spears was a spokesperson for Pepsi, Super Bowl commercials cost more than $2 million. It still felt like money well spent, since the Super Bowl takes up 10 of the 11 most-watched slots in TV history. (The series finale of “MASH” is the lone exception.)

The 2010s-2020s

Pricing continued to creep ever upward, as Snickers paid more than $2.5 million per spot over the course of their popular “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign, originally starring the late Betty White in 2010. By 2016, commercial costs had crossed $3 million. The pandemic slowed some spending, as the 2021 game saw several advertisers trim their ad buys. Costs were still expected to hover around $6.5 million for the upcoming contest.

Sometimes, the television spots are better than the game itself

Upgrading Your Party Space

You don’t want to disappoint when excited guests arrive

Let’s face it, most of us don’t have a living area designed for a biggame watch party.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t quickly upgrade the space with a few key purchases. Just beware, after making all the right moves, you might just become the neighborhood’s permanent party spot.

Big Screen

As they say, football is a game of inches. So that means you’ll need a television that’s large enough for everyone to catch every close call. Once you’ve been designated as this year’s host, start watching for the huge annual sales associated with the yearending championship game.

Remember that it is, in fact, possible to go too big. Your new TV has to fit into the entertainment space you already have, taking into account where guests will be sitting. Check out newer options like 4K if you’ve already got a pretty large TV. An upgrade might just be worth it.

Most big screens are best watched while they hang on the wall, so make sure you have a mount that can handle your new purchase — and a sturdy spot to attach it. Don’t forget cable

concealers too, since you’ll want to conceal any unsightly wires.

Turn It Up

Even the best big screens can’t match the fidelity and power of a wireless sound bar. They add huge enhancements to the viewing experience at a typically affordable price, without running additional wiring through the viewing space. The improved sound will bring everybody that much closer to the action. Those looking for still more power can add a wireless subwoofer. They are typically just as easy to set up, even if you procrastinate until game-day morning.

Have a Seat

Take a hard look at where everyone will gather well in advance. If the room has only limited seating options, or simply feels too cramped, it may be time to purchase furniture that better suits the area. Local stores will often have great deals this time of year. You can also explore lending programs that spread out the cost over a longer period time. If all else fails, consider rearranging the room on a one-time basis to create better viewing options. If needed, ask guests to bring portable seating options.

Shop Local for the Big Game

Make positive impact on your community

Local Money

When we shop at local businesses, we’re helping to keep money within our community. This is because local businesses are more likely to reinvest their profits back into the community, supporting other local businesses and organizations.

Creates jobs

Local businesses are often a major source of employment for people in the community. By supporting these businesses, we’re helping to create and sustain jobs for our neighbors and friends. This is especially important in times of economic downturn, when local businesses may be struggling to survive.

Stronger Economy

When we shop locally, we’re supporting the economic health and vitality of our community. Local businesses generate tax revenue for the community, which can be used to fund important services like schools, police, and fire departments. Additionally, when local businesses thrive, it can lead to increased property values and a greater sense of community pride.

helping to ensure that our community remains unique and interesting.

Environment

Local businesses tend to have a smaller environmental footprint than larger chain stores. This is because they often source their products locally, reducing the need for transportation and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, local businesses are often more mindful of their impact on the environment and may make an effort to reduce waste and use eco-friendly products.

Builds Personal Connections

When we shop at local businesses, we have the opportunity to build personal connections with the owners and employees. This can lead to a greater sense of community and belonging. Additionally, local business owners are often more responsive to customer needs and may be willing to go the extra mile to ensure that customers are satisfied.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning for a Super Bowl party, it’s important to remember that our choices as consumers can have a significant impact on our local communities.

One way we can make a positive impact is by supporting local restaurants and grocery stores when shopping and planning for our Super Bowl parties. Here are a few reasons why supporting these local businesses is so important.

Diversity

Local businesses often offer a wider range of products and services than large chain stores, which can lead to a more diverse and vibrant community. By supporting these businesses, we’re

In the end, supporting local restaurants and grocery stores when shopping and planning for a Super Bowl party is important for a variety of reasons. It helps to keep money in the community, creates jobs, strengthens the local economy, helps the environment, and builds personal connections.

Party Planning Don’ts

Going overboard is part of the fun in hosting a great big game party

The best big-game get togethers are streamlined events, without too much fuss.

So while it’s easy to think of more and more options, or to micromanage every detail, that’s not the pathway to a successful party. Instead, follow these simple guidelines and enjoy the game with the help of good grocery stores and restaurants in your area.

Don’t

Cook it all yourself. You don’t have to make everything from scratch. Being stuck in the kitchen for days will only leave you worn out at kickoff. Pre-made items can save you lots of time and energy. Also, remember that most guests are going to bring a bag of chips, so you should focus on getting plenty of the best hot foods for your visitors to enjoy. If you have leftovers that you can share with guests as they leave, that’s even better.

Don’t

Skimp on disposable products. If you want to make it easy on yourself, stock up on paper and plastic serving dishes and utensils before the Super Bowl. They make cleanup a lot easier, and your guests can get a clean plate every time they go back for more snacks

instead of reusing a gross, dirty dish. You can look for recyclable products that are better for the environment.

Don’t

Run out of food or drinks before the end of the game. Part of the fun of the Super Bowl is overindulging in food with friends, something that won’t be unhealthy if you limit it to one special day. The Super Bowl only happens once a year, so enjoy the chance to feast at this all-American TV event.

Don’t

Forget the ice. You probably can not have enough ice for a big-game party. Between trying to keep things cold in the cooler, the inevitable melting and a need for ice in a variety of other drinks, you’re going to go through these cubes with lightning speed. And who wants to have to stop watching the game to make an ice run?

Don’t

Stress out. Guests won’t have the fun they should if they see that you’re worrying too much. If everyone is having fun, your job is done. And by relying on pre-made foods from restaurants and grocery stores, your job will be easy.

‘County Regionalization’ Potential Discussed

Behind

Closed Doors, as

Well as

‘Regular Tower’ in Session About Woodland Fire and EMS Committee Faces Questions About Township Positions During Regular Meeting, as Well as Over Feral Cats with ‘Problem’ Described in Area of Old Tuckerton Rd.

By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—It may have been a “very simple meeting” of the Woodland Township Committee, as Mayor William “Billy” DeGroff had previously put it, one that was held behind closed doors for about 90 minutes on Jan. 17, with the mayor previously maintaining afterwards “pretty much, we discussed this upcoming year” in regard to the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS Company, but released minutes from the executive session with the municipality’s chief of fire and EMS in attendance to “discuss the firehouse agreement” reveal that rather heavy subject matter was discussed.

One of eight bullet points contained in the closed session minutes approved Jan. 25 during a regular Woodland committee meeting, and subsequently released, reveal that the fire company’s “treasurer and president have resigned.”

“New members were voted in to fulfill the positions,” it is continued in the minutes. “All bank records have been adjusted to allow new members to access.”

The minutes don’t specify the reasons given for the resignations.

The official record of what occurred behind closed doors, with the public and press excluded from the closed session, also alludes to a “discussion of new members,” before stating that it was reported to the governing body that they “often take class and disappear,” with about $3,100 spent to send an individual to class.

“Firehouse attorney says (one) can’t put (a) clause in to demand repayment if

(an individual) leaves within a certain timeframe,” the minutes state.

But that issue reportedly led to a “discussion” about a “potential for county regionalization,” with it noted that currently, the fire and EMS company has “six certifiedEMTs,” with some 42 percent of the annual EMS calls for response to the state’s New Lisbon Developmental Center, referred to as a “major draw on EMS.”

The issue of the fire and EMS company’s desire to have a cellphone tower installed at its Chatsworth firehouse following receipt of a federal grant, a proposed project that has seen some public pushback in the village due to its close proximity to residences, and also having run into obstacles with the Pinelands Commission, was also apparently brought up, with it stated in the minutes that “if the cell tower becomes (a) regular tower, with multiple antennas, (it) should receive more revenue.”

Township Solicitor William Burns, on Jan. 25, revealed he was recently “in communications with the Pinelands Commission and applicant for the ‘emergency communications tower,’” however, reporting that the “project has stalled” because it “appears there needs to be an amendment to the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP).”

Also purportedly brought up during the Jan. 17 closed session, according to the released minutes, was that a generator on a truck “needs replacing,” estimated to cost up to $15,000, and that a truck currently “has no

See EMS/ Page 10

Its Tax Rate, But Administrator Warns ‘Our Time is Coming to an End’ in Keeping It Flat

Shamong Anticipates ‘Holding the Line’ One More Year with

By D ouglas D. M elegari

Staff Writer

SHAMONG—While the State of New Jersey has not yet released as of this newspaper’s deadline time its preliminary state aid figures for New Jersey municipalities, in light of the state purportedly telling Shamong Township to “use last year’s numbers,” which reflects flat state aid after prior cuts in financial assistance, a draft budget put together by Shamong calls for the local tax rate to remain at 9.5 cents for 2023.

But Township Administrator and Clerk Sue Onorato warned during a Jan. 24 workshop meeting of the Shamong Township Committee that “our time is coming to an end to ride that and play with surplus.”

Should state aid at least remain flat for 2023, currently, given anticipated revenue and expenses (the latter which are up in several areas), Shamong is looking at using “over” $1.3 million in surplus, and perhaps “pushing” $1.4 million, according to Onorato.

The draft municipal budget reflects “taking more out of surplus” than in previous years, according to Onorato.

Since 2017, she explained, the Shamong committee, in conjunction with municipal officials, has “held the line at 9.5 cents” with respect to the municipal tax rate.

“So, that is seven years of not going to the taxpayers,” Onorato declared. “We have done so without really hurting any services, and have been as efficient as we can with our funds, and also have been creative with maintaining what have.”

But she envisions that, at some point in the not too distant future, the township will have no choice but to bring the local tax rate

above 10 cents.

“Does anyone on the township committee have any cost reduction ideas?” asked Mayor Michael Di Croce at one point in response to that possibility.

Committeeman Brian Woods was the lone committeeman to respond to that question, declaring, the budget is “pretty miraculous as it is,” containing “shared service after shared service.”

Onorato estimates that the township, to date, has already “saved” somewhere between $250,000 to $300,000 through its various shared services agreements.

“We are riding things as close to bone as we can, and keeping things as flat as we can,” Onorato said.

The “key,” as Onorato put it, is when should the township committee decide to actually increase the tax rate above 10 cents (if at all).

She told the governing body that there are a few different “options” moving forward in handling increased costs, and potentially less or flat revenue.

One, she explained, is to raise the local tax rate after the Open Space Tax is scheduled to “sunset” in 2025, and do a “bigger increase” in 2026, when it will be “partially offset,” or if you do a “four cent increase, it is a net two cents to the residents.”

Another is to “eat up surplus,” but “you need to have surplus.”

Or the township committee, according to Onorato, could simply pass on a couple percent increase in the local tax rate for the next couple of years, and “live with it, inbetween years.” But once the local tax rate goes over 10 cents, the township is held to

See TAX/ Page 11

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By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—A 10-year-old student of Southampton Township School #2 who penned a letter to one of the municipality’s committeepersons “stole the show,” so-to-speak, during the governing body’s reorganization meeting, having not only been given a unique opportunity to assist in the swearing-in of three elected officials to their respective positions, but also given the floor to read a poem he wrote about Southampton Township.

Joshua Taylor, in the 5th grade at Southampton Township School #2, helped swear in both Michael Mikulski and Elizabeth Rossell to new three-year terms on the Southampton Township Committee, after the pair were re-elected in November.

Mikulski has served on the township committee since 2016, while Rossell has served on the governing body since 2014. Mikulski, shortly after being sworn in to start his third full-term on the township committee, was unanimously reappointed as the township’s mayor, a position he has held since 2020.

However, in a change from last year, Bill Raftery was unanimously selected from amongst his colleagues to serve as the municipality’s deputy mayor for 2023.

Rossell, who held that post in 2022, also was the township’s deputy mayor in 2019, when she became the first-ever woman deputy mayor of the township.

The individual filling the deputy mayor post has been rotated by the governing

By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—A former member of the LeisureTowne Board of Trustees and attorney, Thomas Haluszczak, in a somewhat testy exchange, challenged Southampton Mayor Michael Mikulski, also an attorney, during a Jan. 17 meeting of the Southampton Township Committee on the need for “lane delineation marks” on Westminster Drive, a thoroughfare in the retirement community that serves as the access way to the development’s “back gate.”

But the township engineer will now evaluate the need for them, as well as investigate the safety of a nearby stop intersection, following the exchange.

Westminster Drive also happens to be where Haluszczak lives.

A “longtime ago, in a universe far away,” as Haluszczak put it, the Board of Trustees, when he was on it, had submitted a “proposal” that “had to do with the roads” in LeisureTowne, particularly with respect to “lane delineation marks.”

But Haluszczak resigned in late 2021, amid an acrimonious period for the board, which resulted in a power shift during the summer of last year with the election of three new board members – and since the resignation of one of those individuals, the board has reportedly experienced a stalemate of some sort with now only having six members, reportedly unable to decide on a key seventh due to an equal split, as well as is led now by an “acting” president.

Haluszczak maintained the then-proposal “I crafted” and that the prior board “put a lot of work into” hasn’t gone any further since it was first brought to the township, claiming a meeting to discuss it with the township was

“canceled” as the “board fell apart.”

But now, he asserted, “I re-crafted it,” maintaining it is the “same proposal made some months ago,” calling for a section of Westminster Drive, from Retreat Road to at least Wooton Drive, to have “lane delineators applied in yellow paint, hugging the right side of each 11-foot lane, in each direction of Westminster.”

“If you look at the street, and the angles of it, it almost compels drivers to hit mailboxes, or the cars going in the opposite direction,” Haluszczak contended.

The creation of what would essentially amount to “fake bike lanes” or “shoulder lanes,” according to Haluszczak, would serve as “psychology” to motorists that “this is where I am supposed to be” while in a lane of travel.

“People are hugging the curb, and mailboxes are flying all over the place,” Haluszczak declared. “They can’t seem to visualize a lane within which they are supposed to stay. This would allow for people to get their mail, ride a bike, or, from perhaps getting too close to other side.”

Mikulski reiterated a position of his he previously expressed a couple months ago, or that he “wants to go forward” with the current LeisureTowne Trustees, or seek their approval.

And that is when things became somewhat testy, with Haluszczak retorting, “The fact is these are ‘public’ roads,” or municipalmaintained roads.

“An HOA can tell me who should be able to park there, or that there is to be no gorilla on my front lawn … but when it comes to lives on the roadway, we are just talking about

Photo Provided Southampton youngster Josh Taylor (center) assists with the swearing in of Michael Mikulski to a new term on the Southampton Township Committee.

BPU Puts Off Decision on Proposed Water Rate Increases for LeisureTowne, Hampton Lakes Residents Until June 7 Water Company Claims its Request Is Justified by Higher Expenses, Need to ‘Maintain and Improve Safe, Adequate and Proper Service’

By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—Residents of Southampton Township’s LeisureTowne retirement community and the nearby Hampton Lakes development, both of which are served by the Pinelands Water and Wastewater companies, may have to wait a while longer to find out if anything like the substantial rate increases sought by those firms will be granted by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

Actually, they may well have to wait more than four months longer for an answer, according to a directive approved by the BPU at a meeting held Jan. 25.

Following that session, the BPU ordered that the proposed revisions be “further suspended until June 7, 2023, unless prior to that date the board disposes of the petition or enters an order further suspending the proposed revisions”— an edict it issued after pointing out that “the proposed revisions, if approved, will increase existing rates and change existing classifications in petitioner’s tariff.”

In its directive, the board also summarized the rationale provided by the companies for wanting a 64.22 percent hike in rates for water usage and a 26.76 percent increase in what residents are currently charged for wastewater (sewage) disposal.

The petitioner, it is noted, “claims the proposed rate increase is necessary due to increased expenses since rates were last set in 2019.”

The increase in expenses is attributed to such factors as “the costs of power, chemicals, maintenance, security, taxes, insurance, labor

and employee benefits.”

The company, according to the BPU document, claimed that it “is also engaged in a capital improvement program to maintain and improve safe, adequate and proper service to its customers,” and that “the capital improvements and increase in expenses have improved the quality of service.” It is further stated “that the current rates are inadequate to meet (its) increased expenses and provide a reasonable return on its investment in the utility plant.”

The quality of both the water and service Pinelands provides, in fact, were two of the main sources of complaints aired by affected residents during a Jan. 12 public hearing overseen by Administrative Law Judge Jacob Gertsman at the Southampton Municipal Building, as well as in Zoom sessions (Pine Barrens Tribune, Jan. 28), some of the participants in which attested to no such improvements having been made.

The BPU also directed the petitioner, at least 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing on the petition by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), to file with both the BPU and with the OAL, “proof of compliance with the notice provisions” set forth in the relevant regulations, and include “a statement that any relief found by the board to be just and reasonable may be allocated by the board to any class or classes of customers on any rate or schedule as the board may determine.”

Finally, the petitioner was ordered to “serve copies of this order upon the OAL, the Division of Rate Counsel, and the clerk of the Burlington County Board of County Commissioners.

Departing Pinelands Regional Special Services Head Praised by McCooley, Board President for Supporting Students, Staff Erin Lichtenwalner to Be Replaced in Special Ed Post by Marissa Elwood

By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer

LITTLE EGG HARBOR—As head of the department responsible for “identifying and developing educational programs and support services for children who have educational disabilities,” according to the description posted on the Pinelands Regional School District’s website, Erin Lichtenwalner hasn’t exactly had the easiest job at the district during the past three years — especially given the disruptive effect that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the educational process during that period.

But the dedicated manner in which Lichtenwalner was said to have gone about performing her duties as director of Special Services drew considerable praise at the relatively brief Pinelands Regional Board of Education meeting held on the evening of Jan. 25, when her resignation to take a job with the Atlantic County Special Services School District was officially accepted.

As Superintendent Dr. Melissa McCooley pointed out to her, “the parents and the population you’ve been dealing with can be challenging because they’re advocating for their kids and it’s not an easy road.”

“It is very easy to deal with a gifted and talented group because they’re all very happy that their kids are flourishing,” the superintendent added.

But it is different, she noted, “where you really have to find what is best for every student you have to advocate for them, (and) you have to bring in outside sources.

“I don’t know if everyone even knows all the added district placements you’ve brought back,” said McCooley, who first

began working with Lichtenwalner eight years ago in the Little Egg Harbor School District, and who credited her with creating “the best educational experience for all of the students in special education” and having made changes that were “truly phenomenal” in both districts (with which she had a shared service agreement from 2019 until last year).

“You have been an advocate for our students, you’ve been an advocate for the staff,” McCooley declared.

Before McCooley even spoke, however, Lichtenwalner made it evident that the admiration was mutual, praising the superintendent, who has had her share of critics in the communities served by the district, for having provided “incredible” leadership. She also expressed her gratitude to the board members for “the way that you guys support Dr. McCooley,” enabling her in turn to “support us, to support our kids.”

“I have loved working with her and she has taught me so much,” Lichtenwalner subsequently said of McCooley in a phone interview with the Pine Barrens Tribune “Her job is polarizing, and you can’t make decisions to please everyone. But she is the type of leader who builds up other people and supports them in the interest of the students and staff. I’m going to miss her terribly. And I am going to miss it here terribly.”

Lichtenwalner, whose resignation is effective as of March 2, also asserted that the only reason she feels comfortable leaving now is “because of Marissa,” referring to Marissa Elwood, with whom she has closely worked and was hired at the meeting as the district’s supervisor for special education from March

See PRESIDENT/ Page 14

The Most Popular Valentine’s Day gifts

Valentine’s Day sparks one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Though it might not inspire the masses quite like Black Friday, Valentine’s Day compels millions of people to find gifts for that special someone in their lives each February. In fact, the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2022 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey found that the average person expected to devote $175 to Valentine’s Day spending in 2022.

Any heartfelt gift can light up a sweetheart’s smile on Valentine’s Day, but certain items tend to be more popular than others on February 14. Though Valentine’s Day shoppers can always go their own way when shopping for their sweethearts, some

of the more traditional gifts remain wildly popular. In its survey, the NRF found that these go-to gifts maintained their status as the most popular items for individuals to show their love for that special someone in 2022:

Candy

Fifty-six percent of survey respondents indicated they planned to buy candy for their sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Though any candy can suffice, chocolates inside a heartshaped box tend to be especially popular in mid-February.

Greeting Cards

Greeting cards will likely never go

out of style, as 40 percent of respondents indicated they would give a card in 2022.

Flowers

The appeal of a bouquet is undeniable, prompting 37 percent of shoppers to give flowers on Valentine’s Day.

A Night Out

A romantic night out is perhaps as meaningful as ever in a world still emerging from the pandemic. So it’s no

surprise that 31 percent of respondents indicated they planned to take their sweethearts out for a night on the town in 2022.

Jewelry

Though it might rank below the others on this list, jewelry remains a go-to gift on Valentine’s Day. And with total Valentine’s Day spending on jewelry estimated at more than $6 billion in 2022, this could be where most Valentine’s Day dollars go this February.

ThePer er fect Pair

Fall in Love with These Romantic Films

Stories of romance are as old as love itself. That makes Valentine’s Day an ideal time to indulge in a romantic comedy or classic love story. Plenty of films can be enjoyed while snuggled up with a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. The following can serve as a romantic starting point for couples looking to cozy up with a good film, not to mention one another, this February.

• “Casablanca” (1942): Who hasn’t heard the line “Here’s looking at you, kid”? Set during World War II and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, the film focuses on an American expatriate who must choose between love or helping a Czech resistance leader escape to fight the Germans.

• “Roman Holiday” (1953): Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn win audiences over in this romantic classic about a European princess who meets an American reporter one night in

Rome. He’s looking for a scoop, but ends up getting a much better reward.

• “Ghost” (1990): While a certain dance-heavy Patrick Swayze vehicle is renowned for its romantic elements, “Ghost” shows that love can continue even beyond the grave. And one especially memorable scene might just inspire couples to take up pottery.

• “Love and Basketball” (2000): Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan star in this story of two neighborhood kids who aspire to be basketball stars. As they grow up, their skills develop and their relationship grows. However, when one’s stardom really skyrockets, it puts a strain on their love.

• “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001): In this modern telling of “Pride and Prejudice,” Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, who is hopeless at love and falls for Hugh Grant’s

lothario Daniel Cleaver. This unfolds as Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy is hiding his affections for Jones behind seeming indifference.

• “Love Actually” (2003): Featuring an ensemble cast, this movie tells the tales of eight very different couples who are providing glimpses into their love lives. The tales are loosely intermingled during the month leading up to Christmas in London.

• “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014): Ansel Elgort and Shailene

Woodley star as two youngsters who meet in a cancer support group and fall for one another. A film about true love and heartbreak, this one is sure to require keeping a box of tissues on hand.

• “A Star is Born” (2018): Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga star in this remake of the classic film. Jackson, an alcoholic rock star, falls in love with an aspiring singer, Ally. As her fame begins to eclipse his, Jackson’s demons come resurface.

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In reflecting on his first days in office, the new mayor noted both in the interview with this newspaper and during the town’s first two meetings of the New Year, he has become “even more impressed” with the “phenomenal people who work for this town.”

Tompkins, a veteran who spent over 20 years in military service, took the oath of office for mayor, or what he called a “huge accomplishment,” by using a pocket Bible that has “special meaning to me” with his “great grandmother having given it to my grandfather before he went overseas during World War II.”

“It has been in the family for a while, and now I am going to try to re-use it again as I am sworn in as mayor,” he told a standing room only crowd that gathered to observe him being sworn in to office for a term that expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Tompkins – who also previously served a stint as a councilman back in 2015 – was followed by both Dewey and Ward taking their oaths of office, with their terms also expiring Dec. 31, 2026.

“The best thing is Pemberton Township will be open for business starting tomorrow,” declared Dewey upon being sworn in, to very loud applause and cheers, with Ward adding that his “door will always be open” and that he is here to “support you folks,” and reaffirming “Pemberton Township will definitely be open for business.”

“We really would like to see more retail and other businesses come in here, and as you have reported in the past, we are looking at the old Acme redevelopment,” said Tompkins in the later interview with this newspaper, referring to last year’s approval

of a redevelopment plan for the longblighted and largely vacant Browns Mills Shopping Center at 100 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, located right in the center of the Browns Mills section of the municipality, with his Democratic predecessor of 16 years, David Patriarca, having previously referred to the approval as a monumental step.

Tompkins, in noting that a meeting has been scheduled later this month with the redeveloper to get “an update of where we are on that,” told this newspaper that “we are anxiously” awaiting the session to “see where we are” with respect to the project.

“We do want more retail,” he declared.

While on the campaign trail, Tompkins explained, he had an opportunity to talk with some of the existing businessowners in town, and they advised the then-hopefuls that “there seemed to be some restrictions” or “as they put it, additional hoops to jump through,” to either open or operate their businesses in Pemberton, including requirements that are “pricey sometimes.”

“And we need to look at that,” said Tompkins of one of his priorities as township mayor. “I know there are some restrictions, but if there are ways to work with that, so they aren’t so cumbersome, we want to try and do that.”

But his “first priority,” the new mayor told this newspaper, is to “get acquainted to the job that is a lot more difficult than people imagine it is.”

“There are a lot of working components to it that a lot of people might not realize,” said Tompkins of one serving as a mayor of a New Jersey municipality.

But while getting acquainted to the new position, Tompkins pointed out that he has “already started” working on “doing community relations.”

“I have gone out and visited some of the business owners, and there is a lot of

business owners I still need to go out and talk to, and just introduce myself as the mayor and say, ‘Hey, I am here if you have any concerns and questions, or anything that I can make easy for you, or any future businesses. I am here for that.’”

Patriarca, during his final council meeting on Dec. 21, 2022, as township mayor, made a point in his goodbye speech that he had each department head prepare written “transition reports” for his successor. Democrats Jason Allen and Gaye Burton, whom both Dewey and Ward have replaced, gave very emotional goodbyes, with Allen at one point calling Patriarca a “good dude.”

In the days and weeks since taking office Jan. 1, Tompkins said he has been “working with some of our departments already” as well as “talking to our leadership and directors, and trying to point them in the direction we want to go.”

“I talked to the director of Public Works (Tom McNaughton), who is a phenomenal guy, and we have already opened the door with a mutual services agreement with the county, for things like plowing the roads, and some other things,” said Tompkins of what has already come out of some the discussions he has already had with the town’s leadership team.

The opening of that door, Tompkins explained, is an attempt at mitigation to ensure the township’s main arteries remain open when it snows. Facing the prospect that they would have to otherwise be shutdown is a “big concern,” as the new mayor put it.

“We want to get our plows out there and open those main roads so people can get in and out of the town,” said Tompkins, conscious of the need not only to maintain public safety, but to try to limit interruptions to local commerce, even though, he acknowledged, it has been about a decade since he was in the workforce and actually

was out driving during a snowstorm. “… This is something that I foresee would benefit and enhance things for our residents.”

As for whether his discussions with the township’s department heads have thus far yielded any need for there to be reductions or expansions of township services, Tompkins replied, “I am still taking baby steps.”

“It is a big job with a lot of working components,” he declared. “By the first of April, I have to get a budget together and present it to the council, so we have already started on that. And next week, I will start meeting with the department heads to, I guess you could say, get their wish lists together and work with them to get the final budget done.”

Tompkins also told this newspaper that he envisions that during the course of the next three or four weeks, “the budget is going to be the primary thing in my life.”

The new mayor has also revealed the details of another conversation he has held with another department head – the township’s recreation director, Nichole Pittman, in which they not only discussed the planned locations for new LED signage that was approved under the last administration, but the possible expansion of recreational amenities.

“We need to find a location for a skatepark and start taking steps to put a skatepark in town for the kids,” declared Tompkins of another priority for his administration. “And actually, we found a place to try out a pickleball court in town, too, since that seems to be a thing over in Philadelphia and we are not too far away, so I am hoping it will spread over here and we can take advantage of that as well.”

In noting that he likes to be “frugal,” Tompkins explained that officials are currently looking at transforming one of two tennis courts in Presidential Lakes into

See MAYOR/ Page 8

Photo By Andrew King

Senator Jean Stanfield, of the state’s local Eighth Legislative District, congratulates Jack Tompkins, who is standing alongside his family, after administering the oath of office.

Photo By Andrew King

Eighth Legislative District Senator Jean Stanfield administers Jan. 1 the oath of office to Dan Dewey (center), one of two men elected as newcomers to Pemberton Township Council, all as he stands alongside family.

MAYOR

a pickleball court.

“We are going to resurface the tennis courts, and one of them will remain a tennis court only, but we are thinking about trying pickleball with the other one,” he revealed.

But under the township’s form of government, a lot (but not all) of the administration’s recommendations and requests, must receive council approval. The mayor of Pemberton is considered part of the administration, and is not part of council, even though he or she attends council meetings and is provided an opportunity to have say and give a report.

Tompkins is faced with a challenge of having to work with a Democratic-controlled council, with Democrats Paul Detrick, Donovan Gardner (elected unanimously as

council president) and Elisabeth McCartney currently holding the majority on the fivemember governing body. Gardner was appointed council president Jan. 3.

So far, Tompkins contended, besides “one little glitch” (the township council and mayor have been battling for the better part of the last month over who should be the township solicitor for 2023, with veteran solicitor Andrew “Andy” Bayer working the post now only as a “holdover,” as of this newspaper’s deadline time), “everything had gone fairly smoothly.”

“I would hope we are all working well and providing services that the taxpayer expects from us,” Tompkins said.

Gardner, upon being sworn into the council leadership position, read from a composition, “Know Your Whys,” asserting the “new mayor and council should follow this.”

“When you ‘know your whys,’ you get results,” Gardner said. “When you get

results, you know your purpose. When you know your purpose, you are prepared and productive. If you don’t ‘know your whys,’ you get no results. When you get no results, you have no purpose. When you have no purpose, you become destructive, and abusive, and abusiveness is inevitable. So, I just want to put that out there.”

As for the municipal employees, Tompkins acknowledged there has been some adjustment on their part after having worked under the prior administration for the past 16 years.

“A lot of people were a little nervous with the new guy coming in,” he said. “They didn’t know how I would be and everything else. I think the township workers, and such, are a little bit more comfortable with me now. I am not as new to them now, and they know who I am and how I operate.”

According to Tompkins, during his first week in office, his shortest day at work was

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13 hours long. This past Monday, he said that he arrived at work at 7:30 a.m., and then at night, there was firefighting training in town, in which he didn’t arrive home until after 10 p.m. Working every day, is something that he has been doing, the new mayor noted, and “it is not a tradition; it is a requirement.”

“It has been an honor and privilege for the past 30 days being the mayor of the township,” he said. “We have some very incredible and dedicated employees. I knew that before I got into office, but I didn’t realize how strong of a statement that really is until you see some of these people working. I do enjoy going to work every day. I really, really do.

“A lot of people say ‘mayor,’ ‘mayor,’ but there a lot of things (that come with this job). I knew that coming in – that there are a lot of things. You hear me laughing now (sharing some light moments with this reporter), but I hope in four years I am still laughing.”

(Continued from Page 7)

Brandon Umba (left), a state assemblyman from the Eighth Legislative District, congratulates Joshua Ward (center) upon his taking the oath of office Jan. 1 for a seat on Pemberton Township Council as a newcomer.

Photos By Andrew King

Pemberton Township Clerk Amy Cosnoski (left) swears in Jan. 4 Democrat Donovan Gardner (center) to a one-year appointment as Pemberton Township Council’s new council president.

A standing room only crowd Jan. 1 celebrates the achievements of the GOP team of Jack Tompkins (mayor), Dan Dewey (councilman), Joshua Ward (councilman).

WRAPPED

Operation Yellow Ribbon welcomed home U.S. Air Force TSgt. Jimmy Miller from his deployment to Jordan by holding a surprise celebration in Medford Lakes on Jan. 21. His father, Gary, is also the mayor of Medford Lakes. Jimmy Miller has been in the USAF for nine years and fuels planes. Assignments for the Air Force have had him to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Guam, Alaska and a deployment just recently to Jordan. He grew up in Medford Lakes where he was active in baseball, volleyball, the turkey trot, and teaching baseball. He is a graduate of Shawnee High School. Dignitaries from Evesham Township were also on hand to help welcome him home.

Photos By Andrew King

MEETING

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the decisions made to replace the township’s law firms and other consultants in a series of 3-2 votes continue to be ones with which she “highly disagreed” and when both she and Cooper abstained from voting on resolutions locking in those changes.

But despite those ongoing differences and her acknowledgment that “there may be decisions in the future that we disagree on,” the mayor said she wanted the public to know and understand that “all five of us can continue to work together” for the best interests of local residents, and that everyone involved had voted in a manner that each thought was “best for the town.”

Hansen voiced a similar view by noting that, “We’re not elected to just say ‘yes’ to

INTERSECTION

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have a responsibility to follow up. Sadly, it appears there has been no follow up after the serious accident. Who knows if you are even doing anything about it since the residents brought it to your attention.”

Brown responded that the Tabernacle Township Department of Public Works “is in the process of obtaining quotes for flashing solar stop signs to be installed at the intersection.”

“They are also obtaining quotes to paint striping by the stop ahead sign so that it is not really a rumble strip, as we don’t want to disturb residents in the area, but it will make people a little bit more aware that there is a stop ahead sign,” Brown added. “So, we are in the process of obtaining those quotes.”

Duvall had “raised his hand” to speak during the Jan. 23 Tabernacle committee meeting, held virtually, but after the

EMS

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scene lighting.” The released minutes don’t say how the replacement would be financed, or which party would be responsible for the costs, as well as when it might happen.

Shawn Viscardi, chief of the Woodland fire and EMS company, was also “directed” during the session to “get quotes” on a Lucas device and power cot unless such items can be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement. There was also a discussion, according to the released minutes, about the township purchasing “three new turnout gear sets.”

everything and agree to everything, but many times we disagree.”

“But we always have the best interests of our town in mind, so maybe we should agree to disagree and keep working for the community,” she added.

Freeman, who had initiated the amendments that resulted in the personnel changes, submitted that “sometimes, the decisions we make up here on the dais are hard decisions.”

“Sometimes, you might not agree with those decisions, and we understand that,” Freeman added.

He did, not, however, attempt to explain why he thought it necessary to replace the township’s legal representatives of the past four years, Malamut & Associates, LLC, of Cherry Hill, with the firm of Parker McCay of Mount Laurel, which it formerly used when the council was under Republican control.

Hansen, however, did offer an explanation

Tabernacle committee’s only public comment period had been closed. Brown and Moore asked Township Solicitor and Public Information Officer William Burns how the situation should be handled, and Burns responded that it had been previously well-advertised when public comment was to take place during governing body meetings, and therefore recommended that Duvall not be heard.

The Tabernacle committee (which previously provided for at least two public comment sections, including at the end of each of its meetings to allow members of the public to comment on items heard and acted upon during the sessions), followed that recommendation, and Duvall subsequently left the meeting.

Stuart Brooks, the husband of Fran, and another local transparency advocate, did speak during public comment, and excoriated the Tabernacle committee for “not answering questions,” particularly about a plan to build a new town hall and Department of Public Works facility, even

As for mandated “regulatory testing,” it is stated in the minutes that the township is to be “billed directly for regulatory testing,” with the money coming from the “firehouse o/e account.” That discussion apparently led to a revelation that there is still “$184,000 sitting from state aid (COVID money),” but the minutes don’t specify whether that money belongs to the township or the first responder entity.

Chatsworth Lake, having since been repaired from a 2021 issue and naturally filled back up with water, was previously said to have served as an important “draft point” for firefighters in the event of any inferno in town. At the time of the troubles, it was said to have been property maintained by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation

of sorts for her decision to vote in favor of that change, despite concerns that a switch in the lawyers used for a number of different functions would interrupt ongoing projects and thus end up costing the township money: that Parker McCay has “an exemplary resume with 100 years in New Jersey and over 50 years in municipal law “in the state.” In addition, she noted, it was recently recognized by the publication U.S. News & World Report “as a leading municipal law firm.”

In regard to comparing the firms, Hansen, who, according to her bio, once served as a liaison between Amtrak management and some 6,000 union employees, added that she “thought it was in poor taste to disparage an attorney present at the meeting and chose to simply state I voted what I thought was best.”

“I believe the township will be in good hands going forward,” she declared after congratulating “all the professionals” it would be using and saying she was looking

after having followed a request by Moore to put them in writing ahead of a town hall forum held Dec. 19, 2022. He also chided the Tabernacle committee for “discussing public business in private,” or during closed sessions.

“If you can’t discuss public business, publicly, you should resign!” Stuart Brooks declared. “You are wasting our time with this nonsense.”

This time, after facing heavy criticism from the Brooks, some answers came about after public comment was closed, including that the township was “still in negotiations” for the potential acquisition of 144 Carranza Road, with Burns adding that he “hopes to have a fully-executed contract by end of the week, at which time all the details of said contract will be disclosed.”

“But we are still finalizing and negotiating some of the terms,” he added, with a special Tabernacle committee session having been scheduled Feb. 2, just past this newspaper’s deadline time.

After Brown expressed her optimism

(NJCF).

“Mayor DeGroff asked where things stood with the draft point at Chatsworth Lake,” it is noted in the released minutes.

“Chief Viscardi to contact Jack at NJCF to discuss.”

Burns, during the Woodland committee’s regular Jan. 25 public session, revealed that his office was now involved in the NJCF matter, with DeGroff quipping, “maybe you, (Engineer) Tom Leisse (of Pennoni Associates), and I can talk next week about that NJCF business,” though officials never revealed what exactly that business entails.

Also, during the Jan. 25 session, the governing body was asked both written and verbal questions by two township residents, Jane Donoghue and Terry Sheerin, about the

forward to working with each and every one of them.

Her comments, however, came after a number of local residents expressed concerns about the transparency with which the township government conducted itself.

One of them, Stephen Kavalkovich, an alternate member of the Planning Board who said he had lived in Evesham practically all his life, had a “vested interest in the good of the community,” and in the previous couple weeks had “seen some things that were quite shocking, frankly,” and asked that the resolutions on the appointments of the township professionals, especially Parker McKay, be tabled “until these matters are made crystal clear to everyone who resides in this town.”

“I wish for the clearly perceived ethical concerns to be alleviated and satisfied by

that a “rough draft” of the concept plan for a new Tabernacle Town Hall and Public Works facility will be done “shortly,” Committeewoman Kim Brown asked for it to be “ready” for the township committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting “so the public can see it” and the governing body can “get some feedback.”

The primary reason stated for the Feb. 2 special meeting is for the all-Republican township committee to appoint someone to fill the vacancy left behind by Robert “Bob” Sunbury, who resigned Jan. 3 for health and family reasons, or at the start of what was to be his second, third-year term.

Mark LeMire, chairman of the local GOP, it was announced, submitted the names of three former township committeemen, Joseph Barton, Stephen Lee IV and Noble McNaughton, for the governing body’s consideration. Whoever the governing body ends up appointing to the vacated seat, according to LeMire, will “need to run in the upcoming 2023 election cycle” if they wish to retain their seat.

circumstances surrounding annual township appointments.

Donoghue, who sent an email to the township committee and had it read aloud into the record, wanted to know why “major” contracts for both township solicitor and township engineer were awarded as “nonfair” and open contracts on Jan. 5, while others during reorganization, such as one for a firehouse auditor, were awarded as “fair” and open contracts.

“Where and when were all bids for township contracts advertised?” Donoghue asked.

Burns, an esquire of the law firm, Kalavruzos, Mumola, Hartman, Lento

(Continued from Page 10)

and Duff, who is also the township’s public information officer, replied that “with respect to the two contracts – township solicitor and township engineer, under Local Public Contracts Law, New Jersey professional service contracts do not have to be public service contracts …. excuse me – professional service contracts do not have to awarded through a fair and open process, or an RFQ process.”

Woodland, Burns maintained, “did not go out to bid this year” because “there were no contributions received by any of the elected officials in Woodland Township,” adding that both the township solicitor and engineer have been the municipality’s professionals for a “significant period of time” and the level of compensation has remained “in line with similar positions in similar towns.” DeGroff later remarked “it’s worked out well for us.”

“Again, professional service contracts do not have to be awarded through a fair and open process,” noted Burns, while pointing out that the awards of the contracts were published, however.

In response to a question posed by Sheerin on Jan. 25, Burns initially maintained the “town solicitor contract was definitely put out to bid last year, as well as for the engineer.” But a couple minutes after Sheerin said she would file an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request and asserted she would be “going through her notes,”

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increasing it by only 2 percent each year (unless special mechanisms are utilized), and “that’s not going to do anything,” or would only raise some $13,000 annually in additional monies for the town.

The final option is to “use some school tax money,” which she noted the town is currently “still permitted to do.”

“There are going to be hard decisions to make going forward,” Onorato declared.

One possible form of relief, Di Croce pointed out, could come in the form of new homes being built in town. Onorato explained that about 11 new “big ticket homes” are being constructed off Grassy Lake Road, while another handful are being built on Red Onion Road.

“That is going to net us some decent money,” she said, noting that the township could be looking at as much as $60,000 that “comes back to us,” though it may not start to happen until the end of 2024, when certificates of occupancy will likely all be

Brown apologized, noting she was “able to go back and look” and found that it was “back in 2021 that we went out for RFPs (Requests for Proposals) – we went out for 2021, not for 2022, for professional services.”

Donoghue, in her email, also questioned why the “same person” (or Township Administrator and Clerk Maryalice Brown) was appointed in Resolutions 2023-4, 5 and 6 to the “same positions” (or as township Planning Board secretary, township Board of Health secretary, dog registrar, and Census taker), asking if those positions were “advertised and, if so, where.”

“This person once again has 14 jobs in the township,” pointed out Donoghue, who in the past got into somewhat testy exchanges with the township over a prior access request for timecards involving Brown that had been apparently denied, resulting in an appeal to the state’s Government Records Council (GRC), ultimately settled, and who has since posed several questions about Brown also now serving as the township administrator and clerk of Tabernacle Township through a shared services agreement with Woodland.

Brown, an employee of Woodland Township, according to public records, as of Aug. 1, 2022, now receives $97,010.30 as township clerk, as well as $67,687.37 as township administrator. However, she also receives compensation for several other positions in Woodland, making her total salary $171,949.50, “pensionable” and “subject to pension and group life insurance contributions.”

Tabernacle, per a shared service agreement approved in July 2022, pays $132,000 to Woodland for Brown’s township

in place.

However, Di Croce pointed to recent required “veteran’s tax abatements” or 100% disabled veteran tax exemptions that could potentially “offset” any potential revenue gains from the new homes.

As for this year’s municipal budget, the township is anticipating making two debt service payments on the municipal cemetery, totaling $46,000.

Another debt payment of $90,000 is anticipated on a previous road program, while the 2023 road program will also require a $90,000 debt payment.

The township, in assisting the Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company with acquisition of a new fire truck, took out a bond last year, and anticipates a $60,000 debt payment for that expenditure.

Additionally, the draft municipal budget reflects a $20,000 down payment on a new pickup truck for the township’s Department of Public Works, with Onorato noting the “pickup is the first thing out of that building (Public Works) in the morning.”

A snowplow truck from 2005, she noted, also requires replacement, as it has been discontinued by GMC with the “parts and

administrator and clerk services, or $11,000 a month.

Burns, during the Jan. 25 Woodland meeting, maintained the Woodland positions referenced by Donoghue are ones that Brown has already been filling, and that the resolutions simply provide for her “reappointment,” adding that there are actually 15 of them in total that Brown currently fills, with only seven of them being paid positions. By giving Brown the positions, it is simply expanding the “scope” of the work under Brown’s title as township administrator and clerk, the township solicitor maintained.

By having Brown fill the 15 positions, it costs “significantly less” money, Burns added, than having a “person from the outside” fill them.

Another one of Donoghue’s queries pertained to “animal control” and “feral cats,” with the resident of Old Tuckerton Road claiming that she “cannot get a return call from animal control.”

“Several (feral cats) have shown up on my property, but the majority are running across the road, near (another property),” Donoghue wrote.

Burns responded Woodland “has the same contract” for animal control services as it did last year (after Donoghue remarked in the email that she didn’t see one awarded during the reorganization meeting), and that the “feral cat issue on Old Tuckerton Road” is one that is “ongoing.”

“We have some conflicting reports of feral cats and where they are coming from, and where they are located,” Burns declared. “Animal control has been out several

repairs next to impossible” to get.

While Public Works “was hoping to get both (items) in the budget this year,” Onorato noted the department “had to pick one” to buy and was told it “can’t have both” due to financial constraints. However, a snowplow truck is an anticipated expense for a future budget cycle.

Onorato pointed out that this year’s budget is “missing $640,000 in COVID funds,” or American Rescue Plan monies municipalities received as a form of federal relief during the Coronavirus pandemic, with two rounds of payouts to towns occurring during both the 2021 and 2022 budget cycles.

What a lot of residents are unaware of, particularly those who move to Shamong from larger towns and cities, is that the Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company, according to its president, Charles Burgin, is not funded alone through taxes. Rather, it is a private entity that receives a “contribution” from Shamong, with it being $60,000 last year, with the company having to prepare its own budget and find ways to pay for the rest of its expenses not footed by the township.

Burgin requested on Jan. 24 “the same

times and spoke with a male resident at the complainants’ property. Several messages were left with the complainant, and they did not return phone calls. Animal control has been out to the area several times recently, and Mrs. Brown has recently given animal control permission to set traps on township property.

“But again, there is some conflicting reports of how many cats (there are), and whether there is actually a feral cat problem. The township takes no position on whether there is a feral cat problem, but the township has been in continued conversation with the animal control officer, the complainant, as well as another resident who doesn’t believe there is a problem.”

That led to Sheerin, who lives on the same road as Donoghue, to report to the Woodland committee, that as a resident “who has lived here forever,” she has “never had this many cats” on her property.

“We have between 20 and 35 cats,” Sheerin asserted. “As soon as I open my gates in the morning, they are there. They are all over the place. I don’t know what to do with them. They are in my stalls, in my hay – there is a problem. The animal control officer has got to figure this out.

“I will take pictures and show them to you. They are like roaches – they are everywhere. And I have never gone through this much bedding in my stalls for horses. I am stepping in it (the poop) and my Ferrier was here the other day and said, ‘What is it with the cat poop?’ … So, I would appreciate if something could be done, because it is out of control.”

donation as we got last year, $60,000,” but warned, “I don’t know how much longer we can hold the line with the way things are going.”

Not only are there “outstanding issues” that need to be addressed with equipment needs, but “across the board we have increased expenses,” especially with fuel and maintenance. In fact, he noted, the “fuel load for our trucks has doubled” over the past year. Additionally, state requirements that the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) be implemented, he explained, continue to force the fire company to have to purchase new equipment and protective clothing to replace items that are otherwise “not dirty” or are still in good condition.

While a new fire truck, thanks to township assistance, is expected “at the earliest in late 2024,” the entity’s existing trucks should have new exhaust systems, or at least a special filter, it was said, but the cost is somewhere between $70,000 and $87,000, no matter which way the entity goes, with a fire company official pointing out such items

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are “very close to being mandated.”

For now, exhaust system improvements are said to be a “priority awarding project” for FEMA, but the fire company of a small town has found itself struggling to get assistance from the federal government with larger communities prioritized.

Two heaters, one in the fire company’s office, and another in a former ambulance company facility, are broken, fire company officials reported, and will need to be replaced, with officials estimating the cost will come in around $9,000.

Additionally, a “built-in generator for lights and tools” on the entity’s “first-out pumper,” which “runs off the engine” has “started acting up,” and if it can be fixed, repairs will cost about $3,000, but if it has to be entirely replaced, it will cost up to $20,000, with a fire company official explaining that, so far, an area auto mechanic is having “trouble finding replacement parts.”

It was also pointed out to the township committee that the entity’s “command truck” is “really not in good shape,” with “a lot of rust” to the point you can see through the floor of the vehicle and it “is not fixable.”

“Some of the money we had set aside for that, we put towards a new engine,” Burgin said. “I don’t know what we are going to do about that. We are still looking to hopefully

YOUNGSTER

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body each year, for the last several years, with Raftery last serving as deputy mayor in 2017 and 2020, and Committeeman Ronald Heston having held the role in 2021.

Taylor was also given the honor of assisting both Mikulski and Raftery in taking the oath of office Jan. 3 for their respective leadership positions.

“You will recall that a few months ago I talked about Josh, and he had written sort of a letter to me about how he was going to challenge me when he decided to run for president of the United States, and I told him that I was never going to run against him,” Mikulski quipped. “But I did ask Josh if he would come, and he wrote a great poem about Southampton. I asked if he could come and read it to us.”

That is when, as Committeeman James F. Young, Sr. put it, Taylor really became the “highlight of the evening.” The poem went like this:

look at something next year, possibly a Ford Expedition, Ford Explorer, or Chevy Tahoe.”

Onorato noted that $60,000 for the fire company is “in the current draft budget,” and that municipal officials have “left it at the same level as last year,” which fire company officials expressed their gratitude for, with firefighter John Lyons, also the township’s emergency management coordinator, having pointed out that the fire company has been “generating more income from donations and grants,” with a concerted effort being placed on obtaining an increase in donations.

That effort, he explained, has included the fire company going door-to-door for donations in mobile home parks where residents, renting, don’t get tax bills that contain asks for donations, noting those in the parks have been actually quite generous to the fire company.

Di Croce raised the prospect of the township pursuing from the state Legislature having “small towns” exempt from equipment and protective clothing useful life mandates, though Burgin pointed out the federal recommendations would still exist, and if one doesn’t follow them, liability issues could occur.

As for the municipal budget, Di Croce declared the township committee and officials are “focused on not raising taxes in town,” with Woods adding, “it is a real kitchen table budget that you hope to see in other sections of government.”

“THIS IS SOUTHAMPTON.

S – Southampton Township Schools,

O – Open space keeps our town beautiful,

U – Understanding township committee,

T – Thankful for volunteers,

H – Happy to live here,

A – Appreciate our farmers,

M – Mayor Michael Mikulski is the best,

P – Public Works employees work hard,

T – Third grade walking tour,

O – Outstanding community,

N – Nice parks for family fun.

This is Southampton.”

Mikulski, who afterwards praised Taylor for an “awesome” job, announced that the youngster’s poem would be hung in the Southampton committee meeting room.

“I have something for you,” said Mikulski in presenting Taylor with a Southampton Township lapel pin. “As far as I know, the only people who have this are the people on the committee, and maybe some special guests. Every time people see you, wear that, and they are going to know you are from Southampton.”

There were no major changes to the township committee’ annual appointments, but when it came time to appoint a special project engineer, a role held for several years now by Environmental Resolutions, Inc. (ERI), Heston cast a lone dissenting vote.

“I am not satisfied with their cost estimated as to what they think the bids should come at (for proposed projects),” Heston later told this newspaper of his decision. “With this information, we as a township committee, can decide if we have the proper amount budgeted for the project.

“I do realize that at times it is a guess, but I feel that a ballpark price from the engineer should not be $200,000 lower than actual bids. Other firms have been a lot closer in approximating the costs to actual bids. All I want is for a firm to be closer.”

Immediately following the township committee meeting, the township’s Board of Health, comprising the five township committeepersons, reorganized, with Heston, a longtime chairman of the board, reappointed to the position. A change that

had been decided in the fourth-quarter of last year, and was reaffirmed on Jan. 3, is that the board will not be meeting quarterly, but only as needed, with an annual meeting held the first of the year.

While county towns still maintain a local Board of Health, the Burlington County Health Department (BCHD) “contracts with all 40 local Boards of Health in Burlington County to provide residents, businesses, and visitors a variety of health related programs and services,” with the county health department, as well as the state Health Department, having largely coordinated the Coronavirus pandemic response, for example, in the townships in this newspaper’s coverage area.

Southampton is one of only a couple local towns to still actually convene a meeting of a Board of Health, with most other local Boards of Health on paper only.

FirstBaptist

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Photo Provided Joshua Taylor reads his poem, “THIS IS SOUTHAMPTON,” aloud.

LANE

(Continued from Page 4)

paint,” Haluszczak asserted.

But Mikulski retorted, “we are not just talking about paint,” but are instead “talking about a significant expense that comes with that paint.”

“People have died, Mr. Mayor,” Haluszczak responded. “People have died; dogs have died. I have felt bad about the dogs dying; because I really like dogs, and I feel bad people are dying.”

The Southampton mayor, in clarifying his remarks, said he is “not suggesting not doing it because of money.”

In pointing to his proposal, Haluszczak said he is “not saying do ‘this,’” but rather is “saying, ‘Can we least have a talk?”, including having the issue explored further by the

municipality’s solicitor or engineer.

But then Haluszczak, also a former prosecutor, warned that “jurisdictional baggage” can “come home to your front porch,” and that there “comes a time of elementary rules of a whole system,” explaining that when one “becomes aware of a situation,” at some time “arises a duty to do something about it,” suggesting the township would become liable in the event of a tragedy now that it has been put on notice of a perceived safety issue.

Those remarks prompted Mikulski to cut Haluszczak short, asserting “we can have that discussion, but not here” as it would be a “three to four-hour long discussion.”

Haluszczak responded by calling for the creation of an “ad hoc committee” comprised of “people who live there” and “suffer from this every day.”

“You don’t have to have overlap with the

HOA,” declared Haluszczak, charging the mayor was “hiding behind the fact there is no functioning HOA,” (the acting president has been observed attending township committee sessions and a recent water and wastewater petition hearing) adding it was a “somewhat disingenuous” response the mayor initially gave because “we have a real problem in front of us.”

The former prosecutor then added that he “knows” Mikulski “wants to help people” and is “very aggressive” in that realm, and that he “knows you are not the type” of person to “hide behind” excuses.

The lively exchange ended with the Mikulski saying that he would have the township engineer evaluate the situation to “tell us what needs to be done,” declaring, “Trust me, if our engineer says it is a safety issue, we will be behind it.”

“Yes, an engineer will look at the road,”

Mikulski later wrote to this newspaper in response to a follow-up question on the meeting. “There is no report yet.”

Committeeman Ronald Heston, during the township committee meeting, added that the stop sign at the intersection of Retreat Road and Westminster Drive should be evaluated as well, pointing out that most people pulling out of Westminster Drive assume people driving down Retreat Road, from its intersection with Ridge Road, are going to make a right turn into LeisureTowne, rather than go straight, which is often a wrong assumption. Mikulski said a flashing stop sign could be a consideration so long as there are no homes nearby that would be affected by the light.

“We are looking at stop sign options, and will review the options with the trustees likely in the coming weeks,” Mikulski later told this newspaper.

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16 through June 30.

“I do have an amazing team of people who have helped develop valuable programs to support our students,” she added.

She also said she felt “relieved” knowing that Elwood would now be in charge of directing them.

“It was a very difficult decision to decide

to leave and accept this new position because I just love the people I work with, the community, the staff and the students,” she told this newspaper.

She also explained that being the mother of three school-age children herself has helped her “to look at all perspectives,” including those of parents, in any decisions she has made.

Lichtenwalner’s performance was also commended by Board President Betti Anne McVey, who told her that “every interaction

I’ve had with you has been professional, fun and respectful, and I always enjoyed the conversation with you.”

McVey also contended that Lichtenwalner had always made sure the district “got as much state funding as possible,” described her as being “like a bulldog making sure we got everything we deserved and maybe a little bit more” and told her she was “going to be missed.”

As for the support she got from McCooley, McVey added, “That’s the way it should be.”

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“We can disagree about things, we can try to come to a consensus, but we should always support each other and be professional and respectful to one another,” McVey declared. “There’s always kids watching and they know what a good example is and what isn’t a good example.”

In other business, the board, after taking a vote, decided it would retain its current system of choosing officers by voice vote, and require a majority of the actual board, rather than those present, to take part in the voting.

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MEETING

members of this board (presumably meaning the council) and administration,” asserted Kavalkovich, contending that “justifications and discussion” related to such matters should be held at public council meeting, not in private ones. “This goes way beyond the disruption of public projects and the extensive costs involved with the changeover that now we’ll have the taxpayer on the hook for.”

Kavalkovich also said he wanted to ask that anybody who is holding a council position in Evesham “be required to take mandatory ethics training, because to my knowledge that is not a requirement now and it certainly should be,” and proceeded to cite regulations “regarding appointments and the fair and open process” and conflict of interest.

“Did you guys read those?” he asked. “Did you understand them?”

When he then called for Hansen to resign from the council “for being voted in under false pretenses, unfitness for duty,” the mayor responded, “I’m just going to stop you on that one because it is not related to any agenda item.”

“Fair enough,” Kavalkovich replied.

But then he proceeded to elaborate further on the circumstances that had led him to make so radical a request, indicating that they involved an exchange he had with Hansen at a “club meeting” following the reorganization meeting.

“These concerns were asked of these same board members by myself and others, and the answers were unbelievable to me,” he said.

He maintained that “the first answer that was given by Ms. Hansen was, well, we need a change and we heard they were good,” or what was apparently in reference to the (Parker McKay) attorneys.

“Well, if that’s the case, why did you vote them out four years ago?” Kavalkovich asked. “It’s not an acceptable answer to just say we heard ‘they were good’. The township manager did not recommend this, the mayor did not recommend this, but you heard they were good.”

Veasy responded by saying she believed he was referring to views that were expressed at a Democratic Committee meeting.

“It’s private, so any conversation shouldn’t be talked about in this meeting,” the mayor maintained. “If it was at a political caucus meeting, no.”

Another resident, Marcy Glantz, who had already commented on the matter at the previous meeting, followed up on Kavalkovich’s remarks by asking whether the public is entitled to find out why council members voted the way they did.

“Is there a way through all these laws that we actually can find out the reasons behind the decisions that were made,” Glantz

inquired.

Veasy then asked the township’s new solicitor, Chris Orlando of Parker McKay, whether he had “a comment in regards to that.”

“Sure,” responded Orlando, who proceeded to explain that there’s a “deliberate process” covering how elected officials vote. “They don’t have to, nor should they in violation of the privilege disclosure, their reasoning for voting in a certain way.”

He then noted that the RFPs (request for proposals) process “provides an opportunity for different professionals to put in what they think their qualifications are, and then it is up to each individual member to make a decision that (they) believe is best representative of the town,” something he noted applies to “not just this board, but elected officials in general.”

“So what you’re saying is we, the public, may never know why they voted the way they did unless they feel free to tell us?” Glantz asked. “And if they don’t want to tell us why they voted the way they did, that is their prerogative? There is no way we as the public will ever find out why, and if we have any questions about that, we can ask but they don’t have a responsibility to tell us the answers, is that correct?”

“That’s correct, yes,” Orlando replied.

But another resident, Evan Scott, continued to question the council’s motives, asking specifically if Veasy and Cooper had really been all that surprised as they appeared to be by the events of the reorganization meeting, noting that Orlando had not only been present at the session, but asked to take his seat, following the approval of Parker McKay, and that Cooper had indicated she had expressed concerns about a possible change to the representation to Township Manager Robert Corrales prior to the meeting.

“Lastly, ethical concerns were raised multiple times,” Scott declared, asking why “this council will answer some questions but not answer others” and calling the lack of a consistent policy in this regard a “disservice to the residents. ”

Having no question-and-answer requirement during public comment sessions, he further maintained, had been the practice established by the Parker McKay solicitor from the previous administration that, “I would just ask you to revisit.”

Veasy, who initially replied to Scott’s query that she “tried to make sure we try to answer questions through our comments and through our department head updates,” said that she does “listen to all the questions,” but didn’t want to take up a speaker’s allotted five minutes by immediately providing an answer, eventually acknowledging that in cases such as the reorganization vote, the outcome “wasn’t a complete surprise” to her.

“Although we may be surprised or unsure of what’s going to happen exactly, we do

have a little bit of an idea, especially when talking one-on-one with each other in regard to what may happen when we get to a council meeting,” she revealed.

Pointing out that Scott had addressed her personally, Cooper, however, contended that “while the mayor does share what is recommended by our council colleagues to me, it’s still a surprise when the vote comes out because no one has spoken to me in advance outside of the mayor and the manager (Corrales), so that’s my honest statement to you.”

Cooper added that she would “always explain my reasons for a vote, and even if I don’t have to, I feel it is owed to the public.”

“I have to carry the weight of the decisions I make,” added Cooper, which she noted are on the record for ever and ever. “Everything I sign, every word I speak, I have to be comfortable with it, perhaps one day being on the front of a newspaper, and I try my best to do that and do it authentically.”

Also weighing in on the controversy was former Republican Councilman Bob DiEnna, who asserted that “the issues that have been brought to the council unfortunately can’t be resolved in five minutes,” but should be properly addressed in face-to-face meetings in the presence of at least one other council member, the township manager, two solicitors and the department head most concerned with the matter at hand – a technique he said he had successfully utilized during his time at the dais.

DiEnna’s remarks, however, weren’t just intended to address the flap over personnel changes, but to credit Ken Mills, the Korean War Army veteran who originally proposed the idea of having a Veterans Wall of Honor to the council (and who made a brief appearance earlier in the meeting), for having been “mostly responsible” for facilitating that project, which Monica Vandenberg, director of community affairs, senior, veterans and disability services, announced will soon have its second phase unveiled.

The popularity of the wall, which consists of individual plaques dedicated to members of the Evesham community who have served in the Armed Forces, proved to be a bit more problematic than anticipated during its first unveiling ceremony three months ago when a number of veterans and their families voiced frustration that their plaques had not yet been included.

But noting that more and more plaques have now been added to the display, Councilwoman Espinoza said she was “really excited every time I come into the township building to see how much progress has been made.”

In the meantime, Vandenberg said that the first in-person meeting of the Disability and Veterans Advisory Board, which will be open to the public, would take place Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gibson House, with the possibility of holding future Zoom or hybrid sessions to

be considered.

Another significant piece of “good news” for the township came from Chief of Police Walt Miller, who announced that the Evesham Police Department had been re-accredited by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOPS) and is one of only two municipal departments to be accorded such a distinction, which “recognizes our department as being among the best in law enforcement standards.”

Among the agenda items approved by the council was an enabling resolution seeking an additional $1 million in supplemental funding from the state Green Acres program to help facilitate the development of the former Beagle Club property as a passive park on the north side of the township.

Another measure, introduced on first reading, was an ordinance amending the existing section of the municipal code on “Street Trees,” which proposes a new list of recommended street and shade trees, along with varieties that would be prohibited from being planted, by prospective developers with major site plans due to such considerations as damage that might be caused by root systems.

In commenting on the proposed ordinance, which will now be submitted to the Planning Board for review before being considered by the council for adoption, local resident Gary Warga contended that the street where he resides, Barton Run Boulevard, “used to be most beautiful street in Marlton” due to having its median strip lined with white flowering trees, most of which have now died off, and asked if the township could possibly replace them with other trees that also bloom in the springtime.

Also introduced at the meeting was a new rule regarding comments from residents, based on “Daniel’s Law,” a New Jersey statute that just went into effect prohibiting the addresses of judges, prosecutors and law enforcement personnel from being publicized on websites maintained by state, county and local government agencies. According to Orlando, anyone who feel they may be covered by that law, passed in response to the murder of a judge’s son at her home, need not provide their address, but can write it on a form (although the information may be made public if the individual isn’t covered by the law).

Most of those who spoke at the meeting, however, continued to give their home addresses.

Vandenberg also announced that thanks to having hired a new driver, the township is now able to provide five full days of transport for seniors and the disabled, both for appointments and for shopping needs, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, as well as transportation to the annual student/senior citizen Valentine dinner dance sponsored by the Cherokee High Student Council on Feb. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m., which will be free and open to the public.