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July 16 - July 22, 2022
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Lenape Regional Budget for 2022-23 School Year of $170M Raises Tax Levy, Reflects Drop in State Aid • Taxes to Rise in Six of Eight Municipalities
• Some Seven Teaching Positions Eliminated, While Special Education Payroll Increases • District to Expand Tuition-Based Offerings
By Douglas D. M elegari
‘REPRESENTATION MATTERS’
Staff Writer
SHAMONG—The Lenape Regional High District (LRHSD) Board of Education recently approved a some $170 million budget for the upcoming 2022-23 school year, with the budget’s general fund set at just over $166 million (less a withdrawal from capital reserve of some $3.2 million for capital outlay projects), which represents an increase of about 2.74 percent over the previous school year. The approved budget also reflects a 1.09 percent decrease in state aid to the district and contains a 1.9 percent increase in the local tax levy, though the general fund tax levy will stay within the state-mandated 2 percent cap, according to Board Member David Stow, who is the chairman of the district’s Finance Committee. The budget, which is said to include the “reduction” of seven teaching positions, but an increase of 12 special education positions to meet increasing sp ecial education enrollment, also calls for a tax increase in six of the district’s eights sending municipalities, Stow noted. The LRHSD sending municipalities that are set to see their regional school taxes increase for the upcoming school year include Evesham Township, Medford Lakes Borough, Mount Laurel Township,
Photo Provided
LaChia Bradshaw (left), after taking the oath of office on July 11 for a full-length term as Burlington County Prosecutor, alongside her selection for First Assistant Prosecutor, Brenda Román Maneri, both of whom are the first women and individuals of color to serve in their respective posts.
LaChia L. Bradshaw, in ‘Historic’ Moment for Burlington County, Was Recently Confirmed as County Prosecutor, Becoming the First Person of Color and Woman Ever to Hold Post, and Upon Taking Office, Makes History with Her Selection for First Assistant Prosecutor
By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
MOUNT HOLLY—A 20-year veteran of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office has been sworn in to oversee the agency, marking the first time in its history that the prosecutor’s office is led by a person of color (as well as by a woman). LaCh ia Bradshaw, a resident of Columbus (Mansfield Township) who took over the helm of the prosecutor’s office
from Scott Coffina on June 1 in an acting capacity, was officially confirmed by the state Senate to the position on June 29, and sworn into a full-length term on July 11. T h e c on fi r m at ion of Br a d s h aw followed Democratic Governor Phil Murphy nominating her on May 16 to the Burlington County post, as well as William Reynolds and Jennifer WebbMcRae (the latter a re-nomination) to serve as county prosecutors in Atlantic
and Cumberland counties, respectively. “T hei r ye a r s of exp er ienc e a nd commitment to public service will serve them well as they take on these critical roles,” said Murphy in a statement at the time of making the nominations. “I look forward to working with LaChia, William, and Jennifer as they fulfill the mission of seeking justice for the people See HISTORIC/ Page 5
See BUDGET/ Page 6
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Indication Given That Washington Twp. Is Nearing ‘Settlement’ While There Is No Official Word on What It Would Be for, the Town Has Been Fighting Two Legal Matters Involving Property Boundaries By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
WA S H I N G T O N — O f fi c i a l s i n Washington Township could be nearing a possible settlement, and while there is no official word provided on what it might pertain to, this newspaper has learned there are at least two legal matters that have apparently been brought against the municipality, both entailing protracted disputes over private property boundaries. Serving as an indication that a settlement is in the offing was the appearance on a July 5 meeting agenda of a resolution titled, “Executive Session – Litigation/Settlement.” “We have to go into executive session to discuss some litigation and a settlement,” said Mayor Dan iel Ja me s when the governing body first entertained the item listed on the agenda. However, it was decided by the township committee to wait until after the rest of the listed business on the agenda was completed before entering closed session. And just before the executive session was convened, Solicitor Tom Coleman declared, “I don’t anticipate taking any action.” After the township committee spent a little less than 15 minutes behind closed doors, it returned to open session with Coleman making a pronouncement that “there is nothing to address in the open session” and that he had “nothing further” to report. While it is unclear what litigation the settlement might pertain to, and if it involves either of the two land disputes, Coleman confirmed in February that the township committee had met in a Dec. 7, 2021,
executive session over litigation. In response to an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request from this newspaper for the minutes of that session, he publicly ordered that the minutes of that session not be released by the governing body until the “two particular litigation matters discussed are resolved.” “Once they are resolved, I presume anyone can have them,” added Coleman at the time. But in doing so, he revealed there was the existence of at least two legal matters. Coleman and James, when previously questioned by this newspaper about the status of the matters and what they entailed, would only say that there is “pending litigation.” This newspaper, however, has since obtained copies of the legal filings the solicitor referred to in February through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request. T h e fi r s t m a t t e r, w i t h r e l a t e d correspondence dating back to May 2016, involves “ownership of property” at 2121 River Road, which the current owners reportedly took possession of in 2006. In a letter penned by their attorney, Stuart J. Liebermann, to the township, also obtained through an OPRA request, it is contended that they were led to believe at the time of their purchasing the land that the width of an adjoining road (County Route 652) was 33 feet, which would have maintained a “Lot 4” as part of their parcel, but that a Washington Township tax map has “consistently showed” the road width at 50 feet. “A 50-foot road width would completely See WASHINGTON/ Page 9
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Woodland Fire Chief Can ‘Now Go Shopping’ for New Fire Truck After Committee OKs $425K Bond, Gets State Contract Paperwork Municipal Administrator, Construction Official Receive Pay Increases After Executed Shared Services Agreements; New Website Launches By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
WOODLAND—After more than a year of back-and-forth discussion and negotiation, Shawn Viscardi, chief of the Woodland Township Volunteer Fire and EMS Company, “can go shopping” for a new fire truck, declared Township Administrator and Clerk Maryalice Brown. That declaration came as the Woodland Township Committee on June 23 unanimously approved a some $425,000 bond ordinance to help fund the purchase. The governing body previously authorized the municipality to enter the “H-GAC Cooperative Purchasing Program” for the procurement of a fire truck. “I finally got all the paperwork back on the state contract to be able to purchase the fire truck,” Brown reported on June 23. “I sent it to the chief, and he can go shopping now.” As previously reported by this newspaper, the township has been without a tanker truck (also known as pumper truck) for almost three years, selling its only one said to be in a condition that was beyond repair in a 2020 auction. One township resident put a question to the fire chief, asking if the fire truck he intends to purchase will be a tanker truck. “It will be a tanker with a pump, capable of actual fire suppression, and not just carrying water,” Viscardi replied. Brown previously revealed that a $328,937.62 estimate had been received for a new fire truck, excluding any lettering. One possible vehicle, noted Viscardi on June 23, that he was looking at for possible
purchase is what he called a “demo” that could be available somewhere in the September to November timeframe. He contended it would be “a really good thing” should the township be able to acquire that particular fire truck given the otherwise long wait times that towns all across the U.S. are having to get such vehicles due to continuing “supply and demand” issues. As for the prospect of a new ambulance, another vehicle that the local fire and EMS company is said to need, no official decision has been made yet to “rebid” for one. Last month, as reported by this newspaper, it was revealed that “nobody came back with a bid” and that Viscardi “reached out to four vendors” expressing an interest in purchasing a new ambulance “but did not hear back.” Brown, at the latest township committee meeting, said she wasn’t sure whether to “rebid it” or to have the chief “look on the state contract to see if they do ambulances too.” Viscardi, however, said he looked into doing a state contract for an ambulance, and that the “cheapest one I could find” with the desired specs of the local fire and EMS company was $250,000 to $275,000. “So, that is well out of our price range,” Viscardi declared. In response to hearing the estimated cost of a new ambulance through the state avenue, Mayor William “Billy” DeGroff asserted, “Holy cow!” He then suggested that the township and chief “may want to look at something used.” “We are going to have to start figuring out something,” Viscardi said. “I wasn’t sure See TRUCK/ Page 13
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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The Ritters, ‘Integral’ Members of the Southampton Historical Society, Receive Award for Their 50 years of Service, Dedication to Community Township Committee Names ‘Community Volunteer of the Year,’ and Acts to Modestly Increase Salaries, Revise Zoning Map and Join Resiliency Project; Hampton Lakes EMS Gets New Ambulance, Launches ‘Power Truck’ Program
Photo Provided
Bob and Carol Ritter are presented with The Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library’s 2022 Community Service Award by library Board of Trustees President Ed Moore (right).
By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
SOUTHAMPTON—Bob and Carol Ritter, longtime residents of Southampton Township who are described as “integral” to the Southampton Historical Society, were bestowed The Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library’s 2022 Community Service Award
during the latest Southampton Township Committee meeting on June 21. The couple, whose family goes back three generations in the township, were recognized for their “50 years of service and dedication to the Southampton community.” In presenting the Ritters with the honor, library Board of Trustees President Ed Moore read aloud a famous quote from 19th Century American essayist, philosopher, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, believing the couple’s contributions and service to the community embodied its meaning, ‘“The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate – to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’” “Some people give up their time, but for Bob and Carol, service is a way of life,” Moore declared. “They see their efforts as only a part of the whole – the view that it takes a village to create and maintain a vibrant community. No one entity can accomplish it all, but by working together, much can be done.” Bob Ritter has ser ved as a board member, vice president, and president of the Southampton Historical Society, and is now the organization’s historian, while his wife is See AWARD/ Page 10
Kevin Foder, Co-owner of Pizzeria and Deli in Bass River, Vice President of School Board, Dies Unexpectedly at 56 By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
BASS RIVER—The unexpected passing of Kevin C. Foder, Sr., 56, a retired police officer and firefighter and still active EMS/ paramedic who had been serving as vice president of the Bass River Township Board of Education and co-owner of a pizzeria and convenience store that opened just last year, has left a void in this southernmost Burlington County municipality whose population totaled just 1,225 at last count. According to family members, Foder, who had been actively engaged in the running of his restaurant, the Firehouse Deli and Pizzeria, as well as in civic affairs, had gone to a nearby hospital July 8 to have a routine procedure performed, culminating in his reportedly having to be placed on a ventilator. He was soon released, however, only to be found unresponsive at home on July 11. His wife Barbara has since organized a GoFundMe page, which as of the night of July 13 had raised $3,400 toward his funeral expenses, as well as the cost of a private autopsy. “Unfortunately, for those of us that loved him he was taken way too early and very unexpectedly, so we were not prepared for this overwhelming loss,” she noted on the page. “Kevin did not have life insurance and we have minimal savings and find ourselves needing to reach out to others for assistance. We currently do not know why Kevin was taken from us other than being released from the hospital for a minor procedure last Friday. “In order to determine the reason for his death we need to request and privately pay for an autopsy,” Barbara Foder’s message continued. “This combined with the medical bills he has left and the funeral expenses we expect, we are left with no other option than to ask our family, friends, and neighbors for your help. Thank you to everyone that has already provided strength and support to me and our family.”
His daughter-in-law and partner in the pizzeria, Elizabeth Slama, told the Pine Barrens Tribune that “he loved that restaurant, and did everything he could to make people happy, to make them smile and laugh. “He put his heart into everything he did.” Slama said she would now continue to keep the establishment operating, starting at 7 a.m. the next morning. “I miss him a lot,” Slama’s husband Brandon Kelly, Foder’s stepson, told this newspaper. “He was a good person, a hell of a dad, a firefighter and an EMT.” According to an obituary posted at the website of the Maxwell Funeral Home in Little Egg Harbor Township, Foder was born and raised in Philadelphia and had lived in Atco, Somers Point and Little Egg Harbor before moving to New Gretna 15 years ago. He had spent 37 years serving as a firefighter with multiple fire companies before ending his career with the West Tuckerton Fire Company, the obituary stated. He also was a member of Great Bay Regional EMS Squad 85 in Little Egg Harbor, a Mason, served with New Jersey Search and Rescue, and “overall enjoyed helping people in need.” One of his aims in opening the pizzeria and deli, he told this newspaper prior to opening it, was to support local farmers by buying their produce, as well as to provide Bass River residents and area campers with a local place to eat and buy essentials. He was also outspoken on a number of local issues, once having asked if Bass River could cut its losses by simply leaving Burlington County and joining neighboring Ocean County during a time when the township was under financial duress. He also more recently advocated for Bass River to have representation on the Little Egg Harbor Board of Education when the See FODER/ Page 9
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Latest Blaze Near Batsto Is Fully Contained 2 Acres Short of Becoming Major Wildfire; 7 At-Risk Homes Are Saved
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Driver of Somewhat Distinct Yellow Van Sought for Wawa Theft
Eighty Miles of Trails Closed by Mullica River Fire Have Now Been Reopened
Photo By New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
A backfire set to contain the Maple Branch Fire.
By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
WASHINGTON—A fire that scorched an area of Wharton State Forest east of historic Batsto Village, not far from the site of last month’s still-smoldering Mullica River Fire, came just two acres short of being categorized as yet another “major wildfire” before being fully contained on July 13, only a day after it was first spotted from the Batsto fire tower at about 10 a.m. “The Maple Branch Fire,” which broke out near Maple Branch and Bulltown roads in Washington Township, Burlington County, was also reported to have threatened seven nearby homes before being brought under control, although things never reached the point where it was thought necessary to ask for residents of those structures to evacuate, according to Greg McLaughlin, chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, which conducted a subsequent online video conference on the current wildfire situation in the state. But McLaughlin acknowledged that “there was a real risk to those structures,” which he described as being “deep-seated in the forest fuels” to the east of the fire, with a southwest wind blowing, resulting in measures being taken by local firefighters to protect them. So, while “the flames never reached their back door,” he said, “the potential existed for something to happen there in the event of a wind shift, or if a spot fire launched from the main body of the fire.” An update posted on the ser vice’s Facebook page noted that crews conducted a backfiring operation which aided in containment efforts, and that Batsto Village,
which was closed for the second time in a month due to fire danger, had reopened, as had the Batona Trail from Bulltown to Batsto (although a section of the trail was reported as temporarily diverted to a nearby paved section of roadway). The Buttonwood Campground, however remained closed for the time being. Forest Fire Service staffers, according to the posting, would remain at the scene and smoky conditions could be expected to continue for several days. T h e c au s e of t h e l at e st fi r e wa s reported under investigation; however, as McLaughlin once again emphasized, 99 percent of wildfires are due to human activity, with the 13,500-acre Mullica River Fire, which started on Father’s Day, having been attributed to an illegal campfire (that is, one ignited in an unauthorized locale not properly prepped to prevent it from spreading). A lt hou g h t h e mont h of Ap r i l i s generally regarded as peak fire season in New Jersey, with deciduous foliage from oaks and maples providing a protective canopy by summertime, current dry and windy conditions with spotty rainfall have been more conducive to the spread of wildfires than is usual at this time of year, McLaughlin said. When the risk of fires is considered high enough, he pointed out, staffing is increased at fire towers and active patrols may be deployed as well to monitor the forests in order to be able to respond to fires more quickly. However, the Pine Barrens region has not See WILDFIRE/ Page 15
Photo Provided
A somewhat distinct yellow van that police say was involved in a Wawa theft in Evesham. EVESHAM—The driver of a somewhat distinct yellow van is being sought by Evesham Township Police for utilizing a stolen credit card to purchase diesel fuel at a local Wawa store. The theft happened at the Wawa located at 250 West Route 70 in Evesham Township, according to a statement from the Evesham
Township Police Department. $175 worth of diesel fuel was purchased by the suspect using the stolen credit card. The yellow colored Ford vehicle appears to have some type of white colored writing on its rear doors, police noted. Anyone with information is urged to contact Evesham Police.
Catalytic Converter Theft Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Police, Others Suspected of Being Involved in Local Thefts Still Sought E V E SH A M — Po l i c e i n Ev e s h a m Township have taken a man into custody, who initially fled from an officer, in connection with recent catalytic converter thefts in the municipality, but believe there are at least a couple more suspects involved in the thefts and are working to both identify and apprehend them. According to a statement from the Evesham Township Police Department, officers responded to 4 Stow Road on June 4 at 5:26 p.m. for a report that catalytic converters were stolen from two vehicles there within the past 30 minutes. Upon arrival, according to police, officers were able to obtain a vehicle and suspect description, which was broadcast to additional officers that were circulating the area. A short time later, an “alert officer” located the suspect vehicle in the parking lot of 3000 East Lincoln Drive, next to a row of vehicles, and it was later determined that the suspects had just stolen the catalytic converters from five vehicles in that parking lot. “The officer attempted to stop the suspect vehicle by activating the emergency vehicle lights and siren, at which time the driver
failed to stop for the officer and left the area at a high rate of speed,” police said. “The police pursuit was terminated due to concerns for public safety. “ Through a follow-up investigation by the Evesham Police Investigative Bureau, the driver who fled police was identified as Harry Espada, 42, of Clementon. Espada, according to police, was arrested on June 27 and charged with third-degree eluding, three counts of third-degree theft, third-degree criminal mischief and two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance with a mandatory court appearance. “This investigation is still active in an attempt to identify two additional suspects,” police said. “If anyone has any information about this crime or the identity of the additional suspects, you are asked to contact the Evesham Police Department at 856-983-1116, the Confidential Tip Line at 856-983-4699, or via email at Facebook@ Eveshampd.org. Anonymous tips can be sent via text message, by texting ETPDTIP to 847411.”
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Saturday, July 16, 2022
Photo Provided
LaChia Bradshaw takes the oath of office for county prosecutor.
HISTORIC
(Continued from Page 1) of New Jersey.” Bradshaw is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice, with a minor in Sociology. She then earned a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) from the University of Maryland School of Law. Prior to taking the helm of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Bradshaw served as a senior assistant prosecutor in the agency’s Major Crimes Unit – Special Victims Section. Bradshaw, in a statement, noted that she was both “incredibly humbled” and “honored” to be chosen for the position by Murphy. “As a career assistant prosecutor, I regularly use my words to describe various scenarios, but there are none that sufficiently characterize how grateful I am to have been offered this opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Burlington County as prosecutor,” Bradshaw declared. “Working with law enforcement has become a passion for me and I will bring that energy to this office by continuing to zealously advocate for victims, hold violent offenders accountable and build trust with all of the communities we serve by ensuring there is justice for all.” The new Burlington County prosecutor asserted that it is “not lost on me” that her selection for the top law enforcement post in the county is an “historic” one being that she is now the “first woman or person of color to be considered for this role in the county’s over 100-year history.” “Representation matters,” she further declared. “Even as a career prosecutor, I never imagined it was possible to obtain this position. Primarily because I’d never seen anyone in this county who looked like
me in this position. I hope to encourage and inspire all people, and particularly people of color, to consider careers in law enforcement and prosecution – and to become as passionate about it as I am.” Bradshaw, in continuing what the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office referred to in a statement as the “trailblazing spirit of her tenure,” named Brenda Román Maneri on July 11 as the county’s first assistant prosecutor, which is the second in command position of the office. As with the position of prosecutor, this is the first time the role of second in command has been held by a person of color or a woman. “I am incredibly excited to have Brenda on board,” Bradshaw said. “The knowledge, experience and skill set she brings will be invaluable to assisting me in bringing my vision for this office to fruition.” A first-generation Colombian American, Maneri spent a decade as a Burlington County assistant prosecutor after graduating from the Rutgers Camden School of Law. She has been in private practice the last several years and is the current president of the Burlington County Bar Association. Maneri, in a statement, said she is honored to join Bradshaw in leading the office and is thrilled by the diversity now reflected in the positions they hold. “This day is long overdue,” Maneri declared. “As a team, we will do great things for the Burlington County criminal justice system. Along with the judiciary and defense bar, I look forward to ensuring that the citizens of Burlington County are treated with fairness and respect.” Bradshaw and Maneri were sworn in at the courthouse in Mount Holly by Judge Jeanne T. Covert. Bradshaw, according to the governor’s office, was also previously assigned to the Megan’s Law Unit of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office where she was first named the supervising assistant prosecutor. While leading the Megan’s Law Unit, Bradshaw participated in community engagement and worked alongside local law enforcement officials to educate them on the nuances of Megan’s Law and the dangers of child exploitation. She is said to have successfully briefed and argued Megan’s Law issues before the state Megan’s Law Appellate Division, the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Since initially being administered the oath of office on June 1 by Judge Terrence R. Cook for the acting role, Bradshaw has been said to have met with the members of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, thanking them for the support she has received as she begins her new role, while also offering praise for their commitment to seeking justice for victims of crime. She noted in her meeting that members of law enforcement “continue to face difficulties created by the pandemic” while there has also
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been an “increased focus on social justice issues” that has “changed the way agencies operate and interact with the public.” “However, I am aware of the dedication of the people in this room,” she said. “I am confident that, together, we can successfully meet these challenges and any others that are presented to our office.” Coffina, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, has now returned to the “private sector” following his five-year term as the county prosecutor. He had told another media outlet in May that he was stepping down from the position and had provided his resignation, reportedly maintaining the time “is right to do something else.” The Pine Barrens Tribune has learned that Coffina, a resident of Evesham Township, is now a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, LLP, which has offices in both Cherry Hill and Philadelphia, with it noted in his LinkedIn profile that he is experienced in the False Claims Act and “political-legal controversies,” as well possesses “white collar criminal defense skills.” Acting state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin thanked Coffina, in a statement, for his “tireless service” to the residents in “seeking justice for the people of New Jersey.” Platkin added that Bradshaw, along with Reynolds and Webb-McRae, “possess the leadership qualities, professional experience, and commitment to justice that will serve their communities and respective offices well.” He also noted that their selections reflect what he called Murphy’s “sustained efforts to ensure that leadership at all levels of law enforcement reflect the diversity and richness of different experiences that are the hallmarks of our state.” Bradshaw’s first official action as acting Burlington County prosecutor was to fill the position of “chief of detectives” in the prosecutor’s office, which reportedly became
♦ Page 5
vacant with the retirement of Darren Anderson, tapping Patrick J. Thornton for the post, who previously served as the agency’s chief of staff since 2020. “Pat has done an outstanding job managing our office,” Bradshaw maintained. “He will be pivotal in helping to build the investigative side into the operation that we envision going forward.” Thornton previously served with the Eastampton Township Police Department and the Burlington Tow nsh ip Police Department before enlisting in the New Jersey State Police. Thornton is a former captain with the New Jersey State Police. “After a 30-year career in law enforcement, being able to return to Burlington County and serve as the ‘chief of detectives’ is a great honor,” said Thornton in a statement. “I look forward to serving our citizens in this role.” The state Senate confirmed Bradshaw (along with other appointees contained on “List One”) in a 40-0 vote on June 29, following her nomination clearing the state Senate’s Judiciary Committee earlier in the week. Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson, the lone African American on the county Board of Commissioners who in 2016 received the honor of “African American Women Achiever’s,” called June 29 an “historic day” for the county “as we officially welcome LaChia Bradshaw as our county’s new prosecutor and the first woman of color to serve in the post as our county’s top law enforcement official.” “LaChia is highly qualified and wellprepared, and we are supremely confident in her ability to lead the prosecutor’s office and carry on its outstanding record of delivering justice,” Hopson asserted. “We also believe her service can inspire other young women to follow in her footsteps and become law enforcement officers or prosecutors, so we are deeply grateful for her nomination and swift confirmation.”
Photo Provided
Chief of Detectives Patrick J. Thornton (left) addresses the county prosecutor’s office investigative staff after being appointed to the position by Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw (center). In the background (right) is Judge Terrence R. Cook of the Burlington County vicinage.
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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Photo By Andrew King
David Stow, chair of the Lenape Regional High District (LRHSD) Board of Education’s Finance Committee, explains a need to accommodate an increase in special education students.
BUDGET
(Continued from Page 1) Southampton Township and Woodland Township. Medford Lakes and Woodland will be the hardest hit with a tax levy increase of more than 8 cents. “From an outsider’s perspective, all they do is see the budget and say, ‘Why can’t the kids just write on chalkboards like when I was a kid?’” Stow declared. “‘It was good enough for me, why can’t it be good enough for them?’ They have no idea what is involved in this presentation. “… Tonight, you have the opportunity to firsthand get an idea and wrap your head around what goes into us creating school
budget every year.” According to Stow, in the 1994 -95 school year, the state was “funding us by 49 percent,” but “jumping forward” to the 2022-23 school year, “they are funding us around only 16 percent.” And for the 2024-2025 school year, projections, he said, show that the state will fund only around 15 percent of the district’s budget. “That means around 83 percent of our budget is paid for by me, you and the constituents who live in our school district,” declared Stow during a recent public budget hearing. The decrease in funding to the district that comprises Cherokee, Lenape, Shawnee and Seneca high schools, as well as the Sequoia Alternative Program, comes at a time, Stow pointed out, when the district has been faced
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with salary and benefit increases, as well as operational cost increases, with the finance committee chairman telling the public to “look at the price of gas, oil and electric,” which have risen substantially in just the past couple of months alone. But Stow, who reiterated a point he made last year that the “wolf is here,” or that the district isn’t just crying wolf over the loss in state aid, spent a substantial amount of time highlighting how increased obligations and costs in special education are coming at a time in which the district is receiving a decrease in aid, and, in particular, has been “underfunded” by the state in regard to the district’s special education needs by some $4.2 million. Stow pointed out that the LRHSD will have 359 incoming freshmen students who will require enrollment in special education, but that 268 district special education students are either “graduating or aging out,” leaving the district with a net gain of 91 special education students. While he maintained that the increase in special education students is “great” because it means that parents “want these kids in our district,” he acknowledged it does require an expansion of special education programing. To accommodate the increase in special education students, he noted, the district is adding three interpreters of the deaf, eight full-time paraprofessionals and an and occupational therapist to its payroll. For the current school year, the LRHSD, Stow said, anticipates a special education enrollment of 1,322 students, and “under the state’s own formula, we should be getting $8.5 million in funding” towards special education, but instead the district has been “given a flat rate” by the state of $4.2 million towards its special education programming, “leaving us with a deficit of $4.2 million.” Additionally, the district is obligated to “give options” for special education
programming to certain special education students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) until they reach the age of 21, but that now, under a new law enacted because of COVID and a related concern that they “might not be properly educated” as a result of the impacts from the pandemic, such students can “continue to be in district” for an additional two years. While the state has advised that they will “fund it for the next year,” according to Stow, local school officials “have no idea what will happen the following year.” As for placing special education students “out of district,” Stow contended that it is the district’s preference that “we want them here” because when such students are sent out of district, “we have no control over their budget and tuition” and the only option is to “pay what that outside school charges.” T h e t o t a l 2 0 2 2 -23 g e n e r a l f u n d operating budget adopted for the LRHSD is $166,321,554, less the withdrawal from capital reserve of $3,210,000 for capital outlay projects, which nets the general fund budget to $163,111,554. The LRHSD is expected to receive about $24 million in state aid for the 2022-23 school year, according to Stow, representing a decrease of $273,557 over last year. The district over a seven-year period (that is still ongoing) from when a new school funding formula (“S-2”) was signed into law by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is expected to have its state aid “reduced by $7.3 million” or to experience a “cumulative loss of $26 million,” Stow noted. “Imagine what we could do with taxes (lowering them) if we got one half of that money,” Stow declared. Instead, the general fund tax levy increase of 2 percent (as well as a debt service tax levy increase of 0.02 percent [increasing by $1,510, which reflects the current payment schedule See BUDGET/ Page 8
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BUDGET
(Continued from Page 6) for the 2022-23 school year for bonds issued or refunded that were previously approved by taxpayers in 1998 and 2005]) will result in the following regional school district tax impacts: • Evesham Township: Tax levy increase of 1.94 cents, resulting in an increase in regional school taxes of $55.64 on a home assessed at the township average of $272,266. • Medford Lakes Borough: Tax levy increase of 8.41 cents, resulting in an increase in regional school taxes of $248.14 on a home assessed at the borough average of $288,683. • Mount Laurel Township: Tax levy increase of 1.84 cents, resulting in an increase in regional school taxes of $45.21 on a home assessed at the township average of $237,900. • Southampton Township: Tax levy increase of 3.45 cents, resulting in an increase in regional school taxes of $66.27 on a home assessed at the township average of $192,486. • Tabernacle Township: Tax levy decrease of 0.76 cents, resulting in an increase in regional school taxes of $10.68 on a home assessed at the township average of $271,155. • Woodland Township: Tax levy increase of 8.06 cents, resulting in an increase in regional school taxes of $208.69 on a home assessed at the township average of $255,300. • Two LRHSD sending towns, however, Medford and Shamong townships, will see a decrease in taxes despite the circumstances. • Medford Township: Tax levy decrease
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM of 2.04 cents, resulting in a decrease in regional school taxes of $88.82 on a home assessed at the township average of $323,663. • Shamong Township: Tax levy decrease of 0.14 cents, resulting in a decrease in regional school taxes of $2.57 on a home assessed at the township average of $309,458. The district’s total tax levy for the 202223 budget cycle has been set at $131,516,620, or represents about a 1.9 percent increase, according to Stow, an increase that he said is a result, in part, of the “failing” state aid formula” that was “majorly changed,” as he put it, in July 2018, as well as rising costs, including health insurance costs (a 3.9 percent increase has been factored into the budget, the district noted in a press release). “Somewhere we have to make up the difference, and unfortunately its coming back on our constituents and parents,” Stow declared. He added that while the district has had “unbelievable community support” to the tune of some $4.5 million over the last several years and has taken from “one-time revenue sources,” (which it has done again in this latest budget cycle) in addition to finding ways to be “efficient” and “collaborate,” it has “run a gamut on a lot of these things, except for cuts.” Stow then announced (with a later statement from the district noting that the decision was made upon the administration’s recommendation), a “reduction” of seven teaching positions through “retirements, resignations and other mechanisms,” to realize a savings of $490,000. The statement from the school district noted that the reduction in positions was also achieved through “eliminations,” with Stow at one point during his presentation revealing there were some “non-renewals.” The finance committee chairman, in an effort to “just give you an idea” of some of the
other cuts that have been made in this and other recent budgets, noted that the district has discontinued textbook purchases, eliminated courtesy busing inside 2.5 miles (busing is not required for students who live close to a school building), consolidated neighborhood bus stops, eliminated late busing (for students who stay afterschool), eliminated four crossing guards, eliminated “non-public routes,” as well as has done away with equipment manager, treasurer and warehouse supervisor positions. He also pointed out that both Cherokee and Lenape high school campuses are no longer divided into a north and south, eliminating the need for two building principals and two office managers at those schools, as well as multiple other positions. “We are constantly battling to maintain the high level of education that we have in the LRHSD by making reductions to balance our budgets,” Stow declared. Additionally, the district, he said, has resorted to “increasing class sizes.” “The list goes on,” he declared, while pointing to other actions taken, including making art and woodworking classes single periods, “un-leveling” world language classes, putting certain electives on an odd and even year schedule, “sharing” teachers among district facilities, combining courses of upper levels and relying on “overloads” versus replacing teaching positions. “You can see by the list; we are doing everything we can. But we just need your help to get the ear of Trenton.” Stow, however, noted that the board and district administration has been working “tirelessly” to “come up with ideas on how to maintain the current status of the LRHSD” in light of “shrinking support from State of New Jersey,” and one of those ideas has been to expand the number of “tuition-based programs.” To that end, the LRHSD is launching a non-resident tuition-based program at Seneca
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in the 2022-2023 school year in which “nonresidents,” according to a district press release, “may choose to attend Seneca in either the ASE Automotive Certification program, the Air Force JROTC program or the engineering program, ‘Project Lead the Way.’” The LRHSD is also offering a district-wide non-resident tuition-based special education program available to students who are 19-21 years of age, called “Project Search.” Currently, according to Stow, there are a number of “districtwide projects of collaboration,” looking at “collective ideas to not only reduce reductions in revenue,” but to “make the school district more efficient,” pointing out that “five different committees” have been formed since 2020 “to help us come to grips about how we can do even better with the limited support we are getting from the state.” Though the LRHSD is fac ed w ith significantly reduced funding from the state, the district, Stow emphasized, “continues to excel,” pointing out that its average graduation rate stands at 97.4 percent among the four high schools, with “884 of our students taking college accelerated programs and earning 7,689 college credits” during the 2020-21 school year. “If you want to do something to help us, when you go home tonight, you’ll hug your kids, give them a kiss, tell them how proud you are of them, because they are phenomenal,” said Stow in light of his pronouncement that facts and figures show the LRHSD is one of the best in the state, if not in the country. “That is why we do this – none of us get paid … we are all volunteers … we come here of our own volition – because we believe in the LRHSD and believe in our kids. But we need your help to convince Trenton they need to believe in our kids.” The ”homework” assignment for locals listening, he maintained, is to contact their state representatives.
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WASHINGTON (Continued from Page 2)
eliminate the prior ‘Lot 4,’ and would m e a n t h at my c l i e nt s do not ow n waterfront property,” Liebermann wrote. “Furthermore, a 50-foot road width would extend into my clients’ front yard.” Further complicating matters, according to Liebermann, is that the property owners received information that demonstrates that the road width is actually 66 feet, “which would also completely eliminate ‘Lot 4’ and mean that my clients do not own waterfront property, for which they had bargained” and that it would also mean that they do not actually own a portion of their front porch and residence. “My clients seek to once and for all to determine exactly where the property, and legal boundaries of the property, lay,” wrote Liebermann, noting that the individuals he represents wish to resolve the matter “amicably.” However, in a Notice of Tort Claim submitted in May 2016 by Liebermann, it is argued that the township “has negligently or purposefully failed to properly record on the Washington Township tax map a Burlington County easement,” with the filing maintaining there is a “serious discrepancy.” In referring to the purported discovery that
FODER
(Continued from Page 3) Bass River Township Board of Education entered into a send-receive relationship with the Little Egg Harbor School District.
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the road width may be 66 feet, a charge is made that “Washington Township has been wrongly collecting taxes for many years,” and that “confusion” has “created a cloud on the claimants’ title to their own property and has caused harm to the property’s value and to the claimants’ ability to convey the property.” The Notice of Tort Claim also contains an allegation that the municipality “once had an opportunity to become a sponsor to receive five properties along the Mullica River, including that of the claimants, under the USDA Flood Prone Buyout program,” where the town could have received them at no cost, but that the town never responded to a then-congressman’s inquiry. The second matter has to do with the protracted dispute this newspaper has reported on extensively in the past between two local families – the Capellas and Heffleys – over the ownership of Lance Run Road. The Heffley family has claimed Lance Run Road is a public road, while Frank Capella has contended that a portion of it is actually a private driveway and belongs to him. That “driveway,” according to past remarks from Marie Heffley, is Lance Run Road, noting that is where her father-inlaw lives. The Washington Township Committee ultimately affirmed that Lance Run Road is a public road, and has put road signs up designating it as such. (The signs have reportedly been removed a couple of times,
incidents in which the town involved the New Jersey State Police, and led officials to claim the signs were “stolen.”) Attorney Fredrick J. DeClement, in October 2021, notified Washington of a complaint for “quiet title action and exhibits,” entailing a case titled, “Francisco and Susan Capella v. Washington Township, Burlington County, Ed and Kathy Heffley et. al.” In the court filing, DeClement claims the plaintiffs had a title search performed by Omega Settlement Solutions, LLC, of Hammonton, and that in a report dated July 8, 2021, noted its findings that “a search of the county records was conducted and no mention of ‘Lance Run Road’ was found, nor were there any easements, rights-of-way or rights of ingress or egress.’” The plaintiffs allege in the filing that “an insufficient amount of time has passed” to “determine the identify of any other persons or business entities who may have an interest or claim of right to said property,” and given the unique circumstances of the matter, refer to any such individuals in the filing as “John Doe.” DeClement further contends in the filing that he has “repeatedly requested” from “the defendants” documents and other sources to support their claim Lance Run Road is a public road, but that “to date, the defendants have not provided such information.” A land survey solicited by the Capellas in August 2018 from Bernard Surveying, LLC, is attached as an exhibit to the filing and is
noted as such. The Capellas, in the filing, demand a judgement against the township declaring that the “unimproved dirt road on the plaintiff’s’ subject property be declared plaintiff ’s private property and not a ‘township road.’” The plaintiffs are seeking a second judgment in which the unimproved dirt road at issue be declared their “private property” and that the Heffleys be “denied ingress and egress across the plaintiff’s property to get to the Heffley property,” which is identified as 5 Lance Run Road. Susan Capella was the lone resident to wait for the township committee’s July 5 closed session to conclude and listen to whether any action was taken. It is contended in the lawsuit that the Heffleys first made their claims “on or about 2017” that Lance Run Road is a “public road.” It is unclear if the township is currently facing any other litigation. Current Township Engineer Kevin Dixon did not leave the committee chamber when the July 5 closed session was convened. The township recently completed the updating of its tax maps, a “long, long process” that was previously described as also a “costly and time-consuming exercise,” with an engineer who helped to make the new ones revealing last year that the reason for that is they “were not substantially updated since the 1950s.”
“When I heard of the passing of Mr. Foder, I can honestly say I was pretty shocked,” said Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope. “Kevin was a young man full of energy and ideas. He came to many township meetings and always brought good conversation to the table. I know he enjoyed being on the school
board. When it came to the children, his heart was definitely in the right place. Kevin cared for the town and put a lot into bringing back the Firehouse Deli for the people. My condolences go out to his family and friends.” Besides his wife and stepson, survivors include his sons Kevin Foder, Jr., of Carneys
Point and Shawn Foder, of Mays Landing, a daughter, Megan Kelly, of New Gretna, a sister, Debbie Foder, and his mother, Jean Foder, of Williamstown. Visitation will be on July 17 from 1 to 5 p.m., with a service beginning at 4:45 p.m. Cremation will be private.
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Bob Ritter holds up his Community Service Award.
AWARD
(Continued from Page 3) described as “his right hand through it all.” “From third grade tours, historical floats at the Memorial Day parade, preserving our cemeteries, maintaining Historical Society buildings, creating digital files from photos and documents making our history more accessible, to just answering questions, Bob and Carol are key to preserving our history,” the library noted in announcing this year’s recipients. Moore noted that the Ritters also assisted in restoring the local Quaker cemetery, and that following a 100-year flood that struck the municipality in 2004, the Ritters assisted the township committee in distributing funds and supplies to those affected. The couple also took a leading role in helping to organize the recent celebration of Southampton Township School #1’s 100th Anniversary, Moore explained, and “in their free time,” are members of the Vincentown Garden Club, “actively assisting in the beautification of our community.” “Their hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all,” Moore declared. Bob Ritter, after Moore looked back on the Ritters 50 years of service and dedication, asserted, “Wow, we did all that,” prompting many in the committee chamber to chuckle. Both Bob and Carol Ritter then expressed their gratitude for the recognition, with the latter explaining that their family goes back three generations in town, with her
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grandfather a farmer on the “Keen” farm. Following the presentation, Mayor Michael Mikulski announced that local scoutmaster and firefighter Jim Heffernan, who has also been involved with the Southampton Township Recreation Association (STRA), has been chosen as the municipality’s “Community Volunteer of the Year.” Heffernan was further recognized at the township’s “new tradition” of a “Community Event Day,” held this year at the Red Lion Recreational Facility/Park on July 9, preceding the town’s annual fireworks show. Heffernan, upon learning of the selection, said that “while I can think of people who are more deserving, I am honored.” Tw o o r d i n a n c e s w e r e a p p r o v e d unanimously during the latest governing body session. While the first is titled an ordinance “amending the township zoning map,” as well as related codebook chapters, according to Mikulski, “no areas of zoning were changed through this ordinance.” “Basically, we are codifying all prior changes that were made,” he contended. The mayor, in further explaining what the ordinance is all about, pointed out that the property that the township building sits on is “now called the ‘Municipal Complex Zone,’” but that, “on the old zoning map, it doesn’t call it the ‘Municipal Complex Zone.’” “So, basically, this zoning map should be updated once a decade, but ours has not been codified in quite some time,” said Mikulski, recognizing the township had
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Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad member and Southampton’s Emergency Manager, Eamonn Fitzpatrick-Ruth (right), accepts a new ambulance delivery from VCI Emergency Vehicles representative Paul Hagemann. received some telephone calls about the purpose of the measure. “It is basically codifying the changes that have been made since the last time it was updated. Nobody’s property is being changed in zoning from where it was yesterday to where it will be today if this passes.” The second ordinance amended the salary ranges for “various officials and employees” of the township, with a related resolution subsequently passed actually amending the salaries. A comparison of a 2021 resolution that adopted salaries for town officials with the one just passed showed an approximate 2 percent increase in pay being given for most positions, with the township administrator position, for example, having its salary increased from $84,387 to $86,100, while for the township clerk’s position, the salary was upped from $28,130 to $28,700. T he tow nsh ip c om m itt e e me mb er compensation increased from $10,335 to $10,542. Another resolution adopted during the meeting authorized the “execution of a fourparty Memorandum of Understanding for the Community Resilience Planning for Disaster Recovery Project.” “That is a project that the New Jersey Depar t ment of Housi ng and Urban Development, through the county, has asked two communities in Burlington County to get involved in,” said Mikulski in explaining the measure. “Willingboro and Southampton
were chosen. We don’t know anything else at this point. It is in its infancy.” Eamonn Fitzpatrick-Ruth, the township’s emergency management coordinator, noted a recent evacuation drill was held at Southampton Township Schools #2 and #3, and reported that the exercise went “flawlessly.” “I can’t say enough good things about how that went,” he declared. Fitzpatrick-Ruth, who is also a member of the Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad, pointed out that the organization was due to receive a new ambulance, with the call numbers “1784.” Since the meeting, the organization has reportedly now accepted delivery of a new “2022 F-550 4x4 Horton 623 stock remount unit” from VCI Emergency Vehicles. Fitzpatrick-Ruth noted that the local squad began a new program on June 1 for the summer months, “Power Truck.” “During the summer months, from June to September, we are staffing a second truck on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the township building,” he said, explaining that normally the squad only staffs one truck at its station based in Hampton Lakes. “The goal is, number one, to help alleviate some of the increased call volume, but to also help reduce some of the response times to the center and north ends of town as well. We have had very good success with it, so far.”
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Three Airlifted to Area Hospitals After Three-Vehicle Route 72 Crash WOODLAND —Th re e p eople were airlifted to area hospitals after a threevehicle crash, including a head-on collision, oc cur red on Route 72 i n Woodland Township on July 9. The crash occurred around 3:50 p.m. near milepost 5.5, according to New Jersey State Police. A preliminary state police investigation revealed that a Honda CRV was traveling east on Route 72, while a Honda Accord was traveling west, and a Mercedes Benz was traveling west behind the Accord, according to Trooper Brandi Slota, a state police spokeswoman. “In the area of milepost 5.5, a head-on collision occurred between the CRV and Accord,” she said. “The Mercedes Benz went off the road to the right and struck a
tree.” The driver of the CRV, a 24-year-old man from Manahawkin, as well as a 19-year-old woman passenger, sustained serious injuries, according to Slota. The driver of the Accord, a 26-year-old woman from Matawan, also sustained serious injuries. All three people who were injured were airlifted to area hospitals. The driver of the Mercedes Benz was not injured, according to Slota. The accident remains under investigation, she added. The identities of the victims were not released by state police. The Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS company reported that Route 72 between follow us on County Route 563 and Savoy Boulevard was closed for a time in both facebook.com/MedfordUMC directions on July 9.
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(Continued from Page 2) whether you guys are going to rebid it or what you were going to do with that.” There was no direction given by the township committee about which way they wanted both Brown and Viscardi to proceed on procuring a new ambulance. While the local fire and EMS company and township have been trying to work out the procurement of new equipment, the entity comprising volunteers has been trying to coordinate repairs to its Chatsworth firehouse, which was damaged in a motor vehicle crash last December. The doors to the Chatsworth firehouse were open for a time during the evening of July 11, and this newspaper observed that a temporary wall had been constructed between its two garage doors. It was work that Viscardi noted on June 23 was completed to allow for permanent repairs to be made by a contractor. “We are ready for a contractor to do work in the firehouse,” Viscardi declared. New windows are expected to arrive in four to eight weeks, while the garage doors could take as long as 20 weeks to arrive or somewhere “in the October timeframe.” Replacement brick to go on the front of the building is expected to arrive in four to six weeks, the chief added. Viscardi confirmed that a contractor had submitted for permits to conduct the work, with Brown confirming that they are ready for pickup. The chief also reported that the local fire and EMS company has gained one “fullfledge” EMT to its roster, after a local woman completed required coursework. That person, he said, will be responding out of the Chatsworth station. Additionally, he reported that “currently we have one engine down due to mechanical issues,” and that a fire engine in Chatsworth had been relocated to the company’s other station in Lebanon Lakes “because that is where most members come out of.” However, he added, “one of our ambulances is still running out the Chatsworth section.” A fire engine and ambulance were parked
Lic# 1283
outside the Chatsworth firehouse on the night of July 11. DeGroff, following the chief’s report to the governing body, asked Viscardi how a collection drive went, to which the chief replied, “it worked out pretty well” despite some rain and getting a late start on one day. Brown, meanwhile, was given a significant bump in pay during the latest governing body session, the result of a recent shared service agreement between Woodland and Tabernacle townships for administrator services. As the Woodland administrator, Brown earned for that position alone (which was said to be down to about two days per week of office hours), some $17,000 annually, but will now earn an additional $38,000 for the Tabernacle administrator position, paid by Woodland (Tabernacle is paying a $4,000 a month, or $48,000 per year, fee to Woodland for the service). Currently, Brown also receives pay for various other positions she holds in Woodland, including township clerk, totaling $58,831. That brings Brown’s approximate current pay between the services she provides in the two towns to $113,000. Additionally, the Woodland committee entered into a shared service agreement recently with Pemberton Borough to provide construction and plumbing subcode official services to the latter. Tom Boyd, who will be providing those services (he is Woodland’s construction, building subcode, and plumbing subcode official) will earn an additional $10,000 for doing so ($5,000 per shared position), bringing his total pay by Woodland to some $34,000. Both the increases in pay to Brown and Boyd were made possible through an unanimously approved ordinance setting the salary ranges for township officials and a corresponding resolution adopting the actual salary figures for each township official. But the circumstances surrounding the shared services agreements and salaries drew some questions from resident Jane Donoghue. Officials revealed through that questioning that Woodland would only be receiving a stipend of $500 for “processing” from Pemberton Borough, and when Donoghue replied that “it doesn’t sound like that is
Check: $ ____________ (Enclosed) Money Order: $ ______
getting us very far,” DeGroff contended “shared services seem to work out very well for us” and “it is $500” that the township wouldn’t otherwise receive. “It’s not interfering with our time, so I see no issue with it,” the mayor added. Brown, in also offering a response, pointed out that the “state looks very favorably upon municipalities that have shared services agreements,” and that it is often asked if any exist when applying for state grants. Additionally, shared services agreements, Brown noted, allow the town to increase its “positive answers” on a Best Practices Checklist, and the scores are used by the state to assign funding to municipalities. “It (having shared services agreements) is encouraged as an overall cost savings,” said Township Solicitor William Burns. “It also allows towns to apply some property tax relief. … So, it is in accordance with public policy.” After Donoghue pointed out that Boyd also works in Tabernacle and Southampton townships, and further questioned the Wood land and Pemb er ton Boroug h arrangement, Brown remarked that Boyd “does it on his way home on Tuesday evenings,” though it was unclear for which town she was referring. “You can’t be in four places at once,” quipped Donoghue, to which Brown replied that “you can’t,” but that “all inspections are being performed in a timely fashion.” DeGroff emphasized that by having shared services agreements in place, “it’s not necessarily for revenue,” but that it “looks favorable for both townships.” “It is not costing us anything,” the mayor contended. As for the Woodland arrangement with Tabernacle, Burns explained that “Tabernacle is paying Woodland directly for shared services, and Woodland is paying” Brown, which, through the salary resolution, is “increasing Maryalice’s salary.” But the township solicitor pointed to the arrangement allowing for “expanded office hours” for residents in Tabernacle and Woodland “to have more access to Ms. Brown.” “It is not just about the small economic benefit, but about the increase in availability
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of Ms. Brown,” Burns said. After another question was posed about what exactly are Brown’s office hours in Woodland given the arrangement that is in place, Brown replied that she is “normally in Woodland, in the morning, on Mondays and Thursdays” while also there “in the afternoons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.” “Now, that’s flexible,” she cautioned,” noting that in the event of absences she has “flipped it.” But, she maintained, “again, you can reach me at any time.” Also, during the meeting, DeGroff resigned from the Land Use Board, contending that “you can’t have three committee members on it” (something that came up a few times during the Chatsworth cellphone tower controversy, which has yet to be resolved). Additionally, Stanley Worrell, a resident who previously made headlines for clear cutting along a township paper street claiming he simply created a firebreak, something that was disputed by some residents and ultimately got the attention of the Pinelands Commission, which demanded revegetation of the area or that a development application be filed, received governing body permission to be heard before the Land Use Board with a request to clear cut Third and Fourth avenues, which are currently paper streets, to access his property. “There is no access to two lots he owns off Prince Street,” Brown explained. “He needs to open Third Street and Fourth Street to gain access to his lots.” The previous area that had been cleared was ultimately revegetated, with the township given a key to a gate restricting access. The township’s new website has launched, and Brown announced that the state intends to demolish the former First Aid squad building in Lebanon Lakes, which it now owns and is dilapidated, sometime in the fall. The latest committee session ended with DeGroff instructing Brown to explore the possibility of moving Woodland’s veteran’s monument/memorial to make way for a possible expansion to “add more names,” suggesting that the new location be somewhere in the front of the municipal building.
Page 14 ♦
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(Continued from Page 4) yet been subject to a prohibition on open ground-level campfires that has just been imposed on the part of the state north of the Raritan River, he noted. In the meantime, he said, the state Forest Fire Service, responding to appeals from western states that are currently experiencing peak fire season, has sent members and equipment to assist in efforts to control major wildfires in both Texas and Alaska. But he added that “obviously, when we’re considering responding to these requests for support out of state, we’re taking into consideration our issues and concerns, and New Jersey is our first priority.”
♦ Page 15
Photos By New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Scenes from the Maple Branch Wildfire.
WILDFIRE
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Active surveillance and mopping up operations of all three recent area wildfires, including the 315-acre Brickworks Fire in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, will continue until “adequate rainfall is received over these fires,” which should provide the service with “100 percent control of all of these incidents,” reported Division Fire Warden Shawn Judy. For the time being, however, the Mullica River fire will remain 95 percent contained due to some low, swampy areas deep in the interior of the containment area continuing to burn,” Judy said. St at e Fore st Sup er i nt e nde nt Rob Auermuller reported that despite those pockets that have yet to be extinguished, all of the 80 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails closed by the major fire have now been reopened and the service was
fairly confident that both the river system and campground that had been impacted would be reopened by this weekend as well. Auermuller added that the reopening of those recreational facilities was largely due to a “huge outpouring of volunteers” from local clubs, facilities and organizations, particularly the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, the Jersey Off Road Bicycling Association, Pinelands Adventures and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. McLaughlin also endeavored to address a question from this reporter about whether the potential for the type of catastrophic wildfire in the Pine Barrens that was raised in a 2016 article in Rolling Stone magazine was still present or had since been mitigated to any degree. The fact that there are now more people than ever both residing and engaging in
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recreational activities in an “interface” containing so many volatile forest fuels was indeed “a recipe for catastrophe when it comes to wildfire,” he contended. But as for the question of whether the threat has been mitigated since that article was published, he also pointed out that “we target 20-25,000 acres a year for mitigation, for fuel reduction, for prescribed burning,” in addition to attempting “to manage the forest in a more holistic landscape way to create these fire breaks and fuel breaks.” So, from that perspective, “it is mitigated, but the dangers are real and ever present,” he maintained. “What I’m reminded of is that Mother Nature is not predictable, and you can never underestimate the potential of what can happen,” McLaughlin added.
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