JACKSON – Those who attended the Halloween night Township Council meeting to learn if a replacement for Councilman Martin Flemming would be named during the meeting were disappointed.
Flemming resigned during the Council’s prior meeting, noting that his home outside of the township had been completed and that Jackson would no longer be his official residence which made him ineligible to remain on the Council and the Planning Board.
Council President Steve Chisholm noted that there would be a vote on the replacement of Flemming and that there had been a consensus among the current four-member Council “and that consensus was we are still looking for more interested candidates.”
“If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please have them fill out an interest form and send a resume to the clerk’s office by November 8. There will be a special meeting next week that will have the time and place on the township website,” he added.
Council Vice President Nino Borrelli noted the passing of George Glory who along with his wife Clara Glory have owned Glory’s Market for “many decades. George was a major pillar in our community who did a lot for this town. Rest in peace Mr. Glory.”
Councilman Scott Sargent congratulated those involved in this year’s well attended Jackson Day held on October 22 at Johnson Park. “It was pretty amazing,”
“This year’s Jackson Day was a big success. I’m so glad the weather finally cooperated. There was incredible food and entertainment. I want to thank all the vendors and sponsors who made it a success,” Borrelli added. “The biggest hit of the event I think was the motorcycle (stunt show).”
“Jackson Day was a great event and hopefully we can improve on that,” Council President Steve Chisholm remarked.
Borrelli also encouraged all registered voters in the township to vote on Election Day, November 7 and reminded them of early voting options.
Noting that it was an off year for turnout on Election Day, Council President Chisholm called for voters “to do their civic duty – we still have a lot of local assembly and state senator elections.”
Chisholm said that October 28 was National First Responders Day and noted that the township’s EMS is always on the look out for additional members. He encouraged interested people to reach out to them to learn more if you are interested in becoming a member.
“Thank you to all our police officers our fire folks and our EMS,” he added.
The Council unanimously voted to introduce ordinance 31-23 pertaining to land use and development regulations for Pinelands area. The public hearing on this ordinance will be held on November 21.
Public comment speakers at the meeting included residents included Elenor Hannum who asked for details about an hourly rate for a special counsel position that was on the agenda and Chisholm and Wall said that details could be provided. She asked “Does this abide by the municipal guidelines within the state?”
Referendum Opinion
Resident Richard Egan asked Borrelli about the school funding referendum, noting that the Council President had previously stated his opposition to special ballot question that will be decided on November 7.
Borrelli said that because the question calls for a $4 million ballot question that would create permanent change in the tax base, would cause an increase in taxes, he was opposed to it.
Egan questioned whether he had spoken to members of the Board about the issue to which the council vice president said yes.
“There is a possibility that this was a legitimate expense,” Egan said. He asked Borrelli if he had spoken to the mayor about the idea of increased shared services between the township and school district to deflect some of the impact toward taxpayers if the question passes.
The mayor was not present at the meeting.
The special ballot question, if approved, would fund additional school district positions that administrators and the Board of Education feel are necessary for students.
“We don’t know if this is a legitimate ask,” Egan said. “This might affect school students and their education. It is probably an over expenditure but you didn’t investigate it – you played it safe.”
Borrelli pointed out that the financial figures concerning the ballot question were available from the school district and that he took a position on the issue based on that information.
Emotional Support Goat
Resident Moshe Birnbaum spoke about his son’s goat that is for emotional support. It came up because of an incident concerning animal control. He was told his property lot was not the right size. “We have a nice enclosure. If anyone wants to come in and inspect, you are more than welcome.”
Business Administrator Terence Wall said that there was initially one goat, then there was two and a third had gotten loose “which is why animal control got involved.”
“Our attorney looks at lot sizes particularly in reference to farm animals, essentially, however they are categorized,” Wall added.
Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin said he recently sent a memorandum to the Zoning Officer on this issue. “We provided guidance as to what can and cannot be done and if an accommodation can be made it will be considered.”
McGuckin told Birnbaum that once he presented his information to the Zoning Officer it could be determined if it complied with township code.
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