Pemberton public meetings in 2023

10-23-23

The Planning Board was unable to conduct business on the Equity Enterprises Inc. subdivision application because a quorum was not present. The application was adjourned to November 27, 2023. The board approved the meeting minutes from October 5, 2023.

• Approved 10/5/23 meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned Equity Enterprises Inc. application to 11/27/23

09-07-23

The Planning Board approved an amendment to the Bobolink redevelopment plan to add 19 parcels for residential development. The board also deemed two applications from PDC Northeast LPIV complete. A hearing began for a proposed 812,500 square foot warehouse by Rockefeller on Route 206.

• Approved amendment to Bobolink redevelopment plan to add 19 parcels (6-1-1)
• Deemed PB01-23 application for 206 Logistic Hub North complete (8-0)
• Deemed PB02-23 application for Commerce 206 complete (8-0)

09-06-23

The Council received a presentation on the costs and process of asphalt micro-surfacing as a cost-effective alternative to paving. No substantive votes were taken, and a resolution to enter a closed session was not adopted.

• Resolution 270-2023 (Closed Session) - Not Adopted

08-28-23

The Planning Board approved a site plan waiver for a small equipment and inventory storage addition at 2550 Route 206. The board also received a presentation regarding a warehouse study and proposed zoning amendments.

• Approved site plan waiver for addition at 2550 Route 206 (5-0)

08-16-23

The Council heard a presentation from Before and After Properties LLC regarding the purchase and restoration of the Sun Bank building for use as a lounge, café, and apartments. No formal votes were recorded for the proposal or the Relief Application discussed. A motion to enter a closed session was not adopted.

• Closed Session authorization 256-2023: Not Adopted

08-09-23

The Zoning Board held a hearing for a use variance application by Mr. and Mrs. Placek to build a residence and business facilities for AAA Septic Service on a 4-acre lot on Trenton Road. The applicant testified regarding the proposed 3,200 square foot home, a five-bay garage, and a three-sided storage shed. No final decision was recorded in the minutes.

• Hearing held for use variance application for residence and business on Trenton Road

08-07-23

The meeting consisted of a public discussion regarding economic development and the challenges of attracting businesses to the township. No formal votes or legislative decisions were recorded in the minutes.

08-03-23

The Planning Board held a public hearing regarding a CME redevelopment study for 19 additional properties in the Bobolink scattered site area. The consultant presented findings that the properties meet criteria for redevelopment or rehabilitation, primarily due to being vacant, inaccessible, or owned by the municipality. No final designation was made; the board will provide recommendations to the council.

• Presented redevelopment study for 19 properties near Bobolink and Bobway Blvd

08-02-23

The meeting consisted primarily of public comments regarding road safety, internet access, and zoning. No ordinances were adopted, and no formal votes were taken on the issues discussed.

• Resolution 245-2023 to authorize Closed Session: Not Adopted

07-24-23

The Planning Board adjourned the application for the Pemberton Four Season/Greenberg Farm Redevelopment Plan. The applicant will resubmit revised plans addressing stormwater management issues before the next hearing.

• Adjourned Greenberg Farm Redevelopment application hearing to September 25, 2023 (4-1)

07-12-23

The Council approved a resolution to enter a closed session to discuss potential litigation regarding Wisniewski vs. Pemberton Township. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting, which consisted primarily of public comments regarding warehouses, truck traffic, and development.

• Approved Resolution 215-2023 to enter Closed Session for potential litigation (Wisniewski vs. Pemberton Township) (4-0)

07-06-23

The Planning Board held a continued hearing regarding the Pemberton Four Seasons application for a major subdivision and site plan. No final decision was reached; the session consisted of witness testimony and public comment regarding water supply and environmental impacts.

• Continued hearing on Greenburg Farm Redevelopment Plan application

06-26-23

The Planning Board reviewed a proposal to define warehouses and remove them as permitted uses from several zoning districts. The Board voted to continue the matter to the July 6th meeting to allow the Board Planner time to review the reports.

• Tabled decision on warehouse zoning consistency to July 6th meeting (8-0)

06-21-23

The Council approved several budget amendments for environmental grants and updated the 2023 budget. They also authorized the renewal of plenary retail consumption licenses and approved a shared services agreement for the Pemberton Library.

• Approved renewal of Plenary Retail Consumption Licenses (5-0)
• Approved $83,127.97 budget amendment for NJDEP Clean Communities Program (5-0)
• Approved $35,738.10 budget amendment for NJDEP Recycling Tonnage Grant (5-0)
• Approved shared services agreement with Burlington County Library Commission (5-0)
• Authorized application for NJDOT State Aid Funding for South Lakeshore Drive, Phase V (5-0)
• Approved $900.00 in routine refunds (5-0)
• Approved rescinding of petty cash funds for Public Assistance and Municipal Utilities Authority (5-0)
• Approved contributions for the 2023 Pemberton Township Water Carnival (5-0)

06-07-23

The Council approved a grant for the Emmons-Busansky Project and authorized routine refunds. They also appointed members to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and approved meeting minutes from April and May.

• Approved $256,000 NJDOT Safe Routes to Schools grant for Emmons-Busansky Project Phase II (5-0)
• Approved appointment of members to the Agricultural Advisory Committee (4-1)
• Approved $1,225.00 in routine refunds (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for April 19, 2023 and May 3, 2023 (5-0)
• Not Adopted Resolution 185-2023 to enter Closed Session

06-01-23

The Planning Board reviewed an application from K Hovnanian at Rancocas Creek, LLC for the Greenburg Farm Redevelopment Plan. The proposal includes an age-restricted community of 346 homes and various recreational facilities. No final vote was recorded in the provided text.

• Heard testimony for preliminary and final site plan and subdivision approval for Greenburg Farm
• Member Perry Doyle recused himself from the Greenburg Farm application due to property proximity

05-22-23

The Board heard testimony regarding a proposed development by Equity Enterprises Inc. for 575 age-restricted dwelling units. No final decision was made; the applicant will present revised plans and further testimony at a future meeting.

• Postponed Rockefeller Acquisitions, LLC application to July 24, 2023
• Determined no action was necessary regarding the 2022 Annual Report from the Zoning Board of Adjustment

05-17-23

The Council received a presentation on the 2023 budget, which includes a proposed increase of approximately $96 for the average household. A safety presentation was delivered by Hardenberg Insurance. No substantive votes were recorded for the items discussed.

• Closed Session authorization 167-2023: Not Adopted

05-10-23

The Board approved a bulk variance for a large accessory garage at 16 Pepper Road, subject to several conditions including the removal of existing sheds and securing proper permits. Additionally, the Board approved the 2022 Annual Report and a side setback variance for a three-season room at 147 Juliustown Road.

• Approved Resolution Z-16-2023 (2022 Annual Report) (8-0)
• Approved Resolution Z-18-2023 for side setback variance at 147 Juliustown Road (7-0)
• Approved bulk variance for accessory garage at 16 Pepper Road with conditions (7-0)

05-04-23

The Pemberton Township Planning Board approved a minor subdivision for Pantarelli at Chippewa Trail, including a variance for a shed. Two major warehouse applications were continued: Pemberton-2-LLC's five-warehouse project was continued to July 6, 2023, and Rockefeller Acquisitions' warehouse distribution facility was also continued. The board also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

• Approved Pantarelli minor subdivision at Chippewa Trail with variance for shed (unanimous)
• Continued Pemberton-2-LLC warehouse subdivision and site plan to July 6, 2023
• Continued Rockefeller Acquisitions warehouse site plan (no date specified)
• Approved March 27, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 6, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 24, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

05-03-23

The meeting was largely procedural with no substantive decisions made. Council heard public comments on proposed warehouses, a cannabis facility, tax credits, and sidewalk repairs. No votes were taken on these issues.

• No substantive decisions were made at this meeting

04-24-23

The Planning Board voted unanimously to find Ordinance 9-2023, which amends Chapter 159 Stormwater, not inconsistent with the Master Plan. A subdivision and site plan application for Greenburg Farm Redevelopment was deferred to June 1 due to a failure to provide required notice to the County Planning Board.

• Found Ordinance 9-2023 Amending Chapter 159 Stormwater not inconsistent with Master Plan (9-0)
• Deferred Greenburg Farm Redevelopment Plan application to June 1 due to lack of required notice to County Planning Board

04-19-23

Representatives from Eastern Tiger LLC presented a security and odor mitigation plan for a proposed Class I Cannabis Cultivator license. The Council discussed environmental impacts, security measures, and proximity to residences. No formal decision was recorded on the resolution of local support.

04-12-23

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two variance requests for residential properties. Three other applications were deemed incomplete, and one annual report was tabled.

• Approved Resolution Z-17-2023 for a front yard fence at Block 146 Lot 47 (6-0)
• Approved bulk variance for a 3-season room at 147 Juliustown Road (7-0)
• Deemed application for accessory building at 16 Pepper Rd incomplete; continued to site visit (7-0)
• Deemed application for home and accessory building at Trenton Road incomplete (7-0)
• Deemed site plan application for tree service at 187 Arney’s Mt. Rd incomplete (7-0)
• Tabled Resolution Z-16-2023 Zoning Board of Adjustment 2022 Annual Report (Unanimous)
• Approved February 8, 2023 Minutes (3-0)
• Approved March 8, 2023 Minutes (6-0)

04-06-23

The Planning Board voted to table the review of Ordinance 9-2023 regarding stormwater amendments. The board also approved meeting minutes from February and March 2023.

• Tabled Ordinance 9-2023 Amending Chapter 159 Stormwater to April 24 (8-0)
• Approved February 2, 2023 Regular Minutes (8-0)
• Approved February 2, 2023 Executive Session Minutes (8-0)
• Approved March 2, 2023 Regular Minutes (7-0)

04-05-23

The Council adopted a bond ordinance for roadway improvements and established an Agricultural Advisory Committee. They also approved several grants for the fire department and parks, while denying a redevelopment plan for a solar facility.

• Approved $466,000 bond for roadway improvements (5-0)
• Approved creation of Agricultural Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Approved application for FEMA SAFER grant to hire 6 firefighters (4-1)
• Accepted $200,000 FEMA grant for Fire Department (5-0)
• Accepted $50,000 grant for Spring Lake Beach Park (5-0)
• Approved $40,000 contract for LSRP services at Well #6 (5-0)
• Denied Junction Road Redevelopment Plan for solar facility (Motion died)
• Tabled purchase of two new garbage trucks

03-27-23

The provided minutes contain no record of motions, votes, or decisions. The document consists of a signature page and a disclaimer.

03-15-23

The Council approved ordinances updating affordable housing and residency requirements. They also introduced several new ordinances regarding roadway improvements, zoning, and rental properties, while tabling a public auction of township property.

• Adopted Ordinance 5-2023 amending affordable housing code (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 7-2023 regarding residency requirements (5-0)
• Approved $14,800 contract for asbestos removal at 131 Ft. Dix Road Barn (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 8-2023 for $466,000 in roadway improvements (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 9-2023 updating stormwater zoning regulations (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 11-2023 regarding rental property lead testing (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 14-2023 creating an Agricultural Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Tabled Resolution 105-2023 regarding public auction of personal property (5-0)

03-08-23

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a bulk variance for a 6-foot fence in a front yard. One application for an accessory building was continued pending further information, and a resolution of appreciation was passed.

• Approved bulk variance for 6’ front yard fence at 631 Elm Ave (6-0)
• Approved Resolution Z-15-2023 of appreciation for Nancy Abbott Esq. (8-0)
• Continued application for accessory building at 16 Pepper Rd with waiver of time to act (7-0)
• Tabled Resolution Z-16-2023 Zoning Board of Adjustment 2022 Annual Report
• Approved January 11, 2023 regular and Executive Session minutes (6-0)
• Sworn in Rachel Delgado-Simmons

03-02-23

The Planning Board reviewed and found an affordable housing ordinance and two solar redevelopment plans not inconsistent with the Master Plan. One subdivision application for warehouse buildings was continued to a future meeting.

• Found Ordinance 5-2023 (Affordable Housing) not inconsistent with Master Plan, suggesting a 15-20% requirement for developments over 50 units (8-0)
• Recommended Lang Superfund Site solar redevelopment plan not inconsistent with Master Plan, removing language regarding rural character and endangered species (7-0-1)
• Found Junction Road solar redevelopment plan not inconsistent with Master Plan (6-0-2)
• Granted continuance for Pemberton-2-LLC warehouse/office subdivision application to April 6, 2023 (8-0)

03-01-23

The Council approved a letter of support for a Class 5 Retail Cannabis Dispensary operated by Alchemy Botanics, LLC. Other actions included approving police equipment purchases and a redevelopment agreement amendment. An ordinance regarding residency requirements was introduced for further consideration.

• Approved support for Alchemy Botanics Class 5 Retail Cannabis Dispensary (3-2)
• Approved $10,138.24 for Police Department body armor and accessories
• Approved second amendment to redevelopment agreement with New Horizon Properties (Block 775, Lots 18 & 19)
• Approved $24,995.00 contract to Precision Analytical Services, Inc. for water laboratory testing
• Approved donation of office furniture from Miller*Remick
• Approved donation of patrol vehicle cameras from Toms River
• Approved contract with Municibid for online auction of township property
• Introduced Ordinance 7-2023 amending residency requirements

02-15-23

Council approved contracts for West End Park streambank repairs and the restoration of the Jones Farm Storage Barn. They also adopted ordinances to exceed municipal budget limits and accept two properties on Ward Street. A presentation was held for a proposed retail cannabis store, but no formal vote on the license was recorded.

• Approved $71,210 contract with Adams, Rehmann & Heggan for West End Park streambank repairs (5-0)
• Approved contract with Reagan Young England Butera Architects for Jones Farm Storage Barn restoration (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 4-2023 to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 6-2023 to accept properties at Block 57, Lots 15 & 127 (5-0)
• Approved Shared Services Agreement with Burlington County for senior meals (5-0)
• Approved $900 in routine refunds (5-0)
• Approved parade permit for Presidential Lakes Civic Association on July 4, 2023 (5-0)
• Confirmed Mayoral appointment to the Zoning Board (5-0)

02-08-23

The Zoning Board of Adjustment appointed the law firm of Malamut as its attorney for 2023. Minutes and executive session records from January 11, 2023, were tabled.

• Appointed law firm of Malamut as ZB attorney for 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled January 11, 2023 Minutes
• Tabled January 11, 2023 Executive Session

02-02-23

The Planning Board approved a resolution to set additional meeting dates to accommodate major projects. The board also approved the minutes from December 13, 2022, and January 5, 2023.

• Approved December 13, 2022 minutes (5-0)
• Approved January 5, 2023 minutes (8-0)
• Approved Resolution # P-14-2023 to enter executive session (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution # P-15-2023 for additional meeting dates (9-0)

02-01-23

The Council adopted two ordinances amending salary ranges for township employees and elected officials. They also approved several service contracts and the appointment of a new Community Development Director, while rejecting the appointment of a new Township Solicitor.

• Approved Ordinance 1-2023 amending employee salary ranges (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2-2023 amending elected official salary ranges (5-0)
• Appointed Rosemary Flaherty as Community Development Director (5-0)
• Approved $13,043.56 for police vehicle repair (5-0)
• Approved shared services agreement with Stafford Township for a Purchasing Agent (5-0)
• Approved contract extension with Garden State Laboratories Inc. up to $32,615.00 (5-0)
• Approved concession contract with Invoice Cloud for Tax Collector’s Office (5-0)
• Rejected appointment of Jerry Dasti as Township Solicitor (2-3)

01-18-23

The Council accepted a $192,310 NJ DEP grant for stream embankment repairs at West End Park. They also introduced ordinances to adjust salaries for the Business Administrator, Mayor, and Council, and approved several property tax refunds and zoning amendments.

• Accepted $192,310 Water Quality Restoration Grant for West End Park (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 44-2023 setting Mayor's compensation at $9,000 (3-2)
• Approved $15,815 for Senior Center bus transportation (5-0)
• Approved $7,465 for Police Department redaction workstation and software (5-0)
• Approved $7,210 for Fire Department generator repair (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 52-2023 for property tax refund to a disabled veteran (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 57-2023 designating specific lots as Areas in Need of Redevelopment (5-0)
• Approved Bill List dated 1/12/2023 (4-1)

01-05-23

The Planning Board held its reorganization meeting to appoint board leadership and professional consultants for 2023. The board also established its 2023 meeting schedule and official newspapers.

• Appointed Steven E. Borders as Board Chairperson
• Appointed Dan Hullings as Board Vice-Chair
• Appointed Richard Brown as Board Member Secretary
• Appointed William Sitzler as Board Attorney
• Appointed Bernstein as Board Conflict Attorney
• Appointed David Banisch as Board Planner
• Appointed ARH as Board Engineer
• Appointed Donna DiPalma as Board Business Secretary

01-04-23

The Council completed its annual reorganization, appointing key municipal officers and adopting temporary 2023 budgets. Several professional service contracts were approved, though a resolution to appoint the Solicitor failed. Salary ordinances and compensation rates were tabled until the January 18th meeting.

• Appointed Donovan Gardner as Council President (5-0)
• Approved Temporary Municipal, Water, and Sewer Budgets for 2023 (5-0)
• Denied Resolution 26-2023 regarding Solicitor appointment (2-3)
• Appointed Daniel Hornickel as Business Administrator (5-0)
• Appointed Thomas McNaughton as Director of Public Works (4-1)
• Appointed Nichole Pittman as Director of Recreation and Senior Services (5-0)
• Appointed Jackie Gleason as Municipal Court Administrator (5-0)
• Tabled salary ordinances 1-2023, 2-2023, 3-2023 and Resolution 44-2023 (5-0)