Medford Business Association

TOWNSHIP NEWS
5/7/13

Commercial Trash Collection Update

Ordinance 2013-6 was adopted at the 4/16/13 Township meeting which defines commercial user as the owner of the property per block and lot and shall entitled them to one 90 gallon container. Tenants and multiple users shall not be entitled. However, a question was raised by a member of Council for commercial condominium associations relative to the amended definition and that is listed for discussion at tonight's, 5/7/13, Township meeting.

Open Space Trust Fund Ordinance and Referendum Update

Just a reminder that the public hearing on Ordinance 2013-5 is scheduled for this evenings, 5/7/13, Township meeting in which Township Council is asking the voters in November to vote to make the Open Space Tax a variable tax with a rate of 1 cents to 3 cents. The current rate is 3 cents. Council is seeking flexibility from a budgeting strategy. For example, should the general tax rate need to be increased, if all open space obligations are met and the open space tax can be reduced Council could reduce it to the level needed which would offset the increase in the general fund.

2013 Budget Update

The public hearing was held on 4/16/13 with no public comment. However, the State is requiring an amendment which will be acted on at tonight's, 5/7/13, Township meeting. The amendment does not alter Council's position of no tax increase. The hearing on the amendment only will be 5/21/13. Until the budget is adopted the temporary budget is being amended tonight as well.

TOWNSHIP NEWS
4/8/13

Commercial Trash Collection Update

As previously discussed, the Township has been working to reduce and contain its cost. One of the services impacted in this process is commercial trash collection. The 300 gallon containers utilized by approximately 30 businesses are being taken out of service and discontinued. However, in implementing this change additional issues developed in which the Township is now in the process of amending the ordinance for commercial trash collection again. The existing definition by ordinance of commercial user is defined as "any person or other entity operating a business, trade, industry, or other non-residential activity" shall be entitled to one 90 gallon container. However, Township Council introduced Ordinance 2013-6 on 4/2/13 which defines commercial user as the owner of the property per block and lot. Tenants and multiple users shall not be entitled. The public hearing on this ordinance is 4/16/13.

These changes are as a result of the Township's efforts to reduce and contain cost as well as limit and or reduce liability as the 90 gallon containers must be placed curbside as the Township, or its vendor, will not access private property.

Uniform Construction Code Services

Medford previously provided Medford Lakes Borough with certain subcode services. As of the last Township Council meeting a new interlocal was approved in which Medford provides all the services.

Open Space Trust Fund Ordinance and Referedum

Township Council is asking the voters in November to vote to make the Open Space Tax a variable tax with a rate of 1 cents to 3 cents. The current rate is 3 cents. Council is seeking flexibility from a budgeting strategy. For example, should the general tax rate need to be increased, if all open space obligations are met and the open space tax can be reduced Council could reduce it to the level needed which would offset the increase in the general fund. The public hearing for this ordinance is 5/7/13. If the ordinance passes, it will then be referred to the County Clerk for a vote in November.

2013 Budget

Council introduced the 2013 budget on 3/19/13 and the public hearing is scheduled for 4/16/13. The budget calls for no tax increase. The major changes include an adjustment of the reserve for uncollected taxes and reduction of the snow removal line item. The snow trust has adequate funding to handle several typical average storms.

Pop Shop

Staff is meeting with the builder to address building and zoning issues as they prepare to renovate the former bank building for their new tenants.

Township Abatement Program

The Township is in the process of establishing an ordinance that will permit owners in the rehabilitation zones and the redevelopment zones to receve a tax abatement when improvements are made to existing structures/buildings. The Township is developing a threshold of improvement value which will trigger the 5 year abatement. The improvement taxes are then phased in over 5 years at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of value.