Present were:

Peter Davis, Vice-president	Michael Jacobs, Business Administrator	Michael Spina
Mark Proudman, Treasurer	Robin Rosen, Secretary	Joseph Arena
Russell J. Azzarello, Director	Nick Smolney

 

 

 

 

Absent were:

Mayor Jim Phillips	Michael D'Agnes	Kevin Ruffler
Patrick Gillespie, President	Raj Patel	Larry Redmond
Edward Testino, Councilman	Laheri Mehta	Ellen Ritchie

 

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Salute to the flag was followed by roll call.

Statement was made that the meeting was held in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act.

Mark Proudman gave his Treasurer's Report for November 2005 and the Bill List for November 2005.

A motion was made by Michael Spina, seconded by Nick Smolney, and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the November 2005 Treasurer's Report and Bill List.

Mr. Azzarello advised Mark Proudman that the municipal budget was adopted by the Township Council. The annual stipend will be available.

A motion was made by Nick Smolney and seconded by Mark Proudman and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the November 14, 2005 Meeting Summary.

Russell Azzarello gave his Executive Director's Report.

There was the successful signing of the lease for the YMCA by the Mayor and the Clerk at the Township Council meeting on Monday, December 12, 2005. George Scharpf, Jonathan Heilbrunn and I were there. The Township is now off and running. The good news is the YMCA should be open by the spring of 2008. Mr. Davis asked Mr. Azzarello how the fund raising was going. Mr. Azzarello stated that there has been a significant amount raised by some major donors such as the bank, Kara Homes, Wilentz, Halpern, and others. The YMCA had a campaign to raise money from locals. So far, approximately one million dollars is already in place. The County put in $500.000 at the signing.

All Star Car Wash did come in to see the Township Planner and Engineer. They discussed how All Star Car Wash will annex a lube and service building to the car wash building. They are looking to have a car serviced on one side and proceed out through the car wash side.

BJ's Wholesale is on target. They are hoping for a grand opening by the end of January 2006. They have been on a Township campaign to see customers. Mr. Davis asked if the traffic light situation has now been resolved. Mr. Azzarello stated that the light is in the process.

Stanbery Development is in the permitting process. The County has served as the applicant to the DEP to get approval. Both Mayor Phillips and Chief Collow sent letters of support for the necessity of traffic improvements, which would include a DOT permit.

There is no firm deal, but there is some talk that Kohls is considering taking over the Kmart spot. That would be a good addition to the town.

We have had a preliminary meeting with the owners of the Stassi Farm. We are looking for a mixed use property. If you are familiar with that area there aren't any local stores to walk to if you need something, especially for the people in the Woodhaven development.

I met with the associates of CIBA Chemical Plant and a company called UniSolar. Unisolar is a solar farm. They literally can make enough energy from one solar farm next to the current CIBA plant on Waterworks Road to completely run the CIBA plant. Every day that they do not need to get their energy from JCP&L they get if from the sun. They are putting together a prototype for us and will get back to us for a certain area. It will be based on a give number of square feet of land and how much they can put in.

Mr. Davis asked Mr. Azzarello if there was anything new on the Jets. Since Acting-Governor Codey was in town for the high school dedication, Mr. Azzarello did not get a chance to speak with him. The Governor suggested unofficially that Old Bridge may be a bit too far. The location is a major consideration. We have not heard anything official as to their final decision.

As this is Russ Azzarello's final report to the Economic Development Corporation, he thanked all the members for their continued help and support while serving as their executive director. December 31, 2005 will be Mr. Azzarello's last day in the Township. Mr. Azzarello told the Board that he will be available if the need arises. He is always willing to volunteer his services.

A motion was made by Joseph Arena and seconded by Nick Smolney and unanimously agreed upon to accept the Executive Director's Report.

Mr. Davis took a moment to thank Mr. Azzarello for what he believes was a great few years. Mr. Davis said that he has been with the EDC for many years but feels Mr. Azzarello brought a true professionalism to this job and a clear understanding of the needs of the Township. Mr. Azzarello will be missed. He looks forward to tapping in on his volunteer services.

There was no New Business to discuss.

The public portion was opened.

Linda Seiler asked who will be replacing Mr. Azzarello.

Mr. Davis replied the decision has not been made. It must first be published and posted. A committee must be formed. The running of the Economic Development Corporation will fall upon Patrick Gillespie, president and Pete Davis, vice president for the time being.

Ms. Seiler asked Mr. Davis what is the Economic Development Corporation's vision for next year? Mr. Davis repeated that now with Mr. Azzarello leaving, the first order of business will be to find his replacement. The EDC is always looking to attract new business into town. In general, we will try to increase the tax base of the Township. The EDC will also have to see if the new Director's position will be a full-time or part-time. There will be many decisions within the EDC to be made first.

A motion was made by Mark Proudman and seconded by Joseph Arena and unanimously agreed upon to adjourn the meeting.