Residents raise Pinelands and stormwater questions; administrators report audit and budget timing

During the public-comment portion of the Feb. 18 meeting, resident Bill Cozzi asked why the Pinelands Commission was now requesting another formality for a completed pole-array project and whether the applicant (BEMS) might litigate to avoid obligations. Township Administrator Brandon Umba said the project was completed, that a letter was sent asking the applicant to submit the necessary application to Pinelands because approval had not been sought, and that a negotiated figure for outstanding obligations exists but could be renegotiated.

Mr. Cozzi also asked whether the shared-service stormwater inspections would include Leisuretowne storm drains; Administrator Umba confirmed they would and said he would provide the inspection schedule when received. Scott Mitchell of the Vincent Fire Department reported on January calls; Mayor Ronald Heston thanked the Vincent Fire Department and other emergency services.

Administrator Umba said the township audit should be complete by the end of the week, and a draft 2025 budget has been prepared and could be introduced at the next meeting. He said capital meetings with departments have been held and that the Committee needed to enter executive session to discuss long-term debt strategy, contract negotiations and attorney-client matters. The Committee entered executive session at 6:39 p.m., returned at 7:50 p.m., and announced no formal action resulted from that session before adjourning.