Fire truck to be placed in Emergency Services Building, township officials say

A fire truck will still be placed in the Emergency Services Building, according to Mayor Steven Lee, a topic that was discussed during the Feb. 25 township committee meeting.

The fire company had previously promised to place a new truck in the building to serve the eastern side of the township, according to Commissioner John Berger.

The trucks were meant to retire due to old age, and were to be replaced following the referendum.

“As you may know, the fire commission budget was passed by the voters last week, but the ballot questions regarding the trucks were denied,” Lee said.

“However, during the ballot presentation to the committee earlier this year, we were pleased to hear from Commissioners Berger and (Jules) Krause that regardless of the outcome of the election, they would put an existing truck in our new building.”
The fire district has the ability to hold a second referendum for new trucks, but the company is unsure if a vote will happen, Shawn Vena, public information officer of the company, told The Sun following the vote.

In other news regarding the Medford Farms Fire Company, tension between the township and the fire company will be resolved. The issue regarding township-owned equipment has been discussed in executive session since the summer. The matter was never officially brought to court.

“Medford Farms Fire Company and the township have come to a tentative agreement to settle the lawsuit MFVFC filed last year. Tabernacle Township Committee ratified the agreement, and, as I understand it, MFVFC ratified it last Thursday night. We are still awaiting the signed document from their president, Don Perkins,” Lee said.

In other news, the township introduced budget numbers during the meeting. The committee was unable to provide further information on taxes or the proposed budget.

“Budget numbers were discussed but since it has not been introduced yet, I can’t really comment because the numbers are not final. It is still a working document,” Lee said.

Gov. Christie gave the state budget address on Feb. 26. Official municipal numbers regarding aid were not available at press time. Revenue will now be coming in from Woodland Township, due to the approval of a shared service agreement.

“The shared services agreement with Woodland Township is for our construction offices.

“Our inspectors will now be covering Woodland Township for building, fire, plumbing and electrical, and we will reeive financial compensation from Woodland,” Lee said.

According to Lee, Tabernacle engineer Frank Morris and Doug Cranmer are satisfied with the work.

A proclamation for Read Across America week at Tabernacle School to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday was read by Committeewoman Kim Brown.

The next township committee meeting will be held March 22 at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, located at 163 Carranza Road.