In response to issues in Shamong, Medford is in its drafting stages of their own animal ordinance.
At this week’s Medford Council meeting, a draft ordinance was presented in regard to commission membership quantities, along with residents sharing their concerns about an upcoming animal ordinance.
At the Jan. 2 meeting, the council discussed vacancies on the economic development commission. According to the township website, the commission assists council in the “development and maintenance of a positive business environment.”
The website states some of the goals include creating a business friendly atmosphere, developing an image of Medford as a desirable place to live, work and play, and maintaining a close working relationship with the Medford Business Association, township planning and zoning professionals, the Burlington County Office of Economic Development, various state agencies and more.
The commission is currently made up of four members. The council previously stated there are seven spots that can be filled, however, there is no language in place that is requiring those vacancies to be filled.
At this week’s meeting, a draft ordinance was introduced with language stating “up to nine members” can be a part of the commission.
Council stated this ordinance will also be in effect for the environmental affairs advisory committee.
According to the township website, this committee researches the use and possible use of open land areas of Medford, maintains an index of open areas (publicly or privately owned), reviews site plans of proposed development, communicates with the council on environmental and sustainability issues and monitors the shade trees in the township. First reading on the ordinance will take place at the next meeting.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Linda Randall raised concerns regarding the township’s animal ordinances, as a response to the the animal ordinance effective in Shamong.
The ordinance in Shamong was passed after residents raised concerns with the township regarding Donna Roberts and the suspicion she was treating dogs on her property poorly.
After the ordinance was passed, State Police found 44 deceased dogs on her property and more than 150 others that were alive but being kept in “substandard, inhumane conditions,” officials said.
Medford Township is now taking it upon itself to put its own ordinance in place in regard to domestic animals.
Randall said she believes Shamong’s ordinance was fair, and the township stated they have reviewed the ordinance as a point of reference for their own ordinance.
Shamong resident Katherine Spence also spoke at public comment, offering her assistance and the assistance of others in shaping Medford’s animal ordinance.
Spence frequented the Shamong Committee meetings when the ordinance was being formed and she said she feels the Shamong ordinance could have been shorter than it was and suggested to keep their ordinance as simple as possible.
“If you’re going to do an ordinance, now’s the time. I can’t tell you how divisive it was in Shamong and how many people still feel hurt in Shamong. So the fact that you’re ahead of this is fantastic,” Spence said.
Deputy Mayor Frank Czekay responded and said they plan on moving forward with the ordinance in a way that is fair to all residents, and they are currently in the drafting stages.
The next regular council meeting will be held on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Building located at 91 Union St.
