Moorestown Council Considers Livestream For Meetings

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown officials are looking at ways to continue to conduct business while keeping employees and the public safe after Gov. Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey will not allow gatherings of 50 people or more, Mayor Nicole Gillespie said Tuesday morning.

This was the discussion topic at a special meeting held at town hall Monday afternoon. Streaming township council meetings live online is a priority, but it won’t be able to happen for the next meeting, scheduled for Monday night.

Later in the morning, township officials announced that meeting is still scheduled, but will take place with an agenda limited to necessary business. There will be no workshop portion of the meeting. They also announced town hall will be closed until further notice as of Wednesday.

On Sunday, a 43-year-old man became the first person to test positive for coronavirus in Moorestown. Read more here: First Positive Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In Moorestown

On Monday, Burlington County officials announced that a person who had tested positive for coronavirus had attended the Moorestown High School Orchestra Concert on March 12.Read more here: Man With Coronavirus Attended Moorestown HS Concert

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Currently, the township records meetings and posts the recording to the site afterward. Livestreaming would allow the residents to watch the meetings as they happen on the township website.

The township’s technology experts are looking at ways to allow the public to comment on meetings that will stream live, Gillespie said.

Livestream likely won’t be available for planning and zoning board meetings because of the legalities surrounding testimony given by professionals, Gillespie said.

The Zoning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday night was cancelled.The March 31 Zoning Board meeting and the April 2 Planning Board meeting are still on for now, but officials said residents should contact to check the township website for updates.

Also on Tuesday, officials announced that town hall will be closed to the general public until further notice as of Wednesday in order to minimize public contact and interaction amid the outbreak of new coronavirus.

All departments will remain in operation under limited scope of services. Employees will still be available by phone to assist residents where possible. The building will still receive mail and deliveries. Residents and contractors may call to arrange appointments for necessary business by calling 856-235-0912.

Construction, planning and zoning inspections will continue under a limited scope. Life Hazard/Emergency inspections, new residential, commercial and outside inspections will continue. Staff has been instructed to use their judgment and only access areas that limit public interaction. Permit drop off and pick up may be permitted by staff by appointment only.

The township previously announced that tax, water and sewer payments should be made online.

"We encourage people to use the online payment system located on the Township's website under the Tax Collector department webpage," officials said in a statement. "Also, people can use the mail drop box located on the face of the building to the right of town hall front doors."

Dog license payments may also be placed in the drop box (the application is located on the Township Website).

Residents should call 856-914-3018 for more information on the above services.
The township also announced the following steps:

Department of Parks and Recreation: All programs, athletic facilities, recreation centers and fields are closed until further notice. While the parks remain open to the public, we ask that you practice social distancing and respect the space of others. Questions, call 856-914-3093.

Public Works: Employees continue to work and provide necessary services although public interaction is limited. The building is open to restrictive access. For questions, please call 856- 235-3520, select Option #2.

Municipal Court: The March 18th and 25th municipal court sessions to be held at Cinnaminson Township have been postponed. Customers will be notified by mail of their newly scheduled court date. Questions, call 856-235-0922

Police Department: Police officers and other employees continue to provide public safety and necessary services. Building access is restricted. Please call 856-235-1405 with questions.

Moorestown Library: The Library is closed to the public until further notice. Questions, call 856-234-0333.

Advisory Boards: We have encouraged advisory committee meetings to be cancelled until further notice. Please check the Township’s website to follow meeting status.

“The Township of Moorestown is continually monitoring events and appropriately responding as necessary,” officials said. “This is a fluid event, and we ask the public to be patient and understanding as we endeavor to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our employees and the public.”