What You Need to Know for Tonight's Council Meeting

Looking for a sneak preview of tonight’s township council meeting? You’ve come to the right place. 

The following is a sampling of what’s on the agenda:

• Appraisal Systems Inc. (ASI) after some —which ASI CEO Ernie Del Guercio dubbed "political cheap shots"—about the firm, citing alleged inequities with the 2007 revaluation (which ASI also performed). The firm sent a letter formally notifying the township it was pulling out and the matter seemed like a done deal. However, a resolution to authorize a professional service agreement with ASI—with a price tag of $195,080 for reassessment—is on tonight's agenda. Mayor John Button said, despite their initial falling out, the township was able to smooth things over with ASI. "We had a discussion with ASI. I think it was very helpful," he said. "It was a productive conversation, and on that basis, from my perspective, I'm prepared to go forward." He reiterated and is ready to go as soon as ASI is.

• A resolution to introduce the budget will also be considered at tonight's meeting. In council's last discussion over the budget, township manager Scott Carew and financial officer Tom Merchel (for a home assessed at the township average of $529,800) by diverting revenue—either from the utility surplus or, if a deal can be worked out with the state, from the sale of liquor licenses—into the general fund. Button said the budget they plan to introduce tonight is the same version. A public hearing is scheduled for July 23, assuming the budget is introduced tonight.

• Council will consider a resolution to set the tax levy for the Open Space, Recreation and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Button said this is something council has to do every year, regardless of whether they plan to change the levy. He said he's not inclined to alter the levy in any way, though council as a whole has not discussed it.

• Speaking of the Trust Fund, the mayor said he does not anticipate further discussion of the fields project at tonight's meeting. The township , just before the council meeting, threatening a lawsuit if the township tried to use money from the trust fund to pay for improvements at . Township attorney Thomas Coleman reached out to the Baron & Brennan law firm—who are representing an "association of Moorestown residents" in the case—to discuss the letter, but never heard back, Coleman said. Baron & Brennan did not return multiple messages left by Moorestown Patch. 

• Council will hold tonight's meeting—and every meeting henceforth—in the IT Room at . Council has struggled with sound issues since moving its meetings to the auditorium at . The mayor has said the space at the high school will be much more accommodating. To get to the IT room, enter the high school from the side facing the .

Tonight's meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.