Okay. >> Please >> here. >> Mr. >> Here, >> Mr. Rivera >> here. Mr. Run is absent. Mr. Trainer here, Miss Mr.
>> Notice of this meeting was provided to the Barnes News and Courier News file with municipal clerk and posted on the municipal bullet board on December 5th, 2024. Please stand for the allegiance to the flag of the United States and to
the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice. >> Welcome to the December 15, 2025 meeting of the Barnesville Council. This meeting is being conducted in person in the council chambers in Burl Hall and it is
being broadcast live on YouTube and on Zoom to make it as convenient as possible for residents to attend the meeting. Members of the public who are here in person and those attending remotely on Zoom will be given the opportunity to comment at appropriate times during the meeting in accordance
with the following guidelines. Members of the public would be allowed to speak during the open sessions and during formal public hearings on the agenda, including public hearings on ordinances. Comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker, which will be
monitored and enforced by the borrow clerk. Comments containing offensive, profane, or indecent language or language constituting hate speech will not be permitted. Remote participants will be muted unless they are unmuted by the clerk and the remote participants
will not be able to unmute themselves. The clerk will mute remote speakers at the expiration of their 3 minutes of allotted time or if they make any inappropriate or offensive comments. Both speakers, whether in person or on Zoom, shall state their name and address
before making their comments. Speakers on Zoom shall activate their camera so that they can be seen by members of the governing body and audience. Failure of the governing body to provide a live broadcast of this meeting or technological problems encountered
during the course of the meeting that affect remote viewing andor participation will not invalidate this meeting or any action taken including but not limited to the adoption of any ordinance, resolution or motion. We do
not have any presentations. Um, so we have minutes from November 17th and 24th. Do I have a motion? I'll approve. Move to approve. >> I'll second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> All right. Um, we now have our first open session for any items that separate from hearing. So if anyone in the public wishes to speak, anyone on Zoom that would like to make a
comment I can't put his uh his video on. So he didn't raise his hand. I'm assuming that means unmute him. >> Did you want us to make a comment? He muted himself back just thanks. Okay.
>> Um seeing none then I will close the public hearing. Uh we have a couple of dis items of business to discuss. We had the request again for the Shamrock Shuffle on March 21st.
It's always a great event. Anybody have any questions or discussions about it? >> Tell them to not have it on that steep hill. >> Like I was recovering for like a week. Isn't it?
>> No. This entire this crazy steep hill. >> Yeah. >> Post and it's a very slow dance. >> Yeah. Not >> I do the walk. >> Yeah, but it is um they do have it so
you can buy whoever so it can be a qualifying register. It's an official course and uh it's always a fun event. So everybody's okay with that? >> All right. Um we had a question. Do I
need a motion? Um, Jack. >> Yes. >> Yes. So, do I have a motion to approve the St. Mar? >> Okay. Um,
Main Street, Bernardville, and Street Fair. I think they originally had said 11 to 5, which are the hours of the actual fair, but they wanted to close the road, the company that does this from 7 to 7 in order to set it up and
take down all the booths and whatever. So, um I'd say just depending on if the DOT goes along with it, but they wanted to make sure that we were okay with it as well. So, >> where is it? >> It's between Cermont and Mount Ary. So
that's the piece that you want to close. So the the detour would be Claremont around. So it's not a horrible detour, you know, it's not there's, you know, because the center is still open, >> but >> yeah, I was going to say bank. Well, I
guess it's we give RVs and then >> done before. >> Yeah, of course. That's because I know we had this several years ago. So we okay with that doc. So do I have a motive? >> I'll move to extend the hours from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m. Street on 14th 2026. >> Just pending DOT approval. >> Thank you. >> All in favor? I >> um the kennel license fees we talked
they haven't been done in like 50 years are um this department of health requested or suggested that that would been so long. I think they're $25 and so we're trusting increase. We have those
>> number one, >> but it was not the same. So they suggested the same. >> It was like >> I think it was in the >> Yeah. priorities but I think we will be
resolution priorities. >> So we would officially do it in January. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So >> So are we good with the fees based on a board of health recommendation?
>> I think Yeah. Yeah. You say pet shops, but that's if they're selling pets or boarding or >> We don't have pet shops in >> Yeah, we do. >> But not they only have kittens.
>> They have kittens for adoption. >> Yeah. just >> why they don't increase it cuz it hasn't been increased since the 60s >> just in >> just the fact I mean we pay the board of health a fee and they said that we
should be able at least able to at least pay >> I see two >> I'm Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes.
>> We can do it by resolution. >> Yes. >> So, we can do that January. Is that okay? >> Right. Um, I will open the public hearing on ordinance 2025 2033 appropriating the sum of $200,000 for
connection of the WWTP to the New Jersey American Water Man. That's actually the wastewater treatment plant. Anybody like to be heard on this ordinance? Seeing none, I will close the public
hearing. I'll start with Rick. >> Sure. >> I move to pass ordinance number 2025-2033 on final reading and adopt as published. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Green,
>> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Uh, I will open the public hearing on ordinance 2025 2034 establishing the
fiveway stop intersection at Claremont Road Mount Road Smi Drive intersection and supplementing and amending chapter 7 of the burough code entitled traffic. Would anyone like to be heard on this ordinance?
>> Comments. Um well let me seeing none I will close the public hearing move it now we discuss it so read it >> I see I move to pass ordinance 2025-2023
on final read and adopt as 2034 >> oh 2034 on final reading and adopt >> second >> discussion is ready >> I guess the only thing I wanted to um bring up here um was that um I I think
maybe we just in discussed the idea there's a there's a fifth so fiveway intersection there's four existing sidewalks just you know thinking about maybe we could explore the idea like is there you know is a fifth crosswalk warranted when it comes
to the new kind of goals and the new shape of the intersection if you will um I think it would be my understanding that when it comes to curve cuts and that kind of thing that you know might be the verility but maybe it's something we should think about discuss more at a future uh You've spoken to the county
about that, right? did. So, I asked them because you had said it at one of the previous meetings about putting that last crosswalk and they said that um that would entail making uh ADA
compliant ramps and um and so they said we could they'd be happy to do it the next time they gave and I believe that gave they so they said it would a while
or the borrow. So >> nice of So those are the two >> something. How often does it grow like that? while it's not >> they did the other part I don't think
it's recently done in just this year did from what is men up the top but they didn't do the lower >> um yeah why don't we do different at
least get quote on because that is you know I was nervous about people walking crossing there. >> Okay. All right. So it's been moved and seconded. Uh roll call. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mor.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Trainer. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. Um, we'll open the public hearing on ordinance 20252035 replacing the burough special event
ordinance and amending chapter 4 of the borrow code entitled general licensing. Anyone wish to get heard on this ordinance? See none, I will close the public hearing. Um, go for it. I move to pass ordinance
2025-2035 on final reading and adopt as published. >> Any discussion on this? >> Just um Nancy or Jack maybe a very quick summary of where we landed on
some of the open items. Yes, we landed on 100 people present at thorough events for property property >> 250 on private property came up with an annual permit procedure
for these schools so they would have to every time I have any more than 250 people that's pretty much it. >> Yeah. And then and we'll do some kind of of communication to the organization so
they know that they need to do this. >> Yes. >> So it doesn't come as a support. >> I know on borrowed property could be 501c3 organizations that are not us. They have to apply the permits that
include the library for example. >> Yes. Yeah, the library could have annual events. They could, you know, get a the same kind of annual permit as a church or a school, but I think the main purpose was to alert the police department. >> Yeah. Just so they know there's a crowd,
>> not to be punitive. >> Yeah. Was there I think would be >> mini and 501c but we're a body corporate so I if we have to buy some reading and
>> you really get finale >> we do >> for the kickoff and for the finale >> and then game didn't have that was a great finale have it later >> oh that's in. So, it's just the same
thing. They could just fill out like one form saying here's the thing is during the year. >> That's the way we thought it would be easier for people that have regular annual events. You just do it once for the year. >> Yeah. But the main main intent is to
notify the police. >> And I just want to point out I believe that anything regarding um first amendment or anything like that is um not subject to church protest right
>> in any person reasonable reasonable frictions on it. Yeah. All right. So, we moved and seconded. Um, roll call, please. >> M. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. Mr. Trainer. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Um, we don't introduce any ordinances because this is the last meeting of the year, but we do have resolutions 25228 through 25241.
Um, you know, I'll let you do your congratulations or thank you to the >> Oh, for the membership company. I was going to say I was like, okay, yes. Um,
I forget who it was and I didn't look it up. >> Benjamin Juice. I think it is. >> Yeah. He was in it maybe as a young. So, thank you Benjamin for volunteering
for the fire company. >> Yeah. >> 234 personnel. Yeah. To do that then, >> right? So, we're not doing that one. Um, a lot of them are related to the shared port.
Um, we did have to just on the contract for child birth and train station. Um, we could not accept the bid from the lowest bidder because his bid was how do you say that? >> It was sufficient. He didn't have a required document
right. >> Okay. So, we award to the next lowest bid, which was still under budget, I believe. So, >> yes. Anything else on there that you want to talk about?
That's They're all pretty standard. Oh, for moving back January 26. >> Okay. >> Yeah. But it ended up going back. But then you had ceremony.
>> Um, you want to move? >> I move that resolutions 25-28 25-241 with the exception of 25-234 be adopted. Roll call, please.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Hillary, you came anyway. >> Thank you. >> What is it?
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, we only had one request and that that you don't make them go up the steep hillside. Yeah, maybe that >> you did last year. Just curious. Around 300.
>> That's great. I've seen bigger straps for good weather. >> That's always a two years ago. >> Yeah. >> But we uh changed the date and then it was beautiful. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. You actually can still get snow in much better. So yeah, >> everyone's always shocked. Yeah, it's always shocking that it's still still winter. >> I think we're good. So >> thank you. Well, let me know. I'll work with the police and do all the
purchase. >> Yes. We are now up to mayor's update. So, >> oh, November 28th been rush lately. >> The military >> that you saw like post or something like
somebody. >> Yes. another one too bad. Cool. Um 29th with Small Business Saturday. Uh I applied to American Express. It supports that. They sent us a a swag kit with
bags and signs and things that Christine and I and her son handed out to the businesses. Um I attended a house at a pre which is such a lovely store. You're going to get in there. You been to
children's store and they had gotten they had received a a brand $2,000 brand from Main Street to do that lovely mural that they had. Yeah, I attended the conference of mayor Munley legislative committee and
basically what we're doing is keeping an eye on the wind duck legislation that I've explained that keep hanging on. I think I told you about them last summer meeting. Um we had a Somerset Hill safety committee meeting. We had put forward a resolution to the league on
boarding, you know, and how you can enforce or control people who board. Um and we may be I think expanding that group because it's Fed Minister Feedback Gladstone, Burns Township, Burnsville and
Bridgewater um to start working on economic development at the as the region. So uh I did a ribbon cutting on the 6 last Saturday for Rooen Co. which is a
gorgeous store also been in there. you were home for and they have pots, you can buy this very high-end cookware and you know food decorating things. It's really you would not know it's the same store. Um we go in there and look at the
ceiling because I never noticed the same before in that store and it's gorgeous. Yeah. Uh we had the tree lighting and then the holiday parade last Saturday going I think went really well. We had um I attended the Summerson
County Business Partnership annual meeting on the 8th where they give the 40 under 40 awards and that's where you get this from. This is the newest issue of their business magazine partnership which is actually the summer
county chamber. So you got pretty few copies not out yet. a stolen provult. The first time >> the uh I attended the League of
Municipalities Executive Board meeting um which was mainly a review of the conference. They had 19,000 people attend the conference leads like it was a record year. They filled the entire uh exhibit center,
sold out all the vendors. Uh, Friday morning we have the Burnersville Law Enforcement Foundation annual recognition breakfast. It's just I love that I ate that at 8:00 in the morning, but I love the event. It is
just they the foundation pays for the whole thing. um was at Roxiticus and they invite former chiefs, they invite the neighboring chiefs, the prosecutor was there and they give out all the for the officers and to hear the stories of
what our officers have done for them here is so impressive. Um we were they were disappointed that the press didn't come though they were invited. So I said if they would give me the list I would write a press release for me some gets in the paper cuz you know I didn't know
some of the you know lives they've saved they show up on time get CPR going save people um accident where they get people out of their car before um something happens
catches on fire just so impressive what our police department is doing that I think the community should know how just how good they are and um the foundation is just amazing. I know Burns Township trying to start one, couldn't get it
going. So, you know, we're very fortunate that we have this group that is so committed to raising funds to do these extra things. And what else? Um I actually went to the Bernardville decorating on Quimby. They
actually had their one-year anniversary of the second the display ribbon that they had. I went there last year to cut the ribbon on the display room. So, they had a one-year anniversary. We did recent across America this past Saturday. Um Gina was there, Charlie was
there, Rich was there, um Ross was there. So, thank you all for coming and supporting it. I think we had a really good turnout. I think all of like in a half an hour. So for next year, see if we can race next
year. Uh I just was at the Monora at 5:30 at uh the shopping center. It was very cold, but here particularly consider the climate. I mean, we did have so there just in
case and made everybody feel better, but it really we shouldn't have to do that. Um, here's the good news. I spoke to New Jersey Transit, Annette, our friend Annette. She said they've awarded a contract for the roof.
Should start seeing some activity the end of this month, early January. It'll happen or whatever. Evidently, she said whenever there was a fire there many years ago >> and they never I had gotten an estimate and they said
that that was not accurate because there is subdamage still under their fire that they did not repair. They just covered it up. So, they're not right, you know, the whole roof has to get be redone, but at least they they've actually awarded a
contract. >> Yeah. And we have to thank Cha for her two term. She didn't want to do the second term. >> And, you know, it's been a real pleasure. Um, you know, you asked the
tough questions which I really made us think made us go the extra mile and it's it's been a wonderful time for you or we not me. With our deepest appreciation, we're hereby honor Gina McCriedi, Councilwoman
Burough Burnsville in recognition of your years of service, dedication to our residents, and value participation and commitment to public service. We wish you good health and happiness in the years to come. Thank you. And it's got
your terms here from 2020. So that is My daughter's six years of your life. It's not worth it. Take a picture. Yeah.
Do that. You can Photoshop me in >> I really love these new chairs. I'm glad I got to sit in them. You're good. >> Yeah. >> Really? I'm like these >> I really chairs. They're really nice.
>> I'm staying >> six years has definitely been a lot again. I think my daughter is the one. She's probably more excited than I am to be at my final meeting. Um, but um, I've really met a lot of people in the community that I never would have met
ever before. Like I mean in any under any circumstances probably in my life and um, really proud to have served and have the opportunity to have the community support me in two terms. Um
and uh really just you know I the one thing I asked the very first time I said why is the term three years and now I know because I've served six and I still don't have the things done that I necessarily wanted done back in 2020. It
takes a long time. Uh public service is very slow. Um but I will stay. I want to see the pavilion done. So, I will still continue to call each and every one of you until I think you should go.
>> I can do that. I do have to find out what my next volunteer um job is. I think I need a couple months to uh to figure that out. But you'll see a skills bank won't come through. I have to figure out which boxes I want to check. Uh but for sure um and I mean
just to highlight all of the things that the police do um for us, but I think it reminded me that you talked about a newsletter and like a monthly newsletter. I think it would be great to have something that highlights the employees of things that are done on,
you know, during the different months of the year every month just to say, you know, public works did X, police did Y. It's really nice. It was the one really great thing that we got to do as part of committees, which I'm also really happy we don't have any longer because we get
time back as uh from our volunteer council job. Um, but we did get to hear really great things and get to hear it firsthand and be able to thank you for you. So, Nancy, please express my thanks to all the employees, including you for the years of service that you've
provided to me and help me um be up to speed on thing. and Jack saying to you it's always there every time email he doesn't respond in five minutes you're like what do you mean where's Jack >> so thank you mayor as well for all of your support running together for the
semisecond term was fun um and thank you all for your support so appreciate it and I you probably won't see me here um at meetings anytime soon but maybe adventures. >> Thanks, Alex. You too.
>> A really quick story about Gina and sorry I'm not there for your last meeting, but it's better off for everyone. Um, just because you're joking about being my last term, you know, I was uh I was hanging out with Gina and like a mutual friend. I think it was Brian Glenn or something. And um we were
talking about how busy we were between like family and counsel, etc. And Ryan jokingly said like, "Well, then why don't you quit?" And for all the joking that Gene is doing, she turned very serious and said, um, because I want my kids to understand that public service is a privilege and
that when her mom commits to something, she sees it through. And so, I just always really struck with me, Gina, that you said that. And, uh, you know, I think you've left a great legacy and thank you for being a great um, leader for this community, which you'll
continue to be just in another facet. So just thank you. Congratulations on a great ter two terms and uh wishing you all the best. >> Thanks uh I don't remember that story best. >> I know what sometimes the the uh community doesn't know that this is not
a paying job. Uh some towns do pay the people in their this town does not. So it's all free time that you give and it really needs to be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Okay, we have one more public hearing if anyone want to comment. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm thinking the throats other reports. Yeah, we didn't have
>> I was afraid to get done so we can take her out for a drink. >> I just have a couple quick things. Um because I had asked like um I as downtown
um and document when the lights come on and for the record the Bur decorative lights not the JC canal lights because I did notice at the parade when I was walking lights were back those lights didn't come on till like 6:30.
>> Yeah. Um, but for our lights, uh, last week they all came on by 4:45 and on that day and I have pictures and the sun that was at 4:30. So they're dust the dawn light and dust
for uh, and half hours. That's, you know, the in between lighting time, right? So if they came on 15 minutes after official sunset, it was still and so I think it's still acceptable um you know
and very very very you know very well. So >> thank you JCPL to change their times. >> Yeah, I'm not sure. >> Yeah, I I just um at the league
Um, so our new wreck where we that's our JCPL person gave me his cards and a bunch of them. So I will give you his card. She said please go on. >> So I got >> Yeah, it's um I think it's the the guy
that's been filling in, but now he's official. But he was very I mean he reached out to me but I didn't go up to him. He came said oh I'm introduce myself and where's my card because I was telling him now it's dark
down by the crosswalk by beastro. >> Yeah. >> And he goes well no we'll see we can do >> yeah I'll make sure I get you discarded. >> Yeah. seems like for their legs maybe
they change with the touch. So I didn't um second thing is the you probably noticed the mailbox up front the record has been collecting a letter to Santa
and um by the way that mailbox was made by hand by Kevin our DPW director on his own time. >> It's awesome. >> It's beautiful. It really is special. >> Um, so I find out that the recreation department has forwarded more than 60
letters to full to Santa. So that was nice. It was the first done itself. >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> That was a fun thing. And some of them are very cute. >> Well done. Um and then
the director director um started to cut on boxes down which I think is like more than um and uh they're still we're still
collecting points until so you know they're I don't know but >> and they're unwrapped new unwrapped >> interrupting letters until >> I think it might be 18 but okay I'm
going to have my freshly minted 11 letters Good day. Um, so we have our monthly reports. >> Move them. >> I'll move to accept the monthly reports for November 2024.
>> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I >> oppose. Okay. Um, other imports. I think will be doing Jackson and executive. >> We will. >> And um any council liaison reports?
>> I have a couple additional, you know, um very important the some of my coupon items. The uh box and toys for tots. I also just wanted to mention, you know, we had reviewed some of the um you know, fall uh events and kind of just reflect a little bit about some fall events at
the rec committee meeting last Tuesday, I think it was. uh winter market starts on January 17th. I did um you know mention that any you know logistics regarding the parking lot um you know regarding anything um what do you call utilities related
there there's going to be some work there guarding January that's going to make sure >> all right they're going to be the water um company is going to be there and we may be having roof people there so >> that's an interesting yeah that's a different one I have to reach out to >> I have a meeting on that this week also
I'll mention I'm the water the water companies saw me in the third locally. I hope so. >> They'll be doing something there. I don't know. You know, at what point they're actually going to take the roof off, but he said they had to do a lot of
engineering first. So, but they I assume they'd be there during the week. >> Let's see. A couple other notes. I know 148 signed up for ski team from a uh grade 6 to 12 which I think was awesome. Um I wanted to also let's see
if the um also just spoke a little bit about you know maybe um in in the new year just having to just examine uh any additional changes that need to be made in the pool complex you know for for
some unforeseen circumstances. is I know that there were some changes made this past summer in regards to new pumps and also some updates made to the bathrooms there but that that's you know this kind of generationally and upcoming you know
look at Broadway and let's see here and then also we're uh we are waiting on our kind of uh final report regarding the um state of the pool and also the kind of um you know getting into the operations over the summer. Obviously,
it was the first year where we did things differently. I look forward to uh getting that report just to see >> anywhere anything from that to just the state of the pool, you know, itself is is my understanding which again, you know, just
>> not specific but just generationally, you know, maybe the pool complex worked out at some point or maybe we have this and see here
that's Um, let's see. That's it for me for tonight. But it was good and we just, you know, they definitely reflected on um, you know, with camp coming back up again in the summer, just some things that they could do differently. So, I think that there's, you know,
>> Yep. >> going on, which is awesome. >> Anybody else have >> Oh, yeah. So, uh, we do have the company coming in an evaluation of the home to see what
kind of condition it's in, what kind of work it would need over the coming years. And, um, the RA director is putting together a report on, you know, how how the um, uh, the company did,
>> I guess it's two separate reports, I guess, is what you're saying. >> Yeah, those are two separate report. and how um how much revenue was brought in brought in and how much it cost us last year. >> Okay. Um, and in regard to your question, they may want to go beyond
some community. So, I think about >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yeah. I had one the environmental committee met last Wednesday. >> Commission. >> Commission, sorry. Um,
>> they you talk a little bit about the the the uh NOMO areas. So, they've identified five areas that are currently just being mowed, but that could be used for creating pollinating gardens or just just more natural native species.
>> And they're going to put five beehives um in those areas. Um so, you know, pollination. I think they're coming from this forget it was the high school. Yeah, it was a high school that shop, you know, department or something like that. The guy who runs the does the shop there is making these like old beehives
or something like >> like bee houses like for >> bee houses. Yeah. >> It's not one that you manage. >> I don't think they're like the honey ones. It's just a place to Yeah. >> And this is public land. >> Uh this is uh Yes. So it's areas that
the town currently maintains. So I assume it's all >> I think we need to approve it. asked them, but >> I think they did work.
>> Pretty sure they Yeah, I thought um that was sort of my assumption that they were I think that's who they talking about getting the map of where they currently mow and don't. >> Yeah, let's just check with Kelly if he's okay with it. It's right. It would
save us money on mowing our time. >> That was the idea. >> Um the bonus it's attractive. >> We have one at the end of my street. Um I think it's >> could put that in like a garden club or something like that. It's a butterfly on
end of Amar corner of Amar and Washington. >> There's a uh like weird area that was nothing. And it's it sort of looks just like a densely vegetated area now, but it's supposed to be a butterfly. to attract butterflys. It's got whatever
whatever plants the garden plant is butterfs. >> There's um is it online now? Somebody online include their front of their front as kind of wild flowers and amazing. It's really lovely. >> They do that kanas. It just looks like a
bunch of leaves. They bring butterflies. Sometimes the year they look nice and sometimes they you know flower people can you know that doesn't like and still grow because
these are all like native species that you know are going to flourish. >> So um the adoption program so this is coming this spring uh the target date for that. Um I know uh Tom on the committee is
pushing the Case program trying to set up a meeting with you at some point Nancy. I I still don't quite understand it which might be need a meeting because it has something to do with uh businesses can use this uh opportunity to get low interest financing to put in
environmentally friendly capital improvements. But somehow the town's involved. I'm like well you got to explain that because it's like money's got to be coming from somewhere. >> Yeah. So suppose it doesn't cost the town anything but somehow the town is involved. So I said so you gota you know
bring them in whoever runs the cpace program and explain it to Nancy and then explain it to us money out and then stuff. So we suggested I suggested initially but now if I had enough
>> if we have to put the money up >> I think I mean I remember D and I looked at >> I think that what happened uh assessment that you know how you get special assessment Yeah. Right.
>> So, I think you loan the money to the person and then get it back in in business. >> I don't think the burrow loans the money. It's like the burrow is like a vehicle for whoever is lending the money to like it's almost like a guarantee or something like that. Like they get paid
like maybe through the tax increase tax assessment or something like that. So >> yeah, I think we definitely need to get more information. >> Yeah. >> Do we do um I know there are programs like um a fiveyear
um we you don't raise their like they do improvements. You don't assess them for five years in order to encourage people to do improvements. Do we ever do that? We had a rehab program for before >> but I mean for businesses >> for businesses well we did have special
assessments different down here with the >> Yeah, I remember that. Um, I know. >> I'm just wondering because I was reading about it in some other town where you can if if a business is doing some kind
of major renovation in order in order to encourage them to do improvements, they get a five-year um stay. Not you don't assess them on the improvements for five years. So, their taxes stay the same for five years and
then go back to the >> No. every month about the Highlands ordinance. I told him like we were targeting the end of the year. That's obviously not going to happen. But I keep telling them every month that we're working on it diligently and that it's in the
planner's hands and she's doing whatever exhibits and and information is required to go into that ordinance. Actually, I think I said in my last month's report that there was some kind of approval because we did we had to designate the
um down what do they call it the center >> and we met with them to go over that and now they have to approve it. The high council >> approved the center which they thought they would be doing January February and then March was going to be public
outreach on the whole thing. I am I correct? I think that's what our meeting was about. Yeah. >> They said that they gave back a draft consistency review and recommendations report um
for the center designation. And so you all need to review it um and approve it and then it'll be posted on the Highlands website for a 30-day public comment period. But they said the
comment period had to be the first week of January to make the February 19th meeting. So since this is our last meeting and you can't do it at the reord said that we were asking and they could push it to
March that's just how it >> yeah talking about I think they had said approval January February public piece in March >> so then I think now I'll be pushed >> okay so now we'll just have to get a
copy Yeah, >> recommend to that just just for comment I guess that sense the environmental so they can see it and see if there's activity going on there if they've got any thoughts. I mean that's kind of what
they're there for um to to kind of weigh in or give recommendations. Maybe it's a nothing to really comment on, but we've got the time. We'll send >> they can look at certainly, >> you know, I mean, the final say is the
Highlands, >> right? Committee, >> but whatever we're reviewing, might as well have them review it, see if they, >> you know, see something that we don't or any, you know, improvements or something. So, >> we think they'll like it. >> Oh, they definitely want it to to move forward. So,
>> I think they'll be here. But I also think it's important to sort of keep them in the loop and >> involved in it >> because it is very I mean I have just seen the first draft Jessica did and it's really about the the center designation is kind of carving out the
downtown which pretty much then you can do the operations down there but then it's hands off. >> I assume sort of follows the noting district for the downtown core. >> Yeah. I think it brings to it. >> Yeah.
>> And that they they would not interfere with, but if you try to put a big con, you know, construction project up on the mountain, they would have a problem. >> And that was I think I made a comment a few months ago about I I would like to understand at some point a little better like how does that being being in the
time of preparation, how does that impact our affordable housing going forward? >> Does that make it better, worse, very different? So just fine understanding that >> it does um it will help probably for the fifth round ever
so >> yeah think it can hurt. No, >> to help >> it would helped us with the force we already been in and they changed the rule on that because we had already applied and through the first two steps
and that oh no you would you I think I've been done with it two year ago they changed the rule like okay >> so maybe for the fifth Okay. Anybody else come in serve leaison?
We have um library tomorrow unfortunately. Um do you can I share the the capital report with the council? I thought I was >> Oh, sure. >> Okay. It's pretty much the same as before, but we have to say it was done.
>> Yeah. Some of those stuff. So, you kind of see the progress of what you've done. I just looked at it and thought, "Hey, this look pretty good. I should share." Okay. Um, I don't think there are any other Let's see.
Do we have Well, we had a last minute email from Bob, right? But it was a little late to share. So, um, there was something else. >> That's the only one. >> Oh, >> just confirming that we got our
revolution proposing that bill that we did. >> That was the one about the um nonprofits and it was just confirming as you got >> Okay, good. All right. Any unfinished business?
often goes on unfinished business or new business, but your your note about the you know business improvement district maybe maybe thought you know kind of re reconsidering that at some point I think it's a good idea. So I suggest that maybe like in the beginning of the year we
formally but but you know put that on the agenda to to discuss. >> Okay. Yeah. And I did I think that Ross and Charlie as well because you weren't here while we went through the third round of it. So,
um, all right. Now, we have the last open session. So, anyone in the public would like to or you want to say anything? >> No, I'm good. Thank you. >> Oh, Brena. Oh, sorry. Look, I forgot.
Yeah, >> your choice for me, but I just want to say the pal Booksh drive wrapped up and um the they collected almost 500 I think 496 books which was 124 more than last year. >> Wow. >> And a lot of that was in thanks to our
local business, the bookworm that she put a collection box in her store right there for us. So when people were buying for their gifts for the holidays, they were able to just drive and do that. And um I think I shared a bunch of statistics with you at the last meeting
two weeks ago of how business is booming. Um and we received we applied for a grant for an elementary STEM program um from the Museum of Science in Boston and we got that. So >> Oh, we'll start that probably in February or March where they
>> we'll be heading that up. We'll be doing it. >> I'll be doing it. I used to be a STEM teacher. So that's >> um they provide programming and supplies of all materials through the programming and they have assistant. >> Great.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else? No. >> Nobody. >> All right. I will close the public hearing. Um, I made a motion to go into adjourn to an executive session and we
will be coming back. >> We will not. >> I got excited. >> Yeah, me too. >> Executive session. Second. >> All in favor? >> I All right. Post. No, it's okay.
All right. If someone's clearing out someone's house or something, we ask not to bring more than a like big shopping bag. >> No, just my kids like >> Yeah. No.