Adequate notice of this meeting was provided and published in the Asbury Park Press and the Ocean Star on January 16, 2026. Copies of the agenda were provided to the newspaper posted on public bulletin boards in the township website. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Albanese here. >> Councilman Makino
>> here. >> Councilwoman Marina >> here. >> Councilman Cohen >> here. >> Councilwoman Travers >> here. >> Vice President Amberino >> here. >> President Fineman >> here. >> Thank you. I'm going to ask all to rise for a salute to the flag. Pledge of allegiance followed by a moment of
silence to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Please be seated.
I'm going to ask for a motion and second to approve the minutes from the January 27th, 2026 meeting. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All right, roll call. >> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Mino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Ambersino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. Moving on to the consent agenda. >> All matters listed under item consent agenda will be enacted by one motion in
the form listed below. If discussion is desired on any item, this item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately. >> 41, please. >> Authorize budget transfer. >> Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes
budget appropriation transfers as needed for year end. These transfers do not increase our overall municipal budget in any way. We're moving funds from one account to another. Thank you. >> Thank you. 42. >> Authorize transfer to dedicated account for snow removal.
>> Council Vice President Ambersino. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes a budget transfer of $187,000 into the dedicated account for snow removal. Thank you. >> Thank you. 43, please. Authorize
amendment to temporary budget. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes temporary appropriations for municipal budget as needed through the end of May. This resolution allows a township to increase line item department budgets by the amount specified which has been calculated to get all departments
through to the time of the adopted budget. >> Thank you. 44. >> Authorize the sale and issuance of bonds and bond anticipation anticipation notes. >> Councilman Mikino. Thank you. This resolution provides for the combination of the sale of bonds not to exceed
$17,87,000 and the sale of bonds of anticipation notes in the amount of 16,426,639. As projects are approved, the township typically starts by securing bonds anticipation notes known as bands, which
is a temporary form of financing. Once the project scope or equipment specifications are better defined, we roll these bands into bonds. We use temporary financing at the onset of the outset as to give us a chance of better define the cost of opposing as a
long-term financing estimates. Note, short-term financing may be rolled into bonds. Permanent financing after their third anniversary date, which is a typical practice of the township. This is done in accordance with the recommendation of our bond council
financial consultants and chief financial officer. The bonds are notes will be sold on issues of provision of the local bond law. Thank you. >> Thank you. Four five please. >> Authorize temporary capital budget. >> Councilwoman Raina.
>> Thank you. This resolution authorizes a temporary capital budget expenditure, specifically $727,000 for the acquisition of open space preservation properties on Summit Avenue and Hooper Avenue. >> Thank you. Thank you. 46, please.
>> Authorize cancellation of stale dated checks municipal court fail account. >> Councilman Alanise. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes the cancellation of a stale dated dated check in the amount of $50. Thank you. 47, please.
>> Authorize receipt of bids landscape maintenance services at Solar Field. >> Councilman Cohen. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes the receipt of bids for landscape maintenance services at the Solar Field location on Saliaak Road, which consists of 15 acres of
turf. Scope of the work includes spring and fall mowing, seed mix with fertilizer, hay, top soil, mulch, vegetation removal, and disposal in a rip wrap areas. The township has an approximate expenditure of $56,000 during this current two-year contract
period which will expire April 19th, 2026 with the on-site landscape management as the current vendor. >> Thank you. 48, please. >> Authorize receipt of bids roadway improvements to Channel Drive. >> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes the receipt of
bids for the roadway improvements to Channel Drive project. The project generally consists of reconstruction and elevation of Channel Drive. Thank you. Thank you. 49. >> Authorize receipt of bids Lions Head South roadway resurfacing program. >> Council Vice President Emino. Thank you,
Council President. Uh, this resolution authorizes the receipt of bids for the Lions Head South roadway resurfacing program. This project generally consists of roadway milling and resurfacing on Laurel Lane South, Gallow Lane, Tennis
Court, Abby Road, Carter Way, Yorkwood Drive, and Asheford Drive. Thank you. >> Thank you. 410, please. >> Authorize award of contract energy services. >> Councilwoman Rea. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes
award of contract for energy consult to Concord Engineering Group, Vorhees. The township has used Concord services in the past to explore options for the solar array at the landfill. This is a one-year contract. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. 411.
>> Authorize award of contract purchase and delivery of signed materials. >> Council Vice President Ambersino. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes an award of contract for the purchase and delivery of signed materials to the following vendors. Creative Visual Systems of
Branchburg, New Jersey. N Glance of Edison, National Highway Products of Milville, and Sinaurama of Freehold. Bid notices were provided to 30 prospective biders from our typical biders list and 10 picked up bid packages. Four bids
received are all on the approved list of contractors. Thank you. >> Thank you. 412, please. >> Authorize award of contract workforce ready UKG through Omnia National Cooperative. >> Councilman Cohen. Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes
the award of a contract for employees time and attendance software to Kronos Sashar for UKG Ready Payroll and Human Resources Software. This contract is being awarded through the National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement. >> Thank you. 413, please.
>> Authorized contract amendment snow removal services. >> Council Vice President Amberino. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes a contract amendment for snow removal services. The proposed amendment does not expand or materially alter the scope of services
that was originally bid and awarded, but solely adjusts the compensation rates applicable to the services rendered during the remaining contract period. Thank you. >> Thank you. 414. >> Authorize award of concession marine biology camp.
>> Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution authorizes an award of a concession to New Logic Educators of Lavallet for marine biology camp to be offered this summer at Winward Beach Park. As a coastal community, the township recognizes the importance of fostering environmental awareness and
stewardship, and the marine biology camp will serve to educate attendees on the importance of marine and environmental conservation. Thank you. >> Thank you. 4:15, please. >> Authorized submission of safe and secure grant. >> Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes
the submission of a safe and secure grant. The grant funds will be utilized to fund officers who will be assigned to patrol duties, burglary, detailed narcotics, and gang activity. The officers will be assigned to the operation division where they will be involved in the crime deterrence and the
apprehension of c criminals. The officers will also be responsible citizens of the township by utilizing community crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch, and problem solving policing. Thank you. >> Thank you. 416, please. Authorize appointment to board of adjustment.
>> Councilman Albanese. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes the appointment of Jesse Fusco Jefferson Court Rick to the unexpired two-year term as alternate member of board adjustment. >> Thank you. 417 >> authorize appointment of tourist development commission members.
>> Council vice president. >> Thank you council president. This resolution authorizes the appointment of tourism development commission members. The following are Teresa Zacharia, Alex Urbano, our very own Bob Maliano, and
Councilman Vince Manino. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh 418 >> authorize approving roster of brick community emergency response team. Cert. >> Uh Councilwoman Traverse. >> Thank you, Council President. This resolution approves the roster of brick
community emergency response team members as required by the township's risk manager for any potential coverage needed tied to actions taken within the scope and the direction of the office of emergency management. Thank you. >> Thank you. 419 >> authorize opposing the state of New
Jerseyy's increase in motor fuel tax. >> Thank you. This resol resolution opposes an increase in the state motor fuels tax which directly raises the cost of our residents daily commutes. This place this places a dis dispro dis
disproportionate sorry financial burden on the hardworking residents of brick who have no practical alternative alternatives to driving. Thank you. 420 >> 420a is an inspection fund release for block 587.0
584 548.07 lot one. Sorry. B is an inspection fund release for block 685 lot one. C is a performance bond release for block 701 lot 9. D is a performance block bond
release for block 701 lot 9. E is a performance bond release for block 701 lot 9. F is a performance bond release for block 701 lot 9. G is an inspection fund release for block 867 lot 5. H is an inspection fund release for block
1170 lot 21. And I is an inspection fund release for block 1210.12 lot 68. >> Thank you. 42 >> 21A is 100% DAV widow of veteran deduction at block 1192.02
lot 126. 21B is 100% DAV widow of veteran deduction at block 1281.71 lot 14.01. Thank you. 422. >> Authorize application of recreational improvement grant. >> Thank you. This resolution authorizes a
grant application to the Department of Community Affairs for $43,500 for the recreation department to install batting, pitching, and catching cage equipment and safety netting to support the expansion of the youth and adult
softball programming. Thank you. Uh that's the end of the consent agenda. Can I have a motion and second? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Thank you. Open to councel. Seeing none, close council. Open to the
public for questions on the resolutions only. Sam Foster, 2C, Clark Street, uh, Manchester. This is more of a comment or question rather than a question. Uh, on resolution 20. Now, I know I'm going to
be controversial, but uh, I understand people's concerns about the motor vehicle motor fuels tax. It's been I think that was implemented under Governor Chris Christiey's term as governor. But uh we have a the way I understand this and you can correct me if I'm wrong. The question I have is
isn't the reason the whole reason for the motor vehicle gas tax because the transportation fund was being uh in danger of running out and that's what the the gas tax is what uh fund helps fund the depleted funds in the in the uh
in that uh area. Um because my concern is that if you uh if there isn't an increase in the motor fuel fuels tax that could have an adverse impact on things like road repair and things like that because the state just didn't have any money. I remember governor I think I believe it was Chris Christie because I remember
listening to a radio station and they were talking about it. But uh the the purpose of this fuel tax is to uh replenish the uh transportation fund. And if that fuel if if this is not uh if
the fuel tax is not increased then uh what does that mean for residents as far as the safety of the vehicles like uh road maintenance, bridge maintenance and repair? I'm a delivery driver. That's very important to me because I've been stuck in traffic when bridges had work done. Uh does anybody know the specifics
about the uh about the fuel tax? Because what like I said as I remember uh my memor is not good anymore anyway. I am 65, just turned 65, but uh the uh way I remembered this that the fuel tax was implemented to replenish that transportation fund and it I I
understand your concerns about the increase the the fuel tax and how will infect residents throughout the state, not just Newberg Township, but we have to look at uh what happened, what impact will happen if this fuel tax is not implemented. You know, there had so
there has to be some give. You know, I remember back when I used to live in Brook Township when they had the uh under the Cropolis administration, we had that large income tech 18% tax increase and they they they're very upfront and honest with us. They told us, "Look, this is the situation. We had hurricane Sandy, the state cut $1.6
million of aid. We don't have any money now. We either have the tax increase and we shut down the entire public works department lock, stock, and barrel." And so, you know, but I know I was uh you know, out there talking to citizens about that. So we have to look at this from the standpoint of yeah sure this is
uh painful to motorists but what is the alternative because we need to have that uh the tr the uh New Jersey uh I know I might be u referring it to it the wrong way but the New Jersey transportation fund that's very vital part of the state's budget and if it doesn't have
any influx of cash from the motor vehicles fuels tax where's that money come from to make sure that our roads are safe and bridges are safe and properly maintained and repaired we have bridges right here brick, you know, looking road bridge that was just worked on years ago. But, you know, like, you understand what I'm saying? The money
has to come somewhere. So, if if we don't have it in uh if people are not affected by having the motor vehicle fuels tax increased, where is that money going to go to fund the uh the uh Department of Transportation's fund?
>> So, Miss Bergen, we did status briefly on this. Was there anything to add or do we want to get back to Mr. Foster or >> Yeah. Yeah. I I can tell you that the taxes collected um from this do go to
the state uh transportation trust fund pays for roads, bridges and other transportation. I think everybody supports an infrastructure improvement. Um you know the state does. I think that's not the issue. The issue is who bears the burden of that. And I think the point of this is because brick has one of the highest populations of
commuters in the state because not a lot of other alternatives as opposed to towns in North Jersey. Um that there's disproportionate um burden placed on residents here to fund transportation projects around the state and it should
be done in a manner that's more fair to brick residents to other residents around the state. >> Okay, I understand that. But my original point I I don't want to come across someone who's in favor of tax increases. I'm not. But you know uh nobody wants their taxes raised. The problem is we have to look at this from a stand big
large standpoint that is okay you cut the uh if the if there's no increase in motor vehicle fuels tax as Mr. uh Starky Starky just said then what happens what impact will there be on the citizens in B t when our roads are not properly
maintained and repaired and bridges are not pain maintained properly repaired and maintained because that is very dangerous situation there's several bridges right here brick fortunately there's small manoking bridge and Route 71. But we have problem. Bless you. We have a we need to look at that from the
you know it's easy to talk about not I remember like I said time is up. Remember years ago when they had this problem we had a I was out there with Mr. Lamman factor years ago about uh the uh well I'm not going to get involved in that. I don't I don't want to I don't want to give be uh but you know my point
my my concern is >> the money has we have to have the money come from somewhere. So if if we do not have a increase in motor vehicles fuel tax then how is our roads and being and bridges going to be properly maintained
and repaired. So you know so you you pay more money in taxes or you pay more money in uh you know the motor fuels tax. That's what I'm saying. I'm not I don't mean I'm not trying to come across as being pro tax or tax and spend like that you know but my concern is you know
this is bridges and road repairs are very important and if the money doesn't come from a fuel tax >> then where does it come from and if citizens in town if the concern is that the citizens in town are being uh would have to pay an unfair burden of the fuel tax then what happens what do you tell
citizens when uh bridges need repair and roads need repair I mean I know we've had a lot of problems over the years with people complaining about the roads not being uh you know maintained properly in town. This is I just want people to look at the the big picture so to speak. That's all. Right.
>> Yeah. Absolutely. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other uh questions or comments from the public on the resolutions only? >> Yes sir. Mr. Calderice. >> Yes sir.
>> Welcome everybody. Glad I could get here. Mike Calderice right 331 Stinson. You guys do still do that, right? I just have a couple questions. Let's start with um just help me understand if you can the transfer of the dedicated account for snow snow removal. Um if you could just tell me how much is being
transferred and then how much do we have left in the dedicated account? That'd be cool numbers to have. >> Well, $187,000 is being transferred. Miss Bergen, do you have what is currently? >> Just shy of 500,000. >> Okay, cool. Thank you.
Um, now really quick, can you take me through I know we heard, you know, opinions on this, but I love your guys' opinion. The authorizing the opposing of the state um increase in fuel tax. Can you just tell me why, like why are we doing that? Just like curiosity,
you know, like your your decisions like what what went into factor in our decision to do that as a town >> in terms of opposing the increase? >> Yes. Yeah. What was the what was the thought process if you don't mind me asking? just to oppose it an increase. >> Okay. There wasn't because he brought up
a lot of, you know, a lot of do we kick that around like so what I'm asking is we're opposing this by legislation. I'm just wondering like or what's going to happen from here like is this just for show or is it does this get grouped with other I just I'm trying to understand why we're why we're doing it. Do you
understand what I'm talking about? >> Am I making sense? >> Yeah. the the if I go ahead the legislation is is pending in the state. It's by the state. >> The town doesn't have an official role in it. This resolution is to indicate the townships uh the mayor and township
council's opposition >> to the increase that's proposed by the state. We don't have a formal role in that process. The the legislators vote how they vote. >> You're just letting them know. You're letting them know officially that we disagree with this. >> Correct. >> Okay. Perfect. And then do you know the reasons why we're doing do we formulate
reasons why? Like what are like the top three if I had to ask you why >> I feel like Mr. Starky just provided that in response to Mr. Forester's question. >> Okay, but I'm asking for like top three like the top three reasons that I could kind of kick around. Why why are we opposing it? That's all I'm That's why I'm asking.
>> You didn't really answer all of it. residents within brick, >> okay, >> that are going to incur an increase in fuel costs, >> okay, >> are going to have those funds collected from them and potentially used anywhere within the state as opposed to used here >> within brick. >> I like that.
>> Brick don't have the opportunity, a lot of opportunities to choose a different mode of transportation. We're a driving town. >> Okay. >> Heck, we're a boating town. Fuel costs are going to raise the cost of boating. Cost of fueling a boat is pretty high already. >> Oh, yeah. >> Right. So, we either vote less, drive
less, or pay more. We think that there's other ways that the town can sorry, the state can do what they need to do than put an unfair burden on a community that doesn't have maybe state funded public transportation options like other parts of the state.
>> Okay, awesome. That was a great answer. Thank you. That's that's all I was looking for. Thanks, guys. >> Thank you. Uh, anyone else from public? >> Okay, seeing none, close in public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Mikino, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> I vote yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. 423, please. Be it resolved by the township council
of the township of brick that the following bills be paid and that the mayor and clerk be and are hereby authorized to draw orders on the treasurer for the amounts of the same computer computer bill resolution in the amount of 17,249,41861. >> Thank you. Is there a motion and a second on the computer bill resolution?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Thank you. Open to councel. Closed council. Open to the public for questions on the computer bill resolution. >> Seeing none, close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albany, >> yes.
>> Councilman Makino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amcino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> 424, please. Be it resolved by the township council of the township of
brick that the following bills be paid and that the mayor and clerk be and are hereby authorized to draw orders on the treasurer if the amounts are the same. Manual bill resolution in the amount of $2,34,78166. >> Thank you. Is there a motion and a second on the manual bill resolution? Motion. Second.
>> Thank you. Open to councel. Close councel. Open to the public for questions on the bill on the manual bill resolution. Seeing none, close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albany, >> yes. >> Councilman Mino, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. Moving on to number five. Bond ordinance providing for the
acquisition and purchase of real property for open space preservation purposes by and in the township of brick in the county of Ocean State of New Jersey appropriating $431,000. Therefore, inclusion of Green Acres Grant in the amount of $323,250
received or expected to be received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and authorizing the issuance of $431,000 in bonds or notes of the township to finance the cost thereof. >> Thank you. Is there a motion in a second?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Thank you. Open to Council, >> no. >> Close. Council, roll call. >> Councilman Albanese, >> yes. >> Councilman Aino, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Reena, >> yes. >> Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice Presidentino, >> yes. >> President Fineman, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> 52. bond ordinance providing for the acquisition and real and purchase of
real property for the open space preservation purposes by and in the township of brick in the county of Ocean State of New Jersey appropriating $296,000 therefore inclusion of a greenacres grant in the amount of $222,000 received or expected to be received from
the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and authorizing the issuance of $296,000 in bonds or notes of the township to finance the costs thereof. Thank you, Councilwoman Travers. >> Thank you, Council President. The bond
ordinance provides for $296,000 in bonds for the open space acquisition of vacant land on Summit Avenue. The township has submitted a green acres funding application to be reimbursed for the purchase. This property was recommended for presentation from the brick open space savers committee. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Is there a motion and a second? >> Motion. >> Second. Thank you. Open to councel. Close council. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Aino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers? >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino? >> Yes. >> President Feman? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to 61. An ordinance of the township of Brick County of Ocean, state of New Jersey, endorsing a reduction in the posted speed limit on West Princeton
Avenue and Ocean County roadway from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour. >> Thank you, Councilman Mikino. >> Thank you. Township Council Public Safety Committee is requesting this ordinance. Following the request of the Ocean County Engineer to lower the speed
limit to 30 miles per hour, the county completed two speed studies along West Princeton Avenue. The county speed study and analysis included field measurements of vehicle speed, review of the 85th percentile and average speeds, and review of the number of vehicles
exceeding the speed limits by 5 and 10 miles per hour. In addition, they utilize the Federal Highway Administration speed management safety methodology to determine a recommended speed limit based on the various factors. Determining the existing speed
limit is uh appropriate for the road. The existing speed limit on West Princeton Avenue is 35. The data, the collected data supports lowering the speed limit 30 miles an hour. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there a motion and a second? >> Motion. Second.
>> Thank you. Open to council. Close council. Open to the public. Do you can I have access to the data >> just out of curiosity? >> I'll >> I would just look to see what what the difference 5 miles an hour would make. So for my own understanding,
>> so was a county traffic study? Uh they sent a letter request to us indicating that they had done a study and so on and so forth, but I don't know that we got copies of their data. >> Okay. Do you know like the results like how much they think it's going to reduce accidents or
>> speeding or any like do what what were the results of it that were that were doing it? >> Well, that that's not the sort of information that's in the data. >> Okay. >> The data is how people are actually behaving on the road >> and then it's their recommendation, the county's recommendation that we reduce the speed limit based on the current
driving patterns. >> Yeah. So, what what do they measure like how they were behaving on the road? What are sort of things that they would measure? Speed >> basically just speed >> volume speeds in cars. I'm sure that they take into consideration accidents when we do our speed studies in town or
police department reports on accidents within the last 12 or 24month period. They also >> sorry >> specify whether or not those accidents were in any way related to speeding. When we consider these things >> are were they like what was the average speed people were going just if like out
of curiosity is it's 35 now you said right? Were people traveling like 40 45 because of that? Do we think it's like what what do we think the results are going to be is basically what I'm asking. >> The 85th percentile showed that they were there was 85th percentile was driving 10 miles an hour above. So
>> So most people travel 45 down the road. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And we're looking to reduce that part of it. >> Gotcha. And we think by bringing it to 30 that they might only go 40 kind of thing. Okay. >> I just want to clarify this is a county road. So the council is not reducing the speed limit. This is >> Oh, I got it. Yeah. >> For the county to do it. They an end
from the town. >> Okay. Yeah. I was just wondering what the you know why we endorsed it basically was the questions I was asking. So all right. Awesome. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else from the public? Seeing none, close public. Roll call.
>> Councilman Albanese. >> Yes. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Reena? >> Yes. >> Councilman Cohen? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Travers? >> Yes. >> Vice President Amberino? >> Yes. >> President Feman? >> Yes. >> Thank you. 62, please.
>> An ordinance of the Township of Brick, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, authorizing a lease of Milano Park, block 548.01, lots 2123.04 to the Bricktownship Police Athletic League, a nonprofit corporation. >> Councilwoman Travers.
>> Thank you, Council President. This ordinance authorizes the renewal of the lease agreement with the Police Athletic League for the property of Drum Point Road. The lease agreement is renewed for an additional 5 years. The PL has a history of providing community programs and offers recreational facilities on
site to the PAL membership as well as the general public. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there a motion and a second? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Thank you. Open council. Seeing none, close council. Open to the public.
Seeing none, close public. Roll call. >> Councilman Albanese. >> Councilman Makino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Marina, >> yes. Councilman Cohen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Travers, >> yes. >> Vice President Amberino, >> yes. >> President Feman, >> yes. >> Thank you.
>> That brings us to number seven, public comments. >> Please note that each person addressing the council during any section of the meeting during which public comment is permitted shall limit his or her remarks to five minutes pursuant to Brook Township Administrative Code section 2-33b.
>> Thank you. Is there anyone from the public with comments? Yes, Mr. Foster. >> Just so you know, my name is Foster, not Forester. >> My apologies. I'm sorry. >> Police chief is Forester. So, I'm not I'm not that well connected. So, please. Anyway, Sam Foster, 2C Lark Street,
Manchester. The reason why I came here tonight, first of all, I want to congratulate everybody who voted elections. I haven't been here since then. Had a lot of stuff going on, health problems. So can congratulations to councilman Albanese Reena and Cohen and congratulations to Mayor Crate on her re-election. Now the
main reason I came here tonight was because I read that former mayor former mayor Scarelli Joe Scarpelli died and I wanted to speak out and uh to compliment him and I want people to we all know the problems that he had but I want people to remember him the way I remembered him
and that is as a mayor who did great things for our town. He created Summerfest. He uh this I believe that this was all mentioned as an obituary. He was also responsible for the brick pal. Not brick pal center the uh the what if that is on chambers mro the uh
the what? >> No the the the thing with kids. What is that thing? You know the kid things. The kid recreation center for the kids on next to the high school. What is it? >> Plaza plaza. Whatever that thing is here. But yeah but like I said he was a mayor. He was a good He was a good man.
He was a good man. He was a good mayor and he was corrupted by politics, which does that to a lot of people. And we've seen it happen a lot of times, but he was a good man. I played chess in Hamilton. I played chess with the I'm not going to dwell on this too much, but this is very important to me because I
feel very bad about what happened to him and his family because he was a good mirror and he's a good person, good man despite what happened to him. And this man that I played chess with, he was a guard at Fort Dicks prison. And he said that he guarded Mayor Scarpelli. And all Mayor Scarpelli did was cry all day
long. He was truly remorseful for what he did. And I would like people to remember Mayor Scarpali the way I do as a good mayor and a good man who is corrupted by politics. There are a lot of people that corrupt people that get into politics because you know all about
we've all heard about uh I remember ABS scam way back in the 1970s. I don't know. The younger people up there probably don't remember that. But the old, you know, when there's a uh well, I'm not going to dwell on that too much. They nailed some congressman anyway, taking barriers, but he was truly a man
that was a good mayor and he was a good man and I hope that everybody remembers his accomplishments for this town. And I I'm going to miss him. I really do. And I would like to be people people to remember that he was truly a re
remorseful for what he did. And there are a lot of people not just in politics but that are not remorseful for them. They they they're I don't know the the word to use but they're like uh not a synonym of arrogant. They're like uh un un uh
unrepentant I guess would be the word. They uh they pretty much uh uh even taunt people what they've done. So when you see someone like that is truly remorseful, I would hope that his accomplishments for this town and his care for this town is what everybody
remember about him because like I said, he was a good man. He was a good mayor. He served us quite well as a mayor and I think we all should uh remember him in a positive way. Thank you. >> Thank you for the kind words.
>> Anyone else from public? >> Yes, sir. Mr. Bacon. My name is Charlie Bacon, 366 Rancokus Drive. Good evening, mayor, council, administration. Uh, a couple things I'd like to talk about tonight.
Uh, the first one is the Waw Wa left turn violation I saw. On February 3rd, on Tuesday at 4:15, I was across from the Wawa at my
doctor's office. A Waw Wa tractor trailer food truck was making an illegal lefthand turn. The client was the sign was clearly posted. They're not supposed to make that lefthand turn in front of the Waw Wa.
The truck could not get in because of the westbound traffic. wouldn't allow him to come in. Going eastbound, the traffic was backed up through the intersection of Jack Martin Boulevard and Barb Blink.
So, I have a couple questions. I've been in front of this uh council mayor many times about the Waw Wa about drive-throughs Popeye's the original application were waw wa and allowing left-hand turns. All
right. When the WAWA application was approved or memorialized as I I would call it going through the board of adjustment in that memorialization of that application, it probably had specific times when deliveries could be
made, whether it was the food truck, the fuel trucks, or garbage pickup. So my question to the administration, what are those pickup times? They got to be, I'm assuming, on an application that big, they're clearly
stated. And I'd like to have the administration follow up on that. The other question I have is how many summons have been issued since no lefthand turn signs have been up on 88
and also the no lefthand turn coming out of the exit of Wawa. Now, recommendations. It's kind of ironic. We talked about a traffic study on West Princeton Avenue. I've lived in this town for many years. Not until recently did I know where West Princeton
Avenue was. And that goes back to many, many years ago before Laurel Circle was probably even around. So my recommendation is that the administration potentially petition the state of New Jersey to do a traffic study. Let's think about the Waw
Wa right now. the Waw Wa you have in there. Now, the board of adjustment has approved three new drive-throughs. At your first reorg meeting in January, the resident came up here and talked about the car wash across the street
from it. Can't even imagine what that kind of traffic bird's going to come when all those new facilities are in play. So, I recommend that. I'll have other comments that I want to make
uh after the administration comes back. In particular, I'd like to know what the delivery times are because I can't really speak about something if I don't know if that's a violation. Um, with my remaining time, I wanted to talk about red light violations. I've
been up here in front of this board many times about this. Back in October 24, I talked about a day in the life of Charlie Bacon going to Silverton. I live off of Princeton Avenue. I'm in this town 12 minutes. And in that 12 minutes going to work, I
probably see six to seven cars, trucks, whatever else going through red lights. All right. So, a new encounter I had, I had to go to work on December 2nd around 6:00 a.m. My boss decided to have a meeting at 6:30. I don't know why, but
he did. So, I'm going I'm waiting at the light, traffic light at Post Road and 88. Now, how can I tell if a car goes through a red light? It's pretty
simple. My lights green, they're in. They're actually in the intersection at this point. I don't have cameras. I don't have any of those devices. So, I waited and I went. I make my turn off to go down Brick Boulevard and
unbeknownst to me at the time there was actually I believe two patrol cars that actually stopped for the red light going on 88 westbound. Another situation occurred on 18. This one I had a little bit more detail
to be honest with you. on December 2nd. I didn't have a a pad pen handy. At 7:55 a.m., I'm sitting. >> Council President, are you all right if I continue? >> Yeah. If you want to wrap up real quick, >> I'll try. >> Okay.
>> I'm uh the light turns I'm going down Brick Boulevard heading to Silverton. The light turns red at the intersection. Brick Boulevard and Chambers Bridge Road. All right. Clearly, I stopped. There's a white SUV
next to me that does not stop. Goes through a red light. >> The opposite side on Brick Boulevard heading, I guess you would say, eastbound going to make a left-hand turn on the Chambers Bridge is a police car there.
So my question on that is I'm assuming on both these incidents that I'm coming up here that I observe is what is the police procedure for people going through red lights when they're in what I would call a line of sight vision?
Just kind of curious how many summents have been written at a major intersection of people going through red lights? What is the breakdown of accidents at these major intersections? And what changes has the administration made to reduce the red light violation? Thank you for allowing me to extend.
Have a good evening. >> Of course. And real quick, when you talked about the meeting 6:30, is that AM or PM? >> Oh, I'm sorry. AM. >> AM. >> Yeah, it was kind of it was kind of tough. >> Yeah, >> but I was awake. >> All right. Very good. All right. Thank you for >> So, thank you for the extended time. Have a good evening.
>> You got it. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else from public? Yes, sir. my name and the >> you could welcome us to the meeting again. >> Oh, how I do want to congratulate everybody and welcome everybody and of course invite everybody on the show if you
would ever like to come on. I would love to have every single one of you guys on. That would be wonderful. You know, I can't I have to I have to ask, right? So, I have I'm going to talk about one thing and um I know it's kind of for on the forefront of everybody's mind is the snow removal.
>> So, just gonna let everybody know the there's been a couple storms this year and I get we haven't had a lot of storms and I do get the the problems that you're having. Contractors probably aren't, you know, available as they used to be and the whole nine yards. Um the roads are pretty dangerous and a lot of
it seems like because of how we treated this last storm with only one pass or one and a half passes through streets. We still have four feet of snow on the side of one one of my roads. You go down all of these roads and bricks. Some are still iced over. Right. I know we were
selectively salting. I saw the I saw the truck kind of selectively salting. That was a week after they stayed completely iced up. So, I just have a couple things that are on my mind. It seems like we have no money for salt or it seems like we have no availability for salt. It seems like we have no money for snow
removal. So, I'm just kind of wondering if I can I ask a question like how many more storms can we handle that we have funding for, you know, because I know this last storm was hard. It was this was a hard storm. I was >> We can handle any snow event that comes. If we had to do an emergency appropriation, we would. >> Okay.
>> So, what what's in our snow trust fund is definitely enough for us to get through another storm. And we have salt. Salt was delivered. Salt shortage is has been addressed for Brick Township. We have our deliveries. >> So, >> was that a was that an issue? Is that why we were selectively kind of salting or >> selectively?
>> Yeah, we definitely were. We definitely were. I mean, the the trucks were 100% kind of just pulling up, spraying it, driving to another little patch, spraying it. We were >> To be clear, TPW was instructed and to salt every road, not selectively. >> Okay. So the saw thing, it didn't seem
like it was done for >> and we also had enough money for the snowstorm. There was not a shortage of money. There was not a shortage of contractors. There was not a shortage of equipment. >> So why was it so bad? >> Time. >> If you don't mind me asking, like cuz so
quick, what do you mean by bad? >> So like I just like like I just explained when you have >> when you have first off, you only did one or one pass or one and a half passes. You still have 4 ft left of snow still on many roads you have in the snow
on the side of the road. Please don't cut me off. Let me just let me just finish off. >> I just want to clarify. You're kind of referring to the snow on the side of the road. >> Okay. So, no, I am talking about going through neighborhoods where you only have one or one and a half plows. I'm talking about our streets that are right in front of where um the old Quaker
Steak and Lube used to be. There's a big mound still like halfway in the middle of the road. You kind of still have to get over with. I have a dully when I'm when I'm talking about a very bad job. I've been through this entire storm. I did 55 hours in it. Okay, I understand how hard it was. It didn't seem like for
the week afterwards we had anybody in trucks pushing snow piles back. There was so much more work left to do in this town. And it seems like we stopped and didn't do any more work after the first three or four days. When I got home, everything stopped. The the the driveway
or the neighborhoods were sheets of ice for a week and a half. Complete sheets of ice. Right. And now you still have I mean this is what three weeks later and we still have roads that are only have one lane going in and out of them. And I'm just wondering why we didn't have trucks running if we have lack of guys
like did every one of the DPW guys have to go back to work so we stop plowing them you know making them making them plow roads because that still needed to happen and it seemed like it stopped. So that's what I that's exactly what I mean by a bad job. I really think it was a horrific job two out of three storms.
Well, I can personally attest to seeing plows removing a lot of what you're talking about. Maybe not everywhere, but moving what you're talking about at roads where there wasn't sufficient, especially busy intersections. I know Morris A is kind of a cut through off of
70 if you want to get to 78. That whole left turn lane was kind of shut down easily eight days after the storm. So, I don't believe that work stopped. The most compounding factor to what we've all been dealing with in town for what
happened in this last storm is we are used to getting storms, especially ones where we get a lot of snow and maybe it's two or three days before we get back above freezing. We've all, and not just us, every community in Ocean County, every community in New Jersey, and like nearly 40% of the country have
been dealing with an extraordinary amount of snow that's turned into ice and stayed ice for now going on three weeks. >> It got it got heavy. I can tell you right now, my machine was was ripping right through it and all of a sudden it rained. >> I wish I had your machine. I had a log splitter in my front yard breaking up ice chunks.
>> Yeah. So, you could have called me. I would I would 100% came to your house. I would have charged you, you know, a couple hundred bucks to do it. That's the truth. Um, but no, so just so I could tell you real quick and I I'll wrap it up. >> I was there >> four or five days after the storm, still digging people out of their driveways.
And I can tell you, come pulling up with a truck and a trailer with a bobcat on it, I had nowhere to park. And if I did that right now, I'm telling you right now, three weeks later, I will have nowhere to park. We stopped plowing. I mean, we we just did that. And that's
the appearance. And the appearance is we have no money for it. So, I'm just telling you that's the that's the talk. So, thanks guys. >> If I may, we did not stop plowing. We had crews out every single day for the last two weeks clearing corners,
clearing lines of sight in every single neighborhood, every single day. And it wasn't just township employees out there doing it. It wasn't just our public works doing it. We were in communication with the county and they were doing the same thing. We still had county trucks out
last week on Friday clearing intersections because people couldn't see. So to be clear, you may have the impression that we were not out there doing it, but our public works guys were out every single day clearing
corners, clearing lines of sight, clearing out areas of streets to make them safer. There are 1,500 roads that our DPW is in charge of in this township and nearly 800 miles of
roads. So, while I appreciate the fact that you cleared out driveways for people over 55 hours, we had multiple employees working multiple hours beyond that for over two weeks doing all of
that work. And if there was an issue in your neighborhood that you had a specific problem with, you should have reached out to my office and we would have we'd have taken care of. >> We can debate this, but I'm just telling you, I understand what you're saying,
but you're giving the impression that we had no money and no employees out there doing this work, and that is completely inaccurate. >> I said that's the impression. >> And I said, it is incorrect. I'm telling you and anyone that I spoke to that
called that had an issue was happy when it was resolved. >> I would argue the entire council has an issue. >> I think if >> you can certainly have that argument >> if you two have this conversation you guys can do it after the meeting. We have a another gentleman from the
public. Yes. >> Joe Lamb 386 with drive brick. uh in regard to two individuals that had come up here and you listened to this sit council meeting, some of these problems could be resolved by them if they took
photos or video uh presentations of where these uh problems occurred so that we could all see it or or show it to you. and by using just coming up and saying these things and using the terminology that they're using um you
don't know which way to go on it. So it would be very helpful for anybody if they have any kind of situations where they think that uh something occurred you know we all have iPhones take a video of it for crying out loud. Uh so
that's all I have to say. Thanks very much. Thank you. And that's a great idea. And I think for the plow my road link, you're able to upload pictures. Is that correct? And the mayor is one of the most approachable, reachable mayors.
Um, you can always email her as well. She's very responsive. So, thank you, sir. Uh, is there anyone else from the public? Uh, I'm so sorry. They're very strict with me about the rules. Everyone only
gets one. All right. Yes, sir. Uh Bob Miano uh brick. Um thanks for the opportunity to be on that uh committee. Um I got something I want to bring up that I went to a meeting of the board of uh adjustments the other day about the
ashall plant that's going to happen over here. So, I did a lot of research. I I talked to the MUA and I also talked to their uh John Jackson, their attorney, trying to get everything situated here in my own brain because I like to
analyze everything and um me personally, I use a lot of common sense. So, the ashual company's been there for quite a while. Everybody's worried about the water with the runoff. In this in that industry, you're going to get runoff from oil. There's no doubt in my mind.
So, it has runoff. They want to put uh tanks there and keep everything confined. They also want to do a different fil uh filtration system when it burns. So, right now, this this building here, the school over there
that kids are going for four years are breathing oil, ashful smell, which is oil and everything else. I have COPD from I guess from fixing cars because I never smoked a day in my life. But um it's it's oil and everything else. So my
point is over there it's there now. It's probably going to end up staying. So my thoughts are if they're going to improve everything there, they're going to stop everything from going into the water.
They're going to try to stop all the uh emissions which is all the state-of-the-art stuff. This is 1956 as uh they were telling me 56 to now there's a lot of improvements. So if it's going to happen which is my thoughts is probably will
we should do the improvements. If we argue it and fight them and they're going to sit there and say we're not doing nothing. We're going to keep it the way it is. It just doesn't make sense. it it's you're just still going to have the same contamination and it's all in violation because it's very far in right now. So, if they want to make
improvements and make everything state-of-the-art, my thoughts are we should try to talk to the public and and I know they come to the meeting and all that, but make them aware of what everything is going to
happen. you know, a little bit more than what what they know that, you know, we come to the board of adjustment meeting, these guys, be honest with you, this code, this code, nobody, it was a waste of time. So, if everybody gets right to the point, this is what we're going to do, either we could do it or we're not
going to do it. And if they if they close it off, um it's going to get closed off. You know, it's not going to be. But to me, I think it's going to end up happening the way it looks. Um, I think it should be, you know, kind of
go through for the state-of-the-art to to help everybody environmentally. Biggest thing is environment. Um, that's pretty much what I wanted to say is just about that plan because uh it's if it stays, it's got to be improved. It just can't sit the way it
is. And if it's going to get shut down, shut down. And then we got a big cleanup over there because it's been that's a 1956. So, you're going to have a lot of contamination. So, and I made another suggestion. Instead of having that traffic pull out
onto Chambers Bridge, why don't we use this uh side road over here where the light is, let the trucks come out over here, so they have a light there and everything's used over there. Just a thought. Safety, you know, instead of uh the trucks turning in there now, they could come in to the side over there,
you know, just a thought. >> All right. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Can I make a response, Mr. Maliano? Uh, can I ask you something uh before you before you speak? >> Absolutely. >> Sure. >> Um, you have some um very thoughtful comments and uh I I don't want you to take the mayor or council's um silence
on the matter to think that they don't have um views of their own on significant issues. The the fact of the matter is um the application on this um plant is pending before the zoning board. Uh you know, there are going to be additional hearings on it and pending
application and because that's an independent board, it's not appropriate while that's pending for the uh governing body here to speak on it. Um now my suggestion is um at that hearing at the zoning board hearings, they have public comment periods. Um and you can
get up, you can say exactly what you said here and have it be heard by the zoning board. The zoning board will be making a decision on the application at some point. They will receive and seek uh public input before they do it. But while it's pending there, um I've advised this governing body uh as I
always do with a pending application not not to speak on it because the concern is that that would >> um you know have an unfair impact e either way it goes on the zoning board's um >> right >> you know ruling on it >> but I'm a public so I comment you know
there you can absolutely get up and comment just try to make people understand I mean you know do I want it I live right on the water at the end of it so it's you But if it's going to happen and then they improve it a thousand times over
and make everything uh EPA and whatever we have to do, you know, if it's going to stay, it's going to stay. So why not upgrade it and make it state of the art and whatever we have to do, you know, just like any other building, you know, if these buildings, you know, some of the old buildings,
let's update them and and make everything more modern, you know, where we can, you know, >> my my point is make your make your thoughts to the zoning board that's going to make the decision on it. You're free to speak here, but might be more effective to go there as well. >> Okay. >> Yeah. My comments were exactly what Mr.
Starku was going to to guide you on. >> Bob had to say, >> Yeah. Uh and I appreciate it. And if you didn't have a chance to speak last time, like he had mentioned, I'm sure that you will, and I'd very much appreciate that you share uh all of your feelings, right, and your opinions uh with the board of adjustment. Uh but I'd also
like to congratulate you on your appointment to the Tourism Development Commission. Uh very happy that you're able to participate in that way. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh and one last thing, right? Uh Mr. Starky, um the records that are reviewed, the transcripts of the
meetings, right, uh uh that the board of adjustment are available to the public. Is that accurate? >> Uh the the audio of the meeting is available, the minutes are available when they're when they're done. And obviously, it's in it's in this room. It's an open public hearing. Anyone can attend as well. >> That's right. But I think even Mr. Bacon
had made some mention that he was curious about some of the details of applications that were reviewed in discussion that occurred in a board of adjustment meeting that was some time ago about that WAWA. I just want clarification that those things are available, right? >> Yes, they are. And the documents follow the township. There will be application
documents. Yes, there will be review letters and that's all publicly available. >> Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else from public? Seeing none, close public. Roll call. Close
public. >> Close public. >> We're just going to close and move on. I think that's best. Um, Madame Clerk, Thank you, Madame Secretary.
>> Thank you, Councilman Albanese. >> Uh, my condolences as well. I knew Scarpelli from soccer back in the 70s. >> That was nice guy. >> Thank you, Councilman Minino. I have nothing tonight. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman Rea. >> Yes. Um, I just wanted to share that I was fortunate and very much appreciate the opportunity. I attended an educational session on the 31st for new council members which was extremely enlightening and and very informative.
Also had the opportunity this past week to join u the mayor's senior advisory council and hear concerns of uh a number of the members of our senior communities. So, that's something I plan to regularly attend. Um, and want to say
thank you for having me there. >> Thank you, Councilman Cohen. Um, like to express my condolences to um, Mayor Scorpell's family. Um, I have fond memories of him growing up. Uh, he
was the mayor that was everywhere. Um, you'd be at a picnic and he is there flipping hamburgers and then you would go to another function. Um, and the man was there, too. It was like he was everywhere all the time. So, you know, we know his history. Uh, putting that
aside, um, I think he was one of the one of our great mayors. Um, and again, my condolences to his family. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Travers. >> Um, this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to go over to Civ Civic Plaza. I brought my eight-year-old to the
Valentine's Day dance, which was a lot of fun. The recreation department did a great job putting that together. I've taken him. I a couple years ago took my older son and this year got to do it with him. So, it's fun and I look forward to taking my my youngest in a few years. But, um I just wanted to say how much fun that was. And the
recreation department is always doing really neat events and happy Valentine's Day. >> Awesome. How was the dancing? >> Yeah. Great. Council Vice President Ammersino. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. Uh, I'd also
just like to echo what Councilman Cohen said and extend my deepest condolences to the Scarpelli family. Uh, not commenting in any way, shape, or form on his performance as a mayor or anything that occurred. He was still a father and a grandfather. Uh, and it hurts everyone
when we lose someone. So, I'm sure we can all empathize with that. Uh, I do want to just uh kind of add on some of what we were talking about with Mr. Calderice. Look, man, I absolutely understand and empathize with how folks feel in town, right? I do. I mean,
personally, my road didn't even get its first plow until like 11:30 p.m. Sunday night. And I think I had already been out shoveling because I got a bunch of sidewalk that I've got to maintain. Not everybody has taken care of their sidewalks. Uh, three times that day. And
then it all froze over when I got plowed in. and I had to go out and spend hours working it the next day as well. The thing I'd like to say is I don't think that we're ever ever going to feel happy about the way that the snow gets treated. Like it's just not right. I
mean that would take everybody's street being plowed first, everybody's be street being plowed a second and a third time, right? And and at some point we do need to balance sort of what's realistic uh and required in order to make sure that we maintain safety first and
foremost uh access for our residents, access for our first responders, and then over time allowing people to get their disrupted lives back to normal with what is uh probably one of the largest expenditures that we've uh made for snow removal in some time. Miss
Bergen, you'd have better experience than me. But it was a very big price tag that went into what we were able to do. And it wasn't enough. It'll never be enough because enough is almost impossible. That's why every winter I pray for less and less snow. Uh my kids
hate me for that, but uh be that as it may. Uh but I agree, right? You know, it's tough. This is a disruptive event when it occurs in our town. Uh and it could always be better. Uh, but it's never going to be as good as we all want it to be. I think is about it. That's it for me.
>> Thank you. I'm gonna shift gears ever so slightly and talk about West Orange, who's my hometown. >> Not snow. No. Um, so Brick Wreck is hosting a bus trip to Turtleback Zoo in West Orange. The trip takes place on Saturday, April
18th, and you could register on Community Pass or you can call uh 732-22621073 to learn more. For those who haven't been to the Turtleback Zoo, it's a fantastic zoo. One of the best in uh all of New Jersey. So, highly
>> one of the best zoos in West Orange. >> That's right. Of all the zoos in West Orange, that's the best. Um so, as always, stay safe and have fun. Uh that's all I have. Moving on to Mr. Starky. >> Yes. Uh thank you. I just wanted to also express my condolences to the Scarpelli
family. Um like the township clerk and our council secretary, my firm was uh appointed uh first under Mayor Scarpelli to be the town attorney was my father actually and um he was always decent to uh me to my family and I agree. I think he was a really a great mayor for Rick.
Um that's that's all I have for tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Starky. Miss Bergen, >> I'd just like to echo my sentiments of sympathy for the Scarpelli family. >> Thank you, Mayor Cre. >> Thank you. Uh, I also would like to send my condolences to the Scarpelli family,
although I never personally had a relationship with Mayor Scarpelli. I do know many people who have and who've all all had fond kind words uh regarding him. So, condolences to his family and, you know, uh a grateful heart for his
service to our township while he was here. Uh I will say just one more second on the snow. I everything that I said uh was honestly in defense of our workers uh who who were out there working diligently every
single day. Could we do better? Yes, we can always do better. Uh I think there were extenduating circumstances with regard to the temperatures in this storm. The ice uh the hours of ice that fell from the sky after the first plows
went through and we did our best to deal with it accordingly afterwards. Are are changes going to be made? Are improvements going to be made? Absolutely. So just to be clear on that. Um a couple of things that we do have coming up in town that I just want to
highlight. The first being on Friday, February 20th, I'm just proud to announce that through uh Choose Love, Celebrate Life, our CLCL Foundation Community Threads will be opening in Civic Plaza. We will be doing a ribbon
cutting. Again, that's Friday, February 20th at 4 PM. The public is invited out to celebrate with us and to learn more about what Community Threads is and what we will have to offer to, uh, Brick Township and anyone in the surrounding area that needs assistance. And second
to that, uh, Community Threads will be open on Saturday, February 21st, and the public is invited to come in and take a tour so that you can see what the space looks like. And if you are in need, we encourage you to come by during that
time and all future open hours that we'll have available. Also, on Saturday, February 21st at 3 p.m. in Civic Plaza, we will be hosting our brick birthday party. Brick will be 176 this year. So, we don't look a day over 175, I know,
but uh you are invited out with your family to celebrate. We have a lot of vendors that come out. Uh it's really a community event. We have our firefighters, our EMS, our police. Um, lots of businesses come out, the public library. A lot of our civic
organizations participate as well. It's a fun couple of hours uh for the kids and family. So, we invite you out to Civic Plaza to celebrate Brick's 176th birthday on Saturday, February 21st at 3
PM. And finally, we will be hosting our Brick Hero Awards again this year. That will take place on Friday, March 20th at Brick Memorial High School beginning at 700 p.m. We invite the public to come
out to the event. However, nominations are currently open. So, if there is a Brick Hero in your life that you would like to see celebrated, I encourage you go to go to the Bricktownship website. There is a link for the nomination of
your brick hero and there's a couple of different categories that you can choose from. So the categories include volunteerism, public safety, seniors, youth, nonprofit, military or veteran,
businesses, public service, school personnel, and community stewardship. Those are all of the different ways that you can nominate someone here in Brick Township. It is a wonderful evening. It's a rewarding experience to celebrate with all of the
wonderful Brick Hero Award recipients. So, I encourage you to go on to our website, nominate someone you know, and join us on Friday, March 20th for the Brick Hero Awards. And that is all I have this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, next public meeting is going to be held here on
Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7 PM. Can I get a motion and a second to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I. Meeting adjourned.