The March 17th, 2025 regular session meeting of the Cinnamon Township Committee is now called to order. Everyone, please rise and join me in saluting the flag. I pledge allegiance 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. This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, public law 1975, chapter 231. Notice of
this meeting was published in the Burlington County Times and the Courier Post on January 10th, 2025. Uh, roll call, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Condo, here. Mr. Miguel, here. Mr. Sagest, here. Deputy Mayor Horner, here. Mayor
Crayville present. Thank you. Okay, we'll move to committee liaison reports. We'll start with uh committee member cond for administration in health and senior services. Uh this evening I have uh nothing to report. Madame mayor. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Conda. Uh committee
member Seagris public works. Thank you, Madame Mayor. I have a couple things. uh Remington Titting Vernick, our township engineer. Just a quick note from them about the fork fork landing road bridge reconstruction. Their office is in
receipt of the construction plans prepared by Taylor Wiseman and Taylor for the reconstruction of Fork Landing Road. The bridge, I'm sorry, not just the road, Fort Landing Road bridge. Um, this is scheduled to begin sometime in early summer, late
spring, early summer of 2025. I do have a couple more items. Brush collection 2025 has started. Crews are currently collecting in section three. DPW will be collecting both brush and leaves in April. Piles must be separate from one another and at least
10 ft away from storm drains. Leaves and brush mixed together will not be collected as they are recycled at two different facilities. Uh, one last thing, DPW spring annual cleanup day is scheduled for Z Saturday, April 26th from 8:00
a.m. to noon at the public works facility. That concludes my report. Madame Mayor, thank you, Mr. Seagris. Committee member McIll for public safety. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, the following is the monthly report for February 2025 for the Sims Township
Police Department. Total incident in incidents responded to 2085. Total arrests made 35. Total property checks made 966. Uh, total motor vehicle stops 478. Total motor vehicle summons issued 176.
Total DWI arrest three. Morgan Cemetery calls 53. uh approved firearm permits two, approved concealed carry permits two, and temporary handicap permits issued was seven. And that concludes my report, Madame Mayor. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
McIll. Uh Deputy Mayor Her, Finance and Economic Development. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I have one item pertaining to uh finance. uh along with um CFO Julie Edmonson, administrator uh Eric Schubiger, uh we do anticipate uh
introducing the 2025 budget at the second meeting in April. And that concludes my report for this evening. Okay. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Okay. for uh parks and recreation. Uh Cinnamon and Community Day uh will be scheduled for
Saturday, May 17th at Wood Park from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Uh this event will feature live music, food, and local community groups and businesses. Uh the summer concert series is uh the planning for this annual series is underway and
the concerts will begin on Thursday, July 10th, and will occur every Thursday through August. All concerts are at 700 p.m. at Wood Park. Uh Garfield Park basketball courts with the assistance of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs local
recreation improvement grant. The basketball courts will be refurbished later uh this year. Pickleball courts windcreens were recently installed at the new pickle ball courts at Memorial Park for all those who partake in pickle
ball. Wood Park basketball courts. The township has applied for a grant through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs local recreation improvement grant program to refurbish the Wood Park basketball courts. Notice of awards are
pending. Township fields, all fields are now open for organized play. Sports group leaders should contact contact recreation coordinator Christine Turner regarding field availability. Parks and recreation master plan. Uh the township is
preparing to uh pursue a parks and recreation element in its master plan. The element will include an inventory of existing recreational resources such as fields, facilities, programs, and activities. Uh the identification of need for recreational services and
facilities will be recommendations for action. The governing body will be working with our staff, professionals, and community stakeholders to accomplish this important work for our community. We're very excited about this planning goal, and I will routinely keep everyone
updated on its progress. Um, just switching gears a little bit here. Um, I would also be remiss if I did not on behalf of the entire township committee acknowledge that March is Women's History Month. Women play a critical economic,
cultural, and social role in every sphere of life in Cinnamonson, particularly in the establishment of charitable and philanthropic causes in our community. In addition, women continue to serve important leadership roles throughout all levels of government and provide
integral community programs and services through the creation and implementation of sound public policy. Cinnamonson is blessed to have great women serve in these roles, including our municipal clerk, Lisa Pion, and chief financial
officer Julia Edmonson, who join us on this day at every public meeting. Despite these contributions, the role of women has consistently been overlooked and undervalued in the literature leadership, teaching, and study of American history. And is therefore
fitting that we recognize these numerous accomplishments. The township of Cinnamonson is proud to honor the stories, history, and contributions of women in our community and throughout our state and our nation. I asked that all of our residents to join me in
honoring the many women who continue to make our community a great place to live and recognize that the month of March in Cinnamonson is Women's History Month. [Applause]
Okay, we have three ordinances up for public hearing this evening. Um, ordinance 2025-4 amending chapter 405 of the code of the township concerning leadbased paint. May I have a motion to open
public comment on ordinance 2025-4? Madame Mayor, I'll make that uh motion to open public comment on ordinance 2025-4. Thank you, Mr. McIll. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Voice
vote, please. I I may abstensions. Okay. Public comment is now open on ordinance 2025-4. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record. Okay, seeing no one come forward, um I
will make a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2025-4. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Okay, voice vote, please. I I ns abstensions. Public comment is closed. May I have a motion to approve ordinance
2025-4? Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve ordinance 2025-4. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Conduct, I. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Sager, I.
Deputy Mayor Hero, I. Mayor Cra, I. Thank you. Okay. Ordinance 2025-5 amending chapter 265 relating to fees and specifically adding 265-29 relating to fees for leadbased
paint inspections. May I have a motion to open public comment on ordinance 25? 25 2025-5. Too many fives. I'll make that motion, Madame Mayor. Okay. Thank you, Mr. McGill. May I have a second? I'll
second it. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Uh, voice vote, please. I I Naz abstensions. Public comment on ordinance 2025-5 is now open. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record.
Okay, seeing no one come forward, may I have a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2025-5. Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2025-5. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. I will second.
Voice vote, please. I nazensions. Public comment is closed. I will make a motion to approve um ordinance 2025-5. May I have a second? I'll sec. Go ahead. I'll second that motion. Thank
you, Mr. Conda. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary. Yes, Mayor. Mr. Cond. I. Mr. Miguel. I. Mr. Sess. Hi. Deputy Mayor Horner. Hi. Mayor Craig. I. Thank you. Okay. Ordinance
2025-6, ordinance to exceed the municipal budget budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank. May I have a motion to open public comment on ordinance 2025-6? Go ahead, Madame Mayor. I'll make a motion to open public comment on
ordinance 2025-6, please. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. May I have a second? I'll second that motion. Thank you, Mr. Cond. Voice vote, please. I I naz abstensions. Okay. Public comment on ordinance
2025-6 is now open. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record. Okay. I will make a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2025-6. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank you,
Deputy Mayor. Voice vote, please. I I nazensions. Public comment is now closed. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 2025-6? Madame Mayor, I like to make that ordinance. Uh motion. I'll make that motion to um
for ordinance 2025-6. Thank you, Mr. Miguel. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Conduct, I. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Seagrass, I. Deputy Mayor Horner, I. Mayor
Craville, I. Thank you. Okay, moving on to the consent agenda. Resolution 2025-48, award of contract to Alimo Brothers General Contractors, Inc. for emergency repairs at the municipal
building. Township engineer Remington and Vernick secured quotes for the replacement of support columns in the front of the municipal building. The lowest responsible quote was provided by Alino Brothers General Contractors,
Inc. in the amount of $78,361. Chief Financial Officer, purchasing agent Julia Edmonson has determined that the necessary work meets the provisions of an emergency purchase that sufficient funding is available for the purpose and recommends authorizing by the governing
body. Resolution 2025-49 approval of emergency operations plan. The Cinnamonson Township Emergency Operations Plan, EOP, is a collaborative document which is establishes roles and
responsibilities for township uh departments and community stakeholders during emergencies and disasters and represents an extension of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Plan. The EOP addresses the township's planned response to extraordinary
emergencies associated with natural or man-made disasters under an all hazards approach. The goal of the plan is to identify the emergency management stakeholders required to mitigate any significant emergencies or disasters
affecting the township and to establish the operational concepts associated with field response and recovery processes. Emergency Management Coordinator Danny Norman coordinated local efforts to participate in the plan and recommends authorization by the governing
body. Resolution 2025-50 authorize award of contract to General Foundaries, Inc. through the state contract for stormwater bicycle safe grates. Public works superintendent Kevin Gaunt has recommended the purchase of
stormwater bicycle safe grates in accordance with the township's NJD MS4 permit. After review by township professionals, it has been determined that the best available pricing is with state contract vendor general Foundaries
Inc. in the amount of $27,71125. Ms. Edmonson has determined that sufficient funding is available for the purpose and recommends that the governing body authorize the purchase. Then we have raffles for cinnamon and fire district. That's the
end of our consent agenda. Um we'll open up public comment for the consent agenda items only. May I have a motion to open public comment on the consent agenda items only? I'll make that motion, madame mayor. I will second. Voice vote, please. I naz
abstensions. Public comment is now open for the consent agenda items only. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record. Good evening everyone. Renee Oler Davis, 21108 Hunter Street. I have a question about the emergency
operations agenda. Does that include a plan for the area of East Riverton, including the railroad, because there is only one way in and out of that area if something happens with the railroad or
there's a large fire or something? So, that's my question. Does that include that? Mayor. Yes. So, the plan is for the the entire municipality. Yes. Okay. And is it possible for us to have uh
neighborhood meetings in each area so that we know what we're supposed to do if there is such an emergency extreme emergency like that? Mayor, may I? Uh yes. So, so part of that plan is public
outreach. Um, so once it's adopted, our emergency management coordinator, one of his roles is to get that plan and the outreach started. I can speak with him. And as far as meetings, we'll certainly let you know how that's going to work,
but we certainly want the public to be aware in in the event of of a crisis or emergency how we're going to operate. Thanks a lot. I'd like I'd like for East Riverton to be first on the list. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Seeing no one else come forward,
may I have a motion to close public comment on the consent agenda? Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion to close public comment on the consent agenda. Okay. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Voice vote, please. I I ns
abstensions. Okay. See, may I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? Madame Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda. Thank you, Mr. Miguel. May I have a second? I'll second that. Thank you, Mr. Cond. Uh, roll call vote, please, Madam
Secretary. Yes, Mayor. Mr. Cond, I. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Sagress. I. Deputy Mayor Horner. I. Mayor Craville. I. Thank you. Okay. Moving on to approval of minutes. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of March 3rd, 2025?
I'll make a motion to approve the minutes as read, March 3rd, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Cond. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, Mr. Cond, I. Mr.
Miguel, I. Mr. Seagris, I may crer I apologize. I mayor Crabell abstain. Thank you. Okay. Approval of the bills. May I have a motion to approve the bill list? Madame Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to approve the
billlessness. Thank you, Mr. McGill. May I have a second? Madam, you got that? Yeah, I got it. You got it. I'll second that. Madam Mayor, Mr. Seager, roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, Mr. Cond, I. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Seagrass, I. Deputy Mayor
Horner, I. Mayor Crabell, I. Thank you. Okay. Do we have any comments from our staff or professionals this evening? Mayor, if I could just one comment, please. Please. Uh, regarding the EOP, and thank you for your your comment and
question. I just want to thank our emergency management coordinator, Danny Norman, for spearheading that. Uh, it's really important to have a plan in place. I think that's fairly obvious, but I think it's also a really good example of of good government and different levels of government working
together. Some of those operational plans come through the federal government ultimately to the state and then to the county of Burlington and then of course here to Cinnamonson. So the people who are identified in that
plan um are a a lot of employees, professionals who appoint appointees who work within our community and then it funnels back up to the other levels of government. And by adopting this tonight, and I thank the uh governing
body for doing that, it enables us to have access to much needed funding if and when necessary. So that's another reason that it's really important. Um, but just just a thanks to to Danny Norman for overseeing that and and thanks to the governing body for for approving it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Sheagger. Anybody else? Okay. All right. Let's move on to public comment. Um, I will make a motion to open public comment. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. McIll. Voice vote,
please. I I naysay abstensions. Public comment is open. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record. Good evening. Jerry Hines, 808 Turner Avenue, Cinnammenson. I would like to just follow up on the question that I
asked at our last meeting concerning the burnedout property on Union Landing Road to find out if there's been any progress uh in terms of finding out who owns that and what's going to be done about it because it's we're getting toward warmer weather,
children out and about. Windows are open, the neighbors next door using it to put bags and bags of trash in it. And I'm just wondering if there's anything um further that we you know can report
about that. Mayor, may I miss science? Uh thank you for bringing that up last meeting again. Uh it it certainly reminded us of the issue and moved us to discuss with appropriate staff. So there there was an unsafe structures report that was filed on that property um
several months ago. there was some movement between uh the owner of record and a contractor that was going to take action. Um I I recently learned that that uh potential movement stalled and without getting too much in into detail
in a public setting uh we're aware of that now and our construction official actually went out and and reissued a new notice and once that occurs it gives our our great counselor here the ability to take action if and when necessary. So he
he is now aware of it. Um I'm aware of it. Mr. Mitten uh after the meeting took action immediately and that's the update and we realize it's definitely something that needs to be addressed. Um unfortunately I know you hear this from me and all of us here uh at the
meetings. Uh it is a process that we have to follow or it comes back to us and costs uh people more money which we don't want. But we're on it. Understood. The next question I have is um when neighbor when neighbors have a lot of
stuff in their yards. I understand that you know that people are able to store things and have things in their yards, but uh there is a particular neighbor that's adjacent to my property and to my neighbor who couldn't be here tonight or she would have um who has a lot of stuff
in the yard. I mean there's you know storing stuff and then there's way overboard. We're talking toilets, full toilet, full sinks, um, any you name it, it's there. I have
pictures of it if anybody wants to see. Um, and I mean, I think people are aware of it. I mean, as far as far back as when uh John Marshall was was around, you know, but it's gotten worse. And you
know, we're really, you know, we deserve to be able to live in a community where, you know, um, next door doesn't look like that. Uh, mayor, can I continue? So, uh, it sounds like our staff may or may not be
aware of I see Mr. Mitten uh, nodding. So, I was going to say give me a call tomorrow with the address or have someone not. We don't need that. So, it sounds like we're we're going to pursue that right away. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mitten. Last question. Yes. Has anybody reached out to Cabox concerning the
letters facing outward into the community? Again, I don't know the answer to that. Sorry to put you on the spot, Mr. I know you have regular Mayor. I'm sorry. I'm totally going out of order here. Is that okay? Right. Mr. Sher, we have reached out and we're waiting to hear back from
them when they're going to be able to Okay. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Hind. Douglas Cell, 104 Cuthbert Road, Cinnamonson. I'm here tonight because of the current fallout between the
recreation advisory board and the Cinnamonson Lacrosse Club. Without getting into the details from the last month and a half and trying to assign blame, I want to say this. As an observer and someone who spent almost uh almost a decade as an officer for the
Cinnamonson Lacrosse Club and their president, I think there's blame to go around on both sides. Ultimately, and I believe this with all my mind and soul, the issues that we've seen between the recreational advisory board are and the lacrosse club are a symptom of something
the committee had to have seen coming for at least a year now. On December 18th, 2023, approximately 15 months ago, I spoke to this committee in regards to their repeal of chapter 97, our ordinance that creates and gives mandate
to the recreational advisory board. At that time, we discussed the issues with the recreational advisory board and what could be done to remediate the issues. Keep in mind, the secretary, a paid employee of the township and members of the recreational advisory board, had no
idea uh about the repeal until a few days before that meeting. After about 30 minutes of public comment on December 18th, this committee tro showed true leadership by tableabling that repeal. At the December 2023 meeting, I
and others from the community suggested better communication with stakeholders, listening sessions, and amendments to chapter 97 that would include a seat at the table for public safety, public works, and other organizations. We also established that only one of six members
of the recreational advisory board was an officer of an in town sports organization. So, what's been done over the last 15 months? I haven't heard of any amendments to uh chapter 97. I haven't heard of any listening
sessions to be held uh with the community and parks and wreck. I'm not aware of any new members of the recreational advisory board that represent members of youth sports programs in town. I did notice one change in the last 15 month months.
Recreational advisory board meetings are closed to the public. This is a stark change from years past. How can we as a community communicate with the recreational advisory board when we are explicitly told do not attend monthly meetings? Friends, there is a lack of
leadership within the recreational advisory board. Fixing the recreational advisory board doesn't require a repeal of an ordinance. Fixing the recreational advisor advisory board requires leadership. We need communication but beyond emails and Facebook. We need new
leadership that is energized and innovative. We need leadership that is willing to spend the political capital to make our community a better place. We need dynism to propose large-scale multi-million dollar capital improvement projects that will benefit the whole
community of Cinnamonson for the next 15 to 30 years. This committee is on notice. Something needs to change now within the recreational advisory board or dustups like the one most recently between the lacrosse club will continue. You've had 15 months to make changes.
Please stop procrastinating. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. S. Thanks, Doug. Hello, board. Tom Burn, 310 Fort Landing Road. Um, first and foremost, I'd like to thank you for your service, for everything that you do for this town. I
truly do appreciate it. I understand what it takes to run a multi-million dollar uh business as opposed to a town. That being said, I've been coaching lacrosse since my son was a kindergartener. He is now in seventh
grade. I also coach football. I coach basketball. He plays on a club team. and my daughter also plays field hockey for Cinnammenson. I've been throughout all of South Jersey coaching opposing teams and hosting them. In years past, we've
been playing at Holy Cross and up until this point, I am extremely embarrassed by having anyone from South Jersey coming to Cinnamonson to play us in any sport. The fields are absolutely atrocious. I know it's not your fault. I
know you're not to blame. I think it's a it's a combination of a few things, but together we could figure this out. I have offered hundreds of yards of sod to put down on the fields. My family owns a golf course that we're tearing down and
we could offer the grass, but we need to work together. So, I'm willing to help. I put thousands of hours into our youth. We have 25 kids on my team that are seventh and eighth graders and they feel like they're not worth enough to even have a
nice field or grass. So, I'm here fighting for them because I lose with them. I win with them. I'm part of their team just as much as they are. And I just needed to come and voice my opinion. That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Brown.
Do you mind? No. Go right ahead, Mr. Burn. Um, appreciate that you volunteer and and coach. Um, no, you can sit. It's fine. I'll tell you that I coach as
well. Um, I've served alongside president of baseball, former president, who's actually here tonight. Um, I have heard the exact opposite of
what you've heard. Um, I've got numerous emails regarding our soccer fields, our baseball fields. I coach softball,
um, our softball fields, as well as Wood Park as a park, right? Um, numerous compliments. Numerous.
Right. I've coached, you said thousands of hours. I've probably coached 10 thousands of hours. Okay. My kids are older, right? And that's why um I've never heard a single
person disparage our parks in all those hours. Not one time. I think field space is definitely something that this committee is looking at as far as availability. Can we
identify other areas? Right? Because some of our fields do get overused and they don't have time to properly rest. Right? But that's something that I think the mayor has addressed during her comments earlier as part of the master
plan. You weren't here at that time. So, I'll I'll just Yeah, that's okay. I'll just update you on that. Um, I take great offense, honestly, because I've spent countless hours as a volunteer working on those fields during
the various sports seasons, as well as football. I I coach football as well. Um, I have never once had somebody from out of town say that our parks were not worthy of of playing. I have four kids.
Can I ask a question? When I'm finished, you may sure. My son is going to be 20, went through soccer, football, and baseball. I have a daughter who is a
senior. Softball, soccer, and lacrosse. I have a daughter who is a junior, softball, soccer, and lacrosse. I too have a seventh grade daughter who played soccer and lacrosse
as well as softball. So, I've been around every sport that is currently or formerly played in this town, and I have never once heard somebody say that our fields are, your words, not mine,
atrocious. And I have never once had one of my kids say that they are embarrassed to play on any of our fields ever. Ever. You're offering sad. You're offering ways to improve the parks. That's great.
I think that's great. Every park in any town could probably stand an upgrade because they get used so much, right? So, if you're here to be an advocate and help, I commend that and I think that's
fantastic. What I don't like is that, hey, I'm offering my help because our parks are in such poor shape. We just undertook a major renovation to East Riverton Park. Major, right? Can we do more? We
can always do more, right? In every department, right? You're always going to drive the streets and find a road that has a pothole in it, right? No matter how much we pave, stuff always happens. There's wear and tear. But to make a broad generalization that our parks are,
again, your word, not mine, atrocious, I think you really should rethink that because I think our parks are fantastic and they're beautiful. And I know our public works department puts a lot of time and effort into the maintenance and the maintaining and
upgrading of those parks. We recently just put in pickle ball courts. I don't know if you saw those. Okay. Fantastic. Great. Awesome. Right. Awesome. Right. So, I think we've shown a real
commitment to upgrading and maintaining the parks to the best of of our ability and we appreciate people coming to the meetings and giving us feedback as far as wanting to help, right? But I think, and I guess it's probably because I do
take it so personally because I I have spent so much time in those parks and I have kids that have done so much there and I've dedicated a lot of my time in sweat equity there. To have somebody say that for the third time, your word, not mine, they're atrocious, is really
offensive. So I I understand and I I Memorial is great. Wood is great. Okay. Right. Memorial is closed right now for soccer because irrigation is not good. So all of the money you put into it, there's no drainage and it gets holds water which is a construction fail which
I actually know about. I do a lot of that. So unfortunately to drop the ball there with the drainage but it's still a beautiful park. There's a lot going on there. We played at Holy Cross which was horrible. Now we're at Fountain Farms. Mhm. And I personally went there on my
Sunday to to line the field. Right. because it's not mine and we'll lose home games. I almost started crying because of how bad condition that field is in. But you do know that football plays there, right? Practices there five nights a week and then but they haven't
and a couple and seems when was the last time they had a football game. Uh so Mr. Burn, your family owns a golf course, right? So you do understand probably more than anybody in this room, including me, because I don't see anybody from public works here, so they probably can't speak. they would be the resident
expert. Football ends in November. So that field is dormant, right? Including grass from December to March. So grass can't grow. So whatever happened during that football practice season from August to
November, that that's not going to remedy itself from November to March. It's winter. It can't. So I too walked fountain farms and it's in bad shape. It is. But that's from the use of what
happened from August to November. There's no time in the winter to to fix that. Now, if you're sitting here saying, "Hey, I I have a solution to that because I do understand that the winter months are tough and it's not going to regenerate
itself and my family owns a golf course and we have some sod that's a conversation that you should be having with public works and the administrator about how cuz as far as Okay, but you have to understand, right? And I'm speaking for myself. I
know I'm sitting up here so it may look like I'm representing everybody but again I'm trying to make sure you understand this is a really personal issue for me the way you said that coming here and and saying the parks look
atrocious I have a way to help that that to me isn't a real productive dialogue a productive dialogue probably should have been a simple email to the administrator or maybe the liaison to parks and recck that says Hey, I walked because I was
lining the field because we're back now lacrosse at Fountain Farms. I have a really good solution. I would like to talk to you about that and perhaps we can figure out a way together. We can collaborate because I think this
committee has shown a real propensity to want to collaborate with anybody and everybody who's willing to make Cinnamon better because that ultimately is the goal, right? Ultimately and I know that is for you too. That to me would have been a much more
productive way to kind of do that. I apologize about my No, it's I I get it. As I said when I started, thank you for your service. I appreciate it. I understand this is an issue I would like to help and be a part of just like I am in the community and coaching everything that I do. I got it. I'm here on behalf
my my child and my team. You know, that's it. I get that. I want to represent Cinc to the best of my ability. you know, I I I've overcome a lot of adversity in my life and and specifically I know that to this town to give my kids the best opportunity. And I don't unfortunately, you're right, parks
are very nice, but it just feels like lacrosse just gets no. So that's a different that's a diff that's a different conversation, right? And I get that and I do I get that. Me personally, and I think everybody up here understands that, right? So I appreciate the
dialogue. I really do. I figured I'd just come back up since we're having dialogue now. Um, you know, I'm going to push back. Um, state your name and address for the record, please. You're up here for the cell 104 Cuff Road. Again,
uh, yeah, I'll push back. Um, yes, this committee has shown the ability to listen, adapt um to the community, but I'm not seeing that from the the recreational advisory council
and the leadership of Mrs. Craval. Uh, like I said, 15 months ago, we were here. Uh, the the proposal at the time was to repeal the ordinance and eliminate the parks and recck council or the parks and recck board. Uh, and in 15
months, I haven't seen any proposed amendments that were apparently necessary at the time, like including a representative from public works, like including a representative from public safety. None of that's happened. I think that's a failure of leadership. I'd like
to correct you on that. First off, um we do have a community committee which involves those individuals that meets monthly and our parks and recck coordinator sits on that and reports back to parks and recreation. So that
that that subcommittee does exist and was created after that meeting 15 months ago. All right. Thank you for speaking up and educating me on that. The second thing I wanted to say was uh up until this point, Ryan, you've been doing all the talking and you're our liaison to
finance. You know, Mr. CrarAl, I expect you to be answering these questions. He was answering those questions as a parent and he did reiterate that when he was speaking to Mr. Burns. He was speaking as a parent. He was speaking as a volunteer. He wasn't speaking as a park and recreation liaison. He was
speaking as a resident and as a parent. And he stated that. Sure. Uh again, up until this point, this is the first time, you know, we're having a dialogue with you. Uh when I was here in 2023, I don't think you and I had any dialogue. I don't think you had any dialogue with
the other members of the community uh that came up to speak. Um Ryan, I love your passion. I adore it. You have four kids that have gone through recreational and club programs through town. I would love to see someone with your passion,
your vision, and your energy as the liaison to parks and wreck. I know it's a pipe dream. I'm sure it'll never happen, but I would run through a brick wall for you if you did that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr.
Good evening. Jala Shepard speaking on behalf of the Civic Club of Riverton, East Riverton and Palmyra. Since we're speaking about
parks, the East Riverton Park was completed last year and it is a beautiful park. Now, the only thing that I'm bringing up tonight is we still need to revisit the awning part. As you know,
all the trees were taken down and we have the nice tables up and the nice benches and everything is nice. We need to have those additional two awnings put on the other tables because there's nothing out there but pure sun. And
um I think I had mentioned revisiting before. So I need you to revisit it this time. Hopefully there's enough money to put two more awnings on those tables. And thank you. Thank you.
Good evening folks. Jim Francis, 804 Belleview Avenue, Cmenson. I lived in the uh East Riverton section since 1979. And the upgrades that you just did to the park, just for the record, are the
first upgrades that the East Riverton Park has ever had in the entire time that I ever lived there. Okay. So, kind of somewhat backing these guys up, but it was never addressed. The ball field
was always bad. The grass got mowed, so on and so forth. We had a tennis court, but it was never never really a fantastic park as far as the rest of them. And just like these gentlemen, which most of you don't know, I was
involved in soccer, baseball, uh, whatever sports we had. I had the kids that were in the sports. We played in all the fields. I even ran a soccer tournament here in Cinnamonson back on the soccer committee. Uh, so the other three parks, the main
parks were always fine, but East Riverton always did neglected. And as far as Miss Shepard, uh, she's right. Those, uh, what do you call them? Coverings or whatever you have for the tables, the awnings. Um, you really do need to have two more put up on them
tables, because when the sun swings around at 4 4:00, 5:00 in the afternoon, uh, that whole area is just in total sunlight. So, you know, I mean, it would make it make it great that you could actually use all four tables without getting baked. So, that's my only
comment. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Francis. Madame Mayor, may I may? Yes. So, um, Mr. Francis, I I just wanted to uh just so I I'm right here. So, just so
I I understand your comment. Um, previously East Riverton Park was not been upgraded, but recently it has been. Yes. Okay. I just wanted to make sure you recognize that we Yes. Yes. You guys graded it and everything,
but through the years. So, I mean, since 1979. That's well before this committee though, just so you know. Right. That was well before the committee, but but just still you still had parks and wrecks. You had somebody responsible. But just so none of these none of the people up on this dis were were even
here. Exactly. Some of them I'm only giving you the record that other people were involved. I'm just saying that and we understand that I don't know about that. We understand that which is which is why we paid attention to East River Park. It
needed the upgrades and and yes there. Yes. But kind of I was basically also backing up, Miss Shepard, that that part or that corner of the park could really use those two extra units to really set
it off and make it nicer. Got it. Thank you, Mr. Francis. Eric Haymon Meltzer, 117 White Birch Drive. Um, just to kind of second some of the things that we kind of covered tonight to um, you know, I've spent a lot of time in East River over the past couple years and I've seen the
improvements and I recognize the improvements and I think they are valuable improvements. I do definitely do think more can be done. I'm always a big fan of more natural shading. I don't know how that can be accomplished, what can be accomplished with that. I know you guys have the awnings out there. I know there needs to be two more awnings
to help cover the rest of the tables, but you know, I'm always, like I said, a big fan of the natural shading of trees, the value of trees. We can't put a tree in the middle. Of course. No, no. I'm not saying put a field. Yeah, of course. I'm not saying put a just has to grow. Yeah, we added a tree. Yeah, I'm not saying put a tree in the middle of the
of the field right there. I'm saying, you know, more towards the maybe towards the edge or something like that. Maybe more tree related programs in town. Always think improvement. I know uh it was touched on about in Memorial Field the flooding issue. Um that environmental stuff is my you know bread
and butter that whenever somebody brings that up light bulb goes off in the back of my head and I definitely think that should be included when talking about the storm water management plan. I know that there's been conversation about that being upgraded. Um last at least according to the Cinnamonson website on
there currently it said it was last updated in 2006. I don't know if that is accurate but that's what it says on there. um I was four years old um at the time uh and wasn't even living in town yet. But I definitely think that when we look at the storm water management plan, regardless of when it was last updated
or what improvements need to continue being made, I definitely think it needs to be looked at, especially Memorial Field because I know how close to the river it is right there. And you know, as we get more powerful storms, you know, we're going to see more rising waters. You know, I've had conversations with people out directly on the
Delaware, not in the harbor, but in Zeissner Avenue around there where they're dealing with 5 foot storm surges and, you know, having to repair their basements every 7 months, something like that. And it's just not it's just not sustainable both environmentally and personally because, you know, they said
they love this town and but they're kind of feeling the pre the monetary pressure on that. And yeah, that's all I have. And I second uh Mayor Craville, how you said talk about Women's History Month and appreciate all the contributions they have uh women have had for this
town, past, current, and future. Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you very much. Thank you. Real quick, we we did plant trees in the East Riverton Park. Just going to take them a while to grow right next to those that picnic area. Good. But we'll probably get the awning before the trees grow.
As well as one that's eventually going to grow and shade that whole picnic area. Yeah. And I And I'm just saying I love trees. Got to love the trees, especially more along Union Landing as, you know, all that area. Sure. All right. Thank you very much. Yep. You got it. Thank you, Chris. 712 Arberry
Drive. We need turf fields. Not just to play on, but to practice on. All these problems are because we're overusing our fields. You can't expect a field to get two seasons in a row without recovery.
It's going to cost money. My kids are too old. They're never going to see them from this town. A lot of your kids are too old. We need turf. Because I'm going to ask you one question. Name me a town around here that doesn't have a turf field or
doesn't have plans on implementing turf fields. Can you tell me who? Riverton. Maybe. Riverton and Riverside. Those are the two towns that I know of that don't have either plans to put in turf or have
turf fields in them. You got Mount Laurel just put two more fields on on Warren Highway. I know turf fields there's safety concerns and stuff like this, but the new turf is better than
ever. That's what you need. One, two, I'm not on any boards anymore or anything like that. I would simply say what is the expectation that our field should be in what kind of condition. That's all. Some of the fields are in very poor condition and
they need to be evaluated and they need to be re brought up to a certain standard. The other thing that I think um Mr. Gil mentioned was stuff has happened in a long time ago and I think there needs to be everybody needs to know what's going on at Fountain Farms.
There was irrigation put in there and not used because some people said they didn't know about it. It didn't work. All the above. That was paid for by the football program and a donation by Young's to put that irrigation in there and it hasn't been
utilized. The last thing I would say if it was my company and public works reported to me there would be some eliminations of jobs. The quality that is put out there is poor. And I'll give
you an example. All the trees that were planted at Ravenswood Park near recently, does everybody know about them? They've been cut down. Why? Because they were installed wrong. They died. If it was me, I would subcontract
most of this stuff out and hold someone accountable. There's no reason a field should burn up because someone didn't turn the irrigation on. That would be liquidated damages to a contractor. They would have to resod that field.
We need turf fields. That would eliminate a lot of the problems with also lights. So, thank you. Real quick. Thank you. Yes, Chris. As far as the trees, I don't know about the trees. I'm not not aware of those, but the bottom of the tree bases were
not unbured and they strangled and the bark unrooted. I have pictures of it. The other thing is like when you guys make dirt, I understand you have to do it to do it for grants or bonds or whatever it is, but we should look at partnering up with
another city to process our leaf waste. It would lower our cost and give us more land. That's where you put the turf fields, where those leaf piles are against the municipality. Then you have power there, you have access there, you have parking
there, you have an easement coming in and out. That would be the easiest place to put a turf field in my opinion. Where they have the leaf compost at the brushard, some of that land was was donated to Walmart, but Chris, the brushyard, the
township doesn't own that. Well, who owns it? We leased that as an area to put our brush. But but who? We gave property to Walmart when they moved into Walmart cuz they didn't have enough easement. You're talking about the brush yard. Talking about Yeah, there's
Walmart, the Leaf composting facility, and then the municipal Taylor's farm. Yeah, that Yeah, the township doesn't own the brush yard. Who owns it? We just rent it. Why are we paying money to rent? Uh we lease that space. But that doesn't make any
sense. Where else would you Mayor May I? How many turf fields would you like in town? Two. Just two. Two for you. Okay. Okay. Anybody got a four? Anybody got a five? Well, that's that's where we're going. The pro the problem is when I say two, I
I would say like um Cherry Hill has on Chapel where you can put two fields and then if it's a larger field then they can combine into one, right? We just don't have enough space, right? Like that's the problem here. We don't have enough land. We can't create any more land. We're we are landlocked. I mean
even er we're land we're landlocked. Even Fountain Farms is not big enough for a turf field. the only place memorial but you have if they're maintained good fields that are that are natural. So I wouldn't say let's take a natural field and
convert it. We should look at to a place that's not that doesn't have a field right now or the other the other place that that I would say and it's not utilized the that hill on the the middle school on the left hand side that's not being utilized
cuz it's on a slant. If you put a retaining wall along that property line, level that out, you could put a full track in there. So, so I know um Chris Eric, I think it was was it last
year we did have a a collaborative call with the school district to kind of look at the topic that you're you're bringing up. Um I know that cuz I was on the call. Um, so we are it. Yeah. I'm not
saying take a field that's in existence and turn it into turf. I think that would be a waste of space. I think we should look at what space is available to put turf in there. Yeah. So, we've had kind of shared with the school, right? Because the middle school's got some areas. The high school clearly has
some space that, you know, gets underutilized. The the football stadium and all that only gets used for the football stadium. You got it's not a legitimate track. So then it's too small. Then you're looking at easements and then you have wetlands and so the
the high school would only work if you went into the baseball field and you don't why would you want to take a baseball field? We're out on Riverton Road, right? So I mean look the I hear you guys. I'm just saying like we've definitely need to figure out because we
are the only town without turf. Ryan I've worked in Elmyra public works and we've dealt with turf fields. turf field is as much work as it is the regular grass fields. I'm not saying it's not a lot. It has maintenance, but
you can go on it. You can but there's a lot of cost. I I'm not you're going to spend 1.4 1.7 2.4 million at least in a in a total turf and you have to replace them after certain amount of years, too. They're not they're not forever. Listen, nothing has a
forever life tag. I'm not saying that. But our kids in sports are going to get farther and farther behind the rest of these communities because we don't have places to practice. You you you're
you're just don't have enough. And I'll say it here, none of my kids play on sentiments and teams because there's not enough quality. So, we have to go out. I would rather spend that $10,000 a year in taxes and pay for turf or
something. It'd be less driving for me. Just to clarify, Chris, you're not saying they go outside quality because the parks aren't nice. It's because of the teams aren't as good, right? You need good qual you need good quality to recruit kids. I mean, right. No one's
listen playing. By the way, our daughters play on playing on senior night at Memorial was a disgrace. What's that? I didn't hear. Playing senior night for the girls under the lights at memorial was a disgrace. That field is horrible for soccer. For soccer. Yeah.
But but Chris, it was at the end of the season. It was It's been beat up cuz we didn't water it cuz someone put fertilizer down and burned it up. No, it wasn't that wasn't it. Two pumps. If you're in the business, you know this. So, what you're saying, you know, is not necessarily It got overused. Factual.
Exactly. Yeah. But but if that but if that field only has a certain amount of time on it, it would be better. Okay. Yeah. I'm just got it. Understood. Turf fields. That's what it is. Thank you. You got it. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm not a turd. I know. I forgot one more thing and I'll repeat my name. I know. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Eric Haymon Meltzer 117 White Bird Drive. And I know you guys touched on that you guys will be looking at the budget obviously soon enough. And I just wanted to kind of emphasize the importance of the public
works budget and parks and recreation budget. I just want to know if you guys know. I don't know if you have any idea how much is going to be appropriated this year, but I want to know if there's going to be increases to both departments if you know. I hate to see, you know, especially all this conversation about the fields and all that stuff to see some of that budget go
down, which I know it has in the past for various reasons. So, do you guys know off the top of your head if those will go up or even if a little bit more, anything like that? Like an average gone down. I don't think we've reduced the tax rate. We taxable no tax increases for eight years but we haven't reduced it. Yeah. As far as I know maybe one
year. Yeah. But I just want to make sure you know emphasize the importance of that those departments are keep on getting appropriate amount of money. May the budget will be presented May 19th. Miss Evson I think. So we'll have our full proposal to share all that information with you then. We're
developing it now. Absolutely. Awesome. Thank you. And I just want to kind of summarize what we've all been talking about. Yeah. It kind of goes to show the importance of the environment and you know when people hear about the environment they think of you know the ice caps melting and big storms happening across the world but it really comes down to what's going on on the
local level and it kind of goes to show how it kind of touches every part of the community that the importance of local environment touches public infrastructure quality of life uh quality of education that kind of thing. So, I just want to keep on emphasizing the importance of the local environment and that we need to do there. There's
there are things being done, but there can always there can always be gaps to be filled and more that can always be done. And that's the last thing I have for tonight. Thank you very much, everybody. Thanks, Eric. Appreciate it, Eric. We can shut this down. Jim Francis, 804 Belleview Avenue. Um, I
know the budget's coming up and the question was asked last year. Um, is there any look at a sidewalk continuence from Hunter Farm out to Route 130 towards Walmart? Is anything been
discussed or have we looked at any part of that? I know you wanted to there was a a plan that you were trying to develop like an overall plan for safe walkways and all that in the beginning, but I think we shouldn't wait for that
part. I think we should look at getting this uh sidewalk, a completed sidewalk at least from Hunter Farm out to Walmart or out to Route 13 because there is a lot of foot traffic and uh bicycle traffic and uh a lot of people do not
put clear clo or clothing they dress dark like me. So, I almost hit somebody the other day going up just happened to be just and it was during the day and I'm going up the hill and the sun's in my face and they were totally dressed in black and they were just walking along
the side of the road and I'm like, "Oh my god, it would have ended my day." But it's just it's going to continue on and somewhere um we just got to keep bringing it up, but somewhere somebody's going to get hurt one day. We're just fortunate that it has not happened, but
please I I would and most of the East Riverton group has left and they would also feel the same way. So if we could get some type of discussion or or look at it or figure it out for the budget, it would be great. Yeah. And Mr. Francis, that's I'm sorry. No, go right
ahead, Mr. Con started. Go right ahead. That's something that is discussed every meeting specifically with the East Riverton group. It's moving and I believe we are waiting on funding for it. It's approved. It's approved to be It is approved. It's Go ahead. Okay. So,
just just to let you know, the sidewalk from Hunter uh farm to the Walmart. It it's certainly not been forgotten and it it's the wheels are turning a little slower than everyone would like, but they are turning. I've always said the
wheels of justice turn slow, but they usually come around. Mayor, if I may, please. Thank you for bringing us to our attention. We can't agree with you more. In fact, as we stated at the last meeting, I know you were unable to make it. Uh we secured a grant from the state in excess of a million dollars uh to do
just what you're referencing. As we sit here tonight and you're standing, um it is with the state because they need to review the design and the scope that our engineer uh has created for that project. As soon as we get the comments back, hopefully sooner than later, we're
going to be able to go out to bid and then pursue that project. Um, I'm not going to give you a date, but it's going to be done very soon. Just just to We are all in agreement. We are all in agreement would be just just the idea that it's in motion is is and the reason
it goes to the stage because we received over a million dollars of grant money for that. So that's why they have to review it. Is that is this a township road or a county road? Yes. Unane roads Township Township. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Francis. Thank you,
Mr. Francis. Wait to the end. My god, 100% on the parks. I think in general, the pocket parks are the ones that have been neglected, you know, type of thing. Other than the playground equipment that nobody spent, but I'll say none of the
parks have the coverings that East Riverton have. They're all out in the sun. So, you know, if you start doing it for one, I think you got to start doing it for all of them, then. That's my comment. Thank you, Mr. Goins. Thank you, Michael.
Okay. All right. Got it. Seeing no one else come forward. Um, I'll make a motion to close public comment. May I have a second? I'll second that, madam. Voice vote, please. I I nays abstensions. Public comment is closed. Do we have any comment from committee this evening?
Nothing from me, Madame Mayor. Nothing from this end. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You're good. Okay. He spoke for you. Uh, Mr. Uh, Madame Mayor, I just have one comment. Um, I would actually like to commend the Department
of Public Works and the work that they do uh every single day. Uh, it's it's clearly one of the more visible departments in the township because they do so much, right? Uh, so, you know, I would like Kevin's
not here, but I'd like to tell him, I'd like the public to know, and I'd certainly like it for the record, uh, that I think our public works department from top to bottom does a fantastic job. Um, not to say that you they do
everything or we don't do everything uh perfectly, but I think by and large they do a fantastic fantastic job. Well said, well said. Thank you, Mr. Her. Okay. Uh, may I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? I can make a motion
to adjourn the meeting. Madame Mayor, may I have a second? I will second that. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Cond. Voice vote, please. I I nays abstensions. Okay, the meeting is adjourned. Next meeting is Monday, April 7th at 6:30. Yeah, I just heard