The May 19th, 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 in the Courier Post on January 10th, 2025. Roll call, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Cond is absent. Mr. Miguel, here. Mr. Seagrass,
here. Deputy Mayor Horner here. Mayor Crayville present. Thank you. Okay. First on our agenda this evening is I have a proclamation uh acknowledging mental health awareness month. I'll read the proclamation for everyone as it's written. Whereas mental
health is an essential part of overall well-being impacting individuals, families, and communities across the country. end. Whereas more than one in 10 youth in the United States experience depression that severely impaired
function at school, home, with family, or in their social life in 2024, according to the mental health America and whereas despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma preventing many from seeking help. end.
Whereas early intervention and access to quality care and cru are crucial for managing mental health conditions and improving quality of life. And whereas Cinnamonson Township has committed itself to supporting mental health and social emotional development. end.
Whereas May is recognized nationally as mental health awareness month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources. Now therefore, I, Stephanie CrarAl, mayor of the township of
Cinnammenson, County of Burlington, state of New Jersey, do procra proclaim the month of May as mental health awareness month and encourage residents to educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, and resources. Challenge stigma
by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health. Seek help if they are struggling with mental health and encourage others to do the same. and create safe and supportive environments for open conversations about mental health. In witness, therefore, I have
here unto set my hand and caused it to affix the great seal of Cinnamonson Township this 19th day of May, 2025. Okay, we'll move to uh committee liaison reports. Uh Mr. Cond is not here this evening. Did he leave a report for
tonight? I have one comment from Mr. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. I'll read it with mine if Okay, perfect. Good. We'll move right on to you as well, Mr. Seagris, for public works, and then you'll have a comment in regards to administration andor health and senior services. Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Cinnamonson's annual cleanup was held on Saturday, April 26th. 93 residents participated and dropped off electronics, car batteries, paint, tires, and motor oil. All of these items will be recycled and repurposed. PSEG will be performing tree
trimming work as part of their vegetation management plan beginning on or after June 9th and through the middle of July. The work will be undertaken to clear vegetation from the power lines to ensure the reliability of the electric
system and to comply with federal and state guidelines. PSEG recently sent notices to area homeowners, but residents should contact PSENG vegetation manage vegetation management at
732-289-5292. There's also a website psg.comtreetrim. May 18th through May 24th is recognized as national public works week. I would like to thank all of the hardworking public works employees
in Cinemson for the work they provide, including maintaining our beautiful parks, roads, trees, storm water infrastructure, our police fleet, public buildings, recycling center, as well as answering residents questions and
concerns throughout the township. And one last comment, this is what Mr. Condo would be commenting. The township's affordable housing fourth round perspective need obligation with New Jersey Department of Community Affairs was recently
adopted. The planning board's next meeting is on June 9th at 6:30 p.m. The township's affordable housing plan will be discussed at that meeting and action may be taken. That concludes my report, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagrist.
Uh, we'll move on to committee member McIll for public safety. Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. Bear with me tonight, please. It's a little bit It's long tonight. Cinem Township Police Department monthly report for April 2025 is as follows. Total incidents responded
to 3,659. Total cases pulled 73. Total arrests made 34. Total property checks uh 1160 total motor vehicle stops
974 total motor vehicle summons issued 212 total DWI arrests four total MVAs 43 MVAs with injuries eight Morgan Cemetery there were 62 property checks one EMS call for a subject that was
dehydrated approved firearm permits was 14 approved concealed carry permits was one total handicap permits issued temporary um six. There are some notable issues. Uh there's a reminder that motor vehicle theft is an issue throughout the
state of New Jersey. Due to due to technology, sus sus suspects can capture the RFI from the key fob from located inside a residence which enables them to unlock the car and start a keyless car. This process takes only about 10 to 30
seconds. The best way to prevent your keyless vehicle from being stolen is to make sure your key fobs, including spares, are never placed in your doorway. Best place to put them is in the center of your residence near a cabinet. The best way to also put them
in a in a signal blocking pouch called a Faraday bag. Um, in keeping with motor vehicle thefts thefts, the detective bureau identified and charged a suspect who has been linked to over six motor vehicle burglaries in Cinnamonson. This suspect has been linked to over 30
burglaries in the county. Other notable cases handled in in conjunction with the IRS, DEA, and FBI. Simmonson officers are part of a special task force that uh conducted several search warrants at multiple locations during an ongoing moneyaundering case. The search warrants
led to multiple arrests and seizure of money and property. Detective Mark Madaris handled an allegation of of sexual assault where the suspect video recorded the act. Through his investigation, he was able to get the suspect to confess. Suspect was
subsequently charged with first-degree sexual assault and lodge in a Burlington County Jail. Detective Mark Madoris uh began an investigation into child porn. He was able to identify a suspect and determine that he lived in Chester City in Pennsylvania. Several Simmonson
officers along with investigators from the Chester Police Department and the Delaware County Special Victims Unit conducted a search warrant on the on the subject's residence. The subject was arrested and charged in Chester City. He was also charged in Cinnamonson on several New Jersey criminal charges as
well. On March 17th, subjects broke into a resident residential garage and attempted to steal a dirt bike and two ATVs that were advised advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Officers responded during the theft and the subjects fle left on foot but were
unable to get back in the van in which they came in. Detective Chris Burke processed the dam for DNA and fingerprints which led to the ID of a suspect. The issuance with the issuance of a search warrant. Detective Burke was able to uncover evidence inside a van
that confirmed the suspect was indeed involved. The sus suspect was then charged with attempted theft and burglary. After a lengthy investigation, Chris Burke was able to identify and charge a US postal working uh worker for theft and fraud after
positively identifying him as a suspect who sold checks and credit cards through the mail he was responsible for delivering. April 1st, while on break, uh Sergeant Garrett Mclafy started to choke on his meal. Officer Dominic Ellie immediately recognized that Sergeant
Mclafy was choking. So he went into he went to Sergeant Mclaf and initiated the Heimlick maneuver. This dislodged the food particle stuck in Sergeant McLarry's throat. Officer Dominic Ellie will be awarded the department's life-saving award uh for his
actions. Uh a little bit more. April 27th units responded to the Children of America building where they caught a suspect in the process of burglarizing the property. Um, this next one we don't usually do, but since it was brought up, uh, calls
for service for the 800 block of South Belleview from 2020 to May 10th, 2025. At the May 5th township meeting, committee meeting, a suspect made several claims regarding concerns related to South Belleview Avenue. Below is a breakdown of the all the incidents
on the 800 block of South Belleview. The statistics show that the call volume slashreports in that area on minimal are minimal and show that there are no true issues. Most of the incidents for 820
are for 820 South Belleview which is a group home for mentally disabled subjects. The calls for service that that at that resident in terms of number and the reason for such calls is normal for such a group home. Okay. Okay, total
instance responded to was 62. Total uh police generated was 12. Uh phone calls for information five. Fraud or lost property two. Remaining incidents were calls for service 43. Call for service
incident type lost dog reports three loud music one. EMS medical call 16 EMS medical calls crisis disturbance five dispute between household members uh one a domestic one 911 abandoned calls one
animal complaint one missing person's report from the group home 13 fire alarm one total calls for service one um incident by address breakdown 8040 80813 13. That was five phone
calls, three for lost dog, one loud music, two attempt to serve summones, one fraud, one lost property. Uh 810 110 8:14 new construction four and that's road detail for the new construction.
8:20 the group home, 36 of which were um 16 EMS calls, 13 missing persons, one fire alarm, one dispute among between clients, five skip calls. Uh 8:24, there were six all property checks were home closed forms were completed. And last
but not least, 828, there was three calls, one domestic, uh one 911 abandoned, and one animal complaint. And that's all I have and I'm here. Okay. Thank you, Mr. McIll. Mayor, may may I just ask a question quick? Sure. I I'm sorry. I must have missed
the beginning of that. The period of time for those incidents that you just reported on on South Belleview, what was the period of time that that covered? The This is for calls of service um from 2020 to May 10th, 2025. Okay. Thank you.
So, you're talking about a good five years and five months, give or take. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. There we go. Nice question. Thank you. Okay, moving on to finance and economic development. Uh, Deputy Mayor Hero. Thank you, Madame Mayor. We do have the
2025 municipal budget presentation this evening and that will stand as my report later on in the meeting. Okay. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, for Veterans Affairs, uh, Township Committee will be hosting a Memorial Day service this Friday, the 23rd, at 5:00 p.m. in front
of the municipal building. The service will honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. All are invited and encouraged to attend. Uh for parks and recreation, uh this past Saturday, the township hosted Cinnamonson Day. We had beautiful weather and a fantastic turnout. Um I
want to thank um some individuals who helped pull this event together, especially our parks and recreation coordinator, Christine Turner, our entire public works department, and our police and fire departments. I'd also like to thank resident Nicole Bastelle
and her daughter who just jumped in and wanted to contribute and volunteer their time for the event. Um, also this Saturday, May 24th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will be our communitywide yard sale. A list of the participating addresses will be shared on the township
website at the end of the week. Okay. Uh, we have resolution 2025-64 authorizing the 2025 budget to be read by title only. May I have a mo a motion to approve resolution 2025-64?
Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve resolution 2025-64. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. McIll. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Sagress. I, Deputy Mayor
Horner. I, Mayor Crav, I. Thank you. Okay. Uh, for resolution 2025-57, uh, Mr. Schubiger, I believe you and, uh, Miss Edmonson have a brief presentation in regards to, uh, the municipal budget. We do, Mayor. Thank
you. [Music] Okay. Uh, Mayor CrarAl, members of Township Committee, residents, staff, professionals, welcome to the 2025 Cinnamonson Township municipal budget presentation.
First, I'd like to thank the township committee for giving me and our chief financial officer, Julia Edmonson, the opportunity to share with everyone the details of the proposed municipal tax, excuse me, the municipal budget, which calls for no tax increase once again to
the municipal tax levy. This is a good story and I'm happy to speak uh about some of the components of the budget tonight. The first part, and I know I've been doing this for several years now. Some of you have been coming, you've seen this before,
but I think it's very important to highlight. Um, tonight we present the budget and it's an important night for all of us uh particularly for residents, but this is an ongoing process um throughout the year as this uh slide
highlights. Uh without question, this is about funding, but it also represents the backbone of our vision, our goals, and our objectives for this community. And although each municipal budget is adopted annually, it never really ends the process that's before you here on
this slide. We take a team approach to the budget process. township staff, department heads, myself, the finance subcommittee this year consisting of Mayor CrarAl and committee member her and ultimately the entire township
committee are all key components of this team in this process. And I just want to thank both Mayor CrarAl and committee member her for providing such great guidance this year and making some difficult decisions that a municipal budget requires. It's an important part of what the committee does. Um, and I'm
sure at times it's not their favorite to make those those critical tough decisions, but I really appreciate all the the guidance this year on that. Um, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the true leader of this effort, our CFO, Julia Edmonson. Um,
she's going to have some comments very shortly that's going to explain all the uh the numbers in greater detail. Uh, but but she holds all of us accountable. I know there's several staff members here uh behind me and and to my left who
I know will support that notion uh very much that she's the one that holds us accountable. On a side note, uh I I do want to say over the past seven years that I've been here, it has not gone unnoticed that
some of you, my staff uh colleagues here, tend to seek approval for major purchases when Julie is out of the office. Um and uh we're on to you. I just want to let you know. Um thankfully that is very rare for all of you guys
too. We are a team. So uh nice try guys. So all right ne next slide. So this is the public administration paradigm. I brought this up I think three or four years ago. I left it alone for a while. It's a continual work in
progress, but it really, I think, shows how we operate and how we're able to present a budget to everybody and it really emanates from the township committee and then to myself and to all the colleagues that I have that you know work for us here in the township. But in
order to adopt balanced budgets, we need to look at the different aspects about how to approach public policy. Uh it's a process and what good government really does, it determines how to best utilize resources and resolve issues. In a nutshell, policy
incorporates what we have learned from the past and what we aspire for our future. A framework for effective public policy is a prerequisite for successful financial management. I've referenced this, I know, um but it does consist of
seven components. I promise I'll go through them as quickly as possible. The first one is philosophy. This is about our vision, our goals, and our core values. I'll get back to this in greater detail in a little bit, but I will say the township committee and our residents collectively
have made it very clear what is most important. Critical community services, public safety, quality of life, recreation, and parks, and affordability. I believe that this budget hits all of those components of our philosophy. The second
component is people. People make everything happen. Residents, employees, visitors, volunteers, our business community. All of us make Cinnamonson a very unique and successful community. The partnerships which are
established with other public entities, for example, at all levels of government are vital to our success. And it is so refreshing to work in this environment where the appreciation of people emanates from our governing body which they bring up all the time in public and
in our discussions privately. The third component, prevention, a commitment to risk management, training and development are paramount. Several of my colleagues who were in the room tonight sit on the uh safety committee with me. Uh we have
quarterly meetings with our joint insurance fund. Our safety committee, emergency management committee, remain active and committed to preparedness. Cinemates and townships continually recognized by the Garden State Municipal Joint Insurance Fund for our commitment to safety and security.
This has stabilized our premiums and reduced our losses over time. The fourth component is planning. Township committee liaison committees, department head meetings, appointed committees. They're all key components of our planning
initiatives. Through our commitment to thoughtful planning, the township has adopted a re-examination of our master plan, several redevelopment plans, an affordable housing plan, soon to be another round, a cannabis land use plan,
and we continue to work with the local subcommittee, and both county and state officials on the Route 130 corridor plan endorsement, just to name a few. The fifth component is purchasing. As previously referenced, we are dedicated to a year-round budget process
and we do have a skilled qualified purchasing agent who also happens to be our CFO, Miss Edmonson. We utilize our financial software platform for purchasing which includes a multi-step process involving all levels of staff. Public purchasing is a highly technical
endeavor which requires a commitment of the entire team and we have the entire team on board to make sure that we're effectively making good purchases for this community. The six commu the sixth component is
productivity. What is this paradigm? What what are we actually do? What are we getting? This paradigm that I'm referring to helps us stay on task. Excuse me. so we can provide public services and programs, secure quality economic development, ensure customer
service, and maintain a stable tax rate. It helps us build equity with all of our stakeholders. And finally, but certainly not the least important component is partnerships. Creating partnerships with key stakeholders is critical in meeting our vision, our planning initiatives,
and our decision-making. Residents, community groups, businesses, other public entities, utility companies, volunteers, employees, they're all part of a network of what I like to call civic engagement, which makes us more
efficient and it essentially makes us better. I got through that pretty quick. All right. Not bad. Okay, good. So, this picture is actually from Saturday. Um, community, all those core values and all that paradigm that I just
shared with you. I think it's really important and I believe in it. But it's really about the fact that community is at the heart of the whole paradigm and what we're all about. It's what makes Cinnamonson so great. And this is again from Saturday, a day that for about six
days we were um feverishly monitoring the weather forecast and it did not look good. It wound up turning out very nice. But events like this happen because we're able to bring forth good budgets. Um and it also brings out what's great about Cinnamonson and that staff,
residents, businesses, community groups, they all come together at an event like this and kind of illustrate what makes Cinnamonson so great. Um, but interestingly or maybe ironically, it's clear that good financial management enables us to
coordinate events like this, to hold these types of events. But I also think that having a sense of community at our core and and having these events absolutely helps us sustain the township financially as well. The two go hand in
hand. Okay, we're beginning to get some numbers now, but only a little bit from me. You want to hear it from Julie, I promise. Where does your tax dollar go? So, the township is responsible for collecting property taxes and then
dispersing that money to all local taxing entities, including the school, the county, municipal open space, and the fire district. We collect them, but we don't get all the money to spend on municipal services. we disperse it to those
entities. However, property taxes are not paid. The township must still fund all of these entities like the school district and the fire district. Therefore, the township has to uh budget, excuse me, for the these uncollected taxes in an appropriation
that is in this budget that's before the committee today. It's the sole responsibility of the township. No other local taxing entity bears that burden. Thankfully, and it's a big part of why we're able to bring this to you tonight, our collection rate has always been very
high, at least for the last seven years that um that I've been here, and I think even before that, that makes a huge difference. Uh we have a good tax office uh who ensures that our collection rate remains uh very high. So, on that note, I'm going to turn it now over to Julia
so she can provide some greater insight on some more financial details. Uh Julia, thanks. As Eric said, the township is responsible for collecting all the taxes and dispersing them to the other entities. As you can see, the school
district has the largest part of the tax bill at 62%. The 14% is the county, 7% is the fire district, and 16% is the municipal. If we were to eliminate all the municipal services, you would still only save 16% of your tax
bill. Some of the 2025 budget highlights. There are no no tax increase to the local to this budget. It's maintaining all services. It maintains a stable fund balance and we are over
34500,000 under the state tax levy cap. some of the 2025 re revenue sources. As you can see, property taxes make up the biggest portion of our revenues at 48%. 24% are local revenues, 9% is state
aid, and 19% is fund balance. We've have created a formula to keep the tax rate stable by and still having a healthy fund balance. The impact of the proposed 2025 tax levy
on the average residential taxpayer. The value of the average Cinnamon home is $236,496. It increased $196 over prior year. As you can see, the cost of local services in 24 were 1458 and the cost for local services in
25 will still be 1458. How is your 1458 spent? So, the average taxpayer only pays $35 a year for all your police services, which we have the higher highest number of officers in 15 years. You pay $275 for all your public
works, which is a new trash contract, your brush and leaves, snow plowing. You also only pay $45 for parks and wrecks, which includes all the recreation activities, the maintenance of the fields. So, you can
see you get a lot for your money in Cinnamon, too. She's quick. She's good. Thanks, Julia. And I will take the blame for somehow a nine got thrown off to the other side of the page on one of those slides. Um she Julia explained
what it was for, but it wasn't in the right spot. So um nobody noticed and I just brought it to your attention. I know. So um all right, the capital program. So just a quick review of some of our services. Julia mentioned a few as she described
what you get for your money here in Cinnamonson. As you heard tonight from some of the reports from committee members, thousands of police calls, a commitment to community policing and programs, ball field upgrades, playground improvements, park amenities,
snow removal, leaf and brush collection, plan review, road improvements, business assistance, recreation and parks programs and events, property maintenance, construction inspections, licensing, just to name a few. Uh those
are all the things that we do daily here as services uh to residents. This year the capital improvement program includes funding for a variety of initiatives including park enhancements, safety equipment, storm water management improvements, land
acquisition and development, road resurfacing equipment and vehicles, a new inclusive playground and building upgrades. This program that you see up on this slide and what I just described is a result of a continual review of township
infrastructure and consultation with our department heads and professionals, residents, and of course our townships of committee in an effort to meet their vision. In many cases, capital funding merely supplements the total cost of these improvements. For example, road and
infrastructure improvements as well as parks and recreation upgrades are supplemented by grant funding, which I'll get into in greater detail in a few minutes. New vehicle costs are offset by administrative fees charged to the vendors who require offduty police
support as well. Can't help it. So, these are the three Rs of good government. Many of us are familiar with the three Rs of education. Although that's important, I'm not referencing reading, writing, and
arithmetic. These are about our core values. What makes everything work in Cinnamon and what what gets us here to share this good news with you? It's responsibility. Always earning, excuse me, always owning it and then learning
from our mistakes. It's about relationships, building partnerships with all of our stakeholders, and it's about responsiveness. taking action, not settling for the status quo and simply being engaged. That is our core and that is
what we work on every day and that is what we will continue to work on as a team. The vision and core values are are based upon providing services to approximately 18,000 residents as well as our business community. We can't solve all the
community concerns overnight. We know that. But our core values keep us on the right track to achieve real action over the course of time. These values and a strong financial position and good public policy provide the opportunity for us to
address any challenge which comes before us. Under the leadership of this township committee, we have been able to address the safety, security, health, and wellness of our residents and our employees while still providing services and and meeting our goals. and and I
want to thank you for that. While unprecedented events and economic downturns create difficult challenges, we've seen them in the past. They will come. They can also serve as catalysts for every one of us to be more responsive, to build better relationships, and to respond more with
care. Over the past several years, I've witnessed how this team, again, through the vision of this township committee, continues to grow and become better colleagues, better leaders, and better stewards. So, responsibility, responsiveness, and
relationships. The three Rs of good government, and the three Rs of what this team and this community is all about. Okay. By looking ahead, the future is bright, but the future is unforeseen. So, we do the best
we can. based upon the fiscal management that we've described here tonight of the past several years, no increase for the last nine. Thoughtful planning and all the core values, I believe the municipal tax
rate is projected to remain stable as it has again for the last nine years while continuing to maintain a healthy fund balance. A healthy fund balance is critical component of budgets because it ensures that the township can continue to provide services in the event of an
unforeseen circumstance or economic downturn for a variety of reasons. Not many municipalities are able to stabilize their respective tax rates. Many are going up and those who do are often required to significantly deplete their fund balance in order to do so. In
fact, other public entities may even take additional handouts and additional aid and continue to raise their respective tax levies. That is not the case for the Cinnamonson municipal tax levy. Not here. The Cinnamonson team under the
leadership of of this group actively and aggressively seeks grant funding, quality ratables, shared service opportunities, and prudent fiscal policy to maintain this position. Whoops. And speaking of grant funding, I'm happy to report that the township
received bids late last week for the award of a contract for improvements to Union Landing Road, which in fact include sidewalks. This project was funded through a New Jersey Department of Transportation grant secured by the
governing body in the amount of $1.1 million. bids are currently being reviewed and the contract should be awarded very soon. Also, tonight, excuse me, the governing body will be authorizing a grant
application to DOT local transportation projects fund for improvements to Willow Drive and its associated covert infrastruct excuse me, covert structure for Pompest and Creek. This application is in the amount of
$1,278,000. In addition, last week the township learned that we were awarded a grant from DOT in the amount of $850,000 for the resurfacing of Industrial Highway. A grant awarded in the amount
of 239,000 was previously secured for the reconstruction of Feeasant Run Drive as well. Finally, the township, excuse me, not finally yet. Also, a grant award in the amount
of 525,000 was recently secured for the reconstruction of pheasant run drive. And then finally, the township works closely with Senator Singleton's office on securing funding on a variety of initiatives, including energy
efficient lighting upgrades to public facilities within our township. Uh we appreciate that partnership we have with the senator and it has helped this community out greatly. In summary, just for the grant part, the township is applying for grant funding,
securing grant funding, and awarding contracts continually throughout the year. These projects embody the township's commitment to enhancing our transportation network, our pedestrian safety, and dedication to storm water
improvements. Of course, there are uncontrollable factors. Inflation, unfunded mandates, my favorite and extraordinary events. There are no guarantees. And history has shown that tax increases are sometimes necessary. But the fact of the matter is
that the planning of this township committee has placed our community in an outstanding financial position. To meet that goal of high level fiscal management, the township will continue to evaluate municipal operations to stabilize expenses while maintaining
services, continuing quality economic development and business growth, continue to seek grant funding of course and shared service opportunities. In short, a stable tax rate only comes with great effort and thinking outside of the
proverbial box. And I think another thought that can't be overlooked in our society, and it's not new, the greatest interest is often self-interest. This governing body operates under the notion that the greatest interest is the public
interest. That's how they operate. That's how we operate. That will always be the case. So, this budget plan is not about one person. Julie and I, we get to share the good news, and it's great. Uh, and we are happy to do it.
we're able to share that story. But the budget plan is about this whole community. It's about everyone here tonight. It's about every resident who might watch. It's about everyone who calls Cinnamon home. That's what we're here for. And I think understanding that
really makes a huge difference. So, one final note, and the township committee is aware of this. Uh the township was advised Friday that the DCA Department of Community Affairs had some
administrative comments on our budget. Uh we get reviewed routinely uh as uh required which requires that there is a budget amendment. It does not impact all the great news that I share with you. It does not impact our tax rate.
Municipal taxes will will will stay maintained at uh 615. Uh therefore, there's no action to be taken tonight, mayor, as we discussed. Uh the budget amendment will be on the June 2nd meeting for adoption. Uh but everything that everyone heard
tonight remains the same and uh it's what we're doing and what we will continue to do. So, finally, finally, um Mayor Crael, committee, thank you once again. I appreciate it. Uh we present you this this no tax increase budget very
happily. Uh and we thank you for your continued leadership. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Schuber. Thank you, Miss Edmonson. Thank you. All right. Uh may I have a motion to open public comment on resolution 2025-57?
I'll make that motion, Madame Mayor. Okay. I will second. Voice vote, please. I I nays abstension. Public comment on resolution 2025-57 is open. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record.
Come on. For the budget. Yep. Budget resolution. out. You can. Sorry. Good evening everyone. Good evening. Good evening. Since we were talking about the budget, I'm sorry to interrupt. I know I know
who you are, but my fault. I'll try it again. Good morning everyone. Evening. My name uh Jamala Shepard, 215 Front Street, Palmyra, New Jersey. Speaking on
behalf of the Civic Club of Riverton, East Riverton, and Palmyra, since we're talking about the budget tonight, I would like to maybe ask, could this be put under maybe park enhancement under capital funds maybe to
be considered? Um, the question, the talk of the umbrellas. We have beautiful umbrellas in the park over two of the tables. But it's not covering all four of the
tables. So the most that the sun is going to hit. It's never going to hit the one side. We never had a really issue with this when we had the trees. But when the trees were taken down, you put up the beautiful tables and benches for us to
sit around the table, but we have not enough shade. So could that be revisited? and maybe a bike rack instead of kids having the bike thrown thrown over the court or near the court. And could this
be revisited? Also, the older kids asked for a higher sliding board. We have like a nice little midsize one for the little people like up to maybe eight years old, but if they come over there with their older sister or somebody like that, they like to slide down too just a little bit
higher. And could that be revisited? And the good news, thank you, township. The good news is, thank you about the sidewalks. Uh I know they're out for bids. How long did bids take? Really?
No. Six months, two months, tomorrow. So, we actually Thanks, mayor. We received the bids. Oh, great. Last week. Thank you. So, now that the job is of the professional staff to review the bids, make sure they're good bids. the responsible bids and we will bring it
forth to the committee to award the contract for that work so that we can then begin the work approximately how many months really can't say what about this year
one okay the only reason the only reason why I'm saying this and everybody knows this that comes to the meeting. I thought 2022 was great because that's when the resolution 2022-146 came and I was really hyped up
about that. And then October 16th, 2024 comes and then we have a meeting with you and Joe and I'm really hyped up because then I got this thing in my head about oh my goodness, April 25th and I understand there were
delays which which which were explained. So, please tell them that 2026 is too far away. And the reason why I'm saying that because I'm wearing this thing here now and I don't want to have to use it
before the sidewalk gets done. So, please, you know, I know you're doing your best. I know it takes time. something that I did not realize in 2022 that it would take this long. I never knew the process would be years and that's coming out here. It's been
explained to me. So, if you could just work on that a little faster and uh one more thing here. I lost my page here. Let's see. Umbrella for the park, the bike rack, largest sliding board. Mer just wanted to remind
you that this is just for resol for the budget resolution. Oh, we'll have public comment later on. Oh, I thought this I thought this was the time to add it to the budget. No. Oh, that's why I want Should I come up? It's okay. Do I have to come back off the bat was budget relevant? Try it in so I don't
have to come back and say it all again. You do not. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you, Miss Shepard. You do not. Thank you. Okay. All right. Seeing no one else come
forward, may I have a motion to close public comment on resolution 2025-57? I'll make that motion, Madam Mayor. Okay. May I have a second? I'll second it, Madam Mayor. Okay. Voice vote, please. I I ns abstensions. Public comment is
closed. Okay. Moving on to resolution amendment introduction. Resolution 2025-71 2025 municipal budget amendment to be advertised in the Burlington County Times public hearing to be June 2nd, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Um, as Mr.
Schoeer referenced, the township received administrative comments from the Department of Community Affairs upon their review of the budget. Therefore, the budget needs to be amended to reflect the required changes. However, just a reminder, the tax rate will
remain at 615. The new public hearing on the amended budget will be on June 2nd. May I have a motion to introduce resolution 2025-71? Madame Mayor, I'll make that motion. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor.
Thank you, Mr. McIll. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. McIll, I. Mr. Sag, I. Deputy Mayor Horner, I. Mayor Crayville I thank you. Okay. Ordinance
2025-10 authorizing capital improve approvements appropriating $2,785,000 authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds in the aggregate principal amount of up to $2,645,750. The finance committee met to
discuss proposed capital improvements. The total amount to be funded is 2,785,000. The required down payment to the approp the appropriated in the operating budget is 140,000 and the amount of the bond
anticipation note is $2,645,750. May I have a motion to open public comment on ordinance 2025-10? I'll make that motion, Madame Mayor. Okay, I will second the motion. Voice vote, please. I I May's abstensions.
Public comment on ordinance 2025-10 is now open. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record. Okay, seeing no one come forward, I will make a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2025-10. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank
you, Deputy Mayor. Voice vote, please. I I naz abstensions. Public comment is closed. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 2025-10? Make that motion, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. McIll. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank
you, Mr. Horner. Uh, roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. McIll, I. Mr. Seagrass, I. Deputy Mayor Horner. I. Mayor Crabel. I. Thank you. Okay. Ordinance 2025-11 2025 salary ordinance. In
accordance with past practice and uh commensurate with the adoption of the municipal budget, Miss Edmonson has recommended that the salary ordinance be amended to address anticipated 2025 salaries. May I have a motion to open
public comment on ordinance 2025-11? I'll make that motion. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Seag. I will second uh voice vote please. I I nays abstensions. Public comment on ordinance 2025-11 is now open. Please come forward and state your
name and address for the record. Okay. Seeing no one come forward, I will make a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2025-11. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank you, Mr. Hero. Voice vote, please. I I ns
abstensions. Okay. Public comment is closed. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 2025-11? I'll make that motion, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. McIll. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Her. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor.
Miss McIll, I. Mr. Sagrass, I. Deputy Mayor Horner, I. Mayor Crayville, I. Thank you. Okay, moving on to the consent agenda. Resolution 2025-65, authorized purchase of trash
carts through Sourcewell. Public works superintendent Kevin Gant recommends the purchase of residential trash containers from Schaefer in the amount of $10,714.75 through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement. Miss Edmonson has determined that sufficient
funding is available for this purchase and recommends that the government governing body authorize the award of contract resolution 2025-66 authorized participation in fuel card program through Sourcewell. Mr. Gaunt recommends that a
township participate in the WEX Sourcewell government fleet card program in the amount not to exceed $75,000 through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement. The program will utilize to fuel municipal
vehicles. Ms. Edmonson has determined that sufficient funding is available for the purpose and recommends that the governing body authorize the award of contract. Resolution 2025-67, refund of duplicate tax payment block
307.04, lot 9, quall 6, I mean C065. Tax collector Sandy Root has recommended this refund due to the payment being made by both the property owner and the mortgage company. Resolution
2025-68 authorize award of contract for purchase of Scorpion A or I want to say authenticator. Attenuator. Attenuator. Okay. Sorry guys. Attenuator. This is the first I've ever even heard
the word heard the word attenu attenuator which I'm going to say it wrong again. So just go with I'm gonna say safety trailer. Okay. Mr. Gant recommends the purchase of a Scorpion safety trailer for traffic for for state contract vendor traffic
safety service in the amount of $31,48.89. The unit will assist public works department employees in performing roadside work and enhance the safety of the employees, residents, pedestrians, and motorists. Ms. Edmonson has determined that sufficient funding is available for this purpose and
recommends the governing body authorize the award of the contract for the safety trailer. Resolution 2025-69 authorized change order final payment release of performance bond and approval of maintenance bond for Perry
Road guard rail improvements project. Township engineer Remington and Vernick has deemed this project substantially complete and recommends a change order in the amount of $53260 which reduces the final contract amount to $53,2240. Payment in the amount of
$53,2240. release of the performance guarantee in the amount of $53,735 and the posting of a two-year maintenance guarantee in the amount of $53,2240. Chief financial officer purchasing agent Julia Edmonson is
deemed that sufficient funding is available for this purchase and recommends that the governing body authorize the final payment. Resolution 2025-70 authorized submission of application and execution of grant contract for local transportation
projects fund uh fiscal year 2025 reconstruction of Willow Drive Culvert project. This resolution will allow the township to file a grant application to the uh fiscal year 2025 NJ dot local
transportation projects fund in the amount of 1,278 $78,941 for improvements to Willow Drive and its associated Culver construction uh the Pompestin Creek. That's the end of our consent agenda.
Um, I will make a motion to open public comment on the consent agenda items only. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank you, Deputy Mayor Hero. Voice vote, please. I I n's absention. Public comment is open on the consent agenda items only. Please come
forward and state your name and address for the record. Jala Shepard, 215 Front Street, Palmyra, New Jersey, speaking on behalf of the Civic Club of Riverton, East Riverton Palmyra. Could
you explain the part about um the uh affordable housing? How many units? That's not part of the res that the consent agenda. Okay. Sorry. Madam Mayor, I I I actually had a question regarding the consent agenda items on the Willow Drive. Um if I
could, you don't mind, I direct this to go right ahead. Direct it to to Mr. Gaunt. um that covert, would that kind of hopefully prevent some people living in that area from possibly having their cars lost to to major floods, things of that nature?
Just asking. Just [Laughter] asking. Just or or two one or two vehicles possibly. Or or an additional one. Oh yeah. Or Yeah. Or an additional possibly maybe three. Three total vehicles. You won't make any promises.
We'll do everything we can. Gotcha. Understood. Good question. Okay. Seeing no one else come forward. May I have a motion to close public comment on the consent agenda? I'll make that motion. Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. I will second. Voice vote,
please. I I extensions. Public comment is now closed on the consent agenda. May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? Make that motion, Madam Mayor, approve the consent agenda. Thank you, Mr. McIll. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Uh, roll call vote, please.
Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Sagris, I. Deputy Mayor Horner. I. Mayor Kraville. I. Thank you. Okay. Approval of the minutes for both May 5th, 2025 and May 5th, 2025. Closed. May
I have a motion to approve both minutes? May 5th, 2025 and May 5th, 2025 closed. Madame Mayor, I will make a motion to approve the minutes May 5th, 2025 and May 5th, 2025 closed, please. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, I will second. Roll
call vote, please. Madam Secretary, yes, Mayor. Mr. Miguel, I. Mr. Seagress, I. Deputy Mayor Horner, I. Mayor Crab, I. Thank you. Okay. Has everybody gotten a chance to review the bills? Yes, ma'am. Yes. Okay. Okay. May I have a motion to
approve the bill list? Make a motion to approve the bill list, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Miguel. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Seagris. Roll call vote, please. Madam Secretary. Mr. Miguel. Hi. Mr. Seagris. I. Deputy Mayor Hero. I. Mayor Crarville. I. Thank you. Okay. Um,
are there any comments from our staff or professionals this evening? Have I reached my maximum for the night, Mayor? You have not. You're always welcome to speak. I just want to add uh um to the mayor's comments about cmention day uh and Christine Turner, our recreation corner, did a tremendous
job bringing all that together um with a team and uh so many people were involved. I like to see uh colleagues working together on those types of events because it is overbearing for one or two people to handle it. Um and that's what we did. So, I want to thank
Christine for for leading that charge, but also as you mentioned, public works, fire, police, other employees. Um, we had our CFO ordering things the day before online to get there for the day. So, everybody kind of pitched in. So, just want to say thank you. Thank
you. Anybody else? No. Okay. All right. We'll move on to public comment. Um, I'll make motion to open public comment. May I have a second? I'll second that, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Sagers. Voice vote, please. I I ns abstensions. Public
comment is now open. Please come forward and state your name and address for the record. Two different. Good evening everyone. Renee Oler Davis, 21108 Hunter Street. First, I'd like to say congratulations on the budget.
It's really a relief to know that our taxes aren't going to go up. Secondly, I'd like to say thank you for the cleanup on Union Landing. Um, it looks a lot better and I look forward to
continuing to work with you on that. I know it's a process and I know Julie will probably find us a grant somewhere to continue to do so. But even that little bit of having the trash and
the lawn mowed has made a difference. It really looks a lot different. So, and that's all I have this evening. Thank you so much. Thank you, Miss Davis. Well, mayor, may I just make a comment on that? So, Miss Davis, I appreciate those uh sentiments. Regarding the
budget, I just want to make sure everyone understands regarding taxes. We're here to discuss the municipal tax levy, the 16% that Miss Edmonson referred to, that will not be going up. We can't speak for the other public entities. So, when you say your taxes aren't going up, I can't stipulate to
that. But your municipal taxes, what we're responsible for, will not be going up. Okay? But I know you're trying. You guys got us asking for stuff. I tell you, yeah, we'll work with them, too. I'm just kidding. We try to take care of
what we're we're responsible for. I think we're doing a pretty good job. I just wanted to make sure you understood that. That's all. Likewise, 100 pel. Are we You alluded to um paving. Are we doing paving and roads and I hope Thomas gets done this year if
we're doing it. I don't know. Paving. So, the answer is we we um have put in the capital program several hundred,000 um in this year's capital improvement program. I don't have the road improvement plan in front of me, Mr.
Goins, but um we approved that. You might have been here about 3 four years ago. PSEG's work kind of moved all that around, right? So, we're trying to follow along that plan that we approved in order of how the engineer graded them. Um, one of us can give you a call
to let you know if this is really getting bad. Okay, it it may or may not be. I don't again want to guarantee that. Um, but we are spending between the grants that I outlined tonight, there was over $3.5 million worth of grant funding that we're going to be
using and then there's 750,000 in this capital program just for road resurfacing as well. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you, Mr. Coins. Miss Shepard, did you want This is open public comment. This is the last time.
Yep. Last time. Okay. You're going to have to excuse me for getting up at the incorrect time, but No, you're fine. It gets confusing. It's very confusing. I really don't understand about the point uh earlier about the affordable housing. I remember last time it went from like 92 to 87
units. So where are we now? Do you want to give a little I mean exactly? You don't mind? I can give a little overview and also Mr. Mitten's in the room. When I make a mistake, he'll correct me. Um but it it's 86 units that was agreed upon with the state. Mr.
Mitten, am I correct? 80 is is it 89? We had to go. We wanted 86 at when we went through everything. We agreed to 89. So it's 89 units. Thank you. 93, Mr. Correct. Thank you. So it's
89. That's the number as we explained. We we adopted a resolution approving that number a couple like a month ago. Yes. The next phase is to come up with a plan to meet that number. So what's going to go before the planning board, I believe it was June 9th, right, Mr.
Seagrass? Yes. um is potenti an action plan to uh to decide the different ways that those 89 units can be met with proper planning and to adopt a plan potentially at that
meeting that the township is going to have to follow for the next several years to come up with ways for the 89 units. Okay. But but I just want to I don't mean to cut you off, but before you ask or before you comment, when when we say 89 units as as far as affordable
housing plan, that does not mean 89 structures will be built next year. And I'm not saying you're going to say that. I'm saying that I've heard that from others in the community. It means that 89 units have to be accounted for through good planning. So it could be a certain portion uh within the township
is designated as an area that can be utilized for that purpose. It could be that certain homes can be repurposed. Some of the homes that have been brought up here in the past that have had some issues or you know uh in one case it was
a fire, right? I mean all the different ways that those 89 units it's a plan. It's not actual construction. And then also it's not the township's responsibility. Me and Mr. Saginari are not going to go out in swinging hammers
and build those buildings. Some people think the townships construct the buildings. You're not going to do it, right? We're not doing it. Okay. It's we we identify potential uses and then developers or um non nonprofits come in and say we're
going to take that and do X Y and Z. So, it's a plan and it takes a while. I know you don't like that. Uh, but it's not overnight. Uh, and and it's um something that might be entertained at that meeting and that's why Mr. Seagress let you know because that is a planning
board function which as you know is a separate uh body. I hope that helps. Okay. You know a little bit you know the units that were built on Belleview and East Riverton. Correct. No, I think that was what? Six.
Yeah, we got six credits for that, Mike. Yeah, six. Six. So, eventually you could build a few more like that. Along with other ideas. That could be one way that we try to that could be one. Mayor, do you mind if I keep
talking? Okay. That could be one method of achieving those 89 units, working with a nonprofit or with Habitat to repurpose existing um land or homes. Yes. Okay. And my other question was it seems sort of
tight, but they each have enough room because it seems sort of tight when you go down there. It's like it's like they took one lot and put three things on there. You're not the first to express that concern. We've heard that the
question that we've heard that here in fact and and I I understand all I can tell you is that um though the construction of those units are in accordance with all zoning and planning regulations of the township. It had to go through an extensive progress process
to be approved. Um engineers, planners, attorneys all went through all that. That's their job. Um I'm not saying you have to agree with it, of course. Uh but it wasn't something that all of a sudden happened. Okay. Okay. And it was heard publicly and people were able to go and comment on that project at the time. So
now when June 9th comes and we go to the planning board, this is where we should be talking about this. Correct. Absolutely. Okay. Um say you can you can express your concern here, but that's the place that's the body that decides
what the plan is going to be. Okay. So I would definitely Yes. Okay. Thank you so much. Okay. Thank you, M. Sheepard. Thank you. Thank you, M. Sheepard. All right. Seeing no one else come forward. Okay. May I have a motion to close public comment? Make that motion,
Madam Mayor. Close public comment. Thank you, Mr. McIll. May I have a second? Madame Mayor, I'll second that. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Voice vote, please. I I extensions. Public comment is now closed. Um, do we have any comments from any committee members this evening? Not
for me, Madam Mayor. I just like to re reiterate what you guys said earlier about the um sentiments today. It was a fantastic day. The weather was great. Uh a lot of people came out and it was wellrun. And thank you for everybody that uh put their their heads together and
got it and made it made it happen. Thank you. Thank you. Of course. By product to go last. You It's all been said. There's stuff you can say anything. Say something. Oh, I will tell you something. At at Cinnamonson Day, I ran
into a business owner who said he's owned a business on Route 130 for 19 years. He's never once attended an event at Cinnamonson and he can't imagine that he has missed the last 18 years. Wow. Because he thought he thought the event
was fantastic and he got to interact with so many residents. Um he he said it was the best $20 he'd ever spent. Oh, that's fantastic. Nice. I like positive feedback. Um, so I guess I'm last. Um, so our resolution tonight introduced the
2025 municipal budget. While we all collectively take pride in this, I just wanted to make sure that I extended an extra thank you to uh, Mr. Schubiger and Miss Edmonson on their hard work. Um, you guys do a fantastic job all year long.
um you make sure you know all the eyes are dotted then the tees are crossed and our residents reap the benefits of that. So so thank you very much for your hard work. Okay. Um guess we're at that point of the night for adjournment. Um I will
make a motion to adjourn the meeting. May I have a second? I'll second that. Madame Mayor. Thank you Mr. McIll. Voice vote. I naysay abstensions. All right. This meeting is adjourned. Next meeting is Monday, June 2nd, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.