Okay, welcome back. Thank you for that uh brief interruption of our agenda. Uh now we're going to move on to the public hearing on proposed uh 2026 budget. >> Yeah. Um so tonight we are here to adopt the 2026 budget. Um that will cover
January through December of 2026. We introduced it a month ago. Um, it's been on the website for people to view if they wanted to see it. I'm just going to highlight a few things um that are a little different this year than we've
had in the past several years. Um, our budget this year total will be 16,7284 versus last year it was 14,781241. Um, we will be using 3,500,000 of surplus. Last year we used $2,220,000
worth of surplus. Our assessed value did go up. Um it was 2 billion15 million and it is 2 billion42 million um this year. So that did help us um with the budget increasing as much as it has. There will
be a 7 cent tax increase in 2026. Um budget history. Um our budget has stayed consistent. um for the last 10 plus years basically. Um this year it did go up. There were um a lot of
increases in operating expenses, but the biggest increase is our capital improvement fund. That fund is the 5% down payment on our capital ordinances. Due to the new round of affordable housing and the purchase of land, um we
needed a lot more money in capital improvement fund for this year. And that's basically um one of the biggest driving factors that increased the budget. There were also other increases that were beyond our control. Um health benefits, uh pension,
um recycling, we have all new recycling containers that's costing us more money. Um motor fuel has gone up. Everything has gone up exponentially for 2026. Um, with that being said, we are lucky that we have the surplus that we have in
order to balance our budget um the way that we did, but we still need to have a 7 cent tax increase. Um, we did replace um approximately $2 million of the 2.2 million surplus that we used last year. So, that's
great. We are going to use 3.5 million this year and we're estimating to replace only 2.4 million of that. That's why we are watching our surplus so carefully. Um because if we continue to do that, use more than we replenish, eventually we will not have surplus to
help balance the budget. So with that being said, the average assessed value um based on our tax assessor's numbers is $623,833 for 2026. Um we um this year um taxes on an
average assessed household, municipal taxes only, not school, not county, would be $2,564 for the year versus 2025 it was $2,336. So I know seven cents sounds like a lot,
but on the average assessed household, it's only about $230 more a year. So, that ends our presentation. Um, we have a hearing now on the budget, which means that we open it up to the public.
If anyone from the public would like to ask a question or make a comment, anyone from the township committee would like to ask a question or make a comment, now is your chance. >> So, we'll open up to public first. >> Sure. Hi, Michael Ferrante, uh, North Main
Street. Um, I just wanted to say I, uh, appreciate the deliberate approach you guys took for the budget. Um, hearing the pros and cons and hearing the surplus and the 7%, it seems like you're kind of threading the needle and trying to sort of keep things consistent. And
so, I think that's, um, I just think that's a good approach. Um, it's never fun to raise taxes, but obviously you uh you there's there's a there's a magic to that surplus and sort of how to think about it. And I think the best thing you can do for the township is consistency
and sort of if this if the 7% can then become a sustainable rate at some point in the future, at at least keeps the the changes to to a minimum. So, I I just wanted to say I appreciate that. And I'm sure that's not a popular opinion about raising taxes, but when you look over
time, the township taxes have been very flat over time relative to our peers, relative to the school, relative to the county, sort of everything. And that's been a lot of good fiscal stewardship. So, thank you very much. >> Other members of the public?
>> Okay, seeing none, we'll close public comment on the budget. Are there any comments from potential community members? >> Yeah, I mean I uh agree with Mr. Fonte's sentiments. Um it's never fun to raise taxes. Um it's also not fun to deplete
our surplus and be in debt. Um and you know, we we sat here budget meeting a month and a half ago or so. Um and made you know, a tough decision. I mean, I've been on the TC for for many years now, and this is we've had a really
pleasurable time of never raising taxes. So, we had to make a choice, a responsible choice, I think, um, that will keep our finances upright. So, >> uh, I know we also had a choice of doing three and a half cents and three and a
half cents and, um, I was one of those. I was the only one that um decided to try and go incremental because I know that there are quite a few families and elderly people that are on a fixed income and they could potentially you
know um put it into their budget. Um but um you know this this I think this is a prudent way to to do it. It's seven cents. So um those are the two choices that we basically had and uh you know this is the way forward.
The only thing I'll add is um just we've got some neighboring towns and communities uh close within our county and just outside our county that are got some referendums and some much larger deficit issues that they're facing in
their budget. So again, this long-standing uh trend, intentional trend of fiscal responsibility and protecting that surplus, I think is is really important because it just seems without that oversight and diligence. There's a lot
of other towns that are faced and their residents are faced with much bigger problems right now. So, um, again, not psyched to be putting seven cents and taking that out of anybody's wallet, especially in these times with so many other economic burdens on our
population. But I think for long term, it's the right thing to do for the for the town. So, >> okay, we need a motion. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to approve our 2026 budget? >> So, move. >> Second.
Okay, we'll move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher, >> yes. >> Mrs. Obadelli, >> yes. >> Dr. Rogers, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mayor Con? >> Yes. >> Thank you. It's unanimous. >> Any um changes or additions to our agenda this evening?
>> No. >> Okay. Um can I get a motion to approve the February 1st budget meeting minutes, the regular meeting minutes from February 9th, and the special meeting minutes from February 26th? I'll move me the minutes.
>> I get a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. We'll move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Obadawi. Yes. >> Dr. Rogers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Uh, yes. On the budget meeting. Abstain from the next two. >> You don't have to abstain if you weren't there. As long as you read them. That's
what Lisa did. Okay. That's up to him. Just letting you know. >> Thank you. >> Um, and Mayor Conum. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Okay, we can start with reports and communications from our members of the committee. Anyone want to start? Uh,
>> I can start because I unfortunately missed the last WCK meeting. I'll be at the next one. Um, I touch base with them. Not a lot going on. Um, that's all I have. >> Oh, I don't know. They might not have a quorum. I'm not sure. >> Oh, well, >> yeah.
>> Perfect. So I'll update you next. Uh sorry just gathering my thoughts. All right. Um I just wanted to start first of all by wishing those who are celebrating a very happy Ramadan Mubarak and a happy holy and I believe Purim also passed. Um we had on in terms of
official uh meetings, the personnel subcommittee meeting, um we had a meeting along with our rec director and we took some input from the TC members and we created a job description for the summer recreation director. It was formalized and then the job has been posted. The position, as it has always
been, holds a one-year contract. The uh library board will be meeting on the 12th. Um March 4th we had an affordable housing subcommittee meeting to discuss the property and the possible renditions of construction on that property.
March 5th uh the planning board met I and I attended the meeting um where our affordable housing planner presented the amended plan with the alternative to the Henry uh realy LLC site for the planning board to consider. And the township planner then presented her findings from
her tour of the three structures on the new site with the recommendation that it is that it fit the definition of a redevelopment plan. Um I applied for a project grant out of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman's office and um I had sent an email about
that. We um I submitted a request to cover to try cover the the project with the solar cells on the library. So let's see where that um lands. I don't know when we hear from that. I there the deadline was just last weekend, so I I'm I'm assuming it'll
take a couple of weeks. Um on February 28th, I attended the Lunar New Year celebration at our Cranberry Public Library where we ushered in the year of the Firehorse. It was very very well attended and wonderful celebration with um activities and performances and delicious food. I
was fasting so I didn't eat any of it but I did look with my eyes. I ate with my eyes. It was very very beautiful. smelled really good. That's right. It was all very good. March 4th, I participated in ReadAcross America and read to the third grade and I really appreciate that the school included the TC on this. It was very, very sweet.
Um March 6th, I attended celebration of two residents at the Elms that turned 105 years old. And it was very sweet because I was uh reminiscing with Michael when we went to the hundth uh birthday for for for the same people.
So, pretty cool. The evening of March 6 was the the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new performing arts center and it was just a wonderful wonderful event. It's um you know congratulations to the school on such an achievement. Um and on March 7th
I attended a banquet um held to honor the first aid squad in the fire department. And this year I observed that there were more cadetses in both both of these areas than than most years. So I was really happy to see that. And um we have a new deputy chief
this year. So Kyle Kyle Courier has stepped up and it's just nice to see someone go through the program and um sort of advance and take on more responsibility. So it was a very nice event. That's all I got. >> Just wanted to add on the lunar uh it
was just uh it was an awesome event >> and at the end I always get up and dance with everyone. Sorry if my dance moves were not up to snuff. And um and then uh the banquet was was
really terrific. Um and it's I just thank our volunteers uh from the bottom of my heart um of all the time and effort and training and you know um that they do to keep us all safe. I was looking back and realized we had a
snow day. So, I'm I was like, "What am I reporting out on this?" Anyway, um we had an EC meeting um an environmental commission meeting on uh February 17th. Um uh they're continuing with their initiatives. um a community energy plan
uh that they uh they want a grant um and uh you know they'll be listing the type of initiatives that we can do as a community to help save energy and in this time of uh increased energy costs. It's very appropriate. There'll be the
April uh stream cleanup. It's gosh I think the 14th year now. And um one thing that I think is really a great new initiative that one of the members suggested is that to reach out to the corporate level um the corporations that
own uh the warehouses um the distribution centers over on the other side of Route 130 to try and engage um uh the local employees and township environmental activities. So, uh hopefully a letter will be sent out to try and um meet with the higherups um
that uh own our local um warehouses on the other side. Um so, um that same night, one ran from one meeting to the other meeting. Uh HPC met um and they are working um diligently on the village
historic district ordinance. It's being drafted and will be presented to the TC and planning board. Um, so HPC is preparing its CLG grant application and I'm a newbie on an HPC, you know, liaison. I'm like, what is an CLG? It's
a certified local government grant. Um, it's out of the Department of Interior and it provides funding to local governments to support historic preservation programs, including activities like survey, planning, and public education. Um, and I really think that these grants are really important
for local preservation strategies and maintaining our great historic resources. Um, okay. Uh, this is really great. I love when students get involved in in the commissions. They have a student liaison
and it's a perfect um place for her to be. I can't remember call her name. Um, she she's reviewing um the HPC section of the township website. uh and she's got some great ideas and I I look forward to hearing um some of her uh
ideas to implement improvements on it. Um HPC wants is will be partnering with CHIPS on the New Jersey Revolution 250 events this year including the Colonial Fair March 12th. Um and it will be at Milstone Park I believe and um they plan
to participate. uh two structures that they are recommending to preserve is on 1260 South River Road. Um it's a uh um it's being considered to be demolished. Um and uh potentially and um um and also
recommends preserving the structure on 1274 South River Road. Um and um Sha Tree Commission um Sha Tree Commission, they had a work meeting. It was like almost two hours
long um on March 4th on Thursday. Um they continue to get uh applications for tree removal. I'm really I love that they have written it all out and they have a list now of uh who's applied for tree removal replacement. Um they're
working this uh diligently on tree plantings in our right of ways. They're called devil strips too. Um and um last year they were unable to um replace trees due to the drought. Um this year they're going to replace um uh replace
or plant trees um with um watering plan um involved. Um they're going to be getting quotes from um tree nurseries. Um they're they're very busy identifying trees that need structural health hazard risk for pruning and um and pruning um
and looking to on not themselves but DPW to prune and lift up the young trees on Main Street um so we don't get our eyes poked out. And um there'll be a spring community walk to be determined, an educational program at the library to be determined. And I can't believe it. They
started talking about Cranberry Day. So, um yeah, the next um um since I'm the 250th uh township committee uh America's 250th anniversary liaison to CHIPS, they have
a list um which I um I forwarded I think to you um and to Denise um a list of activities that they have been working on since last year. Um, and um, there's a calendar of events, and I'm not going to sit here and read them all out, but
the one thing that I wanted to show everybody that they gave to Did you want to help unf >> So, uh, this is the, uh, their flag that was designed. >> Oh, wow. >> By Louise.
>> Special effects. Yeah. Yeah. So, um if you'll see them around town, you see them um you see them at the museum and the mu uh and the historic uh center uh on Main Street. And um we're hoping to
fly this on a township property um you know uh maybe in Villa Park or somewhere. But uh but anyway, I thought that was really cool and wanted to share it. Um, so in that vein, just to keep
you updated and um, if you're uh, you know, looking for something to do or clear your schedules, the Cranberry Museum is hosting the Revolution New Jersey 250th exhibit. Yesterday, they had over 35 people come. What does that
mean? Um it it the Revolution New Jersey is um a a state um organization that's been put together uh to commemorate the American America's 250th anniversary. Uh um it's last day. They had to actually
Chips had to actually apply to get this um to get this uh exhibit. And um it will be um the last day. It's the only day that the museum is open is March 15. Um, and it is called Revolutionary
Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now. So, uh, they've been really busy, you know, and I think, you know, let's support their initiatives. Um, and we're going to be putting in the mayor's update, uh, all the upcoming
events. April 17th sounds like a fun one, um, at the Cranberry Inn, burgers, burgers, beers, and backtories of New Jersey Colonial Taverns with a lecture at 8:00 PM. Um, so, and excuse me if I'm a little bit long-winded today, but um,
there have been a couple of things that, um, we've been partnering with, um, you know, uh, nonprofits, and one of them is the Middle Sex, Keep Middle Sex moving initiative. It's a nonprofit transportation management association and it's affiliated with the Middle Sex
County Improvement Authority. Anyway, we've been partnering with them and it helps with educate um, safe pedestrian and bicycle programs. So, one of them is the mayor's walk to school event, which we have now um put on the calendar for May 9th, and we partner with the school
on that. We've been doing that for a lot of years now. And then another one is that we're going to try and work into this year something called the bike rodeo, and it's a family-friendly event designed to promote bike safety, confidence, and fun for children. And
we're hopefully going to get that on the calendar. Um, >> we have a call th we have a call Thursday from a call Thursday. >> Yeah. Yeah. And then the New Jersey Healthc Care Quality Institute. We've been partnering with them with the mayor's wellness campaign. And didn't we
get a new designation? Go ahead. You want to tell us what >> Oh, you want to say it? Okay. >> I'm going to immediately defer to you to say it. So, save us time and say it. It's awesome. You put a lot of hard work into it. So, it's >> We were We were just Go ahead.
>> No. Bill. >> So, the mayor's wellness campaign is an initiative uh in multiple towns. You don't have to do it, but you can sort of participate and cranberry has participated for the last I want to say four years. And as part of five years or
four years, >> it's it's been a while because it's part of sustainable Jersey. >> Okay. And so then the designation of healthy town, healthy town upand cominging and healthy town to watch. These are three designations. I I've told you them in backwards. um they were
issued to us I want to say let's say four years ago and so this is the first year that we achieved the highest score which is healthy town and a lot of that has to do with our wonderful collaborators in town the school and the library the municipal alliance all the
different boards and commissions um I sat for a couple of hours this one day I was sitting in India and I pulled all of this information together and sent the application in and it tipped us over so I'm really excited congrat Congratulations, Lisa, and everybody. This is Yeah. It's just nice to know
that the work that's being done is recognized and it's relevant and um you know, and makes us a healthy town. >> Yeah. Yeah. And some of the programs were like we had the shot clinic um the van. I mean, not this year. We you know, think we had it this year, but um in the
past and um and senior programming and it it's I I really applaud you continuing working so hard on it along with Joanne Charwin, too. It's a good group. Um, okay. I think that's it on that one. And I just one more thing. Today I
attended the Middle Sex County Lower Rare Middle Sex County Water Resource Association meeting. >> Yeah. Okay. And if you stayed with me on that one, stay with me a little. >> Is there an acronym for that? Like every letter in the alphabet.
>> I think it's W. Middle six county W. But anyway, it's um a county um it's a county association that I was asked to be part of and it has to do with wastewater management planning authority. It's an wastewater management
planning authority um for the lower raritin middle six county and um and um it just uh they had an application like we're it's an advisory um planning for the county in their middle six county
water quality management plan. So all of these names are really long. Just um just know that when sewer services areas need to be u tweaked, it needs to go u through this association and um and
through the county. And um we had an application today in Oldbridge and um they want to amend the current sewer service area for a potential townhouse development. And um it it's it's just
you know something I like to keep an eye on and uh just know that sewer services if it changes it goes through a big collaborative effort >> and that's what I've been up to. Long winded apologize but it's been a long
been months. Yeah we >> it's been a while. >> Yeah. >> I'll be Goldilocks. I won't be as short as Matt but I won't be as long as Bar. How about that? Um, we had a board of ed meeting on the 25th. We see some friends in attendance. Um, they had a board
training which I got to sit to through part of because it was a little uh like a throwback for me. Um, there was a mid-year goal update. They talked about some zerobased budgeting. It's a very budgeheavy discussion today. Um, very exciting. They're uh no no audit for the
school budget which is always exciting. They no findings. They did a great job as always. um reviewed product pro progress toward their goals etc. and then talked a lot about the exciting event that Aman alluded to earlier, the opening of all the referendum projects.
Um, years and years of a labor of love, partially mine, partially the ropes and the existing board of eds. Um, super awesome event. It looks for any of you ha who haven't seen the performing arts center, it's gorgeous. It looks amazing and they put on a great show of Alice in
Wonderland uh last week. Super exciting. Um, additionally at that meeting we spent some uh question and answer conversation about um the JEO that we've been talking about. We will continue that um discussion at a future meeting
um amongst ourselves uh somewhat related to the budget today. Um but we'll have an an open conversation about that in the future. Um additionally, there was a zoning meeting last week. Oh, I didn't realize that was on. Um, there was a
zoning meeting last week um about an application which I think may leverage a little bit of some planning discussions and zoning discussions um about a warehouse going in over by the um the former in the hamlet over by the train
station. Um that was a uh a three-hour evening meeting which was a beautiful thing. 7 to 10 that was exciting. um went through lots and lots of detail about the property, what's going to happen at the property. Um it's a highly complex situation with historical pieces
of that property. Um as well as road expansions, traffic, etc., etc. Um that has been put on pause and we'll be had the next discussion of that is actually in two months because they won't have quorum um for that topic next month. Um
I think that's essentially it for me for now >> on that uh property the two through four cranberry stone um they basically ended the meeting at 10 o'clock so no no decisions were made on >> no action was taken just three hours of
discussion >> I just wanted to make sure I watched it correctly >> okay well speaking of Goldilocks I also attended ReadAcross America at the school and I was uh able to read Goldilocks and the Three Bears to a second grade class, which was,
ironically, a nickname my dad used to call me when I was a kid. So, they chose the book for me, and I just lucked out. And uh one of the students, it was adorable. After we read the story, uh he said, "I think there's a follow-up book to that that she comes back and fixes
Baby Bear's chair." And I was like, "That is phenomenal." I was like, "Do you think that they would have maybe brought some porridge back for Baby Bear?" and he said that would have been very thoughtful. So yeah, so maybe there's a sequel to Goldilocks that
>> you can write it. >> I I Yeah, I probably could. Um I um unfortunately um could not attend the uh fire cranberry um the cranberry uh volunteer fire company and first aid squad. It always conflicts with a conference that I have every single
year. I lucked out I think my first year on the township committee and then after that I can't ever attend it. So, I did send a letter there um to all the attendees there just thanking them for all of their hard work and support of keeping keeping our town safe. Um so, I
appreciated that. Um I was able to be at the Lunar New Year celebration, too. It was my uh stepmother's birthday that day, so I had to leave. And the irony was I had to leave this amazing celebration where the food is like
homemade unbelievable smells and I went for a family lunch at PF Changs. So the irony of what I left and didn't even get to experience to some wanton soup over at PF Chens was just sad for
me. I was very upset about it. Um let's see. Um uh basically you got I mean everybody covered everything. We've been like really um doing great because we've been a lot of at events with uh each other. I do want to give an update that 388 dogs and 55 cats are licensed. So if
you're one of your muts or meows is one of the 11 dogs and four outstanding cats, we're coming for you as of March 1st. So, uh, there will be violation notices, uh, that will be >> that will be issued. Uh, I'm happy to
say that Monty is not one of them this year. So, we will not be reading a letter on behalf of my dog. Uh, but he is in the free and clear and licensed. So, yeah. >> Is that is that number like normal for what we usually have? Because that sounds high. >> I think for the dogs it's a little a
little high. The numbers were actually pretty low for the ones that were uh that we still haven't gotten in, but I think some of them might be still with the new program and some of it the payment link. So hopefully it's not just that they haven't responded at all. >> Okay. >> Four cats.
>> A lot of scoff cats out there. >> Yeah. >> I mean, >> it was four outstanding. How many total cats? >> If I had to guess, they're in Plansboro based on the Nixl. But if I had to guess, they're they're out there roaming. We just need to capture them and license them and then we'll be all right.
Okay. Um I just wanted to just add a little bit from an affordable housing update. Um a lot of the reasons that we have these ordinances and consent resolutions going through and the planning boarding taking their action and everything is that we have a very very big um deadline of March 16th. Um
that is out there as the the state it's actually the 15th but they gave us an extra day because the 15th is on a Sunday. So, um, and all towns are adhering to this deadline. So, I just want to continue to thank, uh, the planning board, um, our affordable
housing council, uh, Mary Beth Lanigan, and obviously everyone on the TC for being flexible in getting getting the special meetings, attending these meetings, and and having the diligence to make sure that we're here because it's it's really important.
Um, I think that's all I had. Yeah, that's all I have. Okay. Um All right. Do we have any subcommittee updates or department head updates? No. Right. Yeah. Right.
>> Okay. Good evening everyone and Debbie. >> I will be I will be very uh >> real quick. I'm sorry to bring this up but there was some emails about the home agricultural >> update. >> Oh
>> yeah. I'm sorry. We addressed the um home uh agricultural update. A resident had contacted us, but we were going to discuss it anyway and the planning board. So there um uh Elizabeth is Liz is working on a ordinance now, an
updated ordinance. As you remember, um, November 7th, I think it was, um, that they had the planning board had sent a letter over making the recommendation that we had update that that it was essentially a clerical error that had happened that it should have gone in to
do that. So, she's in the process of drafting that as we speak. So, sorry we lost sight of that a little bit and with the cancellations of some of our meetings with weather, it just kind of got didn't mean for the can to get kicked, but we're on it now. >> Excellent. >> Okay. >> Sorry. No, no. I appreciate that. Sorry.
I don't apologize. >> I will I will be brief. Um as far as the uh month of February, um the re uh traffic statistics um are on par. Um I said it before where we left off last year, we just continued
into this year. Uh although uh summones may be down, motor vehicle stops are up if that's even possible. Um motor vehicle crashes are uh north of 20 additional uh for year to date and that's because of the wonderful uh two blizzards we had and uh couple other ice
storms and especially individuals with SUVs thinking they ice doesn't apply to them. Um contrary to popular belief thankfully no life-threatening or serious injuries related. However, uh you know we're at 76 crashes already within two months of the year which is
astronomical. I mean at that rate you're looking 6700 crashes. So um calls for services um again be uh tend to be on par from what we were last year. The numbers are there. I did send have a chance to send out the report this
morning. Um I did so um overtime is always my um focus. It's it's up this year. I can contribute uh nearly a hundred a 100red hours for storm related coverages and there's no way around it. So, um I will continue to do everything
I can to be fiscally responsible when it comes to that. Um but when um there's stuff that's out of our hands, um and I'll touch on it more next month. Um but we had a um a warrant where we're not allowed to uh
release an individual um from another state uh and then the individual um uttered some words and then we become babysitters in the hospital for nearly 20 hours. So, uh, you know, there's there's just no way around this. So,
some of that stuff, uh, is unavoidable. Um, but everything is self-explanatory. Um, I would like to touch on, um, the public nixels that went out, um, specifically houses of worship with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Um, just understand that, uh, my officers
have been tasked, um, in addition to their normal duties, um, anywhere from 8 to 10 shifts a day. There's a list that we put out uh that I put out as the administration um and my officers at least individually two to three times a day are checking and doing their due
diligence um to do our part. Um I would also like to um give a shout out to the county and to the residents of Cranberry with respect to the snow removal. It's now been twice. I know not everybody's happy about it. Um however, not one car was ticketed, not one car was towed and
um I think they did a great job. um much better the second time than the first time. Um but I also think that was a little bit of a head start that we came out with that Nixel, hey, get your cars out of the street earlier if you can. They were able to plow, which was a little closer. They were worried about mailboxes and so forth and so on. So
they did come out at my request and um they did a great job in my opinion and they ended four hours earlier than the last time. So there's no complaining there. Um aside from that, um detective bureau's right on par. uh everything is moving uh the way we needed to move and
the police blotter although it's one page I assure you um that the arrests on this was when I when I first started it was over in excess of three pages and I made a vow not to go over a page so I just highlighted the ones that um I thought were prudent to highlight but
there is much much more than that so arrests are up um stops are up business as usual is up and I just think it's u a new norm so we're just going kind of roll with it. Anybody have any questions for me? >> I wanted to um just say thank you for
your correspondence that you had sent out um just with snow removal and the DPW and all the first responders and everything like that. I just think it's it's always nice to get some words of affirmation during a stressful time for the town. So, I just really liked what
you had put out for them. Um, I'd also received a couple of emails from residents, specific residents, about pockets of roads where they're beyond potholes. They're like gaping holes in the road. And so, took the time to kind of really explain that there's only so
much that you can do with weather being cold, right? DPW can only do what they call a soft patch. And then two minutes later, you get a tractor trailer going over that, it breaks open that road again. And so we're looking for longer term solutions on some areas of the road
that are consistently a problem, but you're not really going to be able to attack that until the weather warms. >> So the plants open up. Yeah. The whole patches don't last. >> So they just don't do anything. Um so it's just this vicious cycle that we're in and we've had an unusually hard winter. I mean, all the roads we drive,
I mean, it's just like I'm popping tires left and right on on my car. I just I just have to get a Vespa at this point. But there's just nothing that's going to stop it. But roads all over the place are just a mess right now. So I just appreciate all the residents patience
and understanding of it. But I it's just again people that continue to write us emails. I just want to reiterate that we read them. We do something about it. We follow up almost immediately. And um so but I really did appreciate that that correspondence that you sent out. >> Yeah. And thank you. And I do want to
bring uh something up that you just touched on. And um a lot of times, you know, as police officers, you know, that that email went out, that press release went out, honestly. Um you know, I don't want to be remiss. My officers do a phenomenal job and they always put this town first day in and day out. But more
importantly, you know, when when you brought a similar one to my attention, you know, it kind of opened my eyes a little bit for public works, who is relentless. Jerry Thorne and his um officers, listen to me, and his uh staff is um whether they like it or not are
out there the whole time. Um you know, the only ones that you know really are out more are the police because we can go 24 hours uh where they have to stop even if it's for four hours, but um you know, it kind of wakes you up. And then the volunteers and of course that the paid uh EMTs as well. I mean it it's
just non-stop. So with that said, you know, I meant every word that I that I put out in that. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hey Chief, quick question. You mentioned the crashes. I mean that's like a 40% increase year-over-year. That's is it mostly, you think, attributable to the two storms or
>> three storms. We had a little bit of ice before, but yeah, I mean I think we had >> upwards of eight or 12 in one day. >> Okay. >> And it's usually not the day they get it when it's going on. And this last one was a real good state of emergency where we could have stopped, ticketed it, and towed, but our call volume was just
non-stop. So, you really couldn't do that. Um, however, uh, it's the the next day and the day after that when it starts to thaw, and then freeze again. That black ice is evil. >> Yeah. >> Um, and you can't see it. And again, you're in an SUV, you have that sense of I'm indestructible, and you're really
not. >> I just want to make sure it's like if we keep an eye on it moving forward, we'll do that. Sure. Awesome. >> Absolutely. Chief, before um before you go, I just wanted to um first of all, I feel like I'm seeing some of our newer police force doing the the the the line
at the school. >> Yes. Yes. So, uh I mean, it's just been a crazy winter. Uh all three uh recruits successfully graduated the police academy. That's great. They're uh well into the way into the field training. Uh we spoke I think I spoke to the mayor about it briefly. Um and I was going to
mention it in January, but that never happened. So here we are in Mar I apologize in February but that never happened because of the meeting. Um >> they're very gracious. They're very they're very professional eager very professional. >> Yeah. It's been very nice to see them outside. So yeah, thank I feel like we
got really lucky this Yeah. Well done. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Quick question. Are you have someone going to the EV meeting? >> I am I'm not having anyone go to the EV but me. So as of right now it's on my schedule. I literally just looked I looked at your email and barring any
listen I can't promise because of catastrophes but there's no one else that could go that would kind of make that command decision and and uh I I think I have a pretty good grasp I have a June um conference uh and they're going to touch on that as well. Um it's it's not so much the vehicles that I'm
worried about it's the infrastructure to try to get so grant away because it's north of three to a half a million dollars to upfit. >> Yeah. I mean that and that's where >> this is this is a meeting with other um police uh >> every every chief in the state of New Jersey over 500 of them.
>> Oh, I didn't realize it was that big. Anyway, um yeah, and they're um looking at EV vehicles for um police departments. >> Yeah, they're there and we're I'm not opposed I know a lot of where are we plugging them in? Where are we getting
the electricity? What are we what are we doing? and and that's that's our that's been our longstanding talks for many years. So, >> right. Okay. >> Uh but yes, I have it on my schedule. I literally looked at your email and it said, "Okay, 16th 2 p.m. uh part community energy plan, I think, is to
try and electrify some of our township vehicles." So, >> yeah, understood. >> Anything else? >> Nope. Thank you everyone. Have a great That was a little bit longer than Goox's brother. Uh the only other thing I wanted to
mention was uh we just got a updated uh municipal guidance for the bird flu H5N1 uh from the Middle Sex County. I don't know if I can get this electronically, but I will try to post it. Um but it
this is much larger of a directive than they originally had sent out. It's more like an FAQ, like should cats get tested, that kind of thing. So, I just think they're they're um yeah, I think so. We'll probably scan it and get it get it out online as soon as possible,
but it's just kind of some dos and don'ts and FAQs um as guidance. So, we'll get that um up tomorrow. >> That's great that they did that. >> It's pretty comprehensive. >> Yeah. I feel like it's a little bit long overdue, though, so that's good that they've done that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. and we had published what little
they did give us, you know, last week or the week before, but that seems a little bit more extensive. Um, I know that there are some folks that have been inquiring about volunteer opportunities on some boards and commissions within town. So, um, the environmental commission has a second alternate that's
available. Uh, historic preservation commission has a class C membership and a class C2 al class C second alternate available. and then the zoning board has a second alternate available. So those are the three uh which been they've been pretty consistent for a couple of weeks
now. Okay. And with that we'll move on to our first reading uh ordinance this evening. Okay. Our first ordinance um our only ordinance on for first reading is Cranberry Township Ordinance number
03-26-08. It's a bond or providing for various capital improvements appropriating 27,86,700. Right. Therefore, funding 1,387,835 from capital improvement fund, 10,000 from recreation trust and authorizing
the issuance of 26,46,865 bonds for or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. Uh their second reading will be on March 23rd, 2026. We can have a motion for introduction. >> So moved.
>> I'll second. >> Thank you. We're going to move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Elvidawi? >> Yes. >> Dr. Rogers? >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott? >> Yes. >> Mayor Canarum? >> Yes. >> Thank you. That was unanimous. >> We have Sorry.
>> We have five second readings this evening. So, just how we know how this is going to go, we will um uh have the second reading. We'll have public comment. We'll have any comment from the township committee. We'll have a motion, a second, and a roll call. So, for each
one, it'll that'll be the flow of the ordinance. >> Would ask that the public still sign in >> and then regardless just sign in, but we'll do one ordinance and one public comment at a time to keep it keep it organized. Okay. >> Ready? Yep. Let's
>> So, our first ordinance for second reading is Cranberry Township Ordinance number 02-26-03 authorizing the acquisition of certain road property located at 1260 South River Road, Block 5, Lot 18 for affordable housing purposes.
>> So, we'll open uh ordinance number 0226-03 for any public comment. Okay, seeing none, is there any? We'll close public comment. Is there any comments from the township committee?
>> Okay. Can I get a motion to move? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. We'll move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Elbadawi. >> Yes. >> Dr. Rogers? Yes. >> Mr. Scott? >> Yes. >> Mayor Coner? >> Yes. >> Unanimous. Thanks.
>> Me again. The second ordinance on for second reading cranberry township ordinance number 02-26-04 amending an ordinance fixing the salaries, wages and benefits for various officials and employees of the township of cranberry providing for the manner of
payment thereof and ratifying salaries and payments to employees and officials previously paid. >> Okay, we're going to open order 02-26-04 for any public comment. Okay, seeing none, we will open it up to the township committee for any comments.
Seeing none, can I get a motion? >> So move. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Shy. >> Okay, we're going to move on to roll call. Mr. >> Mr. Christopher,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Obido, >> yes. >> Dr. Rogers, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mayor Conor, >> yes. >> That's unanimous. Okay, we're going to move on to our third item C. Cranberry Township Ordinance number 02-26-05 accepting a conservation easement over
sections of property designated as block 8 lots 1.02 and 1.03 on the Cranberry Township Tax Map. >> We're going to open ordinance 02-26-05 for any public comment. Okay. Seeing none, we'll close public
comment and any comments from the township committee. Okay. Can I get a motion? >> I would like to move. >> Thank you. >> Can I get a second? >> I'm looking at you. >> Second. >> Move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Elvadelli. >> Yes. >> Dr. Rogers. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott? >> Yes. >> Mayor Con? >> Yes. >> Unanimous. Moving on to D. Cranberry Township Ordinance number 02-26-06 accepting a conservation easement over sections of property designated as block
13 lots 13 15 16 and 21 on the Cranberry Township tax. >> Okay, we're going to open ordinance 02-26-06 to public comment. Seeing none, we will close public comment. Any comments from the township
committee? Okay, seeing none, can I get a motion? I'll move. A second. >> All right. >> Thank you. We'll move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher, >> yes. >> Mrs. Eladawi, yes. >> Dr. Rogers, yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mayor Caner, >> yes.
>> Unanimous. Thank you. Move on to our last ordinance on uh item E, Cranberry Township Ordinance 02-26-07, an ordinance of the township of Cranberry, Middle Sex County, New Jersey, repealing chapter 44, affordable housing, it's in in its entirety and
establishing a new chapter 44, affordable housing, and repealing chapter 76, article, is that one? >> Two, >> can tell by the typo, sorry. affordable housing development fees in its entirety and establishing a new chapter 76 article 2 affordable housing development
fees. >> Okay, we're going to um any public comment on ordinance 02-26-07. Okay, seeing none, we'll close public comment. Is there any comment from the township committee? The only comment I would like to make is
I again would like to thank the planning board for moving this so so quickly and the experts that uh were able to do this so that we we hit our deadlines. That's the only comment I'd like to make. So >> I'd also like to just comment uh thank you subcommittee on on keeping this on
track and keeping going. >> Okay. Can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> Can I get a second? Anyone? >> Anyone? Second. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. Can I move here? Great. >> Okay, moving on to roll call. Mr.
Christopher, >> yes. >> Mrs. Delvidawi, >> yes. >> Dr. Rogers, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mayor Coner, >> yes. >> Unanimous. Thank you. >> Okay. The next is uh consent resolutions.
>> A thank you. We I mean I don't know if we ever have >> close to the end of the alphabet, but >> yeah. Yeah, we should have really tried to just create a couple other consent resolutions to throw in there to get to Z, but we we gave it our best shot. Um,
can we get a motion to move consent resolutions A through U or is there any consent resolution anyone wants to pull out individually? I'm ready to move A through U unless >> Okay, >> I'll second A through U.
>> Okay, we're going to move on to roll call. Mr. Christopher, >> yes. >> Mrs. Eladawi, >> yes. >> Dr. Rogers, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mayor Coner, >> yes. >> Unanimous. Thank you all. >> Okay. Um, now we will open up to general public comment. Any public comment um
for our meeting this evening. As a reminder, please sign in again. Uh and uh just write your name and you have three minutes. >> Um do I have to repeat my name? >> You can repeat your name. You have to do everything again. This is a
>> separate public comment. >> Um so I am taking off my former TC member hat and putting on my library board president hat. And I want to invite you guys April 10th, the
Cranberry Library Foundation is having a uh a really great speaker that I will be moderating as a fireside chat. It's Amal Sa. He's the executive director of ACL New Jersey. And he's talking about sort of libraries at a crossroads and sort of free speech and sort of general
libraries. So I invite invite you to attend on Friday, April 10th. This is hosted by the Cranberry Public Library Foundation. A nice little invitation. So, I'll text it to you later. But, >> and what time is that? >> It's at 700 p.m. on the 10th. You can add it to your calendar right now if you
want during my three minutes. If you want to add it to your calendar right now, I'll wait. >> Can you also send that so that we can put it in the mayor's update? >> Yeah, it should be really He's a very dynamic, really engaging speaker and it's the Cranberry Library Foundation
has gone through a revamp this year and is really sort of under new leadership and there's some really exciting things going on at the Cranberry Library Foundation. So, Iman knows she's involved in this, but um >> should be a very nice event. >> What organization is he from? >> He's the executive director of ACL of New Jersey. >> ACL.
>> Yeah. ACLU of New Jersey. >> ACLU. >> ACLU of New Jersey. >> Yes. So, good. >> So, please join us. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other public comment? >> Okay. Seeing none, we're going to close public comment. uh action items is um as
we discussed earlier, we'll add a working session on our next uh township committee meeting to um talk about the JO and that's I haven't captured any other action items. >> Are we going to do it at the next meeting?
>> Yeah. Any other action items that we're >> I didn't catch any. >> No, we're going to post the event that we just heard about and that's it. Yeah. Okay. All right. With that said, can I get a motion to adjurnn? Moved.
>> Second. All in favor? >> I