WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=6Z-NJ2dhRrI

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:15.920
I'd like to welcome you to the July 13, 2026 Township Committee meeting. Uh, can I have a roll call, please? >> Yes. Mr. Bartlett >> here. >> Mr. McFaden >> here. >> Mr. >> here. >> Miss Seuss is absent. Mr. F

2
00:00:15.920 --> 00:00:32.559
>> here. Also present. Mrs. Simono, our township administrator. Um, Mr. Raymond, our township solicitor. Mr. Fox, our township engineer. Mrs. Russell, our municipal clerk, Mrs. Hart,

3
00:00:32.559 --> 00:00:50.480
our deputy municipal clerk, Mr. Fenmore, superintendent of public works, and Mr. Warren, police chief. Please join me in a flag salute. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

4
00:00:50.480 --> 00:01:12.799
republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ABV, would you please read the sunshine statement? >> Yes, mayor. Please be advised the proper notice of this meeting has been given in compliance with the open public meetings

5
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:28.479
act in the following manner. Written notice has been mailed to the Burlington County Times and Courier Post and published in the December 28th, 2025 editions. Written notice has been posted on the official bulletin board of the township of Delanco at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Live stream

6
00:01:28.479 --> 00:01:44.479
statement. This meeting of the Delanco Township Committee may be transmitted via live stream on YouTube video. The streaming of the meeting is not intended to be relied upon as formal public access under the public meetings act. And if the technology is disrupted for any reason, the township meeting will

7
00:01:44.479 --> 00:01:59.439
proceed in person as an official meeting and accord with the official notice. Please silence your cell phones and refer to the rules governing public comment attached to the agenda. >> Thank you. Uh the first item on our agenda tonight

8
00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:17.440
is the ordinance for public hearing ordinance 202610 an ordinance of the township of Delanco in the county of Burlington state of New Jersey amending and supplementing the code of the township of Delanco to include and designate data centers as a

9
00:02:17.440 --> 00:02:32.959
non-permitted use in all zones within the township of Delo. This is the second reading by title only and public hearing. Um Bev, should we should you uh notice the uh comments from the joint land use

10
00:02:32.959 --> 00:02:48.000
board first or should we just have the public hearing first? >> Um we can we can say them now. I think >> Yeah, I think that would be good. >> This ordinance because it is um a zoning ordinance was referred to the joint land use board for review to see if it's consistent with the master plan and the

11
00:02:48.000 --> 00:03:04.640
joint land use board did review it. Um there was a review by our uh the board planner Michelle Taylor of Taylor Design and they did find that it is consistent with the master plan. There is one section I believe it's the 11th whereas in the preamble where it refers to

12
00:03:04.640 --> 00:03:20.159
largecale data centers large scale commercial data centers and as that is the only place that it is referenced in the ordinance or in the preamble joint ladies board suggested that that large large scale be removed and um Mr. Hehold did review it.

13
00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:35.760
The attorney for the board reviewed it and they they agreed that that was not a problem. >> Yeah, that that is correct. It was um you can make that amendment and still pro proceed tonight on second reading because it's not a substantive portion of the ordinance. So it it is

14
00:03:35.760 --> 00:03:51.879
appropriate to make that change if you feel that the change is warranted. Um and we can still proceed with the second reading. >> Yeah. So the meeting is now open to the public on this ordinance only.

15
00:03:53.599 --> 00:04:09.840
Okay. There being uh no comments from the public, I'll close this portion of the meeting. And is there a motion to um approve adopt ordinance 2026-10?

16
00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:26.800
Oh, are we and I apologize you guys. Are we going with the change recommended by the >> with the change recommended by the joint land use board? >> Yes, definitely with the change. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett.

17
00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:42.240
>> I'm going to vote no. Not because I don't believe that it's important to regulate this, but as I mentioned during previous hearings, there's a lot of changes that could have been made to this ordinance that the township committee chose not to make. This ordinance could have unintended

18
00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:59.520
consequences. And while I completely agree that data centers should be regulated, the form of this ordinance, I simply don't agree to um leave it at that. So, no. Mr. McFaden,

19
00:04:59.520 --> 00:05:15.360
>> yes. >> Mr. Olette, >> yes. >> Miss Fitzpatrick, >> yes. Um, and I just want to state that um this ordinance was approved by our solicitor with this one change and I'm confident that um if any amendments have

20
00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:38.639
to be made down the road that we'll definitely take care of that. Okay. So, the meeting is open to the public for comments and questions for agenda items only. This is session one. >> Uh Dave Russ, 228 Maple Avenue. Um I see

21
00:05:38.639 --> 00:05:55.280
on here that there's a shared service agreement with the school board and the police department for a school resource officer. Will this take care of the security issues with the library at the school? >> Um not really. Not to my knowledge.

22
00:05:55.280 --> 00:06:11.759
That's not No, >> I have not been informed of that at all. I don't know that anyone else >> two places at one time. He's going to be inside the school. The issue with the library is outside because it's a public space. People are able to access that

23
00:06:11.759 --> 00:06:27.280
public space. >> So, >> anytime he wants he's going to be inside the school the whole time, does he? >> Yeah. No, he's not going to be patrolling outside. No. >> No. I mean, is he going to if you're a call in town and you need officers to go, he just stays at the school? >> Yeah. He's he's he's responsible for the school. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah.

24
00:06:27.280 --> 00:06:45.120
>> Um, another thing it's on the agenda on the back for rules governing public comment period. Speakers and members of the public should at all times maintain proper decorum and shall make their comments in a civil manner. Personal attacks, obscenity, derogatory or slanderous remarks will not be tolerated. At the

25
00:06:45.120 --> 00:07:01.919
last meeting, I was kind of offended at the remark that Mr. Bartlet made of people on Del Avenue being elitists. I think if you're going to be on township committee, you need to represent all the citizens of Delanco,

26
00:07:01.919 --> 00:07:16.960
not just certain parts, neighborhoods, or streets. And I don't live down there, but personally, I was kind of offended that he would call members of our town elitist. And the other thing is, do

27
00:07:16.960 --> 00:07:37.280
chairpersons and members of boards and commissions, do they have to abide by the same conduct that the residents do? >> I would say yes. Again, I mean, I I think everybody the goal would be that

28
00:07:37.280 --> 00:07:51.840
everybody conduct themselves with appropriate decorum at a at a public meeting >> because there was also the chairman of the recreation commission that kind of went a little wild the other night or the last meeting and either Mr. Bartlett

29
00:07:51.840 --> 00:08:07.759
or Mr. Greyb weren't told anything to calm down or that wasn't that wasn't right to say that or anything. I'm just, you know, wondering if that's allowed to happen or it's just the residents have to have to quum.

30
00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:39.919
>> Dave, I will have a response to that. We do. I will have a response to that during the discussion item about the parking. I will address that. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Dave. >> Anyone else? Um, my name is Nancy El Rush. I live at 228 Maple Avenue. As a resident in this

31
00:08:39.919 --> 00:08:55.040
town, I am deeply concerned. >> Could you Nance, could you pull the mic down? Good. >> Can you hear me now? >> Thank you. >> Is this better? >> Yes. >> As a resident in this town, I am deeply concerned about the new ordinance governing the permit parking between Second Street and Delaware Avenue. As understood, this would be lifting the

32
00:08:55.040 --> 00:09:11.760
times as to when a person can park on these streets. Instead of starting at 8 am, people will be allowed to park starting at sunrise. I will not address the issue at Orchard, Vine, and Walder, as I do not have direct knowledge of the concerns in that area. My first concern is the arbitrary

33
00:09:11.760 --> 00:09:28.000
addition of the word sunrise. Such as the ending time is not limited to sunset, I think that sunrise is way too subjective. I'm also concerned about the ch season changings when sunrise will fall at a different time during fall and winter. As a resident, I walk down this

34
00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:43.519
riverbank almost daily at different times. Recently, after attending the last meeting on June the 20th, 2026, I decided to walk in the morning at 5:45 and 6:00 a.m. The riverbank is quiet. I did notice some parking and on one occasion the

35
00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:59.200
person got into their car and drove away who had walked along the riverbank possibly violating the ordinance already in effect. It would be a shame to roll back these hours. I saw no one sitting on the benches. My understanding of the rules that are in effect now were put in

36
00:09:59.200 --> 00:10:15.600
place years ago as there were problems. I will let the residents of the riverbank address this issue if they choose to do so. Another concern is that we are fixing a problem that is not broken. As much time as I spend walking down Delaware, I cannot see why we would lift these restrictions and allow anyone

37
00:10:15.600 --> 00:10:32.240
to park at sunrise, resident or not resident. Also, it was my understanding from the last meeting that there are complaints that people have to park on Second Street before the allowed time and that they are residents. Maybe they do not understand the full scope of the

38
00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:47.440
residents that actually do live there, the people who actually live on Delaware Avenue and the side streets. Their concern should pull more weight than people who temporarily go there, some of which are not residents. I have seen people breach private property, allow their dogs to defecate on their

39
00:10:47.440 --> 00:11:04.800
property. Um, even though we give people trash cans at the end of each street, there is trash on their properties. Even though there are signs posting forbidding drinking, there are empty liquor containers strewn about. I could go on. Let's not open up another two and a half hours to let people flaunt our

40
00:11:04.800 --> 00:11:22.399
laws and not respect the area. On a further note, I do respect the people that adversely are that are adversely affected by this change. They are taxpayers. They maintain their properties in a way to make a enjoyable for the public to walk, ride their bikes, walk their dogs, stroll their

41
00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:37.839
children, run, gather on the riverbank talking to friends, fish, picnic, ride their cars up and down Delaware Avenue, take pictures of weddings and proms. In addition, when the township holds events such as concerts, car shows, anniversary

42
00:11:37.839 --> 00:11:53.920
celebrations, they, the Delaware Avenue residents and residents on the side streets, as mentioned in all the above, are affected sometimes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Not only do we want to thank you for helping to

43
00:11:53.920 --> 00:12:10.920
provide this gem of an atmosphere we enjoy, but to really look at the possibilities that this change can make for their own peace, quiet, security, and privacy. Thank you for your considerations regarding this matter. >> Thank you, Nancy

44
00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:30.560
>> Jay. as mayor Jay Cohen, 625 Delaware Avenue. Uh we have lived there um now it's uh 38 years and the parking regulations came about

45
00:12:30.560 --> 00:12:46.800
because of problems that were occurring there. Um there were cars pulling up and they would open their their trunks and play loud music. we call the police and this was at other corners too and they would be gone after that. There were a

46
00:12:46.800 --> 00:13:03.040
number of instances of people selling drugs there. We would see them either parked there or down by the riverbank selling drugs or um laying out on the hood. I've actually seen them put stuff out on the hood that people were were were

47
00:13:03.040 --> 00:13:19.360
dealing with them. Um, we've had people come down and take river river rocks and steal them and take them away in their car. Uh, we've seen another number of u incident instances u that have occurred,

48
00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:35.760
people coming down there setting off fireworks which then leaves maybe things that didn't explode for kids that might come down there and play. Um, so this is an example of something that's not broken. So, what are you trying to fix?

49
00:13:35.760 --> 00:13:52.639
Um, I heard and this I'm not sure because it's so asinine was that somebody wanted to sit there to watch the sunrise. My wife can answer to that. That's you know um

50
00:13:52.639 --> 00:14:08.240
we did call the police or many calls and once the um parking was restricted all these problems seem to go away. it stops happening. So, again, I don't know what you're trying to fix. Um, one other

51
00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:24.959
small point, I do take issue with the township committee uh referring to us as elitists. Um, in the first place, elitism is really not driven by where you live and what your house looks like. It's by how

52
00:14:24.959 --> 00:14:40.880
you treat people, whether or not you treat them with respect or do you need to call them names. Do you think you're better than they are? And I heard this coming. I listened to the tape myself from the township committee. It's inexcusable.

53
00:14:40.880 --> 00:14:56.639
All we try to do are be good neighbors. I pulled out my checkbook and I listed like a hundred different things that have come up over the years. And um that this is a completely inappropriate uh uh

54
00:14:56.639 --> 00:15:13.360
thing coming out of the township committee. I heard it agreed to and with the exception of the mayor, I did not hear anyone that uh disagreed with this. So again, we're just trying to be good neighbors in a town where the bar is set

55
00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:31.120
very high to be a good neighbor. We are surrounded by a lot of good neighbors. And thank you. >> Thank you, Jay. >> Lynn. um Lin Whitney 100 Maple Avenue which is at the corner of Maple and Delaware and

56
00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:46.639
I think I'm echoing the same statements came previously. Um the comment is in regard to a committee person referring to us the owners of homes on Delaware Avenue as Delaware Avenue at no

57
00:15:46.639 --> 00:16:02.800
elitists who don't want people to park in front of their homes. Um it was entirely inappropriate and very divisive and I find in this current global area even our our country there is so much divis divis already

58
00:16:02.800 --> 00:16:18.399
happening. Why would you want to cause that in our town? Do you want to start labeling all the different neighborhoods in the town? Um I'm not an elitist. I'm a retired school librarian. I am lucky enough to live on the river. I pay the

59
00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:34.399
taxes, the the town. I pay for the property that is on the other side of the road. I'm not sure that everybody realizes that. We maintain it. We keep our property nicely. We plant flowers. We maintain the trees. We make the Delaware River Road attractive for

60
00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:49.839
people to want to walk on it. I'm not opposed to somebody parking there, but the idea of making it sunrise is not going to work because there is a two-hour difference between spring and winter. So you may have people coming down at uh in the morning in the winter

61
00:16:49.839 --> 00:17:05.520
and it's it's pitch black, it's dark. Uh not only that, we are maintaining the river for you. We mow the grass. We take care of the plants. We are saving the township money by maintaining what is making the river so attractive.

62
00:17:05.520 --> 00:17:22.640
I'm not opposed to changing maybe the parking to 7:00. That is a noise ordinance. So why would we want construction trucks or loan people anywhere? before that that would annoy everybody. So, that doesn't seem to be any kind of uh solution to a problem.

63
00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:39.039
And I agree there is a problem with parking. But I think that you're taking the problem of the parking at the park and putting it on to the people at the other end of town. I have people parking in front of my house early. I don't care. It doesn't bother me. They're well behaved. I let people fish on my

64
00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:55.679
property, but they ask my permission first. And I say, "Fine, as long as you clean up after yourself." We are good neighbors. We try and keep our properties nice. And when I first moved here about 18 years ago, I was the only house in two blocks that was occupied. They were in foreclosure. They were

65
00:17:55.679 --> 00:18:11.280
empty. The house next to me had Ivy crawling all over it. A tree that had fallen down in the property and was just laying there. I called the township and they did nothing about it. I sat there and watched raccoons go into the basement window. I took a chance and moved into a block that was empty and I

66
00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:27.679
was by myself. So yeah, I appreciated the fact that people weren't allowed to park there at night. So all I can say is um the river is what makes the LCO so attractive and to be called an elitist because I'm proud of my home was really

67
00:18:27.679 --> 00:18:43.039
very offensive. And um I also want to say that um I don't think it would be such a bad idea to maybe put in one handicap spot in each crossroad to make sure that people can't uh access

68
00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:59.120
the river. But making it from sunset to sunrise is just not a solution. So it can be resolved in a in a proper manner and not by curling insults and pitting neighbor against neighbor.

69
00:18:59.120 --> 00:19:21.200
Thank you, ma'am. >> Anyone else? Joan. >> Hi, my name is Joan Cohen. I live at 625 Delaware Avenue, which is the corner of Delaware and Walnut. And my husband and family and I, we have

70
00:19:21.200 --> 00:19:38.080
enjoyed 38 years of sunsets. We have not seen a sunrise there which I think someone is looking for but there have been no sunrises there. So I am speaking against the change of the

71
00:19:38.080 --> 00:19:55.360
hours. Um the signs that are there have been very effective before the signs you know were at the corner. There were people parking there and Jay has already mentioned the things that went on. So as soon as the signs went up, the problem

72
00:19:55.360 --> 00:20:10.799
stopped. We we did call the police. They were very responsive to us. And but so I say it is not broken. It's working. Um what's not working is what happened

73
00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:27.360
at the previous meeting. And I am embarrassed that that would happen at a at at my committee meeting that someone would call uh residents names. I'm offended

74
00:20:27.360 --> 00:20:45.280
and that um you know we have through the years through these 38 years we have supported um the township. We have supported, you know, people coming down and taking

75
00:20:45.280 --> 00:21:03.200
pictures and weddings and um we we supported the the additional parking that on Delaware Avenue that inconveniences us because we're the only driveway on Delaware Avenue. So, but we

76
00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:18.960
did that because it allows people who have disabilities to access the events that are being held down the river. So, um, I would strongly encourage the committee

77
00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:36.720
to reconsider this and not change what is working. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jan. Anyone else? >> Okay, I'll close this portion of the meeting to the public. Mayor, if I may,

78
00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:51.760
um I was going to talk about that uh during our discussion for the parking, but given all the public comments, I'd like to address that now if I could have the pleasure. Thank you. I appreciate that. Uh about a week or so after the last township committee meeting, I did receive an email from a Delaware Avenue

79
00:21:51.760 --> 00:22:08.960
resident expressing concern about the use uh my use of the word elitist. And as soon as uh that word left my mouth that evening, I knew I chose the wrong word to say and it wasn't the best way to express what I was trying to understand under what I was trying to

80
00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:25.440
say and I understand why people took offense to it and I appreciate that resident taking the time to write to me and it gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I did say and not only what I said and how it was received and I know people walked away from that meeting

81
00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:40.559
with different perspectives. Some understood exactly what I was trying to say. Others understandably believed I was referring to everyone who lives on Delaware Avenue as an elitist. And that's certainly not true. I have many good friends who live on Delaware Avenue, and I certainly wouldn't call

82
00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:57.280
them elitists, and that was never my intention. Rather than rely on my memory of events from more than 12 years ago, I went back. I reviewed the meeting minutes from 2013 and 2014 and those minutes document months of discussions regarding overnight parking, neighborhood

83
00:22:57.280 --> 00:23:14.559
concerns, permit parking proposals, and ultimately the adoption of the ordinance that we have on the books today. And whether or not someone agrees or disagrees with the decisions made at that time, the history is part of the public record. My comments were directed toward the circumstances surrounding the

84
00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:30.640
adoption of this ordinance more than 12 years ago. They weren't directed at the people who live on Delaware Avenue today. Many of today's residents were not here when those discussions took place. I understand Mr. Mrs. Cohen, you here a lot of other people were here, but a lot of our residents were not

85
00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:46.240
here. And I was not trying to label an entire neighborhood. I also listened carefully to the discussion at the last meeting and that's one of the benefits we have of our YouTube channel where we could all listen to it and it's part of the record forever. One comment that stood out to me was the suggestion that

86
00:23:46.240 --> 00:24:03.039
if someone wants to enjoy the waterfront before 8:00 a.m. in the morning, they can simply park a block away and walk. And respectfully, I think that comment gets to the heart of the issue that's before us. If someone parks on Second Street or the next block up on uh Del on

87
00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:18.960
the the side streets instead of the first block on the waterfront, the vehicle hasn't disappeared. We've simply shifted the burden to residents on the next block. And I don't believe that's equitable public policy. Public pol public streets belong to all the residents of the

88
00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:35.840
Lango. If we're going to prohibit public parking on one particular street or one section of a particular street, there should be a compelling public purpose for doing so, such as public safety, emergency access, or another legitimate governmental interest. But if the justification is that people could park

89
00:24:35.840 --> 00:24:52.720
somewhere else, then we're not solving a problem. We're simply deciding which neighborhood will bear it. and Delano is home to just under 5,000 residents. While I absolutely respect the concerns of those who live on Delaware Avenue, my responsibility is to every resident in

90
00:24:52.720 --> 00:25:08.799
the community. No neighborhood in Delanco should receive more consideration than another simply because the residents are the most vocal or the most organized. Every resident deserves equal consideration from this governing body. I can't look at a public

91
00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:24.320
street and conclude that the interests of 30 or 40 nearby residents should automatically outweigh the interests of the other 4,900 people who also have a right to enjoy our waterfront and use our public streets. If we're going to limit limit right, then there should be

92
00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:40.000
a clear and demonstrable public benefit. And that's the question I believe we should be asking. And if anyone living on Delaware Avenue or in that area believed I was referring to them personally or believed I was labeling an entire neighborhood, I apologize. And

93
00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:55.360
that was never my intent. My responsibility on this township committee is to represent each and every resident of this town equally regardless of what street they live on. Thank you, mayor. >> You're welcome. Uh, I'll move on to

94
00:25:55.360 --> 00:26:12.960
consent agenda for resolutions 2026-102 and 2026-103. Uh, resolution 2026102, a resolution authorizing a shared service agreement with Delanco Township School District Board of Education for

95
00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:29.840
the provision of a class 3 special law enforcement officer. Uh resolution 2026 103 is a resolution to hire a school resource officer SL EO3 Jamie Lambing.

96
00:26:29.840 --> 00:26:46.159
So uh I would ask for an approval of resolutions 2026 102 and 103. Motion please. >> So moved. Second. >> Firm's got it. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartland. >> Yes.

97
00:26:46.159 --> 00:27:01.360
>> Mr. McFad. Yes, >> Mr. Olette. >> Yes, >> Miss Fitzpatrick. >> Yes. And uh now uh Bev will do the oath of office for um SL EO

98
00:27:01.360 --> 00:27:37.200
three Jamie Laming. I >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and

99
00:27:37.200 --> 00:27:52.400
allegiance >> I bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully

100
00:27:52.400 --> 00:28:07.200
>> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of >> all the duties of the office of >> Delo Township School Resource Office >> Township School Resource Office >> according to the best of my ability

101
00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:46.399
>> according to the best Very good. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Thank you. Welcome. So, we're very happy to be working with the school board in that regard. Joanne, thank you. >> Okay, comments and reports.

102
00:28:46.399 --> 00:29:00.480
Um, I guess Steve, you're going to be filling in for Doug. >> Um, other than the the comments that Doug made in in executive, um, I don't have anything further this evening. >> Okay, Harry, you're up. >> Okay. Thank you, mayor. Um, first off,

103
00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:18.080
uh, the crossings um, development. The developer performed uh, concrete tours in the sidewalk and driveways. Um, the purpose of that is he's going he's contending that salt damage the

104
00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:34.799
sidewalk and it wasn't bad construction. So, he's taking cores. They're doing chemical and um compression analysis of the concrete and they're going to come back with a report to us on that. Um we'll see what the the numbers say. It's

105
00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:51.440
not we don't have to necessarily accept what they say. It's just more evidence in their favor to to say what what their argument is about the sidewalk. Um but soon as that comes in, we'll know a lot more. Well, if it shows salt, does that

106
00:29:51.440 --> 00:30:06.720
mean that um the crossings is going to be responsible to replace those sidewalks or the contractor still would have that responsibility? >> That's where the argument goes to step two. Um it's if it was salt causing it,

107
00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:22.159
who put the salt there? Um >> right, >> the the developer was in charge of the development for quite some time before the homeowner association took over. So there's questions when who may have applied the salt, >> right? >> The next step.

108
00:30:22.159 --> 00:30:38.960
>> Okay. Because those sidewalks have been a mess for a long time. >> I mean, it's not just this past winter. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, it's been spalling. >> Yeah. >> Inspection. >> Okay. Thank you, Harry. Okay. >> Um the 2024 tax road program, that's the

109
00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:54.960
Delaware Avenue project. Uh the contractors want to complete that work there as work. He had to replace a few handicap ramps because they weren't draining properly. He did that. Now they're going to come and what we call infrared the asphalt in front of it to smooth it out to make sure there's a

110
00:30:54.960 --> 00:31:10.960
there's no bump at at the at the ramps. They will be doing that this week and following up with touching up the striping that was damaged by the by the infrared. Soon as I've done that, the the project will be 100% complete and we can move on from there. and we we will

111
00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:28.399
be receiving a two-year maintenance bond for that project. So, if anything does go wrong, any construction deficiencies go wrong um within the next two years, they still will have to come back and fix it. >> Okay. >> Um the 2025 program, Newton's Landing

112
00:31:28.399 --> 00:31:46.480
Boulevard, the Belgian block curb is all installed. That has been installed. All the handicap ramps have been installed. Um there's some minor drainage improvements done there in that improvements. Um that's all completed. They are planning on coming out next

113
00:31:46.480 --> 00:32:02.720
week um to start milling and and the process is they're going to mill all Newton's Landing. Then they will run over to the school and mill their parking lot and then pave thereafter, weather permitting. So they

114
00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:19.200
they will be done weather permitting. It takes about a week's worth of work. >> So is some of those millings, can our public works use them? Because John was hoping to use them back on the Delaware Avenue area that sits back.

115
00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:39.440
>> Okay, good. All right. >> Because they should be good millings. Yeah, that's what's kind of nice about overlays. >> Okay, good. >> Yes. um the 25 to 2025 CDBG CDBG grant. Um that's on your agenda tonight to award

116
00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:56.799
that contract to Ronald Construction. Um as you may recall, this was a rebid. We bid it once before. We only received one bidder whose prices were really high and we would have to rebid and these prices are more in line with what we would expect. Um so we are recommending award

117
00:32:56.799 --> 00:33:13.760
to them. Now they do not have a lot of public experience, public contract experience. They do have private contract experience which we checked their references and the references came back very good. Um so the the big difference between government work and

118
00:33:13.760 --> 00:33:28.240
private work is essentially the paperwork, the red tape. The construction is construction. Um, so we may have to, you know, lead them help them along a little bit, especially since it's CDBG money, but it's not a that's nothing that should be of any

119
00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:46.960
concern. Um, we couldn't really find any reason to disqualify that. You know, they don't have a lot of experience in public work, but, you know, somebody's got everybody's got to start somewhere, >> right? >> So, that's ready to go. Um, Centennial

120
00:33:46.960 --> 00:34:04.159
Park, M Pine Street. Uh, that construction is starting this week. They're putting the safety fence up tomorrow. Um, then they're going to be moving some equipment in and whatnot on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and and starting the demolition work of that.

121
00:34:04.159 --> 00:34:20.399
>> Good. Looking forward to that. >> And I and I did receive the email to save the big rock. >> The big rock. Yeah. I do want to talk to you about the um the um enclosure for the time capsule because the

122
00:34:20.399 --> 00:34:37.280
subcommittee met and is there anything that they can do to put a temporary top on that so that we can actually dedicate it the day of our um presentation rather than sealing it up before we do it so we don't have to have a video because

123
00:34:37.280 --> 00:34:52.720
that's really what we want to do. We want to actually put the time capsule in the day of our celebration, which will be sometime in October. So, if they can do that, I didn't know if I needed to talk to Fred or if you would talk to Fred, but the subcommittee was really um

124
00:34:52.720 --> 00:35:09.359
wants to put that time capsule in when everybody's there. >> Yeah, that's that's not a problem. Um Fred already mentioned it. What what we will do is we we'll leave the lid off. It's a concrete lid, >> right? Um, and it's got some weight to it, so they'll probably have a little machine or a couple big guys to to move

125
00:35:09.359 --> 00:35:25.359
it. Um, but that will be off and he will he he can be there at the ceremony so you can place your materials in there. They everybody can see them ordering up and stick the lid on. >> Um, and be sealed at that point. >> That's what Yeah.

126
00:35:25.359 --> 00:35:40.960
>> So that's not not a problem. >> Okay. Because I thought it was kind of a safety concern. and he was at the pre-construction meeting that they would do it at the end of the construction in August and Okay. >> Yeah. At worst case we set the the lid on it and then ceremony we can come take

127
00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:54.400
the lid off and >> Okay. Good. >> That's that makes sense. >> Got to witness the ceiling up. >> Good. Yeah, that's that's what we wanted, right? Thank you, Harry. That's good. Um

128
00:35:54.400 --> 00:36:12.160
see uh lastly the um the PSNG road program uh saving project which is yeah they have they have to repave the roads that they stir by putting in their gas mans. Um people that have been through this

129
00:36:12.160 --> 00:36:29.359
before know how we kind of work this. there's they're responsible to at a minimum repave half of the roadway, half the parkway um where they held their mains. If there are several patches, service patches going to households on

130
00:36:29.359 --> 00:36:45.680
the other side of where the main is, we require them to pave the whole road. So, that's kind of a subjective thing. If it's, you know, several blocks and it's one patch, we're not going to make them pay the whole road. They just pay half pave half the road. Um but what we do do

131
00:36:45.680 --> 00:37:01.920
is public service doesn't care. They have a number that they're responsible for to pave um certain square yards of paving. They don't care where they pave it. So what we do is we look at some streets

132
00:37:01.920 --> 00:37:18.880
that if we're going to have it in the near future in the road program um or if they're not in that bad a shape, we say, "Okay, don't pave that road." And we want credit for that. pave a full width road someplace else. So, we can we can move the road.

133
00:37:18.880 --> 00:37:34.240
Um, we do have a very large credit for Delaware Avenue um because they installed the the gas there and we paved it. So, >> right, we paid >> would have had to have done if if we didn't do it. >> Uh, as well as Walnut and Chestnut

134
00:37:34.240 --> 00:37:50.880
Streets. So, we have a pretty good backup amount of paving that we can use. to rather than do half with Dave, do four with Dave once I grow. >> Um I'm in the process now of working out all those numbers.

135
00:37:50.880 --> 00:38:06.480
>> Yeah. um because there's a lot of different parts to the puzzle and when I get all those numbers together and I'm going to be out there tomorrow actually looking at some of the roads um to to see how we want to do any swaps if if any and at least we'll use up the

136
00:38:06.480 --> 00:38:22.960
Delaware Avenue and Walnut and Chestnut Street amount on on other types of roads that >> right needed >> but we'll still have additional roads though we should have several roads that can be redone >> under this there's going to be. >> Yeah, it's going to be a lot

137
00:38:22.960 --> 00:38:39.359
>> you have to count. >> Yeah, >> yeah, that's I'm looking forward to that. When are they going to start that? I thought they were going to do it in the spring, but spring's pass. >> They're they're waiting for me to finalize. >> Okay. What roads? >> U and they also the project manager is

138
00:38:39.359 --> 00:38:55.520
on vacation this week. So, as soon as she gets back next week, we're going to pre-construction meeting and review what roads. >> Are you gonna >> confer with John? John and and Deborah as well. >> Okay. Good. Good. >> Before I even meet with them, I'm gonna talk to to them. Make sure they're on

139
00:38:55.520 --> 00:39:10.160
the same page. >> Okay. >> They're also public service is also repaving the parking lot um at the back field by Walnut Street School. They used that parking lot for a couple months during the project stuff.

140
00:39:10.160 --> 00:39:26.760
>> So, public service agreed to do repaving of that entire lot, including striping for them. >> That's good. That lot's a mess. Yeah, >> that lot's a mess, too. >> Yeah, thanks. >> That's good. >> And that's all I have, mayor. >> Okay. Thank you, Harry.

141
00:39:28.240 --> 00:39:44.160
>> Our township administrator Deb. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, few things this evening. Uh, I wanted to point out a resolution on here to apply for a grant for the resource officer. There's obviously there's no guarantee we will get this, but despite the township and

142
00:39:44.160 --> 00:40:01.119
the board of ed pulling our resources to uh share yet another employee. Um I'm going to look to see if we can get some funding for it. Uh I was on a meeting last week with the county and it included Edgewater Park in Beverly and it is regarding the trails

143
00:40:01.119 --> 00:40:16.800
that they're running through our three towns. Actually the entire county. Um, so in the near future I'll be sending stuff out to everyone so you can see what some of their proposals are, how they're going to get the parks to connect through Delanco. Um, and then as

144
00:40:16.800 --> 00:40:33.680
it gets a little closer, we'll have more meetings to figure out what um, looks more attractive to everyone. Uh, July 31st, we are going to have inservice training at the township and the municipal building will be closed for the day. We will post it on

145
00:40:33.680 --> 00:40:51.200
Facebook. We'll post it uh online. We are working with the uh Delran EMS. They are going to come in and train all of our employees in CPR. So, the entire staff, including public works, will um be trained in CPR, which is just a good

146
00:40:51.200 --> 00:41:08.319
thing to have, especially for public works when they're out on the roads and uh doing some heavy lifting. So, it's just a good thing for everybody to know. So, again, I will put that out, but July 31st, the municipal building will be closed. It is a Friday and the last thing I have is it is on

147
00:41:08.319 --> 00:41:25.280
here for discussion the brush pickup and I've just called around to other towns looked at other codes uh to try to come up with a way to um eliminate the call-ins to have to schedule brush pickup and to create a schedule that the

148
00:41:25.280 --> 00:41:41.839
township will um know and and the one recommendation I had come up with is a the same week, every other week, which is the same week as the recycling. So, you'll know when recycling is coming through town, the uh the gang will come out and do brush pickup. And what it'll

149
00:41:41.839 --> 00:41:58.079
allow is Mondays, so you'll have the weekends to get your brush out to the curb. You won't have to call and schedule it and know that every other week the guys will be out uh on a regular basis. So, this will be for discussion later, but there are copies in everyone's packets. And that is all I

150
00:41:58.079 --> 00:42:14.480
have. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Good evening, everyone. For our statistics for the month of June, there were 23 police cases uh with a total of 130 for the year. There were 41 motor vehicle summones issued for a

151
00:42:14.480 --> 00:42:30.800
total of 273 for the year. Uh there are 134 stops with a total of 154. And there were 809 calls for service with a total for the year of 5,58. >> Wow. >> They're pretty pretty busy. Um,

152
00:42:30.800 --> 00:42:47.839
obviously was fortunate to be able to have uh Jamie sworn in tonight. For those who don't know, Jamie came from Burlington City, did his full 25 years there. He retired in May. He was a K9 officer and he was their lead detective and ran there at DB for several years. So, he was very, very pivotal his

153
00:42:47.839 --> 00:43:03.680
investigation solving a lot of cases there. So, a lot of experience and we can actually lean on him for some things, but he'll do very well in the school. So, happy about that. Yeah, I think the students will like having an officer there as well. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And uh just getting get everything squared away for

154
00:43:03.680 --> 00:43:20.640
August 4th. So >> good. >> It's pretty much for now. >> Good. >> Yeah. August 4th. Nashville night out. Remember that. >> Yeah. >> So that's all I have for tonight. >> Um I wanted to know if you could put Rancokus Avenue on the speed limit vehicle for uh whatever the list is

155
00:43:20.640 --> 00:43:36.000
because it's boating season now. >> When we move this on. >> Yeah. When >> Yeah. I can do whatever. Yeah. >> Yeah. Because it's uh it's voting season now and the people are really zipping through our street, right, Fern? >> Okay. >> That they were. >> I have them move it tomorrow.

156
00:43:36.000 --> 00:43:52.000
>> Okay. Great. Thank you, >> John. >> Yes. Good evening. Um we put a half a ton of salsa out for potholes. Uh we cut all township properties four times. Uh we chipped up 36 cubic yards of

157
00:43:52.000 --> 00:44:07.280
brush. Plus, we picked up stuff, you know, from the storms in the dump truck. Um, we lined three three times for the baseball field. Uh, we cleared all the storm damage

158
00:44:07.280 --> 00:44:22.800
from all the stopped up storm drains from all the rain we had and we had some flooded streets really bad. Uh, and so we kept up, you know, with the storm drains that helped keep everything clear on that. We watered the

159
00:44:22.800 --> 00:44:40.880
trees for the shade tree commission where there they were calling up and say would you please water some of the trees and we did and that's it. >> Okay, John. Thank you. >> Um I received a communication from New Jersey League of Municipalities

160
00:44:40.880 --> 00:44:56.640
regarding the annual conference. Um early bird registration is open now through August 31st and I did send that out to department heads and and committee. Um, it's a a good way for us to save a little bit of money. So, if anyone is planning on attending or if you're planning on bringing a companion

161
00:44:56.640 --> 00:45:12.480
or spouse to please uh let me know so I can get everyone um registered. So, I'll be sending out additional emails just to remind you. >> Okay. >> And that's it. >> Erin, excuse me. >> Yes. I have two things today. Um, I sent

162
00:45:12.480 --> 00:45:43.440
out letters earlier today to the two resation just 8:30 children. And then also last call for the hometown banners that can be purchased online or

163
00:45:43.440 --> 00:45:59.760
in all that information. >> Do do you know how many we have to date? >> I know at the last meeting was 27, but >> yeah, we've we've had a couple more come in. >> Yeah, because I know and I think a few

164
00:45:59.760 --> 00:46:14.079
more that I've known that people were going to get on the um on the website. I can get an update from Carolyn. She's good. It's going well. 30 plus at this point. >> Good. Good. Um, >> and this new system that we're using,

165
00:46:14.079 --> 00:46:30.160
this legacy, um, it should be easy, I'm thinking for all the people who bought a brick for the uh, Centennial Park to send them a notice when we're going to have our celebration so they can feel free to attend. >> Yes. >> Um, to see their brick and everything

166
00:46:30.160 --> 00:46:45.280
else that we're going to do that day. So, it should be easy. I mean, that's one of the reasons why we're using this system. Okay. >> Yep. >> Good. >> Okay. Uh, anyone from township committee? I didn't have reports on the agenda

167
00:46:45.280 --> 00:47:01.040
because we just met a couple weeks ago. So, if anyone has anything special they want to report now, if not, hold it till our August 2nd. >> The uh one thing that um mentioned about doing the CPR for the staff of the inservice. At our last OEM meeting, we did talk about doing a community CPR and

168
00:47:01.040 --> 00:47:17.440
we're going to be working on scheduling that with Delran EMS. That'll be available for all members of the public who wish to attend the community CPR and there'll be no cost to the public for that. >> Okay. Some date in the future. >> Yeah, we're probably looking only because August is really booked, we'll probably look sometime in September for

169
00:47:17.440 --> 00:47:32.960
that. Okay. >> And it'll probably be right here in this room. >> Good. Thank you. Anyone else have anything? Okay. Uh we'll move on to consent agenda items. Consent agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted with a single motion. Any item

170
00:47:32.960 --> 00:47:46.079
requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda. All consent agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes. Uh resolution 2026104 authorizing extension of the third

171
00:47:46.079 --> 00:48:08.640
quarter taxes pursuant to NJSA 54-66.3 paragraph D. Resolution 2026 105 authorizing the purchase of a police vehicle under the state cooperative purchasing contracts. Resolution 2026 106 resolution approving submission of

172
00:48:08.640 --> 00:48:23.119
grant application to US Department of Justice for year 2026 cops hiring program. Resolution 2026107 authorizing change order number one for

173
00:48:23.119 --> 00:48:41.359
the New Jersey DOT FY25 municipal aid roadway improvement and town funded program Newton's Landing Boulevard and Mjone Pearson school paving resolution 2026 108 award a bid and contract for

174
00:48:41.359 --> 00:49:02.240
2025 handicap ramp Improvement project under the community development block grant Ronald Paving LLC payment of bills in the amount of $563,87361 as per the bill list run dated July 13,

175
00:49:02.240 --> 00:49:18.079
2026. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda items? >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay. >> Give to Phil second. >> Phil and Fern. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Mr. McFaden. Yes, >> Mr. Olette.

176
00:49:18.079 --> 00:49:35.040
>> Uh, yes. And just a comment pertaining to the purchase of the police vehicle that uh our vehicles are out there 24/7. Uh, I believe we have six vehicles that are in the rotation. Uh, and lots of

177
00:49:35.040 --> 00:49:52.319
miles get put on those. and uh to the system that we have of purchasing a vehicle every year and keeping our fleet up to date and uh functioning. So, I I think it's an important purchase that that uh

178
00:49:52.319 --> 00:50:10.240
>> we have and uh again keeping uh our police officers out on the road and not sitting around waiting for a car or having to go rent a car. Uh so that's my only comment on that. Yeah, it's been a rotation. We've been doing that for a few years now, right, Chief? It's worked

179
00:50:10.240 --> 00:50:27.760
out well. >> Yes. >> And Miss Fitzpatrick. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Correspondence, Beth, >> we have several pieces. Um, I typically give you a brief synopsis. Um, but as

180
00:50:27.760 --> 00:50:43.119
many of these are regarding residents and regarding the parking, uh, the mayor has asked me to read them. Yeah, I wanted them to be on the record. >> Just one that does not involve parking was a letter that we received from

181
00:50:43.119 --> 00:50:59.520
Burlington County regarding their uh their history display. Burlington County joins the revolution. Um it has been making the rounds throughout the county. Um it's been at Hannesport. It was at the Warden's House Gallery in Mount Holly. It will be at the farm fair uh

182
00:50:59.520 --> 00:51:16.160
next week and um they are looking for uh municipalities or civic groups that could host it and um the mayor uh did instruct us that uh the history board is looking at whether that's something that could come here and we could have it here for a bit. So that's the first

183
00:51:16.160 --> 00:51:32.480
piece. Um the other pieces are um uh all emails that were received. We received an email from Holly Penna. Good afternoon. I c I came home from travel to find out there was a township meeting I missed regarding parking permits on my street. The notice given to me on a

184
00:51:32.480 --> 00:51:48.240
flyer was only delivered two days prior to the meeting and I was already away and unable to get back. I live on Malter Avenue. While at first I was confused when we received parking permits since I have noticed since I've noticed a great positive change. Our street is less

185
00:51:48.240 --> 00:52:03.200
congested with traffic coming and going. We the residents of the street actually have spaces for our own cars and our guests. It has reduced the amount of people I see parking and carrying 30 packs of beer into the woods, which I don't believe you can publicly consume

186
00:52:03.200 --> 00:52:20.400
alcohol anyway. Overall, the permits have made our home street less troublesome for residents and I believe safer. Reducing the times that it is permitted only reducing the times that it is permitted only seems like an unnecessary roll back on the permits. It

187
00:52:20.400 --> 00:52:35.680
is of no help to us to roll it back so much. If anything, I would want the time extended that is permit only. Please don't offer a safe convenient solution and then roll it back. Um, best help.

188
00:52:35.680 --> 00:52:51.359
And we received email from Linda Gamage to whom it may concern. My home is located at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Hazel Avenue. And I support the proposed amendment to allow parking on the riverfront block between Second Street and Delaware Avenue from sunrise

189
00:52:51.359 --> 00:53:08.079
until 900 p.m. In my experience, this is a reasonable change that will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the riverfront during the early morning hours. I cannot comment on the proposed changes in the vicinity of Hawk Island as I have no personal knowledge or experience with parking conditions there

190
00:53:08.079 --> 00:53:24.000
during the early morning hours after sunrise. As an additional consideration, I would also support extending the evening parking hours until 10 p.m. during the summer months. There are often residents and visitors walking along the riverfront after sunset, particularly during the longer daylight

191
00:53:24.000 --> 00:53:39.359
hours, and allowing parking until 10 p.m. would better accommodate that seasonal use while still maintaining overnight parking restrictions. Thank you, Linda Gamage. Another that I received today was from Mary Wood. Good afternoon, Miss Russell. The

192
00:53:39.359 --> 00:53:56.240
following is submitted for consideration from the township committee regarding parking at Hawk Island. My understanding is that visitors currently have no designated parking options at the park. A practical solution would be to move the fence line back to create a parking area for visitors. For example, the

193
00:53:56.240 --> 00:54:12.960
space where committee members parked during the Hawk Island cleanup with Senator Singleton could serve this purpose. Adjusting the fence perimeter would open that area for visitor parking, reducing the burden to nearby residents who otherwise face unfamiliar vehicles and the issues that often

194
00:54:12.960 --> 00:54:29.119
accompany them. After speaking with many neighbors, it is clear there is a broad agreement that the parking restrictions along Delaware Avenue and adjacent streets have been effective in reducing crime, noise, and other disruptive activity. These restrictions were originally implemented in response to

195
00:54:29.119 --> 00:54:45.119
past issues and they have proven beneficial. Our recommendation is to maintain the current restrictions without amendment. Instead, we propose updating the ordinance to allow Delano residents to apply for permits in this area. This approach would preserve the safety benefits while ensuring that all

196
00:54:45.119 --> 00:55:03.760
residents can access and enjoy the park and Delaware Avenue. Thank you, Mary. Let's see. from the previous meeting and these were entered into uh correspondence at that time. We received an email from Nancy

197
00:55:03.760 --> 00:55:19.680
Saka. Hello, we reside at 105 Vine Street. We just received the notice regarding a change in permit hours for restricted parking on our street. We strongly oppose any change to the restricted parking at Hawk Island due to concerns over public safety and health

198
00:55:19.680 --> 00:55:34.880
issues. Before the restrictions were placed, we had numerous people with out ofstate license plates who disregarded public health issues such as trash left behind, cans, bottles, etc. in the streets and sidewalks. We also got to witness people changing clothes in the

199
00:55:34.880 --> 00:55:50.480
street, urinating outside their vehicles, and trespassing on private property, radios blasting, gatherings, blocking driveways, and fire hydrants. We also saw on one afternoon a small child being beaten by his father right outside our house that had just come out

200
00:55:50.480 --> 00:56:06.400
of Hawk Island. That was terrible to witness. These issues have sub subsided somewhat since the restrictions went into effect. There has been an improvement. We strongly request that the parking restrictions remain as is or be expanded. Sincerely, Nancy Saka and

201
00:56:06.400 --> 00:56:26.480
Vincent Giralami. We received I I believe this was a partial email. Um there was an email sent to the mayor and then it was forwarded to me, but I don't believe the lady um put the full amount. So, what she sent to the mayor was, "Hi,

202
00:56:26.480 --> 00:56:42.160
Kate. Hope you can bring this up with the township. We got notice there would be no parking on Second Street. However, myself, my husband, and mansion residents have had trouble and arguments in order to get in and out of our driveway on Second Street. We are not parking on Second Street. just needed to

203
00:56:42.160 --> 00:56:58.400
go places and return home. If the township plans to do this again, it should be noted that residents are allowed in and out. It was very frustrating. And then she forwarded to me um that it is odd that the resident wants to watch the sun rise

204
00:56:58.400 --> 00:57:16.880
over the river. The sun sets over sun sets over the river does not rise. And that was Martha Kameco. >> I believe that was all regarding the parking. Yes, I think it was >> my full um my full correspondence. >> Thank you. That covers everything.

205
00:57:16.880 --> 00:57:31.680
>> Yes. >> Good. Thank you. >> And and you all have received um copies either in your agenda packet or um Miss Wood's um comments that were emailed today for the day. >> Right. Okay. So, the meeting is open to the public for comments and questions. This

206
00:57:31.680 --> 00:57:59.200
is general session two. If anybody has something they want to add before we get into our discussion items, >> Mickey. Sure. >> Uh, my name is Mickey Walsh. I reside at 701 Delaware Avenue. Uh, and I love

207
00:57:59.200 --> 00:58:15.760
living here and I have been here since the 60s. My family has uh we've watched Delaware Avenue change. It used to be sort of lovers lane, people speeding down the road. There were people killed

208
00:58:15.760 --> 00:58:32.960
going down the road, not making the slight bend down the street. Uh but it's always been a lovely place to live. I've also in favor of this ordinance of keeping the parking the way it is. I have seen a lot of uh I I haven't

209
00:58:32.960 --> 00:58:47.440
personally, but my wife has seen drug dealers going off out in front of our streets uh right there. Uh I believe that we should have that c that the parking stopping at sunset. This is not

210
00:58:47.440 --> 00:59:04.880
Lover's Lane and uh we do have people parking there a lot of times. I have walked out my house. I sort of walk down the street, look and say, and then they'll tend to drive away. So, that's good enough for me. And I don't like to

211
00:59:04.880 --> 00:59:23.920
call the police at all. So, thank you very much for listening to me. >> Thank you, Mickey. Anyone else? Okay, I'll close this portion of the meeting to the public and we'll start with the discussion items and this is uh

212
00:59:23.920 --> 00:59:41.680
further continuence of ordinance 202611. Um, it was introduced. Actually, it really wasn't introduced, but it's amending 295-54 governing schedule 13 permit or 23, excuse me, permit parking only to amend

213
00:59:41.680 --> 00:59:56.000
the times for restricted parking in the vicinity of Hawk Island and Delaware Avenue. Um, I will open this up to the committee members for their comments, but I would like to say that the

214
00:59:56.000 --> 01:00:13.440
Delaware Avenue issue, I was on township committee when we dealt with that and they were um the residents had some um good concerns and I think we resolved it and I I don't understand why we would

215
01:00:13.440 --> 01:00:30.480
want to change something that's been working very well for the last few years. Um, and as um, Joan had pointed out, you know, I don't live on the Delaware River. I live on the Rancokus Creek and the sun rises there every morning. So, I get to see the sunrise.

216
01:00:30.480 --> 01:00:46.319
The sun sets in September and October at the river junction. So, I get to see that in the later months. But, um, that's my comment on Delaware Avenue. On Hawk Island, we worked with those residents as well. And I think the only

217
01:00:46.319 --> 01:01:03.040
thing that could change would permits being allowed for all the residents on Walter and um Vine and if any on Orchard need permits, those residents should be able to get parking permits, but I don't

218
01:01:03.040 --> 01:01:19.359
think time should change. It's worked. The residents seem happy. Uh, and I I don't see opening up those hours, especially sunrise. Um, that that's my opinion and I would let the other members of the township committee offer

219
01:01:19.359 --> 01:01:39.680
theirs, but um I'm in favor of keeping these on the record. As far as the hours uh are that are concerned, uh I think nine o'clock is reasonable at night to uh to have the permit start. And you know, we talk

220
01:01:39.680 --> 01:01:55.359
about sunrise. Uh and currently I think it's 8:00. Uh I'd say we could probably go till, you know, have the permit from 900 p.m. to 7 a.m. You know, again, 7 a.m. being our uh noise ordinance. and you know people are starting to move

221
01:01:55.359 --> 01:02:11.440
around and to uh to make that one hour change uh would uh I would be okay with u the thing that was mentioned this evening uh about handicap parking being not uh at the end

222
01:02:11.440 --> 01:02:27.599
of the street or uh I think it was a really good suggestion that we should probably take a look at uh so that folks that have walkers or uh scooters or uh have difficulty walking would be able to

223
01:02:27.599 --> 01:02:43.839
uh have a place to park at the end of the street close to the river. Um that would be and then as far as Hawk Island again uh last year or prior to the summer of last year, I guess we had uh put the permit parking

224
01:02:43.839 --> 01:02:59.760
out there to help alleviate a lot of the issues that were going on and that has seemed to work for the residents over there. And uh this year doesn't seem to be as I guess word got out that if you're going to Hawk Island uh on the

225
01:02:59.760 --> 01:03:15.200
weekend, you better have a permit to park there or and then for the folks that uh I guess may have been discouraged because they had to park further away. Uh, I think the problem has pretty much

226
01:03:15.200 --> 01:03:30.799
uh gone away and having the park open to the public uh for folks to go back there and walk and uh I think it encourages probably more of our residents in the neighborhoods uh to use Hawk Island. Uh

227
01:03:30.799 --> 01:03:47.280
when we did do the cleanup out there, I guess about a month ago with uh the senator, I was surprised how clean things were on on the trails. And once we got down to the river and the water bank, that was a different story. Uh but again, we didn't pull out as much trash

228
01:03:47.280 --> 01:04:05.839
as we had in uh cleanups before. So, uh right now, uh my position is that we don't change the ordinance. Uh things are working and why upset the apple cart at this point.

229
01:04:05.839 --> 01:04:21.280
>> Thank you, Matt. >> Okay. Um, I gave a lot of my comments earlier, um, when I read that, um, in reviewing the comments that, uh, Mary Wood submitted, I regarding the Delaware

230
01:04:21.280 --> 01:04:36.960
Avenue parking area, I completely concur with updating the ordinance to allow any resident in Delanco Township to get a permit and not just the residents that live on Delaware Avenue or those side streets. I think any resident of the town, if they want to be able to park

231
01:04:36.960 --> 01:04:51.359
over there, they should be able to. Um, regardless of changing the time, sunrise, sunset, 900 pm, whatever, if they if a resident wants to park there, they should have the same right that any other resident in the town does. Um,

232
01:04:51.359 --> 01:05:08.240
regarding the parking by Haw Island, again, I concur with Mary about moving the fence or allowing parking in there. In fact, I came up with that two years ago, but the township committee didn't want to do that. Um, I think that's on the record. I think that's a great idea, but I don't know if it could be done at

233
01:05:08.240 --> 01:05:24.480
this point since we put the town put that Hulk Island property on the Rossy list, the recreation open space inventory with the New Jersey D so it can never be developed. >> If council is able to look into that to see if we can do that, I would be

234
01:05:24.480 --> 01:05:41.200
completely in favor of that as I was two years ago. Um, you know, in short, I agree, Kate, with your vote when we voted on the when the township committee voted on this ordinance regarding the parking on Delaware Avenue

235
01:05:41.200 --> 01:05:57.359
back in 2014 when you voted against it. I I think that there shouldn't be permit parking over there. But if there is, it should be for any resident of the town. >> Good point, Bill. Are you anything else, Matt?

236
01:05:57.359 --> 01:06:18.400
>> No, I'm good. Thank you, K, >> Phil. >> Like Dave said, if it's not broken, don't fix it. Uh, we had issues along the river for numerous years before this ordinance was put on the books. Um,

237
01:06:18.400 --> 01:06:38.880
I also do believe with what Scott is telling us that it shouldn't be There's no possible way for us that I'm aware of because the property at uh the Hawk Island property is on the

238
01:06:38.880 --> 01:06:55.520
Rossi list that we can actually put a parking lot on there. Um I just don't I don't feel I don't feel comfortable changing it. I would I would rather

239
01:06:55.520 --> 01:07:15.359
leave it as is >> what's that >> both? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Kate, if I could just add one more thing, please. You know, as elected officials, our responsibility is not to just preserve every ordinance simply because it's been on the books for a

240
01:07:15.359 --> 01:07:32.079
dozen years. Our responsibility is to proactively ask whether an ordinance continues to serve a legitimate public purpose and benefit for the township as a whole, whichever way it goes. And you know, that's any ordinance, not just the parking. We shouldn't have something

241
01:07:32.079 --> 01:07:48.880
just on the books just because. >> I understand. Um, so we're not going to take official action on this ordinance because Carolyn uh Seuss is not here tonight and I really think that she should be a part of the vote on this because she was the

242
01:07:48.880 --> 01:08:04.799
one that actually brought it up. So, we will vote on this at our next meeting. Um, the next item of discussion is a proposed ordinance uh amending chapter 135 to regulate the amount and diameter

243
01:08:04.799 --> 01:08:20.159
of brush, limbs, and stumps that can be deposited curbside by residents for the township service. And um, our admin administrator had touched base on this. Um Deb, if you want to just refresh

244
01:08:20.159 --> 01:08:37.679
everybody about what this is about and then we can ask John if he has any comments. >> Absolutely. The way it's currently written, um residents have to call to be placed on a list for the most part and have brush picked up. Um you know, for

245
01:08:37.679 --> 01:08:54.080
one thing, it just seems like it would be convenient if they didn't have to worry about calling if they were able to get through. They can just set up a schedule. everybody will know exactly what date they're coming around. Uh Monday would be the uh easiest date like I had mentioned because everybody seems

246
01:08:54.080 --> 01:09:11.520
to or the most people um aside from when there's a large storm would be clearing out their yards on uh the weekends. So this way they would know when the recycling is due to be picked up that same week, Monday, the gang can go around and um pick up the brush. uh it

247
01:09:11.520 --> 01:09:27.120
would help with especially in light of what happened with the storm where a lot of our storm drains were clogged. I know it wasn't just for from the brush, but if it's just a more regular basis um that we're clearing the streets, it would hopefully alleviate some of those issues.

248
01:09:27.120 --> 01:09:42.400
Um you know, it would just the guys are out and about. I know you know our Department of Public Works is busy, but it isn't an extremely large town. And I did call other locations, looked up all other codes. Some of the other towns uh

249
01:09:42.400 --> 01:09:57.600
similar to our size pick up twice a week, which is does seem a little excessive. Um unless you know, John would think if something came up, a large storm, and want to put a blast out that they're going to go out again, but this would just, you know, I think a schedule would be just easier for

250
01:09:57.600 --> 01:10:12.640
residents to follow. >> Yeah. John, do you want to add any comments to that? I had originally when I originally talked to you about it, I gave you the wrong day. It would be on Monday pickup, not on Thursday, not on

251
01:10:12.640 --> 01:10:29.120
the recycling day, just on the recycling week every other week. >> Well, what my my main concern is the chipper is the most dangerous piece of equipment that we own and nobody wants to go on a chipper because the chances

252
01:10:29.120 --> 01:10:45.600
of something happen are better than normal. you when you're picking up brush, you don't have no idea what's in the brush. You have to go through it. We throw pipes through it. We threw fences through it. Pitchfork went through it. I

253
01:10:45.600 --> 01:11:01.600
mean, it's a it's a dangerous piece of equipment. And to put them out an extra day, I mean, if you think that will help, but I don't think it's going to help because people put brush out all the time. I live in this town. I go

254
01:11:01.600 --> 01:11:16.880
through this town every single day just about and and one of the biggest compliments I got from another public works department was how come we don't see all this brush laying around your town? I said well because we have a

255
01:11:16.880 --> 01:11:32.719
designated week and that's when you put it out and if you put it out sooner then you get a notice. We're trying to keep the town clean with the double trash pickup now. Now you got trash and you got recycling and

256
01:11:32.719 --> 01:11:49.920
now you're going to have brush. It's all I you know I don't know what to say on that, but um it's it's just it's just hard. And then you get the people that you go by and next thing you know they're putting brush out behind you.

257
01:11:49.920 --> 01:12:07.920
Well, usually when we have the one week if we I ride around and I notice there's big piles. There's a lot of piles of brush. I'll go out the week before on a Thursday and a Friday and we get started on the, you know, the brush because we,

258
01:12:07.920 --> 01:12:24.960
you can tell that it's going to be a heavy week and that that helps us. And it usually takes us like five to seven days to actually do the brush. So, I mean, and we do it in three and then I have three guys on there. So when I put three guys on there with especially in

259
01:12:24.960 --> 01:12:42.080
the summertime, people go on vacation and I like to since brush is the hardest thing to actually do. I try to rotate. I don't just keep three guys on there and let them take a beating because it's it's not an easy task. People put it

260
01:12:42.080 --> 01:12:57.440
out. The reason why we like the residents to call so we can say, "Hey, if you're putting it out, face it in the right direction. Don't throw it out all tangled up in big, you know, put big logs on top of stuff where that's where

261
01:12:57.440 --> 01:13:13.040
our people get hurt and that happens all the time. You go in, you bend down and you try to pull and it's all stuck together and it just makes it very difficult. But, you know, I say if I'm willing to try it. If you think that uh

262
01:13:13.040 --> 01:13:31.600
that will help, we'll we'll give it a try and see >> it. What it may do is it may limit the amount of brush at one at one time. You don't think so? >> It won't. It'll be a free-for-all. >> Any comments from township committee

263
01:13:31.600 --> 01:13:47.040
since this is a discussion item? >> Yeah, I think you know John's point that the chipper is the most dangerous equipment that we have. You know, it most definitely is. But if I don't see having the guys go out twice a month instead of once a month is going to increase the amount because it's the

264
01:13:47.040 --> 01:14:03.280
same amount of brush that's getting put up. It's just split out between the two different pickups. Um but I completely, you know, respect that that's a dangerous piece of equipment. It most certainly is. Um, I also think going around twice a month instead of the

265
01:14:03.280 --> 01:14:20.400
people, you know, putting out the brush when if let's just say uh a tree comes or branches come down their lawn, they put it out on August 1st. And we're not doing pickup to the uh the fourth or third week of the month, it's going to be out there three, four weeks before it gets picked up. And I get our ordinance

266
01:14:20.400 --> 01:14:37.360
says that you're not supposed to put it out until the Friday beforehand or whatnot, but you see all over the town, people put their brush out when it comes down because the majority of the town doesn't know about that. It's a one week >> per month. When there when there is storm damage, I always go out. We run

267
01:14:37.360 --> 01:14:52.400
the town right after any storm. We run the whole town and we go two times. Okay? And then I got pickup trucks. Instead of stopping a truck and picking a little handful of brush up, we throw it, then we dump it out back and put it

268
01:14:52.400 --> 01:15:11.440
in the dumpster. So, you know, um it's it's a hard task. It's a hard task. Really is. >> And I just worry about people getting hurt and that's my responsibility. We had somebody uh we had a half a tree

269
01:15:11.440 --> 01:15:29.520
down on the orchard and one of my guys the branch broke off hit him in the forehead and he you know right here on his forehead it it was bleeding. I mean you know real thin skin here and he was bleeding pretty good and but he was okay

270
01:15:29.520 --> 01:15:45.840
so that was good. They had a safety stuff on, but it let me tell you that branch hits you and especially in the winter time, if it hits you, it's going to sting for a while. >> And yeah, and and your guys do go around right after the storms like we had that

271
01:15:45.840 --> 01:16:01.520
one a week and a half ago on Orchard, like you're saying, Orchard over um at Washington when everything came down there. Power was out. I was out there a couple hours with the fire department. There was a lot that came down. You guys picked it up >> the next day. But I'm I'm talking about just in general if someone's someone has

272
01:16:01.520 --> 01:16:16.480
a branch come down, they'll put it down the beginning of the month and it'll be there, you know, 3 four weeks the way we have the once a month recycle once a month um brush pickup. So, you know, that's my thoughts on like I said with the parking and any other ordinance, you know, ordinances or living and breathing

273
01:16:16.480 --> 01:16:31.920
documents, we should look at them and see what's best for the town at any given time. That's just my thought. Jerry, >> uh would we be able to do this through a resolution uh and do a trial period of three months

274
01:16:31.920 --> 01:16:47.840
of doing uh the schedule that's being proposed suggested and issues that may >> unfortunately I don't think we can do it via a resolution because it right now you're you have >> the ordinance as to you know when the

275
01:16:47.840 --> 01:17:06.239
pickup times are and unfortunately you can only amend an ordinance via an ordinance >> via an ordinance And as as uh as Debbie had stated that they would like to get it out to the public in the tax bills because they'll be mailing them soon so everyone would

276
01:17:06.239 --> 01:17:23.840
get the notice. Um so all right. So if we amend the ordinance and then uh other issues come up down the road then we just revisit it and redo the ordinance again. >> Yes. Yeah. We can always do that.

277
01:17:23.840 --> 01:17:39.520
>> Just, you know, I've been here for a long time. >> I know, John. >> When I go through this town, I go down Delaware Avenue and I how nice it is down there. And I take pride in my work. I I I don't like to see I don't like to

278
01:17:39.520 --> 01:17:54.480
see grass growing in the street. I don't like to see brush, big piles of brush all over. Trash for some reason. I don't know if anybody else noticed it, but there's a lot people are putting trash out on Mondays now. >> I know.

279
01:17:54.480 --> 01:18:13.080
>> It's all over and and we're It makes the town look like an eyesore, at least in my opinion, you know, and but I mean it's a never ending process to do it out this for sure.

280
01:18:13.520 --> 01:18:30.719
>> Yeah. I know you guys got a tough job. I I totally understand it. But I I'm swaying more to it would be in the best interest to, you know, put a change in the ordinance

281
01:18:30.719 --> 01:18:45.520
to have you guys out there. I know you say it'll be more there won't be to me. I would never call you and say, "Hey, John, I put my brush out." and then go put my brush out. I would already have

282
01:18:45.520 --> 01:19:00.880
it at the curb. So, the conversation on the phone about how to stack it and all that, it would have already been out there. I would have just been calling to uh let you know it's out there and get on the list. And uh I know there's sometimes I don't get

283
01:19:00.880 --> 01:19:17.760
on the list, but you guys do come through. I I don't I don't I mean I I know you guys got a rough job, but I I would like to see it to where it's picked up every recycling schedule, which is what every two weeks.

284
01:19:17.760 --> 01:19:34.080
>> Yeah. So, we can try it. We can amend the ordinance and see how it works out. And if it becomes a burden or what have you, we can always change the ordinance. I I think it's um and But we're going to

285
01:19:34.080 --> 01:19:51.280
still keep all the regular rules about the 20 minute pickup the way it's put out. >> Yeah, it they have to be and that has to be emphasized. >> We had that big pile of >> I saw that I went and saw that pile on West Avenue today. That's unbelievable.

286
01:19:51.280 --> 01:20:06.880
That probably would take a couple days to do that job. >> Wouldn't take a couple days. >> It looks like it to me. I mean, it's it's >> it's got to be 150 ft. the tugging and the pulling, you know, I guess people

287
01:20:06.880 --> 01:20:23.920
feel that there's not much room between the curb and the sidewalk, so I'm going to make it, you know, >> but when they just throw it out. >> Yeah. >> And instead of you grabbing the butt and then pulling it through, you got to actually tangle. And then what people do, they put the logs on top. And that

288
01:20:23.920 --> 01:20:40.719
makes that just makes a whole different ball game then. >> Yeah. >> Like down in Illinois, remember when my guys got poison ivy from that batch? Yep. >> That's what they did. They put all the logs on top of the brush and the only way to move it and the way it was put

289
01:20:40.719 --> 01:20:56.560
out, >> we couldn't even pick it with the loader. >> Yeah. >> But >> well, let's give it a shot. John, what do you think? And see if it works. And if it if it's causing a lot of problems, if you need another employee, if there's

290
01:20:56.560 --> 01:21:13.120
too much work going on, >> because this town knows the pride you have in this town. You've been here over 50 years, and we appreciate what you do. We appreciate the pride that you show for the work you do. And your crew does

291
01:21:13.120 --> 01:21:28.320
a terrific job. And I think they all enjoy working for the town. So, um, we'll give it a shot. We'll try it. If it doesn't work out, you have to let us know if it becomes too burdensome and we'll >> Well, what are we going to do about the

292
01:21:28.320 --> 01:21:47.760
winter time and we do leaf season? >> I think when there's leaf, there's not as much brush, is there? >> That's because the brush stopped. >> That's because you usually stop. We I I think we're gonna have to work on it. >> Yeah, we'll we'll come up we'll talk

293
01:21:47.760 --> 01:22:02.880
tomorrow, John, about the specific >> Yeah. And um so should we um do this as first reading tonight? Is that what is that what you're proposing? >> Yes. >> That um we do this Bev for first reading

294
01:22:02.880 --> 01:22:20.480
tonight. That would be ordinance 202612 um amending chapter 135 to regulate the amount and diameter of brush, limbs, and stumps that can be deposited curbside by residents for township service. And this would be uh introduced by read by title only and set public hearing for August

295
01:22:20.480 --> 01:22:35.920
3. >> Okay. >> If you wish to. >> Very good. So we need a motion >> um to approve or >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Bartlett.

296
01:22:35.920 --> 01:22:50.480
>> Yes. >> Mr. McFaden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Olette. >> Yes. >> Miss Fitzpatrick. >> Yes. Okay. Anybody have anything else? Nope. All right. So, I need a motion to

297
01:22:50.480 --> 01:23:05.120
adjurnn. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Thank you. Good night, everybody. >> Thank you. >> Oh, our next meeting is August the 3.

298
01:23:05.120 --> 01:23:11.040
>> Yes. August 3rd. Yeah. and we'll be voting on the

