located here at 770 Coopertown Road. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett, >> here. >> Mrs. Parker >> here. Mr. McCra >> here. >> Mr. Oat >> here. >> Miss Seuss >> here. Thank you. Also present, Mrs. Simmonro, our township administrator, Mr. Fox, our engineer, Mr. Heinhold, our
solicitor, Mrs. Lure, our clerk, Mrs. Russell, our deputy clerk, Mr. Fenmore, our superintendent of public works, Mr. Warren, our police chief. Um, that's everybody. Please rise for the flag salute >> to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Janice, could you please read the sunshine and live stream statements? Please be advised that proper notice of
this meeting has been given in compliance with the open public meetings act in the following manner. Written notice has to county times and current post and published in the December 30th, 2024 editions. Written notice has been posted on official bulletin board of the town of Delango at least 48 hours prior
to the meeting. This meeting of the Delango Township committee may be transmitted via liveream on YouTube video. The streaming of the meeting is not intended to be relied upon as for formal public access under the open public meetings act. And if the technology is disrupted for any reason,
the township meeting will proceed in person as an official meeting in accord with the official notice. >> Thank you. If you could please take a moment to silence your cell phones or put it on vibrates. I appreciate that. Uh before we go into public comment, I will just read a quick statement
regarding public comment period. uh in accord with and subject to the provisions of the open public meetings act. During general public comment periods, the Deleno Township committee is permitted to institute reasonable rules and regulations to allow for a smooth process and ensure reasonable opportunity to be heard. Calling out from the audience outside of one's time
at the microphone disruptive to the person speaking or to the committee member speaking from the deis and will not be permitted. Each speaker will have five minutes to speak and should limit their comments to the matter at hand. The speaker will be directed to conclude the remark once the time has expired. No time may be yielded to a speaker by
another speaker. Groups are asked to select a spokesperson on their behalf. Speakers will address the committee from the podium and are asked to please begin their remarks with their name and address for the record. Township committee members are not obligated to answer impromptu questions or address remarks from members of the public
during the public comment period. Speakers should expect the committee to refrain from engaging in dialogue except to the extent necessary to clarify the speaker's comments. The allotted time for speaking from the podium is a method to address the committee during the public comment period. The committee will not entertain questions or comments
called out from the audience during public comment or at any other time. We ask that speakers and members of the public should at all time maintain proper decorum and shall make their comments in a civil manner. Personal attacks, obscenity, derogatory or slanderous marks will not be tolerated.
Okay. We have our first uh item on the agenda, ordinance 2025-13 amending chapter 295-38 governing one-way streets. This is the second reading by title only and public hearing. Uh this is on uh this ordinance only. So I'm going to open the hearing
to the public for ordinance 2025-13. If you have anything you'd like to comment, you can come to the podium now. Seeing none on this ordinance, I will close the hearing to the public. Can I get a motion to adopt ordinance 2025-13 on second reading? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Uh mo a motion made by Mr. Bartlett, second by Miss Fitzpatrick to adopt ordinance. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett, >> yes. >> Mrs. Patrick, >> yes. Mr. McFaden. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ol? >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, comments from our
professionals. >> Uh, Mr. Fox. >> Thank you, Matt. Um I have a pretty short list tonight. Um the crossings um at the Lanco, the developer, I told him that that we were not going to bifrocate his bond um and
take out the basins. He then submitted a letter um indicating they want a bond reduction. >> Could you just move that mic a little closer? I'm sure the audience has. Just move just pull the whole thing closer. There you go. >> Um is that better? >> Yes. Thank you. So, so they're looking
for a bond reduction. Now, they they have, I believe, about $1.2 million in in bond. Um, so the process is now that we have to look at the improvements that they did, bondable improvements, and issue a letter. We'll be issuing a letter for next meeting on what the
reduction should be. Um, and that's where we stand. We have we have to do it. >> Okay. >> Yep. It's fine. Okay. >> Um the 2024 country road program um Delaware Avenue is they they're almost
done with concrete work. That'll be done uh the next three days. That that'll be finished on Friday. They're going to be closing off Delaware Avenue block by block and they're going to be milling out two inches of asphalt. Um they'll
ramp up at each there's any driveways but there's one drive in maybe um and the side shoot ramping that up so cars you know get through over the weekend Monday they're going to come in they're going to finish milling has to be a total 5 in depth for milling um and they're going to put the base course
down then they're going to come back on Tuesday and put the top course on weather permitting so you know there's always something that pops up so I would say by Wednesday They level permitting. They should have the the road paved.
>> Are we good to pave in the 40s? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Good. >> Yeah. And and what we do is there's actually a calculation you use the ground temperature and the asphalt temperature. Um has to be a certain amount before they can put it down. And we have thermometers that we check it. Okay.
>> No good. We send the truck back. >> Great. And I'm sure we put in for jobs for blue for that, right? >> They Yes, they I know they did at least. >> They did. They they notice you for that. >> Okay. >> Um the um Hickory Street uh drainage
project, we applied to DOT for a grant um for that work. We applied for the construction cost of 256,000 and change. We did receive officially today, I I knew about it last week, but it wasn't official. Um J received and I believe
you may receive an email that we received a grant for $198,647. Um and with that it's replaced that trunk line uh storm drain that runs on Hickory between Union and Walnut. Uh and
it also will include repairing handicap ramps uh curb various curb where it's too close to the drainage pipe and also repaving that that block. So that that whole block will be done. >> And Harry, that's important because that section of drainage that basically
drains half the town, right? >> It does. Yes, it does. It's uh >> that's a big >> and it's we've always had a problem with that. Um especially with the roots. Yeah, >> there are some trees that will come down >> there >> for that reason. >> Out of question. One tree has to come
down. Um and and probably a couple more, but we'll a little bit more on that. But definitely the one the one tree on the corner basically the corner of Union and Hickory. Uh the roots are all through the pipe there and we've been cutting them out several years. >> Yep.
>> The roots out. >> So for that project, we can that'll be uh a spring project. spring summer >> project >> uh 200 Ash Street. Um thanks to our new administrator, we did get everything straightened out on the
on the uh grant. Um so that's that's ready to go. Um I am recommending to there's there's as part of the what what the grants for is to to clean up contaminated soil. um to do that. We're
right along the river. There's an existing bulkhead that's in very bad shape that's not going to hold up when we're doing our work >> along the creek. Yeah. >> Along the creek. >> So, we need to put a seaw wall in on that property. Um very similar to uh the
the waterfront park. >> I don't know at this time whether we can put in vinyl as we used in in most of our other ones or we have to use steel. Um it's a different situation there. uh without knowing the soils behind it
and how deep the water is there and the soils below it. Uh and especially since when they did the the boring under the creek, the water company, they hit a lot of debris and and boulders. So, um I'm recommended we do some exploratory
borings and then I can tell you what kind of seaw wall we put in there and what the cost would be. Until I get that information, I that's all I can guess. >> Yeah. And I think Debbie did authorize you to move forward with that. [clears throat] So you can What do you think a timeline on that is? >> Yeah, we we'll be doing that. Um the
boring is before uh well probably be got the holiday coming so probably like the first week of December or so. >> Okay. >> Because we need to know between the steel and the vinyl. The cost difference is 80% more. So we need to be able to budget in our capital for that. >> Yeah. If you if you need it sooner than that, I'll push it. Um
>> would hurt. >> Yeah. So, we're approving the bond ordinance tonight that includes the 130 for the vinyl. >> Um, but if we have to do steel later on, Debbie, that's something we can address at that point with another bond ordinance. >> Amend. >> Yeah, we can amend it. So, >> okay. So, I'll I'll put that on the top
of the list. >> Great. >> And the Union Avenue uh boat ramp that has been submitted um to Army Corps and D. Haven't heard any comments back from them yet. Um but we're in the process of that. the plans are basically done.
Hopefully, they approve them, we can move along with that pretty quickly. It's [snorts] up to them. And that's all I have. >> Thanks. Um, we did kind of go over the projects for next year and, um, kind of where our funding stands for uh, stands
at and we are excited that we already have the money set aside for several of them. So, there won't be any new debt accured for that. So, thank you for the update on that. Uh, Mr. Heinhold, anything to report? Just briefly, I uh the the township is in an
exp excellent position relative to affordable housing. Um as indicated in prior meetings, we are not in a position where we have to create through development or otherwise any new uh units in town for the fourth round. We
do have obligations with regard to trust fund money and allocation of that and in exchange for that that will further extend existing controls uh on projects that will hopefully help us into the fifth round. Um Mary Beth Lonigan from the planners office, Tristan from her
office and the subcommittee have been meeting to move that process forward. Uh so we we are moving through that process but uh again we're in an excellent position overall. That's it. Thank you very much. Uh, township administrator, Miss Simeona.
>> Thank you, mayor. I do have a couple of items. Um, there are things on the agenda related to grants. The first one is the grant that Mr. Fox just spoke of for the Ash Street remediation up to $282,000. Um, we also received notification from
Burlington County that there was opioid funding available up to $5,000. Initially that grant had come over the summer and um we had couldn't figure out what to use it on but with the help of the board of ed and Joanne we're uh in
conjunction with the school coming up with programs so we were had the opportunity to now accept the grant for $5,000 and I correct me if I'm wrong life skills training is what it's going to be used for. So she has a great plan for that. There's also a resolution on
here for a successful completion of a contract with our lieutenant. So [clears throat] that's um another one that was very beneficial to both him and the township. And finally, I met with uh Mr. Nardone, the veterans group, and
they're planning on selling flags for um veterans and in conjunction with the centennial and everything that's going on next year. So January you will start seeing announcements go out of how you can purchase a flag um with your veteran
on it and where it'll be placed um and you know the the plan is basically to just um really acknowledge the veterans in Delano. So just keep your eyes open for that. We'll be sending stuff out. And that is all I have. >> Thanks. And just to add to that, it's actually going to be on the decorative
black light poles throughout town. Um I think there's going to be four per each um light pole. There's 22 light poles, so they should be able to to get a big a big uh chunk of them. >> Oh, I thought it was four. >> We're not going to put another extension unless we have to because there are
other poles down the other end of town um in front of River's Edge that we may [snorts] be able to utilize and then if we need to, we'll put the extra. >> Gotcha. >> But we're not going to put another bracket so that >> I thought it was like front and back are different.
>> Front and back are different. So, it's four total. four different veterans or is it the same image on both sides? >> It'll be two on each bracket. One on the front, one on the back. So, it will be four though. Our brackets only hold one banner. >> No, I know. But like there's one flag on
each side and there's a front and the back. So, there's going to be a different veteran on the front and a different veteran on the back. >> That makes two >> on the left and then on the right. So, it's four veterans on one pole. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Gotcha. Okay. Great. >> They were thinking of doing another bracket.
>> Oh, I see. Okay. Um, public works, John, department heads. >> Thank you, mayor. [clears throat] Um, we put a half a ton of asphalt out for potholes, mostly on Delaware Avenue. Uh, we picked up 21 stops for brush.
[clears throat] We lined the soccer fields and West Avenue baseball field nine times. Uh, we trimmed 11 trees at Gateway Park. Uh we removed five shade tree uh that was on the list to remove. We got that
done. Um we made a pass through the whole town for street sweeping probably a couple times. And uh uh Bobb's doing a good job picking up all the [clears throat and cough] loose leaves along the curb. Um and
that's really really helps a lot. Um, and also he's been sweeping where public service has been working. Uh, uh, the dust and the dirt when that leaf picker hits it, it's unbelievable. Unbelievable.
So, we're trying to get that out of the way. Um, we've made, this is our fourth pass through the town so far. We're on our fourth pass and total cubic yards is 660 yards. That's it.
>> How many rows do you have? >> Uh we're on our fourth row. >> Okay. Wow. >> Yeah. >> Gets filled up quick, huh? >> The [clears throat] compost site has been uh pretty muddy. >> Yeah. >> And you have to actually kind of push it
at the edge of the road. keep everybody dumping at the edge of the road and then push it across it. And what what I found out what helps is that the leaves kind of soak up the mud and and then we push them in a row. >> Okay.
>> But uh we got quite a good and you got to figure that's three towns coming in there. So >> yeah, >> great job to end your department. Um police chief Lauren. >> Good evening everyone. to date, excuse me, [clears throat] for
in November, we had four police cases. 28 motor vehicle violations were issued with 138 motor vehicle stops, 57 calls for service. Uh total for the year, 10,313 for case uh the cases 211 for violations
600 and for motor vehicle stops 1,96. Um now everyone has seen the out front we've been able to take non-p perishable items for people in need. So uh Detective Lipic has been overseeing that done a great job. So we have a ton of
food. So it's and it's pretty cool. >> Uh abundant life fellowship partnered with police association as well as the sheriff's department. So they're going to pick everything up next Monday >> so they can distribute before Thanksgiving. So >> that's great. >> Yeah. But people been very generous. So we're happy for that
>> for sure. So, um, yeah, another another cool thing, uh, a couple of our officers participated in the 5K run along with township personnel, so they really enjoyed that. So, that was pretty cool. >> Something something different, something new. So, >> yeah, it was good. >> And then they were at this trunk retreat
that night. >> Yeah, we had we had a truck. >> He got a nap in between, but Yeah. >> Yeah. So, but everything worked out well, so >> thank you. >> That's it. >> Great job to you and your force as always. >> Yeah. Um, we're going to move on to township committee, but before we do
that, I wanted to kind of deviate to talk about the library contract, which is why I'm sure you all are here. Um, and I wanted to give Matt a few minutes, Scott, a few minutes to talk about that before we open it up to public comment
and kind of where we stand and give you some information on it because I'm sure you really have no idea other than what you've heard online as to what's going on. So, just a brief a brief overview of what's what's happening. >> So, the current agreement that we've had with the library goes back to 1989,
which is when the uh school went out to for a referendum. The township was part of that. Uh it was originally supposed to be a 2,000 ft library. With the township uh getting on to that, we were able to expand the library to 4,000 square feet to what it is today at the
Pearson School. Uh since then um the agreement has expired. The agreement expired back in 2020. It was originally for five-year extensions. And we've been operating without any sort of agreement uh graciously by the school board since
2020. And we've been working for the last 5 years and three superintendent to come up with a fair agreement. And uh we started with uh Superintendent Joe Mercinger and then Dr. fits uh over last year. And finally, we have movement this
year thanks to Dr. Tartichi and the uh board members who are working on this agreement with us, Michline and uh board president Eric Mossup. Um you've probably heard things that we're reducing hours, we're reducing funding. I've seen tons of different things being
said. We're actually we're not reducing hours. We are actually adding hours to the contract. eight and a half hours a week. There are changes to the hours that are proposed and Dr. T can speak more about the
reasons why they are required and the proposed hours right now are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:30 to 8, Tuesday, Thursday 2 to 8 and Saturday 10 to 2. Currently the hours are Monday and
Friday 10 to 5, Tuesday, Thursday 2 to 8 and Saturday 10 to 2. So, we're adding Wednesday on and we're also adding additional evening hours through the week. And then in the summer, it would go back to 12:30 to 8 uh 5 days a week and Saturday 10 to 2.
>> So, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday remain the same. >> Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday remain the same. Correct. And you know, we spent a an exorbitant amount of time trying to negotiate a fair agreement with the library. We have what we think is a fair agreement
negotiated. It will take us through the year 2039 with our town guaranteed to have a library at the Pearson school with of course opportunities for extensions after that. Um so that's really the long and short of it and um
I'd probably asked before we have public comment on that matter that Dr. T come up to speak on the reasons. >> Yes. So let's do that now. Dr. Dr. Tartici would like to come up to the podium and um give us your insight from the board of ed's perspective on our
library. >> And for those who haven't met him, this is Dr. Tartici. He is our new superintendent. He started this school year uh in Delanco >> in July, right? >> Is that when you started? July. >> July. Yeah. >> Yes. July 1st. >> Welcome back. >> Hi. Um first I just want to say um hello
to everybody. >> Good evening. And um thank you for allowing us to use the um you know the field of dreams for our first ever cross country meet which was awesome and um thank you uh for you know just being
very gracious as a township to this the board of ed because I've seen the opposite and um you know despite what everybody's doing here I just want to let you know that from somebody who's been in nine school districts this is the best collegiality I've seen between a school district and the township and
I'm just happy to be part of it. Um, and we also like to invite everyone to our turkey trot which is uh this Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. where you'll see kids run and some adults, not me. And um you know
it'll be a um a good event and everybody's we got we got nice green shirts so you can tell that we're all there as far as the library goes. Um, so I walked into it um as superintendent and honestly it's my first time ever
seeing a library connect to a school district and I don't think one exists outside of one other school district in the state and uh it's a very interesting relationship and I think it's awesome that it's it's there. So in schools
there's something that governs the school bodies like every other institution for the state. So um I'm very familiar with everyone who is a county superintendent in the um the counties working the county business administrators and you know what they'll
tell you when they come and they visit the schools is you can't have um outside individuals coming into a school district while schools are in session. And I'll explain that, you know, this is has been a long-standing relationship and this simply, you know, has always
been this way. So, what we we did was we negotiated a system [clears throat] with um you know, uh the township and the school board where our little guys um the kindergarteners would not be subject to being outside when um you know,
people were coming into the actual library. So you you just have to understand and I'm sure your police chief and um who's very good by the way and any other um you know public official will tell you that you know it just takes one incidents where something
can happen and then you never know. So our um our our resolution was to just keep the hours the same by actually increasing the number of hours, opening it one more day and then opening it
where um the kindergarteners through second grade were not outside for recess and finish their lunch in totality which protects them, protects the school district and also protects the patrons who come and visit the library because they can feel more comfortable going in
and out of the library. Um, and our county superintendent and our county business administrator wanted something a little different, you know, it to open like later in the day when people were gone, but we wanted to show respect to the um the traditions of Delanco and
have it open while you know um it was actually um in play for our police sort of deal. So that's kind of how it came to be. And then we wanted to also give the Saturday hours the same. So graciously the township and the uh the
school board came together and um even shared a position for a maintenance custodian could to come in and be part of those Saturday hours. So the township could keep those Saturday hours and actually increase to Wednesday hours as well. So that was a a joint venture by
the school district and the township which was awesome. So I can tell you that I um I think the hours will be outstanding for um you know not only the the patrons but also the students because you know um the little guys you
know especially little guys they don't really get to use the library as much. So now the students will be able to come into the library which is in their school and it's then it's a totally shared space where you know if they're opening at 12:30 and we've had nothing but our morning and afternoon sort of
like um learning our students from all the way from K to 6 and 7 can go into the library in the morning and utilize it which would be wonderful and then the patrons come in in the afternoon. So, I think that's how it kind of came to be
this agreement. And I it's really great for the patrons, great for the students, great for the town, and I just want to say thank you to the township committee and the school board because um without their help, it would not have um gone so smoothly. and um you know um and Scott
and um Miss uh you know President Mossup did a great job working together along with you know um you know everybody involved everybody involved you know your your business administrator which you know I call BA but she's not a business administrator here and uh
everyone I just we just want to say thank you and if there's anything I can answer to the township committee I'd be happy to. >> Anybody have any questions for Dr. Tarsishi was pretty covered everything. I think
you covered everything. >> Thank you very much. >> Mr. Olette, anything? >> Uh, the students using the library in the morning >> uh as far as being able to check out books and that still needs to be worked out. >> Sure. I mean, we devis a system on how
that's being done, but um really they wouldn't be using it for that. So, uh, students will be coming in and it's like, especially with little guys, you know, they want the ambiance of using a library. So, a teacher might want to, you know, read a story to them in there or you might have your police chief come
and, you know, do a presentation in there. You know, something where the kids can be there and just feel like it's their space. And one thing I didn't touch on was school districts always have something called a library media specialist. And we lose points in
Delanco for not having that. And um we have to look for one to actually be in the library during hours because library services should be offered to students. But you see so much of library services are done online today. So if you research anything or you write a dissertation or you do any type of
actual theoretical or practical research, it's done through an electronic system now. So students have to learn that system, but it's also great for them to come to the library and actually, you know, take advantage of that space. And last year the Walnut
Street uh school closed which limited the space of you know your students and you have prek through eight in one building which we've made work this year but we're going to have to come to some sort of um you know we're going to have to work on the growth of the school
district some way because we we are packed to the gills in the building so to speak but utilizing that space for the kids would be great. So when you say thank you. So when you say lose points, do you mean in your cusack? >> Yes. So the cusack was and that's like uh something that I guess people are
talking about now. They come and they go through the building with us and they walk through something as simple as you can't have anything 6 in from a ceiling >> to something as you know important to them as we don't like it that you have
people coming into the building with students who are not fingerprinted. right? Um they go through all these different things and they then grade us on a scale, you know, and everything's on that scale from the student test scores to how we perform in our
operations. So operations when it comes to having a library attached you know has been critical by um you know people in within you know the county when it comes to the DOE because anybody would say something that you know you have people coming into a space where
students are and they're not fingerprinted or part of the facility and anybody can walk in. Um it it can be viewed as dangerous but I know the the traditions here it's not that way. So we came up with a system to benefit the patrons and the students and the township.
>> So what are the repercussions for not being compliant with QAC? Is there anything tied to that? >> They put you on a district improvement plan, you know. So for example, one part of our plan is to find a library media specialist where that library media specialist actually works within the
libraries and offers library services to students. However, especially in smaller districts like Delanco, it's very difficult to find a library media specialist. It was hard for f for us to find one in larger school districts. So, finding one in smaller school districts always is sometimes almost near
impossible. So, what we do is we do a shared service contract with the larger school districts, have somebody come in, but it doesn't really solve your problem. So, the best thing for us to do would be to um you know, continue the operations of you know the library and the school district. just alter the
hours in the sense of, you know, this the little guys are not subject to being outside when people are coming in, you know, and that's kind of how we came to that uh agreement. >> And that library media specialist would be there until 12:30. So they would have the kids in the library and kind of be
their librarian, so to speak. >> Yes. Yes. So once we find somebody that we can contract with, they would be there till 12:30 and then those services to the students are what um would be would would assist us in our QAC ratings or anything else.
>> Do the kids visit the library now? >> Not not really. No. >> Okay. >> Not really. >> Okay. >> Here and there in the afternoon, but not really. It's not >> So there's no like library class. There's no any they don't get brought down for any reason? >> No. >> Okay. All right. Um, anyone else have
any questions? Um, I personally want to thank everybody involved in the negotiating. It's been quite a few years now that we've been doing this. Uh, Mr. Let uh Kate was on the committee for a long time. Uh, Matt kind of took over for Kate. Mr. Schlinwine obviously did a lot of work
on and of course Mr. Mossup and then you got to to take over. So, thank you all for your hard work on that. I know it's been a lot of meetings and a lot of hours trying to figure out a happy medium for everybody. So, >> I just want to say it was it was smooth, you know, aside from um I think Joanne ordered pizza and no toppings on the
pizza. It was smooth. [laughter] Everything was >> should be forgiven. >> All right. >> Thank you very much. >> Thanks, Dr. T. >> Okay. So, we'll open up public comment after we get through our township committee reports and you'll all have the opportunity to speak.
>> Dr. T, I thought you were going to bring the turkey trot shirts. >> I do. I have not. >> Oh, okay. All right. Just as long as Okay. because he said he's going to bring them. >> We'll grab them. We'll grab them. I just was checking. >> No, [laughter] >> we're going to be here all night if we
do that. >> Um, okay. Back to comments for Township Committee. Mr. Olette, I'll let you start. >> Uh, history board me on November the 5th and uh the veteran banners was a major
uh topic that we discussed there. uh went to the county commissioners meeting on the 12th. Uh big thing that was happening there was uh we have a water treatment uh facility that it's going to
be built out at uh the landfill and uh currently I guess the water that comes off the landfill gets trucked away to be purified or taken care of uh where the county will be uh we'll have our own facility there to take uh take care of
the uh I guess runoff water uh from the landfill. And on that note, mayor, that's all I have. >> Thank you. Uh circling back to our township clerk, I did um forget to have you give your report. So, Janice, could you please report on what's going on in
the town? >> Well, unless someone else is going to go over some of the upcoming events like the Christmas village, if somebody's going to give I >> have all that. Okay. Um I really don't have anything. Thank you. >> Thank you. It's been quiet, huh? Nothing going on. [laughter] >> I wouldn't say that.
[gasps] Understood. I'm sorry I forgot you there. >> Um, Mr. McFaden. >> All right. On October 23rd, we had a meeting with the Delray Riverside and we were going over a joint event for the
Fourth of July weekend. Um each town's going to hold different events on different days and so far it looks like the Blanka will be on the 5th and we'll be organizing a 5K run and a concert at
historical waterfront park and that would be at nighttime and we'd be trying to figure out what else we would do throughout the day. Uh October 25th, I attended the 5K run, set up the PA system for them.
Very well attended. Nice to see our police department along with our township employees had entered into the race. Uh it was a very nice day and great event. October 25th, we had the
trunk or treat event. Same day at night. Uh there was actually a lot of children that attended and the recreation com commission provided free cone of ice for the children. Uh November 1st we had movie night
bonfire which was a well attended event. Thank you public works for setting the fire for us and getting that all set up and the fire company for maintaining the fire as we went along. Uh it was nice to see the families get out and enjoy the movie. Uh there was
little fire pits for them to cook their s'mores. It was a well attended event. Uh November 13th we had a recreation meeting. We had discussed the upcoming events. Um November 16th we instal we started to
install the lights for the Christmas village at Gateway Park. [snorts] And also keep in mind any uncarurved not painted pumpkins can be dropped off at the public works building. Environmental advisory board is collecting them for
>> That's it. Mayor, >> thank you. When are they collecting the Christmas lights? I have a bunch of dead ones. Any idea? Did they announce that? >> Uh that's probably going to be upcoming. >> Yeah, it's posted. I think it's um maybe the 29th to January 11th. >> Okay. >> Yeah,
>> great. I did see it posted on Facebook, >> Mr. Bartlett. >> All right. Uh, since we last gave report on October 20th, uh, as Phil mentioned, I also attended the 5K put on by the Delanka Women's Civic Club. Nice job to
to them uh, for organizing that every year. And that night, I also attended the trunk or treat, which was very well attended. Uh, 27th, I attended the fire company meeting, normal business. and the 28th the fire commission meeting likewise and there was discussion at the
fire commission meeting about getting more volunteers and what we need to do to get some more firefighters. So if anyone is interested in the audience in volunteering delankoffire.com there's an application please you have family members friends who may want to uh give back to their community just point them
right to our website and they could sign up. I attended our library subcommittee meeting. We had actually we attended two of them over the last month. And we also had our code enforcement subcommittee meeting with our code enforcement officer Ed Riano going across uh all the
different issues throughout town and how they're getting addressed. And that's all I have. Mayor, >> thank you very much. Uh Mr. M Misspatrick, >> thank you. Um, Dais Delr Youth Sports Association, they held free basketball
clinics for uh on uh October 26th and November 2nd. The games are set to begin in January. Uh, registration is now open for indoor soccer. They're in need of a soccer commissioner, so if anybody out there is interested in soccer, we
certainly could use your help. Uh registration for spring sports will open in December for the wait list and their annual meeting is December 3rd here. Um the school activities I met with Dr. T go over some ideas that the school board
and faculty might have an interest in doing to celebrate the Leno centennial. Uh Joanne Donley prepared a lesson packet for the teachers and I showed him the quilt the second uh grade class made for the bicesentennial in 1976.
I also plan to show him my quilt of t-shirts and I hope to attend the faculty and board of ed meeting to discuss this further. Uh they had their first cross uh country meet at the field of dreams which I attended uh the beginning of another great program for
our children and it was well attended. I was also able to see the Halloween parade at the school. The costumes were great and the kids had a great time. The school held a program on Veterans Day uh with local veterans sharing their
experience uh and benefits to serving our country. Shay Tree met on October 22nd. Residents requests were reviewed. One resident was in attendance. two soared oak trees shared the acorns and described the hazards that the acorns um
from one tree caused for his family as well as his neighbors. While the other tree is uplifting sidewalk and blocks of light, the commission chose not to take down either tree. They did not believe the trees were invasive and stated that oaks drop acorns. One would be trimmed
to allow for better lighting. The tree replacement program was discussed with the hopes of planting 10 in the in the fall. The removal and trimming list was discussed and updated. Information was shared regarding planting a liberty tree
in honor of the 250th anniversary of our country. Uh it was very costly. Uh so I suggested maybe they want to plant something in honor of our celebration and coordinate it with the updated plan for Centennial Park which is Vine Street. We changed the name. Their next
meeting will not be until January. The Delenoa seniors met on November 11th at the firehouse. President Linda Y discussed the trip scheduled um for the balance of the year and also um the trip she has scheduled for 2026.
She reported on the upcoming events at the library. Um the speaker was uh Wanda Flowers who spoke about being savvy online, knowing the difference between facts and fake news, especially artificial intelligence. Excellent
program for everyone, not just for seniors. Uh Living Springs, I met with the residents on October the 31st. They had questions regarding early voting and uh locations. uh they're concerned about the upcoming rental increase and I've
inquired as to whether or not the percentage is permitted under the current rules regarding affordable senior rentals with FMA. Everyone enjoyed pizza after our discussions. Sewer authority met on November 12th. Uh the contractor is
still waiting for the county to issue permits for T TV inspections, roof cutting, and heavy cleaning um of Burlington Avenue, Fenomore, and Del Lane. as well as Largemont Drive 450 Creek Road. The contractor is beginning
the installation and connection to our sewer service. Our engineer will be overseeing the project to make sure it is properly installed and connected and the operator's report is on file. The 5K run was well attended. Special thanks to
a group of Delanco employees who joined this year as part of the wellness program offered uh through our joint insurance program. I'm pleased to announce that Ellen Buck, one of our employees, received a medal for her turn her her time in her age group. It was a
successful event that will allow the women women's club to continue to contribute to the organizations in town as well as provide Thanksgiving and Christmas for two families. Eighth grade visit and mock election. The eighth grade students were welcomed
to town hall. This program is sponsored by the Janka Women's Club. Uh the mayor was invited to speak to the class before they visited the administrative administrative offices led by deputy clerk Beverly Russell and the police department by officers Jackson and
Gallagher. Um the officers had to leave for call so one class will have to come back uh to visit their department. The students will campaign for office and present speeches to their classmates and an election will take place and the winners will attend a township committee
meeting in December. Uh the mayor and I met with representative representatives regarding trash collection in town together with Janice, Bev, and Debbie. Another meeting will be scheduled in December to further discuss collection dates.
Recreation, we had uh a meeting on November 13th. Brandon Guy from the Taylor Design Group presented revised plans for Centennial Park and the Babe Ruth playground. Um, the plans were approved for both projects. Fall Fest
was a great success. Everyone I spoke with had a great time. I attended trunk or treat. What a great event. It was so nice to see so many trunks open to the children and the location along Delaware Avenue was perfect. Uh, judging for best decorated house for
Halloween and fall was on October 30th and the winners were announced. First place 304 Maple. Second 615 Malbury. Third place was a tie between 11:03 Hickory and 211 Union Avenue. There were
two honorable mentions 326 Rancokus and 15 Trail. Budget uh spending was reviewed. Upcoming events Christmas village and tree lighting December 6th. Uh decorating the park as Phil had mentioned has already started. Carriage
rides are on December 13th. Tickets are $5 and on sale at Brown's Jewelers and Wreck will also be sponsoring a trip to the Flower Show next year on March 4th. History board. The subcommittee for the Deleno's Heroes welcome and banners met
and updated the application and cost for each banner. The veteran salute was held Sunday yesterday. Major Ron Hathaway shared his video and experiences as a combat photographer with the Marines in Vietnam.
Uh, Colonel Bob Van Bargain of the Air Force, shared his most memorable moment during the Vietnam War. One of our residents, James Preston, also known as the Tractor Man, talked about his work on the destroyers and his job working on
keeping the boilers operational. The affordable housing team met with regard to providing financial assistance from our trust fund to some of the existing units as they work to rehab uh some of the properties. The library held their vendor fair on November 13th. That's
always a great event. It provides an opportunity to purchase some gifts for the holidays andor for yourself. I always attend this event. our um our deputy municipal clerk had her jewelry display out and I was able to purchase something for myself and something for
someone else. So, thanks Bev. >> Did you buy me something? >> No. >> Oh, >> not you. [laughter] No. And uh code enforcement. I'm still addressing areas in town in need of attention. Residents continue to submit their photos and complaints to me and um our code
enforcement officials doing a good job in getting those taken care of. Thank you. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> Okay. >> Would you like us some water? >> I have it. Thank you. >> Okay. >> I'll keep my report short since everybody kind of touched on everything
that I attended uh with in conjunction with them. Um I did meet with Harry a couple times to go over the upcoming projects for 2026. We have a bunch of things going on. uh major projects, road work, parks, uh Harry mentioned the
sewer that we got the grant for. So that's exciting. Um the construction will happen for Delaware Avenue. That's a project that the township is funding out of our pocket. So that was October 22nd. We met to talk about Asht Street, the remediation that is necessary um on
that property. We do need to install a partial seaw wall there as well. um park will not be done uh for a while, but the remediation needs to get done since we did receive a $282,000 hour grant for that. So, uh Halloween, we had a meeting with the
trash company, as Kate uh mentioned, to talk about changing days or splitting the town. More to come on that if it does go through. Uh trunk or treat was awesome. We had I think about 300 kids come out. Um I just know that because of the candy count. So, that was a great
event. We had about 18 cars. Uh we had some inflatable games and a DJ and of course the free Kona Ice that recreation did. So that was awesome. Uh November 5th was uh the Shade Tree meeting. I know Kate
had mentioned what's going on there. The Shade Tree plantings uh we were able to actually approve um Debbie was able to approve an estimate to get 10 trees planted. Uh tomorrow actually they're going to be planted. We had enough money left in the budget. Uh, John, do you know how many trees we took down from
that list? From the list of shade tree list? How many total? >> They're all done. >> Was it like 20? >> Yeah, there's [clears throat] uh I still have to go back over a couple things that I didn't like that he did or he just didn't do enough to satisfy me
to check it. >> But they they ripped through the list >> good >> and it was a it was a really good price, too. I feel like it was pretty fair. So, we were able to get majority of that list taken care of. >> Now, there's some trees on the county, which are county trees, >> right?
>> We're going to get the county to do that. >> And could you get them to remove the stumps on Burlington Avenue? They have stumps they've left there. They don't usually do that. >> Yeah. Well, there's that was one of the trees that we planted. [clears throat] Okay. like all those
little trees that we planted when we put the sidewalks in and the county didn't want those trees there and so they are our trees. >> Oh, >> so but >> they took them down. I think they left the trunks >> that you you're talking one across from Gateway Park. Is that where you're
talking? >> There's some Yeah, some there. But down further, too. Um I'll give you the addresses. Somebody sent >> Give me the address. >> Somebody sent them to me. >> Okay. And I think there's one tree um
I'm trying to get public service to do, but public service don't want to do anything anymore like they used to. >> Okay. >> Well, I'm excited that we can plant trees at least. We got we got 10 out of our budget. I know our budget was reduced last year, which
>> I have been watering them. So, uh they they I think they supposedly planted a couple last week. Bill Metal Levage uh planted a couple. So, >> the bridge trees, the free trees from the bridge. Yeah. So, the contractor is going to be planting 10 trees tomorrow uh in front of different residents
houses. Um >> they were on a list. >> They're on Yeah, they were on a list and they are the right trees, right place, so they won't lift sidewalks and they're approved by public service for the wiring. So, yay for that. Um November 7th was the Centennial Subcommittee
meeting. um met with members of recreation to go over the celebrations for next year as it's our 100th year as Deleno and I did also attend the town the three town Riverside and Delran and Deleno's 250th subcommittee. I attended
that meeting with Phil and um Mr. Greyb from recreation to go over their events uh over Fourth of July weekend and how Deleno can participate. And uh we're looking to do something on the 5th. As was mentioned, uh November 10th, we did have the the code enforcement
subcommittee meeting to go over the uh various violations, express our concerns about existing violations, and just overall get on the same page with our code enforcement uh unit. It's always a very productive meeting. um [sighs and gasps]
met with Harry and with Debbie on the 12th to have the project management update meetings and let's see what else here. Oh, so the school is doing their turkey trot on Wednesday and we were also able to speak with First Bank. I
reached out to them to submit a donation of $600 to help give away turkeys and Thanksgiving meals to school families. So, they were able to sign up and uh First Bank is paying for some Thanksgiving turkeys. Uh, I know there's been a bunch of initiatives out there. The county initiative with Sen Senator
Singleton filled up pretty quickly, so we wanted to see what we could do for some some local families. So, we were able to get that going. So, the meals will be distributed on Wednesday right after the turkey trot race at the school. So, we're excited for that. Um, I did also participate in the affordable
housing uh Zoom call to go over the township's plans to uh expend funds to our existable affordable housing members. uh from our trust fund. So, we uh look forward to getting that moving along. And um one other thing, just
wanted to thank Mike Templeton for his years on the library board subcommittee as well. I left him out, but um you know, up until a few years ago when he he left, he was on that board for several years negotiating uh that contract. It's been a at least a five-year process that I know of. >> Sounds about right.
>> Um so, thanks to Mike with his work on that. Um, with that I will shut up and move on. Meeting is now going to be open to the public for comments and questions. Just a quick reminder because it was like an hour ago. Uh, if you'd like to come up to the podium, state your name and address. This is going to be on agenda items only, so you can
speak on anything on the agenda. Uh, please state your name and address and you will have a fiveminut uh time period. So meeting is not open to the public. >> Morning Barrett, 621 Delaware. I'm speaking as the president of the Lano
Public Library Association. Um I just also want to add that Mike planted some of those trees over the weekend, too. >> Oh, well, thank you, Mike. >> Um first comment is that u last year we did have a very successful program at the public library for the school children. They all rotated in in a field
trip situation. They were issued county library cards. Our staff is all fingerprinted as of this year. Everyone is current. We made sure of the security of the kids. Uh very positive. We heard at the fall fest parents stopped by. We're sad that that program had ended.
So just for that. Um secondly, uh no one can just walk in the school from the library. There's this there's a door and it's locked. People do walk through the library from the school during public hours. That's another issue. But during
the library hours, no one can just walk into the school. That can't happen. Um, so now I'm going to move into my prepared remarks. Over the last 20 years, our library has brought tens of thousands of dollars to town. The board's advocacy has more than doubled
our county funding. The increased use of the library has led to increased state funding. Our active friends at the library group has raised additional dollars in program support. In the public sessions about 401 Creek, you noted you can't afford a community center. For years, we have filled that
role, offering hundreds of free programs for all ages and interests. From preschool story time to yoga to performances to nature talks, we host meetings for town organizations. We assist people who need public computers. It's the place where neighbors connect
and become friends. Just this morning at meditation, one of the participants said, "I feel like we are all connected in this room." That was 10:30 this morning. In 2019, we met with the township committee regarding your maintenance agreement with the school
board. It details what you pay and what utilities and maintenance services you receive in return. We outlined ongoing maintenance issues as well as concerns about the end date of a long-term agreement. After six years, it was shocking to suddenly see on Friday afternoon the approval of an agreement
we hadn't seen on the on the consent agenda for this evening. The 1987 referendum ensured the library's right to a home in Pearson for 75 years through 2062 and beyond. Unless you reinstate that part of the agreement or are building a new library, that is a
certain slow death sentence for us. Giving the district the option to evict the library would be a mistake. As I have stated at this microphone multiple times in the past, the school district has actively stood in the way of library improvement. Our residents continued library service cannot rest on the
desires of a school district or a board of education. Hours of operation obviously fall under operations. By New Jersey statute, association library operations are to be determined by the independent library board of trustees. At every training, we
are told the board runs the library, not the town council or the mayor or anyone else. Losing our weekday morning hours would have significant impact. Our preschool story time would end after 22 years. You can't have that in the afternoon. Little kids are sleeping. The
programs and meeting times we have been able to offer our seniors would end. Many seniors who no longer drive in the dark count on our morning hours and programs. Of course, no one of any age wants to be in the school parking lot around dismissal time. The library board
of trustees is unanimously in favor of return retaining our current hours because they best serve our public. As we have said repeatedly, any change in the end date of our agreement or our hours affects our usage and funding.
Usage directly impacts our level of funding from the county, the state, and the public. Actually, your support also impacts our support at the county. Every meeting I go to, they say, "Your township is behind you." And I say, "Yes, they are." So, that is definitely
a factor as well. We rely on that additional money for about a third of our budget. We pay for books and materials, phone service, insurance, the parking lot light, office supplies and programs. Any uncertainty about the long-term future of the library affects
fundraising, grants, volunteer commitment, and long-term planning. All all in turn reflect dollars that will not be coming to our town. Please continue to work towards an agreement that will serve the whole community. Guarantee space to library through 2062
and beyond. The residents approved the referendum to build shared space at Pearson as the library's long-term home. Honor those people who work doortodoor to get that referendum passed. I think some of them are here tonight. Avoid any agreement that includes operational matters which are the sole purview of
the library board of trustees. Ill-advised changes will hurt our residents, the library funding, and its ability to provide services. Make no mistake, an agreement with a soft or soon sunset date would be a first step in closing the public library. You would
be the committee who moved toward the likely demise of an institution that has served its community well for nearly 160 years. Maintaining a good library is a quality of life issue. Nice towns have nice libraries. Please work towards an agreement that ensures our library's
future and its freedom to operate to meet our community's needs. It doesn't cost the township an extra dime. Not doing so will cost the library's future. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Hi, Linda Y. 600 Perkins Lane. I'm the
president of the women's club. Uh I'm in the Friends group. I'm on the board of the library and president of the seniors. We're not happy with you guys. We're not. What safety issue? The door is locked. It's been locked. The kids
have been fine all these years. I don't know, Mr. T, because I haven't gone to a board meeting because my blood pressure gets too high. Story time. Preschool kids have short attention spans. They are more ready to learn and listen in the morning. I go
there. It's mostly grandparents. They don't want to come at night. We don't want to be in that parking lot after 3:00. It's nuts. When are the uh story times supposed to be? In the afternoon at 3:00 when the parents are home and they're doing
dance, soccer, football, whatever programs the older kids are doing. So, the story time won't be able to continue for these little kids. Mr. T is concerned about the little ones, the safety. Scott said the same thing on Facebook. the poor little kids. We're
not concerned. You're wrong. We are concerned. Your grandson goes there. He likes it. He loves Mrs. Katrina. The library is a community space. It's free. The programs are not charged.
We do yoga, meditation, puzzles, crafts, computers, book club, tutoring, sewing, and much more. And it's free. And the meetings are attended there for all different groups, not just library groups. Last year, school kids went to
the library. This year, no school children go to the library. It's not We had a librarian. Heather was there. Mrs. Phillips, she's certified. She can be Well, she
was then. You're shaking your head. No, she was allowed to take library classes. She taught library things and the kids came in freely two years ago. The administration has changed and things change every year. It's been different.
It's not any continuity. Seniors, like Moren said, a lot of them don't drive at night. They can't see after and it's dark at 4:15. When are they going to go to the library? At 3:00? No. No one's going to go then at 4:00. 4:15 it's dark. They can't get
home. The township board can't support just sports programs and wreck programs. They should be supporting community fellowship enrich enrichment and networking. When the school board and superintendent
decided to close Walnut Street School, they assured the community there was plenty of room. They showed us a diagram of where all the classrooms would be. I attended those meetings. Well, all of a sudden there's no room. Now they've got to take over the library
space, which is community space. It's not school space. No one authorized it as school space. You shouldn't be able to authorize it as school space because it was a referendum by the township that it was a library.
[clears throat] It's not a school. It's connected to a school, but that doesn't mean it's your school. The school owns the property and the referendum was by the school, not by the township. >> Just just so >> the voters paid for it. Correct.
>> The under the school district, not the township though. The township didn't have a referendum. It was the school district that did the referendum. It's the school district. >> Who authorized the library? >> You're in 1960s. You're talking about >> Yes. >> Sure. Back then, but we're talking about who owns the school. Who owns the
library? The school district owns the building. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Okay. Then they should be paying for the sewer that backed up in the library, then cleaning the carpet that backed up from their bathroom. That wasn't done.
If the if space is a problem for the school, they decided to close Walnut Street. Let the administrators go to Walnut Street and let the kids use the administration offices or get one of we used to go, we called them quanet huts, but get a modular building for the extra
space that they need. That's a viable solution instead of taking over the library space. The school already has access to the library Tuesday and Thursday
all day or from 2 to 8 and all day on Wednesday and Saturday from 10 to 2. There's a lot of hours there that they can be there. They don't choose to be there. Thank you. Thank you.
[applause] Anyone else? public comment. [clears throat] >> Hi, I'm Cindy Wagstaff, 231 Edgewood Avenue. So, I had most of my questions really answered by by all of you and Dr. Tichi. Um, but I do have some concerns
about uh a couple of things that maybe you could discuss. Maybe you already know the answers. Um, one of which is how will the hours work? How will the pay for the employees work? Will there be extra employees hired for these extra hours? Um, adding on another whole day
includes what, seven and a half more hours of pay. Where does that come from? Does that come from part of the township, part of the school? Just kind of curious about how how our employees will get paid for the library. By the way, I'm on the
Friends of the the library also. Um, speaking of which, we've added in the past few years added many, many events uh for the public which have become more and more popular. Uh, every time we have an event, more and more people are coming. Um, not just from Delano, but
from all kinds of places. We post it on social media. Our vendor event included people from all over. Uh, which is great because people say, "Oh, this this library is beautiful. We we didn't always know it was here. It's a great space. It's a community space as Linda
said. Um I do have one more concern about students using that space. Um libraries are for students. Of course they are. But it is my understanding that in the past year or two that the students have been coming in during non-
library hours with their teachers that the library tables, books, etc. have been left in disarray. Um, I don't know who is responsible for that, but it certainly is not the library staff's um responsibility to clean up after these kids have been in there. So, I have
great concerns about um the disarray that the library could be left in. Uh what will the books look like? What will um will there still be books after kids are there if teachers aren't watching? I'm not accusing teachers of not watching. I'm just saying we know that
it has been left in disarray when students leave. uh tables and chairs are everywhere and our staff has had to fix that when students come in. So, if that could be addressed between the township and the school board, uh that would be
great should this pass. Um and I had one more. Oh, library media specialists. Um I you mentioned that the library media specialist would be hired or looking for one. And I'm just wondering if we know of a date when that would happen so that
we can get students in the library during library hours. Um there's no reason that they shouldn't be able to be to come into the library. I know we're in a digital age, but um still important to to have the library as a library and not just the ambiance of the building or
the library just using it for space. I'd love to see these students come in and use the books and use the library for what it's supposed to be used for. So, just I'll leave that question. Just wondering when that specialist, if there is [clears throat] one, would be hired.
Thank you. Thank you. [applause] So, I will say a couple of those questions would have to be directed to the board of ed. So, superintendent, I we couldn't answer them as to the library media specialist or the student use. Um if you have you know concerns with the library in disarray after they
visit definitely address that with come on up. You have one more thing going. Um definitely something you could uh send an email about that um to our administrator and she can uh forward that to the board of vet as well. Go ahead. >> Okay. So I um when you just said that it
made me think about QAC. So, I guess on Facebook, I, you know, I very rarely actually respond on Facebook, but I did respond yesterday, I believe, just because the security issue, I knew it wasn't true what people were saying. You can't get into the building from the library and and we know that. I just I
hope the general public knows it now. It needs to be put out there that there is a locked door. We've said it and there is a locked door. You can't get into uh the school from the library. However, um I am concerned about this CUAC report consu that has brought up the
information about um security with the students intermingling with the public. Um I searched the Deleno board of ed website for the CQAC report and I know that you all are not responsible for it, but I did email the superintendent and I'm curious to know how I can get a copy
of that QAC report just to look and see exactly what it said about security or is that not part of the issue now? Just curious about that. >> Okay. Um, and you had a question about the pay. So, we're not actually requiring
additional hours. Uh, right, Mr. Bartletta, did you want to talk about that? >> The we're offering the library or the board of ed, I should say, is offering the library association eight I think it's 8 and a half additional hours that they could expand their operation to. Right now, there's 30 hours. They
could go up to 38 1/2 hours. And as um it was mentioned, the township doesn't handle the operations of library. Moren said that perfectly. We do not do the operations of the library. We all we could do is provide the facility and the
facility that we're providing has set hours that the library is allowed to use. The library could choose to use all of them, some of them, none of them. So that's up to the library association to to decide on what hours they decide to open. >> Right? So that's we're saying here's the
available hours. If you wish to open between 12:30 and 8 on this day, you can. If you want to open 1 to 5, you can. This is just the availability. So the township is the tenant. The board of ed is the landlord. And then we basically subleas so to speak to the association. We allow them to use it
under our name. Um Doug, did you want to talk any more on that aspect of it as how like how we're able to set the hours because I know that's been a big concern. But they basically that's >> well I mean I think the the the reality is is that
just big picture the the schools and the schools I'm sure can speak better to this is in my experience over the last 20 30 years um the obligations that are coming down from above from the state relative to
having a secure campus um are greater and greater and so uh we're provide I you know I think what Matt is basically saying is there's been an effort to provide what we can in terms of hours but the school is also constricted by what they are now facing
under current the current world we live in. It's not the same one that was in place when this was this was originally adopted. um if you know I don't want to be glum about it but at some point if uh it
becomes too much of an issue you know there has to be a conversation about whether this is the right place to keep doing this and um I don't think that's a death nail for the library association they they have the ability to operate
within the hours that are being provided to them but if that doesn't work and there's problems associated with that And that's a township library discussion. I don't know that the school my concern is the more we push back on the school on that issue the more restrictive that could actually become
in the long term. Um >> so there's only we get >> one other library school shared situation in New Jersey that's in Merchantville. >> We're the only other shared school library township library that's
connected to a school in the whole state. There was one in Cranberry a couple years back. They closed that down and made that school space. The school said, "We need our space and that was shut down." So, it's a very unique situation. Um, kind of been flying under the radar from my understanding with the state and the county just kind of
letting it happen because it's been there for 40 years. But it is an issue if it continues to go that they may squash it all together just hypothetically that they don't they don't want the public being there at the same time as a even if they don't have a shared door and there's no access
they're still on campus with the kids back and forth in that same area. They may take issue with that. I'm not saying they will or they won't, but it is a concern, I think, by the district and by us that if we continue to push this and the state does look into it more, it could become more of an issue and they
might restrict ours even more. Um, [sighs and gasps] anyone else for the public comment? Yes, please come up. >> My name is Randy Dar. I live at a Charles Circle in the point at Newton's Landing. Uh I have a question for the
superintendent. Uh if you are concerned about security, why isn't anything being done about security, such as a security guard? Uh closing up some of the door access to the outside. Also, the woods
outside of the school by the playground to me is um it just looks like the perfect place for somebody that wants to get to children to hide until they have an opportunity to do so. I just wonder what's being done about that. So, I'll
give him an opportunity to respond. The other thing is if you want to push um the public library out, what's an alternative? Where would you like us to go? >> Give us give us an alternative building, an alternative location. >> I just want to be clear on the comment
I'm making. the township entered into a uh an understanding with the school as a joint project to get this built originally. There's nobody up here suggesting that we want you to move. I'm
not saying that and I'm not trying to be a doomsdayer either. That's not my nature. But I I think the reality is is that what I hear and I think part of it is just communication and and lack of information. But the school's world is not the same that it was
>> absolutely >> 25 30 years ago. And there's realities to that. >> Absolutely. >> That's all. >> I've been in education since 1976 on many capacities. So I know that you're But and security is it's a very scary world that we live in. But I don't see
them doing anything about security. And I don't think about getting a dozen or so ladies who do meditation or chair yoga worry about them being fingerprinted is really the issue. The issue is strangers coming into the building for a purpose that they
shouldn't be there for. And I just want to know what's being considered about that. Security guard um boarded up doors, boarded up entrances where they're not able to make access to these uh classrooms. Um, and also that outside
area that is that's really a scary prospect. You look at what's going on there. You have the train and you have a lot of the surrounding areas that are not residential where anybody could hide and come out and do what they want to do. >> Can I give you an answer?
>> Absolutely. >> Well, number one, you can't just walk into school. You have to be led inside, right? >> That's the first thing. Um, number two, more importantly, my officers are required daily to do walkthroughs every day, unless there's a problem with calls
of service, but outside of that, every day they go into that school, >> right? >> They also check the perimeter. If there's a call for someone on that property or anywhere near it, we respond and we remove them. Um, as Sister has stated, this is 2025 and I'll give one
of my issues that I have personally that I don't like. Most of the schools when we have voting, the schools are closed. Why? Because we don't want people operating in the same space as our children. The Langu does it. >> I don't like it. >> I don't like it either. I think that's terrible.
>> But this is one of the same. So, you don't like it right now? No. >> Put it in this perspective here. when you're having your events in the library, absolutely you're going in there for that event, >> right? >> But it doesn't allow us to forbid someone to come and park into that
parking lot because the hours of operation for the library are right now. That person could be in that parking lot in his or her vehicle while her kids are in that field. Not behind tree lines where Let me let me finish. Not behind the tree line where the railroad tracks
are, but >> right in that parking lot because the hours of operation are right >> hours of operation. Same thing over in Riverside. You have a library. People can be in a library, but it can be in a parking lot for the nefarious reasons. >> But for us, >> we're still kind of operating as if it's
1985. It's not. It's 2025. So, the goal would be to find a way to ensure that safety for kids to be outside on recess or what have you and then still be able to utilize the space in the library for what we've been using it for. >> Well, I was at a Halloween parade in
Delran at an elementary school for my granddaughter. They had two security guards walking around to make sure that that place was safe. Mhm. >> And I just wonder why we're >> one of the things myself >> why we're not looking into that. >> Well, we're like looking at something
actually better. Myself and Dr. Tartici and our new administrator, we were looking at having a school resource officer >> in the coming year. So, that's one thing we're looking at doing. >> I was at the elementary school in Delray and they too. >> Yeah. So, that's what we're looking at doing. Aside from the officer still conducting property checks,
>> that's the kind of world we live in unfortunately and you don't want to expose children to that, right? >> But And we're one of the few districts that doesn't have it. >> Exactly. So that needs to be looked into. That's important. >> Yeah. So that's what we're doing. That would be done >> uh utilizing what's called a class 3 officer. We're often a lot of times
they're retired. >> So it's a benefit for the township because you have to pay for insurance. >> I've worked with them. So >> So that's one of the things we're doing for security. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. So, >> and there's I I've seen the kids out on the playground and it's not a safe area for them to be outside because the
teacher al although you're walking around and you're looking at all the kids when you have 28 or 32 kids in your class, I don't know what the class size is. I'm basing it on my experience. >> You know, you want to keep your eye on every kid and you want to see what
everybody's doing. Things happen. >> So, it's just not a safe situation. Well, that's like I said, that's what warranties we're doing now. So, definitely. >> Okay. And as far as um the library, if it doesn't work out in the building, I think the township should work on making
another location and helping them move all their materials and supplies into that location because we need a public library in Delango. We don't want to lose it. And if it can't be in the school, it's got to be somewhere. So,
that's all I have to say. Thank you. Anyone else? Public comment agenda items. Come on up. Hey, I'm Megan Murphy, 175 Conro Road, Delran. And I say Delran purposely because I just want to make it known to
all of you that the Delano Public Library is not just for Delano. People come to the Delano Public Library from other surrounding towns. I have been bringing my daughter who is now six to the library since she was two years old because I started bringing her right
after things opened up after COVID because I felt safe there. She still asks me on a daily basis, even though she's in kindergarten, when can I go to story time, but story time is when she's now in school. As of this Friday, I will be starting to bring my
21-month-old son. When I told my daughter what was happening with the library hours, the first thing she said to me is, "When will Owen get to go to story time if the library is closed?" And I said, "I don't know." And she said, "Well, isn't it a public library? Doesn't public mean it's for everyone?
She's six. She gets it. If she can get it, I would hope that all of you can get it as well because it's not just about children. It's about everyone in Delano because it is a public library. And not just Delano, Delran, Riverside, Riverton,
Morristown. People from all over this area come to this library. I don't have a public library in my town. Okay, I hope you all realize what you have here because I would love for Delran to have a public library, but I
don't. So, I bring my children here and if I can't bring them here, I probably wouldn't bring them anywhere else because I have no desire to go to some big giant library with all kinds of people roaming around that I don't know, where I don't feel safe, that doesn't have times that work for me and my
family. So, and as far as safety and security go, the library being closed does not stop anyone from entering that parking lot. It does not stop anyone from driving in, walking in on foot, sneaking out of the
woods, or just walking right up to the door. What if someone walked up to the library not knowing they were closed and they walked all the way over there and the kids were outside playing? They're still there. I send my child to kindergarten every day. She plays outside. There's no one stopping anybody
from pulling up to her school and walking around back to the playground. It's the same situation no matter what school you go in. Unless you're going to lock the kids indoors all the time. People are going to walk by, drive by, pull up to the parking lot and go near the school. A library being open is not
going to change that. >> I give you an answer to that. It would because there'd be no reason for them to be there. That's the difference. So like for example in Edward Park, where you So you from Del, >> right? where your school is. If there's no reason for anybody to be there during school hours, when that car is in that
parking lot and it's seen, they're immediately being told to leave because there's no reason for you to be here. Now, aside from the reasons for you going, obviously they're amazing. That's what it's for. But from that perspective there only, if someone is there and they're allowed to be in that parking
lot and they're there not for the reason that you go or anyone else in here, that's the difference. And that's where our state is moving where again we're one of the only towns that still do it because of time. But where we're at now, it's just a different time and place,
>> but they're still going to approach that area whether you get rid of them and tell them to leave or not. >> But they wouldn't do it normally if they know that you're not supposed to be here. That's You understand what I'm saying? Right now, they're allowed to be there because it's an open library. >> Okay. It's also an open parking lot. Anybody could drive in.
>> Yeah. And then they're going to be and they're gonna but they're going to be but they'll be removed. >> Just because you told them to turn around doesn't mean they didn't get in in the first place. >> Yeah. Because there's no fence there. But if they drove in that lot and got out of their vehicle, ma'am, they're going to be removed. Okay. >> But there's no reason for them to be here. >> Okay. But that's doesn't pose any
different threat than a library patron pulling into that lot to enter the library. >> It's still a person with children, >> which is that's what I'm telling you, man. That's why our state moved away from that because they don't want that. They want to find a way best with the
amount of school shootings we've had in this country. The goal is the safety of the children. That's all they're concerned with. They're not going to be concerned with what's historic in this town. Okay. >> That's just the reality of it. >> I've also never been afraid of anyone entering a library. Just want to throw that out there.
>> Would you be afraid to go to one in West Hampton? >> No. Been there, too. >> So, you were okay to go there? >> I'd go to any public library, but I want to go to this one. Okay. >> Because it is a public library. >> Thank you, Miss Murphy. [applause]
>> Anyone else? Public comment. Go ahead. [snorts] >> Edward Avenue. Just a quick question. Um, can you explain why the term wasn't carried through to the full 65 years [clears throat]
>> and why it was ending in 39 >> just pick up the mic? >> Sorry, the term of the agreement. So I think Moren had raised the question of putting in that 2039 deadline is an issue. Is there a
reason why it could not go to what the original referendum hold? >> I'll refer to the subcommittee on that if there was anything about that. >> The 2039 date and that brought it through the end of the 50-year term from
the 1987 agreement. Um the additional 25year renewal that was in the additional agreement that was removed I believe it was in the 2015 amendment. That's not anything that's in the current agreement. So, that was removed well before we got involved with this.
>> Why? >> I couldn't tell you, Linda. I was not here. >> I don't believe any Kate and Fern were here. I don't know why that was done back then. >> No idea why it was taken out back then. uh
in the agreement that ends 2039. uh in the preamble uh the whereas uh there is reference to uh the 25 year again probably speaking out of term because uh
it's part of the negotiations that we've been dealing with in the uh agreement has not been finalized but there is u a piece in there about uh the both parties uh if they uh choose to not have the
library or uh there is notice that has to be given whether it's the uh the township or the school board uh and to have uh discussions about that together as we get into 2039. >> It's mutual option to renegotiate in
2039. It's the language. >> Okay. Anyone else? Public comment session one going once, sir. You can go after uh this gentleman. I'm Peter Silverberg, 30 Wolverton Place. That's Newton's Landing. It's
always kind of assumed in this town, well, you have no kids in Newton's Landing, so you have no interest in the library. Well, actually, uh, Mrs. Silverberg is the president of the Newton's Landing Book Club. And one of the services that nobody, you know, a
lot of you don't know about because it's the senior's service is book clubs, a book in the bag, a constant uh flow of heavy books, usually 10 or a dozen of the same for a book club to read for the month. And I I've seen when I've gone
there, my job is to pick them up and take them back and forth. So, uh, you know, I'm getting a lot of muscles from that. And uh we have more than one book club in this town and you're going I don't know if the hours are going to be limited or improved. Uh I came here to
argue against shrinking the hours and I don't you know you got this other deal. I but I just want to say it services not only one end of the age group the story hour but us seniors and I'd rather pick
up my books in the in the daylight. Yes, I can drive at night. I've got good eyesight, but uh you know, you're not I'm not sure what the deal is, but you know, we're going to lose the library. We're going to have to go to West Hampton to pick up our books in the bag
or the next nearest one, Riverside. I don't Just because the architecture happened to be uh building a a library in the same building as the school doesn't mean we should try to lose it. Okay. Thanks,
Mr. Mos Township Committee. I'm Eric Moss of 837 Laurel Street. I want to address some of the resistance I'm hearing regarding the adjustment to the Delano Library. Uh, opening time. First off, I want to say I am a member of the board, but I speak
for myself, right? I always have to say. Gotta love that. You're a woman. First, nobody up there, and frankly, nobody on our body wants the library to close or die slowed down. So, let's take
that and throw it out. Nobody wants that. This change from 10 to 12:30 wasn't made lightly, nor was it made without careful consideration of both the state requirements and the
operational needs of our school district. Because the town library is physically connected to the school building, its hours fall under the same safety, security, and access rules that apply to school operations.
During our most recent QAC review, which is the quality single accountability continuum, we received specific recommendations that the public actually shouldn't be on the library grounds until 3:30 p.m.
This recommendation was based on safety concerns, supervision requirements, the state's expectations for public access to facilities are attached to school buildings during instructional hours. So in other words, the state's process
and the state's position was that the public entry for the school days should be significantly restricted. But despite that, we didn't want to adopt a full 3:30 p.m. recommendation.
Nobody up there or on our body did. Instead, we worked together, collaborating in negotiations to find a middle ground, one that strengthens student safety for QAC compliance while still preserving some meaningful daytime
access for our community. Opening at 12:30 represents that compromise and all of those needs. Shifting the opening time allows us to ensure the instructional time and morning student routines are protected. Students outside in recess and physical
education are protected while still serving and preserving the val valuable services that this community expects and that the library provides to our community. These hours proposed in the agreement also represent an extension to
what's currently being offered by the library board. should the library board choose to take advantage of it. Like they said, it's it's their choice on the hours based upon the hours that are in the agreement. I fully understand that the library has
traditionally opened earlier and that the library board is obviously frustrated by that. But we have a responsibility legally and ethically to prioritize student safety, protect instructional time, and comply with the
expectations that were outlined in that state review. The shift to 12:30 opening is not only reasonable. It is far more flexible than what the state and CUAC indicated should occur. We all want our schools to be ranked
higher. That helps all of our property values. Let's be real. This helps us move closer to that goal with the state and gains us some of those valuable points back. We value the library deeply
and we remain committed to supporting its vital role in the community. I respect the tradition and I respect the passion of the library board. However, safety, security, compliance, and the state accountability assessments
cannot be compromised. This adjustment simply reflects the reality of a shared building and our obligation to follow state guidance while providing public access at the same time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mosup.
If there's no one else, I'd like to move on to our consent agenda. Sir, >> David Sudter, 725 Delaware. Um, small towns don't really work well without a whole bunch of people volunteering their time, as you all know, and it takes a lot of diligence
and a lot of effort to keep these functions going forward. The question that hasn't been answered tonight is not whether it's going to be safer or anything like that. It's why didn't you ask the the people who work for the library board to be involved in this decision and not have to show up in
a meeting and have this sprung on this way. These are the kinds of things that cause people to say gosh volunteering is a lot tougher than it should be because everybody here is trying to work for a better Deleno. We agree on that all of us regardless of politics and other
stuff. In the future you guys need to do better in this way. Things are kind of top down here instead of bottom up. Thank you. >> [applause] >> I can't appreciate that thought, but we do have a library board liaison. Mr.
Olette is that liaison and has been going back and forth with the association for several years now. He's been a liaison. So, he has brought back their concerns. He's brought our concerns to them. So, they haven't been left out of this >> for sure. But they are, it's not like
they had no idea what was going on. They've known for a long time now that this was something that may happen. So, >> and additionally, they're also not a party to the agreement. So, so there's certain confidentiality guidelines that the two parties to the agreement, which is the board of education and Delanco
Township have to have in order to have an agreement. And Doug could speak more on that, but frankly, the Delanco Library Association is not a party to that agreement. And they haven't been. Should they be? Perhaps they it might even be beneficial that the library
association have a contract directly with the school like most library associations do with their landlords. Why the township got involved with this back in 1989 I would imagine had to do with the referendum. But most places the township is not be
not being the middleman here. >> Anything Doug? I you know we've struggled through this process for a long time and uh it just seems to me like I I do think the communication you know is difficult and could be better. I
see a sea change in positive communication with the school board and I hear uh you know frustration on the part of the of the uh library association now. So, it it's not an easy process and I think everyone's just trying to work towards uh the same goal
of trying to bring closure to what's been dragging on for years. >> Thanks. And and you know, on behalf of everyone on this committee, we all see the value of having a public library here. You know, as Miss Why eloquently said, "My grandson, her great-grandson
goes to the story time." But if the story time shifted, if it move was moved to a Saturday, I know Marine shaking her head. No. If the story time shifted to Saturday morning at the same time, it's before lunchtime. We adapt and overcome. We want to work with the library. We
want to work with the schools for the best of the town. And none of us want to see this library go away whatsoever. All right, with that I'm going to close this session to public comment. Um, so
looking at the agenda here, um, this resolution 2025-160 was initially on our consent agenda. Uh, wasn't supposed to be on the consent agenda. It was supposed to be a separate resolution. Um we did speak about this as committee and executive and we are
going to table this resolution until we can um discuss it more with the parties involved and we will address it at our next meeting in December. So the resolution will not be voted on tonight nor discussed any further. >> We do need a mo motion to table.
>> So we will yes. So, we will need a motion to table resolution 2025-160 and postpone it to discussion item in our next well >> December 1st. >> December 1st. What? December 1st. >> Yep. >> Is it December 1? >> It's on my calendar first. Monday.
>> Oh, yeah. December 1st. Yeah. So, we're going to postpone this uh resolution to December 1st. Can I get a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Oh, four people. >> Phil made it already. >> Okay. Phil and >> I'll second. >> Roll call. Okay. Um, who made who made the motion? >> Phil and Matt.
>> Okay. >> Scott. >> Scott. Well, whoever >> his legal name is Scott. >> Mr. Bartlett. >> Mr. Bartlet. >> This is the motion to >> say yes to table it. Yes. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Patrick. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes.
>> Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. >> So, we'll take a minute if you'd like to head out. I know it's getting late. Uh, we'll take a minute and let you do that. Thank you all for your coming and for your comments. We really do appreciate it.
>> And you're also welcome to stay. >> I never thought I'd say this. I need another hot tea. >> No need. You want a mint? I just had a >> Okay. Yeah, go ahead. over.
>> I guess most people don't care what what's going on the rest of the town. Get a hot mics around the house. >> We're still on. We're still recording and still live. So, >> no, I I actually turned the recording off because >> Are we still live on YouTube, though?
>> Oh, we probably are. >> Yes, we're live. >> Absolutely. We're live. >> Okay, we're moving back into public session. Sorry, Nancy. >> Kate. >> Yeah, Kate. I know.
>> But we are recording now. Back recording. >> We're back in public session. We're just waiting on Miss Fitzpatrick. No, I can see everybody. >> Keep it open, Ray. >> Can't close it. >> Can't close it. >> Hi, Cindy. >> Unlike the school, we have to keep our
doors open here. >> You say that at every meeting. >> Just keep just keep blessing. For those watching at home, we'll be started momentarily again. >> I was just telling the people watching at home that we'll be starting. >> Yeah, we'll be we're just waiting on Miss Fitzpatrick.
>> Yeah. >> Good point. Watch. >> We need consent. All of us. >> Do you want to deal with that? >> Fair enough. >> Okay. So, I'm going to read the consent agenda. Consent agenda items are
considered to be routine will be enacted with a single motion. Any item requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda. All consent agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes. Anybody have anything they'd like to remove from the consent agenda at this time?
>> Nope, we did 160 already. I'm good. >> That was it. >> Somebody shush them. >> Okay. Ordinance 2025-14. We're on the consent agenda. A bond ordinance to the township of Deleno and the county of Burlington authorizing the remediation
of Asht Street and improvements to recreation facilities at various parks appropriating the total sum of $698,000 even. Therefore, in authorizing the issuance of $663,100 in bonds or notes of the town for financing such appropriations and making
certain determinations and covenants and authorizing certain related actions in connection with the foregoing. This is the first reading by title only and set public hearing date for December 15, 2025 at 7 p.m. Resolution 2025-151, disposal of out of service police
department equipment. Resolution 152, authorizing change order number two for historic waterfront park project. Resolution 153, resolution certifying lean against certain properties for costs incurred by the township in accordance with chapter 135 of the township code. Resolution 154,
resolution certifying lean leans against certain properties for costs incurred by the township in accordance with chapter 135 the township code. So there's two resolutions for that. Okay. Gotcha. >> Resolution 2025-155 resolution to cancel taxes and refund
tax overpayment total due veteran exemption pursuant to NJSA 54-3A. Resolution 2025156, resolution requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriation into the 2025 budget pursuant to NJSA4A
4-87. Resolution 157, resolution authorizing acceptance of grant from the C of Burlington County Division of Behavioral Health Service, Health and Youth Services. Resolution 158, resolution authorizing employment contract with the Deleno Police Department, Lieutenant.
Resolution 159, authorizing a contract with administrative agent for the administration of affordable units. Approven approve a payment of bills in the amount of 1,983,325.54 as per the bill list run date 117 and 1114.
Approval of minutes 98, 922, and 1020. Approval of business licenses 2025 444 4546. Can I get a motion for approval of the consent agenda? >> Move. >> Second. >> Motion by Kate, second by Phil. Roll
call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Trader. >> Yes. Mr. McF. >> Yes. >> Mr. Olaf. >> Yes. >> Miss Seuss. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, moving on to the approval of minutes from 10625.
Someone has to abstain. >> I do. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Matt and Kate. >> Got it. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Bartlett. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Patrick. >> Yes. >> Mr. McFaden. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Abstain.
>> Mus. >> Yes. Correspondence, please. >> Um, >> good reading. >> All right. So, officially for the record, we received 12 pieces of correspondence from various people
regarding the uh library proposed library uh agreement. And I'm not going to read all 12. I'll read who they're from. Susan Atkins, 12 Harris Court, Steve Schaefer, she works far away. Joe
uh Caruso, no address. Arling Tarashi, 55 Pennington Court. Elizabeth Ratiset 304 Center Avenue. Donna Highland, um, no address given. Uh, Patricia Manini, 27 Charles Circle, Laura Broom, 549
Delaware Avenue. Nicole Quinn, no address given. Martino for Wilson Way, Jackie Jordan, no address given. And Nicole Gray, no address given. All were via email. received via email except for one was
delivered in person and they were all in in regards to the uh proposed agreement between the township committee the township and the library um school board for the uh library agreement for the use of the space as public library.
>> Okay, thank you very much. >> And I have no other correspondence. Thank you. >> Perfect. uh meeting open to the public. Again, this is uh session two. For comments and questions on anything you'd like to talk about, uh please come to the podium and state your name and address.
>> Everything stiffens up, right? >> Ray Weber, 22 ships. Uh, one thing for Harry. Uh, what's going on with Newton's Landing Boulevard and the uh going to be resurfaced or and curbing
put in? >> Yes. Um, we received the DOT grant um to repay all business sides. Yes. >> And included with that is putting Bel curve on the the entrance section.
>> Yeah. Okay. So that that is uh it's funed by by the grant and that's going through that'll be the spring early summer. Okay. >> Somebody asked me why I'm bringing it up. >> We've got to bid in March for that, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then couple things for John.
There's some stumps. One's on 200 Russ Farm Way between right at the circle. Um it's about six inches up in the ground. was cutting the tree. Tree was cut down. Stump still. >> Yeah, they they should be removed. They're removed.
>> Not this one. It's It was there this morning. >> Yeah. I have to check it out. >> Yeah. 200 Russ Farm Way. It's It's on the circle. >> When was the tree cut down last week? >> No, this was cut down three years ago. >> Oh. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Still sitting there.
>> Well, the problem was with stumps out there. All the utilities go between the curve and the sidewalk. Yeah. >> So, every time you grind the stumps, you do damage to something out there. >> True.
>> And you get a little shell shocked after the third or fourth one that you hit. >> Yeah. >> And and one, >> but I'll check that out. I don't know why that >> Yeah. And the other one is 19 between 19 and 21 ships. >> That one there is ground level.
>> Why don't you paint a mural on it or plant some flowers around it? Embrace the tree stump. >> Yeah, I know that. >> Yeah, that that one there is where you guys came out because the tree was swaying. [clears throat] >> Was leaning. That was Was that the leaning tree? >> Yeah, that was the leaning tree. >> Yeah,
>> it was when the wind hit it, it blew from the stump on up. It blew >> right to left, left to right, whatever. >> Okay, that's all. Thank you. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thanks, R. Just so everybody knows with the DOT grant, so there's certain criteria that
we have to meet in order to apply for that. It's a certain amount of traffic count. We can't just apply for like an everyday street like we couldn't apply for like Fenomore or, you know, ash street and we have to put traffic counters out there and justify it um in order to get funding. So we're actually
like running out of streets that would qualify for DOT money. Right, Harry? >> Uh that that's correct. The higher the traffic count, the better chance you are at getting [snorts] that grant. >> Yeah. >> Um and and a lot of the streets this year are going to be paid by the utility companies,
>> right? >> Yeah. Which is great. >> Which is really good for the township. But um yes, that's that's why that was was picked because there was a good candidate. >> Not because they're 17% of our tax base. >> Yeah. >> I had no idea what the tax base is.
[gasps] >> Yeah. >> Uh we got accused of paving rich people's houses and roads only. So, I just want to make that clear that we don't we pick and choose, but we don't pick and choose. So, right, we have to talk about 2026 road program with the
subcommittee. Okay. >> Um, all right. Anybody else for public comment? Uh, I think Cindy popped up first and we'll get you Nancy. >> I'll be fast. I promise. >> Cindy Hedman, 70 W. Well, I I just want to understand how you guys are going to
go about determining what [snorts] Dr. Horton has accomplished before you I mean I understand the bond's going to have to be reduced. We talked about that. I just want to make sure I want to understand how that process happens to make sure that there's [snorts] going to be enough money there to do all the work
they still haven't done yet. >> Yeah. Um we we're not the whole 30% of of the improvements um regardless whether they were done or not. Um there's most improvements have been done. The
basins we won't release any of that. >> Is that a separate bond from the 1.2 million? >> That's part of the 1.2 million. So So we would keep that for sure. Enough money to actually rebuild the bases if needed. >> Okay. That's what I wanted to be sure
of. So the 30% is it's going to be the 1.2 million less what you believe still has to be done. Then it's 30% of that. No, no. It would be sort of set up the total bond that was originally posted which was probably four million or
>> and that's all you're holding. >> You said in the beginning you're going to hold 30%. >> That's what we're holding now? >> No, we're holding we might be getting down close. So it might be about 800,000 or so be down that we could just hold by right.
>> Okay. >> So we could give them 400,000 essentially. You said we have about 1.2 million now. >> Yeah. So we could give them back 400,000 and hold eight. >> Yeah, they're rough numbers, but >> rough numbers. >> That's what I broke out the numbers. What actually >> And you'll just double check exactly
what they have done because honestly, since we did our walk through in August, they've not been back. >> So I know nothing's been done with sidewalks, nothing's been done with streets, things like that. So again, I understand all of this. I just want to make sure we're protected and there's money remaining to get done what needs to be get done if they don't deal with
that. >> So well, Harry will will report back to us and we'll let you know. Definitely soon as we have an answer on that. >> Thank you. >> Do we have a time period on that? >> There there there is >> they have to put the letter together. >> Um they they did submit a letter. I
don't know if they did it officially to the township, but they sent something. >> Well, we didn't we didn't get it under correspondence and I haven't seen anything, Debbie. >> No, I have not. >> No. >> So, a decision is or is it made by December 1st? You had said that there would have to be would have to come back to this the next meeting, correct?
>> So, the request to do that would be December 1st. [snorts] Yes, that that I'll have my recommendation before December 1st. >> We'll talk to you before then. >> Yeah. >> Hi, come on up.
>> Uh Nancy R, 228 Maple Avenue. Um I have a concern about the driveway at Pearson the crosswalk and I've discussed this and my husband have discussed this. We're both crossing guards with several people about having those lines there repainted because they're just
partially. If you go up there, the Pearson driveway, you can see that they really need to be repainted. >> Where you crossed today, where I saw you. >> Yes. >> So, across Burlington Avenue. >> Yeah. No, not across the side. Cross the >> entrance. I thought they just painted them. >> School property. >> Yeah. I thought the school painted them though.
>> I don't know. >> I think what's happening that the street is failing. >> Okay. And it's our gatoring and it's it works on the lines >> with the amount of traffic that's coming in and out there now. It is going to
have to be re >> it's also just regular paint. It's not the the thermos striping that thermoplastic striping. So it just fades quick. >> You're talking about the first set or the second set. >> What's that? >> The first set of >> the first set when you first >> the first Okay. Because it's >> it really could use a repainting over
there. So we [snorts] are are we rep are we paving that section to the parking lot or just the parking lot >> with the money that we have just the parking lot school's kicking in extra money then >> so we'll talk to the school and see what we can do about that. Okay, that would
be good. >> But I I'll I'll I'll call the county and uh >> Yeah, >> because I know the county came out maybe uh a year ago or so when >> Yeah. Well, they just were out. >> But the county came that was only they're not going to do the school property. The county came
>> they they painted Edgewood and Burlton out where Jody was >> cuz that was the only one that was faded. But >> talking right on Bright Avenue the school property >> in the school in the drive. No, in the drive here. What? >> The first drive as soon as you turn in. >> Yeah. Right. That's what I said. Right
off of Bryant Avenue. >> Yeah. Right off of it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right where the digital sign is for the library. Yeah. >> But who's responsible to put that's on school property? Is that school's responsibility right there? >> But John might be able to talk to the county and tell them the predicament, see if they could help. >> They should have painted that because that is a county road
>> and I'm sure there's a right away. >> I think that's in the county right away still because it's between the sidewalk. Yeah. >> So, John will reach out and then we'll >> we'll see if we can No, that's absolutely fine. >> I've been patching that and >> I put a lot of patch in there.
>> A lot of patch. >> Yeah. The uh if it was the second one, I would say that'd be the school's responsibility. But the first one, that that's the county right away. >> So, we did get a grant from uh Senator Singleton's office for 100,000 to repave uh part of the parking lot. We're only
going to be able to do that back section um with 100,000. So, that's being worked on, but this entrance way wouldn't be that. So, we'll work with the county and see what we can do. >> That's great. Um, the other concern I had, and I don't know if this is the township or the school, those four trees
that line that driveway when you first come in, well, actually, when you're coming out, those four big trees, >> the one that's closest to me, okay? Um, the branches just fall constantly. And I'm not talking small branches. >> When I go there during school during my
crossing, is that a school? When I when I go there during my crossing, there are large branches that are laying out there and I pick them up and I try to get them out of the way because in the afternoons when kids come out of school, these kids are grabbing those branches and they start to walk and I literally go up to
those kids and take those branches away from them because I don't want anybody get [snorts] hurt on the way home. I don't want to see that branch, you know, some kid hit another kid. I said, you know, just leave it. And they do. They drop it. But I don't know who's responsible for the maintenance of that.
And the other day when we had all that wind, that last tree that's right by me, I heard a and I told Dave, my husband Dave, I heard a distinctive crack. And I'm like, it's it it scared me because I
don't know the quality of that tree. >> I don't know if it partially is dead. I don't know what what it is, but there are large branches that are coming off that tree and they're falling down. >> It's definitely the schools. So, we'll let them know. We'll relay your concerns about that.
>> I know that they're having somebody uh do some trees on the right side as you go into the parking lot. I think >> these are on the left side, >> right? I know what you mean. Yeah. Yeah. It's along the sidewalk. [clears throat]
They're always bad. I I always But these branches are coming down. I'm not talking about little branches. I'm talking about big branches. And when the kids see them when they come out of school, they think, you know, it's it's fun. And they pick them up and grab them. >> Auntie, you're talking about these big four trees right on the right.
>> Have you seen that? >> I think it's a maple tree. >> Yeah. I don't know much about >> Yeah. Yeah. I think you're right. It is a big >> Yeah. the I'm the leazison on to the board of ed. So I'll reach out and I'll let them know.
>> Joanne Eric board of ed's here. I'll let consider it known. >> I'll That's right. They're here themselves. I'll text him now and I'll let him know. >> No, it's not. Dirty trees. >> Yeah, they are. >> We definitely want our We definitely want our crossing guards protected at
all costs. >> We appreciate our crossing guards. >> Anyone else know? Great. close that session to the public. Thank you all for your comments. Uh discussion items. 2026 reorg and township committee
meeting date calendar. We were all given um potential dates for town committee meetings and budget sessions. I'm going to pull them out and look at them. >> Where's the township committee? >> The back of the agenda. Oh, okay. >> The original package.
>> I didn't see um I thought the only thing that was um were holidays and meetings. The budget sessions. I didn't see budget sessions on here. Did >> I miss Debbie just gave that out tonight? >> Separate calendar. >> Oh, that one. Okay. I have that
>> where I put that one. >> Yeah, it's executive. So, >> yeah. So, reorg would be the fifth Are you good for the fifth? >> Great. >> The um the calendar itself for all the
meetings is fine with May, but I didn't [snorts] have the budget. So, >> I like the two dates in June. This way, we don't have that sporadic a long period of time in July not having a meeting. So, that that's good.
Um Debbie, for the budget calendar, Tuesday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 18th. Are they Tuesday, March 3rd and Tuesday, March 17th, or are they Wednesday the 4th and 18th? >> That was a lastm minute change. So it
was the 4th. >> So it's going to be Wednesday. >> Wednesday the 4th. Yeah. >> Yeah. That was like you're off on Wednesdays, right, Kate? >> Yeah. It doesn't matter because we usually meet at 3:00 or 3:30. >> Okay. That's why we changed it last minute to make it a Wednesday. I just didn't get a chance to update. >> It doesn't matter what day as long as
it's after three for me. Three or after. Doesn't matter with that. >> So, we're just putting the two because last year we penciled in three. >> No, we don't want three. >> I I prefer not to have 3:30. >> Yes. If you're getting two definitely the first one and then the second one if we need it. >> 3:30. 4.
>> 3:30 is fine. >> Okay. >> 4:00's fine. I have to take the whole day off, so it don't make a difference to me. >> So, oh, well, that's not cool. >> So, are we meeting >> Yes, it is. >> He prefers it that way. >> I thought you said we're only meeting
three days. >> Two days. >> Two days. March 4th and 18th. >> Okay. That's all. >> We're fourth. And if needed, the 18th >> and the 18th. Oh, okay. And then Debbie will meet as the administrator in the month of February
with the various departments. Um budget budget request forms will go out January 7th. This way they have a full year's budget to look at to not have to estimate what the last couple months would be. And then budget request forms are due back January 23rd from all
the various departments. Um, and then we hope to introduce the budget at the first April meeting and adoption in May, beginning of May. >> Are they going to be 3:30, Debbie, or what? You'll let us know what time. >> Yeah, 3:30 works. We'll make it 3:30.
>> Okay, good. >> Okay, >> great. Everybody else, anybody else have comments, feedback? >> Um, just the week of we have a township committee scheduled for August 17th. I just won't be here. As long as there's enough of you guys, I'll be in Bahamas
thinking of thinking of you guys fondly. >> August 17th. >> You can zoom in if you want. >> I'm sorry. The coverage is bad down there on the cruise ship, Doug. >> Um, yeah, I'm okay then. >> Never has a problem. >> I know, right? >> You're not wrong. >> Middle of the ocean. I make it work.
>> I'll be thinking of other things. >> Okay. I have >> Did you uh >> What? confirm a reorder date and time just so that we can let other >> Januarytharies know and also get it to the B and calendar and all that good
stuff. >> Yep. January 5th. >> At what time? >> Normal time. >> 7 p.m. Mhm. >> Okay. >> Right. So, we all decided >> that's when we do we normally do reorgage 7 or is it at six?
>> No, seven. >> At six last year. >> I thought it was six earlier. All right, let's do six. >> So that's the regular time for reorg. >> We did six because we had to accommodate the senator. That's why we did six. >> Yeah, that's why we did six. [snorts] >> So >> we'll let them know early this time.
>> Okay. So 6 p.m. >> We'll do six. >> Why not? This way gives us time to go out afterwards. And >> I have it at six. Yeah. >> I don't stay up late, so that works. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Absolutely. So moved. >> I'll second.
>> I'll third. Hi. >> Hi. >> Have a great Thanksgiving. >> Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. >> Oh, my back. >> I know. >> I stood up. >> Both hips. Thank you.