Welcome to December 22nd, 2025 Zeleno Township Committee meeting located here at 770 Coopertown Road. Uh, roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett >> here. >> Miss Fitzpatrick >> here. Mr. McFaden >> here. >> Mr. >> here. >> Miss Zeus >> here. Thank you. Also present, Mrs.
Simea, our township administrator. Uh, Mrs. Russell, our deputy miss clerk. And Miss McFadden, our administrative assistant, and also Mr. Warren, our police chief. Please rise for the flag salute. >> I aliance 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. >> Beth, could you please read Sunshine and live stream statements, please? 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 been mailed to the Burlington County Times and Courier Post and published in the December 5th, 2025 editions. Written notice has been posted on the official bulletin board of the township of Delanco at least 48 hours
prior to the meeting. Live stream statement. This meeting of the Delo Township Committee may be transmitted via live stream on YouTube video. The streaming of the meeting is not intended to be relied upon as formal public access under OPMA. 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. Please take a moment to silence or put your cell phones on vibrate. Um rules governing public comment period. I'm just going to summarize them because I don't feel like writing the entire thing. Um each speaker will have five
minutes to speak and should limit their comments to the matter at hand. Please uh address the township committee from the podium and begin your remarks with your name and address for the record. We're not obligated to answer any prompt questions or address remarks from the public. And you should maintain uh proper decorum at all times and make
your comments in a civil manner. Uh, with that, we're going to move on to ordinance 2025-14, a bodon ordinance of the township of Delano in the county of Burlington, authorizing the remediation of Asht Street and improvements to recreation facilities at various parks appropriating the sum and total of
$698,000 even, therefore, and authorizing the issuance of $663,100 and bonds or notes of the township for financing such appropriations and making certain determinations and covenants and authorizing certain related actions in connection with the We're going. This is
a second reading by title only and public hearing. Um, if you would like to comment on ordinance 2025-14 only. The hearing is now open to the public. Seeing none, I will close this hearing to the public and ask for a motion to approve ordinance 2025-14.
>> I'll make a motion. >> Second. Motion by Phil, second by Scott to adopt resolution 2025-14 on second reading. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett, >> yes. >> Miss Fifth, >> yes. >> Mr. McFaden,
>> yes. >> Mr. Oland, >> on this bond ordinance, uh the amount of money that we're bonding for for uh parks and uh our facilities there. Uh
I was torn on this. Uh, but the big uh I guess the tipping point for me was the amount of grant money that we'll be receiving. Uh, so uh with that I'll vote yes, >> Miss Seuss.
>> Yes. Thank you. >> Okay, moving on to a special presentation. We have a proclamation honoring Peter Fritz for his years of service preserving and sharing Deleno's history. >> And do we have that? It is.
>> I can't see it now. I see it. >> Peter, you want to come on out? Whereas voluntary community service is an integral part of the operation and spirit of the township of Deleno. And whereas we honor those who generously give their time and talents to improve their communities. And whereas Peter
Fritz is a highly regarded resident of the township of Deleno and has served seven consecutive terms over 20 years on the township of Deleno's history board. Whereas the township of Deleno recognizes Peter for his many years of dedicated service within our community.
Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Carolyn Seuss, mayor of Deleno Township, County of Burlington, state of New Jersey, on behalf of the citizens, in appreciation of Peter's devotion and service to the township of Deleno, desire that there be a permanent record of gratitude for his community service, a witness of myself, the deputy mayor,
and committee persons uh on this 22nd day of December, 2025. Thank you so much. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> So, Peter's going to take a minute and talk to us about his latest um project that he has with the history board and the grant and the new pamphlet we have.
>> Yes. Very good. Uh in the last several years, we've had a a pretty good success rate with getting uh grants from the county for history projects. And uh this year uh part of our 2025 grant was to uh
publish a self-guided tour of the um Delaware Riverfront communities, the historic properties along there. And uh we decided to name it the Grand Ladies of the Delaware
River. And so these are hot off the press. Just picked them up this week and we have them available. Um I did put some in the in the lobby and if anybody wants to pick them up, uh I brought a quantity of them today and you'll be the
first folks to get a chance to see it. >> So Peter, is there going to be a little bin somewhere for these out in public? I have one right now on the what we is the left side on the glass case out there if people wanted to grab one. >> And we're here. I brought brought my
handsome assistant here from Boyisey, Idaho who's in for the day. So he'll have some hope for more than just the day. >> Yeah, just a couple of days. >> Oh, good. >> Anyway, >> is that your son? >> Yes, it's my son.
>> Hello, >> Philip. Nice to meet you. >> Nice to meet you. Product of Go. >> We're so proud of your dad. He does such great things here. And did you design this book in conjunction with the history board? >> Uh yes. Done in conjunction with the history board. And it actually started
out that the county had asked me to put together a walking tour, a guided walking tour of the the properties along the Delaware River, uh which we did several years ago. But there was only one copy. It was in a binder. We had
about 20 people that showed up from around the county that uh wanted to hear about our historic properties and uh so that was sort of the beginning of the thing and um we had already published one for a self-guided tour of the
Oldtown Deno. Now Oldtown Delanco really built along the creek >> and uh as as opposed to the uh the the big homes that were along the Delaware River. So, uh, we have put that out that was very popular. We've had to reprint that several times.
>> And, uh, so this is a companion to that book and it has a history on some of the properties and the families that lived in them along the Delaware River, which was at one time uh, recommended that
that be a historic district or historic area for Delanco officially. So, this is a step in that direction. >> Well, great job, Peter. Thank you so much for everything and happy holidays. And here you go. accept
>> and thanks. to all the history board members that helped with that project as well. We appreciate you all. Okay, moving on to the rest of our agenda. We have comments and reports. Uh, Township administrator, Miss Simmona, I do not have a report this
evening. Just uh happy holidays to everyone. >> Thank you. Um, Chief Warren, >> good evening everyone. Report-wise, for the month of December to date, we had 13 open police cases with a total for the
year of 232. There were 42 motor vehicle stops to date for the month of December with a total for the year of 2007. There were 17 motor vehicle violations issued to date with a total for the year of 621.
And to date for calls for service for this month is 57. Total for the year 11,270. So the guys have been busy, but uh we've had a had a good year. Busy year. So >> went up like a thousand. >> Yeah, >> it's gone up a thousand each year I've been here.
>> Pretty much. Yeah. Yeah. So a lot of activity. Yeah. >> M where more people >> and I mean in a way it's good more people are coming to our town for different events, things of that nature. Yeah. >> Um the businesses as well with Carvana and uh the new warehouses opening up. So >> it's definitely a factor.
>> Okay. So, >> well, great job to you and your officers this year. Uh, as always, we appreciate you. >> Appreciate you. >> Stay safe. Happy holidays. >> Same with you. >> Um, our public works director was unable to be here, so Mr. Fenomor sent in a report that I will read um, regarding
the winter storm this past Sunday. Uh, called in Bob and Kenny around 3:00 a.m. to put some salt out. Bob called No, this is me reading John's report. Bob called me back and said, "It's snowing too hard and we will need to plow." First thing we did were the county roads, making sure emergency vehicles
can go wherever they need to go. Todd and John started plowing at Newton's Landing, and we kept Coopertown and Creek Road open while the five other trucks started at West Avenue. We then started to get calls for tree branches coming down, one at the school, another half a tree on Third and Lilac by police
department. I took loader down to both locations to remove them. It continued to snow most of the day. When the sun came out, we then put salt out about 15 tons. That's a lot. We continue to plow intersections and go down every street cleaning out the where the cars were parked. Our
biggest problem now is clearing storm drains. We will have a meeting to go over any problems we had. When it warms up, we will start clearing storm drains and then go over all vehicles and wash with saltway salt away to help get the off the salt. That is your storm summary. Thank you, John. Great job
actually to public works. They uh they did an excellent job. I was out of town and heard from several residents that the roads were clear and they were really happy with everything. So, I made sure I sent them a thank you email and I think Debbie you acknowledged them as well. Brought them cookies
to their holiday party. So, um great job to public works um this past year and of course throughout the year always working hard to make sure our town is kept clean and uh in in order. And uh ABV, what do we got down there in
the office? So, I'd like to announce the um special hours for the next two weeks during the holidays. Um on Christmas Eve, the 24th, we will close at noon. And the 25th and the 26th, the offices will be closed. On December 31st, we have regular office hours to 4:00, 8:30
to 4:00. November 1st, uh I'm sorry, January 1st, we are closed for the new year. And January 2nd, regular office hours, which are 8:30 to 12:30 on Fridays. Um, our reorganization meeting will be Monday, January 5th at 6 PM and we will have a board of health and
regular meeting following immediately. Um, due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, trash collection will move to Fridays. So, this week is just trash, Friday on the 26th, and next week will be trash and recycling Friday uh, January 2nd. And the office is gearing
up for dog and cat licensing uh, to start Friday, January 2nd. And we have a new program. We're now doing it through our Edmonds program. So hopefully we'll go off without too many bumps, but uh it should be a lot better for the township. Um a lot more efficient for the residents. So we're looking forward to
that. And that's it. >> Thank you. And thanks to Miss Seminara for getting all of our software up to date. Um including our dog and cats, our edund software, time clock software. We are now uh all electronic. to date.
>> All up to date. We're good to go. We moved to the 21st century. So, yay for that. >> All right. Comments from township committee, Mr. Olette. >> Let's see here. >> We had uh I went down to the League of
Municipalities back in November and uh attended some seminars down there. Uh had one on local ethics law. Uh another one, municipal court uh advoc advocacy.
Uh then cyber security starts with you. Uh other ones were uh the status of emergency services in the uh in New Jersey and everyone seems to be in the same boat as far as uh volunteers for uh
firemen and uh emergency uh rescue people. Uh see we had uh OPRA and the right to know uh an open public meetings act review.
The last one I attended was uh the powers and duties of governing. Uh as many years as I've been up here, I learned a few things there too. So uh it was uh well worth attending. uh we had in November and uh December
attended the uh joint insurance fund meeting. Uh again, cyber security was a major topic at both of those meetings and uh making sure that our house is in order uh here at the municipal building and uh Dan and our staff have been doing
a great job in that area. Uh, and let's see. Oh, Burlington County Commissioners meeting. Uh, it had something to do with the Oh, I know. Uh, big thing there was emergency shelter. Uh, when they call for a code
blue, if we've got someone that needs uh some help, you dial not 211 uh and uh they'll help out. They have an a shelter over in Lumberton. Actually, it's closer to Medford, but it's out there. And uh
they'll provide uh shelter for the folks uh through the night. Uh they'll pick them there's different locations in the in the county that they'll pick up the folks that need help, take them out to the shelter, and then the next day, uh after they've had a meal and uh
transport them back to the location that they were picked up at. So again, if you run into someone that needs uh help out on the street and there's a code blue, call 211. Uh and let's see, what else do we have?
Attended the uh tree lighting over at Gateway Park. Uh was a chilly night. Uh but it was a nice event to uh participate in. And other than that, I wish everyone a happy holiday and a safe
holiday. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Olette. Bill. >> All right. Uh like Fern had said, on November 18th, I attended the annual league conference. Uh I was only able to
do one day down there. I did do the beginners's course. Along with that uh the municipal court adversy advocacy >> uh yeah it was a great learning experience for
your for my first time being in it. Uh November 19th I sat in on our municipal court session. It was a very well attended session by a lot of people. November 9th, November 20th. I also
attended the Delanco school awards. It's very nice to see that our children are being recognized throughout the township and what the new superintendent is doing for Delanco kids. Uh December 2nd, I
attended a joint land use meeting. Uh there was two approvals on the resolution and we went over the dates for next year's meetings. December 3rd, I attended Mrs. Lure's retirement lunchon. It was a
very nice event. She'll definitely be missed for sure. December 6th was the Christmas village. Um, I can't thank the recreation members that came out and helped support this.
It was a very well attended event along with the vendors that had shown up. So, I'd like to give a big thanks to the recreation commission on that. Uh, also on December 11th, I
attended the recreation meeting. We had the approval of the upcoming dates for the meeting and along with that some upcoming events. December 13th was the carriage rides event. Again, the recreation commission did a great job on
holding that event. And also a special thanks to John Brown Jewelers for selling the tickets for the event. And then uh December 17th I attended the municipal court in Blanco again.
>> And that is it. >> Great. Thank you, Scott. >> All right. I'll try to keep this short, but I'm not known for doing that. I attended a lot of the same events that uh Phil and Fern mentioned. Board of Ed meetings, fire department, the
treelighting. I escorted Santa in with the fire company, Janice's retirement, the school of sports and music awards. I won't repeat all that. I also attended the PTO um basket raffle. They managed their biggest uh one to date. They
raised $19,000 for that. Uh so congratulations to the PTO. Uh super awesome job. That room was packed. Uh that all goes directly to the kids for class trips and everything else that's in the school. So, nice job for
that. Uh, I relocated the stretchy plastic recycling bin from the library out to here. Thank you to Linda Y. Raise your hand, Linda. Um, for dealing with that program and collecting all the stretchy plastics and all the plastics that wrap all your household products
and the million bags you get from Amazon, you could just drop them right off here. Don't put them in your trash at home. and uh you know they'll get recycled into new TX benches which she is uh working with volunteer organizations and other organizations throughout the town to put them there at
no cost to the organizations or the town or anybody. So uh give Linda a round of applause for that. So and you were and you were recognized by the county last year for that. Correct. >> Yes, >> I was. >> Oh, we're recognizing you here now. >> 13 now.
>> 13 benches. That's what the 13th. >> That That's the 13th. >> That That's 13,000 pounds of plastic if I'm not mistaken. >> Two or 500. >> Oh, sorry. 12,000. >> You put a workout on your car with all that plastic. But as we close the year,
I think it's um fair to say this year was a year of progress, pressure, and learning here in the township. We made real movement forward on projects, planning, and ideas that position Delanco for the future. We also faced many challenges, disagreements, and
moments where the work was made harder than any of us expected. And yes, there were a few tough or messy moments along the way, but that's local government, real people, real stakes, real consequences. And I'm proud that even when we didn't agree, we kept showing up, we kept working, and we kept the
town moving forward. And you know, we have a new school uh school superintendent in town who's working on moving our school system forward, who like myself is thinking outside of the box when it comes to this town. Uh we had our grand opening of Waterfront Park this year, which was a few decades in
the making. We purchased 401 Creek Road to protect this town into the future. We received grants for so many projects. Uh this year um we managed through a huge public infrastructure project not only with PSENG digging up threequarters of
the town which we're going to have nice new roads come the spring. Uh we also had a surprise project from American Water at the Beverly side of town and one on Buttonwood Street. So needless to say a lot of our residents are facing construction fatigue. So thankfully that
there's just a couple more weeks worth of PSCG work come January and then the repaving in the spring and we are done. Um we held our first major event at the event launch at Field of Dreams this year. Our fall fest 1500 people showing
up. Hands off to uh Wreck on that. >> Hats off. >> Hats off. Hand Yeah. Please don't take your hands off. But that was great to showcase our town to visitors from the outside. We also had a lot of retirements in the last two years of long-term staff that culminated
this year with the retirement of Richard as our township administrator and hiring Debbie as our new township administrator. another outside of the box thinker who's helping move everything along and the retirement uh last week of Janice and the appointment
of her successor who will continue to keep this town moving forward. And as I wrap up, which I'm sure you're all happy about, I want to thank our professionals, our staff, and our residents for their patience, encouragement, and commitment to
Delanco. And thank you Carolyn for continuing to uh push forward and forward thinking this year that I started last year as mayor and not continuing to do the same old thing just because that's how it's always been done. And like Dr. Albert Einstein said
at its be said at best insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year and we'll see you all again in January. Thank you. >> Thank you, Matt. >> Thanks, Scott.
>> Whoever Kate, >> uh, thank you. Um, I didn't attend Del Riv's meeting in December. >> Pull that mic down so they can hear, >> but I understand that, uh, basketball games are beginning in January and registration's open for indoor soccer.
They are in need of a soccer commissioner. So, if anybody out there or you know anyone interested in helping out with soccer, uh they would appreciate that. Um the school activities, I certainly enjoy attending
as many as I can and uh it's just refreshing to see all the different things that are opening up for our students. Very happy to see Dr. T moving things forward for them. The winners of the eighth grade uh election for township committee were welcomed here
and sworn in by our uh deputy municipal clerk. An excerpt from their speeches was read for the public and they shared their suggestions and concerns at our meeting. Uh the Delo seniors enjoyed a holiday lunchon at Fertellis. Uh the
sewer authority met. Uh, our contractor is still waiting for county permits to do some inspections and cleaning of um some mains at Burlington Avenue, Fenomore, and Delue Lanes, and Largemunk Drive. 450 Creek Road has uh connected
to our service and it's been finalized and approved, and our operator's report is on file. uh recreation as um Phil and uh Matt had indicated the Christmas village and tree lighting was a wonderful event and thank you to
recreation and other volunteers who make these events possible throughout the year. Uh wreck does an an excellent job for us. Um, I met with members of the HOA from the crossings and our engineer to
determine the best way to release funds and have some controls to see that the remaining punch list items are completed. Um and uh we did talk about having a separate bond to be established for the
basins amount to be agreed upon for the sidewalk from the station to Newton's Landing Walkway on Coopertown Road. Affordable housing. I met with the team uh regarding providing financial assistance from our trust fund to some of the existing units uh as they work to
rehab some of the properties. And um I did attend a wonderful lunchon for Janice as she retires at the end of this year. And uh it was just so nice to see some people come back who had worked here with her. And uh it was a wonderful
event and she was definitely surprised and I do want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday and look forward to the new year. Thank you. >> Thank you. Excuse me. Just to uh elaborate on the Dr. Horton bond. We did
meet with Harry and executive um and they do want to not bifrocate. They want the bond reduction of the 30%. So their bond will be reduced down to 797. Um so he's going to go back and talk to them and get the official word and that's the
answer to your email right now. He was waiting on them. He just got that response today, Cindy. So once we have more info, we'll keep you posted. Um, I attended most of the events that the rest of the committee did. So, I'll spare you that and I will actually hold my remarks till the end of
the meeting and we'll move on to our first public comment session on agenda items. If you have anything you would like to speak about or say um, regarding agenda items, please come up to the podium and state your name and address for the record. This is session one, agenda items only.
Good evening. Moren Barrett, 621 Delaware Avenue, and also um speaking as myself, but a member of the Delo Public Library Association. I just want to thank the committee for um taking the time to work on the agreement. I appreciate the fact that members of the committee met with representatives from
the association and our attorney. Um, I I really appreciate your dedication to making sure everything is legal and that everything is right and puts us on a path forward for the future. So, thank you for that. >> Thank you. >> Carl Terroski, 55 Pennington Court.
My wife and I have been residents here for 21 22 years and I have uh been fortunate enough to be nominated by this board uh to serve
as uh on the land use board and on the shade tree committee. Uh of course everybody that serves on those do so as you do in your capacities. uh without pay.
And I wanted to just mention, and I hold it in my hand, the real estate taxes I pay over $12,000 a year for what I consider
to be a modest house in Delanco. Now, I'm sure many uh pay less and some pay a lot lot more, especially if you're on Delaware Avenue, but I wanted to bring all of this to
your attention in reference to the library because certainly for paying that kind of money in taxes, for dedicating
time to the community as many many people do, not just me. I think that it is essential that we have a library on a full-time basis.
Now, I understand that the library hours were cut down substantially when Walnut Street School closed and the uh students were put into uh the uh
school area where the library is. Uh Mr. Bartlett, you're shaking your head. No, >> I'm wrong. >> You're wrong. The library hasn't lost any time. The hours haven't even changed. They've been going in there as same. I want to make it make sure that
you do hear from the community that we are required as as a community to have a library to have it available to us at all times during the week and to ensure that the
people who work at that library for pay are compensated appropriately. appropriately. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else on agenda items? >> I'm short. Linda Wise, 600 Perkins Lane,
Dela. I have concern about I know that the lawyers are involved in all of this legal stuff and I don't know a lot about legal stuff, so I can't comment on that. What I can comment on, uh, I've talked privately with Kate about it, is the
years of our contract or our lease agreement and how they were messed up at one time and they're still not going to be fixed. And I don't know why that's happening. So, I don't know if Kate can discuss it with you or explain to you how it
happened or why it happened. How come it can't be fixed? That's my question. Do you want to comment? >> Well, I I think somewhere along the line when an agreement was renewed, uh I
personally worked with Joanne D'Angelo who was the administrative um assistant for the board of ed. We worked out the finances for the library. When the library was built, the township
entered an agreement with the school after the referendum was approved to pay um $157,000 for the construction of the library or somewhere in that area. It was $17,000 a year for 15 years. And after I got on
township committee and I was reviewing some things, I realized that another year had gone by and we were still paying $17,000. So the agreement that was done every five years was just to change the financial aspect of the agreement. There
was never an intent to change the original agreement that had the 75 years. Uh according to information that was provided to me with the new contract the 75 years is still up only it's 50
with the intention to renew after 50. Um I don't know why they can't put it back to 75. Um they feel that the contract was
I would consider it null. take on the new contract just finances to me. I worked in law for 40 years that was not the intent the it wasn't the intent of the school at that time. So I don't understand that aspect. I brought it up
to Matt and he said it's done. It's over and uh and it is what it is. So, uh, I think the contract that they're now working on is fair and I think that we should move forward. We cannot change
what happened. But I can tell you that there was never an intent because the township would never have put that much money into a building that we didn't own for the purpose of the library to be able to continue to be maintained at
that space. And that is how I feel and I would be happy to express that at any meeting at any board meeting because it was always the attempt to keep that original agreement time period. The financial aspect was changing because it
should have changed long before it did change. So, we paid more than our fair share for that library and we are now going to be paying our fair share to keep the costs down for the
school. And uh I think moving forward what the township and the and the school have come up with uh is going to be a fair fair agreement. So I I am okay with it now. So I don't know if that answers your
question. Um, but I I'm not taking the responsibility for that because there was never an intent to do that. I think that actually dropped off. Was it 2005? >> Yeah, 2005
actually. And let me just see it here. And it was signed by uh Vic Federino as mayor, which I think you were mayor in 2005, though. the it actually has in the preamble that you wanted to change to
replace the term with more equitable terms. It says well it literally says the party's desire to replace the existing contract to provide for a shorter term. So it was definitely >> thought about with intent. So the township committee at that time I think
well it was signed by Vic but uh whoever was on that I think you Fern and I don't even remember who else Jackie maybe >> Joe Galvano Bill Dylan Beck myself John Brown and Victor >> yeah so that it was the intent I don't
agree with that intent as we should have kept intent either and I don't know that that intent was agreed upon with the whole township committee because it was never the intent to change the term Never >> man 2004. >> It's 2005. >> Yeah, no st it says 2005 data Jan 1
2005. >> Yeah, but I guess they didn't have rehort by then. >> Yeah, >> but the resolution was in 2004. So, >> but yeah, who I guess whoever we'll have to take a look at the roll call who voted on it, but that's what the township committee voted on at the time. So, definitely shouldn't have been voted
on back then. >> Yes. So, that was 20 years ago. It changed. It's not like we changed. >> No, we didn't change a thing. This happened 20 years ago. Right. It is what it is now and it's still I think it's I think the agreement has been worked out to good terms for everybody >> and we spent five years negotiating this
agreement with them now. >> Yes. Yes. A long time on and off. >> More than five actually. >> Anyone else? >> Stephen Lur 2800 Colgate Avenue. I've noticed that the library contract has been put on the
public agenda for is this the third meeting or the second meeting? Third. >> Third. >> Third. >> Can you elaborate why it wasn't passed at the first two meetings that it was put on the public agenda? >> Committ Fitzpatrick. >> Well, actually, um,
we aren't going to vote on it tonight either. There have been additional negotiations between the uh library, the township, and the school. And um they're going through another agreement. So, we
are not voting on this agreement tonight because there are some changes that we're trying to make to make all the parties more compatible with what we want to do. >> I'm sorry, I just should have stayed up here. So, just want to clarify. I am
happy that the township committee did go back to the school board to renegotiate fairer terms for the library, but I was just I was just curious that it was on the public agenda three times and never passed. So obviously there wasn't a majority consensus on this. >> Well, it was tabled because we were
still speaking with the library association, so we weren't ready to vote on the contract the way it was, >> but it was put on the public agenda. >> Yes, >> it was carried over. >> Yep. and it was carried over again for this meeting. So, this is the second time it's been carried over, but it's
not going to be voted on tonight because there are additional terms that were being submitted to the school to reconsider for a different agreement. >> So, I believe in November it was agreed upon between the school board and our
two leazison uh Mr. and Mr. Vartlet that we would go forward with that original agreement and then you know after the library association came forward and expressed their concerns. We sat down with them and heard their concerns uh sent the school board a revised contract
based on our meeting last week. The school board has already approved the first contract. So they weren't willing to uh uh open that up to any differences until they heard what we had to say about it and what we were going to do with our vote. So, they do have those revisions. They've given us their notes
back. We've gone back and forth. So, we're still in that negotiating period right now. So, we're not ready to um pass it or not in the current state. >> Good. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> No problem. Nancy Mutnick 100 Lilac Lane. Um, I have
a couple of questions. I'm a member of the board of trustees of the library, so I've gone through all the documents and what I really don't understand is why the township committee is not insisting that the original contract, which says
that we are guaranteed another 25 years, isn't absolutely essential as part of what we'll agree to. So because the contract was changed in 2005, we can't go back to a contract. Of course, that of course you can you can
simply tell the school board. First of all, the whole business with the school board is just so irritating that they presented the public with the new plan when they closed the Walnut School. They absolutely assured everyone with maps
and diagrams that they they were sure they had enough room. So now when they realize they don't have enough room, where are they going to get the room? Oh, the library, of course. Why? First of all, they must have heat on in
the Walnut Street School. Otherwise, the pipes would freeze. Correct. >> I would assume so. >> I would assume so. >> Why don't they move admin over there and use the admin space that's attached to the gym as the extra space they need instead of taking it out the library's hide?
>> When has anyone been in the library?uring during the library hours that prevented the library a student being in the library during public library hours. It hasn't that hasn't been the case. >> What? >> Beforehand before library hours.
>> I'm sorry. I don't >> What are you saying? >> You're saying >> No, I I I need to know why they don't move admin over to Walnut Street since they have to have the heat on. >> You're at the wrong board for that. You need to talk to them. >> I couldn't comment on that. No, but my point is you have as much say about how
that space is used, our 4,000 square ft. We paid for that 4,000 square ft. What right do they have to come in and change the hours? >> You know, it's not just our 4,000 ft. It's also theirs. >> It's their building. It's their space. We paid for 2,000 square feet to be
built onto it. It's not our space as the township. It's technically the school owns that space. That's their space. Well, they own the 2,000 square feet, >> but it's their building. It's deed to them. We happen to pay for an addition on it, but it's still their space.
>> But then but but the township went into the agreement with the assertion that we would have a public library that had 4,000 square feet that their 2,000 square feet had their books and
but it's still part ours. But they've taken over all of it. I don't understand why the power has shifted to the school board instead of saying wait a minute we made a mistake the original agreement we want to go back to it we want asurances that we have the extra 25 years
>> we can say whatever we want they don't have to agree to it that's why >> and we don't have to agree to them taking over our space either >> well they're not they're not saying they want to take over the space >> they're changing the hours >> yeah they're changing the hours they're not taking over the space >> I'd suggest you come to the school board meeting and address your concerns with
the school board >> well I did actually try to go to the school board. I went to the library. I went first to the gym, then I went to the town hall and then found out the meeting was at Walnut Street. >> Yeah. It's been at Walnut Street for the last four months. It's been advertised that way. >> Yeah. >> Well, I looked on the website and I clearly don't understand how to read
their website. >> It's published in the paper. It's published in the signs at the municipal building. >> Okay. Let's get back to the point. >> You're not exercising the power that you have. I >> you think we have power? I do, but we can't put a gun to their head and say,
"You need to do this." We know. That's why we've been negotiating for five years because we've tried to get them to do things. They don't have to agree to it. That's why it's a party. It's a an agreement between two parties. Nobody can force the other party to do anything. >> But apparently they're forcing you to do what they want, which is take over part
of our space because they miscalculated. >> Well, there's there's negotiations and there's give and take. And that's >> Let's get back to Walnut Street. Why can't they move admin to Walnut Street? You have to discuss that with the school board. I have nothing to do with that. >> I don't understand how the negotiation goes. There are certain facts that are in front of us. They made a mistake and
we as the library pay the consequences. >> Who made a mistake? >> They did when they told the town the reason they were closing Walnut Street is they they wanted to move the school because they were sure they could save money by putting everyone together. >> So, at the time they were they were
>> they made a mistake, >> right? Sure they did. We can't blame the current administration for that. But if you get 10 more kids that enroll in school, that blows up the whole plan when you had enough room. What if they need what if they need pull out resources? Like you can't continue to harp on they had enough room. What we're
going to hold them to to the fire. Great. But things have changed and they are stating they need the space because of security. They're not saying they need it for classroom space. That has never been a a factor of their argument. >> That whole business of security is ridiculous. >> Well, that's your opinion, but that I'm telling you that's what they're saying
to us and we can only go by what they're saying to us. So, no, but you could do your own research to find out. It's ridiculous. >> We have done our own research. >> Well, that report that they cited, where is it? No one can find it. >> Well, it's apparently at the library. Aren't they handing out the QC report at the library? >> You have the letter from the And you
have the letter from the county superintendent, >> right? So, >> which the library board has, >> you have to take this up with the with the school board. We You're firing your shots at us. And we have no no very limited control about what the school board can do. We only have this agreement that says we pay the utilities
and how long we can occupy it for. That's it. That's our power, >> right? That's in a nutshell. I >> If this was 2005 before the last amendment, let me just finish, please. If this was 2005 before the last
amendment was signed, that amendment that was signed that said all of the previous amendments do not count. The previous agreement is over. We want to renegotiate and here's your new term. Where has anyone's concern been for Kate? Please let me finish.
>> Okay. Okay. >> It was changed and I you said before that wasn't the intent. It literally says that's the intent. >> But what was the term that changed? The term that changed was just the financing. >> No, it wasn't. >> It said So I You have to read that because I don't have that contract.
>> It's Well, you were on the committee that voted for it, Kate. >> Yeah, but I don't have it in my file. I'll read this right now. The one, two, three. The sixth whereas clause. Whereas the
parties which is the township and the school board desire to replace the existing contract which is the contract dated Jan 487 to provide for a shorter term and more equitable terms. And then when you go to paragraph
three, the term of this agreement shall be five years from the date of the agreement which commencement is indicated above. The township may extend the term of this agreement for additional 5-year periods. And then further on in the contract, this agreement shall supersede any prior agreements between the parties including
the contract annu dated January 4th, 1987. >> Yeah, I don't understand that. So this clearly was the township committee in 2004 or 2005 that voted on this and signed this. We're trying to correct this mess now that the previous township committee from 20 years ago
>> caused. >> So every agreement has only been for 5 years. >> The financial part of it was for five years, >> but it never actually addressed how long. There's nothing in that agreement that says they could they couldn't just end that in five years, right? There's nothing that says the lease is until x
amount of days. This now reinstates that until 2039. So it's actually stating a date as opposed to 5 years. So it's going above and beyond. We're giving them almost 15 years. >> It took five years to get to get us to this point.
>> So basically it feels as though every five years we have to go through this. >> No, that's what this new agreement is taking care of. >> It's only it's only 15 years >> only. That's that's 15 more years than you have now. >> But I think >> but the point was supposed to be a total of 75 years. That only brings us to 50,
not 75. >> If I had a time machine to go back to 2005 where they didn't sign this agreement, >> that wouldn't be an issue. >> Exactly. >> I don't have the time machine. I don't have the Delorean. I can't take back what the township committee did 21 years ago. We can only try to fix their screw-ups. And it doesn't seem like
anyone wants us to. And we want to keep on harping on the same thing without getting to the problem fixed. >> And it doesn't matter because we can say you need to give us another 25 years. The answer is no. We know what their answer is. We're just going to continue to be nowhere at that point. So
>> if the library association right now would like to say township, don't sign the agreement. We're going to negotiate our own agreement with the board of education and we're going to get those 25 years. Gosh darn it. Let us know. >> So what happens in 15 years? We have no library. No, there's terms in there for
renewals >> like we've had the terms for renewal that's taken five years to >> you don't have terms for renewals now >> right yeah >> there's no agreement right now >> great it's excellent job I mean what can I say it just feels so ridiculous to me
this whole this whole business feels not not right >> I agree and like I said I don't have my Delorean I can't fix up what the previous township committee did 20 years ago they're the ones you should be angry angry with. >> Yeah.
>> None of us want to be in this position either. >> We're the middleman. >> Somehow somehow it feels as though the concept that you're only that you have no power just bothers me. it. I do think you have power and I feel
as though somehow you're not I I I don't know why you don't think you have power. >> I don't know why. >> You're paying money to the school. >> We're paying our percentage of utilities and maintenance. That's all we're paying. >> Yeah.
>> We paid the construction cost off >> construction cost and then some. >> But and then some, right? We paid more money than that. >> Yeah. It's it's unfortunate. We're doing our best though to to handle everyone's concerns, >> you know,
>> and I think we all up here value having a township library in this community, a public library. >> We do. >> And we're just we're trying to make it equitable for everybody, >> right? >> That's never been a question. We don't we don't want the library to go away. We
want we value its resource and its workers and we want it to stay. We're just we're trying in good faith to negotiate with the school and come to an equable agreement between three parties that only two parties are really in the agreement. >> So I hope that answered your questions.
>> Yeah. Well, it it just feels as though as you were talking Matt about thinking outside of the box, I felt as though when I looked at the problem, it was why did the school board look to take away take hours away or change our hours and
make it less convenient for people and disrupt the morning programs that we have. Not that that's the end of the world, but the point is why did they look there instead of looking at other options like moving admin and moving them to Walnut Street and using that space? They didn't want to inconvenience
themselves, just us. >> It's But it's not the space. It's the security issues they're concerned with. >> You don't have to believe it. >> I don't believe it at all. >> That's your prerogative. >> Well, the point is what makes it safe after 12:30. I >> mean, that's the students aren't coming.
>> They're not coming for lunch and recess. >> Yeah. like they're not coming and going out of that door. What about when they're in the field after school? >> They don't utilize that's after school and that's they utilize different enter. >> They're kids all over after school. >> Again, I tell you what, it just it just
feels like you know what if I guess if they admit it outright, you know what, we made a mistake and now we want to do this. Can you help us out? As opposed to saying all this ridiculous nonsense about being safe. >> That's a question. Would that change the library board's mind? No. and their stance right >> maybe maybe it would make you feel a
little better about this whole ridiculous I I really can't stand people who make a mistake and don't own and don't own it >> it's it's a different superintendent it's a different board you know we can only operate in the present and we're doing our best to do that >> and I believe their next board meeting
would be and I haven't seen the calendar I believe it would be they're using the usual schedule it should be January 21st which is a Wednesday at 7 p.m. Okay. >> More than likely, it'll more than likely be a walnut. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Uh, anyone else for agenda items? >> Hello. Um, Christine Holland, 319 Delaware Avenue. I have risk of belaboring this any further. I do thank you for the time that you guys have taken to re-evaluate to table the original consent agenda items to meet
with us our subcommittee uh board members. It it really does mean a lot to our community to have a public library here and we appreciate the support and ongoing negotiations to move this forward and and get back to the spirit
of the agreement, the uh the intent of the school board or the uh the township committee to have this gem for our town. Um we provide a lot of programs. Our staff works hard for not uh they're not making mad money
doing this. It's it's for love of library um for love of books and education and I think we're all working towards the same thing. So we do appreciate the time that you guys are spending to really make sure that we get it right this time. So thank you and merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas. >> Merry Christmas.
>> Anybody else? Agenda items. Session one. I'll close session one to the public and move on to our consent agenda items. Consent agenda items are considered to be routine. Will be enacted with a single motion. and 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? >> Yes. No. Maybe. >> Nope. >> Okay, >> I'm good. >> Resolution 2025164 approving 2025 budget appropriation transfers. Resolution 165, resolution to
cancel balance of emergency appropriation. Resolution 166 authorizing change order number one for the 2024 road program, Delaware Avenue. Resolution 167, fiscal year 2026, local recreation improvement grant, ElRigg. Resolution 168, authorizing a contract
with the administrative agent for the administration of affordable units, also known as Triad Associates. Resolution 169, authorizing execution of shared ser shared services agreement with the board of educa board, I'm sorry, board of county commissioners of the county of Burlington for snow removal and
associated uses. Resolution 170, resolution appointing animal control officer for 2026. 171, resolution authorizing amendment to employment contract with the Delo Superintendent of Public Works. 172, appointing municipal housing leaison Beverly Russell. 173
Resolution to cancel taxes and refund tax overp payments due to total veteran exemption pursuant to NJSA 54-3A. Resolution 174, dispose of out of service vehicle. Approve payment of bills in the amount of 900 $949,124
as per the bill run list dated 123 1210 and 1217. Approval of the minutes from 11:17 and 121. Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda please? >> So second >> uh Fern and Scott
roll please. >> Really not doing that over. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. Mr. McFad, >> yes. >> Mr. Ola, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, resolution 2025-160
tabled from November 17th and December 1st, township committee meetings. This is the authoriz authorizing execution of library space agreement with the board of education. I have the township of Deleno governing space at the Mjun Pearson School. Can I get a motion to approve resolution 2025-160?
Seeing none, this motion fails and is dead. Any correspondence? >> Yes. Three pieces of correspondence. Um we received an email from David Rust um voicing his objection to the uh library agreement being approved. Um we received
an email from the DCA regarding the Elri Grant um which was on the consent agenda tonight. Um just stating the deadline to submit was February 13, 2026. We're ahead of that. And on the deis tonight, you'll see um correspondence that we
received from from Jersey Strong Coastal Coalition. and they are a coalition of various county and municipal and uh citizen groups that would like to look to
improve and expand on nuclear power in our region um to help with the cost of uh of electricity. And uh there is a letter signed by 70 of those entities, counties, municipals, municipalities or citizens groups. and they do offer to
come out and speak before the board if it's something that um the governing body is interested in. They can come and uh speak about their initiative and their plans. There's also a plan um put together by Whit Strand Consulting LLC
which is the cost of new nuclear generation in New Jersey. So if that is something that the governing body would like to see in 2026, we can reach out to them to have them come and speak. >> Yeah. I mean, I think nuclear energy is
important. They've closed five plants in the state, and that's part of the reason why our energy bills have soared. So, I mean, I'm all for it. >> Yeah, maybe we should have them uh come out and do a presentation. Wouldn't hurt. >> Make that happen, Beth. We can make that
happen. Certainly. Thank you. Okay. Discussion items. Oh, I'm sorry. Meeting open to the public. Session two. Comments and questions regarding general items now open to the public. >> Hi, Steve. >> Hi. Uh, Steve Scoffield, 230 Walter
Avenue. Um last meeting there was a resolution passed a resolution 2025-162 um reviewing and approving the 2026 salary for the fire commissioners. I was cur curious about what that was
about. the um I'll just respond as the fire commission leazison on the township is required actually I believe it's by the DCA the department of community affairs to approve the commissioner's salary it's the commission pays them
that all comes out of the commission but as the township committee we are required to actually approve that >> okay >> even though we have >> the commission handles everything related to the operations >> we used to have to >> we didn't understand either so the schoolboard budget before too. That's just weird things that we have to do,
>> right? >> Um, >> it wasn't much. That's the >> No, but I was just, you know, everyone says it's the school budget. We don't have anything to do with it. It's the fire budget. We don't have anything to do with it. >> Yeah. Right. >> Well, we do. >> Yeah. The the Yeah. The fire commission
still operates as their own separate board. They're their own separate taxing entity. They operate everything. But for some reason, just the commissioner's salary itself, the minuscule amount that we have to approve. But the hundreds of thousands of dollars for the everything
else that the commission has they approve. >> So >> some kind of oversight, I'm sure. >> Yeah. >> Government red tape that comes from Trenton that makes us approve things. >> All right. Uh I am not on Facebook. >> Smart man. >> Smart. Uh however, my wife showed me
some uh interesting post um after a snowstorm. Uh, I think it's started by someone in the fire uh department concerning the parking on Walter Avenue. Uh,
I'm only here interested because uh it's next to a piece of property that I own. Um, it is painted yellow >> for no parking, but there is no sign there. >> I'm not the person that had the car. Just uh there's no >> Thanks for clearing that up.
>> There there's no sign there. Um, prior some time when I first purchased the property the '9s until sometime in the 2000s, there was a sign there. Uh, sometime in the 2000s, uh, that sign was
replaced with a handicap parking and the yellow line was painted blue for Rey >> who lived at I think it was 402 Burlington. uh when he moved eventually was changed back to a yellow line
somewhere along the line. I never noticed that the sign was removed. Not even just the sign, but the pole. So, I'm guessing I'm asking if maybe we could put up a poll with a sign that
says no parking from here to corner. >> So, here's the deal with that. It's been an ongoing issue in town. Uh regardless if there's a pole or painted curbs, the ordinance is how many feet from a curb? 50 >> corner. >> From from the corner. So that's that's
you're supposed to know that as a person with a driver's license technically. And it's not required that there be signs or um painted lines. So the state ordinance is 50 feet. >> Okay. Well, >> but we don't enforce 50 feet because
that would be insane, right? So, um I think we try to go with >> 30 25 to 30. We try to be lean because there's not a lot there's not a lot of space in town, right? >> There's a lot of one. >> We've had that conversation over the years. >> So, we try to be um to the residents, hey, you know what? >> Okay.
>> Kind of let it let it go, but it's a little ridiculous when they're actually at the corner. >> They're right at the corner and >> then you can't see to get around. That's where it's an issue. Same thing with like fire hydrants. >> Try to give a little grace, >> but the fire >> Yeah. They're blocking the hydrant from Steve's property, right? Yeah. >> So, I just, you know, I thought it
somewhere along the, you know, the sign was rude, but you're saying, you know, >> Yeah, we did. I we did address this. I saw the Facebook post and we did address it with the chief and he's Yeah. >> Okay. >> the last thing I I'd like to ask, I haven't um heard anything since uh we
had the meetings for what people would like 401 to become. So, basically, I'm asking is there a status of is anything >> yes >> going on? So, our RFP, request for proposals, is going to be published right after the holidays, which is going
to solicit bids then for uh developers to submit uh their proposals for 55 and older communities, whether that be single homes, condos, apartments, assisted living, any of those combinations. So, that was just uh we've been working on that since October. We
were just waiting on our professionals to clean it up and to make it look pretty for publication and we'll be ready to send that out and publish that right after the holidays. Deb, right? >> Yes. >> Great. Okay. Thank you. Have a nice holiday. You too, Steve. >> Thank you, Steve. Listen, when I make a
promise, I make a promise. I said we were going to move fast. We move fast. We don't intend to hold on to that property. We intend to get it on the tax roles and put it to its best use. We'll work directly with the developer to make sure, you know, it's it's something nice for that piece of property. That makes
sense. Anybody else? Final session of the year. >> Hand in the back. >> I know Ry has he's just itching to jump up there. >> He's not going to close out the year silent. >> He did to me though.
>> Hi, U Julie Gandandy, 625 Second Street. Uh two two things. One is I missed the comment at the end of the meeting at the end of the um
the agenda about nuclear power. >> Yes. >> What what is that? So, it was just correspondence that we received um from the Jersey Strong Coast Coalition that they're they're looking to expand nuclear power in New Jersey and they're
looking for committees and mayors just to back them so that they can go to Trenton and advocate for nuclear power. So, if we were going to support that, they would come out and make a presentation and then we could just basically sign off on a resolution stating we support the um push for nuclear power if that's so is the
committee's prerogative. not for a power plant to be built on. >> It's just in New Jersey existing power plants have been shut down. So I think they're trying to, you know, reactivate that situation. >> Look into the halflife of what they produce because it is beyond our
lifetime and probably beyond the lifetime of Earth. Uh I am against nuclear power. I'm glad they shut the plants down. >> Well, they didn't shut nuclear down. They shut down coal and >> Well, that's good, too. >> Yeah. >> Okay. But if you are having a discussion
about nuclear power or you know whatever I would encourage the environmental committee to be part of that discussion. Um my second question is uh have there been any plans for the 250th anniversary
for the you know >> for Deleno to do something? Yes. Yes. So we actually have a subcommittee with Riverside and Delan to do something the last weekend in June as a 0 a75. So, something's going to happen in Delrayan, Riverside, and Delanco that weekend. I think we're that Sunday. Um, we had
initially talked about doing a 5K, doing a concert. So, yes, that has been ongoing for several months now. >> Okay. >> And it's also DelenCo's centennial next year, our 100th year as Deleno Township. So, we'll be doing events to celebrate that as well. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome.
>> There he is. >> We knew it, Ray. >> Ray, >> he just wants to wish us happy holidays. It's not going to complain about trees or curves or >> uh Ray Weber 22 ships. I just want to thank the township committee and the police team for everything that that's
occurred in the township as well as those residents in Newton's dining appreciated as well as for 401 Creek. I'll bring that back to them and they'll be happy. Uh also I just want to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year and thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Same to you, Ray. Thanks. Appreciate >> one other thing. Hey, Phil, were you Santa Claus? >> No, I was not >> or Matt. >> Matt. >> Phil. Oh, I wasn't Santa Claus. No, no, no. >> Santa Claus is ready. I mean, yeah.
>> His name is Chris with you asking questions. >> Yeah. >> Anybody else speak now or hold your comments to next year? >> Two weeks. >> Two weeks. Do this discussion. Are we gonna
I think that's everything. >> I closed public session. Um, yes. So, basically this discussion item is to the bifurcation of the bond for the crossings. I see I got an email from Cindy. She shot one off while she was sitting there to us. >> Um, addressing her concern. So, when I
have a minute, I'll read that. Uh, you just multitasking back there. So, yeah. So, the the bond is going to be reduced. Uh, Harry will handle that and we'll uh probably have it on the agenda for February. We have 45 days from notice and then we have 45 days to act. So
nothing's going to happen for the three months technically. Okay. Um you're welcome. Anybody else have anything they want to talk about? No. >> Okay. >> Then I'll go on.
>> Before we adjourn tonight, I just ask for a few moments from the heart. Tonight is my final meeting. Serving as the mayor of Deleno Township in our committee form of government, the mayor is selected each year within this body and being chose to ser being chosen to serve in this role has one of what been
one of my life's greatest honors. When I accept this position, I didn't see it as a title. I saw it as a promise. A promise to show up, to listen, to work hard, and always put Deleno first. Over the past year, I've poured my time, my energy, and my whole heart into this role. Together, we've made difficult
decisions, celebrated meaningful moments, and continue to work on moving our town forward. None of our accomplishments happen because of one person. They happen because of teamwork, because of the dedication of this committee, the committee of our township staff, commitment of our township staff, the professionalism of our police
department, the tireless efforts of our public works, our volunteers, and the residents who care deeply about this town. Thank you to the people of Delano. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for holding me accountable. I truly hope that I've served you well and that when you look back at this year, you feel proud of the
direction we took and the work we did together. When people think about being mayor, they often see the photographs, the public events, the handshakes, and the moments at the podium. What they don't always see is that being mayor is a real job, one that carries real responsibility, real accountability, and
real consequences. This role is far more than showing up for photo opportunities or simply running a meeting twice a month. Being mayor means reading the emails no one else sees, taking the phone calls late at night, and making decisions that aren't always popular but necessary. It means understanding the
details, asking hard questions, and being willing to step in when something isn't right. A mayor sets a tone for how serious a town takes itself. That means caring deeply about the small things, because the small things become big things when ignored. It means being present, prepared, and engaged, not just when it's convenient, but all the time.
I've been accused more than once of being a micromanager. And while I understand how that word can sound negative, I don't believe attention to detail is a flaw in leadership, especially in a town like ours. Caring enough to ask questions, to follow up, and to make sure things are done correctly isn't about control. It's about responsibility. In leadership,
being hands-on means you value the trust that was placed in you. It means you don't treat decisions lightly, and you don't delegate away accountability. You respect the work being done by staff, but you also respect the residents enough to stay informed and involved. Being mayor requires time, effort, and emotional investment. It requires
listening, learning, and sometimes standing alone in a decision because you believe it's the right thing to do. It's not ceremonial, it's personal. This position should always be taken seriously because the people who live here take their town seriously. And anyone who steps in this role should understand that it's not just about
leading a meeting. It's about leading with intention, integrity, and care for the community that we serve. While my term as mayor ends tonight, my service does not. I will continue on as township committee member committed to working just as hard for this community no matter what title I hold. As we look ahead, whoever is selected to serve as
mayor next year, I sincerely hope they bring the same time, effort, and love to this role that I tried to give every single day because Deleno deserves nothing less. Thank you for the honor, thank you for the trust, and thanking you. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your mayor. And with that, I will close this meeting
and wish everyone happy holidays and happy new year. Thank you. Motion to >> motion to adjurnn. >> So >> second. >> All in favor? >> I >> thank you. >> No, just practicing for next year.
>> I hear a lot of that next year. you. >> Merry Christmas.