Okay. Township committee meeting September 22nd 2025 7:00 p.m. Delo Municipal Building 770 Coopertown Road Delano New Jersey. >> Mayor, we are recording. >> Thank you.
>> All right, we'll be live in a second. All right, we're live on the internet. >> Good evening. Welcome to this evening, September 22nd's township committee meeting located here at the Municipal Building, 7 p.m. 770 Coopertown Road in Deleno. Roll call, please.
>> Mr. Bartlett >> here, >> Mrs. Patrick here. Mr. McFaden >> here. >> Mr. Oat >> here. >> Miss Seuss >> here. Thank you. Also present, Mrs. Simmona, our township administrator. Mr. Heinhold, our township solicitor, Mrs. Lure, our municipal clerk, uh Mr.
Warren, our police chief, and Miss McFaten, our administrative assistant. Please rise for the flag salute to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Sunshine live stream statement, please. Janice, >> 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 Bronson County Times and Courier Post and
published in the December 30th, 2024 editions and written notice has been posted on the official bulletin board of the Township of Delanc at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. 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 the open public meetings act. And if the technology, excuse me, 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 and put your cell phones on vibrate. Okay, we'll move on to rules governing the public comment period in accord with and subject to the provisions of the open public meetings act NJSA 1012- 104-12 at seek during public comment
periods the delanka 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 that the microphone is disruptive to the person speaking at the microphone or to the committee member speaking at the deis and will not be permitted. Each
speaker will have a maximum of five minutes to speak and should limit their comments to the matter at hand. The speaker will be directed to conclude their remarks once the time has expired. No time may be yielded to another speaker by a speaker. Groups are asked to select a spokesperson to speak on their behalf. Speakers will address the committee from the podium and are asked
to 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. Speaker should expect the township committee from refraining and engaging in a dialogue except to the extent necessary to clarify the speaker's
comments. We allow a time for speaking from the podium as the 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. Speakers, members of the public should at all times maintain proper decorum and shall make their
comments in a civil manner. Personal attacks, obscenity, derogatory or slandist remarks will not be tolerated. Ordinance 2025-12 amending chapter 245-13 governing the preparation of waste collection waste for collection by the township. This is the second reading
and public hearing. The hearing is now open to the public for ordinance 2025-12 only. If you have anything you'd like to say about this ordinance, please come up to the podium and state your name and address. Seeing none, I will close this public hearing. Can I get a motion to approve
and adopt ordinance 20 2025-12, please? On second reading. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Matt, second by Kate. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Bartlett, >> yes. >> Mrs. Patrick, >> yes. >> Mr. McFaden, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes.
>> Miss Seuss. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Moving on to comments and reports. Uh, township administrator, Mrs. Simona. >> I have no report this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh department heads, chief, anything to report?
>> Yeah, good evening everyone. Um we actually had our first uh annual fishing event this week and uh very nice turnout. The weather was great. >> Um want to thank Dunkin Donuts. They actually donated all the donuts for us. So that was pretty cool. But it was nice
seeing the kids being outside and having fun. >> Um they didn't catch a whole lot of fish, but they caught some. But again, just them being outside and enjoying the weather um and um interacting with each other was was pretty cool. So looking forward to doing it again next year. >> Yeah, it was a perfect day. >> Yeah, it was a good day. But thank you for your help, Phil. Um John Fedmore and
uh public works to help me out with clearing out areas so we got nice pockets where they they can fish in space. We didn't want everybody on top of each other trying to cast. So >> but uh but yeah, it was a good event. So I'm happy we were able to do it. >> As far as the department, um for right
now to date, uh we have 177 total police cases. There have been 1,587 motor vehicle stops with 535 motor vehicle summons issued and we have a total call service for up to date. Yes,
8,571. So we had still busy numbers are still going up. So >> great and that's it for me. >> Thank you. I also uh just a quick note had the chief pull uh report for
incidents related to anything with Hawk Island from Labor Day to from Memorial Day to Labor Day. And mostly there's only the only incidents I really see here are noise complaints and they were
all justified by the boats on the river. There was nothing noise complaints or any other kind of complaints from people actually on the island. Um there was a few incidents where the state police did respond to those noise complaints um asked the votes to turn it down but we
did not have any jurisdiction on the actual river uh only on our portion of the land. So uh we didn't have any I think there was one maybe parking summons you said issued >> last week and actually there were two issued yesterday. >> Okay. other than that. That's it.
>> And they were parked, excuse me, not on Vine. They were actually parked at the gate. >> They were there was just someone for that. So, okay. >> I received a a call from someone who lives there at the end of Vine and uh about people entering um after hours and
I said, "Please call the police. That's what they're there." Because they said, "Oh, they don't want to bother them." I said, "Well, I can't do anything about it. You need to call the police." So, they have a vehicle. They are aware of the hours, you know, there are rules. So, please call the police, call it. And
so, I don't know if they did. >> No, >> that same person reached out to me. I said the same thing. >> Yeah. >> The same person that said the end of >> the only two calls that actually were from the same person yesterday for noise, but it was again it was for the boats on the river. Um and there was one call like I said for the park vehicle
which was but um even when uh responding with the state police like I said sometimes they advise when turning music down they don't always you know because what they deem appropriate is a lot different than us um and obviously >> once they're in that high tie word line there's nothing we can do and that's
where you know people don't understand that but >> but it's good to see that our ordinances work and our it's >> the issue is it's only pushing people back a block. And I've spoken to a few residents on the block, the second block there that already have parking issues,
and they're saying that kind of exacerbated the parking issues by just pushing them all back a block. >> Yeah. So, >> I kind of knew that would be it. >> Yeah. So, I'm not really sure we accomplished anything by doing that. >> The people carding stuff up in Hulk Island and partying there. I think we
>> But but that's that wasn't happening. Give you an example. with with the with the event we had Saturday. >> It's almost a half mile to get back to that that league, >> right? >> You're not carrying a 75 lb or 100 pound cooler back there by yourself
>> a half a mile. Saturday, we actually we shuttle most of the people back there because of the distance. >> Oh yeah. >> So, and even on Saturday and I've been back there now consistently preparing for the event for the past month and a half. There's no trash back there. Even when they were utilizing the island on
the weekends, Jonathan Marty had a schedule set up with public works. Every Monday they went out there, got the trash, went and dumped it, and it worked. They were, you know, pretty cohesive with him and um actually Paul Newman. >> Yeah. >> With that. >> But as far as them being on the island,
we only had one call this summer for someone actually being out there staying >> and he was addressed and removed. But >> but I think before our ordinance there were some issues. >> No, >> I can't believe they just >> because they weren't really issues. >> Made them up.
>> Yeah. Well, I we showed you the numbers last year. >> Yeah. >> Because again, now like you just said this now, though, people are saying, "Well, I didn't want to bother the police." >> Right. Exactly. >> But we can't address anything if we're not told. You know what I mean? So, >> Right.
>> Thank you, Chief. So, I have this report if anybody wants to look at it um after tonight. Okay. Um Mrs. Lure, anything to report? Just some upcoming events. Um,
we have this Saturday is the uh townwide the fall townwide yard sale and uh that maps uh will be at various retail locations around town and the municipal building and we have I believe the fire
house is doing hogies. Scouts are doing their famous pork roll egg and cheese. Uh Randall's Rescue is going to have a bake sale. I'm not sure if the library is doing anything for the for the yard sale. >> Uh their friends of the library will
have tables set up uh right out front of the Pearson school where the library sign is. Okay. Right next to there is where they set up their tables uh and they sell books. >> They have they're having a book sale at and at the Pearson school. >> Yes. >> Okay. Great. And then also, well, on
October 4th, very busy day, we have community cleanup day from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the public works garage. So, um items that are usually not able to be put out with um regular trash are can be
accepted. Uh that would be TVs and electronics, um plastics, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, tires, up to four tires will be accepted. Um, so that is the community cleanup day, Saturday, October 4th, 7:00 am to 3 pm. And also that day
is our um a free shredding event right here at the municipal building. And that's 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. rain or shine. So, uh, residents, uh, may bring their, um, bags or boxes of unshredded documents, um, to bring them here on
October 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. So, a lot of cleanup opportunities for October 4th. And I think we have another event on October 4th, a big one hosted by um the Lanco Heritage Celebration uh
in cooperation with the Lanco Recreation Commission, the Fall Fest, Saturday, October 4th, 12:00 p.m. to 400 p.m. And that is where is that? Field of Dreams. And there's going to be a lot. There's um DJs, vendors, food trucks, bouncy
houses, pony rides, and on and on and on. And I believe um there there will be vendors. >> Yeah. So we have about 40 vendors in total right now between the crafters and the food trucks. Um and more are signing up every day. I think we have five food trucks. Uh Mr. Softy's coming,
Chick-fil-A, and then the uh additional food trucks. We're going to have, I think, two obstacle courses, a mechanical bowl, bounce house, um our usual pumpkins with the do with the decorations. Uh we're gonna have balloon backdrops, fall fall themed backdrops. So uh it's
it's community day on steroids. So we've kind of >> petting zoo. >> Yeah, petting zoo. So we've kind of expanded on community day now that we have a bigger space and a lot more activities. So we're super excited for that. It's kind of like our smaller version of what the centennial event
will be next September. So, >> um, and then the firehouse is still doing their their events, uh, kind of a different different way. >> Yeah, fire prevention, uh, there should be I'll get to the date when I get to my report, but yeah, >> I think it's is it the
>> I think it's the whatever the Friday is following the 10th. Yeah, >> 10th. Yeah, they're doing like an open house. >> Yeah, they'll be putting more information out on that in the coming week. >> Okay. And on Saturday, October 18th, from 1 p.m. to 3M, the Deleno History Board
will be having an open house and uh featuring displays and information for the um Civil War era alligator submarine, Deleno Waterman, and doing business in Delano.
So that's Saturday, October 18th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. here at the municipal building. And then we have Saturday, October 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. is the trunk or tree along the river. So
this year it will be along the river from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. And the event is free to attend and that's always a lot of fun for the kids and the adults too. And then on Saturday, October 25th, we have the
women's club is having their annual 5K run. Um very lovely event. Um registration is at 8 am and the race begins at 900 am. And Kate, where do you um down at Gateway Park? >> Gateway Park. >> You can and you can register that
morning too as well as in advance. >> Yes, in advance is online or you can somebody can actually give me their registration or uh at the event at 8:00 into 9. The race starts at 9:00 >> and Deleno Township is going to be
sponsoring a team this year. >> Yes. >> I thought that was really nice. >> Yes. Erin, do you know if the team has chosen its colors yet? >> Not yet. Okay. For their for their shirts. Okay. >> Yeah. >> And the last event is that the environmental advisory board is
partnering with the um parent Deleno parent teachers PTO for a Halloween costume swap. And there's a bin right out here in the municipal building. So, if anyone has any uh gently used, worn
Halloween costumes that they'd like to donate to um children that may not have um the ability to get a new Halloween costume. And those are right here at the um that bin is right here at the Deleno Municipal Building um for the Halloween
costume swap sponsored by the Environmental Advisory Board and Delanco PTO. And that's all I have that I and there's a lot of flyers. I just grabbed a bunch of flyers from the lobby. So everything that I mentioned except for
the Halloween costume swap uh flyers are available in the lobby. So, if I missed something, please add to my report. >> Uh, just one thing. On November 1st, since it's Halloween weekend, we have the bonfire and movie night at West
Avenue Dunes. Uh, that's the the Halloween movie event that we'll have there. So, that'll be a a nice fun thing to do on Halloween weekend. So, come out on the 1st, November 1st. Okay. Thank you, Janice.
Uh, township committee, Mr. Olette. See, Mrs. Lord covered uh some of the items, so I'll just skip over them. Uh the history board uh we met on September the 3rd, and uh one of the topics was
the veterans banners. So, we have the banners uh along Burlington Avenue uh through different seasons. Uh right now, the American flags are out there. We'll have fall flags and then we have uh the
Cardinals. Uh but uh we're looking into uh veter uh pictures of veterans here in town. Uh folks that have lived here uh past and I guess present and uh see about getting pictures and getting them
displayed uh out on the light poles. Uh so that's in progress. Uh let's see. uh history board will have a table set up uh for the township uh townwide yard
sale and we normally set up near uh the library uh or friends of the library. Uh guess it's Maple and Burlington uh Avenue is where they're set up. Uh let's see Fall Fest on the 4th. History
board's looking to participate uh in that event and open house on the 18th. Uh let's see. Oh, November 16th, Sunday, November 16th from 3 to 4:30 here at uh the municipal building. Looking to do a
uh veterans uh sort of celebration or uh story sharing. done this in the past and uh get a nice turnout and folks are able to share their story of when they were in the military and uh
it's a nice event that takes place here. And let's see, next meeting for the history board is Wednesday, October the 8th at the Zerbrook mansion. We meet monthly there and uh everyone's welcome to come,
anyone who's interested. uh see the library uh again uh looking to participate in the fall fest on October the 4th uh and uh friends of the uh
let's see yeah friends of the library are doing Bosov's friends helping friends and I think that's at the end of October I don't have that date >> 22nd I think >> 22nd uh so you can get u a coupon I guess at
the library and uh you get the coupon then uh you take the bus offs and I think it's up to 20% off on uh your purchases there on different items and the library meets next time on
October the 14th at the library at 7 p.m. And uh anyone who's interested is welcome to attend. Uh the county commissioners meeting uh attended that on September the 10th and uh
they released their final report of the 2025 uh 2024 general election 79page report from the independent special counsel Connell and Foley. Uh and so if you go to the website, you'll see the
report that was done uh about the issues that we had uh in the county with last year's election of 2024. Uh so you can go to see that. Uh let's see. On September the 9th uh with the
rest of the committee uh members attended the OEM uh meeting at the firehouse and I'm sure uh Mr. Bartlett will elaborate on that. And on September 16th, I attended or part uh we had our
joint insurance fund meeting. And I think that's all I have. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh Phil. >> All right. Uh August 20th, I attended the monthly court session as liaison.
August 21st, we got everything set up for the band at the historical waterfront park. That was uh poor mouth Henry. The turnout was good. Also September 2nd, I I attended the
joint land use board meeting. And then on uh September 9th, like Fern had said, we attended the OEM drill practice for upcoming storms and disasters. Uh September 10th, I had the recreation
meeting. Uh we were discussing upcoming events and I had to reach out to environmental advisory board for interest in Hawk Island cleanup. They're looking around the first or the second weekend in November,
>> September 11th. Uh we set up for the reschedule concert that was rained out on the 4th at the waterfront park. Uh Vibration was the band. It was a new group that we brought in. They did very well. Uh, and I want
to thank Vinniey's for stepping in. Uh, Chick-fil-A had backed out at the last minute, so Vinnie stepped in to sell their food. Uh, September 17th attended the monthly court session again.
And also September 18th, we had our final concert series at Hawk Island Marina. It was a very packed house. A lot attended. Uh it was another great final concert series. And then September
20 went to see Chief Basil with the cops and bobbers. It was a great event. I thought it was very well done. And I want to thank the chief and his officers. They did a great job. >> Appreciate that. >> That's it for me, mayor. >> Thank you. Busy month, Mr. Bartlett.
>> All right. I'll keep it short and sweet. Uh attended the fire company meeting on August 25th, normal business, and the fire commission on the 26th. As uh Janice mentioned, the fire department is doing its hogy sale fundraiser this Saturday. Come up starting at 9:00 a.m. till we sell out to get your Italian
turkey or American Hogis. Um attended the OEM emergency operations center drill on September 9th. um that to run through an activation um and operation of the emergency operation center in the event we have a storm or other disaster
in town. Uh so long story short, if when there's some big crisis in town, if it's a where throughout the county, if there's a huge storm coming through, if there's a hurricane or tornado barreling down, the county may go into overflow mode where they just can't keep up with
the volume of calls. So, we'll activate the local emergency operations center at the firehouse. they they will forward uh non serious calls like trees down, things like that, uh wires down, they'll forward them directly to the firehouse and we'll dispatch automatically from
there. So, we have a whole setup we do locally in town. And this was a run through of that simulating uh exactly what would take place, who would perform what functions and things of that nature. So, thank you to all the committee folks who attended as well as
other members of the community. Uh last week, October 16th, I attended a National Weather Service integrated warning team workshop. Speaking of the weather, the theme this year was topics covering hydrarology and prob probable I going to mess this up. Probabilistic
forecasting. Uh they went into discussing how forecasts are made, including information about river flooding and things of that nature and various tools to allow emergency managers to review this. As local emergency managers, we rely heavily on the National Weather Service and the
county emergency management to issue bulletins and alerts to us to let us at the local residents uh let us let the local residents know important things of this nature. But it's good for us to also have some knowledge on it which this workshop gave us. And uh tomorrow we have the county emergency management
meeting at the training center in West Hampton. Uh finally, I attended the board of ed meeting last Wednesday night at Walnut Street School. And it's great to see the new superintendent, Dr. Toichi, in action. And he's giving it all. Literally, he's at the school every day of the week. And I don't mean just
weekdays. He's there Saturdays and Sundays just getting whatever he needs to do done to get the uh district back in the right direction. So, as a parent of a child in the district and a grandchild next year in the district, thank you, Dr. T. Um, as a side note,
among the agenda items approved was hiring on various staff positions and approving various costs for tuitions. One thing I found interesting was the approval of the tuition contract with BCIT for $357,000 and change. That seems like a huge number. Then you do the math. It's for
92 kids. So, it works out to just about $3,800 a student. And if you go a couple months back to look at the tuition uh with Riverside High School, we pay $17,500 per child. So huge huge savings on the
children that go to BCIT and they come out there with uh a good knowledge of something that they could use in their future. So it's uh just interesting point for the big difference in the tuition between the two schools that the kids have options to. Yeah, considering
the eighth grade class usually has about 40 kids, that's about half of the graduating class goes there. >> Yep. >> That's all I have. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> And it will always be Bartlett. Sorry. >> You'll eventually pronounce my name right. >> No, I won't.
>> Okay. Um I attended most of the meetings that >> I forgot Kate. >> Oh, sorry. >> Subconscious. Sorry. Don't you think? >> Sorry about that. It's just bouncing side to side there. >> Uh the Delenica Youth Sports Association
met on August 26 and the meetings are now scheduled quarterly rather than monthly. Uh they went over uh several items for budget purposes. Uh a transition is in place uh for soccer uh from the Riverfront Lake to the new
Burlington County Youth Soccer League. Uh they're doing a partnership with Del Ran. They have 180. They probably have more than 160 registrations, probably up to about 180 by now. Um for soccer and
um basketball registration is open. They're starting clinics and officers elections will be held in December. Date to be determined. Uh Delanco seniors met on August 9th at the firehouse. Uh the president, Linda Y, welcomed everyone
back and discussed the trips scheduled uh for the balance of this year and also the trips scheduled for 2026. Uh she reported on all the upcoming events at the library. Uh and so and I I
provided the upcoming events for Delano as well advising them to sign up for the township's email to be kept in the loop as to what's happening in town and the library. Um the speaker was Julia Gandandy, a certified uh massage
therapist and wellness coach. Uh we did an exercise to assist in defining uh feelings that cause depletion and stress and activities and feelings that would provide relief and a feeling of renewal. It was really um it was really
a nice uh exercise. Sewer authority met on August 9th. Uh, Stylex is no longer in need of the permit from D to discharge certain waste. Uh, so they will be having that permit terminated. Ranocus Avenue emergency repairs have
been completed and the final payment was made. TV inspections, roof cutting, and heavy cleaning is being awarded to mobile dredging and video pipe subject to the approval of the QPA. 450 Creek Road will be connected to our
sanitary sewer line. They currently have septic. Um, and we did hire a new employee. Um, I'm pleased to announce he's a young man from Blanco. Um, Phil, I think it's your nephew, Dominic Gall. >> For sure. Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh, our operator's report is on
file and we will be meeting via Zoom in the summer months next year, June, July, and August. OEM, as Matt indicated, all the township committee was there present to make sure that we knew what we would be required to do during an emergency.
Recreation met on September 10th. Uh, a list of work orders for public works was distributed. They're doing a great job in keeping up with the items in need of repair, preparing the fields for soccer and various jobs requested of them.
Um, as everyone knows, the women's clubs host the 5K run uh in October. Um, and they also provide the flowers and decorations for the park, the Gateway Park, but public works has agreed to
again um take care of putting them up for us. Um, we hope to receive an updated plan for Centennial Park to be reviewed and approved at our next meeting. Uh Janice did a great job in mentioning all the
activities that are listed for October. Um and I just want you to know that uh all those activities are sponsored by recreation. Um the last concert of a historic waterfront park was on the 11th, the
band verbatim, and I um attended that with some of my friends from high school. It was a beautiful night. And the last concert of the season at Hawk Island Marina, Yesterday's Gone. Uh I enjoyed it from my deck with some friends that came over because that
place was so packed and I can hear it. But they did a great job. Um cleanup day was discussed John Fenmore. So I I see that um EAB is going to take care of that. Uh two more statues
located at the Singer property have been approved for donation. Um they're Ruth Saphir's um statutes. We hope to have them moved to Gateway Park, the 911 and the heart. Um
so I'm looking forward to seeing those moved. Sha Tree, the August meeting was cancelled. The next meeting is this Wednesday night, September 24th. And code enforcement, I'm still addressing some issues in town and I have been talking with Adam and meeting with him.
I can definitely see some improvements and I want to thank Ed for his hard work because he's doing a nice job. And I also volunteered to work on the veterans flag with the chairman John Nardone of the history board and their
subcommittee. And that's my report, Mary. >> Great. Thank you. Sorry I tried to skip you again. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Like like I said, I attended most of the meetings that everybody else did. OEM obviously the cops and bobbers event
uh recreation meeting Kate covered that. Um one other thing with Del Riv their concession stand is open on Saturdays during the soccer games. Um they sell breakfast sandwiches. They go into lunch as long as there's afternoon games and they also are selling sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts too. So make sure
you go out there and support the sports teams on Saturdays. Um I attended the board of ed meeting. Great progress so far with the schools. It's wonderful to see everything that's happening, all the positive changes. Um, Dr. T was at our fishing event with his
children on Saturday as well. Uh, it's nice to see a superintendent so involved in the community and is really enjoying our town. His kids are actually going to Deleno schools now as well. >> So, it's great. Um, I most importantly attended the closing of 401 Creek Road
on September 12th. So, the township is now officially the owner of that property. uh public works is handling kind of straightening up, mowing lawns, kind of maintaining the properties now and there are no trespassing signs up um on the property. So that will move us
into our special discussion and input session uh after our public comment period. So okay um I did forget first thing to do I wanted to ask for a moment of silence for Elizabeth Ellie Claire who passed
away earlier this month. Uh she was a resident of Deleno originally from Germany. Uh she traveled the world with her husband Frank uh initially and then they chose Newton's Landing in Delano to settle down. She was a lovely lady with an adventurous spirit. She wrote for the Newton's Landing newsletter and she was known for her talents in photography.
She loved interviewing residents of Delanco and showcasing them in newsletter. So she'll be missed by all who knew her. So if I could just ask for a moment of silence in memory of Ellie Cla. Thank you very much. Okay, meeting is open to the public now for comments and questions on agenda
items. This is session one. If you have anything you'd like to talk about that is listed on the agenda, you can come up to the podium and state your name and address for the record. Seeing none, I will close session one and move on to our public input session for future development of Creek Road. As
I mentioned, the township is now the owner of 401 Creek Road. Um, during this process, we spoke publicly about kind of what we had hoped uh to see the town the property be developed into, but we also promised to have public input sessions to listen to residents with their ideas.
So, that's what we're having our first input session tonight. So, if you have anything you'd like to talk about for for Wing Creek Road and its future, you can come up to the podium and state your name and address. Yes, my name is Harold Clingler, 509 Buttonwood Street.
Uh, I was under the impression from past meetings that we were going to buy this land to sell it and make money.
So supposedly we bought it for three and a half million somewhere around there, whatever it was. It was supposed to be worth 5.5 million and then the idea was to sell it and make money. Uh
so I'm a little confused at what we're doing now, deciding what to do about it when I thought it was already decided what we were going to do about it. Well, it was never decided. We purchased it for general municipal purposes. We had ideas what we wanted to do. Um, I
know I spoke publicly that I thought we should sell it and put, you know, senior restricted age housing there, but, you know, selling it to who. So, we have to determine what what we're going to do. So, that's why we have a public input session. That's why we give the uh committee members time to speak their
opinion as well. Doug, did you want to elaborate kind of like why we had to buy it and say what we had to say for that purpose? >> Well, just just generally when we purchase property um unless we're doing something for purely preservation purposes,
uh municipalities, state under the local land and building law that you're basically acquiring it for any acceptable uh municipally owned purpose. So, it's very broad uh so as not to foreclose future possibilities. However, um clear
the intent was not to uh buy it only to turn it around and sell it to another industrial developer. So, you know, what that looks like going forward and what the uh ideas are to some extent may be determined by the market. But I think the intent here
tonight is also if people have ideas or concepts that they want to share about what they would like to see uh for the future of that property, uh we're we're in a listening mode, >> right? And I and I understand all that
and and my only concern is about the property is whatever we do that we're making money on it. >> That's that's all I'm I'm concerned about. And I I give you an example. Uh because I always like to see this calf
start to make money instead of spend money. And and one of those things was I always thought, geez, why why don't we invest in an easy pass and put it at the Delanco bridge? And and you may giggle about that, but
it's it's a pretty good investment. And you could have uh taxpayers of Delanco residents who pay taxes would get a free pass and everybody else would have to pay.
And there's a lot of traffic that runs over that bridge between 130 one way and 130 the other way and River Road. A lot of traffic and uh be a lot of money. >> It would all go to the county though because we don't own the bridge. So,
it's the county bridge commission. >> Well, somewhere there we own something, right? >> We don't know. >> We wouldn't see a dollar of that money. >> You don't own the road. >> Nope. County, county road. >> County road. >> Rel County Road. >> Yeah. >> All your major roads in Delor County. >> Well, then maybe make a deal with the
county and cut them cut them in. >> They have to cut us a piece of the >> Well, we'll put an easy pass on Buttonwood Street. Now, >> Oh, that's fine cuz I'm a resident. Like I said, taxpayers wouldn't pay. >> That doesn't go for renters. Renters would have to pay
>> because they're not taxpayers. So, >> I hear you. >> But that's just an example. >> Yeah. >> Of of making money. >> So, just so you understand what we did by purchasing this property is economic development. So, there's not a lot of land left in Deleno. We've kind of reached our peak of development and how
many, you know, new ratables we're going to get. So what we did is we stepped in instead of having this truck repair facility be built where we're not going to get that much more revenue, we then purchased it to where we could sell it to a developer or whoever whatever we decide and get a better ratable there so it generates income which is more money
for the town. So it's an economic development tool that towns use and that's what we did. So we can bring more revenue into the town >> and there's zero intention how of keeping this property and not making money on it whatsoever. >> Oh I understand that. >> Yeah. So then let me ask you one more
question cuz uh I think everybody else here would be interested is what do you think should happen with the property >> and that's something we're going to go through here. >> Yeah, we're going to go through that.
We're open to the public right now for their comments and suggestions. >> But you don't have any ideas? >> So we'll speak after everybody comes up. We'll say we'll say what we want to say about our opinion after the public comment session, >> right? >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Public comment. >> Heather, >> um Heather Phillips, 209 Edgewood Avenue in Delanco. So, this is just pie in the sky type thoughts that I had. Um I would love to see the space as a community
garden. um like with plots for a nominal fee. Um that could generate some income. Um maybe a community complex. Um a building structure to house organizations and events that could also generate some income there. Um the
complex could host maybe a gym for wreck type events like basketball and volleyball, a meeting space for local groups such as the seniors and other club organizations, a space to host the Deleno history as an organization. So it could then collect and display items
pertaining to Delanco's rich history. Um not just what they're able to do here, but in a in a larger scale. Um maybe even a public library space to hold library events. Um complex uh the complex and maybe an additional garden
that could host maybe even weddings, showers, and parties for a for a fee. And that you would generate income by housing those events and things like that. So that's kind of where I was kind of thinking the space could be used for. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Heather.
>> Thanks, Heather. >> Dave Sabul from 57 Walden WG. Um, so I know there's been discussion about an age restricted restricted uh residents there and right now there's probably about a thousand residents back the envelope estimate in Delanco already age
restricted 55 plus developments. Um, so one thought I would have is that you may want to think about what happens when people move out of those 55 plus houses because they're not forever houses. People hit a certain age, certain physical characteristics have to move on. So right now there's a place called
Aelia down on 130 in Cinnamon which is assisted living and also memory care and also um uh it's got some independent care also but it's it's basically multilevel 5 and a half acre lot. So it's like half the spot the space that that uh that you currently have in this
property. So and there's several hundred residents there. So it something like that would bring in a good amount of revenue. It would also allow people who are in Newton's Landing or crossings of Delanco station to stay in Delanco if they when they hit that age where they decide that it's time that they can't
really take care of their own house. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry sir. Your first name your name? >> David. >> Yeah. Last name Sabulo. Okay. And it was 51. >> 57 W. >> 571. Okay. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you. Anyone else? >> This isn't about trees. You know that, right? >> I know. >> Okay. >> Don't get old. Um Ray Weber 22 Ships Way. uh in reference to the 401 Creek,
I looked at the size of the land and everything else in there and so just so it wouldn't affect the schools because I know schools can't handle right now. Um I was looking at it looking at from an
engineering and architectural type of design and stuff. You could probably fit at least 20 town houses in there, which would go for about $400,000, which would bring in about it would cost about $8 million in total.
Houses in Newton's Landing, as a gentleman just stated, was on Walton Way. Um, right now the average house price in there is over $400,000. The last one just sold on the 19th for
$415,000. It's a two-bedroom, two bath house. We have one that's going on, it's going to be going for over 515,000 and the third one for 499,000. So, putting in town houses, two-bedroom,
two bath, you're looking I just roughly did 400,000 just for rounding. Made it easier. Maybe you could put in there assisted living because none of us are getting any old younger. And what happens is there's more of us than they realize in
Delanco, I think. Um, and they need some place for people want to stay in Delanco because that's where I want to stay. I mean, and stuff like that. And then the last thing was I know the township public works guys are complaining about having to keep your stuff outside and
things like that. Last thing would be putting in a uh pole barn or something or using that garage that's there for that. That's my thoughts. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else?
>> Join 316 Oakford Avenue. Um through this process uh there's been great things and not so good things but one thing that's been consistent I believe is the positive piece of strategic planning. The number one tax part of our bill is
the schools and it's been clear about the impact on schools when if and when you plan for housing. The one thing we don't always talk about though is that strategic planning, nothing's going to go down. And even watching the gubanatorial debate, nothing's going to
go down. Um, utilities, salaries, unbelievable analysis on projection of benefits and prescription. Um, I listen very closely to Chief
Warren and before him, Chief Tilture in statistics and nothing is going down. I pay attention to the staff with bills. Tremendous increases in the past 8 months. So, I implore you to really focus in what do you want this town to
look like financially? Um, Debbiey's second meeting, you spoke about uh how good we are financially. And then you take that and you look at the other 39 municipalities in this county and nobody can really say that. So we have to think
about tomorrow. We have to think about the cost or you're not going to be able to do the extras. You're only going to be able to pay bills >> and pay for staff and then that will then create another uproar. So thank you so much for all you do and your time.
>> Thank you very much. Jim Tracy at 10 Hardo Place Newton's Landing and I talked to Kate yesterday and let her know my feelings and I want to address everybody else.
Um, I've been a resident of Danka since 1970. lived on Fenomore Lane, 210 Fedore Lane for 30 years and I've been a resident of Newton's Landing uh since December 1st, 2001.
We were the first ones to move in. And little history, does anybody remember Mr. Randy Camp? >> Sure. >> Yeah. Well, he was the developer. >> He's still around. Yeah, he's still around. But
when that development came about, where the point is was supposed to be an assistant living type thing >> where if there was a resident of Newton's Landing that became ill and
needed care, they could go in there. And this gentleman back here said about uh Aelia. >> Has anybody seen Aelia? Been down there? >> I did go after you told me about it. I took a ride. >> Did you go inside? >> Go inside. I just
>> Well, >> beautiful place. >> Uh not that I'm pro Aelia, but my daughter works there. It's beautiful. Uh there's three residents of Newton's Landing living there. They sold their
houses and the houses in Newton's Landing. If they're on the market for a week, that's a long time. >> That's true. >> Because there's people that ride through there all the time asking if anybody's selling.
But with the Aelia, they have assisted living, they have independent living, and they call it Opal. It's the memory care. So, anybody that's getting older, we know that the
memory goes too. But look into that. The corporate company is called Leisure Care and they are in a number of states and I know they have a big complex up in uh
Hamilton. I think it's Hamilton or Robinsville, one of them. I just added on here and it's uh very nice and it seems like they have a lot of activities for the people and there's always something going on. Um
they had a big Easter party that I went down to see and they had uh music there, live band, they had things for the kids that came in to see grandma and grandpa and it was a nice big affair. Uh it's a
three-story unit up on the third floor. They have an opening where pe residents can go up and enjoy the outdoors. And they also are uh right there by uh
Lidle and a lot of the residents walk down and do their shopping and come back. And if something like that won in the creek road here, just imagine people would be happy with a creek front
view >> and it could be set back away from the road and the front of the uh Aelia. Don't look at it from Route 130 because all you're going to see is big brick walls. Pull in, look
at it. It's very welcoming. We have a a old school teacher. Old school teacher. We're old. Bernie Smith taught school over in Riverside. He's a resident there now. And it seems like the people that are
there are happy. And I think if something like that went into the Creek Road, the people of Dano would be happy because let's face it, when the uh Newton's Landing came in and the uh
station down there and even the condos that the tax revenue that that that has created, I know Newton's Landing, we're approaching $9,000 base. Mhm. >> So
multiply that by 400. >> So >> it's 17% of our tax base. Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So keep Deno happy. >> Thank you. Thanks, Jen.
>> Appreciate that. Anyone else? Mr. My love my left 304 Center Avenue. I'd like to see at least half of the property preserved. This one was originally pitched. Everybody was concerned about the trees out there.
This back end is magnificent mature beach forest and the buffer with field of dreams is also spectacular. So whatever development happens out there should be sensitive to those uses. That's all I have to say. >> Okay. >> Thanks.
>> Thank you very much. >> Anyone else? >> Christine Kaer 305 Penor Lane. >> Hi. >> Um I'm hearing a lot of uh housing development which I'm totally fine with. I would just uh say request that it fit
within the architectural features of the township um and not be high-rise in nature. I would also like to um second the preservation of trees and natural environment as much as possible. Thank you. >> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Going once, going twice. I will close our public input session here and uh thank everyone for their comments. Uh any comments from the
committee? >> I have >> um I have a lot of thoughts. I' I'd like to wait until we have another uh public comment session, but I think all the suggestions are good. I'd like to see us be able to um keep part of the property
for open space and um have something that would generate um income, more income, more tax revenue for the town and um something that would be senior
oriented um designated so that um it senior is a little bit different than age restricted. You can do a senior as well. And I think that is a good idea for as Jim had indicated and the other individual Dave had said. Um I did go
down and take a look at Aelia. I didn't go inside. I'm not particularly fond of a threestory building um myself, but um as I said, I would, you know, like to
hear other um other comments from the township. I haven't really made up my mind because I think that's important that we discuss all those comments. But there are some of my thoughts right now. >> Thank you, Phil. Anything to say?
I I mean originally I was 100% acquire resell age restricted town homes houses whichever the residents were going to make the most
money from. Uh I do like the idea of an independent care and assisted living to keep the residents in Delanc. Um, so like Kate said, I would rather wait and get more input to see and do
some research on each option we have available. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Barlet. >> Yeah. Um, like Phil, initially I was thinking just senior town homes, things like that, but I do like what Dave and
Jim brought up about um, some sort of continuing elder care, assisted living. Um, I think that's a great idea for that location. Uh, and definitely as uh Mr. Malevich said, you know, try to do some preservation there as well toward the
rear of the property. And Miss Goozer said, um, I think what Miss Phillips said about having, you know, community options, I think that's a great idea. Fiscally, I don't think we could do
that. you know, I I'd love it, but we we got to be realistic. I don't think that's ever going to happen because we need to be able to sell the property because, you know, our residents can't tolerate a tax increase, which we would have if we kept that property. And, you
know, for the months and months of public sessions and public hearings uh for about 401 as well as the, you know, the bonding referendum afterward, that's all we heard is the tax increases. We can't do a tax increase. And if we kept this property to do township things,
even you know, if we offset it with income for rentals, that will never offset the cost of keeping it. Obviously, I haven't done any sort of study on that. But, you know, just off the cuff numbers, it just wouldn't be feasible.
But I I would love if, you know, perhaps we can incorporate that somehow. uh if we did do some sort of assisted living facility there, perhaps they could have some standalone room that uh various township organizations could use, but you know, uh like Phil and Kate said,
we're going to have another public input session where I think it would be, you know, valuable to hear some other ideas from the public as well. But, uh the most important thing, as Mr. Clingler said, got to make money on it. >> Yeah. Or at least make our money back.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Anything to add? >> Uh, yes. Okay. Uh, as we went over the past number of months, uh, and, uh, we opposed the debt of the 3.5 to 3.6
million. Uh, we weren't in opposition to development of the land. Uh, it was the debt. And that's where we're looking at. uh we've purchased the property,
township owns the property. Getting the uh input from our residents is very important. Uh the assisted living living or u independent living uh facility uh
is something new that you folks brought out this evening. again putting that into the basket of options that we as uh township committee and as a community uh
need to I think consider uh with that piece of property. Uh I would caution that uh in wanting to do that that we don't uh as much as we want to preserve and we
have the wet land back there uh you know if we start doing a trade with the county that we don't want to do that too quickly because whatever developer comes in whether it's for uh assisted living or um
we end up with 55 and older community their uh we don't want to restrict their ability to develop that land because they may need that for uh water runoff or retention basins. So that would be my only caution there. But as we go forward
again, more input from uh the residents I think is important. >> Thank you. And just to make a quick note, we did actually have Zoom call um with Doug and and Debbie and Scott regarding the the county land um swap
that we had talked about preliminarily and we had kind of agreed that we would make that part of the process that we weren't going to carve that off just yet to um kind of mitigate any issues with future developments. So that was something we were already cognizant of. Um so you know, thanks for bringing that
up, but we did def definitely already have that conversation. Um, in the back of my mind, assisted living has always kind of been an option. Uh, it's just feasible feasibility as far as can we sell the property. Is it feasible for a
developer to buy that for 3.6 million, build the property, and still be able to make money? So, it's something we'd have to discuss with them if that's something that they would even be interested in from a business standpoint, if that's if that's something that would work for their business model. Um, I had always
thought uh kind of 55 and older more uh condensed like apartments or condos because you want to make sure the developer can buy that property and then be able to make money on it for the 3.6 million. So, um, still options out there, still a lot to discuss.
Obviously, we just owned this property for about a week now, but we are moving quickly on it. We will do our due diligence. It's not something we're rushing, but um it's something we don't want to sit on as we've discussed um before we bought the property that we would make sure um we move we continue
to move forward, have our meetings with our professionals, and handle this the right way for the long term of our town. We have to make the best decision as it's it's it's a something that will affect all of our future. So, thank you all for your your comments. We really
appreciate uh everything and some great ideas and some great comments. So, thank you very much for that. And then we'll have one more of these at our next meeting in October as well. Okay. So, um moving on to consent agenda, unless anyone has anything else
they'd like to add. >> I think there's only one thing, uh, mayor that I left out. Whatever we do there, it has to be age restricted or senior or anything so it does not impact our schools. >> I don't even think that's a question at this point. No, but I just want to make
that clear that we're not going to be doing anything or at least I'm not going to be voting yes on anything that puts any more children into our already overcrowded schools. >> And we've kind of said that from jump street. Yep. >> And that's kind of what we're sticking towards. So, >> just for those who haven't heard
anything over the last 8 to nine months. >> Yeah. So, kids, >> sell a property, at least get our money back, put something there that's going to be a great gradable that continue to generate income for our town to help offset uh, you know, our tax increases and continued expenses. No impact to the
schools, you know, low impact to that area, um, but continue to reflect the vision of our town and our master plan and kind of our vision for the town in the future. So, that's where we're headed and um thank you for trusting us with that and we will continue to keep
you updated as we have in the past and maintain our transparency with you. So, moving on to the consent agenda items. Consent agenda items are considered to be routine and 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. Anyone have anything they'd like to remove from the consent agenda or talk about? Okay. >> Okay. Resolution 2025-137, disposal of out of service office equipment. Resolution 138, disposal of out of service police department
equipment. Resolution 139, resolution appointing a health insurance broker for the township of Deleno through the fair and open competitive contracts process. Resolution 140, resolution awarding bidding contract for road improvement program. That's the 2024. It's actually
the 2025 road program, right, Deb? Yes, >> it's actually the 2025 road program for Delaware Avenue. Resolution 141 authorizing execution of agreement with uh Grally Hollow Road Associates LLC, developer of High Point Property at John Mayer Way. Approve
payment of bills in the amount of 337,18416 as for the build list dated 91925. Can I get an approval motion to approve the consent agenda, please? >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. Motion by Phil, second by Matt. Roll call, please.
>> Mr. Barllet, >> yes. >> Misspatrick, >> yes. >> Mr. McFaden, >> yes. >> Mr. Olette, >> yes. >> Miss Seuss, >> yes. Thank you. Okay, moving on to two items regarding uh Delanco Sha Tree Commission. We have two appeals that we will hear tonight for 210 Peach Tree
Lane and 41 Emery Way. Um, we'll do the 210 Peach Tree Lane first because that's what's listed here first. Just give us a second so we can pull up our documents here. Okay. So, the uh appeal was submitted by
the homeowner Miriam Makuda uh 210 Peach Tree Lane. Uh request for corrective action for a municipal tree placement near the sewer line infrastructure. Um, I'm just going to kind of
She wrote to us as a resident to respectfully appeal the denial of her request to remove a ministry located at her property on Peace Tree Lane. It was planted approximately 15 years ago with the approval of Shade Tree Committee. It's situated near the lateral sewer line servicing her home. After
purchasing the property in 2024, she was informed by the previous owners, supported by private neighbor testimony, the treere's roots had in intruded into the PVC sewer pipe causing a blockage that required professional plumbing services. Blanco Sewer Authority inspected location and recommended
removal of the tree due to its proximity of underground utilities, the potential for continued interference. Um, several points were presented during the Shay Tree Committee review that warrant clarification, so we'll let her go through those. Um, and then we will
hear from Shad Tree. So, do we want to hear from the resident first and then >> I believe it's her appeal. So, I believe she has the right to. >> Yes. So, we'll hear from the resident first and if she's here. >> Yeah. >> Here. >> And then we'll have Shade Tree come up right after that. If you guys want to have a seat till then.
>> Hello. >> Hi. >> Just your name and address for the >> Makura 210 H3 Lane. So, I'm not sure if you want me to read it again. Uh, >> well, do you want to talk I kind of read your letter. Do you want to talk about the points that warrant clarification,
your bullet points? Do you want to talk about that? >> I may not have the copy that I submitted with me. >> I have. >> So, would you mind reading them? >> Here you go. You can have it. Just Just so it comes from you. There you go.
[Music] Okay. So, several points were presented during the shade tree committee review that uh I would like to uh that were clarification. The tree expert assumed root intrusion was due to porous terraota pipe, not realizing it had been
replaced with PVC in the '9s. It was also argued that removing the tree wouldn't eliminate root risk without acknowledging root persists far longer when the tree remains in place. The sewer authority removal
recommendation was dismissed without technical rebuttal. The treere's location approximately six feet from the sewer line was argued to be safe despite the tree root systems regularly extending 20 to 15 feet for
mature cherry tree species. Photographs show visible root spread reaching utility markers and access covers. I don't have the pictures, but I'm sure you saw the pictures, right? Uh, one tree root was severed in two places. clear physical proof of prior
infrastructure interference. Aesthetic value was prioritized over risk mitigation. Neighbor testimony was discounted due to lack of formal records. Budgetary concerns were confirmed not to influence
uh their decision. Would you like me to read further? Uh if you'd like to. Sure. Ultimately, this appeal seeks corrective action for the shade tree committee misguided approval of planting the tree too close to sensitive infrastructure.
I respectfully urge the Lanco Township Committee to reconsider this matter with a focus on responsible planning and infrastructure protection. I remain available for further questions. >> Okay. Is there anything else you'd like to add? >> Uh yes. Um I am I mean it's pretty clear
that the objective for the sha tree committee is to preserve the tree. I am not asking them to kill the tree. I'm asking them to remove the tree. That tree could be removed and uh replanted somewhere else. So it's uh it's just a
matter of um the method of removal. >> Okay. Can I ask you a question? Did you have the sewer line camera and scoped to show video of the roots in the pipe at all? No, because uh what would that prove? There's no issue right now. I'm trying
to prevent the issue from recurring and the issue will recurring from the external factors, not from the inside the pipe. So, I'm not sure what what uh hiring a plumber, putting a camera inside a chief would >> recurring. So, there was roots in the pipe. >> Yes. >> In the PVC pipe?
>> Yes. >> Well, that means that there's a leak in your pipe then because roots seek water. >> No roots. No, >> that's not true. the roots penetrated the top of the cover where the uh >> the cleanout is >> clean out is >> and the uh they had to remove a a root
from inside because it broke the cover. The cover was replaced and now there's no roots in there. However, the tree is still there and it's going to happen again. So, I'm trying to prevent um uh the issues.
>> Okay, I get it. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Brown. >> Hello. >> Good evening. >> I'm John Brown, chair of the Shade Tree Commission. I'm also with Bill Malvage, my vice chair. Kevin Zibilia is our uh
shade tree expert, our certified arborist. Uh we have debated this uh not on our part because we're pretty convinced. It looks like the sewer pipe has been replaced. Okay. Miss Makuda had admitted that she did not have any sewer issues. Okay. So until we were to see,
we asked if she could video the pipe, uh, a process that may cost $400. If her pipe was breached, I feel that she should have really wanted to see that cuz if you need I think the whole thing is replaced because there's two cleanouts that are PVC, one near the
street and one in the back. Roots won't attack that PVC and cave it in the terracotta. Yes, then we have an issue. But unless the homeowner is willing to replace the entire sewer line, why take the tree down? Okay, so we looked at the condition of the tree this past uh
spring. It was absolutely amazing when it bloomed and uh we're losing a lot of trees. We have 26 trees that have to be removed uh with this year's budget and we're trying to uh not cut down unnecessary trees. She bought the house
according to her testimony beyond at Shry. She's only been a resident for a year or two. She went by the word of the neighbor across the street that there was sewer issue, but the sewer issue looks like it may have been corrected based on the photos of the cleanouts
that are PVC. Okay. We looked at the root structure. Kevin, I wish you would come up and testify that the the roots are not going to impede on that PVC pipe. Okay. the sewer uh superintendent
came out and looked, but he didn't he didn't put a camera down there. >> He just opened it up and looked down, said it's got to come out. Well, you know, historically in this town, sewer sewer authority and trees, they don't get along. So, >> uh Kevin, >> hi Kevin Shabilia. I'm a New Jersey
licensed tree expert and um as Mr. Bartlett pointed out um roots are opportunistic and they move to favorable conditions. So if you have a leaky pipe then the roots will
proliferate in that direction and yes they will get into the pipe and they'll cause problems. Um as far as crushing the pipe that can happen if the pipe is directly under a
massive tree. This tree is a small small stature tree. It's not going to get massive. And the sewer line is offset by six feet. So crushing of that pipe due to the weight of the tree pushing down
on it is not going to happen. The situation here doesn't have a problem. And it's a nice tree. It's got many more years left in it. And
professionally, I'm reluctant to preemptively move remove a uh a healthy tree for a potential problem because that opens up every tree in Deleno. >> Um, >> and we couldn't replant I'm sorry. We
couldn't replant the tree. It's it's too mature. It wouldn't it wouldn't work. >> You couldn't transplant that. >> Yeah. It's too big. >> It would be wildly expensive. I mean, it's possible. It would be wildly expensive. >> What is the life of the of a cherry tree?
>> Typically, they start to decline after about 30 years. >> Because I know we've lost several cherry because they've died off or they've caused issues. Um because that one's been planted for quite some time. So, it's already got at least 10 or 15 years on. >> Yeah. Do we have an approximate age?
>> Yeah. So >> 15 >> 15 1990 I think. >> I I would like to add that Mod stated that we planted the tree. The homeowner planted that tree. >> She said it was approved by shade tree. She didn't say it was planted.
>> We don't know that for a fact. >> Well, >> he was a landscaper and I believe he just put them in. >> I'll let you come back up when they're done. >> Okay. Um, so I've lost my second >> the age of the tree.
>> The age we're talking about shade tree approving it. We don't know if he definitely approved it. >> There's no sidewalk in there which is also a plus. Uh, it's not competing with anything. There is a private tree she had as longer on that is far enough away. Um,
listen it I can't see cutting down a perfectly good tree. if there was evidence of continual sewer problems. But she hasn't had a problem. >> The roots are a problem. I mean, the roots >> are a problem everywhere.
>> I know you have to have roots on trip. >> There's no sidewalk key. >> I know, but people still have to walk up to the property. >> I mean, in order to get to her front door, you walk up on the property. The roots are a hazard. Was there a walkway
there? >> No, but you have to walk through the grass. There may be a walkway. I I'd have >> Normally went up the driveway and up a walkway to a front door. >> You not if you park on Peach Tree, people don't have I mean, if I'm visiting her, if I visit Joan or or
Miriam, I'm not going to I'm not going to park in their driveway. I'm going to park on the street. Um >> there's a step to remove trees because there's roots. That's only the truth. Yeah, because it's a it's the it's a problem. The roots in
>> I'm sorry. I >> But I never I have a different I never heard in this case >> the tree to be removed because of tripping hazards of roots. >> No, I know. I know. I brought that up myself when I went out to look at the tree.
>> But then the case is the uh >> our sewer authority. I do take recommendations from professionals and I am a tree lover. I just planted three trees in my lot. So,
it's not that I'm against trees, but when you have a professional asked to come out and take a look, which he was >> provided, >> and he showed pictures of how close the tree roots were to the sewer. I mean,
you can see it right here. I have seen >> and I take that opinion very seriously. >> So what >> don't you take the word of the professional that he >> he's out of his league. He knows sewer.
I know trees. I've seen hundreds of trees excavated and I myself have excavated stumps of trees. So when I tell you that the pipe can be crushed when it's under a massive stump, I've
actually seen that. I think he should stick to the sewer and I'll stick to the trees. >> And I'll sh I'll share the shade tree as we're trying to save trees. Shade provide shade. But we're not
irresponsible. We don't just put dangerous trees. We do remove dangerous situations, unhealthy trees. We have criteria that we meet and uh we meet every month and you're there. >> I know. >> You know, we don't we don't save them all. We do take some down. There's some
that split. There's some that get struck by lightning. There's some at the school bus stops. We do remove them. This one here is no threat to anything. Bill, did you want to add anything? You're good. Mary wants to come back.
>> Anybody else have any questions for Shri? [Music] >> I would like to clarify two points. >> Sure. >> Uh the first one I spoke to Mr. Brown uh on the phone, the first conversation we ever had and I and he said that he
volunteered this information. We did not plant the tree. However, it was on on the list of our approved species. We approved planting that tree by the homeowner 15 years ago. To me, same thing. Second, you're saying that the uh
tree is very small. However, it's too big for being removed and replanted. So, which one is it? Too big or too small to >> Well, if you know anything about replanting trees, I do certain machines something about replanting trees. So I don't
>> and I've seen mature trees to be uh dug out and replanted safely. >> I don't think it would make it. That was never an issue. You know, we never >> Okay. But I'm not asking you to kill the tree. >> I'm asking you to remove the tree. >> That'll kill the tree.
>> Not necessarily if you do it right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> She's okay. >> Anybody else have any comments or questions on this application? How far down is the sewage pipe? >> Well, we we have no camera proof to see,
but basically it goes down about 4 ft. >> It should be around 36 39 in if it's normal. >> And there's a clean out toward the back of the house too that you see from the street >> PVC white PVC. So, it looks as if it was replaced.
Replacing the sewer and the Leica with your PVC alleviates your roof problems. >> And from that connection at the street to the house is the homeowner's responsibility that the sewer line. >> Yes. >> And this PV I'm just looking at Google
Street View, which remarkably hasn't been updated since uh 12 years ago. And the PVC cleanout isn't there then. So it was sometime between now and 12 years ago when >> would there be a permit on that?
>> Wouldn't they need a permit? >> Should be a street opening permit if they went out into the road unless they cut it behind the curb. >> Okay. >> We we did ask for that proof even through our secretary check with uh construction. We never got any response
on that. I you know if if there were issues uh you know if we had receipts from this you know the sewer cleanout people uh receives well first of all if the pipe were to be dug up he probably replaced
the line wasn't before the tree >> I'm actually looking here at Google street view and if you look at the street that looks like there's a cut right where the sewer would be I'm crazy here. >> No, you're not crazy. >> Oh, >> enough of that. Uh, >> where isn't that the clean out? >> Yeah. >> Is that the cleanup? No, that's
>> Isn't that it? >> Yeah. Look at your picture. >> No, the clean out's much further from the tree. >> Oh, here's the picture >> right there. >> Now, what is that mark out there? >> That >> is that gas? >> That could be gas as well. >> Water, too.
>> Well, gas is directly to the right of that tree. >> Yeah. And there's water, too. One of the pictures demonstrates there's a gas line. >> I I see I see the flag there. >> I was out there today. I saw the gas line. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um I will hold our decision until
after the next application. >> Okay. >> Uh 20 uh 41 Emory Way. Is the homeowner here? >> No. Mr. Mul? >> I don't think he's here. >> Doesn't look like it. Jack Mongola. Was he notified? Did they
get notified? >> They did. Yes, >> they did. Yes. >> Okay. Mr. Brown, you got the floor. >> Okay. This is a totally different situation than 210 Peach Street. Uh so let me let me explain what's going on in New Landing. Of course, we've had people
testify. The property values are great. Blah blah blah. It's a beautiful treeline community. We do have sidewalk lifting going on there of which we've been addressing little by little budget uh allowed. This particular red maple is in good health. Okay. There are no
utilities close to the area. The sidewalk at the driveway is lifted of which we have it on our sidewalk enhancement program. However, the homeowner wants to appeal this decision to remove the tree. The only problem
that he states is that the route is running up along his driveway. However, it has not affected his driveway and the route is not really lifted off the ground that much to where it becomes a tripping hazard. We've had this situation in Newton's where it went up
the front lawn and we did remove that. This one I don't feel is a threat to anybody walking there. It's not cracking the driveway. It's not damaging infrastructure and we do have it on the sidewalk list. Now, what worries me in Newton's Landing is if you do this, if
you grant this removal, you're going to have a whole slew of them coming in because we get calls and requests from Newton's Landing all the time. Wrong tree, wrong place. Developers should have known, blah, blah, blah. >> Well, they're not wrong. >> Yeah, they're not. >> Yeah. Listen, I know. >> They all bought They all bought in there
with those baby trees and they loved them. You know, did they think what's going to happen in 30 years, 20, 30 years? >> I don't think we can blame the residents. It's the developer and the person that >> So, what you guys are in charge of the purse? You want to cut them all down? >> Well, I don't want their sidewalks and their plumbing to be disturbed and, you
know, decimated by it. >> We got a grant a few years ago, a CDBG grant, and um the only at that time we could use it for a senior development. >> Yeah. >> And so, we replaced a ton of sidewalks.
$1,000 >> and um this happened to be one of the places that we replace the sidewalk and they're all coming up again. >> Well, we have come up with an alternative method to uh address the lifted sidewalks which is working. We have many
>> the pavers. Yeah. >> Many PA projects. >> Yeah. He indicated in his letter to us that that Sha Tree was going to send him that information regarding pavers and he had yet to receive it. >> He's on our list. Okay. >> No, we were going to send literature
>> at the meeting. We were going to send him literature. >> Okay. >> And we didn't. >> I'm going to take a minute and read his letter into the record so we have it. Um Jack Mongol 41 Emery Way addressed to Mrs. Smana. I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to formally appeal the decision of the Shade Tree Commission.
Express my growing concern regarding a large tree located township easement in front of my property. This tree, which was originally planted by a developer, improved by the township more than 20 years ago, has now reached a side that possesses significant safety, structural, and liability issues. I have had a need for trip and fall on a
sidewalk. Over time, the trees roots have aggressively spread, undermining the sidewalk and now extending into my driveway. As a result, the sidewalk has been raised by approximately 3 in, creating a serious tripping hazard. Given that homeowners are held responsible for injuries that may occur on adjacent sidewalks, I'm deeply concerned about potential for accidents
and legal and financial liability that may occur at no fault of my own. Approximately two or three years ago, a single square of concrete was replaced in attempt to address the problem. Unfortunately, this effort proved to be temporary band-aid solution and did not stop the ongoing root intrusion and elevation of the sidewalk. As I understand it, the maintenance of this
tree falls on the township. During a recent meeting of Shade Tree, it's acknowledged that this particular species of tree should have not been planted in such a confined location due to its ultimate size and root behavior. The chairman of Shade Tree provided two recommendations to either replace the affected concrete again or to install
pavers to bridge over the roots. He also mentioned he would follow up by emailing a photo of the PA solution to date, but I've not received any such correspondence. Either approach seems like yet another temporary patch rather than a lasting solution. While I appreciate that the tree is beautiful and currently healthy, it's currently long-term hazards for pedestrians and
driveways and personal risk for me as a homeowner given the circumstances. I respectfully request that the tree be removed or cut the invasive roots and full replacement of the affected sidewalk in a manner that will not simply result in the same issue repeating itself within a few years. And he hopes that we can work toward a
solution that protects the safety of our residents and alleviates the burden placed on homeowners for a township planted tree. Kevin, do you want to Yes. >> add to this, Mr. Sibilio, our shade tree expert? >> There is no doubt that roots cause
sidewalk lifting. The problem that we are making when we try to attempt this to correct it is that we cut the roots and then we put concrete back over those cut roots.
When you cut the roots of a tree, it tries to close that wound. Just like when we get cut, we start to heal and you get a bump. So yes, when that flag went in three years ago, because the
tree roots were cut, it grew very quickly to close those wounds and it elevated the sidewalk. So how many years ago did we start this? that only >> we did a few 20 years
>> the past three or four years. >> So we've begun using essentially concrete bricks pavers to bridge over the roots that we don't have to cut them and the roots will grow much
more slowly this way. And if the pavers are knocked out of alignment in 3 or 5 years, it's a very simple matter of just picking up one pa, knocking an edge off, and putting it back in. You don't have
to remove an entire 4x4 flag of concrete, and then lay more concrete. So, it may not be a permanent solution to use brick pavers, but it's a much better solution than what we're trying to do.
We are fighting the tide every time that we pick up a concrete slab, cut the roots, and put it down. I don't even want to suggest removing all of the trees that have elevated sidewalks next to them because you're
going to be cutting down better than half the trees in town and I don't think that you want that. >> Kevin, can I ask you how does the pavers stop the roots from growing versus the concrete? I know you're ramping it, but isn't there a base under that?
>> The pavers are set in stone dust. Um, and so as the roots are growing, they're growing at a relatively they're adding diameter at a relatively slow rate. The problem that occurs is well, there's
twofold with with the concrete. Um, when you damage the roots by replacing the concrete, the roots grow more quickly than if you didn't damage them. The other problem with concrete is that one route as it's lifting up it
magnifies because you have a large slab. If you lift up one corner, that other corner gets magnified and it it may lift 3 in. Whereas if you had pavers, each one of those pavers will shift a
little bit and it doesn't get leveraged across an entire slab. So you'll get less disruption with the pavers than you would with a 4tx4 ft concrete slab. So it's a much more forgiving surface for
the tree roots and it's a much easier surface to repair if and when that that situation arises. >> Will Carol Carol Hildebrand have an issue? >> Yeah, Carol Hildebrand's having an issue with the pavers. I I gave her the
information to contact Jessica to come before the >> sh I looked at it. It looks like it's just the edge the >> Oh, did she contact here? >> Well, we had that request. We We had that letter a while ago. >> Oh, she just she approached me at our rep meeting. >> None of the bricks are lifting. It's the
edging of concrete which >> doesn't affect anybody. >> There's and the tree needs to be trimmed. It's hanging so residents walk. But she there's another issue since since a couple months ago, but I want to take it back to this. When they replaced
those concrete pads, there was a tree that we finally took down at Newton's Landing that had roots all the way up to the front porch and the roots were like this high off the ground growing like this. And it was suggested initially at
shade tree to cut the roots and see if the tree makes it, but eventually we decided to take it out. when they replaced those concrete slabs in that CDBG grant, it was my understanding and I saw when we when
they lifted the concrete pad on this particular tree, they just put styrofoam in there. They didn't cut I don't think they cut the roots when they replaced because I could see what they did on this particular tree. They put styrofoam
in between to try to level it which was I mean I think if we saw that during the process we would have been like what are you doing because that's when they when CDBG that grant >> Yeah. I remember it was
>> it wasn't our project. Okay. >> No, >> that's not how we're addressing. >> No, I know. But I mean, I don't think those roots I don't think they were cut >> because they would only allow it for a senior community, which the whole town was hurting for, >> right, >> handicap ramps and so forth and so on.
So, if it didn't work, that's on them. Okay, >> we're addressing it now. We started that uh sidewalk enhancement project as a pilot program, >> right, >> for the homeowners to catch on to see this is how it's going to work. This
will work. And it has worked through throughout the town. And we're saving trees. We're not just cutting down trees and and making a desert, you know, continuing to keep the shade line streets. Newton's Landing has beautiful trees. I rode through there today.
>> But they're constantly not happy with I got a lift. I got to do it. I don't want to. I actually had a woman pull me and said, "Well, is it fair that I have to rake my leads every fall?" I said, "We all do it. We all do it. I said don't break your loose, you know,
leave on the ground. One, but that's beside the point. But we have two appeals here. Uh we will fight for our belief. You did appoint us to the board to make these decisions just as we appointed you guys to make decisions to buy 4013. We trust you that you're going
to do the right thing. You got to trust us that we're doing the right thing. We're not trying to hurt anybody. We would be the first ones to pull down to come out and take down a dangerous tree in the middle of the night if needed be. So with that, I believe Are we okay, Bill? Did you want to add anything?
Yeah. And no disrespect to the residents. We love the residents. Uh but I do think it I don't think these two should come. Oh, by the way, the one that did invade the front lawn, we approved that. We did.
>> I know. We did not we did not vote against saving it. It was a unanimous decision by court to take it down because of the roof. >> I was there. I know initially Kevin suggested cutting the roots to see if we can save the tree, but the board eventually
>> I was I was at the meeting. >> Kevin, I know it was really strange, but I remember he said it. >> I may have. >> Yeah, he did. I wouldn't I wouldn't lie, John. >> All right. So, I ask uh you guys to
please make the right decision. Doug, if if I may, though, um the subject of the liability comes up quite a bit with the trees and the sidewalks. >> Could you brief us on who is responsible? I get this all the time. If that limb falls on me, you know, blah
blah blah. >> Are we not immune from suits the township because we're in the Sha Tree Federation? So we have added immunities and defenses. We still may be named in a
suit, but because of our comprehensive shade tree commission, we do have additional defenses beyond other municipalities. And we already have a fair amount of immunity under title 59 for liability. So the township's in a as strong a
position it can be um on that issue. Thank you. >> And title 59 is the state >> basically the torque claims act that says there's a enhanced immunities afforded to municipalities on liability issues.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you John. Thank you. >> I like the logo >> Susan Matira. >> What's with that? >> That's the um >> Ignore that. >> It's too big. It's had to be put pieced together. Just sit down. Don't talk about it. Thank you. It's a It's a sour
plant. John, don't go there, John. >> Susan Matira did that, John. It's just the way it has to be. >> See the trees in the back? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> They almost didn't make the cut. >> No pun intended. >> Um, anybody else? Um,
I I mean, is this open hearing? Can we talk to other people? >> We're still >> Well, Jim's here, is it? >> Are we allowed to do that? >> What are we doing? >> The hearing from a resident. Oh, you can reopen to public comment anytime you want. I don't know if you wanted to conclude your discussion. >> I mean, can we He wants to talk about
this tree. Is that what you >> I want to talk about Newton's Landing. >> Okay. Can we do that now? >> Do I have to? >> Why don't we do these? >> Okay. Just making sure. Um, well, he wants to comment on this as a resident of Newton's Landing. Go ahead. >> Okay. I have a question for the trio. >> Hold on. Hold on. Name and address.
>> Uh, my name again is Jim Tracy, 10 Harlo Place. Okay. >> Newton to Landing. Uh >> the tree expert, >> Kevin, that's your civilian. >> When I was when I moved in December 1st, 2001,
they were putting all the trees in and they were pyramiding the mulch around the trees. That is the contributor to the root problem there. And since Mr. Brown was on the township committee. Then
uh the shade tree commission apparently did not refer to any experts about how the tree should be planted and taken care of because of the molting.
The mulch being pyramided the roots they don't go down they go out. >> Yeah. >> Is that right? >> But we never allowed the mulch volcano. We put out flyers and warnings. We just recently sent a letter to the crossings that they're doing the same thing.
>> Yeah. Well, this I'm talking 21 years ago. This problem isn't just now. It started 21 years ago or 24 years ago. >> Well, remember at first, Jen, we the town didn't take control of those
streets for a few years. >> No. So they >> don't you have the the uh authority to go through and inspect as it's being built >> but the let me just I'm just going to you have a a fair point to make but it's
not the shade tre's responsibility at that phase in time >> right well it falls back onto the township >> well it's primarily the developer there is an inspection but it's an engineering inspection which really has more to do with site plan conformance so if the inspector is out there didn't know
enough about tree planting, they may not have caught that issue. I don't know the history there, but the the processes the developer develops, they they are responsible. The township has an inspector out through the engineers's
office for site plan conformance and not until uh everything's turned over and is public does Sha Tree get involved. >> Okay. But that that's a good idea if for
future reference for uh 401. >> Oh, don't you worry. I will make sure the right trees are planted >> because that I'm on it. >> People walking again in the street >> because of the sidewalk and the bricks, the pavers, they're popping up.
>> Uh they will they will but they could be okay. I'm not here to argue. >> All right. Thank you for your comments. All right. So, we'll close the hearings. Um, I'm going to take a brief five minute recess because that's what I feel like doing.
So, we're going to take a five minute recess. >> Yeah, >> we'll be back in five minutes. >> Get back here. >> It didn't teach me how to pause the stream, so we're still live. >> Hey, Jan.
>> We're back. We're back recording. We're back in session. >> We're still live. >> We're still recording. Okay. So, um, thanks for your patience while we took our little brief recess. Um, I'm going to suggest that we actually table both of these decisions until the next
meeting. Um, I'd like to like to do some more investigating, um, speak to a few more people before we make our decisions. So, um, these will be decided on at the next meeting, which is October 8th, maybe. Six. Six. >> Six.
>> Yeah. So, we're going to table our decisions until October 6th. >> Motion in a second. >> So, can I get a motion to uh table our decisions until October 6th? >> So, move. >> Second. >> Six. >> Six. 10. Six.
>> Matt. And then six. >> Phil. Second. >> Phil. Okay. Matt and Phil. Um, roll call, please. Roll call. >> Or all in favor? >> Yeah. All in favor's fine. All in favor? I >> I mayor, if I may, will there be more testimony on that evening?
>> I don't think so. >> I think it's just we need to process and let >> it's going to be more more hearing. >> Yes, for sure. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you as well, Miriam. >> Um, come back.
>> Yeah, if you'd like to come back on the six or we can reach out to you, whatever you want to do, whatever is best for you. more testimony is required. I'll be happy to >> Thank you. Yeah, we'll reach out if we have any other questions. Thank you very much. Have a good night.
>> Okay. Uh moving on to correspondence. Any correspondents? >> I have none. >> Okay, great. Uh this is meeting open to the public session two. If you have any general comments or questions, you can come to the podium, state your name and address, talk about whatever you want.
>> Nothing, Ray. >> Nope. >> Thank you. Closing. Uh, any discussion items? None. >> Anybody have anything else they want to talk about? >> How about the Mingles >> to adjourn?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. We'll see you on October 6th. >> Hey, you hit those lights quick. >> Damn right. She got a long ride of