slow compared to >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> to call this meeting to order for May 26, 2026 for work session. Um will you please uh stand join us in the flag,
please? >> 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. Thank you.
Please uh read the sunshine statement. >> Be advised that proper notice has been given by the township council in accordance with the sunshine law in the following manner. Notice advertised in the Burlington County Times in Camden Carrier Post on January 7th, 2026 and posted on the bulletin board on the same date.
>> Thank you. Do roll call, please. >> Miss Cure >> here. >> Mr. Mororrow. Mrs. Apadu here. >> Mr. Smith here. >> Mr. Jenny >> here. All right. At this time, we'll begin our work session. We have a presentation.
Mr. Joe Henry from the Hardenburg Insurance Group, uh the the insurance organization that we work with. >> Thank you, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Um you are required as a member of JIF to have an RMC, which is what we serve as.
You're also required to have a safety committee, which you do. They meet four times a year to do a great job. All departments are represented. I attend those regularly. You're also required to have safety union agenda at least once a year which brings me to you once a year
like it or not here I am. So I bring a topic annually this year topic if you take a look at it right there it's a guide to service dogs emotional support animals I'll briefly go through this for you I'll tell you why I came up with this idea because we have a gif in the
company Atlanta County area and if you take a look at this there's a guy here walking his dog the Yankees hat Yankees fans >> yes >> awesome usually say further down so did sneak a little kid with Philly
sat in there that he out. So this guy, he was on the wild boardwalk with what he deemed as his pet. However, it was a live wolf. It caused a lot of controversy, caused a lot of fear, it caused a lot of curiosity with people. So the GIF down in Cape May County got
together said lots. What do we do in a situation like this? So I'm going to tell you a little bit about it. if you encounter them. It seems more and more we're encounting encountering uh service dogs and I'll tell you a little bit about that. First on page uh two to
define what a service animal is under the American Disability Act or the ADA as you typically hear about it. Service animals defined as a dog. That's the key word. It's a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform task for individual with a
recognized disability. There is a separate provision added as you can There's a picture of miniature horse there. The statute says dog, but if you train a miniature horse that can serve as your service animal, the worker task, the animal form must be directly related
to that person's disability. And if you take a look, that little miniature horse has a jacket on identifying it as a service animal. Typically, when you see the dogs, they will have this. >> Is there any restrictions to what type of animals can become service animals?
>> Just a dog. only right >> horse >> with that provision a miniature horse that's it >> so some of the things that these service animals will do for a person with a disability they can guide a blind person
alert person de uh they can help pull wheelchairs they can bring comfort to people with PTSD and also learning and protecting person having seizure believe it or not these dogs become so attached to their owners they know them that they sense in a lot of cases when the seizure
is going to occur and hopefully alert them so they can set themselves up so they don't fall down and get hurt. The legal rights of the dogs on page four, these service animals are federally protected under the AD. As I've mentioned, the law enables people with disabilities right
to be accompanied by their service animal in public spaces. Service animals are allowed to be taken into a person's workplace and facilities with no pet policies must adhere to that ADA law. Service animals are not pets under the
law. They are considered as medical equipment. With everything else in life, there are a few exceptions noted on page five. Restricted areas such as sterile environments in the hospital. For obvious reasons, they don't contaminate anything in the hospital. So, they would
make divert the to go a different direction. Swimming pools, animals are allowed on the deck, however, not in the water. At boarding schools, again, obvious reason. You may have some students with some type of allergies or danger issues. So, again, you would make
a special accommodation for that animal. And at a zoo, service animals can be restricted because you do have animals in cages and if they see a dog running freely, they may react adversely to Just one quick question. So for
clarification, I know you mentioned here at boarding school that service animals can be restricted. Would that be the same like on a college campus like in a dormatory or something like that? >> Yes. In a confined space. >> Okay. >> Moving on to page six. Uh if you are
working local government facility, it's pretty clear there are two there's only two questions you may ask of someone if you suspect they have They are listed here. You can ask is a dog a service animal required because of disability. What works for task has a
dog train for the day. There only two questions you may ask. This is why it got around and the guy with the wolf on the boardwalk. He was kind of playing them along that it was his pet. It was his dog and they didn't know how to
handle that at the time. So that's why the discussion came up about it. Those animals, if you've ever seen them out, I started this in January. They're my 39th stop. Um, but I've seen more and more of them since I brought this topic to all
the council members that I've gone to and they will be identified and they're incredibly gentle animals and they will sit right with their owners anywhere they go. and identifying the service animal. On page seven, you cannot ask the following questions in nature of a
person's disability. Got hippo laws. They're involved for demonstration of a task for certification, licensing, or identification cards. Because oddly enough, this is one area where New Jersey does not regulate. So, if you want to take your dog to a trainer and
get a certification, it's not going to do anything in identifying it because the law does not recognize it. Also, how and where the animal was trained is not an allowable question. Obviously, the handler is going to have some responsibilities. Must remain under the control of all
times, but as I just mentioned, they will certainly be under the handler's control. A monthly broken animal must remain in the handler's custody and handler would be responsible for any damages caused by the service animal, which is very, very highly unlikely that
they would in fact do any damage. Really, the only way you can remove a service animal legally is if they're causing a disturbance. Lastly, on page nine, I put a little blurb in here about emotional support animals. Completely separate category.
There is no protection under the ADA with a support animal. As you can see, I put a picture of a peacock here because people tend to lots of people tend to say that different types of animals bring them emotional support. That's not debatable to them. But what is debatable
is they do not fall under the ADA. So they do not have those rights. Uh there's no public access rights under the ADA. As I just mentioned, protection is granted under the Fair Housing Act only. So if you have an FHA somewhere, they can get permission to have it
there, but they would have to have a document from as I mentioned here at the bottom ESA letter written signed by licensed mental health professional. So that is this year's presentation. Any questions or anything related to your safety program, feel free to ask. On
page 10, I listed the two sources. You want to dig a little deeper, but if you remember those two questions that you may ask, that will pretty much keep you out of any type of litigation. >> Mr. Henry, thank you. Any questions from
council? Anyone? >> Thank you very much. >> This time, uh, we're going to have discussion regarding the uh proposed ordinance for uh resale inspections. So uh
we have had an update to our ordinances um that we that we have presented previously. Um, we uh structured it. I believe it was structured so that the homeowner is responsible for what they have done, not
necessarily what other people have done because they said by the current owner and fee. Uh, the fee was reduced from $200 to $125. Um, if uh within seven days of settlement, if it needs to be
reinspected would be $50, not $100. And uh if there's a violation of the section uh the fine could be up to $1,000 up to $1,250 and there would be no incarceration
uh possibilities. Uh and those are the major changes from the original one that we had discussed. Any uh conversation on that? >> I do have one question might be the best one to answer it. Um I
know it was brought up a prior meeting by the public that sometimes they may have purchased their home with existing un um what is it >> unpermanented
changes. Would you be able to tell going in how long a unpermaned change had been in existence? Generally, most of our materials are dated. If we can't tell it was done by
that owner, we're not going to deal with because they aren't protected the way this is written out. So, anything that they didn't do, they're not responsible for. So, if you have wire, it's dated when the wire was made. If you have a heater, furnace, air conditioner, it's dated when it was made. So, if it was
bought prior to the owner making settle on the house, we know they didn't do it. >> I guess I was concerned about additions or changes in floor plans, those sorts of things. >> Well, the two things you can look at are
an an MLS listing, which generally shows you what was there when they bought. I've used that a lot. And it goes both ways. That's actually freed people up where somebody said something was done and it was that way when they bought it or it has shown that they have done it.
So, the MLS is actually very good because you have pictures of almost everything. All right. Thanks. >> Hey, Bill. I thought we were going to look at the checklist of items that would be looked at when the inspection was made.
>> Did was that given to you by Matt made it? I know I did. >> Yeah, I don't think we we haven't seen the >> checklist. >> I thought I provided it previously when we discussed it, but I didn't. >> Well, again, >> I approved it like two months ago.
>> Okay. And he was supposed to send that to Jamie. I think you did. >> Well, I just want to say so that when you know if it should be approved, we do have >> really life health safety issues. That's we're more concerned with where somebody can get hurt. you know, we have a hole
in in the yard. We want to make sure that no kids can get in there, nobody can drown. Um, but we have handrails, you know, we have our snow protected. That's mainly what we're looking for. I'm not looking for a crack in the sidewalk. We're not looking for chip paint. That's not the thing.
>> Safety issues. >> Yeah, it's safety issues only. >> Any other questions, comments? >> Yeah. Well, I got that. First, thank you for re-evaluating and looking through this. I know it's it's been a lot of work and I know this is something that, you know, people don't get to see what you do
every day and what you have to deal with every day. And I think that's the driver behind this. Um, if you could just kind of go into a little detail for everybody how this like you need this for your job. Am I correct? >> Yes.
>> And why it's important and why you need this for the job. I think that's one of the biggest explanations I think we all need because we don't do your job. So, we don't know how difficult it is. >> Well, generally what's happening is people are buying property
a property that's been flipped. Then they're calling me and complaining, "Hey, this work was done." I have no record of being done. I can't just enter somebody's house and say, "Hey, this that or the other. I, you know, I would need a warrant to do that. We don't do
that." Um, so basically we're covering the people that are buying have been done or done wrong. Um we've had issues. Uh we've had roof leaks. We had hot water heaters put in and carbon monoxide coming out in the house. You
know, these are things that are just dangerous. Um and the only way we can make sure that the property safe is actually do the inspection for the safety things. That's really what we're looking to do because I've had complaints from come from the county commissioners. I've had them come from the DCA or why aren't you checking this
stuff? I I need a mechanism, you know, you used to have this and then for some reason they they did away with it back in 2018. Um we're trying to get it, you know, reinstated so that we can make sure that it's safe.
>> Questions? >> Yes. Couple of comments. Glad to see that, you know, we're able to reduce some of the uh fees and then also glad that we're able to get rid of the uh the potential incarceration. I think that was
very excessive. So glad to see that we're evaluation of the ordinance and uh I feel more comfortable with it. >> Anyone else? >> All right. Thank you very much, Mr. M.
>> Thank you. >> Uh next we have an amendment to the affordability assistance program manual. Um it's a change to the ability to help and assist those who
uh are renting or buying homes or refurbishing or have major major problems with their homes and can't afford it. It all comes out of a fund. Jamie, the name of that fund again, >> the affordable housing trust fund. >> Affordable housing trust fund, which is monies that are collected uh through
taxes and uh it's a fund that's built up. So, uh, with that, um, they have some additional new, uh, changes to their, um, program, I guess. >> Yeah. Explain what they are.
>> Yeah. I don't think highlighted. >> Um, so the only new section is if you look on page 10 and it's in blue, not in red, but it says um, housing association fee assistance. This is the only program that we did not have in our everything.
This is our current um policy. This would be the only section we would add um to help um >> right to help residents that are in lowincome units with their association fees >> if they you know they would go through like an application process and then
>> and it's protected uh in cases of homeowner the mortgage would be created and uh documents are created where people would have to repay the funds in some c the funds are not being repaid. Um, but that's all within the ordinance
or within the uh document. >> Any questions, comments on that? >> Any other questions, comments? >> All right. So, we will need a resolution at the public meeting to just formally adopt
this new policy. >> All right. Next, we have a a bid report for Summer Hill Hockey rink improvements. And I understand that bid was rejected. >> That's I I was actually going to cover all three of them at once. So,
>> Summer Hill hockey rings not being recommended to be rejected at this time. Um the baseball field is being recommended to be rejected. Um there was an error that we caught during our bid review. Um, you know, that that added un unnecessary additional cost. Um, and at
this time we can't award both projects because they're within the same ordinance. So, our recommendation is to reject the baseball bid and, uh, rebid it. >> Yeah. Well, and so then for the hockey rink, um, it's going to be kind of a wait and see. If we have the the financial capabilities to recommend the
awarding both come from the same ordinance, we will. I do want to note though with the hockey rink, there was one bid actually received the second bid that came in came in after the uh prescribed bid time. Um so we could not accept it. Um and then the uh the next
item that's on there is Pan Coast Boulevard. Our recommendation is to um to uh award that bid. Now the one caveat with this one, the apparent low bidder actually had to withdraw their bid. Um they had a massive uh error in the first
bid item. they overbid the item by four times. Um so we dropped their bid tremendously and they requested um in in writing to us to um you know have their bid withdrawn um which our office had no objection recommending. Now we as you
can recall we actually had something similar to the Leon Avenue project. Um the next highest bid was like $3,000 and and based off the bids that came in the project will be okay be fully paid through for the grant with the grant fun. So,
>> and you know, if we're looking at uh the hockey rink, that would also include the pickle ball court. >> No, it would not. So, that So, here's here's and this is something that can be I guess um for for understanding. So, the base bid came in
>> um here. So, the base came in at 125 350. So, then with all the hockey rink uh or the pickle ball added items, the bid plus the addition is 147350.
So with that um you know you want to be able to award that um even if the the secondary bid comes back in your chances are you only be able to award the base fit. Um now that being said the the additional fee for the pickle ball stuff
was relatively minor in total cost and actually is probably going to be below um the bid threshold um should you want to do that in the future. The specked out material is actually set up to be able to have pickle ball played on it. >> Well, those tiles will be the same tiles.
>> Yes. Be the same tiles. Yes. Y. Yeah. So, from the standpoint as the township would be responsible to actually restripe the pickle ball every so so a couple years probably two three years um depending on wear and tear. Um but the actual netting and um dividers are
portable. Um so when it's not pickle ball season then they would be able to be removed in store. >> Currently that's taken out of the >> currently the the way that we have it recommended we recommended you know does it allow the funding permits and as it
as it stands if you know if everything comes in as projected next time around chances are you won't be able to include the pick element of it. >> Anybody questions comments? >> Question. So just curious with this the process now like what will be the timing
how will it be pushed into >> so yeah so um so we're anticipating actually revertising tomorrow so we have the ability now to just post on the website when the project's reverted so we don't have to worry about waiting for the paper and paper missing our emails
um so Jamie and I were speaking um earlier I I think our recommendation would be to have bids received on the 16th and I all your next meetings on the 23rd Correct. So I could come back with bid report on the 23rd. Um you know put
it as an item of discussion prior to it being on any form of an agenda where you guys would you know move forward or deny etc. Um but we would anticipate that it would basically delaying it by one meeting. >> So >> thanks.
>> Anybody else? >> See not we'll uh move on Pos. the uh >> that's the Oh, yeah. So, yeah. One one more thing to add to Mr. Smith's question. From from a timeline perspective with the project, we still
anticipate that everything would be able to be installed for the in the fall season. So, it would sit over the winter um and then it'll be reop for the spring baseball season. Um and with Pan Co, that's actually the intersection with Fonts. We'll be putting the chicans in
um to help with pedestrian safety um and hopefully reduce some of the speeding that takes place over there. Thank you. >> Anyone else on any of these items? >> All right, we'll move on to our resolutions. >> Uh, first resolution is 2026-91
resolution to amend the 2026 budget. >> Yes, Lyn. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, prior to before you guys do this vote, if it's okay, I have a letter from our auditor that I would like to read into the record. >> Um, unfortunately, I apologize was I was
not here last week. Um, I know that there was discussions and that, you know, council is looking to amend our proposed 2026 budget which had included a 1.59 set increase that
with after speaking with our auditor, with our QPA, with our business administrator and looking through the budget, nobody wants to raise tax. It's not something that anybody wants to do.
Initially, we were looking at a 4 cent increase. We had discussed it, myself, council, all of our professionals who we all voted for and we all trusted, and we were able to bring it down to 1.59. Now, we're seeing a resolution where
we're trying to amend the 2026 budget and use more of our fund balance. So, I reached out to our auditor and I said, "Can you please write me a letter letting me know the ramifications of
this because during last week's meeting, I heard a lot of numbers thrown around, but I wanted to hear them from our professional." Now, I did forward you guys all this email. I hope that you read it. Uh, if you guys can bear with me for a couple of minutes, I'm going to read this into the record.
And the letter says that um to honorable mayor and members of town council, I was asked to address the possible ramifications of absorbing the expenditure increase into the existing tax rate. For the purposes of this explanation, I will be discussing cents on the tax dollar for Delray. This means
that for every cent the municipal tax rate increases, the township would gain an additional $150,000 in tax revenue. The expenditures inside the cap increased 3.5 cents from last year or $534,000.
The primary drivers for this increase are health insurance increased by $240,000. This increase has been the trend and is predicted to continue to have doubledigit increases in the future. Everybody's experiencing this. All of
our insuranceances, all of our costs, things are going up. General liability insurance increased $64,000. Insurance premiums have continued to have significant increases since co salaries increased by $75,000. Many of the township's contracts have
been settled and carry increases in salary and steps every year. These are natural increases for people who work to serve this community. There's going to be an increase. They earned it. Um,
pension expense increased by $150,000. Pension expense continues to increase every year since two or since 2020. Total pension expense has increased by $375,000, an increase of 5% every year. The township should expect this trend to
also continue. The township trash collection contract will also be coming up for renewal in 2026. The township may appropriation increases as a result of the new contract. To put this into context, the
2020 appropriation for solid waste collection was $550,000 and in 2026 the appropriation was $985,000. That's a $435,000 increase. This is a lot of money that we
need to take care of. And we're looking at a $1.59 tax increase. And from what I understand, the average homeowner would see an increase of $33 a year. Is that correct? The final item for future consideration
in additional debt service payments. The township is currently in discussions on the issuing of permanent finance of several of the township's ordinances. Preliminary discussions have the potential impact of a debt issuance of approximately 3.6 6 for 2027. This
means the township may need to increase the tax rate by 3.6 cents next year solely to meet our debt service obligation. That increase would be before the solid waste salary and any insurance increases are even considered.
So taking a small bite now means that we won't have to take such a big bite in the upcoming years. Just have a little bit more and I apologize. This is how important I think that this
is. >> This is very important. This is the future of Del Rand. One-year solutions don't cure anything. In order to balance the amended budget, the township utilized 227,000
more fund balance than it did in 2025. realized an additional h 100,000 in taxes from additional valuations increased the amount budgeted for delinquent taxes by an additional $150,000 fund balance. It should be noted that the township utilized $5 million of fund
balance in 2025 budget per the township's annual financial statement. The township was able to generate 3.3 million of the amount utilized. This reduced our funds balance fund balance by $1.7 million. That money is not coming back.
I heard conversation of we have a new apartment cover apartment comp or complex coming. How much are those taxes roughly if we had to guess? Are they anywhere near $1.7 million? >> I would say they're probably $770,000
potentially. And that's just based off of what Chester Woods is paying. I don't know the exact you know >> so that decrease but that decrease is consistent. >> Oh good I will go on I I know I should have just read through this. Assuming
the township can regenerate the fund balance of $3.3 million again this year the town the town fund balance at the end of 2026 will be just over 9.1. And what was it two years ago? >> 12 >> well it was 12.8.
12.8. This is a sliding scale. We're going down. We need to bring some of that back. How this is going to affect us is in the long term. Right now, we're AAA bond
rated. We're getting fantastic rates. the previous administrations, we have done a great job financially, but it's time that we take a little responsibility and unfortunately a little responsibility on the people of the town
to keep that there because if our fund if our bond if we start to have to pay high interest, guess what? We're paying for 30 years, not one. And if you think this t this tax increase is a lot, wait until the next one hits and we won't
have a choice. Just have a little bit more. I'm sorry. Additional valuations. The township was able to generate an additional $100,000 from the increase of net valuation taxable from 1.497 billion to 1.510
billion. That may not repeat itself next year. Delinquent taxes. The township increased the amount budgeted to receive from delinquent taxes. The township is approaching the maximum amount that it can budget from delinquent taxes with this move. This will limit one of the
ways the township can mitigate future tax increases. Additionally, unbudgeted revenues, mis miscellaneous revenue not anticipated, and lapse appropriations are some of the ways that the township replenishes its fund balance. As a result, the township could replenish
fund balance more slowly than expected. Another important consideration is for that the township issues bonds to permanently finance their capital projects from time to time. And when new debt is issued, the township receives reviews from rating agencies. Several
items are reviewed during these ratings. And one of these items that the re that they review is the township fund balance. how much is available and the stability. That's a very important word, the stability of that fund balance. I
heard discussions last week of, well, it goes up, it goes down, it goes up, it goes down. It needs to stay consistent in order for us to maintain the bond rating that finances this town at the best rate possible.
If the township's bond rating were downgraded, it can result in higher interest rates and higher interest costs to the township. Given these factors, now this is from our auditor. Given these factors, I recommend the township carefully consider the long-term
financial implications of the items discussed above before adopting this 2026 budget. I want to say thank you to Michael for putting this together for me so quickly. Um, obviously this is very important to me and I know you guys are going to be
asked to vote on amending this budget. I'm going to urge you to reconsider amending what we had proposed that everyone on this council voted yes for a month ago. One month ago, I don't know,
Candy, you might not have been here. You weren't here, but We had this budget long enough to look at it. And Candy, I apologize. You didn't get a chance to look through it. So, let that go. >> Slide more over to the >> You can sidebar, but just so you just so
you understand, we all had this budget for a long time. We all looked through it. We talked about how good it was. We did say that we wanted to see if we could bring that tax increase down a little bit. We worked with the auditor. We worked with Kareema. This lady here has put so many
hours in on this. She deserves a trophy. If I had one, I would give it to her. Again, I will urge you to reconsider amending what was proposed that we voted yes on for the first reading of this
2026 budget. That was a one point it was 1.59 cent tax increase. Thank you. >> Mayor, >> yes discussion
is um I had I was going to email the mayor based on this. >> Your microphone's not >> I was going to email the mayor based on what we received but I decided I would read it at the meeting at the end of my report
is around what he just talked about. Should I do it now or >> please do it now? This is this is an important discussion. >> So, um, thank you, Council President. Um, I want to acknowledge the mayor's email and the other analysis he shared.
I appreciate the intention to look at long-term fiscal trends and I agree that we must always be mindful of Delan's financial stability. At the same time, my responsibility and I believe that of my fellow council
member is the balance those long-term considerations with the very real economic pressures our residents are facing right now. That is why I remain focused on avoiding a tax increase this
year and ensure our decisions reflect both immediate community needs and responsible stewardship of our fun balance. Thank you. >> Anyone else comments? >> I have essentially the same com.
Um given the gas increases, the grocery increases, it is not just the town's budget that we need to consider, but also
the taxpayers budgets. And I think that we need to work hard this year to prevent any unforeseen circumstances from happening during this year so that
we can continue to keep our surplus at a healthy level and maintain reasonable taxes for the taxpayers here. And while the fund um surplus fund has
dipped up and down slightly over the years, it went from just under $3 million in 2007 to over 11 million at the at um in 2026.
And I don't think there is a member on council here that has not recognized the implications of holding taxes steady and dipping into the surplus for around
$270,000$300,000. Um, but I believe that in this economy right now and what we're facing and what our taxpayers and homeowners and members of our community are facing financially, we need to hold the line this year. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councilwoman. Anyone else? >> Yes. I'd also like to uh make mention of the fact that you know I appreciate the hard work and the efforts that went into preparing the budget this even I know you did the mayor they did a
great job working with all the department heads um but you know you mentioning along what councilwoman mentioned you know I am concerned you know talking to many of my residents uh many of whom are seniors uh they have a
you know fixed income and you know they're getting squeezed getting squeezed by cost of utilities, health care, auto insurance, home insurance, groceries, etc. And knowing that the town does have a
fund balance that we can draw on. Um I feel that you know it proven to not increase the taxes in 2026 with this budget 2027 and you know take a look at where we are uh next year. I do know
that we also have the opportunity to tighten up some uh to make sure that we're not spending as much on certain programs and I think that's a good way to go forward. So that's my comment on discussion.
>> All right. Thank you council. Uh my comment I respect the the council member's opinions. Um I I just I have to vote my conscience on this. um $33 per average household.
Uh say, well, not all households are average households and some are higher. Well, probably less than $100 for any household in Bel will be the increase. $100 in one year. The consequences of not moving forward with this minimal
increase after, you know, the mayor and uh Jamie had worked on bringing it down. Next year, uh, we have budget for three police off policemen. We're not going to be hiring them and next year that we may not hire them at all because we won't
have the funds to do so. And that's been a concern of the the community and I think it's my responsibility to stand up and do the right thing. Um, I understand uh everybody, hey, our household's tight. My wife goes to the store, she comes back and she tells me all the, you know,
she used to be $50 at the store. Now it's 75 or $80. Uh we all understand that and t raising tax patches is never easy and it's never a comfortable thing to do. But we've had no tax increase for six years. The prior, you know, council
and and administration uh have held the line and we used a lot of the uh fund balance to do so. Well, the fund balance is not going to be reestablished the way it was in the past because of the uh building construction uh monies that came in to us from all the new homes.
Well, the only one that we haven't received any tax from yet is the uh new one that's being built and that may not be finished by September. I think is a date when they evaluate that. And uh so we're not really anticipating any
increase income from from the builders. uh Chester and and the others uh have already been on the books. Um I you know I think the reduction of our value of our bond uh ratings is
significant. It could cost us a lot more money to do road work and sewer work that may be cut back. Uh other issues, you know, the softball baseball fields and things like that, all of it will have to go on the books next year to be
looked at. uh if we uh fail to uh raise this uh by 1.59 cents. Uh I just that's my feelings. I I have to be honest with myself and and do what's right at this point. Um >> I'm sorry. I have another comment. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay. I'm sorry. I just remember because um the mayor had mentioned it. So I'm going to go back and look at the recordings, but I don't remember saying yes to 3% tax increase a month ago. No, it was the 1.59 when we voted on we did
first reading on the budget. >> Okay. Can I finish? >> Sure. >> So, and the other thing is um when we got the budget, I think you said you mentioned two months ago when we got that book. When we got that budget, we
didn't have the revenue included. We got that later which was about maybe two was it two weeks ago. So, We weren't sitting on the budget for two months with all the information. When we when we were looking at budget, we're
looking at expenditures and revenue. A budget is not a budget if you don't have revenue. And I made that clear when I asked. I'm like, I cannot make a decision based on just one part of the budget. So I just want to clarify that
because you know I don't want people to think that we had the budget, we sat on it and then all of a sudden we changed our mind. I had not changed my mind from day one. When the 3% was mentioned I was surprised when it came down to 1.59%
I'm like I'm still not good with that. And I'll reiterate people are struggling. That's my conscience. My thing is for some people some people $33 is nothing and then you have somebody who's on fixed income or a single parent
and another $33 it's like and I'm just going to go off on a personal level as I've noticed right when a person gets paid let's say when get let's just say I got paid a dollar part of that come up for the federal part for the state right by the time I
get home I'm left with maybe 45 cents out of the dollar maybe or I'll I'll make it better 75 cents. So to add another burden on that on what I already can't afford is really really you know that really really struck out to me on
this budget. That was the reason why I stood where where I was. I just want to clarify that. >> Thank you. >> And Nikki we we nobody here does not understand what's going on in the world where things are they're more expensive. A lot of people are on fixed budgets. A
lot of people are in situations that they probably have never been in, but so is the town. And that's the point that we're trying to make. So, as much as I understand what you guys are trying to do and holding the line and not raising taxes,
and one of the things that I did hear last week, and I don't know where this came from, is this substantial uh tax increase for the schools. It's not true. I'm going to tell you right now, I have talked to the superintendent. I've talked to the schools. I have their budget. Jamie
certified it. Is there any tax increase for the school? >> Not for this calendar year. Now, >> exactly. Which is great. And I, like I said, I understand everyone's hesitation. I Nobody here wants to put a bigger burden on anyone
in the town. And sometimes it's okay. Yes, we can take it in on ourselves. But when this fund balance is not going to regenerate, we're going to continue to go down. Understand that you're saying, "Let's sell Delran's future for next year
because that's what we're doing." Because if we lose our bond rating, every service that this town provides is going to cost more. And sure, maybe we'll cut maybe we'll cut some things next year. Maybe we won't get the softball fields done. How does anybody
feel about that? We just did an ordinance where we increased our police force. We're not going to have those additional officers. How do we feel about that? And we want to keep the same force that we've had since 2010 we had in this year's budget to add an
additional public works person. We can't do that now. They have the same staff, not the same personnel, the same staff number since 2010. We have added multiple sports areas.
We've added multiple unfortunately apartment complexes, condos, houses. Like everybody wants to build everything everywhere. And of course, if you wanted to, we could do that again and sell off piece of Del Rand and gain taxes again, but nobody wants to do that either.
This is the reality of it. The reality is you guys have to understand that if we don't if we go with the decision that you guys are considering today, we are putting Del Rey's future in jeopardy. I'm not willing to do that. I'm not
willing to cut services. I'm not willing to not increase a police force that hasn't been increased. Or maybe we should not pay the people that work for the town. These are the people that service the community. They deserve it.
Where do you want to make these cuts? Like I hear we, oh, we can tighten our belts. We can tighten our belts. Okay. Maybe we won't plow the roads as much. Maybe we won't do as many roads as we're supposed to do. And then maybe we'll be on the news again with a sinkhole. I don't know. You tell me.
And I'm sorry that I this is I hate to be passionate about raising taxes. And it's terrible. And I know it's a lot of money for some. It's maybe not a lot of money people lot not a lot of money for others but that is the importance
behind this we are cutting ourselves short >> council president >> I have another comment so um based on the new budget here that's been amended right it showed that
$227,000 that's it that will come that will be added that will be subtracted from balance. So my question to the mayor and you will 22 $27,000 deplete our our um fund balance
and send town bank by next year. It's $227,000. That's what we're using to put. So if we you know it's not I don't want us to say you know we adopted the budget and we don't care about fund balance and the
township future but my thing is $227,000 will that send us bankrupt by next year >> bankrupt? No but that's a long shot. Uh, I think the U say
>> it's the 227 plus 1.7. >> We were to use $5 million from the fund balance this year. >> So, it's down to what? Six. >> What's it? What would it be? Um well we use 5 million of >> we use
>> 11 million121905 is our fund balance at the end of 2025. >> Right. So we're going to use five. We're proposing to use five. >> Well no we were proposing to use five in the amended budget. It's using 5 million227. >> 227. Right.
So, you know, we're talking about losing more than half or about half of our fund balance and we know it's not going to be replenished. So, we're going to be affected by that next year and our taxes may grow considerably next year because of it.
>> And as you understand our part, I understand what you what we're talking about. Um, but like I said again, you know, based on my research analysis that I've been doing budget, right? And the
fact that after we had it amended, it ends up just $227,000 when we take it from sub. So if we have 11 million, we take out 5.2 million, which is higher.
>> What? Well, I think the the concern and and that's what the auditor put in his letter is the $1.7 million decrease from 2024 to 2025. We only replenish every time we put 5 million into the surplus, right? We want to generate that back in the next budget
year. So, we anticipate that we're going to come back to 5 million. We came back to 3.3 and that's why we lost 1.7. >> Yeah. And I'll add this again. All the experts All of this budget train that's mandated
by the city and the township. Every one of them business administrator who have done this thing for 50 or more years and mayors who mean like 10 times 20 times mayor said this and from my training if
you can use up to 60% of your fund balance and still be in good standing with your credit. I I I went to these trainings. I saw the documents. I read it up. So my biggest concern, like I said, was
raising taxes on on on the residents. But before I did that, I looked at what we were doing. So I just want you to make to be clear, we are concerned about the fund balance, but we cannot balance the budget on the backs of the residents.
>> I don't think $33 a household is excessive. I don't think it's ridiculous. I think it's reasonable. and so I just can't agree with your submission. All right. Any other comments, questions? All right. I take a motion to uh
>> Go ahead. >> So, the resolution that you have in front of you, this is to amend the 2026 budget based off of our discussions. This utilizes another 227,000 um dollars in surplus. That gets the rate from the 1.597 down to zero. um the
the rest of these um where you see like the police, other expenses, salary and wages, those are the um things that the state caught during their review of the budget and we are required to amend um you know per their comments. So I just wanted to you know for the public too to
see that's that's kind of state um you know things that they caught that were just a little off and we have to fix those. Um >> I have a question >> and then I just wanted to go over the so we're going to ad we're going to vote on this tonight. This gets advertised on the website tomorrow and we will have a
public hearing on these amendments at the June 9th public meeting. After we have the public hearing and we're, you know, satisfied with the public hearing, we can adopt the 2026 budget at the same meeting. So, I just wanted you to know like the process since this is kind of new to
>> to everybody. So, just one more question. I keep hearing we're increasing taxes by one seven. I thought it was We're increasing the well now we're increasing it by zero but originally we were it's cents cents on the tax rate.
>> Okay. >> If you want to know what the percentage I could tell you that too. What the percentage was was 1.98% but 1.597. >> Okay. So there was a little difference.
>> Any other questions? >> No. That's it. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Hey, this is important. Uh, we need to discuss it. >> All right. At this point, I have a motion if we're if to amend the 2026 budget.
>> So, move second. >> Mr. Pure, Mr. P. >> Roll call, please. >> Miss Cure. >> I, >> Mr. Padu. >> I, >> Mr. Smith. >> Hi, >> Mr. Jenny. >> No. >> Eyes have it. uh that amendment will be
uh discussed at our June 9th. >> Yeah, that that's when we will hold the public hearing for the public to um ask questions or comments on the the amendments. >> Thank you everyone for your comments and for your participation and their research on that. Uh our consent agenda
uh sewer connections for Richard Road LLC over tax overpayment refund uh cancellation in taxes for totally disabled veteran refund uh road opening deposit. Uh we're authorizing CMA Associates to perform engineering
services uh for Norman Avenue, the sanitary sewer improvements. Uh 97, we're authorizing CMA associates to perform engineering services for the 220 uh 2026 road program. Uh 2026-9, approving the second
amendment to the agreement with the county of Burlington for the extension of sewer service to Rainbow Metal Park. As many remember, we're paying for the work. They're going to pay us back. It's connecting the sewer to the Rainbow Park uh County Park. I ratify the contract
between the Delan Patrollers Association and Township of Del. Rejecting all bids of the Summer Hill Complex Baseball Field Improvements and authorizing readvertisement. We just discussed that Ed gave his comments on that. Authorizing the payment of bills including all purchase man purchasing
agreement and approving of the following merant title license for titling penley uh 2900 130 do I have a motion to approve the resolutions >> Smith roll please >> miss cure
>> I >> Mrs. I >> Mr. Smith >> Mr. Jenny, >> I have it. At this time, we'll open the uh floor to public comment. >> If you wish to speak, please raise your hand, and you'll be recognized. At that
time, you may approach the podium and state your name and address for the record. All remarks shall be through the council president. An individual speaker shall be allowed at 5 minutes. All statements are part of the public record, both written on video recorded, and cannot be redacted.
We apologize for not being able to hold our work session down below like we were. I thought it was very comfortable and convenient. Uh it's just that the microphones don't support it. So when we do have our upgrades to microphones, we will at our work sessions meet down below and be able to meet closely with
the residents who have comments. So at this time, do we have any uh public comments? Yes, ma'am. Just when the phase two,
>> the contractor submitted their cut sheets to us late last week. We're in the process of marking them up and then they're going to be restarting the concrete work over there. We're actually coordinate with the Helen and Bakery to not impact their delivery schedules. So coordinate with the owner there because they're going to be the biggest impact.
>> Okay. And and they're going to replace the uh the sidewalks that they damaged there. >> Yes. Yeah. Yes. Anything that was damaged by the contract be replaced and there's majority of the concrete in the section is going to be replaced due to
um modifications made during construction. Thank you. >> How was the army? >> So, they're continuing along. Um, so they we spoke with them last week. um
they're they're able to continue their they're continuing their work essentially and then we the township has to adopt the next fiscal year worth of funding in order for them to complete everything. Um we're still on schedule for an anticipated draft um
draft study uh by this fall with the final version um being completed by March April of 2027. >> Will any of that be shared? >> Yes, it's going to be public. Yes. Um I actually requested that they came in and have like a public discussion at the
township. We haven't gotten that far yet. So once we start seeing that then we'll start looking back. >> I want to see that happen. >> Thanks for your comments, sir. >> Good evening everyone. Gary 261 Tree Road like to thank the members of
council for using fund balance designed for specifically this purpose to save our residents from tax increase. I have a number of things to mention. I know there's limited time, so I'm going to move right into it. I've never had seen
a year where the budget discussion did not include a meeting where council sat down and reviewed it directly with each other and the mayor and the administrator. first time been coming to these meetings for 28 years and this is the first time we've seen this. I'm
going to try to dispel some of the things that were discussed by the auditor whose letter I felt was disingenuous. Uh but let me say this between 2013 and last year in 2025 approximately 14 years the fund went up
and down all the time. It went up every year except three years. 2013, 2020 during COVID, and this past year. For what reason? I don't know exactly. I haven't had a chance to look at all the
numbers, but over 13 years prior to this year, the percentage of the budget actually used was between 48% or was 48% or lower. This year, the percentage is 48%.
Construction costs reduced. I understand that because the buildings have already done their permitting. The numbers are not the whopping numbers that they were a couple of years ago. That happens. There are plenty of additional costs.
They happen every year. Fund balance reserve fluctuates. Let me just say not looking at just the uh the one time construction cost there is a sustainable
revenue that comes in and has increased over the years. Chesterwoods was up 700 approximately $780,000 in a ratable. Home Depot is approximately the same size and I'm assuming that they are rentals and would
be approximately the same even I'm going to estimate at 750,000. Congressional is generating 1.397 million in real estate taxes. Foxtail is is generating five 598,000
plus. And cannabis is contributing $295,000. We don't know if that's annually, but the way things are going, it doesn't look like pot smoking is subsiding. So that's a total of $3 million a year in
additional revenue. That's not one time, but sustainable revenue. If you include Home Depot, it's $3.8 million that we're talking about. This is not the economy that I think you
should be raising taxes. I applaud council for standing their ground. The residents are getting slammed for gasoline prices, for utility prices, and it is it has got someone has to hold the line. There will always be increases in
costs. There will always be fluctuations in revenue. That's what happens. This is just not the year. I applaud your work. You're going to have to work harder to find a way next year for that to happen.
The auditor cannot predict what it should be or will be at the end of next year. You never know. So, I thank you for your patience and diligence. I appreciate the conversation with that. But I firmly agree with council's
decision. I thank you very much. That was four minutes and three seconds. >> Good job. >> Anyone else? >> Yes, ma'am. Patricia Griffith, Brown Street. Um, I just have a couple questions about the budget. On the cover sheet for the
budget, it shows the anticipated revenue for the sewer as 4.9 million. And on page sheet 40b1 which is the 2026 capital budget during utility the plan funding is6,997
million or6 million. Yes. So how will this $2 million short address? We'll have Jamie take a look at >> Can you tell me what page you're on for the first? >> The first one is the cover sheet for the budget.
>> The cover sheet anticipated. >> Does it have a sheet at the bottom? A sheet number. My whole budget. >> Oh, okay. This is the advertisement >> and this is >> the expenses.
>> Okay. Well, I mean, this is exactly what what she said. This is the this is the um you're talking about the miscellaneous revenues of $4.1 million. So, that's that's what we anticipate in the 2026 budget.
>> This is just a capital the the other sheet. Yeah. So, this is this is an anticipated. So these these aren't items that we would pay necessarily pay cash for. Um these are capital improvement projects that we would look to um finance either through the I bank which
is a stateaterun um you know lending source or to finance this through bond anticipation notes like we do on the municipal side. >> So to cover$2 million different >> No, not the difference. This isn't the
this this sheet isn't included in this number. >> They don't have anything to do with each other. >> The operating cost for the daily operations are the 48 million. The 200,000 is capital expenditures which is not part of the operating cost. That's part of the oper you know the capital
which is vote you know we vote ordinances on bond ordinances or you know we take loan from the you know source if it's a better deal or whatever the case may be but that's not part of the operating expense. Right. I'm just trying to have it make sense because I
know the super budget is separate than others. Correct. >> So it doesn't make sense to me how >> well does it make sense now? I mean it's two they're two separate animals. >> One's a capital expenditure and one is operating expense. So, all of our
revenues that we bring in, if you look, if you we can have this back, but um all of the revenues that we bring in, >> you'll see here, and then it's always offset by appropriations. So, we bring in the revenues just like we do on the municipal side. All the revenues that
we're using to balance our budget, whether it be the general budget or the sewer budget, is then offset by revenues in the very next line. So these are the revenues. These are the expenditures and appropriations that we're setting aside for that revenue that we generate and
that revenue is generated from basically your sewer your sewer billing on the utility side. >> All right. Um there is going to be some improvements made on the Norman Avenue. Is that going to be a complete pipe change or
>> I believe it's mostly >> what specific issue is causing this complete change. We had two breaks on Leon and only part of those pipes were changed and the rest were lined. I'm just curious what the problem is. >> It's ultimately the condition of the
pipe is not able to be lined. >> And how was that decision made? Is that >> that's evaluated by our sewer experts within the firm? >> The camera the camera work they do they came. So ultimately and what we'll do as part of this project too is we're going
to CCTV evaluate similar to what we did that that huge CCTV project we just did we're going to also we included as part of the the Leyon Avenue project Norman Avenue to evaluate that closest to the the actual um treatment uh tanks. We're
going to do the in between line now it's on St. Heel as part of this project as well. We're going to do a CCTV evaluation and then our staff at at the office will provide recommendations to the township. We get a review of text. >> We are still in the process. There's 12
miles worth of sewer to review. So, it's taking a little while. >> Okay. I just a comment about I don't know whyion bedroom at Rainbow Park, but you said we're getting paid back for it.
>> That's for a shore extension. The the county, it's a county funded expenditure. The county is doing improvements to the park as part of a future capital project through the county. Um so they they utilize the township and their professionals to go ahead and do the extension for them. The count
the township back and forth. >> A significant amount of work. They're opening the street putting new sewer lines going into the park. They're going to put bathrooms in. So that's >> And just one more comment. It's interesting how council members running for office are against the budget
increase. You're saying $227,000 is nothing but $33 person. That's all. >> Thank you. WJ 518 Brown Street. Mr. Council President, these are my observations and perceptions.
During the past 24 months, this individual has observed this august group down township council performing and acting what is supposed to be the business of the municipality and the concerns of the town's people who have
placed this group of elected officials in their current fiduciary position. My perceptions are as follows. It appears that the tenants you embrace are gaslighting, accusation, and pantry. When questioned in matters that concern
operational budgets, capital budgets, bond issues, you become dismissive and render various suggestions that do not address the questions asked, but rather you suggest to you suggest asking the professionals who are not present at
these proceedings. Or you refrain from answering the questions stated that you will respond during your allotted comment period at the of said meeting. Note the response is either lacking or not forthcoming at all. It gives the
appearance that you have advocated your position and are unable to render a coaching response to the matters presented. There appears to be a lack of knowledge and or intellectual curiosity when presenting various readings concerning
possible ordinances, the use of monetary funds, addition bond issues and their use and the completion dates on various projects in progress. Rather, your selective memory deflects away from the critical issues that impact this
township, which encompasses 7 and 1/4 miles and 45 miles of pave road, commonly referred to as the infrastructure, which includes the roads, the sidewalks, the curbs, and the sewage system. An example of slow
walking is the Army of engineer project known as the Riverside Park project which will eventually have a cause and effect on the municipal utility authority. This has been ongoing since 2013 with no target completion date as
of this presentation. Your inability to address the impact of the waste management apartment projects of 240 apartments that will surely have a delterious effect on the infrastructure sooner rather than later. Rather, you
site electric bikes, pickle ball courts, a bike path on Route 130, speed bumps, light standards on an athletic field, cannabis shops, and currently a million dollar bathroom in Rainbow Park. When
questioned or pressed on the issues of concern, you tend to be confrontational and adversarial. Your arbitrary and capriccious manner appears to manifest itself when the council fails to be fully informed and prepared to answer
any and all questions relevant to issues that impact this community. In closing, I realizing your rebuttal, you will proclaim moral outrage to the above observations and perceptions similar to that of a petulent child and that
someone would have the audacity to question your lack of confidence. This goes without question. This situation can be addressed by any any member of this township council who would care to pursue the conversation further and
address the concerns cited. I am available Monday through Friday 9 to5 at my homework record. Stop by and remember bring your lunch. You're going to be a while. >> Thank you for your opinion. Any other comments?
First that wonderful information I don't have a problem with $33 offices. My concern is that you are our mayor. We
elected you. We campaigned for you. We elected you. You're sitting up there and people voted in this whole township for you and you won. Okay. Now, we have a former mayor. Everybody's entitled to come up and speak. Everybody's a citizen
of the town. I understand that. But why does former mayor have to have an input in what you guys decide. You know, that's what's bugging me right now. You're the mayor, not you. >> You're not the mayor. You're not in
charge of his people anymore. And I don't and and there's so many people that resent this is opinion when you have one opinion and he's got some another opinion that seems to be controlling everything, almost everything you guys have to say. Well,
that's that's not the case. He is >> I know what you're saying, but I'm saying it's not the case. Uh Mr. Catraone was a past mayor. He is a resident. He has every right to speak and give his opinion as much as anyone else in the room does. >> That's understandable.
>> And there's no everyone here thinks for themselves. >> It doesn't appear that way, especially after the last several months. >> Well, if that's your perception, that's fair. That's fair. >> That's all. >> Thank you. Any other questions or comments?
>> Appreciate that. Jer from Del. Um, so I had a number of questions and they were answered. So I appreciate the other comments and I appreciate all the work on with Barnes and um everybody on this budget. I know it's a lot and I do appreciate all the best efforts that
everyone's making. Um, so what I wanted to comment on is um the u discussion about this home inspection. I understand there's been some um adjustments to an ordinance that many people in this town are vandally
against. I mean to me this is a government overreach. This is a violation of property rights and it's also a slippery slope. It looks nice on face value like we're looking for safety issues. Fantastic. I think it's great. I'm not
has any ill intent. I'm sure he does not. However, when government gets involved in people's personal affairs, it's a slippery slope. Government will never back down. It always takes takes a next step. And maybe not you people again, I've said this to you guys before. We don't you guys are like I
call it a bene benevolent dictator. And I'm not saying that you guys are, but okay, you say, "Oh, we're not like that, but maybe the next group will or the next group." We always have to protect the people and our rights and that's what government's role really is to protect our rights. So anyway, thanks a lot.
>> Yeah. And it's it's mostly based on safety. It truly is. And the uh most towns have a a similar very similar ordinance. We just uh haven't had one and and a lot of things were slipping by. >> But but I'm saying that it's the people >> I understand
>> the people need to constantly watch the government. >> Agreed. >> And and that's something that the founders have talked about in this country in a situation now because we have all of us taking our eye off the wall everybody. You see what I'm saying? Like top we're dealing with like top down now. That's monarchs. We had a
revolutionary war because America didn't want to be run by kings and queens or whoever it is. Everything local. So that's >> agreed. >> That question. Thank you. >> Any other comments or questions? >> Seeing none, do I have a motion to uh
leave public comment? Motion, >> Mr. Smith, Miss Mas. >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> Any opposed? All right. We're out of public comment. Anyone from emergency services? I know Mr. Barrow was here
earlier. Boards and committees. Nothing. Business administrator. >> Um, I don't really have so much of a report tonight as a um I just wanted to bring this to council's attention. Um, I received an email today. We've had past discussions about this. I can't remember
what year, but we just never moved forward with anything. There is another request from a um liquor ly to open early for the Eagles game on Sunday, October 11th. Um I think the game is overseas, but don't quote me. Um, yeah.
So, it starts um early on a Sunday and they're not able to serve liquor until um I think 10:00 a.m. and they want to open early um for the game that starts at 9:30. Our ordinance does not allow for any type of flexibility. So, um if
you guys are okay, maybe we ask the attorney to just see if for special events um we could have the flexibility to maybe do a resolution to change those hours. >> Yeah. And I've seen other towns do that. response to events like this. That's something
>> people need their beverages early in the morning, huh? >> Yeah. So, he said um out of town um establishments um have this. So, we're losing, you know, they're losing patrons to to to go out of town for these games when they're earlier. And I know I know
it's happened during the Olympics. We've had the request. I don't know if anybody was on council before um you know, we've kind of had to turn them down. So, >> well, Mr. Romero will check that out, I'm sure. >> Yeah, I'm seeing it for when the Eagles are overseas, when the Phillies are
overseas. I'm seeing towns do it for the World Cup now as well. So, yeah. >> So, maybe we'll work to prepare a draft for you guys to review at future at a future work session. We have till October. Um, but I just wanted to get this on the radar in case anybody was,
"No, don't do anything. We don't want to change it." Um, and that's really all I have tonight. >> Thank you. All right. At this time, Mayor Barnes, have two minutes. >> Thank you, Lynn. Um, I'll be brief. I'll start with the with the one thing I did want to talk about tonight. Um, I
recently had a meeting with the editor from the Delran Sun. Um, she's the new editor. I want people to look forward to we are going to be putting together a weekly, uh, mayor's message that will be providing more information to residents. Um, I would also like to invite Lyn, I
haven't had a chance to talk to you, to possibly participate in that so that we can get some some of the messaging from council along with just not myself, but also from council so you can hear kind of everybody's things that are uh that are going on in town. And I wanted to commend uh the Sun because I've noticed
that they're doing a lot more. Um they're I'm seeing them on social media. They're they've reached out to do the mayor's message. are really starting to get a little more involved than I've seen in the past. And I will just wanted to say thank you to them and just I I know it
hits the lawn and a lot of times I see them, they're just wet sitting there, but maybe it's time we pick it up a little bit because it looks like we're starting to get a lot of really good information from them. Um, God, I want to have so many things to say, but I'm not going to say them all. Council, I
listen, thank you for hearing me out on the uh on the budget. It's it's a difficult thing to do. It's a difficult thing to talk about and I'm glad that we were able to talk about it. Um whether I have reservations or you have reservations really isn't it ultimately
at the end of the day you know we send you the budget and you know it's your you vote on it. So that's where we are with that. Um I realize that probably only 100 people watch this on YouTube. So I'm not speaking to the message. We got almost
20,000 people in this town, but I'm going to say at least to the 100. If anybody can post this on Facebook because I do not want to respond to Facebook. This rumor that the school is raising taxes when in fact it goes down approximately $53 per resident for the
year. It's not true. I've seen a lot of buzz on it on Facebook. Just because we don't like rising taxes doesn't mean we can throw the school system under the bus. It's our school system and our children. We got to stop. Um, I heard that we're throwing big
things out like we're cutting special services. This is all over Facebook again. It's one of the reasons why I brought in this communications department. The rumor mill really has to stop. It's unfounded. It's untrue. And it's just scare tactics.
I don't know about you, but I'm tired of seeing it. And I know that it's only a hundred people that are probably listening to this, but if that hundred could share it and then that couple hundred could share it, maybe we can get the message out there and we can stop the keyboard warriors because they're
really doing and they're they're no benefit to the town. There's no benefit to the town going on there and blasting our school system, our teachers, our kids, our government. There's no point to it. If you want to do something, run. I did.
It's quite simple. If you can't run, we have meetings here every week. I have hours in my office every week. There is not a person on this day that will not spend time with you. If you have something important to discuss and if it's important and we can achieve it, it
will happen. So, I'll end my report with this. I I implore the I don't know how many how many are watching right now. >> 27 >> 27 people. 27 people, please
spread the message. If you can't make the town meeting, I understand, but these meetings are an hour to an hour and a half. Watch them on YouTube. I'm not asking you to change the world. Just be part of the town. Thank you.
>> Thank you, mayor. At this point, uh, Mr. Romero, >> uh, yeah, the only thing I have, I just wanted to thank Jamie Great work on the police contract. There was a few lingering issues that we worked through and it kind of dragged on but as you guys see tonight we got so great
working. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh at this time our engineer Ed >> just a quick update. Um the contractor um is wrapping up the work within the milside neighborhood in terms of the
main impact with the concrete curbs. Um I spoke to the superintendent of construction for the the region um of our concerns with the condition that the road and stuff has been left in. Um he's mobilized a second crew in order to address um the resting complaints and
the complaints from both myself and and Jamie and the mayor. Um and he should have it all buttoned up um in in the near future. So ultimately we're probably looking sometime I would say July time frame for the roads to be paid by the utility companies are looking at
the Bentwood and Yardley neighborhood being paved by the middle of June. >> Thank you. And that's a big plus. I mean, I don't want to let go by easily. Uh the fact that we coordinate with public service and the water company to uh understand what work they're going to be doing and what they're going to be
digging up and then we can negotiate for them to repay, which costs us a whole lot a whole lot less money than it would if we were doing it on our own. >> I I actually do want to add something. You actually triggered my memory on this. Um, PSENG um, just so so everybody
is uh, not not all worried when this what this happens. PS&G is actually coming in and is going to be replacing their gas man on Notre Dame Drive and Notre Dame Port. And due to our road being under moratorum and some other uh, issues that happened out there related to the gas, um, they will be replacing
the the pavement from curb to curb. Um, and they're anticipating that start in the next couple weeks. >> Awesome. Great. Those negotiations uh definitely help the township an awful lot. All right. At this point, we'll have our council members. Councilwoman Cure.
>> Thank you, Council President. I just want to I'm not going to restate what I've already stated about the budget, but as I think the public, all 27 plus the members in the audience can see, this is something that um we all thought
long and and worked on um c this council has worked even though I'm fairly new has worked hard for years to keep uh municipal taxes low um other things do go up and while there isn't an increase
in the school taxes this year um I know that that contributes a large part of our budget and I'm glad to hear that the school isn't increasing its budget this year but we have other things in town um but we've mostly discussed that you
prices are increasing and the fact that someone might be able to afford $33 versus the $227,000, it's really comparing our holes to oranges in my mind. Um, to some $33
could be a lot of money. Meanwhile, we have surplus in the millions. Um, and we will work to keep a lid on expenses going further so that we don't degrade our town or our AAA rating. Um because
those are all issues that are of concern to everyone sitting up here. Um I definitely want to take uh take a moment and thank Jamie. Um I know that she has spent a lot of time with all of us going through everything
um and a lot of back and forth. I know I came into the game a little bit late. Um, but I I know she put a lot of time in before I even started. Um, I do just want to take a moment to recognize that
we had our Memorial Day yesterday. Um, and I also want to uh recognize the green team for all the events they've had recently. Even though I wasn't able to attend these recent ones because of family matters, I'm sure Lyn will expound on the activities and what's
going on. Um, I'm very happy to be part of this town. Very proud to be on council and especially in the very short time that I've been here seeing how hard everyone has worked. Um, I hope that the town recognizes and appreciates it. And
I do respect Mr. Barnes for the comments regarding Facebook. I think has brought um a lot of negative feedback to our town. I don't think Dan is the only town that has this issue. Um and it's a shame
because we would like to see probably more faces either uh in the chairs or online at least. Um it is very easy now to participate in our government. Um you know come learn, speak, ask questions.
participate, volunteer, all a great way to make this town, which has been my home for a long time now, um, even better than this. Thanks. >> Thank you, council. Council member, >> thank you, Council President. So, my
report I'm going to read so um I get my um points in and this I'm sorry to apologize, but I'm focused on so that's what I want to thank you, council president,
and my fellow council members for the work you've done throughout this budget process. Now that the vote has been taken, I want to know for the record that this amended budget uses just under half of our available contracts to
stabilize the 2026 budget. Given the current economic environment and the financial pressures many families are facing, it has been important to me that residents remain front and center in
every decision we make, including my position that is this is not the year for municipal tax increase. As we move forward, council will remain focused on preventing expenditures spiring and
maintaining a disciplined responsible approach to spend to protect both our residents and the longterm fiscal health of Del. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman, >> Council Vice President. Thank you so much. Just a few things
this evening. First and foremost, everyone was able to celebrate Memorial Day yesterday. As you know, it's time for those that gave sacrifice
mention to public military is very important to my family. My father-in-law is Air Force. on the veteran they know people that they serve with that sacrifice and that's something that was
always passed down to me and something about so thanks to mayor and vice president mayor other members joined us yesterday at the riverside
ceremony whether they great way, but you know, hope we get to that next year, but definitely glad that we're able to remember those who second thing I want to uh do as we
graduate class of 2026. I know a lot of my uh a lot of notifications of college graduations for folks in graduating their class in June.
26 congratulations. Lastly, just like to also touch on the budget again, all the hard work that I know that our township administrator Jamie and mayor and all the department heads have done to get this budget down
to zero. Um, thanks for that. Appreciate it. And just lastly, I'll just make a quick mention of one comment about us or something like that. That's not something that's true. Tonight, we saw
that you know we were not. Uh so you know everyone here has their own president. >> Thank you council vice president. Uh, I just wanted to note also on Memorial Day, uh, Council Vice President Smith and the mayor and myself did attend the
wreath laying ceremony in honor of Del Rand's fallen. Uh, the parade unfortunately was canceled because of the weather. Uh, also I was invited to attend a ceremony for VFW 3020. Uh, they had a wonderful ceremony. Uh, pretty
moving ceremony actually. Um, our 250th celebration. Uh the mayor and the RAC have been working feverishly on putting this together. It should be quite an event to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary, but they need volunteers.
Volunteers, young people, old people, middle-aged people, it doesn't matter. Will they can find something for you. We had a meeting this morning uh with the RAC and the police and the emergency uh um is it what is it called? emergency
services uh uh person Joe Cunningham and uh talking about how we're going to do it. But one critical issue right now is we need volunteers. Uh so if you'd like to volunteer, you can uh contact uh Christina Buckley is the chairperson for
RAC. She has an email address on our uh township website or township website. Um or you can get a hold of the office to say I want to volunteer. But we need people. Uh it could really impact the uh success of the operation.
Uh the other thing that I'm really uh worked up about, uh I got a call today from my buddy Al Cart and I went down to Lake Lonnie and saw that some knuckleheads threw one of the benches that we just placed on one of the beaches into the lake. This bench weighs
about 400 lb to 500 lb. So it wasn't one person. If anyone sees anybody in Lake Lonnie ripping the dirt up with their car, throwing stuff in the lake. If you would get a license number, we'll send the police out. We'll send it to their home. We're not going to tolerate it. Uh
I think I'd like to recommend we put cameras out there. It's disgusting that all the work people have done out there to see people go out there with trashy. That's enough of that. >> That's my report. At this point, we have a motion for adjournment. >> Motion to adjourn. Miss cure
>> second. >> Mrs. P is all in favor. >> Any opposed?