Oh, all righty. Order. Please rise the table for the >> flag to the flag of the republic which stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and
justice for all. This meeting is called to the open public meetings law meeting April 13, 202 included in the list of meetings notice sent news on January 5, 2026 posted on the bulletin board of bro hall up on that date and remains continuously
posted as required. The additional copy of this notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of Clark. Roll call, please or councilman Rice >> here. Council uh Vice President Inglehart. >> Yeah. here. >> Councilwoman Farard
>> here. Councilwoman Herbert >> here. >> Councilman Le >> here. >> Council President Parker >> here. The mayor >> here. We have a bunch of proclamations. Uh recognizing April 22nd, 2026 is Arbor Day in the Bur Flemington honoring Perry
Gross for 45. Are we going to table these? >> Let's table. >> Uh we're going to table >> Can we amend the agenda first? >> Oh. >> Oh, that's right. There was I saw an email the >> or that ordinance to add that ordinance. >> Okay. >> All right. So, uh we need toend the
agenda to add the HPC ordinance regarding historic preservation. Um Brandon, do you want to say anything about that? >> Um yeah, just the first one that we the first revisions that we made for the
ordinance, they weren't the correct edits. So, we just had to amend it, make a couple more edits just for us to get the CG status. Um, so we can get a little bit extra money for HBC. >> That's about it. >> Um, can I have a motion to amend the agenda, please?
>> There second. >> Second. All >> in favor? >> Okay. >> So, we're Is the fire company coming? >> They are coming. Apparently, they thought it started at 7:30, so they're on their way. But I don't know.
>> Here come some of them. >> We weren't going to read it. We're going to read it. No, you're not. Okay. Is this everything from the front or you expect? >> So this is actually my I had confusion on the start time. So I >> we're going to
four >> and five installs. Uh I have a few things um from our report. Uh so
we have uh congratulations to um well separate sort of congratulations to Sergeant uh um you have been accepted into Congressman Kane's list to move on
forressional funding for the OEM element of our police department and we were accepted by Senator Booker for the facility portion. So, we're in the federal budget for both
projects. Um hopefully we'll get both or at least one of them. Um the OEM funding is over $2 million. Facility funding is well over a million
dollars. So, um that's good news. Um newsletter is out. I'll let uh Councilman Le talk more about that. Um the fairy trail opening was immensely successful. I'll let Councilman Arise
talk about that. Um, at the request of Councilwoman uh Herbert, there will be an executive session at the next meeting with both our planner and our redevelopment attorney uh at it uh to talk about
imminent domain issues and answer questions of the council. Um I just want to say tell everybody let everybody know that Spring Street is open and all the oneway and new uh street directionals are in place. I also
want to let everybody remind everybody on council that there is a countywide parade here on June 14th on Flag Day celebrating um the American Revolutionary War and Independence. And of course, elected officials are all being asked to be in
it as our um organizations like St. Fleming House and anybody else who wants to march. It's open to everybody. Um it is um uh being sponsored by Hunter County as
well as I know Shop Right's a major sponsor. Um so OEM uh county is coordinating this parade. Um and signups organizations is on the Chamber of Commerce website. Um,
regarding my police commissioner position, um, thanks to my chief March for 37 criminal investigations, uh, that
included nine arrests, one possession, one for shoplifting, one for assault, one for endangering the welfare of a child, one DUI, one sold by auto, and one is to orderly contact. There were 26 motor vehicle crashes, eight of which involved commercial vehicles, one with
injury. Um, and so I think it's actually been a relatively quiet month, especially with traffic accidents. Uh and then finally, we do have a request from Sergeant McNarding ongoing issues with um some residents
placing um items primarily basketball hoops and public rights to play and he's looking for some legal relief from that issue. I'm going to let Sergeant McN talk about
this issue. Go ahead. Um, so we've been experiencing over the last probably three years some ongoing neighbor complaints um that involve specifically some basketball hoops and or other items being placed in um easement areas. Uh
and uh been working with uh there's Corsini to review our current uh ordinances and what the obstructions look like uh to our sidewalks, easements, and roadways. and we don't really have anything on the books that
cover what we would need to enforce. Uh so the chief and I have been trying to look at this um and he's here tonight as well. >> Yeah. >> Um >> and uh see what works. So we've worked with Chris. He gave us some new verbiage from some um ordinances he has in other
towns that would allow us to enforce uh items being placed in easements or or other rightways uh to to ease that. Dave Giuliani's been um asking for this as well for the last couple years. He's been doing a very good job of um
mitigating and negotiating with neighbors um and getting people to move things, but he doesn't have an enforcement mechanism if they don't move it. Um so we're we're looking to kind of just tighten up an ordinance with that
with that verbiage. >> Jerry, is that the same is that the same >> neighborhood? >> Yeah, it is. That's part of it. And then >> I thought that went away. It did for a while and then it's resurfaced. So now we're we're kind of dealing with it again. >> So this kind of gives us the power to just
>> same same >> same parties. >> Yeah. >> Interesting. It went away and it came back. >> Mhm. Yeah. >> Part of the problem is that you know it was in the center of a road then it got moved to a sidewalk and the grassy
easement which is still our rightway. um you know these sorts of things belong in somebody's driveway even though you know small lot sizes in some neighborhoods still mean that balls are going to roll. >> It really means that the ball is going into someone else's yard and that's really the crux of the problem right in
this situation. But um like the sergeant said, we had a couple other incidents where there was some stuff there. Um another basketball hoop in another area that >> um that I I believe Dave Giuliani kind of >> York negotiated that out >> and took care of it. about the one that
Jerry were dealing with couple about a year ago. >> And then uh then some other minor stuff that people lay in there and kind of just blocks the sidewalk, blocks the streets, kind of just gives us a little bit of a >> and and we've encountered easement
issues elsewhere, which generally, like I give Dave a lot of credit. He handles a lot of that on his own on the property maintenance side of it, um and code enforcement. Uh but you know it would it would also certainly help him with a with an enforcement mechanism should he
um get push back. So, how does I'm just out of curiosity, how does that work with small lots and a basketball um it's a movable basketball type of net and the whole batch >> and encourage your kids to go outside and play basketball and how does that
work if a ball rolls into somebody's yard like >> I this basketball system is um what you already know is that they're uh movable but or they're leaving them there. They're not like they're not taking any efforts to to bring them in or take them
out. They're just kind of keeping them there uh you know permanently in that right >> temporarily permanent. >> So not the fact that they they were just moving it in and out just permanent. >> Exactly. Yeah. Cuz they they have like a
a sand base or water base. >> You're supposed to be able to tilt them and roll them out, but they're >> they're not taking that effort. Um, and the balls themselves, uh, that's an interesting, uh, theory, you know. Uh, I have I I can see it from both sides that, you know, the ball belongs to property of the person who threw it
there and then, you know, I see it on the property owner side as, you know, it kind of landed on my lawn. You can't come get it because that's trespassing. So, that's why I encourage them to go through, >> how do you remember this specifically? through the court process and and have mediation and let a judge determine on
uh ownership of the property and and >> could they ever do that? >> No. >> That's kind of where we're back at. >> Okay. >> The level we're at right now as a basketball kid can't go next door and get a basketball. >> Can't get he can't go into the neighborhood. >> Depends on the neighbor. Yeah. Yeah. That's
>> my new neighbors. I have a lot of little kids and we have lots of tennis balls coming. So, I just throw them back at them. >> Yeah. Forget it. That's that's the you know you guys know small lots smaller size lots the balls come over you know we we dealt with a complaint earlier about that today as well um the mayor
and I but um yeah it's you know after a while I guess they get tired of it but you know >> kids will be kids and stay outside and not on the boats. Yeah, that's that's what I find is like really the really tough part is that we
encourage kids to go outside and play. Yeah. >> And they are and now they're being penalized for going outside and play. Now granted that the one that we were dealing with was it got kind of out of hand. >> Yeah. and and we talked to the parent. I mean, it was just it was just a total
>> anyway. And that did go silent for over a year and then, you know, right >> kind of like a you know, I guess they never amended the old wound, so it's still >> Well, and this this is the other reason why we need to have the basketball court remediated in American Park so that
there's places that kids can go and play. >> Yeah. >> There's no place for kids to go and play. That's the problem. >> Interesting. >> Yeah. And but I mean I'm >> sorry to hear that. I really am sorry to hear that. I thought that went away. >> No. And uh you know at the end of the
day it's to you know keep the easement and the high the road and the sidewalk open for others you know. >> So Chris just out of curiosity I'm sorry I don't want to belabor this but I'm just this is just mindb blind me out of curiosity.
So if a kid is outside playing basketball on their driveway or whatever the case may be and they have this structure then and if the ball rolls in someone's yard like >> you inside draft it doesn't deal with
it. It deals with the hoop the hoop the hoop present in the right away. >> Right. So it's if they moved it >> the ball >> they're playing basketball in their driveway and the basketball goes over to somebody else's yard. That's a civil trespass. >> A civil trespass. I mean, they the chief
and his guys could pursue it, but that would be extremely unusual. It's a civil trespass. It would be neighbor complaint, which is what the chief is referenced, which >> they were going neighbor complaints are tough. The judges don't want to hear them. >> Plus, we're talking you're putting an
element of juvenile in there, too. You know, uh the court system's completely different for juvenile. Maybe the same laws, but there's this different process. Yeah, >> you're well within your right to regulate the right away. >> How you handle it in terms of public facing Ryan and I have talked about, but you're well within your right to do it
>> on the property line. >> No. >> Best advice to you, Tony, stay out of it. >> No, no. I I was just asking the question. I just find it to be >> there's no >> I just find this to be fascinating. >> If the basketball hoop is moved to the private driveway and the actions continue, that's the civil side, but
then it's not on us anymore. >> Yeah. Okay. Thanks. I'm I'm just half up that this is still going. >> So, >> is it happens? Unfortunately, it does. >> Yeah. >> So, there is a draft ordinance that um >> Chris >> Chris drafted, but do you want to tweak
it first before it goes to council or do you >> So, I melded it on to your your current ordinance. I think it actually fits really well what I did. So, it's not exactly very like blended towards. Um, Brian, >> yeah, I just wanted to make sure we
covered the easement side of it because that's what we're It was moved from the public street and it's not necessarily blocking the sidewalk at this time. It's It's in the easement. >> Yeah, we can. >> That's just where I want to tweak it. Sure. >> All right. So, you're going to tweak it.
Send your comments back to Chris and then we'll get it to the council. >> Sounds good. >> Everybody good with that? Okay. All right. Uh, council member Flores, we have council president. >> Um, I don't have anything report. I just
wanted I just want to get clarification about our last meeting and I reached out to because I want to I want the public to know the council did not do anything wrong. Um, and so I would love Chris to give some clarification for for that
whole thing that the mayor accused us of crossing the line which we did not. So can you for the council sake and for the public sake make sure that that Sure. Sure. Happy to do that council president. I had opportunity to speak at link with you. I also chatted with the
mayor. She cited some references last time. I turned our legal eye towards the sources here. I think that it is as I described it both to you both privately and uh at the council meeting last time. The indisha here and the red line is is there an intent to subvert the open
public meetings act. my opinion I haven't seen any of that effect. I don't believe that was the case by any means. Um I think that it's best to you know modulate things for for appropriate appropriate form things in executive. We've talked about this. We can have
discussions about some of these things in executive but uh I without that's the the standard here. I see nothing by any means to indicate that standard was viable. >> Thank you. I'm happy to address this further. >> No it's good. But I just I'm you know
what I I am kind of and I can speak for some of us. I'm not going to speak for all of us. Um it's just kind of tired of this opening and this constantly telling us we're trying to
find something that we did wrong. We One of the things I will say about this council, we all have integrity. Integrity is extremely important to me. And when someone calls me out and tells me I'm breaking a law or breaking something, that to me is a personal
attack and I won't have it. And I will not let anyone come after this consult, they all work very hard. They all have their blood, sweat, and tears in it. And they're all very careful that they do the right things right and not the right things wrong. So, thank you for
clarifying that. >> Anything else? >> Nothing else. >> Thank you, ma'am. Uh the environmental commission is working on the light uh pollution ordinance that I had mentioned prior. Governor McMahon and I are going back and forth on some uh minor modifications and we'll be discussing at
the next environmental uh commission meeting which is on Tuesday, April 21st at 7 p.m. if anybody is interested in weighing in or attending. Uh the shade tree commission has made some good progress on the update shade tree ordinance. We met with planner McManis at our last meeting and are awaiting
some final updates before sending it along to the planning board. Um, and the commission has also been pursuing a grant from the state of New Jersey to uh conduct a tree in inventory and update our community forest management plan. Um, in all honesty, I I may need some
assistance on this. It's it's good amount of money. Um, and it's it's kind of a wing process. It's a community forest management plan and uh what kind of >> just understanding what the right way to do this is and the right process who
exactly filed a grant since it's working with amounts of money you know we did uh one of the members went out and got a quote um for forest certified to do this kind of work and it came in around $17,000 so I don't want to
>> mess that up just trying to make sure I understand It's a grant. >> Well, yes, it's a grant to do this >> for you for you applying for. >> We have not applied for it. You have the deadlines coming up in a moment too. Um, >> so is your question who should write the grant? >> Um, no. I think that would be a straight
question. Members, I believe. >> So, are you trying to figure out who to manage how to manage the grant or >> it's the right process? >> The process for doing >> also it's going to be a reimbursement grant which is partially my understanding it's reimbursement grant. So, you know, we have to expend the
funds before we get them. And that's why I asked for so much money for the shade commission budget this year, >> right? And I did check with Elizabeth Town Gas and they are processing, my understanding they are processing the two $5,000 um
donations to the state commission. So, you'll have 15,000 when they come in. >> Okay. I'm sure we can work that out. >> Bill is really a good resource for all grants. I'm just letting you know because I have worked with them and granted April whatever. But yeah, it'd
be great. Yeah. >> Well, maybe I'll council >> dude. Um, as we said on the proclamation, Arbor Day shall be celebrated by the Burough Shade Tree Commission with a tree planting ceremony at a Reading Plumbing Intermediate School on Wednesday, April 22nd. Uh, I
can put out more information about April 22nd. >> Yes. What time? >> It's a really good question. We were asking that for a long time so we could get it into the newsletter and I never got the clarification on that but I will try and put on the uh burough website um on the calendar.
>> Yeah. Can you can you just ping me and let me know as >> and uh just for fun we're celebrating it on the 22nd rather than on the nationally recognized day of April 24th because that's what works in everybody's schedule. Their next meeting is Thursday, April 23rd at 7 PM. Um, last
call for the stream cleanup without a stream this upcoming Saturday at 9:00 am from uh from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. at the cut glass site and the railroad. Um, if you go to the website, we ran out of signups, but if anybody is interested, please call or email me or text me. My
info is on the burrow website and we're not going to say no to more help. Uh if you haven't had enough cleaning up, the environmental commission will also be having their own cleanup week prior to the historic house of wars at daily rounds and trolley stops which present the best version of Flemington possible. If interested in working on that, uh you
can reach out to environmental commission chair Melissa Swingle at Flynhistoric Fleington.com. Uh we did put out the spring newsletter last week. You can view it on the website where you can get copies here at Burough Hall and elsewhere around town. Just want to thank everybody as always for their
articles and all their help on that. And lastly, I just want to mention that I took a stroll through the Berry Trail at Tucker Park today and Councilman Aras and the Girl Scouts and maybe with a little bit of help from their parents did a wonderful job and I highly recommend people stop by and take a look
at all the houses. Uh they're really good. >> Hey Trent Trent, I will definitely be there on Saturday. >> Wonderful. >> Um what time is it? 9 o'clock. >> 9 a.m. 12. >> Okay. It's a whole giant program throughout the whole Breitton watershed and that's
a site that >> I will be there and I'll make sure Scott will be there. >> Thank you very much. >> So just an aside 422 is Earth Day may not be national day but it is Earth Day appropriate. >> It is appropriate. Um, and I also want
to say that it wasn't the I mean the Girl Scouts did this turned out to be this amazing community out there because there were businesses that had entries county had an entry. One of the commissioners had a separate entry. Um,
it was like amazing. Amazing. So, uh, okay. Thank you, Councilwoman Herbert. >> Hi. Thank you. Let me just turn on my video so you know I'm really here. Um um hi all. Um quick one tonight. Library
board is coming up on April 17th. Um FRSD school board meeting on the 29th. uh communications. Um uh you already heard about the newsletter and I'm working on scheduling with the mayor and council member Levit to um find time
that we're going to have the website um proposers, the the two top um ranked ones to come and give oral presentation so we can make a final decision. Um and we had a parking committee meeting after our last council meeting. Um, you've already heard about the Spring Street
and other regulations opening around the hotel. Um, preparations are continuing for a new permitting system. Um, Beth McManis is in progress of identifying as part of that um whether certain multi-unit buildings residents qualify
for resident parking permits. Um, we'll have the answers to that um upcoming. Um, uh, I don't know. Is the chief still there? >> Yeah. >> Hey. Hey, Chief. Um, I just the other note I had from that meeting was um the
detour sign fixes. Have you been able to >> I reached out to uh George a few times. Um I think he's got some stuff going on. I know some signs have come down, but he hasn't been able to get the Brown Street ones down yet. Um I know >> the ones that were taken down were uh
there was a size issue with the size of the sign. So, he's got to get the proper size for um there's some vehicles striking the ones on Mine Street. >> Oh, jeez. Too large. >> Is that the one that's closer to >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> I'm going to see George tomorrow. So, what's >> Could you ask again? Um I I called him several times. I just need the Brown Street detour move to Main Street. That's all. So, we get that detour traffic off of Brown Street onto uh Main
Street. And the thing were too big. Yeah. >> Okay. I'm sorry. So is the mine street moved to >> I'm sorry. Is Brown Street >> Brown Street moved to Main Street? >> To Main. Okay. >> Yeah. >> The ones that mine in Stangle were too big. They were encroaching into the
roadway and vehicles were striking them. >> Um causing vehicle damage. >> They take care of that. >> Those were they took them down, returned them to him. Uh he's been uh told by myself and DPW of the proper size for that area. Um and I guess he's having
them printed up. >> Okay. So he's so DPW took him down. >> Yeah. >> And he has the proper dimensions of what needs to be there. >> Correct. >> But the one you're also waiting on is >> just to get the Brown Street moved over.
>> Just needs to be moved over. >> Just need to move the detour to Main Street. Yeah. >> Yeah. We've we've had a few conversations. I I think his I don't know what his uh Ron I don't know what his position is for him but >> I know he's had some medical issues
>> uh kind of like his property. >> Oh, Ron. Yeah. >> Yes. Had some health issues. >> I think he was the guy who was supposed to take on that task, but hasn't been around. >> Well, he needs to hire somebody else. >> Well, I think >> I agree. This is >> Yeah. No. Well, I I think Susan and I
Susan and I have it all in there and I'll let Susan talk to that, but but all all this stuff is pretty important. So, please don't sit on this. >> If there's something that needs to be done in terms of detour signs and the whole bit, and the reason I'm saying that, and forget about from a council
standpoint, but from a bid standpoint is just as important because it's the whole thing surrounding Stangle and people getting to Stangle, right? Correct. So that's why it's just please I mean I didn't know about this. I'm just finding out about this right now.
>> We've we've had a few conversations um uh George and I so and I and I I absolutely respect that and thank you. But my point of it is is that I'm sure Fid doesn't know about this. I didn't know about this. Um so
and Beth, thank you for bringing this up. But the bottom line is is that, you know, I'll say the same thing to to to you that I said to the redevelopers. Overcommunicating is better than undercommunicating >> because if you overcommunicate, that
means we'll know what to do and how to help you get this thing. So please, please do not sit. I know you guys have your committees in the whole bed and I don't really care about that. What I care about is if console knows these things are happening, what the roadblocks are so that we can help them.
So I'll take care of this and I'll get back in contact with you and I'll have get back in contact with you. But if there's anything else like that, please by tomorrow let me know and >> that's the only thing I had about standing out. So yeah, thank you. >> Anything else? Council member,
>> uh, the one more thing we talked about at parking committee, and I'll let Trent speak to it if there's any updates, was the work in progress on the beacons. >> I got an offer for you. >> All right. Also, I'm responding to your email about
the schedule this. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Anything else? >> That's all for me tonight. >> Thank you, Councilman Fisara. >> Oh, very light. Uh, Councilman Levit spoke to you the cleaning of day. Uh,
no, that's okay. That's fine. But just to let you know, we do need we are looking still for sponsors. I'm trying to reach out to a few people for stamps and things. >> This is the one for the environmental commission. >> Yes, the one for the environmental commission. So, if if you know of anyone, either reach out to myself or
Melissa and I will continue Melissa to ask people to see what we can get. Um, and then just in regards to um I I I'm understanding we're going to have an eminent domain discussion in our next meeting in the executive council.
I'm not quite sure where that's coming from, but for the issue that brought this up, I have not been part of any of those discussions. I am confus I keep my own council and I'm very happy to have discussions public with people. So, um,
wasn't part of any of it and I was just a voting person who voted on it in our last game. That's it. >> There really hasn't been any. Just >> you don't have to comment anybody else. Sorry that I was involved with that. >> I understand. I hear from I'm just
letting you know what's >> counciloman. >> Thank you. Um, okay. Well, we've been I haven't had a a animal control update in a while because I guess our animal control services was a bit behind. So,
we got two months worth of reports. There really wasn't much at all. Um, but I think I have a new wildlife because I don't think I have reported about a squirrel squ. So, new new one um in the last four years that I've been doing
this at this point or three and a half years. Um we they she reunited a a a cute terrier with their owner and um there was also a cat that they thought was um abandoned, but turns out the owner was in the hospital and everything
is all hunky dory now. Um mo more importantly so so there was nothing exciting with reports but um what is not in the reports for the last two months was that there was a dog attack last Monday in the burrow a dog on dog um with a
neighbor walking and um that is certainly a concern. So, um just want to remind everybody to please please make sure that your um dogs um your fences are sturdy and that your dogs aren't um
in the yards without being tethered. Um because we really don't want to see anybody or animals hurt. Um >> was that a dog jumping a fence? >> No, the dog was not at its own home. It had it had I'm not sure how
it it was not at its own it was not at its own address. So, I'm not sure where it came from. I don't have the report. Like I said, it just happened last Monday. >> Um, but not only was one of the dogs hurt, but the person that was walking the dog was also fell to the ground and
was hurt as well. >> So, you know, I know everybody loves their dogs, but please, whether you have a big dog, little dog, aggressive dog, mild dog, it doesn't matter. Um, just make sure that your dogs are safe and are fenced and are tethered when they're
in your yards. Um, more importantly, um, and this is the result of this, we've had an issue for several years with with a dog in town and there were several incidents, there were several um u
tickets given and the whole process was the way it's supposed to be legally, the warnings, etc., etc. And unfortunately that dog was put down a couple a couple of a week or two ago uh but with the vets's recommendation. And so that's
really heartbreaking. So it is a really good lesson to make sure your animals are safe because if you love your animal even if it's maybe more aggressive to to another animal you don't want to see your animal get put down. Um so um like
I said just make sure your animals are are um secure. Um, happier note. Uh, this is a little weird, but we have a little film ready and the mayor and, um, Tony and, um, Brandon, who else was
there? Beth was there. Um, the county had a really, really great program that we all went to. And it wasn't just about this. They uh, told us a lot about senior services that are available. And we're going to get that information in the newsletter. There was a a few other
uh really interesting things that and programs that that we all learned about. So, we're going to make sure we roll that information out. Um the film ready program, we actually have not been officially blessed as Chris. >> We'll get there.
>> We will get there. >> But it's not our fault. >> It's not our fault. >> Susan, Trent, and the electric that me worked very hard on. But what was nice is that they recognized it wasn't our fault and gave us our little star and and end thing. Anyway, so this would give us reimbursement for our legal
expense. >> Listen, from your lips to God's ears, that is that is a good point. >> Well, that's what I was saying to to Chris was I like had purposely wrote it and saved money to do and did it ourselves, you know, last year. Whatever. Um, >> we'll get better. Yes, the commission is
a little um it it um excited about their jobs and very enthusiastic about their jobs, let's just say. But we will get there. It will be official. But uh we did get have a little ceremony and we're going to get the they had a really big star like Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
We're going to put that on a on some sort of uh board and bring it into the office. >> They did a really good job with that. >> Yeah, they did. So, but more importantly, I think the other I thought the I thought the senior housing the senior services um information was really really great. So, um I had spoken
to Trenton about getting that info in the newsletter the next time. It obviously was too late for this time. Um we you did mention that we went out and um had a meeting with the developer on Liberty Village and yeah, I have some concerns. My major concern is that
they're self-performing which I did not realize. there isn't a an a a a specific GC. The developer is the GC. That's what self-performing means. And so and and the other thing I was concerned about was the was Ron Miller who is their
owner's representative on site does not have any construction experience. Um he is the former Liberty manager of Liberty Village. I was shocked and frankly um if I had known that months ago, I probably
would have raised a red a big red flag before that. That being said, I thought the meeting was um uh good. Um we basically put the developer on notice as well as their subcontractors that were
there, the cleanup, the soil contractor and the um demo contractor um that were there. um the soil pushers >> and Susan, can you speak because we also demanded that they washed down the streets. >> Well, yes, we talked about we talked about that for the people on Brown
Street to know that we actually address >> and dust control was another thing and of course I think we all were copied on the email about the DP. Um, so, um, for those in the public that aren't privy to this, um, basically, uh, you know,
Remington, our on-site, uh, inspections engineer, has been doing a good job up to this point. I really do like, uh, uh, Remington service to this burrow. I think they do a great job. I've said that many times before. And, um, they
basically followed up with all the discussions that we had at that meeting. That was the result of those emails where the dust control and and uh basically they said look the D is on this and they're going to really be um uh watching that site very carefully and
so if they're out of line just a little bit they're going to come down on it. That was the summary of that email unless anybody else has any kind of followup on that. Um but yeah, we need to and we promised we would have another meeting in two weeks um to follow up.
Tomorrow night's uh planning board meeting spark is on the agenda. Um the the um the followup we we heard most of the testimony. I think there was a little bit more from the planner tomorrow. Also, the HPC resolution is on
there. Um for anybody that is still interested, tomorrow night is the last strategic um I'm not the school leaison but and uh but tomorrow night is the last strategic planning meeting. Um so if anybody's interested at the high
school, it was a really good program and so if whether you have kids in the district or not, um I would highly recommend it. I'm I I cannot attend as I as I uh would have liked to because of the conflict with >> they're rolling out the final strategy, >> right? So, it's actually a good one to go to.
>> Um and that is all I have. >> Thank you very much, Councilman Norris. >> Thank you. So, a couple things. So, just go to Plumbing House, Senator Fing House. Uh this Saturday we had Easter egg hunt. I couldn't make it. I was just trying to save my hour to go to the Fountain Fair Trail. first one that I
had at America Park. Um, that was really, really cool. Um, honestly, we were expecting about 15, 20 submissions, but we really blew it out of the park. We had about 118 houses submitted and if you guys go to the park, well, when I
went there, it was the whole parking lot was full there. Like half the church parking parking lot was full as well. It's just it was amazing. I think it was the most like I've ever seen it active. Uh, so I was really excited about that. Thank you to the Flington community because obviously it wouldn't be
possible without you guys. It was it was really cool to just see the community come together. So, it's really excited about that. It's it's I don't know it it was just really cool. We also got a handmade sign for the Flemington Berry Trail. So, if you go past the little pavilion, it's right there like the second tree I want to say. Really really
cool as well if you guys want to check that out. >> Sign is gorgeous. >> It is amazing. Yeah. When they revealed it was like oh my god. Um and and the Girl Scouts too just in general. those girls uh make their houses as well and uh it's really cool and I went there today with my girlfriend. We went
for a little walk and it was really really nice to see people coming out there trail and just checking the houses out. So really really cool >> everybody going on dates there. >> Yeah. >> And there's no take down. They're going to let them just back.
>> Good one. Good one. And uh I have been doing also some other stuff just around general just to get people moving. Uh I I do this thing called soccer Saturdays from 8 to 10 o'clock. We go out a couple guys play some soccer. Uh we're going to go into Central from now. Uh we also
went to Lampy Park American Park, but it's I'll be honest with you sometimes a little bit hard to play on there. The field is just not uh I like to play on the turf. It's a little bit nicer. It's a lot easier to work on with it. But um eventually bring it to the Tuck American Park. Uh you
just something for me. I just want to be able to use the park a little bit more. No, I think it's Wellington's only park really. >> Yeah. No, that too. So I'm hoping for get some goals out there and then, you know, we could probably do some other stuff too. It doesn't have to be soccer, but right now it's something that I I
know very much of and that I can teach or help people out how to play and just be able to active, you know? So, um, and for me, uh, and I'm just amending the HPC audience late today, but I guess we'll speak on that when we get to it. And that's about it. Yeah.
Thank you guys. >> Yeah. Do you want to announce the house first? >> Oh my god. Yes. We forgot about that. No, that's uh, who was it? >> June. >> Help me out because I did forget to June 6. June 6. Uh, house tours. Yeah, so
looking for volunteers and it's on the website as well. So, yeah. Thank you. >> A little bit, but >> And they released the tickets. >> Yeah, tickets already out. So, yeah. >> Okay. All right. Um are are all over? >> Yeah, we're all
>> Okay. All right. So, we have four resolutions honoring uh years of service for four of our firefighters from Flemington. Um this is amazing because we are a 100% volunteer fire
company. Um, so it's really an honor to have such dedicated volunteers as part of our community and um, before I have your liaison, Councilman Casaro, we've done all
I just want to say on behalf of the Flemington, thank you for your service. It's um, really irreplaceable. truly has dedicated people who live here and we care about our community so much. You up so much time.
So um council woman so acclamation honoring Paul Kolinsky for 30 years of service and dedication to the Flemington B fire department whereas Paul Kolinsky joined the Flemington Fire Department in 1995 and served as chief of the
department from 2008 to 2011. And therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and council of the burrow of Flemington would like to recognize Paul Kolinsky for 30 years of service and dedication as of April 14th, 2026.
>> No, I'd like Paul to stand up and get recognized. >> So, uh I'm sorry. Uh before I meant to let you know, um so we had three or four that could make it tonight. Paul unfortunately was that third and he had a a last minute work emergency. Okay. I couldn't make it.
>> Well, let him know that I I know. I'll let him know. >> The other firefighter um on the list, Mel wasn't able to make it tonight either. Obviously wanted to be here. >> Um but uh >> Okay. >> So, happy to read it out, but I just,
you know, I'll let you >> rarely count anyone wants to do. I will read them out. >> Next, we're going to do Harry Bros. Perry, you want to stand up and be recognized? proclamation honoring Perry Gross for 45 years of service and dedication to the
Flemington Burough Fire Department. Whereas Perry Gross joined the Flemington Burough Fire Department in 1980 and has served in several leadership and executive roles in the department. Whereas Mr. Gross is retired having spent his career as a technician and owner of Old York Heating and
Cooling. Therefore, be it a resolve that the mayor and council of the burough of Flemington would like to recognize Perry Gross for 45 years of service and dedication on April 13, 2026. >> That's all raised in Fington went high school with
my sister known each other our entire lives. All right. Wait, what's coming up? Okay. Proclamation honoring Peter Nemit for 40 years. >> You want to stand up? >> Honoring 40 years of service and
dedication to the Flemington Burough Fire Department. Whereas Peter Neck joined the Flemington Burough Fire Department in 1980 and served as chief from 2019 until 2022. Previously, Mr. Mr. Neck had been a member of Sergeantsville Fire Department
since 1985 where he joined as a junior member. Whereas Mr. Neck is now retired, he spent his career in public service as a Navy combat veteran, serving aboard the USS Merrill, DD-976, and served over 30 years as an employee
of the Department of Education, serving as a custodian of schools at both Delaware Town Church School and West Anill Elementary School. Therefore, be it resolved the mayor and the council of Burough of Flemington would like to recognize Peter Nemit with four years of service and dedication on this day,
April 13, 2026. >> Any would you like to I'd like to go into the record? >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Okay. Yes, absolutely. >> Almost. Okay. a proclamation honoring Robert Matzel for 40 years of service
and dedication to the Flemington Burough Fire Department. Whereas Robert Matzel had been a member of the Spring Lake Fire Department since 1985 and served as chief of Flemington Fire from 2014 to 2017 and whereas Mr. Matzel has retired
a graduate of West Virginia University and spent as career as a manager of multiple investment firms in New York City. Therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and council of the burough funding to life recognize Robert Matzel for 40 years of service and dedication adopted
on this day, April 13, 2026. >> Um, Pete also have the most calls last year in 2025 out of any firefighters. >> He did his first year retired. So, >> it's his first year retired. Okay. Well, we appreciate you giving us that extra time in your pool. I've never
seen you blush. So, anything you want to say to >> uh No, I just uh obviously first and foremost, thank you to the council for especially to those of you that uh helped you know preempt this and put this together. Uh Carla as well for your
work in this. Um, but uh, you know, these guys uh, you know, like I've told you guys before, they they put in a lot of hours, a lot of dedication over many years, more years than I have. Um, they both I know Pete and Perry both continue to serve in leadership positions. Um,
and not only just in the department as officers, executive leaders, um, but also with their talents. Um, you know, anytime our ice machine's broken, Perry's down here helping us get fixed or, you know, um, my dad's, you know, this weekend we were just at fire school
helping reorganize stuff on the truck. So, um, it's all those little things that make this department run, uh, that a lot of people don't think about or see. Um, and so really couldn't be more grateful for these guys and I'm glad that they're recognized in this way for the rest of the town to see.
>> Thanks. Can Can we add something? Um, I had spoken to Peter at the the event and um if it's okay to remind everybody that they are always looking for volunteers. They're always looking for volunteers. They're always looking for volunteers.
And can we I know that can we put a graphic together in the newsletter and then also get it on the website um to follow up with that if that's okay. >> For volunteers. >> Yes. Yes. Yeah. And Trent can do it. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Can you do it?
>> Seriously. >> Yeah. >> So, I know that Peter, you had said to me that like you could get the information likely what you'd like written in the graphic so we can kind of promote it on the website on the Facebook page and in the newsletter. If
you could send that information to a Ad Adrian and Trent, that would be great. >> Is there a newer volunteer? Someone who's maybe young and is I know we've had a few people. >> Yeah. quit playing actually. >> I wonder if we can >> Lena's in school right now. She's about
two weeks left. >> What's that experience like, Lena? And can't see you because I'm sorry. >> That's okay. >> Um, it's tough. It's no joke. >> But I wouldn't mind I wouldn't mind having that newsletter. >> Yeah, happy to put something together for you. >> Paragraph. This is what it's like when
you first get >> It's tough, but a lot of fun. >> Yeah. You know, I wanted to rub on the boy. So, Linda and I being Missy's daughter, um, being like active female firefighters is like a big thing. Um, and you're seeing it more and more. So,
it's it's definitely something to touch on that, you know, not just the boys have to do it. Um, and it's something that we talk about in fire school a lot. It's a it's a running joke, but um, something that we would love to continue to see as well. >> Robbie, I will speak with you tomorrow.
>> So, Chicago Fire is actually real. Yeah. >> One other question. How many people are actually on the volunteer party? >> So we we have about >> anybody knows that. >> Yeah, we have about 25 active members, fully certified firefighter one uh
members. Uh we do have exempt members as well. Beyond that, >> uh associate. >> Yeah. And and we have social members as well. And how many are you going through to complete their certifications as firefighter award? >> Right now we have four. >> So we'll be up to like 29.
>> Yes. >> Town the size. That's pretty darn good. >> Yeah, it's pretty good. It really is. >> It's still obviously I mean tonight is a great example, right? Uh trying to get everybody here, especially for something as as important as this. And uh you know, everybody's just we're just like every otherbody else. You know,
everybody's got busy lives going on. So you have those many people. When the bell rings, it depends on what time, you know. So 29, yeah, that can stop all of our engines, >> all the vehicles, >> you know, but when everybody's at work, when everybody's got kids games over here all the way, you know, it's not
just like it's always FRB where they can get up and come to the firehouse, you know, everybody's, you know, especially the travel baseball and all these things. They're all over the place. So, >> and I don't think the public realizes that you don't just answer our calls that you back up a tremendous number of township calls.
>> Correct. So by requirement like at the hospital um you have to go and back them up a lot. >> Yes. Yep. Um I would say a large percentage um of our calls probably 20
to 25% would be mutual aid calls into the township um or more. I don't have the exact numbers off top of my head but um it's quite a few. That's partially due to Spain Township's call volume is a little bit higher than
ours given their volume space. But um but yeah, so you're absolutely right. >> How many active numbers does the township have? Do you know >> that that I don't know. >> Just curious, you know, because they have they're uh you know, roughly five times our six times our population, you
know, five and a half times the population. Be interesting, but I know they don't have five times our number of firefighters. >> Yeah. No. Um, I don't think they have that many more. They they have quite a few. Um, I do know they have two candidates in firefighter one as well.
Um, and they have a pretty strong uh junior program. Um, people that are getting ready to go to firefighter one. Yeah. Um, so that's that's promising to see from from their side as well, >> right? But it's nice like somebody like W Kagga chose to come to our fire department. He lives in the township.
Yeah. Chose us and it's nice to know. >> Yeah. Well, we like to create a welcoming community. It's kind of like a a family like I always I'd tell anyone. Um so we're happy to let people come come join us. >> Anybody else from the council? >> Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. Thanks for making time tonight, too. >> Great. We're up to public comment session number one. >> Oh yeah. columns are a lot. You don't have to see.
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> We're up to public comment session number one. Anybody uh wishing to say anything, go up to the microphone. I need your name and address for the record. If you're online, raise your hand and Carla, who can reach that close? Anybody?
>> Okay. And what >> I said already, please. uh partner Atkinson. I live at 20 Pennsylvania Avenue. Uh I have two questions regarding I believe it's 202682 the uh turntable junction uh
resolution tonight. First one is >> this is a comment session public comment. It's not made. So you can let us know what you want to know. And >> oh uh just
for the resolution it anybody else from the public to come the record. Yes. I'm Don Troutman. This is my host Dan Troutman. 9 Washington Street, Lington.
>> And we're here because of the heritable junction um consideration. I don't know if everybody realizes, but uh my wife is the owner of the weekends of Flemington, which is a part of turntable, which is not in the actual near proximity. I think the properties in question. And
just to give a little perspective, I appreciate the uh the comments back and the letter I had sent or we had sent on behalf of the meeting that was held uh with the eminent domain situation and condemnation process and such and so forth. Um we learned about that uh after
the fact because some of the customers are wondering what's going to happen to kids and um as my wife looks towards retirement. Uh one of the potential buyers uh concerned about this. So I'm going to let on share with you some thoughts about a little history about a
week or our our situation that we did in turn junction. >> Good evening mayor and council members. Thank you for serving our community. >> You get to their leg. Thank you. >> In light of the current situation regarding the burough's potential
acquirement of turntable jobs by eminent domains. We would like to inform you of both the history of W Kids Consignment Shop located at 25 Turntable Junction. If you're not familiar, we're near the railroad tracks. We're kind of separate, kind of a little corner. Um, but we are
technically part of Turntable, as well as our concerns regarding this decision. We Kids has faithfully served this community for 35 years, remains a thriving consignment family business, and has potential for further growth as
both Liberty Village and Main Street developments near completion being in the crosshairs of all these sections here. um housed first on Main Street, then at 39 Main Street, and now our present
location, which has served us well for 9 to 20 years, long before the current landlord bought property. Since we have owned personally rekits for the past eight years, we have personally invested time, energy, and finances into
maintaining and improving our rental location. Efforts have included upgrading the interior by organization, space usage, installation of a water heater, additional air conditioning, safety features, an alarm system, and we
consistently and annually pass our fire safety inspections. Exterior improvements include considerable upgrade and maintenance of landscaping, fencing, signage, security lighting, and designated parking spots.
The building has been recently repainted and most recently thanks to our new neighbor George Balone. A donated park bench for client and public usage and donated historic brick walkways have been re refurbed and installed. We
believe there is yet a great future ahead for weids at this same location and trust you will keep this potential in mind in the due process of your planning whatever that ends up being. and we would appreciate being kept informed throughout any further activity
on the turntable properties. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter of at hand. >> Thank you very much for coming in after the greatly appreciate it. >> No problem. And I understand there is a meeting the next month's meeting that it will be actually on the agenda.
>> Tonight is on it goes to the planning board. So it's the planning that will be dealing with it. What are we going to say? >> I was going to say this is this is common probably also that would be due for the planning committee and >> um one of the things in regard to the whole property and uh we've watched and
we've seen over the course of years some of the deteriorations but we're actually part of the turntable junction and we are the opposite. I mean, our property has been we're we're going to leave it better than when we first found it. And I think there's great potential for
other uh in people in the in the turntable junction, other businesses to do the same because even though as far as working with our landlord has not always been the most congenial and wonderful, but we have been able to make progress and it's been a good success
give and take and even though we've invested both time and finances and he's also um been able to help us with that and so I don't know how many of the buildings things would be considered condemnable or I know if that goes into
the planning uh committees but for us where we are we're not really considered part of turntable junction don't people don't think of that because we're not right in the actual complex >> most keep asking us when they didn't plow you over with Liberty Village they think we're more connected with that
because we're so alone over there >> just so you know that when I copied your letter line to the entire council I did copy the planning board chair in the CC. >> So, she has your your letter. >> Okay. Good. Good. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. Because going forward in this um just looking to see what the whole process will be because I know some of the customers are already expressing some concern what's going to happen because uh over 800 and some different consigners and continually new customers
and continued increased sales and it's been a it's been a good staple. has been very highly relational >> um in this whole community effort um and just their concerns because what they read, you know, from the newspaper article, it sound like this was a done
deal like the whole turntable junction, the whole turntable junction and and that's where it may not have been that conveyance, but that's what the understanding was. And so we're a little concerned too that perhaps the way the uh public is informed and how the the
information is disseminated um because we don't feel as as linked to turn table because we're separate but all we are part of it >> but just so you know it's a complicated and very long process. >> I know >> I looked and researched and it >> not not like anything's going to happen
tomorrow. >> Yeah. The only thing is >> but still if you're trying to sell a business could for they've made a capital investment and I would be concerned to buy a business. >> Sure. >> If if the because that's key and if you look at where the rents are going to be in this town for any type of business in
five or six years they're locked in now that's that's an asset and you're buying a brick and mortgage. We have learned through experience the hard way, not having had business experience prior to this 8-year adventure, uh that is easier to sell a business if you own your building.
>> Exactly. >> We made offers worked with the landlord. Realize that that >> reasonable us in the long run if that ever could be worked out or whatever. We just have a concern more for our than just ourselves
and our business, but for our clientele. Once upon a time, many many years ago, older than I'd probably look, I had a gift basket business and I was able to sell it very profitably, but was basically like a little like hot, right? Like I got my refrigeration, whatever there. But the key thing why why that
company bought it was because I did have the brick and mortar and they were working out of the basement. >> They needed the spot and I've done upgrades and refrigerators. I had everything that you needed to do that. So >> yeah, and we understand in the process that it is a long lengthy um but the comments that came to us almost seem to
be this is >> I'm very anti any idea of anything eminent domain. My family is long owned land. Some of the first pieces purchased in 1865. We were enslaved on it. I'm very anti any of that. Um I'm willing to give it give us the opportunity to have
the planning board look at it, but I will be vocal with the restoration things. Yeah, I was going to go there. >> So, let me just say this. I'm a small business I so I work for small I I work as a small business advocate for SBA. So, I understand everything you're
telling me right now. >> Um I think it's a little bit more complicated and I don't and I and I don't think the newspaper article actually did what it really needed to do. I think it exacerbated something that wasn't there. So, so I'm gonna ask you to back up a little bit because it's
and and let's go through the due diligence of what we need to go through. >> Um, but I do agree with you. I understand what you're saying about communicating. I'm still a big advocate of >> overcommunicating as opposed to undercommunicating. >> So, let us just get through the process
and then >> we can address those things. But I hear something. We just we weren't aware of it until the backside at all. And it's it's really awkward as a business owner to have your clients telling you what you don't even know and then trying to reassure them but you don't have any idea.
>> That's why I just were not informed. >> Yeah. We weren't informed at all that there was even any. >> Do you have any other comments? No. Just the only other comment is thank you so much and um as far as working with the landlord, we wish you the best and trust that it will be worked out.
um we have been working with him for eight years and uh I think there's been some level of success >> and so we're grateful for that and we're grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this in the burrow and as Stangle market improves and what happens on Main Street and what's going on with
Liberty because you open up to that slightly co so that's all >> well we should business tremendous >> yeah thank you helped us out with that blessing pretty
>> a lot of people talk. We're I'm sure we're going to have more of a discussion during the resol during the the >> you know the no that it's on the agenda tonight. So I >> be an executive session in two weeks to dis to have the council have any questions. >> I didn't see it on the agenda.
>> It's actually it's a >> it's on the agenda as a read. Oh, there was a there was a >> there was a issue with the original resolution. So, it's back up. >> Right. So, I was I'm kind of hesitant to get on the bandwagon and talk now. But
you are you are there. So what I will say is that um after the um before the resolution was on the agenda the last time I had asked uh Alli Norton, our new um uh business improvement district uh
executive director to go around all the businesses and talk to them. I actually did get get a chance to talk to a couple of them. I'm sorry. Did not get a chance to talk to you. Just to say, "Hey, by the way, this is on the agenda." And I'll say what I said the last time. this is like step A and we're have to go to
step C. But I think your concern is completely legitimate. I spoke to Bill the de as well as well as Lauren at and um Defiant um and a couple others. Um >> the the whole idea is that this is as
you kind of insinuated. It's kind of a carrot and a stick. We want them to be inspired to do something. And that's why the that scary word that the tap into article was completely
um in error, especially the the headline was very misleading. Um so it is meant to be a carrot and a stick. We're on a we get to Z. And frankly, I think I'm I'm hoping that with all of this very
healthy discussion, like I said to like like I said to to um Adrian at the last meeting, that like I really really appreciate the history of eminent domain that she brought up at the last meeting because I think it was extremely
important. It's part of our United States history and it's really something that we need to >> recognize as we're going through this. But like I said, it's more of a stick than anything else. And I think we just need to kind of use it as such and use
it for inspiration. >> So I just have one other question. Alli Norton. So Ally Norton did not reach out. Do you know who Ally Norton is? >> No, she because that's what she was. >> I did not. >> I'll figure a lot of businesses over
there. might just not >> consider just so that you know one of her one of her um u key result um um actions is to reach out to all of the businesses. >> So I know you're on the that's why I was
a little caught off guard because I know that you guys are on the like there's a target list that she needs to get to within um within a 90-day period. So, because our our property looks so very good, it may not be considered part of
>> No, no, no, no, no, no. You're still the fit. You're the fit. No, you're the fit. No matter what, you're still the fit. >> The planning board is going to take our requests to look at that. All that all they are doing is like basically looking at the law and saying, does this even meet this these criteria? They have to
go through very strict criteria by state law. And if it ever got to that point, there's like there's a there's a master plan with with the planning board that it, for example, encourages a linear park through that area and encourages
connection to Stangle in that area. So, what I'm hoping for is that those long-term goals get kind of >> um motivated >> motivated and kind of springboarded through this process. So, and the the
whole point of the planning I really I would encourage the planning board to recognize your building and go, "Hey, this is good." Like, they're going to be giving us recommendations. And so that letter is perfect because then the planning work can say, "Hey, by the way,
for for example, in other um areas in need of redevelopment, the Away site, they they they came back with, hey, by the way, this is a a a you know, an important building because it's a a railroad building. There are other historic railroad buildings that are
identified in this site." I want them to be identifying right, >> you know, quality businesses, quality buildings and kind of give us that kind of feedback going forward. So, the fact that you're here then your letter went to Karen as well. That's perfect. So, thank you.
>> Well, Liberty, I mean, as far as Turntable Junction, it's 60 years old. You talk about history, but it does have that turntable. Yeah. Still has the turntable. >> And believe me, I have u and I will continue to work on him as far as the carrots and the greasy skits and all those things.
>> Thank you. >> We've been trying. >> Yeah. And this is our way of trying too. Like we this is like this is a tool that the state provides us. So we said, you know, let's see if this kind of moves things along because it's been a long time.
>> Yeah. And we've we've developed I I know for myself just I would consider a wholesome relationship with him >> to try to help and that's why an improvements here and trying to help you know look at this. Yeah. >> And we >> and I know Lauren's done the same in her building. I've really put a lot of work into it.
>> Yeah. >> Defiant hair. >> Um and I know she's you know put but and and some of it is reimbured some of it isn't. And that's fine. That's like your that's your relationship with your landlord. So the eminent domain is could be selective as opposed to comprehensive.
Yeah. >> Yep. Okay. So much for your question. Appreciate it. >> Yep. >> Okay. I got somebody on >> talk to tomorrow. >> You have somebody online. >> Yep. >> Is that Allison's iPhone? I don't know
who Allison is. >> Hi, it's Ally Norton. Can you hear me? >> Yes. That's her name. You can hear >> we can hear you. >> Um I are the the business owners of W Kids still there? >> Yes. >> I wanted Okay. Hi. Um I wanted to
apologize as I um I did request uh and look for a list of the the folks who are renting in Turntable Junction. I did get a chance to speak to four other folks who are in there a uh the day that I found out this was going to be on the
agenda. I apologize you weren't on that list. I will be popping in to make sure we get you on that list immediately. Um, and I'll be keeping you updated on everything that's going on as um, the liaison to the business community. Um,
and I just appreciate your input and would love to sit down and get um, you know, additional details. But what I did share with the other business owners in there is that this and I think just echo what has been said is it's the very beginning of a of um a long process and
there are other really important pieces moving pieces that have to do with the um the turntable junction area that we're working on like you know extensions of Church Street and and moving a train station and linear park
and so um they're bigger plans and I'm I'm happy to bring you guys up to speed on that uh as I continue to uh sort of plant my feet in the new role. >> Yeah. Well, thank you so much. Just a quick question. Um I know we're kind of off the beaten path. Um did you did you
know that we are part of turn? Don't take that wrong way, but I mean >> No, no, that that's what I'm saying. I did not I I uh the list that I have of active businesses are um does not include your business. So, I'm going to uh fix that and make sure that you're
getting communications related to that. >> Okay. Well, thank you. Appreciate that. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Thanks, Ally. >> Oh. Um, Moren, I got a text that Moren
is on and she can't raise her hand and she'd like to speak. How do I get Ally out of there? >> Well, I got a hint of There you go. Dots. >> Oh, that was the dots. Yep. >> There you go.
>> All righty. So, uh, Morin Warren, you could talk. Take yourself off mute. Hit ask to unmute. See if that helps her. >> I don't think I can. >> Yeah. Top right. >> Top right. No, left. >> No, it's the same.
>> See, it has to unmute next to the dots. >> No. Oh, >> to unmute. >> There you go. >> Don't worry about it. >> Are you there? >> Yeah. Hi. Can you hear me? >> Address to the record, please.
>> Hi. Can you hear me? I don't know if you can hear me if I want. >> We can hear you if you could please state your name and address for the record, please. >> Hi, Moren Patrick from Hunter Hills. I wanted to speak to you about the water bill, but uh the water issue in Hunter
County, but something else came up this week. And I just think that it's important to tell you guys uh you know Mineberg P Park I went to for the first time this week which was beautiful.
Um but I was shocked at the height of the sliding board but what I was more shocked at was the sliding board. So I was there for two hours I was there for two hours with the with the baby. My
work is in Raritan Township. It's not >> I know it's Raritan Township and I did the research and I went back and forth with the research mayor way before I even thought about calling you about this, but I got my fingers caught in the sliding board and I just want to say
that I'm shocked at the design and I just have to say that for any mom because I'm a grandom and I brought my baby there for the first time, my granddaughter, and I got my fingers caught in the sliding board. So, I said to my daughter, "From now on, when you bring the baby, instruct her to put her
hands on her laps." And I'm just shocked at the design and the money involved and the money involved and the research I did blew my mind. Even though I wanted to call you about the water, we'll get to that next time. I just wanted to say it is a beautiful park and I love it. I
love I haven't been there in two years. been there for the first time over the weekend. And as I'm putting the baby down the slide, I swear to God on Jesus Christ, I got my fingers caught in it. And I said to myself when I got home, how many kids got their fingers caught in it? I'm just shocked. I'm just
shocked at the money that was wasted because I have to be honest with you. I I was really looking forward to the parks for being a brand new grandmother. I was looking forward to the splash park, the whole entire main street. And with that design, that's one thing
that's a disappointment that I just got to be careful. Other parents need to be careful their children's fingers don't get caught for real because my little finger my fingers got caught and if their little fingers I mean if my fingers got caught their little fingers. So, you know, I was shocked and um I
just feel like it's wasted money and I'm so upset over the money that is wasted. It is unbelievable. I I can't even the research on doing the sliding board for the whole entire weekend is what I did.
That's what I did the entire weekend. And so it comes back to everybody agreed to this park and I'm just shocked because I am going to avoid it because I don't want my little granddaughter getting her fingers caught to be honest with you. I'm just saying. And I'm I
just wanted to say that I was uh really shocked, but whatever. I just wanted to let you know uh I I actually wanted to talk to you about the outrageous water. I wanted to know why we're outsourcing to Florida. That's what I really wanted
to talk to you about. I mean, the last time I really spoke up was about the C uh uh Malik. So, I really don't like talking in this meeting to be honest with you because I feel like nothing gets done when I when I speak up, but uh to be honest with you, I don't
understand what's happening here with the wasted money with the it's outrageous. But the the park uh the design for the sliding board is a disaster and it's sad. So, just watch your children's fingers and that's all I
have to say about that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Just for the public, that park is in American Township. We have brand new equipment in Taco Morgan Park and the county is building a brand new top lot park over in course park. So for
uh so uh we have water company it's not outsourced to Florida. Okay. Uh approval of minutes. Is there anybody else? >> Approval of minutes. Regular stuff. Oh, >> I'm sorry. So, Dandy, come on up with
Nathan. Just for the record. >> Um, my name is Melissa Neik. I live at 26 Street here in um and when I was here for the fireman's things and you were talking about the dog issues that it sparked something.
>> So, we have some at least one person I know in town that walks their dog without a lesion. And I called when I first became aware of it um and the
um animal control person told me, "Well, if they have control of the dog off leash, it's okay. >> It's against I know that and that's what I said." And the I just wanted to make you aware. >> Was that two Was it more than like we change? Was it a few years ago before we
>> It may have been like two years. >> Okay. We got a new company. >> We have a new company. Okay. I just wanted to make you aware that that I was given that information. >> Um I don't know what the date was. >> Have you said >> do they still do it? >> Oh yeah. >> Can you send me? >> Sure.
>> All the info she'll also just the other day I work on Main Street. So I, you know, live on Ben Street. Came up went down street and there were two women coming out with a pitbull not on leash. >> Really? >> Yeah. from like >> I I think it happens and I I think she's
probably so I know that building and I asked her if they were residents. She said she wasn't sure, but I witnessed that because the dog almost went into the I was coming down Court Street and the dog almost went in the street and I was like, >> and then I'm like, wait, that dog's not
on the leash. And again, I love pimple though, like don't get me wrong, but um and they called then the dog came back. But again, there's a leash law. I just wanted to make you aware that at some point >> I was told if the owner had control of
the dog. >> Yeah. No, this on their property. >> You know, somebody sends their dog out, you know, that is that dog goes off their property. >> It's their responsibility. If you could provide that info to Carla, she'll pass it on to her.
>> Um because she'll at least follow up with a, you know, a notice, you know, not necessarily fine, but at least people can be aware of it. And on >> Yeah. No, I was nervous because we used to sometimes take care of my cousin's dog, who is also a pit bull. Like I
said, I love them. um and did not like other dogs and I was worried if this dog came down our street and came in my yard while I had that dog on leash >> and there was a fight that >> right that's and that >> and I didn't want my cousin's dog being
punished for someone not being responsive. So that's I just want to bring that >> little boys on leash cuz he it's just >> and what council woman says you know >> when you have to put an animal down like no matter
dog handling I just wanted I didn't know that we had changed >> yeah a couple years ago so that might have been around the time but either way give that to me the dog he can walk it off leash >> I was like No. Yeah.
Okay. All right. >> And we even put on our re renewals that dogs must be on the leash. >> Take it off the ticket. >> Uh approval of minutes. Anybody else on? Okay. >> Uh approval of minutes regular session
uh March 23rd, 2026. Can I motion please? >> Move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Anybody? Nobody was defending on that, right Carlo? Everybody's right. Okay. >> Um, moving on to the consent agenda
number 10 on the agenda. Number six, resolution 2026-76 resolution approving the refund for redemptions tax on block 38, block two. Um, have a motion, please. >> Move. >> Is there a second? So, I'll second. Uh,
ro please. Counciloman, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, >> yes. Councilwoman Fisara, >> yes. Councilwoman Harper, >> yes. >> Councilman Levit, >> yes. >> Council President Parker, >> yes. >> Okay. Uh, introduction of ordinances. We
have three tonight. I'm sure you have four here. Uh, resolution. I'm sorry. Ordinance 20268, calendar year 2026, ordinance to exceed the municipal budget cost of living allowance and to establish a capback
when the cola is equal to or less than 2.5%. under NJSA48 col4-45.14. Um, it's the standard we do it every year. If you have a motion, please introduce move. >> Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Any this? Well, not >> No, I'm sorry. I do have a question, mayor. Um, I I don't understand what this is for and I I I don't I'm not ready to vote on it because I don't understand it.
do it every we have the cap law and the cap law does allow us to exceed the >> capital >> can you explain um >> cafe >> the cafe angle yes please >> so basically >> this is good for everybody not
>> the budget and law allows us to increase the appropriations by three and a half% anything of that three and a half that% that we do not use, we're allowed to bank for use in the next two years budgets. So, we basically I forget what
the total amount was. I could look it up how much we have left over. Um, but we'll be able to use that in the next two years if we needed to for any future, you know, increases. Um, >> okay. So, if I if I understand that correctly, let just play it back to make
sure I got it. Um what what this resolution is doing is saying we're not going to use that this year and we're going to bank it for future years. >> Correct. >> Got it. >> Any other questions for Bill before he runs back?
>> Okay. Uh did I do a motion? >> Yeah, we did. Roll call. Councilman Aries. >> Yes. Council Vice President Angelart. >> Yes. Counciloman Fisara. >> Yes. Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. Councilman Levit. >> Yes. >> Council President Parker.
>> Yes. And approve public hearing for 27. Uh ordinance 20269. An ordinance 78 traffic 7 handicap parking spot on Spring Street. Sadly the user that passed away.
>> U. I have a motion to introduce >> Is there a second? >> Angelart second. Uh, roll call, please. >> Wait a minute. I have a I have a question on this. So, obviously there was a handicap space because someone who was there was handicap.
>> We requested it last year. We passed this last year. >> Okay. No, I got that. So, my point of it is a hand because I just think taking away a handicap space is a big deal. If you and if you've never dealt with handicapped people, it is a big deal. My
question is, if someone comes on Spring Street to visit or whatever the case may be and there's no parking space and they need a handicap parking space, what what happens? >> I don't understand why you would want to take this away. >> The widow is requesting him to cut it down because nobody else can use it.
>> She doesn't have her neighbors so that her neighbors can. >> It takes away 247 from anybody else. >> I understand that. That's what handicapped does. But the point of it is it I'm very sensitive to handicap because I know several handicapped
people >> including that's but I have I'm talking about me. I'm not talking about you. So my point of it is is that I just think and I'm not saying it should but the bottom line is when you take away a handicap space that's that's taking away
someone's viability. And I understand that this was a temporary thing because the person was there. But my question is is if someone comes there that's going to be parking there for whatever reason because there's parking or whatever the case may be, where are they parking?
Where where does that handicapped person go? >> This is residential, you know, >> any other spot. I mean, it's not >> this size particularly beneficial to anywhere other than specifically in front of that house. I mean it's no better. It's not like
handicap parking at like a shop right or something like you know it's closer to the entrance. It doesn't >> require to be in certain areas. >> So you mean just for being on the street I'm >> I really am. Yeah. I'm just I'm just saying the street itself. Yes. That's exactly right. So my point of it is is
where do they go to park? >> So where do they park on Broad Street? Tony when they're visiting somebody on Broad Street. If they have a handicap plate they park where it's available. They may not be visiting the people at um at this address. Maybe they want to visit somebody further down Spring Street. So, you know,
>> but we don't have that yet. So, my point of it is, listen, all I'm doing is making a point. The point of it is you have it and now you're taking it away. That's what my point is. And so, that's fine. Parking is very tight on Spring Street and by having a park a handicap
parking space in a residential neighborhood when nobody has requested and nobody has a legal handicapped plate in that neighborhood at this point. It takes away a parking space from everybody else 247 for a potential guest who might show up
once. >> We did that for Mr. John specifically because he was elderly and he was he was he was like at end of life like with the walker you saw the way my mom like that level >> so that was what was done and I don't believe they have a driveway at that no
the only way she doesn't have the widow doesn't have a handicap spot >> she's moving but right she doesn't have a handicap plate >> herself so she can't so or her landlord No, Adrian explained it well. Thank you, Adrian. >> And we did the same very similar on um
by the post office last last year. There was um a handic but and if it's requested, we put it we put it wherever is needed. Like we put it wherever it's needed and we take it away when it's not needed to >> for the convenience of the residents.
>> So now someone who is handicapped understands that. Please. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, AP, for saying that. >> Um, we have a motion. Councilman Arise. >> Yes. >> Yes, we do. Thank you. Council Vice President Inglehart. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fara.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. >> Councilman Levit. >> Yes. >> And Council President Parker. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, public hearing for April 27. Um, ordinance 202610, an ordinance
amending re police regulations to regulate bamboo in the burrow of Flington. We discussed this several months ago with a complaint from a a neighbor uh about encroaching bamboo that had come far off a property.
We sent it to the environmental commission. The environmental commission recommended passing an ordinance. They did some research. Um, we send it over to our attorney to polish up an ordinance for us. And here it is.
>> Uh, could I have a motion to introduce move? Is there a second? >> A second. >> Uh, roll call, please. Councilman Rise. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Manglehart. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fisara. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> This is just to introduce, correct?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilman Levit. Yes. >> Council uh President Parker. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh April 27th for the public hearing and then ordinance 2026 is 11. >> Yes. >> Can you please read the title?
>> I don't have the title. >> Yeah, it's in the packet. >> Yeah, it's just not on the agenda. Uh, ordinance amending section 1404, establishment of the historic preservation commission of chapter right there. 14 planning board historic
preservation commission section 1631 historic district review ordinance of chapter 16 design performance standards of the municipal code bure requirements of the certified local government programs. I have a motion to introduce please.
>> Move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Roll call, please. Aras. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Inglehart. >> Yes. >> Council Pasara. >> I I got a quick question on this one.
>> Um Brandon is I guess what what's the premise of this? What is the change that we're doing here? >> Uh there was just certain edits that they had to make. I think it's something about like the administrative officer like um well um because they said they have to
go through like Carla or the mayor and instead of having to go through all that why not like make it just go straight to Richard instead HBC like that. This must be the last time when we introduce the uh the ordinance. >> Okay. Yes. >> Yeah.
>> Uh Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. >> Councilman Lever. >> Yes. Council President Parker. >> Yes. >> So, >> uh also public hearing scheduled for April 22nd. Uh regular agenda resolution 202677 resolutions appointing Jay De
Haven as a part-time library director for the public library against a courtesy. Um your board has the ability to hire. Um can I have a motion please? >> Herbert move. >> Is there a second? >> Yes.
>> Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Council >> Nerys, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Angelhart, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Facaro, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Harver, >> yes. >> Councilman Levit, >> yes. >> And Council President Parker,
>> yes. >> Resolution 202678, resolution approving Edward for admission to active membership in the state of New Jersey Fireman Association. I have a motion, please. Sorry. Is there a second? >> A second. >> Any discussion?
What's the I just want to understand what's what does this mean? >> What this means is he becomes a fire with this and we're not covering him with insurance and everything could go to firefighter one can go to firefighter one. >> Got it. Thanks. >> Okay. Yes.
>> Council member Arise. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Angelhart. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Assara. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. >> Councilman Levit. >> Yes. And council president Parker. >> Yes. Resolution 202679, resolution cancelling the
contract with Window World and awarding a contract with Mark Windows for the window improvement project at Burrow Hall. A motion, please move. >> Is there a second, please? >> Thank any discussion. >> Now, I already talked to this guy, so he's on the ball and I'll be talking to
him tomorrow and send over the resolution. >> Dave said, roll call, please. >> Yes. Vice President, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sarge, >> yes. Counciloman Harbert, >> yes.
>> Council member Le, >> yes. >> And Council President Parker, >> yes. >> Resolution 2026. Resolution declaring the grow of funding here having a self-exam budget for 2026. I have a motion, please. >> Is there a second?
Charles second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Councilman Arise. >> Yes. >> Council vice president. Yes. >> Councilwoman Fisaro. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Lever. >> Yes. >> And council uh President Parker.
>> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-81 certifying compliance with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's enforcement guidance in the consideration of arresting eviction records and employment decisions under title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Can I have a motion, please?
Is there a second? >> A second. Second. Roll call, please. Did I say something? Council meas. >> Oh, yes. >> Council vice president. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fisaro. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Council President Parker. >> Yes. Resolution 2026-82 resolution authoring and directing the planning board of rural Fington to undertake preliminary investigation of
block 35 blocks 13 1410 3 and 104 block 36 lots 3 and 30 and blocks block 37 block 1 231 17 18 and 100 study area pursuant to the New Jersey local redevelopment and housing law NJSA 48
colon 128-1 sec classification as an area in need of redevelopment and directing the planning for study investigation investigating whether the study area located generally at turntable junction qualifies as a condemnation area in need of redevelopment a motion please
>> is there a second angleart will second any discussion what was the issue why are we redoing this sorry >> there was a scribers um error on one place it said non-comdination the other one said condemnation um Karen Gifin
actually um was the one who noted it at our planning board meeting the night after this was um passed. So we are just clarifying um that particular line in the um resolution.
>> So it all matches now. >> Absolutely. >> So thank you uh Karen for that. >> Councilman Horus. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Inglehart. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Tasara. >> No. Um, Councilwoman Herbert, >> yes.
>> Councilman Le, >> yes. >> And Council President Parker, >> yes. Resolution 202683, resolution of the Burough Council of the Bureau of Flemington County, state of New Jersey approving the application of stage coach Liquors LLC for a place to place
transfer of application of stage coach, I'm sorry, a plenary retail consumption license with board broad package privilege number 109-32-3-14 currently cited at 46 Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey. I am going to publicly state that 46 Main Street is
not correct. Um, they are requesting that this move forward regardless of the address mistake. It's going to end up coming back here for a redo. So, um, that's up to you guys whether you want it. >> So, so we should just go ahead. So,
>> but it's not on the application, >> but it's not legal. >> 46, >> but then I Yes. So, it's not legal. It has no legal grounding because there is there is just but it's up to you. >> Wait, the state
>> the state the state approved something without investigating it. It's a incorrect address. >> But I think for them to move forward, they need to do this. >> They need the resolution and then they'll have to amend it again down the road. >> Yes. >> They're not ready. >> Are they covering this in their escros?
>> They should be. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> Is there any reason not to table this until they fix it? >> No, we can't. I already sent the application in. >> Okay, that's the clerk's call. All right.
>> I already talked to Keith and the attorney about it, so they know. >> Okay. >> Uh, anybody want a motion? >> Well, I just want to check with Chris. You You're kosher with this, too.
>> That word is error. It was not present. >> Yeah, it was late in the day. >> Oh, okay. So, that >> Well, I because I thought this was the transfer from >> Oh, crap. I'm crazy trying to figure out who bought this license and then I came into I'm like, who bought this license?
And she said it's just a place to place transfer for the hotel. And I'm like, that's not the hotel address. >> And the reason we're doing it again is they they license the bar, but the ABC wants like the hallway. >> What's your license? We still
>> So that's why we got to do it again. Okay. >> And now we just realized the states kind of like the thing that I know. >> In fact, they did relate to that. >> Yeah. >> They did a tour and everything and they still >> Oh, really? So they inspected and then
they came to mind. Yeah. Okay. Got it. >> Carla's explanation is certainly intuitively correct. >> Can I talked to John Williams the attorney? So this >> our motion to move it. will second. >> Any other discussion? Roll call, please.
>> Uh, Councilman Henry, >> yes. >> Uh, Council Vice President Inglehart, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Fisara, >> yes. >> Uh, Councilwoman Herbert, >> yes. >> Councilman Levit, >> yes. >> And Council President Parker, >> yes. >> Uh, resolution 202684, resolution
authorizing the promotion kid, the rank of sergeant with the Fington Police Department. Uh this had been on our agenda before uh but our um labor attorney flagged it because a uh procedure set out in the police
department's personnel manual had not been fully complied with. So uh she had to get back and u just take care of a few guiding eyes and crossing te's. Uh so it's that again. Um can I have a motion please?
>> Is there a second? Any discussion? Roll call, please. Councilman Rice, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Angelart, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Farardo, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert, >> yes. >> Councilman Le, >> yes. >> Parker,
>> yes. >> Um, we have work session if our CFO wants to come out regarding the budget. went that way. >> Okay. While we're waiting for him, can we do the authorizing payment of bills in the amount of $115,294.96?
>> Yes. >> Move. >> Is there a second? >> A second. >> I just want >> I have a correction to a correction that needs to be made for the next bill since next bill later. Some
call Mary. >> Yes. >> Sorry. Vice President. >> Yes. >> Council woman. >> Yes. Councilwoman Herbert. >> I'm sorry. There was a lot of people talking at the same time. I
>> bill. Thank you. Yes. >> Uh, Councilman Levit. >> Yes. >> And Council President Parker. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Bill, your show. Europe. >> Okay. So, we give an overview of the budget.
>> Sure. >> Okay. So, the 2026 budget as proposed here is uh 9,863,000. Uh the tax rate uh for the municipal tax rate would be 1.036 cents, which is actually down one and a
half cents from last year. Um the big uh increases in the budget this year were u 34.31% or $331,600
was insurance. Uh 13.31% was u DBW and buildings of 50,200 that was mostly due to the storms. Um 14.61% 61% increase in construction
code which was uh $28,200 for additional uh hours for the inspectors. Uh 13.64% increase in capital improvements or $103,000.
Um, and I guess the the last one really is a 4.96% increase in pension and social security or 47,383 of the appropriations. Um, 30 13.16%
of the budget is for insurance. Uh, 10.17% is for pensions and social security. And um 21.01% is for emergency services which is
police, fire and rescue squad. And we did receive uh 7.53% in grants. Um so the proposed uh tax impact um because the
tax rate's going down, the cost per 100,000 of assessed value is going down. Uh it's actually going down. um $15.55 from last year's amount. So per $100,000
um the house would pay $1,356 million in municipal taxes. >> Of course, the assessment market in Flemington's gone through the roof. So everybody's house would be worth more tax assessment going up like 6%. >> Right. So the average house increased
$26,654 >> value. Yeah, the whole the whole barrel increased about over $50 million or over 80 was 8.11%. >> Any questions for Bill?
>> Yeah, I I have some questions about specific items in the um the like officially formatted budget that you shared with us. Um the
on the advertisement tab um there is a lot higher um expectation of delinquent tax revenue and I'm curious why we're expecting it to be so much
higher than last year. Is is it is that a realistic expectation? I didn't see the actuals. >> Yeah. So that is based that's comes right from our annual financial statement. It's based on the actual um outstanding taxes at the end of last
year. Um and there's a based on our collection percentage that we're allowed to um anticipate up to that amount in Got it. >> Thank thank you.
Can I follow up with a question related to that, but I don't want to step on your toes, Beth, but it's a kind of related question. >> Since you've been our CFO for years and years and you've seen kind of cycles of
uh recessions and you know, etc., etc., is I'm assuming that the more the um kind of the national um uh costs rise like inflation went up
over the weekend. We've had a ton of cost with gas going up. I'm assuming there's a a similar case when in historically when that people can't pay their taxes or don't pay their
taxes as much that that that collection number goes down as inflation goes up and vice versa. Is there a way you can predict like based on our history how much of a hit we're going to take for next year
based on your previous experience? >> So I could tell you we're we're uh we're really um going gung-ho and sending out delinquent notices. You know, I don't know if any delinquent notices went out last year. Um so right
after the quarter is done probably I maybe two, three weeks after we're going to send out delinquent notices and that usually does get people >> reminder >> reminder that >> through the cracks type of thing. >> Yeah. So I don't I don't know that it's going to be
I mean I can't say because you know all it takes is one of the biggest property owners to not pay their bill which is what happened to us two years ago. >> Yeah. >> And our um collection percentage went way down >> right. Um, but yeah, I'm hoping it'll
stay at least the same. If not, you know, we should have a better collection. >> So, could people be more than a year in rears if you didn't send anything out last year? So, >> no, I'm just I'm just like what? >> No, no, no. It's not. It's >> they didn't have to is what you're saying last year.
>> No, you're saying they didn't go out. >> Oh, >> no. I'm saying I'm saying they delinquent notices were not mailed, but >> there was a tax sale done last year, right? So that's that's our enforcement tool is the tax sale. Okay. >> So the most you can be is um one year
behind and then like if if someone didn't pay their 25 taxes, I'll sell them this year at the tax sale. >> So we always end up getting all of our money. It's just >> sometimes a year behind. >> Okay. >> Councilwoman Herbert, you want to
continue? >> Yes. Thank you. Um on tab number nine, the safe and secure communities grant um that that is a good chunk lower than previous year. Can you tell us about that?
>> That's just based on um so we get a set amount every year and it's just when the money comes in. Um I think uh we're getting $20,100 or something this year total, but we also got money from last year's grant.
So that's that's what that is. It's not um so if you look in 25 the the the tab the four the 40,204, that's actually years worth of the grants that came in all in that year.
>> Oh. Oh. So like one was kind of late and one was on time kind of thing. >> Correct. Yeah. When they released the funds from the the state. >> Okay. Um >> it's the the the award has been going
down for the past probably 10 years, but it's been consistently that 20,102 the past probably four or five years. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you. Um, also on nine, um, at least the copy I got, the
recycling tonnage grant was blank. I thought we were I I thought that was in the previous draft version we saw. Last year's amounts in there, but no, we didn't get um we didn't get the award yet. That usually comes out in like May
or June, I think it is. Same with Clink Communities. We I didn't get notification of the awards yet. Oh, so we we we can't get it put in unless it's already been awarded. >> Yeah, >> correct. >> Yeah, I don't know the amount that we're going to get. So, I can't put it in yet.
>> Oh, okay. Um on 10, the pilot revenue forecast is showing lower than 2025 actuals. Is there a change in the um Herman cap?
So the that's what I should get um in total from Herman Cap this year. What it was last uh last year they gave us uh 24 stuff late. So we got a portion and 25. Yeah. >> Got it. Another one of those. Okay.
There's a lot of that going around last year. Well, they they had to it's they're a little different because they have to wait until their fiscal year is over and they screw up at the end of the year what the pilot amount should be. It's not a set amount every year. It's based on their their revenues and
everything, >> right? >> That's why the last payment that comes in after the year changes. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you. The rest of my questions are all in tab 30. Um
the there's a line item for municipal purposes within caps, but it's blank. And then there's just a list of stuff that's out of caps. Why is the municipal purposes within caps blank? Is that somewhere else in the document?
>> The top line, that's just it. Um you see how it says H1 total gener general appropriations for municipal purposes within caps. So that's 6,247534. That's the within caps number. >> Oh, okay.
>> That's just continuation. >> And >> um the the a other expenses, what what is that? That's a big number. What does it encompass? >> The other operations, the 683 and 493.
Is that what you're talking about? >> Yes. Yeah. So that's um that would include uh the all the grants that we got there. If you go to sheep 24
um that's where the grants are. >> Okay. >> Um All right. Next question. Same same question for the Well, wait. If that's where the grants are, then what's the the line
item that says public and private programs offset by revenues? That's 742,565, and 57 cents. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Yeah, it's page 20. 20 is what is that? That's one. It's the
library, the LOAP, the health insurance, and the emergency for the storms. Those >> Got it. >> Yeah. And then the other >> and then the public and private programs is 24. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Um, >> the reserve for uncollected taxes is also a bigger number than last year. Um what's the what's behind that? >> It's based on our collection percentage question. Um so we have to we have to
make whole the county and the and the um schools. So if someone doesn't pay their taxes there the schools in the county still get paid. We're the ones who take the hit. So we have this reserve for uncollected taxes to make sure that we
have enough money to pay um those entities and that number is based on our collection percentage. If you go to um >> at the beginning of the budget, there is
tab that says uh reserve and tax collection and it shows how it's calculated um and it's based on our um collection percentage. >> Got it.
And last question, um the municipal debt service has gone up. What's the driving force of that? The um the only thing that really increased for that is the uh note
interest payment. Um, last year, if you go to sheet 27, last year the note interest was $270,000. This year it's 315. Everything else is pretty much in line. Actually, the interest on bonds went down about
$10,000. So, that's the only thing that increased was the interest on notes. And that depends on current market rates when we uh sell the notes. Okay. So, we um Okay. So, the I guess I I I'll ask
another time for an education on notes and how that all works. Thank you for the at least I know where it's coming from now. Um but >> basically temporary financing. It's it's getting a one-year loan instead of permanently financing like a a bond is
like a mortgage for your house. You know, it's a 10 20 year mortgage. Basically, the notes you do for one year until you know you're ready to do that permanent financing >> and the bond attorney then says, "Hey,
this is the best time to do it and this is the advantageous time to do it." >> Correct. So we kind of listen to our bond attorney and save up all those notes for the >> Yeah. Because they they watch the market, you know, now with the interest rates higher, you're not going to want to lock in for 20 years.
>> So Beth, the state allows you to do notes 10 years per note. So you can redo them every single year for 10 years and then you must by law become a bond if you haven't done that already or pay it off. >> Got it. Okay. So interest went way up.
Got it. That was actually last year because those the payment this year is for the notes we sold last year. >> Okay. Okay. That's everything for me. Thank you so much. >> But we're also in a a better financial
position now. So we are due to maybe go out for another rating. See what happens. The increase not So, anybody else have any other questions for Bill? >> Um, going back to the the tax rate,
right? You sent us a tax rate history document. Um, says average household at the top. What exactly is how how are we calculating the average household? Is that just all of the um we went through the classifications all the single family homeless? >> Yeah. So,
the she that's where I get that number from. And basically what he does is he has the uh you know residential properties are are uh 339,789 and there's 857 of them. So >> we just divide and just
>> Thank you. But just so that everybody knows that um you know I've been working with Bill on on this budget um and one of the things that that um we were adamant about is finding the money for Ken McCormack um
and some from John John Tillison and Bill was able to do that from DPWCAP. So John, so Kim McCormack is going to be funded and John Tison will win half of what he um he requested. So
um just so everybody knows that >> that reminds me of the other question was we did talk very long time about budget at the last meeting. >> I have little recollection of all the many changes I think we want. Do you have any kind of brief summary of what
you've adjusted since the last both. >> I think that since the last time it was it was pretty much you wanted me to take um um get find money to to put into the construction and um
the fire inspector. Uh, so I put um in the snow storm emergency $30,000 out of the cap to free up the cap space and that was based on what >> uh you know what we subitted to the state >> the state for the storms and um so we're
allowed to do that as an add expense which freed up the impact money to be able to you know appropriate for the construction I really wasn't >> I was gonna say honestly we talked about one time we didn't have any
>> I think the other things he um there were some smaller things that you talking about yeah >> I think Bill I we talked about way ago and I think he mitigated all that hard questions in a whole bit so >> I think that you guys had comments on I
think he actually went back and Are you good? >> I think I'm good. >> Counciloman. >> Yep. >> Counciloman Hartford. >> Uh yeah, I just discovered a couple in the middle of my list that I jumped over by accident. Um on 10 reserve for sale
of assets. Is that just a generic that we always do or do we actually have planned to sell any assets? So, that's money that we had um from the initial um sale of the police station that we did
years ago. We got that big chunk of money in and we've been using it a small amount each year to offset, you know, the budget. We didn't want to take it all in one chunk. So I think we have another
um year or so, year, year and a half that we can allocate about the same amount. >> Okay. And on 14, why is the fire safety and housing
enforcement increase so large? Because that's the one for Kim McCormack >> for the additional fire inspections. >> For the Yeah, for the entire $20,000. Yes. >> A lot more. >> Yeah.
>> Got it. Um and and Bill, um the the budget version you sent to us for this meeting was just the state template version. Um, will you share the the line
item version, the updated line item version with us as well, please? >> Great. >> Um, no president. >> No, we're good. Um, so I Bill and I have
had some just had some extensive talks about moving forward and how we're going to look at the budget and how we're going to manage the budget and oversight of the budget, etc., etc. Um, and we are going to look at, he did send
me, and I'm I'm sorry, but I didn't get a chance to send it out of last week. Um, what we spent on professionals, so we definitely want to take a look at those types of things. So, we are going to do a little bit more exploratory um on what we're spending and where we're spending it because certain things
that are happening on committees and the whole bit that may be charged to console. I just want to know I think we all want to know what they are. So, we're going to do a little bit more of a deep dive. So, um we're good. And thank you, Bill.
>> So, Bill, what's your next step? >> You got to vote on this, right? We're gonna introduce right. >> Okay. In 30 days for the public hearing, >> correct? Yeah. So the um >> sometime in May.
>> I have it in the advertising. >> No, you do. >> Well, um >> I thought I thought tonight was work session and next meeting we're we introduced. >> No, you got to make our deadline.
>> Yes. May >> Bill, do you have a can you read do you have something to read into the record as far as the budget construction the language sheet >> I don't have
it is there a sheet on the budget sheet paper which is >> I thought I thought last told me at the beginning So, um, the municipal budget notice, I'm assuming is what it is. the uh municipal budget of the bureau of Flemington
County for the fiscal year 2011026. Be it resolved that the following statements of revenues and appropriations shall constitute municipal budget for the year 2026. Be it further resolved that said budget be published on the official website
www.istoricington.com on April 14, 2026. And if applicable, it will be advertised. I don't think we're doing on online publication, right? >> Well, I have to um do all the public
notices, so it will be on that tab, too. >> So, we had it'll be on our website. >> Yeah, two places. >> Uh the governing body of the borrow of Fington does hereby approve the following budget for the year 2026.
Um notice is hereby given that the budget and tax resolution was approved by the council members of the burrow of Flemington County under April 13, 2026. A hearing on the budget and tax resolution be held at the Flemington Municipal Building on May 11th, 2026 at
7:00 p.m. at which time placed to said budget and tax resolution for the year 2026 may be presented by taxpayers or other interested persons. The um just to give
a summary of the the budget, the total um budget again is 9,863,000 even. Um the revenues are $170,000 from this uh fund balance anticipated
439,000 from local revenues. 372,362 from state aid without offsetting appropriations, $250,000 dedicated uniform construction code fees. Uh
>> say that again >> 250,000 dedicated uniform construction code fees. This is all on sheet 11 of that. >> Okay. uh 492,56557 special items of general revenue
and section F and section G special items of general revenue 476,625 receipts from delinquent taxes 488,000 even and uh the amount to be raised by local for local taxes is 6,967,812
$12 and the minimum library tax is $26,63541 for the total of 9,863,000. >> Okay. Can I have a motion, please? >> Move. >> There a second. We'll start on the second. Any discussion? Roll call, please.
Uh, Councilman. >> Yes. Uh, >> Council Vice President Angel. council woman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. >> Counciloman love it. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes.
>> Again, the public hearing is 11 p.m. Thank you very much, Bill. Thank you. Okay, we're up to public comment number two. Anybody from the public to make a comment, please raise your hand if the line is in the audience microphone.
Seeing none, we don't have an executive session. >> Hi, can you hear me? >> Yes. Can you please state your name and address for the record, please? >> Of course. Uh Tony Gushu, gu 605 County Road 519, Kingwood, New
Jersey, owner of Within Spirit at 37 Stangle Road. Um and the FID board president. Um I just wanted to touch on a couple things with Turntable Junction. Um real quickly because I know, you know, it's it's on the agenda again this evening. Um, as somebody who's lived
basically in this area my entire life through Flemington, Hillsboro, Branchburg, it's somewhere I frequented, you know, pretty much until like the, you know, late 2000s. Um, now as an extension between Church Street and Main Street in our Stangle Business District,
it sits dilapidated and appears as as if it's basically like an abandoned ghost town. Um, there are serious issues with the parking lots, the sidewalks, the structures. It is not the view and the first impression we want people to have when they come to Flemington.
This property was already deemed to be a site in need of revelopment in 2014 when the bid did a study on this property as well as others including the hotel, the Aguway site, and Cut Glass. Um, when the property owner purchased these buildings in 2015, his attorney stated in an
article to the Hunter County Democrat, and I quote, "They will fix up the grounds a bit and in general make it a more inviting place and increase sales for the tenants." End quote. And this statement has basically been, you know, couldn't be any further from the truth of what's happened. Um, when I first was
looking to open our business in the burrow, I initially did consider Turntable Junction, but I did my due diligence about it. I spoke to other tenants. I took a ride and a walk around the property. And then I cancelled the scheduled meeting I had. Um because the answer for me was a resounding no. Uh
the property conditions in the summer of 2021 when we were looking were atrocious at that time. There was holes in the roofs with the sky visible from above. There was rodents. There was trash. And things have only gotten much worse over time. Both the current and past tenants
have had a number of issues with these units. And I know they've been in touch with several members of council in regards to situations they have encountered. Um the most severe being two that suffered damages and they were forced to move from the property because the property owner did not make repairs
that would allow them to be operational only for them to get sued in the process of vacating. When one of those buildings burned down in September of 2022, the property owner left a fence around the rubble for almost a year. Um there's four commercial tenants right now in
there in a property that has about 25 units which just goes to show to be a testament of their condition considering we have multiple businesses who want spaces in the burrow. Um people really are not willing to touch these spaces and to be very honest the property owner
is really not actively looking to rent them out because they're not even showing up on available prop uh commercial property listings when you do a search. He's been very happy to take a loss on these properties. And when he's been approached about someone purchasing a building, he's been telling someone very inflated numbers over what these
buildings are actually worth. You know, we have the gazebo and the historic t turnt sitting there for years with snow uh fencing and caution tape around them because they're a safety hazard instead of being maintained and beautified for people to enjoy like the cazeeos in Court Street Park have been. You know,
these are not new problems that have popped over up overnight. I in fact addressed them a number of times to our former executive director, our former mayor. Um, you know, I've been told a range of things like we are working on it to we are attacking the property
owner because of his religious beliefs. Um, and I think you know, Councilman Parker said it very well a couple meetings ago or last meeting rather when he said, you know, we cannot keep kick kicking the can down the road with these properties. There's also a concern for the residents. He does actually have a
residential unit listed right now. If you look at it on Zillow, it's dingy. There's stained carpeting. The walls have never been painted. They've been wiped down and there's visible smears on them. The kitchen basically looks like it was peacemeal together and there's a stove sitting on a tiny piece of
lenolium while the rest of them is carpeted. You know, there's no uh safety screens on the windows, which I believe is a requirement by law. But, you know, unfortunately, we're going to have somebody who maybe has poor credit or who has a, you know, lower socioeconomic standing, who's desperate for housing,
who's going to eventually move into one of these properties. And, you know, I only hope that if that happens in the meantime, you know, that they are safe living in these in those conditions. Um, you know, as I said, as a business owner adjacent to the area, someone who op also operates a walking tour through the
area, the comments that I get from people during our tours are disheartening. I get, why did the town let it get like this? Why did the owner let it get like this? What happened to this place? Why haven't they done something to fix this? Wow, I can't believe what, you know, this looks like.
It used to be so nice, you know. And I've documented those things over the years because the perceptions of the public and the people who are saying them are people who are either current or past residents or vi or who are visitors to the area and who have seen the conditions deteriorate over time.
um you know it's not just reflecting poorly on the commercial tenants who are operating there because the grounds are not maintained and the buildings are not maintained but it's also you know reflecting poorly on those who operate adjacent businesses the property owner
our burough officials and Flemington as a whole um and just to comment on um you know a statement that was made earlier in terms of weids um weids actually does not show up on the tax or sewer maps as
being a property that he owns because they're showing up as having a totally different address than what the blocks and lots are. So, I think there was some confusion with if that was actually um a turntable property or not. I personally thought it was owned by Mr. Caruso that
owns the building with Rosemary, etc., and Misa Bore in it. Um so, that was I think an oversight both on uh council as well as the FID's ends. But um you know as far as Ally also not having been in that business yet, Ally has been working
very diligently updating the contact information for all 450 of our commercial businesses and has been going in face to face and meeting with people um you know and getting making sure people are in the loop about things going on. So if they have not had
facetime with her yet, it just means that it hasn't unfortunately been yet. Um, but you know, again, I I just also want to make sure that everyone is on the same page that that was not something that was either not done or neglected. She spoke with all of the commercial tenants over there and I spoke with all of the past tenants of
that property. >> That's all. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Uh, anybody else put their hand up? >> No. >> Okay. Again, there's no executive session. I have a motion to adjurnn. >> Move. >> Second.
>> Second. >> All in favor? Bye. >> Not to take you off there. >> Night all.