This meeting of the Franklin Township Open Space Advisory Committee is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings law. This meeting of October 21st, 2025 was included in a list of meetings notice sent advertised in local newspapers, posted on the
bulletin board in municipal building, posted on the municipal website, and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the statute. In addition, a copy of this notice is available to the public and is on file in the office of the municipal clerk. >> Eric, could you do the roll call,
please? >> Yes. Um Bob Huskus, I think he's just late. >> Arnold Schmidt, >> he's here. >> Bill O'Connell, I think he's going to be late. >> He'll be late. >> Um Bob Lort >> here. >> John Moon here. >> John Earling here.
>> Stephanie Total is absent tonight. Ted Chase. >> Okay. Mary Lanco >> here. >> Robin Sudam >> here. >> Vanessa Jones. >> Uh David Triggs >> here. >> Warlocker >> here. >> Council member Edasnik.
>> Uh Mayor Kramer >> here. >> And Steven Dah >> here. >> Okay. Did I miss anybody tonight? No. Okay. >> Can I have a motion to open the meeting to the public? >> Anybody second? >> Second.
>> All in favor? I >> opposed. We are open to the public. >> Can someone just real quick repeat who did that? I forgot I was doing the minute. >> I seconded it. E motion. >> Okay. >> Hold on one second. Chris uh his name
David. David. Yes. Okay. Got it. I'm sorry. Open. Okay. >> Chris Williams. >> Yes. >> 20 Magnolia Road, Somerset, New Jersey. Okay. Um I'm almost done with the blinds. There's just trim I have to put
up on it. Uh we were reviewing it and Jim thinks that we should replace the roof >> until >> so vasinel or >> no Jim I don't know I can't know
>> he's from comm but he's been helping Chris with repairs >> the heavy stuff um which a lot of it is the other thing is is I'd like to get some stain and I'd like to stain it because it would last longer if you stain it every 5 years. It'll last, you
know, 30 years instead of 10 years. >> Okay. Roof and then stain. >> Yep. And then just spray a stain on it. >> Okay. >> I uh I'll email you the items. >> Okay.
>> On the uh from I guess we have the Home Depot item numbers. >> Yeah, if you can do that, that would be great. Is it um I guess it's all included already cuz I know we put some extra buffer in there. >> Yes, we did have put some extra buffer in there. I'm not going to put the wood on. I don't want to do the roof this
year. We'll do it next year. >> How long is I don't have to wait till August materials next year, do I? >> Um you send me the materials, I'll get them right over and hopefully they'll come in soon. That's why no for next I want to put the roof in next year.
>> Oh, next year you want to do it. Okay. And then you'll have you'll have to wait till the budget is adopted. >> Last time I didn't get the material cost that long again. >> Chris, what did I just say? >> Okay. This is sarcasm and I just said
you have to wait until the budget passes. >> Okay. >> The law. >> Okay. >> Next year. Spain is this year. >> Yes. >> I'll I'll exc. >> Yeah. I'd like to thank Jim. He helped a
lot. >> Yes. And thank you. It looks great so far. It looks really good. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Oh, the other thing is is can we please send a work order to have them the uh township pick up the leftover materials? >> They're not picked up. Okay. Yeah.
>> I don't know if they're picked up. I haven't been in a couple. >> Okay. All right. >> The other thing is is um leave the old material in place because there'll be a weed block. It'll keep the weeds down. Okay. I did send the work order after the last meeting. So hopefully it's
picked up, but you want to keep some there. So go and look and let me know what's picked up and what's not. >> Okay. >> Does that make sense or >> I should have told you earlier then. >> Okay. >> Um Okay. And we're going to the grass is being cut or will be cut. >> Uh yes. So we're working on that mowing
schedule coming up. Yes. Absolutely. So if you want if you have any ideas that you want to send me or whatever, you're welcome to. >> Okay. Yeah. I think there's just one field we probably should all the rest of it should be. >> Yes. And we're applying for the prescribed burn again. So, you know,
we'll prepare for that. Hope hope for the best. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Anybody else? >> Oh, Bob's here. >> Bob, you want to take over? We just need to close the public session. >> Motion to close public session. Moved.
Second. All >> in favor? Hi. >> Next on agenda is the approval of the minutes. Do we have Julies into September? >> We only have September right now. >> Motion to approve September. >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> I would second it. All
>> in favor? >> I to report it. Anybody have any questions on the finance report? >> Yeah. What's meant by due diligence?
>> That's for when we do closings on property. So, it includes our attorney basically doing the title and us just like when you buy your house and you do your due diligence. >> Survey. Yeah. Everything that's required to close. Yeah.
I would move to approve. >> Second. >> I move. >> All right. On the new business, Kappa Park. Now, before we get into
Kappa Park, I would like to to be run this meeting a little differently than we normally run. I would like to manager the comments for the committee to get done. >> I don't have any comments. I have answers but I think that >> well we're we have Darren here. We have
any questions. >> So I understand that. So what I'm saying is I think that we need to just jump into it since >> yes >> he's on the clock. >> Okay. Now at this point we'll turn the meeting over to Arie about capital park. He's done a lot of work on it. >> He wasn't going to speak first or not?
>> There's nothing to speak about. We made the presentation at the last meeting. This is for you to discuss. >> Just real quick, can I just say if anyone needs to Aaron prepared all four options and they are on the table right there for everyone to see if you need it. Um I we printed them just in case
you want to like lay them out in front of you or whatever. Sorry. >> Okay. >> So what we last at last month's meeting, we had gone through the four options. It seemed like we were headed towards either option one or four. So just a
quick overview again. Option one would be the full park build out and perview is an option one. It lists the amenities that are included for the approximate $9.5 million cost. That would be in order to uh that would basically be crossing the stream with the bridge and
keeping our D permits active. Uh so that is where we are. I'm going to go to option four first. I think that's where everybody really was last time and what that is. Option four is stopping the uh project before the stream so we don't we don't
need to shut. What this did though is it added in a playground area with uh with with the pavilion as well as some seating and additional parking to the east for the cricket fields. This was the $4.7 million option. If you look at
the sheets in front of you, you can see with the crossouts and strikeouts what was removed from this portion of the from the whole project because I know that was the comparison that the committee wanted to see what was going to be included and what was going to be removed. So this is just I a little more
information, but if anybody has any questions between the two options, >> this this option requires additional D permitting. It's not going to require a DP permit, but it's going to require a storm water management redesign for DRCC, the Delaware Ref Canal Committee Commission.
>> That doesn't have to go through the uh state. >> That's a state organization, but it's not going to be like the wetlands or the flood hazard area permitting. We're going to avoid that and stay north of the uh of the affected areas. Yeah. >> So, how soon would this construction
start for option four versus if option was option one was approved? >> Option one was approved. We can go right back out to bid now and pretty much start on the contractor schedule. Here we would have to do a redesign which would probably take about 4 weeks in storm water and then we'd have to
resubmit to the DRCC. So, they typically have a clock of 60 to 90 days to return a review. So, we would probably be at least until the spring before we could go out to bid again. But it's not another fouryear thing is what you're saying. >> It shouldn't be. No, another probably I'd say four to six months to get ready
for bid again once we have any comments from them. >> And that option four I noticed with the U walkway pathway stop at this at this stream in way possible that can go all
the way around. Is that cost? Is that a big money cost or what? So it goes around and it ties in. That is the red area with the crossaxis. So it does tie together. But if we had to cross the stream, we would have to put in a bridge and a crossing. We could we'd have to be
elevated from the stream itself. So that triggers the DP permit again. >> Same bridge that's in other plants. >> Again, I want to give Arie the floor here. Arie, >> I don't know if you wanted to go through all four and then I would do it.
>> Because I think you're going to tie into all them anyway. >> Okay. Okay, back up. >> Um, I'd like to quickly focus on a few areas of interest based on option one. Um, first, um, I want to thank you for preparing these these options with the
detailed specifications. Uh, about a week before receiving your documents, some of us received the spreadsheets that Mary prepared. She did a great job of preparing that. um and she gave me a head start at looking into
the details of this project project before seeing before seeing yours. Um and first I'd like to talk about the walking path and the two parking lots. From the research I've had I've done
recently, it appears that the use of asphalt is about four times the cost of crushed stone. And it's also my understanding that it's much more difficult to snowplow crush stone or gravel. However, looking at this park, it's not really a winter park for the
most part. And based on the snow we've been getting over the past several years and with climate change, I wonder how many days of park use we'd actually be lost without without plowing. I believe many, if not most of our open spaces have stone parking lots, not
asphalt. Cricket is a summer sport, not played in the winter. If used after a snow event, there would be a lot of damage to those fields. I don't believe there's any reason to plow that 67 vehicle parking lot. Therefore, what need is there for
an expensive asphalt parking lot? The other parking lot for 86 vehicles, I believe, accommodates the playground area, which likely shouldn't be used when it snows rises over due to child safety concerns. Botchi ball, horseshoes, and cornhole are also the
most part summer, spring, and fall games or sports. An unanswered question for me in this vein would be the tennis, pickle ball, basketball courts. Would they be plowed if it snows? And I wonder if losing the use of all
these amenities for the few days a year when it snows versus likely the many hundreds of thousands of dollars or more we could use by not using hot mix asphalt is worth this tradeoff. We need asphalt for the parking lots and for the full length of the walking path
for the four times for the four times the cost of crush stone. Getting back to the playground area, option one has a playground area listed at 1,395 square yards, which equals 12,555
square ft. Option 4 is 1,035 yds, which equals 9,315 square ft. In comparison, for perspective, our Middle Bush Park playground area consists of one large area and two smaller areas. All next to each other.
Together, they consist of 7,200 square ft. If we choose the option four, 9,315 ft playground size, or even 8,000 ft, still 800 square ft larger than the one
at Middle Bush Park. We may be able to move the community garden next to the playground area. That way, families with children who want to garden would also have easier access to the playground area. This would also mean not having to cut
down a wooded area, losing canopy, losing wildlife habitat, and possibly losing some aesthetic and noise barriers. This brings me to the four pavilions in option one of the Talpa plan. The one at the cricket field is 864 square ft with
picnic tables. The second one that includes family grills and picnic tables is 1,584 square ft. That one is similar to the one at Middle Bush Park. However, the Middle Bush Park Pavilion, which also has grills and
tables, is only 1,270 square ft. pretty large but still 300 square feet smaller than the second option I just mentioned at the Kalpa. The third pavilion with no size provided in the specs we were given is near the
86 vehicle parking lot playground and amenity area. The fourth pavilion again no size provided is noted to also be near playground restroom. So do we need >> Could you clarify where the extra pavilions are? You hit me lost here. So, in option one, just so we're clear,
there's a pavilion over by the cricket fields, which is 30 24 by 36. Uh, then also down here by the uh this is a 36x 44 pavilion. >> It says it says here picnic area
including family grills and picnic tables. >> Yeah. So, that's right in here. So, >> okay. >> That the not four pavilions. There's only two. >> That's why we don't know where you're getting the other two. Well, there's on bullets >> listed on here. Four pav four four pavilions. >> The bullet the bullet bullet for 86
vehicle parking lot references a pavilion. And the bullet for pavilion/playground restroom references a pavilion. >> Yes. So the well this isn't a pavilion. This is a restroom with just an overhang. >> Yeah. If I could just continue. Okay.
Because I'm going >> just want to make sure you're talking about the same thing so everybody's on the same page. I'm talking about what is listed on option one here. Okay. Now, after I'm done, if he wants to tell me I'm wrong, fine. But this is what's listed on option one.
>> Keep talking. >> Pavilion with no signs provided in the specs we were given is near the 86 vehicle parking lot, playground, amenity area. I thought you were leaving. >> I am. >> Okay. Well,
>> okay. >> The fourth pavilion, again, no signs provided, is noted to also be near the playground restroom. So, do we need all four pavilions? What's the cost of them? And how big are the two with no sizes provided? And I guess we'll get into that later on with you saying that
there's only two even though there's four listed on option one. >> Areas already doesn't >> Okay. Well, we'll get to it. >> It appears not using >> Wait a second. >> Yes, sir. >> There is I'm reading something that he's
corrected is wrong. I I don't understand why you're not taking his input. >> I'm get I'm past that now. I'm past I'm I'm no longer talking about the pavilions. Okay. All right. I'm sorry. Can I just add one question of a point of order just just to make
sure? Are you able to remember everything he's asking you or do you need me to take notes? Um, >> he does. >> Okay. That's the only thing. That's why I think that he's asking you to go one by one cuz I don't think he can like go through your whole list. It's hard to listen to your list and >> you know what I'm saying? So, I'll try
and and note it. Okay. Go ahead. So, it appears not using asphalt could save hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not upwards of millions of dollars based on material and labor cost differences. Now, this is information that I Googled. You guys
might have different information, but it appears that crush stone is four times less than asphalt. Also without without asphalt, less time by DPW workers would need for
plowing. Last and certainly least, but I must ask, what is meant by decorative benches? How many of these not which these which are not listed?
What's the difference in the cost of decorative benches and a regular bench? Finally, it would have been great if we had been provided these fact sheets long ago so we could have better prepared to advise the council on what we thought
about this plan. So hopefully in the future this document which you provided us and it's a great document. >> Just understood I provided this document like 3 weeks ago. I don't know when it got to you. So this document's been out it was a week after the last meeting. I can't speak to when it I had forward
>> we got it a couple of days ago. We Oh, about a week or so ago, right? >> It's not. No, I'll tell you when. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> I'm now >> because the spreadsheet that you're talking about that's referenced is based off of this document. >> I'm talking about your document. >> No, I understand. But you said the
spreadsheet that came out first, but that was only created off of this document. So, just >> I'm basing my information on your document, not >> Okay. No, I just hers. >> Okay. So I'm just hoping that the document
that you prepared these four options I'm hoping that those you know that kind of document in the future is something that you know we can you know is provided in the future for us so that we can better
assess things and then properly advise the council. Now I I guess there's there's a discrepancy. It does say four uh four um pavilions here, but you're saying that there isn't. So, I I want to hear it. >> So, that's just more of a description of
the areas. But first off, so with what I prepared here when we were tasked, I didn't go through an item list price by price. Just, you know, like the asphalt walkways were approved by the committee years ago, and it was also requested by DPW in terms of maintenance. So I agree
that stone would be cheaper, but that wasn't the intent of what this VM was. It was either award the product as it was originally requested and designed. It wasn't really we weren't value engineering the first phase. That wasn't the intent of what we were doing. And then the second phase was just showing
what we could do going in terms of not before up to the bridge. But in for pavilions themselves, just so that it's clear, this is the picnic area with the grills. There are 12 picnic tables that
are or 12 square tables that five picnic tables over here. This is a restroom, what we call restroom/ pavilion because it's really just an overhang on the restroom. It's not a separate structure to where there would be some benches in here.
And then the only other area that would be considered pavilion would be the cricket fields next to the restroom where there's this 24 by 36. So when we say pavilion, we're just meaning the area where it is. This wasn't listed out and meant to be there's so many pavilions that would have been and I don't know if you had the bid tab.
Everything was specifically listed, but there's 200 bid items in this project. So it' be very hard for the committee to understand to go through it all. So I was just trying to just, >> you know, these are the big bullet points that you put in there. So, I'm still not getting it. I see four in here. Are you saying that there's two or
three? >> I just went through there's two and then there's an overhang on the bathroom >> and there's a >> an overhang on the restroom. >> Okay. Okay. Um, so, you know, I'm looking at this as a whole here. I don't know if things
can be changed. Probably not. But this is the whole thing of not seeing some things detailed like this because I don't recall seeing them. Maybe I'm off. >> The plans were provided before we went out to bid and this was all provided
prior to >> No, they were provided to us before they went out to bid. >> Not not the not the latest plan. It was not provided to us before it went out to bid. I was told we the bid opening was stopped in July because of the committee
hadn't received the bids and that's what was given out. I can't speak to if they got to I provided them but >> I you may have provided it to management but management did not provide it to us about >> me. I understand we did I understand but
we're just we're just talking here. So, I mean, I'm looking at this as I I don't know if things can be changed. Maybe not. You were just talking a little while ago about, you know, possibly, you know, the bids could go out several months from now. And if
you're saying things like it can't be changed from asphalt to crushed stone, which might be viable and we could save substantial amount of money, >> things like that could be changed. I was just saying that the direction I was given was that the township wanted
asphalt and that's what we put. >> Now, in terms of I know there there's mention of plowing and you wouldn't plow the the gravel, which I agree with. I believe part of the reason why DPW had asked for the asphalt was because this the gravel requires maintenance and they're going to have to go out there and replenish it because obviously the
gravel gets kicked off. So that's why I believe that decision was made just so you're aware. >> And the point that I made is that this is really a summer park. You can't you can't disagree, >> but I'm just saying that this is something that was shown for the last years on this plan.
>> I understand. And at this point, I'm just making another point. If I had made these point, if I had been aware of all of this in these details, I may or may not have brought it up at that time. So maybe that's my fault. Maybe it's the committee's fault. I don't know. But I I
just I would love to see a couple of changes made here to be able to save some money. That's all. >> I guess the first question we I would need to know is which option are you looking changes can be made? Nothing set in stone. If there's a there's something
that would affect the permitting, I'll let you know on that point. But I have to take the direction from the township and the committee. So I there there's nothing saying that this can't there's going to be areas where we're going to need asphalt only because there's a single family home. So obviously we're going to go and a couple areas, you
know, for maintenance we're going to need asphalt. So, but in the long the long of it is the asphalt could go away with that. What will probably go away is any of the striping that we were going to put on the asphalt for the mile markers cuz that's obviously going to wash off and things along those lines. >> And it costs less if you don't do
striping also. So that that's >> nominal terms with this. >> Mhm. But also when you do asphalt it has to be repurped and stuff like that. Yes. >> Right. Um, so the other thing was the
size of the playground area is very large compared to say Middle Bush Park. I gave you the the details on that. Now, we're trying to save trees. We have a community garden in one area. We're going to have to take down substantial amount of trees for that community
garden. And I don't know what the size of that community garden is. I don't know off the top of my head um how many square feet it is. But just so you know with in terms of the community garden, there were uh there were a lot of meetings with the public and it was very it was requested
to go in this location from probably I want to say in the 2016 2018 range. So that's why the community garden is on this at this portion of the park. >> You're talking about it was requested that seven or eight years ago. Is that what you're saying? >> It was requested here when there were meetings with the with the public.
>> Okay. So that's why it is showing >> and I'm bringing it up here and you know I'm just one person you know for everybody else to tell me Arie you're an idiot you know you're wrong do it that way up there or maybe we agree I don't know but if we reduce the park the the
the park the playground area to the size of of Middle Bush Park or even a little bit larger there still could be area for the community garden there and you don't have to take down those trees and you have families that are working in the community garden and you know the kids
can work with them there and then play in the playground. It's just you know two things working together there just it's just an idea. It's just a thought. >> Understood. I mean, yes, we could reduce the size of this, but I mean, in the $9 million
number, I mean, we could probably value engineer this down a couple hundred thousand. But I think the bigger question is, are does the committee want to go still something that's close to even it's say 8 8.5 million, I don't know what it would be without a redesign or do we are you guys looking more at
the four to four million 4 to5 million option? I think that's the first question before we can get into what we redesign here, what we can shrink down, what materials change cuz I mean we can change it. I agree it'll it'll decrease. The order of magnitude is not going to
decrease from 9.5 million to 6 million >> but it could in reduce from 9.5 million to 8.5 million million isn't pocket change. >> No, it's not. where that's where I'm saying I think the first question is how much are you willing to spend and then we could see if we can get there and I
can come up with suggestions but that that wasn't the task of what we met last week. That's all I just wanted to show you where we are. But if you have a number where you think this park should be and the committee wants I can take a look at this and see what we can do to get there. Well, just to finish up, what I'm saying is from my perspective, I
like option one with some changes that could save us money, could make things a little bit better as far as a community garden is concerned. Um, and uh, you know, there there's when you have asphalt um, parking lots, you're saving
you're saving DPW, I'm sorry, stone parking lots or crushed stone parking lots, you're saving DPW from having to plow. And it's very few times a year that you know there's snow. >> I wouldn't recommend changing the parking lots to stone. It's one thing with the walkways parking lots. You're going to have emergency vehicles that
may be driving on them. It's if there's any areas cuz a lot of this is done with porous pavement. You're going to have you're going to lose a lot of the strength in that area. You could have pumping in there. You could have a lot of holding water. Just be I know it's porous and it'll go through, but I'm talking about the under layerings. Well,
I I'm I'm thinking I'm thinking of you have to pave the ADA spot. >> Yeah. So ADA to be ADA compliant, those spaces have to be paved >> and the access to that. Correct. >> Correct. >> Right. So >> So the whole area doesn't have to be
asphalt. But again, the the um the um cricket field, that parking area, it's not going to be used during the winter time, although it might be needed for emergency vehicles. So if there's a lane for emergency vehicles, that's that's another thing. I'm looking at a hybrid
sort of situation here. >> I mean, I just my recommendation as an engineer is I would keep the the parking lots paved >> in terms in terms of walkways, I think that's an option we should explore more >> ultimately because I >> if you have you ever when you get to a
high use site like this and cars start turning, you're going to have areas that are going to divot. There's going to be a lot of maintenance throughout the year. It's going to be a high maintenance issue if item on this park and that' be the concern I'd have cuz you're going to have a lot of cars in here and if somebody is just takes a 90°
turn and starts going to avoid somebody now we have a divot DBW to get out there. They're probably going to have to replenish surface you know just gravel probably quarterly if not or at least every year. It happens a lot at like our John our preserves the grasslands
preserves and negri the gravel replenishment is it's constant. It's absolutely constant. >> This is why I wanted to have this back and forth with you because you know these are things that I don't think about. You know I'm not a professional but I'm giving you my input. You know if
it comes down to it's just the trail that's uh that's crush stone. You know we're you know that would save some money. If if we can't do the parking lots, that's another thing. But I'd also like to look at the uh you know, if we're able to move the uh community
garden and make the playgrounds smaller if that's possible. >> I think Robin has a question. >> Yeah, I was just waiting for Robin. >> I'm understanding that option one would involve some bonding. I'd like to make a motion that we go with option one and
then spend the time to value engineer some of these specifics and let's forward. >> Can I modify that? >> I'm open to that. Put a dollar figure on it. Put a no more than $8 million for option one and they find the money instead of us lecturing them on how to
do it. >> Well, first well first there needs to be a second to the motion and then discussion. All right, >> we have a >> All right, we have a motion on the floor to do option one with a second. Any discussion on a motion? >> Well, we got a >> I have bring a modified motion.
>> Put a dollar figure on it and let them find the money. I >> I'm I'm reluctant to go as low as 8 million. Um I we heard the engineers say maybe a couple hundred,000. Um what if we said no more than 9 million and let them go to work and see
what they can come up with? Well, I would seriously like to see um walkway as as gravel or crush stone. You know, I don't know how much that's going to save. It could save a substantial amount. Could save a couple hundred
thousand. Um the and and moving the the playground uh moving the the um the garden over the Where are you picturing the garden next to the playground? Just so I understand. I know you we have a playground here. So
I have a better feel for what you're looking for. >> Okay. Well, if you're wherever you're going to if you were to make the playground from 13,000 square ft. I don't remember the exact number. Um
>> it's it's roughly 14,000 square yards. So >> I I made it down to square feet. I I work better in square feet, but whatever. Um, and 12,555 ft.
That's what um I mean if you were to reduce that 8,000 square ft, that leaves 4,000 square ft approximately for uh for the garden. I don't know how how big is the community garden. I have to see how
this lays out. Community garden just for scale. Would that be part of the value engineering process? >> That's kind of where we probably should go, but let me just >> use smaller community garden. >> Well, that's where I would have to look
into making it smaller cuz the community garden roughly just by eye is probably 40% of the playground right now. Not saying it needs to stay there, but it'd be a tough fit if you're going to try to put it in between unless I'd have to see how this all lays out. I need a >> Mr. Chairman. Point of order.
the the engineer has asked repeatedly, are we going with option four or option one? Because right now you're figuring things out for option one, but the group might wind up with option four. That's a bunch of time wasted.
>> There's a decide on that first. >> Well, but there's a motion for option one and we're discussing it. >> Option one motion >> and it's in discussion right now. But those are to me as the motion maker those are value engineering questions
and my motion was that we >> we proceed with one knowing that those conversations will come afterwards >> but part of the motion is we discuss the motion. So that's what we're doing. I think the mayor's point is that um if
the if the group is really not really leaning towards option one then all this discussion it's just like not going to be valuable use of Darren's time. Is that correct or >> there's a muscle on the floor? >> My my motion was that the these kinds of
conversations the value engineering come after the motion is approved if it is approved. That's part of the motion. >> So, the other thing I want just want to bring up as part of the motion is um the
need for a cornhole area and two horseshoe pits because >> that's why that's all part of like if if you put a cap on there. >> Can I finish what I my my uh conversation? Thank you. Um, cornhole and horseshoes are transient
hobbies that anybody can show up and just drop cornhole things down. Like, do we need specific areas for this? And look, if we eliminate it, is that really going to reduce the amount of >> Yeah, the cornhole is like an $8,000 item. It's not
>> I I I get all that. I'm just saying I I'm in many ways agreeing with Arie that a lot of this can be reduced. And the motion is to pass everything on here for $9.5 million.
And what Arie is saying, and I agree with him, is that maybe we do need further discussion on uh you know, maybe how to reduce the cost because the cost doubled. I mean, it it was
originally like what, $5 million and it jumped to uh >> No, no, but I think that's what the motion is right now that we get to a point where you guys pick a number, we see if we can value engineer to it. So, I think that >> I think the motion that we We go with option one, put a cap on it
at 9 million and work it to a place that folks are comfortable with as opposed to one of the other options. >> We just put a cap on it as 9 million. Yes. >> And we would >> and obviously I'd come back with options at that point and be I'd work through for at least an initial to see where we
would get to with whatever feedback I've heard now and then we would go from there. It's kind of where I that's the way I thought I was interpreting this unless I'm misunderstanding. >> That was my meaning. >> So So my concern with option one is the cost of course. It's it's huge compared
to the other options. Um I think that's the only one that's above budget. And so it's it's great that it has all these things and we could whittle away uh half a million, maybe 1 million, but I think
it's still at risk of being voted down by council if they don't want to spend the money. So that I think that's just one thing to think through comment about bonding. We're we're buying a lot of ground in town. We don't you know bonding is borrowing money and
paying interest. If we could we we if we could come in one of these other options for half the price that's a lot that let we we started out with $5 million on this project is doubled. So we come in with 5 million. Well we have 5 million already a year mark without having to
borrow any money. So my thing is let's we take a vote on option one but I don't think option one is personally is the right way to go at this point. >> But again I go ahead I'll speak after you. It is option one is expensive. Okay. I'm
looking at the future of future acquisitions that may be coming up. I I don't think that I'd like to spend 9.1 9.5 $8 million when there may be other
properties coming up in the near future that we can use that savings of $3 million. That's important. And I don't like bonding because you have to pay the interest back. I think something kind of in the middle, not not
going up up here would would would would satisfy me. But I I you know, there may be property coming up in a year in a two years where it may be three four $5 million to purchase and
you want to act quick and get that. So that's where I'm coming from. I I'm not crazy about plan one, >> right? Anybody honest? I I was just going to speak. >> Let me just go ahead. >> Just explain to you why I seconded that motion because I I like option four
because it's within budget. Um it does keep a playground area whereas the others don't. I think it's important for the children, but it but it gets rid of a whole lot of good stuff for people to do like tennis courts and basketball courts and botchi ball courts and
whatever. So, I was thinking of almost like taking four and just adding back a little bit from one to make it more friendly to people. There's more to do and maybe end up around 7 million. >> I don't think that's going to be possible because of the bridge because
the the bridge crossing is going to be the most biggest expense. >> Okay. >> And you're not going to have area north of the bridge between the cricket fields and show >> just to enlighten too. I I went by western I call western road park where it's basically cricketer fields. The
driveway going up is asphalt and they park on the grass. They don't park. There's no gravel. They just take pull and pull in. It's been that way for years. >> Look out for emergency vehicles. >> There's a p the driveway going in. The road going in to the back is single lane
pave. Everything else is grass. Um as far as like bathrooms go and stuff like that. Little Bush Park has porter johns. That that area has a portage john there. There's no, you know, the bathrooms cost a lot of money. So anyway, there's a vote, there's a motion on the floor. Let's take a vote. Roll call vote
committee. >> Well, if I could just say one, >> what is the motion for? To accept plan one. >> Plan one with a cap of $9 million. >> Value engineer. >> Can you read the motion, please? Um,
he's motion accept option one with a cap of $9 million and request that it be value engineered for maximum savings and accomplish as much as possible in that plan.
>> The the roll call. Okay. Um, Bob Puscus. >> No. problem here. Okay. >> Arie Schmidt, >> no. >> Okay. I'm just gonna go around the table. Uh, John Bo, >> yes.
>> Okay. Bill Connell, >> yes. >> David Triggs, >> okay. John Hurling, >> yes. >> Okay. Robin Saddam, >> yes. >> Uh, Mary Loco, >> no.
>> Um, Bob Leort, >> no. No. Problem court says no. Okay. So that's one, two, three, four, five nos. One, two, three, four yeses. >> We got any other motions? >> Well, I'd like to discuss further about
the, you know, more ways to reduce the cost down to, let's say it was $8 million. Um, and talking about gazeos, you know, we, you know, there's three gazebo. Well, you're I know there's four gazeos on here. You're saying there's
two gazeos and one is sort of an overhang. And the gazeos are quite large compared to say the ones at Middle Bush Park. And I don't know how much could be saved or if you can reduce the size of the gazeos and the overhangs. And I and
again this is so small and it just excuse my language I won't use that word. It annoys me when I see in here decorative benches. First of all what is a decorative bench? I mean and what is a regular bench? How much do they cost? You're talking about a couple hundred
dollar here there. But still we're here to save taxpayer money. Part of it is taxpayer money. I understand this is money that comes out of the open space trust fund, but I look at it as I budget things like I budget things in my own home. So why do we need a decorative
bench? It's a couple hundred. I know, but these, you know, this is that's peanuts, but I'm still a decorative bench cuz it's an $8 million park. It's typically what we do. We wouldn't put a >> a lower value bench in a park that's, you know, $8 million typically. just
from a design perspective. Again, >> it's penis, but it it sort of >> amplifies everything else that's going on here. I you know, >> I'm looking for ways to reduce the cost so that a motion could be made for seven or eight million and and figure
out a way to reduce some of the things here. And >> that's what I was saying, but he said no. Well, if you said with option four, I mean, >> um >> Oh, you you're saying >> I meant just with option four north of the bridge because I thought that's what you had me.
>> Now, I don't know what number this could get reduced to without really spending some time on this, but I don't know if there's a number that you guys are comfortable with. That's kind of where I was getting at before. And then I could go back I could review this and get back in touch with you with an educated
answer. right now. >> I would just go back with the number that we approved at 5 million or whoever >> we're 5 million. What I would say is we're not going to do the stream crossing. It's going to be option four north. >> I also don't want to lose the the money that the county is giving us.
>> Well, that's why as part of option four, I added in playgrounds. The money from the county is playground. >> But does that playground have to be that size? >> No, it doesn't. It doesn't. I tried to maximize too with what the county grant was, but it it probably just go wrong.
So there's some there could be some savings there in the 4.7. I just tried to show something similar. >> And and while you're looking at this, I would like you how however this all ends up, I would like you if you can be able
to look at if it's possible to put the community garden close to or nearby playground area. So where you have parents and kids who can go to the community garden, go to the playground. >> Pardon me. >> Option four. They're right next to each other.
>> Okay. Good. Good. >> Can I make a motion for to accept option four? >> Okay. I know. >> All right. So now we got Mary is making a motion.
Mary is saying option four just as is. Option number four as is. Now, before we take the vote on it, can I I have a question for you, mayor. I don't know how this plays in. I have an email from Stephanie and an email from Ted with their thoughts on the on this
even though they're not here. Should I read that in or no? Okay. All right. Just want to be sure. Okay. Okay. Option four. >> We have a motion for option four. We have a second. >> Second. >> Any discussion on option four? I would like to my discussion would be um the
hot mixed asphalt walking path be changed to um crush stone. >> Um >> if possible >> main areas except for the the accessibility would have to keep >> understood. Um just just
as far as perspective for walking on crushed stone um I know for me that's very difficult. my feet hurt on any kind of crushed material. I can really only walk on on paved material. So, um I was
thinking for people with some disabilities, it would be good to have since we have so many pass all around town with a crush stone, it'd be good to have a place that that is paved. You could take the little electric scooters out there, wheelchairs, and it's easy. You don't have to be nervous about
falling into hole or whatever. Um, so I think it's it's not it's it's already weigh down in cost for this one. I don't think we need to like um work on reducing. >> Can you replace that also please? You know
>> with the with the wall pavement you can use that all year round and the idea to go to Colonia. I go to Colonia all the time and we use that all all year round because it's paved the whole time. And I, you know, I think personally we should set a figure
where it's 4,000, where it's 8,000. I let them work with it. We here all night. We just set a figure of what we want to pay and that's it. We going back and forth over this. Add this, take this. That's what is our figure. That's it.
>> Same figure as we approved the at the beginning. 5.1 million or whatever it is. I have a question. instead of asphalt, you know, you have like a kind of a cushy. It's not
>> It's almost like a playground material >> like a bonded rubber. >> Yeah. >> Would that work or No, >> that would be very expensive. >> Okay. >> Cuz uh just in perspective like an asphalt area. One square yard is roughly, let's just say $25. That would be about $200 a square. It almost be
like eight or nine times more expensive. Yeah. I just wanted to know if it was if it was close, >> we can know that very expensive. >> All right. Well, motion number four, a second to for option four. Any more discussion? >> Yes. Um, since I was not present when
the park was originally proposed, I as I understand it, the community's been waiting a long time for this. In the original proposal for 5 whatever, what was that closest to in terms of elements of these four options?
option one. >> For that reason, I I proposed option one. I think the community's waited a long time. Um I think granted everybody's felt a tax increase, but I think to deliver something is also
important. Um just my opinion. So I I will be voting >> option one at that time was also half the price. >> Oh, I understand. I specifically asked >> right vote on Mary's motion, please. I know Vanessa is not here, but she was last
meeting she was suggest Oh, sorry. Sorry. >> Um she mentioned um possibly other areas in town being available for building pickle ball courts and things like that. So um like if if these things are not all built with in this park, all is not
lost. There could be explorations and other places to put these um these playfields. >> All right. So the motion is for option four. >> Correct. >> Okay. Okay. So, I'm going to just go around the table. >> Okay. All right. >> Can we Can we just take like 2 minutes
for everybody to read to quickly read through option four just so they know what they're voting on? >> It's option. >> I should have looked at it already, but go ahead. >> Yeah, buddy. I'll give you two minutes. >> We've been looking at many different >> I'll give you two minutes.
>> Honey, the clock's ticking. Vanessa, while they're reading, just to catch you up right now, the motion on the table is for option four as it is. So the paper, see right there. Yep. That's what's on the table right now. I don't know if you want to vote on it or not cuz you just got here, but it's up
to you. It's up to you. It's literally right now option four as it's shown. So if you go look at the last page, >> also there was option one was >> the same options we looked at last time. >> Yes. >> But option one was motioned as well and that was turned out >> like the four.
>> Okay. So, is it option is it option four where the playground is close to the uh community garden? >> Yes, this option here. Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> Everybody good? Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Bob Husk.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Um John Moon. >> No. >> Okay. Bill Connell. >> No. Uh, David T. >> Yes. >> Arnold Schmidt.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, Vanessa Jones. >> Can I just ask a clarifying question? >> I'm not catch. >> Okay. Sorry. No, just um, >> hold on. >> We would have to start the vote again because >> you have to open it up again for discussion.
>> That's up to the chair. I just finished the vote. >> Okay. You want me to Can I come to her at the end? >> Yes. >> Okay. John Early. >> Yes. >> John says yes. Okay. Uh Robin Sudan, >> no. >> Robin says no.
>> Okay. Mary Lo >> yes. >> Says yes. And we got Bobcort says yes. And now Vanessa, I'm back to you. Do you want to vote? Um, I'm going to abstain. >> Abstain. So, we got one, two, three,
four, five, six yeses. One, two, three nos and one abstain. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you everybody. >> Thank you. >> You maybe I'll see you tomorrow. I will be there tomorrow. I'll be there tomorrow.
So >> now we need a we need a motion from the committee to the council >> motion to send this option forward to council for vote for funding whatever >> you don't have to do a motion for that
because I just write the memo up once you guys do a motion the motion send to the council anytime you guys do a motion I send it to the council >> yeah If you want to do one, you're welcome to, but >> yeah, I think I think it would be protocol to do it. What you say, Mr. Mayor?
>> To make have the committee make a motion make a motion or approved by the committee to send option four to whatever is option four. >> I'm saying so one and two one's the whole thing over the culvert. So you can eventually expand if you want to. Three and four is
saying it's not ever going to happen. It's only going to stay on the >> Does the committee feel we need to send an official motion or just want a memo to the council that we pick four? >> I mean, yeah, you guys can do what you want. I'm telling you that my job is to
send any motion you make to the council. If you want to make a formal motion direct direct me to do so, feel free. >> I mean, I don't know how much more clearing it. I have one thing related to Katafa
Park. Um our chair shade tree commission chairperson sent a letter to you um and the mayor about um our concern about trees with this project. There'll be some trees cut down of course uh maybe
less so if if option four goes forward. Um but um I'm sorry I'm not good at paraphrasing. Um we'd like to make sure that um we are involved with decisions if possible in
terms of like what trees get cut down so that not too much gets removed. But this letter says it much more nicely than that. >> And and in case anyone should ask me does option four include any parking?
>> Any what? >> Parking. >> Oh yeah. It's down at the very bottom. I see. >> It's just a lot smaller. >> Okay. >> Okay. Let's move on. >> Walk for
one second to get back to my here. Okay. All righty. So, the qu Okay, just bear with me here. Uh, nature locks. Okay. So, we got um New Jersey Autobon reached out to us and asked if we would be
interested in getting a quote from them to do nature walks at the at our grasslands preserved preserves um for the uh upcoming spring, summer, and fall. Um the quote that they've submitted is for a total of $1,900,
which is 38 hours, which includes walks and includes preparation time. the trails advisory committee looked at this at the last meeting. Do you want to fill in or >> Yeah, I mean typically when Aottabon and we've worked with Ottabon, they've done like two to four hikes and so this is a
bigger proposal than we've seen before. Um and so we felt it made more sense to go with four to you know kind of have like four four hikes up by them and just looking we are lead we're leading a lot of our own hikes these days. There was a time when Ottabon were the only hikes that were happening. Um, so we kind of
felt with a mix. So we kind of looked at it and looked at the seasons we felt would make the most sense. Um, >> for instance, we do the Firefly hike every July. It's a very popular hike. So that wouldn't be a good month for Ottabon to also lead a hike. >> Yeah. >> So we picked um >> So we picked the Woodcock walk. So
there's actually two of those. Same same day. Yeah. Back to May. So that's in March. And then we said yes to the one in May, yes to September, yes to October. So it's five walks altogether. the cost would be actually $11.50. That's what the trails committee recommends.
>> What about June? >> June um the trails committee did not want National Trail Day cuz we have national like we have national trail day we do in June. We have the Firefly hike we do in July. There's just like there's a lot a lot of hikes that we're doing. We're not opposed to this. We just thought it was a lot of money and um we
know that we have a lot of people are interested in birding so we didn't want to say no alto together to what they're offering and we we know they do good stuff >> when we're talking about $5 million for a park versus >> $1,900 for bird walks.
>> You know, >> you know, as long as Chris Williams isn't leading the birdw walks. >> He does the salamander. Uh, >> you doing the Woodcock walk? >> Of course. Of course. >> All right. >> I'll be doing all the walks. Okay. My
wife and I. >> Why we pay Why are we paying Auto to do them? Chris from >> Because Because I am a volunteer for auto >> double dipping. I see you. >> Yeah. >> We have a motion to approve this. >> You have the motion that the trails what
trails recommends. So, um, that's the five walks for 1150. >> Is there a motion? I don't know if there's a motion. I'm telling you that's what the trails committ. >> We need a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> I'll second. All >> in favor? >> Good.
>> All righty. So, I will get that in there, too. >> Next is the partnership with the astronomy club. >> Okay. So, I met with the Franklin Township Astronomy Club. Um there's two new co-presidents of the astronomy club
and they had some questions and they kind of wanted to just talk about things we can do. Um so I already spoke on some of the minor issues to uh you know the port of John and all that but just to give you an idea that the astronomy club is interested in the future potentially
um working with us more closely to develop like a very like rudimentary observ observation blind. It would be similar to a bird blind. It can be multifunctional. That's down the road. I'm just giving you an idea of what they're working on. Um, would it be possible to get Oh, they want to come to
an open space, one of our open space meetings, and discuss with us, you know, like what they're working on and what they're interested in. So, I told them that would probably be okay. Maybe in the new year, and then I would talk to you about it. They can get on an agenda. That would work. Um, and they want to keep doing the observation nights
they've been doing at John Clyde, which has been great. They've been working. They've been going to John Clyde, doing lots of observations. They want to do even more. And we've been able to get them approved as they go, but they're going to send me a calendar of events. >> So, they're super interested. >> Fridays. >> Yes. They want to do Fridays, but they
also want to do like when things come up like comets and >> um uh the trails committee recent recently sponsored them. So, now they're able to meet at the senior rec center, which is great. So, we're trying to expand. >> Their meeting is tonight over there. >> It is. It's the same time and date as
ours. So yeah, >> is there any discussion um any little bit of discussion at all about the observatory music chairs? >> So we talked about what Zach had come and proposed, remember a while back, and we basically just said they're they're not like interested in going into that
giant direction. What they're more interested in is building like a wooden almost would look like the bird blind where someone could bring their own telescope. So no leaving a telescope there. So, I told him like, "Submit me some ideas. Submit me some plans. Like, maybe we can like talk about it and see where it can go." So,
>> were you on open space when we got that property? >> Which one? >> The the Griggstown property. >> Yeah. >> Remember that that modern barn that they had? If we would have just kept that could that was that would have been
>> should have never torn that down. >> It's not going anywhere. It's just what they would like to do in the future. So they wanted to meet and just talk about options for the future. >> Okay. Cuz you need to have no light. >> Too bad, >> right? That's one of the best places in the township though for them to meet. It has the least amount of light.
>> Well, they weren't coming. >> We were we were thinking about looking at stars in uh 1998. So >> 99. >> But it was good to meet with them and I think that they're a good group to work with. The environmental commission is going to work with them on some dark skies initiatives. So um yeah, I think
it'll be good. the um you said something about the request from the that committee to me was from that group was that why did they take the Porter John out of John Clyde? >> Yes, we talked about that right before the meeting. Yeah. So, they only got taken out for the winter out for the winter. So, they come out at the towards
the end of October and then they go back for a couple months already. >> Think so. >> Trust me, I know. I hear every Friday night. >> What's Friday night? >> My wife goes there every Friday night. She comes home about no bathroom. I can look into
talk to the man to your left. That's who does the park. >> It's not public works. It's recreation. >> You need more trees. >> So So you didn't just give her a shovel to dig a hole? Is it going to go over with?
>> A bucket. Bucket. Buckets. >> I thought there was only a portage on there for the um for the evenings the for the fire. I'm sorry. for the uh astronomy nights. >> No, we that that part gets a portage on in the spring and usually comes out in the fall. So, I don't know why it's
cheaper in the winter month to month as opposed to >> Why don't you leave it there in the winter? >> Cuz they freeze. >> Okay. I mean, >> lack of use. The truth of the matter is the ones in Middle Bush Park get used. And I got to tell you that body heat goes a long way into keeping things from
freezing. >> Fun fact. >> Fact. Right. more than you needed to know right now. Right. >> The highlight of my day actually. >> Next up, sustainable jersey. >> Uh so we got our sustainable jersey
reertification silver. So we are good until 20 28 or 29. I always forget if it starts the next year. I think it's 20. >> I think it's >> eight >> three years. So it's 28 years. I just always wonder cuz they gave it to us in November. No, it came off the wall to
get the new to get the new >> Oh, they took it down. We have to bring it to put the new thing on, right? Okay. >> But yeah, silver again. >> It used to be on the wall in here somewhere. >> Silver. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. Now, we've been talking about this for a bit. We got to reschedule November's meeting.
>> It's up to you if you want to reschedule it. I won't be here cuz I will be at the league municipalities and I the time of my presentation is at 2:00. So, I mean, there's a remote possibility I could get back here, but it'd be cutting it very close. You're welcome to meet without me, of course, but I'm just letting you know I won't be here. I don't know if
you guys will be here. He won't be here. Robin won't be here. Won't be here. Steven won't be here. >> Council member Patrick won't be here. Steven won't be here. >> And I don't want you rushing to get back. >> Okay. >> Yeah, exactly. And >> I may not be here. Civil is not dead. >> Yeah, I know. That's great. I feel like
I'm always in the car. It's open time every day. So drive with you. We're going to but we're not going to the meetings. Um you're welcome. >> That is one thing I do. Side note, if I go to Atlantic City by myself, one thing
I do do is I will go sit down there with like $50 and just like on the penny by myself. I'm like penny penny cuz I'm just to relax. But then you'll win anything. then went to met the boys at the bar in
the casino. Anyway, do we want to have a move the date or cancel the meeting? I guess is the option. >> Yeah, moving the date could potent I it might be a little bit hard, not not impossible, but you know up to you guys. >> We talked about >> Yeah, because you go off the election, you go back, you got Thanksgiving. So,
>> we talked about not having a meeting December because we're going to have a holiday party. Is that >> correct? >> So, there'll be no meeting in December also, right? uh that I I'm not 100% aware of, but again, up to you guys. The >> So, all I would say is that if you want
to have a meeting in November, that's fine. >> I mean, there's there I don't I don't like seeing no meeting in November or December. Honestly, as the manager, I prefer that you have one or the other. if not if not both. But um what what I
would suggest is that you have Tara go through all of the available dates in November where there is not a conflict with something else. Right? It's not easy. That's what I'm saying. let her
sit down and look at environmental and shade tree and council meetings and planning board and zoning board and all of those other things. >> Veterans Day >> and there's holidays, of course. There's the Thanksgiving holiday, there's Veterans Day, there's election day, there's all of these things and there's
a lot of moving parts. There's no way that all of you are going to sit at this table tonight and decide what day it's going to happen on. I'm going to make I'm going to serve up an option here. Several of us are on different committees like environmental and shade tree.
>> Maybe we can combine an openies with shade or environmental and that might bring >> Well, shade tree meets the last the fourth Thursday of of uh the month. >> This Thursday. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> So, it's a little too soon for that. But
the fourth fourth Thursday might might challenge be challenged with Thanksgiving. What are you? >> But as a matter of fact, that might have changed. It is. Thanks. >> I actually I think we changed we we changed the so this is this is our problem. However,
one one last thought is that Tara is the liaison for both open space and environmental. So that's just an option. >> No, I mean it's a viable option if there's a date that works. So that's what I'm saying. Why don't you just let her do it and then email all of you and
say these are the dates that I found where that could happen. either a combined meeting or a standalone meeting that's available and not in conflict with everything else and then you all just you pull the >> do a poll. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just do a
>> or the other option would be if you can't come up in November have the December meeting we have the holiday meet party some we usually have >> we did that one year not where we had a meeting the night of the meeting >> so we could we could have the meeting and move it to another date.
You could have a party and not have it on your meeting date. Is that right? Yeah, we we've done that before, too. >> So, November doesn't work. That's >> Have your December meeting. Whenever you want me to I'll come the third Tuesday of December. >> Just go to the third Tuesday of December
is the 16th. >> Okay. So, the third Tuesday is the 16th. So, it's early in the rotation of days for December. So, you could have a meeting on the 16th. I wash my socks on the 16th. >> I won't comment on that already.
>> It's all for a day out. >> Does anybody else have any >> I never thought of that. What an idea. >> Never mind. I don't wash them anymore. >> Exactly. It takes one less thing that you have to do. >> One less thing. Um
>> not going a step further. Anybody have any other old business to bring up? If not, move on to new business. The diversion. >> Old business. Yeah. The other way around to old business. New business is old business. >> We had the public um hearing on September 25th. Um
>> uh yes, three people from our shri commission showed up. Yes. So yeah. Um so we have people Yeah. Mary, she was there at the public hearing the diversion of Castleton for the the talk about the public hearing that he
came to >> for diversion. >> I have no memory >> and Ellen Thompson, I think is her name. But anyway, so we had that public hearing on the 25th. The public comment period closed on October 9th. We did answer several comments. Um, so now the
final resolution is on the next >> coming up on next Tuesday. >> Yep. After that, as long as we get it into the D, which we will right after that, it'll go on the December state house commission. The state house only meets four times a year. So, we get on the December state house commission and
then boom. >> Is there any financial consequence to that at all? >> Yeah, they're paying us uh the other way. No, they're paying cost >> $158,000 for the the extra.14
acres of easement on top because they already have a rightaway through the park. So this is additional easement. Um so it's.14 acres which is and 158 is 10 times the appraised value. >> Correct. So it's way well well above what the criteria is. Yeah, it could be
anywhere from 4 to 10, but for this particular diversion private, >> they're private and they're required to do 10. >> Yeah. So, they're paying us and we have 2 years to spend that on open space property which >> that won't be as large. We're going to talk in executive session. I think they
might have you hooked up on >> Yeah. So, we're moving forward. >> Repair bird blind. We talked about that earlier. You can talk about it again. >> Uh, no. Just again, thank you Chris for working on the bird one and Jim Fulowski. Thank you. >> It looks awesome. >> It looks nice.
>> I actually saw pictures. >> I might have a picture handy. Let me just look real quick. >> Um I did see a picture of >> Let me think of where had that email. She had it in. >> I saved it. Um just give me one second here. >> Did it go as planned?
>> It's a holiday party. >> It pretty much go as planned. I want I want to talk about the roofers update >> the road the person >> got the most recent picture we have there
>> I had commentary on it too >> the old guys in the old guys pictures in there >> this is Jim Kolowski who we've been talking about he's a member of our trails committee um this is Chris and this is the bird new roof. >> Yeah, it looks great. >> Yeah, the roof does need a new roof,
Chris. >> So, thank you so much. >> That's the only update bill for lumber pay for that. >> Yeah, that we'll have we'll have to talk about that later cuz Yes. >> Anyway, moving on. Project tracking
sheet. >> Uh the project tracking sheet. So, I've been using it. Uh I think it's been going Oh, this is my environmental commission. Um, okay. Bear with me. I have a bunch of tabs. Yeah, >> you do.
>> I I hate having all these tabs open. Okay, let's see. >> Does it have one right up there? >> This second one in. Yeah. >> No, that's the EC one. >> All right. Well, while it's loading up, I've been using it to keep track of everything that everyone's been asking
of, and it's been working great so far. So, I just really keep it updated, work with Carl, and it's been great. So, if anyone has any comments, so the trails committee, they submitted me some comments of things that needed to be done. So, I put that in the sheet, sent it to Carl. When it gets done, I list it. So, I think it's been working out
great. >> Do you uh keep you keep hours on that thing at all or like what? >> No. >> No, I don't. I This is just really basically for me to keep track of all the requests that are sent in. I send them to Carl and I keep track of when I sent and when he does everything, Bob,
I'm sorry. I know I'm laughing. I am greeting you, but I'm actually, believe it or not, I was understanding completely your brain at that happen often, Bill. That doesn't happen very often, Bill, in 40 years that we've known each other,
but you're going to report back to Robin on that. I do. >> All right. It's taking forever to load up, so just bear with me. You sent me a picture when? Just now. >> Just now. >> Okay. Uh, that's all I have for that. Is that Oh, I think um Bob wants to Bob Lor
wants to >> on Saturday. >> Get it yet. >> Did you get it yet? >> No, but the internet is going really slow. >> It's incredibly slow. I was just show pictures of your grand >> I left my computer on. >> So, Saturday was a renaming of the park in East Milstone forever,
>> right? Metler and I sent it to Tara. But >> and Bob was there, the mayor was there, >> and John was there. John was there. >> That's kind of uh what it looks like. >> It didn't come in yet, Bob. I'm sorry. When it comes in, I'll let you know. >> Very nice.
>> Nice dedication. >> That is really nice. >> Uh that's what we contributed money to. >> Yes. And there's actually there's two other signs that aren't there that are are bios of the two people in in a cast
aluminum uh sign that's uh 18x 24 and in the same design of as the big sign that have the the biographies of the two men that the park was uh named after. Um I so I I just you know this committee thank you for
contributing to the signs. I I think that Bob deserves a little round of applause. Um Bob Bob was the impetus along with the mayor to to have this done. Um Safy Ken from my staff and Jennifer Combmes who's the president of the East Milstone
Historical Society um were kind of instrumental in not only getting the signs made but then the the ceremony that took place on Saturday. I do want to thank John. It was nice to see John who's here on the open space advisory committee as the advisory rec council member and Steven as the recreation
director did a fantastic job as well was with a little bit of the uh the the taking the microphone and and speaking to the the audience was very nice did a great job. Um, we don't do these things that often,
right? We don't, you know, um, I have to say that, you know, I I have lately taken notice that society is not always friendly anymore, >> right? Um, we are often at odds with
each other for whatever reasons, be they political or whatever they are. Um, interesting that the two men that were honored um for this park naming were both Republicans. >> Um, and that played not one bit in the
decision making to name this park after the two of them. It played not one bit in the efforts that were made by all of the people that were involved in it. These were two men who did a great deal for their town and were honored for it. And it was really nice to see all of the
people and I knew a lot of people at this park dedication. I also know their political affiliations and there was nothing but happiness and joy and and camaraderie in what was taking place.
The park looks beautiful. They they have planned additional um things. the the historical society has has additional plans and the residents of East Milstone have additional plans as as volunteers to do more in the park. It looks
beautiful. This committee is the one who, you know, we updated all of the equipment in the park over the last couple years and the basketball court, a brand new playground, new uh um picnic tables and benches. Um it really you
should go down and look at it. I mean, you really should go see it. The sign is absolutely beautiful. Um, we're going to be mounting the other signs if they haven't done it already. Today's Tuesday. I don't know if they've gotten to it. There was some issues with the mounting hardware that came with the signs, so public works held off trying
to put them up kind of I won't use the words, but I my my mother used to say half something. It wasn't done halfway, right? Um, so we're going to mount them on the proper post and with and with proper mounting hardware, but it really was nice. All right. And and it was nice
that John, I thought it was great that you came out, you know, in your role both on this committee and as the advisory rec council member on this committee. It was nice to see you there and and that's I wanted to just say that I would like to say one thing. >> This is the first I ever heard of their
affiliation. I did not know anything about they was Republic. >> Exactly. And it didn't matter. And that was what the beauty of it is. But unfortunately right now there's a lot of people at each other's throats and it's terrible and I don't like it and I it's it's at all levels of government and it
shouldn't happen but it is and this was just a really nice morning to spend among friends in East Millstone and I think everybody just came away with it feeling good about what that
what we've done here naming the park after those two men >> and if you get a ants. It's up on the Franklin Reporter website. It is. You can get up and and see the whole ceremony. >> Yes, it is. It's They did a great job. >> Plus, they had good snacks, too.
>> They had good snacks, too. The snacks. They had They had a nice little snack there for, you know, with some refreshments. And it was really, it was just a really nice morning. I I really I was glad that I was able to go and and take it all in.
>> So, good. That's a I don't go through there often, but every time I go through there seem like there's a family there. >> Yeah. I And so that's the beauty of it is that the park gets used and and that's why I think the residents in that area who used to park off, you know, it's a neighborhood park, right? Um they
want to do more. They want they want to do a pollinator garden. Um they want to be able to, you know, maybe put some areas down by the canal for people to sit and fish or do things, you know, just >> bass in there. >> Yeah. just make make good use of the
small space that it is and >> monkeys. >> It was enjoyable. >> So >> there's muskies in the canal right there. She brought one there. >> Absolutely. Anyway, moving on. >> Any questions on the crystal activity report? >> There you go. We'll move on to updates
from other committees. Anybody got anything to meet this month? So that's we're quick. Historic didn't meet. Had no applications. >> I had no applications. >> Um environmental commission did meet and
um we're working on a number of things, but would just like to point out would you like to review the two awards that were given out? >> Oh yes. Um at the ANJ environmental commission um we received >> Oh yeah, you got it. Yes. We received an
award for the microobility study and the community energy plan which were kind of done as like a parent and child document kind of thing. Um so we got an award for achievement in environmental environmental achievement really for that. And then Ted Chase got the legacy
award which was excellent and welld deserved. Um and he was very reluctant to go up to the microphone and do his speech but everyone wanted him to and he deserved it. So it was it was great. So yeah. So it was a good day.
>> Patasnik gave a very nice um talk about about Ted. >> He did. Council member Pasnik gave a very nice speech about him which was great. So yeah. So it was really good. So um Councilman Karazzi accepted the environmental achievement award and he
gave it to you. Now I can in my office on display. >> Excellent. So yeah, that was great. >> One more thing. Go ahead Bob. um on Franklin 250. Go on the website. If you want to volunteer for something, set it up. We
have a lot of neat stuff coming up next year. So, you're going to enjoy the uh what we're going to be putting up with all the different um events every single month all the way through October. >> I don't know who I need to talk to, but I'm I'm going to be in need of flags.
>> I've got six of them. You're going to need whatever you need. Um, >> yeah. >> Yeah, I'm helping car. >> Maybe you have something. >> There tree commission. Um, thank you for
last month being enthusiastic about our project for planting trees at Castleton Park. Um, the subcommittee went into fastforward mode. Uh we put together a design with explanation of all the details uh technical specs for what
plans fees and everything and where they need to go. And um so we finished that. We expect it to go to our shade tree meeting this Thursday >> and then hopefully get approved and send it off to Bob and everybody.
>> Oh, great. >> Awesome. Cool. I just wanted to go back to the um the awards and I just um I brought this up at trails. I want to bring it up again here that I'm just really grateful to Tara. Um we had the grant we had the sustainable Jersey grant to work when we
decided to use it at Naming Williams Park and there was a piece of that grant that was for planning and Tara volunteered herself to do the planning that freed up some of the money in that budget that was then used for the micromobility study. And so that micromobility study only happened
because Tara did that. And so we have a member on our trails committee um Chris Gond who works for Keep Middle Sex moving and he has expertise in this area. So it's been really nice. So I just wanted to thank you Tara for doing that taking on the extra work and then allowing that money to be used in this
way that ended in us getting this wonderful award. So thank you. Thank you. >> Um we also had um on the 18th there was a bike rodeo that Chris helped organize at Gala. I mean at um at Neon Williamsburg. Um so we've been organizing some different hikes um you
putting those on the on the calendar. We had a successful event at Franklin Day. So thanks to everybody helped organize that. We've got a lot of people's email address signups wanting more information about our trails and we got our t-shirts. >> Oh,
thank you guys. So, we're happy to have our t-shirts to wear at events and just promoting the trails around town and warning the hunters that we're out there hiking. >> It looks good. Yes. Thank you, Vanessa. Looks great. >> Motion to open the public.
>> Motion to open the public. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any comments from the public? >> Yeah. I wanted to add a couple things. addressible. >> Could public works call me when they go to cut the grass so I can discuss certain things like not running over my
bird boxes and stay 5 ft away? >> Uh um I think you should let you should and I should talk. I think basically let's do that and we can go out and either remove your bird boxes or flag them.
>> Yeah. So there's 40 boxes tape around them. >> I put I put red tape on on them so you can see them when you go. >> The yellow caution tape like the around the dead >> around 40 boxes. >> We can flag them. >> What else you got? >> Yeah, right. That ain't happening.
>> Yeah, let's you and I figure it out. Is that okay or that'll be better? I think >> I'm like I think that's a better idea. Yeah, we'll work on it for sure. >> Cement bottles around them. >> No. just, you know, stay 10 ft away from
them. If there's any bushes there, I'll cut them down. >> We'll figure it out. And uh yes, absolutely. Okay. >> Thank you, Chris. >> Y comment from the public. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Now, do we go to executive
session? I think >> motion to go into executive session. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Will we come out of executive session? There'll be no more nothing totally done. No, no business taken care of. >> No business to carry on. >> Carry on.