Brown. >> You're not. >> All right. I don't know. >> I don't see anything. >> What's going on here? Right. >> Good evening. Please rise for the pledge
of allegiance, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Good evening. This regular meeting of the township council is being held in accordance with the schedule of the meetings of the township council established and adopted by the township council which schedule designated the time and date and place of this meeting. Adequate public notice of this meeting
been provided pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings act. We are using electronic amplifying and recording device in order to obtain a clear and audible record and request all those wishing to speak be recognized and state your name and address directly to the microphone. The recording device be
utilized by township clerk's office for the preparation of the minutes and shall be the official record of the township council meetings. Madam clerk, m roll call, please. >> Mr. Mongan >> here. >> Mrs. Albert Troxel >> here. Mrs. Grace Love >> here. >> Mr. Nash >> here. >> Mrs. Walters >> here. >> Mr. Castro,
>> he is out with a work commitment. Mr. Mado >> present. >> Mr. Carlamir >> here. >> Mr. Cartis >> here. >> Chief Harkkins. >> Mr. McIll >> here. >> Mr. Corbin. >> This evening we have a special presentation swearing in of officers.
Chief Harkkins. >> Good evening, Council President. Council, Mayor, Mayor. Um, I want to welcome everyone uh this evening. This is a great event for us uh at the Gloucester Township Police Department. The swearing in, the ceremonial cere uh swearing in
of our a new lieutenant, two new sergeants, officers, as well as a new canine. It's the growth of the police department. Um, it's great to see these officers, many of whom who have been uh
special officers for us, work for us in some capacity, and of course, the supervisors who have worked and put their heart and soul into this police department that I've worked alongside of for many, many years. So, it's great to see the turnout of the officers here to
support the other officers. Uh this is uh a wonderful event for us to celebrate uh not only the promotions and the hirings, but it's a time for us uh as a police department to shine. And I want to uh say my sincere thanks to the
council, to the mayor, Tom, the entire administration here uh that uh for the support that we get, the support that we've gotten, the the uh we're very lucky uh to have the support of the town
uh council, administration, mayor, so that when an officer is retiring, we're able to replace that officer because we know it takes 6 to9 months of time before that officer is ready to be fully trained upon uh the departure of an
officer. So, thank you for that. That is why this community is so great. That's why I'm so proud to be uh a member of this police department. It's an honor for me to serve as the police chief of this police department. And uh it's just really what makes this such a great
township. So, uh, at this time, I'd like to, uh, ask Deputy Chief Manazi to join me, Council President Marcato, Mayor Mayor to join us for the, uh, promotion swearing ceremonies and the, uh, swearing of the new officers.
We'll begin with Lieutenant Brian Bonowitz. If you could please come forward with your family. I've known Brian for gez, I don't know, 20ome years. Uh, we started as volunteer firefighters together at Chws Landing
Fire Department. Lieutenant Bonowitz is a 1999 graduate of Triton High School. He served as a volunteer firefighter at the Choing Fire Department from 2000 to 2009. He started his career in law enforcement
as a police officer with the Delaware River Port Authority Police Department in January 12th, 2004. He's a graduate of basic class number 43 of the Camden County College Police Academy. He was hired here as a police officer of the Gloucester Township Police Department on
August 6, 2007. He's been assigned to the operation division patrol bureau and served on the operations response unit. He was promoted to sergeant of police on October 6, 2004, where he was assigned to the operations division patrol
bureau, serving as a deputy platoon commander and later as an executive officer. On February 8th, 2021, he was assigned as the deputy commander of our juvenile family service bureau. Lieutenant Bonowitz also served as the
deputy OEM coordinator for the township from June 1st, 2021 to May 31st, 2024. He was officially promoted to lieutenant of police on September 1st, 2025 is currently assigned to the operation division patrol bureau as a platoon
commander of the first platoon. He's been nominated for supervisor of the year in 2022 and 2023. His commendations include a life-saving award where his actions on July 1st, 2008 helped save the life of a
four-year-old boy who had been struck by a car. He has eight distinguished unit citations, four outstanding police work letters, and he's joined tonight by his family, his wife Tasha, and his sons Braden and Carter. And I can just say
this on a personal note with Brian. I've known him, as I said, for many years. Uh Brian had the uh uh the operational task of supervising an important role and our juvenile family services bureau. In this role, he would not only in charge of
juvenile detectives that conducted investigations, but was the lead point for our schools as the as the primary contact for our school resource officers working in our schools. So, uh, I know that the schools have, uh, have
expressed their their unhappiness that he's not there anymore, but they are very happy for him because of the reason that he's not there and because his hard work, dedication uh, to be promoted to lieutenant of the Gloucester Township Police Department. So, without further
ado, Mayor, mayor, Council President Marcato, I respectfully request you swear in Sergeant Brian Bonowitz to the position of Lieutenant of Police. Just going to move this out of the way real quick. Thanks.
>> Certainly. Uh certainly it's my honor. Um if you could please Oh, we need >> you could please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I, Brian Bottom, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> to support the Constitution of the United States >> to support the Constitution of the
United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of New Jersey >> and to bear truth and affirm >> to bear truth and affirm >> all of my responsibilities >> all of my responsibilities >> to the state of New Jersey >> to the state of New Jersey >> and to the people of New Jersey >> and to the people of New Jersey. I
further solemnly swear >> I further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all of my responsibilities >> all of my responsibil >> as lieutenant >> as lieutenant >> in the Gloucester Township Police Department >> in the Glouester Township Police Department >> to the best of my ability.
>> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations Lieutenant Thank you. >> At this time, I'd like to ask Detective Daniel Ritz, badge number 239, to come forward with his family. Again,
I see uh Dan's father here who I've known for a long time, the family, Ritz family for a long very long time. Again, first met Danny as a volunteer firefighter at the Chelanding Fire Department. So, uh, it does my does me
makes me very happy to see him his career progress in this way to see what a difference he makes here at the Gloucester Township Police Department and to see him move to this promotion. So, Sergeant Ritz, Detective Ritz is a 2008 graduate of the Triton High School.
He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Chelanding Fire Department and the Willingboroough Fire Department. He began his career in law enforcement here as a class one special law enforcement officer in May of 2009. He was hired as a full-time police
officer with the Gloucester Township Police Department on February 8th, 2012. And he graduated from the Camden County College Police Academy basic recruit class number 58. He was assigned to the operations division patrol bureau where he served as a patrol officer. He also
was assigned as a patrol shift investigator on November 14th, 2016. He was assigned as a detective on November 4th, 2019. He then served in our juvenile family services bureau in our domestic violence
unit and then later in our juvenile investigations unit. He also served in the investigations bureau which is and our criminal investigations unit. He was assigned to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. high-tech crimes
unit from November 1st, 2022 until April 1st, 2023. He was assigned as a member of the incident management team on March 7, 2022 and currently serves as the team's leader. He was officially promoted to sergeant
of police on September 1st, 2025, and is currently assigned to the operation division serving as a deputy platoon commander of the third platoon. His commendations include a merit award where on October 16th, 2012, he was
involved in a foot pursuit and the apprehension of two armed suspects. He's received a life-saving award where on January 7th, 2015, he performed CPR on a woman which contributed to her survival. He's received six
distinguished unit citations, two police service citations, and eight outstanding police work letters. He's joined tonight by his wife Danielle. His children Jackson and Gwyneth. His parents are here, Nick and Terry. His grandmother Marie, I see she's here. His brother is
Choing Firefighter, Chelanding Fire Department firefighter, uh, Nick Ritz Jr., his sister-in-law, Sam, and his in-laws, Jack and Sue are also here. Mayor, Mayor, President Marcato, I respectfully request that you promote
swear in Detective Dan Ritz to the position of Sergeant of Police of the Glouester Township Police Department. >> Please raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I state your name. do solemnly swear >> domly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> will support the Constitution >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution >> and that I will bear true faith >> I will bear true >> and allegiance to the same >> allegiance of the state >> and to the governments established >> the government >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state
>> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> I further solemnly swear >> I further swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially and justly perform >> all of my responsibilities >> all of my responsibilities >> as sergeant >> as sergeant >> in the Gouster Township Police
Department >> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations Sergeant >> news agencies. I'd ask Detective Joseph Sirone and his family to come forward. Hi
again. Detective Sirone had the privilege of working directly for me for many years in the uh professional standards unit. Gotten to know Joe very well. He's been a trusted confidant of ours uh and handled many sensitive investigations and he's had an
outstanding career as a police officer and I know we're thrilled to be here tonight to promote him for that well-earned promotion to sergeant of police. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Detective Cirone served as a member of the United States
Air Force from 2001 to 2005. He was assigned to the 89th Security Force Presidential Security Squadron. He honorably served abroad in Afghanistan, earning an Air Force Achievement Award. He was hired with the Gloucester Township Police Department on February
22nd, 2005. He's a graduate of the Camden County College Police Academy basic recruit class number 45 on July 15, 2005. He was assigned to the operations division patrol bureau where he served
as a patrol officer and later a field training officer. On June 6, 2011, he was assigned as a patrol shift investigator. On October 11, 2012, he was also appointed as a member of the crisis negotiations team as a hostage
negotiator. On June 15th, 2014, he was assigned as a detective where he was assigned to the criminal investigations unit. On September 10th, 2018, he was assigned to the professional standards unit where he
handled internal affairs issues, hiring back and background investigations. He volunteered and was assigned as a peer counseling officer for our multi- agency peer police peer support team. He was officially promoted to sergeant just
a few weeks ago on September 29th, 2025. He's been nominated for police officer of the year in 2011 and in 2024. His commendations include a bravery award for his participation as a hostage negotiator on a critical instant hostage
taking on January 10th, 2018 where a suspect opened fired on special response team officers with an AK-47 rifle. He received a merit award for his participation in a multi- agency robbery investigation where his suspect
interview led to the confession of a suspect who was later charged with murder. He received seven distinguished unit citations, two outstanding police work letters, and I could tell you that most of the
new officers that are here are very familiar probably over the last 10 years are familiar with Joe because he's conducted all of their background checks. He's done. He is a uh strong reason why we have such a solid uh foundation of officers, high quality
officers, some of whom you'll meet tonight, see being sworn in tonight. And Joe has had a direct contribution to the future of the Gloucester Township Police Department. He's joined tonight by his wife Jana who will be pinning on his badge and his sons Ethan and Colton.
They'll be holding the Bible for him. So without further ado, Mayor Mayor, Council President Marcato, I respectfully request that you swear Detective Joseph Sirone into the position of Sergeant of Police of the Gloucester Township Police Department.
>> If you could please uh raise your right hand, repeat after me. I state your name. I, Joseph, >> do solemnly swear >> domly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith
>> true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the >> I further solemnly swear >> I further swear >> that I will faithfully >> faithfully
>> impartially >> and justly perform adjust >> all of my responsibilities >> as sergeant >> in the Gloucester Township Police Department >> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. Congratulations, Sergeant.
Next, we'll be swearing in all of our new officers. So, I'd ask patrolman Lord to come forward. Patrolman Council, patrolman Hagen, patrolman Pera, and patrolman D. Camilillo, if you could
come forward with your families. Put them in order. family. Go ahead. I'll get out of the way here. Good. Start with Patrolman Matthew Lord, badge number 345. Patrolman Lord is a 2019
graduate of Highland Regional High School. He began his career in law enforcement here as a class one special law enforcement officer on May 1st, 2023. He was hired as a full-time police officer with the Gloucester Township Police Department on July 22nd, 2024 and
graduated from the Camden County Police Academy basic recruit class number 89 on December 12th, 2024. He has already received a distinguished unit citation and an outstanding police work letter. He's currently assigned to the Operation Division Patrol Bureau as
a patrol officer on the first platoon. His supervisor, Sergeant Presorski, said of him, "Proman Lord is currently assigned as a patrol officer. He has quickly developed a great working relationship with other patrol officers while in the field training and has
begun to create a name for himself that is both reliable and hardworking. I could see Patrolman Lord achieving great things with the work ethic he shows on a dayto-day basis. He's joined tonight by his father Kevin, his stepmother Diane,
and his girlfriend Abigail. To introduce Patrolman Orlando Council, badge number 346. Patrolman Council is a 2017 graduate of the Highland Regional High School. He served as a public safety officer for the Camden County College from October 2018 to August
2020. He was hired as a police officer by the Camden County Police Department on August 17, 2020, graduating from the Camden County College Police Academy on May 15, 2025. He was hired as a police officer to the West Hampton Police Department. He was hired as a police
officer here at the Gloucester Township Police Department on February 10th, 2025. Trollman Council has earned an appointment as a probationary member of the special response team on July 1st, 2025. Patrolman Council is currently assigned the operations division patrol
bureau as a patrol officer on the second platoon. His supervisor, Lieutenant Byer, said of him, "Patrolman Council has made a seamless transition to the Gloucester Township Police Department from his previous agency, quickly adapting to our department's culture and operations. His positive attitude,
professionalism, and proactive approach to policing sets a strong example for the others and reflects his genuine dedication for serving the community with excellence. Officer Council is joined tonight by his mother, Michelle, and his girlfriend, Gabrielle.
Introduce to you, Patrolman Derek Hagen, badge number 347. Trollman Hagen is a 2022 graduate of the Highland Regional High School. He began his career in law enforcement here as a class one special law enforcement officer for the
Gloucester Township Police Department on May 1st, 2023. He was hired as a full-time police officer with the Gloucester Township Police Department on February 10th, 2025. He attended the Gloucester County Police Academy and graduated with basic police recruit
class number 66 on June 25th, 2025. Trollman Hagen is currently assigned to the operations division patrol bureau as a patrol officer on the third platoon. Patrolman Hagen supervisor Lieutenant Schultz said of him, "Tlman Hagen is a respectful and dedicated officer. He
shows a strong initiative and desire to learn the intricacies of law enforcement from his field training officers. He has demonstrated his ability as a quick learner and is progressing exceptionally in his training. He's joined tonight by his parents Jessica and Jeff, his
siblings Kyle, Kayn, and Jackson, his grandmother Diane, and his girlfriend Amarine. Like to introduce patrolman William Pera III, badge number 348. Trollman Pererna graduated from the Highland Regional High School class of 2022.
He began his career also as in law enforcement as a class one special law enforcement officer on May 21st, 2023. He was awarded the Gloucester Township Police Department Special Officer of the Year in 2024.
He was hired as a police officer with the Gloucester Township Police Department on February 10th, 2025. He graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy basic recruit class number 66 on June 25th, 2025. He's currently assigned to the operations
division patrol bureau as a patrol officer on the first platoon. He comes from a long line of law enforcement. He's a third generation police officer. His father, Chief William Pera Jr. of the Belmar Police Department. His grandfather is retired
Lieutenant William Pererna of the New Jersey State Police. And I'd also like to acknowledge Chief Tom Reinhold, his off his uncle who is the chief of police of the Eve Sham Township Police Department. Patrolman Pera's supervisor, Sergeant Presworski, said of him,
"Prolman Per is currently assigned to the first platoon field training, he's respectful, professional, and quick to learn how to handle investigations or other calls for service." Patrolman Pera will have a very successful career with the Gloucester Township Police Department. Tonight again he is joined
by his father Chief William Pera Jr. of the Belmar Police Department and his stepmother Kim. And finally and like to introduce to you Patrolman Michael D. Camilillo, badge number 349.
He is a 2022 graduate of the Highland Regional High School. He began his career in law enforcement as a class one special law enforcement officer here at the Gloucester Township Police Department on May 1st, 2023. He was hired as a full-time officer with the
Gloucester Township Police Department on February 10th, 2025. He also graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy Basic Recruit Class number 66 on June 25th, 2025. And he's currently assigned to the Operations Division Patrol Bureau where he serves on the
second platoon. He is a second generation police officer. His dad is with us tonight, Sergeant Michael D. Camilillo of the Pensalken Police Department. His supervisor, Lieutenant Byer, said of him, "He consistently maintains a positive attitude, quickly
picks up new skills, and thrives in challenging situations. He demonstrates a strong eagerness to engage in all aspects of police work and builds genuine connections with the community, representing both himself, and the department with professionalism and
pride. He's joined tonight by his parents, Mike and Lita, his grandparents, Mike and Deb, Philip and Donna, his brother Nicholas, his girlfriend, Rosario, his uncle Patrick, his aunt Amy, and his uncle Detective
Matthew D. Camilo of the Gloucester Township Police Department. Mayor, Mayor, Council President, Marcatoa, respectfully request that you swear these officers in officially as Gloucester Township Police Officers. You guys look sharp. All right, if you
could please raise your right hand, place your left hand on the Bible, and please repeat after me. I state your name. I >> do solemnly swearly >> swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> support
>> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> in the United States and in this state
>> under the authority of the people. I further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully, >> impartially, and justly perform >> all of my responsibilities as a police officer in the township of
Gloucester to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Thank you, sir. >> Good to see you guys again. Congratulations.
Congrats. Congratulations. Congrats, brother. I would just ask uh Officer Orlando if you could stay up here with your family. Again, uh this is the future of the Gloucester Township Police Department. Uh it is the future of uh this great
agency and uh we are very proud of all of these new officers. We're proud of our new lieutenant, two new sergeants, and uh it's been a great honor for all of us to see so many of you come up as special officers. As you saw, I used
Sergeant Ritz as an example, started as a special officer, uh and your the ability to move through the ranks, grow here, and become a great leader here at the Gloucester Township Police Department. So, to the families that are here, just want to thank the families.
You are the drive behind everything that we do. You are the ones that support us. You are the ones that get us through tough times. And you are the ones that have gotten your loved one to this point. And they have a great police department that they work for, great
officers. And uh we are very proud to have them as part of this Gloucester Township Police family. And so I again want to welcome you to that family as well. So congratulations You guys can seat it.
So, we have a uh additional uh tradition as you heard when these officers graduate from the police academy, we have usually have a little ceremony uh where we it's part of our culture, part of the things that we uh do to bring them into the agency. Uh and uh in this
case, uh Officer Council had already been a police officer and we're glad to have him here. As you see, he's a hometown boy and we're glad to have him home here at the Gloucester Township Police Department. Uh so we wanted to take this opportunity to present him with our tradition uh traditions of uh
presenting him with his own challenge coin. Every officer receives two challenge coins uh with their badge number ingrained and it has our ethos across it uh compassion, courage, honesty, respect, fairness and integrity
and our motto of dedicated to service, committed to excellence with the inscription of St. Michael or has our logo on it with his badge number and he receives two of those and I'm two of those and I'm honored to present them to him here. In addition, every officer
upon graduating from the police academy receives a copy of our Gloucester Township Police mission statement. And we encourage the officers to put this in a place where it's prominent, especially as a reminder of their duties and and of uh our ethos and what we are here to do.
I we suggest they put them in put it in the area where we get dressed, where we put our badge on, where we put our uniform on. And so we're proud to present that to him this evening as part of this Gloucester Township Police family. Congratulations, Sarah.
>> So now it works. >> Yeah. At this time, I would ask that uh Officer Andrich brings forward police K9 Fria to be sworn in. Little bit about officer Fria.
K9 Fria graduated from the Atlantic County John Sunny Burke Academy patrol sent class number 15 on May 8th, 2025 along with her handler, Officer Ryan Andrich, badge number 324. After 23
weeks of intense training, both patrolman Andrich and K9 Fria are currently assigned to the operations division patrol bureau fourth platoon. K9 Fria is a 2-year-old Belgian Malawa from Russia. She began her training at just eight weeks old in Barnagot, New
Jersey, and continued her training in Monroeville, New Jersey before being partnered with patrolman Andrich. K9 Fria is trained in narcotic detection, tracking, and criminal apprehension. She proudly holds a distinction of being the first female
patrol dog in the Gloucester Township Police Department history. K9 Fria is known for her boundless energy, expert skill, and love of training, even when she's off duty. Her favorite treats include fruit, especially blueberries, and frozen watermelon.
When she's not working on, Fria stays close to her partner, often following patrolman Andrich around to keep a watchful eye. At home, she's also taken on the role of a protective big sister to her newborn brother. Congratulations,
Brian. New new father, ensuring his safety and sleeping beside the baby's crib. So, I just want to say Ryan has been has had a career here and we're proud to see him uh advance to this dream of his. I know this is what he has
wanted to do. Ryan worked as a class one special officer here for many years. He also worked as a dispatcher both part-time and full-time before fulfilling his dream and attending the police academy a few years ago and graduating. And now uh knowing him,
knowing that this was his dream to be a K9 handler, uh he has K9 Fria now. He helped pick out K9 Fria. He's the training that they've gone through is an incredible amount of training. We have a wonderful dog here. Powerful dog, fast
dog, agile dog. To see him in action, if you ever have the opportunity at one of our demos, uh you'll see how she does. So, uh I'm very proud of you, Ryan. Uh, Mayor Mayor, I would ask you to formally swear in K9 Fria as a member of the
Glouester Township Police Department. >> Thank you. Thank you, Chief. I was going to ask Fria to raise her right Paul, but I don't know if that's going to work. So, officer, if you could please repeat after Oh, there you go. Now, I like it. I like it. I love it. Uh, she's making
history tonight in in the Ger Township Police Department. So, if you could please repeat after me on behalf of your >> canine. I I Friya >> I >> Freya I'm sorry. I Freya do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people.
I further solemnly swear >> furtherly swear >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> and justly perform >> all of my responsibilities >> as a K-9 >> in the Gloucester Township Police Department
>> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. Congratulations. There you go. Good job. Good job. Thank you. All right. Before I turn it over to the mayor, um so it's
it you know it's it's been publicly announced uh that I'll be uh retiring at the end of the month. And uh this has been uh doing these uh ceremonies both in my capacity as deputy chief being part of that and as the chief of police
has been one of the greatest honors to see the officers and their families come forward uh to be part of this great police department. So again, I want to thank the families especially. I want to thank uh mayor and council. Um it cannot
be underestimated. Uh the officers understand this of how supportive and the teamwork that the uh township has, administration has, the council has had with the police department uh to be fully staffed uh fully equipped and for
them to provide us the tools that are necessary to do our job safely, making the Gloucester Township Police Department uh one of the best police departments uh in the country in my opinion. I'll steal that now, mayor, that I've been here. Uh, and and I can't
do it without uh the teamwork of all of these officers, both past and present, that are here. And I know uh that with the future of these promotions uh that are taking place, that I know that this department's in good hands, uh that they
are uh that the leadership will continue, that it will uh just continue to be such a great place, and it's been the honor of my life to be a Gloucester Township Police officer. So I thank you all the families and thank you again for the support during these uh these these
during this promotion. So, Mayor, >> thank you. Uh, thank you very much, Chief. Um, you know, swearing, uh, Freya in brought me back years when I first became mayor and we swore in our first or I swore in our first K-9. In fact, there were two of them. And I can
remember thinking, how are we going to do this? number one. But number two, uh, with the badge that the officer put over the canine, I was standing there and it was Chief Earl at the time and I said, uh, because I wasn't familiar with the
the dogs, right? And and, uh, got to know them over the years and what fine uh, animals they are and dedicated animals they are um, and and loving animals they are. Um, but I didn't know that at the time. And so I'm standing there and I, you know, I'm like, uh,
chief, who's going to put the badge over the dog's head? And he's like, I was hoping you would. And I'm like, what? You want me to do that? But they're great. They're great uh great animals. We're so proud uh of their service in our community. Let me begin also by uh
congratulating the officers that were promoted. Uh congratulations on that pro promotion. that's not something to take lightly uh because you've earned it and you've deserved this promotion um and you have shown great leadership within this department and I know that you're
going to show future officers uh that leadership as as we continue uh to keep this community safe. So, congratulations on your promotion. to the new officers. Uh you know, welcome. Uh you know, congratulations, uh on on being a part
of, as the chief said and he stole my line, of the finest police department in the nation. And I truly believe that and and um so congratulations on that. Thank you for choosing a career in law enforcement. Uh it is not easy and I know that and and but thank you so very
much for doing that. You know, since day one when I became mayor, I realized that if you don't have a safe community, you don't have anything. You don't have good schools. You don't have businesses that want to come into the town to open up
and employ residents. Um you you don't you don't have anything. Uh you don't have people that want to move into the community, right? Well, look at where Glster Township is now. Uh we have uh good schools. We have businesses that
are opening up in our community. We have people that are moving into this community as our community grows and safety certainly plays a huge role in that. That's why we're going to continue to invest in this Gloucester Township Police Department. Uh we're going to
invest in your loved ones uh because they keep us safe each and every night. And I always say this, I sleep really well at night knowing that they're on duty. Uh, and I appreciate all all that our officers do uh to to to make this
community what it is and for being a part of the fabric of this community. I thank you so very very much. Uh, I do also thank you as family members. Thank you for sharing your loved ones with us. Thank you for the support that you give
them each and every day. And I can't tell you how important that is, that support that you have for your loved one being a Glosser Township Police officer. So, thank you uh for for doing that. And I will have a lot more to say about
Chief Harkkins uh you know, as as uh as I uh deny his retirement. Um but uh Chief, thank you for your leadership uh your partnership uh that that it has been great to uh to work um with you and
and I appreciate that uh professionalism and I appreciate that friendship that that we have developed and and um again I will have a lot more to say about that. But you know, your years of service to this community certainly is uh is there's a lot of gratitude uh not
only in my heart but in our residents hearts for for for that. So chief, thank you so very much. So ladies and gentlemen, thank you for for being here. Congratulations to all the officers uh uh today and uh let's continue to keep Gouster ship a safe community. So, thank
you very much. Before I ask our chaplain to come up, I just want to acknowledge another chief of police in the room. I just spotted my good friend and supporter, Chief Phil Olivo of the Pensawan Police Department here to support the uh Pamillo family. Again, it's a great honor. I don't
normally get to present here at our council room to have three active police chiefs that are in the room. And uh they're not only police chiefs and uh and colleagues of mine. These are good friends of mine. We've known each other throughout the years. And uh I Chief
Reinhold uh from the Eve Sham. Every time we've needed anything, I contact you. We get something. Chief Pera, we go he's worked jobs in our town. We work together. Again, Chief Olivo, again, these are uh top-notch police chiefs and of of through Burlington and Camden
County. So, uh, without that, uh, further ado, Monscior Manion, I would ask you, uh, I know we're a little out of order, so Council President, I would, uh, respectfully request if Monscior Manion could come forward just to offer a prayer, uh, for our officers and those
newly promoted and sworn in and, uh, probably especially K9 Fria. >> Thank you, Montene. >> A tough night, isn't it? How about a round of applause for our chief here? It's a beautiful night and it's also a
tough night. Take a moment to uh say a prayer for all the police in this town who put their lives at risk every time they put on a badge uniform.
I think of a prayer originally from Mother Teresa that applies definitely tonight as well and she called it do it anyway. Do it anyway. Think of it in terms of your officers,
your families, the kids that ask where daddy is in Christmas and birthdays and where's mom been and she's on duty too sometimes. You know it's all those sacrifices. Two Latin words.
When you do something out of love, it's sacrifice. Sakura in Latin. It's an act of love. It's duty, responsibility, but it's also an act of love. And that makes all the difference because people
are doing it not just with their head or their heart but with whole being. Never trade your humanity for your badge. An officer said to me years ago as he was dying cancer real bad. But
even those last hours, he was trying to teach me a few things and he did. People are sometimes unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway, and then you will
be free. If you're kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway, and then you'll be free. If you're successful, you'll win some unfaithful friends, some genuine
enemies. Succeed anyway, then you'll be free. If you're honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway, and then you'll be free. What you spend years creating, others could
destroy overnight. Create anyway, then you'll be free. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. Then you'll be free. The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do
good anyway. Give the best you have. For some, there will be enough. Do it anyway. Then you'll be free. The final analysis is between you and God. Was there between you and them anyway?
Then you'll be free. and recognize that one of the greatest drivers of crime that I've seen in my life as a priest in so many different places and even countries is loneliness. Loneliness. Loneliness. Loneliness doesn't happen as no one
around you. Loneliness happens when no one around you understands what's going on inside you. So law enforcement has a lot to do with dealing with the loneliness of the people who could act it out with a tear or a weapon,
a curse or a blessing. The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but feeling unwanted. Hunger for love. We can experience that in our lives. Hunger for love. One of the greatest diseases
is to be a nobody to anybody because loneliness doesn't happen there's no one around you but no one around you understands what's going on inside of you. So recognize that law enforcement, citizens, people of all faiths and
backgrounds, histories, and futures, first thing you need to do in a town is seek out those that are lonely, and they could someday be your best citizens and your loyalist friends. God love you. Thank you.
We'll take a 10-minute recess. Chief, are you taking pictures uh in the front or >> We can take some pictures. >> Sure. Absolutely. We have a 10-minute recess. Thank you. It's great. >> No, 27.
>> I know. I told her to take it out as she did. Good. How are you? Good to see you. >> We need to do lunch. >> I would love to do that. Yeah. How are you? >> Yeah. >> I know. I miss him.
>> I would love that. Bless you. >> Anything for him? I would imagine stay that way. Yeah. Thank you.
All right. All eyes here, please. All eyes here. All eyes here. Stay there. You want pictures. Sit down. >> Yeah, it look like a doctor or
something. Yeah, >> I did have that on, but I didn't want to come like that. I'm tired. Thank you. You got any more mints? That's super bright. I'm almost positive what I told you.
There's a problem. police officer. I read it three times to make sure I'm not mistaken in any way. >> You know what I mean? >> I'll show you this. See guys
are absolutely Well, I have it right. trying to think >> how are you going to school in her head. >> And guess what? >> Come on.
>> Council going off. >> Yeah. No, no, no. >> All right. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I saw it moving around. I like, "What the hell is that?" >> You got to hit that. >> All right. >> I'm starting this back up.
>> Start it up. >> You got it. So that >> we're going to begin our council meeting. >> Madam clerk, may I have the roll call again, please? >> Mr. Mo >> here. Sorry. >> Troxel >> here. >> Mrs. Grace Love
>> here. >> Mr. Nash >> here. >> Mrs. Walters >> here. >> Mr. Marcado >> present. >> Mr. Carlamir >> here. >> Mr. Cartis >> here. >> Chief Harkkins >> here. >> Mr. Miguel >> here. >> Mrs. Corbin. >> Proclamation. Breast cancer awareness.
>> Whereas breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally excluding non-melanoma skin cancer and remains a major public health concern impacting countless families and communities including those right here in the township of Gloucester. And whereas it
is estimated that approximately one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, highlighting the crucial need for continued diligence, vigilance, re research, and support for those affected by this disease. And
whereas when breast cancer is detected early in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is high, underscoring the vital importance of increased awareness regarding early detection methods, including regular self-exams, clinical breast exams, and
routine mammogs. And whereas breast cancer awareness month provides a dedicated opportunity to honor the brave survivors in our community, remember those who have lost their lives to this disease and recognize the tireless work of health
care professionals, researchers, caregivers, and volunteers who support patients and their families. And whereas the tangibster recognizes the dedication of local nonprofit organizations and community groups that are committed to
providing education support services and funding for research to find a cure. Now therefore, be it resolved that David R. Mayor, mayor of township and Orlando Marcato, president of council, do hereby declare the month of October 2025
as breast cancer awareness month. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Before we go to our public comment period on the bulletin board, resolution 359, there was an additional paragraph that was put
in. Um, so when we get to the consent agenda, I'm going to ask to move that off the consent agenda to have it read by itself. Resolution 359. Uh, so thank you.
Now open up the first public comment. Uh each speaker is entitled to three minutes. There's 15 minutes total for this public participation part of our meeting. Uh once the individual has asked their questions or made their
statements, council at the end of that time may respond to it. And this is for agenda items only. Does anyone wish to speak during the first public comment? >> Mr. leader followed by Miss Coin.
>> Copies, >> Dave Leer. >> Good evening. >> Huntington Avenue, Glendor. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. I'd like to thank the clerk for um having the uh agenda document searchable.
It was much easier. saved me 5 minutes by by that simple gesture. Appreciate it. Oh, on resolution 2510-356. At what point does the mayor and council stop, freeze,
delay development, and give the school board, police, and roads an opportunity to catch up. >> Thank you. >> Thank you,
Miss Coin. Denise Coin, choose landing. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. I have a question about resolution 359. Do I ask that now or later? >> You can ask that now. >> Okay. Um, it is for uh rejecting all bids for
solid waste collection. And I would like to know why we're rejecting all the bids and what options do we have after doing so. And then also for resolution 361
requesting the insertion of a special item of revenue in the budget for 1,298,843. I'd like to know what that is for, what it's going to be used for. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Is there anyone else on the agenda items? Seeing none, we'll close the first public comment. Uh Mr. leader. The question you've proposed when does council mayor um the redevelopment
question that you had this particular resolution is for an existing project that was approved by the redevelopment entity and council. It is that the current property owner is selling it to another owner. This is the old St. Agnes
Church on Church Street. Uh the concept was to have uh services that are provided such as salon services, hair, ma, makeup, nails, any type massage, whatever type of services, um beauty type services were to be in that
building, they're selling it to another owner uh for that uh same purpose. And that was discussed at a redevelopment meeting we had at the last meeting. Is that correct? Okay. Uh, Miss Coin
on the rejection of the bids for resolution 359. Uh, Mr. Cars, do you want to address that? Yeah. Uh, that was my recommendation based on the two bids that the township received. Um just uh
on October 7th lo the uh division of local government services issued local finance notice 2025-14 which establishes the cap for appropriations for 2026 at 2%.
Uh obviously we can go to the 3 and a2% with the passage of the cola ordinance, but when I ran the numbers for the low bidder, which in this case was the green guys, uh and compared it to the award for the 5-year period uh that was
awarded on January 25th, 2021 in the amount of 12,986 488 uh and their bid of 16 million98960 60 for the next five years. I saw an
increase of almost 31%. So e even on an annual basis, we're well above the 3 and a.5%. And I'm uh looking for us to go back out the bid to hopefully get a better price and that
way provide uh relief for property taxpayers. >> Thank you, Mr. Carters. Uh, do you want me to address the uh >> resolution 361 from Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission? Yes. >> Uh, well, first off, on the on the >> Oh, I'm sorry. You're
>> on the Yes. On the addendum. So, the reason for the uh for the addendum was that we expanded I had a consultation with uh one of one of my uh colleagues uh that helped work on the bid specs for the trash bids. Uh and they're
complicated bids. they take a 60day advertising period before you can uh move forward with them. They're for a 5-year period. And uh what we noticed that under under uh uh NJSA4A1-13.2, there's a number of reasons why you can
reject bids. Uh the first is that the cost exceeds the estimates for the goods and services. uh it's uh also it substantially exceeds the contracting units appropriation for goods or services. So with that that's
the comparison to the uh to the appropriation cap established by the division of local government services. Also, uh it was suggested and I thought it was a good suggestion uh that we should expand the bids uh on the when we
go back out so that uh potentially you could have a bidder that is successful and awarded for residential uh curbside pickup and then another bidder could also be awarded for picking
up the uh containers, the dumpsters. So that wasn't in our original bid specs and we wanted to expand it because we feel we can get a better price by doing so. Uh the question the other question was about the >> resolution 361 the grant from Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission of one almost $1.3 million. Uh Mr. McIll or you pointed Mr. McIll. >> Yeah, that was the bike path. Can you explain that? >> Uh the bike path was grant money. So, all that's going to be funded by the
state uh through the DBRPC uh grant. Uh none of that is to the township capital. >> Thank you, Mr. McIll and Mrs. Eric. We now go to wave the excuse me, bid report Gabriel Davies Tavern. May I have a motion, please? >> A move.
>> Second on the question. Roll call, please. >> Mr. M. >> Yes. Mr. Albert Troxel, >> yes. >> Mrs. Grace Love, >> yes. >> Mr. Nash, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walters, >> yes. >> Mr. Marcato, >> yes. Next. Wade the reading accept the minutes of council meeting September
8th, 2025 and council meeting September 22nd, 2025. May I have a motion, please? >> I'll make that motion on the question. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Mongan, >> yes. >> Mrs. Aubrey Troxel, >> yes. >> Mrs. Grace Love, >> yes. >> Mr. Nash, yes.
>> Mrs. Walters, >> yes. >> Mr. Marcato. >> Oh, hold on. She had >> I'm sorry. Sorry. That's okay. Yes to the September 8th and abstain from September 22nd. >> Thank you, Mr. Marcato. >> Yes to both. Uh, next is our consent agenda. Can I
have a motion to uh take 359 out outside of our consent agenda and have that separate? >> I'll make that motion. Is there a second? Thank you. On the question, >> roll call, please. >> Mr. Manon, >> yes. to remove 359.
>> Mrs. Albridge, >> yes. >> Mrs. Grace Love, >> yes. >> Mr. Nash, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walters, >> yes. >> Mr. Mcato, >> yes. May I have a motion to accept the consent agenda as amended? >> Make a motion. >> Second
>> on the question. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Mone, >> yes. >> Mrs. Alrexel, >> yes. >> Mrs. Grace Love, >> yes. >> Mr. Nash, >> yes. >> Mrs. Walters, >> yes. >> Mr. Marcato, >> yes. Yes, I have a motion for resolution R2510-359 uh the township of accounts res
resolution of township council of the township of Glouester Kingdom County, New Jersey rejecting all bids for solid waste collection pursuant to NJSA4A1-13.2 and authorizing rebids uh for solid waste collection. May I have a motion, please? >> I'll make that motion.
>> A second >> on the question. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Manon. Yes, >> Mrs. Alrexel. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Grace Love. >> Yes, >> Mr. Nash. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Walter. >> Yes, >> Mr. Marcato. >> Yes. >> We did not receive any GTE Gov access
emails. We now go to our second public comment portion. Each speaker is entitled to five minutes. There's 30 minutes total for this time period. Each speaker may speak once. At the end of your comments or question, council may respond to your questions or comments.
Does anyone like to speak during this second public comment? Mr. Burns, Mr. Exine, uh, Miss Coin, Miss Henry, and Mr. Leader. In that order. >> Good evening, Council Brian Burns,
Sawwood Drive, and Ariel. >> Good evening. >> Um, first I wanted to congratulate the chief on your retirement. >> Thank you. appreciate it. >> That's I always like to hear about people retiring. >> You certainly deserve it. And in my 30 37 years in the township, I've always
had, you know, utmost respect for the police force. I've always been treated fairly. I remember when my son was an infant. This is 30 36 years ago. Little little toddler. He fell back and he hit his head, bled like you would not
believe. And as a first time parent, I'm like, "Oh my god, what?" You know, >> and and kids heads bleed when they're little like there's no tomorrow. And it was a snowy winter day that had to be 10 inches of snow. And I called 911 and it
seemed like a miracle. They were at the house with an ambulance and a police car and a snow plow. It would and it seemed like it was two seconds. And I can remember it like it was yesterday. See, you probably weren't the chief at the time.
>> I'm very happy for you. Congratulations. >> I appreciate you. We've been a gentleman dealing with you for any issue that came up. So, it's appreciate. >> You have a very stressful job. >> Thank you. >> And you're going to enjoy not being stressed anymore. >> I appreciate it.
>> So, um I I wanted to revisit um the Hickstown Road site again. Um, since we don't have dialogue back and forth, I wanted to follow up on Mr. Mcado's response to my question last time. Um,
you know, you folks know about the Hickstown road site. There's proposal for four warehouses. Uh, the preservation of the site is strongly supported by the master plan re-examination, which even goes so far as to recommend a
redevelopment zone on this parcel of land. And you folks are the redevelopment entity. So this is not something I'm making up. It's in the master plan re-examination. But the preservation of the site is also strongly supported by the open space
recreational plan. So I asked last meeting will council working as the redevelopment entity follow the recommendation of the master plan re-examination and create a redevelopment zone. And Mr.
Marcato response was it's private property and he doesn't support eminent domain but this is not eminent domain. You folks have redevelopment zones all the time for builders all the time. All my time here just over and over and over
again. You have a workshop a builder wants to do XYZ on a particular property and he he gets a redevelopment zone. So this is not eminent domain. This is just the ability for council to do what is in the best interest of the local residents
to preserve a natural heritage site of which there is only a limited number throughout the state in New Jersey. And you can reszone this as environmental residential. >> So the property owner could still follow through and build a few homes on the
site based on the zoning. Uh but it certainly is not eminent domain. And I'm encouraging you folks and I' I've given it information several times and to to take this as an opportunity to save one more piece of ground that is a natural
heritage site that is strongly supported by the master plan re-examination and the open space recreational plan supported far more so than being supported to as general industrial site. So thank you for your time.
>> Thank you Mr. Burns. Good evening, council. >> Good evening. Good evening. >> Hi, Rexstein. Glenn Oaks. Um, last month I put in an OPER request about uh township debt and I got some
numbers back from Mrs. alert in response to it and had a difference of what the township debt was at the end of the year that was part of the uh annual debt statement
versus the number that she used herself. So I asked her that question, what's this what's this difference? and she told me it was due to uh storm water or ordinance or ordinances that have not been completed from last
year. And then I asked when were the projects were going to be expected be completed and I haven't heard back anything. I'm trying to find out what's going on
while while I and and Mr. Marcado and Mr. Cartis, you both got a copy of that email because we were having an email conversation and you were you she copied you and I replied to all. So I don't I guess you
would have looked at it, right? But that's what I'm asking. Okay. Thank you. >> Denise Coin, choose landing. >> Good evening again. >> Good evening. Good evening. Um, the following is based on public record as I
understand it and reflects my personal opinion as a taxpayer and a resident. Recently, this council approved the settlement agreement in the matter of 1000 Williamstown, New Jersey LLC versus Township of Gloucester. That case grew out of the warehouse proposal on
Williamstown Road in Ariel. The developer bought the land with the intent of building a warehouse, but the settlement instead gives him the right to build more than 200 town homes. That alone will add dozens of new school children at an average cost of 16,000
per year per student and the taxpayers will be funding that. The settlement also required something more. A study on block 18302 lot 5, a 4.45 acre lot with a house on it purchased by the same builder for
$775,000. On August the 11th, I stood here and warned that taxpayers were being asked to pay for an unnecessary study on this property. A study that served no purpose because the builder already owns it and could develop it under the existing
zoning. That same night, your attorney told residents that if the property did not meet the statutory criteria, there would be no obligation to designate it. His exact words were, quote, "If that zone was determined not to meet the
statutory criteria, there's no binding obligation for the planning board or the township to designate it as such." End quote. While the study is finished and it states in black and white, the subject property does not independently
satisfy the statutory criteria. So, by your own attorney's assurance, that should have been the end of the matter. But instead, the study pivots to a loophole. It cites a clause in the law that says even if the lot does not meet
criteria, it can still be included for continuity and cohesion of a redevelopment area. If that's the case, then why did we spend thousands of taxpayer dollars on a study in the first place? If the law allows you to include the lot no matter what, then the study
was meaningless. And what is the outcome? The builder already owns the lot. He does not need a redevelopment designation to develop it. The only that the only thing the designation adds is eligibility for
benefits like a pilot, a tax break. That is why I said on August 11th, this was an unnecessary study and taxpayers were being misled. I asked on August 11th whether a pilot was part of this set settlement agreement and I did not
get an answer. The public has a right to demand accountability. We deserve to know tonight if a pilot will be or already was awarded as a part of the settlement agreement with 1000 Williamstown Road LLC.
For the record and for inclusion in the minutes, I'm asking the following. One, did anyone on council actually review a fiscal impact analysis of this project? Two, was anyone on council told that you're required to approve this
designation? And three, was a pilot promised as part of the settlement agreement? And if so, for how many years? If the builder is awarded a 10-year pilot, the cost to taxpayers of educating children from 204 town homes
could reach 10 to$16 million over that period. While the developer pays reduced taxes, the burden would fall squarely on the residents who are already covering the cost of school children from the original settlement.
Right now, the deal looks like it'll save embarrassment for the mayor who's up for reelection. And it'll greatly benefit the builder, but it appears that the taxpayers, the very people you represent, will be paying for council's mistake and for saving face for many years to come. If you approve this lot
being included in the redevelopment area, you will prove my August 11th warning was correct. Taxpayers were misled. Taxpayers dollars were wasted. And this process was never about planning or criteria. It was about setting up a path to give a developer
something extra he could not get under normal zoning rules. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening, Dina Henry, Somerdale. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> On September 22nd meeting, my public
comments began around the 2hour mark. Um, and during the closing remarks, Councilwoman's Grace remarks began around 2 hours and 19 minutes and 32 seconds. Councilwoman Grace, your comments were
out of line. You gaslit the residents. You played the victim, turning a real discussion about overde overdevelopment into a speech about yourself. Once again, your remarks were divisive
and a pity party for one. when the focus should have been about the people in this room. When the focus should have been about the apology of your comments from the previous meeting. You claim to listen, but you clearly
don't. You publicly stated that I told you that you needed to do some soularching. That's false. Another resident said that, not me. If you can't even get that right, then you're not listening. You're just
reacting. Accuracy matters. Repres representation matters. Listening matters. Being impartial matters. If you're going to quote residents or speak about their words, make sure that
you are correct. These meetings are not your stage. It is about the community's voice. Two meetings ago, the community spoke about traffic, infrastructure,
overbuilding. Never once was it about race, diversity, or yourself. Last meeting, you said that you lost your voice. No, you gave that voice to the public
when you took an oath. You swore to be impartial, not emotional. You don't get to use taxpayer dollars to center yourself. And while the residents were speaking, you were on your phone
around 9:00 p.m. What is so urgent that you don't pay attention to what the residents are saying that you're on your phone once again? You were on your phone today. You never apologized, not even once. And if that performance was your
idea of an apology, that was completely hollow. and you're mistaken. Therefore, I'm asking these three things. One, that you publicly correct your mis your misstatement at the next meeting and in the official meeting minutes. Two, that
you show full attentiveness and respect during the meetings. No phone distractions. Three, that you stop framing yourself as the victim and instead demonstrate the accountability and being impartial and being the expected of an elected
official. This is not about you. This is about the people and I will not back down from the truth. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else like to speak that's not spoken this evening? Okay,
Mr. Leader. Well, then stand up. I apologize that I I called you out earlier. >> You dropped something behind you. >> No, thank you, Chief. >> I got it.
>> Appreciate it. Dave Leader Glendor. Is the structure of the council meeting to follow Robert's rules? If not, then what standard? I'd like to talk about communication.
I'd like to address Council President Marcato and his little council persons. How did that statement feel to you? Not polite language, right? I apologize. Was saying that as an example.
I mean to use that language to highlight President Marcato's breach of Robert's rules and just general etiquette. His breach of etiquette has occurred several times in the past. President Marcato used demeaning language when addressing
the public. These breaches can be found by reviewing the videos of Township of Gloucester meetings. Mr. Mcado addressed members of the public with the phrase you and your little friends.
several times. A very very demeaning phrase which caused the public to feel small and minimized. Last month, Mr. Mr. Marcato addressed me after the meeting in the parking lot.
His address was received as a personal rant by me. Among other complaints, he accused me of sitting in the back with my little friends. This verbal behavior must stop. An apology to the public should be
forthcoming from President Marcato. Additionally, he should be admonished by the township for his behavior. There should be no reason why the president of council be allowed to use his position to make the public feel less than. Less than.
Council's meeting rules of order are designed to make the public secondass members of the meeting already without President Marcato of council diminishing the public by his choice of words. Mr. Mcado also asked whether I was going
to post my recent observations on Facebook as I had in the past. Yes, that is the only way I can get my viewpoint and preferences known to others. I can't afford the supervised postcards
which I have a pound of here. Excuse me. That are filling my mailbox. I have no other access to the public. This is my form. I told Mr. Mcado that I liked Orlando
Marcato as a person. great values and appreciation for his community. However, I do not like President Marcato as a public official and a politician. Communication.
It starts start with a communication of US mail postcards and signs of negative personal information both true and made up from the political action committees. Well, I have all these documents. As I say, there's a pound of them. It just goes on and on.
I much prefer it when politicians state their credentials and their goals without criticizing their opposition. Did the c did Councilman Castro, Councilwoman's Grace
and Albreight Troxel who are running for reelection approve these nasty accusa political accusations by their pack to be sent to the public. You need to look at yourselves if you're
getting the same communications that I'm getting and wonder why it doesn't say as councilwoman I approved these messages. It doesn't say that. I wonder if you do.
I have no way of knowing. Well, I have another page. Green team, I visited the office of the mayor to look at the pictures of the DARE drawings that the children gave. >> Mr. Leader, I'm sorry, your time is up.
>> I asked for a return phone call from Mr. Cruz. >> Anyone else that would like to speak? >> And I have not received any response. Thank you for hearing me. This concludes our second public comment. Mr. Burns. Oh, now when I uh respond, if any council member would like to respond
to these as well, please let me know. Uh Mr. Burns, thank you for your comments on Hickstown Road. Uh again, that property is a privately owned property and that individual has every right to do what they want to do with that
particular property. If that individual came to us and talked about possibly doing something different with that property or redeveloping it or including it in part some type of plan, uh then that individual has the right to
do that. From what I understand, that application, Miss Corb, has not been sent to the planning board yet. >> No application. >> No application has been submitted. So, I'm echoing what I've said before in previous meetings. Uh, now what I
indicated that you said imminent domain. I said imminent domain and council's not interested. I said when we're trying to take we're not going to take someone's property or tell them how to use their own private property. That's going down the road of imminent domain. I didn't say that. We're going to do imminent
domain. Uh but again, that is a private property. An application has not gone forward to the planning board. Uh Miss Corbin works with our planning board. Miss Albbright Trotzel sits on our planning board. That application has not been forwarded to that. Uh Mr. Rexstein
had a OPER request uh that was sent uh regarding the township's debt uh and the CFO had responded and there was a followup from Mr. Exstein. Um Mr. Carus and Mrs. Eric, is there any response to
that that you need that you can provide this evening or uh follow up with Mr. Exein or have you completed your conversation with Mr. Exine on that request? I'm going to defer to the CFO. Miss era did respond to the Oprah. I
don't know what exactly she can lend to that that would uh enhance the uh the response that she already gave. >> Well, he asked the uh he asked the status of the stormwater projects. So,
the store our engineer CES is currently uh they're currently ongoing. There's multiple projects And I believe some are finishing up. There's still some issues with some. I'm I'm not
really involved in the day-to-day of all where the projects stand. And once the projects are all completed there, it's through the New Jersey I Bank. So once the once all the projects are completed, we will borrow the money from the New Jersey I Bank and then those uh will
then we'll have they'll be on our debt statement. So hopefully that answers the questions. I guess if you need more information, we could probably reach out to our engineers and find the status of the projects, but they are ongoing and they are pretty much getting ready to be
completed. >> Thank you. Uh, Miss Coin made comments regarding the 1,00 Williamstown uh, property uh, the town homes that are to be built as part of the settlement agreement uh, and alluded to a study on
the property and comments made that was made by Mr. Assala. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> U, and that the study I I did not receive. Do you have a copy of that study? >> I have not completed. >> I don't Has anyone on council seen that study?
>> I did. You've seen the study. Yeah. That was that was completed. >> Yes. >> That said it did not fit uh that. >> Okay. Could you share that? Do you want to comment on that? >> Okay. >> So, the study was just completed and the planning had a discussion about the
study in September 23rd at their regular public hearing. And that study will then the next staff will come to council which will be I believe tenatively the first meeting in November next month. >> Okay. >> That is when the study will be discussed
and whether council would like to um adopt by resolution the study that um the planning did and the determination of that study. >> So I have not seen that study. So I'm not going to comment on something I've not seen. Sorry Miss Coin. I'll give you a comment the next meeting. Uh but do
you like Mr. The only thing and I I believe I understand Denise's question, but there was a study that was done by Remington and Vernick. There was dollars associated with that study. The planning board found that it was not conducive to
to make the development change. However, because of some sort of exception, uh the cohesion of the area, they are allowed to make this make the change anyway. Mhm. >> So I think the concern was and the question was and maybe there's more to it. Maybe maybe it's due diligence we
had to do the study, but I think the question was why did we do a study if we ultimately were going to say change it anyway even if it didn't pass. I think that's what the question was. Correct me if I'm wrong. >> So
>> so okay. So all right, >> but maybe but maybe there's a process >> that I had not viewed that and I don't think the six other members of council have viewed that. Um so we'll take a look at that. Uh with the pilot, yeah, pilot was a
discussion to have a payment in lie of taxes. Uh was part of the settlement agreement. uh with the payment le of taxes, the uh developer um would they're still paying full freight on the land uh and then the pilot is paid in
increments, but that's also something they can offer as part of this agreement. Correct me wrong, Mr. Carl Mayor to those individuals that are purchasing That's correct. >> Uh that property as well. Uh when we talked about that agreement uh in uh
closed session, there is discussions about comparisons of what the difference was on a a monetary amount. Um with a pilot, yes. Uh all those funds go to the township uh during that certain period
of time. Um and then it is segueed over to uh the other the county fire uh and the school districts. Um there's three questions you would ask. Uh the council review the fiscal impact
analysis, the request to uh approve I can't read my writing and the pilot um oh request to approve the designation of the council review these things. I I did not see a fiscal or recall seeing a
fiscal impact analysis. the pilot that that was discussed uh uh with uh the agreement. Um and then you know a misuse of funds. You made a comment about meaningless that the study was meaningless. U the bottom line is the
taxpayers did not want to have warehouses in that area and there are no tax excuse me warehouses that will be in that area. Uh, Miss Hendry made comments uh regarding uh the September 22nd meeting and Miss uh Councilman Grace's
comments uh at the end of that meeting and requested three is three things. Did you write that down? This >> I'm fine. >> Okay, you're fine with that? Very good. Okay. Uh Mr. Leader, uh yes, we do follow Robert's rules of order here. And
Mr. Leader, I'm aware any conversation I have with you, it's a whisper down the lane. So I I know that uh but the conversation I had with you in the uh foyer and there were individuals there uh you were apologizing to me and you were telling me that you like me as a
person but not as council president and you would like to play pool with me. you know, you would play pool with me or have a drink and I said, "I don't drink." And but I also told you about my comments to you and I didn't appreciate you shouting in the back because you made a comment and you know what I Yeah,
I made the little friends comment, but I'm not going to apologize for that. In regards to the other stuff, the pound of information you're going to receive, you may receive another pound in the next few weeks, but I'm not going to discuss that. We don't discuss I don't discuss that in our council chambers here. Uh
with that, uh we'll go to our polling of directors. >> Mr. Carl, >> nothing to report. >> Mr. Carter, >> nothing at this time. >> Chief Harkkins, >> I want to thank council for taking up the time for the presentation uh and all the support as I mentioned before and uh I will be here on October
27th, God willing, for the next council meeting. So I uh thank you for the the time that it took tonight. the officers appreciated uh you going through that and the families for sure uh and it's a great night for us. Thank you. >> Thank you chief >> Mr. McIll.
Thank you >> Mr. Scorbin. >> Mr. Zarrett >> Mr. Mun >> congratulations to all the officers and the K9 for their promotions and uh chief congratulations on your decision to retire. We'll save the next comments for
the next meeting. >> Welcome. >> This is Alreight Traxxel. I think I'm in the process of creating a resolution that he's not allowed to retire. You've done such an excellent job over the years and uh I couldn't be more
proud of you and your whole team. And tonight when I looked out and saw all the support, it was wonderful. It really touched my heart as you've always done and have and as the police have always done for me. Thank God I don't need you too much, but what you do is you give me
the comfort as a senior citizen with a disability to live in this township and feel comfortable that I can go anywhere in this town and know I'll be safe. And that is so important when you're older. Um also the um manior manion I think we
should remember before we speak what manior said tonight in his prayer. Those things were very important to say. Be kind. Be gentle to people. That's really, really important today because in today's society, there's a lot of
anger and we don't create more anger. We do create more anger by spreading it. If we show kindness, maybe some of that anger will go away. So, thank you for being here tonight. And chief, again, you know, I just think the world of you.
Thank you, >> Mrs. Grace Love. >> Yes. I want to just say um congratulations to the officers how we're promoting our newest K9. Um Chief, you have been um stellar. You've run a stellar department. I have been so happy
to watch you. I I'm I'm overjoyed to know that you're going to be retiring and doing whatever. I'm looking forward to seeing what you're doing next. Um I'm sure it'll be exciting things, but you deserve your retirement and to do whatever it is that you love to do. Um,
everyone else have a great night, >> Mr. Nash. >> Yeah, just so a few things. Um, not to go back, but to go back on the 1092 Williamstown Road, one of the concerns of M Miss Coin brought up was if council
uh investigated the the difference between litigation or settlement and it was a obviously it was a big concern for council and that was brought up and what we did was the two closed sessions. It was brought up both times and we were taking the advice of council at the
attorney that it was a more uh intelligent decision to settle than it would be to go through l litigation. So yes, it was it was brought up and that everyone would agreed to that. Um so yeah, so congratulations to um to the
promoted officers and the new officers. It was a great ceremony. Um, I also want to mention the two weeks ago we had a veterans bar barbecue. I attended it with my grandfather who is a veteran as well and we had a great time. It was an amazing event. So, I want to
thank everyone who was involved in that. But what what I noticed when I was there and I've noticed for the many years I've been in GT, I want to give a special shout out to public works. These guys are amazing guys and girls. They um
every event that the township holds is perfect. These guys are on top of it. It I'm a president of GT baseball. We have a flag that's if our flags ripped, they're out there the next day. These guys are top-notch. Don Martino, Kevin Berroni, Bob Mars, uh Bobby Tishak,
great great guys. They run a really tight ship and we're we're as residents of GT uh we're very um lucky to have them. Um, Chief, my neighbor, uh, thank you for many years of excellent service.
Uh, we're going to miss you. Um, I hope you stay in timber, uh, in our neighborhood so I can see you around town. Maybe we can play pickle ball or something. And, um, and I want to wish you a very long and relaxing retirement. >> All right. And lastly, um, Boswood Bagels. Has anyone been
there? >> Yes. >> Okay. another a local um business right down here by the shop right in Laurel Springs. I went there the other day. I reg I frequently regular that place. Um great owner, great food, and I recommend
people check the mail. Thank you, >> Mrs. Walters. >> I want to thank everybody for coming out tonight um and your comments. I want to congratulate all the promotions and the new officers. Some of those new officers were students of mine when they were five. So, it is nice to see how they've
grown, mature, and they they're giving back to their community. Um, so it's really nice to see. Um, and congratulations, uh, Chief, on your retirement. You are a leader. You are somebody that they look up to, we look up to. We know
that we are safe. Um, if there's an issue, we call you, take care of it right away. Right away. So, we um, thank you for your dedication. you can tell that the police officers um they want to be part of your team um because of how you run it. So, we appreciate all that.
Congratulations and good luck and enjoy. >> Mr. Marcato, >> I want to thank everyone for coming out this evening. Uh congratulations to the newly sworn officers and the officers that were promoted. Uh a few things have
uh come up recently and events but also upcoming events that we have. On September 26, we had uh Field of Dreams had its first ever All-Star game for uh its Field of Dreams uh to concur to conclude its season. And I want to thank
uh council vice president minion for the leadership that he shows that organization and having a stellar all-star game under the lights uh at the field of dreams. Uh it was magical. They had walk up music. Uh it was a wonderful time there. So I want to thank you and
the organization for for doing that. Uh this past Saturday in Glendor, uh the citizens appreciation park received 36 new honores of volunteers uh that were recognized for their service
to our community and their names were affixed on those plaques uh in Glendor as Citizens Appreciation Park. Uh this Saturday is the beer and food truck festival. This is a fundraiser for the
Gloucester Township scholarship committee which funds scholarships for high school seniors to go to college. Uh this is their event and we support that and I'm going to echo what Councilman Nash says. Public works helps support that. Our police help support that uh to
make this event go forward. So I want to thank the Gloss Township scholarship committee for putting this event continuing this event and wish them a successful event on Saturday. On October 24th is our trunk or treat event here in Veterans Park. There will be thousands
of students there, excuse me, children that'll be tr trick-or-treating at trunk or treat. Uh and then at the October 27th meeting, we will be celebrating coaches of our organizations, our youth organizations here for coaches
appreciation month on October 27th at our council meeting. And lastly, uh congratulations to the chief on his retirement. Uh you know, I've been around the chief for about 20 years. Uh the last six years he served as the chief. That was a quick six years. Uh,
and but I'm going to, you know, I'll save some comments for another time, but I I want to comment on what he does outside of the department where he serves as a servant leader, a man of faith in our community. But this is a guy who has uh this large workforce here
overseeing uh and keeping our our town safe. But then he's out there every Saturday uh in the spring coaching field of dreams baseball with myself, Mrs. Waters, Mr. Mone, Mrs. Dentino, Mrs. Carr out there. And I think he probably
has the most fun out there doing that. And the wonderful thing is when you do coach, you know, no one cares uh what your political affiliation is, what your religious affiliation is, whatever. I don't think they care that you're out there spending time with their children
and having fun with them. So, that is the stuff that I want to bring to light. Uh but congratulations on your retirement, Chief. Welld deserved. I'll still be there for that. >> All right. Yes. Exactly. Fantastic. All right. Uh with that, uh I entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move.
>> Is there a second? Second. >> All those in favor? I >> have a great evening everyone. >> Don't understand Robert's rules, too. >> You needed to recognize me before you close the meeting because I was standing.
>> Meetings adjourned. >> Better study up on Robert's rules, please. Have a good night. You >> too. I go home and eat dinner now. >> Since Orlando never feeds us.
>> Good night, everyone. ice.