like to bring the uh Monday, March 16th, 2026 Township of Hamilton committee meeting to order. >> Please rise for the flag salute. >> 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. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided pursuant to the New Jersey open public meetings law by posting a notice of this meeting on the bulletin board in the municipal building and by
transmitting notice of this meeting to the press of Atlantic City Star Ledger and Atlantic County Record on January 6, 2026. Mr. Aken >> here, >> Mr. Cheek >> here. >> Miss Thompson >> here. >> Dr. Witherspoon here. Mayor Patali >> here.
And we have a moment of silence for private reflection. Thank you. Okay, we have two proclamations tonight. First one is for Amy Gatau. Okay.
So whereas Amy Elgato was raised in the township of Hamilton where she attended schools in Maze Landing and later graduated from Oakrest High School in 2000 at Oakrest. Amy was student council president and founder of the activity
carnival and powderpuff football programs. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a drum major of the Oakrest Marching Nerds of I'm sorry, ambassadors. ambassadors. >> Sorry,
>> a Falcon TV news personality and played Marty in Greece. Amy was a Girls Athletic Association member, having played softball, cheerleading, managed wrestling, and baseball, and was one of the first female golfers at Oakrest. Ammy Amy is a proud recipient of the
Brian Petty Courage Award and proud inaugural inductee of the Oakrest Community Hall of Fame in 2024. Whereas Amy went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in international business and bachelor of arts degree in
French from Widner University in 2004. She began her professional career at Pico Energy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. and later held roles at Atlanticare, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and currently serves as vice president of business operations for
Lincoln Financial. And whereas in 2005, Andy was elected to the Hamilton Township Board of Education and then to the Hamilton Township Committee in 2007. And at 29 years old, became the youngest and only the third woman to hold the
office of mayor in the township's several hundredyear history. Amy was later elected to the board of county commissioners three times respectively in 2016, 2019, and 2022, where she proudly where she was proudly
selected in 2019 to serve as the first female to chair the board of freeholders in its 182year history. Whereas Amy is proud to be the daughter of former Absagami principal and Yeah,
we just say that we're quiet. >> Among other things, Dr. Jerry Lynn Vernon, OS class of 75, and Bill Gate, OS class of 72. He was a retired union laborer, local 172, and
sister to Billy, OS class08. Whereas Amy has been a dedicated public servant and community leader, participating in numerous community service initiatives, advocating for herself and individuals with Crohn's disease, and was honored in 2008
as one of Atlantic City Weekly's top 40 under 40. And now therefore, we the sworn members of Hamilton Township Committee in Maze Landing, New Jersey, do hereby honor Amy Elgato during National Women's History Month in
perpetuity as established the 16th day of March in the year of 2026. >> And I will say she did she swore me in my first time. She uh was pretty >> I know I'm pretty >> involved. Yes, you are pretty
>> pretty involved in getting me in involved in politics. I think now she's probably questioning that. Um since I am a little bit rough around the edges and uh stuff like that, but we we'll leave that go. I think she's happy with what she did. I hope she is. But once again,
congratulations. >> Thank you. >> I'm sure you have something to say. UM WELL, first of all, thank you township committee. Appreciate it very much and uh very excited to be uh back at home in uh in Maze Landing. Um so
much to say and I was trying to to think of, you know, something like really profound to say. Um but there's there's a couple of thoughts that I'll say. I mean, first of all, my journey um is not me alone. It starts with a amazing
family. Uh many of whom are here tonight and and many of whom were just gathered at Tailgators. Uh we were remembering my uncle Tony. Today's 20 years since he passed away and uh tomorrow would have been his 75th birthday. And we just uh my dad's one of 12, so there's a lot of
us. Uh my mom's one of two and there's a few of us, but um we're always very very tight. And uh it's my family and my dear friends uh who are like family that are here and our community. Um that's where
it all starts. Uh a great foundation. Um education through the Hamilton Township School District. I see some of the members here uh today. Um and just really wonderful opportunities and and mentors there to look through. And then
um Carl highlighted so many um great memories at Oakrest that I think a lot of us share. Um Oakrest is a very special place. no matter what anybody else wants to ever say about it. It's uh it's the Falcon Nest and it's where a lot of really beautiful things happened
and and did happen and memories were made and like I said, lifelong friends uh were made and and uh I I couldn't be more proud of of that school and and to be part of that community and then to be able to come back and uh serve my
community. Um, for those who don't know, what sparked that interest was, um, uh, when I was in eighth grade, we have Youth and Government Day here at Hamilton Township, and it was, uh, started by Mayor Charlie Pritchard, and I'm sure Jack will remember, too. Um, I shadowed
then Deputy Mayor Joe Nichols, and Lorraine Grenice was the mayor at the time. And I was like, man, this mayor thing is like really cool. Like, I think I'm going to do that one day. And that's what I I knew I wanted to do. I knew I
wanted to come back and serve. And when I came home from college, bought my first house, actually said to my mom, like, you know, what do you think I should do? And she's like, well, you really liked school. Why don't you run for school board? And that's what I did. And I see so many members of the Hamilton Township Republican Club that
are here who really helped um nurture that political journey, which it is a journey and adventure. and to have former leaders like you know Jack Percy back there and um so many others um that
really helped again pave that path and I learned a lot about listening to those with the knowledge from the past and then applying my own experiences and thoughts and kind of letting that all
churn and come out as you know what I what represents me. Um, and really it was just about trying to serve my community in the best way that I possibly could. And it was really really hard at times. Um, and super
um, fruitful uh, most of the time. It it gave back a lot to me in so many ways and and hopefully, you know, I gave to to some people out there. And then I moved on to the county and I see so many of my fellow county commissioners back there. uh Commissioner Rizley,
Commissioner Burns, our our former mayor here, and and now uh my torch holder, uh Commissioner Shanker, and are we I don't know who we're calling chairman these days, but certainly, uh we have Rizley, and then Commissioner Parker there, and
then our clerk, uh Joe Dorado, and his beautiful wife who is also super supportive. Um going to the county level is a whole different vibe. uh you know you go from trying to fix people's potholes and you know very tangible
local issues that you can fix to much bigger things that take a lot more time and a lot more um strategic planning and it's you don't get that immediate result but you hope that the things that you put in motion um are going to be fruitful at the end of the day so all I
can say is uh you just try to do um the best that you can put your best foot forward and uh listen to you know those who've come for you. Um, put yourself back into it, be true to yourself, and um, and it'll it'll all come back to
you. And I am very much enjoying retirement from politics. Um, enjoying getting to be home after work and like cook dinner and watch TV like at normal times, like those little things. Um,
but, uh, it's it's certainly not the end. Um, I'm sure of that, but it's nice to have a little break and uh recharge. And I'm just so honored to have been uh raised in this community. I can't actually I have to also say to the
township employees and the employees of all the government entities that have had the opportunity to serve like we don't we're nothing without them. So, I'm I'm looking at all of you guys too and just appreciate everything that you do to serve uh our residents and our
community members every day. So, thank you. Thank you so much for this distinction. Um it it truly means so much to me and uh I look forward to putting it next to my mug that I have of of you and I, Mayor, with our Simpsons mug. Yes. So, thank you so much again.
Thank you. You look like you're Sorry about that paparazzi stuff. Uh we have next proclamation for National Women's History Month, Dr. Jennifer Holmstrom.
>> Whereas Dr. Jennifer Alder Alden >> Alden help me. Holstrom, principal of William Davies Middle School, has spent more than two decades in education dedicated to building strong school
communities and creating meaningful opportunities for students, becoming the first female principal. Let me just say that again. The first female principal to oversee the daily operations of William Davies Middle School and guide
its continued growth. Whereas Dr. Holmstrom earned two master's degrees in one in school counseling and the other in educational leadership culminating in a doctorate in
educational leadership from Walden University. Her career in education spanning more than 25 years began teaching at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School complex in Atlantic City. She later served in several roles including
guiding coun guidance counselor and vice principal before becoming principal. Whereas since becoming principal at William Davies Middle School, Dr. Homestrom has focused on transforming the school through innovative
programming, community engagement, and expanded opportunities for students. Working alongside Superintendent Dr. Zitto and a dedicated staff, Dr. Hmstrom introduced the Red Wings program, an
initiative she brought from her previous school to recognize students for outstanding achievements. Whereas Dr. Holstrom's leadership has also been recognized beyond the district. She was named the Philadelphia
76ers 2023 to 2024 seasons queen of the classroom and anyone who knows her knows she is a proud 76ers fan. Whereas Dr. Holmstrom lives locally with her husband Jason. She is the mother of Alex, Zoe,
and Taylor, parentheses, Anthony, and a proud mom to her grandchildren, Emilia, >> okay, and Colin. >> Through her did I say that right? >> Through her leadership, dedication to relationships and commitment to creating
opportunities for students, Dr. Hmstrom continues to inspire those around her and make a lasting impact on the Davies community. Now therefore, we I Tracy Thompson, a sworn member of Hamilton Township Committee in Mae Landon, New
Jersey, do hereby honor Dr. Jennifer Alden Holmstrom during National Women's History Month and perturu as established the 16th day of March in the year of 2026. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much. Um, I wanted to just share that when I was a kid, I used to attend Duperson School and Mr. Davies actually lived right on the corner across the street from Duperson School and when I was in 8th grade, they were in the process of naming the school in his honor. So, being a a student council
member at the time, I used to go down to the corner of Farragut because they were allowed to do things like that back then and help him across the street and walk up the steps with um to go to the various uh items that we were just celebrating him. Miss Pegelotti, Miss Birchold, had various uh community like
celebrations for him and he was a little bit older at the time. So every couple steps we would stop and we would just talk about his vision for the new school that they were going to build and how excited he was. And I learned a lot from him on those several times when I kind of walked him up the stairs. And then
Mrs. Birch told honored me uh with the ability to sing the national anthem for the groundbreaking of the school as well. So coming back to Davy School and serving as the first female principal is truly an honor. I hope I service um Mr. Davies well. Um I was there when there
was nothing there but ground and I watched them put the first shovels into the ground and it's an honor to get this on his behalf. And I don't and I only take this for the staff, the administration, the students and the school community that wanted to see a change and needed to see a difference.
We have, if you're not aware, the Dragon Network News. We are first in the state for most watched and we are third in the country. We also have a tremendous program coming through our medical biosciences where we're certifying students in first aid and CPR in seventh and eighth grade. There are many things
that we're doing, but it's not just me. And I accept this on behalf of my staff, my students, and the families that come to Davies every single day. So, go Dragons. And thank you. YOU'RE WELCOME. >> Thank you, Ken.
>> You got look as You're welcome. >> Welcome. >> Okay. Did we tell them that they don't have to stay? >> Oh, no. They have to stay. >> You don't You don't have to stay.
>> The one that was on it has to stay. >> Uh, guest presentations. We have none. >> Can we say goodbye to everyone? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Go ahead, everybody. Go enjoy your dinner while I wait till I eat at 9:00 tonight. >> Stop.
>> Be careful driving. >> Beware. I guess we can continue with uh so we have no guest presentations. We have addition deletion of late agenda items to be considered for action tonight.
>> Keep going. >> Additions 7M resolution to adopt notice of torque claim form. >> So move >> second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor?
>> I I against eyes have it. >> All right, we'll move on. Early public comment. >> We have anybody signed up? >> Yes, we have Reagan Ruffalo for 7L. I don't like reading off of my phone.
I used chat GPT because I couldn't think of anything to write and it started me off with good evening which now I feel like Count Dracula. Um but good evening members of the committee and dad. Um if you don't know my name is Reagan Ruffalo. Um I live here in Maze Landing.
was born and raised here. And um I'm here tonight to express my support of the proposed resolution that's encouraging um joint custody during a divorce or separation of the parents. Um, I don't really want to get too much into my personal experience with this,
but I will say that um, if when my parents got divorced and we started out with 50/50 custody, uh, my life, my sister's life, and my family and friends lives would have been very different. And um
sorry uh I think children benefit greatly from having meaningful relationships with both of their parents and having this kind of joint custody right off the bat would allow for more meaningful relationships and um also you
know help keep both parents actively involved in their child's lives. So um I respectfully encourage that the committee to support this resolution. Uh thank you for your time. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Christina Petain for 7L.
>> Hi, Mayor Patali, Deputy Mayor Cheek, and members of the committee. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak to y'all. I also am speaking on behalf of bills S20008
and A2963. I am here to support policies that encourage 5050 shared parenting custody and meaningful relationships between children and both of their parents. When families separate, children should not
have to lose half of their family in the process. Beginning custody cases with a presumption of 50/50 parenting time helps ensure that both parents remain active, present, and equally important in their child's lives whenever it is
safe and appropriate. In many cases, when one parent becomes marginalized in a child's life, the risk of parental alienation increases. Parental alienation occurs when a child is influenced intentionally or
unintentionally to reject or fear a loving parent. What makes this so harmful is that it places the child in the middle of adult conflict and forces them to choose sides in a relationship they should never have to choose
between. The damage to children can be significant and longlasting. Children who are alienated from a loving parent often experience confusion, guilt, anxiety, and emotional distress.
They may feel pressured to deny their own positive memories and feelings about that parent in order to maintain approval from the other. Over time, this can lead to issues with trust, identity,
and healthy relationships later in life. Many mental health professionals have also observed that children who lose contact with a loving parent may struggle with self-esteem, depression, and feelings of of
abandonment. A child naturally sees themselves as part of both parents. When they are taught to reject one parent, they may internalize that rejection and feel as though part of themselves is being
rejected as well. I've seen how damaging this can be firsthand. My fiance is a loving and devoted father who fought fought hard to remain involved in his children's lives. During a custody hearing, false
allegation allegations were brought against him. While those allegations were being sorted out, valuable time passed. During that time, his ex-wife had the opportunity to influence the children and turn them against their
father. The children were not only turned against their father, but also against their entire family. Loving uncles, aunts, and their grandmother. His mother, Anne Santilly, was heartbroken because she was not able to
see her grandchildren. She recently passed away without having the chance to rebuild that relationship. The pain of losing those years with family members can never truly be repaired. This situation has now been going on for
12 years. 12 years of lost holidays, missed birthdays, and family memory memories that should have been shared. And sadly, it is those who who lose the most when an entire side of the family is erased from their lives.
This is why shared parenting policies matter. A starting point of equal custody can help prevent one parent from being pushed out of a child's life when legal issues are being resolved. It protects children from losing meaningful
time and connection with a loving parent and the extended family who also loves them. At the same time, we recognize that not every separated couple immediately knows how to co-parent effectively. When one parent is unwilling or struggling to
cooperate, courts could require counseling or co-parenting education to help parents learn how to communicate, reduce conflict, and focus on the needs of their children. Giving parents the tools to work together can help create a
healthier environment for children and make shared custody more successful. Importantly, a shared custody presumption would not remove the court's ability to protect children. Judges would still have the authority to make different arrangements
when there are concerned about about abuse, neglect, or safety. But starting from the principle that children deserve both parents whenever possible helps ensure that loving parents are not unnecessarily separated from their
children. Ultimately, this issue is not about parents winning or losing. It is about protecting children and preserving the relationships that shape who they become. Children deserve the love, guidance, and stability of both parents whenever it is
safe to provide it. Thank you for your time, consideration, and support for the children who are our future. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's it. >> That's it. Okay. Um
being that this was discussed, I would like to move make a motion to move 7L up to be voted on now. >> Second. >> Second. >> I have a motion to second. All those in favor? I
>> So, uh, I brought this I brought this forward and, um, I know it probably really doesn't mean a whole lot, but the fact that, um, we send a resolution up to Trenton. Um, and
we have a list of of all the places that this is going to go to, um, it may help in making some of these, uh, bills move forward. So, that being said, do I have a motion? >> A motion. Second.
>> I have a motion in a second. Can I have a roll call vote on this, please? >> Mr. Aken? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cheek? >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson? >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon? >> Yes. >> Mayor Patali? >> Yes. And thank you everybody for supporting this. It means a lot to me.
And thank you Reagan and Christina and Gary. Think about you guys all the time. So now that I'm bummed out and sad >> and it passed, so you don't have to say let's keep going to something more
exciting. >> Okay. Um discussion formal action may be taken. Uh a can canvasing ordinance. Um this was something that that was um like last meeting or the meeting before, I can't remember. We we approved um
uh two companies to do some >> is it canvasing or soliciting? >> There's canvasing, soliciting, and pedaling. >> Well, whatever whatever they were approved for and some questions were raised. So, I'm going to I'm going to throw this over to our solicitor and he
can go over a couple things. he knows some some questions that were brought up and and concerns made. >> Thank you, mayor. I appreciate it. In front of committee uh is the current canvasing, pedaling, soliciting, transient vendor portion of the township code. I know that we had it on for
discussion briefly after some resolutions were passed. At the last meeting, committee asked me to take a look at what we can do to potentially strengthen that uh part of the code. And uh if you remember, we amended it about two years ago to bring it up to uh speed in terms of the canvasing. Uh but what
I'd like to put in front of you tonight is potential ability to address some of the issues that uh residents or or people in Hamilton Township might have brought to you regarding the soliciting and the pedaling part of uh the ordinance. And uh for the the benefit of the the public, the difference between
canvasing, pedaling, and soliciting is ultimately what the individuals are going house to house to do. Canvasing is typically going out and givingformational uh whether it be pamphlets or talking to people about things that may be happening. Um soliciting is where they're going doortodoor and asking for
uh either selling things or or uh doing something where they're taking orders. Uh and pedalling is where they have goods on them. They're going door to door and selling things kind of there on the spot. An example I always give are the Boy Scouts locally that go to door to door. If you're selling popcorn, you have the popcorn on you. You're
pedaling. If you are taking orders, you're soliciting. That's ultimately the difference. I know that might be a poor example because Boy Scouts are a nonprofit, but you kind of get the idea where I'm going with this. So, I know that committee last time talked about things like, uh, the IDs. Um, and as you
go through the code, uh, there are specific exceptions to who does not need to apply for a permit. A lot of those are either by case law or by uh the current statutes here in the state of New Jersey. But the individuals, usually the profit organizations that do need
permits. Uh that might be something that we could pursue if you would like me to look in that and draft um an ID process. Um you see an example of that under one of the exceptions for utility companies. I'll use AC Electric as a utility company that does not need to have a
permit for specific reasons. Um when they come out, our code already does say they have to wear their company ID or something sufficient. maybe a logo shirt or something that identifies who they are. But if we have somebody going through the permit for either soliciting
or for pedaling, that might be an option for the township who wanted to have an administrative process where as part of the application they're issued. We could also give them an ID that they're required to wear when they're going door todoor. So that would be an example of something that we may do. Um, does
township committee have a position on that or any follow-up questions? >> Um, on the on the ID, um, I kind of like the idea, but I also I don't like the idea that the township's going to be required to create these IDs and give them out.
That's just an added um, responsibility to, I would assume, the clerk's office or whomever. >> Um, that's correct. that responsibility gets moved out to. So, I'm not sure how much I like that idea. Um, it's going to be a cost. It's going to it's going to
take our employees away from doing their other responsibilities. Um, but I'm also not really totally against it either. You know, I think we got to think it over. >> Um, >> I agree, mayor. Any any change like this or has an administrative side to it,
there's always going to be a cost analysis of what it would cost and the benefits that you might get by implementing this. So that's something that I can work with the administrator to report back what something like that would entail the cost of personnel. Um and then we can outweigh it with the
benefits and and the risk in doing so. Um the cost for the permits I believe currently is about $25 for the permits. It might be something that we structure into it as long doesn't become overburdensome in terms of the cost but that might be something we can present in the future to you as well if you want us to kind of dive into.
>> Yeah. dive into that and see what the cost would be >> with the ID mayor. Would it be from their company? I mean, it shouldn't be from the township. >> Well, >> it shouldn't be from the township because everybody that works for a company, say solar. They should have IDs
from their company. >> That is that's something to take in consideration some of the research that I did. Not every company has badges or IDs. For example, I use my law firm as a business. I don't we don't issue company IDs for the business. Um, so if we didn't have something, it would be something that the council would
provide. By providing it, it wouldn't be an undue burden on the people that were applying. It would also regulate what counts as an ID. So it would be in the township's control saying this is somebody that's been approved. They will all typically be regulated so that the res township can identify and say that's
a soliciting badge. I know that that's somebody who's been issued. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, >> did you um come up with the hours that these people will be out here? Do we have like a start time and time?
>> So, as of right now under the code, the hours are 9 to9. So, it's a it's straightforward all the way through for all three sections both canvasing, soliciting, and uh pedling. Uh, I know that we had a discussion regarding a lot of the case law and the updated things
that were going on about a year or so ago regarding canvasing that's statutoily protected, but if the committee wanted to do so and to change the hours, it might be something addressed for the forprofit individuals that are not subject to the exemption list, it's kind of in our code as of now
uh to make it a change for the soliciting and then the pedaling. So, what I could do is could carve out those two portions of the the the code to change the hours if you'd like to do that as well. That's a good idea. >> Yeah, because I think nine is too late. I mean, even in the summertime, it's it might, you know, I know it's a little
later, but nine is still >> maybe a little bit too late. >> What hours was Township Committee thinking for the pedaling and soliciting? >> I mean, I think I'm just me thinking um comfortable maybe six o'clock.
>> What about dusk? So, a lot of times six o'clock depending on what time of year sometimes dusk in the winter time could be around six o'clock. Um, we could do dusk as well. >> Yeah, dusk is fine because at least like if it's seven and it's still light that would be fine. Yeah, >> it's for when it's dark.
>> A lot of municipalities do do the dusk for the >> the dust. >> Yeah. >> Would 4:30 be too early so that they're not knocking on the door and just like you're eating dinner and you're getting a call while you're in the middle of dinner. Would 4:30 be too early?
>> The issue at 4:30 is during a summer dust maybe later in >> Exactly. That's why we put a time on it. >> In my house, dinner's at 5:30 and that that's when the telemarketers call. We know it. You know, >> I in a lot of the municipalities and the
codes that I've seen, dusk is usually the consistent thing that I've seen, but I'll defer to the township committee. >> So, are we okay with doing 9:00 to dusk? 9:00. >> Sure. Desk is fine. >> I can make that adjustment.
>> The la the last uh suggestion that was brought up was uh >> potentially criminal background checks for soliciting pedaling as well. Um I did do some research or other municipalities that do this in terms of the application process. Typically, it's not a blanket restriction on certain
backgrounds. What it would do is defer that the permit prior to being given would be sent to the township police department to do a preliminary investigation. The report back if they had any concerns regarding this if the individual looked in the record if there was any history with the township uh to
refer back to us in terms of the individual didn't have the character or the moral moral turpitude as I would put it to be going doortodoor. Um, those would be specific concerns. If we put that provision in there, we could restrict permits based on that feedback.
Uh, but we would have to develop a little bit different of an appeal process. So, if it didn't go through, that individual would have the right to come back in front of Township to make an appeal if we wanted to go that route as well. And again, that wouldn't apply to the exceptions in the code. It would
apply to solicitors or peddlers that are going doortodoor. I think that's obviously something I think probably have to talk with Chief Urgga about. Um see what kind of uh issues that could cause and and make
sure we're we're not opening it >> can of worms here that just makes it harder, worse, whatever. But obviously we got >> understood >> some time before the next meeting. We can definitely discuss it and go from there.
>> Very good. But I'll work with the internal team and put something in front of you hopefully by next meeting. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, can I ask one other thing? So, we talked about um >> is there any way we could do like a
suggest or not require in there >> if the ID thing is a nogo? Like have them suggest them to wear a logo shirt if they have it something with their logo? >> Sure. uh committeement. What my suggestion on that would be is in the
code we usually try to put things in the code that are enforceable. So I think the best place to put that acceptable will be would be on the permanent application. >> So on the bottom of it suggests to put identification or identification uh should be worn or something that's not
mandatory but not mandatory for safety purposes. And I can work with the township to put language in there on the permanent application >> if you'd like to do that >> because I've had them come up with nothing. you know, they walk up with nothing on and you ask for credentials. They sometimes show you and you know,
they're you're like, >> you would think that would only that that would help them, you would think. So, you would think they would do that on their own. >> So, I think that's the best way is put it on the application. >> The other thing that was brought up at the last meeting was the license plate
number on the >> application. Add that. >> Yes, we can add that as well. We are already required to make the model and the VIN number. So there should be no the license plate license pl >> tag number is the easiest thing to see on a vehicle. You know you could say
this make this model this color but you know if you get a tag number boom something happens. >> We can add that in there as well. >> And the tag number I'm going to assume Jane would be something you could easily put on your part of our website where you list who
has the permits. Okay. Let me just ask a question with the tag number. What if it's a company car and it's not it doesn't even it's not registered by the person. You know what I'm saying? Like it could be >> registered to the driver typically the
business that's going door to door >> the individual applicants putting a copy of their ID on file as well. >> So the car will be registered to the person that's doing the soliciting. >> Not necessarily. It could be registered to a business or a corporation as well, but it's still in the permit. So, I'm
assuming that whatever vehicle they're going door to door, for example, I use my law firm as well. If they're using one of my company cars going door to door and they're soliciting, >> um, it might not be registered the individual that's going to door, but it would be the business that they're representing. >> And then they would be responsible to
know who was driving that particular car. Like we would have to be, okay, all right. >> Well, most of the times when these cars come, they don't drive to each door. They park at the end of the at the end of the street and then they walk. >> Well, you said they do. >> Where I live, they'll drive up the
driveway in the woods. >> Once you're in the woods, but where where I live at >> Yeah, I I got you. >> You know, they don't >> they've driven up. >> They don't go from house to house at Victoria Cross, right? >> Or Victoria Point. >> They park somewhere and they walk. So, the tag really wouldn't
>> benefit you, >> benefit me, >> right? But on my end, >> it would. >> Yeah. If I had an issue with one of the solicitors, you know, I'm looking at the car, I got the tag number, >> I can call or do, you know what I mean, >> right? >> Because they come down my my driveway.
>> That was just like the tag added on there is just another cushion, just another thing. >> The purpose of the tag is just for identification. There is a problem that we're looking for. So, it's one piece of information that we've identified. >> All right.
You got your marching orders? >> Yes, mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Moving on. Uh possible amendments to animal control ordinance. Um this is something else I brought up to our
solicitor. Um about uh our feral cat colonies that we have. Um, I don't know about other members of committee, but I know Brett and I get phone calls quite often about cat issues. Um and uh looked
into a couple of other ordinances from other towns and uh they had some wording in their in their ordinances that gave the animal control officer of the police department some teeth on um on helping uh neighbors out
that are having issues with feral cat colonies. So you give us a little background. >> Yes, mayor. Thank you. Thank you for bringing us our attention. Hamilton Township is not the only municipality that's dealing with this issue of feral cat colonies actually work on many of these ordinances and a lot of
municipalities that that I've worked in. Um the ordinances in front of you I I have a sample ordinance that was drafted that if committee wishes to move forward this might be something we can introduce next meeting after discussion. Uh but what it does is it bolsters our current
code on uh cats and addresses some of the issues that we see here in Hamilton Township and it's kind of bifrocated in two parts. The first part would be the uh the animal cruelty type of side of things and where individuals have these feral cat colonies on their property but
they're not taking care of the cat. So you have malnutritioned animals. They're not getting enough food, water, care, vaccinations, things that would provide for unsafe or unsanitary environments. That's part of the the part of the code that we're adding in there and strengthening for the animal control
officer. If these conditions or these issues are happening, we need to be able to go on the property, be able to address them, the penalties for individuals that aren't complying with those specific provisions. The second is the nuisance abatement. Um, a lot of times when the township gets involved or the township police get involved or
animal control get involved, it's because of a phone call that the cats are tearing up my yard, they're doing damage or all over the place or species all over. What do we do? And that's the part of the code that we need to bolster up as well. What constitutes a nuisance?
What happens and gives us power to go in and address those circumstances? So that's what's in front of you in terms of uh the categories. >> Very good. Any questions or comments? >> We'll see that at the next meeting. >> Yeah. So we can put on for introduction
the next >> and 3C excavation ordinance amendments. Mr. Solicitor. Thank you, Mayor Jump on this one as well. I actually thank uh yourself, mayor, and our township engineer, Mr. Watkins, for helping out
with this as well. Uh this was initially brought to my attention for updating uh the part of the code. It was outdated. There was a lot of fill, some permit issues in there that we needed to address. Uh but Mr. Watkins jumped in and said, "While we're in there, there are other options that would make the
code cleaner, make it better, give township more protection in terms of road openings." uh and I I'll let him speak to that briefly. Uh but I know that he worked in another municipality on doing that where it might be clear to people that are going through the permit uh process. Um allow us to move specific
uh provisions of the road opening to the street section, which made more sense to me off the bat. Um and the renamement, I believe it's uh highway permit. >> Roadway. >> Roadway. >> Roadway. Yeah. >> Um so that's part of the process. So, this is on a discussion of what we'd like to do, not only clean up the code
and update it so that it's current, but also make it more user friendly and the couch better. So, I'll turn it over to the engineer. >> Yeah, we we've come up with some ideas of trying to make it more clear, cleaner, um more direct. Uh the asphalt
mix design is off, so we want to include that. um the trench restoration um process and how to um incorporate multiple trenches in an area that it's already spelled out in the ordinance than just giving the township engineer
um carb blanch of hey you should do all this and then get an argument with them. I'd rather have it concrete in an ordinance and it's seen at the time of them obtaining the permit so they're aware of the cost that's going to happen. Um also as a roadway occupancy
permit, it can incorporate other um permits that you know the town has as well as like uh you know tree clearing permits like when you see the uh Verizon or Atlantic City Electric going out on the roadways clearing the trees. Um I
know the county has permits that are required by those agency or those uh contractors to get those tree clearing permits on their um roadways. Um, it kind of incorporates that when they go out on the municipal roads, sometimes they'll cut the tree limbs down and they
just sit there and they're not cleaning it up. Now, they have to get a permit through our permitting process um so that we have something to hold to them when we see this and say, "Hey, you didn't come back and clean up your your um tree limbs." So, it's there's a
couple other things. I think if we incorporate the ordinance, we can present it to you and u you can review it. I think that you'll see that it is and obviously we'll have to work with uh Jane's office in regards to the application a little bit changes. Um we have uh you know samples of that as well
as checklists and we'll we'll create the checklist for for the clerk's office. So it's already made. >> Very good. >> Thank you m we're looking at township committee's permission to be able to start looking to this make some of the changes that we have to make as well as
include some of these newer ideas. Mr. Rockets put something in front of you in the next meeting or two to take a look at moving forward to kind of bolster those portions of the code. >> Everybody okay with that? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Mhm.
>> Okay. >> Moving on. Public hearing adoption of ordinances. Ordinance 2130-2026. Ordinance amending exhibit A to article 2 of chapter 66 of the code the township of Hamilton and the township of Hamilton's chart of organization to
provide for the creation and amendment of certain positions and maximum salaries. Uh administrative enforcement officer, municipal enforcement officer. And I'm going to go ahead and make a motion to withdraw this.
>> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Do I need a roll call? need a roll call for the motion for >> um I have a roll call, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patelli, >> yes. >> Mayor, just for the record, if town should wish to proceed with something like this or the same exact ordinance in the future, you would have to go back through the ordinance process, including >> Understood.
Okay. Introduction of ordinances. We have none. Award of bids, contracts, change orders. 6A. Authorize engineering services to M. Watkins Associates for professional services required to complete the design
and construction inspections for the 2026 roadway improvement program phase 1 contract number 2026-06 not to exceed $128,000. Motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion. A second.
>> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon? >> Yes. >> Mayor Patel? >> Yes. >> 6B. Authorize engineering services to M. Watkins Associates
for professional services required to complete the design and construction inspections for the Dennis Foreman Drive sidewalks contract number 2026-07 not to exceed $18,000. >> Motion second. I have a motion in a
second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes. 6 C resolution approving interlocal services agreement between the township
of Hamilton and greater a Carbor school district for the installation of banners at various locations within the township for the period of 6126 through 53127 and authorizing mayor to sign >> motion
>> second >> I have a motion in a second I don't need a roll call on this do I give me a roll call go for it >> Mr. Aken. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cheek. >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Mayor Patel. >> Yes.
>> Consent agenda. >> So we >> took L's out. >> M's in. >> M's in. >> M is in. A motion for A through K and
7 M as well. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I against. Eyes have it. >> Woohoo. We're moving along now. >> Don't stop.
>> Don't stop. Personnel, we have nothing. Approvals, minutes, regular meeting minutes of March 2nd, 2026. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor? I >> I against eyes have it. Minute special
executive session meeting of February 24th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Have a motion in a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Withers, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel,
>> yes. >> Minutes. Executive session meeting minutes of March 2nd, 2026. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken. Yes, >> Mr. Cheek. >> Yes, >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes, >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Mega Patel.
>> Yes. >> Bills bill list total 3,264,879.39. >> Second. I have a motion and a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes.
>> Reports. Mr. Administrator, >> I just want to uh make sure that everyone's aware that we rolled out the 2026 Hometown Heroes program last Monday. >> If anyone in the public is interested in applying for a banner or having their
banner reinstalled on one of our roads, please reach out to my office and check our website for the application. That's all. Excellent. >> Mr. Solicitor, >> report this time. Mayor, thank you. >> Mr. engineer. >> Just a quick uh announcement that we are
receiving bids on uh March 26 for Babcock Road and the road program as well. So, you'll see them being on the agenda if um they come in favorable to be voted on April 6. >> Outstanding. >> Very good.
>> We work fast. >> All right, Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. I would like to report that I went to my first merchants association meeting and it was held here at Hamilton um at the
township hall. It was very nice and to meet a lot of the merchants and the business owners and they are planning a um Easter egg hunt on April the 4th at the Gasill Park and that flyer is out on social media.
As I'm saying that, I want to talk about how nice the U police department and pal had a wonderful egg extravaganza at head school and I attended that along with some of my other colleagues and it was very nice. It was just so nice to see
the kids having so much fun and um I enjoyed that. I went to the Atlantic County um officials Atlantic County Association of Township Officials meeting and that
was held on Friday the 13th at um Martins's in Lansville. Uh they um elected new officers. I'm not going to go through all of that. Um but they have new officers and um it
was a nice wonderful meal. Um there was the um health official came also to talk about the birds that have passed away. Some of them was bird flu. My question was were all of it birds flew were they
tested and I didn't really get a clear answer on that but some of them could have starved because there were a lot of birds and geese over at the Hamilton Mall. It was on social media. That's why I found that's how I found out about it. But I didn't go over there to check. Uh
but they were had to be picked up and done a certain way. Um also the county clerk was there, Joe Geraldo, and he spoke about property fraud alert services that
everyone who has a property can call the um clerk's office and sign up. It's a free uh service and it stops scammers from taking pretending like they have your property and they were able to
catch someone that way. And so this is a a nice uh service to the um public especially if you have a property or have properties that people are not getting fake deeds or things of that nature. That was a very very good point that he brought
out. Of course, we know that he's done 704 weddings and um he gave statistics on what had happened, how many notaries, passports and documents and so on and so forth. I brought up the weddings because it keeps
our clerk's office very busy with the weddings that he has performed. But anybody's looking out to get married, it's free. Doesn't cost anything. So good that was very very nice. Um also um
Commissioner Bartina Martina was there and he spoke and as you all know that the county Camden County pulled out of the jail and he spoke about uh the uh the county is coming up with a plan to
build a jail over here in extend the jail over here in Hamilton Township. And um so there's going to be a lot of information that's going to come out in in the in the near future. It's going to cost money and for them to do for for
them to do that. So it was a very informational um uh meeting and you got to ask questions and I was able to ask questions. You also talked about that the fire departments um were talking about the centralized um
dispatch and we went back and forth with that. Not confrontational, but I was not aware that our fire department was in favor of the centralized um
dispatch centers. Um he stated that a lot of the firefighters wanted it just from the firefighter portion of it, not the other portion, you know. So, we was talking about it response times and things like that. And
I'm sure we all know that our dues are paid to belong to this. The next meeting is going to be held on April the 10th. It's going to be at Martins and and Lansville. And if you want to go, you can go. They said, "Well, did you invite everybody?"
I said, "I'm going to reannounce it." and they it it comes in their email, but the township our our dues are paid for the whole year to attend these meetings. And it's good because it deals with the the western end of the county, you know,
um Brut, Brut Vista, everybody out that way. And it's kind of good to know exactly what's going on in other uh municipalities because sometimes we're going through the same things and some things are not different. But I was
still able to report um properly on Hamilton Township. So I was really proud about that. The Atlantic County League of Municipalities meeting that is going to be held on the 20th of this month which is Friday coming and it's going to be at Refish.
All right. So that's going to be um the meeting starts at 6:30. And if anyone wants to go to that, you're more than welcome to also to attend those. you have to go through um Shantel and she will make sure that you're registered or for the particular
meetings so you're able to attend those and talk about things that are happening inside of the Lanny County League of Municipalities from from everyone. So basically that is my report. >> Thank you >> committee man.
>> Good. You want to shorten my >> Can you start the five minutes? No, I'm good. So, first I wanted to thank Brett. Um Brett and I met and I was able to take a tour of town hall, meet and greet everybody, went over to the police station. Um officer is
officer Rizzo. >> Officer Rizzo. >> Yeah, he did a great job showing me the ins and outs, the dispatch room and all that. It was pretty uh pretty wild what they go through in there that all those cameras and videos and all. I was I was lost. So, it was it was wild, but he did a great job. It was nice to finally get
to meet everybody, you know, who works behind the scenes here in town hall public works. I'm going to set that up with him one of these days. I'd like to get over there and meet and greet and say hi to everybody over there. Um, it's coming. We just got to get the dates. Um, the mayor and I attended a
fundraiser for one of the community members who lost their house in uh, Harding Lake section to due to fire. Um, it was nice to see a big turnout there. had a basket auction, a 5050. Um, and it was real nice, like I said, to see those people in there helping helping this um
young lady out. Uh, it was funny because the mayor actually won the 50/50, donated it back, and he was the champ at the end. >> He was the greatest. Yeah. No, it was nice. It was very nice. That was held at the watering hole, and we had spoken to the young lady, you know, if she needed some help along the way, we'd be able to
help her, you know, possibly in the rebuild. So, it was it was a nice day. Um, I'd like to give a shout out to our EMS, our rescue squad, uh, people, uh, Fatima and Jonathan. Um, there was an
email that came in from a resident, um, thanking them, uh, for their kindness. I think he took a fall or something like that and they stuck by their his his side, took him where he needed to be, made sure I guess his wife was okay. And
I just wanted to give a shout out to them. That was uh that was very nice of them and it makes our you know they were warm and fuzzy and it makes our township look good with the people that um we hire to do that stuff. So I just wanted to put that out publicly. Um second or
third I did attend the POW extravaganza the the Easter egg hunt at Hess that was great Easter Bunny. We had the Smokey the Bear. Kids had a great time. It was it was a nice event. A lot of kids fun time. um also attended the Gail Luter's PTA
basket auction. This was my first time there and I was like blown away with how many and how long this took. There was like 330 baskets and it took a long time but it was fun. It it was a great event and I'm sure it raised a lot of money. I was
very impressed with one of the winners who walked out of there had to be the luckiest lady on the planet earth cuz she won everything. and she got the golden ticket, the 50/50 that >> won nine baskets. She won the >> It was absolutely crazy. Yeah. >> And yeah, she did a Yeah, she did. She
cleaned up. >> So, that was a great event. >> I was a little jealous. >> I was too when I walked down there. I actually asked her how many uh tickets she had bought. I was like, "For next year." >> Yeah. >> But I also wanted to congratulate uh Bob Frink and James House uh for their
appointments to the Hamilton Township Municipal Authority. I assisted in swearing them in. I was actually there to hold the Bible for them. So, I was pretty cool. So, I just want to say congrats to them. Um, and also I did attend the merchants association meeting with Thelma. Uh, mayor, you were there.
It was a great great event. It's it's nice to see how the businesses are, you know, coming together trying to work together with each other, you know, to grow them. It was it was a great event. You know, all the information bounced around. It it was awesome and I can't wait to attend the next one because
hopefully, like I said, you know, things grow with them. It was it was it was great. Um, I also attended a expressions in black fundraiser sponsored by the AWish and committeeman committee woman Tracy Thompson uh who recognized uh
three of our local people uh Robert Laws, Corey Bard, and Deborah Hani. Uh it was a great event um to honor those, you know, people in our uh town. So I had a great time there. Great food, great conversation. So it was awesome.
Um and that's my report. >> Very good. >> Deputy Mayor Cheek. >> Yes. Last Thursday we had there was the Atlanta County Police Graduation. I attended that and saw our two newest
officers, Michael Bole and Dalon Horsey, get badged and whatnot. And that was very nice. Saturday, I was at the PAL Easter egg hunt with everyone else that's here. As they all say, that was a very nice
event. Next year, we should mix up the three year olds and the eight-year-olds and see what happens. Today, I went to the landfill and I must say, Mr. Day, that is looking great. I I was drove around the landfill with all
the dirt in the retention pond starting. The inlets are right there ready to be installed in the uh storm piping right there. It was very nice to see. And to close it out, I have to say I'm about the proudest grandfather possible right now. When I was in high school, I was an
all-state athlete raising my two daughters. You preach that that they have to beat me, which they did. They were both two-time state champions. One played for the United States. And this weekend, my granddaughter competed against 22 other teams in the 4x4 relay
for the national championship, which is pretty impressive. And then the same granddaughter this spring will be competing for the world championship in competitive cheerleading. >> Wow. >> And I still have three more grandchildren. So that's all I have.
>> Very good. >> Nice. >> Yeah. Committeewoman Thompson. >> Okay. So, um, on March 6, I sponsored the Expressions in Black Gala as a fundraiser for a Wish nonprofit organization where we honored Hamilton
Township residents, uh, Deborah Hammani and Corey Bour for the community uh, leadership awards and uh, Robert Laws for the Trailblazer Award. Um, I want to thank my colleagues, Committee Dr. Thma Witherspoon and committee man Eric Akens
for attending and supporting because they didn't just come and talk they also supported you know with their wild. So I thank you so much. Um I also attended our PAL sponsored Easter egg hunt here at H school. I want to thank the chief
for extending it out to the head school so more of our residents were able to attend. Um this was a beautiful event and um our police officers, they did an excellent job. Um everything was beautiful. They were so hands-on with
the children and um I just I just had such a beautiful time. I loved it. Uh later on that evening, I also attended the Hamilton Township 4th annual Gail Luter PTA basket auction. And uh through my participation, I won lunch with the
principal at Shainer School. So, I'm looking forward to spending my uh lunch break with the students, the teachers, and staff there. Um, I also wanted to comment because I didn't get a chance to comment on the share custody resolution. I just really wanted to comment on that
because I really was um heartfelt um about that. I really um stand firmly on chair custody um as I am a divorce myself and went through my own issues and I really want and I and also as a licensed foster mother so I understand.
So I really wanted to just comment on that. I think that was um very good of you um Mayor Patel to put that on the agenda. Very supportive of that resolution. And uh that's it. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you. Um, yeah. Shout out to Michael Bole and Dylan Horsey. Uh, looking forward to them getting I I I guess they're already at work, correct? Yeah, they didn't didn't do anything wrong yet. We doing good. >> I would hope not.
>> And that horsey guy. You got to watch that horsey kid. I'll tell you what. Um, and let's see here. I was at the the basket auction as well. Uh, I think I've been there every year and uh every year they raise more money. I did not get a
total for this year, but uh I do know that the 50/50 that was the most that they've raised on their 50/50. So, I'm sure um they've beat the last few years without a without a doubt. I want to give a shout out to uh a local a local student.
He goes to Cedar Creek. Uh his name is Sllayton De Mo. He is the first Cedar Creek wrestler to make it to the States. uh first male wrestler to make it to the states. >> Um that's a really big deal. Yeah. >> When you consider that he came in third
at the districts and then he came in third in regions. So he really had to battle >> to get to where he got. Uh he's a junior so hopefully next year he goes a little bit further. He he lost both of his matches. Uh I know the first match he
was he was up against the number two seed and he got pinned in 29 seconds. So, he's up against those guys are they're incredible wrestlers. New Jersey puts out some great wrestlers. So, I just want to give a shout out to Sllayton did a great job. Um, and to one
of his cousins, uh, Broen, better known as Bubba Santana. He is a bull rider. Him and his brother are both bull riders here in from Maze Landing, believe it or not. Um they uh last two weeks ago uh they were down in
Fort Worth, Texas. And Bubba won the Hoie Jr. Patriot Rodeo. So good for him. Uh his brother uh Keegan, he was not able to cover his bull. Uh but his little brother Bubba
did. So shout out to them. Um the last two years they've been out to Las Vegas for the Nationals. Um, and they lit out they live out there in Mispa and they do a great job. They're uh and they're really involved with the with the municipality with our whole our whole township. They're great kids. Um, let's
see what else did I have. I think really that's pretty much it. Um, I do want to say once again, I I uh I appreciate your support for the 50/50 um custody and um as uh Chris Christina was speaking, I'm
watching my daughter back there um kind of tearing up a little bit and I almost wanted to get up and go give her a hug. Um, so it it means a lot to me and my family. Uh, and I really appreciate it and I hope that someday things like that I I I I don't wish that
on anybody. Um, uh, what Gary has gone Gary Santelli is going through is is 10 times worse than than than me and my children. And uh, it's just a shame and I just like to see you start out at 5050 and you're not
fighting over who gets time with their with their kids. just starts out at 5050 and I think that's the that's the fairest way and that's the way it should be providing that both parents are good parents. >> Uh we do know that some parents are not
the best parents in the world. So um oh one other thing I just like one more time I'd like to say uh um I don't know if it's congratulations or whatever you want to say to Amy Gatau and Dr. Jennifer Holmstrom uh for being recognized National Women's History
Month. Uh it's nice to recognize um women for that hometown women and uh and they both gave a lot and I'll kind of lean a little bit towards Amy because I know more about Amy. Um you know, she sat up here for quite a few years and
then moved up the ladder, went to the county level and uh she's very impressive what she what she did in her her short life so far. So, I'm sure she's going to be she she'll jump back into the political arena again, I'm sure, uh at some point. So, um with
that, >> just one other thing, the grocery outlet. >> Oh, yes. Yeah. >> I just wanted to mention on how well they have served our community and it was a corporate decision to close 35 stores and they were happen to be one of
them and um but they gave a lot from the short time that I've seen. um to back to the community and um gave to St. Vincent Paul and just different organizations and I'm I'm sorry to see that they are
leaving um no no fault of their own um but that's another business another ratable >> you know so we're trying to get ratables because >> the budget is coming up
very soon at the next meeting right and u me and um committee man cheeks have already met with that, you know. So, we're looking forward. We're trying to do all we can. I'm sure all of you all have got an opportunity to see the
budget as well. But it's it's tough. It's tough. It's tough. Especially when you're use losing ratables. So, I'm not going to give a budget speech tonight. We're going to save that for the next meeting. But, I just wanted to say something about the Grocery Outlet and the jobs that they had done in our
community. And I'm sure I wish them well for whatever they're going to do in the near future. >> Yeah, it's good. That's uh it was it was such a it was it was a shock because I was also at the at the merchants association meeting and Chuck uh the
owner of uh Grocery Outlet was there and he was talking up what he was doing, what he had going on, everything. the next day, literally the next day, you we're reading in the paper that Grocery Outlet's closing and we're, you know,
>> blown away. Just completely blown away. Um Chuck and his team did such a great job. He was so involved with the merchants association, other businesses. He allowed one of the other businesses to come and do a display at his store, >> another local business. Um, and it's he
uh it's it's I sure hope he figures something else out. I don't I don't he sell whatever he wants here in this town because he we're losing him and I don't even think it was two years. It was I think it was about 18 months it was and uh it's just it's
sad. And I know I know um our economic development director, Robert, was in touch with him trying to trying to figure things out, see if there's anything that we could do to help out. And uh it's pretty it's preliminary now. I don't know if it's gone really gone anywhere, but I know uh Robert will do
anything he can to try to help him out and guide him in a direction to get him back on his feet. Uh but it's just sad to see another business closed. Like Dr. Witherspoon said it's just it's it's devastating especially somebody who gave so much to the town. Um but back again
on a on a sad note. I can't get away from that. >> All right. On a good note, spring is coming. All right, everybody. Spring is coming. So, let's think about that and uh we're going to go ahead and open it up for public comment. Don't everybody rush up at once, please. Come on.
>> Motion to close. >> Got a motion to close. >> Second. >> Second. All those in favor? I >> against eyes have it. >> So we are now going to >> adjourn into executive session. Do I hear a motion? >> Motion.
>> I have a motion, a second. All those in favor? >> I >> I hear a motion to come out of executive session. >> I make a motion to come out of executive session. >> I have a motion to second. All those in favor?
>> Eyes have it. >> There's no one from the public. >> Nobody from the public. Excellent. And I have a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor?
Eyes have it. Thank you.