like to bring the Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 Township of Hamilton Committee to order. Please rise for the flag salute. >> I pledge algiance 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, the Star Ledger and the Atlantic County Record on January the 6th, 2026. Mr. Aken >> here, >> Mr. Cheek >> here. >> Miss Thompson >> here. >> Dr. Witherspoon >> here. Mayor Pati >> here.
We have a moment of silence for private reflection. Thank you. Okay, we have proclamations. Going to change things up a little bit. We're going to do a proclam proclamation for
former committeeman Rodney Gard first. Come on up, Chris. Chris is going to accept this for his dad. His dad's retired down in Delaware. You hear us down there in Delaware? >> Marilyn, I'm sorry. Maryland. >> There you go. >> Yes.
>> Very good. Good to see you. I like that shirt, by the way. I look sharp on you. >> You wore a shirt. >> Okay. Uh whereas Mr. Rodney C. Gushard was born in Orange, New Jersey and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Rodney later resided
in Maze Landing from 1980 to 2022, 42 years, and was an active member in the community. Rodney and his wife Helen raised five children in Hamilton Township and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren. Whereas Rodney attended Brooklyn Technical High School
and Howard University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and later earned a master of electrical engineering degree from the University of California, Berkeley's Institute for Transportation Studies.
While at Howard, Rodney enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps, where he was called to active duty and subsequently deployed to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. Whereas Rodney is a
trained commercial pilot and has published several articles on transportation and aviation technologies. He later retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after 33 years of service. Whereas Rodney was the first African-American to serve on the
Hamilton Township Committee. He also served on the Hamilton Township Board of Education for six years, three of which he served as board president and served as an officer on the Hamilton Township Education Fund. Whereas Rodney is a member and officer of the National
Society of Black Engineers, a life member of local VFW Post 220. Now therefore, we the swarm members of Hamilton Township Committee in Maisand, New Jersey, do hereby honor Rodney Gashard Senior during Black History
Month in perpetuity as established the 17th day of February in the year of 2026. And from what I understand, Mr. Gashard would like to speak, have some words for us. It was an honor to be voted
to serve the people of the township of Hamilton for my eight years as a cleanman. I'd like to thank you for this honor and for remembering me. I'd also like to let you all know
that uh when I think of home, in spite of all the places I've been and the time >> since I was last there, >> I always think of uh Mlanding,
Hamilton Township as my home. And we thank you for this. Go ahead. >> Thank you for this honor. >> Absolutely. You're welcome. I'm happy to say that I served with
Rodney for a couple of years and uh he he was he was a great guy. um spoke his mind, definitely cared for the community, and uh we're very happy that you call this place home. And uh we call
you one of our I guess uh one of our fathers. How's that? >> Yeah. >> You want to say anything, Chris, or you good to your dad? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm I'm very proud to be Gashard. Um
I've been privileged to have a male role model like like my father with the character that my father has. Um he's been a leader in his community um professional home life with a determination to do the right thing
for his people with calm patience, grace, and respect for others. when it could be that the path of the result of his decisions may be a path of greater resistance and maybe not
in his personal personal best interest. And also knowing that on occasion you may not get the appreciation for your efforts at the time of decisions that were made, he still did what was right.
Um, and that's what good leaders do. They lead by example, um, direction and inclusivity. >> Well, thanks for that. >> It's my honor to accept this award on
recognition on behalf of my father and mother >> who >> who gave the support to allow my father to do some of the things that he's done >> over these years. And uh I appreciate it. Um I know my mother and father appreciate it and all
the gashards appreciate it. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thanks again, Rodney. >> Thank you guys. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Bye everyone. >> Okay. I'll have over here.
>> Bye. >> Bye. All right. >> And now, Committeewoman Thompson will give proclamations for Dr. Thomas Dawson, Jr. and John Wheeler.
Okay. Whereas as Reverend Dr. Thomas Dawson Jr. has served as the senior pastor of the sore church since 1998. Prior to his call to pastorship for 13
years, Dr. Dawson held a data control title as the Philadelphia stock market and various management titles automatic data processing brokerage division providing client support to major brokerage firms such as Merl Lynch Smith
Barney and Credential. Whereas Dr. Dawson has a bachelor's of science degree in computer science from Beaver College. He has a master's of science degree in theology from Philadelphia College of Bible and a
doctorate degree in religious studies from Trinity Bible College in Summary. Whereas under the leadership of Dr. Dawson, the Soore Church has become multicultural and has grown from a
membership of 50 to over 300 and serves residents in three counties. The Soore Church has two locations in Woodbine and Richland, New Jersey. His vision has enabled the Soore Church to impact its
community by giving over $50,000 to local schools for autism awareness and thousands of coats and supplies to those in need. Through the years, Dr. Dawson's part partnership with the New Jersey food bank allows the Soore Church to
provide food to hundreds of families monthly through its sore food bank. Whereas Dr. Dawson is president of the Newark FBI Citizens Academy, Coalition for a Safe
Community, Kate May Regional Health Alliance, Kate May County Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board, Kate May County Healthy Community Coalition, Atlantic Kate May
Visage Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, committee and a board of trustees member for Atlantic Cape Community College. Dr. Dawson has received numerous awards and
honors for his industry leadership support of philanthrop philanth oh Jesus philanthropic activities and community service. His greatest value is spending
time strengthening his bond with the Lord. his family and his community. He resides in Mazeand in New Jersey with his wife Adrienne Adrien and daughter Alexandria. Now therefore, we the sworn members of
Hamilton Township Committee in Maandon, New Jersey do hereby honor Reverend Dr. Thomas Dawson Jr. during Black History Month in peru per p per p per p per p per p per p per p per p per p per p peruity as established the 17th day of
February in the year of 2026. First of all, I want to uh thank uh our mayor, our committee men and women and um so my glasses are talking to me. So, I want to thank them uh for this honor and this privilege. Uh on behalf of
myself, my family, and the Soore Church, we just count it an honor uh just to be acknowledged for all of our community uh work and things we try to do to impact the community. I know you heard a lot of uh Kate May County on there, but I've been living in Mae Landon for 21 years.
And uh and now as a ministry, we're starting to focus in the Maze Landing area with uh autism being one of our biggest uh things that we focus on. Um as we're moving forward, our theme is better together. Uh we believe that uh if we all work together, we can make our
towns, communities stronger, healthier, and safer. So once again, thank you so much. We count it a privilege. And uh my message to Maze Landon is let's get ready TO SOAR. GOOD TO SEE YOU. >> MR. Coach Wheeler, can you please come
up? I love this. Look at this. The coach is in his suit. >> Whereas John T. Willer was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, where he learned early that success is earned through resilience, discipline, and
community. Those lessons shaped his character and continued to guide his mission of service and leadership. Whereas after relocating to a Carpet Township, New Jersey during his high school years, John embraced new challenges that helped define his
purpose, uplifting and guiding young people who need structure, belief, and opportunity. John is a proud father of four daughters and being a devoted girl dad has strengthened his commitment to
lead with integrity, compassion, and accountability. Everything he does is rooted in creating a positive legacy for his family and his community. Whereas in 2015, after more
than 10 years as a youth counselor, John founded the Hamilton Elite Basketball Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, discipline, and personal development through basketball.
Under his leadership as coach Wheeler, the program has earned multiple championship seasons, but its greatest victories are the lives impacted beyond the court. Whereas John also served as an assistant for varsity basketball
coach at Oakrest High School, reinforcing the values of hard work, character, and consistency in young athletes. His mentorship continues long after the final whistle as he supports past and present players in their
academic, professional, and personal journeys. A lifelong New York Knicks and New York Giants fan. I don't know how far that's going to go here. John remains deeply connected to his roots while tirelessly advocating for
the youth of Mae Landon. His dedication reflects his belief that changing lives isn't temporarily. It's a lifelong purpose. Now, therefore, we, the sworn members of Hamilton Township Committee in Mazeand in New Jersey, do hereby
honor John T. Willard during Black History Month and perpetuity as established 17th day of February in the year of 2026. Thank y'all. I wrote a little speech. I'm going try to get through it.
I'm truly honored and deeply grateful to accept this recognition. I guess it was >> take your time. >> To be acknowledged not just as a leader and a coach, but as a servant of the community means more than just words can
express. Like history month is more than remembering the past. It's about honoring the sacrifice, resilience, and the courage of those who paved the way. True leaders don't just speak about change, they live it. Leadership isn't about titles. It's about service,
sacrifice, standing firm, and walking in purpose. I stand here today because of collective effort. My family, my friends, and parents who trusted the process, the young kings and queens who showed up every day to grow,
the mentors and the coaches who poured who cord out without hesitation. This recognition belong to all of us. We are building legacies. We are building community. We are building a future. We invest in our young youth
where we transform generations. We uplift one another. We strengthen the entire community. Thank you, Councilwoman Tracy Thomas and the Hamilton Township Committee for believing in the vision and allowing me to serve. To everyone who trust the process,
together we will rise. Thank y'all. >> Deserve it. >> Thank y'all. They know they don't have to stay. >> You don't have to stay. >> But unless you want to. >> Please, you can stay. You can stay.
>> Did you tell him to turn out the lights? I thought they were here for me. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Probably easier than >> Yeah. >> Long time since I seen Chris. >> Graduate. >> Oh, great. You know I need it.
>> Okay. Move on to addition deletion changes 6 C. Change to read resolution to award contract to VSSP Vision Care administered by Gallagher Benefit Services to provide insurance coverage
for a 2-year period beginning March 1st, 2026 not to exceed $20,000. 7 I change to read resolution accepting public land sale bid for lots 15 through
20 27 through3 and block 318 mobile and Tmont for a purchase price of $3,100 and deletions 12 termination of employment of truck driver laborer
during the probationary period. So move I have a motion. >> Second. >> I have a second. All those in favor? >> I have it. >> Early public comment on agenda items.
We have Stuart Wolf sign up for 3A. >> Hold on one second, Jordan. So, we're ready here. We're good. Okay. >> Good evening, mayor committee. How are you this evening? >> Good. >> I understand watching the last township committee meeting that you've been discussing possibly rent control
advisory in the township of Hamilton. I don't see a big issue with con convening an advisory board to look into introducing possibly rent control in the township. I listened to a few committee members
speak about the possible cost of an advisory board and I also listened to how you could limit the expenses and things of that nature for the few dollars that it would take to convene an advisory board to look
into rent control. I think it's a very important issue. As we all know, there's quite a few thousand rentals in the township of Hamilton. Some of those rentals are substandard housing. I understand that possibly if rent
control was passed, as I've looked into other municipalities in the state of New Jersey for inspections, a fee would be attached to the landlord. As you know, the average rent per unit in the township of Hamilton runs roughly $2,300 a month per
average. And it's something that we've long long long in the community have discussed. I don't think looking into it would cause any harm. It doesn't make any decisions for you, the committee. It just gives you facts. And right now, I
think the best thing that we could do is go out, receive the facts, bring it back to your body, and from there you, the elected officials, can make a decision. As you all know, because you've been
here most of your lives, some of you, the township has changed quite a bit. I don't want to discuss the other things that are tied to rent control. I would like to see you keep it to a discussion of just rent control and the other
issues that were brought up during that discussion are separate issues such as some discussions and I can't bring it up off the top of my head. The different issues that you all well know aware that we're tied to it.
I think if we strictly keep it to a discussion of rent a rent control ordinance, it would benefit the renters of this township. And I hope you'll take that into consideration and move forward with convening an advisory board within
parameters of not allowing it to go on for a year and not costing the taxpayers a fortune, but it benefits the renters as well as the landlords. And I'm sure there's quite a few landlords that would like to be involved as well as I'm a renter and I've spoken to many many
renters in the township. It would benefit everyone. And to talk about the cost in the end if you take a simple number as well roughly and I again I talked to many municipalities in the state over the last month used the number of $50
per rental property. It wouldn't in the end it wouldn't cost the taxpayers of Hamilton anything. It would generate revenue, not cost the taxpayers. It would bring in revenue to the township. I hope you take that into your consideration. And I
know we're not Pleasantville and I know we're not Atlantic City. We're Hamilton Township, but if you look at the numbers, we have more rental units in Hamilton Township than Atlantic City or Pleasantville at this point. If you go check the numbers, you'll find out I'm correct.
But the renters need to be protected, as I'm sure you're well aware. Look at what's happened in the past 10 years in this municipality. There's been quite a few problems with the rental units. And if we address them now, the
problems will not grow. Thank you for your time. And again, I'm I'd be willing to again, I'm a renter. I'd be willing to serve on an advisory board to bring the facts back to you so you can make an educated decision. Thank you for your time, Mr.
Thank you. >> We have David Reyes for 3A. >> Yeah, he stepped out. >> Um, quickly >> Floor drops out. down there. >> You haven't been down there in a while.
>> No, I haven't a long time. >> I would say it's yes, it's too late. Okay, we're gonna we're going to go ahead and move on. Anybody else? That it? >> That's it. Thank you. >> Uh, so discussions?
Move on to 3A, rent leveling update on current state legislation. So, everybody got quite a thick item uh review sheet and um
our solicitor went in went through and found all the current bills that are currently up in Trenton between Assembly and Senate, I believe. And one of the things that was discussed
was uh with all these different bills, we can introduce resolutions in support of these bills. And that would hopefully um give them some more merit, a little bit more ammunition for the
assembly people or the uh the senators that are pushing for this stuff to move them forward. So that's that's something that can be talked about. So does anybody have any comment any >> Yeah, I have >> wish to speak.
>> Yes. Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor. So, I want to respectfully say that um we need to stop like spinning this whole situation around. Um I just want to make some things clear. I am asking the
township committee to form a rent leveling advisory committee so we can exchange thoughts, plans, facts, and hopefully produce some real content to help the 29% renters in our community.
A resolution to support New Jersey state legislation is not forming a committee to give the people a voice. This is passing the buck. Respectfully, Mr. Mayor, you commented
in our last township meeting how you're really worried about finding the people to form the board. And I just wanted to let you know that I've spoken to several residents and homeowners who are willing to sign up
um for for the board, for the committee. Um, I also wanted to note that we have on this agenda tonight a request to obtain more funds for our township community events and activities committee.
So, um, God forbid if we have finances put towards a rent leveling committee to help advise families and residents on how to obtain an ordinance for a long-term lease versus a short-term lease.
which is currently the case for many of them right now. Um, we need to discuss or work on seeing about amending an ordinance that's on the books now for the uh shortterm rentals. These
residents live monthto month with the fear of being homeless with their children every 30 days. The purpose of forming a rent leveling advisory committee is to have real
discussions about verifications of report hazards in their home for the fear of eviction or re uh retaliation from the landlords. Proactive inspections will encourage landlords to address deferred
maintenance and secure safer living conditions for the residents. And um let me end by saying all suggestions and proposals will be reported to the township committee
members for review and consideration to move on. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Absolutely. I can make Can I make a motion? >> You make a motion.
>> I said that um I'mma make a motion for a rent advisory committee to be appointed tonight. So, I guess this motion is dead because nobody wants to second it. Okay. So, where do we go from here? >> That's it.
Any discussion? >> Correct. >> Mr. Yes. Motion. >> Okay. Okay. Moving on. affordable housing and developmental fee ordinances.
>> So, >> oh, we got to move it first. >> Well, this is this is a discussion right now. So, just want to open up to you for you to explain this a little bit to us so that everybody understands what's going on.
>> Okay. The um the ordinance that you have in front of you tonight is to uh repeal and replace the current um affordable housing ordinance. Eventually, essentially that ordinance that exists was adopted in 2006.
Uh so it really hasn't been updated since that time. Um there's been a third round affordable housing and now a current fourth round. So this ordinance will bring um the afford affordable housing compliant with the state
requirements for that fourth round housing element and fair share plan. Um there's no zoning change at all. It essentially just codifies um the state requirements of that fourth
round housing element. Um this is the introduction of the ordinance. The uh discussion and final adoption of the ordinance will happen on uh March 2nd. Um and statewide the plan has to be adopted by March 15. Um
but essentially um the ordinance is intended to ensure that uh very low low and moderate income units or affordable units are created with controls on affordability over time and that very low low and moderate
income households will occupy these units pursuant to statutory regulations. Um the ordinance will apply to all inclusionary developments including um affordable units and 100% affordable housing developments except where
inconsistent with the applicable laws. Um the ordinance itself is a model ordinance that was provided by the DCA. Um it has um agreement or approval with the fair housing center. Um and in
basely has just been uh modified and u made applicable to the township. Um it also provides protection um to the township for builder remedies lawsuits. So it's basically just bringing the
ordinance up to meet today's standards for housing. And the second ordinance um about the development fees, there really are no changes. The 2006 uh
ordinance um did provide that for um for residential units, one and a half% of the equalized assessed value would be provided to the township. And for um commercial development, two
and a half percent of the equalized assessed value would be uh provided to the township as well. And basically those funds stay in the township and they are utilized um essentially for affordable housing. I
mean the um the funds are put into a um affordable housing trust fund which was previously established by the 2006 ordinance. So that will remain unchanged.
um the spending plan for those pl for those funds must be approved by the um by the court and any expenditures actually of the monies that are collected have to be approved by the governing body. So there really is no changes there. It's just bringing kind
of like the verbiage up to date, but the percentages as far as the one and a half% and two and a half% for the residential and then commercial development remains the same. Sorry, I didn't get your name. >> I was just >> Oh, sorry. >> Yeah. >> Um, Deborah Wall with Palestine
Associates. >> So, in all reality, this is just the upgrade of the CO requirements. >> Exactly. And I don't have the affordable housing plan in front of me, but the township has met the third round Yeah. >> obligations and also the now the fourth
round obligation. And this just brings it up to date so that you're compound. >> Understood. >> So this was originally 2006. Is that what you said? >> The original or ordinance um the township's original ordinance was adopted in 2006. And this is just
bringing it up to date >> from 2006. >> Correct. Because for the third round, the township did not update. >> Okay. So this is kind of like bringing it up >> bringing it up two steps. >> So being kind of new. So the residential
development fees are on anything built in the township. Doesn't matter if it's regular single family home or development or >> that >> anything has that fee on >> that. That's correct. It there's no the
township does not have a fee. Say there's an affordable h um housing unit and somebody puts an addition onto it. There's no fee for that. But if it's a new housing development, new units, then there is the fee. >> But also single family, too. >> Yes.
>> Okay. So, it's everything. Okay. I just when I built back in 2001, I don't there was never they didn't have this the fee, I don't think >> back in because I don't remember that being on >> Yeah. >> any information. Okay. So, it's it's mandated to us anyway. Right. >> Correct. >> Right. >> Okay.
As a member of the planning board for the last 20 years, I feel as if the Hamilton Township has really been very close to the COA requirements and very very close to everything that was required. >> They they have, as I said, they did meet
the obligations for both the third >> and the fourth round even though the ordinance had not been updated. >> And the fees, have they increased or have they stayed the same since? They've stayed the same >> level. >> So this would just this is going to roll
into A and B introduction of ordinances. >> That's correct. >> Correct. >> So this is this was just all this was was discussion kind of bring everybody up to speed so that we all understand. >> Yeah. March 31st, right? You have to have it.
>> I believe it's March 15th. >> March 15th. >> Okay. Any other questions? Move on from discussion and actually roll right into it and we can have more if anybody has more questions. >> So, we'll go to introduction of
ordinances. We have ordinance 2128-2026, an ordinance township of Hamilton repealing and replacing chapter 203-197 >> article 50 >> 15. Yeah, I don't know my Roman numeral.
Sorry. of the land development ordinance entitled >> Yeah, it's very frustrating. They should uh the rest of the world should follow our standards and not us following theirs. Um entitled affordable housing. An introduction of of the ordinance.
>> Motion. >> We have a motion. We have a second. >> Any questions or comments? Hearing none. Uh, roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Ch, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patali, >> yes. >> Oh, yes. And introduced. >> And the public hearing for this will be March 2nd. Uh 5B, Ordinance 2129-2026, an ordinance of the Township of Hamilton, repealing and replacing
chapter 160 7 article 11 of the land development ordinance entitled mandatory affordable housing development fees. >> I'm very familiar with this as well and the percentage isn't changing. It's just
the change of the ordinance. So I motion >> second a motion and a second. Any questions or comments? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Akin, >> yes. >> Mr. Chef, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patali, >> yes. >> Oh, yes. And introduced.
>> Very good. Moving on. 6A, selection of alternate conflict labor attorney for 2026. I have a motion motion. >> Yeah. Coveners engineering and design. >> Now, this is for labor attorney.
>> Oh, this is a labor attorney. >> Um, so I wish I want a motion. Andrew Law Firm LLC. Um, Adrian, I'm sorry. Adrian, I'm sorry. >> Adrian's Law Firm LLC. >> Second. >> Motion to second. Roll call vote,
please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, yes. Mayor Patel, >> yes. All yes. >> 6B. Selection of alternate township engineer for 2026. I would like to um motion for Coroners
Engineering Design. >> Second. >> Motion a second for Collier's Engineering and Design. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patali, >> yes.
>> Yes. And carried. Resolution 6 C. Resolution to award contract to VSSP Vision Care administered by Gallagher Benefit Services provide insurance coverage for a two-year period beginning March 1st, 2026
not to exceed $20,000. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion in the second. You have a roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Ch, yes. >> Miss Thompson, yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. Mayor Patel, >> yes. >> Yes.
6 D award engineering services to M Watkins Associates for design, permitting, and construction services for Babcock Road phase 1 municipal aid in the amount of $35,750.
>> So move second. >> Have a motion and a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Question. >> Go ahead. Oh, >> um how much um how much um grant funding did we receive to page that cop?
>> We got a uh dot grant for this amount of $26,000 estimated project cost 275. >> You said the the est the anticipated >> Yeah. So the anticipated >> project cost is how much? It's 275.
So the grants cover. >> Thank you so much. >> And hopefully they come in a little bit. >> This that estimate is pretty generous. >> Okay. I'm hoping it does come in less. >> Thank you.
>> Any other questions or comments? >> No. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken? >> Yes. >> Mr. Chief? >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson? >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon? >> Yes. Yes. Mayor Pat. >> Yes. >> Oh, yes. And carry >> seven.
This the consent agenda. >> I would like >> I have a question. >> Yeah, >> I have a question. You got to move. >> Uh D1 Fleet Reserve. >> Well, we got him. >> You want to pull that one?
>> Sorry. Pull that one. Yes. Okay. >> Do we have to make the motion? >> Yeah. technically >> has been properly >> right here. A motion A through
J A through J but remove D. >> Right. But any questions? I wanted to um have some questions on J >> so we can discuss. >> Right. Do I hear a motion?
>> Motion. >> A through >> Oh, sorry. >> A B C E F G H I >> Come on, sing. >> Did somebody motion? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second.
>> Did you follow that? >> Thank you. >> I I got motion kindergarten. >> All those in favor? >> I Okay. Uh D >> D, I have a question. Oh, yeah. D uh
what what company and where are they with Fleet Reserve? Are they a local company? >> They This gets brought up every year they ask and I'll be honest, I can't remember exactly what it is, but we we looked into it and they are legitimate. >> Yeah, they work with our police department. Okay. That's the company.
>> I just looked at our at their application. out. >> So, you want to go ahead and move that then? >> I'll move that. >> Second. >> We have a motion, a second for 7D. All those in favor? I >> against
eyes. I J. Okay. So 7J, resolution appropriating 10% of future cannabis revenue collected for community and economic development. Uh
kind of the thought behind this was we're getting this cannabis money. Let's use a portion of it to try to move things forward in the township. um for such as um Main Street. We want to
look at doing things at Main Street and we want to hire uh somebody to do a study on Main Street. There's money there that was already put aside for that. If there's um talk about uh
redevelopment out at the mall and say the owner of the mall wanted to join up with us and do some type of a redevelopment agreement and we wanted to get an engineering firm to help us look at different ways we could do the mall.
The money's there. Um also uh for community development if there's um mainlanding merchants wants to have an event and uh they may need some uh they
may need police there and that would be a cost that they wouldn't be able to to cover. We could cover it. Um obviously it's all stuff that would have to be approved by us. Um, but it's just a mechanism so that the money is there so we don't have to go and try to find the
money somewhere else. And I I feel as though this is something that um, you know, a lot of people, not a lot, some people didn't want cannabis. Well, this is something that we're going to take that money and not just plug it into our budget, which we are doing, but we're
going to take some of that money and put it towards trying to do things for the town, trying to improve Maze Landing, the historic district, trying to improve, >> you know, different areas in the town. It's a mechanism to help us do that.
>> And I understand that, may I just had a question because says 10% of the future can revenue. So, how much revenue Are we taking 10%? >> How much is >> um >> we're we're collecting roughly $150,000
a year. >> So 10% would be about 15,000. >> 15,000. >> That's what we're asking >> based on last year's numbers. It's higher this year. >> It may be higher because we got other cannabis. >> Hopefully their sales are up. >> Yeah. So >> the sales are up and then we get to
>> 2024 we got 105,000 and that was just hello high. Okay. >> Right. And then we had another cannabis retail open mid mid last year. So we didn't have a full >> last year we got 148,000 >> and then so far this year it says
44,000. >> Right. That that's the only question I had because we saying 10% but I didn't know what the 10% represent. >> I would 10% of our total >> of the total but I didn't know what the total >> right >> amount of >> Yeah. We won't know what it'll be.
>> We don't know yet. Yeah, we don't know what it'll be, >> right? But roughly >> roughly roughly 10% of 150,000 based on last year's >> we about 15,000. Thank you. So um
with this money um who decides like um how much is going to the different items you just listed? Like you know what I'm saying? Um >> so it would get it would be placed so
somebody from committee places a project on the agenda go on as a discussion committee discuss it vote on whatever >> over the for example over the years there's been talk of I keep bringing up
Main Street there's been talk of hiring a firm to come in and do a study on Main Street and try to figure out you know what can we do to bring in more businesses? What can we do to help the current businesses? Um, so with with
this mechanism, the money will be there to do that. Whereas, if we didn't have this, well, we'd have to you have to budget it. Where are we going to pull that money from? Um, it's just like pretty much anything else in our budget. You know, money is money is put there and you pull from it at, you know, as
you need it for different various departments. put it kind of simply >> that that was just an example, but if any other project comes up, he could give it to you or the township
administrator to put on the agenda and we could discuss it and perhaps some of that money could go toward that project. >> Yes. Correct. >> Do we vote on every item that we discuss
and we put it be like are we voting on every >> Yeah. So it would just go up as a discussion item and you vote on that project for using that money. It could be anything you guys wanted.
>> It could be a bench. It could be something as simple as a bench, a chair, stuff like that. Okay. I >> make a motion. >> Second. >> Motion to second. All those in favor >> I against. How's
>> that? Personnel. We have nothing. Approvals minutes. regular meeting minutes of February 2nd, 2026. >> So move >> second. >> I have a motion to second. All those in favor?
>> I against >> bills. Bill list total 2 million $568,118.15. >> Motion 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 congratulate everyone that got proclamations, especially Rodney. Rodney hired me back
public works director. Um, asked a lot of good questions in the interview, put me on the spot, and held me to it times. Congratulations. That's all I have.
>> Very good. >> Mr. Solicitor, >> engineer, >> uh, nothing to report unless there's any questions. >> Um, I believe you said gas lines on Lake Drive. >> Uh, they're going to be out there tomorrow. >> Yep. Doing some work.
>> Are they going to go all the way down to Tunny? Do you know? No, there just a section uh between Rundle and uh I'm sorry, the other side street that's whatever. >> Okay. >> Yep.
>> Very good. >> Um council members, Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. I would like to report that I did attend a game for Hamilton to lead at Davy School. I guess Atlantic City POW
and we were the victors in both games. It was very very nice um to attend that game and I will be attending the uh Atlantic County League of Municipalities meeting which will be held on Friday and it's going to be held at the Crab Trap
and Summers Point. And that's my report. Drake MO. >> All right. >> So, this past two weeks that we had, I attended three of our uh board meetings uh industrial commission, um historical
preservation commission, and uh planning board meeting. So, I just uh those meetings I just want to sit in audience and then when I'm done meet and greet, you know, some of the some of the members I know, some of them I don't, you know, so I just wanted to say hi and see how everything goes. as I did back
in the day sit on the industrial commission back in 2009. So, I kind of know how that rolls rolls quick. Um on the planning board meeting, um there was a couple things on the agenda.
You had Freddy Jay's, you had a solar array at the um county building on Main Street and the Amazon minor subdivision. And um after the meeting, I kind of felt warm and fuzzy when warm and fuzzy when
um the developers, engineer, and their solicitor told the board and our professionals how it was a pleasure to work with each other. You know, everything seemed to go
smooth, you know, with what's going on. there was no hiccups and it just you know sitting in the audience when I heard that felt real good because these are the people that we put in place you know to do the job for the township you know and just to hear that like I said it it felt good you know I was like okay
these guys are they're working together they're trying to get things done in the township so I just I I just wanted to thank everybody involved in that especially going back to every uh member on the board you know they volunteer their time so I wanted to give thanks to them Um, the other thing I wanted to
say, an email we all received. Um, we give a shout out to Thomas Kohler. I'm unfamiliar with who he is, a public construction official. >> Yeah, he's right there. >> Okay. My man Thomas. I did meet him before. Now I do. I can't. It's hard to
put faces and stuff. So, anyway, a shout out. um this resident sent an email that you helped him uh when he fell on some ice and you stayed there, you know, all the time until EMT came and you know, so I just want to say thank you. That was
when I seen that email, I was like, "Wow, this this is a this is above and beyond." So, I just Well, I would hope so, but I just wanted to say thank you because that resident sent us an email and and really appreciated what you did. So, I just I just wanted to say thank
you on that. Very good. Deputy mayor, >> I have a very short one. I was out at the dump site and how impressive it is for such a long time it took us to get
there. There were at least 12 pieces of heavy equipment there. It looks to me as if they're moving the dirt from ACIT. And if you haven't been there, it's very impressive to see where they went after they stumped and grind everything to see
that where they are today. It's moving along very good after a long and frustrating time. So I have to give kudos where kudos are deserved. >> Committeewoman Thompson. >> Yes. So I want to say I look forward to
um witnessing our committee woman Dr. Thma Witherspoon to become the second vice president this Friday because I know she's going to be nominated. She will definitely get the votes um for the League of Municipality and that's that's huge for our whole um you know Atlantic
County. Um so far this has been a fun-filled month. I'm still focusing on supporting our local businesses. Um, I attended the Creative Collective's new chapter grand opening on uh February the
6. So, their new location is uh 6002 602 Main Street, Maze Landon. So, in this um store, they have so many uh custom pieces. Um what she does is she has different um creative people that
set up shop within the shop and then um they come together and then you go in there and you kind of like go to each location and buy like one of a kind pieces or different creative artwork they have there. The owner's name is Kate and she was very nice. I went there
twice cuz I did get something um custom made for a friend of mine. Next, I was uh so excited to accept um committee man Eric Akens spread kindness like sprinkles
challenge. So, I had so much fun putting my video together and getting my sprinkles poured on me by doing my challenge, which um this was a very a really uh beautiful idea initiated by the uh Hamilton Township School District and it's still
going actually still going in the township. Um, so this is this is really fun for for our I would say now they outreach throughout the county now. Um, so and we started it so this is cool. Um, uh, so I thought I would look up the
definition of kindness for us. So kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate with voluntary actions without expecting rewards. so everyone can spread sprinkles of kindness in their own way
here in our community. So that would be fun to do. In addition to keep it in alignment with Black History Month, I attended a Black History Literacy program hosted by Mrs. Veronica Silvers at the Director's Inc. Creative Arts
Center at the Hamilton Mall here in Ma Landon. Uh, special thanks to Miss Sophie, Minister Malik, and an amazing step team performance by Oakrest High School students where there were powerful and historical facts shared by
Miss Monnique Gibson highlighting the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. Also, I want to acknowledge our chief Mike Verga and the Hamilton Township Police Department who are now
participating in the Atlantic Care Arive Together program. Um I I saw the program on Facebook and I said, "Oh, that's us." So, I was so happy to see this program.
Um I always talk to Chief. I'm like, "Oh, chief. I'm concerned about this and that." You know, he listens to me. So, this program connects law enforcement officers with mental health professionals to respond to calls
involving individuals experiencing a personal crisis or a need for professional care or assistance. And I was so happy to um see the chief and our police department were involved and um
created, you know, combined in partnership for this this program because that's those are the things that I really like be concerned about. Um I want to end by saying that February 7th was my birthday and I celebrated it by
raising funds on my Facebook page for a Hamilton Township nonprofit organization. Thank you. >> Very good. Thank you. Um and I I'll jump on what committee woman Thompson said
about the Atlantic Care arrive together. Uh good job to our police department for to our chief. Uh I think that's something that'll take some pressure off of the police department and hopefully get people the help that they do need. So good good job with that. Um,
I just and I want to say um we lost we lost somebody um I believe this morning or yesterday. I'm sorry. I don't remember what it was. Jesse Jackson. And uh he's somebody who um through the years fought the fight for
civil rights going all the way back to um Martin Luther King and and way back in the early 60s. So, uh, he did a lot of work. He did a lot of good things. He moved a lot of things forward. Um, and I
I think I think things have gotten better and I'm sure he's responsible for quite a bit of that. So, we lost him and uh hopefully there'll be somebody that'll pick up that torch and keep moving forward with it. Um, so I wanted
to say that and there was uh I did catch something on uh social media William Davies Middle School was selected to present at the 2026 Model Schools Conference in Orlando,
Florida. So, that's kind of a big deal. It's good to see our town, our schools are doing stuff like that. Um, that's great. Uh, makes you feel good knowing that our schools are are doing a good job. Um, not never that I thought that
they were doing a bad job. I I really believe we have good schools here and um the sprinkle kindness I got roped into that. So I roped our chief into it and it was uh it was neat to see as uh as
Tracy said it moved throughout the t the county. >> It it really moved around. It went from Oakrest to ACIT to Absigami to Cedar Creek. >> Um and that's spread kindness. um you can't have enough kindness in the world.
So that's uh that's definitely a good thing. Um that's really all for me. I'm glad to see the snow is almost gone. I'm not going to say anything about what I've been hearing about for next for next Sunday. It seems we get snow every Sunday.
>> Uh but hopefully those are all uh they'll be thuds. Let's hope. And we don't have to to deal with that anymore. seen enough snow this year to last me for a couple of years. Uh but once again, our public works has done a great job. So kudos to
them. And uh that's really all that I have. Reagan, I will see you tomorrow for dinner. And Maddie, I miss you and I love you and I hope to see you soon. So I will now open it up to public. Hold on one second until our uh it Oh, we're
good. Our IT guy is on is on the ball. What's this? >> Trap door. >> You got me. >> Turn it back. >> Reclaim your time. Reclaim your time. >> Alen Dicks from the Park Road Glacier.
Hardly out of the house for three weeks. I have three things I wrote down. I'm hearing in the news that the state may not be going to continue that maybe they're not going to fund the state New Jersey which is a
brand new program. These tax relief programs are solely based on the state budget and the state budget is July one. That means anchor senior freeze and state New Jersey.
I also saw on the news feed the governor may be requesting not to meet the statutory deadline of the fourth Tuesday in February for the state budget address will have to approve that
if the if the state aid if they don't do the budget timely then you don't know what your state aid's going to be nor does the school districts the county or anybody body else. It's all-encompassing. And because of that, I think you need to
take both feet and jump on those brakes and think about limiting pending the decision on the state's budget into March. Limit any spending that you cannot do over the next six weeks until
you see where you're going to stand. I did look at prior budgets from 2023. You were at 300. The number is three. Is it 300,000 state aid and then it was down to 281 last
year? Is it's not it's not millions. It's hundreds of thousands. So, we've been getting less and less and less each year that 2025 was 281,000. So, I have to urge you. It's going to be tough for everybody and
and looking for new programs to spend money on. It's just not the right time. And and that's the punchline. It's just not the right time. And I have to urge you, think hard about it. Put off what you can put off. And if it means don't buy a box of paper clips this week,
don't buy them. And I won't see WB Mason speeding by my house. >> That's a wrap. Save that for the next time. Put that on my chart. I'm carrying my time. >> Anybody else? Motion to close. A >> motion to close. Second. I
>> have a second. All those in favor? >> I against. Okay. We will be adjourning and going into executive session. We will not be coming out. Correct. >> That's correct. There are no formal action. >> Okay.
>> I hear a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> Motion to second. All those in favor? I >> against. Motion to go into executive session. >> Motion to go into executive session.
>> Can I say one thing? I'm sorry. >> Are you Am I still rolling? >> Yes. >> Starting March 1st, we will no longer be advertising in the newspaper meetings and >> legal advertisements.
>> Legal advertisements. legal advertisements will be on our website. So, just so everybody knows, I'm sorry, >> Rita. >> Because of the state. >> That's what Alen says. I don't I don't
know. I don't know if I believe. >> All right. >> All right.