bring the Monday, April 20th, 26 meeting to order. Please rise to the flag of the United States of America, 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 Pati >> here. >> We have a moment of silence for private reflection. Thank you.
Proclamations. We have a proclamation for Hamilton elite basketball team. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Okay. Whereas the Hamilton elite basketball
organization is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the court through discipline, teamwork, and character. Whereas the junior varsity JV team has demonstrated unwavering de d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d dedication,
resilience, and elite performance throughout the season, finishing with an undefeated record and securing their second consecutive Cape Atlantic Junior Cow Championship.
Whereas the pee-wee team has exemplified the true spirit of the game through growth, determination, and excellence, achieving an undefeated season and capturing the March Madness Championship.
Whereas these outstanding accomplishments are the direct result of countless hours of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice by the players along with the leadership, mentorship, and guidance of their coaches. Whereas
the success of both teams reflects the strength, vision, and culture of the Hamilton elite organization, which continues to develop not only exceptional student athletes, but also outstanding young individuals within the
community. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the sworn members of Hamilton Township Committee in Maand, New Jersey, do hereby proudly recognize and celebrate the undefeated seasons of both the junior varsity and PV teams of
Hamilton elite, honoring their excellence, teamwork, and dedication to the game of basketball and pertu as established this 20th day of April in the year of 2026. coach up. I want to say thank y'all
Hamilton Township. I got a little note here to read real quick. Take too much of your time. We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Hamilton Township Committee for recognizing honoring our youth. We are truly proud to represent Hampton Township and this
acknowledgement goes a long way as these young athletes continue to grow. The life lessons learned through sports discipline, teamwork, respect, and perseverance are values that will guide them well beyond the game. Hamilton le been a part of the this community for
the past 11 years, consistently making a positive impact on our youth and their families. We are committed to create an environment where our players and are supported both on and off the court helping them develop not only as athletes but young men and women of
character. We are proud to serve share that our program have achieved championships for the second year in a row. An accomplishment that reflects the hard work, dedication and comm commitment of our players and coaches. Our goal is to
continue uplifting and supporting our youth while leaving a lasting impact that reaches far beyond today. We strive to inspire them to succeed in all areas of life and to carry the values they've learned with them into the future. Thank
you again for the recognition and continued support of our program and the youth of Hamilton Township. our P our PE our JB and uh PB players come up take a picture of the committee if you don't mind. >> Yeah.
>> Come on players. Good job. Good job. Good job. Congratul Oh, wow. >> There's no calories in there. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> You got to take this Look at this. >> Thank you, sir. >> You asked. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Next, we have guest presentations. Homeless initiative program in Atlantic County. >> Sodto.
>> Sodto. Good evening all of you. Thank you for having me here tonight. It's a pleasure to be here. I recently became since January the new CEO of the Spanish Community Center. Um the center opened back in 1969
when we were getting agricultural workers from the island of Puerto Rico and now the migrant workers are mostly from South America. We have uh different programs for the overall population, not only Latinos. Everyone is getting our services. And I wanted to let you know
that we're servicing Hamilton Township. We started a food pantry mobile program, which um committee woman Tracy Thompson came with me the other day. We're distributing uh different food throughout the county. We are starting a
new uh homeless prevention program. We have a couple um who are two case managers who are working with the homeless in our communities. Uh what they're doing is providing uh basic needs. Right now we do not have a shelter, but we are referring people to
different shelters in the area as well as if you get any calls, you can reach out to the Spanish Community Center will be more than happy to provide them um mental health uh provide them food distribution as well as any other case management necessities that they need.
Uh we are very proud to say that we started inh home therapy for older adults. We have quite a few clients from T Hamilton Township as well as different families in the overall community as well as parenting classes. And most
recently we just did a partnership with Ideal Institute and we're giving scholarships for youth between the ages of 16 to 24 uh if they want to become an electrician or HVAC technician. we have that connection. We're very proud uh to
be able to say that we have five kids from Hamilton Township who applied for the scholarships. Thank you so much. Any questions? >> How can people contact you through the um Spanish Community Center? >> Yes, it's uh 8566972967
or 6093451249. We have an office in Atlantic City, 3900 Bretner, and another office in Landisville, 303 Sumar Avenue in Landisville. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay, we have uh no addition or deletions, no late late agenda items. So, we will move on to discussion. Oh, no. Anybody sign up for early public comment? Sorry, >> we have no one signed up. >> Thank you. Uh discussion, formal action
may be taken. >> We're going to go with presentation of township of Hamilton watershed improvement plan phase one Remington and Verdict engineers, Mr. Smith and Mr. Bogle from our office.
Good evening, Mayor Township Committee. Uh we're here to present the watershed inventory report that our office prepared for Hamilton Township. It's the first step in a multi-step process. The next phase is the wershed wers I apologize I'm talking funny. I just had
a tooth filled. It's the watershed assessment report which is due January 1st, 2027. And then it follows up with the watershed improvement plan which is due December 31st, 2027. Um I provided Mr. null with a copy of the fact sheet and a copy of the report. I also
provided Mr. Watkins with a copy of the the fact sheet and the report and I'm going to leave a couple additional copies of report and also the fact sheet. I'm going to be submitting the copy of the report to Mr. old to put on the the township stormwater website so
that residents and constituents can review it and then they provide comments to the email address that's on the the fact sheet and the comments will be incorporated along with comments we received from the D but Rich is going to give you a little bit more in-depth
explanation of what the the report is. All right. Good evening, mayor, members, administrator, chair. >> Uh, Bob covered a lot of what I was going to cover. So, basically, this report is a pretty in-depth review of all of your assets in your community,
all your in it's an inventory of all your outfalls, all of your interconnections, all your inlets, all your all your flows from and to other entities such as the county or private entities. And it it defines all of your impervious surface. It ini it defines all your
TMDLs which are total D daily maximum limits which are impairments into water. What what affects the water quality in the community. There are 20 wheds in Hamilton County or in Hamilton Township. It is the most that we've dealt with at
least I've dealt with the next closest 17. Phase two will take a look at those impairments predominantly phosphorus, mercury, fecal caulifform and what things can be done operationally and engineering wise
to control the quality of the water or improve the quality of water over time. This report will be needs to be posted for 60 days and we'll receive any comment. The comments will go to the public works department. We have an email address which is on the fact sheet
and then we can either working with Mr. Watkins or Mr. Watkins can answer them or we can answer them have a second follow-up meeting to to share what those questions were and then you have to have two public meetings during the remainder of this year to talk about the phase two
which is a little more in depth. What things can you do to improve that water quality over the next m x number of years? You have to identify funding sources. You have to identify what type of projects and they can be either engineering or operational. So
operational would affect your public works department like street sweeping. Say you're going to sweep more streets. You have a requirement under the current permit. But you may say, "Okay, we want to improve it by getting X off the ground. So we're going to we're going to sweep four more times a year." I'm just
using examples. or you do engineering controls like MTDs to control stuff going into your outposts. That's capital intensive. So, you're going to have to plan for that. And in the third phase, you actually identify an implementation schedule of that.
In addition, there's two other things you need to do with storm water under the permit. You need to revise your storm water management plan by January 1, 2028 or the end of this year or 27, I'm sorry, January 1, 2027. your storm water management plan needs to be revised. And there is a template on the
state website that allows you to do that. And you also, and you probably may remember this, in 2024, you had to revise your stormwater control ordinance. It has to be revised again. And that's in direct uh response to New
Jersey REAL, which is climate control enactment that was put in last year. So, if a anyone have any questions? I know it's a lot of material. Uh the report's pretty detailed. I worked with a team of people to do it. Mr. Rocket, if you have any questions, by all means, you can
give me a call, you know, give me a shout or reach out to Bob. Any questions about this at all? >> Questions? Anybody? >> No, sir. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you for having us. >> Thank you, Mayor.
Moving on, we'll go to a land landfill redevelopment update from uh REN resource renewal, Jeff Day. >> Good evening everyone, mayor, members of committee. Um I'm going to sit up here. So I got
Oh boy. All right. Anyway, apologies. Uh, so we'll move through this quickly. Um, last time, so everything's going pretty well out on the site. Uh, we got a couple challenges with paperwork uh that
we're dealing with, and we'll we'll touch on some. So, this is the design plan and uh as you can see here, um this is just a little bit of a refresher. Uh we've got the main landfill lot, the four other
lots on the side. Working with uh Robert uh and Emily on trying to get those lots incorporated into the redevelopment area and the redevelopment plan. Uh moving that process forward is important for us. and uh the slot 57 and the four
adjacent lots as we discussed before. This also shows the uh corridor around the site, the 100 foot corridor that the uh pine is required for habitat protection for the redheaded woodpecker. We're to accommodate that and the change
uh the township added lot 5815 bottom right hand corner. This is one of the cool shots I was talking about. Uh this is uh this is actually from March uh to third week in March. Um we're looking from the
southwest corner. So Ninth Street down in the corner here. Uh you can see the services. I didn't advance the screen. I'm just looking at it myself. My bad. Um so uh this is the southwest corner. You can see the special services school
up in the up in the far corner there. These are two of the basins in the bottom area. The basins are now installed uh and uh cordoned off with with silk fence. And the next step for the basins uh once we finish the grading up top is
to install the inlets and the outlets into the storm swailes that collects the water running off the landfill and that uh diverts through uh into an inlet and through an outlet into the basin. So this is from the other side in the other
corner. This is basically the lot 5815 down the bottom right hand corner of the site plan and shows you from the other side these basins here and you can see uh let me see so there's two basins here there's uh
three basins along the southwest corridor here and then there other basins are up in the top next here this is a more recent shot from this month uh I believe it was last week or the week before. The darker material
is the top soil. So that area is already graded to minus 6 in and then the top six inches of top soil goes on top of that. Uh you can see the the storm water structures uh inlets and and outfall uh concrete pieces down there in
the bottom left hand side. So, uh, making great progress, moving right along, and, uh, um, we anticipate that top soil import will be completed this week, this this week. And, uh, then we'll get to a final grading uh, of the
site. Uh, and then the storm water infrastructure will start to go in as I discussed before. That's going to be take uh, during the next 30 days or so. Uh, major construction act and as soon as the storm water's installed, etc., Then we'll seed the entire site hydro.
Um the major construction work ought to be finished by June uh with demobilization follow then we're going to wait for grass to grow. Um and there's a lot of other activities. We'll reinstall the monitoring wells, start the monitoring wall uh program and
that's reflected in this schedule. Um, I had uh some other issues I was dealing with with my family today, so I didn't get a chance to print out the larger ones for you. But I'm going to update this schedule and overlay the solar tasks and schedule and in integrate that
into this. And I'll provide uh uh Brett and uh Robert and everybody uh copies of that probably toward the first or second week in May. Uh we've got a meeting next week. So this basically shows you what we
talked about the the line there is today. We've got the other construction activities. Those other bars going out in the sort of bottom third of the is the quarterly groundwater monitoring and we submit our reports etc to the D and that last bar on the bottom is a D
reviewing the final reports the permit applications and issuing those. And this basically has us uh getting completion and issue of an REO toward the end of uh end of 27. Uh we'll be finished with most of our construction as I mentioned
made a joke about the grass growing. U the solar development activities and uh engineering and planning is is ongoing. They've submitted their interconnection application with the utility. uh they had a pre uh workshop meeting here with
uh township and um I anticipate that I think they told me that the their Pinelands application let's look at that now this is the the draft uh storm water uh sorry soil erosion control plant from their application it's going to go into
Pinelands and we've talked about this before you can see that shoot the this is the actual panels and the layout in the middle there is uh uh our our equipment pads where the inverters and uh interconnections and transformers and
stuff will will sit and then we'll have the two projects, one running out towa and the other going out to the corner of 19th Street like that. Um those are the two interconnection points we talked about in the past and this just gives you I thought this rather than the other one gave a clearer picture of exactly
where the solar being sold, how it's going to connect to the vehicle. Um, as we mentioned before, um, probably we we got shaved down a little bit on our interconnection. So, the the project's probably going to be a seven megawatt project or just under seven megawatts
with with five going to the to 19th Street and the the balance going out to. And again, we've got a summary of the the benefit there at the bottom to the uh to the individual household total in savings in electrical costs. Uh
we'll have uh as I said workshops and so forth as we get into probably toward the end of this year, middle third part of this year with uh how to sign up and how to get uh sign up for the community solar program
that I think that's when we'll have that. It might be a little bit late. It might be the beginning of next year once this the U interconnection and uh community solar approvals in place. That's all the things that that we're doing there. Uh site plan application.
I'm not sure exactly when that's going to be. I'm not sure if they're going to wait for Pinelands or come in during that review process by Pinelands, but that ought to be in the next couple of months as well. So, that's all rolling. So, they've got engineering planning approvals. They're going to be getting uh construction of the solar array
should start sometime between a year from now and uh middle of next year. Uh it's about a six-month project and hopefully uh I think the plan would be to have electrical uh finished with electrical production toward the end of
next year into the first quarter schedule that we're on right now. Um that's all I had slides answering questions. >> Very good. Any any questions anymore? >> Uh yes. Um do you know when the um solar
project will be coming in front of the planning board? >> Uh they're going to submit the application sometime in the next two months I believe. >> Two months. Okay. >> Could could be could be as soon as sometime in May. I'm not sure if they're going to wait for final review or come
in while that's going on. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And the only other thing I'll add is a this is the other paperwork I mentioned. We're having a little trouble with the clearing title on the landfill lot. As some of you might know, tell me that that lot used to have 500 individual
lots in the day. They've cleared like 370 of them. And so we're going to be working I'm reaching out to Robert and Brett working with trying to find those records of when it's obviously important to clear title
and get title. We're challenging. >> Any other questions or comments? >> Very good. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. So moving on to 3C
Amazon presentation of redevelopment agreement. Presentation of amendment to redevelopment agreement. >> Hi Emily. >> Um Emily Given redevelopment council for the township. Um, as the mayor mentioned, we're here this evening um
for a presentation to committee of a proposed amendment to the redevelopment agreement that was entered into between Amazon and the township. Um, the initial agreement was for the redevelopment of a portion of the former Atlantic City racetrack. The project is still
anticipated to be there. um and the um area that the project needs to encompass has increased. So minor subdivision was was done um approved already. Um, our agreement reflected
very specific criteria for the project and so the amendment is required because the project parameters have changed and we do have representatives of Amazon here tonight to fully explain to committee and to the public what those are. Um,
and um, I have provided a brief summary to the committee of the changes so that you can follow along um, that that are reflected in the amendment. Um but basically it is to um describe the project as it is going to be presented through their site plan application to
the planning board. Um defines um what the overall project site is. Now that area is larger um and gives um parameters for uh the community benefits if there is a substantial um development
impact from the from the project itself. And there's a committee that's going to be evaluating that um through Mr. Goodman's office. Um when the project is ready for construction
permits, that's when that impact um fee will be paid. So, I'm going to turn this over to Mr. Joe Papo and Danielle Aristi. Correct. >> Okay. >> Thank you very much. Um could you go to the first exhibit? There should be two.
The exhibit A. Good evening, mayor, township committee members. Uh Joe Pero from Porzio, Bramberg, and Newman. On behalf of Amazon.com Services LLC, I have with me Daniellea Rristie. >> Good evening, mayor and committee members. Thank you for your time this
evening. >> And and mayor, committee members, as Miss Given stated, we are here for an amendment to the redevelopment agreement. and we wanted to take the opportunity not just to talk about that but to also give uh the township a progress update status update on where
the project stands currently. So approximately one year ago, as a matter of fact, April 22nd of 2025, the redevelopment agreement with Amazon was executed, um immediately after the execution of that agreement, the Amazon team moved forward diligently with
submitting plans for the uh project to the Hamilton Township Planning Board as well as the county um for review of that site plan and subdivision. While those applications were pending, uh, Amazon, it's always innovating, uh, came up with a new and enhanced
prototype, uh, for this site. Um, that prototype required modifications to the the design. Um so in order to incorporate those design changes and to keep the project moving uh the team separated the subdivision uh from the
site plan because the site plan required extensive revisions from an engineering standpoint allowing us to move forward with the subdivision while those revisions were being made. Uh we did appear before the planning board of Hamilton Township in February uh for the subdivision of the parcel of the
Atlantic City Race Force into the two parcels in question. Um the subdivision that was approved by the planning board uh provides a larger parcel for the Amazon facility and that's due to the design change. As you'll hear this evening, the uh original prototype was a
multi-storied uh distribution and fulfillment center. Uh that uh prototype was replaced with a more traditional one-story uh we'll call it um uh facility. So instead of going more vertical, it's now lower and it's taking
up more land area. So the subdivision needed to be modified and the lot configurations. Again, that was submitted to the county and to the township planning board or just the subdivision and that was approved to allow these two parcels to be separated
legally. Uh it was approved by both Hamilton Township and County. Um after the subdivision, the engineering team, we do have representatives here this evening. uh moved forward diligently again with the revisions to the site plan materials. Those were resubmitted uh back to Hamilton Township and they
are currently under review by the township's consultants uh engineers and planners. Um and we expect to hear shortly uh as to whether or not the application the revised application is now complete can be scheduled for site plan review by the planning board. Um,
so that's just a quick progress uh and status update as to where the project sits. And as Miss Gibbons stated, because the configuration and the layout change, the redevelopment agreement that we entered into with the township back almost a year ago needs to be updated
and brought current so that it'll it aligns with this new design. Um the changes primarily in the redevelopment agreement amendment that you have before you are just that to refine the project description to reflect the new footprint to reflect the fact that it's no longer
a multi-story building. It's down to a more traditional one-story building and also to change some other terms of the redevelopment agreement primarily the project schedule. Uh in light of this pivot that Amazon uh needed to uh incorporate into this project the project schedule had to be adjusted
accordingly. Um the good news is that we did make progress with your planning board on the subdivision. While these details were being revised, the Pinelands Commission also has seen the uh revised concept and they have made a determination that the changes are not significant enough to require a new
certificate of filing. So the pilance commission is allowing us to proceed under the original certificate of filing because again although in Amazon's world this is significant change to the rest of us it's it's not as significant when it comes to a site plan review uh
position on what's needed to be done uh to advance the project. the what you have on the screen uh before you is the approved subdivision plan from the planning board. And you'll note in the upper uh portion of the screen
that larger parcel uh is the uh proposed Amazon parcel. The remainder is shown at the bottom of your screen. Um and so again this reconfiguration of the parcels was done again to accommodate uh
the changes in the facilities layout on the site. Um so in addition to the subdivision if you wanted to here it comes. We're going to go to the next uh exhibit which is both these exhibits are attached to your RDA
amendment. Uh the next exhibit, this is the new conceptual site. Again, it shows the uh one-story facility with the associated parking and trailer parking on the larger parcel that was
created by the subdivision. The good news is that there are no um new deviations or you know variances or anything that uh would distinguish this project from the redevelopment plan that was put in place. Um, this project will
comply with the redevelopment plan goals and objectives and the zoning guidelines of township of Hamilton for this site. Uh, there were some sign uh sign variances or I'll call them deviations that were originally requested as part of the first application um for some of
the directional signs that weren't uh contemplated when the redevelopment plan was put together. Those directional signs most likely will still be part of this proposal, but again, no deviations from any of the zoning requirements of your redevelopment plan. Uh setbacks,
height, all of those things, parking requirements, everything's still being met. Again, this is really being done to accommodate the new configuration. Um I mentioned that the pilance has already weighed in on this and feels like these changes are not significant enough to warrant a new certificate of filing. um
and all the other components of the redevelopment plan such as sound attenuation and screening and landscaping are all still being incorporated in this proposal. I'd like to just have Danielle Aristi come forward again just briefly to talk about Amazon's pivot to this latest and
greatest uh prototype and to you know just again confirm that nothing from an operational standpoint is really changing from what we presented to you almost a year ago. >> Thank you Joe. Yeah. So, while we're considering, we call it a change. Um,
the way that these buildings work in all of our program and all of our networks, this is a first mile site, it is the journey um of the package. That's where it begins in our first mile site. So, this will be what we call an ARS, an Amazon robotics sortation fulfillment
center. That's the same facility that was proposed um originally when we were here roughly a year ago. But however, we have rolled out a complete new design template. Um, so because of where we were in the project, we got caught up in
it. Um, and we had to pivot to that. Um, the good news about it is the operation that's occurring in this building, while Joe said the prior version was more vertical um, and this is more horizontal, it's still the same activities. It's packages, not packages,
I'm sorry. Product coming in typically on pallets that'll be broken down, put onto totes, um, moved through material handling equipment, and then stored on racking that gets moved around by robotics, uh, or robots, that's what we
call them, um, an ARS facility. Um, and then when a customer hits purchase on the website or on the app, that will trigger for that item to be moved again by a robot over to a working station where that is picked. Um, and the customer order is fulfilled, put into a
box or a package, labeled, and sent outbound. So, it's really the same um activity occurring. It's the same exact type of facility that was previously contemplated. Um although we are reducing the square footage for this
operation, we are still um going to be creating roughly 750 full-time um jobs for this facility, which was the same under the the prior um application. So, I'm happy to report that that's not changing. Um and I think you know Joe
covered the more technical aspects, but it's same thing just our latest and greatest design. Mayor, one thing I neglected when I was going over the components of this project that are the same and some of the goals and objectives of the
redevelopment plan. Uh there is an encouragement in the redevelopment plan as everyone's aware to have Leipig Avenue once it's improved to accommodate this facility dedicated to Atlantic County. That's also included in this proposal and that's currently under review by the township's consultants. So
that also is another component that's been just carried forward. There is no change access to the facility. All four entrances on light will remain. Those are the same. Those roadway improvements that'll be constructed as part of this redevelopment once they are constructed
and inspected by the county to their satisfaction. That roadway will be dedicated to county. Again, none of those components change. We we're happy to answer any questions. Again, we do have representative Kimley Moore. Again, this is planning board
meeting, so but we wanted to happen here in case there's any technical comments, but we can represent and I'm sure your professionals weigh in on it that this proposal in our opinion is consistent with the goals and objectives of the redevelopment. >> Thank you.
>> So, I just this might be just an overlook, but on your plans here, >> yes, >> it's it's saying proposed twotory warehouse. Yeah, that's a great point. It's not >> changing to a one-story level. >> No, I think the reference is inside this building, and Danielle can speak a
little bit more in detail operationally, there's actually a mezzanine level. Uh there's a raised platform inside this one-story building where the robotic equipment and other technologies are held and housed. Uh that helps the package, you know, product process. But
Daniel, did you want to weigh in briefly on the mezzanine? That's the reason why from an engineering standpoint, from a building code standpoint, they're calling it two stories because there's a mezzanine level inside. >> Any other questions, comments? >> Just want it's very a very well put
together presentation and I just see that in 36 months it should be complete with construction. What is the date? proposed date. >> So, we don't have an exact date yet because we still have to go through the planning board um and get that approval
and they get the final Pineelands Commission approval that would allow the township to issue the the permits. Um but yeah, there the redevelopment agreement allows for 36 months from that point um to construct.
>> Thank you. The good news is that again we're a bit ahead of schedule because of the fact that we did separate out the subdivision from the site plan. We're able to at least check that box while the site plan technical engineering was being revised. So we should be uh you
know again moving forward as quickly as possible. >> Any other questions, comments? >> I just I'm happy to hear that you still were able to keep about 750 employees. So that was very good. I'm excited to hear about that. >> Thank you.
>> Bless you. >> We're happy to keep that consistent. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Oh, good. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> And mayor committee, you do have a resolution before you um to approve this amendment. Um, and you are also making a
determination through this resolution um that the proposal that you saw this evening is consistent with the redevelopment plan um and the amended redevelopment agreement. >> That being said, make a motion.
>> I have a motion to second. We have a roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cheek. >> Just one item. Yes, >> very good. Moving on. discussion 2026
Cove staffing. Mr. Administrator, >> good evening. So, at the last meeting, we hired a new youth services protection coordinator. Um, one of the things that we've been discussing over the last couple months,
Carol's actually come in in May, is uh de day manager and possibly adding a deputy day manager to the code when the day manager is take a day off or pass unexpectedly started looking at the existing staff
from last year that are going to be coming back this year. And one of the things that I would like to do is change one of our current HVAC positions, HVAC check positions to a deputy day manager position.
It would keep the head count the same ordinance to create this middle management position absence of any questions or comments. So, we need a motion for Ken to go ahead
and prepare this ordinance. Mayor motion. >> Motion. >> I have a motion, a second. All those in favor? >> I against eyes have it. Next discussion enhancing township code enforcement.
>> Brett and Robert I met with the committee at the time and one of the the marching orders from the committee was to do a better job with with code enforcement, property maintenance, um streamline line the process and be
more proactive with code enforcement and property maintenance enforcement. Uh I three years ago I I've been searching for an answer on this. Um our our code enforce right now code enforcement falls under the construction
office. They do a good job with it. Um unfortunately they're very busy with um they do mostly do fire prevention lead inspections. um very busy with that and we are very reactive over there. We you
know if we get a call we go and we we deal with it. The goal is to be more proactive with go out, send send inspector out every day, break the town out into five different sections and each day hit a different
section and go through all the neighborhoods and problem areas and write violations and uh with the goal of getting properties back into compliance. The goal here isn't to make this a money maker. This isn't supposed to be a money maker. It's
supposed to get properties into compliance. Um, to do this, we need to move code enforcement over to the under under community development. And we want to talk, Robert's going to talk about the creation of municipal enforcement
officer, which would basically dissolve the existing zoning officer's position and add several, I think nine new duties to the position, new oversightes to the position, and then having an administrative enforcement officer
overseeing uh this position as well as the as well as the office and code enforcement as a whole. So basically uh we're going to we're going to talk about the the creation of the municipal enforcement officers position. This is an integrative
enforcement and compliance role uh for the township. The overall purpose is to again take what the zoning officer's duties are and morph those into position that is going to deal with
environmental issues in the township, health, nuisance issues, quality of life issues. We talked about property maintenance and we're going to take it a step further and we're going to look at redevelopment sites. Um, one of the things that happens in the town,
we have projects come through, um, and there's certain stipulations that they need, they need to meet once they're open. Right now, it's, um, who's checking on that? who's who's going back and making sure that um a business, you
know, after they open six months down the road, uh part of their agreement was to seal coat the parking lot or get the parking lot striped or add this tree or uh move this trash enclosure, redo this trash enclosure. Really, it's it's um
I guess it would fall under the engineering, but this is this is um more of a a dayto-day where this municipal enforcement officer is out on the road and he's he's checking he's going out and he's he's checking these commercial
sites. He's also checking on residential issues and he's reporting back to the administrative enforcement officer who ultimately reports back to me and you know that's
>> correct. >> So uh just as an int introduction my name is Robert Gum. I'm director of community and economic development responsible for planning zoning and redevelopment. I also want to introduce my colleague Stephen Hartzell who is the existing zoning officer and I've been
working with him over the last year and a half in the time that I've been here. I come from a background where I've done a lot of code enforcement in the past and working with the courts in a tightly bound municipal system we got here and you know the uh the court is handled
different because it's now been separated out to the county. Uh I can say that we've uh learned a lot in this process and as a result we've also made some great progress in terms of enforcing uh zoning ordinances and violations and gotten some great successes and have been able to chip
away at at a number of long-term cases that have been open. I'd also say most recently we had a you know we've kind of proven out that we've got a an improving relationship with the local Atlantic County court system and their officials and they've been open to reforms that
we've been suggesting and uh we've we've you know we've entertained this concept with them and uh they understand you know what the balancing act of being able to streamline all this and in a crossjurisdictional way and still be effective.
Uh when we took a look at this last time, we were just looking at uh kind of having Steve do both zoning enforcement and code enforcement. But the more and more we looked at it, we also realized that many times we were being asked to take a look at uh complaints and
violations, which were often outside that, but was certainly within the purview of the, you know, municipal uh domain for, you know, calling out violations of behavior. a lot of them often under the nuisance authority of the township. But by going through the
ordinance itself, I actually discovered a number of items where we've actually called this out. Um, probably little known that there's actually an environmental enforcement officer defined in our ordinance, which I did not know about until we started taking a
look at this. And if we take a look at the first block here under environmental enforcement, what I've tried to do is try to capture what those elements are that the ordinance defines or at least we fall under jurisdiction for uh what a basis we have authority for enforcing it
and then what we would expect the municipal enforcement officer to do in response and uh it's unfortunately a little cut off. I've also tried to identify where I thought it was important for us to define where there are limits where we cannot act jurisdictionally and understand what
those limits are so that we're you know make sure that we're playing nice in the sandbox with any other jurisdiction or agency. I won't read through these line by line but I would invite you to look through them and if there's questions after this presentation to please give myself or Brett a call and uh we'll
certainly work through this with you. Uh we've certainly dealt with environmental enforcement issues. We last year we had an incident where Intex was uh generating a great deal of plastic dust that was escaping their facility and we were able to find the jurisdiction by
which we could send them a violation. We did and thankfully they were very cooperative and they were able to get it fixed up in a very short time frame. Uh we've also had complaints uh under the uh domain of health enforcement uh mostly during the great uh egg inflation
and everyone thought they'd become millionaires by suddenly popping up a lot of coups in their yard. It raised a lot of questions about health and safety especially in residential neighborhoods and we were able to start working those issues and it's thankfully calmed down
under nuisance and quality of life. Um this is a general power of most municipalities, but it's also one that enables us to cover um a great number of general complaints. Basically, the general principle is if you're somehow doing something which is violating your
neighbor's rights. It would normally fall under the nuisance authority and we'd have an opportunity to, you know, at first speak to the potential violator, give them a moment to try to fix it if they can. If they don't, we'll send them a violation. And if they don't, they will end up in court with a
summon. Um, there's the good thing about this is that if it comes under this, if someone's a repeat offender, uh, most courts, uh, get very serious about enforcement in terms of actual fines that are imposed. They want to see the
behavior stopped as quickly as possible. Property maintenance enforcement is essentially what code enforcement does today. And and generally the general principles at top is that if you know we have an opportunity to take a look at scarier building conditions if they're
unsafe or they're not in accordance with local ordinance we can act upon it. Uh really the most important things is structural deterioration. If we see that visibly we'd be working with the construction office to identify if structure is potentially unsafe or unfit
and um coordinate on that. We would also be taking a closer look at the vacant and abandoned property compliance that's currently outsourced in the township. And I've taken a look at those reports and they look they look they appear to be accurate and the advantages is that
they are on top of all the renewal fees uh for registration that come into the township. But we're continue to take a look and see if there's opportunities for us to increase um basically the accuracy of that as well. Zoning enforcement is what we've been
doing since I've gotten here. Again, we've made some very significant progress. It's also caused us to take a look at our own ordinances and where we're at. And in the coming months, we will be taking a look at uh we'll be coming back to you with proposed recommendations for changing those to
better align with uh where we'd like to see the township go in terms of performance. This comes in the areas of sidewalks, uh, storage containers, um, the tree ordinance needs a minor modification, but we'll be coming back to you to discuss this and and
strengthen and enhancing the zoning enforcement that we're doing today. And as Brett noted earlier, um, many redevelopment and site uh, plan activity that's been approved, we um, for the most part, we see in the initial stages that there is a great deal of
compliance. Uh, nonetheless, we do have several notable cases that have been uh, vetted with the planning board where we're seeing people have given an given an approval for a site use and their, you know, their creeping use is
violating that that site plan. Um, we're basically trying to get better eyes on this. Uh, theoretically, one can revoke a site plan. It's a very lengthy and unpleasant process, but we think if we have sufficient focus here, we'd have an
ability to mo get most of these u basically swatted down or taken care of or remedied before we ever get to the point where we're going to have to you see this is enforcement in court. One uh specific thing is that cannabis
specific sites especially cultivators as well as retailers as well have unique requirements. Uh the most notable that being around odor control. uh the municipal enforcement officer would have the authority to be able to go in and ensure that all requirements are being
met by a cannabis specific site and we'd be able to coordinate with local and state authorities if there's any violations as well. Anyway, there as a result of this there's a number of um cross functional
powers across this span of authority and responsibility. Uh some general principles around inspection authority. Uh we can do any exterior inspections without a warrant. Uh interior inspections are subject to consent or
warrant. Um in our own experience, we've noticed that just generally reasonably talking it out, people will consent to an inspection if there's a concern. And uh we can schedule compliance and followup as well. Um, our general approach is to have a talk first with
most violators to see if they can remedy it immediately. We give a reasonable amount of time to take care of it. If they don't, they get a formal notice of violation uh and a period to remedy it. If they don't, it's followed with a summon and a complaint for consistency and then is
heard in court. We are making modifications to our data and reporting system. um the way the statutes are in there now. A lot of complaints were being filed under uh broader categories. We're trying to make this more specific so we have a better
understanding of u you know which violations fall into which bucket and uh also creating u custom reports that we've built around our platform that allow us to track this better and understand the pipeline of violations.
I'm going to hand this back to Brett at this point if there's any questions before he wraps it up. I'm glad I entertained any questions. >> Any questions for Robert? >> Um, this is a lot. So, um, when on on here you when you said the
cannabis specific enforcement and this is >> Forgive me, Miss Thompson, I'm having trouble hearing you. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Um, I was just trying to get clarity. Um, you have on here cannabis specific enforcement. I think it's number seven. And then it's saying order control compliances. Is that just
directed to the actual facility or the business or is that to individuals? >> It is sight specific. >> Sight specific. Okay. >> Correct. It's for people that we license to run a cannabis operation in the c township. Regardless of the class, whether it's a retail outfit or it's a
cultivator, they all have unique operational requirements, >> right? >> And we're going to be there to ensure that they comply with them. >> Okay. So everything because it was a lot of stuff. Everything under the sites. >> Understood. Tried to be thorough. >> All right. Thank you so much. >> You're welcome.
>> Anything dealing with individuals would be handled through the police department. >> Okay. >> Anybody else? >> Good. Brett. Uh so this position uh the municipal
enforcement officer would answer directly to the director of community development, Robert. Uh they will coordinate with our construction official, public works department. Uh usually the public works department have have a first eyes on some of this stuff
and a lot of people report these types of violations to public works and we found that a lot of the the code enforcement violations are getting reported to the zoning office already. Same thing with zoning violations getting reported to the construction
office. So right now uh it's you know it's confusing to the public. So this would centralize all of these different complaints through the development office. Um we also deal with the fire official. They have again they're they're in and out of a lot of
businesses in the all businesses in the town. Um and many of our rental units are uh visited by the fire official on an annual annual basis. Uh we'll deal with the health department and the police department as needed for petty offenses. Uh we're looking for an annual
salary for this position uh at 2026 be $64,000 and increase to $72,000 in 2027. Um, for the administrative enforcement officer, uh, who will oversee the, uh,
municipal enforcement officer, we're looking for one-time compensation, $4,500. And that is a, uh, standalone dual rate. That would be a standalone dual rate position. Um, that again, um,
it's not tied to the director of community development, per se. Um, you know, future if if position needs to be moved somewhere else you have the ability to do that with these two positions. Um but again we are asking
for the creation of two positions and dissolving the zoning officers. >> Okay. Any questions, comments for Brett? >> Okay. So
we will be looking for a motion for Ken to prepare an ordinance. Have a motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. All those in favor? >> I >> I against eyes have it. >> Robert Brett. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah. Wow. >> Okay. Moving on. >> Man, sunglasses. >> 4 A. Public hearing adoption of ordinances ordinance 2131-2026
an ordinance amending chapter 105 article 4 of the code of the township of Hamilton entitled cats >> Ken Brett >> yes mayor thank you we discussed this uh previously one of the meetings one for introduction last meeting this is
enhancing the current pack ordinance code allows deal with nuisance and also the public health. Motion second. Have a motion and a
second. Any uh questions or comments? This is a public hearing. Anybody from the public wishes to speak? Motion to close. >> Second. >> I have a motion, a second to close. All
those in favor? >> I have it. Uh so, >> roll call vote, please. >> Okay. So, that was a motion to close. So the original motion.
>> Okay. >> Motion. >> Anybody? Motion to adopt. >> Motion to adopt. >> 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. >> Introduction of ordinances. Public hearing will be held May 4th, 2026. Ordinance of the Township of Hamilton, County of Atlantic, state of New Jersey, amending chapter 137 titled canvasers, peddlers,
and solicitors. Mr. Solicitor. >> Thank you, Mayor. 137 focusing on public the similar ordinances across the state that are out there. We have our internal
team questions came up with essentially seven. Uh the first is the hours we discussed last time exceptions to those township that are appet
So those hours for the application process we also added a very detailed section for police departmentation. background search prior to we also took the opportunity to speak administrator.
Based on all of these position, Um, it also gave us another provision based where permit was granted. because of all these. So all those enhanced features. >> Very good.
>> Here motion to introduce. >> Motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Hen, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek. >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. Moving on. Award of bids contract
change orders. Resolution authorizing assignment of the professional services contract for the township traffic engineer from Steven Maer of CME Associates to Steven Maer of Aron Incorporated and authorizing the
mayor to execute the assignment addendum. >> Second. >> I have a motion in the second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Withers, >> yes. >> Patel,
>> yes. >> 6B, resolution authorizing assignment of the professional services contract for the township solicitor from Kenneth M. Warren Junior Esquire of Leonard Warren and Leonard LLC to Kenneth M. Warren Jr.
Esquire of Warren Law Law Firm LLC in authorizing the mayor to execute the assignment addendum. >> Second. >> I have a motion and second roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Hen, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Withersp.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Oh yes. >> Consent agenda >> A through E. >> Mayor, could I pull B? >> Pull B, >> please. >> Say, are you saying B or D?
>> B. B. >> I as well would like to pull A. >> Pull A. >> We have C, D, and E left. Oh yes, you're right. >> Motion to move seven C D and E.
>> Second motion and a second for CD and E. All those in favor? >> I >> against. >> Okay, we'll start with 7A. >> I have a question. I know there's there's process in place. Does the
Hamilton Mall have any infractions against them or anything as that would cretail that we have in place so that they take care of the infractions before we get issue a business registration.
>> This would >> it wouldn't be part of that. That's something. >> Yeah, I thought I thought we had something in place that would entice them to take care of their infractions so that they can have this stuff.
>> No, not this point. Not this point. Not especially once it goes through. >> Okay. Thank you. So, is there something that we have to do next time? Because I'm sure this is
the last time >> we we didn't do that before. >> No, not for not for this. >> And if so, move forward with it. >> Well, in this application, yes. future >> in future. Exactly.
>> So, do we wait until after B or do we >> make a motion on A? >> Motion on A. >> Motion. >> I have a second. All those in favor? >> I against 7B. Okay. So, mayor and committee, I asked
for this resolution to be put on the agenda. Um, it's a resolution in support of New Jersey Assembly Bill 3507, Senate Bill S726, establishing standards for determining
an unconsionable rent increase. So, the reason I had brought this forward is on I'm going to go back a little bit. So, on our February 2nd meeting, we had a discussion about a rent leveling advisory committee um up
here, if you remember, we had lengthy back and forth um on this and the committee decided at that time to table this and we asked for our solicitor, Mr. Warren to um bring the committee some
pending New Jersey state legislation that was out there for us to review and possibly move forward with that. Um move forward to the 17th meeting. Mr. Warren provided the information um with the
legislation I'm sorry to the committee for the review in which we could uh adopt resolutions to um support support them uh going forward. Um also at that
meeting there was a motion to um establish an advisory committee and that motion uh died because there was no second. So after a couple months um I decided uh
to look into the legislation that was provided. Um, I talked with a couple of um, friends uh, that I know in the township that are renters and I decided to do a little research on it. Um, I asked Mr. Warren
um, I'm going to give him a list of certain ones that I thought would benefit our renters in the township. I chose a few of them. I reached out to Mr. for Warren to further discuss a little bit on them and he gave me information on the ones that I had
brought forward to him. Um the one was sorry A461 and that was uh allows certain senior citizens to apply for rent increase limits. Um that was one that I asked them to look into. Um
he did and he said there wasn't really any movement uh on this legislation. It was still pending. Um then I had asked him about uh the next one was a 8 a2106.
It limits the amount of residential property application fee. And it was a thing that said uh cannot charge more than $50 rental application um to the renter. Penalty uh penalty is $1,500.
Superior court has jurisdiction. And he informed me that that actually passed. So that was one that passed through the assembly and senate. Um that was one I brought was going to bring forward, but he like I said he informed me that it passed. Um, the second one I asked for
him about was Assembly Bill A3 uh 350. Um, and Senate Bill S26. Uh, and he had told me that that bill actually got some legs and movement. It
passed the assembly and was headed to the Senate. and he said that would probably uh be a very good, you know, choice to put a resolution forward to move it um up to who it had to go to to possibly, you know, get it pushed
through with our support. So, that's why I asked them to draft this resolution uh to consider tonight. Um and like I said, it still needs to go through the Senate. Um the other thing I just wanted to make mention out there is
um for myself I just wanted to let every know everyone know that uh I'm not against any renters in our community. You know myself up here our vision up here is for the community as a whole. you know when we look at our community
yes we have a portion I don't I think it was like 29% of our was renters I think it was you know we have them but we also have to look at the whole picture is what I'm is my opinion up here and I think you know with this um resolution
pushing it forward it would help you know move forward with some legislation that New Jersey had um you know pending so I I believe it's a good thing and myself I'll continue to monitor the you know legislation put forward you know to
see if it gets legs or it doesn't you know and hopefully you know we can move forward with ones that you know are that was my uh decision why I brought this resolution to the committee >> question
because there was a lot of discussion prior to this u Thompson had brought up um previous meetings concerning um rent control review
um board. When I read this in depth, it sounded close to control. So I would like to know what is the difference between she was talking about what we discussed and what is being presented tonight.
>> Thank you woman. A rent control board or rent control at the rent leveling at the m level as we discussed previously has some drawbacks. Cost is a large one. Cost on the creation of the board on the professional services. Cost on
monitoring, regulating, and updating. Cost on enforcement. That's a lot of tax. Some of the pieces of legislation that we looked at were force mandates. that forces the municipalities to things and the cost
all those costs as you know just coming out of the budget last meeting falls back on the tax there's obviously a balance in services as well the resolution and the coordinating assembly bill Senate bill front is very similar to what terms of
uh making sure that rents aren't rent increases um but It doesn't force municipality to put themselves in a position where they have to those different mechanisms and those costs. It places it on the uh
spirit court. One of the other drawbacks we talked about regarding rent enforcement or a rent advisory board would be it doesn't have a lot of teeth. Ultimately, if landlord or a renter disagreed, they
ultimately be land. Um so this says these are the guidelines in reviewing those rent increases mechanisms ren the current process is already in place
for what would be considered a print. Um so it's not anything brand new those rules regulations but what this does is creates uniformity attempts to create uniformity across not only the county but the state as well.
One of the issues that you have in superior courts in different regions is one judge may say one thing's unreasonable say different. Um what might be unreasonable in one town might be reasonable another county we have a lot
of uniformity but not every like that. So what this does is creates seven factor system that a judge would have to review and say if a landlord wanted to raise rent for an individual This is what you have to consider whether that rent increase is
reasonable. So reer finds themselves a position the rent growing up substantially they have a mechanism to go and find that um it's important to note for renters out there
it's not a renters this is obviously out there help passes of a little bit more clarity. >> So basically it's no burden on the taxpayers here but everything goes to
the superior court >> to be truthful. Anything that goes through there's a statewide burden but it's not directly resil without resources put on the same mechanisms you would have.
>> Okay, just for the record, I don't think any of us were against renters. I think what the issue was was the new legislation that had came down from the state which at that time was taking the authority away from the
municipalities and that is the reason why EHT for their rent control but I think that was previously reported. So I I mean I'm I'm I am in support of this bill because it at least it can go to the superior
court and the renter has a mechanism in place if the rent is uncomfortable or you know something like that. But for most of the rents that I've checked in Atlantic County is uniform. It's not like you know you can live in Hamilton
Township but if you move to Summers Point it's going to be cheaper. Most of the rents in Lynn County are about the same for a onebedroom, for a twobedroom, for a threebedroom. This that's been that's my observation. But I do appreciate
um Committee Man Aken um making sure that this is put so there is something in place for people who have these issues. >> Thank you, Committee standpoint, I appreciate you pulling out pieces of legislation. As committee man
Akin mentioned, we have been moderating some of them regarding this issues. One of them was passed and signed by the governor after our last discussion. This one has passed through the assembly has been approved. It's down in the Senate's hands, but has been getting a lot of sponsors. So hopefully this will be a move in the right direction and
balancing both the renters's interest as well as the landlords. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments? >> Yes, absolutely. Um I I of course this is revolving around me asking for um a rent control
committee and I um am happy to hear that committee man Akens um did his research and wanted to put this resolution in because this is just a resolution um
17B and it says resolution in support of NJ assembly bill 3507/senate Bill S726 establishing standards for determining unconscionable rate increase. So these are still this is still legislation that's going through.
Is it still going? It >> is still pending. It has been signed by the governor yet. It has passed these. No, it is still pending. Is still going through the process. Hasn't been signed by the governor's office. >> These are not signed by the governor's office. They're still pending. >> Correct. Yes. And what we're doing is
we're just sending a letter saying that we're supporting what they're trying to put through the state of New Jersey. >> That's correct. Yeah. A positional resolution. So, it's a resolution support and then that resolution will be sent and there's a list at the end of the resolution. Everyone from the county level all the way up to the state level
and the governor's office as well. >> Right. And I and listen, I hear my colleagues, you know, I'm I'm I'm still standing on right here in Hamilton Township. I think that we should still have a ring control committee
and as I stated before for all the above reasons for everybody to come together and get different information to advise on um what they can do, what their rights are, you know, inspections that need to be had in the
township, you know, and the cost for those inspections. I mean, there's a there's a lot there's a wealth of knowledge that can be developed from us having a committee. So, I'm still standing on that, but I'm happy to hear my colleagues express about this
resolution that we can support um going forward. So, I really appreciate I appreciate, you know, what you were saying um Committee Man Akens and Committee Dr. Thelma Witherspoon. Thank you so much.
I'm fine. >> Yeah, I I think this is like the the 50-50 shared parenting that I try to do every year to show support of that. This is the same thing. And it got this got through assembly. So now
people, our senators that are it's now in front with the senators, they get this from us, a resolution from us saying, "Hey, Hamilton Township is in support of this." um especially be good because it looks like it's probably going to be all five of us agree to this.
>> Um it puts pressure on a little bit of pressure on them to say, "Hey, you know, maybe this is something we really need to look at and and move this through." Um so I think this is a really good thing. Uh good job, Eric, bringing this up and and this through.
>> So the motion >> you can you can make the motion. >> I make that motion for it. And there we go. Motion in a second. All those in favor? >> I >> against eyes have it. >> Thank you.
>> Very good. Very good. >> Right. Okay. 8A personnel resolution to hire Tyler Bennett as a regular full-time truck driver $20 base hourly rate effective April
21st, 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. >> Mayor Patali,
>> yes. uh appoint Isaac Clark to the position of full-time police officer effective May 6th, 2026. >> So move >> second motion and a second roll call
vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. Mr. >> Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Withers, >> yes. >> Yes. Approvals minutes regular meeting minutes of April 6, 2026. So move
>> second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I >> against eyes have it. Bills bill list total $4,353,36.7. >> So move. >> 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. >> Oh, yes. >> Reports, Mr. Administrator. >> I have nothing to add.
>> I I just have a question on this report. >> Oh, okay. >> You're on the hot seat. >> No, he's not on the hot seat, but I had a question about the the trestle bridge and the bike path. Where were where are we with that? and I saw that there was
going to be design and permitting. And who was responsible? >> So, right now we're in the So, the township's in the permitting stage for the trestle bridge reconstruction. Um, township is responsible for the permitting expenses for the trestle. Uh,
the bike path itself, the extension of the bike path from Atlantic County to county. It's actually we're in talks right now with county and leadership of all the municipalities between us and county as
well as trying to figure out the most appropriate route best route for the extension looking at the logistics of it. How how can we get emergency vehicles into the system in case of emergency
still in the planning phases? I think it's years. >> Yeah, it's it's quite a ways out. So right now key piece of that puzzle is that trust bridge. That's the connection that this extension they may, you know,
they may choose to extend it in phases. We're not sure yet, but right now Hamilton's building the connection >> and and I understand that with the Trust Bridge and we're doing the permitting for that, but I just wanted to make sure that the bike path that's going from all
the way to Camden, >> we're not we're not involved >> that we're not doing for permitting for that. >> I just wanted to be make that clear. because we you know Hamilton Township we're doing the best we can you know with this budget and uh my
second question from your report is the uh playground equipment at the cove when will that be right now we're I have public works looking into different so we got a little bit more money than we thought we were going to get for that so we're going to look into
the equipment and uh having that equipment installed has to be done by a certified playground installer. Um, not sure where we're at with that, but three weeks ago we were notified officially that we got the grantj
on your report. >> I think it was >> What's he asking? >> I was I think it was 64,000. It was I think it was 150,000. 150,000 >> off just a little bit. >> Just a little bit. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. So he Chris just told me that is it state contract or we Okay, it is state. So playground equipment does fall under state contract and depending on if we do the soft surface or not. So basically we could scale it
back on the equipment do the soft surface get more equipment. The my whole point is that I started talking about this last year and I'm so grateful that we got the CDBG funding, but I would like to play equipment up before,
>> you know, soon. >> I hear you. >> That's the point. But I've been patient. I've been patient. And uh my last question on your report was the the mun municipal aid 2026 for the MISPA road
phase one. When will that start? That's a >> that's up to that's up to Bob. Um that's up to >> So we did get a grant for that, but right now we're trying to fit that into the phase two road. It's going to depend on what we do with capital. We're going
to introduce that in the next couple weeks. >> Okay. >> Um depending on what we do with road paving and how much we allocate. Goal is to put as much extra money out on this road as we can because the road isn't in bad shape and we're trying to look at
where it actually We do have we're going to phase it out, but we're not sure if we're going to start at the roadside or start Shephard Avenue, >> but the goal is to get it done uh in the fall. >> Thank you.
>> Very good, >> Mr. Solicitor. >> Nothing to add this >> engineer. I'll be very quick. Um we do have precon meetings this week for the road program in Babcock Road. Um, so next meeting I'll have a report to provide to you with some time frames and
when the roads should be starting. Um, our first priority is River Road. Hopefully that will be completed before Memorial Day is what we're pushing for the contractor. Um, I'll know more by Thursday. And then um, you were stating
the 2026 phase 2 road program as long as well as MSP. Um, yes, we've been discussing that. Uh, we're going to put together um a road list in the next uh couple weeks for that phase uh to go out to bid probably
late June and be awarded sometime in July and then be able to get them on board sometime in August since the budget passed early this year. So, that's our plan. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> You said your first road is you said which road did you say? So the road
program uh phase one of 2026 included um gravity run river road mmouth Harley Springer and Gale. >> Um we would want to try to get River Road done before Memorial Day to help out with the businesses along River Road.
>> So that's the key right now. Um I'm kind they once they have the precon and we do a notice to bid, they have to start. The clock's ticking. Um, so I just have to see how busy they are in the next 30 days, but we are pushing them to do
that. And we will not start Babcock until school's done. So, don't want anybody to be worried about that, but that's a priority that we won't start out there until after school is done. >> And we just uh also got approved from
DOT for Dennis Foreman Drive uh the sidewalk along Hes I'm sorry, Davies. Um, so we're going to be going out to bid with that in the next uh next few days. We'll see how those bids come in. >> Do you know how they made out on Kates today?
>> Uh, they got it all done. >> All done. >> Yeah, I made sure of that. >> I didn't want it to be to two days out there. >> Good job. >> It was a little uh hectic in the beginning, but everybody followed the traffic control and it was uh ran pretty smooth and contractor didn't hit any utilities, so that was even better. >> That's even better.
>> Yes. I think it was a good idea that it was a good communication that went out to the residents >> uh between myself and uh Lieutenant Wade. I think we did a good job trying to get that all situated and on board. So >> absolutely. >> Yeah. Good job. Good job.
>> Bob missed one road. >> Oh yeah. >> Yes. >> That was it. committee members. So why I don't how am I going just two just I'm sorry just two more things on the reports
>> go short. Um, I just wanted to say that I was happy about the the police department doing fishing um with the Hamilton um kids ages 6 to 14 and this is going to be in June and
this is free and I'm really really happy about how the youth has been engaging with the police department. really really happy about that. And um the chief has been doing an excellent job submitting this backup, but I was so
busy reading the murders and the accidents I had skipped the in the past the other things that were coming along, but I took my time to make sure I read every line that I knew exactly what was going on. So, I just want to say I was really
happy about that. and for the public works department. I did like the new flyer that you put out. It was very colorful. I I put it on my page and got almost a thousand clicks. So, I was really happy about
that. And the way this is is more proactive with the um positions that that are needed and hopefully you'll get what you need. That's all I wanted to say. I I noticed it so I just had to make sure I said something.
Thank you. >> Okay. Um three minute >> first. >> Why not? >> All right. >> So, I attended the police department's award ceremony on the 8th. A great event. Uh again, congratulations to everyone who received recognition. Um
all of us have to remember uh that our officers put their lives on the line every day. Uh they're out there protecting and serving our township residents. So, just keep that in your minds, please. And like I said, congratulations to all those uh persons
who were recognized. Uh second, the mayor and I attended a grand opening of one of our Main Street businesses. Uh their second location, Crystal Hive Chapter 2, they call it. Um another great addition for uh Main Street. Those
businesses there, they're all working in conjunction. It's great. Um, it's great to see that connection with everyone there. Um, while we were there, we were very observant of traffic and the flow there. And we questioned a couple things
and we decided to bring some information to Brett to possibly look at um, and hopefully it goes further. I know he has to reach out to the county, stuff like that. Um, so just because we were there, it was observation. we kind of said,
"Okay, this might want to be looked at a little further." So, that was a great thing. Um, what else did I do? I attended a wreck meeting uh on the 15th. Uh, the discussion was Leapy Fields. Uh, some
additions we're looking at out there, cleaning some stuff up. Um, it was I guess it's in the first stages, if you will, of the project. And uh like I said, youth sports in in our town is big. You know, we have to like we had a
uh proclamation today, you know, we have to definitely support our youth sports. Um so they continue to thrive in our town. You know, builds character and kids and uh you know, makes the town look great with uh great sports. So that
was a plus. Um, I actually stopped over at the Leapy Fields on Saturday for the our HT Falcons lacrosse tournament. Um, lacrosse has grown leaps and bounds since I was in school. It wasn't as big
as it is now. There's a lot of kids involved, a lot of, you know, of course with the kids, a lot of parents and activities going on in there. It was a great uh afternoon. and they had food trucks and I think it was an all day event where they had you know different teams coming in and out and it was great
to see that and that place was packed and I could see where some additions are needed you know in there especially the parking you know that's a that's a big thing out there but it was a great to see all the the kids uh you know out there playing that lacrosse um the other
thing I did I stopped by uh Oakrest for the Betty how ninth annual Betty how uh softball tournament. Um, when I attended Oakrest, Betty How was a staple there. Uh, I know she was a staple when you were there and Tracy, I think she was
there, too, back in the day. >> Um, >> and you know, they they honor her with this event and it's it's a great thing. Like I said, it's it's a two-day event. you know, brings different high schools there to play tournaments. And, you
know, again, since I was there, the the softball area, the main softball area has grown tremendously. They got dugouts, they got signage. It's, you know, it's I guess with the help of the school and the volunteers, it's really grown and it's nice to see that
tournament continued on um for Oakrest. Um so, that's a great thing. And one other thing, I just want to make an announcement for an event that's uh coming to our town uh June 20th. It's called uh vets uh vets and vessels. Uh
it's sponsored by our Maze Landing Yacht Club. Um they're going to take veterans and take them out on um boats and do fishing and some tours. So, I just wanted to put that out there um to the public. I know it's on Facebook. uh any
information you want, you can go to the uh Maze Landing Yachub uh Facebook um page um to get any any information, but that's happening um June 20th. So with that, that's all I got. Thank you.
>> First of all, I'd like to thank Thelma. She answered all the Trestle Bridge stuff except one. The surveyors have been out there. There's pegs, ribbons, and pins out there for serving it. >> That was item number one.
>> I was at the police awards as well, and that was very nice. And it was very nice to see the amount of awards that those officers and detectives and everyone earned. Then there was the landfill that has been quite a while. And it's very nice
to see that that's moving along after a long, long time. and that'll have the substantial completion the end of June is very impressive. And that's all I have. >> Any more comments? >> Okay. So, um keeping in support of us
supporting our local businesses, I attended um Rick's backyard. He uh hosted a bike blessings Rick's backyard barbecue on Saturday in support of the
community. um which is right there in uh Mispa. I had a really nice time. Um it's so funny because when I first saw it, I said um bike blessings. So I'm thinking I'm going to like ride a bike, but I didn't realize they were like
motorcycles. Like they were real bikes. And I called him. I'm like, I can get my son to put my bike on the back of our truck. And he said, he said, "No, you're okay. You're okay." He's like, "What kind of bike are you bringing?" I'm like, "Oh my god, they got real bikes." Harley-Davidsons and motorbikes. Oh, I'm
in this a whole another league, you know. But, um, I really had a nice time. The food was delicious. I enjoyed myself. I am not a bike rider. I'll get on the back of one, but I can't ride I can't drive a bike, motorcycle bike. Um
I also um attended uh the police department award ceremony which I was really proud to hear all the um historic stories. Well, heroic stories I'm trying to say um of the police officers um I
was really proud to see, you know, all the tremendous work they do. You know, I learned a lot from when they go out here first, you know, for uh front line into these streets and some of the things they face. You know, the chief was really like explaining the different
stories that they were getting awarded for. And I was just like, "Wow." You know, I mean, I know we I always think that uh Maze Landon is, you know, we're suburbs, we're suburbs, but no, this is stuff going on out here. And the our officers are really putting their life on the line. And I really appreciate it.
I really appreciate the chief breaking down the hero heroic stories and the things that um our officers were doing dayto day. So congratulations and I appreciate also the hard work that they do here in Hamilton Township. I also
want to ask that we keep um the family of Nyrie Montford and prayer. Uh he's an Oakrest High School senior and athlete and his uh father suffered a tragic accident. Um so
I ask that we keep his uh family in prayer. Thank you. >> Thank you Dr. >> L. Uh I was just I don't have too much to say but just a little bit. Uh I completed my financial disclos
disclosure form so so that I am compliant deadline coming up show off I didn't >> I did mom >> want to say that part um as I ride
around the uh township I was very happy to see there's been a lot of some cleanups cuz you see the little plastic bags down volunteer road and things like that. So, I'm happy about that taking place.
And on hold on, I have this right here. This is my last little announcement. On Saturday, on Saturday, uh there's going to be the three-year protection for your cat, dog, family, and community
free community rabies vaccination clinic. And that's going to take place for your dog or your cat at Hamilton Township Parking Lot, 6101 13th Street, Maze Landing, uh, New Jersey. And that
believe that starts at I I don't know what time does that start. >> Starts 9 >> 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. >> I'm sorry, I I had to click the my from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. So that is all that I have um to report. me.
>> Very good. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, Parental Alienation Awareness Day is observed annually on April 25th to educate the public on the psychological manipulation of children by one parent
to unjustly reject or fear the other, often during divorce and or separation. This is something that I have gone through and still going through. Um, it's recognized as a form of child emotional abuse and it's a serious mental health issue. Uh, the township
has previously recognized this day with a proclamation. Uh, but I like to mention this each year and, uh, that's that's this Saturday. That happens. Um, April 20th through the 24th is National Work Zone Awareness Week. Each year
nearly 900 lives are lost in work zones. So, please, when you're approaching going through a work zone, slow down, pay attention, be prepared to stop. Uh, we workers, because I'm one of them, we notice when drivers slow down, and it it
makes a big difference to us. Um, so we do like to go home at the end of our shifts, especially when you see them out there at night. Please slow down. Um, I also was at the police awards and every year it's very impressive with
everything that that your team does. So once again, congratulations to all the all the guys and girls that did a great job and the dogs and uh and to you for for running a great department. Good job, Chief. Um,
I'll get beat up if I don't do this. The Hamilton Sustainability Team. >> Yes. Earth Day Oak uh Oakfest is Saturday, May 9th from 10 till 2 out of Oakrest High School. They will also have
a cleanup on Are they doing? No, Cologne Avenue. They'll be doing I believe they're doing Cologne Avenue >> or Babcock. Hold on. I think it might be on here. Maybe not. >> Oh, there we go.
meet at Park on Atlantic Avenue where Babcock intersects. There you go. So, that'll be at Yeah, look at me. I'm definitely on the ball here. 8 a.m. Um,
and since we were talking about the Cove, I just want to throw in there, um, get your beach tags now. So, if you get them before May 1st, the season tag family price would be $25
and it's 30 if purchased after May 1st. So, come on down. I believe zoning office is where we're going to get them. Steve shaking his head no. >> They're coming to the zoning office. >> You found out now. >> Yep. Not Not you. I think they're going
to see Amanda, right? >> So, looking forward to a good year at the Cove. I see uh public works is out there cleaning up and they always do such a great job out there. So, looking forward to summertime. And uh that's it for me, Reagan. I will
see you later. Maddie, I miss you and I love you and I hope to see you soon. And go ahead and we will open it up to public comment. Alen Dixs, neighbor of the Cove. Brett, I did talk to you months and
months ago. I'm going to say it was long before November because since November, I started walking Park Road because of going to the convention. I wanted to make sure I could spend three days on my feet at the convention floor.
Carl, I spoke to you just within the week. I wanted you to go look at the cove. I specifically wanted you to go in the area of the child's playground uh equipment, which has probably 2006,
the storage shed that's right adjacent to it >> because if the you can't fight mother nature is what I wanted to start with. The winds of Lake Lenipe blow from the west
and the sand that you buy and have trucks dump and then take the loader and spread it across the three acre cove. The winds come and blow it right all back up to that playground equipment which is sink. It's not sinking in the
sand. The sand is sinking on top of it. It's mounded. We could almost start sledding there again. I suggested that the township have the loader go and start scooping sand and driving it back down toward the lake shore because of
what got said tonight and the conversation I referenced that I had with Brett a long time ago could be close to a year ago uh when this CBDG money was brought up and about the playground equipment. Um, you can't fight mother nature. And if you think
you're going to go put in, he said it tonight, some soft fall. Well, that sand is soft fall. And you go put more of that rubberized stuff down and you're going to have this much sand on it in two years. You won't find it. In fact, if you go over there now, and I'll meet
you. I have two shovels. I have a spade and a regular shovel. We can go dig down in certain places, and I'll show you what's under the sand. It's that rubberized stuff with the black big thick padded. You know, you you know what I'm referring to that is
surrounding that playground area. And I could take you over by the trees in front of that shed and go toward the bathroom building and we'll dig down probably two or three feet now. And what we're going to see is 6x6 timbers where they made Oh, it was going to look so
nice. They they made stacked timbers to make a walkway from the bathroom to that building. Well, it's somewhere under all that sand. So, rethink what's going to happen at the cove. We need stuff for people to play on, not something that's
going to get covered up with the sand. And I'm not criticizing Brett. Brett knows how I feel because I I deal directly with him. But this it it can't happen. You cannot waste this money. it it needs to be for equipment and if you don't spend all the equipment right
there then maybe you could put it someplace else but this can't happen. We had a a a mother with the two little kids because I was working in my yard and and then an older man came. I guess it was grandpa came down the sidewalk behind them and they uh oh, I better
talk faster that and they must have been at the cove at least two hours and I forget if it was Friday or Saturday. uh probably Saturday that they were there and they were real little kids so what was there to play on was fine but we need more
stuff and I think the asked for it almost two years ago. So my main reason is don't put something the sand's going to cover. Don't don't waste the money with that. All right.
>> Thank you. Good evening, mayor, committee. My name is Stuart Wolf. I live in Hamilton Township. I have a few questions for you. Number one, there's been a lot of talk over rent control and I'm a little
confused. Do you all support rent control or you don't? I support what we did tonight. >> I'm sorry. >> Absolutely. I support what we did tonight. >> Okay. >> There's five committee members I only
heard once speak. They're not you. Speak to me. >> I'm just asking an opinion, mayor. That's all I was asking is your opinion. Number two, do we have a certificate of occupancy in
the township for renters? >> What do you mean? >> When you rent a unit, does it need a certificate of occupancy before you take tenency? >> We do inspections. Robert, you want to can you jump in here and tell me exactly
what it is? Yes. >> And are we up to date on those? Do we know what I could I ask the municipality to find out? Because I'm Moren and I want to know if my place has been inspected.
>> You could give you >> It's not my office. Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you. One more question if I may. There's been some talk about putting a fire truck in the Mispa Fire Station.
Are we making any progress with that? >> We took delivery of the new truck three weeks ago, correct? And from what I understand, it went back to get some work done on it because there was a very large scratch on it. >> Oh, that's not right.
>> Yeah. And uh there was a couple other small issues that had to be taken care of. When that truck is back and put into service, um then there will be um the old 18/19 will then move over to MISPA.
>> Okay. And have we gotten people with certificates to come out and volunteer to operate the truck yet? >> We have a lot of volunteers. So I I don't want to speculate on I hear what the I think I've heard what the plan is.
I will double check on what the plan is, >> but yes, that truck will be out there. That will be the tanker. I mean, >> I'm sure you know that. >> Yeah. >> And um so that will be staged out there at MISPA. >> Okay. Thank you very much for your time.
>> You got it. >> Hi, Alita Graham, Hamilton resident. With regard to the rentals, I have a question. I do know that there is some oversight only because I purchased properties that were prior rentals. Usually if you go in the electric panel,
you'll find the the uh fur bits in there. Um my question is well first of all I want to say thank you for looking into it. Um I recognize that we are all having an issue with regard to cost of
goods and services within the township. We have to keep control of that. We have to keep the integrity of all of that and I appreciate that we are taking the approach that we're taking by trying to spread it out with the state with respons with regard to the
responsibility. Um thank you for explaining all of that so that it's concise and very relatable. Um the question I have this applies to regular rentals.
Has there been any consideration as to the lot rentals because that is very expensive? >> I don't >> I think that's out of control. >> Yeah. I don't know. Can we look into the >> Do you know if this if this Yeah. Can
you look into that and and we'll get an answer? >> Yes. >> Yeah. That was the only thing I wanted to bring up. Maybe somebody could. >> Okay. you know, because I know that there it it has been complained about before during a meeting and the the uh person I'm thinking of is not here
tonight. So, I just want to bring that forward and that's it. Thank you. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second. All those in
favor? I against eyes have it. We will be going into executive session. Will we be coming out? >> We will be coming out, but no formal action. >> We will be coming out. No formal action
will be taken. I have a motion to motion to close. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion in a second. All those in favor? I >> I All those against eyes have >> I have a motion to come out of executive session. >> So move.
>> Motion. >> I have a motion to second. All those in favor? >> I >> I against >> motion to adjurnn. >> Take my >> second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I I you two in this meeting or what?
>> She's she's cing my >> All right. Ajourn. What makes a good volunteer? um someone who's very dedicated uh loyal um somebody who understands that there's a
commitment involved and uh they have to have the support of their family as well to be able to come and go uh at the drop of a dime when somebody else is uh in need. My name is Glenn Warner. >> Uh my name is Larry Burch. >> I'm Frank Roby.
>> Hi, my name's Louis D. Martin. >> My name is Christy Litzy. and uh I'm recently the uh appointed as the new fire administrator for the township of Hamilton. >> I've been with the department for almost 30 years and a senior captain. >> I'm one of the safety officers for the
department as well as a firefighter. >> I am the chief of the Meline Volunteer Fire Company. >> I am firefighter and secretary of the way Volunteer Fire Company. >> I started doing this when I lived up in Maine where there's very few people. Um
the town I lived in was 230 people and so that's they were looking for help and so I I volunteered. >> My biggest inspiration to volunteer is to help other people um help the community.
>> Back in October of 73 I uh I don't know. I seen the fire trucks going around town and everything like that and I was really interested and then I joined and it's been 51 years later I'm still here. >> It's something I grew up with. My father is 40some years with our company. Uh I
grew up with the ladies auxiliary as well. And then uh five years ago I decided to go through the fire academy as well. It's just something that's ingrained in me. >> It's important for people to get involved with their community because this is where we live. This is
everybody. It's your your neighbors helping neighbors. And uh if nobody's there right now, volunteerism across the country is down. And uh it's getting to the point where if somebody called and needed to help that nobody's coming out. >> The volunteer
uh is is running very low. So we are always looking for volunteers to help out. I think everyone needs to do that. There's not enough people right now volunteering for whether it's fire department or other things and people need to get re-engaged into you know
helping out the community. >> Well, anybody could be a volunteer if they're willing to put the time in. uh you have to be committed and it's a big commitment you're going to take. Um but it's very interesting and we have a lot of fun. >> Your local fire company, find out what their meeting nights is. Ours are
Monday. Um each company in our our township has a different night and you just show up and you talk to them and you meet with the chief and all the guys and kind of get a feel for it and see if it's something you'd be interested in. So, you could go to the town hall over here and talk to the fire administrator and he'll set you up with an
application. >> If you're uh want to become a member, uh we also do junior members. Um yeah, come down here Tuesday night and get an application. It's really important to uh step up for
your community and even if you don't do it on the fire side, there's EMS, there's all different services, you know, public services that you can do. Uh and we just we need we need the next generation to come up and um you know, start taking the helm.
>> We've had many impacts. uh motor vehicle accidents where we help people get out of cars, uh fires where we help save property, animals that we pulled out of houses. >> You don't get paid for it, but the payment that you get inside is worth it completely. And it's one of those
things, you know, if I didn't volunteer, who would be here to take my place? And what if it was your house? You know, growing up, it's always, well, what if it was our house? And it just it's the most fulfilling thing I've ever been a part of. If you were interested in becoming a volunteer, you can go to any one of the
uh four firehouses. One's in Maize Landing. The second one uh Weimoth Firehouse is up off of the Blackhorse Pike. Laurel Dale Fire Company is uh off of Route 50 right by the expressway entrance. And then Cologne is uh down um
on the other side of the expressway behind the mall. Or you can come to my office. some in the township. Uh the main building there on 13th Street, uh the fire administrator's office, I'd say dedicated. They're very Yeah, they're dedicated.