bring the Monday, June 15, 2026 Township of Hamilton committee meeting to order. Please rise for the flag salute to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided pursuant to the New Jersey open public meetings law by posting a notice of this meeting on the bulletin board in the municipal building and by transmitting notice of this meeting to
the press of Atlantic City Star Ledger and Atlantic County Record on January 6, 2026. Mr. Aken >> here, >> Mr. Cheek >> here. >> Miss Thompson here. >> Dr. Witherspoon here. Mayor Pati >> here. >> Have a moment of silence for private
reflection. Thank you. First off, we have a proclamation for the retirement of Rita Martino. He's still going to >> I wore a suit for you.
>> You and my daughter. That's about it. Whereas after a successful career in accounting and marketing for both the casino industry and the American Red Cross, Rita Martino began her 34-year journey within the public service in 1992, serving as the city clerk of the
city of Port Republic. She later served as the deputy township clerk of Galloway Township. In 2005, Rita was selected to serve as deputy township clerk of the township of Hamilton. And finally, in 2016, she was promoted to township clerk
of the township of Hamilton. And whereas Rita has dedicated 21 years of exemplary service to the township of Hamilton, serving with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service. And whereas throughout her
tenure, Rita has been a steady and knowledgeable leader and mentor whose contributions have left a lasting impact not only on the township of Hamilton, but also on colleagues, elected officials, and the residents she has served so faithfully. And whereas Rita's
institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence will be truly missed. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the Township Committee of the Township of Hamilton, County of Atlantic, state of New Jersey, on this day, June 15,
2026, proudly congratulate Rita Martina on a highly successful career and well-deserved retirement. We have further resolved that this proclamation is presented to Rita to serve as a lasting token of our gratitude with our
warmest wishes for health, happiness, continued success. is much. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Thank you to the township committee. Um, >> thank you. I'll be shorter than that.
Um, what a wonderful career I have had. Um, thank you much very much for honoring me this evening. I made some notes in case I got nervous, so we'll see. Um, I would like to thank the 32 township committees that I have served,
the two city councils, the 15 mayors, one council president, and two municipal clerks. It's been my honor to serve with. I would also like to thank the long-term employees of the township of Hamilton for their dedication,
friendship. It's wonderful to see so many of you come out tonight. I really appreciate it. I would have never been here without your support. And mostly, I'd like to thank my son for his constant support, his sacrifices
that he made, and his encouragement so that his mother could have this career. And absolutely the most, thank you to the taxpayers, residents, and business owners of the township of Hamilton. It was an honor to be your municipal clerk.
Thank you. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT. SO, I' I'D JUST LIKE TO say um I've been up here now for seven years and Rita was a wealth of knowledge to help somebody who didn't know anybody. Probably any any committee member who came in here, she was there to help out, answer
questions, gave me her cell phone number. you have any questions, doesn't matter when, Saturday, Sundays, she would answer. Maybe not right away, but she'd get back to me. Um, but losing Rita is is losing that that wealth of knowledge that she has. And uh I'm sure Jane's going to do a great job. Looking
forward to working with Jane. So far so good. And uh but best of luck. Do some traveling. I know you will. And thank you for your service. Really appreciate it. Okay. Additions, deletions.
that agenda late list June 15, 2026 deletions 12A PBA contract negotiations contract negotiations. >> So move >> second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor?
>> I against eyes. >> We don't have that. The updates that were given us. We don't have to add them. We don't have to do anything with that. There was several that we had some >> added information. >> No, it's just added information. >> Thank you.
>> Early public comment. Frank Roby signed up for 3B and C. >> Frank Roby, 309 Farragate Avenue. Um, the Duberson property has some beautiful trees on it. >> Yeah, >> we can't hear you.
>> I can't hear you. Uh the Duberson property has some beautiful trees on it. I hope >> they the owner can be convinced to keep some of them. Um because the especially that there's a giant tulip popppler on
the south side. U it's just it's it's a gorgeous gorgeous tree. We need trees. We got too many automobiles and people and all that, but we need trees. Uh so that's all I had on that one. on the other on Amazon
couple numbers$ 2.65 trillion dollar market cap 77.7 billion uh they made a lot of money they made a lot of money um sales of $716 billion in 20
25 so net income is what I was trying to say so >> thank you Anybody else? >> Okay. Discussions. Formal action may be taken.
3A. This is uh personnel within the tax collectors assessor and construction offices. >> Brett. >> So, I met with the personnel committee last week to discuss our ongoing search for deputy tax collector. Have been
unsuccessful. We've had to add up on these since the end of March. Uh we did interview a few people, but they mostly weren't weren't certified and we did actually make a few offers, but they
uh candidates turned down the offers. Um this time I'm looking to possibly raise the salary max from 70 to 75,000 if we candidates
and somebody in here that is certified position coming up. As you can see further down in personel, we are bringing back a part- timerr to help out. I'd like to get somebody in as soon as
possible position. Um historically the collect the deputy collector and the deputy assessor had the same salary requested that salary. Do you agree to raise the max for the collector? I'd like to raise maxess.
>> Okay. >> And again that's only if the person's is certified has the CDC. They don't have that certification obviously >> and obviously that'll be in the job description requirements.
The other thing, uh, so since Amazon is coming in, um, we took a look at the part-time salaries for the part-time inspectors. Those those those, uh, positions do exist. They're not filled at the moment. In the event that we do need to fill them in the future, I'd
like to do that. Um, the salaries seem low, $35 an hour. Like to raise that up to $45 an hour. Hopefully we to come in and work part time for the duration of the project.
Looking to raise some access for the collector, deputy assessor, three uh build part-time building inspector, part-time plumbing inspector, and part-time electrical inspector. >> Okay, any questions, comments?
We thought it was um a great idea because we are being proactive and we're not waiting until the project starts and we need it. So I think it's a great idea. I think uh Richard I mean middleman cheek and I thought it was a great idea
>> and again we could start networking around for you know a lot of these part-time guys working different towns know a lot of them start gauging the interest inectors to come here work part time
next couple months if needed I'm not sure right now it's needed I I want to come back to committee when it is. >> Okay. >> Comment there was a lot of discussion very strongly that this way we're ready
if you have to call next week we're ready to do that. The goal is to not have to go out third party obviously personaliz. >> Understood. So you're looking for us to give you the okay to
>> just draft >> draft the ordinance. Everybody okay with that? >> All good. Uh >> oh. I'm sorry. >> If just for a clarification, if committee would like to move forward that because there were simple adjustments that is on for introduction
as part of the ordinances later down the agenda. Those are the salary maximum changes. So we already took the initiative to draft that put in front of you if you so choose. I I'll just comment that um I know you said CTC but you also in further other
meetings you told me also CTA >> that's the certified tax assessors >> isn't it for both though we're doing >> two different certifications >> I know I'm saying aren't we giving both of them the ability to get a raise >> yes >> okay that's what I'm saying
Okay, moving on. 3B, approval of resolution to enter in into an escrow agreement with Odin Properties as a conditional redeveloper. And this is for
the Duberson property. Yep. You guys ready? >> Good evening, mayor, committeemen, uh persons, ladies. Uh Nick Tvak on behalf of Odin Properties. We're pleased to be here tonight uh to talk about a complete rehabilitation of the old Duberson
school into residential units and some additional units. It's a 69 unit total project. The property is going to be restored. Uh we're applying for historic tax credits. Odin is very experienced in this area. They're actually undertaking two historic rehabilitations as we speak
in Atlantic City. Um they're well-known developer in the Philadelphia market. Uh so with that kind of background, I'd like to introduce uh Phil um Balderson. He is the CEO and founder of Odin. Phil, if you can come up here. You can see on
the board we have some renderings of the project. Phil, if you could uh talk about your company and the project. >> Sure. Sure. Uh hi, Philip Balderson. I'm the founder and CEO of uh Odin Properties. We're a Philadelphia based developer of uh multif family and uh we
do specialize in historic rehabilitations. So uh when we first saw this building, it was clear uh you know we we thought it was incredibly special and uh it was important for us that as part of the redevelopment that you know
we retain the historic character of the of the property itself. uh and and do so in a way that's you know respectful of all the historic elements but also in a way that we can kind of make the project work. So we have our our pole team here
today uh our architects and engineers and our historic consultant um who will tell you more about it. But I can say that um of course the the building is incredibly important to us but but also the entire
site and how the site uh interacts with the neighborhood just in that you know rendering you can see you know the building itself uh brought back to its former glory but uh and and the uh kind of pump house structure there that
that's existing. Uh and then further in the background um the townhouse like structures that again will you know are our design intent was to wed those to the to the nearby homes so they'll look
like they're part of the fabric of the existing community while also uh making sure that we have a beautiful uh landscaped campus uh and you know the required parking spaces that were incredibly important. You know, it was
made clear to us it was incredibly important to the community that we had uh ample parking there as well as yes, um the trees are also important to us. So, our goal with the project is really to to make sure we're respectful of all of those
uh elements and we incorporate them into into our plan. Uh but we have I guess our architect here. If you want to uh take us through it, that'd be great. Uh, no. You really need to be in front of the mic. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Can you guys hear me? Yeah. Oh, there we go. Perfect. All right. Well, I'll go over the boards a little easier to just talk through. Um, first board here, we have some of the existing current condition of the the Duberson school. I think as everyone knows, it's been
vacant for quite some years now. Uh, after spending a full day inside, it does have substantial repairs that are needed on the inside, but there are a lot of elements um that we're able to historically restore and keep within the building. Uh, I'll briefly touch on
those. Kyle can go through some of the intricacies of the historic renovation. Um, but the great news is on the outside of the building, uh, the bones, if you will, are in fantastic condition and it's a beautiful looking building. Uh, so we're going to be retaining that in its fullest form. Uh, the site plan, um,
if you guys can see that, I'm not sure if anyone can flip here, the existing building, uh, will stay. Uh and then these blue rectangles here along Lynwood and Third Street are the proposed uh town home like developments Phil was talking about. Uh again, super important
to keep uh the brick um component in those so that they fit in with the surrounding character. Um and they'll be up along these street faces. We do have substantial parking. I think there'll be an ingress on Third Street and Lynwood Street that'll serve the majority of
that parking uh for the the new town homes. Uh and then we do have some auxiliary parking lots uh that are accessed down here by from Farragate and then uh the corner of Lynwood. Um one occupying some of the old recreational
sports and this one uh some of the front of this building uh to obviously meet that parking requirement. We do have a large plaza which you could kind of see in this rendering here at the corner um of Farragate right on the school. So, we'll
be proposing a plaza, a new landscaping, uh an area for the campus as Phil kind of described it for the residents to have some outdoor space that's not just um for the parking and obviously the building would be landscaped around. Uh what you're seeing up on the screen here
uh which is easier to see. It's fountain courts. Um the the school obviously was a school. So there's a large gymnasium. There's a beautiful theater um although in disrepair uh that's in the school. We are going to be keeping the volumes of
those spaces and the architectural details within those spaces and we're creating uh BLE units that basically occupy that volume. Um, so everything that we're doing fits inside that volume. We'll have stairs that go up to the kind of balcony mezzanine, if you
will. That'll all be encapsulated into one of those units. And then we'll we're basically overframing another uh floor structure to create uh accessibility ADA access um for all the entries for any visitors or anyone that's in it. There's
uh proposed 30 total units that are within the existing schoolhouse. uh proposing no additions to the exterior of the building. The exterior of the building will remain the same. We are proposing a few windows um that go around the back side of the building
on this little one-story addition back here uh which was used by maintenance in the past and it's like off the gym area. Uh those windows will be kind of symmetrically around the buildings uh so that they fit into character and obviously Kyle can talk more about that.
will make the strict guidelines of historic preservation um that we need to. Uh this rendering you can see this is on the lower level uh which is the old gymnasium. Uh so we have some B level units which you're seeing to the left there. Uh and then the right uh we
don't have any windows at this this area. Um and there's stairs that currently cascade down to the gym. So, we're going to provide a gym here, some amenity lounge for the residents, just some auxiliary space um outside the units where people can kind of congregate, utilize that space for
whatever they need. Um, but really again utilizing that space and just putting a few walls in it so that the fabric of the building stays the same. Uh, and historically, you know, we can keep those those in mind. Uh, the other interesting part about
this building is it was a school, so we have large corridors. Um, those will be retained. There's beautiful woodwork doors in there. Uh, all of those moldings, entryways will be retained. Uh, there'll be some areas that will probably try and restore some of the lockers that are there. They'll be pinned shut. Um, but they'll be really a
nice wide entryway for all of these units. They'll be very unique um, and and really uh, accessible and inviting kind of going into them. Uh, and then again, this is just the site plan. So, briefly, I can talk around the duplexes, the town homes that
are there. Uh, there's 19 proposed structures. Uh, they're a mix of two and three bedrooms. Um, I think the two bedrooms are 1,400 square feet, the three bedrooms are 1,600 square feet. So, they provide a nicer mix for families to come in and just larger
amenities. The schoolhouse um has a little bit of a different mix. There's smaller uh onebedrooms. Some of the onebs are more large with those B levels though. Uh but they're actually one bedrooms due to the windows and configurations. Um but really a good mix
across the site of one, two, and three bedrooms. Uh so there's like a good mix on the site for the uh do you want John talk a little bit about the civil stuff? >> Sure. >> Uh I don't think we have any plans up on
that. >> Okay. Can I can I ask a question on the rendering? >> Yes. >> I don't see from looking at the rendering and I'm sure you have it anything that's ADA compliant. >> It's a good point. So on this site plan
here, >> see here this back entry here at the building there is an existing ramp and elevator that was in the school. So that'll be all retrofitted. So the entire school building will have ADA access available to all levels and that elevator goes to all levels. So the whole building will be accessible.
>> Thank you. >> Yep. Sure. Um so it was basically described already as far as the site uh layout is concerned but I'll just run through it quickly. Um the site itself, you heard the discussion on the building position. Um
and the the balance of the site was developed to make sure that we have all of the services, all the parking, and all of our needs on our property so that we do not create a burden on the surrounding community. So, um as was already described, we have a we have a full access, uh driveway in off of Third
Street. Uh we also have a full access driveway in off of Lynwood um which which covers the majority of the parking on the site with a couple of other little auxiliary or accessory parking lots. One off of Farragate and then one off of the corner of of Lynwood uh street which meets all the standards of
the state of New Jersey and Galla sorry um Hamilton Township ordinance um uh with regard to RSIS the state standards and also local local regulations. um the other services that are on the site, the site will be will have a full trash
enclosure structure. So, uh trash will be will be taken care of uh completely on site. Uh the parking because of the of the way that the parking lays out, the anticipation is that parking will be um will be assigned uh based on the proximity or location of the unit that
you uh that you would be uh renting. Um and then as was described um there are a couple other amenities on the site. There's a little there's what we call like a little pocket park uh that that celebrates the main entry on the corner of Farragate. Second, um we're talking about a smaller area for a dog park.
Anybody that has a pet at this location um would would have have location to uh to uh run their run their animal. Um and you know all in all the the goal as I mentioned when I started is to is to create a solution on this site um that does not create a burden to the
residents but fits in well with them does not interrupt any any of the vehicular circulation does not interrupt any of the pedestrian circulation uh respects the setbacks of the exist of the streets as compared to some of the surrounding development um and just really fits in with the fabric of this
area. Um there will be a full landscape plan as we as we move forward with the application process uh and and develop these plans further. Uh obviously these these buildings the existing buildings are already serviced by uh your municipal utilities. Um the the new
structures will have to uh you know make those required applications and work through the process uh for sewer water and other utilities uh for the the uh the duplex the townhouse style structures. Um really that's all I have here. Sure.
So, as Nick said, I'm Kyle Toth. I'm an architectural historian with PSNS and for this project. Uh, so I review the designs with the team and I also do a lot of the coordination with the preservation agencies that will be reviewing this project. So, in addition to the township's commission,
preservation commission, this project goes through four different agency reviews to to review the designs and make sure they're up to preservation standards. So, that goes through the New Jersey Historic Trust, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office. The Pinelands Commission actually has a say in the preservation aspect of this and
the National Park Service reviews this as well, and they of course discuss amongst themselves. But the main point of all of that is to make sure that we're protecting the historic character of this building. So, several of the representatives of these agencies have walked through the building with us with the design team to identify those key areas, those key features that we're
really intent on keeping and that make this building what it is. And then those areas that there's more flexibility and where we can put those new units and and there's more wiggle room like putting new windows on the back of the building or how the relationship of the new buildings don't have an effect on the
historic building as much as if we were to put it right attached to or behind. So there are several different parties uh involved in that process, but at this point they're all moving along together to make sure that this this project meets any standard that any of them
might have for historic preservation. >> Uh mayor uh commitment committee persons we u concludes our presentation. This is still early in the process. Obviously, there is a long road. We'll at some point go to the planning board public hearing for full design details. There's
going to be redevelopment agreement before that um redevelopment plan. So, a lot of work coming, but design team under Phil and Justin, they've been putting a lot of time into this in the last eight or nine months. We've already met with subcommittees twice. Um Robert
has helped guide us through the process. you have the longest checklist I've ever seen for redevelopment in any municipality. >> Um, but it's helpful to us. So, forces us to focus on what you're looking for. So, we've tried to take the input that we've received from your professionals
um and your staff and um from our meetings. So, we hope we're going in the right direction and we will continue to work with the township to get this right and we think we're going to make it right. We think we do a great job. I've seen what they're doing in Atlantic City and some of their other projects. I think this is going to be a a project
everybody in this township will be proud of. >> Very good. >> Jim, >> can I have you come up? >> Can you just kind of give us a explanation of what we're doing here with anou so that everybody understands
where we're at and and how this is moving forward? >> Surely. And and I I'll I'll try to tie into Nick's comments. I'm Jim Mey. I am uh our firm Mey Given is redevelopment council for the township. Uh what just to tie it into Nick's comments tonight
what you're doing for most towns is the very first step that they would ever take which is anou um is is here for your consideration which establishes an escrow for the negotiation that will take place in terms of finalizing these
concepts getting them in getting them in a position to move forward with a site plan with a redevelopment plan as Nick Nick touched you've um you've already because of the process process. You have you've already done a few steps on the concept and and there's a comfort level
already of moving into that process. So, tonight is simply a first step. All you're agreeing to tonight is that you will negotiate exclusively with this developer. Uh they'll post an escrow for that and then we move forward. >> It does if this doesn't mean that we're
accepting these plans as they are. This is just a start. This is what what this is what their vision is. Um and it makes it as Jim said now the taxpayers aren't paying our professionals to look at this. It's uh
the developer through their escrow and it just it it makes it so that the burden isn't isn't on the tax isn't on the taxpayer. >> So hopefully >> that's right. Does anybody have any questions about that? >> No, no questions, but I do like what I see.
So this um can I ask how much are they putting into escrow? Can I ask you can or >> huh? >> 10,000. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Okay. So moving forward the procedure after
this is planning board >> in in time not right away. What'll happen at the beginning is is more as they flesh out their plans more they'll they'll I presume make requests of us to make some zoning changes with respect to
in in the form of a redevelopment plan. that zoning will adapt to fit their project. And and there'll also be a redevelopment agreement that'll be negotiated that'll flesh out any any terms that arise during this process that the township wants to be sure that
it's protecting itself on. There's certain things that you the township wants to see, wants to make sure are happening that are outside of that planning board site site plan process. We'll address them in a redevelopment agreement. Then when that is set, this
will move forward to to the planning board for a site plan review to cover all the technical issues in terms of storm water management, you know, traffic, parking, all that stuff still happens after that. >> Good. Anybody else?
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. So I I hear a motion for the resolution to enter into the escro agreement with Odin Properties. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. >> Roll call. Roll
call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patali, >> yes. >> All yes. >> And hopefully this is the beginning of something good with Duberson School. It's been a long long time coming. So,
best of luck and we will be working with you very soon. Okay. 3C ordinance for Amazon Financial Agreement Pilot.
Um, >> Jim, you might as well have a seat. >> Well, that's Well, >> or you can stand and talk if you feel better. I'll stand here. The stand up I do much much better. Um I'll I'll just start things off if you want to go into any more detail. Jen Edwards, your
financial adviser from MacA is here. Um but I want u I want to just to go cover um some of the general things with respect to the pilot agreement. So So a pilot agreement is here for your
consideration. It's a it's a financial agreement that that provides um a an abatement for the Amazon project. Um that abatement has been negotiated out for some period of time. It does not
mean that the project pays no taxes. It reduces the amount of taxes that are paid. And just to touch on the gentleman's comment at the beginning of this because obviously what's on a lot of folks minds is, you know, why would you ever have to give Amazon a tax
break? And the the reality of development in New Jersey is that the there's two different pieces of this. One is development in New Jersey. um in order to attract this project which is a
million square feet of a building is 750 full-time jobs, 300 construction jobs is an impact on the long vacant racetrack kind of the stable area. Okay. Uh which is the most contaminated area of of the
the racetrack. But the reality is that in order to attract a a developer to to that site, to this township, to that site, you're going to need to provide an
incentive. Um because your neighboring towns, your towns throughout the state will do that in order to entice this project to come into their township. Um that is just the reality of the marketplace. That's one piece of this.
The second piece of this is while Amazon global may be you know one of the one of the biggest companies in the world Amazon's review and through this entire process which has gone on for some time now through this entire process each
project is evaluated on its own and so this project from the developer side is being viewed that it has to make sense economically has to be financially feasible for them and um and and that that's a reality of the project. So just
because Amazon is making a gazillion dollars in China does not mean that they move forward with their project in Hamilton Township. Um so tonight is your is the first reading of an ordinance to
adopt a pilot. Um there will be a second a public hearing and second reading. Is it July 6? Is that what it's going to be? July 6. Okay. July 6. Um the pilot tonight, I tell you what, I'm gonna let Jen go through a little bit the
financial terms. Um it has been negotiated hard. It has been vetted 25 different ways. Um we've your professional team is making a recommendation to move forward with it. Uh and I'll let Jen kind of run through
run through a little bit. >> Good evening. Jennifer Edwards with Acacia Financial Group. I'll just give a general overview of how the financial agreement is set up. Um, basically it is set up with a greater of test. So there's several different formulas
involved and the township always gets the greater of all of those formulas. So the various tests include a minimum annual service charge which is always the prior year's conventional taxes before the project is built 10% of their
annual gross revenues which is the rent that Amazon pays for the facility. Um then there's some statutory stage adjustments which look at the conventionally taxed method and then there's a certain percentage of
conventional taxes. And lastly, which is the most important and the one that really gives you the set for 29 years is on a a basis of a square foot, dollar per square foot on the building. So with that, the the agreement is going to be
set up that it's $1.69 per square foot for the ground floor and then 80 cents per square foot on the mezzanine. So what that does is it brings in approximately 2.9 million in gross pilot that then is shared with the county at
5% and then you keep the balance. There is a land tax credit. They pay land taxes to the county, to the school and to the municipality and then the pilot receives a land tax credit. Ultimately the first year estimated net is about 2.4 million to the township and that's
going to escalate at 2.25%. 25% a year. So, the financial agreement is going to set up this calculation and you're really going to have a good calculation for knowing what this amount is going to be for 29 years instead of it being a
guessing game. um the the developer is has to submit an annual audit showing what the revenues are of the project are and then the township gets to review those and double check the calculation to make sure that they're paying the appropriate amount. I think it's also
important to mention that we looked at what conventional taxes would be if they were conventionally taxed, what the municipality would collect. Right now, your tax rate is about 28% of the total tax rate for the municipal taxes. Under
this agreement, you'd be keeping about 55% of that total conventional tax. So, you're getting about 1.2 million more than if this was conventionally taxed under the pilot. That's directly coming to the municipality.
Um, there's also a 2% administrative fee that gets paid separately from the pilot and that's calculated on the pilot payment. That's about 58,000 a year added extra um onto that. >> Very good. Thank you. >> You're welcome.
>> So, so that that's that's in a nutshell, you know, months and months of work, but in a nutshell, that's what the pilot is for your consideration. The process here is um an agreement's been drafted up and been been um the form of it has been finalized. Um the ordinance would be if
your if it meets with your approval would be introduced this evening. Public hearing on that ordinance will be at the July 6 meeting. >> Okay. Very good. >> Any questions or comments? >> I hear a motion. >> Motion.
>> 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. >> All yes. >> And another step closer.
Thank you. Thank you. 3D governing body certification of 2025 annual audit. >> Any questions, comments? >> I just one question. Will we be getting a copy of the audit like you did last year?
Thank you. >> I have a mo motion. Brett, you have anything to say? >> No, I don't I don't you sure? >> I I was just I didn't wasn't sure if you heard the answer. >> She said yes. Okay. >> She said yes. >> And there were no there were no findings in this audit. So that's important.
We have a motion. >> I don't know. Do we? >> A motion. >> Second. >> Motion in a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes.
>> Yes. 4A public hearing ordinance 2137-2026 an ordinance of the township of Hamilton County of Atlantic and state of New Jersey amending chapter 163 titled excavations and chapter 264 titled
streets and sidewalks. This is a public hearing. Anybody from the p from the public wish to speak? >> Greg, you coming down? No. >> No. All right. >> Motion to close. >> Second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor? >> Against? >> Eyes have it. >> So, what's our pleasure? >> Some move. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. Any questions or comments?
>> We have a roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes. >> And thank you for your work with that, Bob and Ken. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> 4B, public hearing ordinance 2138-2026,
an ordinance amending chapter 60 titled Officers and Employees of the Code Code of the Township of Hamilton. This is a public hearing. Anybody from the public wish to speak? motion.
>> I have a motion. >> Second. >> I have a second. All those in favor? >> I >> against eyes have it. >> What's our pleasure? >> Make the motion. >> 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 Patel? Yes. >> Oh, yes. >> 4C public hearing ordinance 2139-2026. An ordinance of the township of Hamilton
imposing a moratorum through 123126 on the development of any future data center in the township of Hamilton and to amend chapter 203 titled land use and development of the code of the township of Hamilton. Ken,
>> thank you. Mayor, I think you have something to say. >> Yes, my if I may jump in. As the committee knows, any ordinance that comes before the township involving zoning matters has to go to planning board to make sure that is consistent with the township's master plan. Um, this ordinance after introduction the
last meeting went uh before the planning board. There was some substantial discussion. They did find that the ordinance was consistent with the master plan, but in your committee packet, there was a memo from the planning board solicitor. Uh, and there was a recommendation for an amendment to the
ordinance regarding the definition of a computer center that was included in the initial ordinance. And the concern was that that definition which was separate and apart from the data center uh definition uh may be applied to other
facilities or other businesses. For example, a hospital or a professional offices that has an internal server to operate their computer systems which is outside of what the intention was regarding this ordinance in relation to
data centers. So I had the opportunity to take a look at that and what committee has in front of it is an amended ordinance and it would be my suggested suggestion to tonight approve that amendment and because it's a substantial amendment from what was introduced. It would have to be on for
adoption again. It would have to go for publication. It would be adopted at the next hearing which would be the July 6th if committee does approve that amendment. And again, what has been removed from the body of that is the computer center because we don't want it to be erroneously applied outside of
what we intended with the ordinance. >> Understood. So the or ordinance the number will stay the same. >> The number will stay the same. It's already been introduced. But because there's a substantial material change that has to be reproduct
>> we have to reintroduce cor or it will be publicated again and the adoption will and the public hearing will be at the next meeting. So the opportunity for the public to review the full amendment and participate. >> So we're reintroducing it now >> essentially. Yes. >> Yes. Correct. Okay.
Everybody understand? >> I understand. I have a question. I do too. >> Um on the in the amended resolution, we were always just saying data centers, but they were there are other names that also means data center even if it
doesn't say that like internet data centers or cloud data centers. So I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood that data center is has another other names. If you hear other names it means the same thing.
>> Correct. That's correct. So those are names are synonymous. We didn't change any of that. It was just computer center portion of it. The definition for data centers that was in the initial ordinance will remain the same. >> Thank you. >> Ken. So there was two recommendations.
That's correct. So the second one, >> there's two recommendations. The the other concern was that there wasn't a sunset clause in the ordinance itself. That has not been changed. That's still in there. We didn't specifically put a sunset clause in there because we do anticipate obviously it be coming back
in front of committee before the expiration the end of the year so we can address and we have the ability as we initially discussed to follow legislation or litigation or anything that's going on because this remains an emerging issue. Um, obviously as this went the planning board, there was another concern based on discussion. So
your professionals and your internal staff, we're going to stay on top of this. We're going to report back to you as this goes along with recommendations of any adjustments that needs to be made. But just like other emerging issues that have come before the township, we do anticipate that this will need to be amended whether it's
before the end of the year or at the end of the year, but we will be addressing this portion again in the near future. Committee woman Thompson. >> Look at me, Mr. Mayor.
>> Um, so I'm just concerned about what um committee woman um Dr. Witherspoon was saying about how the data centers are very flexible with naming what they are because everything is so broad. You know what I'm saying? like how do we
how can I say how can we say that we're specifically honing in on cuz they can get like a smaller unit and then try to name it a computer center and but it's actually a data center but it's just named something where it's smaller and it's a computer center because I was
reading up on that how they you know change the names and based on the square footage and different things like that. So >> that's a good point committee woman and this is what the purpose of the moratorum is is because as this is emerging issue and this continues to
develop we're going to be designing uh regulations and restrictions and specifications based on the research that our professionals and the internal team are doing which is why this ordinance and this part of the code is going to evolve before the end of the year. uh we obviously tried to encompass
everything that would be synonymous with names could be or what makes a data center but we don't want it to be over broad where it attaches to other businesses that is necessary to the town for example some businesses maybe an urgent care I'm using an example might have an internal server based on their
computers if we draft language that erroneously attaches to them that would be disastrous for that business and potentially the township. So that's what we're attempting to avoid by taking out that definition, but to make sure the data center is as encompassing as possible. And again, as we continue this
process through the moratorum, as we do our due diligence period, uh this will evolve to be as specific as possible based on the township would like to see happen or not happen. So this will evolve as we're going throughout. >> Yeah, because this has to be extremely
specific because to me, a data center is a computer center. So I'm just saying like how specific >> under under the the definition it's it's a balance of what is specific enough and what is too broad and that's what we're
trying to do here. But again it's going to be very specific as we go through. But the concern from the planning board and as we discussed it internally, we could see how the definition that was included for a computer center in the initial ordinance was overly broad that could impact businesses where it was in
committee's attempt to be able to prohibit or preclude them from the township because it would apply to businesses that you would think that would never be a data center. You would never categorize as a data center. That's why we paired it back slightly. But again, that's why this is evolving and adjusting as we go through and do
the due diligence period >> and we paired it back because we are anticipating one day there might be a building with a computer set uh in it or they might use computers in a section or >> and I don't I don't want it to be confused between computer center and
data center because the way that a computer center said it could be an internal server. There may be buildings located that are very small servers for internal computer and networking uh that could be construed as being a computer center under the definition that we had here and that wasn't the purpose of it.
So it's very small in-house servers rather than a large data center or even a mediumsiz center or small data center which is what we are prohibiting here. We didn't want to prohibit an internal small server um that we see in other facilities. >> I'm just very concerned about this. I
mean, and that's the purpose of why we're going through it, so that we have the ability throughout this due diligence period to create specifications that work here for the township um and evolving and following the process. >> Okay. Which is which is good because
we have a computer here at the township >> and we wouldn't want to pro prohibit um what we're doing here or in a school. >> Those are examples. Those are examples, >> correct? It would it wouldn't be applicable obviously to the municipality or the government buildings, but that
would be an example of something where it was broad that it could attach to and that was the concern. >> Yes. >> I think what what kind of what happened here kind of shows why we can't just pass an ordinance that says no data
centers. You know, there was this was something that somebody on the planning board brought up, caught and said, "Wait a minute here." you know, we got to look into this. And that was um the reason why we did the resolution, which hopefully has enough to stop
anybody to come in before this ordinance is passed. And as as Ken said, you know, this this ordinance is going to evolve. It sunsets at the end of the year. So, we have to do whatever changes that we want to make before then. Obviously,
between now and then, I'm sure we're going to learn some other things from other municipalities and how another developer who wants to do a data center might come in with a different angle that we didn't know, you know, wasn't thought about and we can adjust to that. Um, I think a good example is what's
going on at Monroe, though it's a little bit different, but Monroe now has a $300 million lawsuit against, right? 300 million >> substantial >> $300 million lawsuit against Monroe Township from the developer that wanted to do that data center.
>> So we we need to, you know, cover all of our bases. >> That's correct, Mayor. >> And get this get this right as right as we can because obviously it's we're going to make changes. I think we're going to it's it's going to evolve. >> That's correct, Mayor. As you mentioned
the committee the point of getting this out ahead of this was to be proactive rather than reactive. Monroe is a very substantially different circumstance but that is something obviously we'll be following as long as well as other legislation and proposed legislation. Um and some of the other things the municipalities throughout the state are
doing. Uh your your team is obviously going to be well ahead of this so we can report back. Mr. Goodman's been doing a lot of work on this as well. Um there will be reports to come back to committee and we'll evolve it based on uh your direction as necessary between now and the end of year I'm sure going
forward after that as well. >> Let me ask you a question. Do we have any inquiries on trying to come here and h uh have a data center? >> We do not. >> We do. Okay. All right. This is just us
being very very very proactive. >> Proactive. And this is something that is such an emerging issue. You're seeing this from the tip of the south of New Jersey all the way to the north. Obviously, because of the expansion of AI throughout not only the state but the world at this point, >> right?
>> Okay. Thank you so much. >> So, do I hear a >> motion to >> amend >> amend? >> Yes. >> The ordinance >> the ordinance. >> Motion to amend the ordinance. Second. >> I have a motion in a second. We have a roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken. >> Yes. Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, yes. Mayor Patel, >> yes. >> Again, Mayor, that will be on for public hearing and adoption uh before the committee on July 6th meeting. >> And I' I'd like to thank Ken and Robert
and and uh the planning board for their work. Thank you, Mayor Catching that. Thank you very much. Okay, moving on. Introduction of ordinances. Introduction of ordinance 2141-2026.
>> What's that? >> It's not it's you have to wait for public comment. >> Yes. >> No. May I just address that, mayor? That I'm assuming it's being talked on on 4C, not 3D. 4C the amendment because it was substantially amended. The public
hearing will be on July 6th. So it'll be the next meeting that the public hearing will be on. >> Correct. It'll be on for the July 6th. >> Yeah. We basically just reintroduced the amendment. >> Okay. Um, introduction of ordinance 2141-2026,
an ordinance amending chapter 70, article 3 titled extra duty employment of the code of the township of Hamilton. Right. This is increasing the extra duty for the police officers uh when they do
traffic details for uh companies like Verizon, Wednesday electric um from $85 to $90 paid for by the contract township. >> This is part of uh contract.
This is updating the code based on the contract that was previously approved. is just updating the falling in line with that contract committee. >> Very good. Pleasure. >> Motion second. >> Motion in a second. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken,
>> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes. >> Yes. >> 5B. the introduction of ordinance 2142-2026 an ordinance amending exhibit A and exhibit B to article two of chapter 66
of the code of the township of Hamilton and the township of Hamilton's chart of organization to provide for the amendment of certain positions and maximum salaries >> so move >> second I have a motion in a second
>> roll call vote please >> Mr. Aken >> yes >> Mr. Chief. >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Mayor. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> 5C. Introduction of ordinance 2143-2026.
Vacation of Penny Lane. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion in a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cheek. >> Yes. >> Miss. Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherskrew. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Consent agenda. >> I I just had a question on C. >> You want to pull C, >> right? Not yet. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Motion on A through B, D through H. >> Second.
>> Have a motion and a second on >> A B and then D through H. All those in favor. >> Against. Eyes have it. Let's see. I just had a question on see
>> what's your question on um page two of the the list cousin Mario's is no longer in business but do they still hold the liquor license for the new restaurant that is
there question >> okay the liquor license still does exist even if they are not in business. Um, so it still is in existence and has to be renewed and paid for every year just as a an active license that is in business. >> And I guess this that would happen with
the Atlantic City Race course that's been >> that's another one that's inactive as well. Yes, >> that was it >> for pleasure with 7C. Motion >> second. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor?
>> Against? Eyes have it. >> 8A. Resolution to hire Keenan Bell as a regular full-time truck driver laborer. $20 base hourly rate effective July 6th, 2026.
Employment contingent upon successful completion of physical drug screen background check and this is to fill a budgeted position. >> So move >> second. >> I have a motion in a second. Roll call vote please. >> Mr. Aken. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Chief. >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. Mayor Patali. >> Yes. >> Oh yes. >> 8B. A resolution to accept appointment of Brooke Sadine as an as needed hourly employee in the
tax collector department at the rate of $25 per hour not to exceed 25 hours per week effective July 1st, 2026 until the position of deputy tax collector is filled. >> Motion second. >> I have a motion and a second. Roll call
vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patali, >> yes. >> All yes. >> Approvals, >> minutes, regular meeting minutes of June 1st, 2026.
>> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion, a second. All those in favor? I >> against eyes have it. Minutes. Special executive session meeting minutes for June 8th, 2026. So move. Second.
>> I have a motion and a second. Roll call vote, please. Question. Oh, sorry. >> Sorry, not a question, but just correction. Uh, in the minutes, um, Jim, >> Jim Mali. >> Yeah, his name was not included in the minutes.
>> We can correct that. >> So, just to have that included. >> So, it would be a motion to approve the minutes as >> as amended. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes as amended? >> Motion second. >> Motion in a second.
>> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Ritter, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes. >> All yes. >> Bills. Bill list total 1,691,23344. >> Motion. Second. >> I have a motion and a second.
>> Question. Just one question. Just one. >> Just one. Okay. >> On on page 19, um Timothy Ton I can't say his last name.
T O N C Z Y C Z Y N L LC. I was trying to understand what that was for. It looks like a X row, but I don't know. Does anyone know what that is?
>> Not against the payment. I just wanted to make sure and and I apologize for not getting sooner. I I read my packet late. >> I have to check with community development on this. It looks like an escort reimbursement without their spreadsheet
for $110. It's a few of them and I just didn't know that says escrow but I just didn't know. I'm not against it. I just wanted to kind of >> Yeah, they all say escrow.
>> All escro. Chris >> a reimbursement. >> Reimbursement. >> Ask for reimbursement >> to what? Okay. >> Yes. >> I apologize for this because I normally have my questions answered prior to the
meeting. >> Oh, Matt Watkins. Okay. All right. All right. Thank you. That was that was the only question. >> Yes, because it's on the Okay. >> She didn't want to pay you, dude. I don't know what to tell you.
>> No, no, I did. I did. I just wanted to make sure that I was on, you know. >> Yeah, I couldn't say it. I couldn't say it, so I spelled it >> consistently. Did I have a motion in a second already? >> I don't know. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken,
>> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes. >> Oh, yes. >> Reports. Mr. Administrator, >> I just want to congratulate Rita again on her retirement. Uh, her and I were
hired, both hired in 2005, and uh, she was great working up through the ranks. you know, all the different positions I've held in the township, she's always the person I went to for questions and
help and we'll miss her. Jane's up. That's all I ask. >> Mr. Solicitor, >> I echo what the administrator said and as a professional dealing with Rita, she was a wealth of information as the mayor
said, um she was phenomenal to always deal with, so she'll definitely be missed. But I'll echo that Jean's been great so far. So, thank you, >> Mr. Engineer. >> Echo the same words. Um, it was a pleasure working with Rita and, uh, I'll
miss her and Jane is filling her shoes completely. It's been a pleasure. Uh, and no new report this week. >> Um, >> unless there's questions. >> I I just want to mention about uh, Old A Carver Road being closed from 40 to
>> I did hear that. Um there is a ACUA force main leak. Um so they are under construction of trying to fix it. Uh they will be updating I know um officer Wade um Smith has been updating
me on the traffic control on the pro uh on the roadway, but as of right now it's going to be closed at least for this week and we'll know more by the end of the week. I don't know. So, they're supposed to be opening the road up to actually find out what
the problem is. They hope to be able to repair it until they can get the material to hopefully it's not a larger issue. They have to replace more of the pipe and the longer the pipe is, the longer the roads closed. So,
right now they're telling us it could be open as soon as tomorrow afternoon >> for the repair. Um but ultimately I'm not sure how long the permanent >> Very good. >> Throw that out there so they quickly updates out on Nex.
>> Yep. >> Regroup. >> Regroup. >> Yeah. And I also wanted to say that I was happy about the set aside design assistance program. It looks like we got a grant for the bike pan. >> Um >> that's number
>> that's the grant that we already received. >> Received the grant. That's that's the uh what's on the um >> agenda, >> right? That's the reimbursement for the engineering. So, we get the the money and then we get reimbured. We have to pay it out out front that we reverse the
state. >> Yeah. To close out the project with the grant money. Yes. >> Right. So, I was happy about that. >> Similar to what we do at the landfill. >> Right. >> That's good. >> So, that keeps that project moving >> slowly but moving.
Right now they're just trying to get permits. There's not much bills. >> Um committee members. Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. I uh attended the spirit of Halloween gave $100,000 to the
community food bank of New Jersey. I was uh invited to that and I did go because uh we have several food bank food um distributions or food banks or pantries in Hamilton Township and we all benefit
you know from those people benefit. It's very surprising to me because sometimes I see on what's going on in Maze Land and people are asking about food. So I try to post that we have that pantry every Wednesday, St. Vincent's every
Thursday. You know, the harvest um at um not the harvest, the Alfred Lundy Center. So, we do have food here in um Hamilton Township that is being distributed for people that are in need for the food and security. So, I just
wanted to make sure that I brought that up. And um I wore my township shirt cuz um I was representing Hamilton Township, but I was also representing um my own food bank and they had asked me to come.
So, but because we had food banks here, I wanted to food pantries here. I wanted to also be there to represent. So, that was a good thing that the spirit of Halloween had done. they had given them approximately over $500,000
but they gave $100,000 on that particular day. Um I attended a personnel meeting with committee man Cheek on last week and that was really good and I only have one more announcement. There is going to be
an expungement um here in the township of Hamilton on the 26 of June and it's going to be held at the library
on 40 Farragate Avenue uh in Maze Landing. Hold on, I'm just going to my page. Let make sure I'm seeing this right. Okay. Yes, it's it's a second chance expungement, a second chance, a stronger
future. Friday, June 26, uh, 2026. Community resources, they're going to have from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and expungement assistance from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They're they are encouraging pre-screening, but they will
take um walk-ins. All right? And what they're asking people to do is to when you call in or you can email your name, your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number and a phone number and that's to atl which
would stand for Atlantic expunge.mx new jerseycourts.gov. And any questions you can call 609421000 extension 47220. Now what they did put on here was if you have an open criminal charges and or
have been currently on probation or parole within the last 5 years, you will likely not be eligible to file for at this event. So, I just wanted to put that out there. But sometimes people have little small things, tickets and or
little things like that that they really need to get off their record and to have it in Hamilton Township. I was very excited about that. Uh because normally it's in Pleasantville or in Lane City, but this is the second one in Hamilton Township and I thought that that was
very very good. And last but not least, there will be Junth celebration. Here it is going to be at Lake Lipe Park. It's a a wish and a sore presents celebration of freedom community Olympics Junth 2026
fun for all ages. a free event from 3 to 7:00 p.m. Um, I had noticed on one of the on the flyer that it said that the township of Hamilton was one of the sponsors, but I think they meant to say that some of the
our committee people were generous. Uh, committee woman uh Tracy Thompson and committeeman Eric Akens, I understand, gave a donation for the event. So, we're glad that we're included, but y'all gave
the money. >> I didn't want people to think that it came from the township. >> All right. So, that is and that's going to be a nice event. That's all I have. >> Very good. >> Mr. Aken, so first I attended a planning board
meeting on the 4th uh to discuss the data centers. I want to give them guys a shout out for their due diligence looking through that uh ordinance and making the changes that I believe are going to help us uh tremendously on that. Um for them to go through it and
you know pick out what needed to be put in there or taken out was was great on their part and that's what they're that's their job and I give them a shout out for that. Um I attended the first Friday again. Main Street, a lot more busier there. A lot
different um vendors. It was a great evening. Like I said, hopefully that continues and flourishes and it's great those businesses on that, you know, uh main street. They're just pushing it and pushing it. It's a great thing to see that. Um on Saturday the 6, our first
annual cast and connect, I went over police department and the PAL. I went over to uh Lenipe East. Lenipy East, right? >> Yes. >> To check that out. I think they had like 50 uh kiddos and their parents out there fishing and it was a great weather. A
little hot, but I think they all enjoyed it. Um >> and I watched and helped a couple of the kiddos fish and bait their hooks and it was it was a nice thing. Hopefully that'll continue into next year, an annual thing. It was it was a great
thing for our community. Um, on the 6th I attended the uh First United Methodist Church of Maze Landing pork uh pork uh dinner, barbecue pork dinner. Another great event for the community. Um, a lot of people, a lot of chitchatting, good
food there. Like I said, that's great for the community. Something like that brings people in, helps the church out with their functions and I guess donations and stuff like that. Um on the 10th I did um uh I did attend an MUA
meeting. Um there was discussion with our um Amazon with uh approved Amazon that we approved. They had to go through for water hookup I guess and sewer hookup and um I attended that meeting. There was back and forth and I believe
they pressed on with that and agreed to certain things and I'm sure there'll be back and forth with them. uh for different um different things at that at their meetings. Um and on the 13th Saturday, this Saturday, I was with the sustainability team for their road
cleanup on Cologne A. I did pull about six ticks off me. So, there was a lot tick ticks don't scare me, but it was it was a great event. that group um you know they're all about keeping our township clean and you know keeping it uh nice
and classy as you would say more. So there was a lot of trash up and down the road. I was surprised but we got it done within a 2hour frame and it was it was a it was a great great event. Um, one other thing I do want to say, shout out
to our professionals, um, that helped us out, gave us information on the pilot with Amazon. Very informative meeting we had. It explained a lot, you know, opened my eyes, but it it it really helped me kind of settle with, you know,
that pilot. Um, so I really appreciate that what you guys did for us. And again, congratulations, Dita. I only got to work with her a few months, but it was uh it was great. I know she's done a lot for this township. Um prior to, you
know, me being up here on the dasis, I used to sit out in the audience and watch her do her thing before uh after uh Mrs. Anderson, and she was great for our township a lot of things. Like I said, a wealth of knowledge. >> Um we're going to miss that. Jane, so
far, thumbs up. Couple thumbs up. Thank you very much. That's all. Thanks. >> Very good. Committee woman Thompson. >> Okay. So, I also want to uh congratulate um Rita on her retirement. So, hopefully
she's going to be laying on the beach and putting her feet up and relaxing herself. And I welcome Jean. She's so beautiful and does a good job. Been very helpful. Um I also attended First Friday downtown. Um, so that is always nice to
uh be supportive of the small businesses and they're so crafty. I'm telling you, there's so many different little crafts and um items and stuff that you can um purchase and u I'm so grateful to attend there and be supportive. Um I want to
tell the chief that I'm sorry I miss the children's community with the fishing with the couch cuz I had a family event. My niece had a baby child. I'll tell you, I do want to shout out the winner, Weston Baldwin.
Weston, I've seen his picture. He caught a 17 and 3/4 inch largemouth bass. Yes. So, I want to give him a shout out. And um that must have been really cool for him. Um he didn't look like he was
scared. He looked like he was excited about the whole thing. So, that was a good good uh good job. Um, I also want to make an announcement about our hometown celebration that we have coming up uh the 27th of this month
at the memorial park and also the Hamilton Sustainable Road team will be there. They um wanted to announce that they're going to have a setup tent so they will be there also. Um Dr. uh committ Dr. the thumb was
mentioned the expungement event which I would encourage anyone that you know feels like they uh have a situation and even if you're not sure I would encourage you to attend or call because it it definitely makes a difference in
second chances your career your life you know things you're trying to do with your family and um anything to do with getting a job or getting ahead in general so I would encourage that. Um,
also I do want to thank uh the lawyer Jim. He definitely was a wealth of knowledge when we were discussing the Amazon pilot because I tell you I might I think I even said it to you then. And I said, "I'm so happy you were
explaining this pilot cuz you know, sometimes people tell, oh, don't do a pilot or you have outside um sources that tried to deter you from that and you really don't understand what the benefit was, you know, and um so I
really appreciate you taking the time and breaking it down, you know, the whole team and explaining it so I could expand and and realize that this was a benefit for the township. So, I appreciate that. And um I think
that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Deputy May, you're next. >> First of all, after well over 15 years, the landfill is capped. Correct. >> For quite a while, but we finally got
that done. And shout out to Rita for all of us up here. We were all rookies at one time and leaning on Rita and she has come through and we I'm sure we all appreciate it. And now we have Jane and I'm sure we'll have no problem with Jane as well.
On a whole complete different subject since our last meeting and before our next meeting DDay June 6 came along. Never heard a word whatsoever on the news. In one day
10,000 troops were killed. 6,600 troops were wounded from our country last Sunday, yesterday, Flag Day. Never heard a word. Unbelievable. Heard about the basketball championship.
Nothing about our country. This coming Friday is Junth. Still haven't heard anything. The end of slavery. June 21st is Father's Day. go out and celebrate it. July 4th is 250
years since we signed the Declaration of Independence. God bless America. I'd like to thank all the service members and the veterans for protecting our country for all those years since two for the last 250. And that's all I
have. >> Very good. Good job. Okay. I'm going to start off with happy birthday, Deputy Mayor. Well, >> today is his birthday. What? 57 58 for 48.
>> 48. No, I'm sorry. I said 57. I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry. I apologize. So, happy birthday to you, Rich. >> Thank you. >> Um, once again, uh, Rita, congratulations. I really hope you enjoy yourself. Um, don't go get another job, I hope. Just, uh, do some traveling and
and hang out and have a good time. Um yes already spoke about Junth that's his Friday Lake Lenipe East 3 to 7. Um and then there's Pride in the Park on the 20th at War Memorial Park. That's 11 to
3. Um and then there's Father's Day. So if you're lucky enough to still have your dad, call him at least go see him. He'll probably even buy you lunch. even though you should be buying him lunch, but he'll do it for you. >> But, uh, all you dads out there, enjoy
your Father's Day. Um, and then I want to give a shout out to, uh, to, um, a resident here, Connor Callahan. Um he is on the USA ball hockey team representing the United States of America this year in the 2026 ball
hockey world champions world championships and Astraa Czecha which used to be Czechoslovakia. Um they're playing I think their first game is Saturday and they play a game every day through Wednesday. Um, and I'll be
honest, I really don't know how it works out after that if uh if it goes by points. But that doesn't matter. Just the fact that he got there and he's representing uh he came here, he played hockey here his whole life with uh with Hamilton Township and uh he's he's a
great kid. Well, kid. He's in his I think late 20s now. So, um good luck to him and his family. They'll be going out to Czechoslovakia. And let's see what else. That's um congratulations coming up to all the uh
seniors that are graduating high school. Uh Oakrest graduation is Wednesday. Um I'm not sure when ACIT is but congratulations to all of them and uh welcome to the world and maybe if you're lucky you're going off to college you
can push things off for a couple more years and enjoy yourself a little bit. So and then uh I want to give a shout out to our um fire companies. They've been very busy the past couple of days. Last what week had a car fire and then we had a uh
mutual aid out in was it the Oaks Oaks of Weimoth. Um so especially those I know that those days were pretty darn hot. So good job to all you guys and girls and thank you for what you guys do. It was uh that was a
tough one. So, um, that's really it for me. So, Reagan, I will see you later. Maddie, I miss you and I love you and I hope to see you soon. And we open it up to the public.
Won't everybody get up at once? There we go. Yes. Hello. Uh, my name is Ramo Mora Jr. Uh, I'm from Violin. I'm resident or not resident over there, your neighbor. Um, I care about what's happening to my neighbors. Um, on a on a resident side, I'm also running for Congress and so I
care about what's happening in the district. So, I come with three warnings to you guys. One is from Carney's Point. I found out that you guys are bringing an Amazon warehouse um to the area. I warn you of what's happening in Carese
Point. If it's jobs you're after, I I would encourage you to look at what's happening in Logan Township and in Carney's Point where Mayor Bomba um publicly was boasting about how they're replacing a lot of their workforce powered by robotics um that are powered
by AI uh powered by AI centers like the one that's coming in violin. That's that's the second warning is the AI data centers. I applaud you guys for at least talking about a moratorum but uh I would urge you to maybe be a
little bit expedient on it and I understand the the concern here about regular data centers. They are different than AI hypers scale data centers like the ones in violin. The the third warning is that of Monroe. you brought it up about the $300 million lawsuit
that happened because they were they had accepted >> a a uh application for an AI data center to come to town and they had no barriers to protect >> their citizens. Um so I would, you know, urge you guys to not make the same
mistakes as Monroe and get ahead of it um as as fast as you possibly can. And again, I applaud you for at least even talking about a moratorum. If you guys have any kind of questions and would like to look at other model ordinances, you have Novo Andover, you have uh Pensville that recently passed one,
Deerfield that recently passed one, New Brunswick, there's many places that have passed one without any type of legal um lawsuits on on hovering above them. Monroe is a special town uh special case because of that introduction. Um,
I again with Carne Carney's point, I just I I stress protect your public, protect the people who who are here, who have lived here for a long time. Um, you know, it's it's it's nice that it'll bring temporary jobs. It'll bring in
some jobs, but for how long uh before they start to get replaced and people start to go without because now there's lack of jobs. um these AI data centers in particular that are powering these robotics for the warehouses. Um you know, you might have to have uh certain
mechanical engineers that are nice highpaying jobs. Um but they're replacing five people maybe with, you know, replacing 50 decent paying jobs with five highpaying jobs, right, of these warehouses. So I would just implore you to when you're when you're
thinking about the warehouse, you think about um how will AI affect those jobs. Um when you're thinking about AI data centers, um obviously there's huge uh environmental concerns with all of these hypers scale data centers, but also look
at what what is the result of the AI data center. It's thousands of jobs locally, millions of jobs nationally. Um, and I applaud a lot of the events that you guys are having here in Maze Landing. Um, I actually used to live um,
right behind the Hamilton Mall. Um, and I would see the racetrack. So, I I understand the space that has been vacant for a long time. And, um, a warehouse does seem appear uh, appealing. Just, you know, make sure you protect your residents is what I'm imploring you guys to do. Um, and for
the flag day, uh, I would Maze Landing has a beautiful historical area. I would encourage you guys to set up a program where you guys can embrace that. Violin had one where we we celebrated Flag Day. It was pretty pretty nice. We had a a flag a flag folding ceremony. They
talked about what are the 13folds and what do they represent and stuff like that. It really nice turnout. We read the Declaration of Independence. Um, and I think with you guys having such a nice historical center, um, it would be, you know, nice to have you guys have an event. I don't know if you if you guys
had one and it just wasn't covered or what not, but, um, it is an important event. So, um, that's pretty much it. Thank you. >> Thank you for your insight. We appreciate it. >> Hi, Teresa D. Rose from Laurdale. Um, yes, I am aware that uh Amazon does do a
lot of replacing uh people with AI and robots, which does take away our uh jobs and stuff. But the presentation that they had tonight said that they're going to be renting the warehouse for 20 years or 25 years. What are they going to do
after that? Are they going to renew their lease? Um cuz they're just like renting it. So, are we going to just leave it a vacant warehouse if they leave or don't renew? >> It's So, Jim, stop stop me if I say something
wrong. >> All right. Um, it's what a lot of businesses do. They'll they'll put the warehouse in a different name and then rent and then rent the warehouse. >> Um, it's not I make no guarantees because I don't anything can happen, but
that's that's their business plan. Am I correct in how in how I'm saying that? >> It's all internal. >> It's all internal to Amazon. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. >> Who are you? >> I am from Park Road, former construction
official. Uh when it comes to the data center, uh I guess a question came to my mind. And I figured someone else may have the same question especially those may be viewing at home. Uh the moratorum is that based upon the energy use or
the actual data processing to the fact that if my company I don't have one but if I had a company that processed a lot of data I would obviously be using a lot of energy. However, I'm processing my own data versus a business and my
business is processing, let's say, your data. So, I'm I'm just trying to wrap my head around the fact that what are we controlling here? The use of the energy or businesses that do data processing.
It's I would say it's a um we're taking the time to to gather information to study energy, uh use of resources. Is this is this a good fit for our township? Is this
something that we want to accept or is it something that we're going to say, you know what, we'll pass on that. >> Yeah, I know the energy use gets a lot of headlines here, there, and everywhere. So that's why I was you know is that what we're working try not to cut down the let's say the use of energy
that we end up all you know paying for versus you know the actual me having a data processing business you know for everyone's use as Amazon and the other ones do like as as as you see it's we're
evolving you know that's why we passed the resolution I want to say banning prohibiting >> prohibiting >> data centers, but it's just a resolution. >> So, we want to do we wanted to do that because we knew it was going to take at
least at least two weeks >> for an ordinance. >> Now, we're saying it's going to take three. Now, we're up to three weeks. Yeah. >> And it it could be, you know, who knows what we may find out in the next two weeks. We may find something else out and say, "Uhoh, we got to make another
change to this ordinance to make this right." Yeah. Well, I I didn't come here to pose that question, but as I was listening, that's the, you know, concern I had is what is it we're trying to regulate. Exactly. I actually came because of Rita's retirement. Worked with her for many, many years. I
have nothing but good things to say about it. Same with Jane. She she helped me out a lot in my last few years here as she was up and coming. And uh anyway, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Motion to close.
>> Second. >> I have a motion to second. All those in favor? >> I >> against eyes have it. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> So moved and second. All those in favor. >> I against.
Thank you.