Hello. Hello. >> Is not here so we can >> we are recording now. >> Wow. It's 6:30. >> Good evening everyone and Steve. This meeting is being held with the benefit of public notice as required by
the open public meetings act. Madame clerk, would you call the vote? >> Here >> and would everyone rise for the flag and the invocation. I aliance 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. >> Dear God, we come before you this evening grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. We ask for your presence to guide our thoughts, our
words, and our actions. We pray for peace in our world, in our nation, and our community, and within ourselves. We ask all these things in your holy name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So there have been uh there has been there have been uh amendments to the
agenda uh since it was posted on the website. Uh we are removed or we have removed uh consent agenda item number 925-435 which is a resolution amending resolution 25-247
to authorize an increase of $40,000 for the alternate award full disclosure contract with Princeton Animal Hospital for emergency medical care of animals located at the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter. on behalf of the Department of Health,
Recreation, Senior, and Veteran Services, amount not to exceed $105,000. Uh we have additions to the agenda, and those are ordinance 425-025, an ordinance amending and supplementing
the code of the township of Hamilton, New Jersey. Part three, land use legislation. Chapter 550, Land Development. Article 4, General Regulations and Design Standards. 550-117,
Tree Removal and Replacement and repealing the previous 550-117, natural features and tree preservation in its entirety. The other addition to the agenda is resolution 1 25-440,
a resolution referring uh the proposed amendments to the code of the township of Hamilton, New Jersey, part 3, Land Use Legislation, Chapter 550, Land Development, Article 4, General Regulations and Design Standards 550-117, Natural Features and Tree Preservation,
to the Hamilton Township Planning Board for review pursuant to NJSA A 40 col55D-26. Can I please have a motion uh to the amendment of the agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Madam clerk. >> Mr. Parell.
>> Yes. >> Phillips. >> Yes. Mr. >> Allen. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Next we have consideration the minutes for the September 16th, 2025 discussion. >> I'll make a motion, council president, to move on amends.
>> I'll second. Mr. Car Valley. Yes. Mr. Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan. >> Yes. Mr. Mr. Yes. >> Next we have communication items C1, best practices inventory provided by the Department of Finance. And C2 is the
acknowledgement of receipt of documentation alcohol beverage license 103342 El Toro del Fuego Court Trading as El Toro del Fuego. This is the act to activate the licenses. So I have a motion on the
communications. Do I need to open that up? Excuse me. >> Do I need to open that up to discussion? >> I just wanted to um bother. >> Yeah, please. Anyone who has comments? >> I don't want to do it. So on C1, the best practices inventory. As you know,
this is an annual requirement that we are to submit this survey to the state, right? and it uh it it's a way for the state to obtain uh important information about the status of our municipal government practices, not just finance, but those are a lot of them, but
throughout all of our departments. So, there was a minimum requirement to get a score of at least 32 or above in order to not lose any of your state aid. So this year we scored 38.5.
So we're well within um that range. So we will not have any um indication that we would get any state aid removed as a result of best practices inventory. So um we also use this just so you know
internally so that if we do you know answer no on some of the questions where we if the state sees it as a best practice and maybe we should be doing we work towards changing that and figuring out a way so that we can continue to
operate using best practices in in all situations right um so but this is still it's a good score the 38 and a and all of the divisions and departments were very responsive in getting the information back to our CFO who's the
one who submits this and through the clerk's office as well. So, um, and it's a requirement that it's on a council agenda and that you have hear discussion about it or have discussion yourself. So, if anybody has any questions on any of these, I'm happy to try to answer
them. >> Councilman Caribell, you had a comment. I no I was just that was exactly what I was looking for. I saw the score was fairly high. I did a quick cursory review of some of the the backup here, but I wanted to just hear from Okay. >> from Kathy just as an officer. That was that was great.
>> Good to hear. All right. Uh any members of the public with questions or comments on the uh communications? Seeing none. Seeing none, council president, I'll make a motion to move communication C1
and C2. >> I'll second it. >> Mr. Carelli, >> yes. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Next is the consent agenda items CA1 through CA13 with the exception of the
removal of PA9. >> Okay. Uh 13 consent agenda items. questions or comments? >> Yeah, a quick question on CA8 with this U award for um uh Department of Water Pollution Control for 114,000. I seen
the two bids. One was a couple hundred thousand, a little over, right? Probably 147 if I could recall. Um naturally, Breco came in at 114. But I notice in the past what Break has done work for us
in the past, the add-ons pile up. >> I mean, at at any point, can we hold I mean, >> I kind of know how this stuff kind of goes down sometimes, right? Hey, I'm going to throw a low number in and then
I'm going to pile everything on on the end. And I I And the only reason I bring it up is because they did it in the past. It's very difficult to protect against that because again we have a fiduciary responsibility right to make the assumption that the
proposal that they're given is is genuine. All right. And so and of course it can happen that there are change orders that have have to take place. We're hoping that this one is transparent enough that it's pretty
obvious what they have to do. Um, so there shouldn't be any kind of hidden um, surprises that are in there. And I do know that our director, this is out at WPC, that our director at WPC is very
sensitive to any change orders. And and although it does happen, um, you know, she's she's on top of that all the time. So, we're hoping that and this is actually something that should have been done for a while and recently we had a
PIOA investigation and this came up as one of the items. So, it must be fixed at this point. And but we're we're glad to get it done because it's just >> it's a shame we couldn't have had a it's a shame we couldn't have had a third bid and that way you could have compared you
know maybe the number two and three were close >> with their number and number one >> obviously was way off >> and but of course in the state of New Jersey low bid. >> Yeah. You know, but I just it brings up question to me because I've seen the
practices of Draco in the past that have done work for water pollution control and the add-ons at the end. You know, increase here, increase there. >> You know, their job is when you're bidding the job is to figure out all the obstacles in advance. >> It is
>> so that you could put a a a fine number in, right, without having to go back asking for add-ons. >> Well, and that's a practice some of these contractors have. doesn't seem to be as complicated as >> I understand it's 114,000 >> project so I'm hoping that we don't have to come back to you for any change
orders on this one but we'll see >> is there anybody that for lack of better terms keeps score and see and checks for checks and balances to see which which one of and not just for WPC you know in times in in government right
we didn't CIA didn't share the the the information with the FBI and these people didn't talk to them is there somebody that's kind of keeping track of everybody in the middle that maybe they're doing the change orders in this department. They caught on. So now they're doing work over here. >> Is there anybody that does that? >> It's, you know, well, first of all,
overall in the township, you know, our purchasing department really, they're the ones responsible for the bids and all of that. So they would get the feedback, but it's up to directors to say, "Hey, we had a negative experience with this vendor and here's what it
was." And there's there's a way to document that. So a change order isn't necessarily automatically a negative, >> right? Because it may be very much warranted and needed on the on the project and we have questioned it before
when we've said you should have known this right when you bid. This is no surprise here. So So again, those are the types of things. There's a there's a process that you can go through that documents that officially. so that if they do bid in the future, we can deny
certain ones if we've had a negative experience and it's been documented. Okay? But it has to really follow those rules in order to do it the proper way. Understood. So, uh, I'm just going to point out consent agenda item number 10,
uh, which is a, uh, fiscal sustainability plan for the Department of Water Pollution Control, uh, pertaining to the, um, RBC replacement uh, project, the rotating biological
contractors. Uh, so we're replacing six of those. Uh and and by the way, this is the kind of behind the-scenes work that makes me proud of of our government and our administration. Very important, very little attention
paid to this uh water pollution control, keeping everything flowing as it should. Uh so glad to have this on the agenda um as part of the process to replace this important infrastructure. uh these six. Do you happen to know how many
additional we have yet to replace >> um >> and I don't mean to >> I'm not gonna get these numbers exactly right because our director Sawyer is the one that knows all of these but I believe we have 47. I was going to say 47 but somewhere around that total and
we've really just started the phase. We started with two and then we've we've added on since then and we're doing all of the financing for this through the I bank >> through the state. So it's really getting us good uh loan uh proceeds from
that. So um and this is the exact perfect project type all the infrastructure improvements to do that through the eye bank and uh they've been extremely helpful um in that whole process. So, so again, we're going to
replace eventually all 47, but she'll have them on, you know, year after year. We'll just do another however many she thinks needs to be done at that point when in terms of operations and all of that. >> And kudos to Carrie, our director of
water pollution control, for putting together the plan >> uh for for the long-term uh sustainability of this this infrastructure. Jed, you had something? No, because it would probably be more of a direct question uh for Carrie herself
as the director especially, you know, I know we burn off the methane gas there and I was wondering if if you know, maybe that's I have to make an appointment stop and see her just to ask her if they've looked into instead of burning it off recapturing that methane
gas and and utilize it in different ways. Um I >> I think they do, but this is a question for her. I think they do a portion of it. portion of it. >> Not all of it, but I and I don't know what the where it ends up, what the source is for that. So, that's a good question. Maybe it's time to take
another tour. >> Yeah. >> of the plant, right? >> Two. I think two is good with two tours of the uh if I have to, I'll do it. But, uh I you know, I know um Carrie has looked at that
>> and I don't remember all the details. Maybe we'll get an update from her on that. >> Get an update. I know there have been some logistical um you know because of our equipment or how um some logistical challenges with capturing the methane. So it's something
she's considered. >> Mhm. >> Any other questions or comments from council? I'll open it up to public to the public for the um for all 13 of the well 12
actually of the consent agenda items. Nothing. Okay. Thanks everybody. Uh, seeing no public comment, I'll take a motion. Council President, I'll make a motion to move on consent agenda. I'm sorry, move on closing public comment. Moving on
consent agenda items 1 through 13 with the removal of CA9. >> I'll second the motion. >> Mr. Carell, >> yes. >> Phillips. >> Yes. >> M. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carol. >> Yes. >> Mr. Todd. Yes.
>> Consideration ordinance 25-2 ordinance amending and supplementing the code of intention of council New Jersey chapter 485 for traffic article 2 parking section 485-9 handicap parking. This is repealing bases established at 199 C drive by
ordinance608 26 Steel Street by ordinance 3032 395 Massachusetts Avenue by ordinance 12045 and 429 Wford Avenue by ordinance 01-07 >> uh Mr. President will
>> Yes. Thank you. Uh I'd like to move ordinance 124022 on first reading and introduction. >> I'll second >> Mr. Pavelli. >> Yes. M >> Phillips. Yes. >> Mr. Whley. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pero. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ty. >> Yes.
>> Ordinance 225023 is an ordinance amending and supplementary of Hamilton, New Jersey, chapter 485, vehicles and traffic. Article 2 parking. Section 485-19 handicap margin is establishing at 61 Andrew Street, Andrew Street, 637
B Avenue, 250 East Franklin Street, 306 Mlen Avenue, 208 Norway Avenue, 16 Oregon Avenue, and 233232 Avenue. >> Do I have a motion? >> Council President, >> go ahead. >> Council President, I'll move on
ordinance number 225-023 on first reading introduction. >> I'll second. Madam clerk, >> yes. Phillips, >> yes. Mr. >> Yes. Mr. Pero, >> yes. >> Yes. Order 325-024.
This is an ordinance amending and supplementing the code of national New Jersey 2152 section 215-1. Munal clerk. >> Uh, madame clerk, I'm going to abstain on this. I'll make a motion, council president, to move on first reading and
introduction ordinance number 325-024. >> Second. >> On the motion, Mr. Caraval. >> Yes. >> Mr. Phillips. >> Yes. >> Mr. W. >> Yes. >> Mr. Per. >> Yes. >> Mr. Fand. >> Yes. >> 41. Ordinance 425-025 is an ordinance amending supplementing
the commercial council in New Jersey part three land legislation chapter 550 land development article 4 general regulations and design standards section 550-17 tree removal and replacement and repealing the previous section 550-17
natural features and tree preservation in its entirety for the first reading and introduction. Motion. >> Council President, I'll move on ordinance number 425-025. >> I'll second. >> Madam cler. >> Yes. M. >> Phillips. >> Yes. >> Mr.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Carol. >> Yes. >> Mr. Pie. >> Yes. 5. >> Next we have resolution 125440. This is the resolution referring the proposed amendments to the code of the national council of New Jersey part three land use legislation chapter 550
land development article 4 general regul regulations and designing standards section 550-17 natural features and trees preservation of the Hamilton County planning board for review pursuant to NJSA 405-26.
So just a a word of explanation on this. Um we are um following the recommendation uh of the department of environmental protection here in updating our um our
code regarding the removal of trees. Um, at this time we require uh developers to um account for trees on properties that they're doing work on and and to replace
any trees. Uh, this new ordinance is going to require uh residents to um report and get a permit to remove trees. Um, no. >> Go ahead. uh report and get a get get a
permit to remove trees uh on residential properties. Uh this is for um flood control, storm water, runoff control. Um and again, it's it's something that um
was kind of mandated to us really by the Department of Environmental Protection. And our ordinance very closely mirrors the uh model ordinance that uh we were given by uh the department of environmental protection. Uh so with
that this is a resolution. I will open it up to questions and comments. >> Quick co question. Uh Kathy, th this this ordinance and and obviously is it more of a reporting
that for instance, I guess the the resident would be required to report to the township so they have an account of people that are removing trees. So if I decide to cut a tree down my property that I would report it to the township
I'm there would be no fees associated with it like taking a permit out and paying for a fee. I was to the understanding there might not be fees depending on the amount of trees so to speak. >> Right. >> Is there any clarity to that? That's one room.
>> So, I don't know fully the answer to all of that, but that it will require getting a permit. And part of it is to be able to document and keep track. So, if you're uh a resident and, you know, you come to us and have, you know, 10
times permits to take trees, then that might be something that, you know, we'd want to review and decide whether that's reasonable to do or not and to be able to provide a permit for that. But again, and I don't think that there's the intent to start charging fees,
especially if somebody has a one-time thing. I'm going to come and I want to remove this tree for safety reasons or whatever the case may be. I don't believe there's going to be a fee associated with that. >> What's the purpose of a permit? >> So, >> because somebody's not going to come back and get 10 permits, right? Because
if you have 10 trees on your property, you're cutting them down and we don't even know about it. >> Well, so big if they're not doing it all at once, right? They're they have to do it individually, right? So >> not many people have 10 trees. >> It's also the the type of trees, right?
So there's a differentiation between sorry, but the type the issue is also the type of trees. There's a differentiation between healthy trees over 4 in um
of the the DBH of the height of of conifer tree, you know. But if it's an invasive tree, it's the hazard. it's the hazard tree, if it's a sick tree or dead tree, you know, those those can be taken down. There is there so it's not it's more that they're focused on healthy
trees that that are important to the environment. >> Yeah. And there are 12 uh exceptions to this requirement. Um and it it applies to residents removing four um or more trees per acre.
>> Oh, okay. Yeah. So, and and then in certain instances there's a requirement for replacement and so forth. So, it's it's a much larger process. Obviously, you just don't want people cutting down a hundred healthy trees, you know, and
so so >> we've all seen that like where you're driving and you're like, wait, didn't there used to be a bunch of trees over there and it cut half the forest down? >> Yeah. And so we're trying to preserve the trees and the tree cover in in our town. >> Now there is um tree replacement there
are fees >> uh and it is it is listed in tree replacement uh for each tree removed with size between four uh or >> 4 inch caliber and 10in caliber.
>> Oh going this way. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So I mean it >> 4 in to 10 in around diameter. Yep. um shall be replanted on the same property or um pay a fee of $400. So they can plant
a smaller tree and replace they can replace the tree or pay a fee of 400. So, I think everybody's going to choose to plant trees uh in those cases where maybe you want to remove trees because they're in the way of, you know, the
only the only um the only downfall I see of this is we we see a lot of the neighborhoods where there's trees because some brainiac came up with an idea to put a tree next to a sidewalk and it ripped the sidewalk up, >> right? >> And now we're going to charge somebody
$400 for that. Right. No, because it could fall under one of the exemptions for for >> Yeah, because now they have to pay for a sidewalk because we put the tree and they're paying for a sidewalk and cut the tree down. That's not fair to >> And so there is there is a process of somebody going out to inspect it for the
reason for doing it. And so it I mean it's not it's it the requirements don't kick in automatically. There's exemptions, there's there's studies, you know, someone will come out and look at it. Um and but you know by the same by the same you
know if it's a dangerous condition then yeah take the tree down that's fine we'll give you the we'll give you permission because we understand why it's a dangerous condition. Um and then the requirements for replacing or paying the replacement fee won't kick in. Um,
so I mean it we worked very hard sort of pushing back with the with the ordinance as it was written to really try to protect the rights of the homeowners versus the rights of you know the Lorax and the trade.
Uh we'll go ahead and open it to the public on this resolution 1 25-440. Any members of the public with questions or comments? >> It's first reading. So >> no, this is a resolution resolution. >> Resolution.
>> Go ahead, Janice. Good evening, Janice. >> Good evening. >> I'm sorry. But my I was went was in temporary care today and I had a jacket on and had my car key for me in there and I left it in there cuz when I got in the car to go one time I had to go get
my spare and then I >> we were concerned. >> We actually >> um you couldn't just chop down trees if you wanted to. >> Well, previously if on a residential uh well currently on a on a residential
property you can cut down trees. We don't have any, >> right? I mean, unless it's part of the development. If you're building and then then other >> well developments um commercial properties, there's a requirement uh that you get a permit to
do that and there's a a tree replacement requirement pro currently for commercial properties and developers. What we're extending this to is to individual uh residences. So they have to get a permit to chop.
Well, it kind of does make sense that they could go nuts and chop everything down >> and and only if you're doing more than four. >> So if you have a tree and you want to take it down, you can
still do that. Um it's it's four or more is is the threshold >> where you need to get a permit. And uh >> where did that >> potentially replace it? >> Let me find the language.
It says it's I know. I saw it. >> And that's in addition to the exception that you spoke that right? If it's a hazard, if it's dead, if it's sick, you wouldn't you wouldn't need it.
So the the four trees are less per acre that that's for um the removal and permit view of the waist. That's on subsection
D1 L. That's where the poor trees come in. So if I take down one chair it says no it says no person shall remove or cause your roof trees with a DBH of four inches or more or ornamental
or evergreen tree with a height of 6 feet or more without first having obtained written approval from the township is provided herein except as noted in section Z1 L below. So >> that says one tree it doesn't say right but >> res or less per acre. Yeah, there it is.
>> So that So >> residents who remove here, let's let's just read it. Residents who remove four trees or less per acre that fall into category 1, 2, 3, four, or five of the tree replacement requirements table within a 5-year period. That's an
exception. They don't need to uh get >> you can notify the township. While all home owners shall notify While all homeowners shall notify uh the Department of Community and Economic Development in order to track the number
and categories of trees removed at each address, a removal and permit fee will be waved in this instance. So there's no um fee for four or less trees that fall into categories one through five
>> on a but less per acre. So if you know if you have a 20 acre property you know that means you can multiply it out you could do up to what it's like 20 pardon me 80 trees I guess I mean like
so it's but it's still you still have to report it so that the numbers can be tracked >> so the categories uh one through five are under the definition of hazard tree is that the categories that we're talking about >> no
>> or is it somewhere else? >> Somewhere else. >> So it's been the tree replacement. It is in L. So down to page 248 on on our L125
>> 248. That's that those receive and the description besides the trees. >> What's the ramification if the township doesn't approve this? >> They have they have the right to appeal to the zoning board of appeals the decision. So they have they have I think
10 I think they gave 10 days to make an appeal to the zoning board. >> That's a res if if they >> No, I said if we don't pass it here. >> Oh, if we don't pass Oh. Oh, I >> I know the state's the one pushing this. >> Yeah, they are. Yeah. Requirement actually. Yeah. So,
>> I I'd just like a little I I know you guys are pulling a lot of stuff up. I'd like, you know, a little more clarity on this as far as listen, the end of the day, I'm I'm not in favor of of of adding any more permit fees to regular homeowners throughout the township. I
mean the next meeting, right? We can have director or and staff that would come and talk about the tree replacement program anyway and they have a lot to do with that. >> But the the problem I have is under where it says where it's applicable
letter C. If you're following along, it's on page 243. The terms and provision of this chapter shall apply as follows. No person shall remove or cause to remove trees with a DBH of 4 in or more or evergreen tree. Doesn't say anything
about acreage. Doesn't say anything about four or more. It says no person shall without having written. If you're telling me, you think you're going to tell me that I can't cut a tree down on my property, you're going to have a problem. I'm cutting it down. We'll have more information
because I I was just under the impression like on our street we have all these big gig trees that I think the counts are planted and those are all huge you know and if somebody wanted to cut one down I thought they would have to get permission to do it. I could do it in their backyard or something but
you know something that was right there and with wires and everything. So like my neighbor had this one tree that loves to chest pee all year long which makes it really wonderful on my property, you know, nothing like caps and leaves in the summer on your lawn. Okay, so so wonderful. But you know, but but I was
under the impression that those that those were the streets that you know between the sidewalk and the street you would couldn't cut down unless you got a permit. So, okay, but that's I know we're not cutting anything down, but I was just curious that you know what you got to get permission to do that anyway.
So, if we're making it >> so this will come back under second reading, right? >> It's a resolution. >> No. >> Well, no. The ordinance is going to the ordinance is just to send it to planning board. Uh we're going to debate and
discuss on second reading the ordinance that's being sent to planning board. All we're do voting for here is for uh the planning board to review this because it's a change to our zoning. Um and then it is going to come back to us for
second reading for debate and discussion and >> which could end up taking place possibly at our next meeting or the meeting after >> I don't know the timing. I don't know when the next I don't know if planning still having a meeting on the 20 >> this Thursday or not but
>> just to and and I just want to clarify um the exceptions came after come after the section you read. So the first section states it kind of in broad terms and then the next section >> uh it's I don't let's see
>> exemptions are 244 >> section D >> that's section one >> and then there the 12 and it uh and yeah so the last one is residents
who remove four trees or less per acre that fall into category 1 2 3 4 or five within a 5-year period. Um >> I'm just looking at the exemptions and nowhere on it does it say I don't want it anymore.
>> Well, if it's less than >> don't want it anymore. So, I have to pay $400 if I don't want a trail. >> Well, no. It's less than you can. >> Well, it's less than uh if you have a tree you don't want anymore, it's less
than four trees per acre. If you don't, >> then that's an exception. >> That's how I'm reading it. >> I read it. >> Where is that? um residents to remove four trees or less per acre that fall into these categories of trees of the
tree replacement requirements table within a 5-year period. That's an exception. So that goes to exemptions. So I my understanding of it and clearly we all
need to uh you know uh look at this a little more closely and make sure we have a good understanding before we u actually vote on it. But um my understanding is it's for multiple trees. That's the idea is to like clear
cutting of our stretches of land. And it's for flood control. It's for, you know, uh, water runoff. The trees play an important role. >> Oh, yeah. Like my neighborhood. Yeah. You guys, right, >> as you well know, right? I mean, you're
in a neighborhood where that's that's important. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. So, anybody else from the public? Yes, Steve. >> Steve. Um, just based on the wording you guys have read, I have a couple of issues.
One, the four trees per acre or less. Most residential lots are not an acre or more quarter brick. So, is that just one tree? >> Well, issue is I know I'm going to lose hope trees are dying from from that
bacterial least. I've lost eight at my house. Two more very large, but it's going to have to come down. I've already planted seedling in anticipation of that. Am I still going to have to pay $400 when it's time to take each tree? No. >> No. >> Well, again, if it's if it's a hazard
tree if it's a sick tree, >> but I might take it out before then. I mean, when I have the when I have the the spare funds and taking those trees down, you know, cost me $2,000 a tree. >> Is that I can't wait till it's about to fall on my house. I need to do it. >> It's not exception if it's healthy.
>> No, he's saying it's not healthy, though. That's why they take it down. >> Oak trees just happen to be very susceptible to a disease that is killing them off. So, they are going to die soon. They're already old. But what if I want to take them out before then while
I still have money in my bank to get it done >> or before it bolts on your house? >> Before it becomes bad, >> right? But it it it's a hazard. It's what's considered in this ordinance a hazard tree. And a hazard tree is defined as a tree or limbs thereof that meet one or more of the criteria below.
Um and and then they won't count for this because they'll be designated a hazard tree. One has an infection or insectation. So if it's if it's if it's already been infected, it might not be dead yet, but it's been infected, then it's a hazard tree. A tree with a structural defect that will make it
likely to fall in or apart could be is dead or dying. could be um obstructs the view of traffic control device not applicable is causing obvious damage to structures I don't know if that's the case whether foundation or some or is
determined to be a threat to public monitoring health safety or welfare so again I don't know if that's right so but it >> what you're saying it it would follow I'm most likely I'm not I'm not a tree expert but >> well that's part of my next question is
who's coming out to prepare this but my opinion an arborist >> there is there is >> I'll come look at these but my bigger point is don't say it's it's not the I don't want it I planted another one in my yard two years ago and when that gets up to the point it provides an update I
want to take this one down >> well I'm still paying 400 bucks >> yeah so I the the question regarding the language around four trees or less per acre uh that's a good question because
I'm not sure like most residents don't have an acre. >> Uh most residents don't have a quarter acre. Um it's a fraction of that. So >> how does this apply to the smaller lots? I think that's an important question we need to get an answer to because if you
don't have an anchor, is it still four trees per lot or are we doing some math there and saying you can only take down one tree during the time period? So, we need to clarify that. >> My last question was the wording that
Pat had read over anybody who removes their causes to remove. Um, does that include the contractor I hired and who's getting penalized? You know, we're going to drive contractors away or are they going to up their cost because they're afraid the accountant is going to come
back on them? Like, who's actually responsible at that point? So contractors and and Chuddy can speak to this maybe better than I can, but uh you know contractors want to comply and are going to be um knowledgeable for the
most part. Construction contractors are they just want to comply with whatever the law is, right? Because they want to avoid fe fines and uh they they just, you know, listen, there are scrupulous and unscrupulous actors in any market.
Um, but you know, most contractors, they're going to comply. They're going to work with our planning department. They're going to work with their department of economic development, uh, in order to make sure that they're compliant. >> And and the resident is defined as an individual who resides on the
residential property or a contractor hired by the individual who resides on the residential property where a tree or trees regulated by 550-17 is removed or removed. Those are the definitions. Thanks.
Any other members of the public with questions or comments regarding >> questions or comments on this issue or something else >> on this? We'll do public comment in a little bit. >> Okay. So, if nobody else has questions or comments on this resolution,
then I'll entertain a motion. >> Council President, I'll make a motion to move on resolution 25-440. I'll second clerk. >> Mr. Carabell, >> yes. Mr. Phillips, >> yes. Mr. >> Yes. Mr. >> Pero, >> no.
>> Mr. P. >> Yes. >> 41. >> And now we will open it to uh comments and questions from the public. Do we have anybody on the list? We have somebody who signed up. Let's see.
Jason, >> you get to go first. >> Okay, >> come on up. >> Yeah, we'll have more explanation. Let me >> And if you would give uh just tell us your name and address here. >> Um Jason 24. >> Thank you. >> And I'm a little nervous so bear with
I'm not really. >> Yes. No need. >> Can you hear me? >> Um so I've been in the township almost 50 years. Unbelievably. I don't know how I ended up my 50s, but here I am. And um >> when do you get to your 60s?
>> Got them on. Got them on. Right. So um I have children here and and now I have grandchildren here. And um you know I noticed things because I've been here since we had blinking stop signs and >> you know corn fields and $5 get you the
new car of 7-Eleven, right? And all that good stuff. You know things have changed, right? But I I hon I'm just straight to the point. I got called um to for repair on on a house in in the Groveville area. This was a while ago
and it got my spidey sense tingling, but I wasn't freaking out about it, so to speak, you know, enough to do some research and then come speak to y'all. But um so I'm working on the house and I have a little experience in Brett levels, so to speak, and
different things like that. And I'm working in the house and I I noticed there was like four men on the porch kind of hooting or whatever. And I also noticed bunk beds everywhere and like specialized locking systems. And I was like, "Oh, what are they
hooting at?" Cuz you know, it's kind of like my neighborhood, too. And it was some girls getting off the bus from high school maybe. And I'm like, "What's going on here? There's 15 guys in this house." And they look like some guys I used to deal with. They act like them
kind of. I'm like, so I started asking some questions friendly wise, you know, with a little coffee. And I said, "Well, where are you guys from?" He's like, "Well, I'm from Oklahoma. I just finished a 10-year bid for this, this, and this." I was like, "Wow, really?" Okay. And where are you from? I'm from
New Mexico. Another guy had gotten released from a state mental hospital I think in Oklahoma or something like these were like not kind of regular guys like seemingly like medium to maximum
security type of threat levels from from what I could see. And then you know I have family in that area. So, I'm driving around and I'm seeing more and more like zombie looking people walking up and down the streets in Yardville kind of looking around noticing just you
just you just you know if you got a sense for that you could just tell and so I actually followed two of them and I'm like where are these guys going? It was another house like that and I'm like wow they're they're all over. It's a problem because I know first and
foremost and I know some of you are parents and obviously you love Hamilton or you wouldn't be doing this, right? I know you guys don't get paid a fortune or I don't think and um you know first and foremost is protecting our kids, right? And my best friend lived next
door to making tanka. And I was in school or a little bit older and um there was this guy named Jesse Tmenqu who's still around believe it or not. He's alive and well. 35 years later and he murdered, raped her, broke every bone
in her body, put her in a toolbox, and then volunteered for the search party. And he's doing okay from what I can see. Megan's not. So if you I understand there's 10 houses. I'm trying to operate some records, but a lot of them are
classified mentally disturbed, you know, like from some of these psych centers or whatever. So you can only get so much information on them. And the problem is I know everybody's busy and we get busy and somebody's got the, you know, notice the pink elephant in the room. And if
there's 15 per house average, they buy the big houses because you need a lot of square. I've done a little research. You need a lot of square footage in order to stack them up. So 15 * 10. So that >> it's 150. >> That Oh, is that my time?
>> That's your time. You can come back for two more minutes, but we want to give everybody else a chance to speak for the first. >> I'll speed up my conclusion on that. >> No. So sit down and then I'll come back. >> Yes. Okay. And who else would like to
get up and make a comment or ask a question? >> Transition. >> How are you? >> My name is Julie Lane and I am living in Hamilton now 23 years. Uh Woodside Avenue.
>> Um lovely to be here. Have never been here. never attended a meeting in 23 years. This is really neat. Couldn't even figure out where they all were. Um I think my topic is super super easy. Um although the trade topics are fascinating. Didn't know any of that and appreciate the ambiguity review is what
I would call that. Need to get a little more detail. So mine is super super easy. Um I recently Can you hear it? Okay. Um I recently had the wonderful experience of trying to replace my own fence. Um, no pool on my property, which
I learned is just a zoning permit, no fee. Here's my challenge. Many of us who work at the township, we actually work the same hours as the township. Is there anything through the magic, and I'd be happy to meet with somebody offline we
can do to improve access? It's really hard to take off work, and I'm hearing even more permits possibly coming. um happy to work with anybody and offer some solutions on I don't know maybe we flex the day and we have permits available in the evening by appointment
or potentially we work on some kind of transformation strategy where something could be done online when it's really easy and doesn't have a fee so be happy to take it off I'd volunteer my time um but it would be really great to be able
to improve access to services and quite frankly improve and streamline all the valuable resources ources who have to handle all walkins. When something really easy, as I learned a zoning permit, no pool, it's just you submit a survey, somebody analyzes it, and then
you just get a zoning. Seems like the woman told me, five minutes. It's really hard for me to take off work and get there. And it would be great if we could entertain something um of how we can better support our citizens. >> Yeah, thank you. Thank you for that
feedback. Yeah, >> happy to take it offline. Happy to volunteer. Well, uh, you keep saying volunteer. We might take you up on that. We We are always looking for volunteers. So, >> do this professionally for Fortune 500 companies and I'm pretty good at it and
happy to give you some shortcuts for very little amounts of money on people process technology. Happy to partner. >> Great. Good. >> Don't forget to leave your phone number right here with the clerk. >> Okay. >> We can look we can look into it. >> And a lot of us are actually here after
hours. That's the point. Like that's exactly like you guys are here. Couldn't we just like teach somebody to like quickly do this and maybe you could do like a sign up and if you want something in the evening? >> And it is it's it's a it's a very reasonable
suggestion and request and uh it's it's it's something that uh I know the administration can't just instantly change that there are contracts in place. uh if they were going to change workers hours, there would have to be
some negotiation with that. Um you know, it's outside of of certain hours, it's time and a half. So there there are considerations. Not to say it's not a very reasonable idea. I happen to agree with you. Most people work during
business hours and then if we only make services available during those hours, that's hard. That's hard for a resident. So, I appreciate you bringing it to our attention and >> please give us your comment. We'll follow up with you. >> Absolutely. Thank you so much for your contact.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, do we have anybody else? >> Uh Janice for the second time or is this your first time during public?
>> Pardon me, Janice. Please come up. >> At first I was talking about >> That's right. You were talking about the tree ordinance. >> I know the I know the main we have to do. >> I would give my two minutes to that gentleman go.
>> Yeah, we we don't do that though. >> But Janice is always trying to give someone else her time. But uh we don't we we don't do that. >> Thank you, Janice. Do we get a Don't we usually get an election form of who's
running? >> Like a sample ballot, >> a sample >> from the clerk's office? >> Cuz I haven't gotten one. Did they go? >> I haven't gotten mine yet. >> I haven't even I Somebody asked me that question the other day at the October Fest and they were I think they went out this week.
>> Oh, okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, vote by mail is already underway. Uh the early voting starts any >> Yeah. go by mail already got there. It's October 1st. >> Actually, our clerk might know. Do you know when they're the sample ballots are
going out? >> I have the timeline on my desk. I don't have it committed to memory when they're actually getting mailed out, but early voting starts Saturday. >> Yeah, because I I do the early voting colonial >> and we'd like to have you to have your sample ballot obviously. >> I got to think from, you know, >> we're going to run down to get the timeline
>> from one party, you know, that you know, vote for these people. I didn't even know that that organization who who they were running. I knew you guys were running and the school board and the governor, but I know there was other other people, you know, running different things. So, I thought it'd be nice to know >> who's >> so I don't take up time when I get there
after the whole thing down. >> Okay. Um, that was number one. Number two is I'm at Ben Iron Brewery last week. That's >> last meeting. >> Did they notify the neighbors about that before they built it? >> Yeah. Yeah, they went to each neighbor
and told them >> well within within a certain number of feet within a certain distance >> they notified the neighbors >> actual number of feet 200 >> it's >> 200 feet >> maybe like three houses got notified >> maybe
now they have an >> out there they have an acre so I and I you know what Janice I don't disagree with you I do think we should do better than 200 feet I have to agree with Janice on No, I mean that's >> that's the law. >> Ridiculous.
>> Is it mandated by the state? >> It is mandated by the state that we notify within 200 feet. Janice. >> Oh, that's nuts. >> But that concert was also a one and it's not like it happens every day. That was a concert. They got told not to do it. And hopefully
>> they admitted >> they did. But that's they got a big property there because they farm there. So I I don't know how many acres they have. They got more than an acre. >> You can take lots of >> Okay. Lots of trees. >> Lots of trees. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But that's from point to point. So, you know, just, you know, if there's 10
acres or five acres, >> it it'd be from the furthest point 200 ft this way, 200 feet that way, right? And so forth. So, it's not from the center, it's from the furthest property line. So, the property line has four sides. >> Yeah. >> So, 200 feet each way.
>> Because my girlfriend has a friend that's out there and her neighbor wanted to build a workshop. into building and everything and he had to go personally to the seven houses by him and ask him if it was okay for him to build this workshop before he could get a permit. So, she wanted to know how come more people weren't notified about this thing
and the problem that it was going to bring us? Well, supposedly it was supposed to be soft music, not real loud music. And uh and who voted to pass that they could do this? Was it us? >> So, there were multiple bodies that uh
considered this. One of the bodies was uh the farm >> cuz Mer County agricultural board was one of the boards that appeared >> and then it probably went before our planning board as well. And uh the reason it went before the agricultural
board is there's you know this type of business helps preserve farms. That's the idea behind allowing a farm to have this type of business on it is it helps preserve that farm cuz the alternative in Hamilton is property will get
subdivided and they'll have more houses next to them. So, you know, this is a way for farmers to be able to keep farming. >> Okay. So, so was to keep the farmland access. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. And the county had nothing to do with this. It was just all passing and and the state rule about >> well it went before the >> agricultural board. >> It did go to the county agricultural board but also to our planning board and you know there were there were representations made that there would be
soft music playing and you know the the owners acknowledge right an error >> in in judgment with the the one ticketed event that they had uh glove and special sauce. >> Mhm. Uh, sorry I missed it, but um,
>> Grammy nominee. >> Is that >> Yeah, that's who it was. >> So really, >> you know, they had the one concert. >> They were they had music going loud. >> Well, you know, uh, I think that we had
a constructive and and I think it was a productive discussion. We had we had a good turnout from the residents of the neighborhood. Uh we had the owners of the uh of the uh brewery here and um you
know a a good discussion was had and there was uh a commitment on behalf of the owners of the business to communicate with the residents to have an ongoing discussion around that uh and to solve that problem. And guess what?
We don't have any residents from the neighborhood here this week, which isn't to say the problem's been solved. I don't want to imply that. But, um, you know, we had a good discussion. I'm hopeful that, you know, they're
neighbors. I'm hopeful that these neighbors will be able to work it out. >> As opposed to my friends that they had had a meeting, they're supposed to have >> they did have a meeting. Yeah, that's what I was just going to add to the discussion. You said most of what I was going to say, but yeah, they did have a subsequent meeting. um I think it was in
the last week or so. So um or in the last 2 weeks. Um so hopefully that diffused some of the issues um and uh suede some of the concerns that the community had. Um, and I was also going to mention it's it it it's good that
there's, you know, it may not it, you know, it may not resolve all the issues, but they address some at that meeting >> and um and the proof is hopefully, you know, folks feel a little more comfortable with them as their neighbor. So, >> yeah, I hope so. I mean, you know, with
their home val during the summer, you know, >> right? >> Well, the residents have our attention. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And you know, so we're going to be monitoring. >> I think more came out of that meeting than we realized because uh myself and some of the people from uh the road
department, dad, they had came in and complained about the roads. We were out there at quarter to 7 taking pictures. Somebody actually stopped me and asked me what I was doing. And I said, "We got complaints." So I know I was out there, the road department was out there. Fred's people were out there taking pictures of the road and saying, "Look, this isn't acceptable." Um the roadway,
some of the roadways were pretty bad. A lot of big cracks. So, they got the response. Now, we just have to keep following through. >> Okay. So, hopefully that meeting worked out. If not, we'll come back here and you'll find out. >> Hopefully. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, hopefully it was real.
>> Okay. But that that's 200 ft, isn't it? >> I don't disagree. I think that's we It should be more. >> Well, you know what? I'm going to I'm going to consult with our I'm going to consult with our township attorney about that. Make sure there isn't anything we can do.
>> All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> The answer to your question, the scam bells, they start mailing them out tomorrow. Oh, okay. Very good. Thank you. You're welcome. >> Okay. Anybody else? Steve, our staff is always prepared. >> They're always prepared. >> Yeah.
>> Very good. >> Steve Wolf Road. >> Hey, that was I want to talk about an incident that happened at the animal shelter was in July, but I think three months is more up front. the township progressive and uh it doesn't look like that's going to happen. So, here we are.
Um on a Thursday night, I was volunteering and I'm going to skip over some of more um mundane details so I can get to my point. After hours at about 5:00, the health officer showed up. Few minutes later, the assistant BA was
there. Then one police officer and a second police officer saying they were called to be witnesses. Um, needless to say, this basically stopped everything that was happening on the shelf that night. Um,
interrupted an adoption for a dog. Totally created a a more or less toxic environment. Um, no explanation was given. Uh, the cops were dismissed. One of the employees asked him to stay
uh because based on a multitude of reasons. >> Mr. Peg, I'm just going to caution you. We're not going to get entity personnel personnel stuff. Right. >> I I I know. >> I I just wanted to insert Yep. Um,
sorry I lost my pay button. Oh, sorry. >> Um, basically the consensus was we all knew uh one particular employee was the target of this. We didn't know why, but the the tone, the attitude,
um the history in in the shelter, it was very clear. Um, basically the assistant DA told everybody except that employee it didn't concern that person. I was told by the health officer I didn't need to be
there. It doesn't concern me. It turned out both of them and locked. What I have found out since was an anonymous employee made a call um to the health officer
uh to report that potentially myself and that particular employee were engaged in either illegal activity or accessing shelter things we shouldn't do, whatever. Um,
some of you have been working with me on a shelter for 7 years, 8 years at this point. Uh, I hope you'd know that that is not the way I work. Um, I can tell you this employee, I've been there 15 years. I haven't
trusted anybody at that shelter until now. Um, I do know this employee has spoken up in defense of the animals, in defense of volunteers, in defense of other employee. Um,
I'm going to kind of shift because >> Yeah, because I was you could see my face. Yeah, >> I I didn't need to. I'm just trying to get my thing there. So, the the accusation did concern me. So that's
part of why why I'm up here as well. Um I can tell you after 15 years at this shelter, I'm at other shelters. And you can use whichever term you you want, whether it be retaliation or retribution or coercive control. It
happens. It happens a lot. It still happens at our shelf. Not to the degree as before, but it still happens. Some of it's just human nature, but it happens. Um, and it takes different forms.
I'd have to ask this anonymous employee, the contract had not been there that long. So, what would be in this person's mind have been planted there? And by who? for this person to have seen me talk to this
employee for less than a second now and immediately take that to mean there is something legal going on and then to call the health officer who immediately races down there police officers and to code practically salivating at the opportunity
to get or whatever you term you want to use two people consistently racial issues I have for years. So Steve, uh, that sound you just heard means time. Okay. >> And there's been no right, no rice notice given, so we really cannot
discuss any employment matters here. >> Thank you. Uh, okay. So I think everyone who has wanted to speak has had a chance to speak for the first time. So now we're going to go to round two. We'll start with the gentleman uh in the flag shirt. I forget your name.
>> Jason. >> Jason. >> Jason, >> can I can I speak for a second before you start the two minutes? >> No. >> We're going to start the clock. >> Can I can I can I make my statement for the two minutes and then ask a quick question.
Speak back. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um so, so basically I did a little digging, right? And um I'm I'm not really smart like you guys and all that, but I just kind of clever, so I stopped at a couple offices and stuff. And
>> so they're all listed as single family homes. There's no limit to how many they can put. There's more that they're buying and they're going to put more uh mentally disturbed felons in these houses. And personally, I don't care
about their problems or their feelings or if they're upset. I could care less. I care about the little girls and boys running around the neighborhood. I can imagine working my whole life to buy I think it's average like5 to $600,000
house busting my butt and then my daughters are getting off the bus and there's four dudes smoking black a mile hooting at them that are under special protection. So if you said something then you're somehow it's the setup's crazy. So and none of the residents
know. They're just putting them there. They don't even know these guys or their backgrounds and not everybody has the the sense to understand kind of what's going on around them. I mean, it's kind of obvious, but is the council aware of these houses and where they're at?
>> We're So, we have actually raised this issue uh with the administration. The administration understands uh that the these group homes uh cause
issues for our residents and this does go to uh state laws that uh kind of uh hamstring us a little bit. It makes it difficult for us to regulate. We can't
um the township is limited in in being able to um really even in zone zoning like it we don't have as much power over those group homes as we do over other uh development >> and I found that out and I was glad the
council wasn't sitting here approving all these things but as a council and as politicians you all look very clever right you something needs to be done because 150 of them already like these dudes did 10 20 years like they're not
your friend you know even if you want to hug a thug or I know we care so much about these open borders and all that stuff but when it affects your child or your grandchild maybe you might feel differently about the hug a thug program and personally I would shut all these
houses down immediately and do whatever I had to do to get rid of them and maybe that's what needs to happen if politics can't stop it cuz we can't have another 10 of them that would be 20 * 250 50 and just it's just like putting money on a roulette table, right?
>> And I know um to answer your point, our our uh code folks, our enforcement folks with housing and economic development, they are when when there are complaints about locations like
this, they do go out and they do enforce the law. Uh and so I'm glad you're here. Uh if there are specific addresses that are are causing a problem, we want to know. >> Go ahead. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Good.
>> That's I'll find the other nine. >> Our business administrator is is writing the address down. We're going to forward that to our director who's going to have folks uh I expect he he'll probably have the folks go out, the inspectors go out.
Uh, so we we need residents like you. So, I appreciate you bringing the information to us. Uh, we're not necessarily on every street, so we don't necessarily see when these problems develop. It's like sometimes a pothole opens up. We don't know. We need you to tell us, right? >> You can't be everywhere. It's a big
township. >> Yeah. And and this group home issue is an issue and we're aware of it. And this is something we need state help with this. This is maybe uh our state representatives, our assembly member, our our US senator. Yes, sir.
>> Um could perhaps um you know, >> right, >> give us give us some help, >> right? Proactively, right, before you know what I mean? It's after the fact is always a shame. >> Yeah. >> I I hope we can do something before the fact. I mean, I have my eyes open, you know, I'm watching these dudes
regardless, right? >> Um and just one last question. When was the last time the council was at the animal shelter? Did a visit >> like last month recently? >> Five different times. >> Have you all been out?
>> I haven't been in a while. >> I've been in the last few months, but we've been out there. >> Okay. So, you've been out there, administrator? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it. Quick question. Do we do we have an exact number of these group homes in Hamilton
Township? And does the state have the authority just to keep adding more? >> The answer to the second question is yes. Uh um I don't know. I don't know the answer. >> I can answer it if you want.
>> I'm sure. Yeah. So my my next question is then you know what Jason was saying. Did I get right Jason? When we hear problems like this, is there an agency that we call from the state saying, "Hey, we got we we shouldn't have to get an assemblyman
involved or a state senator or any other politician." We as a council in the township when we know that there's a problem that could be existing. Okay. I think we've had problems at that residence before if I'm not mistaken.
Bethl Road. >> There may be one. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, >> I remember going out out there myself. A few of us did. >> Yeah. >> Is there any way to report to the state to say, "Hey, we're having a problem here and we need you to handle that problem."
>> No, I'm I'm not sure that the state regulates it from a point of that public disturbances and things like that, right? So, I think we have to handle that within our own township. And so not just sending code enforcement out there to make sure that they're following code
regulations and living as they're supposed to be living, right? But also, you know, maybe we need more passing attention from our PD at times when the bus is dropping off and all of that because those are the types of things that really
they cut into the quality of life if it's happening on a consistent basis and it's not something that you can rely on as a neighbor. And so, um, you know, I think our our PB would be happy to, um, make sure that they're giving a little more attention to some of these areas
and we'll find out exactly how many we have and where they are. So, I appreciate the information. I haven't answered those questions. >> So, Jason, um, if anybody who's just as a rule, anybody who's going to talk has to be at a
microphone. Um, and and you've talked twice. We're gonna >> I think >> I mean unless we're going to give everybody in the room a third round. >> And I think Jason I think for the most part I think we understand what you're saying. Yeah. And we're in agreement with you that you know something needs
to be looked at here because the the last thing we need to hear is that >> some girl or young girl or young boy is being hassled by >> somebody like this. We we need to take action. So >> I I I appreciate you coming here and and
making us aware of this existing possible existing problem. >> Sorry about the problem. >> I we understand >> the the problem is that you know you have to take this down to the simplest level. The problem is you can call the cops all you want, have them around
during bus drop off, but in all reality the predator is not going to be a predator when it's bus drop off time. It's when everybody is maybe walking by themselves, maybe one friend walking to another friend uh to go see them or riding a bike or waiting outside to be
picked up or coming home alone. If our legislators, like you said, that we shouldn't have to call had not voted for bail reform. >> These people would still be in jail instead of my neighbor cuz that's my daughter's bus. So, the problem I have
is that's right behind my house. So, if we want to sit here and we want to keep blaming, blame the people that let these people out of jail. >> Yes. >> You know, you do paperwork, you arrest somebody, and before you've done the paperwork, they're already out committing another crime. They're out
with an ankle bracelet committing another crime. Keep people that are dangerous where they belong. Let us sit here and have conversations about trees rather than whether or not my daughter's safe or somebody else's daughter is safe because people are out on the street.
That's the real problem. And while some people don't see it every day, it takes something to happen in their backyard before they open their eyes. If people would stop trying to hug criminals and put them in jail and keep them in jail, then we wouldn't have this problem. But
this state government wants to keep allowing criminals on the street instead of keeping them where they belong. That's the problem. >> You can call as many cops as you want. There's not enough cops for the amount of criminals that are around. But they're not all they're not all in either. So, I'm going to do our best,
right, to make sure that we're doing as much as we can to try to blame every person that voted for bail reform and these people won't be in our neighborhoods. [Music] >> Well said. >> Can I just add to Yeah, >> Councilman Pero, of course.
>> Um Jason, this also has come to us before and I specifically wrote I was checking with um others here. I I I know the mayor and I participated in a meeting with a neighborhood where the state did come and I I agree with you 100%. I was not satisfied. I sat next to
the gentleman from the state who explained what regulations they do enforce and in my opinion it was very little. >> It was like a once a year check-in basically. >> And so I remember saying to him, "So your regulations are you have no regulations basically." >> Yeah.
>> So I agree with Pat. I agree with holding accountable our politicians who vote this into place and to get more regulations because they really are it is they're leaving it up to us to do something and that's >> repeal barely >> and they're tying our hands.
>> There's a large there's a large percentage of of uh >> of examples like a large percentage of our code is mandated by the state. I don't know exactly what the percentage is, but there is a lot where the state
tells us this is just what you have to do and then we have to put it into effect. >> Terrible. Terribly written. Glad to rewrite it. >> And thank you for doing that so that we can understand uh you know what the
mandate is. But um you know this this isn't the only example of uh you know the state kind of mandating to the municipalities what how we have to um you know conduct
our our business. Um but this is a particularly concerning one. >> Uh it it goes to public safety, it goes to quality of life. It goes to property values. Uh there's there's a lot here.
Uh it's it's of it's of it's a serious concern. And so, you know, we we're going to report the address. That's what we do. We're always glad when, you know, citizens bring us information like this. Uh we do
appreciate it because, you know, the administration wants to act on this information and wants to protect the neighborhoods. Uh that's that's a part of our mission part like you said it's the reason I'm up here and I think everybody's up here is we want to
protect quality of life for our residents. So uh thank you Jason for being here tonight. Appreciate everybody. Uh so with that uh second so Janet two minutes Janet
>> that I'm going to put down back in conversation with how can you put that many houses close together. I mean that is dangerous right then and there having one is a problem but like he said there's like 10. >> No throughout the township. Oh,
>> it's it's the group homes. They'll just buy a house, a random house that they can put a group home in and it could be in any neighborhood really. And we have little say about this.
>> Okay. I mean, we have two in our neighborhood, but they're they separated from each other. But one one I think is just a mental problem, but uh the engines go down there quite a bit. But uh >> uh you know so uh but I thought they were going to be really close to you but
that would be not good at all you know but they're like >> that wasn't that wasn't what he was >> but 15 people in one house is a bit nuts. I mean, >> yeah. >> And we have >> one can feed off the other and, you know, get the other going and >> we have laws about rentals where we
limit uh how many residents per square foot, but I don't I think group homes are an exception to that. >> They're not renting. >> So, >> okay, what you have to do is, you know, go out to the state. You made this rule up. Okay.
Who's going to be responsible when this d happens? And we say you are to blame, not us. You are because you started this out. It's not going to be our fault. The blame's going to go up to you because this is what's happening. Wake up. >> Yeah. And and more important than who's
to blame is who's going to fix it. >> Right. >> Right. Because >> they got to fix it. >> And well, right now it falls on on us, you know. So Jason came to the right place because we're uh we're that conduit to the services for for a lot of these residents. are always welcome to
uh email uh the administration directly, but we're happy uh when folks come here so that we can be aware of these issues and be an advocate for for our neighbors and for our residents. >> Yes, you guys are very good in that aspect. Very good.
>> For sure. >> I sing your praises all the time. >> Well, thank you, Janice. Kathy, we don't categorize these as group homes, do we? We don't we don't have a list of I mean we I'm sure are aware but
like you know and and I guess in saying that um you know since we are forced to live with what is handed to us from the state here I mean is there any way we can place certain restrictions on those
homes? Not at all. They're they're they're higher government. So >> they >> we can't we they you know the state has their own >> they supersede us supersede us. >> It's not their problem because they're not going in their neighborhoods. They're going in ours.
>> Yep. >> You know we still we can still enforce public safety. You know >> there's none in law. We can still enforce some buildings with respect to >> where the governor >> but we can't >> nuisance laws. We can still >> Absolutely.
>> You know, >> um Okay. >> October 19th. Uh would you say 30? How many years ago? >> Megan Kanka. >> What happened to Megan? >> It was October. It was October 19th was
just the anniversary when she was when she was charged. >> Yeah. >> He's still in jail though, man. Oh, yeah. >> Be in jail. probably in solitary component. >> Uh, okay. So, let's see.
Steve, you didn't get a second chance yet. >> Walk back through. Um, so about where I left off and trying not to stray too far. Um my main point is the one react act active what I'm going to call the
retaliation is the planting of the idea in an outside contract is mine that either activity by me or this employee or me talking with this employee would instantly imply illegal
activity. Somebody planted that in this person's mind. that person called and there was an immediate reaction that that must be true. Not a single apology, not a single explanation, nothing.
And I'm not going to strain to I have to walk this line because part of this may be the employees catching this because of interacting with me. The flip side is me standing up here to
say it may bring back more backlash on this and retaliation in the shelter. It's not any different. The acts are not any different than what you might see on other departments. It could be
things like this. It could be hell. For all the time I've seen it, there's been the phrasing retaliate retaliatory killing of animals that I work with down to the childish, petty, passive aggressive, subtle changes in policy or schedule or assignments
um that just make it harder for for anybody volunteering or working there to help you to do that. The differences in the middle are these animals. They pay the price every time and you won't see a lot of people, you know,
when I read this a lot of people say, "Why don't we give that money?" That's why because you speak up and leave them and nobody and everybody knows that and they just leave whether they be employees or volunteers, they walk away because they know that it's
>> Steve. Thank you. >> There's been no rice not so >> Yep. We got it. We're not >> I don't need to do it. you don't need. So, uh Steve, you are a valued
volunteer. uh we all I think can recognize um you know you you've been helpful probably to every single person up here in better understanding
um some of the day-to-day issues um that affect our our um affect our our shelter. Um, and frankly, we need more volunteers who, you know,
are able, willing, and able to do uh some of the work that you do uh with the dogs. You know, you're able to walk dogs that, uh, a lot of folks wouldn't be inclined to walk, right? Um, so there's a lot of important work that you're
doing and um I hope that you uh don't feel um that you're being targeted. I certainly hope it's the case that Steve's not being targeted. And um you know
um I I just want you to be aware that um the work you do is appreciated. Um certainly you've helped me over the years uh to have a better understanding of certain things. And we can't get into
specifics um in very general terms counselor. I'm just gonna say as a rule, uh, sometimes there are things that you cannot be made aware of, right? There's another side to
the story. Uh, and sometimes they're just you can't be told certain things. And I don't know what those are. I don't even know who exactly we're talking about. So, I'm not talking about anyone in particular, uh, Alyssa, but, um,
>> wasn't, >> you know, just be aware, right, that we know that we need more volunteers like you. Um and uh but also that there's always another side to the story
and and we're certainly not at liberty to talk about uh and actually we're not we don't know or we shouldn't know right uh the other side to that story. So, you
know, we hear you. Um, I always take your input seriously and I think everybody up here does. Um, you've been right too many times for us not to, uh, take you seriously. So, u, thanks for bringing it to our
attention. I appreciate in that spirit. Um, yeah, I didn't expect an explanation. Um, but there are multiple sides. This is one you would not hear if I didn't stand up here. And I will tell you um
what and and yet it it's such a gray area because you can't respond and what I say may make them worse for this person. But I will tell you um in 15 years in four shelters um I have not trusted anybody any of them
for any reason. It's just that's my baseline. You know how I'm extending you with uh compliments, praise. Um I will come when it comes to the care of the animals interaction with the public with the rest of the volunteers.
My trust in this person take care of that um is thanks. I think we've gotten everybody who wanted to speak twice. Uh so we're going
to move at this time to council comment. Whoever wants to start. I'll jump in. I'll start things off. Thank you, council president. Um appreciate the comments this evening. Um in particular, thank you Jason for bringing that up to us this evening. Uh and some of the
conversations that we had subsequently. Hopefully we could uh you know take a closer look at that property and try to um to address some of the community's concern because we don't want this to be uh a recurring incident or something that would really threaten the security
of the folks that live nearby. Um just wanted to also just mention a couple highlights. Uh um we had October Fest on Sunday. Beautiful day. Beautiful event. It was really good to see the community come together uh for that event. Um, and
then, uh, as Janice has alluded to, we have, uh, upcoming elections. You'll get your information this week. Um, I also just wanted to highlight this Thursday, we have several businesses part of, um, I'm a liazison on the Hamilton Township Economic Development Advisory Commission
board. And just wanted to highlight the the um, the businesses that are receiving awards. We have the large business, Hamilton Dental Associates. We have the small business of the year, Brookwood Cafe. We have the nonprofit of the year, uh, Progressive Center for
Independent Living. We have the impact award, that's the Hamilton POW. We have the Maurice T. Perily Business Volunteer of the Year, Gretchen Demarco. Um, if anyone knows Gretchen, she's out and about. She also works for the Princeton
Mercer Chamber of Commerce. Does great work there. and the mayor's beautifification award. Uh the Hamilton Township Department of Public Works, which um that's that that's a well-deserved award for them. Uh the park looked beautiful on on Sunday. So, >> that's all I got for everyone tonight.
Thank you. >> Um real quick, I'll try and keep it brief. Jason, thank you for making us aware of um what's going on and hopefully um we can dig in a little bit. But the old saying is maybe uh voices need to be heard down at the the state
house from more residents, not only here in Hamilton Township regarding bail reform and that it's not good. Okay. I think it's uh I think it hurts our law enforcement officers that are out there trying to do the best jobs that they can
and until they repeal bail reform, you know, this is some of the end results. Hopefully, we don't have any type of catastrophic um incidents that that could happen in our hometown, but we still want to make sure that we do the best we can to make sure that something like that doesn't happen and that we
protect our residents. Steve, um just real quick, and I'm not going to get into it because it's personnel, but I just want to thank you, you know, um not just for tonight, but just for all you have done for that shelter, and it's
people like you that really it's um I'm trying to think of the right word, but it's your um mission, right, is try to advocate for for animals and and and I could appreciate that, the education that you've given me over the years and
you know last thing we want to do is is lose a person like you that has devoted many many years not only here in Hamilton but throughout the county and probably the state for that matter. So again thank you for what you do and uh hopefully uh some of this gets resolved
but again um that'll be a personnel decision what happens. Um, with that, um, appreciate everybody coming out tonight and drive safely and, uh, to your destination, which I'm sure will be home. Um, have a good night.
>> Uh, thank you, Council President. Um, I also just, you know, Jason, again, I'm just reiterate what my, uh, colleagues have said. Thank you for coming and bringing this to our attention. Like I mentioned before when um I was absolutely involved in in in another neighborhood's concern and extremely
frustrated with the state and the little amount of oversight they have on these houses and the little say we have. So maybe the more you know again squeaky wheel right gets the grease more we speak up the more that we can enforce our local code but at the state level I think that's really we might need to
really address this at that level. Um, and Steve, again, I also appreciate all of your commitment and education you've given to us. So, thank you for being brave enough to come here and talk about um, what happened. So, um, and then to piggyback on Councilman Caravali,
October Fest was a huge success. I think we had over 10,000 people there. So, I just want to compliment our Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation for a great job. And, uh, I'm sure there's a lot of cleanup afterwards, too. So, with that being said, thank you again for coming out tonight and we'll
see you next month. >> Thank you to everybody coming, but for coming, but most of all, thank you to all of you. You know, just a simple being able to get that information that quick, being able to answer the questions, being on point, asking the right questions, giving the right information. I'm thankful for all of
you. Um, I brag about it all year long. This the best team I'm on. It's I wouldn't change anything for it. and that includes my two uh colleagues out here in the audience. We appreciate you being here, too. And uh we were worried about you that you were a little late.
Um but I I mean it. I truly mean it. You know, this is uh it's it's been something special for me now for 6 years and the friendships and and the working relationships. I appreciate all of you and um I look forward to whatever the rest of the year has. And um we could
talk after if you have a couple minutes. >> Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Uh, so I just want to make everyone aware, uh, there is an energy savers event. This is a township event. It's going to be at the Hamilton Home Depot. Um,
and this is free programs from PSENG, including rebates, discounts, weatherization services, payment assistance. Um, and just come out uh to learn more about how to save on your utility bill. November 1st, 10:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m., Hamilton Home Depot. Come on by. We're going to have professionals out there uh to help educate everybody in a time when utility bills are are going up up up. Uh very timely event
being held by the the township. Uh and I just I want to echo my colleagues. Uh we appreciate the input. Uh, I want to say when we do get input uh, regarding concerns in our neighborhoods, I'm very
confident in the response uh, that we get from the administration, from the mayor's team, uh, from the economic development uh, department. Uh, Fred is very proactive. He will be out there in
a flash when he hears about situations like the one you described. uh Fred and his team are going to be on it. I'm highly confident of that. Uh so keep bringing us the information. Uh we will keep uh getting the right people uh to
look into it and do what we can. Um you know uh regarding our shelter, you know, I'm I'm proud of u the reforms that we've put into place over the years, the improvements that we've made.
um and the additional resources that we have uh invested in in improving our shelter. Um but it it remains and will always remain a highly challenging environment
in which to operate. It's a difficult thing. It's not a good day for a dog when they wind up in any shelter. Um and and so you know I just have great appreciation for our volunteers like
Steve. Uh Steve's a super volunteer. Uh we have volunteers and then we have super volunteers and I appreciate our our uh rescue uh people. Uh we need more. We need more folks who are willing
to do what volunteers like Steve do. Uh what rescues are willing to do getting those dogs even on a temporary basis out of that shelter. So anyone who is watching this on YouTube, anyone who happens to be listening, we need more
volunteers at this shelter uh to uh improve help us improve the outcomes for these dogs and these cats. Uh we need more rescues to engage with our shelter. I I think the shelter team has done a
good job. Um uh about you know in increasing the engagement um but it's always a challenge and this is a a time when uh people are busy. It's hard to dedicate
time to a cause like this. Uh so uh all of our volunteers are appreciated. So, uh, I just want to say thanks again to everybody and with that this meeting is adjourned. Oh, one more thing. Hold on. >> Next meeting on Monday.
>> Yeah. Okay, good. Thank you for reminding me. Next meeting is >> we could possibly answer. >> Yeah. Is on Monday. What's the date? >> November 10th. >> November 10th because of the holiday. So, uh, Monday instead of Janice, make a note. >> Right now,
>> we don't want you. You've had perfect attendance. All right. House >> and with that this meeting is adjourned. Thank you everybody.