Thank you. >> Okay. This meeting is being held with the benefit of public notice as required by the open public meetings act. Uh madam clerk, please call the role. >> Mr. Whan >> here. >> Miss Phillips >> here. Mr. Pero >> here. >> And we're still waiting on Mr. Tai and
Mr. Caribelli, but we're going to get started. >> Thank you. Here's Mr. Carabelli. >> Okay, >> Mr. Caribelli >> present. >> Please rise for the salute to the flag. >> I waited for you to sit down. Pledge
allegiance 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. >> Started. We're going to take um Director Fitzgerald first.
Start with department of health direct senior vital services director. Take it away. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you for allowing us to present our 2026 budget to council. Um, I can assure
you that we went through this with a fine tooth comb along with the administration and made it as um tight and frugal as possible in order to make sure that our taxpayers are not impacted. I want to commend our health department for all of their hard work.
Um, their national accreditation status stands to uh describe the work that they do on behalf of our township. I'd also like to commend Nicole Zer from recreation as a supervisor and all of the events and sports um related
activities that they also provide to the township. And I'd also like to thank our senior center staff for the great work that they do every day, seeing approximately 500 seniors each and every day for all of the different programs offered. So without that, I will let you
move on to our public health under our director of Chris Helwick. Thank you. >> Okay. Evening. I got animal first on my book. I >> You doing animal control first? >> We'll go anywhere you want to go. Tell us. >> So, our books are all in a particular
order. If you're going to go to a different section, let us know. Uh but we're looking at animal control. >> Okay. We have them all separated, sir. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. run late. Um I don't I don't know if you um I have
whatever question you guys have for animal control. We uh mostly kept it flat. there was an increase uh for um obviously animal related expenses um um open to having a discussion in regards to our behavioral consultant. Uh
we did increase that um our request from I believe 7,000 to 9,000 this year um which we took from uh legal advertising. We just took the we reduced 2,000 and moved that over to
028 uh to that. But if we do want to continue um to increase um the number of volunteer classes and the hours that we have allotted for that that um I did get a proposal from our consultants that you know if we bump that up to $15,000
um that would greatly increase the uh number of volunteer staff training and then also just time for um uh the behavioral evaluations and also uh behavioral treatments that we're able to provide.
The initial problem that I see is uh I must have got even older because last year I had no problem looking at this and >> yeah like I need less >> I know >> I mean I the only big numbers I see jump out they're not big numbers by any means
you know but they are big increases if you look the prior year so if you look at like computer maintenance I mean it's like doubled >> it's licensing agreements that they're they're up there all all over across the board no matter what field you're looking for. >> Well, isn't there some somewhere there
were a lot I highlighted a lot of um grant money that's now not available to you. >> All of the um all of the gov pilot modules we've been paying for the last god four years. Um we've been paying off grant funds. So um those all sunset July
31st this year. So there will be no more offsetting for that. So we have to move those to budget. But but back to the maintenance of of of certain equipment. I'm sure it's computers or printers or whatever. I I see >> is is you know, we went from $4,000 to
$9800. >> Yeah. >> You know, I mean, at the end of the day, it it's not going to make a significant change in in the overall budget, but that that's a big increase. >> Yeah. >> They're not they didn't add anything. They're they're not using anything
different as far as I'm concerned, right? They they're using these things for the animal licensing module, the acco module, the dog bite module. So they have software that they use to manage all of that. And the software,
half of it used to be covered under the grants and the other half we would raise. So that's why it's just now trying to replace the grants that are no longer available for this type of thing. >> So Kath, I knew Go ahead. Go. >> No, go ahead. No, you brought up a good point. >> So, I guess I mean obviously we're
exploring this, but are there any other grant opportunities that we can >> So, they still have a lot of grants through uh health and and other divisions within health and so it's just it's just coming from different sources now. And we did have kind of a
significant grant before it was all AR for money that was coming through for the last you know five years or so if that's correct. I know we had that and then you manage all of your grants. They're terrific with their grants. So they have a lot um and you know any
opportunities we get to find grants or additional grants we we we go for all the time >> and thank God we've done a great job. I mean you know the grant writers are terrific. I mean, the money that they brought us in as far as grants is has been the probably one of the best
investments we made, right? >> Absolutely, >> Council. Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, yeah. I was going to say I just had a question on the first page. Um there was quite an increase in overtime as well. Um I was just wondering what you
attribute that to. Yeah. So last year um we had a a big you know increase and more or less we were at one point or another basically down a full position. Um so that's kind of where that 58,000 plus we have just the sheer number of
animals coming in that need you know I know one of the big constant requests is making sure that dogs are are walked and taken care of. So we have had staff coming in to making sure that they are getting out of we with the crate dogs. there is a a legal requirement that they
are getting out and walked. Um so making sure that that's happening plus acco um and then also you know helping man events and stuff like that too. So there's just been an increase of the amount of overtime that's being requested of the staff and then we were
also just down staff as well. So calling in people uh during the normal workday to to cover shifts. >> Are you saying like a position that's not filled or a position that was cut? Uh it was we had a vacancy. Um it it more or less was one FTE of a vacancy
kind of moving throughout the year. We had people leave. We had people on leave and it just kind of you know but it kind of ebed and flowed but it over the course of the year more or less we had >> so moving forward do you see that being filled so that we could see a reduction? >> I do um we have um moved some of the
part-time to full-time positions now. So therefore over time costs would not be that I keep bringing in people because now I have that covered. So I think that we're in a better place this year than we were last. Yeah. And the budget we ended up with on that line item is less
than what we spent last year. Right. If you saw what we spent last year >> was the 58,000. So we budgeted 45,000 in anticipation that we'll be able to reduce that down but still leaving enough just in case. Right. >> Yeah. The ultimate goal would be not to
spend your money, but you know, if we have the animals and they need to be taken care of or if we have the calls, then that is. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Chris. I guess I'm going to backtrack one more step. Um is just the under the salary wages line item and I look at the
animal control maintenance. Um and just the the overall personnel that's part of that office. Um is this just due to the increases just due to um the 2 and 12% across the board? Is that is this 3% or two and a
half? I I can't I get confused does play a part in the overall >> overall increase >> because the actual that we experienced was almost 170 less I guess but the the overall size and staff has not changed. Correct.
So maybe the part times going to >> Yeah. So we we've had part times and and like I said um we were down a position so there was you know from the salary and wage line there was a cost. So I would I would just >> kind of like where that 58 with overtime like some of that in theory would have
been in the salary and wage but we just didn't have personnel there so it was kind of >> Yeah. So going from um 875 to 937 that's more like a a 9 and 1/3% increase >> seven 7%. So if you look over in the far
right hand column that tells you what the new budget is versus the old budget not not what you spent in actual right to the old budget. So 937 and the last year's budget was 875.
>> We spent 785, >> right? >> So but the 7% represents that we're budgeted 7% more. Right. So that's as a result of the contractual increases may be that some people are on steps as well. So that's going to be a little
more than the contractual increase. And then the small increase going from the part-time to the full-time which we think will help overtime is part of that 7% tip. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> Left overtime. >> And the overtime number isn't included in >> No, it is. >> Yeah. The over time is ready to line up. We're below it. >> Right. I see. I see that also listed there. Just a big job.
So, should we leave uh overtime to 35,000 rather than 45? I know it's only 10, but >> we're we're we need we need our people to go out and work overtime when we call them in, right? We're asking them to respond out. Now, we're going to cut the overtime.
>> No, I wasn't cutting. I was going to keep it flat from last year, but >> I overtime overtime was 58,000 last year. >> Well, that was that bad actually. That was what we spent. But I'm saying what we
>> But you're we spent 13 uh sorry $23,000 more in overtime than we budgeted for. Why would we go down? >> No, because the the cushion that we're probably giving ourselves in salary and wages, but I don't know if it's that much of a cushion what Chris just said.
So, um I mean I I would request that we keep it at the 45 and then you know obviously if there's a cost I mean the plan would be to have okay >> money left over there but you know just to plan for if there is emergencies or again we find ourselves in
>> a very over capacity situation that would require you know calling people in and you know it does it does quickly add up because staff I mean they have the right to choose so and with the economy the way it is people are choosing cash
over time. So >> anything ends up having a surplus. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm right. Yeah. >> Environmental health will be next, please. um for this I think the again just um to what council whening was saying the
other one you know 24 there was a a jump there but that's still the same for g pilot and our modules that is now moving to budget Not much far. >> No, nothing there. >> Any questions or anything else on that from any of my colleagues?
>> No. >> Uh the alliance commission will be next. >> A lot of questions here. No, >> lot of questions. Okay. >> Um, that's just our uh our board
secretary. Otherwise, everything for alliance is grant funded. >> Yep. >> And we'll move on to public health when you're ready. >> Yep. Ready. I think this is mostly flat. Um again we are um moving again pilot is
for the one module is uh coming up on there otherwise it's mostly um and then the big increase is language line and I believe that's 028 >> um that was uh something that was again grant funded but Um we've kind of
exploded in our use of language line and uh we do have to move that to um operating cost. >> Chris, the uh salaries and wages. Yeah. Um the increase is that would you hire more employees? I know some of it is going to be salary adjustments and
>> Yeah, we have um we do have staff that are moving from uh grant onto the budget. >> So grant from what where was Grant before? Uh it was >> they were I'm sorry they were covered by grant. >> Yes, they were covered by grant and Yeah. >> Now is that federal grants that were lost?
>> It's passed down but yeah it's federal the state and then coming down to us. So yeah ultimately it's co related uh dollars that are finally ending. >> Gotcha. and not only the co monies that are drying up but others are being restricted as well at the federal level
and if they're passed through to the state and you know we all kind of are guessing whether some of them are going to be renewed or not we're going to get the ones that we're asking for in the federal level so >> thank you
>> and Chris uh language align just for educational purposes that's just the translation services that we offer >> yeah so we use that for um all it's the phone system. So basically you call in and we also have for um our clients that visit us um visual. So it's um it's an
iPad. So even if somebody was let's say they were hard of hearing and they needed sign language, we could use that too. We have that technology. So the staff is able to call in and then uh there's a professional translator um that you know that they can utilize if need be. Um we do try to make use of um
you know free tools like Google translate and stuff when possible but obviously when there's if there's you know whether it's medical advice or you know something legal that we have to use a you know a professional translator questions or comments
a lot. >> Yeah. >> Didn't see him go down much. >> Like we went down in food, >> huh? >> We went down in food. >> We worked too hard. >> No, I have no other questions.
>> The one I really I'm glad I'm sorry. last one. Um, >> just going into >> it's been pretty consistent this budget line of medical expenses and physicals. Can you just give it uh a little bit of a review of that one because I know that our actual spent was
>> Yeah. So, a lot of this is um um we've had we've had the again the grant funds have have been a lot but also this is where we need to keep money. This is where we buy our vaccines from. So, you know, knock on wood, you know, god forbid we had, let's say, a hepatitis A
outbreak, which we've had, we would have to purchase our own vaccine for the residents and that adds up very quickly. So, making sure that there's money in this. I mean, because even for 100 people, that could be quickly 10 $15,000 uh for that for that vaccine. So, we do
need money in there um you know, just to make sure that we have a padding to respond to emergencies. you know, if we even needed to buy, you know, let's say private stock of COVID 19 vaccine, that's running at about $200 or so dollars a pop per dose. So, it it
doesn't even though it looks like a lot of money, it it's not when it comes down to once we actually have to spend it or buy private stock. >> I guess back then, like in 2020, 2021 during the COVID period when we're doing vaccinations, I guess we also had grant dollars to fund some of those
vaccinations. So you weren't pulling it from >> the state was providing it for us. So they had so now it's um >> if we needed to buy it there is still some um money but it's very you know very limited that the state's providing
us. But again if it was anything above that any other disease again it would be us and our responsibility to to pay for that. The state would not be um unless it was somebody who was uninsured. Then there's um you know the vaccines for children or the vaccines for adult
program if they were uninsured. But if somebody was insured then we would have to you know make sure that our residents had access to it. And you know it's just a lot faster if we are able to purchase it ourselves. And I believe that's also where we get I forget if that's where we get our AED
our AED line or if that's uh Oh no it's 058. No >> that was a different one. Yeah. Oh yeah. And and like um uh Kathy Edric with Schold mentioned, we do get reimbursements for uh providing the flu vaccine. So well that that those reimbursements do kind of also offset
the cost associated with us uh providing the flu. So there is some you know revenue generated >> 100%. >> Not 100%. >> Okay. >> Yeah. We're not credentialed with, you know, all of the insurance companies, but, you know, we are
credentialed with Etna and Medicare, but we do get those reimbursements. Um, you know, and there is, you know, significant revenue source from that. So, >> okay. >> And the team stayed pretty much the same. Uh I mean some
some positions and titles have changed it looks like slightly but it looks like the overall number is the same >> as far as personnel go. >> Personnel. Yeah. >> Yeah. Um again it would just be uh we've been pretty flat where you had some retirements and we have some retirements coming up. So there is cost savings and
just the retirements and then you know backfilling you know entry level positions there that we'll see this year. Um, but as far as headcount goes, we're we're basically flat outside of moving some dollars onto the budget from grant funded positions.
>> Okay. Anything else? >> Okay, we can move on to recreation. Starting with postponire director y >> salary raises. What did you transfer people out? >> Salaries are down.
>> Yes, we transferred one person. um a clerk uh June of last year to the health department. >> Okay. >> You guys still talking? No, I'm joking. >> Are you still talking
to Joe? >> Nicole, the uptick a little bit in overtime. Just putting that in there. Um >> just the contractual the 3%. of the 3% >> figured the overtime for this year based off of what the um contractual increase
was in January. No, not like it. And we keep um kept the same uh on the the donation portion of the budget that the uh 104 we basically kept the same that's been consistent over the last since I've been
here on council. That's the same. >> Yes, I've been >> the same calculation we're using, right? >> Yeah. Don't show the previous year. No, we don't. Yes, it's still the same and dollar amounts the same, but we don't usually spend it all because they have to give us documentation in order for
them to receive the check. >> And really, some some organizations don't give you the correct documentation. >> No, I think last year in 20 five, we only had maybe five leagues that gave us proper credentials in order to receive the stipen. Yeah. So,
>> they get the they get the stipen on the amount of players that are signed. >> Correct. They're supposed to um hand us a roster um and with the background check in order for them to receive a check and
they have to give us a letter requesting payment for the siphon. >> So, again, and I brought this up before, okay? And I'm going to bring it up again. Okay? So you notice here Nottingham, Northern Burlington, Babe Ruth. You have I mean Hamilton, Northern
Burlington, Babe Ruth is because they merge. I know Nottingham had merged with somebody else too, didn't they? >> Cuz it don't say who I could have sworn >> Babe Ruth by itself. >> Still by itself. >> We tried to get them to merge in National Babe Ruth. What? >> I I understand. So my question is this
and I brought it up at WCK meetings. We sub we we give them money for every player that signs up for the league. What about if they live out of our district? >> So we don't give it per capita per head.
We give a stipen um as been um denoted over the many years by the administration. 80% of their roster needs to be Hamiltonians. Um and if they show us that then they are in that criteria of receiving that
stipen. The other part of it is the background checks for coaches and volunteers which they must provide us. Recently, you had a new ordinance put into effect that we just notified our leagues of what companies that they are required to utilize. Um, and I think
that's going to help them um, come out of the woodwork a little bit and provide us the information that they need so that we can then divvy up their stipens for them in the future. >> Again, I always had a problem with it that we're paying. I understand you do. >> And them leagues should be paying for them players to play in our league.
>> Okay. And we need to put >> We're only paying for the Hamilton ones though. >> I I just, you know, by putting more pressure on them to merge is what I'm saying. Cuz Niningham and Hamilton should be the same. Have one leg and be done with the the the bologoney that's going on. Okay. Because of uh um egos
that don't want to merge. And >> there's a couple a couple things that go along with that. Babe Ruth would not allow them to merge. So they can't lose it. And even though we have to be careful if giving uh Hamilton and Burlington Babe Ruth, if we give
them money for people that aren't in Hamilton because we take care of the fields for not again Babe Ruth. So in the end it all washes out because we're taking care of everybody. Babe Ruth would not allow them to merge. We've we've already been through it. We sat through meetings uh sat with the
commissioner. They will not allow it. I understand your your problem is my problem, too. >> But it's above our head. We can't do it. >> That's why they're all in the shape they are. So, I'll leave that alone. I'm not going to bring it up ever again. >> So, Nicole,
>> maybe. >> Um, so the documentation that they need to provide is their, you know, basically their enrollment that they're >> correct >> officially registered with or sanctioned by some documentation showing Yeah. insurance
>> date on Friday was 80% must be Hamilton residents. They must show us a copy of background check whether it's to state police or a certified national organization, right? >> And they have to give us a copy of their financial record. >> Okay. >> In order to receive the statements for
this year. >> Okay. >> They all do that. They all >> No, she's saying she's got to try to handhold and she can't get >> You have to chase them down every year. So the email will go out at the end of the season. They have till October 30th to get everything back at the latest.
>> And we're still taking this collection from my colleagues. >> Nope. >> No. >> I was just going to say just can we ever I know we thought about this idea. Do we do it? I don't know the answer. Like do we advertise? I don't know what to like
smatter like the Mayo field with like different sponsors, but do we go after sponsorships? Is there ever a thought like the I know we I think we talked about this and I don't recall what was the outcome. >> We touched on it back in 2018 or 19. Um
it did go into part of the ordinance about signage and then greeners came in and kind of was like no we can't do that. or advertising a bar, a restaurant, that sort of things on Green Acres's property. So, we haven't done it since then. And what we did have is
maybe two or three sponsors. So, the idea back then was to kind of give them advertisement like 10, >> right? >> And it just >> I think some of the leagues have signage on their outfield fence, right?
>> Probably not agree, but we were saying this was >> our hands are tied. This was basically the organizations themselves having their own sponsorship. But we were talking about I think Deo Field like maybe at the tennis the tennis courts or like you can have sign definitely was the Mayo remember the conversations and
then also you can have it at the soccer field there or something on township property but I guess since it's tied to Greenacres dollars they're going to >> correct our hands were tied because Greenacres lost. >> They give us and they take it. No. >> Okay. Fair enough.
Thank you. >> I have nothing else for recreation unless you guys >> No, I'm good. >> I'm good. What are we up to? What's up next? We have >> six. Looks like cruiser farm. Are you
going through all of the different ones or you >> I got >> I didn't get the cruiser. I don't think >> I got seen recreation. Recreation. Okay. >> Sorry. >> A lot of part- timerrs at the mansion. Huh. >> Oh, I wanted to ask a question. I'm
sorry. Um and I didn't get a chance to closely look at this. Um I apologize with Hamilton 250th and I didn't even look at the line. I'm sorry. um for Kruzer uh no for the Abbott House. I know that folks
have reached out to me regarding you know the dosence and the need for slightly an uptick in the usually I don't push for upticks but I I know there was a little bit of an interest in having additional funding and there may have it may have already been done. I
don't know. But I just wanted to mention it cuz I >> we did increase it. >> Okay. I can get that. >> Okay. Cuz they've been they were just concerned um about this year being the 250th. >> Um so >> they they wanted it was slightly more. It wasn't >> It wasn't a lot. It wasn't a lot. We're
not talking about a lot of money here. >> 250th. They thought they might have like longer hours. >> Yeah. It was like literally like under $1,500. Yeah. Yeah. It wasn't much $2,500. >> Yes. Yes. That's what I thought. Okay. Was that part of this or did I miss
that? >> No, that's >> that might be Chuck. Is that Chuck's office? >> Actually under administration. It's not in this budget, but you'll see. >> Totally jumping the gun. Sorry. >> Capital.
>> Oh, yes. Yes. Thanks. >> How how are we doing in general? How are you how you guys doing with like just holding events there? How how's the the caterers been? You know, what's the overall >> at all of our rental properties? Um
they're increasing. Um the three girls that are doing it are definitely marketing it. Um and we're getting increased um requests to take a tour and hopefully this year we'll see an increase in uh revenue forwarding uh results for the administration and
council. I think we also, didn't we, uh, sign, didn't we, we have more caterers this year? >> So, for Nottingham Ballroom, we just awarded five different caterers. We're very excited about that. I think that's going to be a big draw for us. Uh, so we've just met with them just about a
week or two ago and they're all on board and we're working on their contracts as we speak with legal and I think that um >> I think we have some good things to look forward to. So, thank you for your support on that. >> Okay. You're welcome. Kathy, was there something you wanted to touch on regarding Kuser?
>> No, I just wanted to know if you had any questions regarding cruiser as I was moving forward to the next. Do you have any questions? >> Tennis courts. >> You're going to ask about the tennis court under public works yours. And you know, I am concerned about the condition of the buildings at
Ker. Uh it's a historic park. The buildings need to be preserved. It's a it's a it's a diamond in the rough for this community. Uh, it's been the site of many community gatherings in the past. Um, and that needs to be an area
of focus, I think, but that's not a part of your budget, and I didn't want to go down that road at this moment, so I apologize. >> I pushed it. Well, Councilman Ty, we still have some capital that you've approved in the past for the railings to replace them on the
Kooser mansion, but we will be working with our public works program director uh recently hired to get that project underway. So, we are working on the outside of the building was recently painted within the last few years. We'll
get those railings done. I know DPW's budget does have other additional capital monies to get the um maintenance or caretakers house that we talked about perhaps the water tower or old building um behind the tennis center and also the
um clay courts that you have >> some of them parks >> some of them small work projects that you're talking about now actually cruiser a couple years ago we uh we painted Koozer mansion right and we did roof replacement on the gazebo Yeah.
>> Right. Do you have any of them projects like the railings now? Is that going to be something that uh public works would do or would you contract it out? >> That is something that public works, their new project manager will work with us to do. They will definitely um it will not be done within house. I'm sure
that they will look for a contractor to do that. >> Well, before we do that, I'd appreciate it if we do what we've done in the past because it saved us money, right? Cuz I I think you budgeted ex I forget the dollar amount to paint cruiser mansion. We did direct hire and the direct hire program saved us plenty of money and I
would hope that we would continue to use direct hire putting local people to work on these jobs and at a savings to the township. So >> absolutely well noted. I will talk to our director of public works when we meet to discuss that project. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, Kathy's always been supportive of
that in any of the projects that she has. >> Yeah, I just that. So it's a great program. It was a great idea. >> Yes, it is. It works beautifully. >> I I just had not really on the budget. So a question on the um the schedule for
this year. Are we holding any state tournaments? Uh um baseball or we holding the >> we >> usually we have the the >> we usually have the baseball tournament on Deo. Um however um the tournament size has outgrown the Mayo. >> Really?
>> We have moved it to I believe the turf fields up in Ruckers. >> Oh wow. We still hosting the tennis the tennis tournament for NJSIA, but not the baseball. >> Okay. >> A shame. That is a shame. That was that
was well attended. There was a lot of people there that came to it, especially watch me throw the first pitch. No, I'm >> sorry. >> Are we hosting the the big pickle ball? >> The um we the major one, the august.
This is they haven't done that in the last two seasons. >> Oh. >> Again, it was too big of a size for our complex. They kept it um down in Florida. >> The big big one. >> Wow. >> A lot of the tournaments are moving indoors because there are some indoor pickle ball facilities that have been
built recently. So, in order not to have to have inclement weather and cancel at the last minute on the participants, a lot of those bigger tournaments are moving indoor. So, I think that's what we're going to see in the future. But certainly smaller tournaments that we get requests for, we can accommodate.
>> No, I'm good. Y >> anything on Brmley? Brley Wilson is just contractual. >> No, I don't. Yeah. >> All the rest of our rental properties we discussed, anything, >> they seem to be running very well, Brownley.
>> Yeah. Is there anything else under recreation that you'd like to go over? Any of our special events? They're pretty much flat. There's nothing. In addition, >> our 250th celebration, we do have a recreation trust that we will be working with administration on any items that
are not in our line items for recreation 4th of July. >> Anything outside the ordinary this year with uh Hamilton 250? Anything that we're doing? Oh, you can't say the secret. I kind of know some of the things. Oh, we're going to watch it. >> My uh
>> So, but all right, we'll keep going. >> It is going to be very exciting. >> I am. Yeah, I like some of the >> I'm sure that you'll be filled in. Our public can uh certainly look at our website. They just put out phase one. There'll be three phases that they'll be putting out with all of the new and exciting things that we're going to do to celebrate.
>> Okay. Good. Good. Excellent. >> I'm sure it'll be >> and recreation. I'll move on to seniors. Oh, >> senior seniors. I am tired. >> Budget's pretty flat and straightforward. There's really nothing.
>> Where do we budget? Kathy, this is just I'm just thinking about this. When we move into the new space, where are we budgeting for like moving expense? Like I mean, is that in administration? And I guess that falls under just all the files and that, you know, is
that just a is that just the >> volunteers? I mean, who's going to pick them up and >> carry? Yeah. Yeah. Fire department's going to help >> probably the we'll need will end up falling >> within the capital project uh itself
that we can do if we have big moving expenses. We don't anticipate that, right? We're not really taking anything with us. Everything's going to be new. >> Our own file cabinets that we currently have because we have kind of hidden file areas over there, but it's part of the
project. It's all new furniture to be, you know, consistent with everyone there. Um, >> the same chair >> and all of that. So, um, we're not going to have huge moving expenses. So, and a lot of it going to be done.
I did request the uh to mimic the wallpaper and I guess it's not going to happen. >> We're going to have a little tiny room just for you, council president. It's all panled. >> Feel like I'm on my mother's head >> and has the wallpaper in there. >> I thought it was rubber walled.
>> I appreciate that. >> And the straight jacket to go with. >> I have no questions on senior services. It's uh pretty pretty flat. I agree. >> No, I agree either. >> We do have to go on the capital.
>> Yep. >> Anything that has a change. So starting on three, it looks like the new facades for special events that falls under you. Correct. >> That is under recreation. Correct. >> Looking at the next page, some uh
improvements for Sy. >> Yes, Sy house exterior is in desperate need of attention. Um just like some of our other historic homes that Councilman Tai suggested. Uh we are looking forward to working with our project manager whom
we've already had a meeting regarding in getting some um work done there on the exterior. I believe the uh back porch also needs some assistance and um it's all written in there. I >> Yep.
>> have any questions regarding that? I'm sure Nicole can answer specifically to that here. I only see the one item page for >> page four, >> but none of it is recognized.
>> Yep. The exterior siding, interior painting, uh the back porch and the pergola area for saying we have some grass grafton house pathway lighting. U most recently we put a gazebo in and we're going to put some lighting to that so we can have some outdoor events in
the evening. And then uh there will be um when we all make that wonderful move to the new municipal building um and that will be done I guess in phases as as I understand it so that it's not so taxing on public works to help us move a few filing cabinets etc. Um probably
next time in uh this this time next year, recreation will um be intended to move from the current spot to the call center where Hamstead is currently um and that is to um make any necessary renovations that need to be done in
order to accommodate the Department of Recreation and that move that's been uh suggested by the administration. Kathy, when I when I look at something and that says requested and then recommended, what's the why is that zeroed out? >> So, I I know that uh during our budget
workshops, it was talked about the old capital that is still available. So, how much for say house do you recall? I don't have that in front of you. >> I believe the whole thing was 140,000. >> How's that? So in in most cases there was older
capital. >> So the job is still going to be done but it's already paid for >> as far as I know. And I'll I'll make sure on these items and let you know that we'll have that that um >> I'll give you that details on how much capital remains. >> Thank you. >> I don't have that in my notes in front
of me, but I know that that happened for several different directors that there's old enough capital that we didn't have to put it in this year's capital request. So we still have some available to them. >> Okay, fair enough.
>> So we are going to um >> Kathy with uh which one did I look at this? Um the naughty I thought it was Ningham Ballroom. We did look to put an outdoor space. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Where is it going to be located?
>> Well, looks like NB is a northbound. I don't think that's going to I don't think we had that in the recommendations and I don't think there was any old capital but it's hard for us to know what we're doing all zeroed out so we don't know what what's so the the requested column
is what they're reflecting in their capital budget and then the recommended column is what administration's recommending for project >> as far as fun >> right but we have to why it was not recommended >> so which one do we know that you're going to fund and which one don't because they're all jared out >> we don't know that yet. So, we're going
to have to bring that back up with us so that we can tell you. And actually, I can have you uh adjust the worksheet, right, to give an explanation over in the comments section, right? To say that this is this is recommended but with older capital
>> and or this wasn't recommended at all, right? >> Just give us some kind of something. >> So, for the >> I don't know off the top of my head when we're looking at it, but I don't know. I don't have that. And we'll we'll mark that on the worksheet. So, for the first five items on that public facilities project list, uh those five items on
page four potentially could be funded and and and completed, you know, at sometime this year, but it's with old capital. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. All right. >> Namdly. We have to look for sure. >> No, that's a larger number anyway. >> Okay.
>> The Nottingham outdoor space. I don't believe so. >> Okay. >> All right. We're gonna update that for you. >> Any other questions on capital or anything else before we move on? >> We have anybody else before the last call?
>> Sure. >> Okay. >> Uh we appreciate you guys and girls being here. >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate. We know it's a tight budget and uh we'll look through everything and wait for the administration uh to get us those numbers. Okay. On the capital, >> let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thanks to you and your whole team because the budget workshops went very smoothly and you guys are always very >> and organized. So, thank you for that. >> We try to be Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Chief, you're up, buddy. >> Yeah. >> Like those little things. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> See you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Chief, we're uh all have had an opportunity to look through the budget. Um we'll start with line one and we'll just go with questions as as we have them. >> That's fine. >> Uh we know you're familiar with the process. Uh congratulations on
officially uh taking your title. We're all proud to have you. >> I appreciate you. Your brother did a great job of falling. >> I know you would. So, I know the small increase in salary uh while it looks like
um the 4% a lot of that's contractual. Also, I believe we're adding one additional firefighter position. Correct. Uh after the open spots plus a couple retirements, correct? >> Correct. we have uh we're going to find ourselves in a position where over the
next four years we have a chance to lose about onethird of our force >> which is is something we've been trying to plan for since last year um this year um after several conversations and meeting with both Miss Monzo and the
mayor uh right now we currently have five vacancies and they're due to academy uh I wouldn't say well we have vacies due to retirements, right? We had three and now we've since had a few more. We've got more coming. So, currently right now, as you see our
department roster, we have five open spots. Um, generally that would um wouldn't be that big of a deal. Uh, but it automatically consumes our floats. Um, and we already operate at minimums in some of those companies. So, that's where you'll see the in, you know, the
uh the uptick in overtime. Uh and also um kind of what we're trying to do here to offset we're trying to project the retirement. Um our members aren't obligated to tell us but our our men and women have been pretty outstanding giving us advanced notices. >> You mean you're trying to be proactive
and have foresight? >> We are trying. >> That's a phenomenal concept sir. >> Yeah. So right now we have an upcoming spring academy joint academy with the city of Trenton. Uh probably going to be the largest academy in Mercer County. Right now the number is going to be
somewhere around 42. Between Trenton and Hamilton we're going to have nine. Uh we we appreciate those numbers. Uh Euing Township I believe is going to have eight and then Lawrence Township is now adding in. So it's quickly becoming the premier academy jointly commercial.
>> So so the good thing there's there's two thought schools of thought right with retirements. You lose your senior and you lose your most knowledgeable and experienced people. But from a finan surely purely financial standpoint, >> the only good part, right, if there is a
good part is you get breakage. So you have all your firefighters that were at that top schedule that now retire and you start somebody lower. If you need that funding later in the year, at least we have some funding to move around, >> right? >> Which is always not bad. >> But but doing that too, it's going to
help fill the gap of overtime. >> Yeah. Right. >> It will. Yes. I mean, so >> I think that's big. >> Look, at the end of the day, we can we can fill gaps here and there. Unfortunately, we work in the in the realm of the unknown, right? If we could forecast, project when we're going to
have the emergencies, we'd be able to increase staffing during those hours. It it doesn't work that way for us. >> Um, and I know ultimately over time becomes a a number that nobody wants to see or kind of deal with. Um, but I I
think that I will say this, we are we are doing our best to keep those numbers regulated while honestly trying to protect the residents and our members. >> And we need we know you do a good job of managing personnel and managing your staff and uh, you know, as long as you continue to do that and I know you have
all of our best interest at heart also. So, we thank you for that. >> I appreciate that. It's it's not just me. When I say you, I mean everybody. >> I can't do what I do without without their support. >> Yeah, we we even civilian staff, right? We know you all do a good job. When I
say you, it's the four. >> You're still a boss. >> So, when we start uh going through um start going through the list, we we get back to Councilman Whan's point of the
computer maintenance agreements, right? like they're just they're uncontrollable. >> Yeah, they're out of our hands. Um we've we've done or we continue to do as much as we can uh through the IT department to um you know reduce redundancies, but
certain licensing things like you had spoken about with the health department and and other departments such as police department are specific to us and we're kind of locked in with those with our our reporting software and and several other things, training software.
Although we are doing an awful lot um collectively right now to try to minimize those increases and those costs. >> Understood. Can >> you touch on a little bit chief the um maintenance of the motor vehicles and
that increase there? >> Sure. Uh so we've run into an issue ultimately and everyone is uh nationally uh thanks to co we're still dealing with significant backlogs and then in addition to that there's always the uh
uh the hopes for funding right so um we've been fortunate receiving state monies for a new ladder and most recently most recently a new engine >> um prices have taken off um and they're really truly out out of our control um
as well as the time frame it takes to acquire a new apparatus. Right? So now currently we're looking at a build time somewhere around 3 to four years on a new engine that used to be 9 months and this was precoid. So since co that's what we're dealing with. Now
manufacturers are trying to do what they can to increase production. Uh the problem is is during those co years the uh the order banks did not close. So the bank that would normally, you know, take you 6 months to get through and then
nine nine months for a truck, those kept going. Imagine that in a two-year shutdown when these some of these companies are putting out a lot. So what that's causing us um wanted to try to find alternatives for funding for the apparatus themselves, which we've been
successful. Um, but the other part is the older the fleet gets, you know, because we're waiting on those newer pieces to come in, the more the overall maintenance cost is going to be. Plus, we're seeing an in uptick in uh everything. You know, we talk about
agreements and everything else. There's also that uptick in parts costs, manufacturing, shipping, tariffs, you name it, we're feeling every bit of it. And we're I believe right now truthfully we're starting to feel a lot of
those impacts which is where that increase is coming from. But the the fleet is not it's not getting any younger and it's clearly not slowing down. We're a very busy department. Uh demands are uh are are there.
So that that's a I think that's a minimal increase from I think where we where we want to be, but we're trying to be understanding to to the constraints of the budget as well. >> Thank you. >> The consulting uh on page I guess we're on four of your budget.
>> Yeah. Um the 113% increase. Uh I guess there's a $50,000 funding uh increase for a couple different things. Dry cleaner,
easy pass. Is that um >> well the one if I can I see where you're talking. Last year we were at 38150. Uh we requested um it was in a previous previous budget for unexpected building
repairs. Uh we had requested that and put that back into this budget. That's been removed um following our budget process. So we actually um the increase we're actually seeing is about $300 for that one.
>> So once you take out that 50,000 Yeah. if I'm not >> it's it's that's that is part of the whole story. But you're just looking at that one line item and it looks like there's 113% increase. >> Right. >> So, and we just figured this out because
Rick asked it to on a prior line item. >> So, that's supposed to be new budget to old budget, but the old budget, what it's also including is two lines down from that any transfers that went in or out of that budget line item. So you see
we didn't use all of that budget last year. So we transferred out 20,163. So now it's looking at the budget like it was only $18,000 budget and it's saying now you have a $38,000 budget and
when I know >> that's not what I was saying my >> Oh, I thought it was your 113% increase. >> No, my question was the $50,000. >> Yes. And so that's exactly what uh >> Yeah. The other stuff I understood it was just fine. So the 50 you're requesting to put back into where?
>> No, we requested so it was in previous budget and then that was I believe is it last year it was moved from our budget to DPW and since then um we weren't sure if it was a good idea to try to put that back in because it's not a secret we
lost the front of the firehouse again. So we wanted to see what we needed to do to be prepared for the unexpected. Um and and that's why that was requested to be added back in. Well, we understand and we agree that it it should fall to
DPW. >> It's just a matter of making sure that we have that funding should that happen. >> I think what we put in there was the 50,000 was uh for our deductible for big claims that we have for accidents or
>> building incidents. And so we are moving that to buildings and grounds and our insurance line item that says that we have a small amount for any deductibles because our deductibles for type thing for general liability are are 25,000 per
incident. >> All right, if it's over that clearly. So when we had the big incident there. Plus part of me and this is just me is hoping that we don't have a budget there for it that it won't happen anymore. So we'll see. questions. >> They assured me that it was
>> I'll ask I'll ask the question in a a different way. The $50,000 where did we take it from that we took it? What what where was it in the line item that you're asking for it back? >> You take $50,000 out of your consult consult. >> No, it was a new request. It had
previously it had been in previous budgets, I believe, >> in the year before. You look at the amount of budget the year. Essentially, we were asking for additional funding to that line of 50,000, but it wasn't as if we had taken it from one and moved into another or vice versa. It was a new ask. You said >> I probably wasn't asking it clearly, but
that was >> and yeah, you can clearly see in in 24 that number was a >> much higher. Yeah. So, >> yep. So, um, gasoline for the vehicles,
where is that in the budget? I don't Is that is that under the DPW or? >> Yeah, DPW is in charge of utilities. It has its own. >> Okay. >> So, we'll end up getting to utilities when we see public works. >> So, that's going to that number is going to jump.
>> So, we put in an amount that we don't know. We're guessing, right? And so you'll want to review it when we get to that just to see if there's, you know, any other considerations we want to uh think about for that line item. >> So, Chief, um some of the vehicles you
guys drive, do they get uh miles to the gallon or gallons to the mile? >> Yes, >> it's uh Yeah, it's to the mile. >> They they burn a lot of gas. Is there um some way that we're keeping track of uh the mileage with these vehicles, how
many miles we're putting on them, how much fuel we're burning. I'm not tracking the fuel burning. I'll be completely honest with you. Um mileage is tracked through our maintenance program. Uh it's also done through our weekly checks. um at the end of the day, the things that we can do to
help reduce the fuel consumption um is we just don't idle unless we're unless it's necessary on a job. Um we're not just going to pull up into a fire lane and see a firetruck just idling unless it's on an assignment. We're not we're we're trying to be mindful of those
things. Um unfortunately, it's one of those necessary evils for us. We'll we'll do what we can to minimize that. Are you aware of any fire departments out there who are utilizing any hybrid or electric vehicle or any
kind of renewable uh type of energy uh in in their vehicle fleets? >> No. No. There's a few probably out in uh California, but they um they're not really holding up from what I understand under the under the the daily demands.
You're not seeing that changeover. And I don't believe honestly at the end of it it's going to be a cost effective move for us. >> Maybe not yet. >> Not yet. Fair enough. >> I'm not sold on electric vehicles yet. I'll be honest. >> Thank you. Um neither am I.
>> How many of them are How many of How many diesel apparatus? Do we have any diesel apparatus? >> All of our All of our frontline pieces are diesel. >> And you have diesel prices are through the roof right now. >> Right. Right. So >> they're going up quicker than regular gas. >> Yeah. All fire trucks are uh are diesel
for us. Everything else supportwise, the majority, I will say not everything, but the majority are uh gasoline support units. Units are all uh >> all gas. >> All the big ones. Yeah. >> My god. >> Yeah. Chief, uh one more question on the
fleet. Um, how many pickup trucks do you have in the fleet? >> Uh, we can get you a final number on that. I know we're in the process of actually reducing uh some of our older equipment as we're getting some new things in. We're phasing them out. >> So, we're going to have capital budget
requests for new pickup trucks. >> Not this year. >> Um, do you think there's an opportunity there with pickup trucks to use hybrid technology or perhaps electric technology? I don't know. We'd have to look into it. I'm not uh I don't know if
our industry is necessarily the best attempt for that truthfully. Um but it's something that we could we could probably look into for you, >> Chief. Thank you. >> I would think that uh a fire apparatus may not be a great uh opportunity for
electric, but uh potentially the inspector vehicles if we're using them around town or maybe something along those lines potentially could be a hybrid or maybe that would uh you know be a mediation point there of where we can uh try and cover both points and you know satisfy some needs that way.
>> No, we can do some research and look into support vehicles. uh the I don't I don't believe honestly even the electrical systems on the newer electric firet trucks um I don't think they are actually able to hold up to the overall electrical and and service demands um
again could be 5 years 10 years down the road it could be a different animal um you know could be different thing but right now we're not there for frontline pieces for the demand >> yeah front line I understand we got to put the you know the mission first And
it's extremely important that you have equipment that functions. So, I'm not uh questioning that. I just am concerned about the cost of fuel. Uh it tends to come down less than it goes up. Whenever it goes up, it never quite comes down as
much as it goes up, right? So, uh we're just looking at increasing costs there. And uh anything we can do uh to reduce those costs and you know frankly little cleaner air for the township won't hurt either, right?
>> So appreciate you hearing me out on that. Um just full disclosure in a few minutes. My full-time job is calling me so I will be leaving. Uh no disrespect M. No disrespect to my colleagues either my
full in about 10 minutes. >> I'll move as quick as you like. >> Okay. >> You want to jump to capital or >> I would just like to keep going through this. >> Yeah. >> I had a question on um and I might be misreading this and you're such expert
here under 60125. Let's see. >> What page? >> Uh page 10. Sorry. No, I just there was the upgrades equipment and training room in house training and then I saw something similar on page
>> 15. >> It was in there twice as a mistake. It was caught in our original budget workshop and been removed. It's uh the attempt in general is to uh coordinate with it um and see what upgrades we can
do but through through it. So both were actually removed from >> both of them >> I believe. So yes >> nope no you did see it twice. was in the paper. >> I know it's not a big item, but I I wonder do we do we do this regularly as
far as vendors go? When you look at clothing and uniforms, do we do we look at other vendors? >> We do. >> Okay. So, you do? >> Yeah, we do. Uh we do go out. We'll take a look. We'll request multiple prices, right? Um um we look for obviously the
price of the same equipment. It's got to be the same quality. >> Sure. >> So that Yes, we do look for >> Okay. No, that's that's good. Good. >> Yeah. We also receive an awful lot of state contracts, >> right? >> And listen, I always say if if they're close in number and you've been
satisfied with the supplier that you use, then you know, as long as the numbers are close, it don't bother me at all. But yeah, that's good to know. I know we added a uniform supplier. We ordered um from KAC for the PD. We added
them to the list of vendors. Have you guys >> We just got some pricing from them and we're in the process now of reviewing some updated pricing from multiple vendors on uniforms and also seeing the comparison between their uniform spec for fire end >> versus what we have. So >> where do you go right now?
>> Turn out turn out ready for most of >> Oh, for all of your uniforms. Just get them. Okay. >> The problem we're having with Kool-A trying to work through is they don't sell a lot of our fire resistance clothing like the Nomx. >> They they don't sell that and that's the bulk of what we buy.
>> Yeah. I know there's a lot of uh other departments that go and uh granted probably twothirds of them are police, right? But um they're expanding their business because I did talk to them about it. And um if there's something that you need, I'm sure they can help you out. And it's it's it's just a
little more local, right? If if you didn't keep it in Mercer County, it's always nice to help out, you know, the small business. >> I've been telling them what we used and they're trying to see if they could bring it in. So, we're working on it. >> Good. >> They're right there on 206. >> Yeah, they new uh or the old 7.
>> Yeah. So I don't have anything under the budget if anybody has questions. Uh if not we can move to cap. Anybody have anything? No. Nothing else. Firehouse upgrades. Yep. >> Page on five.
>> Uh page four. >> Yeah. >> Critical upgrade and repair existing firehouses. What's that? Truck. >> Truck two. That is uh this is more commonly referred to as White Horse.
Recently purchased by the town. Um so yeah, we requested that the initial uh number was was much higher and it's because of the unknowns. What we're looking to do is um and we're running into some current issues right now with
that structure. um is to bring in engineering firms, architects to actually do a good once over to see what we actually need to do to properly occupy that building and then from there begin and manage a a construction project, individual bunk space, update
up the living area, um engine room areas, uh ventilation, all of that. and to see what the actual price tag would be to do that project. Whether it then becomes more cost effective to do a full-blown renovation or if we should
look to another alternative option of possibly considering a land purchase and buy and building a new firehouse. >> There are some title building, right? >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. So right now um you know the original is to just be able to
have funding available through capital so that we could start basically not wasting uh what I don't want to do is is get the approval to move forward with something thinking we're going to go in one direction and we end up finding something that really is going to be not
cost effective or operationally effective for the fire department. >> See >> so that's that's why the ask is there for that. So, Chief, is this an overall like building assessment? >> I believe so. Um, you know, we're looking to uh to change kind of bring
the buildings up to uh up to snuff. That building in particular um we just recently took ownership of recently took ownership of and um I don't believe the the maintenance from the company that owned it um was really where it needed
to be, right? And I believe that because of that uh one item leads to another and was probably was initially a smaller repair is now going to be uh basically just an Easter egg once we found it.
So that's kind of where this was to try to project and get ahead. There are plenty plenty of professionals that deal with these buildings and I I believe that's that's what that they would be. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thanks, J.
>> No problem. All right. So, we're getting back into items requested but not funded like the uh what we >> vehicle exhaust removal system. So, same explanation there. Is this
something that might be funded from previous authorizations? >> I can answer that. Yes, it was in previous budget. Um, one of the stations in which contains an older version of that system is the white horse station. There are a few others. Uh, we're going
to get some updated pricing to see what it's going to take for us to utilize the older capital to get those systems up and running. It was a request to have the additional funding as we progress to move forward. Um, but we still do have previous capital available to us. >> Okay.
>> So, we'd like to close at least work to close out that capital and those projects. >> Okay. >> Okay. Turnout gear notch. We got to have the fire hose replacement. You got to do that. >> Yeah. You'll see if if I may in the
comments and reason sections, you'll see several referred to as uh phase one or phase two, what we've done is instead of coming in and asking for several million dollars for large or hundreds of thousands of dollars for large scale projects, trying to phase them in.
>> The problem is there's a lot of things that tend to hit end of life around the same time. >> Uh which is also you'll see the continuation of the radios that's from last year. Um, again, that's part of a three-year patient program, probably going to be a four-year patient program
because of end of life with uh previous radios and their ability to operate on our current um radio system, >> Chief. I I imagine every building has to have a washer and dryer, right? >> That is correct. These are the washer
and dryer. They were received on a grant. um that is the original price or request was 75 was the original um connection cost that was estimated. Um it's now going to be handled by DPW. Um
so that's where that's removed. Does not remove the washer and dryer. We have them in firehouses. We're waiting on the approval for connection. >> They're going to do that in house. >> Yeah. Great. Believe so. And do you think the vehicle exhaust removal system, I see that's in the multi-year phase. Do you think that
that's going to be funded by farmer capital as well? >> Uh yeah, the the vehicle exhaust, we have previous capital. Yes. So we'll expend that first. >> Chief, what's an SCBA model? >> That's our uh they're the the scout packs, the air packs. They're the
replacement bottles. >> Uh so yeah, they they're only the service life is so long and unfortunately that's where we are with that. >> After so long, so many years of testing, they're actually just barbecue >> and
similar to any type of bar like a propane tank, right? They only have so much life this year. That looks like all your >> Well, the two equipment and vehicle request. Um >> Oh, where >> on the page six?
>> That's not old capital, right? >> No, >> no, that was a request. So, part of what we did last year was we recommended a fleet replacement plan. Um and that that was part of it. the ask of $ 1.5 million this year was part of that. Um we've had
conversations with the administration in attempting to find alternative funding this year. So we're getting some additional pricing for that. Um so at this point it was uh it was removed. And as far as the van that's underneath of that, that would be a logistic
support vehicle. Currently, we have old SUVs. When we need uh when we take our runs to get large scale equipment from logistics, uh we usually have to borrow a van from DPW if it's available. So, the request was for that, but it's been
that could be one of your electric vehicles. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. A smile on Appreciate it. Yeah, that was it. >> Okay.
>> You have any more questions? >> No, I was just thinking that we um and you guys are constantly looking at some like grants that we can >> non-stop >> non-stop anything we can find to >> Yeah, we're in constant contact with the administration and there's they're always talking about some sort of grant
opportunity. I think we just did that last week again. >> Okay, >> we're trying. >> Okay. Uh the federal government, you know, going through what it's going through is not helping us, which impacts everybody else. Um politics aside, it's holding up programs. We have other
grants that we've been awarded through the federal government um that will help fireh houses with HBAC work, which is going to save us over a million dollars. So those types of efforts are being done. It's just a matter of getting back to the AFG grants need to be funded,
which then opens micro grants for us. AFG micro grants are anything less than $75,000. Um, but that would allow us to replace some of the ancillary equipment without, you know, having to put it in OE. Uh, so we're just waiting on those opportunities and as soon as they open,
we'll jump all over. >> I mean, I'll I'll second that completely because this is another division that is really great at finding sources of at least grant applications and we try almost every one of them, right? some of them don't really fit or we can't really
kind of make it in there, but most of them are ones that we do our best to try to apply for and get the funds. So, >> and uh we were well I mean obviously it was needed but um we were kind of spoiled coming out of COVID and just
some of the AR dollars that we had and uh makes it challenging because I'm I'm dealing with that in my full-time job. I'm sure your brother deals with his you know it's it's it's it's uh you know um
it's you're a little stressed cuz you don't know what the future may hold and you're hoping to find some others of of revenues that you know hopefully can replace some of the things that you want to do programmatically and and your vision for the uh department. So it makes it makes it challenging. No, it's
important to note there are a lot of things that we're, you know, either we recommend or we're projecting and a lot of them aren't necessarily wishlist items. They're necessary based off of end of life um services that we provide and we'll continue to provide at least
at least under our demand. So, it's it's where we're looking to go. We're we're looking to move forward and and do it responsibly >> with the uh turnover that you were talking about. You you talked about a large number of guys who could put their papers in >> potentially. Yes, sir.
>> Potentially. >> Um they have a window to do that, right? Like they have to do that during a certain time period or they could do that anytime. >> Uh they generally have to give two weeks notice. We we do >> that's it. >> People give us more notice than that. I
I >> You were saying they've been good about that. Our guys are very good about that. I will say there's there's always uh an occasion where, you know, somebody's just having an off week and they just, hey, I've had enough of this. And we we've had that once. Uh but all in all,
we we don't get that. A lot of a lot of guys and we have a couple that are talking about it now. Guys have been very open about, hey, I'm going to pensions to see what my number is. >> It's a normal thing that every every department deals with. >> Could be a health issue, too. how we recognize, how we plan, and how we move
forward. >> You know, we're also limited by uh for us the academy dates, right? So that that's we did run into a bit of an issue. We were also supposed to have a fall academy last year uh jointly with Trenton and it fell through on their end. So it fell through ultimately with
everyone. Um but uh they're they're doing the same thing we are trying to forecast trying to get ahead of of any of that so that if we do have a large number of uh we'll say retirements we can absorb that without everything being
a catastrophic impact on the department. >> Now logistically when you put the guys through um academy you don't necessarily have an opening right away when they graduate. Well, we have openings right away. >> We put them right to work.
>> Oh, yeah. Oh, they're going to graduate. They're gonna they're gonna get their assignments and they're gonna get put to work. >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. So, if they're going through the academy, they've already been accepted. They just got to complete the academy. >> It's a four month academy. It's it's
it's demanding. They'll come out with uh the the latest levels of training from state proof through state. And it's we're seeing we're seeing the uh it's paying off of course. I'll just say that. We're seeing some pretty outstanding candidates already to look forward to the next. And
>> what what would happen though like all of a sudden 25 guys decide they want to retire, right? Which would be a large number. Do you think do you do you turn around especially uh you know if they're lieutenants or captains do you turn
around say hey we need some lead time can you hang in there for another year or 6 months? I mean because naturally you can't replace them that quick right? Now, of course, we'll of course we'll do that. >> Sure. >> I'm sure some would stay, some some are not. >> Yeah. >> But at the end of the day, yeah, of course, right?
>> I think the majority make their intentions very clear, right? It's just a matter of how that timing falls to an academy date. >> Um, you know, I also understand, you know, it it takes some trust in us >> that, you know, we we kind of have a
grasp of of where we're going and kind of where this is going to lead. Uh, so that's I think that's it. Yeah, our our people are are really good, you know, and to be honest with you, like we lose if I lost five of them today, just for
what they know, what they bring to the job, the impact we're going to feel for a while. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> You know, even if we had somebody five leave and five graduate the academy today, we've got we've got catch up to >> just how it is. You can't replace
>> experience. >> You can't Yeah. cannot leave that experience and that respect in the far house. >> Sure. >> That's what comes out. >> Most people retire and we have at least three months notice and sometimes more than that in many occasions because they still have a whole process to go through
too. That is not with us. It's with say pensions and they have to apply and get through all of that. >> So that takes most of the time three months and if it's sometimes longer, right? So we usually have that. It's a rare occasion
that we have a shorter notice than that. So we're lucky that way. And I think it's testament to, you know, they are loyal to this township and to their their division and all of that. They're they're great people. >> Anything else? I just was going to just
say um on the revenue side just the fire protection revenues were we're noticing like roughly a 4% increase um just new buildings new you know is that go with the territory that >> I think so
>> pretty consistent >> yeah that's uh that's Scott McCormack's uh >> grouping in there yeah it's pretty consistent I think it's a lot of projections you'll see that it'll it'll rise and fall depending on what's going on increase costly also. >> Okay,
>> I'm good. I'm good. I'm good. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Appreciate it. Thank you, Chief. >> Yeah. Thank you for all that you do and thank you for tonight. >> Thank you. Thank you,