Got to shut off these air conditioners so I can hear. You guys can hear too or if you want to sit up front closer that way you can. We're recording. Are we ready to go? All right. Good evening everyone. This meeting is being held with the benefit of public notice
as required by the open public meetings act. Madam clerk, would you call the role? Mr. Caribelli here. Miss Phillips here. Mr. Whan here. Mr. Pharaoh here. Mr. Ty here. Um let's see. Everyone rise for the flag salute 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. May we please bow our heads. Dear God, in times of uncertainty, may you bring
us comfort. In moments of weariness, grant us strength. And in all things, may your hope shine with us, unfailing and true. We pray for peace in our world and our nation and our hearts. We also lift up our township this evening. May our deliberations be guided by justice and may we serve with humility,
integrity, and genuine desire to do what is right. We ask all these things in your holy name. Amen. Amen. So, we have um some consent agenda items that have been added. Uh CA37
uh 25-307 is a resolution naming Britney Ratis Calderon as acting deputy municipal clerk for the meeting of the Hamilton Township Council on July 15th, 2025. CA38
25-308 is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application and execution of a grant agreement for state aid with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for 2026 municipal aid grant for road improvements to Ker Road
between White Horse Avenue and Dulce Drive. Grant amount requested is $900,000. CA3925-309 is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application and execution of a grant agreement for state
aid with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for a 2025 safe streets to transit grant to improve pedestrian safety near the Hamilton train station at Clockner Avenue. Grant amount requested $275,000.
CA40 25-310 is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application and execution of a grant agreement for state aid with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for 2025 local aid
infrastructure grant for road improvements to the intersection of Ker Road and Clockner Road. Grant amount requested $439,750. CA4125-311 is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application and
execution of a grant agreement for state aid with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for a 2025 local transportation projects fund grant for road improvements to Estates Boulevard from Yardville Hamilton Square Road to
George D Road. Grant amount requested $800,000. CA4225-312 is a resolution authorizing the township of Hamilton to enter into a financial agreement for payment in lie of taxes with the sponsor Pine Street Ventures
LLC housing project located at 3500 South Broad Street, block 2542, lot 29 and 30, St. Rael Holy Angels's Parish. Ordinance added. Ordinance 2 25-013.
Ordinance adopting our Lady of Sorrow study area non-condemnation redevelopment plan for a portion of an area in need of redevelopment pursuant to NJSA 4A col 12A-1 ETSSE block 1666
lot 80 removed consent agenda item CA21 25-291 resolution establishing a contract for the purchase of one 2025 vent vent rack 45 RC tractor with accessories through
Crestston Hydraulics Incorporated for the Department of Public Works utilizing the Sourcewell National Pricing System contract # uh 112624-TC not to exceed $91,46540 and then a correction in dollar amount
to the title of consent Agenda item CA17 25-287, a resolution awarding professional engineering services to TNM Associates for Homeell School Improvement Project, $51,300
maximum. Can I please have a motion uh to accept the amendments to the agenda? Motion. Second, Madam Clerk. Mr. Perelli, yes. Mick, yes. Mr. Whan, yes. Mr. Harrow, Mr. Tai. Yes. Uh, and by the way, you'll notice a lot of those um
changes were uh regarding grant money that we wanted to hurry up and and get. I think it's 2.4 million in grant money that we are adding uh to the consent agenda. Okay. Madam clerk, uh for your
consideration, we have the minutes of April 15, 2025 and May 6, 2025 regular council meeting minutes. Do I have a motion? I'll make a motion. Second, Mr. Caribelli. Yes. Mr. Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan. Yes. Mr.
Papero. Yes. Mr. Ty. Yes. Next. Uh, communications C1 through C4 for your consideration. I'm sorry, Allison. Did we do M1 and M2 just now? Did we do you did? And uh I was going to combine all
the communications into one motion as well if you so inclined. I make that motion. Very good. I'll second. Mr. Caribelli. Yes. Miss Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan. Yes. Mr. Capero. Yes. Mr. Ty. Yes.
Next we have resol resolution 125-266. Resolution of the town of Hamilton County amending the adopted capital budget. Any questions or comments from council? I do not know. Kathy, could you give us
a quick explanation of what we're doing here? These are just a couple of items that once you adopted your regular budget, attached to that was also the six-year capital plan. So, this is adjusting the few items. In fact, one of
the items is the two police cars that you authorize to be purchased. And so, we're adding that to the already adopted capital budget. And then you'll see subsequently um at the next meeting uh you'll see an ordinance for those items
too because that gives you the authorization to go move ahead with those purchases. Thank you. Okay. Uh any questions or comments from members of the public? Seeing none, I like to take a motion. I'll make the motion to uh close the
public comment portion of new resolution one 25 22 I'm sorry 25266. I'll second Mr. Carelli. Yes. M Phillips. Yes. Mr. Mland. Yes. Mr. Farah. Yes. Mr. Ty. Yes. 5. Resolution
225-267. Resolution of need from the township of Pamilton for St. Great Fields, Holy Angels Parish, Senior Housing Development. I see that our director of economic development is here. Fred, did you uh have any comments you wanted to make on
this resolution? Can I get my information, sir? Of course. Yes, sir. Any questions? Any questions from No, sir. It looks like a good project. Yeah. Yeah. It's a great project. So, uh, it's a part of our affordable housing plan. Um, it's no
secret St. Raill's Parish is in a little bit of financial, um, distress. Uh, we're taking St. Rafield, right? Not related to us. It's hard to hear in the back of the room. And I said that deliberately, too. Um, so, uh, it's, uh,
taking a, uh, uh, parish and, um, developers coming in and is going to purchase a a, uh, plot of land. I have um some pictures here if you'd like to see it for these condos.
So um what they are is senior living senior affordable living. This is a project process where the applicant can go to the state for their funding a very very accelerated uh time frame. It has to be done by application has to be submitted
by September 2nd. So, 68 affordable living uh units um affiliated uh with the church. So, pray to God that it's Catholic living uh people in there. So, affiliate with the church, they can stay involved, walk over for bingo and uh
church services. Um rents will be in the 1300 range uh range a month. So, extremely affordable. um part of our affordable housing plan and uh the church gets a large settlement, very large settlement from the developer which will put them in strong financial
uh standing. And not to uh state the obvious but this project is open to people of all uh races, creeds, colors, orientations. My mist but that's okay. Yes, Council President. So, any other questions? Just a quick
question. Uh, director Dumont, this also um helps us get uh to our goal of is this this is for this 500 and some this is so 520 units we have to um uh build. We're taking our plan to the planning
board on to the 24th or 26th of June. Uh then it'll be referred to you guys your July 15th meeting. Uh we are ready to certify that plan. We think it's a strong plan. This coupled with our 50 units at Our Levia Sorrowos, um
we think it's a great plan and our consultants and adviserss are in agreement with that. Thank you. All right. Anything else? Uh we're going to open it up to members of the public. Just one comment if you don't mind. Yes, sir. Um this was a a very big headache getting all this stuff ready for you
guys tonight with Alyssa Shreger uh not being in the mix. Jennifer Eugene deserves credit from this council because she worked tirelessly over the last couple days to get this done. And Jen, I know that uh all of us on our end want to thank you for all your hard work
the last couple days as should council too. As we do for everybody, but I it's my working assumption that you're working. I need those pictures actually. try to steal my my work.
I put a crease in it, friend. I know. Uh any questions or comments from members of the public? Just very briefly, Mr. Hi, I represent the applicant and not going to talk about the project goal, but I do Jennifer and I just met this morning. Uh she and I became fast friends and I want to thank her for her
help as well as the clerk's office. They were fantastic uh in getting this on for tonight. So, thank you very much. Fantastic. Thank you. Any other members of the public? Seeing none, entertain a motion. Seeing none, council
president, I'll look to move on resolution uh 25-267. I'll second it. Mr. Carelli, yes. M Phillips, yes. Mr. Whan, yes. Mr. Pero, yes. Mr. Kai, yes. 50. Resolution 3,
25268 is a resolution approving renewal of alcohol beverage control liquor licenses with special conditions for the term July 1, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. This is special conditions. Any questions or comments from council? Any
questions or comments from members of the public? Seeing none, I'll make a motion to move to close public comment and move on resolution 325-268. I'll second the motion. Mr. Carbelli,
yes. Mr. Phillips, yes. Mr. Whan, yes. Farah, yes. Mr. Ty, yes. This is zero. Resolution 425269 is resolution approving renewal of alcohol beverage control liquor licenses for the term of July 1, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. Any questions or comments
from council? Any members of the public comment or question? Do I have a motion? Council president, I'll move uh close the public portion and move on resolution 425-269. I'll second the motion. Mr. Carelli, yes. Phillips, yes. Mr. WH, yes. Mr.
Pharaoh, yes. Mr. Ty, yes. 5 Z resolution 5 25270 is a resolution authorizing the place to place transfer of an active pocket alcohol beverage control license 1 103314007. [Music]
The cor company name is a ah incorporated and we trade at South Broad Street Bar and Liquors to be located at 2695 South Broad Street. Where's 26956? That is located where the quick check
is. Oh, Burger King. Marbor Curtain. Yep. It will reside there. Okay. [Music] Any other questions or comments from council? Any members of the public with questions? Seeing none,
close the public comment portion. I move resolution 525270. I'll second. Mr. Parabelli. Yes. Miss Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan. Yes. Mr. Terrell. Yes. Mr. Todd. Yes. 5 Z. Next for consideration, we have consent
agenda item CA1 through CA42, which includes all your addition additions and changes as you stated previously. Okay. So, we have 2.4 million in grant money. Uh several appointments to
different uh appointed positions. Uh any members of council with questions or comments? I was just thrilled to see so much grant money and grant applications and um it's just great to see especially in a new fiscal year. I
agree that's moving forward. Council President, I just need to um and Madame Clerk, I just need to abstain on um 25-273 just because of my role at the county. Um, I'm intricately involved in this uh
ARPA funded project, the American Rescue Plan funded project that flows through the county of Mercer through the Mercer County uh facilities grant program. No. Any other questions or comments from council? No. Any members of the public
with questions or comments? Seeing none. Council President, I'll make a motion to move to close the public comment and move on consent agenda items CA1 through CA42. I'll second it. Mr. Caribelli with the
one absention on CA17. Yes. Miss Phillips. Yes. Mr. WH. Yes. Mr. Farrell. Yes. Mr. Todd. Yes. Next we have second reading ordinances. Ordinance 125-007 is a ordinance authorizing the town of H
of Hamilton to enter into a financial agreement under the long-term exemption with the sponsor Hamilton Senior Apartments LLC housing project located at 3816 East Street, block 1666, lot 80, Our Lady of Sorrowos.
And this is more senior housing. They are converting This is more senior housing. They are converting the convent uh into uh senior units and they're going to count toward our affordable housing requirement and we're going to uh preserve the
soccer field there. So uh everybody wins. Any questions? No. Any members of the public with questions or comments? Yes. Janice [Music] Janice Gl 432 Trinity Avenue Cornell
Heights. Um I forget what his name is. Fred Fred Director Dumont Dumont. Right. He said there's going to be 50 apartments in that little building or they're going to knock it down and make a whole new building. Oh, no. They're going to pres Go ahead. No, I was going to say he was talking about the St.
Raphael. Oh. Oh, well, this is Our Lady of Sorrows. OS is um so I think OS is going to be 50 units. What they're doing is they're preserving the structure. They're adding on to the back of it. It's going to be kind of L-shaped, I think, uh from the initial renderings
that I saw. So, it's definitely bought or sold from the church. Uh well, I don't know the ownership status of it. Who's actually uh uh doing the the uh construction? It might be
um Fred's getting up to help us out with an answer to this question. I don't know who owns the land, whether they've sold I could see no way would fit in that building. Yeah, it's a beautiful. Okay, so there are 50 rooms in there,
but you know, they didn't treat the nuns great. Nun's got a little closet bed. There is a major addition in the back of it. Uh we've already discussed this with all the neighbors. The addition is going to be uh shorter than the existing building. It's going to be purchased so
sub the property be subdivided by Walters Homes which is going to do the project. So what this does is this sends it over to our planning board for the redevelopment plan. Planning board will hear it in a couple weeks. Then send the redevelopment plan back to council. And so when they come back to council,
there'll be pictures and and drawings and everything for council then to accept hopefully accept the recommendation and hopefully the recommendation is to approve the redevelopment project. So because it's an existing structure that we're going to try to preserve and and then build upon it needs a redevelopment plan. St.
Rayfields is a vacant lot. So we do not need a redevelopment plan there. All right. This gives us the ability to again um let the public be involved in it, have input and then uh rush this to get it in front of uh the state on our
September 2nd deadline. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Any other questions or comments from members of the public? Seeing none. Seeing none, um I'll close the public uh comment portion and move on second
reading ordinance number 25-00007. I'll second that. On the motion, Mr. Caravelli. Yes. Phillips. Yes. Mr. Yes. Yes. M. Yes. Ordinance 225008 is an ordinance amending and
supplementing the code of the couch for Hamilton New Jersey part two general legislation chapter 160 commercial filming and or still photography permits. This has to do with us uh preparing ourselves for the burgeoning New Jersey
film industry. Any questions or lot of filming being done in New Jersey let's move into it. Maybe we'll get our share. Hope so. Any questions? No questions. Anybody from members of the public wishing to
question or comment? Seeing none. Yes, council president. I'll move on close the public portion and move on ordinance 225-008. I'll second on the motion. Mr. Caribelli. Yes. Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan.
Yes. Mr. Pero. Yes. Mr. Ty. Yes. Zero. Ordinance 325-009 is an ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the township of Hamilton, New Jersey. Part 3, land use legislation chapter 550, land development article 3 district
regulations section 550-78 highway commercial highway commercial and general commercial districts. Any questions or comments from members of council? No. Any members of the public wishing to question or comment?
Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion. Make I'll make the motion. Oh, did you have a No, she can't hear you. Is everybody having a hard time hearing me? You are. Yeah. Okay. So, I asked if any members of the public had any
questions or comments on this particular ordinance. Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion. I'll make the motion to close the public comment portion. Move ordinance 32509 on second reading. I'll second on the motion. Mr. Caribelli, yes. Mr.
Phillips, yes. Mr. Whan, yes. Carol, yes. Mr. Todd, yes. I apologize, by the way, for the HVAC. Uh, Councilman Carbelli told me it was fixed. So, I can blame Councilman Caribell ordinance 425-10.
The ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the township of Hamilton, New Jersey, chapter 228, fire prevention, article 4, private fire hydrants, section 228-31, responsibilities of homeowner. I'm sorry, responsibilities of owner.
Any questions or comments? No. Seeing none, any members of the public wishing to ask any questions or make any comments? Janice Janice, 432 Avenue. All right. Um, people have their own fire hydrants and they're connected to the system in
certain places or a big development. Oh, okay. I'm thinking like houses or something. Yeah. Not in most cases for residential. Probably probably nowhere. on the head. Oh, so if if a company wants to fire hydrant in the place, they have it's still connected to our system,
but they have to maintain it. Yes. Yes. Oh, okay. Kind of like piping stations. Yeah. I had I always thought that we just put all the I think the fire department would put it in say in case they catch on fire, we better be ready. But they have to do it. Okay. Gotcha.
Any other questions or comments from members of the public? Seeing none, uh, seeing no further comment, I move to um close the public comment and move on ordinance 425-0. Second a motion. On the motion, Mr.
Caribelli. Yes. Miss Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan, yes. Mr. Pero, yes. Mr. Ty, yes. 5 ordinance. No, you hear him. Okay. Ordinance 525-11, Ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the township of Pamilton, New
Jersey, chapter 215, fees. Any members of council with questions or comments? No, sir. No. Any members of the public with questions or comments? Seeing none, seeing none, I I'll look to close the
public comment portion and move on ordinance 525-01 on second reading. I'll second the motion. On the motion, Mr. Peravelli, yes. Mr. Phillips, yes. Mr. Whan, yes. Mr. Pero, yes. Ty, yes. 5 Z. Ordinance
125-012 is an ordinance of the township of Hamilton in the county of Mercury, New Jersey, providing for various capital improvements and related expenses in and for the township appropriating 3.5 million. Therefore, and authorizing the
issuance of 3,325,000 in general obligation bonds or notes of the township to finance. This is first reading and introduction. Any questions or comments from councel? I'll I'll move on ordinance number 125-012
first reading and introduction. Thank you. I'll second a motion. Madam cler motion Mr. Carabelli. Yes. Miss Phillips. Yes. Mr. Whan. Yes. Mr. Pero. Yes. Mr. Ty. Yes. Miss 50. Ordinance 2 25-013 is an ordinance adopting the hourly of
sorrows study area non- condemnation redevelopment plan for a portion of an area in need of redevelopment pursuant to NJSA4A 12A day at sect block 1666 lot 80 first reading and introduction
make the motion to uh move ordinance 225013 on first reading and introduction I'll second the motion Mr. Mr. Parabelli. Yes. Phillips. Yes. Mr. Yes. Mr. Pharaoh. Yes. Mr. T. Yes. 5 Z.
I thought she was going to turn my mic down. That's good. Yes. I thought you were getting up to turn my microphone down. Okay. Uh, Jennifer Very. Hello. Hello. Um, I'm very nervous. Um, I have prepared remarks that are under four
minutes, but I may need a few extra seconds if I I'm sorry, Jennifer Verie. That's fine. Thank you. Um, I may need a few extra seconds if I I'm slow or a stumble, and I hope you will grant me that grace. Um, good evening, council members and other guests. My name is
Jennifer Verie, and I am representing 20 Samen Boulevard. At the beginning of June, I sent a letter to Mayor Martin and this governing body with copy to relevant township personnel regarding a parking issue on the first blocks of Samon Boulevard and Lilian Avenue caused
by two commercial entities. The letter was signed by every homeowner resident on the first half of each block, and I am representing all of them here tonight. Accompanying the letter were 17 pages of photographs visually depicting the issue. My understanding is that
these documents have been distributed to everyone. I'm here tonight to raise the issue on public record and to answer any questions that you may have. Here is the summary. The first block of Samden Boulevard Red Oak Apartments. Adjacent to Red Oak Apartments on the corner of
Samen Boulevard in South Broad Street is a gas station known as US Gas. From my personal discussion with a representative from the apartment complex, I learned that they have approximately 175 rental units, but only 115 parking
spaces. They issue one parking pass per unit, not per tenant, per unit, and specifically tell tenants to seek parking on the adjacent streets when no on-site parking is available. Many of these cars end up on the first blocks of
Sanden Boulevard and Lillian Avenue due to the proximity to the apartments and the ease of access from South Broad Street and South Clinton Avenue. Exacerbating the parking issue is the gas station operations. The current owner, who is neither a resident of
Hamilton Township or Mercer County, converted the small office into a convenience store and also rents out the two garage bays to an independent mechanic, as did prior owners. Historically, the various mechanics and the gas station employees have used the
streets as an overflow commercial parking lot for both their personal vehicles as well as vehicles awaiting repair. Cars would sit on the streets literally for weeks or months on end. That's not an exaggeration.
The homeowners and residents of Sandon Boulevard and Lilian Avenue recognize that street parking is typically public domain and have attempted to coexist with these two commercial properties for many years and resolve the parking issues privately. That said, it is clear
that both businesses only have selfserving interests and take advantage of the law, or in this instance, the lack thereof. Despite streets being public domain, it is not an unreasonable expectation for
homeowners and residents who are solely responsible for the taxes and maintenances of their respective properties to be able to park in front of their own homes. especially when there is plenty of room to do so under normal circumstances.
My family's home for nearly 60 years sits on the corner of Sanden Boulevard and Lillian Avenue. It has no off- streetet parking, but it has approximately 186 linear feet of street frontage that
accommodates 12 vehicles. 12. And yet for nearly every hour of every day, 7 days per week, there is space for only one vehicle ever guaranteed. That is a designated handicap spot authorized
by council from my parents many years ago. Otherwise, there would be nothing. That is not acceptable. It is also a violation of basic property ownership rights, the right to use and enjoy and
freedom from nuisance. We have a proposed remedy. May I continue? Yeah. Yeah. You still have time. At various points in time, Hamilton Township Police have been called to the area. So, you know what? Yes. Um, we're going to give you two more minutes, but we want to see
if other members of the public want to comment first. And by the way, nice job. You did very well. So, give us a moment. Any other members of the public with questions or comments? Do you have anything, J? No, in general. We're We're in public
comment now. So on anything, do you It's your time. I thought you were going to give her. That's not how we do it. I thought maybe you said she was on a roll.
Okay. J 432 Trinity Avenue, Cornell Heights. Three items. Um the warehouse on Sloan Avenue. I thought that was for 40 trucks. There are four more bays than 40. Fred, can you speak to this? I've been
seeing this on uh the internet. Has has there been changes to what's been approved? Building is huge for that building. We appreciate you staying tonight, Fred. You're welcome. So, there have been no changes in that building as approved by
uh both PL by the planning board. And by the way, we fought that building and lost. So, uh, we're we're allowing to be built what we are being forced to allow to be built. Uh, but there have been no changes of the of the plan since it was approved. Exactly. As the council
president said, that project was uh not allowed by our planning board. The developer took that to Superior Court and one in Superior Court and that's the project as it is. Um, there's been no changes as made to it. It's following
every regulation uh out there under very strict scrutiny by our construction department. Uh I don't have the plan in front of me. Okay. So whatever they're building is is uh is what was approved. Janice with
Fred this week and so I'll send you an email tomorrow county president with the information. Thank you director. Thank you very me again. It's a long walk. Why is he right there? Oh, stop. They tell me I have to sit in the back of the room and be a bad move.
Okay. Um I mean I just I I'm you know it's going to be the traffic is going to be horrific. Um the municipal building. Um I don't go down that way that often. I surprised how much is being built. It would be nice if you could see it. I mean you can't see anything. We can see
this warehouse going up which my sister calls a jail because it looks like a jail from the outside like a prison. But I mean you I thought it would be further back but you can't see what's going on. It would be so interesting to see what they're doing but it's all blocked so
you can't see it. But did you have a comment on that? Why don't you show over here? I said I didn't know. All right. So uh one that's our construction fence we want up there to protect the project. But every week drone footage of that
project is posted on the on the township's website. So you could actually observe the project as it's being built on the website. But if you want the computer, but but if you want, I will take you for a tour of the building. Oh, okay. Okay. So just arrange it with Mrs. Lonzo. We got to
get you a hard hat. All right. Uh but you will see. And uh just for the record, projects ahead of schedule and under budget. Oh. Okay. And we're very very happy about that. Okay. Okay. I'm just surprised how good I'm like, "Oh, it's so nice to see it going on." Like we're seeing that warehouse going up
every single day. So I I'm going to brag a little bit. Yes. Um that project's built under a project labor agreement and um the men and women who are working that job, including veterans under the project labor agreement, have done amazing job on it. The iron workers who
were just there just completed a couple weeks or last week, right? last week they would take three beams up at one time and install all three. It was amazing the hard work of them and I think it's because of the pride that our Hamilton residents who were members of these labor unions are putting into the
job. At the time there was eight iron workers on the job, three were from Hamilton Township and we take a lot and one who our administration thought a lot of. So um you know I think that uh there's a lot of pride in that project. It's just not a regular job. It's their job and we love that.
Do I got to walk all the way back again? I don't think that No, I want nothing to do. So, uh I hope you don't mind me bragging uh for a second, but um having an a director with the construction experience that Fred has has saved us
hundreds of thousands of dollars. Well, I take a lot of pride in this project, too, as as Mrs. Monzo knows. Uh um there was a complaint that came in from the construction manager about a gentleman walking the mountains of dirt and they called the mayor and the mayor said,
"Well, throw him off." So where's Fred? How do I get rid of him? Thank you, Fred. And the last thing was when we had recycling and the shredding day, the recycling was down at Lawrence Station. This is from Mercer County. All
right. And this happens all the time. It never was detourred before. You go down on the Baker's Road and you want to turn on Lawrence Station Road Basin Road to Baker's Basin and then I always go that way. It was blocked off. It said detour. You went to the light and there was no
sign to say where to go after that. Of course, I knew I had to make a left. And then you rode down and you're thinking, "Okay, maybe I can come back in Lawrence Station Road the other way." That was blocked off. And then they finally had a sign that said detour. I mean, people
who didn't know the area didn't have a clue what they were doing. And it looked like they were putting you into Costco. And I'm thinking, how do you find the out route of Costco? That place is so freaking big. But the three cars in front of me made U-turns right in the middle of the Quaker Bridge Road. So, I
just follow them. And then we were able to get back to one station road next time. They need to think this through better. I don't know why they had it all detourred be before. I mean, it did get backed up, but I mean there there was never detours like that on both ends of the street. All right, I'm going to make
sure that at least one county official hears about this. I'll bring it back to them. Well, I mean, they always do that when there's detours. They never tell you where to go once you make the detour. You know, they turn and then I knew where I was going, but somebody else
might not, right? So, and then the fact that you go into Costco and then turn around and come back. I don't think so. Thank you, Janice. Any other members of the public wishing to ask questions or make comments? Yes, sir.
Can you state your name and address? Matthew Ross, 89B, Stanton Court. Thank you. Good evening. Um, I am a constituent living in Hamilton Township and I'd like to make a comment about the recent Democratic primary election for governor.
Uh, I'd like to note that while Mikey Cheryl won with the most amount of votes cast, she did not win with the majority of votes. More than 66% of primary voters did not want Mikey Cheryl to be the Democratic primary nominee. This is a common result of abusing
plurality voting in an election with many candidates. I volunteer with an organization called Voter Choice New Jersey, which is a nonpartisan educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing rank choice voting here in the state. Rank choice voting promotes
cohesion between candidates because of the way that CA voters are allowed to rank their candidates. Candidates are incentivized to work together so they can be voters second choice when ranking candidates. Increased voter choice means higher voter engagement and enthusiasm
in elections. Voter Choice New Jersey has legislature in uh both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly to allow municipalities to engage with rank choice voting. They also have a template for trigger ordinance for municipalities to pass when the
legislation takes effect. Thank you. Thank you. Any other members of the public wishing to ask questions or make comments? If not, Jennifer, we'll bring you up for your additional two minutes. Um, thank
you. Before I uh continue, I actually just wanted to acknowledge and thank Mr. Dumont. He and his team have done a lot of work over the past few months to to abate other issues that have gone on with specifically US gas. Um, where I
left off was a proposed remedy. Um, at various points of time, Hamilton Township police have unfortunately been called. Um, as tensions between the residences, the the residents and the commercial businesses have escalated.
The police have repeatedly told the residents that the only remedy available to them is for township council to enact an ordinance restricting parking to residents on
those two blocks. Um that has been done in multiple areas of the township. um I believe under chapter 485 of the municipal code that was the advice of the police and so our respectful request
is to do just that. Um the the ability to coexist is is just not working. Um and while we respect the business's you know right to conduct their business, the infringement upon the residents,
they trample all over our rights. And so um that's all I have to say. I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to speak. Um and thank you in advance for I realize that we do realize I should say that there is a process um that needs to be followed to resolve this but um I I
just wanted to say thank you in advance for your attention that uh that this matter will receive and if you have any questions I'm happy to answer. Thank you Jennifer. So I I actually have a comment. Go ahead. Oh yeah. Jennifer, good seeing you, too. Um, and she's
correct. This is a problem, and it's been a long ranging problem. It started with, it started long ago, but, uh, many, many years ago, there was a food truck there. It operated till 3:00 in the morning. We were able to get rid of that and a number of other things. I I ran back to my office to grab the file
in the case when I seen you. Um, and and her parents are deceased, right? They're right. They own the house right across the street. Um, so, uh, long history. to have it here with notice of violations and things like that. Unfortunately, we
have to follow the laws when something goes wrong with a business. We have a time period we have to honor with the gas station. Uh that time period expired this morning and we issued uh that gas station a summon to appear in court and um I don't Oh, June 30th they'll be in
court to address some of these issues. Is it really? Happy birthday. Hopefully I'll give you a birthday present. Um, as far as Red Oak, the apartments, it's um it's what it's our biggest problem apartment complex. We have cited them with several notices of
violations, but the approval was done well before I was here. Granting them the the limited amount of parking spots. We never would have done that. We would have made sure there was at least two parking spots. the uh the um the affordable living units that were
approved tonight, they have either two parking spots in the case of St. Rfields and they saw as one and a half parking spots. So that's the level that we go to now. But Red Oak has been cited where a number of conditions unfortunately not the parking. Um but they clearly
understand how frustrated we are with their circumstances and uh they've given us some assurances they're going to work on it. If not, we're going to continue issue them the uh the uh uh a possible summon to get to that point. Um as far
as the uh as the uh permit parking, that that's what you're requesting. I work for council. I work for the administration. They'll tell us what to do. We did look into the matter and it's extremely complicated to to get it done because we just can't issue. We have to go through the New Jersey Department of
Labor. I mean, Georgia Department of Transportation get their approval, too. But, um, certainly, um, whatever these fine men and women would tell me to do, we will look into. All right. So, Director White, I find it uh, ironic. I Google the, you know, when residents
come in, I I like to look at the address to see what what the property we're talking about. So, the Google Earth photo has the mechanic fixing a car on in the road. Uh, which to me is funny because he's not even on his own property. So, obviously, you know, it's just ironic
that the picture happens to be there that he's fixing, you know, out on a public roadway, which is probably against uh and that's one we it was citations for repairs on on grass and on public roads. That's what the summon was
issued for this morning. So, right onto Broad Street. All right. So, thank you. Um, you were talking a little bit about the process for us to restrict parking. Um, I would imagine there needs to be a study done. We need to do that.
Then we have to petition DOT. Um, we'll work up a process for you so that you can take a look at it, but we'll start we'll start getting together the information for you. Thank you. That'd be great. So, we're going to look into it and maybe this is something where we
can have further discussion uh to try to find the best solution. And J, I I think I still have your cell phone. So, on June 30th, I'll call you and hopefully I give you that that director. I have a question before you go. Might as well I'm going to let you
go all the way back to your seat. That's Thank you. So, if if we restrict parking on that street and say the three of us live on that street and I have a family picnic in my house, does that mean my residents at my house, the guests at my house can't park on that street? That's
exactly what it means. So, where's where are my family members going to park? That's what we would have to study in the in the whole issue. So, it's u I'd rather try to fix the problem with the at least the the car place and figure everything else out. Does everybody on
that street realize if I know they signed that petition, do they realize their guests will no longer be allowed to park on the street? Well, in the letter, can I counsel? In the letter I did a summary tonight, but in the letter that I sent um to the township and and council, um I had we
had positioned to issue resident parking passes with proof of residency on the street um just as the um apartment complex does for for parking on site on their complex. So that and the addition
of two um guest passes that you know each of the residents would have to prove that they live there and issue resident parking permits. I will fund the cost of all of that. I have agreed to that with with the residents. Um, you know, just to um and and to add a little
bit more color, the the whole packet of information that everybody has gotten or will get includes the Google Earth images that you were referencing from 2013, 17, 18, 19, and 22 and then my personal photographs from 2025. So the
next door neighbor used to live in the Red Oak Apartments and they used to get um notices periodically that would say they cannot impact the surrounding community. So if you look at the Google Earth images from all of those years,
the streets are empty and then the person in the rental office moved on to another role and the person that has taken over openly tells the residents, "Park anywhere you want. Don't come complaining to me that we don't have
sufficient parking. Find parking every place else." So we're just, you know, the the that's what has happened. So the Red Oak Apartments I've I grew up there. So, the Red Oak Apartments have been there. The gas station has been there the whole of my life. I'll be 55 on June 30th. So, um they they predate me, but
there was never an issue um for for many many years, and it's only happened over the past five. So clearly um you know there were lots of residents there before they they had many cars and they had some other solution but now that
solution is to impact the the the two streets. Thank you. So, if I can just for a second again, um, so our rules are different than a private entity. Uh, and I'm the worst lawyer in this room right
now, but I can tell you that, uh, DOT does not allow you to have a parking pass that goes from car to car. It has to be something that's a fix on your car register with the township. So, um, what Councilman Papara brings up is one of the difficulties in this whole thing, but I have confidence that we'll be able
to work through it. Um I don't believe the gas station is going to be a problem for us bringing it in front of judge Sanenito you know and handling that will and his problems will monitor it is the red oak issue and it that has been sold to a new owner and that's where some of
these issues are coming into play but I have a lot of confidence and I hope you do too with uh Richard Mer's office really sitting on them and bringing them into compliance right thank you thank you director Thank you. Okay. Any other members of the uh public
with questions or comments? Seeing none, we'll we'll move on to council comment. You're looking at me. Um I'll keep it brief. I just want to thank everyone for coming tonight. Again, thank you for bringing your this
issue before us. Um, we'll definitely be looking more into it and see how we can get to a resolution. Um, other than that, you know, I just want to wish everybody a happy summer and hopefully we'll see the sun soon, although I hear it's going to be like
100 next week. So, anyway, um, yeah, just have a good night. Thank you. I'm just going to wish everyone a a good night. Thank you for the comments this evening. Um, and July 1st first. Rain dates the second. Rain date the second.
Uh, Fourth of July fireworks. Fourth of July fireworks. The 4th of July fireworks are on the 1st. 1st 1st of July. Always a great event. Yeah. Thank you, councilman.
I'll keep it also brief. It was um, excuse me, a productive meeting tonight. uh you know on the consent agenda, especially seeing all the grants that we've applied for. Um I I I I've always said I think one of the best things we
did was hire a grant writer and um you know, proofs in the pudding, so to speak, right? Uh we've seen over the past few years the amount of grants that uh we've received to help with whether it's for our road projects or whatever that we need them for. Um I know we got
some things in here for uh renovations of Pearson House and and stuff like that. And as far as Janice um concerned about um you know talking about the municipal building, I mean like director Dumont said, it is moving along rapidly. Um I I would think by the fall we'd
probably see a roof on it and probably enclosed um with um whatever material I think they still deciding on. But um which will help you know getting the roof on and getting it enclosed will allow them to work all winter inside. So
um I think that everything's on schedule. Um, and like director Dumont said, it's it's under budget and it's given area residents a chance to work on a project in their hometown, something to be proud of. And uh, other than that, I hope uh, the fathers out here and and
out there and throughout our town had a a nice Father's Day with their families. And uh, um, look forward to Fourth of July uh, fireworks display on the first. With that, everybody have a great night. Have a good night, everybody.
So, uh, the next three meetings we're going to be moving those to the senior center, correct? Yes, Alison. Yeah. So, um, July, August, September, we're going to be in the senior center. So, we won't have the HVAC issue uh for the next 3
months. Uh, one more reason that we're going to be glad to get into our new uh, municipal building when we when we get there. So otherwise, I'll look forward to seeing everybody at the Fourth of July fireworks. Um, and thank you everyone at the D on the DY for your
hard work. Thank you to all the uh residents who came out. Uh, we do appreciate your input. Um, and we'll see you next time. You double tap.