Adequate notice of the February 12th, 2026 regular meeting at the township committee has been provided in accordance with the open public meetings act by posting written notice and agenda of the meeting on a bullet board the municipal building 100 township of Hannover by posting on the
official township website and by hand delivering such notice to the following newspapers Mars County Daily Record Hannover Eagle and by following the same with the township clerk. >> Roll call. Committeeman Cahills excused this evening. Committeeman Faramosa, >> Committeeman Francoli
>> here, >> Committeeman Mahalo here, >> Mayor Gallagher >> here. >> Four members in attendance, >> please stand and join us for the pledge of allegiance. And please remain standing for our prayer led by Deputy Mayor Mike Mahalo. >> I pledge algiance 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. Almighty God, please watch over and guide this governing body with an abundance of wisdom and understanding to
help make the best decisions for our residents. Please bless our first responders and township volunteers who help keep us all safe. Also, bless our township employees and residents. Lastly, please let us pray for the men and women of the US Armed Forces who stand vigil over us always. Amen. Amen.
Amen. >> Thank you, Michael. Sorry. Good evening everyone. Uh we would like to begin tonight's meeting with two proclamations and I will ask Joe Giorgio if he would like to read them into the record for us please. Thank you. >> Thank you.
The first, ladies and gentlemen, is a procl Oh, sorry. The first, ladies and gentlemen, is a proclamation of the township committee of township of Hanover, declaring the week of February 15th through the 21st
as burn awareness week in Hanover Township. Whereas severe burns are a major cause of deaths and injuries, especially among young children. And whereas every year hundreds of children under age 10 die in home fires. And
whereas a high percentage of fire related deaths occur in homes. And fires and burns are a leading cause of injury related fatalities among children under age 15. And whereas hundreds of children are taken to the
emergency room every day with burn injuries. And whereas Shriners International supports the the Shriner's Children's locations that provide pediatric burn care. And whereas
Shriners International and Shriner's Children's join with others in the burn care field in recognizing the seriousness of this problem and the urgent need to educate the public about burn prevention. And whereas it is
fitting and appropriate to acknowledge the contributions of Shriners International and to commend the Shriners for their continued support and concern for children with burn injuries. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of
Hanover and the County of Morrison State of New Jersey as follows. that the governing body hereby proclaims the week of February 15th through February 26, 2026 as burn awareness week in Hanover
Township and encourages all of our residents to visit burnaware.org and take appropriate precautions to protect their families from devastating burn injuries. Signed by the township committee, signed
by Thomas A. Gallagher, Mayor on behalf of the township committee and mayor, members of township committee, we have representatives of of the Shriners with us this evening for presentation of the proclamation. >> Thank you, Joe. Great job. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. center. We'll have you guys center. news media first. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. We're all ready for you, Joe. Okay, great. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we have a second proclamation uh that I'd like to read into the record. This is a proclamation of the township committee of the township of Hanover recognizing the members of the township's public
works buildings and grounds and park department for their essential services as first responders throughout the years. Whereas first responders, including public works professionals,
firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, police dispatchers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel stand on the front lines of our communities, selflessly serving and
protecting the citizens of the township of Hanover in times of crisis. And whereas first responders respond swiftly and courageously to emergencies, often putting their own lives at risk to
ensure the safety and well-being of others, whether in natural disasters, accidents, medical emergencies, or public health and safety threats. And whereas it is in the public interest of the citizens, civic leaders and children
in the township of Hanover to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and other first responders efforts in their respective communities.
And whereas as of 2019, the US Senate had included language recognizing public works alongside fellow other responders. Now therefore be resolved by the township committee of the township of Hanover in the county of Mars, state of
New Jersey as follows. One, the governing body hereby recognizes and salutes each and every member of the township's public works buildings and grounds and park maintenance department who provide essential services to the
township's residents, especially during adverse weather and emergency situations at all times of the day and night. Two, we pay tribute to our public works first responders alongside law enforcement,
firefighters, police dispatchers, and emergency medical technicians in recognizing the significant contributions they make in protecting our health, safety, and welfare, and advancing the quality of life for all by
the township committee and signed by Thomas A. Gallagher, Mayor. Joe, before we uh take the floor, I'd like to ask director of DPW, Ron Francoli, to say a few words. >> Thank you, mayor, very much. Uh I I need not say uh how proud we are of our
public works department, even before this proclamation. uh this past winter demonstrates how important they've been to us in all ways, not just because of the storms, but the fact that they're there for us 24/7 uh is uh is an incredible uh assurance
to us of our public safety in all areas and the first responders that come out of that public works department that support uh both our fire and public safety departments is just been incredible. We got a great group led by uh great supervisors and uh we're very
very proud of you all. So, thank you all for this. Very good. Thank you. I would just like to make a comment also is um quite a bit I refer to Hatter Township 247 and that includes and puts right in the front our DPW. We've been talking to
more and more families about Hannover Township being 24/7. We've been sharing more and more of the police non-emergency number because everything goes through our PD and dispatches to all our men and women in the field. So, I just want to say also on April 25th, we're going to have a very, very big
night in Hannover Township like we did last year. A big night of thanks to all our first responders. And I want you guys to know for the first time, we're going to have police, fire, EMS, and DPW. So we are now including DPW now in
all our category when it involves first first responders because you guys are 247 and thank you very much. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yes, the marathon begins. Okay. Next on the agenda, we have a
letter of retirement from John Shower of the Handover Police Department, effective April 1st, 2026. May please have a motion to accept. >> So moved. May I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> So approved. Next is the approval of the
township committee meeting minutes of January 2nd, January 8th, and January 2020 of 22nd. May I have a motion to approve the minutes, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> So approved. Next is a public hearing
and adoption of ordinance number 1-2026, 2-2026, 3-2026, and 4-2026. Proof of publication that the notice of introduction of ordinance 1 2 and 3 appeared in full in the January 14th
issue of the daily record. And ordinance 4 appeared in full in the January 28th issue of the Daily Record. At this time, may I have a motion to convene the public hearing on ordinance numbers 1, 2, 3, and four? Second.
>> May I have a second? >> John, thank you. All in favor? I. >> Is there anyone in chambers wishing to be heard concerning any of these ordinances? If so, please state your name for the record. >> Motion closed. Second. >> All in favor to close.
>> I. Now on adoption. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 1-2026, 2-2026, 3-2026, and 4-2026. >> So move. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Now roll call. Committeeman Feramosa.
Hi. >> Committeeman Fencioli. >> Hi. >> Committeeman Melco. Yes. >> Mayor Gallagher. >> Hi. >> So adopted. Next is the introduction of many many ordinances and I do apologize but I do have to read each title into the record.
I'd like to state for the record that I have one additional ordinance to add and it was not on the agenda. It will be docketed as ordinance number 16-2026 and I will read that also into the record. Let me get my water just in case I need it. Sorry.
Okay. Ordinance 5-2026, an ordinance of the township committee of the township of handover, county of Mar, state of New Jersey, amending and supplementing certain provisions of the general legislation of the code of the township in order to comply with public
law 2025, chapter 19, relating to the performance of residential fire inspections in compliance with the uniform first fire safety act. Ordinance number 6-2026. Ordinance of the township committee of the township of Hanover in the county of
Mars, state of New Jersey, opting into the Garden State CPACE program to facilitate the financing of CPACE projects and adding a new chapter 107 to part two, the general legislation section of the township's code entitled Cpace Clean Energy Program.
Ordinance 7-2026 an ordinance of the township of handover Mars County New Jersey amending article 7 municipal housing liaison in chapter 47 entitled officers and employers in in order to amend the provisions concerning
the municipal housing liaison ordinance 8-2026 an ordinance of the township of handover Mars County New Jersey amending chapter 72 entitled affordable housing housing in order to amend the regulations for affordable housing units and developments.
Ordinance 9-2026, an ordinance of the township of Hanover, Mars County, New Jersey, amending section 48.1, COA mandate mandatory development fees in chapter 166 of the township code entitled land use and development in order to amend the
regulations for developmental fees. Ordinance 10-2026, an ordinance of the Township of Handover, Mars County, New Jersey, amending section 108.1, affordable housing set aside requirements in chapter 166 of the township code
entitled land use and development in order to amend the regulations for affordable housing set aides. Ordinance 11-2026, an ordinance of the Township of Handover, Mars County, New Jersey, amending article 29F
AH-2, affordable housing overlay district in chapter 166 of the township code entitled land use and development in order to revise the development regulations in the district. Ordinance 12-2026,
excuse me, an ordinance of the township of Hanover, Mars County, New Jersey, amending chapter 166 entitled land use and development in order to establish a new AH-3 affordable housing overlay district.
or in its 13-2026 an ordinance of the township of Hanover Mars County, New Jersey, adopting a redevelopment plan pursuant to NJSA4812A-7, formally for a property located at block 2701, lot 251,
commonly known as 41 Ridgedale Avenue in the Cedar Null section of the township. All as set forth in the tax meth of the township of handover. Ordinance number 14-2025. an ordinance of the township committee of the township of handover in the
county of Morris and state of New Jersey authorizing various infrastructure improvements at the B Meadow swimming pool facility and further appropriating the sum of $75,000 for the swimming pool enterprise fund capital account for 2026 and all prior
years for the financing of the improvements. Two more to go. Ordinance 15-2026, an ordinance of the Township of Handover, Mars County, New Jersey, amending section 166-189.10
other requirements in article 32B O-S office service districts in chapter 166 of the township code entitled land use and development in order to amend the requirements for hospitals in large ambulatory healthc care facilities.
Ordinance 16-2026, an ordinance of the Township Committee of the Township of Handover amending and supplementing section 125-4 entitled recreation department fees under chapter 125 of the code of the township entitled
fees with the inclusion of new 2026 fees related to new resident and non-resident pool memberships for the year 2026 Bmetal swimming pool season. The public hearing for ordinances 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 and 15 will take place on March 12th at 8:00 p.m. Ordinance 14-2026 and 16-2026 will take place at the special township committee meeting on February 26th. If
any member of the public would like to make any comment regarding these ordinances, they may do so at that time. Now, please may I have a motion to introduce >> Kristen? Before you go to that step, >> okay, >> I would like to take a minute and ask
Jeff to explain to the public in as much detail as you can why all of a sudden we have so many ordinances we're introducing as it pertains to this fourth round of the fair share housing obligation in
law. >> Sure thing, mayor. Uh for the uninitiated, uh bill A40 and S50 was signed into law on March 20th, 2024. Uh what that did was it amended the Fair Housing Act. And
there's a bunch of new regulations that also came out with it. And what that required is that municipalities come into compliance with these new laws and regulations. and the ordinances that have been on the books in Hanover Township were complying with the
previous law. And so what a lot of these ordinances do is set the backbone for compliance with the new law and the new regulations um they've been the part of negotiation and process through the township um in order to comply with
these new laws. And what these do is set forth the uh the backbone of compliance for this. And so, mayor, I think uh what you asked is why all of a sudden, why all these now? And it's because there is
a deadline set by the state um 30 days from now that these ordinances have to be passed. And so that's why you see a lot of these on here. Now, they refer to immunity. And if we're not compliant with the steps, we lose that,
which means that we lose what we all cherish, which is home rule. We've negotiated very, very hard. We're getting quite a bit of attention right now because we're one of the first municipalities that is been involved in a challenge that is now in a US Supreme Court. So with us introducing all of
these ordinances, it doesn't change our strategy. It just makes it so the heavy hand of the government doesn't come down and start to take advantage of us not taking the steps we should and start to tell us where we should build and how
many we should build. So this is a very very important step in this process and March 15th is the actual deadline and we all have to be compliant but everything we're doing is not going to even slow down but this puts us in the game. It
takes the microscope off of us, but we are challenging challenging the big number. And hopefully very soon we have very very good news for Hannib Township on what our actual number is versus what they wanted our number to be. So that's why there's so many introductions of ordinances here tonight regarding
development. It's part of a very, very big legal process. I hope between all of us we cleared a few things up for you and if not, we're always available to talk to anybody anytime. Thank you, Christine. Okay. Now, an introduction. May I have a motion to introduce
ordinances 5 through 16? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? Roll call, please. >> Committas. Hi. >> Committee for Francioli. >> I. >> Committ. Mayor Gallagher. >> I. >> So introduced. Next on the agenda, we
have resolutions at the consent agenda. Resolutions 42-2026 through 54-2026. Does any member of the committee have any questions regarding these resolutions? >> Any comment?
>> Mayor, we have a request from committee man Francoli that I give a little background on resolution number 47-2026. >> Absolutely. it would answer some questions and it would be helpful.
>> Okay. Okay. Okay. So ladies and gentlemen, uh if you look at your agenda, you you will see a resolution known as a professional services resolution in retaining the services of a gentleman by the name of Andrew
Hippollett, a professional engineer in the firm of Kier's Engineers to design to do design work for a proposed new trail um known as the Greenwood would known as be greenway
trail project uh in the cedar old section of the township. I I think by way of background um I want to give you a little bit of uh history first before we talk about that
resolution. So, if we go back in time to the 1960s, the New Jersey Department of Transportation had plans to extend uh what was known as Routes 178 and 24
past Hanover Township into the municipalities west of Hanover Township. And at that time there were a number of municipalities west of Hanover Township that were opposed to any extension of
17824. So what happened? The parcels that the DOT assembled, they're they're known as excess parcels of land. The NJ do um extensive appraisals and purchased
quite a bit of land. In fact, the total amount of land purchased in Hanover Township for the extension of Routes 17824 were 74 acres and that extends or that goes between Riddale Avenue going
uh up toward East Hanover Avenue. 78 74 acres of open space land. So back in the 1990s um after many of the municipalities west of Hanover Township did not want to see the extension of the road
uh the Hanover Township Committee at that time back in the 1990s said, "Hey, why don't we see what we can do about purchasing those excess parcels from the DOT?" The DOT said you cannot purchase them
unless they are delgislated by the Senate and the Assembly. We wrote numerous letters to the state asking for the delegation of those parcels and that goes back to the 1990s.
It wasn't until we approached Senator Richard Cody at the time and Richard Cody was instrumental in sponsoring legislation and with the help of uh also Jay Weber,
our assemblyman in getting legislation passed through the assembly and senate to delgislate 74 acres. And the whole idea that the township committee had at the time back in the 90s was to preserve
that property for open space and conservation purposes so that we not would not see any kind of development. And so moving forward, the township committee in the early portion of this new century
was able to purchase the 74 acres of land from the NJ DOT for about a half a million dollars. Because when the do appraised the property back in 1960 and61,
they established this selling price based on the appraisals in 1960 and61. So we saved literally millions of dollars if those properties have been assessed based on present value today. So that was a windfall and we used money
through the NJP's green acres program to purchase 74 acres of property. So, the township committee's plan was to see the 74 acres used for open space
preservation and to develop a natural path that would connect Patriots Path and the Pigeon Hill Trail which extends from Mars Plains and Danville going
west. So what we now have is a plan to do a nature trail, a pedestrian trail. Uh no Ashvall or McAdam, the probably crushed stone for the benefit of the
public, benefit of the residents to um enjoy nature. So, in order to do the trail, uh, in April of 2025, the township committee passed a resolution
authorizing the submission of a grant to the Mars County Park Commission for a trail construction grant. and through the engineering department, we put through a grant in the amount of
$120,000 with a 20% match, $30,000. So, we have we did receive approval in 2025 for a $150,000 grant, $120,000 from the county, $30,000 match from the township
of handover. So the next step would be to hire a consulting firm to actually design the trail. And that's what resolution number 47-2026 is all about. That's the first step to
preserve that property, but only have a pedestrian trail connecting both Pigeon Hill Trail that goes through Mars Plains and Dil with Patriots P. So that's basically the the extent of it.
>> Well said, Jill. Well done. Exc actually uh there's been much uh conversation on social networks about this particular resolution. That's why I wanted the administrator to go into such detail explaining to everyone what it's all about. Uh it's not going to be a
highway. It's not going to be a paved path. It's not going to have a mechanum on it. There are certain requirements that the D has and open space has for even coverage in lands like this. You can only use wood chips and other certain types of materials uh that would combine with nature on the trail. So
Joe, thanks for ex excellent explanation. This had been going on over very several several years before we could get the state to uh pass legislation to let us even acquire this land. So uh thank you. One more point uh
committee man and the 74 acres is deeed restricted >> which means it cannot be used for any other purpose other than open space preservation. So it cannot be any kind of residential development, any kind of commercial development, no development whatsoever. And that was the intent of
the township committees back in the 1990s to preserve open space and have conservation basically for the residents of township. Thank you. >> Correct. >> Great explanation, Joe, and consistent with our other PAT systems.
>> You want a motion? >> Yes. May I have a motion to approve the resolutions as a consent agenda, please? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Resolutions 42 through 54 are so approved. Next is the payment of bills
in the ma amount of 9,380,76242. May I have a motion to pay the bills? >> Motion for the CFO to pay the bills. >> Thank you, John. May I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Bills are to be paid. And finally, we have the approval of raffle applications
3512 through 3518. May I have a motion to approve as a consent agenda? >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> So approved, mayor and the members of the committee. That clears the agenda
and I thank you very very much. >> Great work, Crystal. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Can I have a motion open to the public? So move. Second. All in favor? I. If anyone from the public would like to address the governing body, please step up to the podium, state your name, your address, and you have four minutes.
Thank you. >> Hi, Fred Stellwagen, 72 Forest Way. I'd like to make a few comments about the Greenway project. Um, I've seen some of the preliminary plans, very preliminary plans, and I have to tell you, this
seems like a path to nowhere. I don't know who this benefits or who's asking for it. Um, looking at the entry points to this path as it's proposed, the only people I think it will benefit are
Morris Plains residents who live in the development off of American Road. There's really no other way to access this um this trail. As a taxpayer,
um I don't want to I I see this as completely discretionary and you know, the fact that it's going to cost us $150,000 just to do a survey is concerning to me. I would say if this body um
decides to do this project, I implore all of you to do it on a budget. I don't want to see this end up in my tax payment. >> Thank you. Let me jump in. Thank you. >> Um it uh just just for clarification, most
of that is getting covered that 150 is being covered by uh grant money. We're only putting in 30,000. Um we have another path um over by B Meadow. Uh take a walk. It's a fantastic path program. This Yeah, go ahead. Uh this is
going to it will connect eventually and these things unfortunately take time. Um we will have some connections. We will be able to connect that. You'll be able to walk pretty much all the way across town at some point. Um >> so so that actually brings up another concern because I've I've I've walked
back there. I mean, I it's right across the street from me. It's dirt paths. It's It's very swampy. Um, I know there's um future plans to maybe connect it to Patriots Path down on the Ridgedale end
>> and I have concerns with that as well because um Patriots Path, you know, running I I don't know where it is, but it, you know, the it runs back behind Walmart and eventually connects up to the Speedball Park.
>> Yes. >> Um in between there it's kind of sketchy. It runs by the an old topless bar. It goes by the prison. Um there's a homeless encampment back there. It's a very sketchy area. I think if you
connect them all of that traffic on Pat Petra's path is now going to come down. It's going to people are going to turn and say, "I'm not going there. I'm going to take the greenway path." and were inviting, you know,
anybody that would >> I understand your concerns and they had uh similar concerns with the B Meadow path and and other paths around town. And um we obviously went to our PD and said, >> "Is there is there any uh any evidence
any anything of increased um trouble?" And they said, "No. uh there there's no increase and and it hasn't been that way uh with the path with the materials that the PD has. We've got um uh vehicles now, ATVs that
could patrol it um if if there is >> which cost money >> which costs money both part it's part of >> and hours and stuff like that. So again, my concern is not what we're getting in grants, but what we're going to have to
put on top of it later on for the upkeep, for the capital improvements. And you know, if you go ahead and say, "Okay, we're going to do this." I implore you to find economical ways of doing this. I mean, we have, you know, a
couple of um scout troops in the area. They're constantly looking for eagle projects. >> Absolutely. you know, do this on a budget if you're going to do it. Um, I don't want to see it in my tax bill. >> Yeah. Just >> because, like I said, it is completely discretionary. I don't think anybody
here can make an argument that this is needed. >> Yeah. >> That it is needed or is >> that it is you cannot make an argument that this is needed at all? >> Yeah. I I'm I'm glad that you're here tonight, but in past meetings, we've had many people come out and ask for
additional paths, uh bike and walking paths. Uh but but pure point to the cost like the B Meadow, we got almost $700,000 in grant money to build that. So yes, there is some out of cost, out of pocket cost, and there is maintenance cost. Um this is going to be a little
bit more rudimentary than B metal, which is more of a grally. >> Yeah, that's but but there will be upkeep, but I we we feel it's worth it. Can we get a full financial um workup of what this is going to cost us and do? >> That's what we're working on now. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. >> And I I'd like to see that um publicized before this becomes a reality. So >> always is. Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Anyone else? >> Hello, Gary Ker 16 with me. I read in
the handover Eagle today in illegal sections that someone was looking for a a liquor permit for either 16 or 18 Summit Avenue. And if anyone has any questions regarding notify the ABC with
their thoughts, do we know anything about that? Christian, you have a little >> actually um it's a process that a woman is looking into selling wholesale wine
distributions. It's not a local um license. It would be through the state. So, it's a process that they have to follow is to put it into the newspaper and then they're allowed to apply to the ABC to see if they could get this kind of license.
>> License to sell wine. >> Wine wholesale online. Online. >> Oh, online. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Gary. Anyone else? I am Vinnie Wolf at 79 Forest Way and I
agree with everything Fred had to say. Um, I just wondered if any of us will have any input in the design of this project. How many trees are we going to lose back there? Because the wildlife back there is just magnificent. And really, there's nowhere left for these
animals to go. So, I just want to make sure all of that is preserved and none of that is kept from us. Yeah. Uh we we took a walk in the spring. Um several went walked the path. The idea where it's going to go. Very minimal tree
where this is going to be um not as not that be is very formal, but it's it's it's it's more um easier to walk, if you will. This is going to be a little bit more rougher, a little bit more rustic. Um they're going to be very minimal trees, if any, coming down. If anything, it'll be cleaning up anything that's
dead along the way. Um, you and it's kind of obvious where the path needs to go. It's pretty similar. Obviously, you I'm sure you've been back there. >> Yeah. >> It kind of follows the the the rough paths that are out there already >> for the most part. >> What happens when I find a tent behind
my fence? >> Uh, give us a call. >> Mhm. >> Call PD. >> I will do that. >> Thank you. Yeah. The only com comment I'd like to make in addition to that is when we did the path behind B Meadow Pond, uh, we spent a lot of time
speaking to the neighbors and we got a lot of very good input on their concerns and we were able to address them I I think pretty well. Okay. Anyone else? Joe, what I apologize. Um, I I wanted to make a
comment. >> Okay. Go ahead, Ron. Oh, there we go. Uh I just checked with the administrator. I just wanted to make sure that uh we have as you know outside our regular municipal tax which known as an open space fund and uh any improvements along
this way uh qualifies under the open space fund. So I don't want the residents of our town to feel that uh 100% of tax dollars or hard tax dollars for municipal are just coming out of this. That fund is dedicated to and must
be used uh under uh um certain regulations for what we can expend it for. But but it is dedicated to this type of use. That's the point. It is it is money. It's already coming out of your pocket. Sorry for the interruption.
>> But it's it it is paid for out of uh open space funds which is again a dedicated fund. It's open space and recreation uh cuz we do that use that for our fields and our parks also. Um, but that's a fun, you know, design for this. >> Yes.
>> Hi, Laura Cotch, Seedals. I understand that multiple ordinances were introduced tonight for the purpose of our Hanover Township redevelopment plan and how time-sensitive that is in order to
reduce our number for the fair share housing plan. Um, I respect that. I also just would like some clarification uh particularly on ordinance 13 2026 related to the 41 Bridgedale Avenue
property and what specifically is in that ordinance. I couldn't find the information online. So before uh public comment at the next meeting, I would like just some information that I
can report back to some of my neighbors and I think everybody in Cedals and Whippony should be aware of what's in that ordinance and really all of the ordinances um about these issues that we all care
so much about. Thank you. I I would just want to answer about the one property on Richdale Avenue that we spent quite a bit of time discussing with you and your neighborhood and we're going to be available to have many discussions with anybody that's concerned.
But when we first got together, I said that if we can get 72% of what we would like where we could live with it, it would be a victory. I think based on our conversations, I I think we're at 100%. We talked about the
the height, the the floors. We talked about the units. We talked about trees. Um, we talked about the the specific species of trees and the size of the trees. So, everything that that we discussed with you offline
is in this agreement. It's going to be published tomorrow morning, but it's not a sight plan per se, but our word is still going. We are still going to be held to our word where we will walk the property. We will show you exactly what
we're getting and you know why we're getting it cuz we negotiated and we negotiated in good faith and we did put our foot down a couple times. Sometimes you have to put your foot down cuz our job is to represent you. So as far as the height as and floors, it's clear as far as units at that property. It's 25
less than it was and everything else is on the table and the 72% is is I think it's 100%. And when you get that plan, we'll be available to come back over and talk to your entire neighborhood and go over point for point. >> Thank you. I know you've been working
hard on uh on that property and many issues within this town. Um I'm asking for clarification. Is the purpose of the ordinance to change it from public land to reclassify it from public land to a
redevelopment site? Is that the purpose specifically of the ordinance? >> Jeff, I know the answer to this, but you're our attorney, so help me out in advance. >> Thank you. >> Sure. So, what redevelopment plans do is it's a an avenue turn.
>> Thank you. Sure. So redevelopment plans are an avenue to kind of consolidate um the zoning and consolidate uh what the township's uh avenues are for for changing uh uh the nature of
this zone. And so what you're going to do is you're going to get a copy of the plan uh and there's going to be a public hearing at the next meeting before this is actually adopted. So, what you have today is just the introduction of the ordinance where you're notified. This is what we're going to discuss at the next
public hearing. There's going to be notices placed in the papers. There's going to be an opportunity, as the mayor said, they're they're going be above and beyond what the law requires in terms of of public notice and everything. And then there's going to be a public hearing at the next meeting, which this
is going to be considered at. >> Okay. Thank you. and we will get together prior to that public meeting and review it with you and your neighborhood in person. Thank you. Anyone else?
Seeing none, hearing none. Motion to close. >> All in favor? >> I I >> Okay. Would anybody like to address the public for a minute or so? Starting with John? Yeah, we'll just focus on engineering right now has majority of
its effort on trying to get assessments ready for road 26. That information will be fed into our budget process and hopefully we'll be able to pave more roads than we did in 25. So, it's going to be roads and infrastructure from an
engineering standpoint. Planning has been overwhelmed with work regarding New Jersey round four of affordable housing. uh and the intention of that is we need to make meet the deadlines that the state has identified.
>> Why is that so important? Because we need to preserve and we need to get to the status of what's called immunity from future requirements that might be put upon us if we fail to do that. So, we're working hard to do that. Tonight
you saw a ordinance for uh EDAC and environmental working together uh generated something called CPACE participation in CPACE. This is a huge opportunity for commercial um
properties in our township. It's great for economic development and what it does. It's great as well for the environment because it's encouraging investment in more fuel efficient uh heating HVAC and other related equipment
in those facilities. And this will be no cost as taxpayers in handover township at all is funded through New Jersey state and this comes under commercial property assess clean energy. So this is a big opportunity uh without raising any
taxes or taking on any debt to provide an opportunity to have our commercial entities improve their infrastructures. So good program look forward to that. The green team is working with Warwak on
plans for Earth Day, an Earth Day cleanup event that'll be done in late April. Anybody wants to participate in that, please see me. I can have you involved in that if you'd like. And lastly, just want to wish everybody a happy Valentine's Day and hope you
celebrate President's Day weekend. >> Thank you, John. >> Ron, yeah, I echo what John just said. Valentine's Day is coming up. Uh so just keep that in mind or don't go home. Um the uh
the the uh Women on Library, I I can't say enough about them. We just got some reports from year end uh and it's growing in circulation uh day by day. Uh this past year 59,000 uh books and periodicals etc uh went
through that library and borrowed out. So they're doing a fantastic job. I want to once again underscore uh how much we appreciate the work of our public works department or parks and uh public works. uh this past snowstorm, which was a monster, uh just showed how effective
that department is and how well they did. Uh I know we're going to be living with some mounds of snow hopefully before the 4th of July, but uh uh the roads were cleared for you, salted and cleared uh through day and night. These
people work, this crew work. So, uh Brian, Brian, you guys get a big boy uh for that as usual. Nice. Nice job. Uh budget time is coming up next uh Saturday next Saturday, right, Mayor? We're going to meet uh Saturday morning
and um uh by the way, budget session is open to the public at uh at the same time. Uh we'll be discussing uh the up andcoming 2026 budget. Uh and I will tell you from our standpoint or mine,
our area uh the focus will be on roads, public works equipment, etc. that we so desperately need uh to keep everything humming along for you. So, uh once again, that's just a reminder there. Uh we're still doing work with the Mars
County uh transportation committee. Uh we're moving forward on Park Avenue, Columbia Turnpike uh and uh Park Avenue where that intersection is critically in need of a redesign. They're doing the traffic
counts as you and I speak. Once they're done, they'll go into a construction plan phase. So, that's moving forward. We're trying to get some more relief on Hanover Avenue. If you ever tried to get up Hanover Avenue toward Morris Plains around 230, God bless you. Um, but uh
right now, uh, there are some plans for redevelopment through Mars Plains up there. Uh, the old Acme and the gas station on the corner there, you know, presently vacant, but there are plans for redevelopment up there for it. But before they do that, we're trying to coax them to putting in an extra
right-hand turning lane off of Hanover Avenue onto 202. That will give some uh significant relief to the backup now that goes there. We're working along uh those lines to see that that happens. But mayor, that's what I have for the moment. Thank you. Thank you very much,
Ron. Michael. >> Sure. Uh just a couple points. You know, it's it's the winter time and you think, well, recreation, cultural arts, senior citizens, not much going on. We're getting ready. There's a bunch of stuff coming. Uh spring is coming soon. Um
recreation, we've got uh Philadelphia uh Flower Show is on March 2nd. That's coming up. There's still a few seats open if you guys are interested. Um we have um if you've noticed, we had some uh some construction or beginnings of
construction in Central Park. They finally got the equipment out there and then we got bad weather and snow. So, we we can't catch a break when it comes to some of our bigger projects these days. But hopefully you'll see some progress over there when the weather gets better. Uh they'll be working on that and hopefully we'll be out there come springtime. Um
senior citizens, uh those guys of the age, come on out. Last year we had 400 members, which has been a high water mark for a long time. This year we're already registered 340 members. So, and that's we have we've only had a couple meetings in, so that number is going to
creep up. We got a terrific program, a lot of functions. Virtually every Wednesday there's something going on for the seniors. Uh they have meetings twice a month and then they've got uh kind of game days and movie days and all kinds of stuff going on. So, check that out. Check out the website. Um cultural arts.
Uh I see two of my colleagues over there. They do a fantastic job. I'm glad they're here. Thank you very much for all you guys are doing. Uh we had a nice uh art opening. It was actually kind of wound up being an art closing. Uh we had some kids from the high school put their art up in the hallway here and uh some
terrific terrific stuff. When I first saw it, I was surprised that they were they were they were high school kids. It was it was really amazing. Uh we've got a new when you guys leave today, take a look down the hall, take a walk down. There's some new uh photographs up there of another artist that's come in. Um we also have mark your calendars coming up
before our next meeting. The Lunar New Year. Okay. February 22nd and it's going to be over at Memorial this year. Uh we need we it's it's always such a popular event. Uh we had to move out of the rec center, move over to Memorial and they were gracious enough to allow us to come
in. Um do we need to register that Blanch? Is that a register? Anybody can show. Yeah, anybody can show up. Check out the times and dates, but again it's uh on on the 22nd uh coming up. Uh that's it. That's a quick quick briefing. Oh, and uh pretty
soon you'll see your it's it's not too early to start talking about B Meadow Pool, but the pool packets will be going out pretty soon. Another couple weeks. So, we're getting there. Mike, I haven't seen the social media countdown to the opening day of the pool. When is that? You must have blocked it. It's up there.
Eddie's got it going, man. He starts it at the beginning of the year. >> All right, good. I haven't seen >> I love Eddie Cash. Eddie Cashion is a phenomenal phenomenal uh uh director there. He does a great job. Uh he he is so passionate about it. Uh I I I there's not a week that goes by that we're not talking about something about the pool.
Um so it's uh really looking forward to this year and God willing, we'll have a nice real nice new splash pad operating hopefully. >> Thank you very much, Mike. >> Thank you. And there's a lot to report, but what I will say is if you're not familiar with Tap into Hanover Township,
uh please check it out. Our new rep is back here, cat. Uh we constantly have very very good things going on in town and we're sharing them on tap into the uh Hannover Eagle also has stepped up. We're doing a lot of information
quicker. It's all available online. A lot of times it will bring you back to the website but the social media is the best place to get your information because it comes to you. Uh, but before I close out, again, there's a lot to report and I'm not going to take too much of your time, but I want to thank
James Hark. Uh, a dear friend of mine, the retired Bayon police chief. He had to rush his son to the hospital a couple nights ago in incredible pain from Bayon. They couldn't treat him properly in Bayon Hospital. And uh, he was coming out. He called me. He wasn't a retired
police chief when he called me. He was a father that was very, very upset, stuck in traffic with his 35-year-old son in agony in a car. He said, "Ace, you got to help me. You got to help me." I didn't really know what to do. So, what did I do? One of my first calls was to
James Hark. James Hark immediately called the retired police chief of Bayon, who was on the phone with him several times. They were even going to orchestrate where they had an ambulance meet as soon as it went into the jurisdiction, but the traffic broke. He got through. James talked to him until
he was almost at the hospital. So, James, that meant a lot to me. I think it talks a lot about who you are and what your department is. So, thank you. And he's very, very grateful and his family is very grateful. And I want you to know that the
sheriff's department was involved and the PD was notified. So, everybody here stepped up and that's the most important thing in the world. And I say 24/7. We have incredible people and they absolutely deserve our respect and support. So, thank you very much. Hand potential PD2.
>> That's all I got. Motion to journ. All >> in favor? >> Yep.