Slide up. >> All right, we're all good to go. >> Good to go. >> Yep. Okay. >> Just waiting. >> I should just go. I was waiting for Jill
to sit, but All right. Good evening. Mike, do I need to >> There we go. >> Teachers hand up. >> Yeah, now I got it. >> Good evening and happy new year. Welcome to the 2026 reorganization meeting of
the Hillsboro Township Committee. Please be advised that in accordance with section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 231, Public Laws of 1975, that notice of this meeting was made by the posting on the board at the Hillsboro Township Municipal Complex and notifying the officially designated
newspapers that this meeting would take place at the Hillsboro Township Municipal Complex at 7 p.m. on January 6, 2026. I am Sarah Break, Hillsboro Township Municipal Clerk, and I'll preside over this reorganization meeting until the members of the township committee select a mayor.
>> Miss Lenzo, please call the role. >> Committeeman Brading >> here. >> Committeewoman Hand >> here. Committeeman Leani >> present. >> Committeewoman Payne >> here. >> Administrator Ferrer >> here. >> Township clerk break >> here. >> Attorney Willard
>> here. We will begin with the presentation of colors followed by the pledge of allegiance and the invocation. Presenting the colors this evening are the following girl scouts from service unit 72. Olivia Warner,
Julianne Valo, and Abigail Lombardi. The scouts are being escorted this evening by Hillsboro Township Police Lieutenant Chris Angelhart. Please rise for the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance. And kindly remain standing for the invocation which will be offered by
Reverend Tim Wolf. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Please bow your heads with me as we pray. Almighty God and heavenly father, tonight we gather at the beginning of a new year to commit to you, the community of Hillsboro Township. We are grateful to you for the many opportunities and blessings of 2025.
We are also thankful that you were with us during our trials and difficulties. God, you have called the members of our township committee to the awesome responsibility of being servant leaders. We thank you for them and all those who serve with them. We ask that you grant
to them your spirit of wisdom, charity, and fairness that they may faithfully serve in their positions to promote the well-being of the people and institutions of Hillsboro. Please surround them with supportive family and friends. strengthen their body, minds, and spirits as they endeavor to serve
you and the people of Hillsboro. We humbly ask for your continued blessings on the organizations, businesses, schools, and families of our township in 2026. And we ask for your blessing on this township committee reorganization meeting tonight. We pray all these
things in your holy name. Amen. Amen. >> Please be seated. Thank you, Girl Scouts of Service Unit 72, Lieutenant Englehart and Reverend Tim Wolf for your participation this evening. Please join me in a round of applause. Before we continue, I'd like to
acknowledge several special guests who have joined us this evening, both former and current elected officials. Your support of Hillsboro Township is greatly appreciated. Senator Andrew Wicker, Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake, Somerset County Commissioner Sarah Suie.
Somerset County surrogate Tina Jala, former freeholder and mayor Ken Shear, former mayor Anthony Ferrer, former mayor Bob Wagner, former mayor Carl Sarra, Former mayor Gloria McCauley Cartmill, former deputy mayor Chris Venice,
comm former committeeman Jeffrey Wright and Clinton Town Council Ross Tropigin. Oh, Assemblyman Fryman, I'm sorry I missed you. Right there. Did I miss anybody else? >> Sheriff Darren Russo.
>> Oh, Sheriff Darren Russo, Somerset County. Thank you all for joining us this evening and for your continued support of Hillsboro. It is now my honor to announce the results of the November 4th, 2025 general election certified by Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter, electing Jill
Gomez to the Hillsboro Township Committee beginning for a three-year term ending on December 31st, 2021, 2028. Any before you start? Congratulations, committeewoman. Miss Gomez, please come forward with
your family so Senator Andrew Zer Zicker can administrate your oath of office. >> You never know when you're >> That's okay. >> You hold the Bible. >> State of America. Sure.
>> You ready? >> Yes. >> I state your name. I, Joe Gomez, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I'll support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey. and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> And that I will bear true faith >> And that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States.
>> And in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will impartially >> that I will impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties
>> perform all the duties >> of the office of committee woman >> of the office of committeewoman >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> CONGRATULATIONS. YES. PICTURES. I'd love to invite my family those
Scooch over. >> Small support. Congratulations committee committee woman Gomez. Please join your colleagues here on the dis. turns it on. >> Miss Lenzo, please conduct another roll
call. Committeeman Birding >> here. >> Committeewoman Hand >> here. Committeewoman Gomez >> here. >> Committee Leani >> still present. Committeewoman Payne, they wouldn't let me leave either. So, here.
>> Administrator Ferrer >> here. >> Township clerk break >> here. >> Attorney Willard >> here. >> We will now proceed with the election of the mayor of Hillsboro Township for 2026. Are there any nominations for the
off office of mayor? be my honor to nominate Committee Payne for mayor. >> Is there a second? >> I second that. >> Are there any further nominations? >> Seeing none, I declare the nominations closed.
We have a roll call. >> Committee Bing, >> yes. >> Committee Gomez, >> yes. >> Committeewoman Hand, >> yes. Committeeman Leani, >> you sure? >> Yes. >> Committee woman Payne. Yes. Thank you.
I declare Katherine Payne mayor of Hillsboro for 2026. Congratulations, Mayor Payne. I did not mean that. Sorry. >> Now you got to go down. >> You go down. Would former mayor Gloria McCaulay Cartell please come forward to swear in Mayor Payne? And would Mayor Payne's family please join her as she
takes the oath of office? You want me to do this? Congratulations. How to do this right, left hand, right? >> Yeah. >> I state your name. I, Katherine Payne, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
>> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> I do further solemnly swear
>> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will impartially and justly >> that I will impartially and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of the office of mayor >> of the office of mayor >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability.
>> So help me God. >> So help me God. At this time, >> at this time, Katherine's aunt would like to present her with a special gift. Would you like to do that? Now I'll take
>> now we're not do this to you all the time. >> Wasn't me this time. >> Tissues. >> We do. >> We do. >> Yes, we do. >> We do. >> I didn't know last time we had tissues. Now I know we have >> should leave them here.
>> Yeah, >> we'll tuck them in and make sure they're not in the picture. We got a lot of work to do. >> We are all human. >> Me and my 300 closest friends. Thank you for coming with me.
>> Thank you. I declare Katherine Mayor Katherine Payne mayor of Hillsburg 2026 with your with your gavvel. CONGRATULATIONS. >> We'll get that after. >> I know. >> I know.
I got caught up. I know. Lost my spot. Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right. Okay. >> We're normally very professional. I just want to clear the air with that.
There we go. >> Dosey do your partner. >> Perfect. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you all so very much. Um I will have some remarks in a few moments, but first we have more reorganization
business. So for the election, um we will proceed with the election of the deputy mayor for 2026. Are there any nominations for deputy mayor? I have a nomination for Shan Leani. >> Is there a second?
>> I would like to second. I can do that, right? >> Okay, perfect. I'm positive. Okay. Are there any other nominations? Seeing none, I declare the nominations to be closed. Miss Break, will you
please conduct a roll call vote on the election of Shawn Leani as deputy mayor for 2026? >> Committeeman Britting, >> yes. >> Committeewoman Gomez, >> yes. Committeewoman Hand, >> yes. >> Committee Leani, >> yes.
>> Mayor Payne, >> yes. I declare Sean Leani deputy mayor for 2026. Congratulations. Today is also Sean's birthday, so we can wish him a happy birthday also. >> Well, we we'll we'll put that up afterwards.
>> I had to throw that in there. >> I don't I don't know. Mayor, I don't know if they heard you. So, after he's sworn again, >> will former freeholder Mayor Kenture please come forward with Deputy Mayor Leani and his family for the oath. Guys are ahead of me.
>> I know we're short on family tonight, too. First things first, >> you're not going to cry, are you? >> I'll try not to. >> Don't give him a gavvel. It's >> doesn't want to cry. >> But by the way, today is Sean's
birthday. >> At least I'd rather be. I, Sha Leani, >> I, Sha Leani, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey
>> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of people. >> So help me God.
>> So help me God. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will impartially and justly >> that I will impartially and justly >> perform all the duties of the office of deputy mayor. >> I will perform all the duties of the office of deputy mayor >> according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God.
>> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Done with that >> for now. >> Get all dressed up. I know. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Huh? >> Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Deputy Mayor Leani. We will now move to comments from the township committee. >> Comments. There's a lot of moving parts tonight. >> Seriously. Okay. Uh so comments by committee members. We're going to start with committeeman Bringing.
>> All right. So first of all, welcome everybody. Thank you for being here tonight. It's nice to see everybody from the town from both parties getting together. This is a very good and a very positive night. And let's keep it that way because that's a really good thing. And I think the only thing that we can do here on the deis as we start off the
year is really set the year off on a positive note because there's a lot that we need to accomplish in this town. Over the past couple of years, we've had to deal with many, many years, 206, but we've gotten it a little bit back on track and I think there's some work that's being done. We need to keep pressuring the state. I think it's a really important thing that we need to
continue to work on because the businesses in Hillsboro really are zoned in that area and our town can bring in more revenue by making sure that 206 is done as fast as humanly possible and working with the state the best we can. Working with the county as well too to make sure everything that needs to be done within the township that's that's
owned by the county is incredibly important as well. Those are two very very major and and and important areas that we need to focus on. Um couple areas that I think that we also need to to continue to look at. Now since um the COVID time frame, um you know, the some of the challenges in the state of New
Jersey, everyone has talked about affordability. We've used it in campaign messages on both sides, and one side used it more than the other. And it's a real important thing, not only in this country, but in the state of New Jersey, and we need to work together to do everything in our power to make it easier for the people in Hillsboro Township. And that's being fiscally
responsible with people's tax dollars. And we're going to continue to do that. and we have to work together to do that because if we don't we hurt the township residents and we don't want that to happen. So, we're going to continue to do that and I promise you I will work towards that. Next component is and I think this is actually probably the most important thing that we can do and it's
a it's a singular issue but it's it's supporting the police. I think that's a really really important feature that helps everybody in this town, everybody driving through this town because the vast majority of people driving on 206 don't live in Hillsboro. We have a lot of people that drive through our town and we need to make sure that Hillsboro
is a very safe place to live. We have children, we have seniors, we have ourselves. So supporting the police is going to be and will always be as long as I'm up here one of the number one important things that I focus on with the town. Uh and I want to thank where's the chief back there? I want to thank the chief for his leadership. He has one
of the best teams I've ever seen and uh he's a fantastic leader. So could you get please give the police a round of applause. just two other three other different items and then I'll get moving here because we want to keep it under and I know some of us are going to Mr. Cactus and some of us are having having cake so I want I don't want to stand in between
you guys and that. So preserving land, that's an important feature that we focused on for many, many years, way before I even got in here. And I've been here what, three, three and a half years or so. We've bought land, we've worked with the county, worked with the state. I hope and I I think our deputy mayor hopefully will mention the Mandel property. Hope where we can get that
sucker sold as soon as possible to the state and preserve it even more indefinitely and it can make the Hillsboro Township residents significant amount of revenue. So that's another area that we're focused on and hopefully Mr. Leani, you jump on that a little bit as well too as you you speak about um what we've been focused on. and you were the one that actually led that over the
years. Fixing roads, fixing roads has been absolutely huge in Paramount in this town. We've done about 57 roads in two and a half years. It's a massive amount of roads and we're going to continue to do that. Preserve those roads. And the last part of it too is um is is protecting from overdevelopment. I
think that's something that we need to talk about and I think the definition of affordable becomes something that becomes an emotional uh conversation versus a practical conversation. And I hope this year we talk about it very openly because the more mandated affordable housing doesn't just mean
affordable housing for people that live here. It also means more housing that's going to be placed in this town. And we have almost 2,000 more houses that are probably going to come in based on the state mandates that may may or may not be affordable. So, we're going to have to have that open conversation. The last component that we that I just want to
mention, then I'll stop is to maintain the transparency. And I know that that that Mayor uh Payne will absolutely be incredibly transparent. We won an award for that in 2024 from Congress and I know we're going to continue to do that because I think you all deserve and deserve the right to know what is going on in your town and I'll do everything
in my power to stay on social media and let you know what's going on. So, I just wanted to say thank you all for being here. Um, you know, God bless all of you. And lastly, I just want to thank my wife, Kelly, uh, for being so supportive. She's the greatest wife I could ever ask for. And my three boys, Robbie, Christian, and Grayson. They are the only reason I'm doing this, uh, to
make sure they live in a beautiful place. So, thank you all. God bless you all and have a great night tonight. Thank you, Committeeman Britain. Committeewoman Gomez. Thank you, Mayor Payne. Good evening, everyone, and blessings to you all as we
begin 2026. I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you as your newly elected committee woman. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I'm committed to serving this community with care, integrity, and dedication. I have many people to thank and I want to
start off with my partner and husband James. When you decide to run for office and serve the public, it is a commitment I didn't make alone. And I just thank you so much for your constant support, patience, and belief in me. Especially
on the days when this work demanded more than we ever anticipated. James and I both grew up here in Hillsboro. his family um including his mom and dad, his sister, um his brother-in-law, our niece and nephew
Quinn and Joey in the crowd. Um and extended family has been incredibly supportive. Thank you so much. And even so that his sister Jen and his nephew Joey and even my sister and my chosen sister Kristen even helped knock doors
with me. And many people will find knocking on doors, knocking on a stranger's door intimidating, but they can attest that it was meaningful and sometimes even fun. To the light of my life, my daughter Luciana,
who notices my absence. Yeah, there she is. Hi, baby. Who notices my absence and will often ask, "Can I go with you?" "No, sweetie. You can't always come with me, but I do promise to try to include you in as much as I can." She inspires
me every day to work towards a community that is kinder, safer, and more hopeful for the next generations. There is a powerful saying that goes, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children."
That belief guides my actions and reminds me that the choices we make today must be grounded in long-term planning and a responsibility to future generations. I also want to thank my parents who both come from humble backgrounds and work tireless to give my
sister Daisy and me the very best that they could. Thank you for being my greatest role models, showing me that hard work, perseverance, gratitude, and kindness truly matter. And thank you for moving us to Hillsboro when I was 9 years old, a decision that shaped my life for the
better. I was raised here. I went through the school systems here and learned the values of community service and showing up for one another. I am deeply grateful for the many people and experience that have influenced my life, taught me valuable lessons, and have
brought me to this moment. To the team of tireless supporters, including Chairwoman Michelle Kidd and Assemblyman Roy Fryman. To the volunteers, strangers that have turned friends, and everyone who believed in fighting for our shared values, thank you for showing up,
putting in the work, and making the possible become a reality. Thank you as well to all our county and state electeds and officials who are here tonight. And a special thank you to state senator Andrew Swicker for swearing me in. He also knocked on some
doors with me, and his dedication and diligence are admirable. I'm also incredibly grateful to committeewoman Samantha Hand for her mentorship and friendship. I truly look forward to working collaboratively with her along with our newly appointed mayor
Payne, Deputy Mayor Leani, and Committeeman Brin. I value the opportunity to challenge ideas through one moment through thoughtful um to challenge ideas thoughtfully and productively. always
putting the people of Hillsboro above politics. I believe trust in local government is built through transparency, accountability, and meaningful public engagement. I look forward to working with our outstanding township departments and employees here
as well. Hillsboro has the opportunity to lead by example, to bring humanity back into how we govern, and to allow compassion, humility, and respect to guide how we treat one another. We will not always agree, but we can always choose empathy. We must work together to
make affordability a priority and to strengthen the sense of community that makes this town so special. That means making thoughtful, responsible decisions that protect our residents while preserving the services our community relies on. Lastly, thank you to the people of Hillsboro. Whether you voted
for me or not, I want to be very clear that I will be in service to everyone. This role is not about partisanship. It's about people. It's about listening, learning, and working together to make our town the best that it can be. Thank you for your trust, your support, and
the privilege of serving this community that has given me so much. I am ready to get to work. Thank you. Thank you, Committee Woman Gomez. Committee woman hand. Thank you very much, Mayor. Get used to that. >> Oh, I'm trying.
>> There you go. All right. I'm deeply honored and grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Hillsboro Township. Thank you to my family in the audience. We've got my husband, my daughters, Hie, Lily, and my brother Derek, and my family and friends of, you know, that are watching.
um as well as all the township employees. I see you. Thank you for coming. And most importantly, the residents of this community who put their trust in me um as well as the others up here. Public service is not never a solo effort and I take this responsibility very seriously. I'm also
happy to be serving alongside an incredible Democrat. Congratulations, Committee Jill Gomez. Um, we share a belief that government works best when it listens, when it plans thoughtfully, and when it puts people first. And regardless of party, I look forward
to continuing to work with all of my colleagues to serve this community with respect and with good faith. One of my core priorities in is community engagement. Local government is strongest when residents are not just observers, but participants. That's
especially true when it comes to the budget process. Our budget is more than a spreadsheet. It is a representation of our values. It is a um a statement of our values. I believe residents deserve the transparency, early involvement, and
meaningful opportunities to shape how public dollars are spent. Affordability will be central to every decision I make. Families are feeling the pressure of the rising costs and local government has a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of taxpayer dollars. That means
keeping rates reasonable, predictable, and justified while still maintaining the services and infrastructure that make our town a good place to live. When we talk about development, we need to be smart and intentional. Um, I support thoughtful readables in wellplanned
areas. development that strengthens our tax base without sacrificing quality of life. Growth should fit our community. It should respect our neighborhoods and support long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes. I am especially excited about the future of a walkable,
vibrant downtown. A downtown where people can live, shop, work, and gather on foot, which is good for small business. It is good for the environment. It is good for community connection. It is where civic life happens. It's where something um it is
something worth investing in carefully and collaboratively at the heart. Um this role is about listening listening to longtime residents as as well as newcomers. Um listening to renters as well as homeowners, seniors as well as
young families, business owners as well as workers. My door is open. I invite you to be part of the conversation, not just during elections, but throughout the year. I am proud to serve. I am ready to work. I am always optimistic
about what we can accomplish together. So, thank you for the trust you've placed in me and I look forward to an incredible 2026 together. Thank you. >> Good job. Thank you, committee, hands, deputy mayor Leani.
Okay, so another four minute speech. No, mine's actually going to be much less. Um, first of all, so I don't get in trouble because I got in trouble last time. I forgot to thank my wife. So, thank you, Tara, for uh allowing me to do this. >> Thank you, Tara. and um
be a part of this community. Um and uh it started with my father and being a lot like all the people in the audience who are our volunteers that work on all our boards and commissions. And I'd like to thank all of you who are here and also who aren't that this town doesn't
run for your service. This that's truly community service. You are giving up your time to be on our boards and commissions to give your feedback to make us a better place. So, first of all, I'd like to thank you also. And secondly, um, as this is going into my hard to believe, I think seventh
year, um, I've got to know the people in this building on a very personal level. I've watched their children grow. I've watched them lose family members. I've watched them ascend into the from a floater position to a department head.
thanks to Anthony Ferrer and his mentorship problem uh program. But it is a problem sometimes. Um when you have really good people and you have to find a place to put them without losing them, right, Anthony? Um but really the the town runs by the people
that are here and they came out tonight to support Miss Gomez and everybody else here on their night off. So I'd like to thank all of you who showed up tonight and for your continued support and friendship that I've gotten over the past seven years. So, thank you all for that. Um, but
lastly, the people of of Hillsboro um that have allowed me to do this. Um, many of know me because they come in to my family store over that we've had for the last 30 years for landscaping needs, equipment repair, tractor and snowplow,
uh, generator during IDA. Uh, but you know what? They also come in sometimes just to talk to to give me their opinion on what they think the town needs and I'm always there to listen because I owe that to you is to at least to listen to what you think about. Sometimes we'll
agree to disagree and that's fine. Sometimes I may say give me a minute. There's a guy over here who needs something and I'll come back. But you've all been very gracious to me. You've treated me and my family well uh as we're out and about. Um but really this the heart of why we're here. We can get
into semantics about politics and stuff. It's really I got in this because this is the town I love. This is the town I grew up like Miss Gomez did. And this is a way for me to give back. Um we can disagree about a lot of things, but I think we all agree about we are
here to make Hillsboro a great place for our kids, our families, our seniors, our grandparents, whoever wants to be here. One of the things that we did that we've started and I'd like to shout out to fair former mayor um Gloria and uh Mr.
Carl Sarra over here that years and years ago they started a open space program to take 3% 3 cents out of your tax dollar to buy open land to preserve this community in the rural aspect that it is. We are now about 41% preserved in
this town at a 52 square miles. It's one of the largest communities in all of New Jersey. And if all things go well, 450 more acres, which will be the largest property ever preserved in the state of
New Jersey, right here in Hillsboro, will be preserved for farmland and open space forever. So that means no building on it. That is what in a nutshell I think we're all here to do. Um, and I thank you for
this opportunity to be your deputy mayor. I will serve in the capacity that we need. I will add guidance to anyone who needs it. Miss Gomez, my phone is always available and you know where I work. So, if you have anything, please please find me. I know your dad knows where I am. Um but uh thank you for this
opportunity and uh we'll see you down the road. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. >> I think that was over four minutes. I'm just saying. Okay. So I'm standing between you and dinner or cake or both. Uh so happy new
year. Uh, thank you very much to Gloria McCaulay Cartell for swearing me in as the last female mayor of New of New Jersey of Hillsboro. I thought it appropriate to ask her to help me with reorg and I'm honored to have her support. Thank you. Uh, welcome to
Committee Gomez. Um, thank you to our team for your support and for making me mayor. I look forward to working together to guide Hillsboro towards a successful future. This year brings change and opportunity. With my background in process improvement, I will streamline our
meetings, not pontificate on the deis, ensure a consistent process for sharing monthly feedback from department leads with our liaison, and unite those voices for the benefit of our re residents. This approach reflects the feedback I've received during my time and will
strengthen our connection to um to the community. I am committed to fairness, transparency, and doing what is right for Hillsboro. Not for myself, but for you. I am your mayor, your voice, and that voice is unwavering as it speaks for all affiliations, parties, and
beliefs. My promise is to unite this DEIS, this building, and this town as one. I'm open to your feedback and contact. Looking ahead, I will work with Somerset County to improve the coordination, availability, and communication of
existing county services for our Hillsboro residents. I'm eager to see the DPW and Police Department repairs um building repairs rather initiated two years ago completed. I will continue to partner with the DOT to move Route 206
forward to completion, address long-standing construction impacts for residents and businesses, and foster new growth from businesses that have been paused admit this construction. Together, we will make this the best year yet for Hillsboro. Thank you for
allowing me to serve our great town. Before we proceed further, I'd like to invite Kevin Murphy, founder of the art academy, and his daughter Hie to um join us up front. For years, Kevin and his students have generously donated their talents to
create the portraits seen throughout our municipal building. Tonight, we are proud to unveil the la the latest pieces in his collection. Joining Kevin and Hie's >> Oh, she's not. I'm sorry. Joining Kevin. Um, again, we're very fluid, but we're also
Stop it. I would like to invite the artists themselves to come forward, please. Leah Kalisano and Daria Quang, please join me in welcoming them. Jill I like
BEAUTIFUL JOB. UM, thank you very much. Um, in April of 2009, um, I I spoke with Assemblyman Peter Bondi and he encouraged me to open up an art school in the town. A lot of the business owners told me that the economy
wasn't good and that people wouldn't they wouldn't uh flock to it. Pete convinced me that it was the thing to do and I I followed his lead. Um, since that time um the art school has grown into an international force.
It's stud the program that we teach is studied in 80 countries around the world and we have franchise schools in not just in the US but overseas as well. Um most of you don't know this art is not a big thing on the agenda for most people but because of the support of the
township the township committee and particularly Anthony when I first launched the school we've been able to build one of the finest art educations in the world in this town. Um, we do it quietly, but this is the result. Leah
has been with me for what, 15 months? 15 months casually studying what, two and a half hours a week, right? And how long have you been? Two years. >> Um, since last summer. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, you kind of get an idea. You
have a world-class education. And what we've done is we have tried to give back to the town. Um, like I said, Anthony, when I when we first opened the school, we were looking for a way to contribute to the town and we were uh they supported the idea of building a public
art collection. The paintings up on the wall here are done by local high school students. Um, as are all of the paintings in the collection. And again, when we first started, it was just five paintings. And I remember saying like, this is going to be a historical document for the town. And now we are
what 15 18 paintings in. Something like that. Um I'm stepping away from this. I actually retired from the school in September. My daughter who can't be here tonight. She wasn't feeling well is going to continue this tradition and hopefully
forever. Um but it's a it's been a real honor being able to contribute in this way. And um thank you so much Leah and Daria for your contribution to the township. THANK YOU. GETTING Stand
in the middle of them. >> Why don't we put them together? Thank you. Okay. It's fine to block me anyway. All right, we will now be moving on to the consent agenda this evening. Some items to note
include setting the 2026 meeting schedule and the 2027 reorganizational date, awarding professional service contract, establishing the temporary budget, and appointing volunteers to various boards and commissions. Does anyone on the day I wish to take any of
these resolutions separately? Okay. Um, any comments on the resolutions? Seeing none. >> I'm sorry. I'll make a quick quick comment. Just >> There we go. Let me make a quick comment on 17. No changes, but I just want to
make the comment that um what we would want to make sure is that there's accountability to the um township committee. This is a resolution authorizing the tax appeal attorney in consultation with the tax assessor to take actions deemed appropriate in the best interest of the town. Um supportive
of that, but there was no language in there about them reporting back to us to um ensure there's some accountability there on what decisions they've made on our behalf. So just wanting to to make a note of that. >> Of course. >> Um thank you so much. >> And mayor mayor, if I can um we have all
our municipalities adopt this this resolution. Um when we come to the county boards uh as one of our members will know right here um decisions have to be made on the spot. Those are usually for residential those are usually for residential homeowners and
you do get a copy of all the judgments that are issued in connection with settlements and uh hearings that are done by the county board. The the assessor's office gets all those and those can be you can get a copy of those too as well. Um, and then with respect to the tax court, because it's become common practice for some of the
attorneys saying, "Oh, you didn't have authority to file a counter claim." And under the statute, you only have 20 days from the receipt of their complaint. You only have 20 days to file the counter claim. So, we have to do that immediately. Um, so we just put that in there. But with respect to the tax court cases, we do actually come to the township committee. If we are going to
issue any refunds, we do come to you guys first and let you know, hey, we're we're we're proposing a settlement of this particular matter. and it will re involve a refund and then we'll ask for your approval of that first. So just just so you know >> wanted the accountability in the report
out. Thank you. >> Any other comments from the day? >> Yes, I would like to abstain from consent number 8 n and 10. >> Okay. So we're taking 8, 9, and 10 separate.
>> Is that your move? Is that your >> We would need a motion. >> Yes. >> So, okay. >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. So, are there any comments from the floor?
Okay. All right. May I have a motion and a second to approve consent agenda 1 through 7 and >> 12? 12 through 25.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. Sorry. >> Committeeman Bing. >> Yes. >> Committeewoman Gomez. >> Um yes. Before I vote, I just wanted to make a statement in regards to consent number uh 14, which is in regards to our
temporary budget. Um and I understand that we need four votes to pass the temporary budget, and for that reason, I am voting yes. But I do want to say that we have a responsibility to keep our town and to voting yes because we have a responsibility to keep our town running and make sure people are paid. Um,
however, if we look at last year's temporary budget, we had to pass several emergency appropriations early on in the year. So much so that by the end of April, only four months into the year, we twothirds of our overall budget was already spoken for before the official
budget was even passed. And I just want to say this is a real concern for our financial future and that we will be having some hard discussions going forward, but yes. >> Okay. >> Committee woman hand.
>> Yes. Deputy Mayor Levani. >> In the future, you make those comments before the vote. That's what the comment sections for. Just so keep everything smooth. We'll get there. And then for the for the benefit of the public, uh the state of New Jersey allows you to do a 35% of your budget as your temporary
budget, which allows you to run the government through the what we call the budgeting process. So we're only approving at a max 35% of the budget. >> We can save that for the comments going forward. >> So that's so just just to keep everybody on the loop there. So yes,
>> Mayor Payne. Yes. Um, so I'd like a roll call for 7 through 12, please. Sorry, 7 through 11. >> Committee Britting, >> are you sure it's >> I'm sorry. 8 through 11.
>> 8 through 11. 8 through 11. Okay. >> I believe it's 8 through. >> Yes. >> Committee woman Gomez Gomez. >> Abstain. Committeewoman Hand. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Leani. >> Yes. >> Mayor Payne. >> Yes.
Thank you. Um, yep. So, there's a claims list. May I have a motion and a second to approve the claims list 2026-1? >> So, moved to second. >> Thank you. Comments from the deis. All comments are required now, please.
Okay. Not seeing any. Can I have a roll call? Oh, sorry. Comments from the floor. Not seeing any. Can I have a roll call? >> Committee Bing, >> yes. >> Committeewoman Gomez, >> yes. >> Committeewoman Hand, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Leani, >> yes. >> Mayor Payne,
>> yes. >> Comments from the public. I will now open the meeting to comments from the floor. Please keep in mind this is for comments on matters not on the agenda. Miss Break, please read the statement regarding public comment. The township committee will now open the floor for public comment. Those wishing
to speak may approach the microphone, state their name and address, and spell their name for the record. Please be advised that each speaker is limited to a single threeinut aotment. This forum forum is intended for public comment and is not a question and answer session. All comments and remarks should be addressed to the mayor. Thank you for
your decorum and for respecting the threeminut limit. Good evening, David Brookke 7 whining. I just wanted to congratulate Mayor Payne for becoming mayor um for deputy mayor Leani and for especially for Jill
stepping up and beginning to serve the community. Just a thought now that there is a shifting balance of representation on the township committee. Uh, and while
you may be thinking I'm referring to Democrats and Republicans, no, I'm not. I'm referring to the fact that three women are now running the township government with a silver devil. We all know that the best governments
around the world are run by women. And so I wanted to thank the three of you for taking charge and for bringing us, I'm hoping in 2026, a focus that will be on advancing
greater public participation, good government, and transparency. Thank you all for your time. Thank you for the comment. Are there any other comments from the floor? I just want to note that was the nicest
thing you've ever said at the day. Mary have a second a motion and a second to adjourn. Not you, David. So moved. >> Second. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee Britting.
>> Yes. >> Committeewoman Gomez. >> Yes. >> Committeewoman Hand. >> Yes. >> Stephanie Mayor Leani. >> Yes. >> Mayor Payne. >> Yes. >> Thank you, everyone, and happy new year. >> Oh, there's cake in the municipal room for um those who uh want to help us
celebrate. Um Committee Gomez.