WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=u3ujlUobuks NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: u3ujlUobuks): - 00:05:41: Meeting Reconvenes; Pledge; Executive Session Minutes Approval - 00:07:07: Regular Meeting Minutes Discrepancy: Budget Document Issue - 00:09:13: Community Assistance Transition & Anniversary Celebrations - 00:12:38: Proclamation: Madison Kimell, Wrestling State Champion Recognition - 00:13:39: Proclamation: Alyssa Pilla, Girl Scout Gold Award Achievement - 00:16:58: Proclamation: Parkinson's Awareness and Rock Steady Boxing - 00:21:04: Proclamation: Eller's Danlo Syndrome Awareness Month - 00:24:52: Proclamation: Water Safety Awareness Month, Bathing Suit Drive - 00:26:17: Brief Recess; Consent Agenda & Board of Adjustment Attorney - 00:31:54: Planning Board Seats Significance, Wagner & Flag - 00:34:11: Approval of Consent Agenda Items One Through Four - 00:34:27: Claims List Discussion: Bernstein, Mandel Property Acquisition - 00:39:37: Approval of Claims List; Temporary Appropriations and Clarifications - 00:43:04: Public Comment Protocol, Fox Chase Pond, Federal Property - 00:51:02: Motion to Adjourn Meeting, Meeting Adjourned Part: 1 1 00:05:41.520 --> 00:05:57.440 26. An executive session was held at 6:30 and we are now reconvening. Miss Break, please call the role. >> Committee Bing here. >> Committeewoman Gomez >> here. >> Committee Hand >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Leani >> present. >> Mayor Payne >> here. >> Administrator Ferrer. >> Attorney Bullard 2 00:05:57.440 --> 00:06:18.400 >> here. Please join me in sal to the flagg 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 I have a motion and a second to approve the executive session minutes 3 00:06:18.400 --> 00:06:34.880 from January 27th, 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Committee Bing. >> Yes. Committeewoman Gomez, >> yes. >> Committeewoman Hand, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayani, >> yes. >> Mayor Payne, >> yes. May I have a motion and a second to 4 00:06:34.880 --> 00:06:51.120 approve the executive session minutes from March 10th, 2026? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call. >> Committee Bing, >> yes. >> Committee Gomez, >> yes. >> Woman Hand, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Leani, >> yes. >> Mayor Payne, >> yes. May I have a motion and a second to 5 00:06:51.120 --> 00:07:07.360 approve executive session minutes from March 24th, 2026? Second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Committee Bing, >> yes. >> Committee woman Gomez. >> Yes. >> Committ H. >> Yes. >> Dr. Mayani. >> Yes. >> Mayor. >> Finally, may I have a motion in a second 6 00:07:07.360 --> 00:07:22.000 to approve the regular meeting minutes from April 28th, 2026? >> Can Mayor, can I ask a question before we vote? Yeah. So, on on the meeting minutes for this one, that's what I was just looking at. There were that entire 7 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:38.800 budget document is in is included but that wasn't what was posted. The public had nothing for that meeting but we had a version of the budget and then there were some other pages added days later. I just didn't know if that full version 8 00:07:38.800 --> 00:07:53.520 should be read into the minutes since that's not what we had. >> What we had that night is the version that should be there. >> Okay. I'm double checking now because I don't I don't think that is the case. But um if you checked that I will take 9 00:07:53.520 --> 00:08:10.639 you at your word. No, because I'm I'm sorry and I just found it like one of the pages it's page 55 of our meetings minutes. That page specifically was not included in the budget that we had available to us. This is the it was the um comparison 10 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:26.479 of revenues and appropriations, local tax levy and assessed values. Again, it's page 55 of 134 for that meeting minute document. I just, you know, this was like the final budget and that's not what we had. So, I didn't think that it should be read into the minutes. So, I 11 00:08:26.479 --> 00:08:42.399 just wanted to ask for feedback on that. What do what do you guys think? >> I know why it's there, but I mean that would be a question for attorney. Does it need to be reverted back to the old version that was actually made available to the >> whatever budget was introduced? >> So, so then we can replace it. It was 12 00:08:42.399 --> 00:08:58.640 the updated one was was put in so the public could see the updated one. So, I >> but I thought for the minutes it should be >> that version from the night. Thank you so much. >> So, with that said, can I have a motion in a second to approve the minutes for 13 00:08:58.640 --> 00:09:13.839 April 28, 2026 as amended by committee woman hand? >> So moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call. >> Command Bing. >> Yes. >> Committee woman Gomez. >> Yes. >> Deputy Committee woman hand. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Lean. >> You sure? Yes. >> Mayor Payne, 14 00:09:13.839 --> 00:09:29.600 >> for real? Yes. Okay. Thank you. All right. Hillsboro Township refineses um community assistance network services to focus on wellness and emergency port uh support. Even as our community grows and 15 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:45.839 changes, we have a responsibility to ensure our services evolve to meet our residents most pressing needs. After careful review of our regional resources, the township has decided to divest the food pantry portion of the community assistance network with weekly appointments 16 00:09:45.839 --> 00:10:02.160 concluding on Friday, July 24th. While this marks the end of an era for a program sustained by 40 years of incredible local generosity, we are fortunate that partners like Feeding Hands and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County have expanded their capacity right here in Hillsboro to fill 17 00:10:02.160 --> 00:10:17.680 that gap. This transition allows us to lean into our seasonal holiday distributions and emergency response efforts while shifting our daily focus to vital, often overlooked services such as financial stability, nutrition, education, mental 18 00:10:17.680 --> 00:10:36.720 wellness, and fraud awareness. We aren't narrowing our mission. We're simply realigning it to better serve every resident at every stage of life. And we hope will continue to do stand with us as we support these essential new initiatives. We also have news regarding our 250th 19 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:52.640 anniversary celebrations. In a nostalgic nod to Americans bsentennial in uh 1976, Hillsboro Township is proud to announce a partnership with New Jersey American Water and Sherman Williams to paint 60 fire hydrants in patriotic themes by 20 00:10:52.640 --> 00:11:09.120 July 4th. The initiative was inspired by community feedback regarding the upcoming American semiquentennial earlier this year. We asked Hillsboro residents how they wanted to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. And several residents recalled when the towns painted the fire hydrants red, white, 21 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:25.279 and blue for the bicesentennial in 1976. We thought this was the perfect way to bring that spirit back to our community. Speaking of patriotic designs, in honor of America's semi-quincentennial, Hillsboro Township is calling on all residents and business owners to break 22 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:41.680 out the bunting and untangle the lights. The township is officially launching our turn the town red, white, and blue decorating contest, a star spangled banner tribute to 250 years of national pride. The contest invites the community to transform Hillsboro into a living 23 00:11:41.680 --> 00:11:57.519 tapestry of patriotism leading up to Independence Day. Looking for the most spirited displays of civic pride on every storefront, lawn, and porch. Look for fe full details for each of these announcements tomorrow. Bless you 24 00:11:57.519 --> 00:12:38.079 morning on the website on the social media or in tomorrow afternoon's e-news. Okay, now we have some proclamations. So, I'm coming down for some fun fun. >> YEAH. SO Madison Kimell is a seventh grader 25 00:12:38.079 --> 00:12:55.200 here in Hillsboro Middle School and is a three-time New Jersey girls youth wrestling state champion winning 2024, 2025, and 2026 because you're Madison also I didn't say that. Madison was also the 2026 Jersey Girl Wrestling League All-Star Match Champion. She was 26 00:12:55.200 --> 00:13:10.720 named in the 2026 middle school wrestling co-ed end of the year league champion and outstanding wrestler award winner. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the mayor and Hillsboro Township Committee, do hereby recognize and extend our sincere congratulations to Madison Campbell for achieving the 27 00:13:10.720 --> 00:13:32.800 2026 New Jersey Girls Youth Wrestling State Champion title. An honor for both her and for those who have guided her. We wish Madison all the best in her future endeavors. Um, hi Alan. Thank my coaches and like all the people who came to support me. 28 00:13:39.839 --> 00:14:44.880 You can probably Just for tonight, >> Elizabeth Pola. So Lisa is a senior at Hillsboro High School and member of Girl Scout Tube 6243 and has earned her Gold Award. Alyssa's Gold Award project educated the community on environmental sustainability and how one can take 29 00:14:44.880 --> 00:15:01.360 action to help reduce climate anxiety through cleanups, workshops, and seminars. The project took 95 hours to complete with assistance of 10 people. She's a two-time presidential service award recipient, a Girl Scout national delegate, and a Hillsboro High School cheerleader. Alyssa interned at the 30 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:16.800 Hillsboro Township Administrative Office right here, and volunteered as a junior coach for Hillsboro Duke's Youth Cheerleading. She will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the mayor and the Hillsboro Township Committee, do hereby recognize and extend our sincere congratulations to 31 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:38.639 Alyssa Pilla for having earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, an honor for both her and for those who have guided her. We wish Alyssa all the best in her future endeavors. >> Best intern ever. >> We're biased. But >> um I have a lot of thanks to give. So I 32 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:54.079 just want to thank my family and my community for supporting me through all this. Um without Mrs. O'Brien's meetings at the library, I would have given up a long time ago. And without my mom constantly supporting me and telling me I can do it and keep going, I really I 33 00:15:54.079 --> 00:16:39.480 seriously would have given up. Um, SU72 always coming to all my events was really the reason I got this award. So, thank you. And your thank you to your mom now that it's on film is probably a great Mother's Day gift. So enjoy that, Mom. 34 00:16:58.079 --> 00:17:18.600 Next we have uh Parkinson's awareness for Rock Steady Boxing. You can all come Jane. Come on. Hi. Oh my god. Hi. 35 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:39.360 Sorry, we know each other. I wasn't expecting her. She doesn't live in town. I know. >> Yeah, we just met. I'm very friendly. Sorry, I'm all for clip now. Okay. Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurological disease and is the second most common neurogenerative disease in 36 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:55.360 the United States after Alzheimer's disease. 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are expected to be diagnosed this year. While there are treatment options for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, there is no cure. Programs like rock steady boxing and other therapeutic 37 00:17:55.360 --> 00:18:11.760 interventions provide invaluable resources and opportunities for individuals living with Parkinson's to improve their physical health, gain a sense of community, and enhance their quality of life through exercise and support. Now, therefore, BA proclaimed that we, the mayor and Hillsboro 38 00:18:11.760 --> 00:18:29.039 Township Committee, hereby recognize April as National Parkinson's Awareness Month and continue to urge residents to support the uh search for a cure and assist those individuals and families who deal with the devastating illness on a daily basis. My uncle actually passed uh from Parkinson's and the exercise and 39 00:18:29.039 --> 00:18:46.880 that uh like eye hand coordination, I won't steal your thunder, do help quite a bit with um quality of life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the mayor. Thank you to township committee for this proclamation. Um I am Barb 40 00:18:46.880 --> 00:19:03.840 Kelly. I started the Rock Steady Boxing program here in Hillsboro over nine years ago. um it has grown tremendously because um I do believe that Parkinson's is now um uh outpacing Alzheimer's as 41 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:19.600 the number one neurodeenerative disease. Um there's a lot of reasons. We don't know all of them, but um it is growing. So uh this program and the people that support it um our volunteers 42 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:37.520 uh it's it's more than just an exercise program. It is boxing inspired. So, we do fitness like boxing um uh boxing drills, we do jump rope, we do all kinds of things like that to help with balance, coordination. Um and we 43 00:19:37.520 --> 00:19:52.400 uh the biggest part of it though, people tell me, is the community that that has been formed from it and the support that everybody gives to each other. We have a huge um number of volunteers who helps help help support it and um we don't 44 00:19:52.400 --> 00:21:01.080 think of it as just a workout or a gym. It's um it's a community and it's a family. So, um thank you again for this uh for the No, >> mayor. >> Don't send a man to 45 00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:21.520 >> He's a guy. We expect it. Anyway, so Ellers Down syndrome EDS uh are a group we have all the fun loving uh happy thought tonight. I'm apologizing in 46 00:21:21.520 --> 00:21:36.799 advance. Are a group of 13 inheritive connective tissue disorders that affect one in 5,000 people with symptoms such as joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Hypermobility spectrum disorders, HSD, are connective tissue 47 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:52.480 disorders that um cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain. There is no cure for any type of EDS or HSD, only a management of symptoms by a variety of medical specialists. Lack of awareness. I'm sorry, I didn't even call anybody. 48 00:21:52.480 --> 00:22:09.520 I'm like crying over here. Did Who's here for this organization? Please come up. I'm so sorry. In my own little tearary world, I apologize. Thank you. Um, lack of awareness about EDS and HSD in Hillsboro and across the world stands 49 00:22:09.520 --> 00:22:24.400 in the way of diagnosis, management, and research for these conditions. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the mayor and the Hillsboro Township Committee, do hereby declare May as um, Eller's down syndrome and hypermobility spectrum 50 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:56.080 disorders awareness month. Hi everyone. I'm Andy Kid. So my mother um Michelle was actually supposed to be here tonight. Um uh due to an injury complicated by Eller Stanlo syndrome, she couldn't make it here. Um so she asked me to read this on her behalf. Uh 51 00:22:56.080 --> 00:23:12.080 thank you woman Gomez. Um Debbie Nson, Michelle Drab for helping my mom with the proclamation process and Mayor Payne and the rest of the township committee for bringing attention to such an important issue. My mom only has one 52 00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:28.960 request. Please ask all of your medical professional providers um doctors, nurses, um and physical therapists um if they are familiar with Eller Stanlo syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder and 53 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:45.600 If not, please ask them to educate themselves um with the information from Eller Stanlo Society website. Um the website is www. ehl e r s- d ls.com. 54 00:23:45.600 --> 00:24:02.559 Um and if you if you've ever been told that you're double jointed um and can do something like this, you might want to get screened um uh by um a doctor um that is familiar with Eller Stanlo syndrome and 55 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:23.240 hypermobility spectrum disorder because um for my mom and I this is not a life-threatening this is not life-threatening but for many others it can be. Thank you for increasing awareness for our community in Hillsboro. Well read. Thank you. 56 00:24:52.320 --> 00:25:09.120 Swimming and aquatic related activities contribute to positive physical and mental health and enhance the quality of life for all people. Education regarding the topic of water safety plays a vital role in the prevention of drownings and recreational water related injuries. The New Jersey Recreation uh and Parks 57 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:24.240 Association is committed to educating the public on pool, beach, and aquatic safety issues. These essential programs and water safety legislation provide healthy environments for our citizens to learn, grow, and build self-esteem, significantly enhancing the overall 58 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:40.159 quality of life in our communities. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the mayor and the township uh Hillsboro Township Committee do hereby declare May 2026 as National Water and Safety Awareness Month and urge all residents to recognize the importance of water 59 00:25:40.159 --> 00:26:01.039 safety education. Um so thank you mayor and township committee. Um this is the second year that we're taking part of the NJRPA um bathing suit and goggle drive. Um, bathing suits are a requirement for swim lessons. Um, so we're excited to be able 60 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:17.520 to remove some of those barriers for families that that can't afford them. Um, we're partnering this year with uh not only the YMCA and Pinnacle um for donation boxes as well as in our building here in the recreation department and the um social services for collection boxes. So, thank you in 61 00:26:17.520 --> 00:30:49.039 advance. Sure guys. So with that, thank you for your patience. Um and we're going to take a brief recess. We will rejoin in three minutes. All right. Thank you everybody. So, um, moving on. We have some personnel items. 62 00:30:49.039 --> 00:31:04.799 Uh, personnel relation. Uh, no, we don't. I'm lying. Consent agenda. It was there, I swear. Consent agenda 1 through 4. Uh, we're going to hear all the comments first. After that, if any committee member would like to take an item from the consent agenda for 63 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:22.000 separate voting, I will give you the opportunity to do so. There is no need to take items separately for commenting or questioning. Comments from the deis on consent agenda 1 through 4. Comments from the floor. >> I'd like I'm sorry I was like I would 64 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:38.320 just >> um I know it's it's just me. I got I'd like to obviously we're advertising for a uh board of adjustment attorney. I'd like to thank Mr. Anderson who's retiring in July for his 20 plus years service to the township. Uh I happened to serve with him when I used to be on 65 00:31:38.320 --> 00:31:54.720 the board of adjustment as a chairman and his guidance has always been very good and and was always looking out for the township. I just like to publicly thank him for all he's done for the town. >> Comments from the floor. Oh, >> do you have one too? 66 00:31:54.720 --> 00:32:13.600 >> I do. I apologize. >> I know. >> Committee Leani ended more abruptly than I thought. Um, I just thought it would be helpful to address the significance of switching the seats two and six because they both expire at the same time. So, just like um clarifying the 67 00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:29.039 implications of that. >> Okay. Uh I can so um those seats are specific to uh the planning board and to the um positions that are held within the 68 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:45.919 municipality in particular Mr. Wagner's old seat of seed two. Um so Mr. Wagner has been on the planning board for a long long time and also as an employee of the township. Uh Mr. flag has been our seat six which is our um was also a 69 00:32:45.919 --> 00:33:02.559 member of the environmental commission which is requirement of the planning board since the change of employment of of Mr. uh Wagner Mr. flag as the seat on the commit environmental commission is 70 00:33:02.559 --> 00:33:18.880 actually considered and it's in the considered right in the class two section of the 188-18 land use planning board that the environmental commission member should be sitting in class two if possible. So therefore it's just a change of seat moving Mr. Flag over to 71 00:33:18.880 --> 00:33:34.640 seat two and Mr. Wagner who is no longer really employed in the township into the open seat. Mr. flag was as a resident to seat six for the year. So, it's just to amend the seats to uh pertain to 180-8 72 00:33:34.640 --> 00:33:52.640 land use law. >> And then did that also mean is Mr. Wagner then going on to environmental or no? >> No, no, Mr. Flag is staying on environmental. That's why he's staying on it. But >> okay, last chance. Anybody on the day 73 00:33:52.640 --> 00:34:11.440 comments from the floor? Okay, seeing none, um may would anyone like to take any items separate? If yes, a motion and a second is needed for each. >> Okay. May I have a motion and a second to approve consent agenda items one through four? >> So moved. 74 00:34:11.440 --> 00:34:27.440 >> Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Committee Bing, >> yes. >> Committ Gomez, >> yes. >> Committee, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Le, >> yes. >> Mayor P, >> yes. Um, now we have claims list. May I have a motion, a second to approve claims 75 00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:46.240 list 2026-08. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Comments. >> Oh, sorry. Yeah. Okay. Hang on. >> Back it up. >> Back up. Okay. Comments from the de 76 00:34:46.240 --> 00:35:01.599 >> question on this. I believe that there was a discrepancy pointed out regarding legal fees and there was a a change in invoice for Mr. Bernstein. Was that corrected? Because I looked on here >> and it was hard to tell if it got corrected. 77 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:20.480 >> The mayor has a comment about that when we get up. She's going to address that. There you go. >> Yep. Any comments from the floor on the claims list? >> Did you have a comment too, Susan? Okay, we'll get you. >> Okay, I guess I got here right in time. 78 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:37.920 Judy H. Um, first of all, looking at the um >> address, please. >> Excuse me. >> Address, please. >> To Titus Court. Um, looking at the bills list, I'd just like to point out that this was printed on May 8th, which was 79 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:56.320 last Friday. It would be lovely since it was printed for it to be put on the website so people have time to actually look at the contents uh other than looking at it uh couple of hours before your meeting. In any case, on page well 80 00:35:56.320 --> 00:36:13.520 the second to last page of the bill list, there are two items apparently for the acquisition of the Mandel property that don't look like they have anything whatsoever to do with the Mandel property. One of them is a board of adjustment matter and one of them is a 81 00:36:13.520 --> 00:36:31.839 Penoni Associates bill for Beakman Gardens flood application. Any insight? >> Do you know anything about that? >> I'm not even sure where she's referring to. So I'd have 82 00:36:31.839 --> 00:36:46.640 >> second to last page. >> Yeah. like where all the escrow things are. All of a sudden in the middle of the escros, there's acquisition of Mandel property in big letters. >> Yeah, it is on on page 18 of 20 in the 83 00:36:46.640 --> 00:37:05.119 copy that we have. >> Uh >> total 482 428 and 12 cents because that's what you're looking at. >> Yeah, but look at the description. >> Yeah, I'm not I'm just making sure. I don't know why that's there. So, we'll have to ask. could be misapplied again. 84 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:23.280 >> Okay. And likewise, while you're there, uh the item underneath that says pilot and it has a Penoni Associates bill for $24 and another current account dispersement for another board of adjustment code. 85 00:37:23.280 --> 00:37:39.599 And I mean honestly, aren't pilots collected by the township as opposed to dispersed or why would any bill go against a pilot line? >> Don't have that answer. We'd have to check and see if there's any kind of 86 00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:56.160 filing that need to be done for the pilot. So, can get that answer for you. >> Yep. Well, another reason why people should see this bill list well before the meeting. Um, I didn't I just sort of caught the end of an $18,000 legal bill. Is that accurate? Is that a one-mon 87 00:37:56.160 --> 00:38:14.560 bill? >> So, I I have comments for that later. >> I'm sorry. >> I have comments for that later. That was from a public comment from last uh meeting. >> It's on your bill list. 88 00:38:14.560 --> 00:38:32.160 as being about to be paid. So >> So you're referring to a new charge on the claims list for $18,000. >> Okay. >> I'm asking. >> I I think she's saying yes. I'm looking right now. >> Yeah. >> Are you talking about um It's on the 89 00:38:32.160 --> 00:38:49.359 first page. D Francesco Baitman. It's there's two bills totaling 18, >> right? One is for labor and one is for general counsel. >> Correct. I think it's 16 and two or something thereabouts. >> And what's the question? I'm sorry. >> I guess my question is, don't you have a 90 00:38:49.359 --> 00:39:04.240 um not to exceed limit on legal bills? >> We do. >> And if you do the math, you know, let's say $20,000 a month sure isn't going to get you there. It's not going to get you to your budget either for legal 91 00:39:04.240 --> 00:39:20.240 expenses. So I think in line with other comments I would have made about the budget, if this was a public hearing on the budget, I would think that it's time for people on the DEIS to start looking very carefully at the legal bills and 92 00:39:20.240 --> 00:39:37.920 pull them back because they are totally out of hand and this is a perfect example of that. So thank you. >> Sure. Any other comments from the floor? Did you want the mic? >> Not for that. Okay. comments from the floor on on the claims list. Sir, 93 00:39:37.920 --> 00:39:54.000 did you have a comment on the floor for the claims? Okay. All right. Um Okay. Now, may I have a motion in a second to approve claims list? >> Oh, yeah. Sorry. Thanks. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee Ring. >> Yes. >> Committee Gomez. 94 00:39:54.000 --> 00:40:08.240 >> Yes. >> Committee woman hand. >> So, I know just a question. We just asked some questions about the budget, >> about the >> claims list. >> The the claims list, I'm sorry. So, are we going to accept it or can we say 95 00:40:08.240 --> 00:40:25.440 something about um pending any changes from Christian, especially about those escros on page 18? >> I'm just saying there were questions asked that we couldn't answer. So, >> and we will answer them probably at the at the next meeting at the next meeting. 96 00:40:25.440 --> 00:40:41.920 We have to seek out the answers. Yes, >> but we're approving it to be paid, but just acknowledging that, you know, there may be changes or something. It just doesn't feel like we should approve it without saying something. 97 00:40:41.920 --> 00:40:57.280 What are the thoughts? >> Well, I think the claims list is paying the bill. It's just whether it's been appropriated in the proper column like we've had in the past. So, the bill is the bill, right? And just we'll make the >> if there's a there's a will come back 98 00:40:57.280 --> 00:41:14.240 and notify me. >> So, yes. >> Pending the change. >> Deputy Mayor Leani. >> Yes. >> Mayor Be. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um at the last uh meeting, there were some questions uh raised during 99 00:41:14.240 --> 00:41:29.599 public comment that were promised answers to. The first one was a discussion took place about the temporary appropriations including a statement that at this point last year it was 70% and this year it's only 47%. 100 00:41:29.599 --> 00:41:45.200 The question was asked whether the funds have been appropriated and or added to the budget. The difference between last year's 70% temporary appropriation and this year's 47% does not reflect actual spending. That's 101 00:41:45.200 --> 00:42:01.119 what a temporary appropriation is. The purpose of temporary appropriations is to keep the accounts funded and maintain operations until the budget is adopted. These temporary amounts are already included in the final budget amounts reflected in the budget document. The 102 00:42:01.119 --> 00:42:16.800 high percentage used last higher percentage used last year was simply an administrative decision to provide a larger cushion of authorized funds ensuring the township could maintain all operations without interruption. While the final budget was being prepared, 103 00:42:16.800 --> 00:42:31.200 this year's lower percentage doesn't mean that we're spending less. It just means that we opted for a smaller initial buffer. Ultimately, the town's actual day-to-day operation expenses um remain consistent regardless of how much of that safety net was authorized up 104 00:42:31.200 --> 00:42:48.720 front. Clarification two on the number of employee employees full-time, part-time, seasonal. There are currently 210 full-time employee and part-time active employees plus 32 seasonal 105 00:42:48.720 --> 00:43:04.960 employees. A question on a payment made to CME item from the claims list. That was a payment made for prior services before the new affordable housing agent started. A question was made about the Bernstein uh payment, sorry, the payment 106 00:43:04.960 --> 00:43:21.119 to Mr. Bernstein for solar. That payment was to the correct attorney but was charged to the incorrect line item. Finances made a journal entry to correct it. Mel Bisberg summary uh >> just for your 107 00:43:21.119 --> 00:43:37.760 >> Oh, sorry. Thank you. Okay. Uh with that said, I um we are now at public comment. Please read the public comment. >> The township committee now opens the floor for public comment. To ensure productive and civil environment for 108 00:43:37.760 --> 00:43:53.760 all, please approach the microphone. State your name and address. Spell your name for the record. The township of Hillsboro maintains a strict standard of decorum. Please ensure your remarks remain respectful and focused on township business. Each speaker is limited to a single threeminute aotment. This forum is for public comment rather than dialogue. Please address all 109 00:43:53.760 --> 00:44:14.400 remarks directly to the mayor. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and treating your neighbors. employees and this committee with courtesy. >> Yeah. Do you need help? >> Mad Madame Mayor, I have a question. >> I have the floor to ask a question. 110 00:44:14.400 --> 00:44:28.640 >> It's not the time, but sure. >> Well, it's relating to public comment. Um, just wanted to clarify something because I know at our previous meetings, we don't allow public comment on things on the agenda. At our last meeting when we introduced the budget, we did allow 111 00:44:28.640 --> 00:44:44.079 comments um about the budget during public comment. Uh from a consistency standpoint, is this the new procedure going forward? So public comment is exactly just that. There's been three emails that have been sent out in the 112 00:44:44.079 --> 00:45:00.960 past uh four months now for how we act and how we answer questions and when per Robert's rules. So when it's something like an introduction, public comment is for public comment, right? 113 00:45:00.960 --> 00:45:16.800 So yes, that's the rule. That's the law. That's what we're following. Okay. So just to verify, we are allowing public comment on things on the agenda. Public comment is for things not on the agenda. An introduction is just a it was 114 00:45:16.800 --> 00:45:33.920 a PowerPoint slide, right? So, it's on the it's on our item list of what we're introducing, but it's not an agenda item. It did not have an a number. It's I don't know how to make that clear. Sarah, do you >> mayor, if I may, I think um people 115 00:45:33.920 --> 00:45:50.480 should be able to use their three minutes however they choose choose to use their three minutes at the end of the meeting. The purpose of having two public comment sessions is the one you have in the beginning of the meeting because before you vote on something, the public might want to, you know, ask questions or comment on that before you vote. Um, things not on the agenda, 116 00:45:50.480 --> 00:46:05.520 obviously it's not something that you're prepared to discuss or whatever and therefore there's an open public comment at the end where they can comment on anything they want. If they choose to use their three minutes by something that was voted on earlier, so be it. I I would say let them use their three minutes any way they want to. 117 00:46:05.520 --> 00:46:20.480 >> Thank you. Well said. Thank you. >> Appreciate the clarity. >> You can do whatever you want for three minutes. Susan, you can sing. >> Sing a song. >> I know. Do you want to sing? >> Okay. Susan Golaf for Hunt Club Road. >> Uh, I have a few things I want to mention. I try to get it in my three 118 00:46:20.480 --> 00:46:36.800 minutes. Fox Chase Pond. >> Yes. >> In 2022, we received news that the township received $246,000 from the D to upgrade and restore the pond funded by American Rescue Plan funds. 119 00:46:36.800 --> 00:46:53.359 There were federal deadlines for the use of the funds. We did have them obligated by the 2024 deadline, but they have to be fully expended by December 31, 2026 this year. And it says I it took me a while online to understand the legal 120 00:46:53.359 --> 00:47:09.680 ease, but it seems as though failure to meet the obligation deadline might require the unobligated balance to be returned to the US Treasury. Uh my question, well comment um is that are we planning on doing the fox chase pond 121 00:47:09.680 --> 00:47:26.960 work this summer in order not to miss the statutory deadline? And also, um, by the way, the people that are now cutting it, uh, at their last cut, they took out a bunch of the monarch butterfly milkweed that was 122 00:47:26.960 --> 00:47:42.560 growing there and some plants near the Hunt Club Road rain garden that were deliberately planted there by the neighborhood. So, maybe we need to, I don't know, meet with somebody. Um because the other thing is we have that no mozzone that we put in 123 00:47:42.560 --> 00:47:58.640 >> because of the problem with the goose droppings and it did work. >> Yeah, >> they don't like going through there. So that section of the walking path, >> it cut back on the droppings. Okay. Now, next I have a question about 124 00:47:58.640 --> 00:48:14.319 federal property located in Hillsboro Township. Um, and over the years, if I understand it correctly, the township has no authority over federal property that was within the township. Correct. Okay. 125 00:48:14.319 --> 00:48:29.920 >> Um, if federal property is sold to a private owner, do we have an ordinance ready to oversee the zoning and uses of the property andor the buildings on the property? And can the federal government as the seller make any representations 126 00:48:29.920 --> 00:48:48.240 to their buyer about the uses of the property that could override any regulations that Hillsbor currently has in place or may put into place to cover that property? Okay. Next. 127 00:48:48.240 --> 00:49:05.839 AI businesses and ICE detention centers. Do we need to tighten any of our existing ordinances to oversee any applications for these uses? It seems as though a lot of New Jersey towns, as you're sure you're aware, are scrambling as the applications are submitted, 128 00:49:05.839 --> 00:49:23.119 causing a grandfather problem. So, I thought that's something we should look into. Board of adjustment. It would be helpful if the board of adjustment meetings were added to the meetings being videotaped and available to the public. Over the past year, I really had no way to follow 129 00:49:23.119 --> 00:49:39.359 it. And the last three times that people asked me questions about about a board about something happening in the town, it was something being handled by the board of adjustment. So like for 130 00:49:39.359 --> 00:49:56.400 example, the where the Exxon station is, the Chick-fil-A thing. >> Thank you. >> And lastly, no >> Airbnbs. >> We're done. Thank you. Okay. >> So, Sam, >> I know she has one more. >> So, for I do want to offer you some clarity just in your question on the 131 00:49:56.400 --> 00:50:13.200 federal property ordinance. >> Yeah. >> So, you had kind of a double-edged federal question. So, I just want to make sure that I understand it so that I can bring back a proper qu answer for you on that next week or next meeting. 132 00:50:13.200 --> 00:50:29.280 So, the federal property ordinance, you're asking that we have some oversight as to what they could possibly potentially do with it, right? Okay, understood. And then the second part of that is then uh for detention center like abatement, if you will, >> specifically that. 133 00:50:29.280 --> 00:50:45.920 >> Yes. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Appreciate that. >> Okay. >> Well, my last question was about Airbnbs, so Okay. >> We only have a few in town. Thank you. And >> Susan, I would encourage you, please, please email your question to the county 134 00:50:45.920 --> 00:51:02.559 clerk. >> Ping me. >> Do you want the last question? >> No, I don't. I said I want that. Give it to me directly. Comments from the floor. >> I think the value though of the public hearing her question. >> Okay, we can do that too. Any other 135 00:51:02.559 --> 00:51:19.920 comments from the floor? Seeing none, I'd like a motion to adjurnn. >> All moved >> and a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Yes. 136 00:51:19.920 --> 00:51:27.640 >> Yes. >> Sorry. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you everyone. Have a good night.