Yeah, I'm looking on mine, too. What do you look on YouTube or Facebook? Okay, it's on. Thank you. Appreciate you. >> Hi, Greg. I didn't see you sneak in over there. >> I'm all right. How about you? Air condition. >> Oh my gosh, it was so cold in here yesterday. I like you hate to complain
because it's hot cold hot, but it was so cold yesterday. >> We're alive. Where's Chris at? >> That's what he just said. >> Oh, I thought you said Oh, okay. >> I was on the phone with him.
Are you texting him? >> All right. Um, yes. It's enough for you, dude. >> Jeez. >> You guys ready? >> Yes. >> Good evening. I hereby announce that
pursuant to section five of the open public meetings act that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in the notice which was sent to the Asbury Park Press, the Two River Times, and posted on the Bolton board in township hall and filed in the township clerk's office on January 6, 2026. Mayor and Prevadudo
>> here. >> Mr. Foster >> here. >> Mr. Bontempo >> here. >> Mr. Romano >> here. >> Mr. Vanderham >> here. >> Mayor, you have a quorum. >> Thank you. If everyone could please rise for the national anthem. >> Pledge of allegiance. >> It's not baseball.
>> Not me for sure. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. A >> moment of silence, please. the men and women in uniform that keep us safe at
home and abroad. Thank you. >> Yeah. Why don't we guys? is we're going to give it a minute or two for our administrator and then uh we'll just get rolling without him if we need to. >> I did. already down three nothing. So
>> yeah, back to back to back >> first inning. Is he in the staff room? >> Okay, he's on his way down. He was on a phone call. Couldn't So, uh, really quick before we go to public comments on agenda, items only.
One thing I want to uh make sure the public is aware of, I've uh I've had multiple conversations with the board president, board of education president, the superintendent, uh they have while they have no intention of uh including courtesy busing for the township going
forward. They are and they have asked me to convey to the audience, they are moving to a subscription model. they're proactively going down that road to ensure that parents that are impacted by the uh elimination of courtesy busing, have a busing option to get to the schools. Um that and and so with that,
any questions related to the board of education, board practices, board policy, um I would encourage you to go to a board meeting or reach out to the board directly. That is that's their position. This is what they're doing and they have offered to explain it in greater detail uh should people ask. So,
I wanted to make sure we got that out. Uh, and we can move now to public comment on agenda items only. Mr. Triskita, Patrick Troska, 56 Line Road. Um, I'm very pleased and very happy to support the resolution for the million-doll uh
grant and matching funds for the Horn Antenna. I think it will go a long way. If we get the uh grant from the new New Jersey Historical Trust, it'll go a long way in restoring the home uh the Home Delh Horn antenna and making that park
into a great national uh historic landmark. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Mr. Ly. Good evening. Lanceloop Beline Road. Um, first just on the topic of agenda. So, I
hope this is allowable, not in in my public comment, but just uh feedback on agenda items, right? So, I've attended a couple of Aberdine Township meetings due to my previous statements about the snow. They do a really good job before
the agenda items are voted on. They give a summary of every one of them to tell the public what they are, what they mean, a nice little synopsis of everything. So, it gives everyone a little bit more information so they can probably ask better questions. Okay.
They also have a a really good um audio system for the comments, public comments and the and the team. So, really uh picks up on on the online. So, just feedback. Um, not really a I guess just a comment. Something I, you know, I kind of picked
these things out. Emergency carpet replacement for looks like a resident. I don't really understand what that is. Fair share housing expenses. Not a lot of money, but just curious about that. Um, almost $24,000 for ambulance lights. I'm assuming that's for our new ambulance that we're purchasing. Um, and
some clarification on the ambulance, the 375,000 I think it is. They say it's not going to be in place for two more years. So, we're buying a 2025 ambulance shell, I guess, and it'll be put in place in 2027. So, at that point on the first
year of service, it'll be technically 3 years old, which is, I think, part of the argument of why we needed the $375,000 ambulance was because it was 10 years old, but it's really only eight years old, right? So, just making sure that I'm right on that. Um,
please correct me where I'm wrong. Um, then I see we're getting an $8,000 grant for a charging station. Is if that if that's not correct, please correct me. Um, is that to pay for I'm assuming that's to pay to install an electric
charger for the new vehicles that we purchased or are in the process of purchasing. And I'm curious what the cost the actual cost of the charging station installation is on top of the $8,000 grant that we're either applying for or received. I'm not sure if I
misread. Seems there we're also looking to get some money in a grant for shared services with Neptune. So clarity on that because the way I read it may again wherever I'm wrong, correct me.
>> I'm taking the notes and then we'll >> not afraid to be wrong. >> No, I'm taking notes and we'll hit them all. >> That's fine. But it says it seems to imply that we can't afford it and that's why we're applying for the grant and but a couple months ago it seems like we went forward with this grant. So again, I'm sure I'm misreading something, so
please correct me. $50,000 bond for >> Safe Streets. >> Safe Streets. >> Yep. >> Term of that loan or that float in that bond. I'm guessing maybe it's 5 years. I I hope it's not 30 for something that has a useful life of 20 as stated in the
uh meeting agenda item. And then $981,000 bond for the purchase of a house that I'm still a little confused about. The house is valued at 1.03 million. It says $981,000 bond, $26,000 for improvement.
So, are we taking a loan out for 981 plus 206 or 981? We're purchasing the the home for 981 less 206. That's it. Thank you. >> Got it, Chris. So, I want to make sure I get the right. So, Chris, the we'll start with the carpet. >> That's fair share housing. So that's for
somebody who uh is in a home that is uh allowed we're allowed to make improvements to if there is emergencies like for the um affordable housing part of the affordable housing trust. >> So it they can put in for uh improvements like that. So it's not
money that's from the taxpayers that's money from developers. >> Got it. So Lance, if I missed one of these things just >> Okay. uh ambulance lights and then a so one is the cost of the ambulance lights and then the ambulance itself.
>> I would have to look at the ambulance lights one. I do not have much information on that right now. So I can't give you an answer to that. I can't give you an answer to the ambulance. Right now all ambulances fire trucks are taking multiple years to build. Back eight years ago probably
not. Okay. But with um with things changing and the needs changing, uh an ambulance could take up to two years to be built and a fire truck could take up to four to five years to be built. So um I'm assuming that the ambulance from 8 years ago is 8 years old because back
then it wasn't that hard to get an ambulance. Uh but now they would take uh it would take a few years. I don't know if it's going to be it's not going to affect anything because it again it's covered under the warranties that we get from the uh dealers. So >> okay. uh the charging station grant for
8,000. I think the question was what's the cost of putting this in and does this go to our >> So, this was a more of a this is towards the electric cars. Um it was it's going to allow us to build out um the charging station. Actually, the cost that we got
were was less than than the $8,000. Um so, >> so the cost will be covered in the >> Oh, significantly cost with covered with that. It's it's these are these are home kind of chargers. These aren't uh this isn't the kind of charger that you put on like for um you know for the public. This is for just those vehicles we're
purchasing and uh it will make us easier for us to actually charge them ourselves right here in the back. >> Okay. Uh the Neptune shared services. I think there was probably a misunderstanding of how that was. >> Yeah. So the the the shared services for Neptune uh city that is a LEAP grant.
Leak grants is uh something that's given to towns who are are uh looking for money um to you know help them go into a shared service. It is the lead agency is going to get the money. The lead agency being Neptune City. We don't get any money out of this one. Uh we are getting
paid by them. Um it's part of the shared service. Uh this is for them. They have have some old equipment and um I mean they're so old they were using like a Google platform and stuff. Um, so Jason went in and analyzed the entire system
and um, this is what they need and it's going to help them um, so they don't have to bond for all that equipment. >> So just to clarify this grant, we're going to get paid from Neptune, but the Neptune's we have to approve the grant in order for that to happen.
>> No, we getting paid by Neptune no matter what. No matter what. So this they just need a partner, right? So we're their partner. So we need to sign off as their partner. There's no money coming to us and no money leaving us. The biggest thing right now is for you guys to vote for it and me to sign a piece of paper. >> Got it.
>> Safe streets, the term on the bond, the 50k bond. Do you have that off top of your head? >> I don't have that off the top of my head, but I don't see it being more than five years. I we we probably pay that back even faster than that. >> And the bond, I think it was for for Add's house is what Lance was
referencing. 981. We're only buying bonding in 981. The other one comes out of down payment. That's what we do for bonds. Um, you know, we have to put out a portion of it. It's just like any other loan, down payment. And then we go ahead and we get the rest of the bond. Uh, if if and when it is approved.
>> Okay. All right. Lance, I think we owe you something on the ambulance lights. Otherwise, that all makes sense. Yeah. >> So, is the 981 the bond? >> 981's the bond. >> Okay. Because it there's a mention of 206 for improvements. So, are we only
paying 765 for the house? >> So, we're paying we're paying a full million million million30,000 for the house, >> right? That's what would if if approved it would be for a million but part of it has to be for you know we have um the
cost of the down payment plus the cost of any kind of soft cost we might have the actual getting of a bond stuff like that it all gets covered under that but we have a portion of it that we take out of our funds that is cash and then we pay for it and ultimately this will be paid back because it's open space will
be paid back out of the open space tax not out of the actual uh municipal tax that we raised. 30-year. >> That one would be 30 to 40 depending on what's the best best bond we can get for it at that point in time. Uh because it's property, you can do it up to 40 years >> and we expect to pay it off far faster
than that. >> But again, why why not get the lower cost of it at this point? Plus, we uh so that's why we we're looking at that way. >> Okay. Thank you. And thank you for the overage. >> I'll find out about the ambulance though. So, >> hi, good evening. Sarah Cho for Putnham
Court. Um, I was listening in while I was driving, so I wanted to make sure that I heard correctly, but courtesy busing is not on the agenda today. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Any questions regarding it? You should go to a board of ed meeting and speak to that. >> No, I'll I'll raise the comments later.
Thank you. Um, for the atti house, which Yes. when you first posted on >> Excuse me. Um, if I could just interject, that's a a bond that's a hearing on ordinance. So there's going to be a special public comment period right after the consent. >> Yeah, I'm not talking about the courtesy
busing now. I'm talking about I'm aware Addie's house is that's what he's saying. When we have a special hearing on that, you can comment on it. >> There will be a public comment in just a moment. >> Are we talking about the the purchase >> later? Okay. All right. >> You'll be back up in a minute. That's all. >> Okay. That's totally fine. Thank you.
>> Anyone else on agenda items only? All right. Moving on. Do I have a motion for the consent? >> I got a second. >> Mr. Vontempo,
>> yes. >> Mr. Foster, >> yes. >> Mr. Romano, >> yes. >> Mr. Vanderham, >> yes. >> Mayor and Prevadutoo. >> Yes. >> Okay. The consent agenda items resolutions 202689 through 202698 have been successfully passed. Thank
you. Next is hearing on bond ordinance 202611 which is providing for improvements to various township roads by and in the township of Homeell in the county of Mammoth state of New Jersey appropriating 300,000 therefore
including a $250,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in connection with the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program and authorizing the issuance of $50,000 in bonds or notes. of the township to finance part of the cost thereof.
>> So, just before we get into the public hearing, I want to make sure we're and before we vote, I want to make sure everyone understands what this is. And Chris, by all means, uh, you know, you know, jump in when I when I get something incorrect, but this was a grant that was originally procured in
2021, I believe, um, in conjunction with many other towns. I think it was a consortium of towns to pull it in and the county. And so the purpose of it is to frankly do an overall sort of review and a mapping and a prioritization to improve safety in our streets which would include or could include sidewalks
and ADA compliance and paving and all things of that nature. Um so in order to get the $250,000 grant we had to bond for 50k to do the complete project. Um again it's this has been going on for for a number of years now and it's we have an opportunity to to move forward
and so that's the the purpose of what we're doing here. Anybody uh have anything to say about 202611? Mr. Weissfeld. Hey guys, Matt Weisfeld, 10 Riverside Lane, Homeell, New Jersey. Again, full disclosure, I really don't want to be
here. You know, I wish we weren't dealing with this stuff. And frankly, I just got gutted. And this is about this because I I just saw my dad for the first time in five months to do my usual play from the move back to Homeell. And literally the whole lunch was him very strongly wanting me to put my house up for sale right now. I won't bore you
with that conversation because a little bit old man stuff. No offense if he's watching. That was unexpected. So anyway, the point being, and I'm I'm only asking this because I swear not all this makes sense to me. I'd like more time on the Saturday and everything else.
Does this will this have any impact and I feel like I'm kind of asking for other people. Will this have any impact on helping the Vonnage stuff along as far as future phases and things like that? Because to me, from the things I'm hearing and all that stuff, apparently all this stuff is connected and I just
don't really know. My blood sugar is pretty low now anyway. So, it's just one of those I want to throw it out there because in reality, I just I feel like you guys are never in a good spot, you know? It's always like every one of you and and this not a dig at anyone. This is really one of those just like no matter what happens. I mean this is from
2021. This is supposed to be a good thing. >> I agree. >> Yeah. You know, I mean, well, >> look, I I haven't heard that that Vonnage rumor, but it has nothing to do with Vonnage. >> Like that's that's all I can tell you. I don't even I I don't even I I can't even conceive of that connection to be frank. >> Um
>> but I don't know. I mean Chris, am I wrong? Does this have something to do with Vaj? I certainly >> No, not in the direct, but in the sense of that'll speed other things along and whatnot. And >> I mean it's just I I don't know >> this is identifying unsafe areas and stuff. This is this is like all right this is an area where we think okay we
need more crosswalks. It it's it involves us the county um multiple towns. Highlands I believe was one of the other towns involved in this. Um, we're supposed to I mean there was a um back in 2021 we have a resolution that we're going to make the road safe and
this is allowing it's like getting us a plan and then hopefully we can go for more federal grants to actually do some of the stuff that they're saying. That's basically what it comes down to. But it's uh you know it's it's a it's a long drawn out process because you got to analyze everything. So it has nothing directly actually I don't even think Vonnage wasn't even a thought when this
was done. So I don't know if that was even in the grant that couldn't have been in the grant application at the time. >> Yeah. But also Vanage wasn't a thought when of the force man with uh I'm saying that wrong. Belt works. I'm not saying that in anything bad because I know there's connections to things like that. And again I'm just that was that was not a good lunch late lunch. Anyway, the
point being is that it doesn't make sense why again 2021 like you know why does this stuff take so long? like why why couldn't and I just you know I just feel like we do things and then the next day it's like a wait this happened or that happened then you guys are getting attacked more things happen and then
everybody gets all pissy when in reality we're all just I think we're all just trying to do the right thing just you know we have different executions >> yeah I the I I I don't know what to say to that comes with a job I guess >> gladly >> you know so BTC no thank you guys could deal with that
>> yeah so I mean you know but I don't but I I appreciate that I don't feel attacked thankfully. So, um but uh yeah, no, I don't know. It's clearly a pretty weird rumor. I don't have anything to say about it other than it's a pretty weird rumor and in a million years would have never crossed my mind. >> Yeah. Okay. And and if it's just that,
awesome. If not, then well, whatever. We'll see what happens. So, anyway, I'm sure I'll be back up for something, but otherwise, thanks, guys. >> All right. Um anybody else on 202611 the safe streets? Mr. Loopy
Lance Loopy Lion Road. Um, so I I only thought of this as he was asking that question actually, so I'm glad. Um, does this I I I brought up a couple weeks ago or the one of the last meetings like uh crosswalks and things like that. So, does this cover some of that or >> It could. I mean, that's part of what
the mapping is going to be. Yes. >> Okay. So, Oh, so it's not even we're just applying for the money and then we're going to figure it out. That's what helps us that's going to establish the mapping and the plan and everything that goes with it. Yeah. >> And and your crosswalks are actually uh I already ordered those to be done when they do the uh Bethany Road. So the one
you asked about, they're going to they're going to be painting the ones off of Beth. >> Isn't that not part of that? >> It's not part of it, but this is a separate situation. I'm just letting you reminding you. So Okay. >> Sarah Cho for Putinham Court. I really I don't understand what this is about. Can
you explain it in layman terms because I don't understand what this, you know, section 4, whatever it is. What is this contemplating? This is an overall, it's going to help fund an overall strategic review of all
of the streets and crosswalks and intersections in town to find ways to improve public safety on those via could be crosswalks, could be better paving and better mapping, uh, prioritization of when these repairs come in. Chris,
what am I forgetting in the midst of all that? >> No, I I think you got it. You're pretty on it. Um, again, this is something that was uh so the $250,000 part we've already been awarded by the federal government. This is a federal grant. Um, it was applied for 2021. Um, actually
was in the paper. You know, Homedale got this grant. It took till this year to the I mean, federal government does work pretty slowly and they um they they said, "Oh, by the way, now you have to go out to bid for an engineer and we need uh you to bond for your $50,000."
and we're in 2026 now. Um, so we uh we went ahead and we did all the stuff we're supposed to do besides the bond. Um, but these kind of grants, you need to show that you're going to do something, send them the report in, and then when the time comes that they have
grants now to implement it, maybe putting in new crosswalks, paying for um, you know, some road road improvements, safety improvements, and the federal government wants to pay for it. They need to have that report for them before they'll give you any more money.
>> Okay. So, in 2021, the grant was given by the federal government. >> It was awarded. It was awarded. You don't get cash. No, federal government never gives you cash. It's It's So, they're awarding the grant for us. So, we've been awarded the grant. We haven't
access the grant yet because we just we haven't gotten to that yet. The county is involved. They're the lead agency on this. We're one of the sub agencies off of it. >> Okay. And and I guess how does a bid process work? >> Well, that's a whole that's a whole different world, but a when you bid
something out uh under public purchasing, you can't buy anything over $50,000. Basically, I'm giving you the rounded number without going out to public bid for that. So, it has to be publicly bid. Um depending on what it is, um you bid that out and then people have an
opportunity or companies have an opportunity to bid that. So, um, for this one, we actually had to go out to bid because we weren't allowed to use any specific engineers we had on staff. We, because it was a federal grant, they made us bid it out and the lowest bidder came in and that's how they were assigned it.
>> Okay. So, you were awarded in 2021. It's been five years. What was the reason for the delay and why is it precipitated now to be on the docket now? I have no idea why it was delayed, but the the county didn't even get their stuff underway till this year. So, it's been delayed.
We have to go by whatever everybody else in this grant or in this program actually did and grant the county now they're all ahead of us because we actually delayed ours even more. Um, but uh I came into this kind of late in the game. Um but we had a quite a few grants
like that that I pushed forward this year that we were awarded and understanding that and you know in this kind in government especially with the federal government if you accept the grant and then you actually don't use it you might as well forget other grants for many years. You'll never see another
grant. That's how the federal government works. They don't you've wasted the money. Did they put it aside for you? They didn't give it to somebody else and then we have to explain why we didn't use it. So we're trying to correct that >> explanation. Yeah. I guess I'm >> Well, we're fine. We're fine now. >> Well, if if we There's no issue if we
pass the B. If we pass the bonds, if we don't, we're going to have a difficult time getting any federal grants going forward. >> And what will the bond amount be? >> $50,000. >> 50,000 >> for two. We got 250 for 50. >> So, they gave us 250. >> So, 300,000. >> So, 300,000 total is going to be total
towards >> the entire project, safety, whatnot, >> the plan to submit to the federal government. >> Okay. and that 50,000 bond. I mean, like it would have been smart to do this in 2021 because >> it's not a matter of smart or not,
right? We know that. It's not a matter of smart or not. Chris just said it. It's really a matter of when the >> delay I just want to know what the delay was because everything has gone up >> 30%. >> Yeah. >> In materials. 300,000 is like a drop in the bucket. So, you know, I think this
goes towards transparency and working quickly. Uh if you had a grant in 2021 awarded, then that's something that Okay. >> Yeah. We couldn't we couldn't have used that grant until they were ready to let us use it. So the county the county didn't even start working on this till
till the end of last year. >> So we we they they awarded it, but if they don't start their end of it, we wouldn't have been able to use it anyway. >> So could because I'm very uneducated when it comes to the political system. Who in the county are you referring to?
Like what is the >> It would be the It would be the planning department. >> The planning department. Okay. Is that comprised of like five people or is it >> that's I don't >> Is that something you guys know? Because it's it's something where is that something where the local government
could then egg on the county planning board to say, "Hey, listen. We'd love to, you know, do this since we have the money um awarded." Is that something that >> is that a question or >> Yeah, it's a question. It's a question. Is there is there a communication with
the township committee of Homedale and the Mammoth County Planning Board? What are the lines of communication? >> I don't have any lines of communication with the Mammoth County Planning Board, Chris. I don't know if you do at all or for any reason. >> It's not It's the planning department. I'm not really sure it's actually the planning board itself. I mean, they're
they're they're they're public employees just like anybody else. I don't know. Again, I don't know why why it was delayed. Again, this is 2021. Uh I actually I don't know how many people were even here in 2021 that that could answer like even what's what was the catalyst for this you know when it comes
to the you know the committee because again we're we're we're kind of walking from behind here. I didn't know what this is about until recently. So >> okay Chris I'm not necessarily like you know trying to say that you were the reason why I'm not worried about that. I
what I would like to know because I am an uneducated citizen is who has a direct stream of communication with the planning board of the county because if I'm sorry >> who who's speaking with the county on these issues? >> I look you know what I think this
>> if there's no if there's no answer there's no answer. >> If you need to get educated on this and the process and what happens I would love to hear from you we can pull we can pull you aside and we can have a conversation about it. This is a public hearing on whether or not we should be pushing this through. We're doing the public hearing. You're asking a lot of questions. The questions are being
answered and you don't seem to be accepting the answers. The fact of the matter is the grant was put in in 2021. >> My question is not answered. If there's no one on this township committee who actually knows what's going on and speaking, >> but that's not a correct statement. Excuse me. That's not a correct statement.
>> Okay. Then my simple question is who is in charge on this township committee to speak with the planning board of the county? Who is in charge? >> You're not even using the right terminology. It's not a planning board. It's a planning department.
And so when Chris got here, he's the one that initiated and pushed other grants through that were delayed. And so he did so by engaging with the people he needed to do to do to do that with to get it moving forward. This thing stalled for for a number of years. I shouldn't even say stalled. This thing sat with the county until they were ready to activate
and move forward with it. Homeell along with many other Mammoth County towns. Well, Homeell didn't pass the grant yet, the bond to do this yet. Hopefully, we will tonight. Many other towns passed it already. If we don't pass it tonight, we're going to lose the opportunity to do this and we're not going to get any more federal grants.
>> Well, seems like something good to pass. >> I would think so. >> Yeah. But I mean, seems like there's a whole lot of non-communication and delay. >> A lot of that's my job now. And again, >> when did you start Chris? >> April.
>> Okay. So, >> you've been here less than a year. >> Less than a year. So, uh, so you you got to give me time to get this stuff, you know, I'm not blaming you. Yeah. I'm not saying you're blaming me, but I can't blame anybody on the committee either. I mean, again, my job is to work for them. what my predecessors did, I can't speak
for. What we're trying to do now is clean up whatever was there and move forward in the best way possible. Okay? And that's what I'm here to do. Um, if I can find more information about what happened originally, I will. Um, I went through a lot with the guy at the county. >> Why don't you share why don't you find out who the planning department is? Why
don't you share it with us and then we can also email them. >> Yeah. Listen, we're good now because we're on we're on the right path as long as this passes tonight. If not, then I'm I'm going to have to cancel our portion of the grant. That's the only thing. So, >> right. No, I'm just asking for your help to understand who the actors are so that we can
>> Absolutely. Yeah. You know, that's a fair question. Okay. Thank you. >> So, wait, I want to chime in because you you do have some fair questions. I mean, Chris, is this the type of thing if we if we just table it for now, could you chase down these answers and then vote on it at the next meeting? >> If we don't vote on it tonight and pass it, it won't happen at this point. We
You guys already >> It's not last minute. We actually introduced this once before and it was and it was and it was denied a month ago. Month and a half ago. Yeah. two members of the of the governing body just uh decided to vote a no on it. >> Okay. And was it adequately like
discussed and you know described because honestly when we sit here with these agenda items yeah I can print it out and look at it but it's very confusing and it would be nice to have like bullet point you know agenda items like the man
was saying about the summary of you know I think it was Aberdine how they do it. Could we get a little more communication and transparency? That would be nice. Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else on safe streets?
Okay. Oh, Mr. Emma, >> Ron Emma 32 Lwood Drive. Just a quick one. Is is the lowest bidder that you were referring to, is that a uh traffic safety company or is that an engineer? >> It's an engineer. They have their own traffic safety units. Mo almost all the
engineering firms have that. >> Who was the lowest bidder? >> Van Clee. >> Say again. >> Van Clee. >> Okay. And that's not one of our current. >> It is one of our current, but they were not given it. They had to go through the bidding process and they came in still lowest bidder. >> They were the lowest bid. >> They were the lowest bidder. Open. It was open competitive.
>> Thank you. Anybody else? Mr. Trusquita. >> Trusquita 56 Line Road. This is a no-brainer. your federal government is willing to give us $250,000 if we put a bond for $50,000 to do an engineering study on our streets. So the money came
from federal government on the $1 trillion COVID relief fund. Okay, that was passed in 2021. Why is it being delayed to 26? Because it takes a long time to spend $1 trillion. Okay,
Homedale is getting $250,000 of that uh $1 trillion dollar. We put up a bond of $50,000 and do $300,000 worth of engineering work for our streets any way we want them. This is a no-brainer. Please pass it.
>> Thank you. Anybody else? Mr. Weissfeld. >> Interesting point. Sorry, I really need a sandwich. Matt Weiss at 10 Riverside Lane. >> You just had lunch. >> What? Yeah, it didn't go well. End up just having a little bit of uh rice pudding. Evan's the best. Anyway, um
300,000. I'm thinking about it. That actually doesn't cover that much. I'm thinking about the stuff that I've done, not to get into details and things like that, and then I realized that that doesn't really cover too much. Like, you know, it just in like it should we should add a zero in reality. Like I I almost feel like the 300,000 does just
enough to I don't want to say this. I don't want to throw I don't I I feel like it almost does just enough to make things look good but isn't enough to actually solve it in in reality. I'm thinking about things that I've done in the past. Like I I did a parking lot and got and the
guy was 20,000 less friend all that stuff and that was 30 and I mean that's that was not a lot of space. So that's that's what I'm thinking now. It's almost like a >> well they're not this money Chris I want to make sure we're clear on this. This money isn't going to go to the actual paving and the things of that nature.
plan. >> This is the full mapping the plan. >> Mapping. Yeah. The engineering part. >> Just the engineering part. >> If we get this, then we're eligible for other grants. >> If we don't get this, then we can't we can't get the other grants. >> We get this. We submit the plan to the federal government. It makes us eligible
for other grants to actually do the work that's within the plan. >> This is why I could never work in this stuff because I would never work like this. And I know you guys are stuck with these rules. I'm not hitting you on it. I just I just they think 300 and Oh, then what is the And not to drag it on. literally. So that's 300 for the
engineering. What's the projected like what can we get like is there a two to three million? >> Well, it depends on it depends on the plan submitted and the work that needs to be done. What the request would ultimately be for a grant, Chris, right? I mean that's >> So right now we're not doing busing, but I know I'll leave that alone. >> Yeah, we don't just I'm sorry. I'm
sorry. I just It's >> Anybody else? >> Okay. I'd like to make a motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Mr. Bontempo. >> Chris, could you just clarify for me? You are you going to give them direction
to what you want them to look at? >> Absolutely. When we we already met on this before the bond didn't pass last time. I promised that I'm going to be involved heavily in this. Uh Barbara's already involved in it heavily. Uh Matt Manowski from the police department is involved in it. He's actually collecting
the data for them. And then we kind of stopped it because I didn't know if I was going to have the money. As soon as I'm allowed to do this, I'm going to move forward and make sure that we're overseeing every benefit. >> So, so could I say that you're basically going to look at with the police input
areas that they've identified as issues for either safety issues or could be potential safety issues that haven't popped up yet. >> Yes, that's exactly. We're going to use accident data. We're we're we're collecting it all. Um it I'm hoping that
we can get as much out of this grant as possible and identify as much as we can because the money might be flowing down and if it flows down we might as well go get it. So um and uh it it would be very helpful >> and I'm sure we'll let the public know the areas that are being studied or looked at. Correct.
>> Absolutely. Once we have more information I'll even um make sure that we do a presentation on it. >> Thank you. >> Yes, Wendy. Okay, >> Mr. Foster. >> Yes. >> Mr. Romano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Vanderham. Yes, >> Mayor Prevadutoo. >> Yes. >> Bond ordinance 202611 has been
successfully passed and will be published on the Home Township website according to law. Next is hearing on ordinance 202612 which is an ordinance authorizing acquisition of block 26 lot 5 on the tax map of the township of Homeell which is
34 Crawford's Corner Road. And so before we get into this one, this is to put it more succinctly, this is the uh attempt on our part to purchase uh the Lkard House, out of Luard House on the Board of Education property in front of the
high school. Um it is our intent to provide the Homeell School District with a cash infusion of about a million dollars. Um that million dollars is something that they are certainly in need of given that the challenges they've had. Um, and it also would
ensure that the the the property itself is used only for public purchase. We're bonding it through our open space fund, which means the only thing this property could be used for is open space and recreation. This way, there's no other future township committee that can decide to put, I don't know, a town
there or something to that effect. Um, so again, our purpose is to provide the schools with a cash infusion. Um, and to also ensure that this property is used strictly for public purpose. Um, and I'll reiterate what I said earlier.
Uh, the board of education has made it clear they are not going to continue courtesy busing. Um, that subscription busing will be the will be used to supplant that to help parents have an alternative to get their kids to school. Any questions related to courtesy busing
um, or any board policy, so to speak, will be redirected towards the board of education. So with that said, we'll open this up to public hearing. Miss Blumenthal, >> uh Jenny Blumenthal, 41 Stony Brook
Road. When you acquire Addi's house, will you also acquire the land that is on it as is designated as lot whatever it is? >> I think it's about three acres. Is that right, Chris? Yeah. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, we will. So that you'll be respons the towel now be responsible for mowing
the lawn and other exciting things like that. >> Yep. All the fun stuff. >> Okay. >> It seemed a little queer just to buy a house that's hanging in the breezes or something. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Public comment.
Mr. Trusquita. Patrick Tosquita 56 Line Road. I support the purchase of this house. Um, this should have really never been bought by a board of education. I'm glad Homedale is buying it for a million. The appraised value, which is just over a
million dollars. Um, I have a couple comments on it. It belongs in the open space, and that's what the open space fund is for, buying property and putting in the open space fund. So, it can never be used for development. A 40-year bond on this
would make it, you know, minimal uh cost to to the township out of the uh the pretty healthy uh open space fund uh balance that goes. Now, I just want to make a So, I fully support purchasing this and putting it into our inventory
of open space property that the township owns. Uh, my comment is the million dollars that goes to the board of education has to go into their capital fund for a capital thing. They have to pay off their bond that they used to buy
it. I believe they bought bought it for $625,000 and they have a bond and things. it has to go in their capital reserve, capital maintenance for to do things like uh fixing a gym floor or doing capital uh
work on um the uh board of education property. So, this is money that will uh the board of education needs to put into their uh capital reserve fund which has been depleted and uh they have big big issues with floors and and air
conditioning is going bad and things like that go that could exceed a million dollars in uh in no time at all. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public hearing on this? >> Uh Sarah Cho for Putinham Court. Um when
the original um I guess social media came out regarding the purchase of the Atti house, you had mentioned that it would be um in exchange, you know, to help with the courtesy busing uh situation and then I think the next day that was walked back on.
>> That day it was walked back. >> That day that day it was walked back on. Um, now it seemed like it was your intent, you know, and and I was very happy to hear that um you were infusing a million
dollars into the board of ed and that, you know, could pay for um the courtesy busing, but when it was walked back on, I was very disappointed. Um, as I think, you know, I think there's about 700 signatures on that um courtesy busing
save petition. Um what is your explanation for walking back on that? >> Sure. It was a miscommunication when we originally discussed providing assistance to the schools. Courtesy busing was something the schools were considering.
They decided they reconsidered that as an option and it wasn't something they continued to support. Therefore, the money is going to go towards what the board needs. And Patrick actually put it in in a good frame. They need a rainy day fund. they need to they need to refill their coffers, so to speak,
because it's been depleted. So, you know, we don't, you know, I'm not getting involved in board policy. We're doing our best to help the schools and the students any way we can. This is a cash infusion that they need that we think is helpful for them to actually manage their budget going forward if if
it passes. Um, and how they choose to use it is their policy and their procedure and their decision. >> Okay. So that's So would you have purchased it if you knew that the money was not going towards curs? >> Well, we haven't purchased it. Yes. I I would have teed up doing this either way
because we want to help. We we we try to help any way we can. >> Okay. Helping with courtesy busing would be fantastic since a lot of families, >> it's not our decision, >> really need that. >> It's not our decision. It's a board policy thing. You should go to a board of ed meeting and articulate that.
And I have and there's a lot more money in the township committees. >> No, no, no, no, no, no, no. >> To pay for courtesy budget. >> The school budget's two and a half times the township budget. It's two and a half times. It's 4%. It would be a 4% increase on our budget. It would be a.9%
increase on the board budget. 009. There's that's not it's not it's not an accurate statement. Okay? And I'm not saying the board should do it or not. I'm telling you, I'm not weighing in on board policy and this isn't a board policy meeting. Um, this was the decision. It was our commitment. It's been our commitment for the past several
years to help any way we can. >> It's just um very disappointing when your intent was to help with the courtesy busing and because there was, I guess, miscommunication. I don't know how there could be mis miscommunication
to that level between two very, you know, important bodies in our town. Um, and I just want to highlight the fact that I knew that it was your intent, right, to help with the currency busing because that's what you said in your your post.
Um, and then immediately it was retracted because I guess somebody from the board of ed reached out to you and it's very disappointing to see that kind of leadership. leadership from whom? >> Just I'm not sure who you're referring to. Is it me?
>> Um referring to the the channels between the board of ed and the township committee. If if you're going to put something out on, you know, a social media post where you have 17,000 residents who could potentially be
seeing it. And it's a very it was a very contentious matter, right? like it's still a very contentious matter. Um the fact that you know everyone's relying on this legal requirement that oh you don't have to provide busing but you know families
where we live within those school districts in the two-m zone. We're paying for other parents to have their kids bus but then we have to pay extra to then have our kids bus. It's and we're also like
as a town all of our resources go towards everything. Correct. Why are we singling out courtesy busing just because there's this legal rule? There aren't sidewalks. Like Mayor Roco, you know that there aren't safe ways for us
for our kids to walk to school and traffic is already really bad. Um, it's getting worse, honestly, which really boggles my mind because we have a lower amount of students in the schools. If you ever do drop off or pickup for any
of these schools, >> I do it for my kids, >> right? It's going to get exponentially worse. And that's assuming that parents can drive their their kids. They're probably going to have to hire people. And you might be in that boat. I don't know. I you know
>> I know several people that are in the the realm of courtesy busing and you know we're going to trust the board of education to to to to execute their solution in the way they have which is the subscription busing component and we'll adjust as needed. I mean my family will adjust as needed. I can't speak for
others. >> So >> Sandra, I'll just I'll just chime in if I may as well. I'm I'm within the the two-mile radius as well. We have four kids. Um, I actually asked the superintendent several weeks ago if anybody had actually asked about a subscription busing service and his answer was no. And he speaks to a lot
more parents in the community, school community, than I do on a daily basis. So I said, well, that's something I would gladly do. I don't feel as one of the 700 kids that that are in uh affected by it that I should be having the rest of the township roughly 90% 80
to 90% paying for that when state law tells us that the school does not have to do it and then when they get audited let me just finish please >> when they get audited they get criticized for providing it things have changed drastically since I was on the board of education not just with the board of education but with the state in
general and when you look at just the health care costs the salary cost everything is is exponentially increased as you said before, >> right? >> So things need to be tightened up. Am I happy about courtesy busting going away? Absolutely not. >> But I'm not going to say that I'm going to raise the rest of the taxes as was
suggested up here on everybody else in town to cover that. I'm just not going to do that. I will figure out a way to get my kids to school. >> And point of clarification, I used to live within within the realm of a village school. We live now uh we live outside the courtesy busing range for the high school, but I drive my kids. So,
>> so on that point, right, um >> for for you to say that because a state doesn't um require it. Uh the state does require then safe ways to get to school, right? We've talked about this ad
nauseium, safe sidewalks, crossing guards. Has anyone done a budget as to what that would take or is that >> we've reached out to the school district in terms of uh decisions and areas that are considered in need of a crossing guard. That direction has to come from I
think specifically the superintendent and he's received a note from us on that and we're waiting for them to do their assessment and respond to us so that we know what we have to provide to ensure this this process. >> See that that's that though I will comment on that. I mean that that notification just went out a couple days
ago. >> That's right. >> The town hasn't done its due diligence to know what we need. We don't know how many crossing guards. >> The town doesn't do the due diligence. The board of ed does. The superintendent does. >> There has to be coordination there. None of that coordination has happened. So we we don't know. And I think the notification was sent out to the board of ed on Friday. It so I don't think
that they could turn it around. I don't think something that big could be turned around that quickly. >> The question of timing is huge. But what's more, I guess just logical, right? Um, we had probably four I'm sorry. We had Come here. Come here. We
had about four weeks of snow that was like this high. Right. When you plow the streets, it was this high. There was I actually saw a bunch of high schoolers walking on telegraph. On Telegraph with cars zooming by going
45 miles an hour. It's really dangerous. It's really dangerous. And you know, I really like I really love Homedale. I went to Homedale High School. I lived in this area for all my life. Um, this kind of like fingerpointing and saying like
it's it's no, >> there's no fingerpointing. Actually, we're working in concert with the board of education leadership and we've been doing so now for the for actually about three years. But since Pete got elected and I became mayor again as president, we've remained we've we've kept that relationship consistent. We've kept it
strong. we've kept in communication. Now, you can fault me for, you know, making a mistake on social media and then correcting it. That's that's on me and that's okay. Mistakes happen. It's it's not something, you know, it's not something we look to do. But we've been in constant communication. So, the
reason why Hold on. The reason why the reason why the letter didn't go out till Friday is because we were waiting to make sure there was no way that that the board had made its final decision. And that's why we we worked through this to talk it through. And I got explicit
uh uh uh position from the president of the board of education and the superintendent that said we're going to in order to offset courtesy busing, we're going to move to a subscription model. That's when we realized we need crossing guards. That's when we sent the note. In response to that note, it'll
be, you know, we'll we'll determine what crossing guards are needed where, and the board will work concurrent to that to determine how to execute a a subscription busing uh program. >> Have any of >> I wait, but I want I want to make a comment on that because I watched the
last BOE meeting and Pete's here and I heard from the BOE that they had requested we talk about this last year and it took them seven months to get a meeting with us to discuss the courtesy busing. Unless I heard that wrong, Pete. >> That was correct. I heard that as well. >> So the the constant communication thing, I don't think so. I I I think that
that's a problem. I think there's a scramble now, which is the problem. And I don't think we're prepared for it. So my position >> So you were board leazison. Did you talk to them? >> I tried. He wouldn't talk to me. That's why we had our blowup. I did reach out to him several times and they would not speak to me. >> Okay. Well, the mayor the mayor was in pretty consistent communication with the board president.
>> Right. But again, I tried. That's why we had our whole blow up. I wanted to talk about this stuff. We didn't or he wouldn't reach out to me, which is fine. But now we're in a position where there is a bit of a scramble and I think and my position is going to be the same. I'm going to raise it meeting after meeting. I think we should bond for or pull out of surplus money for courtesy busing to
renew it for a year because it's the right thing to do because we are unprepared to lose courtesy busing right and I think that gap of communication that happened that seven months loss is unacceptable to the taxpayers. That should have never happened. That's a huge failure on both sides on both the BOE and the township committee. That
should have never happened. >> Yeah. from the last board of ed meeting. Uh what we're what we were told was the superintendent had reached out and I don't know to which individual because it seems like everyone talks in silos here and not everyone is copied and you
know discussions are had. Um he said as late as early as June of 2025 the superintendent reached out to the township committee to discuss how courtesy busing was going to be handled going forward. And that makes sense because the timeline was April of 2025
was when the township committee committed the $650,000 bond to pay for courtesy busing for this current year. Now we've lost a year a year, right? and and kind of like you guys like need to talk
and and do what's best for the citizens, you know, and delaying this until sitting down till in February of 2026. I like why why was there such a long delay? And you know, you're really
affecting families and it's not fair. I just want to be very clear here because I I I really reject the premise that this sits on the township committee. This is board of education policy. This is board of education decision. We assist with the board of education financially when we can. What they do
with that money and how they execute it is their decision. And I said at the beginning of this meeting, if you have if there's a board policy discussion, it belongs at a board of education meeting. Not here. We are doing and I'll say it again because I feel like I have to repeat myself on this. This governing body has done more for the schools than
any governing body in Homeell's history financially. And it's not even close. And so now there's an attempt, political or otherwise, by certain people to try to make this decision on us. This has nothing to do with the town. We are working in concert and in response to
what the board of education chooses to do with their budget and with the money we provide. In order to continue working in concert and in response to that, we will await their recommendation on the number of crossing guards needed, we will have to budget for it and we will handle it in addition to the
subscription busing program that they're going to institute to provide parents with an option. That's what this is. And so we can have opinions on it and I respect Joe and his opinion and that's fine. On the day we can have different opinions on this, but this isn't a township matter. This is a board of
education matter. Um, obviously we we agreed to disagree, Mayor Roco, and that's fine. Um, the delay from June until now is just it's unacceptable. And, you know, I'm very thankful for the money that the township committee has given to the
schools. I am I I will I will acknowledge that you have, you know, supported a lot of, you know, board of ed um issues, but this I think it would have made more sense to at least do a
bond for this year so that there could be a year of discussions and bidding for the courtesy bus. >> But again, you're at See, this is this is But no, but listen, this is where it gets a little bit weird for me. >> We're looking if it gets approved to provide them with a million dollars. They do not want to continue courtesy
busing. So why would we say here's another $600,000 not to do courtesy busing? >> No, I disagree. I disagree. And this is, by the way, If I could just traffic up this a little bit. The clerk asked me to and I think she's right. This is a public hearing on the bond ordinance which is specific to
the acquisition of the of the property. Um let's keep it on the ordinance. This is a public commenter has the right to comment. Once that comment is done, uh we'll continue the public hearing. After the public hearing is over, then the township committee, if there's a motion to second, we'll have all the discussion
in the world and then we'll see where this goes. >> Fair enough. There's a gentleman in the back. Yes, sir. Come on down. >> Vincel Castro, 16 Orchard Avenue. >> Can you clarify what you just said about doing something about the courtesy uh busing because that includes taxing
extra tax? >> Like I just said, sir, I know sir, please address your comment to the mayor. If the after your comment is made, the mayor can certainly open it up to the committee members to respond, but we want to keep some order here. I'd like to know that about that comment if
that includes increasing taxes on the taxpayers. >> Well, the answer is yes. What he's suggesting would increase taxes on the taxpayers. Thank you. Yes. >> That's not going to happen. >> Any other comments, Mr. Emma? >> Uh Ron Emma 32 Ladwood Drive. Uh it's no secret that the schools need money,
right? And Roco, you've also made a comment that there is going to potentially be a budget deficit for the TC. >> I don't I wouldn't say deficit, but we have we have things get tightfall things get tight. Not a shortfall, but things are getting tight. >> Expenses going up.
>> So, my my comment would be um why not let this attie house be put out for a public sale rather than the town buy it? I'll give you two uh >> let me finish because let's not kid
ourselves. It's not a million30. It's a million30 to purchase it, but then there's the upkeep and and the money needed to bring it up to code, get rid of the lead paint, etc. So, it's not just a million dollars. It's going to be more than that. So, why not let the
public put it up for bid like like a normal house? You could deed restrict it so it wouldn't be a 7-Eleven, which I think is, you know, the comments that were made. And that would provide even more money to the schools. So that would be my comment. Why not let the public
put it out there for public just like a normal house? >> Sure. Because I think in in in following the practice that we've instituted for the past several years, we're going to use the open space fund to restrict the use of that property for open space and recreation purposes only. And so that's and that's that's the point of it, Ron, is not just to provide the cash
infusion, but to protect the land. And mayor, I could be wrong, but I don't recall anybody saying that we're definitively going to upgrade the house or or, you know, do anything like that. I mean, we're we're protecting the property, Ron, and we're giving the board of ed a cash infusion. To suggest anything else beyond that, I think is
very speculative. And I think you're >> the house is protected as it is right now. It's owned by the board of ed. So, it's not going anywhere. It's owned by the board of ed. And the logic is trying to get the board of ed money. Yeah. My point is you could get the board more money if you would put it out for a public bid.
>> Well, if so, >> and deed restrict it. >> So, let's So, so, okay, if we deed restrict it, like just let's let's pull that thread for a minute. If we deed restrict it, depending on what it's restricted, the value is going to drop, >> what the what the restriction is, right? So, it's going to be less valuable.
>> Well, you don't know that until you try, right? You don't know that. >> You don't know that till you try. Well, >> the board could also say, >> uh, we're not accepting a bid lower than a million30, right? You don't know that until you try. They don't have to accept it. If it's deed restricted, they're
saying the value is going to be lower. The board doesn't have to accept the public's bid of whatever it is. >> The board doesn't have to accept our bond if we go through tonight. They could tell us no. They could turn around and say, truthfully, they could turn around and and try to sell it to somebody else. They could do that. I just think in in efforts to get the the
board of education more money, there's a better way to do it potentially to get them even more money and without the town taking on the risks of upgrading the house to ADA compliance lead paint. >> Then Ron, I'll go back to it. That's going to be their decision when they vote on this. They are welcome to say no. They because this is a two-part
thing. If this goes through tonight, they can turn around at their meeting and Pete, correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not trying to call, you know, that they can the board can turn around and say no, we're going to look to sell it to somebody else. Thank you, >> Matt. I think you've already commented on this one. We're going to do one, not
this one. >> No. >> No. Okay. Come on. >> We don't go by that. >> I swear. Hey guys, Matt Weisfeld, Denver 10 lane. I I actually think this is great. I I think it's great, but in my opinion, I think it's I mean I thought
it was an like a historical monument. I mean like in to one extent I mean like who cares what we do with it in the respect of uh you know I mean it I think it's okay I I also just disagree I I feel for committee min Romano because I had a dreadful time communicating with
the board of ed I literally offered to bankroll and open up all my resources and nothing and that's not a dig. It's just literally I I was the only one that would go to their cow meetings and I stopped because I literally got yelled at for being the only one there. So you know what screw them not you Pete.
You've always been good to me, but I'm sorry. Whatever. And >> Matt, if you got resources you want to throw our way, we'll take them out. >> Dude, I Man, I'm I love this town. I don't want you guys to be like this. I want I know the primary Republican side. I would love to see you all come back together, but that's a whole other
story. I'm just saying that like it's a historical mind. I I'm I'm seeing the frustration. I I had it. I mean, I'm literally like offered endless stuff. I mean, I'm literally I don't want to talk about me, but it's not about that. It's about like you have people who want to lend a hand. You have people who want to
do it and frankly I don't know what happened and and again I'm not trying to give you a big head here just it's I think you had something to do with it with like you know since January I've had an easy time. I have the past three years guys I run a global company and
the hardest thing was getting my kids to school. Well, that that actually chief I asked to the chief to do a traffic study over at Village and he did he did do that and it's been great. Like they actually have helped the traffic patterns. That was that's what happened there because I I was also very unhappy with the traffic there.
>> Yeah. And and thank you because hey it's not perfect but this year whatever changed I'm getting to work. I literally there was one day I was an hour late >> and not in the past everything else. So whatever happened I like it and >> I appreciate public comment on the on the on the item we're talking about.
Sorry. So, I'm just saying that I think it's great. You know, he's going to yell at me. >> Yeah. You know, it's so Let me guys give you a feather. I mean, I think it's good because again, and I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure we're about to lose like, you know, staff members and stuff and I don't know if this stuff is connected or not. I like, you know, I don't know. It just seems to me that
like yes, the open market, things like that. And maybe if there was communication in the past, which you know, and again, I'm I don't know what I'm talking about. I just feel like that maybe it's kind of passed. I mean, in the sense of am I making sense? You lost me somewhere in there. You had me at You
had me at good things and then you lost me somewhere. >> I'm just saying that this seems like a good thing. I mean, like I don't think we have the time. I don't think we have the time to to deal and and Ron, I liked everything you said. It just it seems like we don't have the time to save. >> Look, the the alternative is we don't buy the house, right? Which this may fail tonight, right? So that's the
alternative and that could happen. And if that's the case, then that's you know, it's not it's it is what it is, right? But like on the surface though again it's like but what are the other ramifications that we're missing that and and I really mean that and I have thoughts but I want to say it cuz I don't know if it's accurate. So that's
why I'm like I'm hesitating but I don't want to you know what I mean again I think I really need a sandwich anyway. I hope that made sense and uh I'm going to go sit down now. >> All right. Before just before we vote can we get a point of clarity? I know this gentleman asked me if our taxes would go up if we if we preserve the
courtesy of busing. If we bond for this out of our open space fund, are the homeele's tax are the residents taxes going up when we buy the Atti house? >> No, they won't. Not bonding out of the open space fund because we're going to bond it over 40 years. The open space fund will have the cash to help pay it off and we could pay it off sooner than that.
>> Sure. So, could we add, you know, I' I've spoken to the BOE pretty extensively, too, since the last meeting, and there are several members that would be willing to continue the courtesy busing if we could bond for it. You know, I was told that 450,000 would do it. Could we add 450,000 from the open space fund on top of the million to
preserve the service? >> We already actually Chris and I already had that discussion and so Chris Bill and I already had that discussion. The answer was no. >> I was on the softball field when the mayor called me and asked me if it's legal. It's not legal to do that. Um we can only pay for what the that's why we had it uh appraised. Um and and just to
reiterate last year when we bonded, we did not bond for busing. We bonded for maintenance. They used the money from maintenance and moved it from one portion of their budget to another to pay for the busing. So there is nothing that was requested by the board to to we
couldn't bond anything. This couldn't be bonded. It would have to be raised by taxation. And as I said, it's about it's a little over 4% of our our our uh tax levy. So we'd have to use cap bank and everything like that. So it would raise our taxes. Yes. >> We're still in the public hearing,
mayor. >> Yeah. Are we done with public comments on this? Uh, Peter, you're halfway up, halfway down. >> Pete Franco, five Hopper Clean. Hi, everybody. Um, wasn't this house purchased in a previous budget like six
or seven years ago >> by the board of education? >> With taxpayers money? >> Yeah. >> So, it's being bought again by taxpayers money. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So the open space fund that's going to bond this is taxpayers money. >> Yeah, that's right.
>> Everyone keeps saying that it's not going to cost taxpayers anything. It's not going to cost it's not going to increase your taxes. This is coming out of township budget, township resources that we have to offset costs and issues that the board of education is having with their budget. This is money that is that the township can budget for and
handle over time without increasing the tax rate or taxes over at all. >> Mayor, can I chime in? >> And the money is already coming in because it's the open space fund. It's not it's something that's continue to grow. We have the open space. >> Pete, when I was on the board of ed with Mr. Ready when we purchased this, we had reached out to the township and we heard nothing. Not just on this situation, but
basically any situation. So that's why the board of ed moved forward with it so that it wasn't going to be purchased by somebody else and then the schools have to worry about what was going to go there. So it was kind of like, well, our hands are tied when I was on the board of ed. Let's move forward with this. Now, because of the situation here and
with the funds, we're helping them. But I mean to go back to what Ron was saying to try to get the board of ed more money. I mean a house on three acres level land at Homedale we know is worth a lot of money regardless of where it is. I mean a daycare could possibly
buy it. Uh another school could possibly buy it for uh you know uh some sort of extended education or or anything. I mean I I think it's a good idea to uh to try to maximize the most money for the board of ed with trying to list it. And if worst case scenario, you guys can be
their their plan B. >> It's entirely up to them. All we can do tonight is vote on the bond to do this or v vote on the two ordinances to do this. The board of education has every right when they sit down to meet to say no. >> Okay, >> that's that's that's Listen, >> and Chris, what's the >> what's the zoning as well?
>> R40, which is residential agriculture. So, it's not zoned for anything that would be uh moneym, >> but you guys obviously have the power to reszone anything in town. You've done it before. It would be it would be right in the middle of another zone. So, it's one basically one small piece that would be
reszoned. So, it would be a little bit uh it wouldn't be us who did it. It would have to be um anybody who wants to build something on it and that would have to go through zoning and that would be a Dvarian which is very difficult to do especially where it's located. >> But, I mean a 7-Eleven, let's say it
would be denied. >> Where did that come from? >> Everybody likes this 7-Eleven. It's going to be the 7-Eleven. I thought somebody said Starbucks. Something that >> I think you said Starbucks. >> Okay. >> No, but what I'm saying is it's somebody wants to put a convenience store, you
guys have the authority to say, "Nope, it's not going." >> Well, I think what Chris was trying to say is if the property were sold to a third party and if the board wanted to sell the property to a third party, it would have to bid it out. If the highest bidder got it and they wanted to make application to the zoning board to
propose something that's not a permitted use, the zoning board does have that power and the township committee does not have an override. So, um, it would be up to whatever the zoning is or if someone gets the variance. >> Yeah. So, Peter, if the question is whether or not we should we should move forward to do this, we're going to vote on it and we'll see where the vote lies.
If if it's a yes and and the C and and and the four of the four or five of the committee decides to provide the schools with a cash infusion and the board accepts that money, then it goes through. If three out of five vote in favor of providing the schools with a cash infusion and ensuring that the
property in front of the school can only be used for recreation and open space, then it's going to fail. Then there's uncertainty on the property. Then the board doesn't get a million-dollar cash infusion that or at least get the opportunity to vote on the million-dollar cash infusion and security for the for the property in front. That's this that that that's
really the long and short of the whole thing. There's not much more there's really not much more nuance than that. Well, just like but there's options like what if the uh the board of ed was to deed a deed restrict the atti house property for open space only then donate it to the town. Could the town then gift them the money?
>> Talk to the board of ed. Why I mean go to a board of ed meeting and ask them. It's up to them what they choose to do. What what could they do? What may they do? What you know what hypothetical? I'm not going to opine on what on what they do or their policy or their process. I'm not going to do it that like like last year when the 600,000 was supposed to go
towards courtesy busing. can't say we're buying this, but it has to go towards this or that. They can do whatever they want. >> Well, listen, if I if they have they have been clear that they do not intend, as an example, to move forward with courtesy busing. If we tried forcing that on them, they might just turn
around and say no anyway, right? >> Yeah. Okay. And then, well, I got some stuff down here. Uh, but as far as like the the affordable family uh housing with the families that are in affordable housing, would the
ordinance 2612. It's not regular public hearing. It's not regular public. That's at the end. >> I'll come back. Okay. Sorry. >> Thank you. Sorry. >> Okay. >> Sure. >> Ser Putnham Court for Putnham Court. If today you guys decide not to bond for
the Atti House, um would that in turn uh affect your decision to potentially put a bond for the subscript uh courtesy busing? >> This is it. There's no bond for courtesy busing. >> You can't We can't bond for courtesy. We can't do it. This isn't a bond for courtesy busing.
>> Oh, no. No. No. Separately like on another like a special agenda. >> You wouldn't be you wouldn't have the opportunity. >> You can't bond busing. >> Okay. >> It has to be real property. >> You can't bond busing. Busing is not not a a something where there it's not a capital improvement. Okay.
>> So, it's a it's a perishable thing. After one year, it ends. So what we did last year was we bonded for maintenance at the school and the school used money that they were going to use for maintenance, >> right? >> And they moved it. >> So this year they did not that's not what was ever even brought up. This is
this is this is actually they have more leeway with this money that we're trying to give or that they're the committee is going to vote on. >> The problem is is it's if they don't choose to then we have no we have no say in it. >> Okay. So just for clarity in terms of timeline let's say you guys say no to
the atti house today. you vote no. Um then is there a window of time that you could have a special meeting to discuss bonding the maintenance then for the board of ed? >> They they don't actually when I looked at their budget they they don't have
that's they're trying to re recoup maintenance money now. They're not trying to spend it. So that's that there's no intent on their part to do anything like that. You know that's that was a chance last year because they had things they had to do. there might not be anything for us to bond for them this
year. They physically have to give us something they want rem repaired or or improved on and that's not part of their budget this year. I kind of looked through their budget. I can't see it all. All I see is their presentation. Um and it didn't appear there was anything we could do on that end anyway. So, and it would take several months because
again, it would have to be introduced and then we'd have to go through it. Then you'd have what's called a 20-day estoppel. >> So, by the time we're all done with this, it would probably be two to three months down the road. way too close to school to even try to change anything and the budget would have to be done by then. >> Right. Okay. It's good to understand the
timeline. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> All right. Can I get a motion for 202612? >> Motion to adopt. >> A second. >> Second. >> Mr. Vontempo.
So, um, heard all the comments, uh, tonight on this. Um, 2017 township passed the 2020 referendum, paid 600,000 plus interest, probably north of 700 right now for this property. I'm
concerned that we're going to use taxpayer money twice. In 2021, I put a referendum on the ballot to increase the open space tax, which doubled the open space tax that we had because we couldn't afford to cover our open space funds and we're going to the general fund for many many years. So,
that that kind of helped improve that. Um, I never saw this as part of that plan to use open space funds to buy property the school already owned. I'm a little concerned that school increased
their budget without going to referendum. It's a pretty significant tax increase. And now you're doing a tax increase without resident approval. And now you're trying to put in another million dollars without resident
approval, which is taxpayer money, right? Your tax are going up because of the board of ed raising it. The prerogative. It's a Murphy called a Democratic loophole that they put in working with the NJA. I don't agree with
I think in this town residents should decide if their tax are going up hundreds of dollars to cover millions of dollars in debt whether they want it or not. There's a process in place to do that. So, I'm concerned about bypassing
residents in this process, not by this board, by the other board, and then this board trying to give another million dollars out of open space fund. It's taxpayer money. You're paying taxes on it. overwhelmingly approved, but people, you know, our our plan was to try to acquire as much open space as we could
to try to control development of this town going forward because we did a good job thus far and hopefully we can continue to do a good job going forward of using those funds in my opinion um wisely. I also hear that a couple good
points about could the property the if if the board is in financial distress can se potentially selling it publicly for listen that that Add's house was there before the schools were there she gave the land when they built the school
so always been a house there even before schools were there so keeping another single family home if they can get the board of ed more money I'm kind of in favor of so it would take the burn off the taxpayers could potentially give the board of ed more money. And honestly, if
it didn't work, they then could come back to this board for say, "Hey, we tried to sell it. We couldn't get as much money. We got less money. We opted not to. Can we still work with you guys for this plan?" I I I think we're getting ahead of ourselves with this. I
think the bigger picture in my opinion is that the taxpayers of Homeell deserve if their taxs are going up. And honestly, the tax are going up. They could build in this million dollars from this right that they're getting potentially getting and build in the
cursy busting too and let the voters decide what they want. But bypassing the res I'm I'm not in favor of. So based on that, I'm a no. >> Thank you. Mr. Foster, >> could you clarify something for me
though, Mr. Bontempo? So, a couple weeks ago when Mr. >> I'm gonna do a little traffic cop. We're on a roll call vote. Everyone should limit their comment to them explaining their vote if they wish to do so and otherwise voting. We really can't go back. >> Okay. So, I'm I'm a yes. Um obviously the the board did purchase this property
when I was on there because the township would not speak to us. They gave us a couple hundred,000 bill for police and offered us $10,000 into a shared service and then patted themselves on the back. That's a joke. I'm a yes on this. We will continue to help the schools. I do agree with one point he made as far as
putting it out to referendum about raising taxes and I will emphatically vote yes and speak to everybody I know to vote yes because I think our township and our community is driven by our excellent schools. Thank you, >> Mr. Romano. >> Yeah, I'm I'm I'm going to vote yes with this. I know that the the board of ed is
in distress. It's it's not perfect. I know it's not perfect, but and I'm also not done talking about the courtesy busing. I think that's a separate issue. But, you know, I know the schools need the help right now. I know the budget's due on the 29th, so yep. >> Thank you, Mr. Vanderham. >> Mike, can I ask Chris a question?
>> Unless it's a point of order, it really should just be >> I just want to understand the fair market value that the appraisal that we have. Is that a fair market value appraisal that we received? >> Yes. >> So, if the BOE was going to send sell it out to somebody else, that's the that's the fair market value that the appraisal that we received, right?
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> I'm a yes on this. >> Mayor and Pravadoodle. >> Sure. I I would agree with the comment that we have done a good job procuring land with the open space fund. The open space fund had not procured any property for the better part of a better part of a quarter century before this governing
body started using it. And now with the now with this purchase going through it'll be about 70 acres I think we've protected in Homeell. Um the comments regarding what was done in the past with the board of education and
the house are somewhat misguided and I think it was articulated well by committee by by deputy mayor Foster which is there was no partnership with the town if if anything things were contentious. Um so we've worked to heal that. This provides
our students uh our school district the infusion of a million dollars that they need. We agree. I think everybody agrees every, you know, that that the board's going to have to go to referendum. In conversations with the board president and others, they know they have to go to referendum. There's no controversy there
from my vantage point. We're all in agreement on that point. Um so you know this is using the money in the open space fund for the purpose with which it was intended which is to procure land to prevent development and we get the added
benefit of ensuring that we provide the schools with maybe one of the largest cash infusions they've gotten ever from uh from the governing body possibly possibly the largest. So I'm I'm a yes on this. >> Thank you mayor. Ordinance 202612 has been successfully passed and it will be
published on the Homeell Township website according to law. Thank you. Next is hearing on bondel ordinance 202613 which is providing for the acquisition of certain real property buying in the township of homeell in the county of mammoth state of New Jersey
appropriating $1,30,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $980,952 in bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. >> Do you want a public hearing on this? It's yeah
>> kind of the second part of I'm asking if there's anybody from the public wants to speak. Mr. Tusketta >> Troska 56 Line Road. I'm supporting the bond issue of a million dollars from our open space fund. The open space fund is for this purpose. It's exactly what it's
for and there's millions of dollars in that fund. I think every year comes in 2,225,000 into the open space fund. So money flows into that. It basically sits there until we have an acquisition hopefully with
this acquisition and others that come in. >> Yeah. And we do use it to maintain the open space the the properties and some >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> All right. Motion to vote on 202613. >> Moved. >> Second. >> I'm going to pause there. This would be
the opportunity for any discussion. So we don't have the issue. >> Okay. Yeah, there you go. vote and then after that >> we can have further discussion if we'd like or we can >> Yeah, I Greg I would like you to clarify because when Joe made that motion a few weeks ago to just find the money and and send it out for courtesy busing,
basically taxing our residents, you seconded that motion. Can you clarify your comments that you just made? I I think we need to do um a look at our overall budget and see where we can cut costs and reduce the
extra cost that the board of ed is putting on our residents with the use of some of the monies we were getting from our pilot funds because we need to offset. We're getting to a breaking point where people can't continue to bear the burden of taxes going up to
this level every single year. Look, >> that's why I'm a that's why I'm a proponent of putting this out for referendum that voters should have a chance. Listen, >> you seconded what he brought up and now you're going completely the opposite of that. That's what I'm asking. What What
is your change of heart in the last few weeks? >> That wasn't that for I thought we discussed curses busting, wasn't it? The the point was, you know, Brian said to Joe, "Taxes will have to go up." Joe said, "That's okay." And you said, "I and you seconded the motion." So, you were in favor of taxes going up on our side to support this two weeks ago, and
now you seem not to be. And I think that's the clarification the deputy may. >> We haven't done the budget yet, have we? I haven't approved the budget. I haven't approved that then either, but you are going, but I am not going to be >> This is all hearsay anyways. We don't know. We never really sat down and hashed out how we could fund the busing.
We don't know if taxes would go up really because we haven't done the budget. So to say your taxes would go up is not true because we haven't sat down and done the maths, >> right? >> No, we haven't. We as a group haven't had a discussion on it. >> No, you're right. As a group, we have not. The mayor, myself, and the
department heads have, >> right? Which which doesn't work because there's five of us, right? >> It it'll get to that point, Joe. >> And five equals up here. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And you and you guys are welcome to ask the question. I I don't Nobody's stopping you. >> Nobody's stopping you. So, so, so, so
committeeman Romano's you still haven't answered the question though >> was based on us reducing our budget so we could afford to give them the currency busting without increasing taxes $7.5 million pilot money coming in and I'm
sure we could find a way to cut costs. >> It's not 7.5 >> and save the taxpayer money because they can't keep going up over and over again. >> Exactly. Like it's easy to point the finger and say taxes wouldn't go up again. We need to sit down and have the discussion to see how we could fund it.
>> So what I'm hearing I'm hearing a couple of different things. One of them is an opinion that I think we all share which is that the board should go to referendum if there are going to be tax increases. Have you discussed this with any members of the board? Not you, Joe, Greg? >> Yes. >> Okay. What have they said? Do they
agree? >> Not for public discussion. >> Okay. So why are you making a public discussion? My conversation with them isn't for public discussion. >> Okay. So, you're offering an opinion that everybody shares. I don't understand the point of it. >> My my
on which part are you talking about about? >> Yeah, we we all agree. You know, a 7% increase is significant. >> I haven't heard anybody say go to ref I haven't heard anybody before tonight say they should go to referendum. >> I said we should we should figure out a way to conserve courtesy busing to get
it to referendum. >> Yeah. I mean I mean clearly if you weren't doing this this bond ordinance right now and they need an extra million dollars it would force them to go to referendum, wouldn't it? >> No, it wouldn't. They they budgeted without it. >> They budgeted with
>> another million on top of the 6.9 the 7% they're going up. >> No, they cut costs. >> Cut teachers. >> They cut they cut cost. >> You should really talk to somebody with knowledge on the board of ed side if you don't know that that's what happened before you opine on it. If you increase a million dollars over what they already
budgeted, it's going to push them over that that cap that Murphy put in place. What? I don't even know. This is going to go to their rainy day fund. If they need another million dollars into their budget, it's going to increase their needs. Correct. Which is
going to increase their their ask from the public, which could put them over the amount that the cap protects them from. I don't I don't actually don't understand your point. They budgeted without the million. Their budget is going to go up 7% without the million. >> Correct.
>> They're going to get the million to buttress their rainy day fund. >> That's where the money is going to go to make sure that they actually have their coffers more full than they are now because it's been depleted. So again, we agree that tax increases should be voted
on by the public. It's something I said like two months ago. We agree on that. Okay. So, I'm not entirely sure what the point of the statement is tonight when it's already been stated multiple times. That being said, you've also just proven that
you're not familiar with the board budget. And I think before you opine on what the board does, you should get familiar with their budget. That's just, you know, my opinion. My my view is that until the voters have a chance to decide, we shouldn't be artificially giving them
more money. They should come back to us after the public has a chance to vote on whether they want to see their taxes increased. >> That's Listen, that's up to the board. They're going to go to referendum at some point. We know that. We've already had those discussions. They've
articulated that to me. That's how they that's how they have to handle it. But I'm not, you know, again, this is where I get really this gets very interesting. We're having a discussion about the board of education. Go run for the board of education if you don't like the way they're doing things. Again, we're in agreement here. >> I don't like the way we're doing things.
I don't think we should be giving them a million dollars out of our >> Well, Greg, in 12 years, you never gave the schools anything. So, it's >> No, we did. We did the first shared service agreement they ever had. >> $10,000. >> No, no, it was 10% a year until 50%. >> All right. So, it was 30,000. >> 10% a year.
>> Hold on. Hold on. >> For five years. >> How much was the bill? >> Is it irrelevant? >> No. No, it's $30,000. >> We had We had no money coming. Yes, it Yes, it is. before >> because because because what's the history before the SEO? What was it? What was the what did they budget for
for school aids? >> What did they budget? >> I I honestly have no idea. I wasn't on at that point in time when they >> should do some research. >> I I should I was on the board when you gave us the bill and gave us $10,000. >> So, >> public safety is a township issue and that's why we took it over as soon as
you were off the board. So, so, so if you look, go back to the newsletter that sent out probably in 2017 or 2018, chief of police did an article and he wrote about they had school aids. They
were paying their budget amount was either 8 or 900,000 for that. When the Cleo came in, they cut that bill in half and they got rid of the schools because they weren't protecting the students. And so it was a big win for them. So
they got a windfall of couple hundred,000 and we shared the service and and that was a it was a joint decision between myself, the committee at the time, the administrator and the chief of police. But but realize that they were paying
more for lunch aids than they were for police officers at every school. So the cost went down and the value of protection went up. significantly. >> So, it was a win-win. So, the fabrication you're hearing up here is a lot of BS. Look at the article that was
written by a third party, not me, that summarized exactly what happened. I'm sorry. Articulate what fabrication is just so I can understand what you're referencing. >> The what? Do you know the budget? What were they paying before we put the police in? The budget went down dramatically. >> So, what's your point? I don't
understand what you're getting at. It doesn't like I again I'm just going to keep going back to this because I I I think we have we clearly have a disconnect here somewhere along the way. This governing body committed to providing public safety support to the schools and taking over the cost of
public safety. In addition to that, we've made several other moves to support our schools which by the way tied to home values are known pillar of our community which are a very important thing. you know, this keeping the schools, you know, at the status they're at or better is is of critical
importance. There is nothing anybody has done in the history of the town that exceeds the work we've done to ensure a tight relationship with the board of education and to ensure that we are supporting them financially however and whenever we can. We can't always do
things to a certain level, right? We all know that. But I think it's a little bit hypocritical to comment on board items and board budgets when you really provided almost zero support for the board. When I got on
here, I met with the president of the board of education. They told me no one heard from anybody from the township for two years. Okay. So, I'm just I think this is a little bit of a I think people are trying to recast themselves in a different light than
than what previously existed. The fact of the matter is anything done to the point up until 3 years ago pales in comparison to what we did for these schools. And we will continue to support the schools provided our budget allows. If it does not allow, decisions will be
made. I can tell you probably next year we can't find a million dollar option for them. Well, we can continue we can we can continue providing the service to the sleos. And to the point that you raised that I raised two months ago, we all agree the public should vote on a
tax increase. That's the most democratic way to operate. So again, I'm struggling to understand your point other than to just be speaking. >> I I disagree again with this uh bond funding. I I think it should go to
public vote before any decisions made on on giving them another million dollars from the public. I I'm not opposed to it, but it should come after a referendum goes out to the public because the public may overwhelmingly support it and then this money may not
be needed and then we could purchase other land with it. Pretty simple. Look, I think I think my problem is, and not to get contentious, but really like finding out at a public BOE meeting that so much time had passed when they were trying to plan for things like busing because I was I heard from in the
meeting that courtesy busing was brought up with the TC, right? And that it didn't go anywhere. That's that's that's a hard pill for me to swallow because like I I believe that there should be long-term coordination between the township committee and the BOE. That's where some of my frustration came last year, right? So, I think we lost a lot
of time, you know, between when we approved the courtesy busing last year to now. Like, we didn't use that time wisely, right? And now we're in the position that we're in. And I I get what you're saying, but I also think that that, you know, it's a little bit of like scare tactics to say if we try to bail out the courtesy busing, our taxes
are going up. Like, we haven't had the discussion. We haven't crunched the numbers. I know you're saying that, but, you know, until we actually do the math and do the budget, you know, it's it's hard for me to agree with that. You know, I and I am it's not a political issue, Rocco. Like I am legitimately I've never in my three years had more
people reach out to me with concern. Like >> I wasn't referencing you when I talked about people reaching out. >> Ton of people reach out to me and I'm actually worried about like the kids. Like I I honestly don't know like we're all volunteers, right? So when people make statements like I don't know if we have to build sidewalks. Truthfully, I'm not like I rely on the professionals to tell me whether we need to do that. I
don't know how many crossing guards we need to hire. I don't know what studies need to be done. I don't know who's in charge of what. I know the BOE has some responsibility and then I know we have to pay for it, right? I don't know what crossing guards cost, right? So, my my position has been like, look, we dropped the I think and this is my opinion. I'm
not puny, but I think losing seven months, I think we dropped the ball there, which is why I think we should try to pick up the courtesy busing and make right on it for another period and let it go to referendum. I feel like that's the right thing to do because we did we did wrong by the BOE by by not giving them the time to plan and figure
this out on our end. That's that's my opinion. I I >> so sarly if we if we had used those seven months >> excuse me sir >> if we had used those seven months to plan and actually cut expenses on our doesn't necessarily mean your taxes are going up. >> So
>> so Joe just just to be clear on my opinion and I agree this doesn't need to be a contentious thing and it's not my intention. The board of education has made the decision. It's board policy made the decision not to move forward with with courtesy busing.
From that point forward to me, it's moot. It really is right. There are school districts in crisis all over the state. We I see another article every day. The gap and I'll tell you there's a couple of reasons. One, number one, statute on statute state statute for
this is that we'll have to provide crossing guards in the areas designated. We don't have to provide sidewalks or crosswalks. It's crossing guards. So, we have a ballpark understanding, not better than a ballpark understanding of the hourly rate of crossing guards. We have a crossing guard in town already. So, we'll know what the multiplier is if we need more. So, that's one. Two, we
don't have the cash on hand to handle this in large part, actually almost exclusively in part because we're waiting for the grant to come the grant money to come back to us from the state for the work we did in front of the school to fix the entrance way and the traffic there. Right. And now there's
also I'm hearing rumors that the state may shut down, right? So, so the point is, and again, look, this is this is a reasonable debate and reasonable people can disagree. I'm not I'm not attacking you, but I'm just my my my point is simple, which is we have the opportunity
to do something now. We should take it. You know, if there's anything else we can do in the future, we'll look and we'll evaluate and we'll try. I don't see the opportunity to create a bridge because the finances aren't there for anybody and the board has their budget vote in 15 days.
>> Yeah, I agree. I I I get that. What I'm saying is I 100% I'm not going to argue with that. I think again I'd like to keep the conversation going. There's other means as we go on like there's the the Vonnage pilot. Maybe we could do more there. There's got to be something better we can do because again we can't
make up for the time that we've lost. >> Yeah. So listen, I if if your opinion is that we vote on this and we vote in favor and we keep looking for options and opportunities, I'm okay with that. We'll always keep looking for options and opportunities. >> Yeah, that's Listen, I I can't like we'll we'll keep looking at options and
opportunities. I don't want to give anybody false hope though because the other component of this is the board of education made their decision, >> right? I think that's the important key here. They've told us they don't they are cutting courtesy busing. So So whatever we raise, whatever we come up with, they're cutting courtesy busing. So if we give them money, they're going
to put it towards something else. >> No, we would we would tie it to courtesy busing like we did last year. And again, I think Gary, that's that's true, but that's also not fair. Like we didn't give them the appropriate time. Like I think if we had >> them earlier this year, too. >> Okay. But there was a seven-month block
like June of last year to now. Like I I I have a hard time figuring out like how is that the an appropriate amount of time to plan? When I was on the board of ed, we didn't get to speak. >> No, I know. We've we've been >> We met with them many times last year. >> I'm not arguing with that. I'm actually very proud of what we the three of us especially have done working with the
board of ed. I I we've done more for the board of ed than anyone has in a long time. I'm proud of that. I'm sensitive to the fact that I I think that we made a mistake by letting so much time go by, right? And I am concerned about public safety and I think I heard that we don't have to build sidewalks. I know what
some of these streets are like and I know that there's a legal obligation, but I think there's a moral obligation to make sure that it's safe for our kids and but but don't for >> I don't think you can prioritize taxes over the safety of our kids. >> But but again, don't forget there one of
those kids. >> Yeah, but but Joe, don't don't don't forget the board isn't the board is is has an option to supplant courtesy busing with subs with a subscription model. So, like if they're going to execute on that option, which they which
I'm I'm told unequivocally that they're going to, then I don't I I I don't want to say I don't see the problem. I understand your point. But if there's an option for people to pursue and to and to do this, then I'm not sure where the discussion
lies. I will say I agree with you. We should continue and always continue to find ways to support the schools if we can. You and I don't disagree on that point. I think for the specific item, you and I disagree. I want to keep the door open to it. I want to have the discussion and see if we could figure something out. Then
we'll have the discuss. That's fine. >> Are we voting now? >> If discussions concluded, you can call for roll. >> Okay, let's do a roll call vote. >> We're past the public public hearing. >> We closed it already. >> Well, when we do public comment, Ron,
you can you can jump on. >> All right. Can I get a motion? >> Uh, no. That's on the table. Just uh >> Oh, it is on the table. Wendy, >> Mr. Mr. Bontempo >> same no >> Mr. Foster >> yes >> Mr. Romano >> yes >> Mr. Vanderham >> yes >> Mayor and Prevadutoo
>> yes >> okay or bond ordinance 202613 has successfully passed it will be published on the township website according to law thank you >> all right Mr. administrator. >> All right, I'm going to make this quick. Um,
>> seems like this often lately. Um, no. So, we are um we have bid out our road program for the year. Uh, we will have a April 22nd opening and I hope to have them uh a lowest bidder for you guys to vote on for the next meeting. Uh, so we
can get moving. And this is the 2025. We haven't even looked at 2026 yet. Uh, we have a list, but we haven't really looked deep into that one. So, this is 2025. We did meet the other day with Hasllett and the engineers for Bethany Road. Um that is going out to bid on the
17th. Um Bethany Road will getting be getting new sidewalks in certain areas, ADA compliant ones. Um that work will be done during the day while they'll be um uh alternating traffic so we don't have too much of a backup. And then the
paving itself will be done at night and and it'll be done with two pavers at the same time. That's called echelon paving and that'll give us the best look and the uh longest lifespan of that roadway. Um so I hope that that's going to be a
big improvement for both towns and uh happily Hasllett has taken over the lead on the bidding. So all I got to do is show up and see who bid. So and we're good. >> Other than that I don't have anything else. And Chris, the residents along Bethany will be made aware that there's going to be overnight work done.
>> Absolutely. We there that's going to go when we have our construction meeting ahead of time. There'll be lots of notices going out. Um and uh this since it's a joint project, we're saving a little money on some of the engineering costs as well. >> Good. Thank you. Uh councelor,
>> I don't have anything. Thanks, Mayor. >> You sure? Uh >> I could try after tonight. I think I'm good. All right. >> All right. We'll move on to uh the committee. Committeeman Bontempo, >> thank you. Um, uh, IT information technology, um, shared service partnership with
Neptune City, continues to progress, uh, positively. Um, Jason WG, who's our director of IT, has done a, uh, outstanding job in kind of helping kind of make this transition and and help with their organization over in Neptune.
uh digital property fraud alerts. The Mammoth County Clerk's Office wants to inform resident homeowners about their digital property fraud alert system. Through this program, residents can sign up and receive immediate notifications if a property related document or deed
is recorded in their name and serving as a critical defense against deed theft and real estate uh scams out there. um April security threat assessment NJ kick um homeland security offices cyber
security team issued for their April cyber security bulletin which highlighted three points for New Jersey residents multifactor authentication the bolton trustes that due to advances in hacking capabilities judicial passwords are no longer sufficient and New Jerseyians should seriously consider
multi-factor authentication apps which create a brand new one-time use password every time you log on to your accounts. Um, in April 2026, Amazon smishing attack NJKIC identified a high volume
cyber attack this month that specifically targeted New Jersey residents. The attack sent fake text messages of people claiming that their Amazon membership renewal failed and that new payment method is necessary. The fake text message provides a corrupted link to a spoofed Amazon web
page used to harvest the individual's credentials, credit card details, and personally identify information. The bottom line, never click on a link that are sent to you via text message. Always visit a website directly using the website URL. In this case, it was Amazon.com.
Uh, Amazon, excuse me, residents are encouraged to report malicious cyber activity directly to the New Jersey kick via the official website. Um, verify by a second channel. If you if you receive a suspicious text or call from a vendor,
bank, retail outlet, always contact the company for a number. Never provide any information via text messages. We're all these smishing scams out there. That is all. Thank you. >> Thank you, committeeman. Mr. Romano. Thank you, mayor. Starting with
community development. It is March Madness amnesty program. So, if you've done work without a permit, this is for you. Community devel I'm not singling anyone out. Mad Community Development's March Madness Amnesty program continues through April
30th. As a reminder, this program allows those who conducted work on their property without getting a permit to rectify the situation without penalty. Residents can apply for permits via the township website, by phone, or by visiting the community development department on the second floor of town hall. This is the Homeell Environmental
Commission to host Earth Day celebration. Join the Homeell Environmental Commission for the annual Earth Day celebration on Sunday, April 26th, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Bayonet Farm. Explore the outdoors with a guided greenway walk or step back in time with tours of the historic Harding House.
Experience uplose encounters with nature featuring presentations by the Raptor Trust and the Eyes of the Wild Mammal Show. Browse displays from the Mammoth Master Gardeners and local environmental groups. Admission, parking, and all scheduled shows are completely free. We look forward to seeing you there. From
the Homeell Library, we have quite a bit of children's programming. Over the last month, the library held 16 storytime events for kids with a whopping 431 total participants. 19 young patrons joined us for Read to a Therapy Dog, one of our most popular programs. May's book
club meeting will be on Tuesday, May 19th at 10 a.m., and we'll discuss the book Shelterwood by Lisa Windgate. Please check out the library's website to explore these highlights from our digital and community offerings. We have free premium resources. Use your library card to access high-quality tools at no
cost, including Libby for downloadable ebooks and Rosetta Stone for professionalgrade language learning. We have museum access. You can borrow complimentary museum passes through the library website providing free admission to premier cultural institutions across New York City, Pennsylvania, and New
Jersey. We have a comprehensive programming schedule. Beyond digital tools, the library website is your hub for the full calendar of story times, workshops, and community events tailored for all ages. Please note, the Homeell Library will be closed on April 17th for staff training and inservice. And there is nothing to report from public works.
Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, committeeman. Mr. Vanderham. Thank you, mayor. Uh, the Homedale green team community energy plan. The green team is refining the township community energy plan by directly incorporating the valuable public feedback from our April 6th meeting to ensure it reflects
our community's vision. Follow following a final review with sustainable New Jersey. The uh the completed plan will head to the township committee for its official presentation on April 28th. Uh thank you to all of our neighbors who took time out of their evenings to come to our public session last week. Um,
stop by the table on Earth Day. Visit the green team at Bay Farm on the April 26th as uh, Committeeman Morano Romano mentioned to explore the future of solar energy and see how we're making Homedale more sustainable. Stop by our table for exclusive look at the community energy plan and learn how these local
initiatives are putting our clean energy goals into action. Uh, no comments from the Homedale Heritage Committee or the Veterans Committee. Thank you. >> Thank you, committeeman. Deputy mayor. >> Thank you, mayor. From the board of education, multiple high school and middle school students have earned
prestigious regional and state music honors, including Allshore Symphonic Band, the NJ Region Jazz Ensemble, and Rutgers Honors Band. Homedale High School's Hornet Institute career days provided students with meaningful exposure to a wide range
of career pathways. Juliana Bardi and Bradley Denton received Jersey Shore Conference scholarships in recognition of their academic excellence and community involvement. The 2026 27 school district budget was approved on March 25th following a collaborative
development process. Uh from the recreation department, reminder that registration is open for the swim club. Fees will go up $50 on May 2nd, so please do not wait to register. Registration is also open for the summer recreation program at CrossFarm Park. The program is held from
June 22nd through July 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Summer Wreck is open to children who have completed kindergarten, minimum age of 5, through those finishing sixth grade school this year. Registration can be completed at the recreation department's WCK desk
registration page. Reminder that registration for the inaugural Billy Deo 5K runwalk will remain open until the day of the race on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 900 a.m. Information on the race and the Billy Deo Foundation can be found at
billy deoofoundation.com. We are encouraging all members of the Homeell community to consider participating in this event. I'm happy to report they have approximately 500 plus people already registered. So, it's got a lot of ground swell. Uh, and lastly, there is still time to register
for and participate in the Homeell America 250 committee's scavenger hunt, which runs through April 30th. Currently, there are over 65 teams registered and participating in the event. Hosted on the Goose Chase app, which you can download on your smartphone, this scavenger hunt is a
fantastic opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to explore Homeell while learning about our local history, in particular relation to the fight for American independence. Find out more by visiting www.homedell.gov250. That's all I have. Mayor, thank you.
>> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> So, before I provide my report, uh I want to call out two announcements. One, on April 25th from 12 to 4, Saturday, April 25th from 12:00 to 4, we're going to be doing a Vonnage open house for all
residents to go uh see what they're planning on doing. you know, a full sort of display on the design, uh, everything, you know, under the sun, questions asked and answered, uh, so that everybody understands, you know, what this project will look like, uh, should it continue to move forward. So,
that's April 25th and Yes. No, no, no. It's going to be at the Vonnage site. At the Vaage site. That's going to be April 25th from 12 to 4. On April 28th, our next township meeting, we'll expect to introduce our budget and we'll also do the state of home presentation uh
similar to the one I did two years ago uh to provide everybody with as much context and transparency as we possibly can to the town, the budget, how it works and where our priorities lie. From that point on or from this point on now, we'll uh wish a belated happy Easter and happy Passover to everyone
who recently celebrated uh these days. We hope you enjoyed time with your friends and family. Uh, mayor's office hours are going to be held Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. And I'm just realizing it's going to be a busy day um in the township committee conference room. And I got to tell you, I've really
really enjoyed the discussions we've had in those settings. Um, it's it's just, you know, you can tell there's folks that aren't comfortable coming to a public meeting and and engaging and speaking. um we just turned into some really good roundts um to talk about either particular issues that folks have
questions on or just you know sharing information and thoughts on the town and things of that nature and it's been I think it's been a really really positive experience. Um the extravaganza egg hunt event I had the pleasure of attending alongside committeeman Romano and Vanderham for the annual Easter egg hunt across farm
officially kicking off the spring season with the community. Despite the chilly weather, we saw an incredible crowd of residents come together for a day of outdoor fun and celebration. Events like these are definitely a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to connect with our neighbors, friends, and the community. So, a big thank you to our
recreation and public works department teams for their hard work putting this event on. And I do want to just add to that, you know, we say it often times about the recck department, but it's public works as well. These folks all work when nobody else is. You know, it's a nights and weekends type of thing. and and I you know can't tell you how much I
appreciate everything these folks are putting into uh making our town great and and supporting all our initiatives from the police department. Utility work on South Holland and Holland Road will continue through this Saturday and is expected to resume next Monday through Sunday until completion to accommodate
school buses. Holland Road will be closed daily from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. between Laurel Avenue and Takaloosa South Holland intersection. From 2:30 p.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m., South Holland will transition to an alternating traffic pattern, so motorists should expect minor delays
during the evening commute. Applications are now open for the 2026 Police Youth Academy, offering two sessions, August 3rd to 7th for ages 10 to 11 and August 10 to 14 for ages 12 to 13. Young recruits will get an inside look at law enforcement through
interactive training and self-defense, criminal investigations, K-9 demonstrations, and firearm safety. This popular program is designed to strengthen self-esteem, discipline, and mutual respect between our youth and local law enforcement. The academy is open exclusively to Homedale residents.
Interested families should visit homedale police.gov. That's homedale police.gov to apply before the May 6th, 2026 deadline. And with that, we will move to public. Oh, yeah. >> I just have one question for Chris. Do
you know just because I had no update from public works. Do you know when the brush pickup is going to start or has it started? >> Yeah, we're we're in it. We're in it right now. >> So, it's a lot. So, you know, with this with this winter. >> Yeah, it was it was rough. It was rough. Uh and and there's still probably we'll
probably have to do some extra this year. So, >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. No worries. Uh Wendy, would you do the voodoo you do so? Well, >> sure. In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, this is a public comment period for public comment on any
governmental issue of public concern. In accordance with resolution 2022, public commenters are asked to raise their hand and wait to be recognized by the mayor before coming forward and making public comments. Commenters are asked to state their full name and address before commenting. Public
commenters are limited to one comment, not to exceed three minutes. Comment should be directed to the mayor and township committee. If appropriate, the mayor may direct and recognize a staff, employee, or professional to respond to comments either at this meeting or in
writing after this meeting. >> Thank you, Wendy. One comment per three minutes each. Who wants to roll first? Young lady in the back. Hello. Uh, Jess Smoken, 9 Catbird Alley. I just wanted to comment about my brush
and leaf pickup. Um, there were collections that began on both 112 and 11:30 2025. Uh, I'm not sure if you're familiar with my street, but it's extremely wooded. It's mostly township property. There's
maybe less than 10 houses. So what the DPD DPW does is they'll go to the piles in front of the 10 houses leaving the remainder of the street a complete mess with leaves. So it was overlooked those two pickups. I spoke with the head of
the DTPW. He told me they would go around with the street sweeper earlier this year. It was never done. The street is still completely covered with leaves on both sides unlike anything else I see in home. Um what I did, you know, I work full-time. I have three kids, but I went
out with the leaf blower and I leaf blew along the sides of the street and I made piles, a good 15, 20 of them along the street with all brush sticks. Took me hours. They came today and they only picked up the brush in front of the 10 houses and they left all the other piles
that I put in the street, including the ones I have a long property. They only picked up the one right in front of my driveway and left all the other piles in my wooded area. So, I'm just, you know, coming here on record to say, you know, what's going on with my street? When is
it going to be cleaned? >> Okay, Chris, we got to have a conversation with Brian and see what's going on. >> I'll find out what happened. That's, you know, >> I've been in contact with him. He's well aware of my issues with the street and >> I'll I'll I'll take a ride out there tomorrow and then I'll have a discussion. >> Thanks. I appreciate that. >> Thank you.
>> Oh, maybe Well, uh I don't know if I could also add about my street. I guess we were supposed to be paved last year and we weren't. Are we still on track to pave this year? >> I do not remember off the top of my head. I'd have to look at the uh the list. I don't have the list in front of me right now, but if you'd call my
office um probably tomorrow, I'll be able to tell you where we are with that. >> Okay. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Public comment. Yes, sir. >> Hi, Vinc 16 Orchard Avenue. Um, I just wanted to thank the township committee for helping uh with our concerns with
the seven brew that's going up on on 35 in Miller. Um, I did reach out to um Mr. Dugan uh the the lawyer involved with the seven brew. I haven't heard a response yet. I'm not sure if the township heard a response uh back from their letter.
>> I'll respond to you if you just want to finish go through. >> That's it. That's it. I just appreciated the help. Thank >> Certainly. Thank you for the regards and and just for the public's benefit, just to give everyone a little context, um the gentleman and and some of his neighbors at prior meetings had
expressed concerns about the Seven Brew that um is about to open across from Costco, which is located in HSL, but there's the residential subdivision up Miller Avenue, which is Homedale. Uh we did reach out to the applicant, uh the attorney for the applicant who developed
the Seven Brew and reminded them of their application. uh the land use board approval and the restrictions. I did get a call from them and they were very um engaged and you know expressed that if there are any specific issues that come
up that you know they would be happy to chat with us about it. So um it was a positive response. Uh so I will convey that. Um, as to whatever you offered specifically, we're kind of in a position where they don't really have any legal obligation to engage with anyone individually because they have
their approval, but there is a line of communication between the township and these folks if is needed in the in the future. So, I appreciate your comment. >> Thank you, counselor. Anyone else for public comment? Uh, Mr. Ready? >> Pete Ready seven rustic lane.
>> Man of the hour. Yeah. Right. Uh first off, thanks. This is second meeting in a row. I've never been to even one meeting in a row. So, second. So, thanks for passing our ordinance ordinance. Uh obviously, you know, we'll have our work to do over the next couple of meetings. I think next Wednesday, Wednesday after
that, working with Chris. Uh you'll be talking to our BA. Uh a couple of things I heard tonight was uh subscription busing. Yes, we are looking into that. So, in our next couple meetings, we'll be talking about that if there's an interest. And you we've already reached out to neighboring districts that
already offering it and what the program is because obviously this is uncharted territory for us. And then uh we did last year we conducted a study looking uh where crossing guards and things like that is. So I'm sure the transportation director and the VA will
be in touch with Chris and everyone else. So >> spoke to them today. I'm expecting it by the end of the week. >> Yeah. >> Great. >> So thank you again. Appreciate it. >> All right. >> Thanks Pete. >> Thanks. >> Appreciate your partnership. Mr. Tuskita, >> Patrick Duskita, 56 Line Road. I have
four questions. I'll say them first so I keep within my three minutes. U what is the status of converting over to county dispatch for emergency services in Homeown? and will there be a public announcement and protocols given to the
residents on how they should set up their private alarm systems and their medical alert systems. So, uh if we're going forward and I think it's coming close, um how do we handle our alarm system, medical alert systems?
Question one. Question two is uh what is the status of the redevelopment agreement with Crawford Hill Holdings about the uh Bell Labs building on Homeell Road that's been vacant for six years. Okay. Number three, uh what is
the status of the eminent domain lawsuit against uh James Nurana Neuranjo uh for the 48 acres on uh Beer Street. And finally, number four is, uh, what is the status of the demolition work up at
Robert Wilson Park? >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so Chris, if you can provide us with an update on the county dispatch status >> and then we'll turn one or two of these over to Mike. >> Okay. Yeah. I don't know if you want me to do one and four. So, >> I was going to say take 42. Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> All right. So, let's go with um one. Could you just remind just just quickly? What was that again? >> Okay. the status of >> dispatch. Got it. Got it. >> The county dispatch. And then is there going to be a notice so that residents know? >> Residents don't have to do anything
different. Okay. So, right off the bat, residents don't have to do anything different. So, if they still if they still use our main note emergency number for for it's going to go right to the county. So, they they won't know the difference. It'll be answered as Homedale Police. They will not know that difference. So, and 911 is the same. So,
uh you know, it's always been going to the county. So, we are on track for May. We're going to be a I'm being told we might be a little delayed by a few weeks due to training purposes, but we're working through those those uh those issues right now. Um it's not affecting
us because again, our dispatchers, most of them, majority of them are actually transferring to the county to become dispatchers there. Or I just found out today some might be going to Marorrow. Marorrow is a 911 center as well and they're actually looking for somebody. So, now they have options. So, uh, it's
up to them what they want to do. Um, and then going to four Wil Dr. Wilson's Park. Um, we are, uh, at the point where we're almost ready to go out to bid on it. Once we go out to bid on it, then we'll find out who's going to be the lowest bidder to go and do all the work,
the demolition work. And part of that demolition work is going to be the opening as well. We're combining it all together. So, there's no uh, it's not just demolition, it's demolition and getting it open. So, we're going to try to get it safe. So everything is in in that that going to be in that bid to do
that. Um and then as as you said earlier and as as thank you the the the committee has actually approved it as well. Um then we also can go for more stuff uh under the other grant which we should get because again we did win the original part of that grant which was a study and now it'll be the
implementation grant. So kind of like the safe streets it's the same same kind of kind of thing. You do one and then you get the other. So yes that's where we are with those two things. Michael could take the rest of them. >> And Mike, before you jump in, just just really quickly, I want to emphasize for those that that aren't aware, the move to county dispatch is actually something
that's going to be better for the residents. There's going to be to the point Chris made, no change in terms of their protocol with alarms and etc, etc., but there's faster there's proven to be faster response times, better connectivity with neighboring towns who are already on county dispatch. So there's no disconnect in systems or
communication and a better overall sort of response and an improvement to public safety. not in any way, shape or form a diminishment of the work the folks were doing here, but the technology, the systems and the interconnectivity is actually going to provide us, you know, with a better better level of service. >> Sorry, Mike. Go ahead.
>> No, no, all good. So, uh, first I think was a question about the status of the Crawford Hill redevelopment. Uh the redeveloper did recently submit um a set of plans which involve uh the proposed re um reinvigoration of the building
consistent with the redevelopment plan and parking improvements to the front of the building as necessary I guess to occupy it with uh the proposed use. uh that is uh pending township committee consistency review which they'll review in executive session at our next
meeting. Uh after which the applicant can proceed before the planning board in the normal course. Uh the redeveloper has asked for a slight further extension um under the redevelopment agreement as part of their submission um because they are a little behind the timelines in the
agreement. >> And how much is that? What's a slight extension? >> Two they asked for two months. Um So they they did submit the plans. I actually sent them a letter asking for them to clarify certain portions because some aspects weren't clear and we want to make sure that uh they're doing
everything at once. There's no phasing of this. It's everything needs to happen at once to to be acceptable. Um and ultimately it's up to the committee. uh on the uh Nurango condemnation. Uh I'm just paraphrasing a letter that was submitted to the court and is filed, but
the court appointed uh an attorney to represent the interests of Miss Papis who passed away and was the longtime owner of the property. uh that attorney uh has written the court essentially contending that she will be filing applications on Miss Papis's estate's
behalf to assert an interest in the property relative to our condemnation of it. Um as a result, the judge has entered an order essentially freezing the condemnation process while uh prohibiting Mr. Nurango from transferring the property. And we've
also filed a lease pendants against the property so that there's something in the chain of title preventing transfer. Um, but we're going to have to allow that probate process to proceed before the township will be in court, but the uh the property is prohibited from being transferred. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anybody else for public comment? Mr. Emma >> Ron 32 uh Ladwood Drive. Uh just a comment and then a question. Uh I know the BOE president is pre present tonight. So I I would just make a
suggestion that the million-doll proceeds from the atti house if in fact that money is going to go for a rainy day fund. I don't see any downside to rejecting that money because there's no urgent need for it if it's going in the
rainy day fund and then actually put the property up for public sale and if you don't get the million30 that it's appraised for I don't see a downside in coming back to this board in the coming months or the coming year to do that again. I just it seems to me like a
win-win situation to reject the million dollars right now. Go to the public. see what you can get and if it fails, you come back and you I'm sure you're going to have a willing TC that will entertain the same kind of arrangement that is proposed tonight. That's my comment. My
question is is this. Last year when you gave the $600,000 to the BOE, Mr. Romano, I think you uh referenced this a couple of meetings ago. There was specific language in that $600,000 that it should go towards courtesy buff
busing. It was specific language that that had to go to that. >> No, that's that's it's it's actually technically inaccurate. I just want to make sure we get it right. The language in the $600,000 was to go to improvements for the school. >> But Joe, didn't you say there was some
sort of language in there for >> Mike, you can weigh in. I I believe that there was a provision that if they accepted the money if they accepted the money for the services they had to continue courtesy busing or something along those lines. >> That's correct. >> So that that's so my question is exactly that. Why not with this million dollars can't we do that say that put in that
same type of provision >> because the board of education last year asked us to put it to to do that. They they asked us to help courtesy busing. This year the board of education does not want to support courtesy busing any longer. So why would we force something? >> Let me explain. You're making a public
statement by saying, "We, the township committee wants to help you and give you a million dollars, but we as a board think it should go towards courtesy busy." Then you're putting it on the BOE to say, >> "I didn't say >> we don't want you a million dollars because we want to put it in on rainy day fund rather than listening to the
residents and putting it towards courtesy bus." >> But that's John, it's Ron, it's an incorrect statement. Like some members of the board said it should go to courtesy busing. Many members didn't. You're saying the the the the committee said that. The committee didn't say that. No, you're saying the board of the board of ed has told you that they're
going to do away with courtesy busing. >> The point is this. >> They made a public statement about they didn't just tell me. It's it's public. Yeah. >> So that's fine. You put the same language in there with a provision that it has to be used for it. Let them reject it and then see where the chips chips fall. What's the downside of
putting that same provision in there that the proceeds that from the atti house goes towards courtesy busing? I don't understand. Because I don't because it's not Well, I'll give you two things. One, you should go have a conversation with the board of ed. You should go to a board of ed meeting and and express your opinion on that. That's where the conversation belongs.
>> Roco, I'm not disputing that. I know what your what your purview is and I know what their perview is. >> My question is, why can't you put similar language that Mr. Romano was referring to last year for the proceeds of the million dollars for the house?
>> I'll give you two reasons. One, the board of education has already expressed their interest in no longer continuing courtesy busing. So for us to force that issue doesn't make sense. That's number one. Number two, anything done with that money this year is a stop gap for one
year, nothing more, nothing less. And then they're going to be in the same position they are next year. I actually credit the board and board leadership. They're making hard decisions this year. And they had to, right? Like things are Yeah. >> challenging. This was their decision. I don't weigh in on I'm not I'm not I'm not going to tell the board of education what to do with the money.
>> No one's asking you to tell them for their >> No, no, no, no. Let's be clear. I'm asking you to make a public request. Let them say no. You know, they're going to say no. They've already publicly said no. Then it's on the board of ed to come up and say, "Why don't I why aren't we going to do public busing?"
>> But Ron, to the point you to the point you just raised, >> they've already said no. It's already on them. What would me applying pressure to them do if they're going to say no again anyway? Like I don't I'm I'm a little bit I'm just I'm I'm a little bit lost in the logic and I'm not trying to challenge you or be difficult. I just
don't quite if they've already to you you just said it. They've already said no and have no interest in in pursuing it. Then I put public pressure on them and they say no anyway. And then I mean is is the like what's the >> point is this resident after resident after resident has come up here
and asked and and again I know what your purview is has asked and and given their opinion on courtesy busing. We totally understand that's not your not your decision. >> However, why wouldn't you come out and say this township committee is for
courtesy busing? because I don't speak for all five members of the committee and committee member Bon Temple's already expressed an interest in not providing anything to the schools so I can't speak for him and that would only be I don't know that's one out of five >> that's not an accurate statement I I said I prefer they go out to referendum and then come back to us after the
referendum I'm in favor of supporting the schools I'm in favor of them getting percentage of the pilot money as well so so don't put words I did not say that >> it's interesting to me that you're in favor of things that you never did >> I really set up the pilot you made vote in 2016. You never once said, "Let's
help the schools." >> You were not in executive session. You have no idea what was >> I watched the video where you said, "Let's make a motion. It's not going to affect the schools. Let's move forward." It's on YouTube. It's on YouTube now. Greg, >> you were not you were not in executive session. You have no idea what the what the conversation was.
>> I was watching the public had nothing to do with what happened exactly. >> What I do know is you were mayor for three years and never once gave pilot money to the schools. But if I mayor, if I just could just respond to Ron as well, Ron, as we keep having these meetings between last year and this year with the board of ed leadership and
they're telling us what they want to have happen and how we can help them with their budget if they're telling us no, I agree with the mayor. Why are we going to try to force something down their throat when they're saying we're not going to take it? I I don't know why you want to drum up and and throw it out in the public to to put that out there. We had the conversations. They they made
it clear this is not go going towards that. So for us, we're moving forward. Joe, you weren't part of those meetings, but go ahead, please. >> No, but but you know, it's it's it's hard and I don't want to put like words. I know Pete's here, but I watched the last BOE meeting and I'm I'm pretty sure that they had expressed that the original ask was for courtesy busing and
they thought it would be an easy win or something along those lines. I think that was the comment made at the BOE meeting and for whatever reason that didn't go forward or it sat for a while. So, I think you know they were initi and and again I can't speak for the board but it sounded like from that meeting they were looking for the same sort of
relief. they didn't get it and pivoted and again I wasn't part of those meetings so I don't know but I mean I listened to the meeting I listened to Pete I listened to Casone and that's kind of what it sounded like >> that's not the case this year I can tell you that I can I mean look I can tell you that in Austin sorry Saturday that's not the case this year as >> Pete remember that comment I was talking about
>> in that meeting >> do you do you want to come up Pete >> and and Ron just just could I before the board president speaks I just want to I think the more productive conversation that perhaps you should introduce or have is going to a board of ed meeting
and asking the board of ed how they plan to plan for and execute subscription busing mechanism as a way to you know backs stop the absence of courtesy busing. I think that's the more productive forward thinking part of the conversation. Go ahead. >> I think the only thing I'll say on behalf of myself because I'm not speaking on the behalf of the entire
board is yeah the board generally speaking would never say no to any additional money. Right. That's just obvious, right? But I do know that over the last couple of years, the board of education spent a million dollars last two years. So our maintenance reserves are below the state authorized mandate.
Meaning when we submit our budget to the county, the county is going to come back to us and say school district, you're below that number. That's when state monitoring comes in and other things come in. So the money from the potential house sale of the Lubker house will be
able to bring us above the statemandated levels. Being below is not a good thing. It's not where you want to be. It's not where you need to be and it's actually you need to be above that. So they would want a plan of how are you going to get above that? And if we didn't have this purchase, we'd be have to send probably
either make hard decisions of sending more people home or cutting more programs or cutting finding the money somewhere else. So this is going to be a big big big help for the school district. So >> Pete, I was actually thinking talking about the comment you had made at the meeting where you said initially the ask was for courtesy busing. You thought it
was an easy I don't remember if it was you or Casone that said that. Do you know what you remember? >> Probably. Yeah, probably Dr. Castone. But again, I mean neither here nor there, but it was said and it's like >> all I'm going to say is of course we wouldn't say no to anything, but you guys have your budgets. We have your lane. We we have our budget. You have your budget. But I just wanted to say
that about the uh mandates where we have to be above. That's the reason why the timing is so critical because April 29th is when the budget has to be submitted to Trenton and they'll want an answer by then and a plan. >> Yeah. And to clarify, Joe, in the meeting that we had with the board
leadership, the initial ask this year in either January or February was to help with courtesy busing and other items. The board changed their position on that. We agreed to find ways to help. the board changed their position and so we're still providing the help thankfully for the vote this evening you
know for for the differing priorities or the change in priority there that's that's where it went that's I mean Pete I'm not I mean we talked about this there's nothing controversial about that in that regard >> anyone else yes >> um Sarah Cho for Putnham court so there
was a meeting in February of 26 uh regarding the courtesy busing with the board leadership When you say board leadership, are you talking about board president Pete Ready um and the entire board or are there specific individuals you had that discussion with?
>> The myself, deputy mayor, board president, board vice president, our administrator, our attorney, and the board >> and their attorney. >> No board. >> No board. >> Okay. And then our CFO as well. Yep.
>> Okay. So, not the entire board of ed. Um, so just a board president and is it vice president? Sorry, Kim. Okay. Um, and then when you say they reversed um positions, when did that meeting happened?
>> No, we had continuing discussions after that meeting. There was an initial ask that could be tied to certain items. In the subsequent discussions, I don't have an exact timeline in my head. There's been many discussions since the board, you know, when looking at their budget and getting the teachers contract
through, made a different decision for where the priorities lie in terms of where the money goes. C >> can you tell us exactly when that decision was um conveyed to you as mayor? >> When did I send out the social media post
>> for the uh Addie House or >> Yeah, the one that you not that you mentioned earlier. It was the night before the board of ed meeting, >> the last board of ed meeting. >> Okay. So, probably that evening.
>> That evening, the board of ed board president told you that they didn't need the funds anymore. >> No, they didn't say they need the funds. >> Oh, >> they they didn't say they need need the funds. They said they're going to put
the the the the money is going to go to their I keep calling it the rainy day fund. I think that's the colloquial term for it. That's where they're going to put the money. And that was where I made the mistake. I didn't >> Okay. >> I didn't catch that when they originally told me. >> And to be clear, it's just a
conversation between you and the board president Pete Ready. >> It wasn't um with Kim and with the attorney and with the BA and the superintendent >> in that instance. In that instance, no. That's right. It was a conversation between the two. >> Okay. So, I guess is that how the
communications happen? I just I just don't know. >> The communications can happen with formal meetings. They can happen as two township leaders talking about issues with the town or just two people talking about things, right? The communications can happen in a variety of different ways and they tend to happen in a variety of different ways. >> Okay. So, from my understanding then
it's purely a Pete Ready decision to not continue or not pay for courtesy busing out of the house. You need to go to the board of ed and ask them that question. I can't speak for them. You have to go to the board of ed and ask them that question. >> That's why I'm asking because they passed but but they passed a budget
without courtesy busing and it was I think it was like a 90 vote. >> Yeah, it was I was there. Okay. Yeah, I was there. >> So clearly Pete speaks for the board. No, I was there and it wasn't actually um it was encouraged that we would come before the township committee to ask for
that uh courtesy busing funding. So, I there's a disconnect between what happened, you know, >> there's no disconnect for me. Pete just said what he's going to use the money for, what the board's going to use the money for. I don't see any there's no daylight between us. >> Yeah. It's just that I don't think I
think Pete also recognizes that he doesn't speak on behalf of the entire board. So I just want to make it clear to the public who is a deciding um person about >> everything just like this governing body comes to a vote. They voted and so I
think again >> if you have a I mean they voted. >> No. Yeah. No, I'm gonna ask the board of ed it's not it's not for this forum. It really isn't. >> Yeah. for so from what I understand uh based on your knowledge the board of ed has voted on the fact that they are
going to do subscription bus and they don't want funds from the township committee what they voted it's really really important that you listen to the words the board president has said and to the words that I'm saying because I don't think you are >> okay what Pete has said just now and
what I said earlier is that the board is pursuing subscription busing options as a backs stop to the elimination of courtesy busing. Pete just said he's looking at what neighboring towns are doing so that they can get this operating the right way and they're already talking to residents and sending
out surveys to do that. Pete, I'm not I'm pretty sure I'm not mistaken on what I just said. >> There you go. Okay. So So that's so that's that's what he just said. What I've also said is that the board voted on their budget. The budget did not include courtesy busing,
>> right? >> And I'm pretty sure I mean I I don't know what the I thought it was 900. I could be wrong about that. >> Um, so if it was You're right. Okay. So if it was 900, then Pete's not speaking for himself. He's speaking on behalf of the board that voted 900 to eliminate courtesy busing.
>> And it was discussed during that board of ed meeting very heavily that we should come to the township uh committee to ask for that. And um it's become clear to me that the actual discussion about the board of ed moving towards
subscription busing wasn't in a formal setting with um with an attorney with the business administrator or anybody except for it sounds like a private conversation between Mayor Roco and um board president. >> No, that's also that's also not
accurate. Earlier I mentioned it. >> I have an email today from the uh superintendent who says they're going in the route of mer of subscription >> budget. >> That would be wonderful to Yeah. to see that. >> He he sent me an email saying they're going towards the towards the subscription.
>> So it was a superintendent's decision >> who said that to me. No, it's not his decision. He says that's what they're going to be looking into. Nobody >> going to be looking into. Right. But so then he has taken off the table then the discussion to ask the township committee
for >> they haven't asked anything of us >> for that no >> they say when I when I called up and I actually I'll give you an example as well the same time in the last meeting the or last meeting the same night that
we found out that they weren't going to do courtesy busing the board of ed um business administrator said no courtesy busing has been cut from the budget. I think I think people email so that so >> sorry m Joe I think what what is confusing for residents and I I I feel this too is that there is this
pingponging back and forth right the board of ed has their meeting and says we have to cut it because we don't have the money for it but go talk to the township committee about funding courtesy busing and then the township committee says we can't do that because the board of ed doesn't want it and that is that is confusing I agree with you there >> it is and I I think look I think it's
very obvious to me and again Joe this is not directed at you there folks that are playing politics with this and it benefits them to create disruption and ping pong this stuff around. Our position's been really consistent. We're going to do everything we can to support the schools. Any discussion around courtesy busing or board policy or
anything in relation to that sits with the board of education. That's where the discussion must h must happen. Period. There is no other there is no other discussion on it to be had. >> Um Chris, could you advise the public when the superintendent sent you that email, please?
He sent me that email uh >> Monday. No, Friday. Friday. No, Monday. Monday of this week. But we sent So, Monday of this week, I received it saying that the courtesy busing that he's that that he was going to do subscription busing. >> Are are you speaking of April 13th,
Monday? Cuz today's I'm like, today it's Tuesday. >> He said se in his email it says they're going for subscription busing. That is his plan. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, I don't know what else to say, but that's the plan. I mean, that's his plan to go forward. I don't know what their plan, official
plan is. That's up to the board. >> Yeah. And that's the time's up now. Does anybody else have any public comment to be made? We've hit three minutes. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Weissfeld. >> And if my wife's watching and Brian, you know, I I only got three. I don't know how you do four. Really quick, Matt
Weissfeld 10 Riverside Lane dispatch. It's gone. >> It's not gone yet. It's going to be moving. It's going to be transitioning over to the county. We're going to retain many of the people that are already in our dispatch function are going to go over there. Okay. It's going to be an upgrade to facilities. It's going to be an upgrade to response time
and responsivity and interconnectivity with neighboring towns. >> Now, I'm >> and it's going to be about $400,000 in savings. Is that right? About $400,000 in cost savings. >> I'm kind of split on this because on one hand, I like the idea I I don't know. Again, I'm missing some stuff about and cost there. On one hand, I like the idea of overflow and things like that from
from county m whatever the heck all that stuff is on the ambulance side and things like that. Matt, I'm with you on that one. The dispatch, I've been in situations in the past in life where you go to a police department to get the dispatch and then there's a phone and you have to answer it and you talk to some guy over in county. Is that And
again, maybe I don't know like is that what we're leading to? And did we retain the jobs of everybody and they're are they willing to go to a different spot? >> Actually, it's better for them to go to a different spot because they're actually going to make more money. I'm pretty sure with the with the county than they are with us. >> Yeah, they significantly make more money. The So, we're not a 911 center.
So, we're we're a straight dispatch center. So 91 doesn't come here anyway. Um >> and the fire department's already fire department already transferred over there. Every town around us except for Marbor, which is a 911 center, did not. That's because they're still 911 center. Um so every town around us has already
switched. So our guys are on their little island by themselves now. So they really have no connection to the county without this. Um they yes they are most of them are going over. We have two who chose not to and it's not because they don't they just don't want to be
dispatchers anymore. They've already they're they want to go we have a part-time and a full-timer who looking to do something else but everybody else has has uh already put in for their transfers to the county. >> I think what I think what Matt is asking is is after working hours at five o'clock there's gonna there's not going
to be somebody at the desk. There's going to be a phone that you have. >> There will be a phone and then then they will dispatch somebody to um from from either the road or they supervisor will be in the building because they have multiple supervisors on and lieutenants work. So they'll be able to come and
answer the questions you have. But um that'll be only passed after hours. But again, that's pretty typical of what's going on now throughout the county because of >> Well, I don't know if that's >> Yeah, it is. >> I think it's a nice island that we're on. Uh personally, just because of I just think they're great. And now again,
I don't know, maybe this will be better. >> I think it's I think it's more of a safety issue than it is anything else. They don't even Yeah, that's a safety issue. >> Yeah. They they they they don't they can't even speak to to town next to us. They're on totally different. >> That's it. I mean, so so think about it. You know, a car gets stolen,
>> right? And and you got to dispatch. >> We have a nice history of that one. Actually, in my neighborhood, it was like a freaking car ring, >> right? Thankfully, it's down considerably, right, over the past several years. But just take that as an example. We have no inter we have no connectivity to neighboring towns in any meaningful way. So, it's actually more difficult to p to to pursue or to
apprehend or do any of those things or you know, thank and and by the way, we don't have good enough connectivity with our own fire department because they're already on county, right? So, this is a public safety matter period, right? Like that's that's why this was done um because it's going to streamline our
response times and it's going to improve and create. >> In the past, I've yelled at a phone in a past situation where it's just like good lord. And that's why it's a and then the other thing is if those who went over if we call from home can call 911. Will it be the Homeell dispatchers or am I going to get some guy in Marbor who means well
but has no clue or I'm on this street. Oh yeah. And then 30 minutes later and I bled out. >> Yep. >> Home will have its own desk. >> Yeah. >> It may not be our people, but they'll have our >> Oh yeah, that's big though because it's not our people. They don't know the area. >> Yeah. There's there's no way to guarantee that. I'll leave it at that.
>> We're going to we're going to have our own desk at at the county to provide the response. Like this is not again >> this is an improvement to public safety first and foremost period. Better technology, more consistent staffing because we have folks from dispatch that
are continually in and out. Um and better responsibility over time. That's what this is. is that's how the decision was made because we don't have to maintain and upgrade equipment constantly every year and because we're not responsible directly for the hiring and rehiring and rehiring of dispatch personnel amongst other things. There's
also about a $400,000 annual cost savings that comes with it. So, it's going to be better better public service with a reduced cost. I hope you guys are right. Just from my own experience, I haven't. But again, I'm looking forward to get proven wrong. So, I always like the idea you own the building, you don't have to worry about the rent going up or
metaphorically. Anyway, guys, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else going once? No, only one perk. Only one comment per >> No, this is the regarding the county. >> Only one part. We're only doing one comment per Lance. >> How we doing? Lance Lupy Line Road. So,
uh, just actually I'll wasn't going to start with this, but I'll start with this. So, today at my business, I had an experience with the county 911 for emergency services. Didn't go very well. So, I just want to share that anecdote. It has nothing to do with Homedale. This was in HLlett. Uh, but every day I see
the ha uh the ha the Mammoth County uh sheriff's department ambulances pass by my business and I believe that they dispatch out of our facility >> from time to time. >> Okay. >> Now, we've by the way we haven't missed a call since we've been supplemented to be clear. >> This has nothing to do with I'm just
just experience. That's all. >> So, I had a a person visiting today. They needed they had an incident. I needed an ambulance for them. called 911 uh 30 minutes >> in Hlet. >> In Hassllet, no. No Hasslet. And now I
know there's a strain on on and we have the same problem. Strain on volunteers and things like that. So I get it. I'm just I'm just sharing. >> Fair enough. I just we've had MedStar for over a year now and we haven't missed a call and our response times have improved. >> And that's awesome. And I hope that that >> So it's working for home. I can't speak for other towns.
>> Of course. So, I'm just letting you know 30 minutes and the the Hackin Sack Meridian showed up and the two people that showed up for that call seemed like they might need me to call EMS for them. >> I I would certainly talk to
>> So, fortunately, everything has worked out so far. Seems good. Um, comment you made earlier about the school entrance dollars not being recovered yet. So, we're out and maybe I misheard. So, >> yeah, I'll let you let me finish cuz I'm going to I'm going to blow through a bunch of stuff here. Uh, school budget.
I know a lot obviously a lot of talk about that courtesy busing. I'm kind of on the fence about that. Obviously, I benefited from it having a student. We live far away from the school, so I benefited from it. You know, not a big fan of my taxes going up. So, you know, I'm not really sure where I lie. But what I will say is about a year ago or
so, I think I made a comment about, you know, the school budget, you know, them them not being in perfect financial shape. And I got kind of lambasted about, you know, that that was an untrue statement. And obviously that wasn't totally untrue because it seems like we're still not I'm not saying by who.
I'm just saying that people on that day. Okay. Uh and people in the audience said that I was that was an inaccurate statement, but it doesn't seem like it was so inaccurate. Right. There's there's obviously a cost
problem, right? Okay. Um the roads, can can we get some clarity on the location? I know you said to the Parkway Bridge, so if you can clarify that to where which side uh that that is. Um I'm still not 100% sure on the shared services
agreement. Do we have two shared service agreements with Neptune because Okay. So it sounds like we're not the lead, but in the document from the first one, we are the lead, but So please clar please correct me. I know I'm I'm not >> Let's just real quick.
>> Hold on. I want to get my three minutes. I'm going to get yelled at here. Um the the property theft on the uh the county that the county offers. I think we should put that in like a newsletter or on our website because that's something I took advantage of. Thankfully, no emails yet, but uh thank
you for for bringing that up. Um, I noticed on the a couple other items on the line on the uh our costs there was a c I guess a couple residents residents got damage reimbursement for mailbox damage from
snow removal. I my d my mailbox was damaged both storms. I didn't get any uh I didn't recover any money. And then just some clarity on the loan for the house. So the town through the school paid 600,000 for the house
plus I guess there's interest on that loan plus maintenance and now we're going to buy it for a million. So the town residents paid $1.6 million for a property. So please correct me where I'm wrong. And Joe, thank you for your comments tonight. Thank you.
>> Okay, so gonna try to get these in order. Lance, the uh the state budget pass is is supposed to go through I think June 30th, Chris, is that correct? >> That's we hope. >> Yeah. So, if the state budget goes through June 30th as it should, we get the we get the remainder of the
reimbursement grant which we uh used for the uh entrance to the high school. So, that's what we're waiting on. It was a two-year we the grant was split over two years and it was a reimbursement grant. So, we did the work and they reimbured us for the work basically. That's that
one. I Chris cuz I I didn't quite understand the Parkway Bridge comment. So, could we skip over quickly to the Neptune shared service? >> Okay. I could do both. >> Okay. Yeah, because I didn't quite >> So, yeah. So, Bethany, it's going to be Bethany between the parkway bridge and the train train tracks.
>> Um, so that's it's it's Yeah, it's going to So, I will give you if you give me a chance tomorrow, I will upload send you the map. I actually got the map because I don't really understand like exact. I'm still learning the town. So, but I will take care of getting that for you.
What was Neptune City? They are they are the lead. We they're the lead for the grant and the grant only. That it's just a terminology I'm using. It's their grant, not our grant. They need us to be their partner so they can get the grant. It has nothing to do with us at all. It's just we have to sign off saying that we are going to stay with a shared
service with them so they can get the money from the state >> and they pay us for that shared service. They pay us each month of each year, they pay $30,000 for that that uh service. >> Um mailbox reimbursement. >> We have an ordinance in town that if
your mailbox gets damaged and you get it to us in a reasonable amount of time, you can get up to $50 for a replacement mailbox. >> Chris, who do they contact for that? >> DPW. >> And Lance, I think in your case, you have to decide whether it was Aberdine or us that did it.
>> Okay. And understanding that we Yeah. understanding that we did get a few that wanted a lot more than that. Um but they those were uh sent to our insurance company and I believe they were ultimately denied. I'm not sure the insurance company's going to pick that up. But um some people had I guess brass
mailboxes that cost like $400. So I think it's the last time they'll have a brass mailbox >> and the loan for Add's house. I didn't quite understand the point. Um we are bonding out of the open space fund for that.
The appraised cost is a million30. >> My question was that the the school board with tax dollars bought the house for $600,000. Right now we're buying it for a million dollar. So the taxpayers paid $1.6 million for that property. So and plus interest
on the bonds plus maintenance over the time that it's been owned. Is that an accurate statement? >> 1.6 because the six went to the family, right? The family got the 600,000 when they sold to the board of ed. Now we're buying it from the board of ed. So that's still one pocket moving to the other. The family got their 600. They're
out of the equation. >> But the taxpayers taxpayers paying >> paid 600,000 for the house. >> Yes. >> And the and the family got the 600,000. Now the town is borrowing a million dollars to pay for a house that we already paid 600 thou that the taxpayers
not the town not the school that the taxpayers already paid 600,000 for. So we're paying 1.6 6 million plus interest plus maintenance for a house that was originally purchased for 600,000 that the town
>> correct could have not saying you were any of you were up there or were up there not up there whatever the point is the town's paying 1.6 million for a house that we already own and only paid 600,000 for an accurate statement. That's all I'm trying to >> It's an accurate statement and and and
and the simple answer to it is the schools need the money and we're helping and we have the ability to do it without raising taxes on our side at least and that's what we're doing. >> Sorry. >> You raise taxes to get the open space fund. >> Well, I didn't raise taxes. I didn't raise taxes to get the open space fund.
>> You meaning voted on, >> right? >> I didn't vote for it. Uh >> kids I never vote for a tax increase ever. >> It's aware. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, but the the the town paid for it, right,
>> twice. >> The I mean, I can't speak to how the board of eds booked it, but essentially the sale price would cover what they purchased for and put that back in their pocket. And then the delta, I guess,
would reflect the appreciation between the purchase price, which presumably was for fair market value at an arms length transaction, and what it's valued at now. And I would say that from the township's perspective, there is a a value in using the open space trust fund
because now it is actually going to be preserved for open space purposes. Whereas if the as the board continues to own the property, it could potentially sell it for, you know, purposes that could allow for development. So, you know, you could look at it however you you'd like, but I I I don't
>> Well, I'm not disputing the fact of that. But the the fact the le fact is the town the town of Homedale whether it was the board of ed's checkbook or the township committee's checkbook paid $1.6 million plus interest on those loans or
bond whatever however that was financed through the board of ed plus maintenance every year for a t a property that we originally only paid $600,000 for. >> Yeah. So we >> that's a well I'm just saying there's no there's no way you look at it. That's >> No, that that's exact that's Listen, no one's disputing that. That's what that's
that's what our attorney said. >> Yeah. No, that's I'm not I'm not I'm not disputing how you're looking at it. I'm simply saying we had the ability and the means to help the schools this year and we're helping the schools this year. >> I'm not challenging that. I'm just asking the question, did we pay 1.6 million for something? >> You can question whether or not it should have been purchased by the board of ed six years ago. >> Sure.
>> Right. I mean, frankly, the town probably should have stepped in and bought it six years ago >> is probably what should have happened, >> but many of us weren't up here. >> And again, I'm not pointing fingers at any one person. I'm just clarifying. >> Yeah. Thanks. >> Okay. Anybody else?
>> Go once. Going twice. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Come on. >> Pete Franco. Five Hopper Brook Lane. Um subscription busing, not courtesy busing. That's paid for by >> That's paid for by the people that'll use it. Okay. >> But I I would I would ask that question of the board of at a board of ed
meeting, not here. >> So, who's going to pay for it? For people that can't afford it and so on and so I have to ask them. You have to ask the board of education. >> Okay. Um, Vonnage, let's talk Vonnage real quick. Can I ask Mike a question?
>> Ask the mayor a question if he wants me to answer. >> Okay. So, we know the financial uh situation with the developer, let's say. Um, if the additional phases are sold off because they do have a habit of doing it. You can look it up. It's
public record. It's everywhere. What happens with the redevelopment agreement to whoever buys it? Does it get transferred? Is it in the wording where it's protected to stay the way it is? Um, does it go back to the planning board? Does it go back to the TC? Uh, if
a major builder goes in there and says, "I'm going to petition for variance to put another 50, 60, 100 homes here." Could they do so? >> Mike, I'll let you answer, but we have protections built into the to the deal with these guys, but Mike can speak more specifically about them.
>> Sure. standard language is in there as in most um redevelopment agreements that if there is a change in the if there's a proposed change in the ownership of a particular portion or all of the project or um a change in the makeup of the
entity that owns it uh those are both subject to approval of by the township committee as the redevelopment agency. So they would have to come and get that approved um and they have not made any such requests. Uh as to the uh comment about a variance, no they can't because
um there's a declaration of covenants recorded against the property as a condition of entering into the redevelopment agreement which essentially binds the redeveloper and if there's a you know a change in ownership for a particular phase as you kind of
state in a hypothetical that developer would be bound to the terms of the redevelopment agreement and that covenant against the land would bind them as well. So they would not be able to request some sort of alternative land use approval. >> Okay. Um and then with the force bane uh
say they don't make good on the bond technically we own it. Correct. >> Well the bond I don't know what you mean by make good on the bond. >> So in other words if they if they don't again >> it's not really appropriate for me to be a back >> if they don't if they don't fulfill their financial obligations they're going to lean on the property if that's
what you're asking. Mike you can tell me if I'm wrong. If they don't fulfill their financial obligations, we can put a lean on the property as we would with any other doicile if I'm not mistaken. >> Yes. I mean, it's when you say make good, I mean, I think you're it sounds like you're referencing the phases of
the project. That's that would be a default under the redevelopment agreement, which is one instance of Parade of Horribables. You know, the other is if the recourse that you would have against the individual unit owners who are paying the special assessment,
which can also be leaned. >> So the the the point being, Peter, is there protections built in across the board on this stuff. >> So So we don't get stuck paying for it. We go after their assets. Correct. And we recoup our money that way. >> Correct. So there's not going to be any
fear that one day that the main's already in and they defaulted and the only way to recoup our money would be to let other developers tie into it with with the potential of you know nothing like that. >> Nope. >> Well, yeah, the redevelopment agreement provides for them demonstrating their
financial ability to carry out the phases of the project and there's a construction timetable that they need to establish with the agreement of the township. So all that redevelopment council will handle to ensure that the township acts in accordance with that schedule.
>> And the bond for the road work for the engineering that doesn't cover or does it cover 34 any state or highway road? Sorry, state. >> Is this the safe the safe streets thing? >> I is it just township roads or is it county roads? >> County and township. I'm not sure about
35 or 34, but um I'll find that out if we have to. I'm not I'm 100% sure on the state highways. They definitely know it's county roads because that's why the county is a partner in it. So, >> okay. Um, what else? The bond to the purchase of houses. Uh, Eli 520 looks like a
minefield. >> We are aware there is some kind of engineering problem with it. It is on our list to get fixed and the we're going to have the engineers actually go out there and redesign that front of that, but we don't know. We don't know why it's happening. It's been repaved several times. Uh we had the water
company come out and check and ultimately they found no they claim there's no water under there. That's the problem. So we're going to have the we're going to have to have it ripped up and have the engineers uh make sure we put it in right so we don't have any more problems. >> Yeah. Right. And then uh another question is a few times that I've been
at these TC meetings, there's been a gentleman from Homedale Road that comes up here and he keeps saying that his neighbor owes $285,000 in back taxes. Uh, and he's I don't want to say he's silenced, but he never gets an answer. He walks out of here. >> I've never received that question.
>> Uh, you've been here. Mike Danielle asks all the time about his neighbor. >> I don't I don't think I ever got that question. >> And a large amount about And I think it's 282 or 285. We've never got an answer. >> I've never recalled getting that question. >> We don't we don't we first of all, >> well, we can't comment on it anyway.
>> It wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment on an individual delinquent homeowner. What I can tell you is if someone is behind on their taxes, ultimately it's going to go to tax sale and that's how the township makes itself whole. Somebody purchases a lean against that property. Um I would imagine if
somebody's talking about one that's one of, you know, many properties where that can happen. >> Sure. >> Luckily, it's a very low percentage at home. >> Yeah, there you go. >> That's that's where you want to be. >> Okay. And uh yeah, that's it. Thank you guys.
>> Thank you. Anybody else? Motion to close.