WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=CR2mEp9-sqU

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:53.680
Heat. Heat. Call the order. >> I hereby call this meeting with House Council Council to order. Opening statement, please. This meeting is being held in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and adequate notice of this meeting has been advertised in the manner prescribed by

2
00:00:53.680 --> 00:01:07.920
law. This agenda is complete to the extent known and formal action will be taken. >> Councilman Nadell >> here. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell >> here. >> Councilman Rubel >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer >> here. >> Mayor Legio >> here.

3
00:01:07.920 --> 00:01:24.960
>> Executive session resolution R26-233. Mr. Gross, is there a need to go into the executive session this evening? Yes, there is. >> Roll call, please. I mean, may I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell,

4
00:01:24.960 --> 00:01:41.280
>> yes. >> Councilman Reubel, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer, >> yes. >> Mayor Ligio, >> yes. >> I hereby reconvene the council meeting of July 14th, 2026. May I have a roll call, please? >> Councilman Nadell, >> here. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell,

5
00:01:41.280 --> 00:01:58.719
>> here. >> Councilman Rubel, >> here. Deputy Mayor Fischer >> here. Mayor Leio >> here. >> Would everyone please rise for our pledge of allegiance? >> A moment of prayer. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

6
00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:39.200
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Thank you. >> We have a presentation this evening. Uh our township manager, Mr. Gross will be

7
00:02:39.200 --> 00:03:04.599
recognizing recently retired How Town Township employees. So, please come forward if you're here when your name is called. >> Good evening. What a wonderful night. What a great opportunity we have here tonight

8
00:03:05.680 --> 00:04:24.680
recent retirements of 11 years of public service announce forward. Lieutenant Bernie Power. OFFICER officer Jesse MOORE officer Robert

9
00:04:29.919 --> 00:05:31.280
William Brooks, clerk, administrative assistant Elsie McGrath, administrative assistant maintainer Jim B. John McGre. to commemorate their service. The township is going to dedicate

10
00:05:31.280 --> 00:05:54.759
block each years of service. This block is going to be installed on a new area of the town hall forever. All of our retired employees.

11
00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:57.280
I want to take this all Hello everybody. I put out I didn't know if this is going to be a group otherwise I would have put my announcement coming here tonight. But uh I put out on social media and I always wanted to say thank you in terms

12
00:06:57.280 --> 00:07:12.880
of how township I've been all over the country. I can tell you very fortunate, very blessed and I'm sure would agree with me to work a career in a place where we had the community support. We never had to deal with you know civil disobedience and stuff that police

13
00:07:12.880 --> 00:07:29.199
officers throughout our country had to deal with especially over the last few years. So it's an honor and a privilege to have worked here. you know, I leave a lot of unfinished business on the table. It's not the way I envision myself finishing my career, uh, both professionally or personally. Uh, but at

14
00:07:29.199 --> 00:07:46.319
least, you know, I'm on my two feet. And I would say, you know, when you get to a point where you have to worry more about the hallway than you do the highway, that's when you know, maybe it's time to move on and look at somewhere else and move on to the next venture. You're not living up to your capability or potential. So, the fact that I couldn't

15
00:07:46.319 --> 00:08:03.199
give you guys more is my regret. But, uh, I'm sure you can find me. Guess I'll represent probably the last time you'll see me, but I'm easily accessible. If I could ever do something for any one of you guys because it is such an honor and to work with such community, please don't hesitate to reach out. So, from my

16
00:08:03.199 --> 00:10:09.360
heart uh, and my on behalf of my family, thank you for love and support and some of the forever friendship that I've made. Thank you. football. Grab your Thank you. This is just the beginning. This is this

17
00:10:09.360 --> 00:10:34.880
is a a new ceremony that we're doing online more than 150 moving forward. So ultimately all retired employees

18
00:10:34.880 --> 00:11:48.279
so much and we'll continue. Look forward to honoring you and others. >> Thank you very much. We could >> long day today actually. Thank you.

19
00:11:58.560 --> 00:13:15.519
>> Okay. Good night. Good night. Good night. Thank There you go. >> We're ready, right? >> Yeah. Just letting them let them clear. >> You think that right here?

20
00:13:15.519 --> 00:14:01.199
>> Mhm. All right. On to reports from our department officials. Anything, Mr. Gross? >> I have I have two announcements. >> I have I have two announcements. First is Howal Township will be hosting the

21
00:14:01.199 --> 00:14:16.880
Mammoth County paper shredding event on Saturday, July 18th, at the Memorial Adelfia School, 485 Adelfia Road. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. and will end at 100 p.m. or until the trucks are full.

22
00:14:16.880 --> 00:14:32.720
Uh, this event is free for Mammoth County residents only. Proof of residency is required. No businesses will be allowed. There's a limited of 100 pounds to which is the the equivalent of four office paper boxes or

23
00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:48.639
four large trash bags. Um my the second announcement is tomorrow night is the rescheduling of our uh Fourth of July and the two 250 year celebration. Um if if you recall it was it was rescheduled

24
00:14:48.639 --> 00:15:04.399
because of the heat that that occurred two weeks ago. Unfortunately, we're looking at the possibility of having to reschedule again because the the predict for tomorrow is uh the heat index of between 100 and 110. If that occurs, we

25
00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:19.519
will have to reschedu uh for another day and that's unfortunate, but we wanted to let everybody know um that that possibility exists so you can plan accordingly. Um that's all I have. Thank you. >> None for me.

26
00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:36.240
>> No. on to hearing of of citizens and public comment on consent agenda items and general matters. Um, may I have a motion to open the floor? >> Motion to open public.

27
00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:53.920
>> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I. >> Each person shall first give their name and address to the clerk. The council shall be addressed as a collective body, not as individual members. Each person shall have one turn to address the council and comment shall not exceed a

28
00:15:53.920 --> 00:16:26.240
total of 5 minutes. Speakers shall be notified when their time has run and no extension shall be permitted. >> Are they closing those doors? This is not working. Okay, I'll speak loudly.

29
00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:43.199
Good evening, uh, council members and town professionals and my fellow citizens. Larry White, 15 Renway. Um, as to the agenda this evening, I'd like to know about the source of funds

30
00:16:43.199 --> 00:17:03.920
for the farm purchase are 26-227, which I think is a great idea. Just want to know where our share is coming from. Um, encouraged about 026-16. um commend

31
00:17:03.920 --> 00:17:20.880
the council for moving on this. I assume that we have a firm footing in case law with this ordinance and I urge its passage. Um wanted to know about an update on the

32
00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:37.679
housing ordinances that were tabled with no new hearing date or location to date. And finally, I was going to ask about the data center ban ordinance and found out that after I looked at the agenda this

33
00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:54.960
afternoon that it suddenly appeared. So, thank you for taking action on that. As someone Oh, I can hear myself now. As someone who was very involved with the warehouse wars in 2223, we certainly

34
00:17:54.960 --> 00:18:21.520
don't need to revisit that with data centers that are 10 times worse than any warehouse that could be built in town. Thank you, >> Joe. Joe Zonos, Colts Road. How's everybody doing? I'm going to build off what uh

35
00:18:21.520 --> 00:18:39.440
Larry was saying. Uh all good stuff. So, good evening everyone. I want to start tonight by sincerely thanking our mayor, council, and professionals for uh serving as an example really. Uh that elected officials and residents are on the same team. Ordinance uh 02616 and

36
00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:54.960
now 02618 are direct proof of that. Uh to quickly summarize, 02616 will amend numerous penalty provisions to hold those in violation of ordinances accountable with enforceable perday fines. Rental

37
00:18:54.960 --> 00:19:11.600
violations are a frequent topic of discussion at meetings and in my opinion uh this is going in the right direction. I was also very very pleased to read that 02618 is being introduced tonight amending the township code to prohibit data centers and all zoning districts.

38
00:19:11.600 --> 00:19:28.799
Uh the world is rapid rapidly changing and it's extremely important that our code is updated to reflect new definitions. This ordinance accomplishes that uh and how the community is going to function in the future. Um I've also been very uh vocal about forming the ethics board. I was able to sit down and

39
00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:45.200
have a meeting today. Um the conversation was very open and human and we discussed the pros and cons. Uh discuss other towns in New Jersey that are implementing them. I'm in the process of getting in touch with some of those towns to get a realistic feedback. Uh when all parties in a conversation

40
00:19:45.200 --> 00:20:01.679
are solution-based, better solutions can be found and things can get done. Uh once again, I encourage every resident to make a little time to get involved. Come to a meeting, take a few minutes to go over the agenda, ask questions. No one has all the answers, but when everyone has a better understanding of how and why things are done, change is

41
00:20:01.679 --> 00:20:17.520
possible. And I think uh How's on the right track? I want to thank you guys for um separating us from uh other towns that are in the area and really trying and showing that we can all be cohesive. It's not going unnoticed. I know uh

42
00:20:17.520 --> 00:20:59.120
government officials don't often get their flowers, but um you know, you got hollered at enough, so I wanted to give you guys a good one today. Thank you very much. THANKS. David Maga. Yeah, I have a My name is David Majou. I never been here before, so probably

43
00:20:59.120 --> 00:21:15.360
screw everything up. But I uh own a lot on Lakewood Farmdale Road that um taxes went up $2,000 and I need a variance just to build on it. But I went to the tax office and they said that that should be considered

44
00:21:15.360 --> 00:21:32.480
nonbuildable lot until that gets approved by the town. and the zoning officers or I think the zoning officer is not here at this time, but the building department told me that it was supposed to be an ordinance change in the township about my septic system

45
00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:49.320
needed to be bigger lot than what it is now. And it was supposed to be a town meeting being held according to what they told me. I don't know if that's true, but I was told that. So, I came here tonight because they told me that I needed to ask you about that.

46
00:21:51.039 --> 00:22:06.000
So, we answer questions at the end of public comment, sir. >> Okay. All right. Well, then that's what my question is. I would need to know whether or not how I go about building something and if there's a hardship thing that I could apply for for my daughter to put a house on this property.

47
00:22:06.000 --> 00:22:44.080
Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. Richard Krug. >> Hi. Hi, council. How are you? Um, it's good to see everybody here healthy. Hi, Sue. Hi, uh, John.

48
00:22:44.080 --> 00:23:02.000
Um, I don't have a lot to say, but I'm going to say the same thing over again because I don't see any change happening. Um, I'm pleading with you to use the laws that you already have in place, which are zoning regulations that others

49
00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:18.799
put uh there prior probably to you guys, and use that as the tool to stop the illegal assembly use groups in my R3 development. Uh last night there were 20 cars parked

50
00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:36.400
down the street at the new uh base Medish at 37 Sammy Drive. It's lit up like Broadway. I don't even believe that anybody actually lives there cuz I was up and down that street with dogs all day long. There's no movement in that

51
00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:52.320
house. There was no cars in that house. But at 10:00 at night is when it started. So, um, I would like somebody to respond. I'm going to I'm going to call on the the lawyer right here. Okay? Because I've

52
00:23:52.320 --> 00:24:08.320
been in the system 38 years and I know the construction law and I know what they're allowed to do and I know what they're not allowed to do. And you can enforce the misuse of the property. If they if they take out permits for

53
00:24:08.320 --> 00:24:24.640
construction of this particular place and they indicate it's a living room and a dining room and it turns out it's not being used that way and it's being used as an assembly use group, well then the first thing under the DCA is they're

54
00:24:24.640 --> 00:24:41.360
filing false and misleading statements in the construction permit process and you can call them on the table. I pleaded with your directors over there that when they review these applications that they put watermark notes on the

55
00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:58.400
application because when something doesn't look right the way I did them for 30 plus years, I'll put a note on there. Living room, dining room, 18 ft uh vated ceiling with down lighting, not to be used as a place of assembly or

56
00:24:58.400 --> 00:25:15.919
worship or any public gathering. I I'm going to say it on the speaker again. If a man wants to build a synagogue in his house, he absolutely can. You can build it. You can build it for your

57
00:25:15.919 --> 00:25:32.240
immediate family. You want to build a mikvah in your basement, you can. You can build it for your immediate family, but you cannot open it up to the public. And that's where the rubber hits the road. And uh unfortunately John Aguilera

58
00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:47.600
seems to think that he doesn't see a difference between having a bunch of guys over to pray and uh a synagogue. Well, the difference is that um actually he he said his mother likes to say the

59
00:25:47.600 --> 00:26:05.360
rosary. So, she's home when that's going on and she's offering her women friends tea and and uh Nabiscoco crackers and everything else that goes along with a little little gathering. Nobody's objecting to that. These are people that

60
00:26:05.360 --> 00:26:20.880
are utilizing a facility when the people aren't even home. How do I know that? Because they're not home. I live across the street and I see them using keyless entry to come in to the building and they stay an hour or so and they leave

61
00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:36.000
and this is going on till midnight. So, I'm tired of it. You know, I call the police. They don't really do a hell of a lot. I'm not sure why. I don't know what they're afraid of. They need to ring the doorbell, find out who's there in the building. Maybe they're robbing the

62
00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:52.720
goddamn place. I don't know. But somebody somebody needs to make an aggressive step forward and nip it in the butt because all the other ordinances are not necessary. We don't we don't need parking ordinances. We

63
00:26:52.720 --> 00:27:07.200
don't need the mandate that says you can't convert a garage into um a bedroom. Uh no garage uh alterations. Um, all you got to do is use the laws that

64
00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:22.640
you have in place and hold to the zoning ordinance. You want to put a synagogue across the street here next to courtsmart, go ahead, do it. Knock yourself out. You can slam cars down at 2:00 in the morning. I don't I don't

65
00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:40.600
care. It's not going to bother me. And my dogs won't hear it either. So, that's all I have to say. Okay. I'm hoping that we can take the next step forward. Okay. Thank you very much. I'll start WITH

66
00:27:46.559 --> 00:28:18.000
>> Joe Riley. Joe Riley, a jumping bush way. Mr. Mayor, council members, professionals, uh, good evening. Um, I've addressed the council and written a number of times regarding the building that was erected at 126 Darian Road back in February.

67
00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:34.640
Everyone I've spoken to regarding this pole barn believe it will not be storing lawn equipment or livestock. Within the past month, I met with Mr. Gross. I met with township engineer Justin Yoast to discuss how and why a structure of this

68
00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:50.960
size was permitted on that lot. Granted, at face value, the permit application as submitted technically conformed to the ordinance in effect at the time the application was filed. However, I came away from both meetings believing that

69
00:28:50.960 --> 00:29:08.240
due to the size of the structure, the size of the lot, and the location that the application would not or should not have been permitted without changes. Unfortunately, that's a new point and the building stays as it is. Many residents have expressed concerns over

70
00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:22.399
the intended use that this building will be used and the impact it will have for that neighborhood. We saw this past Thursday evening when Princeton and Darian roads were stockpiled with cars

71
00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:41.520
double parked as far as the I could see and dozens of men heading towards that pole barn. I stood on the corner for about 20 minutes and I saw no women going into that facility. I asked one of the gentlemen, "What's going on?" on. He

72
00:29:41.520 --> 00:29:57.760
said, "We're having a party." I said, "What kind of a party?" "I was just having a party." And I said, "Okay, some party." I find it interesting that months after the windows and doors were installed and left bare on that pole

73
00:29:57.760 --> 00:30:13.200
barn that they were covered for Thursday's gathering, and they stay covered as of we as of this morning. Perhaps the building was christened, no pun intended, that evening. It is now up to the township residents

74
00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:30.080
to be vigil once this building starts to function as the owner intended. Seeing firsthand how disruptive future events at this location may cause, it's imperative that the revisions to the four land use ordinances that were initially to be voted on at the May 12,

75
00:30:30.080 --> 00:30:46.960
2026 council meeting be voted on and adopted ASAP in order to prevent additional buildings such as this one from disrupting day-to-day activities in other neighborhoods of the township. I'm sure there will be push back from

76
00:30:46.960 --> 00:31:01.600
certain residents, but I'm holding off on my comments on any of those restrictions that they may have until that meeting is scheduled. Thank you all for listening and thank you for your continued efforts on the township

77
00:31:01.600 --> 00:31:30.880
behalf. Anyone else from the public? Zachary Dorner, 25 Southport Drive. Uh, I was not expecting that news. I was did not read the agenda for tonight. Uh, I did a few days ago, not today. Uh, and so the AI death center ban is happening

78
00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:47.120
today. I am so glad, as you guys know probably, I've been speaking at the last what, three, four council meetings about banning this. So, I'm so glad it's up for uh for the vote and I hope you guys vote in favor of banning it. Uh anyways,

79
00:31:47.120 --> 00:32:01.760
something came to my attention last council meeting and a resident proposed an amazing idea in my opinion. He proposed an exx board and he talked about it earlier today. Thanks, Joe. Um I think that is a great idea. It helps

80
00:32:01.760 --> 00:32:18.480
trust with our government and I'm going to say this, you guys are great. I think you guys are honest and transparent. Uh but I believe an ethics board in the future could help uh what's the word uh put trust in our government even more

81
00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:34.000
and avoid the bad people of becoming elected officials. Um neighboring communities like Marorrow and Brick I believe already have sports. Howell had an export at one point. Don't know what happened to that. Um so we did it

82
00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:51.279
before. we we can do it again. And compared to other towns, I believe we already are a transparent city. Uh let's make it even more transparent. Have the people trust their government. That's a great way of looking at things in my opinion. And yeah, thank you for

83
00:32:51.279 --> 00:33:15.200
listening and see you next council meeting. Anyone else from the public? I'm seeing none. Make a motion to close public comment. >> Motion close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Response from public comments.

84
00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:31.039
>> Yeah. Just a couple um to Mr. White, the the funds for the Lipsky farm will be coming out of our open space fund uh that that it was taxpayers contribute to. Um so it'll come from there. And

85
00:33:31.039 --> 00:33:48.799
then Mr. Majio, if we could I could talk to you after the meeting um so I can get more details of your your situation. Hopefully we can get you resolved. >> Kayla, >> um I'll speak with uh Mr. Krug after the

86
00:33:48.799 --> 00:34:05.679
meeting and uh we're aware of the events that recently occurred at 126 Darion Road. We're looking into them so they're not going unnoticed and um that's about it for me.

87
00:34:05.679 --> 00:34:26.800
>> All right, Liam. >> So last three and a half years since I got sworn into office, public safety, quality of life were some of the top things I've been focusing on. Uh, and quite frankly, we want to see more results. So, I know since Mr. Gross came

88
00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:43.359
on, some reorganization with our enforcement arms in our various departments along with, you know, some new ordinances and today we're adopting a daily fine ordinance hopefully just to show that that's what

89
00:34:43.359 --> 00:34:59.440
we care about. now hearing things from residents about filing permit applications that without the intended uses and it seems at face value that it's filing a government form under false pretenses would be a violation of New Jersey statutes that

90
00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:15.599
are on the books already. So, I'd request that Caitlyn, while you're looking into these things, to look into seeing if there's potentially other violations of our ordinances, state laws that could potentially face criminal charges for fraudulently applying on government forms in our building department. Like, this this isn't a

91
00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:33.720
game. I don't understand what is going on that people think they could do whatever they want. We have a country and a town built on laws, ordinances. Follow it. If you don't follow it, myself and the rest of the residents expect full enforcement to come down on these vehicles. That's it.

92
00:35:38.079 --> 00:35:54.400
>> Blake. >> Yeah. I just wanted to uh thank Mr. Gross, Caitlin, and our uh planning firm hired rule uh for working through the weekend on completing the uh data center uh ordinance for today. So, they were putting in the overtime to get this across to everyone. They did an

93
00:35:54.400 --> 00:36:14.400
extensive analysis of our ordinances prior to that to make sure it was a non-permitted use first and that was the last last step and I was glad we were able to get it in for this meeting. So, thank you all. >> We are at elected officials com as well as

94
00:36:14.400 --> 00:36:30.400
>> a couple of things. I had met with manager >> speaker >> and the librarian a couple of weeks ago concerning some issues at the library uh that needed some repair. I spoke to the

95
00:36:30.400 --> 00:36:47.680
librarian today and I'm not sure that we really made any headway yet. So, what I would um I'd like to recolorate with the librarian so that we're on a clear path for some resolution. Uh I know that you

96
00:36:47.680 --> 00:37:02.800
said the roof was going to be repaired because it's still leaking. We still have the broken window uh which is leaking down into the wall. Um, and the other thing about the outdoor portion that they would like to do a pavilion of

97
00:37:02.800 --> 00:37:19.920
uh some type so that the outdoor area that's connected to the library via a large fence would have some kind of shade. So if the uh children want to go out and do reading or some kind of a program, uh the friends of the How Library uh they have book sales. They

98
00:37:19.920 --> 00:37:38.079
sell books for 25 cents. 50 cents used books and they have managed to uh again garner quite a sum of money through their work. They had $16,000 that they have earned and they want to spend it on some type of a uh shade uh

99
00:37:38.079 --> 00:37:53.760
pavilion if you will for lack of a better word. But I think that uh we're under the impression that we might need an engineer to also facilitate something for safety. Now, we do have engineers that work for the town. Are we able to access the engineer through the town?

100
00:37:53.760 --> 00:38:13.200
Mr. Gross, >> we we can once we know have an idea of the scope of what's being requested and not and and I understand what you've indicated, but I think there's more to it. So, one of the things I just sent an

101
00:38:13.200 --> 00:38:29.440
email out um that you know to respond to them their request for for capital expenditure or what needs to be appropriated to get more details so that we can figure out how to put them how much money to put aside to actually do

102
00:38:29.440 --> 00:38:45.119
the work that would include the engineering as well. >> Okay. So would that mean then if we had at this point if we had to put that aside in capital then these projects are again then set aside till next year. Correct.

103
00:38:45.119 --> 00:38:59.920
>> As of right now there's there's no funding for them. >> So my point is valid that nothing could be done this year. There would be nothing that's already been predisposed into capital to alleviate you know the leaking broken window and and >> well no that doesn't apply to everything

104
00:38:59.920 --> 00:39:15.520
that that we discussed. Um I I right after we met, I immediately met with the Department of Public Works, okay, director and who indicated to me that u that they they were working and we're going to continue to work on the the the

105
00:39:15.520 --> 00:39:31.599
spots. It's actually not he believes it's not necessarily the the roof itself, but it's where the roof meets the wall in a couple of areas, but he was he's work they are working on that as well. Um, so I mean there there were a number of different issues. I also

106
00:39:31.599 --> 00:39:48.160
spoke to him about some of the uh cleanup issues that that you pointed out. So I believe and I will check I have a meet meeting with him tomorrow. >> Okay. >> So I'll check with to see what the status of those are. But as far as the improvements are concerned, anything that's not funded, we'll have to wait

107
00:39:48.160 --> 00:40:04.400
until we can get it funded. >> Correct. But if they're willing to buy the pavilion, then I was hoping that we could that they would be able to utilize the engineer that the township does have or that there would be somebody within DPW would be able to access their

108
00:40:04.400 --> 00:40:21.440
expertise so that they can move ahead on a project that they're already willing to finance. >> Well, that was one of the things I also asked for this week was cost estimates. So, to the extent that and and I don't know that $16,000 whether that covers the entire nut or not. So that that's we

109
00:40:21.440 --> 00:40:39.359
just need those details. >> All right, I'll pass along the information as well. Uh secondly, I think that we can all agree that the past uh week or so the storms have been intensive and we've had massive power outage and much of it is as a result of

110
00:40:39.359 --> 00:40:57.599
trees coming down. And um I'd like to thank DPW for immediately being out there along with residents and their trucks and their snow plows pushing the broken trees from the roadway to the side of the road so that emergency vehicles could get through that evening.

111
00:40:57.599 --> 00:41:14.480
Um so we have witnessed firsthand, you know, not just one or two trees, I mean dozens upon dozens upon dozens of trees. I had four trees on my road alone, which is a small segment of Casino Drive. And

112
00:41:14.480 --> 00:41:30.960
then driving around, I'm sure you're still seeing some trees that have been pushed aside and um hasn't been, you know, fully cut up yet, but they're off the roadway. Um, as everyone, I'm sure, is tired of me saying this, we need to do something

113
00:41:30.960 --> 00:41:47.680
about these trees that are not trimmed properly and are not taken down properly. Um because although they may look healthy uh they have leaves and we can see that after the tree goes down from a windstorm or the excessive rain, the inside of the tree is hollow. It's

114
00:41:47.680 --> 00:42:05.440
filled with bugs. We need to actively uh be concerned with these trees. uh one tree falling on a car is going to cost far more uh and loss of life uh lawsuit, god forbid, than what it's going to cost us

115
00:42:05.440 --> 00:42:20.400
to get down some of these trees. So, several years ago, the county had partnered with us and we went around the reservoir. They did the reservoir trees and then on the other side of the road which is our property, we had done some

116
00:42:20.400 --> 00:42:36.640
massive uh tree uh cutting, pruning and sort of removal. You know, you don't necessarily have to take the tree sometimes down to the roots, but if you can take the tree down to 5t, that tree is not going to topple over on top of

117
00:42:36.640 --> 00:42:53.280
your car. At any rate, um I really believe that the time is not just past due, it's well past due, we have to actively put money aside to uh do an extensive tree uh safety program. And

118
00:42:53.280 --> 00:43:08.800
although you're right, it's capital, but in the meantime, I know our we have a cherry picker, we have some guys with DPW that are licensed to do some tree trimming. Um, and I believe we still have somebody that can do tree removal,

119
00:43:08.800 --> 00:43:25.440
but we really have to get on this. Um, this is only spring now. When winter comes, we'll be looking at the same situation. These trees are no less a killer than having drunks on the road. This is a massive problem in this town.

120
00:43:25.440 --> 00:43:41.119
Unfortunately, we're so large and we have a lot of trees and that's lovely. But along with the lovely trees come some of the dangerous trees. So, um I again am requesting that we consider how we can do a safety program with the trees in our town to ensure that

121
00:43:41.119 --> 00:43:58.240
everybody can travel safely uh along the roadway. And it's not just the storm that takes them down. You can have a couple of days of rain and then uh maybe a couple of days later you have some wind once the ground is nice and wet. And locust trees are phenomenal for this. The root system's not that great.

122
00:43:58.240 --> 00:44:13.839
Down they go. And we all know the trees are pretty well close to the road in most cases. Most cases we have farm roads and the farm roads may there may not even be a shoulder. You know the shoulder stripe is right next to the

123
00:44:13.839 --> 00:44:30.800
wooded line. So we're in an unfortunate position in that sense that we do have um a huge responsibility. But again, I am requesting that we do something regardless of the capital situation um through our own DPD, DPW,

124
00:44:30.800 --> 00:44:48.079
whatever that we can do until such time as the appropriate amount of money is set aside to ensure some better safety measures. Thank you. >> If if I if I can just u respond. Um I completely agree with you in every point. These are all um very serious

125
00:44:48.079 --> 00:45:03.280
situation and in fact it's not capital uh monies that are of concern here and in fact we we we we have money set aside um to in order to do this work and public works is doing the work. The fact

126
00:45:03.280 --> 00:45:20.079
of the matter is we have so many trees you pro you may not see the the dent that that they're making in it. In addition, we've commissioned u an engineering firm to actually do uh an assessed an inventory of our of our trees as well. And that's active and

127
00:45:20.079 --> 00:45:37.599
overgrown. So your your requests have been acted on. We just don't have the capacity to to do the you know the entire town and and in storms like this the the weak spots are going to going to show up. So we certainly appreciate your effort. We we appreciate your support

128
00:45:37.599 --> 00:45:55.680
and helping us fund these things and we will continue to work hard to try to make this right. >> Well, I'm pleased to hear it. I'm again I I couldn't be more dead set on it on the safety issue of this and um I don't

129
00:45:55.680 --> 00:46:12.720
know if you could just double check. I don't know who can cut the trees down in DPW, but several years ago we had somebody from uh with involved with Shade Tree that they did have a license for the uh cherry picker to go up and cut. Um whatever we're doing, we just

130
00:46:12.720 --> 00:46:29.280
need to do more and I think the last storm could not be any more indicative of um life and death than that one. So, thank you. And I'm glad that we're still looking at it, but I think we have to look at it a little faster. I know that's not what you know that it's very

131
00:46:29.280 --> 00:46:45.280
difficult and I'm not saying DP does does not work hard because they sure do but um maybe again we could partner with the county in getting some other stuff done. I mean we just have to do more. I realize that we always say this but

132
00:46:45.280 --> 00:47:02.000
definitely more is the better but thank you Mr. Gross. Yes, sir. >> Um, what time will by what time tomorrow will will we make that decision for the uh 250th celebration? >> Uh, by 10 I expect to make it by 10:00

133
00:47:02.000 --> 00:47:17.839
a.m. >> By 10 a.m. and we'll post it. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, second thing, I want to acknowledge a senior center because I know we were using it u as a cooling center during those really hot days and um the director Melanie Decker just and her staff, they do a great job. Uh, probably one of the most popular senior

134
00:47:17.839 --> 00:47:33.760
centers in Mammoth County. Um, and lastly, I want to back up what Councilman uh Nadell uh said before. I feel like that if I filled out a an application for a permit with false and misleading uh statements

135
00:47:33.760 --> 00:47:50.319
or information that I'd get in trouble. Um, and I think it's worth legally looking into into that side of it, that end of it, because we're all sad about, you know, what we're seeing happening to our town. And it's about fairness. It's about quality of life. It's about safety

136
00:47:50.319 --> 00:48:07.760
issues. Um, it's about neighborhood aesthetics. We talked about this with the garage ordinance. Not so much not you could change it, but you've got to keep it within the neighborhood aesthetics. We work so hard to have such a such a beautiful town. We want to keep it that way. Um, so and I appreciate the

137
00:48:07.760 --> 00:48:31.599
public recognizing the fact that we are all in this together. So, thanks. Thank you for that. Uh, hey Joe, I appreciate you coming up and saying the town's going in the right direction. Hopefully the direction that,

138
00:48:31.599 --> 00:48:49.040
you know, we'll keep everybody uh calm and our quality of life and our uh sanity driving through the neighborhoods. We whatever we control, you know, we're trying, folks. And um Ian already said what he needed to say

139
00:48:49.040 --> 00:49:05.520
and I spoke to him before the meeting in regards to that very point about if you're going to fill out an application then that's what you're saying the use is going to be then that should be held to that st you know to what it says. So maybe we need to add another layer to

140
00:49:05.520 --> 00:49:22.319
the application you know when they fill it out. Maybe it has to get notorized. I don't know you know legal go through this. Um, I can tell you in the past if you filled out an application and you built it and it wasn't used for that usage, the town was there. Code

141
00:49:22.319 --> 00:49:37.920
enforcement was there, building department was there. Okay. Hefty fines, court dates, and somewhere along the line, the last couple years, a lot of that has uh disappeared. So, uh

142
00:49:37.920 --> 00:49:51.680
hopefully we're going to get back on track with that. Um, I can't, you know, I can't stress enough to you that I I'm a rule follower and I uh am disgusted by some of the stuff that I'm seeing in

143
00:49:51.680 --> 00:50:07.839
the neighborhoods. And uh uh as far as Darian Road the other night, I was I got a several phone calls in regards to the party. So, I went over there. I drove over there myself. And what what uh

144
00:50:07.839 --> 00:50:23.119
disgusted me the most and I called one of our liaison to the community and he knows if he's watching the meeting who I'm speaking about and I I respectfully said to him I said you want to have a gathering you know it's your right to

145
00:50:23.119 --> 00:50:38.400
have a gathering. I was like, "But maybe it'd be smart in the future if you're going to invite 150 cars into the middle of a neighborhood unannounced. You you contact PDA or maybe have some kind of traffic thing set up for you

146
00:50:38.400 --> 00:50:53.280
because you have a right to assemble at your house. You have a right to have a party at your house, right?" So what what aggravates me the most is is when I approached the street from the Darian side u and not from the Darian side, from the Newberry side, we I could only

147
00:50:53.280 --> 00:51:09.440
get down one car at a time. Uh we had to wait for each car to come down from the Darian side, the new, you know, the Newberry side, the Princeton side. And and what troubles me is the fact that if their emergency vehicles had to approach

148
00:51:09.440 --> 00:51:25.599
that intersection for someone's home for a fire, heart attack, whatever, folks, those residents should not have to deal with that nonsense. Okay? You want to come to a house like that and a group of people like that, then spread yourself

149
00:51:25.599 --> 00:51:41.760
out and walk a couple more blocks. Do not, you know, impede on an intersection like that. and cause a possible emergency situation to happen for somebody that's not going to be able to get tended to in a in a

150
00:51:41.760 --> 00:51:58.960
timely fashion. It's it's it's it's uncalled for and it's really z I have zero tolerance for it and working with PD on this and working with the manager we're we're trying folks. Okay. Um, it's just uh it's it's it's just an

151
00:51:58.960 --> 00:52:18.880
aggravating thing. And I believe me, the conversation I had with the liaison the other night was not pleasant. He was not happy about my tone and I frankly told him tough OKAY. SO, that just wraps up, you know, Mr.

152
00:52:18.880 --> 00:52:34.400
Mr. Rich, listen, we we understand your your your frustrations, okay? We're working with our with the attorneys. As far as the ordinances, it's all in the works, folks. Just relax. Remember, I've been taught something

153
00:52:34.400 --> 00:52:49.359
here in the last year and a half. Municipal government is very, very, very slow. Okay? A lot of stuff in this building just takes time. It's frustrating. It's

154
00:52:49.359 --> 00:53:05.520
aggravating at times, but you could ask Mr. Gross. And you could ask Caitlyn. I am up here almost every day of the week, okay? Having discussions probably a lot more than they want to see my big f my big head, okay?

155
00:53:05.520 --> 00:53:21.599
But we are trying. We all sitting up here are trying, folks. So, just keep working with us. The stuff that got accomplished on this agenda tonight was something that was important to a few of us up here and and the residents, okay? and whatever teeth is in it. Hopefully

156
00:53:21.599 --> 00:53:39.359
moving forward it'll work. Um, you know, that's about it. I thought we'd have more people here tonight, but that's good. You know, we uh we had the nice presentation for our employees. It went over well. I wish more would have come. Um, that's a, you know, time

157
00:53:39.359 --> 00:53:58.319
constraints. So, we're going to close this and we're going to move on to our consent agenda items. Does anyone wish to vote on any consent agenda items separately? No have a motion then.

158
00:53:58.319 --> 00:54:14.160
>> Motion to approve R 26221 through and including R 26232. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio.

159
00:54:14.160 --> 00:54:34.720
>> Yes. >> Consent resolutions pass. All right, on to unfinished business. Ordinance uh O-26-16, >> an ordinance amending numerous penalty provisions of the revised general ordinances of the township of Howell to

160
00:54:34.720 --> 00:54:57.119
authorize per day fines for continuing ordinance violations. >> Open to the public. Make a motion to open. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. Anyone? >> All in favor? Sorry. >> No, I meant open to the public. Anybody want to speak on it?

161
00:54:57.119 --> 00:55:12.800
>> It's the public. It's the public hearing portion. >> All right. >> All right. So, no one from the public. Close public. >> Motion to close public. >> There you go. >> Second. >> Adoption of ordinance. May I have a motion to adopt? >> I'll make a motion to adopt set ordinance.

162
00:55:12.800 --> 00:55:34.240
>> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes. >> Mayor Legio. >> Yes. >> The ordinance is properly adopted. >> And then on to introduction of ordinance

163
00:55:34.240 --> 00:55:49.760
O-2617, >> an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of parcel ER8, a permanent drainage easement affecting block 169 lot 1.07. 07 as identified on GPPM

164
00:55:49.760 --> 00:56:09.200
dated March 2000 for Route 33, 1953, section 7 in the Township of Howell from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. >> I'll make a motion to introduce the ordinance. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell,

165
00:56:09.200 --> 00:56:23.599
>> yes. >> Councilman Reubel, >> I'm going to abstain. I uh spoke with Caitlyn before. Uh the New Jersey Department of Transportation is one of my clients, my engineering firm, so probably doesn't rise to the level of a conflict, but I want to air on the side

166
00:56:23.599 --> 00:56:38.640
of caution, so I'm going to abstain. >> Uh Deputy Mayor Fischer, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. And for those of you here who are not familiar with this piece, it's uh Howell Road heading towards Route 33. We

167
00:56:38.640 --> 00:56:57.040
have the Howell Swim Club on the one side of the road. This is a piece of property that's in between the um overpass and the Howell Swim Club. It's pretty much a dead piece of property because they eliminated that that U-turn over there or access to 33 there. So, uh

168
00:56:57.040 --> 00:57:12.880
it's just something for the town to acquire, you know, for future, you know, usage or whatever it's going to be. So, smart smart business as far as we're concerned. >> Mayor Leia, I think it's a little down the street from where you're talking about. We'll get you a map though and show you.

169
00:57:12.880 --> 00:57:29.839
>> No worries. Right at the track. Yeah, it's it's next to Isn't this the piece or it's the >> I think I think it's a little further down the street than what we were talking about before. >> Is this the sod farm or this is the the the 3? >> This is a drainage easement for on

170
00:57:29.839 --> 00:57:45.760
Oerson Road. >> Oh, on Ore. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, I I'll have Justin get you on that. >> All right. I know we're talking about the other one, too. So, >> all right. All right. On to O- 2618. >> Ordinance of the Township of Howell,

171
00:57:45.760 --> 00:58:02.640
County of Mammoth, State of New Jersey, amending the township code to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts. >> Motion introduced. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> yes. >> Councilman Rubel, >> yes.

172
00:58:02.640 --> 00:58:23.839
>> Deputy Mayor Fischer, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. >> And the ordinance IS PROPERLY INTRODUCED. ALL RIGHT, FOLKS. OUR NEXT regular meeting is uh scheduled for August 18th, 2026. Executive session will begin at 6:00. Regular session at 7.

173
00:58:23.839 --> 00:58:41.280
Uh I want everyone to enjoy their summer. have another month or so uh with the weather and uh hopefully spend time with your families and go head out to the beach or whatever you like doing, staying in your backyard and barbecuing and having fun. Uh

174
00:58:41.280 --> 00:58:58.200
everyone, please be well and uh be safe and I see no further business. I'd like to adjourn. Motion to please second. >> All in favor? All right.

