Heat. Heat. I hereby call this meeting of the hall township council to order. >> This meeting is this meeting is being held in accordance with public law 1975 chapter 231 open public meetings act. Adequate notice has been provided in the matter prescribed by law. This agenda is
complete to the extent known and formal action will be taken. I'll begin with a roll call. Councilman Nadell >> here. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell >> here. >> Councilman Reubel >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer is absent this evening. Mayor Ledio >> here. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Gross, any reason to go into
executive session, sir? >> Yes, we do. >> Exe resolution R25-302. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. >> Yes. Counciloman O'Donnell. Yes. >> Councilman Reubel. Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> Thank you.
>> I'll begin with the roll call. Yes. Councilman Nadell >> here. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell >> here. >> Councilman Rubel >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer is absent this evening. Mayor Leio >> here. >> Thank you. >> Would everyone please rise for his pledge of allegiance? I aliance
of America and it stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all. >> Thank you. There's a presentation for this evening for the Angie Richie Environmental Award
to the Howell Organic Community Garden. For those members, can you come up? >> You'll be presenting. >> Yes. They're going to say something. Hello. >> How are you? >> I don't know if I can reach him.
>> Hello. Hello, my name is Jennifer Hickeyi and I am going to give this award along with Chris and he'll be speaking in just a minute. The Howell Environmental Commission is proud to present the 2025 Angie Richie
Environmental Award to the Howell Organic Community Garden. The commission recognizes the garden's outstanding commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and food donation, providing more than 1,34 pounds of fresh produce to the senior
center and local food pantries. These efforts have made a meaningful and measurable impact on the Howell community >> by addressing environmental challenges and expanding access to fresh, healthy food. The Howell Organic Community
Garden continues to enrich the lives of its members and residents today while cultivating a healthier, more sustainable community for generations to come. Thank you for your commitment to the Howell community and our environment. >> Take some pictures.
Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Moving on. May I have a motion for the acceptance of minutes of October 21st, 202025? >> I'll make a motion to accept October 21st, 2025, regular and exact.
>> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Council O'Donnell, >> yes. >> Council member Reubel, >> yes. >> Mayor Leia, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Reports from township department officials. >> Mr. Gross, >> none this evening. >> Caitlyn,
>> none from legal. Mhm. >> I actually have a bunch. Sorry. >> Mhm. >> All right. We are seeking volunteers for various boards and committees for 2026. Please apply by December 1st on our website. Also, Howell Township will be forwarding letters addressed to Santa.
Please get your letters in by December 5th. Uh we have a new law regarding legal notices on government internet websites and we will now be posting them on our website in lie of official newspapers. You can now view them on our website's main page under public
notices. We also have the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 here at town hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. How adopt a family uh gift drop off dates and times or December 4th and 5th.
You can contact Steven Fetcher. And then we have the minora lighting on Tuesday, December 16th here at town hall at 5:30 p.m. with hot drinks and pastries. That's it. >> Moving on to a hearing of citizens. Public comment. >> Each person shall first give their name
and address to the clerk. The council shall be addressed as a collective body and not as individual members. Each person shall have one turn to address the council and comment shall not exceed a total of 5 minutes. Speaker shall be notified when their time has run and no time extension shall be permitted.
Tony C 388 Aldridge Road. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening. My name is Tony Cherino, 388 Aldridge Road, and tonight I'm once again addressing the township, but also as well as including our township manager um regarding the
failure to comply with the New Jersey speed limit laws on Aldridge Road. After more than a year of documented concerns, it's now necessary to put the township on formal notice. Aldridge Road is out of compliance with the law. NJSA 394-98
residential speed limits must follow statutory limits unless there's been a valid engineering study proving a different speed is warranted. NJAC 1640-3.1 no township in New Jersey may establish or maintain or enforce a speed limit without a current and legally compliant
engineering study. Aldridge Road does not have that study. The last traffic review was done more than 15 years ago and is obsolete, invalid, and cannot be used as a justification for the 40 mph speed limit. The current limit is not legally established, not complying with the law, and not enforceable under this
New Jersey statute. This is not my opinion. This is the law. Alchred Road has increased traffic volume, different residential patterns, increased pedestrian and school bus activity, multiple blind hills, narrow shoulders, hundreds of driveways and intersections, and experiences frequent
safety complaints. The outdated traffic study is legally meaningless. It does not satisfy the state requirements and it cannot not override state law. For 12 months, I brought this this forward. I've documented safety hazards, near misses, aggressive speeding incidents,
pedestrian risks, school bus safety concerns, and clear legal citations requiring action. It remains unsafe and out of compliance with the state. The township council has agreed, but I understand certain people want to have the engineering study completed first to
justify it. The process is confused. The engineering study is done prior to raising the speed limit, not lowering it. The refusal to correct an illegally posted speed limit is not only poor judgment call. It's a failure in duty and a violation of the
statutory responsibilities this township carries. After 12 months of presented data, accident analysis, emails, police reports, the township is proposing to wait another year to put out the bid for an engineering study to justify to speeders why it's unsafe to go over 25
miles hour on a residential street. It does not make any sense. We don't need to pay $50,000 to what common sense will already tell us. I don't want to wait another year for this. I'm not going to wait for somebody else to get hit by a car. I'm not going to wait for another accident. I'm not going to wait
for a death. There's a legal responsibility here by this township. If you wish to conduct an engineering study to justify the speeding drivers, that's fine. You're welcome to do so. But until that's done, the law is crystal clear. The posted limit has to be 25 mph.
Delays, excuses, stalling, no more no longer meets the standard of reasonable municipal conduct. If you choose not to raise it in the next 14 days, I will file complaints with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering, the New Jersey Office of State
Controller, and I will cite all these laws, the failure to perform mandatory statutory duties, negligence, and and addressing a dangerous situation and administrative action and leadership. I will require direct I will request a
direct investigation into the township's non-compliance. These are laws that were put into place. I'm not threatening. I'm only giving a law, a lawful remedy that is available to every New Jersey resident when their township refuses to comply with the
state safety statutes. The time for delay is passed. Aldridge Road is unsafe. It's unlawfully posted. And the township has failed to act for more than a year. It's now the responsibility of this township and obligation on the law to correct the speed limit immediately.
I will be drafting my letters and in the day 15 they will go out. I thank you for your time. >> Mike Moyer. Good evening, mayor and council members. Mike Moyer, 20 Beacon Drive. I am here tonight to address the
increasing safety concerns in our neighborhoods following the assault that occurred on November 17th just before 5:00 p.m. when a mother walking with her 2-year-old child was attacked. One of the most troubling issues for residents is the delay in public notification. The community was not
informed until several hours later around 10 or 11 p.m. Timely alerts are critical. Faster communication could have helped identify the suspect and may have pres prevented additional risk to families that evening. We are now eight days past this incident and both
families and the community still have no answers. That uncertainty has caused fear and frustration, especially for families. As a father of a 5-year-old son and a fiance, I understand this concern on a personal level. My family enjoys going for walks and bike rides in
our neighborhood. These are simple activities that families should feel completely safe doing. But right now, many do not. What was once a quiet, familyfriendly town is beginning to feel unpredictable and residents are understandably uneasy. I respectfully
urge the council to take steps that directly address neighborhood public safety. Provide rapid and transparent communication about public safety incidents. Increase police visibility in residential areas, parks, and walking routes, especially during times when
children and families are outside. Improving lighting, surveillance, and other deterior areas frequently used by residents. Strengthen neighborhood watch efforts and community safety awareness. Our neighbors should be our neighborhoods should be places where families feel
secure, not fearful. With proactive measures, we can restore the sense of safety that Howell Township has always been known for. Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns of the families who we call Howell. >> Mr. Fodel Greg Greg Vodel 8 Bed Patch Trail. Good
evening, council. Um, I know recent ordinances had to be passed on rentals prior to the township acting on my on my topic that I denoted on June 24th. As I noted then, the inspection frequency is set to annual right now.
I propose that once the township is alerted of a concern at a property, I believe inspection should occur as often as 3 months until the landlord landlord has sold the property. In addition, those increased inspections should be at all properties owned by that landlord or LLC.
I raised this again on uh at the meeting on August 12th and um uh interim township attorney Bennett stated that she looked at it, but it was a manpower issue. She was going to look at a bianual inspection and that's why
the merkantile ordinance was was added. Um, so I just want to get an update on where that is right now. It's been a few months since then and I want to just know if any progress has been made. Thank you and have a good Thanksgiving. >> Paula,
>> good evening Paul. Good evening Paula. Samurell Heritage Point to Driftwood Drive. I have a question for the council. Does How Township Ordinance O-22-21 and O-22-22 regulate neighborhood home houses of worship? While I respect the fact that
home houses of worship conveniently provide religious and spiritual services within one's neighborhood, I can't help but feel that public safety issues are not being addressed in these mixeduse occupancy homes. Even as far back as 2016, the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs put a bulletin out
encouraging code officials to exercise caution when carrying out inspections of church buildings, houses of worship, and mixeduse occupancy homes so as not to jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Even the Supreme Court has ruled on houses of worship in residential communities and speaks of
the need for consideration being given for the public good as well as the need for occupancy limits. Should these mixeduse occupancy homes providing worship services be looked at as residential or more appropriately as public houses of worship and be regulated by town ordinances as well as
fire codes? In my neighborhood, what started out as a small intimate group of neighbors walking to attend worship services in a renovated garage, attendance has greatly increased. This increases the result from congregants living outside my neighborhood attending the worship services there as evidenced
by the steady stream of cars parked in the surrounding streets of this particular multi-use house. The additional influx of cars causing numerous traffic safety issues including obstruction of traffic flow and visibility impeding fire trucks from
having clear passage. Curbto curb snow plowing is impossible to vehicles due to vehicles parked on the street overnight on Fridays. Blocked ass access may prevent ambulances from parking in front of the residents of those needing medical attention, potentially
increasing emergency response time. Sad to say, some of the congregants living outside the neighborhoods do not care about the traffic and parking hazards that they bring. A comment was made to me, there's plenty of public parking. My reply to him was, "This is not a public parking lot. This is a residential
neighborhood." Fortunately, this is not the case with all the congregants, especially those that live within my neighborhood and respect their neighbors. I can't help but wonder if the organizers of homes of worship as well as those congregants living outside the neighborhood are losing sight of its
main goal to be able to worship together within walking distance in one's own neighborhood. The organizers should be present at all worship services and need to take responsibility to ensure that the safety and well-being of the congregants as well as surrounding
neighbors is maintained. Considerations must be given to future issues when establishing a home house of worship in a residential neighborhood that was only meant to accommodate a normal amount of residents living there and their occasional guests. Perhaps transportation should be provided by the
organizer for those that live too far away to walk to a service as a way to control traffic safety issues. Overnight lodging offered at some houses of worship and overnight street parking could be eliminated if congregants that do not live within walking distance would attend a service in their own
neighborhood or better yet offer one in their own home. I know that my neighborhood is not the only one that is experiencing these public safety issues. And I hope the mayor, town council, and the organizers of our neighborhood home houses worship can work together in accomplishing a common goal, keeping
public safety as well as religious practices in balance. Although the African proverb and a book written by Hillary Clinton, it takes a village refers to child raring, I feel that in any instance where there's a need for a greater sense of community, this phrase says it all. By the way, I would like to
extend my support of the town's opposition to Bill S-4736. It's really just another example of our legislators helping investors skirt around tax obligations through pilot programs whose durations are excessive and reduce revenue to schools and
property taxes. This bill basically takes the control out of the hands of the people that we voted in to regulate zoning and master plans and shows the total disregard for the best interest of New Jersey communities. These investors play a big part in these affordable
housing shortage crisis by buying up homes and renting them out at unaffordable rates. Am I the only one that can see this? This needs to stop. Thank you. ANYONE else from the public?
>> Yeah. Go ahead, sir. >> I want you to sound like you're excited. Sorry if my enthusiasm since I've been elected has has diminished. >> I'm not enthusiastic either. I'm pretty disappointed to be >> your name and address for the record. >> Yeah. I'm uh Richard Crew, K R U G.
>> Thank you. >> And uh four Sammy Drive. >> Thank you. So, I want to inform you that not much has changed with my my issue with the uh base Medish that's across the street from me. And
I I really don't know what you guys are doing to help me because I don't see anything being done. Last night at 11:20, all I heard was car doors slamming in front of my house. I got three dogs in the house. And what I'm about to tell you is ironic and funny,
but it's true. If you'd like to swear me in, I'd be glad for you to do it. Okay? I went outside. I put my pants on first because I know that's a problem. We got people running around without their pants. And I spoke to uh a guy who was getting
into his car who slammed his car down. I said, "Hey, it's now 11:25 cuz I'm out here f uh and and there was about eight or nine cars up and down the street." And I had called the HAL police and I told him, "I'll be waiting for you outside." So, I had um oh, what was his
name? Officer, forgot his name. >> Officer Chandler. >> What's name? >> Officer Chandler. >> Chandler, sorry. Officer Chandler met me out there and he witnessed the activity that's going on and he said, "Well, what's your your biggest concern?" I
said, "Well, it's the activity and the noise associated with the activity." But prior to him showing up, I had a discussion with one of the guys parked in front of my house and he said to me, "What's the issue?" I said, "The issue
is the noise and the activity. I have three dogs. They're barking. it's disruptive to me. I can't sleep." And he said, "Well, the dogs don't like the activity." And and I said, "No, they don't. They're watch dogs and they're doing their job." And he said, "Well,
maybe um he doesn't like like us because he doesn't know us. So, we could fix the problem by converting the dog to a Jewish dog." And although he may think that that's very funny, I don't find it funny at
all. I find it insulting. Okay. Uh the the fact of the matter is it's an R3 development. Okay. I I'm tired of the name game and calling it this and it's a house of prayer and it's not a house. There is no legitimate
uh home chapel. Okay? It does not exist. If you and I go to the Catholic church and we hear something in there and I go, "Wow, it's very interesting. Mayor, why don't you come to my house? We'll we'll talk we'll sit in my living room and make tea and we'll talk about the Bible
passage. That's fine. But that's not what's going on here. These are fullblown services with the requirements that they have mandated of a minion of 10 people there. And if they don't, they're going to be looking for somewhere else to go that night. But
they got to get that in. They have to have 10 people there. So, uh, nobody nobody seems to think that, uh, it's bothersome. Uh, Friday night had a similar situation with a guy. Uh, believe it or not, one of the men is the
guy that filed that that incident report on me. And I just had a feeling it was him. And I said, "You're not the man up down the street who filed that incident report, are you?" I could be. I said, "Well, why did you do that?" because I
don't even know who you are. Nobody's threatened you, made any any uh uh statements of harm to you or discrimination. And you said that in your report. Well, I was pressured by one of your town's code officials to to
file that report because he instructed me that if I'm not comfortable with anything that's going on, I should always call the police and always file the report. So now I have uh a basically a false uh statement there by him that's
now been recorded. And incidentally, maybe somebody could explain that to me. I'm kind of looking at you because I know you're an officer. When the officer came last night, I said, you know, we had another issue. He goes, I know all about it. I already I already read the report. Now, I don't know if he had time
to read two pages, but I'm assuming on the drive over there, maybe that information, recent complaints have been provided to him, but he was fully aware of that statement, which I thought is I was told by everybody, including the courts here, that it means nothing.
So, I I don't know what to do anymore. I mean, what what are we going to do? That's my question. Are we going to continue to allow illegal assembly use groups to take place? Sure. Your time has ended. >> Okay. Very good. We'll see what happens.
>> Good evening. Mark Paresi, Castle Court. Uh just a couple things before I talk about what I want to talk about. Um, I wanted to uh acknowledge that uh Mr. Ron Cucher passed away. Uh, Ron, you know, I think served this town for, correct me if I'm wrong, over over
20 years he was the planning board attorney. Councilman O'Donnell, is that correct? It's over 20 years. Yes. >> Um, I I've had my disagreements with Ron over the years. Uh, but Ron provided public service to this community for over two decades. And he was always a gentleman. He was always professional.
uh we could sit there and argue with each other and then afterwards we'd sit in the hallway shake hands and we talk. Um I sent my condolences to everybody that knew Ron and worked with him and uh it's really sad that he passed away so young. Uh I also want to welcome back
Caitlyn. I hope you and your family are well. And Diane, it's my understanding you are retiring at the end of December. >> Yes. >> I expect to be here at the next meeting, but if I if I'm not, I I want to thank you for your work here with the community as well. Thank you.
>> Um, so tonight I want to talk uh also I wanted to acknowledge uh Mayor Leio. Mayor, you know, I I go to a lot of council meetings. Uh it's been a year now that you've been sitting up there chairing these meetings and I just want to acknowledge that I think you're doing a great job. Um it's not easy being in that position. I appreciate your cander
and your ability to communicate with the residents in in in a way that I think people uh relate to. So keep up the good work. And I want to acknowledge Councilman Rubel. Congratulations on winning your election
for the the one year. All right. Thank you. I think you're doing a good job as well. >> Appreciate it. >> Uh tonight I want to talk about the uh the waste transfer station. I've followed the litigation because I'm a nerd. Um but uh I I I just want to read a couple passages. Uh just by way of
history, uh after the town reached a settlement agreement in January of 24, uh the people that own the waste transportation went to the county for, you know, request for inclusion into the solid waste management plan. Uh then it it went to the county commissioners who
are the ones that, you know, have ultimate say over these projects in our solid waste management plan. And I trust that the commissioners at the county level understand the solid waste management plan of the county much better than we do at a municipal level. Uh they ultimately denied uh that that
project and and I have the resolution uh with the reasons why they denied it. I'm going to try to read just a couple sections of it. I can email it to you guys if you haven't already seen it. Uh the applicant has failed to submit testimony or evidence demonstrating a need for inclusion of the project. a
solid waste transmission intended to process type 13 and type 13 C solid waste within the context of the overall management of solid waste in the county under the solid waste management plan. Uh the applicant did not pre present testimony or evidence addressing a perceived need for additional capac uh
processing capacity for this type of waste in the solid w solid waste management plan. whether a need exists for a particular type of facility or processing capacity for a certain type certain waste type under the saw waste plant is entirely different from whether a potential business opportunity may or may not exist if a new facility is
permitted. Uh it then goes on to say the findings contained in the applicant's traffic study are rejected as they are based upon an average of 80 trucks uh truck trips per day and do not address peak traffic conditions using the maximum
number of anticipated truck trips. Uh numerous members of the public uh filed written objections about this. A review of the applicant's traffic study confirms that the conclusions reached are based upon an average of 80 truck trips per day. Um this methodology is
inconsistent with the county's plan amendment procedures which require traffic studies supporting an application to consider both the average and maximum number of truck trips. Uh the applicant has projected several truck count scenarios in total traffic
count scenarios that do not match the available data. Uh it talks about if it is conservatively assumed that each incoming roll of truck contained six tons of material. It would take 167 trucks per day to bring in a thousand tons of waste. This far exceeds the
representative average of 80 trucks uh truck trips per day and reinforces the concern that the applicant traffic study is not representative of actual peak traffic conditions at the proposed facility. Uh the testimony evidence presented fails to provide satisfactory
assurance that the proposed facility will not accept waste from outside of Mammoth County. Then it goes on to explain inconsistencies between their representations regarding waste coming in from Ocean County. I won't bore you with all of that. I will email it to you. Um,
talks about complying with the settlement agreement and then it it ends and if you just give me 10 seconds. >> No. >> Thank you, Dan. >> No. >> The applicant further testified. >> Your time has ended. Thank you. >> Mayor, can I have 30 seconds, please? >> Mark, >> not permitted to extend. Mayor,
>> you're not permitted. Okay. Well, I appreciate your time, but ultimately what it just says is that >> Thank you, Mark. It's inconsistent with what was said here. Thank you. I hope you guys take a new position on this. Good evening, council members and
township professionals and my fellow citizens. My name is Larry White. They reside at 15 Renway. So, in the spirit of giving thanks in this Thanksgiving season, I'm here tonight to give you folks thanks for
the resolution tonight that will create a recreational advisory committee for the township. This is something we asked for at the beginning of the year that some of these boards and commissions that have been retired or defunct be revived. and also
to uh address quality of life issues within the township. This resolution will do both of those things and I thank you and commend you for it. >> Mr. Fastino, thank you so much for your service. I hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I am. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Uh, good evening. James Gerard Jr., 44 Arowwood Court. Um, my question has to do with something I became aware of just recently, and that's about this Howell 360 project.
Are are you aware of that? the Howell 360 project have proposed a bunch of um uh apartment buildings that to be built uh off Route 9 and on the back end of it would be Fort Plains Road. Is is
everybody familiar with that project? Has that been approved? Is that project approved? I know it goes back a while and but I just recently heard about it. We recently fought off some warehouses to be built near Fort Plains Road in
March of this year. And I was just curious if those 10 buildings, if those project 360 has been approved by the board, by the council. >> Uh we'll answer your questions a at the
end. So you can Yeah, you can. Yeah, keep yeah, keep talking and then we'll answer. >> Okay. All right. Uh the concern that I think a number of people that live certainly in Tuscana have is that Fort Plains Road is a very very neighborly rural type road, but it would back up
against the all these new buildings. So the concern is I assume there's entrances and exits coming on Route 9. But there's a big concern about all the additional traffic that would be on Force Plains Road and where it's located. If you go down towards Walgreens, that's a tough corner. And
then if you go to West Farms Road off or Fort Plains, that's even worse. So you've got those issues that I think have to be attention needs to be brought to them. And maybe the biggest one is I heard that there's this is like a a trust pilot program where whatever the
builder is going to wind up paying in taxes will go directly to the municipality with no money of those taxes being allocated to schools. And I mean the existing schools, not building new schools. The concern is if
you've got 360 units and even if there's only one child per unit that's going to a school in Howell Township, where is that money coming from to pay for the additional students? Does that fall on the shoulders of the packs of the people
that live in Howell to adopt those 300 plus people? just a question I have because I think that's a concern as well. Those are my issues. I appreciate your help in answering those. Thank you. Anyone else? Uh, good evening body. Good evening,
Mayor Leio. I'm Daniel Francisco. I'm the mayor in Englishtown, New Jersey, 7 Harrison. I've u had the pleasure of meeting the mayor a handful of times. Uh, want to appreciate show my appreciation for resolution 293. Um, that concept of refunding carry permits
was born in this county, born in my burrow. We were the first municipality to do it in the state. I can tell you that I made a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee back in August for a Gun Owners of America conference. New Jersey was the talk of the town at that entire
conference. All they talked about was this nullification scheme that many municipalities were engaging in across our state. And there's been some great groups that have been helping with that. Some of them are here present today. Um, so I want to extend my gratitude that
this body is willing to um engage in this and giving back some of that value to your residents. I'm going to nitpick just a little bit. I suspect I know where the thought process was born from, but um and I know that the resolution is put in on the agenda as a $125 refund.
The only analogy that I'd like to make is that on the grounds of other constitutional issues, primarily first amendment, right? So, um, if we when we engage in having a fee for a right of self-defense, per se, what we're
essentially saying to our public is that your safety that you're allowed to engage in your self-p protection if you subscribe for a fee. That is essentially what the state is trying to tell us as a
legislative body in the state to our municipalities. Um I would just say if we were to take a look at this and compare it to first amendment issues um you know the five rights guaranteed in the first amendment one of them is religion. Um, if Trenton's legislature got together and said that, hey, if you
want to go to church, to mosque, to temple, you've got to subscribe for a $150 fee every two years, go through a check, and if you go and deliver that to your state government and subsequently to your municipal body, you will be able
to go worship at your house of choice. or if you had the right to speak at a protest or assemble or petition your government for a redress of grievances like everyone here is doing today. I would just keep that in mind um as you consider voting on this on this uh
resolution. I think it would be more fair and equitable to everybody if it was a complete refund. I'm not going to be without gratitude. I appreciate that you're considering it for most of it, but I would just keep that in your hearts and in your minds that this probably will be part of litigation in
the future and more than likely this and many other laws in the state of New Jersey will be overturned on constitutional grounds of which I'm a part of multiple federal cases where we're trying to overturn that. Um, so I don't want to be too cynical. I've always had uh a great experience
speaking with Mayor Leo. Uh, very happy to see him assume the seat in the last year. appreciate that your body took on this measure. I would just implore that maybe you consider that extra 25 bucks. I suspect that it's usually voices from within the municipality that argue
against doing a full refund. And just remember also this last point, prior to December 2022, when the colloquial carry killer bill was instituted at the state level, the case that informed the legislature
on writing that bill that includes that $200 fee was my case in Mammoth County Superior Court, born out of Francisco V. Cook that ended up in federal court. They took my decision from the superior
court and modeled their entire law, including that $200 fee off of my court order. So, this is sadly, and I'm not speaking to the municipality, I'm speaking to Trenton here. This was born in Mammoth County. I'm very proud that the nullification of this process
started in Mammoth County. I'm even more proud that you're the second municipality to engage in this in the county. There should be many, many, many more. So, even though I would have liked to see the full fee refunded, I want to extend my gratitude and uh the fact that
you guys are looking out for your residents and at least not making them pay an insanely exorbitant fee for something that is a complete natural right that should not be up for subscription, should not be behind a payw wall. So, thank you to the governing body. Thank you to Mayor Leo
for putting that on the agenda. I hope at the very least that you pass 293. Thank you. ANYONE ELSE? >> I'm seeing none. Make a motion to close public. >> Motion to close public.
>> Second. All in favor? >> I >> I Mr. uh Gross or Caitlyn? Um I I'll jump in on uh the the first commenter uh regarding the speeding on Aldrich Road and uh the process for
changing speed limits. Um while I do have the sites he uh provided, I I do recommend that if there's any modification of speed limits on our roadways that we have a full traffic study to support that. any sort
of change in speed limits need to be supported by data that we can uh point to to support our decision. Um so I believe uh it's already been in the talks that we are going that way with
starting a traffic study but the basis of needing it is uh legally recommended by the township >> and Just just to add to that, uh I have directed um the township engineer to
obtain quotes for a study for Aldrich Road end to end and uh hope to have that uh forthcoming um very very soon. In terms of uh the question of public notification,
uh I'm I will uh from the in recent incident, the assault incident, uh I'll be having conversations with the chief about our notification process and uh I will report back to you on that. Um
in terms of um I guess there was a number of comments I guess about um congestion on our roadways um subsequent to um um people congregating
in particular residential locations. We're we're actually looking uh at that issue. uh and seeing what what remedies there may or may not be in reference to that and hope to have something back to the ca to the council on that shortly.
reference to um the how 360 question. Um my understanding is that that project itself uh has has been approved was approved from by the planning board um and um there have been there's there is
ordinances on this evening um to address that particular project. Uh but as an as of as of right now it has not been fully approved and I think that's it. >> Um and just touching on a couple others
that I was uh making notes on. I know that there was a question regarding um increasing rental inspections from annually to once every three months. Uh I do believe that's still a manpower issue that we have. Our uh code
department right now has uh thousands of rentals that they they have to inspect. Um but I will caveat it's an annual inspection unless there is a change of tenency. If there is a change of tenency that does trigger a new inspection that
has to occur. Um so I I think that's an update as to that. Um, yeah. As far as the uh Howell 360, the the approvals that are in place are the the planning board approvals. Uh what's in front of us tonight on an ordinance
in introduction is the pilot. So that's a payment in lie of taxes and that's the introduction of an ordinance. That is not the adoption of the ordinance. Um and that can be later in the meeting. >> Uh yes. Um again um one of the residents
spoke about the passing of Ron Cerero. I'm sure this council extend its full condolences to the uh ch the entire family, his wife and children. I'll also uh like to extend my personal condolences to Lisa Dow. We understand
she lost her dad. Uh Lisa is an Advid uh volunteer with our shade tree, our environmental um the Annie Richie uh company. I don't know that there's a a committee out there that Lisa hasn't touched in one way or another. So, we're very sorry to
hear about her dad. Uh, also, I would like to bring back the idea to uh our administration uh about dangerous trees in our town. Uh although we have trimmed trees and uh almost never taken a tree down, we
certainly have uh quite a variety of trees that are uh leaning um they're in the way of power lines. I know JCPNL does their infamous uh they cut the middle of the tree out because that's where the line is. So then 5 years later, the part of the tree hanging over
the road falls into the road and the other half falls into the neighbor's property wherever that tree is growing. Uh my point is that I'd like to get back on a schedule of perhaps quarterly um devoting certain amount of budgetary uh money so that we can send out our own
crew. Uh we do have DPW and they do have a a cherry picker. they have uh gentlemen involved in our DPW that are qualified to uh trim trees, remove trees, and I think we have to take a very hard look at some of the things
that are happening, especially um most of our roads are old farm roads. Um and we definitely have a problem. Uh never does a storm go by that uh on my road of Casino Drive, my small portion
that were out there pulling uh tree limbs and and I'm not just talking about small branches, 8, 10, 12 feet long uh limbs out of the road because they've fallen into the road. And the first time a car is going by and this falls on the car, we won't have to worry about a dead
tray. we're going to have someone severely injured or perhaps we're going to lose uh someone in their car and I don't want to see that happen. Uh secondly, I would like to discuss uh we do have the fund for preservation and um
also it's a fund that is dedicated to uh historic and this is a penny on the on the tax dollar. I think we're up to what, three cents now um for that collection on the tax bill. And I'd like to start looking at some preservation of
our properties. We have a couple of things in town that have been restored. Um I know the historic side uh society, the um McKenzie house. We have the schoolhouse that can always use a helping hand financially to keep some of
these buildings in better repair. They have restored the McKenzie house twice now and I urge people to go take a look at it. It's just beautiful inside. And most of that, not most, all of that has been done by volunteers, money out of
their pockets and um getting things um donated. Uh so I would think that it's time for us to start looking at putting some of this money where we can at least save some of the things that are left in hell. we've lost a lot of sites um
because it wasn't maintained, you know. Um but we have a group now that is active in maintaining things and I think that we have to start looking seriously at what we can do to help ensure the history of how. So, um I'm going to meet with the manager, um you know, and see
what possibilities there are, what we can do, and then he'll run up by the full council and and let's see if we can get something in place to be proactive and restorative and to keep things in good shape that represent How Township. Thank you.
Mike. >> So, uh, a few things I want to discuss tonight. First will be with regard to resolution 293, the refund of the permit fees. Like to thank Mayor Francisco for coming down and for being the first one in the county to uh adopt a similar resolution
to this and for also stealing everything I was going to say. Uh, so the second amendment is the only amendment that seems to be under repeated attack, especially in the state of New Jersey. First amendment, you're not taxed on
third, fourth, fifth. No, you're not paying any of these fees. So why something that provides an equal right under the constitution have to have these exorbitant taxes and fees attached to it? So, as a second amendment supporter myself and along with the rest of the council,
I hope to have this passed tonight. And we did come down to that $25 the portion that the township does keep is due to the fact that FOID cards are typically a $25 fee as well as handgun purchase permits are a $25 fee, which require a similar amount of
administrative processing, which is permitted constitutionally. However, in my opinion, that's still $25 too many for each of these. But, you know, we'll doing what we can. So, uh, like to just show that how will we'll push back on certain issues where
it comes to really affect our safety, quality of life that come out of the state with poor laws and attack the rights of our citizens. Um, the other item I'd like to discuss is ebikes. So, a little over a week ago, a
boy that I know in town was struck by an ebike crossing a driving lane through a strip mall. Spoke to the child's father the other day. Ebike was traveling maybe 20 miles an hour. Driver wearing all black, no lights on the
ebike, launched his child about 15 feet. Child landed on his head, showed me the pictures, and it's not something any parent wants to see. I know this boy. I coached him in sports a few years ago and coincidentally um this man's wife and child's mom is a
nurse in an area hospital and she has relayed the information that a lot of the injuries now coming into ERS are related to these ebikes. Whether it's drivers of the ebikes being struck by vehicles, ebikes striking pedestrians, ebike riders crashing into
cars, injuring drivers, passengers, and we need to do something on our level to regulate these ebikes, however it fits in with the best course of the way our town is structured. I'm going to ask Mr. Gross and Caitlyn to look into that, which I know you're doing some research already. Um, but safety is a top
priority. So other municipalities have already put in some regulation on these ebikes and some have even outright banned them and banned their use in their towns. So whatever best fits a town of our size, a town of our character, roadways, I'd like to see
something done to protect the safety of everybody with regard to the growing number of these ebikes on the roads. >> That's it. That's it. All right, just to piggy back with Ian as far as the ebike ordinance uh that we will be coming up with something. Uh I
remember when I was a kid in town, I had a little moped and there was strict rules that we're going back 1985 86 87 and the moped had to have a plate on it. I you know had to be had to have a helmet and I remember back then you know
police department was a lot smaller back then but if we were screwing around we did get pulled over and uh brought back to our parents house but um these ebikes because of some of their speeds and and their the way they maneuver they definitely should be put into some kind
of class and whatever the state and the county and whatever we could get done to provide a a level of safety to our residents you know, traveling on the roads and then to the residents that are riding on them to protect themselves. You know, I
think they should all have be anything that's at 20 15 20 m hour should have a plate on it should have a a tail light, a headlight and helmets should be enforced. So, that's something with the police department that would have to work with to for them to do the enforcement on that. Just like kids on regular bikes are supposed to have
helmets, you know, under a certain age. So, we are moving forward with getting something like that. You know, piggybacking off of some of the other towns that have dealing with a lot of those uh concerns. Um, starting with Tony, you know, Tony, Ian
and I did come to your house that time. We spent about a half hour with you and your wife and your father-in-law looking at the traffic pattern over there. And, you know, I live right around the corner from you and um, so does Mike. You know, we're right there. We're on that road all the time. And I'm not disagreeing
with you that there should be something done. I am it's out of my pay pay uh purview as far as this study that needs to get done and whether the speed limit is going to get dropped. Okay. We have a lot of legal stuff to deal with. Okay.
And um that's where where it starts and what all the stuff that you had said when you came up here 15 days and you know you do whatever you need to do sir. You're a resident. you want to file whatever you need to file, but the council up here, we're going to take direction from the
township manager and legal as far as what's going to get done over there. So, I really don't want to spend 50 60 grand on a on a study, you know, I mean, to tell you the truth, that's a it's it's for taxpayer money, but if it has to be done a certain way to get to a certain
point, even though that's not the way you presented it, then it's in our legal hands. Okay? I'm not gonna I'm not going to go back and forth with you, Tony. I understand. >> Okay. Just All right. >> So, that's that. Mike Moore, um, you know, you're in private security. You
live around the block for me. All right. I was upset that night about that. Okay. We have bad people running around all over the state of New Jersey and all the rest of the country. All right. Um, as far as communication, you know, when it's a police matter,
it's, you know, these guys have to respond to the scene, set a parameter, you know, get their information, and, you know, all the residents want this quick response from the c from the police department. You know, we don't want residents interfering with the police department,
but we also want residents to be informed of what's going on. Of course, Mike, I agree with you. I'm not disagreeing with you, but there has to be a fine line on what the police department's going to give up on information and what they're going to need to do to get their job done, too. All right. the next day and the
following day, I I went over to to that particular roadway and I drove around up and down those Kovas sacks and up and down those side streets and I was I'm not going to lie to you. I was looking for that individual because I would have loved to jump out of my truck and
violate his rights like he violated our that woman's rights that was walking her baby. Okay? And I'll tell you, I'll say it on record right now. If I would have seen the individual, I would have put that low-life piece of that he is, okay, in a chokeold and threw him on the
ground like he did to that poor woman. Okay. >> YEAH. >> But we, you know, we have to have our police department do their job. And you know, I know residents aren't happy sometimes with the responses from the the department, but that's, you know, we're talking about all sorts of other
stuff that gets involved. And we don't need no rogue people leaving their house running over to a street and interfering with the cops and all sorts of stuff that could happen, you know, in in a case like that. So, um, that's it with that. Mr. Photo, you know, I understand
your frustration, sir. All right. We are also going to possibly be moving forward with uh a registry. We have legal checking this out that just got adopted in another town. You know, we pretty have we really do have something good here that we have already
on the books. But if it has to not have to go through the clerk's office with with Opus to find out all that other stuff that would give the clerk's office actually a sigh of relief as far as you know people calling for information or just going on the computer real quick. Okay, that's going to be another tool we
put in the box to try to handle these rentals. Okay, I know you're frustrated, sir. I'm frustrated with you. All right. Uh Paula, same thing with these houses of worship. Uh what it's what's legal and what's not
legal, what could be done, what can't be done, religious rights. Uh it's very tricky and we have our legal team and and the professionals working on this and we also have reached out to the our
Orthodox community multiple times and ask them to you know to tell their to tell their um their friends and the worshippers that when they do go onto these streets the police spread out the cars as much as possible too so they're not blocking mailboxes or driveways or
you know impeding on um ambulances or or first responders. Okay. But there there is an issue with this and it's uh >> and also the safety of the people attending you know are they are those
thing are those homes regulated like regular houses you know of worship like the churches and synagogue they're regulated by ordinance 02212 >> and they have to have certain fire you know u fire regulations why don't these
homes have them because there could be at least 30 people in one in in a garage. >> Well, Paula, this is what the town's been dealing with. It's a it's something new here. Other surrounding towns have been dealing with it for a few years now. And for us to do it the right way
and to do it legally without infringing on anyone's religious rights and and stirring up a laws a possible lawsuit, you know, it's it's something we're tippy toeing at. All right. >> I don't I'm not saying that I don't think houses of worship should be in the
community. I I I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is if they're here and they're here to stay and I don't have a problem with a church being in a in a community or a synagogue or whatever, any type of house of worship, don't have a problem with that. But the safety
issues that are coming about with 30 people being in one home, are there fire extinguishers? Are there are there fire exits? Are they clearly marked? or their carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors. It's for the people that are attending these worship services. It's
for their safety as well as the surrounding neighbors so that a fire doesn't break out and the whole damn community goes on fire. That's that's my point. I have no problem at all. >> Paula, I'm not I'm not disagreeing with you. Like I said, this is something we're
>> something new that we're dealing with. anything. I have I'm in contact with my I have several um neighbors of the city community that I that I speak with um where you know about all of these issues. If you if you need me to speak
to them or you need some kind of guidance or anything like that, a gobetween, I am more than happy to do that. >> I appreciate that, Paul. >> All right. So, this is for Mr. Krug, too. Listen, it's the same thing last couple meetings, sir. We've been dealing with what you have going on on your on
your block, which is almost identical to her. So, we don't have to get into it anymore. >> Same block. >> You are on the same block. You're right there. Yeah. Driftwood and and Sammy. Yeah. So, you're pretty much the same. So, >> can I just make one comment? >> Go ahead. >> There was a disruption, I believe, Paul,
was it maybe two weeks ago? And she came out of her house and went to the door, the man door, which replaced the garage door, and knocked on the door. And nobody came out at first. And she did it again. I was standing out there and
somebody finally opened the door and she said, "Where is the owner of the house?" Where is the owner of the house? John Aguilera, who works for you guys, said to me, "Our problem with all of this is
it's no different than a bunch of women getting together on a Wednesday night, talk and do the rosary together." It it is not the same. It is not the same at all. And it's insulting to me to to think of this. The man answered and
said, and I quote, >> I have no idea who the owner is. >> So, I I'm I'm I'm going to ask if you guys can continue this conversation after the meeting. Feel free to continue with the the mayor, but we we're just in the middle of the meeting. We have a
protocol and we we need to get back to his comments so we can continue with business. >> As far as Mark Perezy, you know, if that if this issue comes back up with this waste transfer station market, this council will address the whatever
happens with that with the county if they were to approve it. And what we would do here if we had we if we had to accept the project cuz it's ultimately up to the county. It's not up to us. But there would be uh you know I'm sure the
paperwork will be >> and and mayor just to go off the the prior waste transfer uh litigation that we were involved in. There was a settlement agreement reached where we we had a agreement established with the uh
developer, but that situation would have only come to fruition if the county had given its its blessing, right? So, >> now it changed hands again supposedly. So, that old agreement is I guess I don't know how legally that works, but that old old that that agreement would
maybe have to be relooked at. >> Yeah. Uh uh we're still involved in the the litigation as well, so we're we're a watching party. >> Sure. Sure. Um Larry White, thank you for coming up and saying what you said. James from
Arrowhead Court. Um like our attorney said, that project was approved, I believe, back in 23, 22, 23. I do not believe there's any entrance or exit on Four Plains Road. From what I remember, it's only Route 9 access. uh
no access from the back except for a service road for for maintenance and that's been done with several other projects that are similar to that for fire you know for fire entry or uh DPW entry okay so that it would not have entry on for on four planes because
there is a stream over there and then um thank you Daniel for coming from the news town you know I it's a big this is a big deal for us too with these gun rights and you know the state of New Jersey violating our rights so it's a thanks for coming and uh coordinating
with with Ian on what you did. That's it on that. Um we're moving on to consent agenda. Would anyone like to uh separate any of the items? >> No.
>> No. So, let's vote on R25-284 through R25297. I have a motion. >> Motion to move those above items. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio,
>> yes. >> Thank you. The consent resolutions pass. >> On to resolution R25299. >> Insertion of a special item of revenue in the 2025 budget. Chapter 159, National Opioid Settlement Funds.
Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Nodell? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell? >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel? >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio? >> Yes. >> The resolution passes. Resolution 25300 appropriation transfers in the 2025
municipal budget pursuant to NJSA4A 4-58 Town Howell County of Mammoth State of New Jersey. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. Yes. Counciloman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio,
>> yes. >> Thank you. The resolution passes. Resolution R25301 providing for the insertion of a special item of revenue in the 2025 budget of the township of how chapter 159 2025 drives over get pulled over. You're in
crackdown. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. Yes. >> Counciloman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. The resolution passes. >> On to unfinished business public hearing
for adoption of ordinances. >> Starting with Dian. >> Ordinance 25-42 capital ordinance providing for GIS mapping and the acquisition of various sewer utility equipment and appropriating 335,000.
Therefore authorized in and by the township of Howell in the county of Mammoth, New Jersey. Anyone from the public? I'm seeing none. I have a motion to close public. >> Motion to close public. >> Second.
>> Motion to adopt. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Motion to adopt ordinance 25-42. >> To adopt ordinance 2542. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is adopted.
>> Ordinance 25-43. capital ordinance providing for the acquisition of various capital vehicles and equipment and appropriating 720,000 therefore authorized in and by the township of fowl in the county of Mammoth New Jersey.
>> Anyone from the public? >> I'm seeing none. Motion to close. Motion included. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to introduced. >> Adopt. >> Adopt. >> Motion to adopt set ordinance. >> Second. Councilman Nadell, yes.
>> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> yes. >> Councilman Rubel, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is adopted. >> Moving on with introduction of ordinances. Ordinance 0-25-45, ordinance authorizing traffic
enforcement upon real property located in the township at block 164, lot 5.01, and at block 14473.01 01 in accordance with the requests of the property owners. >> Motion to introduce. >> Second.
>> Councilman Nadell. Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is properly introduced. Ordinance 0-25-46. An ordinance authorizing the tax collector to cancel any and all taxes
for the tax years 2024 and 2025 due on block 164.03, 03 lot 43 owned by Aavis Chessed Foundation pursuant to and in accordance with NJSA 54-3.6C. >> Motion to introduce.
>> Second. >> Councilman Nadal. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Nonno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Mayor Legio. >> Yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is properly introduced. Ordinance 25-47, an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter five of the township code to
establish a new recreational advisory committee within the township of how >> motion to introduce. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> yes. >> Councilman Rubel, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is properly
introduced. Ordinance 0-25-48, Ordinance of the Township Council of the Township of Howell to approve a tax exemption for a 30-year period in authorizing the execution of a financial agreement between the township and
Howell 360 Urban Renewal LLC for the property located at 1400 US Highway 9 identified on the township tax map as block 137, lots 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26. Motion to introduce.
>> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is properly introduced. Ordinance 0-25-49, an ordinance amending chapter 2, article
1, the council of the township of the Howell Township Code to update agenda preparation deadlines and late add-ons. Items. Second. Councilman Nadell, yes. Counciloman O'Donnell, yes. Councilman Rubel, yes.
Mayor Leio, >> yes. >> Thank you. The ordinance is properly introduced. >> All right. Our next scheduled uh meeting will take place on the December 16th. Executive session will begin at 6:00 and the regular session is 7. I want to wish
everyone a a happy Thanksgiving to you and your families and enjoy uh this time off with them and reflect on uh how good you have it compared to other people in How Township and the rest of the country and uh try to get along with
your family members even if you disagree politically like I do with my family. So, uh, you know, I just like this is a good time of year to get everyone together and, uh, and it's like, uh, you know, see people you haven't seen and and smile and joke around and, you know,
and talk about stuff you haven't, you know, update update the families and I just think this is a real nice time of year, Thanksgiving, um, for everybody to, uh, enjoy themselves and, uh, everyone have safe travels if you're leaving, you know, our township. Uh
motion to adjurnn. >> Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Motion to adjurnn. >> I need a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I