WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=fjmPu4M7ZYA

Part: 1

1
00:08:01.520 --> 00:08:18.000
I hear everybody call this meeting of the heltown council to order. >> This meeting is being held in accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act. Adequate notice of this meeting has been advertised in the manner prescribed by law. This agenda is complete to the extent known and formal

2
00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:34.800
action will be taken. Roll call. Councilman Nadell >> here. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell >> here. >> Councilman Rubel >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer >> here. >> Mayor Leio >> here. >> Mr. Gross. Is there reason to enter into executive session?

3
00:08:34.800 --> 00:08:50.720
>> Yes, there is. >> Resolution R26-163. >> May I have a motion to enter into executive? >> Motion to go. Motion to go into executive session. Second. >> Uh, Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> yes.

4
00:08:50.720 --> 01:12:51.920
>> Councilman Reubel, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer, >> yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. I hereby reconvene the council meeting of April 27th, 2026. May I have a roll call, please? >> Councilman Nadell >> here. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell >> here. Councilman Reubell

5
01:12:51.920 --> 01:13:11.760
>> here. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer here. >> Mayor Legio, >> here. >> Everyone, please rise for a pledge of allegiance and individual moment of prayer. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic

6
01:13:11.760 --> 01:13:44.239
for it stands one nation under God indivisible all >> thank Thank you. We have a presentation. We are proud to present a police promotional ceremony this evening which will be led by our uh

7
01:13:44.239 --> 01:14:09.679
police chief John Sto. Please come forward, sir. >> Can you hear me? All right. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for coming out tonight. If you're wondering why all these police officers are here, if you didn't hear, we are here for a

8
01:14:09.679 --> 01:14:27.520
ceremonial a promotional ceremony for two new supervisors and then two supervisors who were promoted uh recently, but have never had the official ceremony. So, tonight, we're going to get them all sworn in officially, and I will call them up one at a time. I will read a short bio about

9
01:14:27.520 --> 01:14:59.199
them and then the mayor will swear everybody in uh at the same time. So with no further ado, let's call up Sergeant Matthew Kadat, Sergeant Nick Saltzman, Sergeant Raymond Titson,

10
01:15:03.120 --> 01:15:28.000
and Lieutenant John Barquero. All right. Sergeant Matt Kadat graduated from Brookdale Community College with an associates degree in criminal justice. He's married to his wife Joselyn and he has three childrens. Children, Colton, Tessa, and Riley. Matt began his career

11
01:15:28.000 --> 01:15:42.719
in Seaside Heights as a special law enforcement officer for two years. During his time there, he attended the Ocean County Police Academy and graduated in May of 2012. He then went on to work in Mammoth Beach for a year and a half before being hired in June of

12
01:15:42.719 --> 01:16:03.679
2014 by Howell Township. Within the department, he has served in the patrol division on the evening shift in processing as well as general investigations. Sergeant McKadot. Sergeant Nick Saltzman. Since joining Howlet Township Police Department in

13
01:16:03.679 --> 01:16:21.120
2014, Sergeant Saltzman has developed experience in patrol and investigations. After serving six years in the patrol division, he was assigned to the detective bureau in 2020. There he conducted complex investigations and coordinated with prosecutors and partner agencies. In addition to investigations,

14
01:16:21.120 --> 01:16:36.960
he also served as the department's juvenile liaison officer and Megan's Law Officer. Promoted to sergeant in 2024, Sergeant Saltzman is responsible for overseeing squad operations and maintaining the department's high standards within the patrol division. He

15
01:16:36.960 --> 01:16:53.120
is also a certified firearms instructor and an active shooter instructor. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to serving the good people in the community and supporting the mission of the department. You can tell Nick wrote this, right? He would like to thank his wife Maria

16
01:16:53.120 --> 01:17:14.480
and his daughters Skyler and Bel for their support. Sergeant Nick S. uh Sergeant Tillitson graduated from Fairley Dickinson University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He's going to need that.

17
01:17:14.480 --> 01:17:34.320
>> Graduated Okay. He graduated the police academy in May of 2016. He's married to Jonathan and has two daughters, Gracie and Rosie. He has been on the Mammoth County Regional SWAT team known as Mosert since 2018 as an entry team leader uh strike

18
01:17:34.320 --> 01:17:51.120
the entry team member and explosive breacher. Sergeant Tillitson worked evening shift most of his career and was a field training officer. He is also a certified baton instructor, active shooter instructor, cadet adviser, and a PAL youth academy PT instructor.

19
01:17:51.120 --> 01:18:15.360
Sergeant Tillitin is also the current manager of the department softball team. >> There we go. Wow. Yeah. >> Lieutenant Baruero. He's been a dedicated member of law enforcement community for over two decades. He

20
01:18:15.360 --> 01:18:31.679
resides in town with his wife Kelly and their three children. After earning his degree in criminal justice, he began his career in 2002 as a class 2 special law enforcement officer in Seaside Heights. In January 20 2003, he attended Ocean

21
01:18:31.679 --> 01:18:47.600
County Police Academy, graduating in May of that year. In August of 2003, he was appointed as a full-time police officer with the Burrow of Dumont. I didn't know where that was either. Somewhere up in North Jersey, right?

22
01:18:47.600 --> 01:19:03.840
>> North Jersey where he served until July of 2007. He then joined the Howell Township Police Department where he has continued his career in public service. During his tenure, Lieutenant Barquero has served as a patrol officer and a field training officer, demonstrating a

23
01:19:03.840 --> 01:19:19.760
strong commitment to mentoring and developing new officers in new officers. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, serving on the midnight shift before being assigned to the detective bureau in 2024. As a sergeant, he has furthered his

24
01:19:19.760 --> 01:19:35.040
professional development by earning certification certifications in advanced homicide investigations as well as supervision and leadership. He has also completed tactical and leadership training courses through New Jersey State Association of

25
01:19:35.040 --> 01:19:56.520
the Chiefs of Police. Lieutenant John Barquero. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Mayor is now going to swear everybody in as a group. >> We should go down. So

26
01:20:08.239 --> 01:20:26.719
Whoever we came up the first one and all together one. All right. >> I John Harson >> do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully impartially and justly

27
01:20:26.719 --> 01:20:44.040
perform all the duties of the office of your rings. Lieutenant >> to the best of your ability and I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey

28
01:20:44.239 --> 01:21:03.719
and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the government established in the United States and to this state under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> You're sworn in. Congratulations.

29
01:21:21.440 --> 01:23:24.280
>> Yeah, that's all we got. That's all official. Oh titles. >> Yeah, we'll write that in later. Good for ceremony. All right, everybody. I need witnesses. >> That's right. Congratulations.

30
01:23:30.800 --> 01:38:25.040
>> Folks, we're going to take like a fiveminute recess so we can do pictures and they they can get with their families and we'll reconvene the meeting. How are you? have uh two proclamations tonight to read. First one's going to be ALS

31
01:38:25.040 --> 01:38:42.000
awareness month which is going to be read by Mr. Council member Rebel. >> Yep. Is is there anyone here for the ALS awareness month? >> Please come up sir or you can stay seated whatever you want. Whatever works for you. Closer

32
01:38:42.000 --> 01:39:13.840
to the mic, please. >> Bring it down. This is on. All right. Okay. So, um, ALS awareness month, May 2026. Uh, >> can you hear me? >> You can't hear me? All right, I'm pretty

33
01:39:13.840 --> 01:39:31.600
loud. I'll get I'll get louder. Sorry. Um, this one hits close to home for me as well. Uh, my father passed away from uh ALS in 2018 at the age of uh 64. You still can't hear me? I'm sorry. Um

34
01:39:31.600 --> 01:39:47.440
and uh you know there's still so much we don't know about this disease. Um it affects roughly one in 10,000 people uh in the United States. Um and uh we just need people we just trying to raise awareness for people to get involved

35
01:39:47.440 --> 01:40:05.679
with home care uh with medical research uh working with charities. Uh there's a local organization we used called Joan Dancy and Pals uh that help with home care, retrofitting the house with ramps and um came by to uh help us out uh with

36
01:40:05.679 --> 01:40:21.119
our dad. Um and they also have a they have a polar bear plunge in the in the winter which is a a great event. Uh great fundraiser for them. Go to uh Legit and set up base camp, have a couple cocktails before you jump in the water. It's it's a fun

37
01:40:21.119 --> 01:40:39.199
family event for everybody. Um so whereas amotrophic lateral sclerosis also commonly known as lugaric's disease is a progressive fatal neurodeenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles slowly

38
01:40:39.199 --> 01:40:55.760
reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. Whereas thousands of new ALS cases are reported every year and estimates show that every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS.

39
01:40:55.760 --> 01:41:12.639
Whereas on average patients diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years from the time of diagnosis. The exact causes of ALS are unknown and there is no known cure. PE whereas people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the

40
01:41:12.639 --> 01:41:29.760
disease than those with no history of military service. And whereas securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS. And whereas the ALS association is the largest philanthropic fundraiser funer of ALS

41
01:41:29.760 --> 01:41:44.480
research globally and has committed more than 154 million dollars to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries. And whereas the ALS association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone everywhere. And whereas

42
01:41:44.480 --> 01:41:59.600
amotrophic lateral sclerosis awareness month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS acknowledge the terrible impact that this disease has on those individuals and their families and support research

43
01:41:59.600 --> 01:42:16.560
to eradicate the disease. Now therefore, the governing body of the township of how does hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as ALS awareness month and call upon all Americans to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with

44
01:42:16.560 --> 01:42:40.719
those affected by this relentless disease. Uh the next proclamation is uh stroke smart for how township. Is there anyone here on behalf? Hi. >> How are you? You can't hear back here. Okay. >> Okay.

45
01:42:40.719 --> 01:42:58.400
>> Shut the doors. >> Sure. >> Okay. Whereas the township of how public and private schools will be encouraged to make stroke smart stop spot a stroke, stop a stroke, save a life part of their training for all students, faculty and

46
01:42:58.400 --> 01:43:14.800
families. And whereas all the township of how health and safety focused entities such as hospitals, clinics, physicians, medical practices, health departments, pharmacies, fire, EMS, public safety, social services, and the departments of aging and all township

47
01:43:14.800 --> 01:43:31.679
employees will be urged to participate in improving the township of how stroke literacy to educate all its employees, volunteers, and associated communities. And whereas the how community including businesses, civic organizations, senior communities, faith-based organizations,

48
01:43:31.679 --> 01:43:47.920
and inhabitants will be encouraged to participate and contribute to the stroke smart, spot a stroke, stop a stroke, save a life campaign through active citizenship efforts. And whereas the goal is to educate everyone in the township of Howell about stroke recognition and the importance of

49
01:43:47.920 --> 01:44:03.520
dialing 911 immediately and therefore reduce the onset of stroke to 911 interval to be measured by EMS and local hospital systems and there thereby be a model for other communities, cities, counties, commonwealths and states as

50
01:44:03.520 --> 01:44:18.320
well as the nation thereby advancing the vision of a stroke smart America. Now therefore, in support of making the township of how a stroke smart, the governing body of the township of how does hereby proclaim on this day that the township of how will here and after

51
01:44:18.320 --> 01:44:47.760
be stroke smart how township in full support of spot a stroke, stop a stroke, and save a life. Thank you, Mike. Thank you. >> On to acceptance of minutes from previous meeting. May I have a motion

52
01:44:47.760 --> 01:45:03.440
for acceptance from March 24th? >> Motion to accept. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> abstain. >> Councilman Rubel, yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer, yes. Mayor Leio,

53
01:45:03.440 --> 01:45:19.840
>> abstain. May I have a motion for acceptance of minutes from April 14th? >> Motion to accept April 14th, 2026 minutes. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell, >> same. >> Council Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes.

54
01:45:19.840 --> 01:45:37.520
>> Councilman Reubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. >> On to reports from township officials. >> Mr. Gross. >> I have nothing this evening. this. >> Uh, yes. I wanted to address I think

55
01:45:37.520 --> 01:45:52.400
there's a a couple people uh here today that have questions regarding the mobile home uh rent control board. So, I kind of wanted to address that prior to public comment to hopefully answer some questions. Uh, one of the ordinances

56
01:45:52.400 --> 01:46:08.719
that are up for adoption tonight is the dissolution of the township's mobile home rent control board. Um that ordinance um is before you because the state passed a new law that was

57
01:46:08.719 --> 01:46:26.080
effective uh March this year which modified some of the regulations and rules pertaining to rent increases for mobile home parks. Um the currently the township has a mobile home rent control

58
01:46:26.080 --> 01:46:42.639
board which oversees all increases to rent and mobile home parks in the township. Um now with this new state law um they came in and changed essentially centralized the regulations pertaining

59
01:46:42.639 --> 01:46:58.239
to rent control uh boards and mobile home parks. uh not every uh municipality in the state has a mobile home rent control board and what the state is essentially doing is mimicking a similar

60
01:46:58.239 --> 01:47:14.800
process that what we have but doing it at the state level at DCA so the division of consumer affairs um this new law essentially permits annual increases up to three and a half%

61
01:47:14.800 --> 01:47:32.080
uh by landlords to residents in mobile home parks and it specifically preempts any ordinances uh local ordinances that allow any higher increases than that. Um so our ordinance does allow a higher

62
01:47:32.080 --> 01:47:48.400
increase. So our ordinance is preempted by the state law. But um I created a couple of uh sheets. There's more people than I had anticipated. So I can always print out more if uh more people have questions of uh what your next steps

63
01:47:48.400 --> 01:48:05.199
are. So essentially if you have questions regarding increases to rent and mobile home parks, it's going to be overseen by DCA, again the division of consumer affairs in New Jersey. If landlords wish to increase

64
01:48:05.199 --> 01:48:22.000
rent over the 3 and a half% cap, they have to have a formal hearing process at DCA. If there's a formal hearing process at DCA, they have to rely upon certain things to show DCA why they need to go

65
01:48:22.000 --> 01:48:40.159
over that three and a half% cap that the state put on. um they have to show things about capital improvements and related items of why those rental increases have to go forward. So now with the DCA overseeing that hearing

66
01:48:40.159 --> 01:48:57.360
process, our board is duplicative of what they would otherwise do. We've had some issues just maintaining quorum. So I think uh having the centralized system who is going to exclusively deal with these issues is going to be beneficial

67
01:48:57.360 --> 01:49:17.760
to residents. Um but otherwise we we really don't have much leeway to regulate it with this new state law. So that is why uh the ordinance is in front of you to repeal the rent control board. And again, I I have a couple of info

68
01:49:17.760 --> 01:49:34.199
sheets that it has DCA's contact information. It has the the site to the new law. Um, if anybody's interested, I have it up here. >> That's it. >> That's it.

69
01:49:36.719 --> 01:50:09.360
>> Yeah. There's going to be public comment and when there's public comment, we'll we'll welcome everybody up. Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. You're right. Consumer affairs or community affairs. I did it again. >> Oh, boy.

70
01:50:09.360 --> 01:50:30.560
>> So, I got a question. It's not time. >> Just waiting for these to clear. >> I'm wait. >> We're ready. >> No. On to hearing the citizens of public comments on consent agenda items and

71
01:50:30.560 --> 01:50:46.880
general matters. We have a motion to open the floor for hearings of the citizens and public comment. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> the first per there's a list here. >> Hold on. There's a list here. Let me just go up from the list and then that

72
01:50:46.880 --> 01:51:02.880
anyone else that wants to come up after Mr. Joe Riley. >> Each person shall first give their name and address to the clerk. The council should be addressed as a collective body and not as individual members. Each person shall have one turn to address the council and comments shall not

73
01:51:02.880 --> 01:51:21.679
exceed a total 5 minutes. Speakers shall be notified when their time has run and no time extensions shall be permitted. Joe Riley, eight jumping bush way. Can you hear me? >> Good evening, Mr. Mayor, fellow council members, Mr. Gross, fellow township

74
01:51:21.679 --> 01:51:37.760
professionals. Um, I'm here for a question, and actually there was only one comment, but I have two comments. The question I have is we were expecting to have a second town h uh town hall meeting on the parking ordinance. It was scheduled three times and it's been

75
01:51:37.760 --> 01:51:53.280
cancelled three times. So the question I have is has it been shelved or is it being rewritten? Because the only ordinance I see is the exact ordinance from January. So I'm just a little concerned that maybe this is you know nothing happens and people forget about

76
01:51:53.280 --> 01:52:10.880
it and the problem is going to exist. Um so that's my question. My comment is um back in March I know Mr. Mayor and Mr. Gross promised to look at the land use ordinances and to revise them because of some of the stuff that's been going on in the township. Thank you very much for

77
01:52:10.880 --> 01:52:27.599
proposing them and introducing them. I just picked up copies, so I haven't really had a chance to look at them, but I thank you for doing that. Um, I didn't expect to talk about this, but I was given a print out of screenshot from last night's planning board meeting. Um,

78
01:52:27.599 --> 01:52:44.880
I'm a little concerned. And I know it's probably preemptive to talk about this now, but apparently it's been recommended that the township look at the acreage that's you that is needed for houses of worship to reduce the acreage from five acres lower to come

79
01:52:44.880 --> 01:53:01.639
into basically agreement with other townships around the area. My only comment is I live in Howell. I don't live in another township. Keep the ordinance the way it is. 5 acres minimum. >> Thank you.

80
01:53:06.719 --> 01:53:29.119
>> Paula Paula Samuel to Driftwood Drive. Has anyone been following a story about the fire in Monty, New York that started in the basement of a residential neighborhood home? It was found to be an unregistered Airbnb, basically a residential home being used for

81
01:53:29.119 --> 01:53:45.760
commercial purposes. Sound familiar? Firefighters claimed that putting out the fire was hindered by several factors. It started in the basement where there was a mikvah, as well as 40 bunk beds and suitcases, adding to the difficulty. While I watched the video of the firefighters risking their lives as

82
01:53:45.760 --> 01:54:00.719
they climbed up on the roof with flames shooting out of the windows, I was insensed by the owner's willful non-compliance of the very local ordinances that are meant to protect public safety. What is it going to take for state, local, and judicial officials

83
01:54:00.719 --> 01:54:17.360
to stand up to these perpetrators of these crimes? Yes, non-compliance of ordinances is a crime, and the more serious severe cases can result in jail time. If, god forbid, a firefighter would have lost their life trying to put out this fire or anyone else lost their

84
01:54:17.360 --> 01:54:34.159
lives, this would warrant the owner of this house to do jail time. We hear the word anti-semitism a lot nowadays when speaking about ordinances. The real acts of anti-semitism bring death and destruction, but so can disobedience of the same ordinances that are created for

85
01:54:34.159 --> 01:54:50.880
the safety and well-being of everyone. What is it going to take to stop illegal residential use changes that threaten public safety? A fatality. We have a retired code enforcement gentleman that has spoken at several of these meetings cautioning the town about these changes

86
01:54:50.880 --> 01:55:07.280
of use and the dangers they pose. Yet, it seems that the threat of lawsuits take precedent. I have to be honest, up until now, my heart ruled a less rigid opinion on these changes. But seeing the firefighters going up on the roof, risking their lives, my heart stopped

87
01:55:07.280 --> 01:55:23.599
and my brain took over. And I want answers as to how this is being allowed to happen. And as for the threats of these frivolous lawsuits, bring it on. We just need great litigators. How does requiring compliance with ordinances that regulate the conversion of a

88
01:55:23.599 --> 01:55:40.800
residential use into non-residential use restrict one's practice of their religion? It doesn't. I know I I may be getting some heat from saying this, but many feel it's not the ordinances that are restricting religious freedom, but the constraints placed on the followers

89
01:55:40.800 --> 01:55:57.280
by their own religious laws. You have to admit the ultraorththodox law that restricts driving on the Sabbath truly plays a part in keeping the followers from practicing their religious right to worship together at an established synagogue. Not all people of the Jewish

90
01:55:57.280 --> 01:56:14.320
community share the perspective that religious rights are being obstructed. While they share Jewish identity, they do not share all of the cultural practices of the ultraorththodox. The definition of religious favoritism is treating one religious group more favorably by overlooking their actions.

91
01:56:14.320 --> 01:56:29.920
And many would agree that this reverse discrimination has been playing a part in How Township over the last several years. Up until now, non-compliance and non- enforcement of ordinances have been more along the lines of quality of life issues. However, now the safety and

92
01:56:29.920 --> 01:56:45.280
lives of our citizens as well as our first responders is being threatened due to non-compliance and non- enforcement of residential use ordinances. The context of the First Amendment's established clause emphasizes collective

93
01:56:45.280 --> 01:57:00.639
and equal rights for everyone, not just for those that weaponize their religion, threaten to sue, block vote, or line the pockets of those in control. Allowing non-compliance to continue is not only unacceptable, but also dangerously

94
01:57:00.639 --> 01:57:15.840
negligent. And I urge the town council to prioritize community safety when considering requests for residential changes of use to non-residential change non-residential changes of use. Setting aside a zone on Route 9 for

95
01:57:15.840 --> 01:57:43.880
non-residential use alongside of commercial zones would make much more sense. Thank you. ANYONE else from the public? One at a time, please. >> Joe, how about ladies first?

96
01:57:45.599 --> 01:58:06.320
>> Not to call you out like that. Sorry. >> My name is Laura Lopes. I live at 104 Seattle Slooh Drive in Howell. And I have a few Oakill people here with me. Oakill, say hello. >> Last year, hi. By the way, congratulations. I'm so happy you became

97
01:58:06.320 --> 01:58:21.760
mayor. Congratulations. Um, last year we had our meeting. We were notified for the rent board stabilization. We were notified and then they changed the date and only about a dozen of us show got to show up. This

98
01:58:21.760 --> 01:58:39.280
year again, no notification about April 14th. no notification about uh tonight. Whoever put this little red note on my door, I thank God for you because I did not want to miss this. Um last year when we had our meeting, we got no increase

99
01:58:39.280 --> 01:58:55.360
in rent because where I live hasn't replaced the roads in 38 years. They don't do any work in our neighborhood till a month before the meeting. Yesterday they were again pouring tarcoal in all the holes in our

100
01:58:55.360 --> 01:59:10.639
neighborhood streets and they it's supposed to be every 20 years you get new roads I believe or 18 is the standard. We've got the same road for 38 years with toll toll carold patches in it. Okay. So last year they were denied

101
01:59:10.639 --> 01:59:27.199
a raise and we get a notification two months ago that they're getting this 3.7 automatically. Wait a minute. What happened to the year of no race? So, we're immediately getting hit with that. They don't do the work until the meeting is due.

102
01:59:27.199 --> 01:59:44.320
Snow plowing has been half only half done and then late. Geese have been destroying our property. They are fighting it, but it's a constant battle. I spent $1,000 and had to rent things from Home Depot three times to try to grow grass where I had a beautiful lawn for 14 years.

103
01:59:44.320 --> 02:00:00.880
Lights are out all over our neighborhood. And now they have no account. Oh, no one is in our office either. I needed some paperwork filled out from the office. Nobody's working there currently. And now we go and they're going to get 3.7% and we're not

104
02:00:00.880 --> 02:00:16.880
even going to get to tell you guys that they're not doing their job and they're only fixing the speed bumps two weeks before the meetings. Where's the accountability for these people? Now, when are we going to get some new roads? Can we get the township to help with new roads? Because that we haven't had any

105
02:00:16.880 --> 02:00:34.639
in 38 years there. My rent has doubled in 17 years. My rent went from $450 a month to $978 a month. Now it's going to be over $1,000 a month for a little lot, which I can't even go grass on. Thank you for

106
02:00:34.639 --> 02:01:07.920
your time. Go ahead, Joe. >> Joe Bazanis, 150 Colts snack road. How's everybody doing? First off, this is what we should see at every meeting. >> So, I'm Joe. Uh, a lot of you probably saw me jump around on Facebook uh with

107
02:01:07.920 --> 02:01:24.239
my big mouth. Uh, recently I got um certified with the NJO uh with the basic education for the uh zoning and planning. So, I'm not talking out of my butt. Um, I would like to dive into something I wrote. I'm kind of building off of what Paul has said, but more

108
02:01:24.239 --> 02:01:40.560
importantly, um, directing the energy and the frustrations that we all feel into this what I'm seeing tonight. So, you may or may not know, but I've been getting more active within the community. I've had some posts gain traction on local pages, and I've read

109
02:01:40.560 --> 02:01:56.400
every single comment. The overwhelming message is clear. People feel defeated. Me uh many are planning to leave at first opportunity or wish they could. They feel trapped in their home hometown only remaining due to personal

110
02:01:56.400 --> 02:02:12.960
responsibility or financial burden. As local decision decision makers, this should be a reality check. It's obvious to residents across Mammoth and Ocean County that a small powerful group has used loopholes, litigation, and other tactics to influence decision-making and

111
02:02:12.960 --> 02:02:29.520
bend the rules. Rules and regulations should be created for the benefit of the entire community, enforced equally, no exceptions. But instead of criticizing, I'm here to encourage those who feel their voices have been ignored. Get involved. Attend meetings, apply for

112
02:02:29.520 --> 02:02:44.719
board positions, consider running for local office. Your voice matters, but it's not being heard. To our council, I ask you to apply the same rules to everyone or to no one. When residents watch structures go up overnight or see blatant code violations in their

113
02:02:44.719 --> 02:03:00.639
neighborhoods, they lose faith in you as leaders. This double standard is exactly what drives people to do work off the books, creating unlicensed, unsafe conditions that put neighbors at risk. Permits and ordinances exist to protect our communities, not to serve as red

114
02:03:00.639 --> 02:03:15.679
tape for average residents and speed bumps for those with influence. There cannot be blurred lines or special treatment. To my fellow residents, it's time to stand up together. If we want fairness, demand it. Come to meetings.

115
02:03:15.679 --> 02:03:32.400
Speak up regularly. Vote for purpose, not for party. The two-party system at a local level does nothing but divide neighbors that want the same things. This is our community. If we want to preserve it, we must stand up for it and more importantly for each other. Thank

116
02:03:32.400 --> 02:03:56.480
you. >> Jeff Basset, 27 Laurel Place. Uh thank you for the opportunity to address you, council. Um, I was wondering if we could get an update on the geese situation. And then, uh, we live on Lake Louise. My

117
02:03:56.480 --> 02:04:18.560
family plans to retire here and live out all of our days in How Township. And so, I'm wondering what would it take to get Lake Louise cleaned and dredged. Thank you very much. >> Hello, my name is Fallon. I am 70

118
02:04:18.560 --> 02:04:35.920
Secretariat Street in Oakill. I ask that you guys look to table the dissolve of the rent board because if you look at neighboring towns, Jackson kept theirs, Freehold kept theirs. This bill was introduced for the towns who

119
02:04:35.920 --> 02:04:51.840
did not have a rent board to help them. We had one. It was really good. I think we should keep it and instead table the dissolve and change the ordinance to keep that the local board remain and we keep a flat rate of 3.5% or lower and

120
02:04:51.840 --> 02:05:08.239
that we hold these people accountable because as the others have said the roads aren't done. the the last meeting that we came in, we fought and their their arguments were so minuscule like their office supplies doubled and were 100% increase. And these are the

121
02:05:08.239 --> 02:05:24.800
frivolous things that they're trying to justify and if moving forward they're just going to get 3.5% with no accountability. And from what I understand, if we bring as people to DCA and they agree to do roads, it's going to increase us over the 3.5% to give

122
02:05:24.800 --> 02:05:40.320
them the funds to do that. but nothing about the squandered funds for the last five, six years that I've lived there, let alone however long this place has been alive. So, please, please take a moment to just listen and and if

123
02:05:40.320 --> 02:06:11.360
anything, give us a moment as people to research, to look into ourselves as to how why Jackson kept theirs and Freehold kept theirs and we don't want to keep ours because it doesn't make sense to me and I'm sorry. I'M TRYING MY BEST. GOOD EVENING council uh town

124
02:06:11.360 --> 02:06:26.800
professionals and my fellow citizens. My name is Lawrence Wat. I reside at 15 Renway. Uh I want to uh make a comment and ask a question. First the question. Ordinance 026-09.

125
02:06:26.800 --> 02:06:44.239
I'm curious to know what the scope of work was for the uh curbs and aprons and why you decided to expand that and to uh add more money for that project. I'd

126
02:06:44.239 --> 02:07:00.960
like some uh information about that. And also I wanted to comment about the fact that I did attend the plan the planning board master plan meeting last night. I appreciated the presentation and I understand now why several of the

127
02:07:00.960 --> 02:07:16.400
ordinances that are going to be introduced tonight were not available for us to see ahead of time because they are directly connected to the recommendations of the uh consulting firm that uh was uh engaged in order to

128
02:07:16.400 --> 02:07:31.360
uh update our master plan. I appreciate also the fact that it's only been three years since we last uh reviewed the master plan and we're reviewing it again because things are changing quickly and we certainly don't want to get caught

129
02:07:31.360 --> 02:07:48.880
into another situation like we did with the warehouse wars in uh 2021 and 2022. So, I appreciate your your foresight and I'm looking forward to examining these ordinances to see how they're going to plug some holes that we desperately need

130
02:07:48.880 --> 02:08:11.520
to have plugged in this township. Thank you. >> Can everyone hear me? >> Sandra Vieira Court. Um, again, I just want to say thank you to the mayor and council. We have the best around. Um, I

131
02:08:11.520 --> 02:08:27.040
went to the zoning meeting, planning meeting last night, and it was brought up kind of in passing how the idea of maybe we should follow other towns and reduce the acreage for houses of worship

132
02:08:27.040 --> 02:08:44.320
in a residentially zoned um area. And it again, it was in passing. I got up and spoke and I personally was kind of just brushed off. Oh, this isn't a big deal. We're not dealing with this. We're not talking about this. Um, but I just wanted to come up here and say that

133
02:08:44.320 --> 02:09:00.239
cannot even be discussed. That's not even an issue to bring to the table. I'm not sure why we as Howell would look to other towns and especially in this topic. Um, so again, if it's something

134
02:09:00.239 --> 02:09:15.520
that they're just tossing around at meetings as a discussion and it's not even going anywhere in the actual meetings here with the mayor, then that's a different issue. But, um, there are so many reasons we cannot do that. We can't even entertain the thought.

135
02:09:15.520 --> 02:09:33.199
Safety issues, um, traffic issues, fire hazards, that's a hot topic lately. Um, and also as Joe said, I mean, if if it can't be something that every group can be approved for, it's just not even possible. The second thing they

136
02:09:33.199 --> 02:09:50.880
mentioned yesterday that I wanted to as a resident show my support for was the topic of converting garages and how limitations would begin to be instilled for that area of uh permits and

137
02:09:50.880 --> 02:10:16.800
permissions. So I definitely support that as a resident. Thank you. Hi guys, my name is Christine McNamera and I live at one ruffian way. I'm I'm here because this is more than just rent control. The loss of the rent stabil

138
02:10:16.800 --> 02:10:33.840
stabilization and control board removes the local tools for tenants to report unsafe and hazardous conditions that were not being addressed despite the rising rent costs. examples are it took three years of me coming to this meeting

139
02:10:33.840 --> 02:10:51.119
um for the park to repair the crumbling sidewalk and only in front of my place. Um I've been complaining since 2019 with evidence um about the street conditions and now instead of cracks we have potholes.

140
02:10:51.119 --> 02:11:07.599
It took a meeting for the park to paint over the homophobic graffiti along with the poorly drawn genitalia. I had to come to a meeting to get penises off my mailbox. >> That's disgusting.

141
02:11:07.599 --> 02:11:24.159
>> And it's true. >> Um, and there is still Rachel slurs on the U mailboxes that you can see through the paint because one coat was enough. Um tenants can, you know, can testify that

142
02:11:24.159 --> 02:11:39.920
despite the rent increases, the park suffers from poor maintenance, um including damaged sidewalks, unadressed graffiti, aging utility. Um and you, not you, but you um the board has just told

143
02:11:39.920 --> 02:11:57.440
Oak Park that you can fix what you want. You don't have to fix anything else. It doesn't matter. there will no longer be any accountability. I mean, I had to go through I mean, I don't I had to go through taking pictures. I took pictures the first year I showed them. They said,

144
02:11:57.440 --> 02:12:13.280
"How can I know that they're from this year?" Well, it don't matter what year it is. It's still broken. Um, and I don't want to have to be a detective. I don't want to walk around my house, my neighborhood with a camera because I

145
02:12:13.280 --> 02:12:45.679
have to be responsible for the damages in our park because the park won't. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Anyone else in the public? Okay. >> All right. So, my name is Ellen Cardi

146
02:12:45.679 --> 02:13:03.760
and I live at 66 Seattle Slooh Drive. We find this horrendous that you're going to dissolve this board because this is where we come to complain about our authentic complaints that we have. Where are we going to go if you do away with this? Where do we go for our meetings?

147
02:13:03.760 --> 02:13:19.199
And this says that if he petitions, he can increase OUR RENT. WHERE IS IT WHERE WE GO TO HAVE IT DECREASED? BECAUSE WE NEED IT DECREASED, NOT INCREASED. AM I RIGHT OR

148
02:13:19.199 --> 02:13:49.920
WE DO NOT WANT THIS APPROVED? ABSOLUTELY NOT. HI, my name is Melissa Hithcock. I live at 41 Secretariat Street. I really just have a question and I don't know if anybody can answer it. If if they weren't to dissolve the rent

149
02:13:49.920 --> 02:14:06.760
board, is this state still able to trump you guys? Like trump the board here in the town? It's really my only question. >> She'll answer it when >> All right. Thank you. That's all I needed to know.

150
02:14:17.040 --> 02:14:34.159
>> Diane Lindstöm. I live at 39 Victory Road. Good evening, council. I didn't come prepared to say anything, but listening to all the comments about the uh uh changing the acreage for houses of worship, I do need to say something. Wasn't long ago, I was on Old Bridge Drive in Candlewood and um I noticed a

151
02:14:34.159 --> 02:14:52.560
well to start with, there were probably 50 cars parked on either side of the road and I noticed a a bus school bus trying to get through. So, I stopped and I flashed the bus. bus came on. Behind the bus were nine other cars and another

152
02:14:52.560 --> 02:15:08.880
big vehicle like a construction vehicle. And I said to myself, what in the hell is going to happen if, god forbid, there's an emergency vehicle has to get through this road. Won't get through. School bus couldn't get through. I could barely get through. I drive a Tahoe. I could barely get through. So, a lot of

153
02:15:08.880 --> 02:15:24.400
consideration has to be given to where you're going to allow these houses of worship. Too many houses of worship are already uh being attended in developments on the back roads where

154
02:15:24.400 --> 02:15:42.239
people maybe aren't aware why there's a million cars in a park or in a driveway on a Friday evening. The people that live in the area, we know. We do know. I'd also like to understand some of the wordage of the proposal because what I

155
02:15:42.239 --> 02:16:00.320
read was changing the acreage for houses of worship that are erected. I'd like to know, I'd like to specify. Does that mean the um the six-bedroom home that's being expanded in Candlewood, does that now become a house of worship being that

156
02:16:00.320 --> 02:16:16.079
it's already there? Or are you referring to new construction? And somebody back here mentioned, why not allow these on Route 9 where you have the property, you have the vacant buildings. And to me, that just makes more sense than trying

157
02:16:16.079 --> 02:16:33.040
to fight to put a house of worship in a development with kids. That was another thing. There were so many kids running back and forth across the street the day I had trouble going down the road. It was It was dangerous. It was absolutely dangerous. These things need to be considered for

158
02:16:33.040 --> 02:16:50.080
every single Howell resident, not a specific group of people that come in because there's no more room in Lakewood. And I said it and I'm sorry but I said it. There's no more room in Lakewood. So now they're coming to Howell. You can't have it. We're all

159
02:16:50.080 --> 02:17:23.519
residents here. If it's good for one, it's got to be good for everybody. And if it's not good for one, it can't be good for all. Thank you. Hello Elaine Westgate 20 ruffian way. First I'm going to start out with kudos to

160
02:17:23.519 --> 02:17:41.960
Jeff to Hal. Sorry I work in Texas. Kudos to Hal for your uh red, white, and blue that you do. You guys Howal does the best fireworks gettogethers, whatever you want to call it. So kudos to you. make sure it gets around. Um,

161
02:17:42.479 --> 02:17:58.319
I'd like to know what we can do to make the rent stabilization stay. Is there something that we can do committee something so that you we can keep it so we can voice our concerns because they're going to come up every year and

162
02:17:58.319 --> 02:18:14.160
take three and a half% every year. It's going to happen. It's why not? There's nothing stopping them from taking it whether they deserve it or don't deserve it. That's seven. That's 10 in three years. I own my house. My daughter lives at

163
02:18:14.160 --> 02:18:30.719
three ruffian way. My daughter lives at 22 Refian Way. That's three of us putting together $2,200 a month. Okay. On rot fee. I could All right. There's got to be something that we can do. All right.

164
02:18:30.719 --> 02:18:47.200
Get a committee going. I'm willing to serve. A lot of people are willing to help. Please, we need to keep this. We need a voice or we're going to be or you're gonna find people that are just going to be abandoning their houses and leaving because I just can't afford it. I My daughter is a single do mother. My

165
02:18:47.200 --> 02:19:12.639
other daughter is a single mother. They just can't afford it. All right. Please figure out some way we can keep the race and let them be accountable. Okay. Thank you. EVENING GUYS. Uh my name is Jeremy

166
02:19:12.639 --> 02:19:28.160
Bledo. I'm a resident 38 Ruffian way in uh Oakill. Um, it's I spent the past couple days reading through the ordinance and the the state law that was passed and the 3.5% cap is definitely an improvement over the 5% cap, but the uh

167
02:19:28.160 --> 02:19:43.840
disillusion of the board doesn't seem like it's really necessary or mandated. It seems like it would be an extra layer of protection for our renters instead of it seems like the town's trying to kick the responsibility off to the state. And I mean the added layer of protection is

168
02:19:43.840 --> 02:19:59.200
necessary. how or Mammoth County has more mobile home like uh developments than most. Those uh rent stabilization board was formed for a reason because they were passing whatever sort of rent increases they wanted for years. I've

169
02:19:59.200 --> 02:20:14.479
been living there for 15 years and my rent's gone up from about 700 bucks, 650 to about 900 bucks a month now. Those 5% increases uh were pretty much a constant thing. We saw uh the rent stabilization board stepped in and stopped the

170
02:20:14.479 --> 02:20:30.399
increase in 20 uh 2020 because of COVID and since a couple of other times because of uh cost of living increases. Um I I'm I'm I'm concerned with passing it off to the DCA how it would

171
02:20:30.399 --> 02:20:46.720
make uh how accessible it would still be for us as residents to be able to go to the state and participate in those sorts of hearings. It seems like if the money interests our landlords, it would be much easier for them to set up these sorts of hearings than for us to go

172
02:20:46.720 --> 02:21:02.640
defend ourselves at these sorts of hearings. That's why we have the board. Um, we can pass the law and use the or they passed the law and we can use that as a framework for the local board, but it doesn't seem like the local board needs to really be dissolved. Like we we could still use that as an extra layer

173
02:21:02.640 --> 02:21:37.600
of protection. Um, that's that's really all I have to say. Thank you. ANYONE else from the public? >> John Boundbox, 7 Lexington Road. I'd like to thank the council for bringing up these uh ordinances. You know, I've addressed this uh committee

174
02:21:37.600 --> 02:21:54.000
before about the uh land use problems that we have uh especially in Candlewood, which is where I live. Um the discussion about the house of worship in the 5acre deal is missing the mark. Already just on Lexington Road, which is where I live, and I've talked about this

175
02:21:54.000 --> 02:22:09.520
before, we have a house of worship at number four. We have a house of worship at number 11, and we have a house of worship at number 21, constantly blocking the streets. addressing the fiveacre problem, the five acre situation or question is

176
02:22:09.520 --> 02:22:32.960
irrelevant to these people that own that house there. It it what we should be talking about is not allowing a house of worship in the residence. Period. >> Last night I attended both meetings. I was here for the master plan and I was also here for the uh the zoning board

177
02:22:32.960 --> 02:22:49.359
following that. Um thanks to the master plan, we talked about the pres preservation of the character of Howell. That's their the idea about protecting our community identity. That's part of the idea also and creating a place or continuing to

178
02:22:49.359 --> 02:23:07.040
have a place where you want to raise a family. You want to raise a generation of families. My poor poor grandchildren live in Howard, but I don't see them having the same character, let's say, as I have or my

179
02:23:07.040 --> 02:23:23.439
children have had experienced here. Uh let me let me give an example. So after we went through the master plan and everybody agreed that it was good, we're going forward and everybody agrees, the zoning board picks up a case from Stewart Street, 269 Stewart Street.

180
02:23:23.439 --> 02:23:40.240
These people have had a case in front of the zoning board for I think it was over two years. And basically what they approved last night is an oversized house in an undersized lot that is without a doubt going to change the character of that street. You had three

181
02:23:40.240 --> 02:23:54.319
residents come up in front of the zoning board. I know this isn't your call here. I'm sorry, but they had three three different residences come up here. Each one of them said they lived here for 30 years plus. Then you have a newcomer coming in here

182
02:23:54.319 --> 02:24:11.920
and he and twitches and tweaks and doesn't even give you complete plans. He had no plans even for he wanted to put a basement in this house but had no plan. No no no no no show for the plan of the basement. No conting and the board passed it and saying well you're going to promise to do this later on.

183
02:24:11.920 --> 02:24:26.240
Ignoring ignoring the pleas of the three people who had combined 90 years in our community here had grown their families here. They're they're they come up here and complain. put that house there, that's going to change the outlook of our block.

184
02:24:26.240 --> 02:24:47.520
And yet they passed it. They let it go. And what what I'm going to call this is the liquidification of Howell. And this is how Lakewood started 15 20 years ago. In Lakewood, it it was a constant constant drilling of variances, ignoring

185
02:24:47.520 --> 02:25:02.240
of variances, pushing the variances. And that's exactly what we're starting to do here. Somebody comes up here and says, "Well, I don't have a big enough lot, but I want to big put a big house there." And we all say it's okay. Well, it's not okay because it changes the character of Howell.

186
02:25:02.240 --> 02:25:38.080
Thank you for your time. Hi, good evening. My name is Michelle Strelly and I'm a resident here of Howell and I'm at 23 Tauntton Drive. Uh I've been a resident here for nearly 40 years. I had no intention of coming up and speaking. Um, but I'm listening to

187
02:25:38.080 --> 02:25:53.520
my fellow citizens and I have to couple of things I I just needed to say because it's it's um it's a concern that I have. The first one is for the um uh Oak was

188
02:25:53.520 --> 02:26:09.600
that Oakill Oakill development. I'm a realtor in town. I see all of the taxes and everybody's properties and stuff like that. I'm listening to these folks say that they're paying $900 for a little pad to

189
02:26:09.600 --> 02:26:24.800
put their mobile home. >> Okay. And we as a township council want to dissolve their rent uh uh stabilization. You're not giving them any local place

190
02:26:24.800 --> 02:26:45.200
to go. We know the state is never ever going to listen to them. >> Exactly. >> They're never GOING TO LISTEN. TAKING that that local oversight, that government local oversight away from them is cruel.

191
02:26:45.200 --> 02:27:02.479
It really is because they're paying almost as much a month as someone like me in Candlewood whose house is valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. >> Amen. >> Okay. AND I'M PAYING >> JUST OVER A THOUSAND. I don't know. This

192
02:27:02.479 --> 02:27:19.840
keeps going out, but I'm paying just over $1,000 a month for my taxes. These folks are paying in considering how much they their their their mobile home is worth substantially more in in ratio.

193
02:27:19.840 --> 02:27:35.120
The second thing I wanted to bring is the um Oh, and one last thing about this this rent stabilization, them collecting all of this money from rent and not whatsoever

194
02:27:35.120 --> 02:27:54.560
um doing any improvements. To me, that's the same thing as being a slum lord. >> Are we approving that? We can't approve slum lords in this township. Okay? And by dissolving that and not holding these people accountable, that's

195
02:27:54.560 --> 02:28:12.000
what we're doing. The second thing is in regards to the synagogues or the houses of worship. All right. Do you know that there's at least five different sects of Orthodox Judaism in Candlewood alone where I live? So

196
02:28:12.000 --> 02:28:29.520
you're we're not saying that we need to give only one because it's not like we build they build one synagogue on Route 9. No, it's and they have a certain amount of of um they can only walk a certain amount of uh uh area in order

197
02:28:29.520 --> 02:28:46.319
them for them to get to their house of worship. So, uh, if we do for that, if we reduce it, okay, and we're at saying and if we allow them to go ahead and put this in residential areas, we're not talking one synagogue per neighborhood. We're

198
02:28:46.319 --> 02:29:02.240
talking about multiple synagogues per neighborhood. Okay? So, we're talking uh there's all kinds of different orthodox Judaisms because they all have a little slight different belief in in what they do. I I have a I'm a former convert to

199
02:29:02.240 --> 02:29:17.760
Judaism, so I have a little bit of knowledge on this. Um, it's really a bad idea in my opinion to reduce that because then they're going to come up and they're going to say, "Hey, I'm going to take three or four houses off of Spring Hill and three or

200
02:29:17.760 --> 02:29:35.200
four houses off of Taton that's right behind them and we're going to raise them. We're going to put a synagogue up there because it's if we reduce it to a 2 acre like some of these other neighboring towns and they'll get their way, >> but they won't >> because we can we can I hope they don't.

201
02:29:35.200 --> 02:29:52.280
But as long as we if if we continue to capitulate to this for threat of lawsuits, they'll get their way and our whole town will change. And you know something, they'll be the ones that we're going to be up here talking to one day.

202
02:29:54.640 --> 02:30:28.640
Thank you for your time. >> I'm doing executive discuss. >> Hello, I'm Sharon Sussk. I live at 48 Secretariat in Oak Hill. I've lived there for about eight years. Our community has gone downhill. They have not paved the roads. They have broken

203
02:30:28.640 --> 02:30:44.479
mailboxes. Recently, there was a mailbox broken. I took pictures of it on the ground and no one replied when numerous people, numerous neighbors called the office. The person that was managing it did not care, didn't even notify us that

204
02:30:44.479 --> 02:30:59.200
our mail was going directly to the post office. It took three months for them to replace that mailbox, but yet they still want the highest amount of lot fee. We need you guys to advocate for us because

205
02:30:59.200 --> 02:31:14.800
if it GOES TO THE STATE, IF IT GOES TO THE STATE, we're not going to have any recourse. They do not do anything in Oak Hill. They have a terrible attitude toward the residents. We pay a lot of money to live there and

206
02:31:14.800 --> 02:31:31.280
our taxes go to Howell Township as part of that lot fee. So, we are just as deserving as anyone else in this town and they have done nothing there. So, please keep the rent board. We need it. We need the advocacy

207
02:31:31.280 --> 02:31:55.960
>> and we have a right >> to live in a town and be treated and respected just like every other citizen. >> Yeah. All right, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> Anyone else from the public?

208
02:31:56.399 --> 02:32:20.479
>> I was going to respectfully ask when citizens are are done if we could take perhaps 10 minutes. Uh 10-minute break. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. Uh Rich Krug, I prefer not to give uh my address out because I already had an

209
02:32:20.479 --> 02:32:36.000
issue. Uh and your attorney is here today. Yeah. And as she indicated, uh I can uh remain anonymous. Um I I do do not understand

210
02:32:36.000 --> 02:32:52.000
what the confusion is here with the houses of worship. Okay. And I'm going to get to something very important uh regarding lot size reduction. That might actually be a good

211
02:32:52.000 --> 02:33:08.800
thing for a legal synagogue in a commercial area like a lot across the street next to the Rita's ISIS or something like that where it needs to be five acres or maybe you could put a new building up in there if it was reduced

212
02:33:08.800 --> 02:33:25.760
to three acres for instance. It's all hypothetical, but it would be in a commercial area with a parking lot that would be adequate for the attendees of of that uh chapel. Okay. Um

213
02:33:25.760 --> 02:33:41.760
I'm I'm going on record after 30 years of of being an official, there is no residential synagogues permitted. It does not exist. It's because people don't follow the zoning ordinances.

214
02:33:41.760 --> 02:33:58.479
That's the issue. Now, I'm going on the record again. Can you have a synagogue in your house? Absolutely. You can have anything you want in your house. You can do everything you want to do. Raise the roof, put an addition on, put a pool.

215
02:33:58.479 --> 02:34:13.840
You're a man is the king of his castle in New Jersey. And he can do that. He doesn't need any license trades at all, but he has to file permits for it and they have to be reviewed by the uh

216
02:34:13.840 --> 02:34:29.840
construction department and they have to be um uh uh remarks have to be made to to say that it's acceptable or if it's not acceptable then it needs to be revised until it's accepted.

217
02:34:29.840 --> 02:34:47.520
So can I put a a synagogue in my house? I absolutely can. But you know who can attend? Only my immediate family because that's the law. You can I worked in North Brunswick. We have the whole Indian constituency. Almost every house

218
02:34:47.520 --> 02:35:03.280
I've been in occupied by an Indian family has a shrine in there. But they don't have 50 people coming there. And that's the difference. So, you can do what you want for your house, for your family, but you cannot open it up to the

219
02:35:03.280 --> 02:35:18.319
public. That's where the rubber hits the road. It's not permitted. >> Uh, does anybody disagree with that from a legal standpoint? >> So, I don't know what the interpretation issue is. >> I have one at my house, too, but it's

220
02:35:18.319 --> 02:35:35.200
just for my family. >> So, so we're going to limit the comments to one at a time. Thank you. Well, that that that's the issue. Okay. >> Um I'm going to show you this. I just hold that up because you really can't read it. I did uh an Oprah request for

221
02:35:35.200 --> 02:35:53.600
37 Sammy Drive and uh what I got here is a joke after I I can write these like perfectly. Okay. Almost every issue I wrote on here got ignored. And I asked for the plan review comments and I I did

222
02:35:53.600 --> 02:36:08.399
not receive that. I got a front elevation of the building. It doesn't show that there's not a second floor in there. It says open to below. >> Well, what the hell do you think that is? You got a 17t high ceiling with with

223
02:36:08.399 --> 02:36:25.200
the down lights up up uh in in the second floor ceiling. You think um I don't know what they're going to do there, but there's a pretty good likelihood that it might be a house of worship. Now, it could be and that would be totally legal if it's for that

224
02:36:25.200 --> 02:36:42.560
gentleman's immediate family, not for 10 people, which is the minimum dominion that they that they require. 10 or more is what I'm accustomed to seeing. So, it doesn't belong there. If somebody wants to get elected and wants to change the

225
02:36:42.560 --> 02:36:58.000
zoning and create some new zoning, well, that that's going to happen. As one of these women indicated, that's what will happen and that's how it'll change when you get enough people in there who are in favor of that to make that some new

226
02:36:58.000 --> 02:37:16.240
zoning uh uh type. Okay? But right now, it doesn't exist. So, if you want to build a synagogue in your garage, do it. But you can pray with your family there. There's a whole issue down in Manchester with the mikvah that was built. It was applied for to the town.

227
02:37:16.240 --> 02:37:46.960
>> That's five minutes. Thank you. >> That's it. I'm done. >> OKAY. >> Anyone else from the public? >> What you got there, my friend? >> Anyone else from the public? >> That's over. Hey, hey, mayor and council. Um, it's

228
02:37:46.960 --> 02:38:01.840
awesome to hear all this community engagement here. Um, you know, it reminds me of a couple years ago when we were talking about all the all the zoning changes for the warehouses and I was just talking with a couple people about it. You know, I know that the master plan subcommittee usually meets I think maybe the last Thursday of the

229
02:38:01.840 --> 02:38:17.920
month or something like that. Um I have suggested in the past that maybe we you know have some workshop meetings that are open to the public where we uh welcome some public feedback conversation between you know the subcommittee members and the professionals to that it's I think it's

230
02:38:17.920 --> 02:38:33.600
an opportunity for the public to learn about the process of how zoning ordinances are kind of originate and then how they advance through the the planning board through the master plan and then to you guys ultimately. But I I I think that there's a lot of like um need in this community for the public to

231
02:38:33.600 --> 02:38:49.040
kind of understand that process and also have an opportunity for them to share ideas. Uh you know, sometimes we have found in the past that uh there's a there's a loophole or there's something that kind of got overlooked and uh it wasn't until after there was a problem

232
02:38:49.040 --> 02:39:06.000
that we realized like we tried to be like kind of reactive to fixing it. Um, I think that there's a need in this community with some of the things that are going on, the the amount of public that are showing up addressing these concerns to create a forum for them to maybe come meet and and share ideas and like look at specific zoning issues and

233
02:39:06.000 --> 02:39:22.240
offer suggestions. Um because I think that it's gonna in the coming, you know, months and years, you know, as Howell faces the challenges that Howell's going to be facing, uh that uh a community that's a little bit more educated about the process and feels as though they

234
02:39:22.240 --> 02:39:39.359
have an opportunity to participate early on uh would probably be a way to preempt some of the frustration that uh is brought to you here at these council meetings. So that's just a suggestion. I'm just trying to offer a solution. Um, so what uh I have some comments about

235
02:39:39.359 --> 02:40:01.520
the rent thing, but I I'll I'll do that at the public hearing on the ordinance. >> Anyone else? >> I'm seeing no one. So I make a motion to uh close public comment, please. >> Motion to close public. Can I get a second? >> Second.

236
02:40:01.520 --> 02:40:18.280
>> All in favor? >> I. Folks, we're going to uh go into executive session for a conversation real quick. Going to make a motion to go to exec. >> All in favor? I >> I

237
02:40:18.960 --> 02:51:42.640
Just be Where are we? >> Our response to uh public comments, >> Mr. Mr. Gross or Caitlin? Um, regarding the comments on the mobile home rent control board, uh, we hear you. Uh, the mayor will have some

238
02:51:42.640 --> 02:51:59.600
comments on that later. Um, what everything you're saying, we're taking into advisement. We're going to look into some possibilities for you. Um, so stay stay put and, uh, listen for updates as to that. Um,

239
02:51:59.600 --> 02:52:16.640
anything commenting on um things in front of the zoning board? Um, council, it's not really appropriate for you to comment on any pending applications that are in front of the zoning board. As to comments as to the the 2acre requirement, I believe that is

240
02:52:16.640 --> 02:52:44.080
just on the the master plan re-examination report. There's something for the town to look into. There's nothing active or anything that you guys are voting on that tonight. Sorry, there was a lot of comments tonight, so I'm I'm going through

241
02:52:44.080 --> 02:53:04.160
everything. Um, as to property maintenance issues, uh, regarding the parks, that's also something that we will be looking into specifically and hoping to provide updates, uh, to the public on soon. >> Will we be notified when that happens?

242
02:53:04.160 --> 02:53:21.279
>> Um, I suggest you keep your eye out for town council meetings. There's never going to there's not going to be like a personal notice. Sometimes with uh the prior laws with rent increases, the park owner was required to notice you personally, those kind of things. We we

243
02:53:21.279 --> 02:53:37.840
don't have those same requirements, but we have town council meetings where we post our public agendas prior to it. Um I would anticipate maybe something at our our next meeting. So, and and all the meeting agendas and minutes um and recordings of the meetings are all

244
02:53:37.840 --> 02:53:59.279
accessible on the township website. >> Thank you. that that's uh what I will address for now. Thank you. Um a few other questions that that came up um question about the second meeting for the parking ordinance. It was has

245
02:53:59.279 --> 02:54:15.520
been rescheduled a number of times. Frankly, it's been because of of scheduling conflicts and no other reasons. Uh we'll be looking to reschedu that in the near future. Uh in terms of update on on the geese situation

246
02:54:15.520 --> 02:54:33.920
um the the efforts that we um we we took last month um have had some impact. Uh we will be having the the vendors come back out again uh in hopes to have further um success in in dealing with

247
02:54:33.920 --> 02:54:51.439
the the the geese issues in our parks. Um, I also I will um be happy to talk with the township engineer in terms of Lake Louise and the possible dredging and cleaning and uh what what opportunities there may be for that. Uh

248
02:54:51.439 --> 02:55:06.800
there was a question about the the resolution this evening for the curbs and apron work. Um that is a contract that we did last year which is for generally um curb cur curb work and apron work uh

249
02:55:06.800 --> 02:55:22.399
throughout the township. Uh and we have some more work that needs to be done under that contract. We we're because the contract allows us to do a change order up to 20%. Um the pricing now if we were to go back out and rebid it uh

250
02:55:22.399 --> 02:55:37.439
is likely to be higher because of the the economic conditions. So, we're expanding this so that we can uh do some more work to finish out the work that's to be done, especially after this tough winter. Um, I mentioned at the last

251
02:55:37.439 --> 02:55:56.000
meeting in in reference to the concerns over the houses of worship uh and enforcement or and and a lot of discussion about that. I mentioned at the last meeting uh and I'll I'll mention it again this evening. We've reached out to the um department of

252
02:55:56.000 --> 02:56:12.479
federal department of justice as well as to the uh attorney general's office of the state of New Jersey uh to meet with them so that we can firsthand discuss with them these issues and make sure that whatever actions the townships

253
02:56:12.479 --> 02:56:29.439
takes is just that that we can um feel confident uh that we're not going to be leading ourselves in into uh litigation. and at the same time uh protect their protect our zoning appropriately. So we will once we have those meetings we will

254
02:56:29.439 --> 02:56:57.680
certainly we'll be reporting back to the public on those issues. >> All right, that's it from uh Mike. Any comments? >> No, I think the professional covered it pretty well. Evelyn. >> Um, yes. Thank you. Um, I was a member

255
02:56:57.680 --> 02:57:14.399
of the rent stabilization board. I'm happy to remain a member if we continue THE UM, LET ME LET ME SAY the word again if we continue, you know, to have it. We have not dissolved it. Um, so it's in effect at the moment and I'm happy to

256
02:57:14.399 --> 02:57:30.240
continue. Um, I did think that possibly having these meetings during the day, um, as opposed to in the evening and we could have an uh, code enforcement person from the town present as well, I think, which would be very effective for

257
02:57:30.240 --> 02:57:46.160
the people that live in the trailers as well as um, council and enforcement. I think then everyone has a a better playing field and a clear idea of what's really happening. Um, Oakill did come in at the last meeting wanting raise and

258
02:57:46.160 --> 02:58:00.960
showed pictures and the pictures that I saw did not support their repair. So, their raise was denied. Well, they were going to court. They did lose that case. But my point my point is that things have not gone unnoticed and I realize

259
02:58:00.960 --> 02:58:18.319
that things are um economically it seems to be quite a bit of money for to rent a pad and that doesn't go unnoticed with the people that sit here because you know we all either have a mortgage or rent. I mean we we also have bills so we understand the American budget just as

260
02:58:18.319 --> 02:58:34.160
you do. So we're sensitive to that as well. That being said, I would just like to remind everyone that May 7, first Thursday of May is National Day of Prayer. And our um event coordinator, Steven Fenture, has once again, you

261
02:58:34.160 --> 02:58:50.319
know, put together the evening with various clergy uh and religious leaders from uh surrounding areas. We usually have 7 to 10 uh music, a full house, um open prayer for everyone. Uh it's been going on for decades. I invite everyone

262
02:58:50.319 --> 02:59:07.600
to please attend May 7th at 7 o'clock. It's a wonderful opportunity for communal thoughts where >> here right here in this room. >> Um starts at 7. I suggest you come at 6:30 so everyone gets a seat because there's just so many chairs in the room.

263
02:59:07.600 --> 02:59:25.680
But um it's a very nice event. Um, I think that it's an opportunity for people to appreciate those people that live near them, with them, by them, and actually other people from other towns come. Um, they've heard about our

264
02:59:25.680 --> 02:59:41.920
places, our churches, our our houses of worship, and they meet the area clergy, uh, pastors, uh, a rabbi will come. Um it's very informative and uh it's very nice, very heartwarming and an

265
02:59:41.920 --> 02:59:59.120
opportunity to hear good things, warm things and uh people that uh love God, love our country and only have the same thing in mind and that is to have a better environment um for everyone you know that you come in contact with. So

266
02:59:59.120 --> 03:00:24.880
May 7th, Thursday evening, first Thursday in May every year is National Night of Prayer. So, please feel free to come to our free event and um and meet other neighbors. Thank you. >> So, we had a lot of people come out tonight and we listened and we heard

267
03:00:24.880 --> 03:00:40.800
you. That's what we're up here for. We're here. We're we're elected to represent the public and that's what we're here to do. So whether this mobile rent control board is dissolved at some point in the future, uh your voices are not going

268
03:00:40.800 --> 03:00:57.600
unheard and you're need some kind of advocacy for what's going on in your developments with repairs and conditions that need to be addressed. So there could be other mechanisms to do this. We have a mercantile license being introduced tonight. I know the mayor's going to

269
03:00:57.600 --> 03:01:15.439
touch on some other stuff as well, but we hear you and that's why we're here. So, you could see from this other list of ordinances that we're introducing tonight, those are a direct result of community complaints, things that people want in their neighborhoods, preserving the quality of life in our town. And

270
03:01:15.439 --> 03:01:36.680
like I said a couple times already, we're here for you. We're just elected to represent the general public, the voters of our town, and the residents. And we're going to continue doing that. Good. Sue, nothing.

271
03:01:36.800 --> 03:01:53.120
All right. Um, you know, Ian just touched on on on some things. Uh, you know, I've said at multiple meetings, folks, you know, we we know what's going on in town. All right? We're not uh we're not dumb.

272
03:01:53.120 --> 03:02:10.319
We don't have our heads in the sand. like maybe some other people do that don't want to see it or uh want to address what's happening and our surrounding Jackson Township, Lakewood, Manchester, Toms River, we're all dealing with the

273
03:02:10.319 --> 03:02:27.760
same issues, right? So, um that's why we had our township manager um reach out to like he said for some guidance from the DOJ and from some state officials on what you know can be

274
03:02:27.760 --> 03:02:46.319
done if anything in regards to if in regards to what what is being what is going on. Um it's it's uh it's a tricky situation we're we're dealing with. It's uh it's it's it's very uh it's very stressful on

275
03:02:46.319 --> 03:03:01.359
a daily basis. Um >> as well >> going going through the going through the neighborhoods like I do on a daily basis and um I'm seeing seeing certain things and um it's frustrating and uh we

276
03:03:01.359 --> 03:03:18.000
hear you, okay? And we just need to do everything in this building legally because we don't want to get the town wrapped up in a major lawsuit like some surrounding towns have gotten. And believe me, the Orthodox community is watching. >> Okay. I'm speaking. I'm speaking.

277
03:03:18.000 --> 03:03:34.399
>> I apologize. Go ahead. >> All right. The Orthodox community is watching, folks. I had two conversations yesterday with two liaison to the community in regards to these ordinances, and they weren't happy. and I know they're watching right now. So

278
03:03:34.399 --> 03:03:50.880
many things here should have been addressed years ago, but whether it was lack of ef effort from the former council or township managers, whatever it was, it never got addressed. So, in the last couple years, things have changed here and now

279
03:03:50.880 --> 03:04:07.680
everything has been put on this council's shoulders to address. And we understand that, you know, the frustrations everyone's going through. But there is a process that we need to address everything. And if we don't follow the process, it's going to be a

280
03:04:07.680 --> 03:04:25.279
bigger issue for us. So, just be patient, please. Okay. Um, as far as the rent, We'll uh we'll address that in a second. Um that's pretty much everything on here. The geese, the rent, mount compliance.

281
03:04:25.279 --> 03:04:43.120
>> Yeah. So, let's move on to um the cassette agenda items. Would anyone like to separate any agenda items? >> Mayor, uh point of procedure. Uh just want to let you know and everybody here we have an additional resolution that's

282
03:04:43.120 --> 03:05:00.640
added on to our consent agenda that wasn't on it uh previously and that's going to be resolution 26-1 163 and that 162A 162A my apologies. Um and that is going to be appointing our

283
03:05:00.640 --> 03:05:20.359
deputy clerk Allison Serranni as the permanent township clerk. All right. >> Need a motion? >> Yeah. Move in. >> Motion to accept resolutions 26-155 through resolution 26-162A.

284
03:05:20.560 --> 03:05:35.760
>> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> And the resolutions pass. >> All right. Just want to congratulate

285
03:05:35.760 --> 03:05:54.560
Miss Rani. We're very happy to have you. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> On to unfinished business. Uh, public hearing adoption of ordinances uh 0.2609, >> an ordinance repealing chapter 204,

286
03:05:54.560 --> 03:06:10.080
article one of the township code, rent stabilization and control, and dissolving the Howell Township Rent Stabilization and Control Board. All right. Going to going to make a make a motion to uh to table table this at

287
03:06:10.080 --> 03:06:25.680
this time and uh we need to explore multiple fractions as we just did in the back as far as code enforcement, legal committees, what we could do for the you know the community. >> I'll make a motion to table. Mr. Mayor,

288
03:06:25.680 --> 03:06:55.040
>> there you go. I'll second. >> Councilman Nadell. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Reubel. Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes. >> Mayor Legio. >> Yes. >> So that has been tabled. >> So we going to do public on to O2610.

289
03:06:55.040 --> 03:07:11.920
An ordinance establishing chapter 199 of the Howell Township Code entitled merkantile licenses requiring all commercial businesses operating within the township to obtain an annual merkantile license. >> Motion introduced. >> Second.

290
03:07:11.920 --> 03:07:28.160
>> Councilman Nadell. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes. >> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> On to O2611. An ordinance of the township of Howell amending chapter 188 land use schedule 2

291
03:07:28.160 --> 03:07:44.000
bulk and dimensional requirements residential zones of the revised general ordinances of the township of Howell. >> Motion to introduce. >> Second. >> Councilman Nadell. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Reubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. >> Yes.

292
03:07:44.000 --> 03:08:00.640
>> Mayor Leio. >> Yes. >> O2612. An ordinance of the township of how supplementing chapter 188 land use article 9 zoning by adding section 188-64.2 two, private garages on residential

293
03:08:00.640 --> 03:08:17.040
lots, amending section 188-4, definitions, and amending section 188-119, residential driveways of the revised general ordinances of the town of Powell. >> Motion motion introduced. >> Second.

294
03:08:17.040 --> 03:08:31.760
>> Councilman Nadell, yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> yes. >> Councilman Reubel, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer, yes. >> Mayor Leio, >> yes. Oh, 2613, >> an ordinance of the township of Howell amending chapter 188, land use article

295
03:08:31.760 --> 03:08:48.560
3, zoning requirements for accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures, section 188-11, accessory structures of the revised general ordinances of the township of Howell. >> I'll move to introduce ordinance 26-13. >> Second.

296
03:08:48.560 --> 03:09:03.200
>> Councilman Nadell, yes. >> Councilwoman O'Donnell, >> yes. >> Councilman Rubel, yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer, >> yes. Yes. Mayor Legio. >> Yes. >> All right. 02614 was removed. So on to 02615, >> an ordinance of the township of Howell

297
03:09:03.200 --> 03:09:19.279
amending chapter 188, land use article 4, standards of performance uh section 188-24 of the revised general ordinances of the township of Howell. >> Motion introduced. Second. >> Councilman Nell. >> Yes.

298
03:09:19.279 --> 03:09:36.399
>> Councilwoman O'Donnell. Yes. >> Councilman Rubel. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer. Mayor Latio. >> Yes. >> All right. I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight um getting involved and voicing your concerns. Our next

299
03:09:36.399 --> 03:09:52.120
regular scheduled meeting will take place on May 12th, 2026. Executive session at 6, regular session at 7. May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> All in favor? I.