of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Good evening and welcome to the October 16th, 2025 regular meeting of the
Jackson Township Council. Pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public's Meeting Act, adequate notice of this meeting was properly provided by transmitting a notice of the meeting on January 28, 2025 for publication. Notice of this meeting of the township council has been posted on the corridor of the municipal building and the office of the
municipal clerk. We will begin with a roll call. Councilman Blli >> here. >> Councilman Breassie >> here. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Council President Bernstein >> here. >> We have a quorum.
Also present this evening is Honorable Mayor Cune, Township Attorney McGucken, and myself, Sandra Martin. We will now hear opening comments from the Township Council, starting with Council President Bernstein. >> Thank you, Clerk Martin. Um, I just want
to take a moment and um wish condolences to um the entire Dasty family and to our legal counsel Greg Mccuckin on the passing of his partner. Um Greg was a um sorry, Jerry was a true friend of Jackson Township. He was a personal
friend. Um he's one of those attorneys who we always started off the conversation with a joke. We end always ended the conversation with a joke. It was always a smile. I had the opportunity in meeting with him um about a month before his passing and um it was
a shock and I wish a condolences to his and family to to really to the entire ocean and Mammoth County that were affected by him and um I'm sure the firm will continue his wonderful legacy. Um I also want to take a moment and recognize
um wish a condolences to our chief counsel Lynn Stonehill. Um condolences to the entire Kun family. And then lastly, unfortunately, I would like to wish a condolences to the Giola family, if I'm pronouncing the name correctly, um on
the passing of Mikey, who was killed on a I think it was Joya um who was killed in a horrific car accident. Um our condolences to the entire family and to all of his friends and I know many people who've had
children who were affected by it and um condolences to to his mom and to the entire extended family and to all their friends. Um now moving on to some I guess better news. Um, a special thank you to Mayor Cune on spearheading and ensuring that
the township was able to get for the first time in many years a new grant for our police department. And just to um fill everyone in on a little bit on the process. So, the township of Jackson does not have a um a paid grant writer. We do not pay someone $80,000 a year to
do grant writing. Um what we do have is we have consultants who do grant writing. We charge hourly. Um, and the mayor initiated last year a monthly phone call with our grant writing, with various members of our department, our PD, um, with EMS, with the fire
department. And on those calls, she was persistent. Um, she didn't let up. If they missed the call, she reminded them very fast that they missed the call. And, um, she helped ensure that there was followup. And I'm very excited that
$875,000 that we're getting for our police department will enable us to use hopefully money from our entire overall budget for other infrastructure upgrades to whether it's our police department or other parts of our township. And I'm sure the mayor will um elaborate a little bit more on that. But
congratulations to the mayor. Congratulations to the entire council for appointing those um professionals last year. And congratulations to our um our grant writers from Collars for doing the hard work. It was a pleasure speaking to them this morning and getting an update and we're looking
forward. It's a federal DOJ um grant. So, it's money that another town would have gotten. So, I'm happy to see that Jackson finally got a piece of the a little piece of the pie. Um just a couple more things is um over the next week or so, there's going to be some exciting tech um technology
upgrades to our building. There's going to be new TV screens. I want to thank Samantha Novc um and our entire administration for um we're going to be authorizing the purchase tonight new TV screens in the hallway which is going to modernize a little bit some of our updates and some of our scheduling um in
our in our hallway. Additionally, if everyone would take a moment and look at our um boards for a second, our wonderful IT team, Christian and Anthony have up are in the process of updating our town website to try to make it a little bit more pleasing and a little bit clearer. I think the the plan is
that over the next two months, it's going to be finalized and hopefully by November, the end of November, December time, the holiday season, it will be ready to roll and looking forward to having a more userfriendly uh appealing and um website for our residents to find
whatever they need. Um I had the opportunity over and I'm sorry if I go a little bit longer. I'll try in the future to be shorter. I had the opportunity in the past couple weeks um of working together with the mayor and my colleagues on council. Um and it was a pleasure. Um, one of the opportunities I had was to meet with members of some
of our employees. I didn't get a chance to meet everyone yet. It's going to take a couple months. Um, I had an opportunity in starting with um, some of our members of our code enforcement, almost everyone from our code um, enforcement department. A special thank you to our code department for really
staying focused and ensuring there was an issue in one of the neighborhoods. I think it was Hartfield um with rats and they went down diligently and um they did their best. Um I think we've been a couple days thankfully without any of those rodents. So we appreciate them and
we're looking forward to continuing to work together to solve issues going forward. Um we are going to be meeting in the next week or so as everyone will see on our agenda tonight is the new housing bureau. We will be meeting in the next week or two with the head of code enforcement together with some of their internal staff to finalize once
this ordinance goes through after tonight some of the differences between what code enforcement will be doing and what our new housing bureau will be doing making sure that we are able to um deal with some of the rental issues. Um, two last uh quick uh pieces. As everyone might have seen last week, we put out a
notice. Council has started, thank you to the mayor. We are going to have a council chambers. We're going to start having walk-in hours where members of the public can come in and meet with members of the council. Um, and I know the mayor started a little bit on her own also. Um, I think I if we can go on to the town website, if you go under
town council, um, it's still um, Christian, could we pull up town council for a second? Um, just to show everyone where it is. And it obviously will be updated accordingly. I think I need new vision. I can't see so clearly, but yeah. So, if you zoom in
over there, undertone council um on the top new council office hours. Um it's my hours and we're still waiting for everyone, but um and council um council vice president. I know Mr. Breie and Mr. By will shortly update it and we're going to have some hours so residents
can meet and we're looking forward forward to hearing your concerns over the next couple months. Um we are going to be working on some new and other um ordinances. We look forward to soliciting everyone's um advice and and ideas and if anyone has anything that they feel is important. Please come up share your thoughts. We look forward to
working with you. Have a good night. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. We have a very important for you. >> I can but I don't. >> Can you hear me? So, in less than three
weeks, we have a very important election for governor. That election is going to impact every municipality in the state of New Jersey. And I'd like to just ask everyone to think about this when you go into that voting booth and vote. Are you better off today than you were eight years ago? Is New Jersey more
affordable? Is New Jersey more energy independent? Are you safer than you were eight years ago? So, I want you to think about that when you go into the booth and vote because this election is going to have huge consequences for Jackson and all of greater New Jersey. So,
please think about that and please go out and vote. Exercise your right to vote. It's very important. Thank you, >> Councilman Barelli. >> Uh thank you, Clerk Martin. Uh, thank you to Mayor Keune for being here tonight and um, can you hear me?
>> Can you hear me now? >> Mic issues today, huh? >> Hello. Can you hear me now? >> Looking for looking forward to working with you in administration and congratulate um, council uh, President um, Morty Bernstein and council vice president um, Jeppi Paul Mary. Looking
forward to working with you guys and Councilman Russie um, doing what's best uh, for our town. Um, can everyone hear me now still? Okay. I just want to make sure um um again um my prayers and condolences are also with uh Mr. Dasty's
uh family. Uh Mr. Dasty was a great lawyer and leader in her town. Uh he did many things for many years and uh he was a fine counsel to our governing body always um advising us and um guiding us um in the best way possible so we can uh
represent you all. and I'm sorry to hear about um Chief uh Kun's mom and her my condolences go out to him and uh his wife and family. Um, as council vice president Paul Mary mentioned, there is a big election coming up in our town. Um, you know, from the governor to
township council and schoolboard seats. There's a lot at stake as he had mentioned. Um, and there's a lot that happens at the state level that has affected municipalities in in our state, especially our town of Jackson from the highest property taxes in the state, high energy costs, um, people struggling
to afford to live here, young people trying to stay here um, after graduating. Um it's become really difficult and we have a hostile business environment overall. Um the overdevelopment of our suburbs such as the unfair affordable housing mandates. Uh there's millions upon millions of
dollars of state aid that's been cut to our public schools over the last what seven or eight years etc. So you see elections matter. So please vote and vote wisely. um early inerson voting in our town at the Jackson Ocean County Library at 2 Jackson Drive. Starts on
Saturday, October 25th, and runs through to uh Sunday, November 2nd. Early voting hours will be um Monday through Saturday from uh 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. And the general election voting will take place
on Tuesday, November 4th, uh from 6:00 a.m. to uh 8:00 p.m. at your regular uh polling location. Good seeing you all. take care and uh I'm sure more information will be um you know in print and on social media regarding uh upcoming voting. So good
seeing you all take care and a good evening. >> Councilman Brassie. >> Yes. Um first off I'd like to echo on Council President Bernstein's reflections and condolences to all those families that had the losses this week. It was really heartbreak to see that and
you know have our condolences and reflection. Um also on those council hours mine didn't get posted yet. I'll be with Mr. Jeppi Palmary before the council meetings from 5 to 6 in these chambers available to the public. Also
the grant the mayor got was phenomenal. It was great to see something like that again. And I can attest to some other things she did this week and straighten out problems that have been going on for months and fix it. right away. Totally appreciate it very much. Uh, thank you for coming out. Have a safe trip home.
>> The next item for tonight's meeting is an update from the Department of Public Works. Mr. Sh. >> Um, clerk m comments from the mayor. >> Excuse me. Thank you. I apologize. I apologize. Mayor, the next item on the agenda is took it away. >> Honorable Mayor Ke.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you everyone. I want to again give my condolences to Jerry Dacity as well. He was a very very funny uh man. When uh I would email him, I would get emojis and you don't normally uh get that from
somebody in their 70s. So it was a great and uh I give my condolences to the chief and also to Mikey, the 16-year-old um that had gotten into a car accident. I went to the services and I had the honor of meeting his family and we do plan on on doing a dedication of a road
in the future. So, I'm working on that now with his family. Um, but my deepest condolences. The mayor's hours will also be on the website. I've already started I've been here had quite a few meetings uh this week already. I did meet with JCPNL today at 3:00 and we've already
implemented that they will be getting a on the um last Friday of every month, DPW will be sending any lights that are out in the township to JCPNL so that they can go ahead and work on them because they had told me they're only a month behind. So, we're going to keep
them accountable to that. So, they will get my uh my list from uh Mr. Binsky. also added him as a contact because he really is the boots on the ground in Jackson Township on DPW and he should be on that list along with OM the chief myself um and uh council president. So I
just wanted to give those couple little things. Um I want to thank everybody for being here tonight. Uh one of my top priorities is to modernize and um our process and procedures to bring Jackson Township firmly into the 21st century. too often um too often I've heard the
phrase that's not the way it's always been that's the way it's always been done. I believe it's time we need to move beyond that mindset and embrace innovative uh efficiency and progress. I look forward to hearing from all the residents of Jackson. Your insight and ideas are invaluable as we shape the
future of our community together. One of the first steps in the process will be updating our employee handbook which hasn't been uh revisited since 2019. This um update is essential to fostering a transparent, supportive and effective work environment of our dedicated
dedicated staff. In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with employees at with council president um in each department. We're going to split them up as we had said to discuss how we can implement necessary ordinances and better prepare our teams for 2026 and beyond. I've
already met with most of the financing department and uh being in the the first week in the mayor and I'm getting and and I'm I'm just saying I'm just being showing you I'm getting letters like this to sign and then I have to walk around town hall to each department and
hand them because they don't email them. They don't have dot loop. They don't have EAC. We have fax machines. I thought it was a scanner. It was legitimately a fax machine and it doesn't work. So, we're going to be looking to um put that into the budget and give everybody so that we can use
work efficiently and get things done at a faster pace. Uh I'm also proud to share that we did secure the $875,000 grant for a police department. Council President uh Bernstein gave the explanation on what with the process and procedures of that is it's not just a
24-hour turnaround. It's dedication and months of showing up and sitting there and being on that Zoom call and having collaborating with, you know, five to seven other uh other individuals. That started with infrastructure um and DPW and parks and recreations and we brought
in the police department because they they were like we need help. We need grants. EMS, we brought them in. We need apparatus. Fire department, we're working with them. So, it is not overnight. It does take a long time and it takes dedication. It needs it takes showing up and and commitment. So, we
also additionally received another grant for $70,000 for supplies and equipment for our pickle ball courts. Uh we know we want more of that. Uh we invest in uh promote recreation, wellness, and community and connection. This is just one example of how we can better utilize grants and opportunities for very
valuable resources uh for our town. Together, we can strengthen our community, ensure efficient and transparent governing, and create an environment where every resident and employee can thrive. Thank you so much. >> Thank you.
>> The next item for tonight's meeting is an update from the Department of Public Works, Mr. Shawn Valency. Council President Bernstein. >> Thank you, Clerk. Um, over the past two weeks, DPW crews have been actively working in our parks, trimming trees and applying safety surface mulch in playground areas. These efforts help
ensure our parks remain safe and visually appealing as we head into the fall season. We are also continuing to work with engineering on a townwide storm drain infrastructure mapping project, which will help us better understand and maintain our drainage systems. A special thank you to everyone who participated in the Met Glowwalk at
the Justice Complex this past weekend. Despite the weather, it was a great turnout and we look forward to working with them again next year. Looking ahead on November 2nd, we will be hosting our townwide clean communities fall cleanup. If any residents are aware of areas in town that need attention due to litter,
please contact DPW. We'll make sure it's addressed. Respectfully, Shan Bolinsky. >> The next item for tonight's meeting is the proclamation portion. Clerk Martin, I'm going to ask if the mayor could read the proclamations and give them out. >> Thank you, Council President.
Whereas, Friends of the Library raise money and enable our libraries to move from good to great, providing the resources for additional programming, muchneeded equipment, support for children, summer reading, and special events throughout the year. And whereas the work of the friends highlight an
ongoing basis the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of lifelong learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past uh to present. And whereas the friends understand the
critical importance of wellfunded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic material along with the expert assistance in research reading
advisory and children services. And whereas the friend's gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all of how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and betterment of our community. And now therefore be it resolved that I,
Jennifer L. Cune, Mayor of the Township of Jackson, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, along with the Jackson Township Council, here proclaim October 19th through the 25th, 2025 as National Friends of Librarian Week. Thank you.
>> Are you here for the second one? Second one, too. >> I think we have a representative of the library here. >> You have I have one more. You want me to read that one? We'll do both together. Okay. All right. The second proclamation is Ocean County Libraryies anniversary 100 years of service. Whereas the grand opening for
the Ocean County Library's first branch in Tom's River was held in September of 1925. And whereas since the library has continued to grow and become the community center of Ocean County residents and visitors and whereas the Ocean County Libraries have long served
and trusted the Treasurers Institute for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. And whereas the Ocean County Library is at the heart of its township and schools. And whereas the Ocean County Library offers members of the community opportunity to explore new
passions through technology programs and services. And whereas library staff help patrons find tools and resources to help improve the quality of their lives. And whereas the Ocean County Library strives to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the
population they serve. And whereas library staff and librarians work to create an equitable so society by providing free access to accurate information to all people. Now therefore, it is resolved that I, Mayor Jennifer Elkune, proclaim the day of
October 16, 2025 as Ocean County Library Day in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Ocean County Public Library. During this time, I invite all the residents to join me in expressing great pride and appreciation for the long and valuable services provided by this community
resource. Thank you, ma'am. [Applause] Clerk Martin, I just want to add for a second a special thank you to Commissioner Haynes, who was the former director of the Ocean County Library System, um I know who's retiring shortly, um who took a very big active role in helping the library over the
years. And when I reached out to her last year asking to extend hours in Jackson as Tom's River and Lakewood and I think Manchester had done about adding weekend Sundays, um she ensured that it happened very fast and I think our library system is second to none. So thank you very much.
>> The next item for tonight's agenda is the small business recognition. >> I'm going to ask Council Vice President Paul Mary to read the proclamation. >> Thank you, Council President. So tonight we're here to recognize Manga Brick Oven Pizza. Manga has been a staple here in
Jackson, New Jersey for over 10 years. They serve delicious food and their service is beyond reproach. Congratulations for being named Small Business of the Month for August 2025. Your dedication to excellence and
commitment to the community exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship in Jackson Township. We appreciate your contributions and wish you continued success. [Applause]
Right. >> Clerk. The next item of business is the second reading and public hearing of orders 202536 amending chapter 24412 entitled fees with respect to applications to the Jackson Township Planning and Zoning Office. At this time, if any member of
the public has any comments to make, please address the council at the microphone and state your name and address clearly for the record. You'll have five minutes, may only speak once. May I have a motion to open public comment? So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> Any oppose?
Seeing no one come forward. Motion to close public forum. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 202536? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Councilman Belli, >> yes. >> Councilman Bresie,
>> yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary, >> yes. >> Council President Bernstein, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Clerk Mar, I'm just going to interrupt for a second. There seems to I know there was some wiring that was done this week and I think with the sound system. So, I think the council should just be aware some have to press it twice right
now because that's what I've noticed. I think my colleagues up here are having are having the same issues. So, pardon me. >> Thank you. The next item of business is a second reading and public hearing of ordinance 202537 authorizing the acceptance of a portion
of block 12701 lot 12.75 from the Westlake Master Association Incorporated. At this time, if any member of the public has any comments to make, please address the council at the microphone and state your name and address clear for the record. You will have five minutes and may only speak
once. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? >> Seeing no one come forward. I motion to close public forum. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed?
>> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 202537? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Council member Bellarelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Brassie. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. And a special thank you to former
council president um Jennifer Cun and my colleagues on council for working this out. This has been a long journey for over over two years. Um and a special thank you to our professional team um Mr. McGuckian and Miss Leu and all the other professionals behind the scenes helped out. Yes.
>> Motion carries. The next item of business is the second reading and public hearing of ordinance 202538 amending chapter 3 of administrative code article 6 department of administration so as to create the division of rental housing safety. At
this time if any member of the public has any comments to make, please address the council at the microphone and state your name and address clearly for the record. You will only have five minutes and may only speak once. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> So moved. Second. All >> in favor? >> I.
>> Any oppose? >> Good to go. Sorry about that. Um, hello everyone. I just have a couple questions. Uh, who's going to be on this division of rental housing? Who's going to what's it going to consist of? And I know I asked this last time. I got a few head nods, but is there something in the
code that's going to guarantee us that's going to sit there and say that it's going to actually help residents with problems with rental housing, not just go after illegal rentals or anything like that? Because, as it's been made very clear to the board, code
enforcement doesn't want to do that job. So, it would be nice to have a second outlet for people who don't fall under the rent housing control board, the rent leveling board. Um, so again, who is going to be on this division of rental
housing and what are they going to do? >> Any other questions? >> That's it. >> Okay. So, thank you. Um, so this rental, it's going to be new, it's going to be township employees. Um, these are going to be publicly advertised positions that, um, members, there's different qualifications that each position has to
meet. I think the the head of the department has to have I think five years of experience and there's different positions as you go through. Um to answer your second question about are they actually going to do something? We hope so. Um that's why we're creating it. They're going to work in conjunction
with administration and code enforcement. Code is still going to be doing um all the code violations that do come up throughout town. code is still going to be focusing on the um issuing the initial um CO for a rental inspection and doing that initial inspection, but these are going to be
people whose job is purely to inspect for safety issues, making sure that there's it's not safe to have more than one family living in a single family home, making sure that there's not illegal construction with multiple bedrooms, making sure that people aren't using garbage cans or pots and pans to go for the bathroom and other issues
that are coming up. So that's going to be the job and if it needs to be amended as as the mayor said by the last meeting in the future we're open to amending it but it's a major step forward in for a long overdue issue. >> Okay. Are they going to have any sort of uh board or any meetings? Anything like
anything that would be open to the public similar to the different council meetings or board meetings that are >> so they're going to be like any other township employee. They're going to have an office still to be determined. um their job is to going to be to have schedule inspections and to go around all day long doing inspections and
making sure that if there is an issue um it gets sent to the right department in town and um they're going to be working together with our court system. We are in New Jersey but with together with our court system together with um our legal team and um my understanding is yes, if you have a
reason to believe that there's an issue in a specific home, you will be able to send it there. But there will be scheduled inspections that they will be doing and they will be working together with our code enforcement. Um like I said in my opening comments that we are going to be having a meeting myself and our attorney and if anyone of my colleagues want to join me with our code
department this week to help ensure that it's set up correctly. >> All right. Thanks guys. >> Sheldon Hoffstein Jackson. Just a couple of general questions. Uh will the uh four members of the new unit be part of the civil service?
>> I'll let you ask your question first and we'll get >> Okay, I'll go ahead ask all the questions and you can answer that. >> Yeah, if I forget something like that. >> Okay. Will they receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement benefits? Uh what is the pay scale? Um how long
will the trainee be a trainee? What will happen after this period ends? uh will the trainee then become a full inspector and then will you hire another trainee? Therefore, you'll have a a department that could be expanding or what would be
the limit to the number of employees that you will have? >> Okay. So, if I forgot something, please let me know. Um and I know Mr. McCen, we had a conversation today and we're going to be, like I said, we're going to be having further conversations over the next week if this gets adopted. Um, with
regard to the training, it's a 12-month training period. After that, let me just stop and go backwards for a second. Um, these are all four positions. It does not mean that all four positions need to be filled. Um, it's going to based on need. Um, so there does not always need to be a training training employee, but this gives us the option to hire a
training employee. And this gives us an option of hiring all four different um employees. The council hopefully by next meeting will be introducing a salary ordinance that will address the salary range for all of these um employees. So, I don't have that number yet. So hopefully by the next meeting we'll have and I know Mr. McGucken and our clerk's
office are working on that researching um the range that would be appropriate. Um with regard to civil service um Mr. McGuckin, do we have an answer for that? >> It appears these would be unclassified positions. They're not a position classified under civil service. >> Okay. And with regard to benefits and
health benefits, I assume like any other township employee, they are town employees. They are entitled to all that. And that obviously is going to be um part of the overall funding when we're looking at where we're starting with how many employees and beginning making sure that it all fits into the bracket. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Seeing no one else come forward, I motion to close public forum. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 202538? So moved.
>> Second. >> Councilman Belli, >> yes. >> Councilman Brassie, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. And again, I just want to again thank um the mayor and really my colleagues, especially Councilman, Council Vice, President Paul Mary. We
had many conversations over the past, I would say, year about this issue. And um this is a major step. Is it perfect? Nothing's perfect. We live in New Jersey where um when I met with code they told me some of our you know ordinances where you want to attack on daily fines. Unfortunately the courts throw it out. So we obviously are working within the
confines of what the law allows us to do what the court system allows us to do. I am hopeful this is a step in the right direction and um to echo what I said earlier this we are going to be working together with our code department. There will be notices sent out hopefully in the next two weeks a joint notice from our code department in um sharing with
the renters and landlords what their responsibilities are um with regard via v code with regard to this new bureau and we are hoping hoping by the next meeting to introduce the salary ordinance and then hopefully the training and hiring process can begin. So by the end of January when the
inspections are due to begin everything will be ready ready to roll. And I look forward to working together with Mayor Cune and my colleagues and hiring great inspectors to do this job really well. >> Motion carries. The next item of business is the first
reading in introduction of ordinance 202539 authorizing special emergency appropriation pursuant to NJSA 48453i. Council President Bernstein, are there any comments on ordinance 202539?
>> Yes, clerk Martin. This ordinance authorizes special emergency appropriation of $437,800 for the mapping of the township storm water management system. While this project was previously approved by resolution 194-2025, the New Jersey Division of Local
Government Services has requested that be formally adopted as an ordinance. The funding will be provided through a special emergency and the cost will be included in the town's budget over the next five years with at least 1/5if of the total amount appropriated each year. This ordinance ensures that township can complete the storm water mapping system
project in compliance with state requirements and will take effect after final adoption and publication as required by law. And um again, I just want to uh echo a special thank you to our um legal team for putting this together.
>> Are there any questions or comments by the township council? >> Council President, I just want to sure >> um just to convey to the public this is a state requirement. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. We passed the resolution and the state is requiring if it's adopted via ordinance.
>> Thank you for pointing out. >> Yeah. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 202539 on first reading and introduction to authorize the notice of the public hearing to be held on October 28, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Councilman Bryley,
>> yes. >> Councilman Bresie, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary, >> yes. >> Council President Bernstein, >> yes. >> Motion carries. The next item of business is the first reading and introduction of ordinance 202540 amending and supplementing the
municipal code of the township of Jackson so as to amend chapter 244 entitled land use and development regulation so as to revise residential density standards in the highway commercial mixeduse zone. May I have a
motion to approve ordinance 202540 on first reading and introduction to authorize the notice of the public hearing to be held on November 13, 2025. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Councilman Brelli, >> yes. >> Councilman Bresie, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary,
>> yes. >> Council President Bernstein, >> yes. >> Motion carries. The next item of business is the first reading and introduction of ordinance 202541 amending special emergency ordinance number 123 which provides for the
preparation of a master plan hereto for finally adopted by the township council of the township of Jackson County of Ocean State of New Jersey on February 14, 2023 to amend the amount of appropriated therein. Council President
Bernstein, are there any comments on ordinance 202541? >> Yes, thank you, Clerk Martin. This ordinance amends a previous ordinance originally adopted in February 2023, which provided funding for the preparation of a township master plan. The amendment increases the special emergency appropriation from $275,000 to
$525,000. This funding will be used to engage consultants and professionals to prepare and update the master plan, ensuring it meets the requirements of state planning laws. And my understanding it also will be used um for any potential litigation that is coming out because through the
master plan. >> Are there any questions or comments by the township council? >> Thank you. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 202541 on first reading and introduction to authorize the notice of the public
hearing to be held on October 28, 2025? >> Motion. >> Second. Councilman Belli, >> yes. >> Councilman Bresie, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Palm Mary, >> yes. >> Council President Bernstein, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
The next item of business is the first reading introduction of ordinance 202542 bond ordinance providing for various 2025 general capital improvements by and in the township of Jackson in the county of Ocean State of New Jersey
appropriating 8,542,440 therefore and authorizing the issuance of 8,135,657 bond or notes to finance part of cost thereof. Council President Bernstein, are there any comments on ordinance 2025? >> Yes, thank you, Clerk Martin. This
ordinance provides for the township of Jackson's 2025 general capital improvements. The projects include the following: roadway drainage and sidewalk improvements throughout the township. Police department upgrades, including new vehicles, K9 equipment, radio and computer system enhancements and facility improvements. Office and technology upgrades for various township
departments. Public works department equipment and motor pool improvements such as new trucks, dumpsters, and maintenance equipment. OEM equipment acquisitions, including trailers, a crew cab pickup, and radio equipments. Building and and ground improvements such as installation repairs, lighting upgrades, and roof and door replacements
at several municipal buildings. miscellaneous equipment purchases, including buses for the senior center center and vehicles for recreation and code enforcement. This ordinance authorizes the township to issue bonds or notes to finance these improvements, continuing our commitment to maintaining Jack's infrastructure, facilities, and public safety resources. And I just want
to add for a second, um there is definitely a lot of infrastructure. Um a lot of our neighborhoods, their drainages are old and there's a lot of other areas that I we're constantly receiving, um requests from our engineering and our other professionals to look at. So this will hopefully fund it. I'm going to request from my
colleagues over the next couple days for each of them to reach out to our bond council, Mr. Canalupa, to make sure we can really go through this together with our CFO because this recommendation, this orders was prepared by them and not Mr. McGucken. And um then we can loop back and uh be more informed before the
second meeting. Thank you. >> Are there any questions or comments by the township council? May I have a motion to approve ordinance 202542 on first reading and introduction to authorize the notice of the public hearing to be held on October 28, 2025. >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Councilman Brelli. >> Um I will vote yes. I do have some questions and I plan on speaking with our town's finance people uh regarding it. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Councilman Bresie. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein.
>> Yes. And again, I'm going to be speaking to them also because I have some questions. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is back is the best practices portion. Council President Bernstein. >> So, um, Clerk Martin, would you just give a quick um I have the statement
here. I should just read it into the record. Okay. So, the township of of Jackson has completed and submitted the annual New Jersey best practices inventory on October 7th, 2025 ahead of the state's October 20, sorry, October 24th, 2025 deadline. This inventory is a
yearly requirement from the state of New Jersey designed to promote sound management, transparency, and fiscal responsibility at the local government level. Each municipality is scored based on its responses to a series of questions covering financial administration, uh, personnel practices,
public communication, other operational areas. Municipalities must achieve a minimum number of points to qualify for 100% of their state aid. With the cooperation and assistance of all of our township departments, we were able to meet the threshold required to receive the full amount of our 2025 state aid
allocation. So, congratulations to all of our municipal departments within Jackson. We're very proud and we look forward to having another great year ahead. >> Thank you. The next item of business is the payment authorization of bills and claims. I would like to note the following
abstensions from Councilman Blli. A E T O1 D E L O1 E Y E1 S TA76. Are there any questions or comments by the township council? May I have a motion to approve the bills
and claims with the abstensions noted? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Blli. >> Uh yes. With those abstensions mentioned. Thank you. >> Councilman Bresie. >> Yes. Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Yes.
>> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> The next item on the agenda is the consent agenda listed for tonight's consideration or resolutions 311 through 32425 listed by title. Council President
Bernsteeen, are there any comments on the consent agenda? >> Um, does anyone from the public have anything they want us to pull out and have a discussion on on the consent agenda? Okay. So then I just have a couple of quick comments. Um and I just want to
take take a a moment and I'm I'm going to ask council president just to elaborate on R sorry the mayor Keune. I apologize. Um Mayor Cun to elaborate on R23 2025. >> Thank you Council President. Um I just
wanted to um let everybody know I know it was a little bit of delayed. We had a little bit but we this on here I'm happy that the council has put it on for Johnson Park for the cleaning up of Johnson Park and also for the dog park. Um as I had mentioned um one of the the members that I had met I've actually had
two calls and we should have a concept plan for everybody to uh to um review within 30 days. So I will um if anybody wants to come and see it, you can see my mayor hours and you can come into uh town hall and look at the concept plan for the dog park. Thank you. Thank you council president. I appreciate that. Thank you.
>> That's it. Thank you. Are there any questions or comments by the township council? May I have a motion to authorize the consent agenda resolutions 311 through 324 2025? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Councilman Blli, >> yes. >> Councilman Breassie, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Palm Mary, >> yes. >> Council President Bernstein, >> yes. >> Thank you. At this time, if any member of the public has any comments to make, please
address the council at the microphone and state your name and address clearly for the record. You will have five minutes and may only speak once. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Anyone?
Good evening. Linda Thompson, 50 Victor Road. Nothing about what's tonight's meeting's about, but uh last time I was here, we talked about uh the Great Adventure Area, and I thought we were going to have some more information about what might be going on over by Cardell's property. I wanted to know if
there was any information going on about what they're going or proposing to build there. Um, I did go into the township and find out about the um all the uh warehouses. I got some information on Nothing's going on there,
but they are paying their taxes, so I was happy about that. But what is going on with all that property that they're over there clearing and moving? I'd love to know what's being proposed there. There's got to be something
proposed. Somebody's got to be saying something. And also, I know I believe Monday's meeting's been cancelled on the Frank Applegate property that they're building right there in the middle of the development. I know everybody knows what's going on
on Frank Applegate Road, but they're proposed to build because we talked about it at the last meeting and my daughter lives there and got noticed that Monday's meeting was cancelled. I don't know if another meeting was scheduled yet because I wasn't on that email.
There was a p a meeting scheduled for Monday. Sure. >> So, I'll answer I'm just waiting for you to finish your questions writing it down. >> Pardon me. >> I'm writing down your questions. I'm going to answer both questions when you're ready. >> Okay. Those are my two big those are my two questions with regard to the Monday meeting. The town website did have a blurb and I don't know um Christian if
we could pull it up. Um and we got an email today from our planning board chairwoman asking to put it on that she received a request from the applicant to pull it for now. Um we have no more information than at this point. between the two professionals. The meeting is still scheduled, but that application
specifically that you're discussing is not scheduled for Monday night. So, if there's anything else on that agenda, that is still being heard on Monday night, but that specific application is not being heard. >> Okay. >> With regard to the other property you mentioned, um, anything which is approved, you can come into I think ask
Mr. Pur, our zoning officer. They are great and they they provide all the documents what was approved. They can't cut trees down if there wasn't something approved. With regard to anything that wasn't approved, I think Mr. McGucken advised by our last meeting that is a subject of litigation and >> well there's no trees there so why are
we talking about trees you are you talking about by great adventure >> there are absolutely no trees at the property it's just a big giant vacant land that Cardell owned and I'm sure has since sold
>> he was approved for 450 houses he's suing Jackson Township because he did not get his way to get the 750 housing buildings that he wanted. Is this new to everybody or am I the only one who knows about what's going on there? >> So, Mr. McCocken.
>> So, there's litigation going on between the developer and the township. There's also a current zoning board application on part of his property. I personally do not know the area that you're referring to is being cleared, but if you go into Mr. Porro's office, he'll show you if there's any approvals for that particular parcel.
>> Okay. Now, what now? Who is he? because I don't know that name. >> The zoning officer, Jeff Papuro. >> Jeff, >> his office is in the annex building. >> Okay. >> Not in this. >> So, he would know what >> he would know. I'm sorry. >> He would know if anything was approved in that specific lot that you're
referencing and what it was and he should be able to show you the plans. >> Okay. So, nobody here knows what has been approved for that area. >> I'm not sure exactly which block and lot you're referring to. So, no, I don't.
It's 301 and 3 301 and 311 route 537 in it's actually Jackson. It's probably the end of Jackson going into New Egypt. Nobody has any idea where that is. >> I we I know where it is, but I have not I don't know what was approved there.
>> So I need to go see him then. >> Ask him. Yeah, you can. >> So everything's off the board for the Frank application area. >> That application's is not on for Monday. Anything else? I didn't see the whole agenda is still being heard. I think there was an office building, but I don't know what else. And some board of matters. >> Okay. All right. Thank you.
>> Eleanor Hannah, Jackson, New Jersey. Um, I'm just going to start out with correcting some of the lies that were stated after my statement on the 25th of September. Um the statement about the lights on Elm Street, um Miss Kun had
said here that she had worked for a very long time. Well, that situation was going on since 2023 and she entered into it six days before this that meeting. Um, and only answered that resident at that time after the resident had done
her due diligence on contacting JCPNL only to find out that those lights, the stadium lighting was ordered by our own township. Um, interestingly enough, the resident who requested those lights had gotten a personal phone call from an
individual up here giving him the heads up that the lighting will be reduced. As far as the open space grant writers, Miss Cune again lied and said that none of that is being used, none of that is being paid for through the open space
trust fund. Well, I do have a copy of the open space trust fund right here. And on February 27th, 2025, Collier's engineering was paid 2 thou $26,952 for grant writing for Jake Law.
Um, and as far as Robo Farms and my removal, again, yes, discriminatory and biased again because of the angst and issue because I'm clearly not a puppet. So, that will never ever happen. Um,
also another um I don't know if it's a lie or if it's something that uh just needed to be said uh for a power play. Uh Miss Cune kept on touting the fact that uh Jackson was having Doge come in and hiring a firm for efficiency to look
into all of these uh different departments that like code enforcement as she asserted uh does not do their job. So it was throughout all these different papers on Doge. Well, I did my uh oper request and a firm was never
hired. Um, and finally, I'm going to read a statement. This statement is not from me. It is the words from a resident in Jackson Township. But I will preface it from Mr.
Pil Mary's um opening statement. Are you better off today than you were eight years ago in Jackson Township? Are you better off today than you were five years ago, two years ago, or even a year ago? I'd say none. So from this
resident, it's a speech on community responsibility and respect. Good evening everyone. I have been a proud resident of Jackson for 23 years. I own a business in town and my child attends our local school district. My family and
I invested not only our money but also our sweat, hard work, and heart into our home and into this community. Our greatest asset. We take great pride in being a part of Jackson. I ra I was raised through my faith and education to
be culturally competent, respectful, and understanding of others, to value differences, to listen, and to find compromise. I believe strongly in working together to create a community that respects all backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions. However, in recent
years, I've become increasingly concerned by certain behaviors and patterns that seem to disregard that same sense of compromise, shared responsibility, and respect for our town's values and laws. Let me be clear. I I welcome diversity, growth, and
change, but not when it comes at the expense of others or when it undermines fairness, safety, or the integrity of our neighborhoods. First, I'm concerned about the misuse of tax exempts and zoning laws. Tax exemptions for religious or charitable organizations
exist support genuine community benefit. But when properties receiving exemptions don't comply with local zoning laws or disregard their surrounding residents, it places an unfair burden on others,
including those who the rules carefully and use those benefits responsibly. For example, on our street, there is a home receiving nonprofit status as a church/religious organization. However, even with the new accommodating zoning law, it is not in
compliance. It disregards the needs and boundaries of the existing neighbors who choose to live there because they do not want to be on a higher order road with that level of use. It also disregards safety needs due to parking needs and overuse. Second, I've seen an increase
in rental properties that I do not fall that do not follow proper code management or safety standards. You have another >> 10 seconds you can finish up. >> I'm sorry. >> If you have another few seconds, you can finish up quickly. >> In some areas, this has led to excessive
garbage, lack of maintenance, and even issues with displaced animals due to deforestation and development. These conditions not only harm property values, but also erode the trust and quality of life that make Jackson a desirable place to live. An example is a
lack of oversight and management of the landlords. One example is a neighbor storing garbage in the backyard with complete disregard by the landlord. To the neighbors, please. Deforestation concerns directly impacted
us when animals, including rats, >> 15 more seconds to give. >> Okay. As they were crossing into our neighborhood and our yard. Third, I worry about the growing sense of imbalance and how community accommodations are being made. Jackson has always been a town that had had its own culture, tradition, and values. ones
that made many of us work. >> Thank you. >> Hello again, Donnie Adelman, Willow Point Drive. Um, Mr. McGuffin, sorry about your partner. I know he's watching at home somewhere. Chief sorry about your mom. And of course, uh,
condolences to the family of the kid that was killed in the car accident. Um, couple of things. The lights at the basketball courts at Johnson Park, the switch don't doesn't work. The b the pickle ball tennis courts, they work
just fine, but the switch to turn on the basketball courts, it doesn't. Um, same thing with the traffic light leaving the park. The camera is kind of pointed not at where it's supposed to be, and it's literally missing people. We've had two or three cars sat there lined up at a,
you know, waiting for the red light and it just never turns green because it doesn't see cars sitting there sometimes. Um, couple other things I was going to talk about the business business administrator, but he's not here, so we'll go past that. Um,
the dog park plan that was going to be put up in 30 days or so. Is it possible to get a copy of it and post it on the bulletin board at the dog park? >> I'm gonna answer you when you're done. Yeah. >> Okay. Um,
let's see. I guess that's really pretty much it for tonight. Um, yeah. Okay. So, with regard to the basketball court, I'm obviously going to reach out to our recreation in the mayor's office tomorrow. And also with regard to the cameras by leaving Johnson. With regard to the dog park, we didn't say it could be ready in 30 days.
Now that we authorize this, we're going to get a proposal and yes, before any proposal is voted on, it will be shown to the public and obviously anyone who wants to come in, we it will be on our agenda and we will more than happy to put it on for everyone to see. >> Oh. Yeah. Just to be clear, it's, you know, it's not a video camera. It's the
camera that's up on top of the lake that recognizes the cars, you know, park, you know, sitting there. >> All right. Thank you. [Music] Sorry about that. Jim Sloakia Jackson. Um, my comments tonight are going to be
in regards to a story that was published on one of our local news media websites. that is about where this town stands on the director of public safety and how you are hire looking to hire a new director of public safety. um reading
through the article, couple of things caught my eye. Last year when we were first going for the director of public safety before director Candidino, former director Candidino, I stood before this group and said, "It sounds like it's a human resource problem because the
police officers have issues with the chief." And I even asked the president of the police union and I and I said to him, I don't think you'll answer this question, but I'll ask it anyway. And I said, if the police chief resigned tomorrow, would
you still be looking for this position? Without hesitating, he said, no. And then he said, well, if we get the chief we want, then we wouldn't want. So again, we fixed a problem by increasing
taxpayer requirements of $200,000. We didn't fix the problem that is truly out there. Okay, we got you got your hands slapped in the court of law because of how Director Candido obvious. And listen, I
I like Director Candido. Him and I had many conversations after these meetings long after everybody was gone. So, I respect the way he does things. Um, and I even told him I would support him in certain things. Um, what concerns me is
we now have a mayor that basically agrees with me. And why do I say that? Well, in this in the article, it states, "In interim mayor Jennifer Cune stressed that the public safety director is not to not considered to be a permanent
position and is only needed until the police department is improved. It is not a position that we have to keep once everything is in place," June said, citing the need for improved communication within department, increased hiring and better morale. The
goal is down the road that the public safety director's position will not be necessary. We want processes and procedures in place. All of that sounds like you have issues with how the department is run. As as you now are,
mayor, Miss Kun, you have control over what how you can work within those departments. So, I hope we attack that. Before you go and hire another $200,000 a year job, you should really look at what are we
doing? Are we doing the right thing for the residents of Jackson by not rem again if the police chief is not doing his job? And I and in the article it talks about how it's almost impossible. My problem is if someone's not doing their job, it really shouldn't be impossible and we should fight as much
as we have to. But to put $200,000 into a budget for a position that the residents have to pay for not for them receiving no benefit other than the fact that we now are using two people to do one job because the before this position
the police chief was responsible for everything. And he was getting paid his 216,000. And now all of a sudden he's still getting paid his 216,000 and we have a director of public safety making 200,000 which is additional money. And you know
the the the police board police union said well it's only the increase between jobs. Well guess what? He's back to his job so it's the full $200,000 now. Just like I said if you ever if you ever filled a position it would be. So before you hire someone, really think deep
down, is it the right way to handle this for the residents of Jackson? What do the residents of Jackson get out of it instead of just well, we don't have to deal with the problems that we see during in those departments? >> So, are you done? Can I can I respond to
you for a second? So, the Asbury Park Press story was unfortunately behind a paid wall. I tried reading it this morning and and this afternoon, so I did not see it. Um but yeah >> after the meeting if you don't mind but um I will tell you that the position of this of of this council and and I'm
going to speak for the mayor and if I misspe please correct me is that we definitely do not we we are hoping that we can fix the issues without having to have two people on top and it's a matter of litigation. So I'm not going to I'm not going I'm not going to respond to anything more but um everything we you
you said we heard loud and clear. Okay. Hi, uh, Lisa Zak Jackson. I'm just going to finish this little letter that she was reading because it was so important to this resident that it be heard. Um, an example is the lack of oversight and
management of the landlords. One example is a neighbor storing garbage in the backyard with complete disregard by the landlord to the neighbors please. Deforestation concerns directly impacted us when animals, including rats, as they were displaced and crossing into our
neighborhood and yard. We bore the expense of extermination time and concern for our child and our dogs as daily rats were exterminated for a total of 12 rats through the summer. Third, I worry about the growing sense of
imbalance in how community accommodations are being made. Jackson has always been a town with its own culture, traditions, and values, ones that many of us have worked hard to preserve. It's important to welcome new neighbors, and beliefs, but it must be done with mutual respect and compromise
for all, not one-sided decisions that ignore the needs or boundaries of long-standing residents. Sadly, our neighborhood was highlighted in an article rebranding it as suitable for one group without acknowledging existing
neighbors and a tone of ownership by one group. There was no mention of the current and existing residents or acknowledgement of current needs, identity, boundaries, and no mention of inclusion or cohesion, just a tone of separateness.
Next, when community events are rescheduled or local policies are changed to accommodate one group, it's important to ensure that others are not in unintentionally excluded. True inclusion means everyone's needs are considered. Finally, I believe in
fairness when it comes to fiscal responsibility. State or federal benefits are meant to support those truly in need. When systems are manipulated intentionally or unintentionally, it stretches resources and can harm those most vulnerable who
rely on those programs. Jackson's strength has always come from our ability to come together through storms, disagreements, and growth and still find common ground. We must continue to uphold lawfulness, mutual respect, and shared accountability if we're we want
our town to thrive for generations to come. Let's protect what makes Jackson special, not by rejecting change, but by ensuring that change happens with fairness, transparency, and respect for everyone who calls this place home. And that's it. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Elliot Shmub, Jackson, New Jersey. Over the past few years, the town has hired Shore News Network as their local news source. This so-called news outlet is run by a
man named Phil Stilton, who constantly runs hit pieces on establishment opponents. This is a major issue as he is paid in upwards of $4,000 plus every single month by the town using
Jackson residents tax dollars. I find this to be disgusting. Outlets like MSNBC do not even go this far even though they show for one party. As we now know, this happens in Jackson. But
the big difference is we as residents and taxpayers are paying for this. What's sad is that this so-called journalism isn't even journalism. its lies and smears to assist the establishment in Jackson push one
candidate over another. I would like to know what the council and our newly appointed mayor think of such practices. Please let us know. Um thank you for your comments, Mr. Shamto. Um and um I can only speak for
myself. Um but a and I've had this conversation with other residents. Um my position is that a journalist does not lose his first amendment rights. And we as council um have nothing to do with any smears or any other political
attacks. And um and everyone's welcome by the new year if they don't like it to vote for it. But right now he's in contract for the year. So you're responsible for what he says. >> If if it's come up to the mic to speak, >> Bill Stelton or excuse me, Morgan Engineering most likely is the owner of
Shore News Network. You pay them with our tax dollars. So they're accountable for what they say and what they do because we as residents here in the town, we're paying him. Well, we're paying you, but you're paying him. So aren't you accountable for that as
government? Shouldn't you be held to a higher standard? MSNBC is not paid by the Democratic party, nor is Fox to the Republican party. So my question now is as someone who's president of the council and mayor of our town, shouldn't you be held
accountable or to a higher standard? >> Yes, sure. >> We also have a vendor. It's NJ.com. We used to have Jackson Times as a vendor as well. And I can tell you personally, I didn't agree with all of their articles either. NJ.com puts articles up now. I do not agree with them. Um but
they're a vendor. They do specific things for Jackson Township. You may not agree with Shore News Network and what they put out, and maybe I don't either, but they're not getting paid for those particular articles from this township. They're getting paid for a specific thing from this township to put out, not
those specific articles. >> Thank you, Council Vice President. >> Fair enough. >> Chris Pollock, Jackson, New Jersey. A lot has happened recently. Uh we now have a newly installed mayor and a newly installed council president. This wasn't
done by the will of the people though. It was a backroom deal and we all know it. Your arrogance is on full display for everyone to see. Our former mayor resigned just after the deadline that would have triggered a special election. That move silenced the people's voice
and gave the council the power to handpick a new mayor. Why did he resign? It was reported that he resigned because he got a promotion. Who's his boss? Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sedai, who was here the day our new leadership
was installed. Sedi, he swore in council president, Morty Bernstein. He praised the new mayor, Jennifer Cune. He just happened to have a previous business relationship with her father. He said he grew uh she grew up around him. He owns
Morgan Engineering. Morgan Engineering does business with Jackson, they got a $438,000 contract to redevelop Roa Farms, and they continue to do business with the township. And while praising our new so-called leaders, he said the
quiet part out loud. He called Jackson the epicenter of growth for Ocean County. He said he believes Jackson will grow to 150,000 to 200,000 people. And that's more than tripling our population. If people are unhappy now,
how are they going to feel when we grow like that? You pretend to be against overdevelopment, but everybody knows better. The people of Jackson don't want this kind of explosive growth. And the truth is, our town can't handle it. Growth on that scale would change our
entire way of life. It would destroy the character of our town. And the reason people chose to raise families here, the open space, the sense of community, and the small town identity we still have left. We all know why, right? We all know what you're doing. We all know
you're a part of it. You're the people driving it forward. Growth should be responsible. It should be gradual. It should respect the residents, open space, and the history of this town. But instead, we get a mayor who profits off real estate, and a council president whose political career is funded by
developers, engineering firms, and construction interest. And we we all see whose side you're really on. You can't pretend anymore. We all know who you are. We know your plan. And we know it goes against the will of the people that you're elected to serve. Know that I'll
be here to call you out, to stand against you, and fight you every step of the way. So, I just like to if I just want to respond to one thing. Um, I think the the former mayor um and again I I don't want to speak for him. Um, Mr. Faul, if you want, you can I'm sure you can reach
out to him and ask him directly. Um, but the former mayor did say to it, I think it was Jersey Shore online that the allegations that he left because of promotions in the county were false. Um, he made that decision. I was actually on holiday when he made that decision. I was very surprised. my colleagues came
over to tell me and I support um him in his retirement and I'm sure he will continue doing great things on the county level. Council vice president. >> Yeah, if I could just add to Mr. Paulax's claim that I was a part of some backroom deal, I can assure you I was a part of no backroom deal. I take offense to that allegation because if you can't
prove it in any way, you're just making an allegation which is completely false. And secondly, I know in one of your videos you open a admitted to having communication with the mayor. So I'm not sure why you're up here asking us why he resigned. Give him a call. Ask him yourself. You talk to him. So, call him and ask him. I'm sure he'll be more than
willing to let you know. Thank you. Good evening, Ryan Archer, Jackson, New Jersey. I first like to address uh your capacity, the capacity that the members of the council are in right now.
Is it clear to say that you are all serving in your official capacity? Is that fair to say other than Mr. McGucken who's in his professional capacity? All the members of this council are comm currently serving in their official capacity.
>> Any elected official serves in their official capacity especially when they're at a public meeting. >> Okay. So they don't they don't serve in their in their professional capacity, in their personal capacity. So everything that is stated in this meeting is in their official. >> They can have personal opinions. They
can have personal comments, but as far as their duty sitting up here, they are in a in their capacity as an elected official. >> Is this the appropriate platform for them to express their personal opinions? >> It's completely up to them. They have a first amendment right just like everybody else. >> So there's no statute. There's no the
local finance board does not constrict what they say up on the position. >> And if they did, it would be illegal to do that. >> Fair enough. Mr. McGucken. Um, you serve as a legal representative of the township, correct? >> That's correct. >> Okay. In your tenor here, has any township official either been
politically threatened or persuaded that you know of? >> What do you mean politically persu? Sorry. >> Okay. Is it been documented that an official in the township has been politically threatened or persuaded to make a decent?
I mean, people make allegations against elected officials all the time. Um, you're not going to get my vote if you don't do what I want. That's >> Is there any written documentation that you know of that represents political persuasion or threatening? >> If you can go through the chair what you mean by political persuasion, but I'm
not aware of anything illegal that that I've ever seen. >> Thank you very much. Have a good evening. >> Anyone else? Is Mr. Sullivan? Uh, Joseph Sullivan, 31 Cathy Court here in Jackson. Uh, I am the executive
director of the Manufactured Homeowners Association of New Jersey. I am also president of the National Manufactured Homeowners Association and I am a member of the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington. Uh,
I just want to thank uh, Council President Bernstein and Council Vice President Paul Mary for meeting with residents of manufactured housing. Uh on behalf of the executive directors of MOA, New Jersey and the executive board of NEO MOA, we wish to thank Jackson
Township for being one of the most um uh well-informed uh governments and and welcome and well uh outreach program uh towns in the uh country. Um, I also want to thank
Councilman Brezie uh and Councilman Belli because in the past you have both been very receptive and helpful in helping residents of manufactured housing. And I want to thank Mayor Cune for also uh lending her support when it came to addressing issues for residents
of manufactured housing. And I wish to thank the former mayor um um Mike for his support over the years. Um, this is something we don't see in many municipalities in New Jersey or throughout the country. And I hope that
no matter what political persuasion or faction or whatever anybody wants to use as a term that we will continue to see united support for manufactured housing residents as we have seen in the past. Um, but I would like to uh es especially
thank uh council vice president Paul Mary and Bernstein because the compassion and knowledge you both showed at that meeting was uh very much appreciated by the residents who reached out to me afterwards. So, thank you very
much and have a good evening. >> So, Joe, Mr. Svin, I just want to thank you for a second. You were very humble in all your titles in the beginning. I think there's a couple more that you left out. Thank you for service to Jackson Township in all of your other capacities and um thank you for um inviting us down and allowing us to to
invite ourselves down actually, but thank you for following up on a commitment you made last year. And um I think your your neighborhood and all the manufacturing homes are very blessed and lucky to have someone like you there who doesn't go to sleep without thinking what he can do for the residents. And we
appreciate you sending us certain things and we're going to be hopefully moving forward with our legal attorneys whenever else we can continue to do. Thank you. >> Thank you. And thank you for addressing the question. >> Mr. Sullivan, again, thank you for facilitating that meet that meeting. Uh you know, I said this a year ago when we were when I was campaigning to the
manufacturing housing uh folks that we would not forget those folks. And since the election, we wanted to make sure we knew that they were still important to us. They will still continue to be important to us. They're very much so a part of our community like everyone else. And we want to make sure that they feel and get the attention they deserve. So, thank you.
>> Thank you so much. Anyone else? I think >> Hi, Joe Strup, Aspbury Park Press. This might have been mentioned earlier, but I just had a question about the new housing division. >> Sure. >> This will be the hiring of four new employees.
>> No, there's four different um categories if you read the ordinance, but we don't have to hire all four. We're going to obviously look at our inventory of what we need and then hire based on that inventory need. There's going to be a department head or a division head, better yet, and then there's going to be inspector and then we're going to, you know, see based on the number. I think right now the latest number I got from
code today was 1900 rentals, which did come down a little bit from where it was last year, which is a I think a good sign. Um, but the number is going to be based on the need. If the number increases, we're going to have to hire more. But we've created four different positions that we're able to hire, and each of them will have their own
individual unique salary range based on the qualifications that they meet. >> And if I could just say, Mr. president. Um, they will be paid for by the registration fees from the landlord. So, we're not raising taxes in town. Correct. >> That's the other thing I was going to ask. >> That's that's why >> the startup cost and the annual cost
expected. And where will the funding come? >> So, um, the funding is going to come from the fee that we put into the previous ordinance, but obviously over like I said earlier, we are going to be meeting with our legal counsel and with the head of code enforcement, making sure we're not missing anything before we put it into effect. Um, they're going
to need a location to be housed out of. They're going to need cars and other benefits. I think one of the residents mentioned before. So, we're gonna have to see where we can start with and and and how and how to start. So, hopefully over the next couple weeks and hopefully by the time we get to the next meeting when we introduce the salary ordinance range, we'll have more information on
the salary and that will be based on how much money we think we could afford to pay. >> And one of you had mentioned earlier you were not able to read my story because it's behind the payw wall. We have very affordable subscriptions. I'll be glad to share them with you. >> Thank you. I was waiting for that. Anyone
else? I see. Yeah, man. >> Kevin Burge, Jackson, New Jersey. Uh, good evening, council members. >> Do you mind just saying I didn't hear Do you mind saying your name again? >> Oh, Kevin Burge. Okay. Uh, sorry, I came from work and my uh comments are mine,
not my employer. Um, okay. I'm going to read it because it's really a longer conversation, so I apologize. I came uh with one clear purpose to respectfully request that the township reinstate the option to pay in cash for
all in-person mun municipal services. The request isn't about convenience or preference. It's about ensuring our local government remains accessible, transparent, and lawful in every in how it serves every resident.
It's true that our township attorney noted that nothing in state law forbids limiting payment options, but that's not the same as having permission. In New Jersey, municipalities only have powers, excuse me, clearly delegated to them by
the legislature, not those assumed through silence. While the intent may have been administrative efficiency, the legal foundation here is uncertain at best. Limiting lawful forms of payment shifts the burden from government to residents,
especially those without bank accounts, reliable internet, or who prefer to maintain privacy in personal transactions. It's worth noting that the tax collector and municipal courts still accept cash, and residents deserve that same fairness
and flexibility across all municipal offices. When efficiency begins to outweigh access, the balance between government and community starts to tilt. And that's something worth correcting. We've heard several explanations as to why this
change was made. First was, and I it was six months ago, so I apologize. Um, administrative convenience. It's been said that keeping cash on hand and making change is cumbersome for staff, who are great, by the way, your staff in
the clerk's office. That may be true operationally, but public policy isn't supposed to prioritize comfort. It's supposed to prioritize access. Next, there was mention made when uh
this during the second reading by the attorney. He said it was short. Uh he said for public corruption purposes. And that's pretty serious and one that deserves clarity. If corruption was a concern, where is
the documentation or an audit supporting that risk? Courts, police departments, and tax offices across New Jersey handle cash daily, transparently under audit, and with accountability. If the goal is to prevent misconduct, banning cash doesn't strengthen
oversight. It removes visibility. And then there's modernization. Uh it should mean progress, not exclusion. Digital payments are a helpful option for many residents and they should remain available. But
modernization becomes inequitable when it removes the ability of others to participate fully in their local government. True modernization keeps all residents included regardless of their tools, access, or income. And finally, there's the issue that
hasn't been talked about enough. Data. For every digital payment in Jackson now flows through private third-party system systems. Municipe is powered by a company called auto agent which uses Google Analytics and
Microsoft clarity. Each of these entities collects and maintain retains behavioral and technical information from IP addresses and devices to location and browsing activity. Even if payment card Even if payment
card data is secure, behavioral data is not. And residents were never really clearly informed of this, nor given an opportunity to consent. That doesn't align with the spirit of transparency or local control. This
discussion isn't about nostalgia or paper money. It's about maintaining the right to choose how we interact with our government. Every time a government limits choice under the banner of efficiency, it transfers a small piece of autonomy from
the public to the system. Today it's payments. Tomorrow could be access to other services tied to digital identity or online verification. Technology should make participation easier, not conditional.
Modernization should empower residents, not manage them. A balanced government protects the progress and privacy. So tonight, I'm respectfully asking this council to >> finish up. >> Okay, cool. >> 15 seconds.
>> Uh reinstate cash as an accepted option for all inperson municipal services. Disclose the full list of vendors involved in digital payment processing, municipe, auto agent, Google Analytics, and Microsoft clarity, and make their privacy policies accessible to residents. commit to public discussion
before any future restrictions on payment methods are implemented because a government that values transparency should never make privacy optional. Thank you for your time and your service to the people of Jackson. >> Thank you. So, I just want to respond
for a second. So, I actually had about a week and a half ago I had to apply for a permit to put up a suka in my driveway which required a zoning permit. And I was pulling out of my neighborhood and I called actually the mayor and I said, "Just remind me what our ordinance says." She's like, "You need a credit card." I looked in my car. I didn't have a credit card. I I turned around. I went
back home to get a credit card. Um I think one thing about this this council and this and this and the mayor is that we are open to reviewing things that we've done. Um I didn't mention earlier, I spoke to our code code department about reviewing one of our ordinance, our property maintenance ordinance to see where we can tweak it, which was a
commitment that this council um made when we initially put that ordinance into place. So, we're open to that. So, this is definitely something that I will review with our department heads together with the mayor and and and get a little bit more feedback from the general public and um hopefully have a more informed decision by the new year.
>> Is there's a process to repeal? I guess you have to >> Yeah, you would have to reintroduce an ordinance and then it's a second two readings. Correct. >> I guess that would be like a good opportunity because this is a longer discussion to meet personally. >> Yeah. So, we have if you look on the town website, yeah, we have we have
times and if you wait after the meeting, I can give you more information. >> All right. Cool. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Carlos Martins, Jackson, New Jersey. Um, so all my topic I really don't don't have a question, so it's okay. If it sounds like a question, it's rhetorical. You don't have to answer. That's fine.
Um, it all falls under kind of sharing best practices. And when I say best practice, I'm not talking about the state thing that you guys had to do. talking about just within the department now that we want to make it more efficient and so on. So yesterday I had
the pleasure of attending the board of education meeting, right? This is the first time because I'm on the zoning. It's at the same time. So anyway, and I was very impressed. I was very impressed with the technology that they had. They had a whole van full of, you know,
cameras and things like that. And I was very impressed by the um our students. They came up um very organized, very civil, made their points, very, you know, um to the
point listing out specific issues that that that they had to the superintendent. Um I would hesitant to say that one of the ladies that came up, she's probably going to be president someday. She was so good. Um and I think we can all learn
from that. Um not just the council, but even us. Um, I think they were more professional than we are. Um, I think that was great. Um, also the way it was conducted and and and I like Mr. Bernstein now that you're also trying to keep that where you take the questions
first, write them down, blah blah, keep going, and then at the end you respond to the questions. So they they do that. Um, it gets difficult because sometimes it's a lot of questions. >> I'm just gonna interrupt for a second. I used to go I watched all those meetings. So >> Oh, you watched it. Okay. >> And council pres council vice president used to run them. So yes. >> Yeah.
>> Right. Right. I saw you there. Yeah, that's right. Anyway, so I I think we can learn a lot from the way they conduct their meetings and I think us um the public can learn a lot from how to present ourselves to you. Um so that's one. The other thing was when we were
talking about the snow removal contract, Mr. Palmy, you mentioned an idea that said, "Hey, what if we break down the break down Jackson into zones so we get more competitive bids?" Um that was just kind of mentioned on the side. I hope we don't drop that idea that it's there
somewhere and when time comes up we uh you know I I just would like not I would like to not see it dropped. You kind of mentioned it on on the side but sounds like a great idea. The more competition the better. We all know that. >> If I if I could just answer that for a second. That's a conversation I've had
with the mayor already together with our DPW Bolinsky. Um and uh um we are definitely going to be very hands-on this year with the snow removal. I don't want to use the word hands-on literally, but we're going to be very much involved and engaged and seeing what we can do better. And I think it's something that
we we we always could do better and we could always learn and improve. I'm hoping it doesn't snow, but if it does, >> um, and any feedback residents have, I know the mayor's office and DPW very much welcomes. >> Great. Great. >> We got open door here. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, because one thing I would not like to see is for us to bring it in house, right? You want the
flexibility. We don't know when it's going to snow or how much is going to snow and so you want that flexibility. You bring it in house. >> We do a little bit of both. Out of out house and Yeah. >> Right. I I wouldn't I I think DPW was recommending expanding that. I don't know. Think about that. We need that anything related to weather, whether
it's cutting the grass or the snow. Um we want the flexibility to be able to contract it out so that we don't have to pay permanent salaries, permanent benefits, things like that. Anyway, you guys got that all under control. Um the other thing you mentioned about
improving the technology, right? Is there training for for our uh training meaning like learn Word, learn Excel? I'm talking about really basic stuff for for our employees. >> Any employee who's hired here um depending on the department meets with their department head and usually a
member of administration depending on on now with the with you know with the relationship with the council is is usually a council member also is part of that process. But um anyone who's generally hired by any of our departments is expected to be proficient in the basics of computer knowledge. Excel where depending on their obviously
department obviously you know clerk's office you have to know how to type you know there's obviously >> different things so yes it is 2025 and that's that's pretty standard >> yeah okay yeah I mean my experience hasn't been so good and I'm talking really basic stuff but okay um
oh so related to that I think this is my final best practice so in corporate we have an idea that um knock down silos right knock down silos cleaning. Um I think we had someone come up here where you go to an office and
it's like well you got to go to zoning. No, you got to go to plan. Just point the figure to somebody and you get rid of them, right? The idea is that even though if I'm in zoning, right, um somebody comes to me and asks me a question about something and the answer shouldn't just be, okay, go talk to
Bernstein. You know, it give them more information. We all represent Jackson, right? every one of the employees to a resident. You represent the Jackson Town Hall. >> So, um, you know, >> I'm just going to respond to that for a second. So, I over the past week had a little bit more free time. So, sometimes
with the mayor, sometimes on my own, I had an opportunity and visiting some of our departments. I actually saw the firsthand. I was by code and zoning. We share a building and someone came in with code related question and the person who was standing by the desk was zoning and she answered that and she told me, I asked her actually after I said, "Is that usually what happens?"
She said, "It happens all the time." So there's a great working relationship. Um obviously government works for the people. I know former council president um Fleming, it was something he he had talked about having someone in town hall to direct people. I'm hoping every every employee could direct people. I know
I've seen it and I think we have a great we have a great staff here and under administration and the mayor's lead, I'm sure they'll even do better. So y got it. >> Yeah, that was the idea actually I had but I didn't want to add more salaries. So okay, we all could do >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Seeing no one come forward. I motion to close public forum. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Mr. McCain. >> May I have a motion to authorize a settlement of uh Stoer versus Jackson Township for the discussion in executive
session? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Blli. >> Yes. >> Council Breie. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. And thank you, Mr. Mucken for your sound legal advice. No problem.
>> Could I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Move. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Thank you. Ajourned.