Please rise for the pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation under God indivisibley
and justice for all. Good evening and welcome to the April 14, 2026 regular meeting of the Jackson Township Council. Pursuant to the provisions of the New Jerseys open public meeting act, adequate notice of this meeting was properly provided by transmitting a notice of the meeting on January 9th for publication. Notice of
this meeting in the township council has been posted in the corridor of the municipal building on the township website in the office of the municipal clerk. We'll begin with a roll call. Councilman Barlli >> here. Councilman Brassie >> here. >> Councilman Pollock >> here. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary >> present.
>> Council President Bernstein >> here. >> Also attending this evening is Mayor Cune, Attorney McGucken, administrator Terara Franco, and myself, Sandra Martin. We will now hear opening comments from the township council starting with Council President Bernstein. >> So first of all, I want to welcome
everyone to the meeting. We uh enjoy seeing a full house. Um, a special congratulations um to the to the young ladies in the front. Um, welld deserved and we'll talk more about that shortly. I also want to congratulate the police department. Um, I found out about a half
hour before the meeting that this with these new hires. We will be at the largest amount I think in Jackson PD's history. Um, something that's been the mayor and council have been working actively on. So, we're very proud of this moment. And um I also want to thank the mayor because this would not have been possible without the grant, the
federal grant that the township finally got last year. Um so we look forward to all the exciting things tonight. Thank you and have a good night. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Thank you, Clerk. I just would like to start by uh congratulating our new officers. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your dedication to our town. May God bless you and your families. I would like to also thank all of the uh teams that participated this weekend uh for the clean communities. Thank you for your service and and participation. And uh something that's very near and
dear to my heart, our cheerleaders. My daughter was a cheerleader from Mighty Mits all the way. She's uh the D14. She's a high school varsity cheerleader now. So I know how hard you work, the dedication, the days, the weeks, the months that you put in for two and a half minutes on
that mat. It is something that every member of your team has to work diligently hard for to hit. And every member is equally as important. Whether you're a flyer, back spot, front spot, tumbler, you're all equally important because every single member has to hit
for you to be champions. And you are champions. So, if I could just Can we get a round of applause for our champions, please? Champions. And I would be remissed if I didn't say the coaches. Your your coaches, I'm sure, have sleepless nights trying to tweak the uh routine the day before,
right? It's like we got to throw something else in. So, uh your dedication does not go unnoticed. We know how hard you work. And to the parents, I'm a cheer dad for over a decade. So, I know every time we go to a competition, we're as excited as we can
be, but our heart is in our throat because we see our kids go out there. And I can tell you, Jackson parents are a rowdy crowd. When we when you go to competitions, Jackson's got to be one of the loudest parents in in New Jersey. So, we're very proud and we're very proud of you. You did something that not
everyone can do, not every team can do, and you work together. So, take that teamwork with you as you go through life because life is about teamwork, hard work, and dedication. So, congratulations to you. I'm so excited we're going to honor you tonight. So, just to shift gears slightly, I'll make
this as briefly as possible. I know we have a packed agenda. Uh I just want to say to everyone, you know, I am looking forward to and I will work with anyone on this day, whether it be a council member, the mayor, the business administrator, or even any resident. If anyone has any good ideas for the
betterment of Jackson, reach out to me. I'm here to work with everyone. I'm politics aside, let's just do some good for our town. We may not always agree, but that's okay. Let's talk it Let's talk it through and let's do something good here. And fourthly, if I uh didn't
mention this, it would it would bother me because it's something that's been on my mind. And this is definitely something that the state put us in. And I'm going to say this now with our D14 girls here because I know a lot of them go to our schools here in Jackson. So, I was listening to the board of ed meeting,
the last one, and business administrator um Beginsky was talking about the 2627 school year, and he said, "For the first time in the history of Jackson Township, we have more private school students than public school students. We have about 7,000 public school students and
about 8,500 private school students. And I'm actually really excited to see that there's so many kids in Jackson. There's a lot of young families here. But there's something that the state needs to address. The state mandates for uh
private school busing to be paid for by the local districts. Now, I understand when they passed this 60 some odd years ago, this was considered for a handful of students, but now with so many private school students, and this is not this is not the the problem of the of
the parents choosing to put their kids in private school. This is they're not to blame. the state's mandate is to blame because they are basically saying they're going to mandate something and not pay for it. So if we look back in 2018, we had about 600 students that were in
private schools and that was about $600,000 in the budget for 27 26 27 school year. It's going up to $10 million in in in private school transportation. So that has to be fixed because we can't
have the cost of that going up S2 for nine years cutting the the the state aid to our district. It's a recipe for disaster and the chef is the state of New Jersey. So we need the state
legislature to fix this because we are an outlier here in in Jackson. We are an outlier where we have more private than public school and that's okay. But the state needs to pay for their mandates. They can't just leave it on the local
municipalities and the board of education because that's unsustainable and that's going to hurt the entire town. So, I hope that the state is listening and if not, I will be talking to our state legislators and petitioning and advocating for them to fix this
before it gets way out of control. So, thank you, >> Council Member Ali. >> Uh, thank you, Clerk Martin. I concur with council vice president Paul Mary. Um it's really an unfair school funding formula um unfortunately affecting students in our town and um in other
towns across our uh our great state particularly in the rural suburbs of our uh of our state. So um you sound a little bit more optimistic than me about the current makeup of the legislature making any changes but we can always try right. So and that's what uh we will try
to do. Um, please join us in keeping um, our newly sworn in police officers coming up swirly us uh, sworn in police officers. Keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they go about keeping our town safe and secure 247. Very thankful for you gentlemen and uh,
your strong willingness to serve and protect. And congratulations of course to the young ladies in the front here and your coaches. Like your parents, our town is very proud of you and your accomplishments and keep up the uh, great work and sportsmanship. And again, on behalf of Jackson residents and taxpayers, I hope to see and review this
year's municipal budget soon and vote on it. Have a good evening. Thank you, >> Councilman Brassie. >> Thank you. First, I want to congratulate the cheerleadings with the national championship. I know you have to put 100% out every time, and that's what you've done, and we're all very proud of
you. and also the dedication of the parents and the support the parents give you all the time. That's got to be there too for you to put out the 100%. And not enough can be said about the coaches and we thank all of you very very much. It's a great night also because we're hiring great eight great eight new officers and
as the council president mentioned it brings us up to the highest number we've had and we look forward to you want you to serve. We're proud of you. Serve safely and protect the town like the rest of the police force does. And I have to agree with uh Mr. Jeppi here. Um
more than the school mandates that we have to pay for. There are many mandates the state's putting down our throat that we pay for and they just keep throwing at us. There's a lot that has to be addressed at the state level. It sounds like we're just passing the buck, but it's not. From affordable housing to the
school budgets, there's so many state laws and stuff passed on to us as a township that's getting very hard to absorb. But I do agree with you and uh thank you for coming out this evening. It was a good night to be here. We're celebrating the championship for the girls. Hire eight new cops. It's a great
night. Thank you for coming out. Go home safely. >> Councilman Pollock. >> Uh first, congratulations to the uh youth cheerleading. You guys are champions. That's something you're going to carry throughout your entire life, but also that's a mindset keep with you
throughout your entire life and bring that to everything you do. uh to our police officers being sworn in. Thank you guys for your service. It's a pleasure. Thank you for taking this step in your career in serving Jackson. You're well appreciated. Uh you guys know me. I have certain issues I always like to talk about. Uh so I'm going to
get into one right away. Uh I'm still very concerned that we chose to plan 58% of our affordable housing obligations in the Pinelands. And if people don't know about the Pinelands, it's one of the most environmentally sensitive regions in the state. And it's protected land. It's a fragile ecological system with
strict rules on development, density, water use, and environmental impact. We intentionally chose to plan our affordable housing there. Not just a little bit of it, 58% of it. And we also at the same time decided to increase
density. For being against overdevelopment, we decided to increase density to eight units per acre in an environmentally sensitive area. Not sure why we would do that. You know, uh these are questions we need to keep asking. I don't believe that's
responsible planning. And what this is doing is accelerating overdevelopment in the worst places possible. Uh when you break it down, there's land in Jackson. It's going to get developed. We can say we're against overdevelopment all we want, but if we chose protected land
that's environmentally sensitive, what is that saying? because all the other land is going to get developed as well. We need to focus on protecting what needs to be protected in Jackson. Uh, another issue I wanted to bring up, uh, before I was even a candidate for
political office, I was talking about yearly rental inspections, and I'm really glad that we implemented that in this town. I think it's a great thing, but I do have some concerns about how we did it. We chose to grow our government and create a new bureau. Uh, we're a
civil service town and I'm still not clear whether this bureau falls under civil service. More importantly, this bureau doesn't even have full enforcement authority. They cannot issue municipal court summones or complaints and they have to refer to other departments for violations. We added
another layer of government for one single task and it can't even fully perform that task. And now there's a pattern you're going to see in Jackson. layers of government, bureaucracy, more ordinances, more government, and honestly, less effectiveness. At some point, you got to sit back and ask
what's going on. Uh, so these are some of the issues we're dealing with here, and I'm hoping we can work them out over time. Thank you very much. >> Next on the agenda is comments by Mayor Cune. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Good evening,
everyone. Tonight marks just over six months since I've uh had the honor of serving as your mayor. In that time, one thing has become very clear. Real progress happens when we work together. The initiatives we are moving forward are not driven by one office or one department, but by true team effort
across our administration and all of our departments. I'd like to take a few moments this evening to share updates on several initiatives that reflect that share commitment and collaboration. First, the Littlef Free Jackson initiative is something I'm especially
proud of. Not just because it was launched by the administration, but because of how many people have already stepped up to support it. Keeping our town clean, safe, and beautiful is a responsible way we all share, and it takes a team effort to make it a lasting impact. I also want to take a moment to
recognize our clean community coordinator in the Department of Public Works. Without her leadership and initiative, we would not be seeing the levels of success we have so far. So, thank you. We know the real strengths of this initiative comes from community involvement.
That's why on May 17th, we will be hosting a communitywide volunteer cleanup effort. This is an opportunity for all of us, residents, family, local organizations, and volunteers to come together and take pride in our town. To make it even more special, we encourage
residents all ages to sign up. However, any children ages 12 and younger who register by emailing litterfree@jaxtwp newwe jersey.net will receive a certificate of merit from Jackson Township and be sworn in as a deputy
litter-free officer complete with a badge. In addition, our administration is continuing its coordination efforts to address illegal rentals. That is not a one department issue. It is a teamdriven approach that ensures every concern is handled thoroughly and
effectively. Our rent uh rental safety bureau is actively conducting inspections to ensure properties meet all required uh safety standards. When issues are identified, they are immediately shared with the appropriate department, code enforcement, zoning, and the building
department so that action can be taken without delay. This level of coordination ensures that no issues fall through the cracks. At this time, we remain fully committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all tenants. Every resident deserves to live a safe,
properly maintained home. Our team are is working together to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and hold property owners accountable for violations related to maintaining safety hazards and occupant standards so that the quality life of neighborhoods can be
upheld. upheld. I apologize. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment not just to enforcement but to collaborating accountability and results. By working together across departments and alongside our residents, we are making meaningful meaningful progress in preserving the quality of life here in Jackson. To the residents
who have raised concerns about litter and cleanliness, your voices have been heard. To those of you who have spoken out about illegal rentals, your voices have been heard. And to most importantly, as a team, we are not just listening. We are taking action and moving forward together. Milestones have
been made here. As the council has said, we are up to 120 officers. Uh today I was at the training facility of our Jackson police and I was completely uh amazed, proud um that we're building this team together between council and
administration. Under our uh chief's leadership, I know that you guys are in great hands. Um, I walked into where the training center is on this uh I want to call it a campus. Um, and I I saw our previous sworn in officers with their field training officer getting training.
Um, and it was really really uh enlightening, encouraging, and I was very proud to be a Jackson resident and to be the mayor of this town at that point. Um, for the girls, I have a speech for you when you guys come up, but I want to keep that special to just to you guys. Um, so thank you and have a
good evening. The next item is comments by administrator terango. >> Thank you, madam clerk. Good evening everyone. I just wanted to provide a brief update on the housing bureau and the mere fact that we listen to the residents. We continually get feedback
every single day from the residents regarding concerns uh throughout the community. And to that end, uh, with the assistance of council, we're going to be making revisions to our ordinance as it stands to address those concerns. So, we hear you and we're responsive to your needs and we're going to be moving
forward. So, thank you. >> The next item for tonight's meeting is an update from the Department of Public Works. Council President Bernstein. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. >> Crews have been collecting bulk items and brush since March 23rd. Bulk pickup is now complete in zone two and three and and brush pick collection in zone
two is nearly finished. Beginning Monday, April 20th, crews will move to zone four for bulk pickup and zone three for brush collection. Residents in these zones are asked to place all bulk items and brush at the curb by Sunday night prior to their scheduled pickup. Jackson Township Clean Communities hosted a
highly successful volunteer cleanup on Sunday, April 12th. A total of 283 participants from local Jacksonbased school groups and nonprofit organizations took place in this took part in this effort. Together they collected 291 bags of litter covering
approximately 29 miles of roadway throughout the township and the justice complex. In addition, crews are continuing cleanup efforts in local parks. Such some playgrounds may be temporarily closed over the next week or so as crews refresh the safety surface mulch. And I just want to add two
things. A special thank you to the county. They've also been out. They they saw our initiative online. They've been picking up litter throughout the town on some of the county roadways and there have been multiple residents who have reached out about some of the parks and I know that the mayor together with DPW are looking at some safety uh measures
that we could put into some of the parks for after hours for some of the things that may be going on um when it's dark. So, thank you. >> The next item is a proclamation. Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. I'm going to ask the mayor to read it for with regard to the I would ask for anyone who's here from any of the
fire departments um to come up. Um I think we have representatives from all the districts here, some of the chiefs, commissioners, anyone who's here from the fire department, if you can please come up. >> Can I say a couple words regarding to it? >> Sure. >> Okay. So, we're the fire department. So,
we were at um it's been 78 years since we've had a tower uh the latest tower in. We have one in Jackson. Um, I'll read the proclamation. >> The fire fire officials come in. You can come in the front >> if you could. >> We want to recognize you for a minute. >> I'll read it because I want everybody to
hear what this is about. This was given to us. Um I was at the ribbon cutting and uh Senator Latham uh Tyiver I believe it's Tyiver Tyiver um presented it to me and I felt that it was and as well as council felt that it deserves to
go to our fire departments. So we asked them to come here. Council was kind enough to ask him to come here. Whereas fire lookout towers have long played a critical role in protecting New Jerseys forests, communities, and natural resources by providing early detection of wildfires and supporting coordination
emergency response efforts. And whereas the state of New Jersey continues to invest in modernizing its wildfire detection infantry infrastructure to ensure the safety of residents, first responders, and surrounding environments. And whereas this newly constructed fire lookout tower in
Jackson replaces a previously dismantled structure and represents a significant advance in fire monitoring capacity, improving visibility, response time, and overall public safety. And whereas the construction of this tower reflects a dedication and collaboration of the New
Jersey Forest Fire Service and those involved in the safeguarding of our state's wooded land and communities. And whereas the grand opening of this fire lookout tower marks an important milestone in strengthening wildfire prevention efforts and prevention New
Jersey preserving natural resources for future generations. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Senator Leam Tiver, do hereby recognize and command the grand opening of the Jackson to Township Fire Lookout Tower and extend sincere
appreciation to all the efforts who made this project possible. I just want to say this uh again it's been over 78 years so this is really a great honor. So I think there were more firefighters before they might have went out for a
call or something but oh I think they got a call. council, if you want to join the mayor. Thank you. Madame clerk, >> the next item on the agenda is the certificate of achievement portion.
>> Mayor K. >> Okay. All right. Good evening everyone. On behalf of council, administration, and myself, I want to extend a huge congratulations to our incredible Jackson cheerleaders. Our D14 2025 AYF national champions have made history
once again, showcasing outstanding skills, precision, and true teamwork under pressure. As a former Jackson Jaguar, I can tell you once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar, and clear the spirit sticks. These young ladies represent the very best of Jackson, both on and off the mat. We are also deeply grateful to
the uh parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, and whoever has managed to survive the glitter, the early mornings, and the endless practice schedules. Your support is what makes this success possible, and it does not go unnoticed. Congratulations again to our champions. You've made Jackson Township incredibly proud.
>> Thank you, >> coaches. I would >> if the coaches can come up. >> I would ask the coaches if you can join the mayor in the front, please. >> Christian, do we have a mic? >> I'm missing Gabby.
Kalia Danica, >> Elizabeth Bin Kim, >> Janiah, Alana, >> Ken, >> Olivia, Christine >> Bal
Dia Audrey A special round of applause for all the girls. >> Now girls, if you could all stand a little closer for a group picture. Congratulations, girls. Mayor, you stay down there.
Congratulations again. >> Girls, feel free to stay, but if you want, feel free to go. Also, we're going to continue with our meeting. And now we're going to move on to the police uh to the police. Chief Nelson, Chief Nelson, and Mayor Cune, if you can
come up to the front. >> We're going to wait 60 seconds for anyone who wants to leave. >> Yeah. You go with the chief. Yeah. Whatever. >> Chief Nelson, whenever you >> stand in the middle if you don't mind. >> You can stand in the middle.
>> Know how to do it. >> Chief The floor is all yours. >> Can you hear me? Good evening. Thank you for coming out tonight. It's, as you heard, it's an exciting night for us in Jackson Township. Tonight not only is exciting for these
eight fine young men who are taking a pivotal movement into their profession, but it's also exciting for us as a police department as a whole. We now stand with these eight young men at 120 strong. This achievement is exciting for us as a
police department because it's been years in the making and I have to say without the support of the mayor, the business administrator, council president, and the council, it wouldn't be possible. So, I thank you for your dedication to public safety and for helping us to get where we need to be to
continue to serve the residents of Jackson. It truly means a lot to us. I just wanted to take another moment before I introduce our new police officers to say thank you to our police dispatchers. April 12th through the 18th is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. A dispatcher is
our first first responder. They're the calm before the chaos or they bring calm to the chaos. They're the first first responder and that's the voice on the other side of the phone that guides the resident and the police officer in critical moments. The other great thing
about a police off police dispatcher is that they get to tell the police officers what to do and they do it really well in Jackson. So, thank you to our public safety dispatchers. It's National uh Public Safety Telecommunicator Week and it's a time for us to just pause and take a moment
and thank them. Our first officer that we're going to introduce tonight is Kaden Latul. Okay. Congratulations. >> Kaden Lul was born in 2002 in Highlands, New Jersey, and raised in Middletown, New Jersey, where he grew up surrounded
by family and a strong sense of community. He attended Middletown High School North, where he played football for all four years. Known for his toughness and versatility, Kaden contributed on both sides of the ball, demonstrating the work ethic and
determination that continue to define him. Following graduation, Cadence spent three years working as a carpenter apprentice in the union where he developed a strong foundation in hard work, discipline, and teamwork. While he
valued the experience, he ultimately chose to pursue a career in public service to make a more direct impact on others. Kaden attended the Mammoth County Police Academy, graduating as a member of the 108th class on May 28th,
2025. Shortly thereafter, he began his law enforcement career as a class 2 police officer with the Sebrite Police Department in late May, early June of 2025. Family plays an important role in
Kaden's life. He is the son of Cecilia and Jim with stepparents Jason and Dana and his three sisters Sheay, Alana, and Brooklyn. He also shares a close bond with his grandmother Barbara and values the time he spends with his family. In his free time, Kaden enjoys staying
active, whether working out, hiking, or spending time outdoors. He values time spent with family and friends. Kaden takes pride in his roots, and he remains committed to serving his community with dedication, professionalism, and
integrity. Kaden Lat. >> Christian, can you pass another mic? If there's anybody that's going to come up to hold the Bible or your family, >> if they could come up now, Kaden's family. >> Raise your Raise your right hand. >> Raise your right hand.
You ready? >> Please state your name. >> I can >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> to abide. >> No, no, no. Repeat after me, sir. >> It's okay. >> Restart. Restart. >> Restart. We'll restart. You ready?
>> Repeat after me. >> Please state your name. I >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> domly swear or >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey >> and the Constitution on the Constitution of the State >> that I will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the government's establishment >> to the government's establishment >> in the United States
>> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties
>> as a police officer >> as a police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> as the township of Jackson >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. You were the first one. Don't worry.
Our next officer is William Bradley. William Bradley was born in Freehold, New Jersey, and raised in Jackson, New Jersey. He graduated from Jackson Liberty High School in 2024. During his time at Jackson Liberty, William was a member of the football
team, playing both defensive back and wide receiver. In his senior year, he was honored as team captain and named most valuable player, reflecting his leadership and athletic performance. Since graduating, William has remained actively employed, working at Spring
Meadow Golf Course and Spikes Fish Market. He is scheduled to begin training at the Ocean County Police Academy on April 24th. William's family includes his older brothers, Joseph and Jake, his mother, Jennifer, and his father, Daniel. In his free time, he
enjoys playing golf, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. William looks forward to serving the community with integrity, honor, and compassion. >> Williams family >> shaking his hand.
There you go. >> All right. You ready? You got this. >> Please state your name. >> William Bradley. >> And repeat after me. I do solemnly swear or affirm >> I do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution
>> That I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith >> That I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same. and allegiance to the same
>> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in the state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially
>> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of a police officer >> all the duties of a police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> of the township of Jackson >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God >> to the best of my ability. So help me God.
>> Congratulations, James Vampanado. James Spamponado was born in Neptune, New Jersey, and raised in Bricktown, New Jersey. He graduated from Brick Township High School in 2019. In 2020, James enlisted in the United
States Marine Corps, where he served four years in the infantry. During his enlistment, he attained the rank of corporal E4 and served as a squad leader, leading Marines in both training and field operations. His military service helped him develop strong
leadership, discipline, and decision-making skills. Following the completion of his service in 2024, James pursued a career in law enforcement. He was hired by the Point Pleasant Police Point Pleasant Point Beach Police
Department, sorry, as a class 2 officer and currently attending the Ocean County Police Academy as a member of class 124. James looks forward to serving his community with honor, professionalism, and dedication. In his free time, he enjoys working out, running, and
spending time with his wife Katrina and his family. Congratulations, Can James's family come up? >> Thank you for your service. Please state your name and repeat after me. >> I, James, >> do solemnly swear or affirm
>> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
>> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially
>> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of a police officer >> all the duties of a police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> of the township of Jackson >> according according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> According to the best of my ability, so
>> congratulations, sir. Antonio Muandike Antonio Muandike was born in Lakewood, New Jersey and raised in Jackson, New Jersey. Antonio graduated from Jackson Liberty High School in 2025.
Where he was a member of the lacrosse team as a defenseman for two years. He was actively involved in Air Force Junior ROC, serving as the group commander for his unit, demonstrating leadership and dedication. During his high school years, Antonio participated
in the Jackson Police Explorers program for approximately five years, beginning as a freshman. Taking advantage of an early exit option during his senior year, he began his law enforcement career as a class one special law enforcement officer with the Seaside
Heights Police Department, where he worked the summer season. In September of 2025, Antonio attended the Ocean County Police Academy as part of the Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2 program. He graduated the basic
co-mingled class number 123 on March 3rd of 2026. Following his graduation, he briefly returned to Seaside Heights before being officially hired by the Jackson Township Police Department. Antonio looks forward to serving the community with
dedication, professionalism, and integrity. Congratulations, Antonio's family if they want to come up. Please state your name and repeat after me. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm
>> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same and
>> allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> to the government established >> in the United States in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform
>> and justly perform >> all the duties of a police officer >> all the duties of a police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> of the township of Jackson >> according to the best of my ability so help me God >> according to the best of my ability so help >> congratulations sir
Michael Chamora. Michael Chamora was born in Lakewood, New Jersey, and raised in Jackson, New Jersey. He graduated from Jackson Liberty High School in 2019 where he was a member of the football team playing both offensive and defensive line. He
was named team captain his senior year. Michael went on to attend Rowan University where he graduated in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in sports communication and a minor in journalism. While at Rowan, he continued his football career as an offensive lineman.
Following his graduation, Michael pursued a career in law enforcement. He was hired by the Seaside Heights Police Department where he graduated from the Class One Academy in April of 2025 and served as a class one officer during the 2025 summer season. He is currently
attending the Ocean County Police Academy as a member of the basic co-mingled recruit class number 124. Michael has also been actively involved in the Jackson Township, New Jersey community, serving as a high school football coach at Liberty in 2024 and
most recently at Jackson Township High School during the 2025 season. Michael's family includes his mother Brenda, his father Dan, and his sister Addison. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and watching and participating in
sports. Michael looks forward to serving the community with dedication, honor, and professionalism, and is committed to protecting and serving with integrity and compassion. Congratulations. One more handshake is Michael's family wants to come up.
Raise your right hand. >> Please state your name and repeat after me. I, Michael Chamora, >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States
>> of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and in the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States
>> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties as police officer
>> all the duties as police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> of the township of Jackson >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Congratulations. >> Congratulations, Dylan Rap.
Dylan Rap is a lifelong resident of Barnagut, New Jersey. graduated from Barnagget High School in 2019. He continued his education at the Ocean County College where he pursued studies in criminal justice from 2022 to 2024.
Dylan is deeply committed to making a positive impact within his community. He places strong emphasis on family, faith, and friendship, values that have played a significant role in shaping his character and guiding his aspirations.
Dylan is scheduled to attend the Ocean County Police Academy, class number 126, beginning on April 24th. Congratulations. If Dylan's family wants to come up, Guster, >> please state your name and repeat after me. I don't
>> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that while I will bear true faith
>> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully
>> and I will faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties as police officer >> all the duties as police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> of the township of Jackson >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God
>> so help me God >> congratulations Liam Flanigan. Liam Flanigan is from Freehold Township, New Jersey. He graduated from Freehold Township High School in 2023 and is currently attending St. Vincent College where he is working towards a
bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 2025, Liam began his law enforcement career as a class one special law enforcement officer with the Avon Police Department. He is currently attending the Ocean County Police Academy as a member of class number 125. Liam's
family includes his mother, Colleen, his father, Robert, and his three sisters, Shannon, Sarah, and Caitlyn. CONGRATULATIONS, LIAM. CAN LIAM'S FAMILY COME UP? >> Please state your name and repeat after me. I, Lean,
>> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith
>> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state under the authority of the people. >> under the authority of the people.
>> And that I will faithfully >> And that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties as police officer >> all the duties of police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> of the township of Jackson >> according to the best of my ability. So
help me God. >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> Congratulations. And then finally, Joseph Renoso. Joseph Renoso was born in Lakewood, New Jersey, and raised in Manchester, New Jersey, where he attended school from
elementary through high school, graduating in 2019. During his high school years, he was an active member of both baseball and basketball teams. Joseph continued his education at the Ocean County College, earning an associates degree in business
in 2021. He later attended Keen University where he obtained a bachelor's degree in marketing in 2023. In 2024, Joseph began his law enforcement career as a class one booking officer with the Tom's River Police Department. He entered the
Mammoth County Police Academy in January 6, 2025, and he graduated on May 28th, 2025 as a member of class number 108 representing the Deal Police Department. Following the summer, he returned to the
Tom's River Police Department, where he currently served as a class 2 officer. Joseph enjoyed watching the New York Yankees Dallas Cowboys and spending time with his dog and being with his girlfriend, Ariana. He is the son of Joseph and Charity Renoso and values the
strong support of his family. Officer Renoso is honored to be a member of the Jackson Police Department. He looks forward to learning from dedicated officers within the department. The milestone represents not only a personal achievement of his, but also a commitment to protecting and serving the
community. Congratulations. >> Can Joseph's family come up? >> You mark 120. That's >> ready. Okay. You're going to please state your name and repeat after me. >> Joseph. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm
>> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> in the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> state of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith >> I will bear bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance
>> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments >> to the governments >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority >> under the authority >> of the people >> of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> now faithfully
>> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties as police officer >> all the duties as police officer >> of the township of Jackson >> Township of Jackson. >> According to the best of my ability, so help me God. >> To the best of my ability, so help me God.
>> Great job. >> Um, all the new officers, if you can join the chief and the mayor in the middle um for a photo. All the new officers in the middle. And the council is going to stay back here. Listen to the sergeant. >> Sorry. My bad. My bad.
>> The retired officer. A special round of applause for our new officers. We wish them well. Be safe every be safe. And we're going to take a 90 second break and then we're going to continue our meeting. So anyone who's here and wants to leave, feel free
to leave. And stay safe on the roads and out there. business is the second reading. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. The next item of business is the second reading of public hearing of ordinance 202607 authorizing the
purchase of certain rail property known as lot 81 block 2604 aka 0 Patterson Road rear pursuant to NJSA 48125. 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 to speak and may only speak once. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> Motion >> second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Councel.
>> 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 20267? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Belli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Breie.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Pollock. Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Motion carries. >> The next item of business is the second hearing of second reading and public hearing of ordinance 20268 amending
chapter 98 of the township code with respect to dogs and kennels. 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 to speak and may only speak once. May I have a motion to open public comment? >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor?
>> I I >> Any oppose? >> Amanda Trombetta, Jackson, New Jersey. This proposed ordinance, which classifies households with five or more dogs as a kennel, misses the mark completely. Responsible dog dog owners are not the problem. Families who care
for multiple pets in a loving, well-maintained home should not be unfairly labeled or regulated as a commercial Sorry, I forgot my glasses. As a commercial operation, this ordinance paints them with a broad brush, imposing unnecessary unnecessary
restrictions on residents who are doing nothing wrong. At the same time, it it fails to address the real issue our community is facing, an illegal petting zoo that raises concerns about zoning, sanitation, noise, traffic, and animal
welfare. Yet, instead of targeting that specific problem with proper enforcement, this ordinance shifts the burden onto everyday residents. Good policy should be focused on the actual problem. Jackson deserves better. We deserve actual solutions.
Council >> seeing no one come forward. I motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any opposed? >> No. Sorry, just an echo on mine, but no, >> my mic has an echo. I don't know if all the other ones do.
>> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 20268? Motion. >> Second. Council member. >> Um, after further review and consideration, I'm going to vote no on ordinance 2026-08. I don't think we should be telling
taxpaying Jackson residents how many dogs they can have. There are issues with property owners with their pets. Code enforcement should be addressing them and applying the existing laws on the books in our town. I advocate for smaller, less intrusive government in the lives of our fellow Jackson
residents. Thank you, >> Councilman Breie. No. >> Councilman Pollock. >> No, I will not support this ordinance. Uh we know this is about a alleged illegal operation in Jackson. And um we
kind of seem to do things like this a lot. Introduce ordinances to deal with problems without actually addressing the root of the problem. This feels very backwards. It's a pattern you're just going to keep seeing in this town. Something goes wrong. We don't exactly enforce the existing law. We create new law. another ordinance, another
restriction, another layer of government. And every single time it's the residents, the law-abiding residents who end up paying the price, not the people who are breaking the law. We're talking about limiting everyone because we failed to deal with one bad actor. Passing another ordinance doesn't
solve the problem. It expands government control while the root issue continues. And this is where you need to draw the line. I believe in enforcing the law, not endlessly expanding it. I believe in accountability, but not blanket restrictions. And I absolutely believe
in protecting the liberty of our residents, getting more rules, more code, and more interference in people's lives. All because we refuse to enforce what already exists. So, no, I don't support this ordinance. Enforce the law, fix the problems, and give the people
their liberty. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. So, I uh I did research some of this as well, and I do agree with both of my council colleagues here. Uh I think that this is another band-aid similar to the Lehi band-aid that I voted no to last meeting. Um and I'm going to vote no. I
think we need to, as they said, I'm not going to reiterate, they both said it very eloquently, we need to address this on a bigger issue. So, I vote no. >> Council President Bernstein. >> So, I know my I'm only one vote at this point, but I this ordinance came about through a meeting with code enforcement
and animal control. Um this ordinance was actually really drafted by Adam Control and code asking for having the capabilities for them to actually enforce what they felt was necessary to enforce. Um code enforcement is doing their best in some of the some of the scenarios that has been brought up. But at at the end of the day, there are
certain laws and restrictions that they do have. So I symbolically vote yes because that would support code and give them the resources to do it. >> Thank you. The motion does not carry. The next item of business is the second reading of public hearing ordinance 20269 amending and supplementing chapter
244 of the township code of the township of Jackson entitled land use and development regulations. 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 to speak and may only speak once. May I have a motion to open public comment? Motion second.
All >> in favor? I. >> Any oppose? Council >> seeing no one come forward. I motion to close public. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> May I have a motion to adopt orders
202609? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Belli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Brassie? >> Yes. >> Councilman Pollock? >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary? >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes.
>> Motion carries. The next item of business is a second reading and public hearing of ordinance 202613 repealing and replacing chapter 204 of the township code entitled fire prevention. >> Madame clerk, before we open the floor to the public, I would ask our fire
officials if they can come up for a brief moment and give us a very quick because it's a very long ordinance, a very quick um review of some of the fine points because this ordinance came from our fire officials and uh um let them take the take the credit for it. So the floor is all yours. Whichever one of you
are quicker can talk quickly and then we'll leave you guys here in case there's questions for from council after. >> Sounds good. Good evening everybody. My name is Mark Gman. I'm the fire district 3 fire official. This is Scott Rous, fire district 2 fire official and this is Dan O'Brien, fire district four fire official. So we were tasked from the DC
>> if you don't mind just moving closer to the mic. >> Oh, is that better? >> Yeah. Okay. So we were audited by DCA a lot of years ago and they said we had to revamp our uh township ordinance for the fire prevention code. bring it up to date because it was well old and antiquated. So that's chapter 204. So
what we did was we worked with the DCA with their verbiage and what they wanted to see in it. For instance, we did a couple changes like we moved the fire hydrant. It was 100 feet to the fire department connection. We reduced it to 50 feet on new construction when we do our plan reviews. It's actually safer
that way. We uh implemented a click to enter requirement for all unmanned unmanned gates at developments. So, we can access the gate. Fire trucks, ambulance, police cars can access the gates to get in these developments rather than breaking through the gates and sit with the siren that's not
working at 2 in the morning and waking everybody up. Uh, food trucks, whatever the DCA was basically saying coming down the pipes from the Department of Community Affairs, we adopted and put in our ordinance here
per their uh uh what do we say their encouragement. So and that's basically the gist of it. It's just brought it up to date the verbiage and whatnot and what needs to be. >> So thank you. I guess if you could stay close by and if anyone has questions
after I guess madam clerk we could open to the public now. >> May I have a motion to open the public comment? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any motion >> forward? My motion to close public
forum. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2026 13? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Council member Bradley? >> Yes. >> Councilman Brassie? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Pollock? >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary? >> Yes. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. And thank you guys for coming and uh thank you for giving me the time on the phone to explain what we were doing. So yes, thank you. >> Thanks for your service, too. >> Thank you. Stay safe. The next item of business is the first
reading and introduction of ordinance 2026 14 amending chapter 162G of the township code of the township of Jackson related to the fees for temporary certificate of occupancy. Council President Bernstein, are there comments on ordinance 202614? >> Yes, madam clerk. This ordinance, if
adopted, would reduce the fee charged by the township for the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy for multi-unit dwelling from $39 to $30 at the request of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs who determined the higher fee was not warranted. So, this was DCA recommended.
>> And I just want to thank Mr. Wilton from the building department for uh being on top of this. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 202614 on first reading and introduction and to authorize the notice of the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Councilman Bradley? >> Yes.
>> Council Brazie? >> Yes. >> Councilman Pollock? >> 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 orders 202615 amending township code section
103-6 entitled parking prohibited at all times and schedule one attached there too. Council President Bernstein, are there any comments on ordinance 202615? >> Yes. This ordinance, if adopted, would establish a no parking zone in front of a township piece of property on
Brookwood Parkway to to permit safe access to the property. And this came about from residents who reached out to our DPW. >> May I have a motion to approve ordinance 202615 on first reading and introduction and to authorize the notice of the public hearing? >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Councilman Blli, >> yes. >> Council Brassie, >> yes. >> Councilman Pollock, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> I I just I want to look more into this. So, at this time, I'm going to abstain. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes.
Motion carries. The next item of business is the first reading and introduction of ordinance 202616 amending chapter 10345 prohibiting parking along a portion of Cedar Swamp Road CR 527. Council
President Bernstein, are there any comments on ordinance 202616? >> Yes. This ordinance is in response to a request from a resident by by the last council meeting regarding the use of the shoulder of Cedar Swamp Road, which is a county roadway by certain truck owners. is is as it is not a township roadway. The township cannot prohibit parking at
this location without approval from Ocean County. This is the first step in the process to obtain that county approval. And just to add to that, so Miss Hannon brought this up at the last council meeting. Um myself and the mayor had had a meeting with the county last week. They gave us the initial I'll call blessing to introduce this and then once
it get has a second reading and if it passes, it'll go back to the county for final sign off. May I have a motion to approve ordinance 2026 uh 202616 on first reading and introduction and to authorize the notice of the public hearing. >> Motion second. >> Councilman Bradley.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Bresie. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pollock. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> Again, I'm just going to abstain look into this a little further. >> Council President Bernstein. >> Yes. Motion carries. The next item of business
is the payment of authorization of bills and claims. The following abstensions are from Councilman Belli. AE t1 d1 nj d4 njs4 and t r e a s u r e. Council president Bernstein, are there any questions or
comments? >> No. May I have a motion to approve the bills and claims? Motion >> second. >> Council member Belli >> abstain on those no yes to the rest on there. Thank you. >> Councilman Belli that council.
>> Um excuse me. Council Brassie. Thank you. >> Councilman Pollock. >> No. >> 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 133 through 144 2026 listed by title. Council President Bernstein, are there any comments on the consent agenda? >> So, is there any any of the resolutions anyone want us to take off for council discussion so we can discuss it up here?
No, this is not you can just raise tell us what which one you want us to discuss and we'll explain it. >> I'm sorry. LLC's is that a resolution? Is that a resolution on here? We're up to resolutions. That will come up. I open all comments.
Yes. >> R138 is what number? >> Temporary appropriations. >> Yes. Uh Mr. Terafenkco, do you mind uh just explaining what that is? Temporary appropriations.
It's a budgeting mechanism to uh pay the bills and claims along with the salaries and wages >> until until the budget. I think really the question I'm assuming the resident wants to know is um where the budget process is holding. I think I had emailed out the council that I got word from administration this week that we are hoping to introduce the budget by
the next meeting which would be the 28th. Is that still the time frame that we're working towards? >> Yes, it is. >> Thank you. >> Um Council President, may I >> Mr. Brley? Yeah. >> Business Ministry Terraco. So, if we don't approve this, you're saying that the wages, salaries for township
employees is in jeopardy until we vote on a a full budget for this year. >> Right. You can't make any payments or any claims until you have this appropriation voted on, accepted. >> Util I think part of it includes utility bills and basically the running of the
town, >> right? >> Mr. I see a resident there. Mr. Haiti, anything you want us to take off? 126 just like more information on the treatment works project. >> Sure. So, Mr. um I'm gonna ask our attorney mcuckin to just explain R43.
That is the TWWA. Um you mind just putting your mic on explaining what that is? >> Sure. There's a commercial project uh existing um mall and they are requesting a TWWA approval from the D. In order for that application to be submitted,
they've asked the township to uh sign a letter of uh authorizing the execution of that letter by the mayor. That's what this resolution does. Um, the resolution also requires the applicant to comply with all terms and conditions of all approvals and all prior approvals before
the town's planning board. So, if they need to return to the planning board for any reason, they would still have to do so. >> Um, Mr. McGucken, is the MU is MUA involved in in the TWWA process? >> No. No. As a D only.
>> Madame Clerk. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to authorize the consent agenda resolutions 133 through 144 2026? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Council member Elli.
>> Um yeah, I first regarding resolution 138-2026. I hope this is hopefully the last temporary appropriations that we have to uh vote on. Um, I keep on mentioning that, you know, like to see the municipal budget for this year and, uh,
review it and vote on it. And I hope we can do that soon. And I understand we have to do this, um, to keep the town running and to, uh, pay our, uh, township employees. So, I do vote yes on that also. Um, and yes to the rest,
including resolution uh, 42-2026. I'm sorry about to hear what this family is going through and I glad we can help them out in some way. So yes to the rest as well. Thank you, >> Councilman Brassie. >> Yes,
>> Councilman Pollock. >> Uh R1 137 2026, the uh landscaping uh bid. Uh I'm going to vote no. I've heard some questions about the past vendor's contract. Uh, but I'm also concerned that we were paying for landscaping
services through the open space fund. Uh, I don't know if we're going to continue to be paying for landscaping services through our open space fund. I'm voting no on this tonight. Uh, R1 138 2026, the temporary appropriations. I'd like to go through some numbers a
little bit. Uh, we'll go back to 2025. Uh we had our temporary appropriations at 14,990 I'm sorry 14,990,9261. Uh then we had emergency appropriations of 7,759,362.3
a total of 22,750,28864. Let's fast forward to 2026. We had a temporary appropriations of 14,22,610.54. And now this year we're going for emergency appropriations of 15,844,500. A total of 30,47,11054.
That's a 7,296,821.90 increase. When you break it down to a percentage, that's 32.1% increase from last year. Uh you get into inflation for the year, they say it's around 3%. Um I don't know what changed.
We've been through what, three CFOs now. Um I can't in good conscious vote for a 32% increase in spending. And I'd like to remind everyone, government does not have money of its own. It only has the money it takes from the people.
and everything else. Yes, >> Council Vice President Paul Mary. >> So, uh, yes, I want to just say the, uh, R137, the landscaping, I I I would agree with the councilman. I think we should take a look at where we're paying for this. And if it's coming through open space, I don't think that's the intended use for it. But what I would say for 137
is this bid is $70,000 less than it was last year. So, we are saving some money on landscaping. Uh, but I do vote yes on the uh on the consent agenda. >> Council President Bernstein. >> So I vote yes, but I also just want to echo what council vice president just said. So by the last meeting, we actually I think it was last meeting or
maybe two meetings ago, we actually turned down the first bids that came in. Um, and I just want to give a credit to Mr. Bolinsky and to DPW, I think Miss Novak also for getting it out there again for for for another bid and getting a a new vendor. Um, hopefully we'll do a good job. And um I think the
number was up closer to 80,000 between 70 and $80,000 cheaper. So that's great to see. Um I also want to um just I'm I'm hap I'm I'm happy to see the council supporting um resolution 142. Um that's the township helping a resident in the
time of need. And um I I know um the resident really worked with our attorney and with the mayor's office making sure they had everything in order to protect themselves and protect the township. And um residents of Jackson should know that if you ever donate anything, the governing body is here to help you in
any way possible. Um so I vote yes on everything. And um and yeah, that's it. >> Motion carries. >> 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 to speak and may only speak once. May I
have a motion to open public comment? >> So move. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Janice Solero, Jackson, New Jersey. Um, first of all, I'd like to address uh the busing issue. There's a simple solution.
Uh, I went to private school back in the 60s. I know I'm dating myself, but my parents paid for my tuition. Uh, my kids grew up in Jackson. They went to school, a couple of them went with Miss probably graduated with you. uh and
their friends went to Christian Brothers Academy. Parents were build for the tuition. Why isn't that done here? Why are the taxpayers paying for busing for private schools? I have no idea. That's one. Two, the
LLC's. I read about them every day. I'm on all the Facebook sites. Some people are afraid to come here and speak. Um I was at one point because with the previous administration I got asinine mail like this sent to my house pictures
of perogis. Uh this actually was illegally done. I called NIH and they put a block in the system. They said that this had to be done by somebody of authority. This was under Reena. So this has nothing to do with you. Um but
that's how they work. and they shut you down. Your Facebook is shut down. I'm on fifth account. Welcome to the crowd because you can't say anything. Can't speak truth. Um, one LLC in particular,
Casa EANTOS. I'm not even sure if I'm pronouncing it right. Um, I had to call my brother-in-law who is Spanish here legally to translate some of what I see every day. Uh, one in question, 939
Heights and Road. I called this number and they told me, you know, I asked, "Why aren't these rentals in English?" Uh, the gentleman said to me because, uh, Jackson is a Spanish town. That's news to me. I'm here 33 years. Um, I
thought we were open to all races, colors, and what have you. Um, so I said, "Who's telling you this?" DCH management, Dina Court, Lakewood, New Jersey. Call in. You're not going to get any answer. Uh, one woman who posted
something yesterday and wrote to me, uh, really struck me as I read several complaints about the LLC's. She's called, this is on Savannah Court, uh, Savannah Road, house number 130, 170, 16
Savannah Road. big events, call police, they don't come, septic tank, overflowing, hasn't been done in years. Um, the list goes on and on with the complaints. You're hearing them. Um, I would love to see at the next meeting as
many code enforcement hired as I did policemen tonight. That would be ideal in this town because we need them. Um, 390 Cabain Court, the petting zoo. This is a new one on me. just heard about this yesterday. Um, but I do remember
going to court at one time during assessments back in the day in Tom's River and the judge stating there is a requirement to constitute your property as a farm, a zoo, what have you. I'm not sure if this place meets that
requirements. It's five acres. Uh, certain amount of cows, certain amount of animals, goats, chickens, what have you. Um, you know, you just can't go and open up if this is true, what people are saying about this petting zoo that the
neighbors are freaking out about the smell, um, etc., etc. So, um, I think I covered everything that I wanted to cover this evening. I wanted to at the last one, but we had no power here.
>> Oh. So, thank you for I just want I just want to address um the two things that you just brought up. So, I'm going to let council vice president discuss the busing for a second, but with regard to the LLC's. Um, I think everyone on here is united that we do not want slum lords in Jackson. We do not want anyone
abusing um our neighborhoods. Um, I've gotten um multiple compliments and and feedback from residents that I think since the yearly inspections, I think yearly inspections is something everyone up here agrees to, um, have started, we are we are seeing it heading in the right direction. There's a lot more work
to do. um like the business administrator said um we had a meeting with attorney mcuckin and members of the housing bureau um to discuss what we can possibly even fix within it's a new it's a new concept yearly inspections is as you roll out government there's always going to be areas that you find that
you're missing that you could have done better and we're going to be probably in two meetings we're once the housing bureau is up and running for a little bit longer we are going to be hopefully making some tweaks that legally are are are sound and defensible so we we understand the frustration we are doing
I I believe a a lot more than we've done in the past. We are continuing to try to clean up our neighborhoods and any feedback and any any addresses. I don't want to discuss specific addresses. I would recommend you reach out to the business administrator and he's in constant contact with Mr. Cheney from code. >> We've told this woman um her name is
Deborah. I won't release her last name because she's not here tonight, but to contact Miss and uh the proper authority. She said she's called. She's like nobody helps. She's like, "It's absolutely ridiculous. Music playing till 1,2 in the morning."
>> And I hear this all throughout the neighborhood. >> So, so ma'am, I would recommend after the meeting speak to the business administrator and and to the mayor. Now, Mr. um council vice president, do you mind just addressing the busing for a second? >> Yeah, sure. And thank you, Mr. Seno, for for addressing this body. Um the private
school tuition is paid for by the private school parents. The tuition the the board of ed is not paying for. The state passed a law in the 1960s, I think ' 66 or ' 67, that mandates the local boards to pay for the private school
busing. So what I was stating before is if the state wants to mandate it, that's fine. They need to then >> become Christian Brother Academy, the parents pay for the busing included in the tuition. >> So it it you could have submitted it depends how far it is. It's between two and 20 miles, I believe. Well, you could
have submitted the board of ed as long as you process the proper paperwork to get that paid for. Now, my my thing is if the state wants the mandate, they need to make the proper approach appropriations to pay those mandates, not leave it to the local school boards. So, they need to amend that law if they want to keep that law because Jackson is
an outlier, right? We have more private school students now than public. So, it's just it's just financially not sustainable. So, that's what I was saying before. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Good evening, Jim Selectia Jackson.
And yes, I am here to talk about my favorite topic. Um, let's be clear. Tonight is the final day permitted under the local finance board's 2026 budget calendar for a municipal budget to be introduced. After tonight, Jackson
Township will no longer be in compliance with the state authorized timeline. And yet, despite this being the last permissible night, the budget is still not being introduced. This is especially troubling given the mayor's own public
statement on January 27th, 2026 when the administration announced the budget is done. If the budget was completed nearly three months ago, then the responsibility for this failure to introduce it rest squarely with the mayor's office.
Residents deserve answers. So, Council President, respectfully, I'm going to ask you that you allow the honorable mayor to answer the following questions. If the budget was finished in January, why is it still not being introduced on
the final night allowed by law 74 days later? Why has the mayor withheld the document from the public, preventing any meaningful review or discussion? Why has the mayor excluded the citizens budget advisory committee, a committee
the mayor created and pronounced as a transparency tool? And how does refusing to introduce a complete a a completed budget even on the last possible night align with any stated commitment to openness,
accountability, or respon responsible fiscal management? The local finance board extended the budget calendar this year to give municipalities more time to plan, communicate, and engage residents. Instead, Jackson is ending the process
with no introduction, no transparency, no public access to the most important financial document of the year. This is not a timing issue. It is a governance issue and it begins with the mayor.
residents deserve a clear explanation for why a budget that was declared done in January is still being withheld tonight even as the legal deadline expires. Now, as members of the township council,
why should you be concerned? Well, as part of the changes that the uh labor finance board uh completed this year, the personal and I repeat, the personal
penalty placed on governing body members that fail or refuse to comply with the local budget law, including non-compliance with a direct order to introduce or adopt a municipal or county budget is increased to $100 per day from
the previous $25 a day. So that's on you guys. The other part is May on February 28th, the mayor is supposed to provide to you guys a recommended budget. So my
question to the five of you by February 28th, did anybody see a recommended budget? >> No. >> Have you seen a recommended budget since then? No, >> thank you. >> Elanor Hadam, Jackson, New Jersey. Um, I
know that the tax leans were discussed the last time I was here. Then I see that uh Miss Keun over here put out a statement about the tax leans. Um, I'm very very curious where we're at with that because uh, as I was going
through tax leans in Jackson Township and the over $200,000 that are own owed by some of the developers that have gotten approvals for applications, their properties are in rears almost a
year over $220,000. So either pay up with interest or I'm sorry start selling them off for for the tax sale because that's the right of these residents because the residents of Jackson Township should not be putting
the school portion of their bill in order for these people that are live in Lakewood by the way LLC did all the homework to be able to make money and you can't
tell me that these LLC's are not making money on us because as I have been doing major research according to the research I have done and we'll just look at the affordable housing component. So Mr. Pollock discussed uh the affordable
housing and one of the properties that is owned by Mr. Iicorn uh the Pine Baron's golf club. Um, well, when I looked into that, I l saw that his property taxes were increased from $979,000
to $289,000 with an increase of $191700, thou $700. Why? But then I looked at some of the other affordable housing lots. Their property taxes were not increased. So, this was done intentional
on this property that has a 10-year contract to operate a golf club to defunct him so that he'd go out of business. Don't think we we don't see what's going on because what I have seen with as uh one of the other residents
discussed the LLC's and these rentals, it is a conglomerate. No, it's more of a syndicate. I have unveiled a complete LLC syndicate that is so interconnected and unfortunately for some of you they
all donated to your campaigns. So I'm just letting you know I'm throwing it out there because these LLC's that are hiring um these agencies to only steer towards one group of people,
the Spanish speaking people. And I'll go back to what is it 2016 when there were advertisements and I still have it. Spanish-sp speakaking tenants for your non-farm rental units. Bird Jackson. It's still happening and you're allowing
it. So I'll just leave it there. And when we come to the 939 heen that she discussed that is not on the landlord registration and that is owned by Mr. Heimrich in uh Lakewood. So, another investor that is
destroying the quality of life for all the families in this town. It is wrong. And finally, um, what's going on with 18 Darl Lane? Still haven't heard anything. No emails, no phone calls, nothing. What's going
on? Because they're lining the roads. So, here's the thing that I I kind of noticed. So, under the code of Jackson Township, if I were to have a home business, I'm allowed two extra cars for my home business. But when I look at Deer Lane and I drove
around and I talked to all the neighbors now because originally I grew up in that part of town, I counted over 50 cars and now I'm finding out that some of these residents are being told, "Oh, just hold on until 88 New Prospect gets their okay
and they go before a land use board." I'm sorry that is un unacceptable. So what are we doing? So now we have discrimination regarding commercial use of a home business
and an operation a legal operation in a residential home that never vacated its residential use and you're all allowing it and then the word gets out. Just make sure don't don't you know park everybody on your
lane. Park on Neil, park on Fox, park on Quail. Oh, and then use the back parking lot of 88 New Prospect. So, what are we doing about it? Because also when you talk about the egress and the fire code, there are
hundreds of people in this house. I'll wait. >> Thank you. You can stay after meeting and discuss it. >> I would like it on the record. The answer be made. >> So you put your question in the record and the mayor does not have to answer you on the record. >> No, I'm asking Mr. Terafeno. Isn't he in
charge of like code enforcement in all the departments? >> Mr. Terafeno, you'll get back to M. Miss Hannah after the meeting. >> What I can tell you is Mr. Pullman did uh send a recommendation letter to our zoning officer who was following up on
18 deer. Obviously, Miss Hanman, we understand and your plight along with the other residents and we're trying to address it in a legally formed fashion and that's what we're waiting Mr. Pullman's final recommendations to take effect and the zoning officer is well aware of that and she is actively pursuing this matter.
>> She never responded either and I know government runs slow. Two years, two years. This is a major civil rights violation against the people who live there. This is discrimination. You're making
decisions whose code, who has to abide by Jackson's laws and who doesn't Elliot Shv Jackson, I will tell you sounds like the issue we have here in this town is transparency. It's been the mantra, hasn't it?
transparency with the budget. I mean, it's harrowing enough that the budget's late. But the fact that you have council members that haven't even had a chance to review it, that's my money. That's my tax money. And I'd like to know why we
have this lack of transparency in more than just budget. This goes way, way deeper. Tonight, I want to talk to you a little bit about our business administrator, Charles Turfano, who's also serving in a dual role as public safety director. To me, that
raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility, past failures, and the will of the P taxpayers. Remember those people that pay your salaries. Jackson has a documented history of problems with the public safety director
position. The last appointee contributed to a $2 million lawsuit settlement with the former police chief. We can't afford to repeat these costly issues and mistakes. I mean, I think the last time I came up here and I was addressing you, we talked
about five or six lawsuits. Where are we at now? And I think I think Council McGuckin kind of smirked when I said that. >> And I think No, I didn't, sir. >> And and I think we're at what, seven or eight or nine now, Council McGuckin. Your detacher gets sued in numerous instances. It's
>> okay. >> Previous business administrators were paid approximately $225,000 dollars. Mr. Terafano's contract, however, was written for $300,000 plus a $55,000 Chevy Tahoe with free gas.
Clearly a premeditated decision that pays Mr. Terrafanco. Considerably more money than any VA has ever received in our town. Residents are already struggling with taxes, rising costs.
This package is a five-year package from what I gather. Quite frankly, it sends the wrong message about how our tax dollars are being spent. And Mr. Terafano, this is not a direct personal attack on you. This is a This is basically me being
transparent about how the taxpayers in this town feels quite frankly about this administration and this appointed mayor to my left. This is not what the people of Jackson want. We want prudent, transparent leadership that learns from past
lawsuits and puts fiscal restraint and public trust first, not higher salaries, luxury vehicles, and expanded roles that have already proven expensive and divisive. This is a problem. This is a zero there
is zero transparency in this government and in some cases within our government. Many important decisions within our government are not discussed with every council member. And I also find that to be a major problem. When the elected officials in high
positions of power do not communicate with other elected officials inside the government, what are we the people supposed to expect? If you don't have transparency in government, then there are other names that you call that government that I
will not use. I respectfully urge the council to prioritize taxpayer dollars and ensure future decisions reflect the values and priorities of the residents who pay the bills. Now, the next thing I want to address
since I have about a minute 20, this is personal. About two weeks ago, I had dinner with a resident, a taxpayer, a voter, and as most of you know, I'm running for mayor of this town, which I have the right to do.
meaning meet with residents and have dinner with them. And I heard that council president Bernstein posted on social media that I had dinner with someone who supports Hamas
and terrorism that is responsible for the death of thousands. Do you admit or deny that allegation, Council President Bernstein? >> So, it's not a question answer, but I deny that allegation, but I'll I'll respond to you in a second. Keep on Did you say you deny the allegation? >> I denied the allegation. That's not what
I wrote on social media. >> So that's fine. What I'd like to do is now put up here to show you >> this post from Council President Bernstein. >> Can you read it? >> I'm going to read it. >> Sure. >> Someone who would sell out the safety of
his or own family for a few votes. Shame on them. Would you go out to eat with someone who supports the biggest sponsor of terrorism and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans? I know what you meant by that. But that could also be misconstrued that that person
who I had dinner with who's a Palestinian woman, a very nice woman and a taxpayer that she's responsible for the death of thousands of Americans. This is social media. This is on text. You're responsible. Your name's on it. Why would you write this as council
president of this government? Why would you write that? >> Well, your time is up and I'm going to respond um because there are a lot of accusations. So, first of all, with >> an accusation, >> this is here written. >> Mr. Mr. Shto, if your time is up, I'm going to respond now. >> Sure, please do.
>> Um, so first of all, with regard to the budget, um, you obviously don't know this form of government too well. >> Really? >> Yes. Because the and this is not a question answer. I'm just going to respond. Um the form of government is that the mayor puts together a budget, gives it to the council to introduce and then they spend the time they have a
period of time generally two weeks between meetings to go through it and um I have been updating our council that the mayor is hoping to introduce it by the next meeting. Um so that's with regard to to the budget. With regard to um I just want to make sure I I remember
all um with regard to um your question about what I posted on social media. Any person who is going to say that Ayatollah Kmeni is a hero and post videos of American jets exploding, I would never go out to eat with such a
person. I don't care how many freaking votes that person would give me. I think there has to be red lines in politics. And I'm happy to say that there are certain red lines that I would never cross. To go ahead and praise Ayatollah Kmeni who has thousands, forget Israelis, thousands of Americans dead on on on his hands. That's not something I
would ever stand for. And I apologize if you disagree with that. That's all my response. >> I disagree with the fact that you're a council president of a town and the fact of the matter is >> not a question. I'm going to respond first amendment right to say what they think. I don't have to >> Mr. Shamto Mr. Shto, if you have a first
amendment right, you have a right to run for mayor and lots of luck. But I also have the right to oppose going out to dinner with anyone who would go ahead and praise Data Kmeni. I am sorry. >> Okay, but this is your constituent. This is your resident. She is still a
taxpayer. She's still a resident here. >> Granted, I do not believe in a lot of the things that she believes in, >> but I do believe in the fact that she has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this town. And I got to tell you something and no one
here disagrees with that. >> You should read the Constitution a little bit more because these are the people that you were sworn in to serve. >> I serve every single resident. >> Do you? Yes. >> Do you serve every single resident? >> Yes. or are we talking about some residents? >> All residents, even residents who I
disagree who are playing politics. Thank you. Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> I got to say the budget's late and the council hasn't seen it. So I, you know, telling people don't understand this foreign government. We're late and the council hasn't looked at it. I'm very afraid that well, this is a pattern in
all government. You know, you're going to you're going to push something through the last minute and then you're going to give very little time for people to read it, review it, and vote on it. It's the people are sick at government like this. Get it done early. Uh, you know, Mr. Siliki was is pretty spot on the money. If you say
something's done, why haven't we seen it? I I don't want to wait last minute to review this. I'm probably, you know, what's going to happen is next meeting we're going to get it what, a couple days before and then I'll probably have to take a day off work to sit and go through everything and read everything and and, you know, bring up my objections and then we're going to fight
on it. You guys bank on that. Everybody's just going to say yes. This is the way this government's worked. this way a lot of government works like you know give give you a 100page document a 200page document and oh you got a couple days to look at it you know it's why did we set up a committee I
like what are we doing and like why why are we bringing up you know why are we calling residents terrorist like why are you inferring to somebody's a terrorist too like this is Jackson New Jersey >> thank you
>> council vice president Just if I can just uh just play devil's advocate with the BA's salary. I know you had mentioned it. How I looked at it and again maybe you don't agree it's fine. It's it's all relative in terms of salary because this BA is making about
300,000 a year. The previous one was about 220. However, uh Mr. Terafenko is not taking any insurance. We were paying about 55,000 for his the other BA's insurance a year. And then Mr. Terara Franco were not matching his pension. So
that's in the contract. That was about 30,000 a year for the previous BA. And then also the previous BA got a car stipen. It was like 4 or 500 a month. He's taking no car stipen. So whenever Mr. Terafenko leaves, if he retires, um we keep the car. So the car is ours. We're not essentially paying for him to
have like a new car. So that this just devil's advocate. You don't have to agree with it, but that's how I rectified the salary difference. Why why are we paying a third party for the budget if we're >> if we're paying $300,000 a year for a business administrator? That's something
that I I'm wondering. >> Next. >> Next. >> Please, please order. >> I I kind of hate to cut in, but he's saying next. >> Order. Order. Or order. Middle of the meeting. Who? Next resident.
>> Okay. Hi, my name's Mitch. Uh I've lived in Jackson a long time. It took me 50 years to get here, but I made it to a meeting. Um, this is the first one I think I've come to. Uh, what I've heard here is a lot of quality of life stuff. That's a distraction.
I've heard a lot of hurt people who've probably been hurt by other people. >> If you don't mind speaking to Michael, then >> Oh, I'm sorry. I I see hurt people who who've been hurt by other people and kind of are becoming prejudiced because we're being steered that way by being divided.
New Jersey is run by all politics is local and paytoplay. What all politics is local is is the federal government they distribute money. So a state a federal representative like let's say um I don't know a senator gets money and
then he goes to a state senator and he says you go around and you get me elected and I'll give you money from the federal government and then we can split the money. We can skim off the top of that. That's paid. That's all politics is local. And that's all over this
country. It's going on. It's Democrat and Republican. And to get something done like people are going to say, "Oh, some of you you're all like uh you're taking money and you're skimming money. You're doing bad things. Basically, you're not going to be able to get
anything done if you don't steal because you have to kick your money back up to the guy upstairs. That's the way it works. And pay to play is legal in New Jersey, too. You know what paytoplay is? Let's say you want to mow my lawn, right? So, I'm going to say this
gentleman over here, I'm going to give him $1,000 and he's going to find somebody who will mow my lawn for minimum wage. That's I've worked for the federal government, the state government, two county governments. They're all corrupt to the top. You guys are little fish. I
mean, if you steal, I don't even care because you're probably doing it just to try and get something done. And about about the the the quality of life and dividing to conquer us. That's what it is. I mean, big secret. There's a lot of
Jewish people that are moving in. I love my Jewish neighbors. They mo I'm I'm really sick. I'm I'm dying. They mowed my They they they shoveled my walk for me. That was nice. I went out and bought him a chauffeer. I figured that
was something for a strong man. That's the That's the thing you blow on New Year's Day. That's what they're doing. >> If you don't mind, into the mic so it could be recorded. >> Oh, the the chauffeur that she was talking about the the house where they're she's saying they're starting a synagogue.
They're getting a minion. They have to get 10 people to be able to hold services. That's how Jews do it. And they they blew the chauffeur there. And I guess there's a rabbi that lives there, but I don't understand why anyone would even complain about that. I'm I'm sorry, ma'am. I don't
>> into the mic again. Sorry. >> You're You're hurt. >> I I went there when they did it. >> Please address the council. >> I went there when they blew the horn and I didn't go in the backyard. Um but but it it's all BS. It's all
politicians dividing us so they can steal our money. And you're supposed to be smart. maybe you could all get together, you know, Republicans and Democrats, and figure out a way to actually serve the people because I've lived here over 50 years, and to be the God's honest truth, you've never done
anything to help me. This town has only done things to hurt me. You really got to get your crap together and you got to try and figure out a way to try and bring this community together because that's really what it is. It's it's a bunch of it's a bunch of land that they
put together out of other communities that were around us and they named it after Andrew Jackson. Probably the the stupidest president we've ever had. I'm not going to say the most corrupt. Just try and do better. Help people. >> Thank you.
Selena Teas, Jackson, New Jersey. I want to first introduce Joanna Reyes and Lisandra Reyes. This is Mortimer Wartman's mother. This is Mortimer Wartman's aunt. I want you all to look
at her, look at them as I speak in behalf of them. Dear members of Jackson Council, I'm writing to you not only as a member of this community, but as someone who is outraged and deeply disappointed by the
lack of accountability and urgency shown by our local leadership in case of missing 22-year-old resident Mortimer Wartman. This is not just another issue before the council. This is a young man from our town who has been missing for
months. His family is living a light nightmare that no one should ever have to endure. While the community continues to fight largely on its own to raise awareness and increase the reward in hopes of bringing him home, let me be
clear. Promises were made publicly by both Mayor Jennifer and Councilman Chris Pollock to each contribute $1,000 towards the reward. Councilman Pollock, you followed through. Thank you. The family thanks you.
At this time, leadership matters most. This failure to honor a public commitment is unacceptable. This is not simply about $1,000. It's about the integrity, the credibility, whether the people elected to lead this township are
willing to stand by their word when it truly matters. You can smirk all you want as I speak, but you are, and that's not funny. Other communities across the country have shown what leadership looked like in moments like this. In the
case of Gabby Patito and Kylie Rodney, Elizabeth Smart case, these communities did not hesitate. Their leaders did not make empty promises. They acted. Jackson should be no different. Instead, we are seeing a community carrying the
weight while leadership falls short. Fundraisers are being organized, donations are being sought, and awareness is being pushed, not because of strong municipal, but leadership, but in spite of its absence. This is a defining moment for Jackson
Township. We deserve leadership that is present, accountable, and willing to act, not leadership that makes public commitments and fails to follow through. The family of Mortimer Wartman deserves better. This community deserves better.
I'm calling on Jackson Council to address this failure directly and do ensure that all public made publicly made communications are honored immediately. Take a far more active and visible role in supporting efforts to
find Mortimer. Silence and inaction are not acceptable. Not in this situation. Not in this community. Do better. Our town is watching. And I know, let me say something. Nick
Machio has been to every meeting here. Nick Machio can go on and post whatever he wants, but that is not on behalf of the family and has been made very clear to the council and to the police department that Nick Machio does not speak on behalf of the family. He comes
in concerned as a best friend, but when it comes to not handing a reward over that was promised to this family in desperate need is beyond unacceptable. This town, you should all be ashamed of what we have. Like, this is ridiculous.
Pollock, we cannot thank you enough. We need more awareness. There should be today, right before we walked in here, you know, she rushed us over to the big screen to show us that Morty was up there. 144 days since he's been missing and
that's how long it took for you guys to put him on a big screen. What if this was your child? 144 days not knowing where he is. We understand that there's an investigation. We're very smart. We understand that. We cannot compromise
the investigation. But as a community, we could definitely do more. $1,000 came from Chris Pollock. I have helped her fund raise. You guys have done nothing. I sent you an email on Instagram or Facebook saying, "Hey, why don't we organize a 5K in Jackson since that's
where he went missing?" Guess what? Crickets. Crickets. Nothing. But we're about community. No. This is very important. >> I've spoken to you multiple multiple multiple times. >> 21 seconds. Thank you very much. >> So, as a community, I'm asking what you
guys plan on doing further to raise awareness. We need postcards going out. We need flyers. We need meetings. Let's keep his face out there. We should not be doing that as a community and this township. We should be doing it together. Let's come together as a town
and a community and raise more awareness on behalf of this family. C. >> Council President, >> thank you. >> Can Can I defend myself because I'm actually I'm I'm a little um I'm I'm flabbergasted because I was the only one that was boots on the ground in this
room and I've met you. I'd spoken to you multiple times and I was advised and I spoke to Councilman Pollock regarding the thousand dollars when he had told me that he gave the thousand dollars over. I had asked the attorneys because everything I do gets twisted and turned and if I gave you $1,000 when we had
said it was for the finding of Mortimer. I followed my attorney's rules and regulations. It's not about I I'll give you what you told me that you had a third party and was going to a third party account. I have it in writing. you, ma'am. Ma'am, you can't. I I can't. I have to stick up for Ma'am, please. I
have to stick up for myself because you're making me look like a horrible person. And you know, I am not that person. >> Mayor, mayor, I just want to middle of a meeting. >> This is This is out of your pocket with all the money you're making in this town to pay the reward. You don't need your attorneys. Out of the decency of this town, you could have handed the $1,000
just like Chris did. Thank you very much. >> So, ma'am, Mayor, I want to respond for a second. Mayor, I just want to respond for a second. Um, first of all, um, we no one I don't think anyone up here fully
understands what the family is going through and we completely do stand with the family and we are constantly open to more ideas and more and and anything else that we could could do to bring an awareness. I do remember when the mayor did call me and she mentioned that Mr. Pollock had given the $1,000 and she did
reach out to the attorneys and being as an elected official. Um, it is ve you have to be very careful when you give money over and she was told that was given over as as a reward. So, I'm going to defend the mayor. It was it was it's an it was a reward that she initially gave. And um,
>> listen, we just talked about salaries. Each of you could afford to take $500 out of your pocket and you wouldn't miss a beat. So, let's stop talking about attorneys and the proper channels. If you gave a crap about our community and a resident, you would have came out of pocket and did what you had to do to
help find this kid. Chris, thank you. I hope you make it big because this town needs more of you and not these people. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Next, >> Tom Smith from uh 520 Whitesville Road. >> Can you say it again?
>> You hear me? Okay. >> Yeah, now I hear you. >> Okay. Thanks. Uh I've been a resident there 36 years, and it's PM1 zone, but it's primarily residential. And I looked very carefully when I bought my first house at what is
allowed in the PM1 zone. Decided based on the property we had, the wetlands buffers around it, it was it was a safe residence to purchase. I've been there 36 years. All right. The adjacent property was historically also residential with a horse stable.
A paving company bought that and without any approvals, they came in, they cleared the land, they brought in their paving company, they built a 70- foot commercial building on a paving company zoning permit that said residential
personal use detached garage. So without any uh zoning approval, that happened. Um, when we complained about it, zoning did a pretty thorough investigation, took a lot of testimony, decided a use variance was required, and
it was denied. So, that paving company wasn't able to use that site. They had to move out. Now, that property again at 510 Whitesville Road next to us has been sold to an LLC, 510 Whitesville LLC, who also testified
that he owns Atlantic Site Construction, a big excavation company. They also lists on their website that they're a paving company there. They were just in front of the planning board. They said that they had zoning approval.
The zoning approval, there is no certificate. I spoke to Jeff Paporo. It did not go in front of the zoning board because their application to the planning board for this excavation company is for an office and for a warehouse which are approved
uses in the PM1 because there's been these type of applications before on this property less than honest. I took 10 minutes to go online and look up Atlantic site construction. Okay. I took the aerial photographs of
where they have been in Lakewood where they got chased off of a residential property for violations for putting all of their construction equipment, a fleet of dump trucks, excavators on a residential lot. They got chased off of that lot by violations. Then they're over on Cross Street about a mile from
where we are. So, I took an aerial of that publicly available information. I've shared that with whoever's email address I had here. I shared it with the planning board. The applicant testified in front of the planning board, "Yes, that's our current operation. Fleet of dump trucks, the
site is horrendous, but that's not on their planning application." And I brought that up. So, I did the planning board's homework and yet none of the professionals, none of the board asked any questions about this big discrepancy between what the
operation is and what's on the application. What they what their actual use, what their actual company is absolutely would need a use variance to be on that lot. It it could be a stopped. There's a previous denial of the use variance for
an identical company. You look at the aerial photographs, they're almost identical. You couldn't tell which company is which, except that Atlantic Site Construction is a lot larger with a lot more equipment. And the photos I shared are from their website with their logo on these monstrous trucks with 40
foot lowboy trailers. But there's nothing in their traffic plan and nothing in their sight plan that that showed any of that. And yet the board with no questions and no deliberations the other night approved their their planning and there's not
even a zoning approval for this after the original paving company was denied a use variance after a lot of testimony was taken. They didn't, you know, there's pages in the record of it. All the questions that the zoning board asked when they denied that we made a
substantial investment in our residential property knowing that the zoning board was looking out for us and that things that would weren't approved and would not get a use variance that would impact the residential properties. We're residential adjacent property across the street is residential on a
north side is residential. So, this property that's being that the planning board approved is now going to be loaded up by, as that aerial photograph shows, surrounded by three residential properties.
They're not going to be able to meet the performance standards. Um, they can't comply. It's 244 160 the performance standards. um C, C3, E4, and I I'd suggest you take a look at because there is no way that they'll meet those performance standards.
>> So, Mr. McCucken, if I could just ask you, I don't um I I don't know the process that the resident is, I guess, complaining about a an approval that was given by the planning board that he feels they didn't do their due diligence. >> Absolutely not. >> Um what is the proper recourse if that's
what the resident feels? So, if the planning board determined it was a permitted use and the applicant provided evidence that the use they're proposing is what's permitted in the zone and the planning board approved it, then the applicant is permitted to use the use
that was asked for before the board, not something different. >> So, if they received approval for a warehouse without outside storage or anything like that and that's what the zone permits, then that's what they're allowed to do. If they do something beyond that, they would be in violation of that approval. And I understand what
you're saying. This use may have been somewhere done a different way in another location, they would not be permitted to do that where they got this approval um that you're talking about in the PM1 zone. So, they would not be permitted in that zone under that approval to operate as they may operate somewhere else. They're not allowed to
do that under any approval. But if once the planning board makes the decision, um we as a council can't overturn it, nor can the township. um that anyone who wants to challenge what the board did would have to pursue that in superior court um and there's a process for that.
It's 45 days from publication of the resolution of approval. Um the complaint has to be filed within that time frame. But just to be clear, they're not permitted to do what you're suggesting was done in another town or in another location at this location. They're not.
They would only be permitted to do what was approved under the PM1 zone and under permitted use. And what you're what you described to me is not um in another town or another location. That's not what they asked for and that's not what they got approved for. And if they tried to do that, they would be in
violation of their site plan approval. >> Okay. Correct. I understand and I understand my time is up. But the previous um if you want you wait around after the minute meeting and you can catch Mr. McC. We just want to give everyone a chance. >> Thank you. Hi, Lou Reel, Jackson, New Jersey. Uh, I have a brief statement I'd like to read
and then I have three questions which I'm hoping I can get an answer to tonight. I think that after I read the statement, I might not be too popular after hearing all the comments before me. My home is located in Four Seasons Matita Con Lakes 55 plus community. Our
community has about 1500 senior citizens. The main gate of our community is located on Harmony Road about a half mile from the intersection of Harmony Road and Jackson Mills Road. Most of our residents living in FSML must pass through that intersection as it's on the
main path to Route 9 major shopping and medical locations as well as Freehold. As seniors, I'll admit some of our driving habits and skills may not be as sharp as they once were. When we want to turn left from either
direction off of Harmony Road onto Jackson Mills Road, we're often intimidated by oncoming traffic. For several years, we've asked to have a left turn signal installed at that intersection, but have been told by the o have been told that it's an Ocean
County controlled intersection and that nothing can be done. Short shortly after Mayor Cune's appointment, we approached Tara with our request and within a very short time the change was approved. The signal was installed. We would like to thank Mayor Cune for making the road
safer 50 for 1500 senior citizens. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> That's the good part. Now, the three questions that I have. Uh >> oh. I was going to start this first question with the word if and I think
it's better to start with when. When the township is sued, how is the decision to settle or litigate made? And who makes that decision? That's the first question. The second question is if the decision is to settle, who negotiates the settlement?
Is it somebody who has a dog in the fight? Is it somebody who lives in Jackson? And the last question is once a settlement is agreed upon who approves it and does the entire council vote on its approval.
>> So I'm going to answer to the best of my ability and and I'm not our attorney if I miss anything. Um so any any if we get sued or when we get sued >> when you get sued >> when we get sued um any settlement council would have to um approve of any
settlement we almost second you know Mr. McGin, do you mind answering this? >> Any any settlement where the township has to pay funds as part of the settlement, council would have to approve that settlement. >> Who does the negotiating? >> Depends on the type of case, but normally it's the insurance carrier uh
attorney for the township. >> So, that's somebody who has no dog in the fight. He doesn't live here. >> Usually not. >> Usually not. it. The township's insurance policy dictates that they get to pick who the attorney is that represents a township, just like your homeowner's insurance dictates who they
would retain to represent you. Um, so if it's an insurance case where the insurance company's involved, then that attorney is selected by the insurance company, that attorney and the insurance company negotiate the matter. And if the township is asked to contribute to any settlement, they then provide a
settlement number to us and say, "We can resettle this matter. your coverage is this amount and you have to contribute this amount in order to settle the case and the council can decide if they want to settle the case or not settle the case. If they choose not to settle the case, the insurance company pays to the township the amount of money they're
authorized or permitted to pay under their policy and then the township continues litigation at their cost and expense. I know that's a rather confusing matter, but there's other lawsuits that are not covered by insurance and in those cases the township's attorney would handle those defense of those matters. uh depending
on the type of case, whether it's an insurance case or not, uh is how it's done. And in the end, the attorney who represents the township in the matter negotiates those matters with consent from the administration and or council if the township has to pay any money. >> And I just want to add for for what for
a second is um generally Mr. McCucken administration are the ones who because I mean you work a lawyers work for for the mayor and and administration. They would be the ones who'd usually be the ones who are the I'll call the face of the of the negotiations if there's a settlement talk. >> Yes. Correct. >> And then they present it to the
governing body and that's what we have executive session hopefully to accomplish. >> I I at a much lower scale I understand how this works as Councilman Burelli knows as he lives in our community. I'm the vice president of the board of our community and we get sued as well as you
do. And when we get sued sometimes the insurance company comes to us and say, "Oh, come on. and it's $2,000. Settle. And when we review the video, we say, "No, we don't want to settle. We absolutely do not want to settle. We don't want to pay the $2,000." And
that's pocket change. I understand. But there are sometimes that the people who Oh, I went over the five minutes. >> Another 10 seconds. >> Sorry. Okay. Uh, >> so who makes the decision? So, you're saying the insurance company makes the decision whether to >> they make a recommendation. I mean, the
governing body could decide not to use the insurance and pay out of their own pocket, but >> and they do the negotiation, not the people who live in the town. >> Well, we have to >> My whole point is that my tax dollars go to provide police and I'm great to see that and roads and everything. I get
something back for my tax dollars. When I pay $2 million in a settlement, I get nothing back for that. And that's the problem. We And we've got millions of dollars over the last couple of years where we've gotten nothing back. So I
think it's important that the township who have something a stake in the game be really involved in settling these things. >> Thank you. >> And sometimes say no to the insurance companies. >> My name is Adam Heidi. I'm a resident of
town. I am on the environmental commission but I'm just speaking as a resident. could you please restart my time? Uh I do have a comment for uh Mr. Pal Mary, but I'll save that for when he returns. >> Um I just want to speak about uh ordinance 2445.
This is primarily directed at Mr. Bernstein, Councilman uh Council McGunkin, and Mayor Um >> this is an ordinance. >> Wait a second, Adam. I'm just stop. That's the one we disc I just want to make sure the one we discussed. Okay, >> correct. This is a land use ordinance uh
where properties that fall within the conservation overlay zone are mandated to have an LOI in hand issued from the D as a pre-erequisite to completeness. The reason I bring this up is there are
various applications at our land use boards where this prerequisite is not being met. uh specifically this resident Tom Smith is speaking about 510 Whitesville Road. That property fell within the conservation overlay zone.
Therefore, that applicant would have needed an LOI in hand before that application was uh accepted into our jurisdiction. So, I'm quite concerned of the number of procedural defects that are happening at our land use boards.
Uh, furthermore, I think a point Tom made that wasn't answered is what do we do with our with our boards who don't enforce our township ordinances. The mayor and our uh maybe the mayor, you have the authority to remove people
from the planning boards and the zoning boards if they do not do their duties. >> Mr. McGucken, could you address that? >> Not quite. Am I incorrect? >> Yeah, quite. They are appointed for a term and they are allowed to serve in that capacity during their term of office unless they commit a crime fraud
and so forth. >> Fair or they don't or they don't appear or they don't do their job and don't appear for their >> understood. And and are there terms for our board professionals Remington and Vernick Engineering? Is that a term or >> That's a those are usually one-year contracts and the board makes a decision
as to who to retain each year. >> Right. So various applications underneath our board professionals, Remington and Vernick prove that our ordinances are not being enforced and we still continue to renew contracts for these board professionals. Does that seem appropriate?
>> I don't know enough about the issue that you're raising, but the board would be the ones who retain the professional and the board is the one who makes the determination as to the ordinance uh application. >> There seems to be a misunderstanding of uh this conservation zone overlay. This
is an added layer of protection. This is an added layer of protection. It's a prerequisite to completion. Our township is currently facing two active lawsuits at the Superior Court where this ordinance is the root of that lawsuit. And I pray Tom finds the money.
I will fund the $250 for him to file the lawsuit as a resident to take up litigation of that ordinance. >> I I'll be glad to take a look at it. I believe the um issue may be that this is in the Pinelands. Is that correct? >> Yes, >> this this is in the Pinelands, but
there's nowhere is there anywhere in the language of 2445 that alleviates an NJD LOI? >> Well, the question is who has jurisdiction? Is it Pelands or D? The township cannot by ordinance delegate or differentiate between the state agency
that has jurisdiction. And as I understand it, that was the question that was raised before the board. and we can't second guess them on that interpretation, but we will take a look at the ordinance, see if there's something that could be amended. >> All properties that fall within the Pelands are under the Peland's jurisdiction. Correct. >> That is correct.
>> Does that exempt an application from local ordinances? >> It does. If the Pinelands is the one, it's not it's not the ordinance. It's the state regulation of the LOI. It's not the ordinance. It's whether an LOI is the requirement versus what Pinelands requires.
>> Correct. Our ordinance explicitly states we want an LOI from the NJD. >> It does not it does not provide for the substitution. The language is clear. It's not this. Excuse me, sir. This is an added layer of protection. And as an attorney, the language is clear. You
know, the language is clear. >> So, please protect please protect our residents from litigation. That's the third violation of 2445 subsection C. >> I'm going to take a look. >> Please take a look. Sure. Um, my last
comment is for Councilman Pal Mary. I I really like to stay in my lane environmentally, but I heard you justify the business administrator's salary uh due to the fact that he's not getting health coverage. And I think that's insulting to the median $60,000 income
of every resident in town who still finds a way to find health coverage. If you're making $300,000, sir, God bless you. You can find health coverage the same way any resident who makes $55,000 before taxes is able to find health coverage.
>> Adam, thank you. Thank you, >> Fred Marorrow Jackson. Um, I've been up here a couple of times and I've really been doing some some searching and stuff like that. And when looking at the website to come to this meeting, I uh thought I was going to download the
agenda to the meeting and what I downloaded instead was a list of vendors and bills and by vendor name. Um, yeah, it's there. Uh, it's on the website. >> I'm pulling it up now. Yeah. Um,
and that's how it's listed is by vendor from top to bottom. But it doesn't tell you what department is spending that money. Or if you look in between, you might be able to figure it out. And it's quite a few pages. It's probably like five or
six pages. You voted on it tonight probably under your um uh bills and and claims. Um I I I'm just wondering if there's a way to uh divide that up even by keeping your vendors in alphabetical order
because that's nice. Okay. But by department so we could see actually what department is spending money because on page one recreation might have spent money and on page five they might have spent money but how could you put the two together to find out what they're
actually spending? It's very very confusing. I just want to make sure I'm I'm understanding because I I go through um Miss M. Martin, clerk Martin, is aren't the bills divided by departments generally and like and does it go all clerk's office, but it goes a couple
from the clerk's office if they're together and then it goes to the other vendors. It depends what it's for, right? >> Are you asking for it to be alphabetical? >> This way. Cable vision bill alone. >> Sure. >> Okay. There's more than one department that uses cable vision. Okay. It's all lumped into one big
>> each each >> for each each line item for each department, >> but under cable vision. >> It doesn't say the the name of the of the department that requested it. >> I'm >> sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. >> So you I just want to make sure I understand the question. You're asking
if we could if we could divide it up to say clerk's office, mayor's office, tax, whatever. >> And then you can keep it alphabetically by vendor. It doesn't make a difference. I'm going to ask the VA to speak to finance about that. >> I mean, but and when you get to page five and you find coffee and donuts, you
wonder >> which department >> who's spending. You know, I wasn't invited to the party, >> you know. >> 20,000. I didn't see that. I have to look again. >> Okay. actually downloaded it by by mistake
thinking I was downloading this and I started looking and and I started well um you know questions came up in my mind like I saw uh car dealerships now I'm thinking that might be for the police department uh it might be for somebody
else who might have township vehicles I don't know but um you know and there's all kinds of money going out to I thought we had mechanics that used to work on township vehicles and I'm looking and seeing is this just parts? Are we spending, you
know, $5,000 $6,000 a month on parts? >> Don't know. And who's spending it? You know, like I said, you know, >> I'll speak to exhaust fluid. I figure DPW because they probably run the most diesels out of anybody in in in the
town. But, you know, it's very confusing when you're trying to follow how much money is being spent where. All right. And if there's any uh you know, if there's any expenses that really don't need be um you know, I
don't ask for person people's personal salaries. that's, you know, but if you have to vote on them, then it should be under clerk's office or >> no >> tax collector or, you know, >> so I only I see the the way that it's presented to us. I do sit with the clerk
usually the day of the meeting or the day before. Some of the council members have joined me going through each item so I understand it before I vote, but I'm going to ask the mayor and the and the business administrator if it's if there's more information that we can put on the on the bills and claims. Um, I guess that's a question for finance how they just classify it. I don't I don't
know the system they use. Mayor, do you have any information that >> it it's classified. I'm if I had when I was I would look at it and kind of go it it it goes by code. I remember when I would look at all of them and and go through because there was a lot of things that was errors and there was things that I would pull out and and you
would find like petty cash and stuff like that. That's why we got done with petty cash. We had one where we were spending one of the departments was spending like crazy amounts on just silly things. So we'll look at it and we'll make sure it's more defined. I know it's a computer operated system in what they use and how they break it
down. >> Right. So I'm not sure mayor if if the computer system allows it, but we'll we'll look into it. >> We'll look into it. I'll meet with >> said I understood when I saw cable vision and there were different entities underneath cable vision. But it should be broken down into what actual department separate it from that keep it
in alphabetical order >> so that we can understand you know >> but >> it is separated through a requisition that they they submit. Mayor online though. >> Okay. So, I'll look at it after we'll we'll speak to the mayor and to to the clerk about that. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Carlos. >> Carlos Martin. Um, I'm on the zoning board, but I'm here as a resident. And that's a great segue. So, I got that billing list, right? It's actually sorted by vendor number. So for example, which I wanted to ask you about the
interstate weight uh interstate waste service of New Jersey, you guys assigned a vendor number to it, INT24. So it's in it's in that alphabetical order. The one comes before it is industrial wedding welding supply.
So it's in that order. So it's not by department. It is difficult. I agree with >> and and I really Carlos my answer to that question is it's something of the software. I mean, if the software allows us to change the way it's printed, >> we'll do it. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah. And I didn't see any information around um department, you
know, even following that. Anyway, okay. >> Uh the reason I have those copies copies of some of them I cared about. So, >> the Interstate Waste Service, right? They're charging us monthly. Now, this is because they're weekly now, right? They're picking it up weekly, $136,000
a month, right? So, what I tried to find out was last year, were we getting charged the same number? Because that's what I was expecting, right? We said, "Hey, we got a great deal. We're going to be paying the same amount to these guys, but they're going to pick it up twice, you
know, um, every week." Um, I couldn't find that. So, maybe get back to me or whatever. I just want to make sure that what you told me, which was we're not paying any extra, is true. So, one thing I want to add in this conversation I had with the business administrator today is we actually spoke to the vendor today
because as we're going through the budget budget um the business administrator wasn't here at the point that we negotiated with the with that vendor and the business administrator called me with some questions. He said with some of some of the fees that the vendor and actually the vendor agreed to me today that he's not sure if the
numbers are 100% accurate and he's having his his department coordinate with the business administrator over the next couple days. So, I don't want to comment more on that yet, but I'll get back to you, Carlos, on that. >> Yeah. Yeah. It seemed high. And And then the ones you guys just approved were actually getting charged for February and March. >> Yeah.
>> Two months. Two months out of >> SH. That's why we prompted during the budget. We're like, >> that's why. Yeah. And the number so big um for that subtotal. Okay. Uh two more. Well, really just one more. So, we're also paying um Owen Little and Associates
and we're paying RC Sheay and Associates, right? lawyers >> planning board and an engineer >> planning board. >> Okay. >> Owen Little is not is not the is not an attorney. >> Okay, >> that's Duckley. >> The what struck out to me was that in the description and I see it a lot in
other bills too, professional services for Emanuel and Lutheran Church. >> Sure. >> And a lot for houses of worship and then different houses of worship. So we're paying a lot of fees. >> The applicant pay, it's my understanding, Mr. McGin correct me the
applicant actually pays the applicant pays it and we as a township are the conduit are the conduit to pay the to pay the vendor so an applicant comes in front of the board they put money into escrow right Mr. McCen >> any applicant before any of the boards pays a deposit of into uh fees to be
charged by the township for review of their application so the fee to Mr. Cle for instance that would have been paid by the developer into the township but the professional has to be paid by the township itself. Okay. So the applicant pays the fee, the township pays the vendor. >> We're paying that church and that synagogue, but it's really the
developer. We're just we're the >> Okay. So the um Got it. So So the money for this payment that we pay is coming from a fund or a reserve that the contractor put into something like that. >> It's an escrow that the is required to pay in order to have the application.
>> Yeah. That wasn't clear and it looked like we were paying it. Why am I paying? >> We are paying it, but we're paying it for Yeah. >> Yeah. At the end of the day. Um Okay. So, those were my two bill questions. Yeah, because I just see that I don't know. Something must be going on with Emanuel Lutheran Church because it's
like all over the place. Um, but okay, fine. Um, >> I think they I think they got an an approval about a year ago and they're probably just in the middle of their site plan and some of their work. So, they're paying the vendors as who are reviewing probably their applications and their paperwork. That's probably what's going on. >> Okay. Yeah. And I wasn't surprised to
see the houses of worship because we do see a lot of that coming >> into the planning and zoning board. Um, okay. So, I'll I'll just touch on two things. A lot of people spoke about it already. Um, the lawsuits. I'll I'll just um
give you my opinion on the lawsuits and the fact that um at the end of the day, it's the insurance company that that determines whether we settle or not. And it's all based on dollars, right? The insurance company saying, "Look, it's cheaper, just settle." Um, and I think Mr. Paul, you brought this up once where
we're just getting sod left and right and and what when the settlement when we decide to settle kind of what's left out is what's the message you're sending to the to the person that sued us, right? Basically, you're saying, "Hey, don't worry. Don't worry if you don't get past
the the zoning board because all you got to do is sue them and they'll settle and you get what you want." >> That's a bad message and it's not financial. I get it. But >> so anyway, >> anyone else and I'll just want to answer obviously we have that dilemma always in the back. Um but when our attorneys and
our insurance carriers tell us there's a limit and there's there's there you know there's there sometimes you want to send a statement. I think everyone I think agreed with that $2 million settlement that we needed to settle. I think the disagreement may have been how much and there may have been a disagreement on the process and who is to blame, but at
the end of the day sometimes it's the right thing to settle. It's not always easy. So let's let's go on to the next person. comment was more about like the ones against the zoning board of planning zone, you know. >> Welcome welcome to America. >> And then we get sued. >> Carlos, we got to welcome to America.
>> All right, >> yeah, I wanted to say just Yeah, I agree with what James said about the budget. No reason. >> Joe Candido, past public safety director, um, and a resident. Um, I'd like to briefly
clarify something for the record. >> Like to briefly clarify something for the record. There seems to be some confusion regarding the public safety director position. uh the position itself was not eliminated uh with the lawsuit that previously happened. It was me that was eliminated
because uh of the incompatibility issue that there was and uh attorney mcguckin had brought that out previously. Um and that's why I was removed from the position. The position
itself though is still a good position. Um, it's important to keep these facts clear and correct. Okay? There are plenty of towns throughout New Jersey that both have a public safety director and a
chief and it works fine. And to Mr. Terafenko, thank you. You're doing a great job. Um, from a personal note, uh, as far as a business administrator, I've been here through multiple business administrators as a union leader and as
an employee. And uh Mr. Terafenko is probably the most engaged BA that I've dealt with in the 27 years that I've been here. So, thank you for that. Uh he's responsive and he gets the job done and he's very and he communicates great.
Um as far as the public safety director position goes, the position itself was not the issue. It was me. Thank you. Thank you, council.
Oh, there's a resident coming up. Mal tutor right to bow road. My opinion of town government, state government, federal government, they got it easier nowadays because of social media. I see the same complaints over and over
and over again posted by residents in Jackson. Eagle legal rentals, portaotties, trash totes, busing, welfare fraud, illegal building litter, illegal parking, and faux cops. Okay. Um, we're finally addressing the
litter. I don't know why it took this long. We have e- codes that'll already address it. Um, and basically the litter codes say that if you own a piece of property, whether you're a business or a resident, you're responsible for keeping your property nice and clean, nice and
neat, keep keeping the litter uh cleaned up. I I think it's a shame that we have to have a special meeting and people going out and getting it. Um, a legal building. I see this town council has set a
precedent. I don't know if all these postings are correct. I'm not going to say I do, but the last time I read, we're up to 16 illegal buildings, people adding on to their building. What that tells me is that no one was given a fine. No one had no one had any kind of
repercussions. Some of the codes say that you can actually charge $500 a day. I don't see that. We could use the money. There's a petting zoo that I've seen comments about going on for two years. I believe the resident said at $500 a day, that's
$365,000 which we could use to pay off our lawsuits. Busing in this town. Okay. um as it was brought up that was mandated by the Supreme Court. That rule went back to 1947 that all busing has to be paid for
by the town. Uh fortunately for the Jews, they don't have to worry about balancing the budget. The uh town has to worry about balancing the budget. Um, in 2018,
Asbury Park Press sent a reporter out to Chateau Drive in Lakewood just to get an idea of how much busing the ship uh busing the Heredi Jews kids were. They had 177 students. It was 35 buses
because they have to segregate boys and girls. Mathematically, the LSTA the LSTA has buses that go 54 to 72. So even at the low end, mathematically that would have been four buses versus 35.
And if you figure maybe two were for the high school, two were two were for the grammar school and two for for the um what is it? The uh the uh the middle school. That would have been maybe six buses. So what I see and I don't know
for sure that busing herati students cost is costs four times more than busing public students. I've seen articles where they say twice or three times as much. I suspect it's four times
as much. And it's not in the religion that they have to have segregation. It's a tradition and a preference. I've read multiple articles by rabbis themselves saying it's her tradition and a preference. As a matter of fact, in
2011, the high court in Jerusalem made it a law that you can't segregate men and women on buses. And the reason why they made the law was the men were actually assaulting the women because they thought that they were sitting in their seats. The women go to the back of
the bus and the men sat in the front. was like a Rosa Parks thing. So, their preference preference we are paying for. I've checked with other people. Oh, and I didn't mention I have Jewish
bloodlines, by the way. I do not practice Judaism. I consider myself a Christian. Okay. But I do have people I talk to in my family and they say that the only the only ones that actually do practice this segregation is the her.
And if somebody else wants to dispute that with me, I'm fine with that. Some some communities have actually used curtains to go down the center aisle so boys can sit on one side and girls can sit on the other to keep cost down. I don't see that going on here at all.
Okay. We have uh illegal rentals. Okay. That took what 16 months after everyone um after the November election. So 16 months to actually do something about that. And you're missing the point on that. I brought up last fall.
>> Ma'am, I'll give you another 10 seconds. >> Excuse me. >> I'm going to give you another 10 seconds at the clock. >> Well, I brought up last fall about making Jackson a nonsanctuary town. And everybody got all excited. I gave you the the information from Howell. You
finally did it. What I don't see is you cleaning out any of the illegals. Has the um zoning board or not the zoning board, excuse me, the code enforcement, have they gone to these >> building sites? Oh, ma'am, your time's up. I'm gonna ask council vice president. He wanted to respond to you
about one of your one of the things you brought up. >> Just to talk about the busing for private school students. It that each student gets a certain amount. It's not >> Yeah. 1,177. >> The LSTA could use four buses or a thousand buses. If there's 10 students, they're getting the same amount of
money. So, the busing does the bus the amount of buses doesn't make a difference. It's the quantity of students that cost the money. >> No, because you have I've read multiple articles where they don't have enough. The buses aren't always full. >> So, the board of education pays per
student. It doesn't matter how many buses the LSA chooses to use. It's per student. The issue is that it's a state mandate and now we have 8,500 students. They need to pay for that state mandate. But the LCA could essentially use 8,000 buses for 8,000 students. We're still going to pay them >> and council vice president. That would
be a losing business proposition. They want if they get 1177 per student, they want as many students as possible. Otherwise, no vendor is going to pick up that run when the runs are put out for bid. That's there's a bidding legal bidding process which is which is overseen by the state. and no vendor
would pick up a run for two kids or three kids for 1177. That would be you can't pay your driver, you can't pay your gas, you can't you can't pay your insurance. So, um, not every article that you may have read may may be 100% accurate. >> Oh, I agree with that. That's what I'm saying. But here again, if 177 students
require 35 buses because they got to disperse to different schools and by by gender, >> ma'am, the board of ed's paying the same amount no matter what. Does anyone else? It just time's up. Anyone else? >> But here again, what are we doing about getting the illegal? >> So, ma'am, ma'am, ma'am, your time is
up. Okay. You can speak to the the min administration after about the update on on the rental issue in town. Council, >> vice president. Anyone else? Seeing no one come forward. I motion to close public forum. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Can I have a motion to close? >> Motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Thank you for coming out everyone.